bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-regulation of the interferon-inducible IFI16 gene by oxidative stress triggers p53 transcriptional activity in endothelial cells
Authors: Gugliesi Francesca , Mondini Michele , Ravera Raffaella , Robotti Andrea , de Andrea Marco , Gribaudo Giorgio , Gariglio Marisa , Landolfo Santo
Published: February 2005

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), induces injury of endothelium in a variety of pathophysiological conditions, such as inflammation, aging, and cancer. In our study, we characterized the signaling pathway linking oxidative stress induced by sublethal concentrations of H2O2 to p53 in primary human endothelial cells through the interferon (IFN)-inducible gene IFI16. Induction of IFI16 by H2O2 was concentration- and time-dependent (maximum at 50 μM, 6 h after treatment) and down-regulated by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which acts as an antioxidant. This pathway is a general response to ROS and not specific to H2O2 treatment, as two other ROS-generating compounds, i.e., S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, were equally capable to induce IFI16. Moreover, IFI16 up-regulation is a result of protein accumulation, as expression of corresponding mRNA, assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, was not affected. To investigate the mechanism of IFI16 accumulation, cells were incubated for 6 h in the presence of H2O2 or IFN-β, and then cycloheximide was added to inhibit further protein synthesis. The half-life of IFI16 protein was found to be significantly increased in H2O2-treated cells compared with IFN-β-treated cells (t1/2=120 min vs. >30 min in H2O2- vs. IFN-β-treated cells, respectively). An increase of IFI16 was accompanied by interaction with p53 phosphorylated at its N terminus, as shown by immunoprecipitation experiments. Moreover, binding to IFI16 resulted in its transcriptional activation as shown by an increase in the activity of a reporter gene driven by p53-responsive sequences derived from the p21WAF1 promoter, along with an increase in the p21 mRNA and protein levels. Altogether, these results demonstrate a novel role of IFI16 in the signal transduction pathway that leads to p53 activation by oxidative stress in endothelial cells.
Regulated recruitment of DC-SIGN to cell–cell contact regions during zymosan-induced human dendritic cell aggregation
Authors: de la Rosa Gonzalo , Yáñez-Mó María , Samaneigo Raphael , Serrano-Gómez Diego , Martínez-Muñoz Laura , Fernández-Ruiz Elena , Longo Natividad , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Corbí Ángel L , Sánchez-Mateos Paloma
Published: February 2005

Zymosan is a β-glucan, mannan-rich yeast particle widely used to activate the inflammatory response of immune cells. We studied the zymosan-binding potential of human dendritic cells (hDCs) by using specific carbohydrate inhibitors and blocking monoclonal antibodies. We show that DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is a major nonopsonic recognition receptor for zymosan on hDCs. Indeed, blocking of DC-SIGN inhibited the inflammatory response of DCs to zymosan. We compared the zymosan-binding capacity of hDC-SIGN to that of Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3), which are receptors involved in the nonopsonic recognition of these yeast-derived particles. Dectin-1- and DC-SIGN-K562 cells bound to zymosan particles, whereas CR3-K562 cells did not. DC-SIGN and Dectin-1 were also expressed in COS cells to compare their ability to trigger particle internalization in a nonphagocytic cell line. DC-SIGN transfectants were unable to internalize bound particles, indicating that DC-SIGN is primarily involved in recognition but not in particle internalization. Zymosan induced a rapid DC aggregation that was accompanied by a dramatic change of DC-SIGN distribution in the plasma membrane. Under resting conditions, DC-SIGN was diffusely distributed through the cell surface, displaying clusters at the free leading edge. Upon zymosan treatment, DC-SIGN was markedly redistributed to cell–cell contacts, supporting an adhesion role in DC–DC interactions. The mechanism(s) supporting DC-SIGN-mediated intercellular adhesion were further investigated by using DC-SIGN-K562 aggregation. DC-SIGN was highly concentrated at points of cell–cell contact, suggesting a role for enhanced avidity during DC-SIGN-mediated intercellular adhesion.
The expression and roles of Toll-like receptors in the biology of the human neutrophil
Authors: Parker Lisa C , Whyte Moira K B , Dower Steven K , Sabroe Ian
Published: February 2005

Neutrophils are amongst the first immune cells to arrive at sites of infection, where they initiate antimicrobial and proinflammatory functions, which serve to contain infection. Sensing and defeating microbial infections are daunting tasks as a result of their molecular heterogeneity; however, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have emerged as key components of the innate-immune system, activating multiple steps in the inflammatory reaction, eliminating invading pathogens, and coordinating systemic defenses. Activated neutrophils limit infection via the phagocytosis of pathogens and by releasing antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory cytokines and generating reactive oxygen intermediates. Through the production of chemokines, they additionally recruit and activate other immune cells to aid the clearance of the microbes and infected cells and ultimately, mount an adaptive immune response. In acute inflammation, influx of neutrophils from the circulation leads to extremely high cell numbers within tissues, which is exacerbated by their delayed, constitutive apoptosis caused by local inflammatory mediators, potentially including TLR agonists. Neutrophil apoptosis and safe removal by phagocytic cells limit tissue damage caused by release of neutrophil cytotoxic granule contents. This review addresses what is currently known about the function of TLRs in the biology of the human neutrophil, including the regulation of TLR expression, their roles in cellular recruitment and activation, and their ability to delay apoptotic cell death.
H∞ disturbance attenuation for uncertain mechanical systems with input delay
Authors: Du Haiping , Lam James , Sze Kam Yim
Published: February 2005

