bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Ancillary Testing among Pediatric Asthma Patients Seen in Emergency Departments
Authors: Stanley Rachel M. , Teach Stephen J. , Mann N. Clay , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Gerardi Michael J. , Mahajan Prashant V. , Chamberlain James M. ,   The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network
Published: April 2007

Background:Variation in the management of acute pediatric asthma within emergency departments is largely unexplored.

Objectives:To investigate whether ancillary testing for patients with asthma would be associated with patient, physician, and hospital characteristics.

Methods:The authors performed an analysis of a subset of patients from an extensive retrospective chart review of randomly selected charts at all 25 member emergency departments of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. Patients with a diagnosis of asthma were selected for supplemental review and included in this study. Ancillary tests analyzed were chest radiographs and selected blood tests. Hierarchical analyses were performed to describe the associations between ancillary testing and the variables of interest.

Results:A total of 12,744 chart abstractions were completed, of which 734 (6%) were patients with acute exacerbations of asthma. Overall, 302 patients with asthma (41%) had ancillary testing. Of the 734 patients with asthma, 198 (27%) had chest radiographs and 104 (14%) had blood tests. Chest radiographs were more likely to be ordered in patients with fever. Less blood testing was associated with physician subspecialty training in pediatric emergency medicine, patients treated at children's hospitals, higher patient oxygen saturation, and patient disposition to home.

Conclusions:Ancillary testing occurred in more than one third of children with asthma, with chest radiographs ordered most frequently. Efforts to reduce the use of chest radiographs should target the management of febrile patients with asthma, whereas efforts to reduce blood testing should target providers without subspecialty training in pediatric emergency medicine and patients treated in nonchildren's hospitals who are more ill.
A Longitudinal Study of Emergency Medicine Residents' Malpractice Fear and Defensive Medicine
Authors: Rodriguez Robert M. , Anglin Deirdre , Hankin Abigail , Hayden Steven R. , Phelps Molly , McCollough Lynn , Hendey Gregory W.
Published: April 2007

Objectives:To determine the baseline level and evolution of defensive medicine and malpractice concern (MC) of emergency medicine (EM) residents.

Methods:Using a validated instrument consisting of case scenarios and Likert‐type scale questions, the authors performed a prospective, longitudinal (June 2001 to June 2005) study of EM residents at five 4‐year California residency programs.

Results:All 51 EM interns of these residencies were evaluated; four residents left their programs and one took medical leave, resulting in 46 graduating residents evaluated. MC did not affect the residency choice of interns. Although perceived likelihood of serious disease increased in case scenarios over time, defensive medicine decreased in 27% of cases and increased in 20%. On a scale with 1 representing extremely influential and 5 representing not at all influential, the mean (±SD) influence of MC on interns' and graduates' case evaluation and management was 2.5 (±1.1) and 2.7 (±1.0), respectively. Comparing interns and graduates, there was no significant difference in the percentages of respondents who declared MC (mean difference in proportions, 3.3%; 95% CI =−8.4% to 15%) or refused procedures because of MC (11.5%; 95% CI =−1.3% to 24.3%). More interns, however, declared substantial loss of enjoyment of medicine than graduates (48%; 95% CI = 30.3% to 65.5%).

Conclusions:Physicians enter four‐year EM residencies in California with moderate MC and defensive medicine, which do not change significantly over time and do not markedly impact their decisions to perform emergency department procedures. Malpractice fear markedly decreases interns' enjoyment of medicine, but this effect decreases by residency completion.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Induces Insulin Resistance in Endothelial Cells via a p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Li Guolian , Barrett Eugene J. , Barrett Matthew O. , Cao Wenhong , Liu Zhenqi
Published: April 2007

Chronic inflammation contributes to vascular insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Systemic infusion of TNF-α abrogates insulin’s action to enhance skeletal muscle microvascular perfusion. In skeletal muscle TNF-α induces insulin resistance via the p38 MAPK pathway. To examine whether p38 MAPK also regulates TNF-α-induced vascular insulin resistance, bovine aortic endothelial cells (bAECs) were incubated ± TNF-α (5 ng/ml) for 6 h in the presence or absence of SB203580 (p38 MAPK specific inhibitor, 10 μm) after serum starvation for 10 h. For the last 30 min, cells were treated ± 1 nm insulin, and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and eNOS activity were measured. TNF-α increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation, potently stimulated IRS-1 serine phosphorylation, and blunted insulin-stimulated IRS-1 tyrosine and Akt phosphorylation and eNOS activity. TNF-α also potently stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AMPK. Treatment with SB203580 decreased p38 MAPK phosphorylation back to the baseline and restored insulin sensitivity of IRS-1 tyrosine and Akt phosphorylation and eNOS activity in TNF-α-treated bAECs without affecting TNF-α-induced ERK1/2 and AMPK phosphorylation. We conclude that in cultured bAECs, TNF-α induces insulin resistance in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/eNOS pathway via a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism and enhances ERK1/2 and AMPK phosphorylation independent of the p38 MAPK pathway. This differential modulation of TNF-α’s actions by p38 MAPK suggests that p38 MAPK plays a key role in TNF-α-mediated vascular insulin resistance and may contribute to the generalized endothelial dysfunction seen in type 2 diabetes mellitus and the cardiometabolic syndrome.
An Increase in Murine Skeletal Muscle Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA in Response to Exercise Is Mediated by β-Adrenergic Receptor Activation
Authors: Miura Shinji , Kawanaka Kentaro , Kai Yuko , Tamura Mayumi , Goto Masahide , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Minokoshi Yasuhiko , Ezaki Osamu
Published: April 2007

