bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional diversification in the teleost S100 family of calcium-binding proteins
Authors: Kraemer Andreas M , Saraiva Luis R , Korsching Sigrun I
Published: February 2008

Background

Among the EF-Hand calcium-binding proteins the subgroup of S100 proteins constitute a large family with numerous and diverse functions in calcium-mediated signaling. The evolutionary origin of this family is still uncertain and most studies have examined mammalian family members.

Results

We have performed an extensive search in several teleost genomes to establish the s100 gene family in fish. We report that the teleost S100 repertoire comprises fourteen different subfamilies which show remarkable similarity across six divergent teleost species. Individual species feature distinctive subsets of thirteen to fourteen genes that result from local gene duplications and gene losses. Eight of the fourteen S100 subfamilies are unique for teleosts, while six are shared with mammalian species and three of those even with cartilaginous fish. Several S100 family members are found in jawless fish already, but none of them are clear orthologs of cartilaginous or bony fish s100 genes. All teleost s100 genes show the expected structural features and are subject to strong negative selection. Many aspects of the genomic arrangement and location of mammalian s100 genes are retained in the teleost s100 gene family, including a completely conserved intron/exon border between the two EF hands. Zebrafish s100 genes exhibit highly specific and characteristic expression patterns, showing both redundancy and divergence in their cellular expression. In larval tissue expression is often restricted to specific cell types like keratinocytes, hair cells, ionocytes and olfactory receptor neurons as demonstrated by in situ hybridization.

Conclusion

The origin of the S100 family predates at least the segregation of jawed from jawless fish and some extant family members predate the divergence of bony from cartilaginous fish. Despite a complex pattern of gene gains and losses the total repertoire size is remarkably constant between species. On the expression level the teleost S100 proteins can serve as precise markers for several different cell types. At least some of their functions may be related to those of their counterparts in mammals. Accordingly, our findings provide an excellent basis for future studies of the functions and interaction partners of s100 genes and finally their role in diseases, using the zebrafish as a model organism.
Peripheral injection of human umbilical cord blood stimulates neurogenesis in the aged rat brain
Authors: Bachstetter Adam D , Pabon Mibel M , Cole Michael J , Hudson Charles E , Sanberg Paul R , Willing Alison E , Bickford Paula C , Gemma Carmelina
Published: February 2008

Background

Neurogenesis continues to occur throughout life but dramatically decreases with increasing age. This decrease is mostly related to a decline in proliferative activity as a result of an impoverishment of the microenvironment of the aged brain, including a reduction in trophic factors and increased inflammation.

Results

We determined that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMC) given peripherally, by an intravenous injection, could rejuvenate the proliferative activity of the aged neural stem/progenitor cells. This increase in proliferation lasted for at least 15 days after the delivery of the UCBMC. Along with the increase in proliferation following UCBMC treatment, an increase in neurogenesis was also found in the aged animals. The increase in neurogenesis as a result of UCBMC treatment seemed to be due to a decrease in inflammation, as a decrease in the number of activated microglia was found and this decrease correlated with the increase in neurogenesis.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that a single intravenous injection of UCBMC in aged rats can significantly improve the microenvironment of the aged hippocampus and rejuvenate the aged neural stem/progenitor cells. Our results raise the possibility of a peripherally administered cell therapy as an effective approach to improve the microenvironment of the aged brain.
Meta-analysis of prophylactic corticosteroid use in post-ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Zheng Minghua , Bai Jianling , Yuan Bosi , Lin Feng , You Jie , Lu Mingqin , Gong Yuewen , Chen Yongping
Published: February 2008

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and benefit of pharmacological treatment is unclear. Although prophylactic use of corticosteroid for reduction of pancreatic injury after ERCP has been evaluated, discrepancy about beneficial effect of corticosteroid on pancreatic injury still exists. The aim of current study is to evaluate effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid in prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods

We employed the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration to perform a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroid in prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) around the world.

Results

Most of the seven RCTs were of high quality. When the RCTs were analyzed, odds ratios (OR) for corticosteroid were 1.13 [95% CI (0.89~1.44), p = 0.32] for PEP, 1.61 [95% CI (0.74~3.52), p = 0.23] for severe PEP, 0.92 [95% CI (0.57~1.48), p = 0.73] for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia respectively. The results indicated that there were no beneficial effects of corticosteroid on acute pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia. No evidence of publication bias was found.

