bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystalline and dielectric properties of sputter deposited PbTiO3 thin films
Authors: Dahl Ø. , Grepstad J. K. , Tybell T.
Published: June 2008

The crystalline and dielectric properties of sputter deposited PbTiO3 thin films were investigated as a function of the film thickness and growth temperature. The crystalline quality was found to be independent of the film thickness from 2.4to200nm. The capacitance of 0.12mm2 Pt∕PbTiO3∕SrRuO3 and Pt∕PbTiO3∕Nb:SrTiO3 capacitors was found to deviate from the ideal parallel plate capacitance for PbTiO3 films thinner than 10nm. The decrease in capacitance was consistent with field penetration into the electrodes. The surface Pb content, as determined from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, was found to decrease with increasing growth temperature from 700to760°C. However, no change could be observed in the crystalline quality.
Collective magnetization flux closure state with circular array of single-domained nanomagnets: Magnetization reversal and chirality control
Authors: Kong Desheng , Chen Chinping , He Lin
Published: June 2008

A practical approach is theoretically proposed for the formation and manipulation of the chirality of a magnetization flux closure (MFC) state. It is realizable over a circular array consisting of a few single-domained (SD) nanomagnets. The entire array size is smaller than 100nm. The investigation is performed by numerical calculations based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation. Parameters concerning the formation and stability of the MFC state are obtained for the circular arrays of five and six nanomagnets. The effect of the applied field orientation on the manipulation of the chirality is investigated. In addition, the critical distance LC is determined, beyond which the effect of magnetic coupling between adjacent arrays becomes negligible. The corresponding maximum density of arrays without the magnetic coupling effect is thus estimated. Our work makes the application of the collective MFC state in the ultrahigh density magnetic storage possible, exceeding 200Gbits∕in2.
Three-dimensional numerical simulations of lamellar structure via two-step surface-directed phase separation in polymer blend films
Authors: Yan Li-Tang , Li Jialin , Xie Xu-Ming
Published: June 2008

Lamellar structure via two-step surface-directed phase separation in polymer blend films is numerically investigated in three-dimensional (3D) space, which is more physically appropriate for the experimental situation than that in two-dimensional (2D) space [L.-T. Yan and X. M. Xie, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 034901 (2008)]. The 3D phase morphology and its evolution dynamics in both critical and off-critical conditions have been studied. The wetting layer formation mechanism during the second quench has been concerned. The effects of noise on the ordered phase structures have also been examined. The simulated results in 3D space give a more certain evidence that the lamellar structure can be induced by the surface or interface when the system is in the equilibration state with very shallow quench depth first and then imposed on a further quench depth in the unstable region of the phase diagram. It is found that the lamellar structure can also be induced in the polymer blends with off-critical condition. The simulated results demonstrate that the formation of the lamellar structure can present two basic processes and obey logarithmic growth law at the initial and metaphase stages. The results also show that a stronger thermal noise corresponds to a smaller region with the lamellar structure.
Domain wall and periodic solutions of a coupled ϕ6 model
Authors: Khare Avinash , Saxena Avadh
Published: June 2008

Coupled triple well (ϕ6) one-dimensional potentials occur in both condensed matter physics and field theory. Here we provide a set of exact periodic solutions in terms of elliptic functions (domain wall arrays) and obtain single domain wall solutions in specific limits. Topological, nontopological (e.g., some pulselike solutions), as well as mixed domain walls are obtained. We relate these solutions to structural phase transitions in materials with polarization, shuffle modes, and strain. We calculate the energy and the asymptotic interaction between solitons for various solutions.
Magnetic field dependence of the effective permittivity in BaTiO3∕Ni nanocomposites observed via microwave spectroscopy
Authors: Castel V. , Brosseau C.
Published: June 2008

We demonstrate large increases of the real and imaginary parts of the microwave effective complex permittivity of a series of (piezoelectric)BaTiO3∕(magnetostrictive) Ni nanocomposites under the action of a magnetic field, by about 10% at 2kOe and 300% at 5kOe, respectively. We suggest that the magnetic field dependence of the effective permittivity is consistent with a magnetoelectric effect which can be qualitatively understood within a model in which the piezoelectric phase is mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive phase.
Tensile properties of carbon nanotubes grown on ultrahigh strength polyacrylonitrile-based and ultrahigh modulus pitch-based carbon fibers
Authors: Naito Kimiyoshi , Yang Jenn-Ming , Tanaka Yoshihisa , Kagawa Yutaka
Published: June 2008

The tensile properties and fracture behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on ultrahigh tensile strength polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based (T1000GB) and ultrahigh modulus pitch-based (K13D) carbon fibers have been investigated. The CNTs were grown on the carbon fiber surface using chemical vapor deposition. The statistical scattering of the tensile strength was also evaluated. The results clearly show that grafting of CNTs improves the mechanical properties and the Weibull modulus of ultrahigh tensile strength PAN-based and ultrahigh modulus pitch-based carbon fibers.
Current-voltage characteristics of phase separated La0.5Ca0.5MnO3∕Nb–SrTiO3 p-n junction and magnetic tunability
Authors: Xie B. T. , Zhao Y. G. , Xiong C. M. , Park S. , Wu Weida
Published: June 2008