A single bout of exercise increases expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α mRNA, which may promote mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. In brown adipose tissue, cold exposure up-regulates PGC-1α expression via adrenergic receptor (AR) activation. Because exercise also activates the sympathetic nervous system, we examined whether exercise-induced increase in PGC-1α mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was mediated via AR activation. In C57BL/6J mice, injection of the β2-AR agonist clenbuterol, but not α-, β1-, or β3-AR agonists, increased PGC-1α mRNA expression more than 30-fold in skeletal muscle. The clenbuterol-induced increase in PGC-1α mRNA expression in mice was inhibited by pretreatment with the β-AR antagonist propranolol. In ex vivo experiments, direct exposure of rat epitrochlearis to β2-AR agonist, but not α-, β1-, and β3-AR agonist, led to an increase in levels of PGC-1α mRNA. Injection of β2-AR agonist did not increase PGC-1α mRNA expression in β1-, β2-, and β3-AR knockout mice (β-less mice). PGC-1α mRNA in gastrocnemius was increased 3.5-fold in response to running on a treadmill for 45 min. The exercise-induced increase in PGC-1α mRNA was inhibited by approximately 70% by propranolol or the β2-AR-specific inhibitor ICI 118,551. The exercise-induced increase in PGC-1α mRNA in β-less mice was also 36% lower than that in wild-type mice. These data indicate that up-regulation of PGC-1α expression in skeletal muscle by exercise is mediated, at least in part, by β-ARs activation. Among ARs, β2-AR may mediate an increase in PGC-1α by exercise.
The Endogenous Estradiol Metabolite 2-Methoxyestradiol Reduces Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in Female Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Bourghardt Johan , Bergström Göran , Krettek Alexandra , Sjöberg Sara , Borén Jan , Tivesten Åsa
Published: April 2007

Estradiol, the major endogenous estrogen, reduces experimental atherosclerosis and metabolizes to 2-methoxyestradiol in vascular cells. Currently undergoing evaluation in clinical cancer trials, 2-methoxyestradiol potently inhibits cell proliferation independently of the classical estrogen receptors. This study examined whether 2-methoxyestradiol affects atherosclerosis development in female mice. Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, a well-established mouse model of atherosclerosis, were ovariectomized and treated through slow-release pellets with placebo, 17β-estradiol (6 μg/d), or 2-methoxyestradiol [6.66 μg/d (low-dose) or 66.6 μg/d (high-dose)]. After 90 d, body weight gain decreased and uterine weight increased in the high-dose but not low-dose 2-methoxyestradiol group. En face analysis showed that the fractional area of the aorta covered by atherosclerotic lesions decreased in the high-dose 2-methoxyestradiol (52%) but not in the low-dose 2-methoxyestradiol group. Total serum cholesterol levels decreased in the high- and low-dose 2-methoxyestradiol groups (19%, P < 0.05 and 21%, P = 0.062, respectively). Estradiol treatment reduced the fractional atherosclerotic lesion area (85%) and decreased cholesterol levels (42%). In conclusion, our study shows for the first time that 2-methoxyestradiol reduces atherosclerotic lesion formation in vivo. The antiatherogenic activity of an estradiol metabolite lacking estrogen receptor activating capacity may argue that trials on cardiovascular effects of hormone replacement therapy should use estradiol rather than other estrogens. Future research should define the role of 2-methoxyestradiol as a mediator of the antiatherosclerotic actions of estradiol. Furthermore, evaluation of the effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on cardiovascular disease endpoints in ongoing clinical trials is of great interest.
Computational biology of cardiac myocytes: proposed standards for the physiome
Authors: Smith Nicolas P. , Crampin Edmund J. , Niederer Steven A. , Bassingthwaighte James B. , Beard Daniel A.
Published: April 2007

Predicting information about human physiology and pathophysiology from genomic data is a compelling, but unfulfilled goal of post-genomic biology. This is the aim of the so-called Physiome Project and is, undeniably, an ambitious goal. Yet if we can exploit even a small proportion of the rich and varied experimental data currently available, significant insights into clinically important aspects of human physiology will follow. To achieve this requires the integration of data from disparate sources into a common framework. Extrapolation of available data across species, laboratory techniques and conditions requires a quantitative approach. Mathematical models allow us to integrate molecular information into cellular, tissue and organ-level, and ultimately clinically relevant scales. In this paper we argue that biophysically detailed computational modelling provides the essential tool for this process and, furthermore, that an appropriate framework for annotating, databasing and critiquing these models will be essential for the development of integrative computational biology.
Advanced sequencing technologies and their wider impact in microbiology
Authors: Hall Neil
Published: April 2007