The paper deals with the robust H disturbance attenuation problem for uncertain mechanical systems with input delay. The parameter uncertainties for the mass, damping and stiffness matrices take an additive a priori norm-bounded form. The time delay for the input is time-invariant but has a known constant bound. A robust static H state-feedback controller is designed to attenuate the disturbance on the controlled output to a prescribed level for all admissible parameter uncertainties and input delay. The design approach is formulated in terms of the feasibility of certain delay-dependent linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Power saving in publish—subscribe field buses: an implementation method for early cancelling
Authors: Sillitoe I. P.W. , Axbrink L. C.
Published: February 2005

This paper describes an implementation method for power saving within the data layer of simple microcontroller-based publish-subscribe field buses. The algorithm exploits the relative differences in the power consumption of the network elements through the use of a novel association algorithm. The method allows early cancelling of irrelevant messages within the reception time of the message identifier. The paper reports the results of the power-saving method when applied to a distributed reactive control architecture.
Particle separation using ultrasound can be used with human shed mediastinal blood
Authors: Jönsson Henrik , Nilsson Andreas , Petersson Filip , Allers Mats , Laurell Thomas
Published: February 2005

Background: Shed mediastinal blood collected by cardiotomy suction has been shown to be a large contributor to lipid microemboli ending up in different organs. The aim of this study was to test the separation efficiency on human shed blood of a new separation method developed to meet this demand.

Methods: Shed mediastinal blood collected from the pericardial cavity of 13 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass was collected. The blood was processed in an eight-channel parallel PARSUS separator, and separation efficiency was determined.

Results: Erythrocyte recovery, in terms of a separation ratio, varied between 68% and 91%. Minor electrolyte changes took place, where levels of sodium increased and levels of potassium and calcium decreased.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PARSUS technology can be used on human shed mediastinal blood with good separation efficiency. The technology is, thereby, suggested to have future clinical relevance.
Effects of fresh versus old stored blood in the priming solution on whole blood lactate levels during paediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Schroeder Torsten H , Hansen Matthias
Published: February 2005

It has been suggested that lactate levels may predict morbidity and mortality in paediatric patients during corrective open-heart surgery. Packed red blood cells (PRBC) are frequently necessary for priming the reservoir used in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The storage of PRBC might cause a significant increase in lactate levels. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the increase in lactate levels in stored red blood cells over time and to compare lactate levels after transfusions of fresh (≤ 12 days) versus old blood (>12 days) in 20 patients. We found an increase in lactate levels from 6.0 to 44.7 mmol/L (mean 17.09 ± 7.8 mmol/L) during storage. Lactate levels were also significantly higher after the onset of CPB in paediatric patients transfused with old blood than in patients transfused with fresh blood (1.439 ± 0.36 versus 3.469 ± 0.63, p=0.0006). Our results suggest that the higher lactate levels found after the initiation of CPB should be used with caution when assessing tissue hypoxia and predicting outcome.
Meeting Ethical Challenges in Acute Nursing Care as Narrated by Registered Nurses
Authors: Sørlie Venke , Kihlgren Annica , Kihlgren Mona
Published: February 2005

Five registered nurses were interviewed as part of a comprehensive investigation by five researchers into the narratives of five enrolled nurses (study 1, published in Nursing Ethics 2004), five registered nurses (study 2) and 10 patients (study 3) describing their experiences in an acute care ward at one university hospital in Sweden. The project was developed at the Centre for Nursing Science at Ö rebro University Hospital. The ward in question was opened in 1997 and provides care for a period of up to three days, during which time a decision has to be made regarding further care elsewhere or a return home. The registered nurses were interviewed concerning their experience of being in ethically difficult care situations in their work. Interpretation of the theme ‘ethical problems’ was left to the interviewees to reflect upon. A phenomenological hermeneutic method (inspired by the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur) was used in all three studies. The most prominent feature revealed was the enormous responsibility present. When discussing their responsibility, their working environment and their own reactions such as stress and conscience, the registered nurses focused on the patients and the possible negative consequences for them, and showed what was at stake for the patients themselves. The nurses demonstrated both directly and indirectly what they consider to be good nursing practices. They therefore demand very high standards of themselves in their interactions with their patients. They create demands on themselves that they believe to be identical to those expected by patients.
Does Privacy Matter? Former patients discuss their perceptions of privacy in shared hospital rooms
Authors: Malcolm Helen A
Published: February 2005