The authors report the current-voltage characteristics of La0.5Ca0.5MnO3∕Nb-SrTiO3 p-n junction. This junction shows remarkable thermal hysteresis, giant negative magnetoresistance (MR), remarkable differences of MR for the zero field cooling and field cooling processes, and memory effect of magnetic field. Magnetic force microscopy studies provide direct evidence of magnetic inhomogeneity in La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 film. These intriguing behaviors of our p-n junction can be explained by the phase separation in La0.5Ca0.5MnO3. This work demonstrates the principle of harnessing phase separation for highly tunable device applications.
Standoff photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Van Neste C. W. , Senesac L. R. , Thundat T.
Published: June 2008

Here, we demonstrate a variation of photoacoustic spectroscopy that can be used for obtaining spectroscopic information of surface adsorbed chemicals in a standoff fashion. Pulsed light scattered from a target excites an acoustic resonator and the variation of the resonance amplitude as a function of illumination wavelength yields a representation of the absorption spectrum of the target. We report sensitive and selective detection of surface adsorbed compounds such as tributyl phosphate and residues of explosives such as trinitrotoluene at standoff distances ranging from 0.5–20m, with a detection limit on the order of 100ng∕cm2.
Photoluminescence in heavily doped ZnO:N:In films
Authors: Ye Z. Z. , Chen L. L. , Zhao B. H. , He H. P.
Published: June 2008

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence is used to investigate ZnO films codoped with In and N at different doping levels. Conversion from exciton recombination to band-to-band transition with increasing both doping level and temperature is observed. We suggest that ionization of the N acceptors and dissociation of excitons by impurity-induced local field are responsible for such conversion. For the film with N concentration of 4×1020cm−3, the excitonic emission intensity shows anomalous temperature dependence due to localized carriers. The localization energy and the N acceptor level is determined to be about 5 and 164meV, respectively.
Dual roles of the nuclear cap-binding complex and SERRATE in pre-mRNA splicing and microRNA processing in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Laubinger Sascha , Sachsenberg Timo , Zeller Georg , Busch Wolfgang , Lohmann Jan U. , Rätsch Gunnar , Weigel Detlef
Published: June 2008

The processing of
Arabidopsis thaliana
microRNAs (miRNAs) from longer primary transcripts (pri-miRNAs) requires the activity of several proteins, including DICER-LIKE1 (DCL1), the double-stranded RNA-binding protein HYPONASTIC LEAVES1 (HYL1), and the zinc finger protein SERRATE (SE). It has been noted before that the morphological appearance of weak
se
mutants is reminiscent of plants with mutations in ABH1/CBP80 and CBP20, which encode the two subunits of the nuclear cap-binding complex. We report that, like SE, the cap-binding complex is necessary for proper processing of pri-miRNAs. Inactivation of either
ABH1
/
CBP80
or
CBP20
results in decreased levels of mature miRNAs accompanied by apparent stabilization of pri-miRNAs. Whole-genome tiling array analyses reveal that
se
,
abh1
/
cbp80
, and
cbp20
mutants also share similar splicing defects, leading to the accumulation of many partially spliced transcripts. This is unlikely to be an indirect consequence of improper miRNA processing or other mRNA turnover pathways, because introns retained in
se
,
abh1
/
cbp80
, and
cbp20
mutants are not affected by mutations in other genes required for miRNA processing or for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Taken together, our results uncover dual roles in splicing and miRNA processing that distinguish SE and the cap-binding complex from specialized miRNA processing factors such as DCL1 and HYL1.
How Bohm's Theory Solves the Measurement Problem
Authors: Lewis Peter J.
Published: June 2008

I examine recent arguments based on functionalism that claim to show that Bohm's theory fails to solve the measurement problem, or if it does so, it is only because it reduces to a form of the many-worlds theory. While these arguments reveal some interesting features of Bohm's theory, I contend that they do not undermine the distinctive Bohmian solution to the measurement problem.
Initiating Coordination
Authors: Weirich Paul
Published: June 2008

How do rational agents coordinate in a single-stage, noncooperative game? Common knowledge of the payoff matrix and of each player's utility maximization among his strategies does not suffice. This paper argues that utility maximization among intentions and then acts generates coordination yielding a payoff-dominant Nash equilibrium.
Prevention of Nosocomial Infection and Standard Precautions: Knowledge and Source of Information Among Healthcare Students
Authors: Tavolacci Marie-Pierre , Ladner Joël , Bailly Laurent , Merle Véronique , Pitrou Isabelle , Czernichow Pierre
Published: June 2008

Objective.

To evaluate the knowledge of healthcare students after four curricula on infection control and to identify sources of information.

Design.

Cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Four healthcare schools at Rouen University (Rouen, France).

Participants.

Medical students, nursing students, assistant radiologist students, and physiotherapist students taking public health courses.

Methods.

To measure students' knowledge of infection control and their sources of information, 6 multiple-choice questions were asked about 3 specific areas: standard precautions, hand hygiene, and nosocomial infection. Each questionnaire section had 10 possible points, for an overall perfect score of 30. The sources of information for these 3 areas were also recorded: self-learning, practice training in wards, formal training in wards, and teaching during the curriculum. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with acceptable level of knowledge.