In the past 10 years, microbiology has undergone a revolution that has been driven by access to cheap high-throughput DNA sequencing. It was not long ago that the cloning and sequencing of a target gene could take months or years,whereas now this entire process has been replaced by a 10 min Internet search of a public genome database. There has been no single innovation that has initiated this rapid technological change; in fact, the core chemistry of DNA sequencing is the same as it was 30 years ago. Instead, progress has been driven by large sequencing centers that have incrementally industrialized the Sanger sequencing method. A side effect of this industrialization is that large-scale sequencing has moved out of small research labs, and the vast majority of sequence data is now generated by large genome centers. Recently,there have been advances in technology that will enable high-throughput genome sequencing to be established in research labs using bench-top instrumentation. These new technologies are already being used to explore the vast microbial diversity in the natural environment and the untapped genetic variation that can occur in bacterial species. It is expected that these powerful new methods will open up new questions to genomic investigation and will also allow high-throughput sequencing to be more than just a discovery exercise but also a routine assay for hypothesis testing. While this review will concentrate on microorganisms, many of the important arguments about the need to measure and understand variation at the species, population and ecosystem level will hold true for many other biological systems.
Comparative environmental genomics in non-model species: using heterologous hybridization to DNA-based microarrays
Authors: Buckley Bradley A.
Published: April 2007

The emerging field of comparative environmental genomics involves the cross-species comparison of broad-scale patterns of gene expression. Often,the goal is to elucidate the evolutionary basis or ecological implications of genomic responses to environmental stimuli. DNA-based microarrays represent powerful means with which to investigate gene expression, and the application of genomic tools to studies on non-model species is becoming increasingly feasible. The use of a microarray generated from one species to probe gene expression in another, a method termed `heterologous hybridization',eliminates the need to fabricate novel microarray platforms for every new species of interest. In this review, recent advances in heterologous hybridization are reviewed, and the technical caveats of this approach are discussed.
Integrative physiology, functional genomics and the phenotype gap: a guide for comparative physiologists
Authors: Dow Julian A. T.
Published: April 2007

Classical, curiosity-led comparative physiology finds itself at a crossroads. Major funding for classical physiology is becoming harder to find,as grant agencies focus on more molecular approaches or on science with more immediate strategic value to their respective countries. In turn, this shift in funding places Zoology and Animal Science departments under enormous stress: student numbers are buoyant, but how can research funding be maintained at high levels?

Our research group has argued for the redefinition of integrative physiology as the investigation of gene function in an organotypic context in the intact animal. Implicit in this definition is the use of transgenics and reverse genetics to manipulate gene function in a cell-specific manner; this in turn implies the use of a genetically tractable `model organism'. The significance of this definition is that it aligns integrative physiology with functional genomics. Again, functional genomics draws heavily on reverse genetics to elucidate the function of novel genes. The phenotype gap (the mismatch between what a genetic model organism's genome encodes and the reasons that it has historically been studied) emphasises the need to attract and empower functional biologists: can all 13 500 genes in Drosophila really be explained in terms of developmental biology? So,by embracing the integrative physiology manifesto, comparative physiologists can not only accelerate their own research, but their functional skills can make them indispensable in the post-genomic endeavour.
Biological impacts and context of network theory
Authors: Almaas Eivind
Published: April 2007

Many complex systems can be represented and analyzed as networks, and examples that have benefited from this approach span the natural sciences. For instance, we now know that systems as disparate as the World Wide Web, the Internet, scientific collaborations, food webs, protein interactions and metabolism all have common features in their organization, the most salient of which are their scale-free connectivity distributions and their small-world behavior. The recent availability of large-scale datasets that span the proteome or metabolome of an organism have made it possible to elucidate some of the organizational principles and rules that govern their function,robustness and evolution. We expect that combining the currently separate layers of information from gene regulatory networks, signal transduction networks, protein interaction networks and metabolic networks will dramatically enhance our understanding of cellular function and dynamics.
Interpreting physiological responses to environmental change through gene expression profiling
Authors: Gracey Andrew Y.
Published: April 2007

Identification of differentially expressed genes in response to environmental change offers insights into the roles of the transcriptome in the regulation of physiological responses. A variety of methods are now available to implement large-scale gene expression screens, and each method has specific advantages and disadvantages. Construction of custom cDNA microarrays remains the most popular route to implement expression screens in the non-model organisms favored by comparative physiologists, and we highlight some factors that should be considered when embarking along this path. Using a carp cDNA microarray, we have undertaken a broad, system-wide gene expression screen to investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying cold and hypoxia acclimation. This dataset provides a starting point from which to explore a range of specific mechanistic hypotheses at all levels of organization, from individual biochemical pathways to the level of the whole organism. We demonstrate the utility of two data analysis methods, Gene Ontology profiling and rank-based statistical methods, to summarize the probable physiological function of acclimation-induced gene expression changes, and to prioritize specific genes as candidates for further study.
Evolvability of physiological and biochemical traits: evolutionary mechanisms including and beyond single-nucleotide mutation
Authors: Feder Martin E.
Published: April 2007