Conclusion

Corticosteroids cannot prevent pancreatic injury after ERCP. Therefore, their use in the prophylaxis of PEP is not recommended.
Expression of recombinant Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, R. annulatus and R. decoloratus Bm86 orthologs as secreted proteins in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Canales Mario , de la Lastra José M Pérez , Naranjo Victoria , Nijhof Ard M , Hope Michelle , Jongejan Frans , de la Fuente José
Published: February 2008

Background

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. ticks economically impact on cattle production in Africa and other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Tick vaccines constitute a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to tick control. The R. microplus Bm86 protective antigen has been produced by recombinant DNA technology and shown to protect cattle against tick infestations.

Results

In this study, the genes for Bm86 (R. microplus), Ba86 (R. annulatus) and Bd86 (R. decoloratus) were cloned and characterized from African or Asian tick strains and the recombinant proteins were secreted and purified fromP. pastoris. The secretion of recombinant Bm86 ortholog proteins inP. pastorisallowed for a simple purification process rendering a final product with high recovery (35–42%) and purity (80–85%) and likely to result in a more reproducible conformation closely resembling the native protein. Rabbit immunization experiments with recombinant proteins showed immune cross-reactivity between Bm86 ortholog proteins.

Conclusion

These experiments support the development and testing of vaccines containing recombinant Bm86, Ba86 and Bd86 secreted inP. pastorisfor the control of tick infestations in Africa.
Fatty acid status and behavioural symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adolescents: A case-control study
Authors: Colter Ashley L , Cutler Caroline , Meckling Kelly Anne
Published: February 2008

Background

Most studies of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have focused on either young children or older adults. The current study compared 11 ADHD adolescents with 12 age-matched controls. The purpose was to examine differences in dietary intake, particularly of essential fatty acids, and determine whether this could explain the typical abnormalities in red blood cell fatty acids observed in previous studies of young children. A secondary purpose was to determine if there were relationships between circulating concentrations of essential fatty acids and specific ADHD behaviours as measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-L).

Methods

Eleven ADHD adolescents and twelve age-matched controls were recruited through newspaper ads, posters and a university website. ADHD diagnosis was confirmed by medical practitioners according to DSM-IV criteria. Blood, dietary intake information as well as behavioural assessments were completed.

Results

Results showed that ADHD adolescents consumed more energy and fat than controls but had similar anthropometry. ADHD children consumed equivalent amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to controls, however they had significantly lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and total omega-3 fatty acids, higher omega-6 fatty acids and a lower ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids than control subjects. In addition, low omega-3 status correlated with higher scores on several Conners' behavioural scales.

Conclusion

These data suggest that adolescents with ADHD continue to display abnormal essential fatty acid profiles that are often observed in younger children and distinctly different from normal controls of similar age. Further these red blood cell fatty acid differences are not explained by differences in intake. This suggests that there are metabolic differences in fatty acid handling between ADHD adolescents and normal controls. The value of omega-3 supplements to improve fatty acid profiles and possibly behaviours associated with ADHD, need to be examined.
Cell cycle and cell death are not necessary for appressorium formation and plant infection in the fungal plant pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Nesher Iris , Barhoom Sima , Sharon Amir
Published: February 2008

Background

In order to initiate plant infection, fungal spores must germinate and penetrate into the host plant. Many fungal species differentiate specialized infection structures called appressoria on the host surface, which are essential for successful pathogenic development. In the model plant pathogen Magnaporthe grisea completion of mitosis and autophagy cell death of the spore are necessary for appressoria-mediated plant infection; blocking of mitosis prevents appressoria formation, and prevention of autophagy cell death results in non-functional appressoria.

Results

We found that in the closely related plant pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, blocking of the cell cycle did not prevent spore germination and appressoria formation. The cell cycle always lagged behind the morphogenetic changes that follow spore germination, including germ tube and appressorium formation, differentiation of the penetrating hypha, and in planta formation of primary hyphae. Nuclear division was arrested following appressorium formation and was resumed in mature appressoria after plant penetration. Unlike in M. grisea, blocking of mitosis had only a marginal effect on appressoria formation; development in hydroxyurea-treated spores continued only for a limited number of cell divisions, but normal numbers of fully developed mature appressoria were formed under conditions that support appressoria formation. Similar results were also observed in other Colletotrichum species. Spores, germ tubes, and appressoria retained intact nuclei and remained viable for several days post plant infection.