As a relative concept, privacy is difficult to define in universal terms. In the New Zealand setting recent legislation aims to protect patients’ privacy but anecdotal evidence suggests that these policies are not well understood by some providers and recipients of health care. This qualitative study set out to identify some of the issues by exploring former patients’ perceptions of privacy in shared hospital rooms. The findings suggest a conditional acceptance of a loss of privacy in an environment dictated by architectural structure and by fiscal and time constraints. Participants indicated an awareness that personal information could be overheard and that their preference for a choice of setting for serious discussions was desirable. Some enjoyed the support offered in shared rooms, while, for others, overhearing another person’s health issues caused unnecessary distress. The participants suggested that knowing they could be overheard constrained information disclosure. This withholding of information has implications for health professionals’ ability to diagnose and treat patients appropriately.
Teaching Health Care Ethics: why we should teach nursing and medical students together
Authors: Hanson Stephen
Published: February 2005

This article argues that teaching medical and nursing students health care ethics in an interdisciplinary setting is beneficial for them. Doing so produces an education that is theoretically more consistent with the goals of health care ethics, can help to reduce moral stress and burnout, and can improve patient care. Based on a literature review, theoretical arguments and individual observation, this article will show that the benefits of interdisciplinary education, specifically in ethics, outweigh the difficulties many schools may have in developing such courses.
Nationwide Survey on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Patients in Japan
Authors: Hyodo Ichinosuke , Amano Noriko , Eguchi Kenji , Narabayashi Masaru , Imanishi Jiro , Hirai Midori , Nakano Tomohito , Takashima Shigemitsu
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with cancer in Japan, and to compare the characteristics of CAM users and CAM nonusers.

Patients and Methods

A questionnaire on cancer CAM and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were delivered to 6,607 patients who were treated in 16 cancer centers and 40 palliative care units.

Results

There were 3,461 available replies for a response rate of 52.4%. The prevalence of CAM use was 44.6% (1,382 of 3,100) in cancer patients and 25.5% (92 of 361) in noncancer patients with benign tumors. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined that history of chemotherapy, institute (palliative care units), higher education, an altered outlook on life after cancer diagnosis, primary cancer site, and younger age were strongly associated with CAM use in cancer patients. Most of the CAM users with cancer (96.2%) used products such as mushrooms, herbs, and shark cartilage. The motivation for most CAM use was recommendation from family members or friends (77.7%) rather than personal choice (23.3%). Positive effects were experienced by 24.3% of CAM users with cancer, although all of them received conventional cancer therapy concurrently. Adverse reactions were reported by 5.3% of cancer patients. CAM products were used without sufficient information by 57.3% of users with cancer and without a consultation with a doctor by 60.7% of users.

Conclusion

This survey revealed a high prevalence of CAM use among cancer patients, without sufficient information or consultation with their physicians. Oncologists should not ignore the CAM products used by their patients because of a lack of proven efficacy and safety.
Sec6 mutations and theDrosophilaexocyst complex
Authors: Murthy Mala , Ranjan Ravi , Denef Natalie , Higashi Misao E. L. , Schupbach Trudi , Schwarz Thomas L.
Published: February 2005

To allow a detailed analysis of exocyst function in multicellular organisms, we have generated sec6 mutants in Drosophila. We have used these mutations to compare the phenotypes of sec6 and sec5 in the ovary and nervous system, and we find them to be similar. We also find that Sec5 is mislocalized in sec6 mutants. Additionally, we have generated an epitope-tagged Sec8 that localized with Sec5 on oocyte membranes and was mislocalized in sec5 and sec6 germ-line clones. This construct further revealed a genetic interaction of sec8 and sec5. These data, taken together, provide new information about the organization of the exocyst complex and suggest that Sec5, Sec6 and Sec8 act as a complex, each member dependent on the others for proper localization and function.
Cdc42 downregulates MMP-1 expression by inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Deroanne Christophe F. , Hamelryckx Delphine , Ho T. T. Giang , Lambert Charles A. , Catroux Philippe , Lapière Charles M. , Nusgens Betty V.
Published: February 2005

The small GTPases of the Rho family are key intermediates in cellular signalling triggered by activated cell-adhesion receptors. In this study, we took advantage of RNA interference (RNAi) using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to define the roles of the best-characterized members of the RhoGTPase family, RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, in the control of MMP-1, MMP-2 and type-I-collagen expression in normal human skin fibroblasts (HSFs). A specific and long-lasting repression, up to 7 days after transfection, of the three GTPases was achieved by transient transfection of specific siRNA. The silencing of Cdc42, but not that of RhoA or Rac1, induced a 15-fold increase in MMP-1 secretion. This upregulation was confirmed at the mRNA level and observed with two different siRNAs targeting Cdc42. Such a regulation was also observed in various human cell lines and was rescued by re-expressing wild-type Cdc42 encoded by a construct bearing silent mutations impeding its recognition by the siRNA. By contrast, MMP-2 and type-I-collagen expression was not affected by the individual silencing of each Rho GTPase. Cytokine protein array, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and reverse-transcription PCR measurements revealed that ablation of Cdc42 induced an overexpression of interleukin 8 and MCP-1. Although these cytokines are known to induce the expression of MMP-1, we showed that they were not involved in the Cdc42-mediated upregulation of MMP-1. Silencing of Cdc42 also induced an increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase. The use of chemical inhibitors on Cdc42-ablated cells revealed that the upregulation of MMP-1 is dependent on the ERK1/2 pathways, whereas the p38 MAP kinase pathway displayed an inhibitory role. Simultaneous knock-down of two or three Rho GTPases allowed us to demonstrate that the RhoA-ROCK pathway was not involved in this regulation but that the silencing of Rac1 reduced the effect of Cdc42 suppression. These data suggest that, in vivo, when cell/extracellular-matrix interactions via integrins induce cytoskeleton organization, MMP-1 expression is maintained at a low level by Cdc42 via a repression of the Rac1 and ERK1/2 pathways. Therefore, Cdc42 contributes to ECM homeostasis and connective tissue integrity.
Non-geodesic filament winding on generic shells of revolution
Authors: Koussios S , Bergsma O K , Mitchell G
Published: February 2005