Results.

Three hundred fifty students (107 medical students, 78 nursing students, 71 physiotherapist students, and 94 assistant radiologist students) were included in the study. The mean overall score (±SD) was 21.5 ± 2.84. Nursing students had a better mean overall score (23.2 ± 2.35) than did physiotherapist students (21.9 ± 2.36), medical students (21.1 ± 2.35), and assistant radiologist students (20.5 ± 3.04; P < .001). The mean scores (±SD) for the component sections of the questionnaire were 8.5 ±1.4 for standard precautions, 7.4 ± 1.26 for hand hygiene, and 5.7 ± 1.55 for nosocomial infections (P < .001). The main source of information was material taught during the curriculum. Results of multivariate analysis indicate that the probability of attaining acceptable knowledge in each area was smaller for medical students and assistant radiologist students than for nursing students.

Conclusion.

The overall score for infection control indicated that instruction was effective; however, knowledge levels were different by area (the best scores were results of tests of standard precautions) and curriculum (nursing students achieved the best overall score). Ward training for daily infection control practice (ie, bedside instructions training and course work) could be improved for healthcare students.
Impact of Public Health Emergencies on Modern Disaster Taxonomy, Planning, and Response
Authors: Burkle Frederick M. , Greenough P. Gregg
Published: June 2008

Current disaster taxonomy describes diversity, distinguishing characteristics, and common relations in disaster event classifications. The impact of compromised public health infrastructure and systems on health consequences defines and greatly influences the manner in which disasters are observed, planned for, and managed, especially those that are geographically widespread, population dense, and prolonged. What may first result in direct injuries and death may rapidly change to excess indirect illness and subsequent death as essential public health resources are destroyed, deteriorate, or are systematically denied to vulnerable populations. Public health and public health infrastructure and systems in developed and developing countries must be seen as strategic and security issues that deserve international public health resource monitoring attention from disaster managers, urban planners, the global humanitarian community, World Health Organization authorities, and participating parties to war and conflict. We posit here that disaster frameworks be reformed to emphasize and clarify the relation of public health emergencies and modern disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2008;2:192–199)
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma after transformation from low‐grade follicular lymphoma: morphological, immunohistochemical, and FISH analyses
Authors: Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Omatsu Mutsuko , Nomoto Junko , Maruyama Dai , Kim Sung‐Won , Watanabe Takashi , Kobayashi Yukio , Tobinai Kensei , Matsuno Yoshihiro
Published: June 2008

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common subtypes of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and frequently transforms to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To clarify some aspects of the natural history of FL, we retrospectively examined 43 consecutive patients who had DLBCL with pre‐ or coexisting FL grade 1 or 2. The patients comprised 22 men and 21 women with a median age of 53 years. Most of the patients (34/43) showed advanced‐stage (III or IV) disease initially. We examined both FL and DLBCL components morphologically, immunohistochemically, and by interface fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH: IGH/BCL2 fusion, BCL6 translocation) analysis. Most of the DLBCLs were classified as the centroblastic subtype, with two exceptions of the anaplastic subtype. Immunohistochemical analysis of both the FL and DLBCL components revealed the following respective positivity rates: CD20 100%/100%, CD10 86%/66%, Bcl‐2 96%/91%, Bcl‐6 84%/88%, MUM1 16%/34%, CD30 0%/20%, CD138 0%/0%, and CD5 0%/3%. Loss of CD10 (6/36, 17%) and gain of MUM1 (7/28, 25%) and CD30 (5/21, 24%) through transformation were not infrequent. High positivity rates for Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐6 were maintained throughout transformation. Among the DLBCLs, 84% were classified as the germinal center B‐cell phenotype (GCB) and 16% as non‐GCB in accordance with the criteria of Hans et al. IGH/BCL2 fusion was detected by FISH in 89% of FLs and 82% of DLBCLs. BCL6 translocation was detected in 1/6 (17%) DLBCLs without IGH/BCL2 fusion. Thus, although the morphological features and FISH results for DLBCL were consistent with transformed FL, the immunophenotype showed wide heterogeneity. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1760–1768)
Methylation status of Wnt signaling pathway genes affects the clinical outcome of Philadelphia‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Martin Vanesa , Agirre Xabier , Jiménez‐Velasco Antonio , José‐Eneriz Edurne San , Cordeu Lucia , Gárate Leire , Vilas‐Zornoza Amaia , Castillejo Juan A. , Heiniger Anabel , Prósper Felipe , Torres Antonio , Roman‐Gomez Jose
Published: June 2008