Conclusion

We showed that in C. gloeosporioides the differentiation of infection structures including appressoria precedes mitosis and can occur without nuclear division. This phenomenon was also found to be common in other Colletotrichum species. Spore cell death did not occur during plant infection and the fungus primary infection structures remained viable throughout the infection cycle. Our results show that the control of basic cellular processes such as those coupling cell cycle and morphogenesis during fungal infection can be substantially different between fungal species with similar lifestyles and pathogenic strategies.
Basal cytokeratins in breast tumours among BRCA1, BRCA2and mutation-negative breast cancer families
Authors: Eerola Hannaleena , Heinonen Mira , Heikkilä Päivi , Kilpivaara Outi , Tamminen Anitta , Aittomäki Kristiina , Blomqvist Carl , Ristimäki Ari , Nevanlinna Heli
Published: February 2008

Introduction

Finding new immunohistochemical markers that are specific to hereditary breast cancer could help us to select candidates for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation testing and to understand the biological pathways of tumour development.

Methods

Using breast cancer tumour microarrays, immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratin (CK)-5/6, CK-14 and CK-17 was evaluated in breast tumours from BRCA1 families (n = 46), BRCA2 families (n = 40), non-BRCA1/BRCA2 families (n = 358) and familial breast cancer patients with one first-degree relative affected by breast or ovarian cancer (n = 270), as well as from patients with sporadic breast cancer (n = 364). Staining for CK-5/6, CK-14 and CK-17 was compared between these groups and correlated with other clinical and histological factors.

Results

CK-5/6, CK-14 and CK-17 were detected mostly among oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative and high-grade tumours. We found the highest percentages of samples positive for these CKs among ER-negative/HER2-negative tumours. In univariate analysis, CK-14 was significantly associated with tumours from BRCA1 (39%; P < 0.0005), BRCA2 (27%; P = 0.011), and non-BRCA1/BRCA2 (21%; P < 0.005) families, as compared with sporadic tumours (10%). However, in multivariate analysis, CKs were not found to be independently associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation status, and the most effective predictors of BRCA1 mutations were age at onset, HER2 status, and either ER or PR status.

Conclusion

Although our study confirms that basal CKs can help to identify BRCA1 mutation carriers, this effect was weaker than previously suggested and CKs did not independently predict BRCA1 mutation either from sporadic or familial breast cancer cases. The most effective, independent predictors of BRCA1 mutations were age at onset, HER2 status, and either ER or PR status, as compared with sporadic or non-BRCA1/BRCA2 cancers.
Temporal regulation of expression of immediate early and second phase transcripts by endothelin-1 in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Cullingford Timothy E , Markou Thomais , Fuller Stephen J , Giraldo Alejandro , Pikkarainen Sampsa , Zoumpoulidou Georgia , Alsafi Ali , Ekere Collins , Kemp Timothy J , Dennis Jayne L , Game Laurence , Sugden Peter H , Clerk Angela
Published: February 2008

Background

Endothelin-1 stimulates Gq protein-coupled receptors to promote proliferation in dividing cells or hypertrophy in terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes. In cardiomyocytes, endothelin-1 rapidly (within minutes) stimulates protein kinase signaling, including extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2; though not ERK5), with phenotypic/physiological changes developing from approximately 12 h. Hypertrophy is associated with changes in mRNA/protein expression, presumably consequent to protein kinase signaling, but the connections between early, transient signaling events and developed hypertrophy are unknown.

Results

Using microarrays, we defined the early transcriptional responses of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to endothelin-1 over 4 h, differentiating between immediate early gene (IEG) and second phase RNAs with cycloheximide. IEGs exhibited differential temporal and transient regulation, with expression of second phase RNAs within 1 h. Of transcripts upregulated at 30 minutes encoding established proteins, 28 were inhibited >50% by U0126 (which inhibits ERK1/2/5 signaling), with 9 inhibited 25-50%. Expression of only four transcripts was not inhibited. At 1 h, most RNAs (approximately 67%) were equally changed in total and polysomal RNA with approximately 17% of transcripts increased to a greater extent in polysomes. Thus, changes in expression of most protein-coding RNAs should be reflected in protein synthesis. However, approximately 16% of transcripts were essentially excluded from the polysomes, including some protein-coding mRNAs, presumably inefficiently translated.