The application of non-geodesic filament winding significantly enlarges the design space for composite structures. The formulation and evaluation of these trajectories however, is a rather complicated problem. In this paper, under the limitation of exclusively considering generic shells of revolution, we present the basic equations supporting such a path description. These equations are already known but the emphasis of the derivation presented here is mainly oriented towards the relation between basic geometric quantities (metrics and curvatures) and the resulting fibre path orientation (winding angle distribution). In addition, we propose here the idea of formulating the friction distribution along the tow in such a way that the resulting path can be analytically described. Furthemore, we provide analytical results for some basic shapes.
Low-pressure (vacuum infusion) techniques for moulding large composite structures
Authors: Summerscales J , Searle T J
Published: February 2005

Resin transfer moulding (RTM) involves the long-range flow of resin into a dry fibre pack that is preloaded into a defined mould cavity. Resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) can be considered as a variant on RTM in which one tool face is replaced by a flexible film or a light splash tool. The flow of resin results only from the vacuum drawn under the film and any gravity effects. In RTM the dimensions of the component are defined by the separation of the mould faces, whilst in RIFT processes the thickness of the part is a function of the pressure history during the process. This paper reviews current developments in resin infusion processes.
A profile die design method for a rubber extrudate using an analogy
Authors: Kauzlarich J J
Published: February 2005

Profile die design for extruding rubbers has evolved to the point that three dimensional finite element analysis of the flid dynamics is possible, including inlet flow and extrudate swell. These computations are complicated and can involve trial and error when considering extrudate swell. A new method of profile (thin plate) die design is presented which involves a simple finite element computation to predict the die profile to produce an extrudate of prescribed shape: the inverse extrudate process. The method is referenced to an anology between plate deflection and low-Reynolds-number fluid flow. A reference extrudate swell is used to take care of the characteristics of the extruder, operatiing conditions, extrudate properties, and anology similarity parameters. Analysis for a power-law rubber is presented which predicts the die profile to produce a square extrudate, and a die profile for a tyre extrudate. Comparison of these cases with three-dimensional theory and actual experimental data for the tyre is good.
Effects on combustion and emissions of early and pilot fuel injections in diesel engines
Authors: Carlucci P , Ficarella A , Laforgia D
Published: February 2005

Different injection strategies applied to a common rail direct injection diesel engine were tested for different engine torque and speed conditions. The injection strategies differ for the use of early and pilot injections; during the tests the injection parameters were varied, in terms of duration and timing of early, pilot, and main injections. The combustion behaviour and the engine performances, in terms of brake specific fuel consumption, were analysed. In addition, data on nitrogen oxides (NOx), total unburned hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions were collected.

The injection strategy based on both early and pilot injections has been compared with the techniques using either pilot or early injections. Results show that, particularly at lower values of engine torque and speed, the small fuel quantity injected during early injection, coupled with the pilot injection, leads to comparable levels or even to a sensible reduction in fuel consumption compared with the only-pilot or only-early injection cases. Furthermore, a reduction in NOx and particulate is generally observed, while the level of unburned hydrocarbons usually increases.

Experimental tests have shown that, using the early injection, a very lean premixed charge is obtained, both globally and locally, inside the combustion chamber, thus avoiding diesel problems (in particular, high NOx and soot production), mainly caused by the locally rich mixture. On the other hand, by using the pilot injection the ignition delay of the main injection is reduced, contributing to the NOx reduction.
Analysis of pulsating flow measurement of engine exhaust by a Pitot tube flowmeter
Authors: Nakamura H , Asano I , Adachi M , Senda J
Published: February 2005

The Pitot tube flowmetering technique has been used to measure pulsating flow from a vehicle engine exhaust. In general, flowmetering techniques that utilize differential pressure measurements based on Bernoulli's theory are likely to show erroneous readings when measuring an average flowrate of pulsating flow. The primary reason for this is the non-linear relationship between the differential pressure and the flowrate; i.e. the flowrate is proportional to the square root of the differential pressure. Therefore, an average of the differential pressure does not give an average of pulsating flow. In this study, fast response pressure transducers have been used to measure the pulsating pressure. Then the pulsating differential pressure is converted to the flowrate while keeping the pulsation unaveraged. An average flowrate is then calculated in the flowrate domain in order to maintain linearity before and after averaging. The peak amplitude of a pulsation measured here was about 1800 L/min at an average flowrate of 70 L/min when the engine ran at idle speed. This measurement has been confirmed by measuring the pulsation with a gas analyser. The results show a large amount of back and forth gas movement in the exhaust tube. This magnitude of pulsation can cause as much as five times higher erroneous results with the pressure domain averaging when compared to a flowrate domain averaging.
Development of a three-dimensional knock simulation method incorporating a high-accuracy flame propagation model
Authors: Teraji A , Tsuda T , Noda T , Kubo M , Itoh T
Published: February 2005