A longstanding challenge for biologists has been to explain not just how organisms are adapted to diverse environments, but how these adaptations arise. Although natural selection is clearly sufficient to act on heritable variation, is this heritable variation sufficient to yield complex adaptations and how does this variation itself arise? Much prior focus has been on mutation of single nucleotides in genes. This process is common and can have dramatic phenotypes, but could be limited in its ability to culminate in complex adaptations for two kinds of reasons: (i) because natural selection is powerful, it can purge genetic variation, and (ii) evolutionary transition from the absence to the presence of a complex adaptation seemingly requires multiple mutations at the right place and time and in the right sequence, with each intermediate stage having increased overall fitness; this seems highly improbable. Because the networks that organisms comprise are hierarchical and redundant and have modular structure, however, single-nucleotide mutations can have large and tolerable impacts. Diverse mechanisms, collectively evolutionary capacitors, can shield genetic variation from the purgative of selection. These features can enable evolution to proceed viasingle-nucleotide mutation. Importantly, single-nucleotide mutation usually only modifies existing genes rather than creating new ones, and numerous other mechanisms eclipse single-nucleotide mutation in creating genetic variation. These include gene duplication (both segmental and whole-genome), lateral gene transfer, hybridization, mobile genetic elements and symbiosis. Other processes can scramble and reassemble nucleotide sequence. The mechanisms beyond single-gene mutation offer considerable promise in detailing the evolution of complex physiological and biochemical traits, and have already done so for several morphological traits.
Can't serve customers right? An indirect effect of co‐workers' counterproductive behaviour in the service environment
Authors: Yang Jixia
Published: April 2007

In this paper, I suggest that counterproductive behaviour in the workplace has ripple effects throughout the service environment. Specifically, it was hypothesized that co‐workers' organizationally and interpersonally directed counterproductive behaviour will have a negative, indirect association with focal employees' service performance, through the mediation of psychological perceptions of climate for service. Survey data were collected from 293 employees and their corresponding managers working at a fast‐food restaurant chain, consisting of 16 stores. Structural equation modelling results supported the hypothesized relationships.
Inadequate Sound Insulation: Does the Law of Nuisance Provide an Effective Remedy?
Authors: Bishop Patrick
Published: April 2007

This paper begins with the basic premise that noise is an inescapable feature of modern life and considers how inadequate sound insulation exacerbates the problems associated with noise pollution. The obvious mechanism for ensuring that buildings are constructed so as to provide sufficient sound insulation is the building control regime contained in the Building Regulations. The paper proceeds to analyse the building regulations and highlights the deficiencies which seriously inhibit their efficacy in terms of providing protection from excessive noise. The central issue therefore, is the extent to which the law of nuisance (both common law and statutory) is capable of providing an effective remedy in situations where the Building Regulations are in-applicable. It will be contended that following the House of Lords decision in Baxter v London Borough of Camden, the utility of common law nuisance has been radically undermined as a solution and this has a knock on effect in relation to statutory nuisance where the term ‘nuisance’ is given its common law definition. For a period of time it did seem that section 70(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, relating to the state of premises, provided a solution to external noise but statutory and case law developments have seriously undermined the effectiveness of section 70(1)(a) in this regard. It is therefore submitted that if the law of nuisance is to have any utility as a remedy for inadequate sound insulation it is essential that the courts adopt a definition of the phrase ‘prejudicial to health’ which is sufficiently wide to cover the adverse psychological effects of noise.
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Predicts Total and Cardiovascular Mortality in Individuals with or without Stable Coronary Artery Disease: The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: März Winfried , Tiran Beate , Seelhorst Ursula , Wellnitz Britta , Bauersachs Johann , Winkelmann Bernhard R , Boehm Bernhard O
Published: April 2007

Background: Measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) measurement can be used to predict mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Information on the value of NT-pro-BNP in clinically stable persons scheduled for angiography is limited.

Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the effect of NT-pro-BNP on total and cardiovascular mortality in 1135 with and 506 individuals without stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Results: NT-pro-BNP was associated with New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and LV end-diastolic pressure. NT-pro-BNP was positively related to age, female sex, hypertension, and former and current smoking and negatively related to body mass index and glomerular filtration rate. During a median follow-up of 5.45 years, NT-pro-BNP concentrations of 100–399, 400-1999, or ≥2000 ng/L resulted in unadjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for all-cause death of 3.2 (1.8–5.6), 6.63 (3.8–11.6), and 16.5 (9.2–29.8), respectively, compared with concentrations <100 ng/L. Hazard ratios (CI) for death from cardiovascular causes were 3.8 (1.8–8.2), 9. 3 (4.4–19.5), and 22.2 (10.2–48.4). NT-pro-BNP remained predictive of total and cardiovascular mortality after accounting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, glomerular filtration rate, presence or absence of CAD on angiography, cardiovascular medication, revascularization at baseline, clinical signs of heart failure, LV systolic function, and C-reactive protein.