Conclusion

The phasic, temporal regulation of early transcriptional responses induced by endothelin-1 in cardiomyocytes indicates that, even in terminally differentiated cells, signals are propagated beyond the primary signaling pathways through transcriptional networks leading to phenotypic changes (that is, hypertrophy). Furthermore, ERK1/2 signaling plays a major role in this response.
LRG-accelerated differentiation defines unique G-CSFR signaling pathways downstream of PU.1 and C/EBPε that modulate neutrophil activation
Authors: Ai Jing , Druhan Lawrence J , Hunter Melissa G , Loveland Megan J , Avalos Belinda R
Published: February 2008

Expression of leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein (LRG), a member of the leucine-rich repeat family of proteins, was recently shown to be up-regulated during neutrophil differentiation. Its precise role in granulopoiesis, however, remains unknown. In this paper, we show that the transcription factors PU.1 and C/EBPε that regulate the expression of multiple myeloid-specific genes also bind to the LRG promoter. We also demonstrate that LRG localizes to the same cytoplasmic compartment as myeloperoxidase and that G-CSF treatment of the 32Dcl3 myeloid cell line induces nuclear translocation of LRG. Stable transfection of LRG into 32Dcl3 cells resulted in accelerated, G-CSF-mediated neutrophil differentiation and induction of CD11b expression. In contrast, constitutive expression of LRG in 32Dwt18 cells, expressing a chimeric erythropoietin (Epo)/G-CSFR consisting of the EpoR extracellular domain fused to the G-CSFR transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, failed to induce accelerated neutrophil differentiation and CD11b expression in response to Epo stimulation. LRG-mediated accelerated differentiation and CD11b expression were found to correlate with an increased level of phospho-Stat3 but not with PU.1 or p27kip1 levels. Hence, similar to other genes involved in neutrophil differentiation, the expression of LRG also appears to be regulated by PU.1 and C/EBPε. Collectively, these findings suggest a role for LRG in modulating neutrophil differentiation and expression of CD11b via nonredundant G-CSFR signals.
Minimization of self-potential survey mis-ties acquired with multiple reference locations
Authors: Minsley Burke J. , Coles Darrell A. , Vichabian Yervant , Morgan Frank Dale
Published: February 2008

Self-potential (SP) surveys often involve many interconnected lines of data along available roads or trails, with the ultimate goal of producing a unique map of electric potentials at each station relative to a single reference point. Multiple survey lines can be tied together by collecting data along intersecting transects and enforcing Kirchhoff’s voltage law, which requires that the total potential drop around any closed loop equals zero. In practice, however, there is often a nonzero loop-closure error caused by noisy data; traditional SP processing methods redistribute this error evenly over the measurements that form each loop. The task of distributing errors and tying lines together becomes nontrivial when many lines of data form multiple interconnected loops because the loop-closure errors are not independent, and a unique potential field cannot be determined by processing lines sequentially. We present a survey-consistent processing method that produces a unique potential field by minimizing the loop-closure errors over all lines of data simultaneously. When there are no interconnected survey loops, the method is equivalent to traditional processing schemes. The task of computing the potential field is posed as a linear inverse problem, which easily incorporates prior information about measurement errors and model constraints. We investigate the use of both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] measures of data misfit, the latter requiring an iterative-solution method with increased computational cost. The [Formula: see text] method produces more reliable results when outliers are present in the data, and is similar to the [Formula: see text] result when only Gaussian noise is present. Two synthetic examples are used to illustrate this methodology, which is subsequently applied to a field data set collected as part of a geothermal exploration campaign in Nevis, West Indies.
Time-varying wavelet estimation and deconvolution by kurtosis maximization
Authors: van der Baan Mirko
Published: February 2008