Combustion in internal combustion (IC) engines involves very complicated phenomena (including flame propagation and knock), which are strongly affected by engine speed, load, and turbulence intensity in the combustion chamber. The aim of this study was to develop a flame propagation model and a knock prediction technique applicable to various engine operating conditions, including engine speed and in-cylinder turbulence intensity. A new flame propagation model, the universal coherent flamelet model (UCFM) has been developed that improves the coherent flamelet model (CFM) by considering flame growth both in terms of the turbulent flame kernel and laminar flame kernel. A knock prediction model was developed by implementing the Livengood-Wu integral as the autoignition model in the flame propagation model. The combined model allows evaluation of both where and when autoignition occurs in a real shape combustion chamber. A comparison of the measured and calculated time for the occurrence of knock shows good agreement for various operating conditions. The three-dimensional calculation results indicate the general tendency for the location where autoignition occurs in the combustion chamber and the effect of the spark plug position on the occurrence of knock.
Detecting the onset of localized scuffing in a pin-on-twin fuel-lubricated test for heavy-duty diesel fuel injectors
Authors: Qu J , Truhan J J , Blau P J
Published: February 2005

Scuffing, usually considered to result from lubrication failure, severely limits the life of heavy-duty diesel fuel injectors. A new method is introduced to detect the onset of localized scuffing and monitor scuffing propagation in a fuel-lubricated ‘pin-on-twin’ reciprocating tribosystem. Tests were conducted on annealed and hardened AISI 52100 steel lubricated by on-highway #2 diesel fuel and ultra-low-sulphur Jet A aviation fuel. Unlike most current reciprocating tests that use changes in the nominal (averaged) friction to detect scuffing, this study analyses the detailed friction traces of individual strokes. The correlation between the change in the friction traces and the onset and progression of scuffing has been validated by examining the surface morphology of wear scars. This method was then applied to study the scuffing characteristics under various test conditions. Generally, scuffing initiated earlier and propagated more rapidly the higher the load, the lower the reciprocating frequency, and the poorer the lubricity of the fuel. The stroke ends, where direction reversal occurred, were especially vulnerable to scuffing due to their low sliding velocity.
A Novel Way for Preparing Cu Nanowires
Authors: Chen Changle , Lou Zhengsong , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2005

Copper nanowires with lateral dimensions of 50–200 nm were successfully synthesized by the pyrolysis of copper oxalate hydrate in the presence of CO2 at 220 °C. The phase and morphology of the products were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The possible mechanism and future application were proposed.
Helical Stereocontrol of 2,6-Bis{(2-arylcarbamoylphenyl)carbamoyl}pyridine Derivatives by Use of Chiral Auxiliaries
Authors: Minami Tatsuya , Koyamoto Shigeru , Kobayashi Masayuki , Tanaka Rika , Hatanaka Yasuo
Published: February 2005

The helical stereochemistry of 2,6-bis{(2-arylcarbamoylphenyl)carbamoyl}pyridine derivatives 1 can be controlled by the chiral auxiliaries bonded to the terminal carbonyl groups. Their preferred helical stereochemistry was determined from the signs and shapes of their CD spectra by the exiton chirality method.
Self-assembled N-Alkylimidazolium Perfluorooctanesulfonates
Authors: Mukai Tomohiro , Yoshio Masafumi , Kato Takashi , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: February 2005

Thermostability of a smectic A phase composed of N-alkylimidazolium heptadecafluorooctanesulfonate was improved by the formation of nonpolar layer composed of mixed perfluoroalkyl and aliphatic chains.
Synthesis of a Misfit-layered Magnesium Manganese Hydroxide Oxide
Authors: Xu Yaohua , Nakayama Noriaki , Fujiwara Keiko , Mizota Tadato , Goto Seishi
Published: February 2005

A new magnesium manganese hydroxide oxide, [Mg(OH)2]10[MnO1.86(OH)0.07]14·2.34H2O, which has a novel incommensurate misfit-layered structure built from two pseudohexagonal MnO2 and Mg(OH)2 sheets, has been hydrothermally synthesized by using the layered birnessite as the precursor. This compound has been investigated by TEM, XRD, TG-DTA. The lattice parameters are a1 = 0.496(2), b1 = 0.292(5), c1 = 0.957(2) nm, and β1 = 94.1(9)° for manganese oxide sublattice, and a2 = 0.534(6), b2 = 0.313(6), c2 = 0.958(1) nm, and β2 = 94.8(4)° for magnesium hydroxide sublattice.
Anasarca Edema with Amlodipine Treatment
Authors: Şener Didem , Halil M , Yavuz Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Ariğul Servet
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of anasarca edema associated with amlodipine use.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 77-year-old woman with essential hypertension who had not been treated with any other drug was prescribed amlodipine 10 mg/day to control her blood pressure. She developed anasarca edema soon after amlodipine treatment was initiated. Laboratory test results for possible etiologies were negative. Discontinuation of amlodipine resulted in dramatic improvement.