Conclusions: NT-pro-BNP is predictive of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with or without stable angiographic CAD independently of other cardiovascular risk factors, coronary atherosclerosis, and cardiac function.
The −256T>C Polymorphism in the Apolipoprotein A-II Gene Promoter Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Food Intake in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network Study
Authors: Corella Dolores , Arnett Donna K , Tsai Michael Y , Kabagambe Edmond K , Peacock James M , Hixson James E , Straka Robert J , Province Michael , Lai Chao-Qiang , Parnell Laurence D , Borecki Ingrid , Ordovas Jose M
Published: April 2007

Background: Apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) plays an ambiguous role in lipid metabolism, obesity, and atherosclerosis.

Methods: We studied the association between a functional APOA2 promoter polymorphism (−265T>C) and plasma lipids (fasting and postprandial), anthropometric variables, and food intake in 514 men and 564 women who participated in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study. We obtained fasting and postprandial (after consuming a high-fat meal) measures. We measured lipoprotein particle concentrations by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and estimated dietary intake by use of a validated questionnaire.

Results: We observed recessive effects for this polymorphism that were homogeneous by sex. Individuals homozygous for the −265C allele had statistically higher body mass index (BMI) than did carriers of the T allele. Consistently, after multivariate adjustment, the odds ratio for obesity in CC individuals compared with T allele carriers was 1.70 (95% CI 1.02–2.80, P = 0.039). Interestingly, total energy intake in CC individuals was statistically higher [mean (SE) 9371 (497) vs 8456 (413) kJ/d, P = 0.005] than in T allele carriers. Likewise, total fat and protein intakes (expressed in grams per day) were statistically higher in CC individuals (P = 0.002 and P = 0.005, respectively). After adjustment for energy, percentage of carbohydrate intake was statistically lower in CC individuals. These associations remained statistically significant even after adjustment for BMI. We found no associations with fasting lipids and only some associations with HDL subfraction distribution in the postprandial state.

Conclusions: The −265T>C polymorphism is consistently associated with food consumption and obesity, suggesting a new role for APOA2 in regulating dietary intake.
Selbstüberwachung und Störungstoleranz von autarken Sensoren (Sensor Self-Monitoring and Fault-Tolerance)
Authors: Werthschützky Roland , Müller Ralf
Published: April 2007

Ausgehend vom Begriff der Fehlertoleranz mechatronischer Systeme wird die Störungstoleranz von Sensoren abgeleitet. Hierfür ist die exakte Abgrenzung der in der Mechatronik und Messtechnik teilweise unterschiedlich gebrauchten Begriffe Fehler, Störung und Ausfall erforderlich. Es wird eine allgemeingültige Struktur der Methoden und Verfahren zur Sensor-Selbstüberwachung vorgestellt. Zielstellung dieser Strukturierung ist die Unterstützung eines systematischen Vorgehens der Sensorhersteller bei der Implementierung von Selbstüberwachung in autarke Sensoren.
Rotational Dependence of the Proton Transfer Reaction HBr+ (N+) + CO2 → HOCO+ + Br
Authors: Athenstädt Stefan , Unger Franziska , Weitzel Karl-Michael
Published: April 2007

Absolute cross sections and rate constants for the endothermic proton transfer reaction of rotationally state selected HBr+ ions with CO2 were measured as a function of the rotational energy for different center-of-mass (c.m.) collision energies. State selection of HBr+ ions was achieved via a (2+1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) process. By choosing different pump lines the mean rotational energy of HBr+ was varied from 1.6 to 25.9 meV. All experiments were performed in a linear ion guide apparatus. Collision energies considered ranged from 0.28 to 0.85 eV (c.m.). At the highest collision energies the cross section decreases by about 60% from 10 Å2 to 4 Å2 with increasing rotational energy. In contrast to that, at the lowest collision energies the cross section was about 2.5 Å2, independent of the rotational energy.
Long Range Nonadiabatic Couplings and the Cluster-Size Dependence of the Lifetime of Excited Hydrated Electrons
Authors: Fischer Sighart F. , Dietz W.
Published: April 2007

The recently observed linear dependence of the lifetime of excited hydrated electrons upon the inverse of the cluster size is explained in terms of a nonadiabatic long range coupling mechanism. It is due to dipolar interactions between the p→s transition and the excitation of the infrared active modes of the solvent water molecules.
Molecular Theory of ZEKE Spectroscopy
Authors: Chao S. D. , Selzle Heinrich L. , Neusser Hans Jürgen , Schlag E. W. , Yao L. , Lin S. H.
Published: April 2007