Phase mismatches sometimes occur between final processed sections and zero-phase synthetics based on well logs, despite best efforts for controlled-phase acquisition and processing. The latter are often based on deterministic corrections derived from field measurements and physical laws. A statistical analysis of the data can reveal whether a time-varying nonzero phase is present. This assumes that the data should be white with respect to all statistical orders after proper deterministic corrections have been applied. Kurtosis maximization by constant phase rotation is a statistical method that can reveal the phase of a seismic wavelet. It is robust enough to detect time-varying phase changes. Phase-only corrections can then be applied by means of a time-varying phase rotation. Alternatively, amplitude and phase deconvolution can be achieved using time-varying Wiener filtering. Time-varying wavelet extraction and deconvolution can also be used as a data-driven alternative to amplitude-only inverse-[Formula: see text] deconvolution.
High-resolution seismic characterization in an urban area: Subway tunnel construction in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Martí D. , Carbonell R. , Flecha I. , Palomeras I. , Font-Capó J. , Vázquez-Suñé E. , Pérez-Estaún A.
Published: February 2008

Traveltime seismic tomography used to aid subway tunnel drilling in Barcelona, Spain, provides a detailed characterization of the shallow subsurface, including a complex network of faults and dikes. We encountered many difficulties while working in this urban setting, such as cultural noise and the inability to deploy instruments along much of the tunnel trace because of the street layout. Furthermore, the shallow subsurface is highly heterogeneous (because of gas and water lines, building foundations, and the sewage system), obscuring deeper structures. We acquired seismic data using a 10-s vibroseis sweep that provided relatively good signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. First-arrival traveltime tomography proved to be a key tool to differentiate rock vol-umes characterized by different physical properties — in particular, the contact between the weathered upper layer and the more competent rock below. We interpreted the seismic results using surface geologic observations and borehole cores. Low seismic velocities [Formula: see text] characterize the shallow part of the subsurface, representing quaternary sediments and weathered granite. Several high-velocity anomalies (up to [Formula: see text]) are interpreted as porphyritic dikes and are surrounded by low-velocity anomalies that correspond with fault systems that cut and displace the dikes. The tomographic velocity models also provide a detailed image of an important Miocene fault that intersects the tunnel trace. These results provide insights important for the drilling process.
BMP type I receptor complexes have distinct activities mediating cell fate and axon guidance decisions
Authors: Yamauchi Ken , Phan Keith D. , Butler Samantha J.
Published: February 2008

The finding that morphogens, signalling molecules that specify cell identity, also act as axon guidance molecules has raised the possibility that the mechanisms that establish neural cell fate are also used to assemble neuronal circuits. It remains unresolved, however, how cells differentially transduce the cell fate specification and guidance activities of morphogens. To address this question, we have examined the mechanism by which the Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) guide commissural axons in the developing spinal cord. In contrast to studies that have suggested that morphogens direct axon guidance decisions using non-canonical signal transduction factors, our results indicate that canonical components of the BMP signalling pathway, the type I BMP receptors (BMPRs), are both necessary and sufficient to specify the fate of commissural neurons and guide their axonal projections. However,whereas the induction of cell fate is a shared property of both type I BMPRs,axon guidance is chiefly mediated by only one of the type I BMPRs, BMPRIB. Taken together, these results indicate that the diverse activities of BMP morphogens can be accounted for by the differential use of distinct components of the canonical BMPR complex.
Atrial myocardium derives from the posterior region of the second heart field, which acquires left-right identity as Pitx2c is expressed
Authors: Galli Daniela , Domínguez Jorge N. , Zaffran Stephane , Munk Andrew , Brown Nigel A. , Buckingham Margaret E.
Published: February 2008

Splanchnic mesoderm in the region described as the second heart field (SHF)is marked by Islet1 expression in the mouse embryo. The anterior part of this region expresses a number of markers, including Fgf10, and the contribution of these cells to outflow tract and right ventricular myocardium has been established. We now show that the posterior region also has myocardial potential, giving rise specifically to differentiated cells of the atria. This conclusion is based on explant experiments using endogenous and transgenic markers and on DiI labelling, followed by embryo culture. Progenitor cells in the right or left posterior SHF contribute to the right or left common atrium, respectively. Explant experiments with transgenic embryos,in which the transgene marks the right atrium, show that atrial progenitor cells acquire right-left identity between the 4- and 6-somite stages, at the time when Pitx2c is first expressed. Manipulation of Pitx2c, by gain-and loss-of-function, shows that it represses the transgenic marker of right atrial identity. A repressive effect is also seen on the proliferation of cells in the left sinus venosus and in cultured explants from the left side of the posterior SHF. This report provides new insights into the contribution of the SHF to atrial myocardium and the effect of Pitx2c on the formation of the left atrium.
The endocytic pathway acts downstream of Oskar inDrosophilagerm plasm assembly
Authors: Tanaka Tsubasa , Nakamura Akira
Published: February 2008