DISCUSSION:

To our knowledge, as of February 3, 2005, there have been no other reports of amlodipine-related anasarca edema in the English literature, and only one case was described in the Japanese literature. Pretibial edema is the most common adverse effect of amlodipine. Periocular and perioral edema have occurred less frequently, but anasarca edema has not emerged as a problem. An objective causality assessment revealed amlodipine to be a probable cause of anasarca edema.

CONCLUSIONS:

In rare instances, amlodipine may cause generalized edema, which will resolve upon discontinuation of the drug.
Differential Postnatal Maturation of GABAA, Glycine Receptor, and Mixed Synaptic Currents in Renshaw Cells and Ventral Spinal Interneurons
Authors: González-Forero David , Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: February 2005

Renshaw cells (RCs) receive excitatory inputs from motoneurons to which then they inhibit. The gain of this spinal recurrent inhibitory circuit is modulated by inhibitory synapses on RCs. Inhibitory synapses on RCs mature postnatally, developing unusually large postsynaptic gephyrin clusters that colocalize glycine and GABAAreceptors. We hypothesized that these features potentiate inhibitory currents in RCs. Thus, we analyzed glycinergic and GABAergic “inhibitory” miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) in neonatal [postnatal day 1 (P1) to P5] and mature (P9-P15) RCs and compared them to other ventral interneurons (non-RCs). Recorded neurons were Neurobiotin filled and identified as RCs or non-RCs usingpost hocimmunohistochemical criteria. Glycinergic, GABAergic, and mixed glycine/GABA mPSCs matured differently in RCs and non-RCs. In RCs, glycinergic and GABAAmPSC peak amplitudes increased 230 and 45%, respectively, from P1-P5 to P9-P15, whereas in non-RCs, glycinergic peak amplitudes changed little and GABAAamplitudes decreased. GABAAmPSCs were slower in RCs (P1-P5, τ = 58 ms; P9-P15, τ = 43 ms) compared with non-RCs (P1-P5, τ = 27 ms; P9-P15, τ = 14 ms). Thus, fast glycinergic currents dominated “mixed” mPSC peak amplitudes in mature RCs, and GABAAcurrents dominated their long decays. In non-RCs, GABAergic and mixed events had shorter durations, and their frequencies decreased with development. Functional maturation of inhibitory synapses on RCs correlates well with increased glycine receptor recruitment to large gephyrin patches, colocalization with α3/α5-containing GABAAreceptors, and maintenance of GABA/glycine corelease. As a result, charge transfer in GABA, glycine, or mixed mPSCs was larger in mature RCs than in non-RCs, suggesting RCs receive potent inhibitory synapses.
Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Microimaging Reveals a Role forBcl-xin Brain Development and Homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Jiangyang , Chen Ying-bei , Hardwick J. Marie , Miller Michael I. , Plachez Celine , Richards Linda J. , Yarowsky Paul , van Zijl Peter , Mori Susumu
Published: February 2005

A new technique based on diffusion tensor imaging and computational neuroanatomy was developed to efficiently and quantitatively characterize the three-dimensional morphology of the developing brains. The technique was used to analyze the phenotype of conditionalBcl-xknock-out mice, in which thebcl-xgene was deleted specifically in neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus beginning at embryonic day 13.5 as cells became postmitotic. Affected brain regions and associated axonal tracts showed severe atrophy in adultBcl-x-deficient mice. Longitudinal studies revealed that these phenotypes are established by regressive processes that occur primarily during the first postnatal week, whereas neurogenesis and migration showed no obvious abnormality during embryonic stages. Specific families of white matter tracts that once formed normally during the embryonic stages underwent dramatic degeneration postnatally. Thus, this technique serves as a powerful tool to efficiently localize temporal and spatial manifestation of morphological phenotype.
Acquisition, Consolidation, Reconsolidation, and Extinction of Eyelid Conditioning Responses RequireDe NovoProtein Synthesis
Authors: Inda Mari Carmen , Delgado-García José María , Carrión Ángel Manuel
Published: February 2005

Memory, as measured by changes in an animal's behavior some time after learning, is a reflection of many processes. Here, using a trace paradigm, in mice we show thatde novoprotein synthesis is required for acquisition, consolidation, reconsolidation, and extinction of classically conditioned eyelid responses. Two critical periods of protein synthesis have been found: the first, during training, the blocking of which impaired acquisition; and the second, lasting the first 4 h after training, the blocking of which impaired consolidation. The process of reconsolidation was sensitive to protein synthesis inhibition if anisomycin was injected before or just after the reactivation session. Furthermore, extinction was also dependent on protein synthesis, following the same temporal course as that followed during acquisition and consolidation. This last fact reinforces the idea that extinction is an active learning process rather than a passive event of forgetting. Together, these findings demonstrate that all of the different stages of memory formation involved in the classical conditioning of eyelid responses are dependent on protein synthesis.
β1,3-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 Glycosylation Is Required for Axon Pathfinding by Olfactory Sensory Neurons
Authors: Henion Timothy R. , Raitcheva Denitza , Grosholz Robert , Biellmann Franziska , Skarnes William C. , Hennet Thierry , Schwarting Gerald A.
Published: February 2005