The clinical significance of aberrant promoter methylation of the canonical Wnt pathway antagonist genes (sFRP1, sFRP2, sFRP4, sFRP5, Wif1, Dkk3, and Hdpr1) and also putative tumor‐suppressor gene Wnt5a, belonging to the non‐canonical Wnt signaling pathway, was investigated in a large series of 75 patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. At least one methylated gene was observed in cells from 66% (49/75) of patients (methylated group). Disease‐free survival and overall survival at 9 years were 51 and 40%, respectively, for the unmethylated group and 3 and 2%, respectively, for the methylated group (both P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the Wnt methylation profile was an independent prognostic factor predicting disease‐free survival (P = 0.007) and overall survival (P = 0.039). Abnormal DNA methylation of promoter‐associated CpG islands in the Wnt signaling pathway is very common in Philadelphia chromosome‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia and potentially defines subgroups with distinct clinical characteristics. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1865–1868)
Cellular immune responses in hepatitis B virus e antigen negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Vassilopoulos D. , Rapti I. , Nikolaou M. , Hadziyannis E. , Hadziyannis S. J.
Published: June 2008

Summary.  The immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus (HBV) infection has not been adequately investigated. We studied the cellular immune responses of peripheral lymphocytes using proliferating assays, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and ELISPOT interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) assays after non‐specific and specific stimulation with whole HBV proteins and synthetic peptides. Thirty patients with HBeAg negative CHB, eleven HBsAg inactive carriers, nine patients with acute hepatitis B and 22 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients with HBeAg negative CHB demonstrated an increased number of peripheral CD8+ T cells while their peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed increased proliferation after in vitro stimulation with overlapping hepatitis B core derived peptides and an envelope derived epitope (HBs 182–191 aa), similar to those observed in acute hepatitis B. Using ICS, we found an expanded population of IFN‐γ producing T lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+, after non‐specific stimulation, in HBeAg negative CHB compared to all other groups. HBeAg negative CHB and acute hepatitis B patients had a similarly increased number of core specific T cells measured by the IFN‐γ assays. Inactive HBsAg carriers showed minimal proliferative responses overall while they exhibited an increased number of envelope specific effector T cells (measured by ICS). In conclusion, we showed that overall CD4+ T cell responses from patients with HBeAg negative CHB were comparable to those of acute hepatitis B, while inactive HBsAg carriers despite their limited proliferative capacity the effector activity of their peripheral T cells was maintained.
Periplasmic chaperone FkpA is essential for imported colicin M toxicity
Authors: Hullmann Julia , Patzer Silke I. , Römer Christin , Hantke Klaus , Braun Volkmar
Published: June 2008

Chaperones facilitate correct folding of newly synthesized proteins. We show here that the periplasmic FkpA chaperone is required for killing Escherichia coli by colicin M entering cells from the outside. Highly active colicin M preparations were inactive against fkpA mutant cells; 104‐fold dilutions killed fkpA+ cells. Three previously isolated spontaneous mutants tolerant to colicin M carried a stop codon or an IS1 insertion in the peptidyl‐prolyl‐cis‐trans‐isomerase (PPIase) domain (C‐domain) of FkpA, which resulted in deletion of the domain. A randomly generated mutant carried a G148D mutation in the C‐domain. A temperature‐sensitive mutant tolerant to colicin M carried a Y25N mutation in the FkpA N‐domain. Mutants transformed with wild‐type fkpA were colicin M‐sensitive. Isolated FkpA‐His reduced colicin M‐His cleavage by proteinase K and renatured denatured colicin M‐His in vitro; renaturation was prevented by the PPIase inhibitor FK506. In both assays, periplasmic SurA‐His had no effect. No other tested periplasmic chaperone could activate colicin M. Among the tested colicins, only colicin M required FkpA for activity. Colicin M bound to cells via FhuA was inactivated by trypsin; unbound colicin M retained activity. We propose that colicin M unfolds during import across the outer membrane, FkpA specifically assists in folding colicin M into an active toxin in the periplasm and PPIase is essential for colicin M activity. Colicin M is a suitable tool for the isolation of FkpA mutants used to elucidate the functions of the FkpA N‐ and C‐domains.
In vitro screening for resistance to apple proliferation in Malus species
Authors: Bisognin C. , Ciccotti A. , Salvadori A. , Moser M. , Grando M. S. , Jarausch W.
Published: June 2008

A screening system for apple proliferation resistance was developed, based on in vitro graft‐inoculation with the causal agent ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’. For this, in vitro cultures of the field‐resistant apomictic genotypes Malus sieboldii, H0909, D2212 and the susceptible Malus × domestica genotypes Golden Delicious and rootstock M9 were established, as well as in vitro cultures of Rubinette and Golden Delicious infected with ‘Ca. P. mali’ strains PM4 and PM6, respectively. Healthy in vitro shoots were inoculated by micrografting with infected shoots used as graft tip. After 6 weeks graft contact no significant differences for graft quality were observed between healthy and infected grafts. Mortality of grafts and transmission rates were not significantly different among the different genotypes. The phytoplasma concentration in inoculated shoots was determined at different times post‐inoculation (p.i.) by quantitative real‐time PCR. Infected M. sieboldii and D2212 had lower phytoplasma concentration than the susceptible controls and showed no symptoms. H0909 showed an intermediate behaviour exhibiting lower phytoplasma concentrations with strain PM4 but growth was affected. The dynamics of phytoplasma concentration reached a maximum at 6–8 months p.i. for all genotypes but the values for 3–5 and 10–12 months p.i. were similar. The resistance of M. sieboldii and D2212 was confirmed in vitro. A significant difference in phytoplasma concentration was observed between strains PM4 and PM6.
Efficacy and safety of entecavir in lamivudine‐refractory patients with chronic hepatitis B: Randomized controlled trial in Japanese patients
Authors: Suzuki Fumitaka , Toyoda Joji , Katano Yoshiaki , Sata Michio , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Imazeki Fumio , Kage Masayoshi , Seriu Taku , Omata Masao , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: June 2008