Cell fate is often determined by the intracellular localization of RNAs and proteins. In Drosophila oocytes, oskar (osk) RNA localization and the subsequent Osk synthesis at the posterior pole direct the assembly of the pole plasm, where factors for the germline and abdomen formation accumulate. osk RNA produces two isoforms, long and short Osk, which have distinct functions in pole plasm assembly. Short Osk recruits downstream components of the pole plasm, whose anchoring to the posterior cortex requires long Osk. The anchoring of pole plasm components also requires actin cytoskeleton, and Osk promotes long F-actin projections in the oocyte posterior cytoplasm. However, the mechanism by which Osk mediates F-actin reorganization remains elusive. Furthermore, although long Osk is known to associate with endosomes under immuno-electron microscopy, it was not known whether this association is functionally significant. Here we show that Rabenosyn-5 (Rbsn-5), a Rab5 effector protein required for the early endocytic pathway, is crucial for pole plasm assembly. rbsn-5-oocytes fail to maintain microtubule polarity, which secondarily disrupts osk RNA localization. Nevertheless, anteriorly misexpressed Osk,particularly long Osk, recruits endosomal proteins, including Rbsn-5, and stimulates endocytosis. In oocytes lacking rbsn-5, the ectopic Osk induces aberrant F-actin aggregates, which diffuse into the cytoplasm along with pole plasm components. We propose that Osk stimulates endosomal cycling,which in turn promotes F-actin reorganization to anchor the pole plasm components to the oocyte cortex.
Pharmaceutical Expenditures as a Correlate of Population Health in Industrialized Nations
Authors: Liu Li , Cline Richard R , Schondelmeyer Stephen W , Schommer Jon C
Published: February 2008

Background:

In recent years, healthcare spending has outpaced economic growth in developed countries, with pharmaceutical expenditures being a key driver of this trend. While a significant number of studies investigating the effect of healthcare resource productivity on health status have been done, only a few have disaggregated pharmaceutical expenditures from total healthcare expenditures.

Objective:

To assess the independent association between pharmaceutical expenditures and health outcomes in 14 industrialized countries.

Methods:

We used data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to construct a panel data set covering the years from 1985 to 2001. These data contain information on pharmaceutical expenditures, other healthcare expenditures, environmental health determinants, lifestyle health determinants, potential years of life lost, and life expectancy at ages 65 and 80 years across 14 industrialized nations. We estimated the relationship between pharmaceutical expenditures and potential years of life lost and life expectancy at ages 65 and 80 years for both males and females, using nonlinear fixed-effects regression models that corrected for serial correlation. All explanatory variables were lagged by 5 years to account for their cumulative effect on population health outcomes.

Results:

Pharmaceutical expenditures proved to be a robust correlate of health outcomes from 1985 to 2001 in this sample of nations, when controlling for the effects of other variables likely to impact population health outcomes. Our estimates imply that a 10% increase in pharmaceutical expenditures during these years was associated with a 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%; ~21 days) increase in female life expectancy at age 65 years (p < 0.05), while a similar increase was associated with a 0.4% (95% CI 0.1 to 0.7; ~24 days) increase in male life expectancy at age 65 years (p < 0.05) and a 0.5% increase (95% CI 0.03 to 1.0; ~14 days) at age 80 years (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that significant, but small, marginal gains in population health outcomes were associated with increased pharmaceutical expenditures in developed nations during the period studied.
Interaction Between Levodopa and Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Cooper Mandelin K , Brock David G , McDaniel Cara M
Published: February 2008

Objective:

To report and discuss a drug–nutrient interaction involving levodopa and protein in enteral nutrition.