During embryonic development, axons from sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OE) extend into the olfactory bulb (OB) where they synapse with projection neurons and form glomerular structures. To determine whether glycans play a role in these processes, we analyzed mice deficient for the glycosyltransferase β1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (β3GnT1), a key enzyme in lactosamine glycan synthesis. Terminal lactosamine expression, as shown by immunoreactivity with the monoclonal antibody 1B2, is dramatically reduced in the neonatal null OE. Postnatal β3GnT1-/-mice exhibit severely disorganized OB innervation and defective glomerular formation. Beginning in embryonic development, specific subsets of odorant receptor-expressing neurons are progressively lost from the OE of null mice, which exhibit a postnatal smell perception deficit. Axon guidance errors and increased neuronal cell death result in an absence of P2, I7, and M72 glomeruli, indicating a reduction in the repertoire of odorant receptor-specific glomeruli. By ∼2 weeks of age, lactosamine is unexpectedly reexpressed in sensory neurons of null mice through a secondary pathway, which is accompanied by the regrowth of axons into the OB glomerular layer and the return of smell perception. Thus, both neonatal OE degeneration and the postnatal regeneration are lactosamine dependent. Lactosamine expression in β3GnT1-/-mice is also reduced in pheromone-receptive vomeronasal neurons and dorsal root ganglion cells, suggesting that β3GnT1 may perform a conserved function in multiple sensory systems. These results reveal an essential role for lactosamine in sensory axon pathfinding and in the formation of OB synaptic connections.
NMDA Receptors Increase the Size of GABAergic Terminals and Enhance GABA Release
Authors: Fiszman Mónica L. , Barberis Andrea , Lu Congyi , Fu Zhanyan , Erdélyi Ferenc , Szabó Gábor , Vicini Stefano
Published: February 2005

In developing cerebellar interneurons, NMDA increases spontaneous GABA release by activating presynaptic NMDA receptors. We investigated the role of these receptors on differentiating basket/stellate cells in cerebellar cultures grown under conditions allowing functional synaptic transmission. Presynaptic GABAergic boutons were visualized either by GAD65 immunostaining or by using cells derived from GAD65-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgenic mice, in which cerebellar basket/stellate cells express eGFP. After the first week in culture, whole-cell recordings from granule cells reveal that acute application of NMDA increases miniature IPSC (mIPSC) frequency. Interestingly, after 2 weeks, the mIPSC frequency increases compared with the first week but is not modulated by NMDA. Furthermore, in cultures chronically treated with NMDA for 1 week, the size of the GABAergic boutons increases. This growth is paralleled by increased mIPSC frequency and the loss of NMDA sensitivity. Direct patch-clamp recording from these presynaptic terminals reveals single NMDA-activated channels, showing multiple conductance levels, and electronic propagation from the somatodendritic compartment. Our results demonstrate that NMDA receptors alter GABAergic synapses in developing cerebellar cultures by increasing the size of the terminal and spontaneous GABA release. These findings parallel changes in inhibitory synaptic efficacy seenin vivoin developing GABAergic interneurons of the molecular layer of the cerebellum.
The United States and Asia in 2004: Unfinished Business
Authors: Pollack Jonathan D.
Published: February 2005

U.S.-Asian relations in 2004 were largely a waiting game. There were continued challenges to the regional status quo, but the United States was intent on deflecting and deferring the possibility of major change. The Bush administration, preoccupied by the president's reelection campaign and increased violence and instability in Iraq, sought principally to avoid potential crises, while hoping to garner increased regional support for U.S. policy goals, including in Iraq. As a second Bush presidential term approached, the agenda confronting U.S. policy makers seemed uncomfortably full, reflecting equal measures of unfinished business, pressures for change on both sides of the Pacific, and the ever-present potential for a major regional crisis.
Myanmar in 2004: Another Year of Uncertainty
Authors: Hlaing Kyaw Yin
Published: February 2005

In spite of some short-lived positive developments in the first three months of 2004 as well as the resumption of the National Convention, lingering political, economic, and social problems continue to beset Myanmar. Recent changes within the government have further complicated the situation in the country.
South Korea in 2004: Peninsular Flux
Authors: Cha Victor D.
Published: February 2005

The variables presaging fundamental change on the Korean Peninsula are many. This assessment of South Korea seeks to lay out the political, economic, and military events of 2004 and their relationship to South Korean grand strategy. It also seeks to analyze the linkages between Seoul's grand strategy and the U.S.-led global war on terror.
Taiwan in 2004: Electoral Contests and Political Stasis
Authors: Chan Steve
Published: February 2005

The outcomes of Taiwan's presidential election in March and its legislative election in December indicate political stasis rather than change. The reelection of George W. Bush points further to political continuity in Taiwan's relation with the United States.
Afghanistan in 2004: Electoral Progress and an Opium Boom
Authors: Goodson Larry P.
Published: February 2005