Background and Aim:  Entecavir is a potent inhibitor of both wild‐type and lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) with proven clinical efficacy. We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study in Japan (ETV‐052) evaluating the efficacy and safety of two doses of entecavir in adult patients with lamivudine‐refractory chronic hepatitis B infection.

Methods:  Eighty‐four patients with chronic hepatitis B who were refractory to lamivudine therapy were switched from lamivudine to daily oral doses of 0.5 mg entecavir (41 patients) or 1 mg entecavir (43 patients) for 52 weeks.

Results:  The proportions of patients achieving the primary end‐point (≥2 log10 reduction in HBV‐DNA from baseline by polymerase chain reaction assay or undetectable HBV‐DNA levels [<400 copies/mL] at week 48) were 90% and 93% for entecavir 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively, with 33% of patients in each dosing group achieving <400 copies/mL. The mean reduction in HBV‐DNA from baseline was 3.58 and 3.75 log10 copies/mL for entecavir 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively. High proportions of patients achieved alanine aminotransferase normalization at week 48 (0.5 mg 86%, 1 mg 78%). Histological improvement was observed in most patients (0.5 mg 52%, 1 mg 60%). Virological breakthrough (increase in HBV‐DNA of ≥1 log10 copies/mL from nadir) was observed in one patient but was not associated with selection of entecavir‐associated resistance substitutions. Entecavir was well tolerated, with no patients discontinuing study drug due to adverse events.

Conclusions:  These findings indicate that entecavir is safe and effective for the treatment of Japanese adults with lamivudine‐refractory chronic hepatitis B.
Uncoupling of sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in cirrhosis
Authors: Wiest Reiner , Moleda Lukas , Zietz Bettina , Hellerbrand Claus , Schölmerich Jürgen , Straub Rainer
Published: June 2008

Background and Aim: The hypothalamic‐autonomic nervous system (HANS) axis and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis are stimulated in parallel in response to stress factors under healthy conditions. This physiological synergism of the axes aims at optimizing anti‐inflammatory actions. Therefore, we investigated whether this synergism is altered in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods: As a typical marker of the HANS axis neuropeptide Y (NPY is a neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nerve terminal) and of the HPA axis, cortisol together with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol‐binding globulin (CBG), were measured in samples from control subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis.

Results: Plasma NPY was found to be increased in cirrhotic patients compared to control subjects (P < 0.01). This increase was observed to be independent of the severity of liver disease (Child class). Serum cortisol was decreased in cirrhotics, particularly in patients with Child A cirrhosis. Plasma NPY was positively correlated with serum cortisol in control subjects (r = 0.32,P < 0.05) reflecting the parallel activation of both axes under the normal condition. However, serum cortisol was not correlated with plasma NPY in cirrhotic patients. For the subgroup of Child A patients, even a negative correlation between NPY and cortisol was observed (r = −0.43,P < 0.05). No significant change in serum levels of ACTH and its positive correlation with serum cortisol was observed in cirrhotic patients.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the two stress axes seem to act in parallel fashion in control subjects but are uncoupled in liver cirrhosis. We discuss how uncoupling of the two anti‐inflammatory axes can occur and may contribute to the increased susceptibility for infections and lethal complications in cirrhotic patients.
Size variance of motor evoked potential at initiation of voluntary contraction in palsy of conversion disorder
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Shimojima Yoshio , Nishikawa Noriko , Hagiwara Naoki , Amano Naoji , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: June 2008

Aim:  To investigate the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with a cue signal for the objective diagnosis of palsy of conversion disorder (CD).

Methods:  Ten patients with palsy of CD, nine with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and eight control subjects were examined. Motor evoked potential (MEP) was recorded from the abductor digiti minimi muscle under three conditions: at rest, during tonic contraction, and with an audio cue signal. In the cue signal paradigm, subjects were asked to perform ramp‐and‐hold contraction in response to a cue signal.

Results:  MEP size increased in the cue signal paradigm in both controls and patients with ALS, but was not obvious in some CD patients. This was likely due to variance among trials in the cue signal paradigm in each CD patient. The coefficients of variance (CV) among trials in the cue signal paradigm were 15 ± 4.3 in controls, 25 ± 11 in ALS, and 70 ± 40 in CD.

Conclusions:  CV of MEP size with cue signal was larger in CD than in controls (P < 0.005) and in ALS patients (P < 0.01). The size variance among MEP trials with the cue signal is a supportive parameter for the diagnosis of CD.
The relationship between patient characteristics and psychiatric day care outcomes in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Miyaji Shingo , Yamamoto Kenji , Morita Nana , Tsubouchi Yumi , Hoshino Syunya , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Sakai Yoshiro , Tanaka Katsutoshi , Miyaoka Hitoshi
Published: June 2008

Aim:  A retrospective study was conducted to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and psychiatric day care outcomes in 430 Japanese schizophrenic patients.