In this paper, we derive the double-resonance and single-resonance two photon absorption cross sections for zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) spectroscopy using the inverse Born–Oppenheimer approximation (IBOA) as a basis set. Quantum chemistry calculations can then be used to evaluate the ZEKE spectra. To show how to analyze the vibronic spectra of ZEKE spectroscopy, a couple of examples have been analyzed. Quantum chemistry calculations can be employed to obtain the potential surfaces of molecules and their ions, which can be used to calculate the Franck–Condon factors involved in the vibronic transitions. We also show that using the IBOA as a basis set, the autoionization of the ZEKE states can be calculated.
Probing Ultrafast Purely Electronic Charge Migration in Small Peptides
Authors: Remacle F. , Levine R. D.
Published: April 2007

A pump–probe experiment that can examine a pure charge migration on a time scale short compared to the onset of nuclear motion is discussed. The mass spectrometric studies of Schlaget al.suggest that short peptide terminated by an aromatic amino acid are particularly suitable test compounds. The pump pulse needs to ionize the molecule on a time scale short compared to the period of the electronic motion, typically sub-fs. However, ionization occurs preferentially when the electrical field of the light is maximal so that the duration of the pulse envelope can be somewhat longer. Detection by photoelectron spectrometry of the peptide cation, to produce a dication, is shown to be able to probe the electronic rearrangement.
Interaction of Epe1 With the Heterochromatin Assembly Pathway inSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Isaac Sara , Walfridsson Julian , Zohar Tal , Lazar David , Kahan Tamar , Ekwall Karl , Cohen Amikam
Published: April 2007

Epe1 is a JmjC domain protein that antagonizes heterochromatization in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Related JmjC domain proteins catalyze a histone demethylation reaction that depends on Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate. However, no detectable demethylase activity is associated with Epe1, and its JmjC domain lacks conservation of Fe(II)-binding residues. We report that Swi6 recruits Epe1 to heterochromatin and that overexpression of epe1+, like mutations in silencing genes or overexpression of swi6+, upregulates expression of certain genes. A significant overlap was observed between the lists of genes that are upregulated by overexpression of epe1+ and those that are upregulated by mutations in histone deacetylase genes. However, most of the common genes are not regulated by Clr4 histone methyltransferase. This suggests that Epe1 interacts with the heterochromatin assembly pathway at the stage of histone deacetylation. Mutational inactivation of Epe1 downregulates ∼12% of S. pombe genes, and the list of these genes overlaps significantly with the lists of genes that are upregulated by mutations in silencing genes and genes that are hyperacetylated at their promoter regions in clr6-1 mutants. We propose that an interplay between the repressive HDACs activity and Epe1 helps to regulate gene expression in S. pombe.
A Mechanical Evaluation of Implants Placed With Different Surgical Techniques Into the Trabecular Bone of Goats
Authors: Shalabi Manal M. , Wolke Johannes G. C. , de Ruijter Anja J. E. , Jansen John A.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of surgical technique and implant surface roughness on implant fixation. A total of 48 screw implants with machined or etched surface topographies were placed into the femoral condyles of goats. The implant sites were prepared by a conventional technique, by undersized preparation, or by the osteotome technique. Bone tissue responses were evaluated after 12 weeks of healing by removal torque testing and histologic analysis using scanning electron microscope. The cumulative removal torque value of the etched implants placed with the undersized technique (98 ± 29 Ncm) was higher (50 ± 35 Ncm) to a level of statistical significance than machined surface implants placed by the osteotome technique. Scanning electron microscope evaluation indicated that all implants showed interfacial bone contact. The torque test resulted in fracture at the bone-implant interface for all experimental conditions. Installation of etched implants using an undersized preparation of the implant bed resulted in superior bonding strength with the surrounding bone at 12 weeks after surgery. Evidently, the undersized preparation technique improved the early fixation of oral implants in this study.
Flapless Dental Implant Placement
Authors: Flanagan Dennis
Published: April 2007

Flapless dental implant placement is possible in selected patients but limited to those sites with adequate or augmentable attached gingiva and available bone volume and density. Inadequate attached gingiva, available bone, and bone density may be augmented by pre-, intra-, or postoperative procedures. Bone ridge contour can be approximated by using a described fast set polyvinyl siloxane site evaluation technique. Assuming adequate length and height, a bone width of 5 mm is usually acceptable for standard diameter implants (3.5–4.2 mm). However, implant placement in sites with parabolic shaped ridges may need to be placed deeper to avoid vertical bone loss and implant thread exposure. Inadequate bone volume, less than 5 mm of bone width, may be developed by ridge expansion (split ridge) techniques. With ridge expansion, complications may arise such as malposition and labyrinthine concussion. Malposition may be corrected intraoperatively or grafted for a later implant placement. Labyrinthine concussion is usually of short duration but may be treated with head maneuvers. Sites with 2 mm or less width of available bone may not be treated flaplessly and may be more appropriately treated with extracortical augmentation grafting.
Electronic Percussive Testing of the Stability of an Immediately Provisionalized Implant Placed Into a Fresh Extraction Socket: A Pilot Evaluation
Authors: Orenstein Ira H. , MacDonald Daniel E. , Tao Anita C. , Morris Harold F.
Published: April 2007