Afghanistan began and ended 2004 on high notes, with a moderate Constitution passed on January 4 and successful presidential elections held in October that created a new cabinet dominated by technocrats in late December. In between, slow progress on reconstruction and state-building was threatened by continuing insecurity and the presence of a booming opium crop.
Platinum Group Minerals in Eastern Brazil
Authors: Angeli By Nelson
Published: February 2005

Brazil does not have working platinum mines, nor even large reserves of the platinum metals, but there is platinum in Brazil. In this paper, four massifs (mafic/ultramafic complexes) in eastern Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais and Ceará, where platinum is found will be described. Three of these massifs contain concentrations of platinum group minerals or platinum group elements, and gold, associated with the chromitite rock found there. In the fourth massif, in Minas Gerais State, the platinum group elements are found in alluvial deposits at the Bom Sucesso occurrence. This placer is currently being studied.
The Hardening of Platinum Alloys for Potential Jewellery Application
Authors: Biggs By T. , Taylor S. S. , van der Lingen E.
Published: February 2005

Pure platinum is too soft to be used for jewellery and scratches easily. Alloying platinum increases its hardness significantly. However, platinum alloys used in jewellery do need to be easy to work and thus the alloy should be sufficiently soft, but not so soft that their wear resistance is low. A good compromise would be to work with a soft alloy during jewellery manufacture, then harden the alloy so the final finished properties were improved. In order to identify platinum alloys suitable for hardening, platinum with different alloying additions was studied. Platinum alloys with additions of less than 7 wt.% of Ag, Au, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ge, In, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Sn, Ta, Ti, V, W or Zr were examined, and the merits of each system were assessed for commercial viability. The platinum-titanium system was deemed to show the most promise.
Effect of Alendronate on Periodontal Disease in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Rocha Miriam L. , Malacara Juan M. , Sánchez‐Marin Francisco J. , de la Torre Carlos J. Vazquez , Fajardo Martha E.
Published: February 2005

Background: We investigated the effect of oral alendronate (ALN) treatment on radiological and clinical measurements of periodontal disease in postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy.

Methods: We evaluated the effect of 6 months of ALN treatment in 40 postmenopausal women, 55 to 65 years old with established periodontal disease, in a controlled, double‐masked, prospective study. Volunteers were paired by age and randomized to receive ALN (10 mg/day) or placebo for the study period. Periodontal mechanical treatment was carried out in both groups. At baseline and after treatment, clinical evaluation, hormone blood levels, distance from the crestal alveolar bone (CAB) to the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ), calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD), hormone levels, serum N‐telopeptide (NTx), and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) were assessed.

Results: Periodontal disease conditions improved in both groups, but greater improvement in probing depth (–0.8 ± 0.3 mm versus –0.4 ± 0.4 mm, P = 0.02) and gingival bleeding (–0.3% ± 0.13% versus –0.2% ± 0.06%, P = 0.006) was found in the ALN treated group. Calcaneus BMD increased in the ALN treated group (68 ± 47 mm3 versus –26 ± 81 mm3, P = 0.0006). CAB‐CEJ distance diminished in the ALN group (–0.4 ± 0.40 mm versus 0.60 ± 0.53 mm, P = 0.00008). Marginal reduction in both NTx and BSAP levels was found in the ALN group (–9.4 ± 6.6 nmol versus –4.3 ± 4.7 nmol bone collagen equivalents, P = 0.08, and –7.7 ± 8.4 versus –1.5 ± 5.0 U/l, P = 0.1, respectively). Hormone levels were unchanged after treatment. Similar improvement of calcaneus BMD and CAB‐CEJ distance with ALN treatment was found in obese and non‐obese women.

Conclusion: ALN treatment improved periodontal disease and bone turnover in postmenopausal women. J Periodontol 2004; 75:1579‐1585.
Impact of an Anti‐Inflammatory Therapy and Its Withdrawal on the Progression of Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: de Vasconcelos Gurgel Bruno César , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Nociti Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Zaffalon , Sallum Antonio Wilson , de Toledo Sérgio
Published: February 2005

Background: Anti‐inflammatory agents have been reported as a bone loss mediator in periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate in rats the impact of a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on bone loss in ligature‐induced periodontitis and its post‐treatment effect after administration withdrawal.

Methods: Seventy‐five adult male Wistar rats were included. After anesthesia, a mandibular first molar was randomly assigned to receive the cotton ligature in the sulcular position, while the contralateral tooth was left unligated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following five treatment groups (15 animals each), including daily subcutaneous injections: 1) saline solution for 15 days; 2) saline solution for 45 days; 3) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days; 4) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 45 days; or 5) 3 mg/kg of meloxicam for 15 days followed by saline solution for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed and the specimens routinely processed. The volume of bone loss was histometrically measured and statistical analysis performed.

Results: Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that the drug may significantly reduce periodontitis‐related bone loss (group 3: 5.83 ± 2.04); however, this effect is less evident when the drug is administered in a short period (group 4: 3.59 ± 1.57). Moreover, after drug withdrawal, no residual effect was observed (6.86 ± 3.59, 6.09 ± 2.66, groups 2 and 5, respectively) (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors may reduce bone loss associated with experimental periodontitis and that no remaining effect can be expected after its withdrawal. J Periodontol 2004;75:1613‐1618.