Methods:  The patients were divided into psychiatric day care completers and non‐completers. Patients who could not be included in these groups were categorized as unclassifiable. The completers were subdivided into four outcome groups: (i) patients who obtained a part‐time job, (ii) patients who began working at community workshops for mentally disabled persons, (iii) patients who obtained a full‐time job or returned to their former positions, and (iv) patients who entered or returned to school. The non‐completers were subdivided into two outcome groups: (i) patients who discontinued psychiatric day care because of worsened schizophrenia, and (ii) patients who were rehospitalized because of worsened schizophrenia. Age, sex, age of onset of schizophrenia, number and duration of previous psychiatric hospitalizations, number of persons living with the patient, educational background, previous employment type, marital status, chlorpromazine‐equivalent doses of antipsychotic drugs used, and psychiatric day care outcomes were compared among the outcome groups with logistic regression analysis using the outcomes as target variables.

Results:  A later onset of schizophrenia and fewer previous psychiatric hospitalizations were significantly related with better outcomes. A higher educational background was related with the outcomes without statistical significance.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that the assessment of the relationship between patient characteristics and psychiatric day care outcomes is essential to enhance therapeutic effectiveness of psychiatric day care by beginning appropriate communication, support, and programs for individual patients at the initiation of the care.
Predictors of antidepressant response to fluvoxamine obtained using the three‐factor structures of the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale for major depressive disorders in Japanese patients
Authors: Higuchi Hisashi , Sato Kazuhiro , Yoshida Keizo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Kamata Mitsuhiro , Otani Koichi , Yamaguchi Noboru
Published: June 2008

Aims:  Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is widely used to treat major depression. However, the symptomatological predictors of the response to fluvoxamine have not been studied.

Methods:  This study included 100 Japanese patients who fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐IV criteria for the diagnosis of major depressive disorders and whose score on the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was 21 or higher. Eighty‐one patients were included. Patients with a pretreatment MADRS score of ≥31 were defined as ‘severe’ (n = 32) and the rest were defined as ‘non‐severe’ (n = 49). The three‐factor model of MADRS was used for analysis: the first factor was defined by three items, the second factor was defined by four items, and the third factor was defined by three items representing dysphoria, retardation, and vegetative symptoms, respectively. Fluvoxamine (100–200 mg/day) was administered twice daily for 6 weeks.

Results:  In the non‐severe patients, the mean factor 3 score of the non‐responders at pretreatment was significantly higher than that of the responders. However, a significant difference was observed in the mean factor 3 scores from 1 week onwards between the non‐severe responders and non‐responders. Furthermore, the fluvoxamine response rate in the severe patients was 75% and higher than that of the non‐severe patients (65.3%).

Conclusions:  This study suggested that a low factor 3 score at pretreatment was a good predictor of the response to fluvoxamine in non‐severe patients. The marked efficacy of fluvoxamine in the treatment of severe patients was also confirmed.
The value of interleukin‐12B (p40) gene promoter polymorphism in patients with schizophrenia in a region of East Turkey
Authors: Ozbey Ulku , Tug Esra , Kara Murat , Namli Mustafa
Published: June 2008

Aims:  It has been hypothesized that the activation of the immune system may be involved in the neuropathological changes occurring in the central nervous system of schizophrenic patients. Cytokines play a key role in the activation of the immune system. Moreover, they strongly influence the dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. To the best of our knowledge, in schizophrenic patients, plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐12 were investigated only in one study, where deregulation of IL‐12 was determined. However, genotypical variations of the IL‐12B (p40) gene have not been investigated for schizophrenic patients yet. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to examine polymorphic variants of IL‐12B (p40) gene promoter region in patients with schizophrenia in a population of the Elazig Region of East Anatolia, Turkey.

Methods:  One hundred Turkish patients diagnosed with schizophrenia based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV), and 116 healthy control subjects participated in the present study. The genotype characteristics were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism method using DNA extracted from peripheral blood.

Results:  Significant differences in both the genotype and allele frequencies were found between schizophrenia patients and control groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  These findings may support the hypothesis that activation of the inflammatory response system and in particular, of Th‐1 cells, is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We think that this study is the first trial associated with IL‐12 cytokine at the molecular genetic level on immune mechanisms for neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, and this perspective and the role of the cytokines in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia may constitute a reasonable target for the present and future treatment strategies and prognosis.
Cognitive‐behavior therapy for Japanese patients with panic disorder: Acute phase and one‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Nakano Yumi , Lee Kiyoe , Noda Yumiko , Ogawa Sei , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Funayama Tadashi , Watanabe Norio , Chen Junwen , Noguchi Yuka , Furukawa Toshiaki A.
Published: June 2008

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to report the outcomes and follow‐up data of our cognitive behavioral therapy program for Japanese patients with panic disorder and to examine the baseline predictors of their outcomes.

Methods:  Seventy outpatients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia were treated with manualized group cognitive behavioral therapy.