It is important to achieve primary stabilization of dental implants that will be immediately loaded. Noninvasive devices that test the stability of immediately provisionalized implants placed into fresh extraction sockets are discussed. A titanium threaded implant was placed into a fresh extraction socket of a patient's nonrestorable mandibular right canine. The implant received an interim restoration immediately following its placement. The stability of the bone-implant complex was evaluated from the day of implant insertion through day 246 using an electronic percussive testing instrument. During the first month the bone-implant complex became progressively less stable reaching a peak measured level of instability at 30 days postimplantation. This was followed by progressive stabilization first measured on day 46 as the implant continued to osseointegrate. These findings suggest that the bone-implant complex became less stable during the first month after implant placement and was followed by a period of progressive stabilization reflecting bone maturation around the implant. A search of the literature found similar results in a study of single-stage implants (not immediately provisionalized) using resonance frequency analysis. The known sequence of wound healing around dental implants is reviewed to explain the findings of this pilot evaluation. Studies that use noninvasive testing devices to assess implant stability at placement and during healing may provide information that can help to optimize implant treatment outcomes.
Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease by Intra-Bone Marrow Injection of Donor T Cells
Authors: Fukui Junichi , Inaba Muneo , Ueda Yusuke , Miyake Takashi , Hosaka Naoki , Kwon A-Hon , Sakaguchi Yutaku , Tsuda Masanobu , Omae Mariko , Kamiyama Yasuo , Ikehara Susumu
Published: April 2007

We have recently found that intra-bone marrow-bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) can be used to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), even when intensive donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is carried out. In the present study, in conjunction with IBM-BMT, allogeneic splenic T cells as DLI were also injected into the bone marrow cavity of lethally irradiated (8.5 Gy) recipients. The extent of GvHD was compared with that of recipients that had received allogeneic IBM-BMT plus i.v. injection of allogeneic T cells (intravenous DLI [IV-DLI]). GvHD in recipients treated with allogeneic IBM-BMT plus IBM-DLI was far milder than in those treated with allogeneic IBM-BMT plus IV-DLI. This was confirmed macroscopically and histopathologically. The frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) detected as CD4+CD25+ and CD4+Foxp3+ cells was significantly higher in recipients treated with IBM-BMT plus IBM-DLI than in those treated with IBM-BMT plus IV-DLI. Donor-derived helper T (Th) cells polarized to Th2 type in recipients treated with IBM-BMT plus IBM-DLI, whereas Th1 cells were dominant in recipients treated with IBM-BMT plus IV-DLI. Furthermore, the production of transforming growth factor-β and hepatocyte growth factor from bone marrow stromal cells was enhanced after IBM-DLI. Thus, IBM-BMT plus IBM-DLI seem to preferentially induce Tregs and Th2, resulting in the prevention of GvHD.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Expression of Tie-2 and Other Receptors for Endothelial Growth Factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemias Is Associated with Monocytic Features of Leukemic Blasts
Authors: Riccioni Roberta , Diverio Daniela , Mariani Gualtiero , Buffolino Sonia , Riti Viviana , Saulle Ernestina , Petrucci Eleonora , Cedrone Michele , Lo-Coco Francesco , Foà Robin , Peschle Cesare , Testa Ugo
Published: April 2007

We investigated the expression of Tie-2 in primary blasts from 111 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to evaluate a possible linkage between the expression of this receptor and the immunophenotypic and biologic properties of leukemic blasts. Tie-2 was expressed at moderate and high levels in 39 and 23 of 111 AMLs, respectively. The analysis of the immunophenotype clearly showed that Tie-2 expression in AML was associated with monocytic features. Interestingly, Tie-2 expression on AML blasts was associated with concomitant expression of other receptors for endothelial growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGF-R1), -R2, and -R3. Tie-2+ AMLs were characterized by high blast cell counts at diagnosis, a high frequency of Flt3 mutations, and increased Flt3 expression. The survival of Tie-2+ AMLs is sustained through an autocrine pattern involving Angiopoietin-1 and Tie-2, as suggested by experiments showing induction of apoptosis in Tie-2+ AMLs by agents preventing the binding of angiopoietins to Tie-2. Finally, the in vitro growth of Tie-2+ AMLs in endothelial culture medium supplemented with VEGF and angiopoietins resulted in their partial endothelial differentiation. These observations suggest that Tie-2+ AMLs pertain to a mixed monocytic/endothelial lineage, derived from the malignant transformation of the normal counterpart represented by monocytic cells expressing endothelial markers. The autocrine angiopoietin/Tie-2 axis may represent a promising therapeutic target to improve the outcome of patients with monocytic AML.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Building as Refined Object: The Architecture of Antonio Citterio
Authors: Brandolini Sebastiano
Published: April 2007