Results:  Fourteen patients (20%) did not complete the program. Among the completers, the average Panic Disorder Severity Scale score fell from 12.8 at baseline to 7.1 post‐therapy (44.7% reduction). This effectiveness was sustained for 1 year. While controlling for the baseline severity, the duration of illness and the baseline social dysfunction emerged as significant predictors of the outcome.

Conclusions:  Our data suggest that group cognitive behavioral therapy for panic disorder can bring about as much symptom reduction among Japanese patients with panic disorder as among Western patients.
Adenocarcinoma arising from respiratory ciliated epithelium in benign cystic teratoma of the ovary: A case report with analyzes of the CT, MRI, and pathological findings
Authors: Yahata Tetsuro , Kawasaki Takashi , Serikawa Takehiro , Suzuki Mina , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: June 2008

The malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma is rare, thus occurring in only 1–2% of all cases. The most common malignancy arising in mature cystic teratoma is squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma occurs with less frequency. We herein present a patient with an ovarian mature cystic teratoma who demonstrated a malignant transformation to well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma. Malignant transformation was diagnosed preoperatively by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Microscopically and immunohistochemically, the adenocarcinoma was considered to have arisen from the ciliated respiratory epithelium. After a 28‐month of follow‐up period, she remains free of the disease. This is the third reported case of adenocarcinoma arising in the respiratory epithelium of an ovarian mature cystic teratoma. Contrast enhanced CT and MRI are useful for making a preoperative diagnosis and an immunohistochemical study is helpful for defining its origin.
Establishing a reference value for the frequency of fetal movements using modified ‘count to 10’ method
Authors: Kuwata Tomoyuki , Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkusa Takashi , Ohkuchi Akihide , Izumi Akio , Watanabe Takashi , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: June 2008

Aims:  To establish a reference value for the frequency of fetal movements perceived by the mother during the second half of pregnancy.

Methods:  The study subjects consisted of 705 low risk Japanese pregnant women who continuously received antenatal care. We asked women to record the time required to perceive 10 fetal movements (‘count to 10’ time) everyday. We asked women to record it, not at a fixed time (i.e. evening time), but whenever they felt the fetus move the most actively. The position during counting (i.e. sitting position) was also not specified, and thus we named this method as modified ‘count to 10’ method. Satisfactory recordings were obtained from 690 women, which we used for analysis.

Results:  The ‘count to 10’ time was almost the same from 22 weeks (10.9; 7.3–18.0 (median; interquartile range)) until 32 weeks (10.0; 6.2–15.6), and it Thirty‐two weeks showed the shortest time, which gradually increased toward 40 weeks (14.8; 9.5–24.0). Its 90th percentile was approximately 25 and 35 min at 22–36 weeks and at 37–40 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions:  For the first time we established a reference value for perceived fetal movements throughout the second half of pregnancy. The present modified ‘count to 10’ method requires less time than the previous method. Approximately 98% (690/705) of women gave us satisfactory recordings. This reference value may be of use in identifying mothers with decreased fetal movements.
ACE and MTHFR gene polymorphisms in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Vettriselvi Venkatesan , Vijayalakshmi Krishnaswami , Paul Solomon F. D. , Venkatachalam Perumal
Published: June 2008

Aim:  To assess the association between polymorphisms in angiotensin converting enzyme and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase genes and recurrent pregnancy loss by a case‐control study in South Indian women.

Methods:  DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of 104 women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) and 120 controls. Genotyping of ACE Insertion Deletion and MTHFR C677T polymorphism were carried out by PCR and PCR‐RFLP, respectively.

Results:  No statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of genotypes between cases and controls for ACE and MTHFR polymorphisms. Further, the combination of MTHFR and ACE genotypes failed to reveal an association.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, the present study reveals lack of association of MTHFR C677T and ACE I/D polymorphisms in RPL in South Indian women. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that other polymorphisms of ACE and MTHFR genes could be associated with the disease and might be clinically useful as a marker to assess risk for RPL.
Frequency of network synchronization in the hippocampus marks learning
Authors: Ponomarenko Alexey A. , Li Jay‐Shake , Korotkova Tatiana M. , Huston Joseph P. , Haas Helmut L.
Published: June 2008

The synchronization of neuronal networks may be instrumental in plasticity and learning. Hippocampal high‐frequency oscillations (140–200 Hz, ‘ripples’) characteristic of consummatory behaviours are thought to promote memory formation. We recorded ripple oscillations from the CA1 area in temporal learning tasks. Rats learned to adjust their operant response to the timing of food reward delivery [fixed interval schedule (FI)]. The intrinsic frequency of ripples was elevated following the switch in reinforcement timing. Learning, as assessed from the response pattern, correlated with fluctuations of intraripple frequency and amplitude. Changes in motor activity did not account for the variability of ripple oscillations. At the same time, features of ripples were unaltered when the fixed interval of reward delivery was changed but did not depend on the lever press response. Thus, in addition to the known replay of neuronal firing patterns during ripple oscillations, the rhythm itself appears to be modulated in an experience‐specific way and represents a direct correlate of learning.
Cocaine decreases the expression of PSA‐NCAM protein and attenuates long‐term potentiation via glucocorticoid receptors in the rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Maćkowiak Marzena , Grzegorzewska Małgorzata , Budziszewska Bogusława , Chocyk Agnieszka , Hess Grzegorz , Wędzony Krzysztof
Published: June 2008