Sebastiano Brandolini describes the work of Antonio Citterio who, despite a low‐key personal presence on the Italian architectural scene and an architecture of quiet restraint, has gained an enviable international reputation for his elegant and ‘impeccably well‐made’ buildings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kaleidoscope
Authors: Melvin Jeremy
Published: April 2007

Kaleidoscope ‐ Lewisham Children and Young People's Centre brings together 23 health, social and educational services under a single roof in southeast London. Jeremy Melvin describes how van Heyningen and Haward Architects, after winning a high‐profile CABE competition, rose to the bureaucratic and architectural challenges of the project. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Lasing Properties of Highly Ordered CdS Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Cao B. L. , Jiang Y. , Wang C. , Wang W. H. , Wang L. Z. , Niu M. , Zhang W. J. , Li Y. Q. , Lee S. T.
Published: April 2007

Highly ordered large‐area arrays of wurtzite CdS nanowires are synthesized on Cd‐foil substrates via a simple liquid reaction route using thiosemicarbazide and Cd foil as the starting materials. The CdS nanowires are single crystals growing along the [001] direction and are perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The characteristic Raman peaks of CdS are red‐shifted and show asymmetric broadening, which is ascribed to phonon confinement effects arising from the nanoscale dimensions of the nanowires. Significantly, the uniform CdS nanowire arrays can act as laser cavities in the visible‐light range, leading to bandgap lasing at ca. 515 nm with obvious modes. The high density of nuclei and the preferential growth direction induce the formation of aligned CdS nanowires on the metal substrate.
Intraparticle diffusion of 1‐phenyl‐1, 2‐ethanediol in layered double hydroxides
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Wei Min , Li Feng , Duan Xue
Published: April 2007

The enantioselective adsorption of racemic 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐ethanediol (PED) by carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐intercalated Zn–Al‐ layered double hydroxides (CMCD‐LDHs) has been studied. The adsorption isotherms of enantioselective as well as nonenantioselective adsorption of PED by CMCD‐LDHs have been investigated, and it was found that the Langmuir–Frendlich and Frendlich model can be respectively used to describe the two different adsorptions satisfactorily. Furthermore, the intraparticle diffusion model is successfully validated in this work. Intraparticle effective diffusivities (Deff) of PED in CMCD‐LDHs macroparticle were determined from the homogeneous Fickian diffusion model, increasing with the increase of PED bulk phase concentration (C0), which indicates the existence of parallel diffusion (crystallites diffusion and pore diffusion). The crystallites diffusivity (Dc) and pore diffusivity (Dp) for the parallel diffusion model were determined from the intercept and slope of the plot of Deff(1+1/α) vs. 1/α, respectively. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Neurophysiological evidence of methylmercury neurotoxicity
Authors: Murata Katsuyuki , Grandjean Philippe , Dakeishi Miwako
Published: April 2007

Background

A variety of neurophysiological measures are useful in hospital settings for diagnostic and other clinical purposes. Previously, abnormal changes in various sensory evoked potentials (EPs), and heart rate variability (HRV) were observed in patients with acquired and fetal Minamata disease (MD; methylmercury poisoning). In recent years, some of these methods have been used for the risk assessment of low‐level methylmercury exposure in asymptomatic children. The objectives of this article were to present an overview of neurophysiological findings involved in methylmercury neurotoxicity and to examine the usefulness of those measures.

Methods

The reports addressing both neurophysiological measures and methylmercury exposure in humans were identified and evaluated.

Results

The neurological signs and symptoms of MD included paresthesias, constriction of visual fields, impairment of hearing and speech, mental disturbances, excessive sweating, and hypersalivation. Neuropathological lesions involved visual, auditory, and post‐ and pre‐central cortex areas. Neurophysiological changes involved in methylmercury, as assessed by EPs and HRV, were found to be in accordance with both clinical and neuropathological observations in patients with MD.

Conclusions

EPs and HRV appear to be useful and objective methods for assessing methylmercury neurotoxicity. However, subtle changes due to low‐level methylmercury exposure may not necessarily be of clinical relevance, and interpretation of small deviations from expectations must be cautious. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:765–771, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational implications of the chlorofluorocarbon ban in Sweden
Authors: Olander Lars , Colmsjö Anders , Holmberg Bo , Krantz Staffan , Landström Ulf
Published: April 2007

Limitations on the use of full halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) may create occupational environmental problems. These are currently largely unknown, because the toxicology of most CFC substitutes is unknown. Therefore, toxicity testing of CFC substitutes is necessary, and this can best be done before their use commences. Destruction of CFC and materials containing CFC could generate new chemical compounds, especially during incineration. In addition, problems with higher noise and vibration levels may occur when CFC substitutes are employed, and we should keep in mind that occupational environment problems could also develop when new routines are introduced for transporting, storing, and handling new materials.