The present study investigated a potential role for glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors in the detrimental effects of single cocaine (COC) administration on both the number of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM)‐positive neurons and the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the rat dentate gyrus (DG). The effects of COC (15 mg/kg i.p.) on the number of PSA‐NCAM‐positive neurons and the induction of LTP observed 2 days after COC administration were abolished either by depleting circulating corticosterone after administration of metyrapone (100 mg/kg s.c. given 3 h before COC) or by pharmacologically blocking GRs using mifepristone (RU 38486, 10 mg/kg s.c. given 1 h before COC). Administration of the MR blocker spironolactone (50 mg/kg s.c. given 1 h before COC) did not alter the effects of COC on the number of PSA‐NCAM‐positive neurons or LTP induction. Results have also shown that COC does not change the rate of cell proliferation, as measured by the presence of Ki‐67 and the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (100 mg/kg i.p. given 2 h after COC) into the newly born cells in the DG 2 days after COC administration. Finally, we observed that GRs colocalized with some, but not all, PSA‐NCAM‐positive neurons, whereas MRs showed no colocalization with neurons positive for PSA‐NCAM in the DG. These data indicate that a single dose of COC may arrest hippocampal susceptibility to plastic changes and lead to functional impairments through the alteration of hippocampal structure and the formation of memory traces.
Regulation of cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex by GABAAand GABABreceptors in paraventricular nucleus in rats
Authors: Zhong Ming‐Kui , Shi Zhen , Zhou Li‐Min , Gao Juan , Liao Zhao‐hui , Wang Wei , Gao Xing‐Ya , Zhu Guo‐Qing
Published: June 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine the role of GABAAand GABABreceptors in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in regulating cardiac sympathetic afferent reflex (CSAR). Under urethane (800 mg/kg) and α‐chloralose (40 mg/kg) anesthesia, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in sinoaortic‐denervated and cervical‐vagotomized rats. CSAR was evaluated based in the response of RSNA to epicardial application of capsaicin (0.3 nmol) or bradykinin (1 nmol). Bilateral PVN microinjection of the GABAAreceptor agonist isoguvacine (10 nmol) attenuated CSAR, while the GABABreceptor agonist baclofen (1 nmol) abolished CSAR. Both isoguvacine and baclofen greatly decreased baseline RSNA and MAP. The GABAAreceptor antagonist gabazine (0.1 nmol) had no significant effect on CSAR, but the GABABreceptor antagonist CGP‐35348 (10 nmol) enhanced CSAR. Gabazine caused greater increases in baseline RSNA and MAP than CGP‐35348. Vigabatrin (10 nmol), a selective GABA‐transaminase inhibitor which increases endogenous GABA level, abolished CSAR, and decreased baseline RSNA, MAP and HR. The effects of vigabatrin were antagonized by combined gabazine (0.1 nmol) and CGP‐35348 (10 nmol). The results indicate that activation of either GABAAor GABABreceptors in the PVN inhibits CSAR, while blockage of GABABreceptors in the PVN enhances CSAR. Endogenous GABA in the PVN could have an important role in regulating CSAR.
Aberrant trafficking of the high‐affinity choline transporter in AP‐3‐deficient mice
Authors: Misawa Hidemi , Fujigaya Hirofumi , Nishimura Takashi , Moriwaki Yasuhiro , Okuda Takashi , Kawashima Koichiro , Nakata Kazuko , Ruggiero Alicia M. , Blakely Randy D. , Nakatsu Fubito , Ohno Hiroshi
Published: June 2008

The high‐affinity choline transporter (CHT) is expressed in cholinergic neurons and efficiently transported to axon terminals where it controls the rate‐limiting step in acetylcholine synthesis. Recent studies have shown that the majority of CHT is unexpectedly localized on synaptic vesicles (SV) rather than the presynaptic plasma membrane, establishing vesicular CHT trafficking as a basis for activity‐dependent CHT regulation. Here, we analyse the intracellular distribution of CHT in the adaptor protein‐3 (AP‐3)‐deficient mouse model mocha. In the mocha mouse, granular structures in cell bodies are intensely labelled with CHT antibody, indicating possible deficits in CHT trafficking from the cell body to the axon terminal. Western blot analyses reveal that CHT on SV in mocha mice is decreased by 30% compared with wild‐type mice. However, no significant difference in synaptosomal choline uptake activity is detected, consistent with the existence of a large reservoir pool for CHT. To further characterize CHT trafficking, we established a PC12D‐CHT cell line. In this line, CHT is found associated with a subpopulation of synaptophysin‐positive synaptic‐like microvesicles (SLMV). The amounts of CHT detected on SLMV are greatly reduced by treating the cell with agents that halt AP‐dependent membrane trafficking. These results demonstrate that APs have important functions for CHT trafficking in neuronal cells.