Case Summary:

A 77-year-old male with Parkinson's disease was admitted to an intensive care unit for an intracerebral hemorrhage. To provide nutritional support, an oral gastric tube was placed and continuous enteral nutrition was initiated, with 1.4 g/kg of protein administered daily. The following medications were continued during hospitalization: immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa 25 mg/100 mg, with 1.5 tablets administered 4 times daily; pramipexole 1.5 mg 3 times daily; and entacapone 200 mg 4 times daily. Despite this drug therapy, the patient developed severe rigidity. A review of the literature revealed a potential interaction between levodopa and protein intake. To resolve this interaction, the amount of protein in the enteral nutrition was decreased to 0.9 g/kg/day and the nutritional administration was changed from continuous enteral feeding to bolus feeding, with levodopa given between boluses. After these adjustments, the patient showed marked improvement of parkinsonian symptoms.

Discussion:

The drug–nutrient interaction between protein and levodopa in outpatient settings has been reported widely in the literature; however, this interaction has not been previously reported with continuous enteral nutrition. Decreased parkinsonian symptom control, despite adherence to an established medication regimen, together with dramatic improvement observed after manipulation of enteral nutrition delivery and content, strongly suggest interference with levodopa absorption. Use of the Naranjo probability scale supports a probable interaction between the protein content in tube feeds and levodopa, resulting in decreased levodopa efficacy.

Conclusions:

Clinicians should be cognizant of the potential drug–nutrient interaction between levodopa and enteral nutrition.
Optical Beating of Polychromatic Light and its Impact on Time-Resolved Spectroscopy. Part I: Theory
Authors: Walewski Joachim W. , Filipa Jonathan A. , Sanders Scott T.
Published: February 2008

Optical beating of polychromatic light is reviewed and its potential impact on time-resolved spectroscopy is analyzed. In particular, the dependence of the quasi-random beating of thermal light on quantities including average power, spectral shape, and spectral width are reviewed.
Use of Raman Spectroscopy to Evaluate the Selectivity of Bifunctional Anion Exchange Resins for Perchlorate
Authors: Mosier-Boss P. A.
Published: February 2008

Raman spectroscopy is used to evaluate the selectivity of two bifunctional anion exchange resins, Purolite A-530 and Amberlite PWA-2. It was found that the adsorption of anions on the resins is described by a Frumkin isotherm, which is determined by the ion pair constant, K, and the Frumkin parameter, g. The ion pair constant, K, is a measure of the strength of interaction between the resin and the anion and the Frumkin parameter, g, takes into account interactions between adsorbed anions. Although both resins have a polystyrene backbone and trihexylammonium and triethylammonium functional groups, the Purolite A-530 resin exhibits greater selectivity for perchlorate. The only discernable differences between the two resins is that the Amberlite PWA-2 has a higher trihexylamine content and the Purolite A-530 resin exhibits greater cross-linking. How the trihexylamine/triethylamine content and the degree of cross-linking affects the performance of these resins is discussed.
Optical Beating of Polychromatic Light and its Impact on Time-Resolved Spectroscopy. Part II: Strategies for Spectroscopic Sensing in the Presence of Optical Beating
Authors: Filipa Jonathan A. , Walewski Joachim W. , Sanders Scott T.
Published: February 2008

Time-resolved spectroscopy can be compromised by optical beating, which is inherent to polychromatic light sources and signals. For incoherent light sources, the random interference can partially or completely mask the spectroscopic signature of interest if the time dynamics of the interference are similar to or faster than that of the signature. Part I of this review focused on the theory of this process with an emphasis on thermal light sources, and in this part, four methods to mitigate or circumnavigate the detrimental impact of interference on time-resolved spectroscopy are reviewed: use of light with a controlled, non-stochastic phase, use of narrow-bandwidth light, averaging, and pulse referencing.
Anisotropy Studied by Polarization-Modulated Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Difference Microspectroscopy
Authors: Schmidt M. , Lee J. S. , Grunze M. , Kim K. H. , Schade U.
Published: February 2008

We investigated anisotropic optical behavior in solid-state materials using Fourier transform infrared reflection microspectroscopy in combination with polarization modulation. For a Ca1.8Sr0.2RuO4 crystal with an isotropic optical surface, we found the reflection difference to be very close to zero, independent of the azimuthal angle of the sample. A Ca1.4Sr0.6RuO4 crystal with an anisotropic optical surface, however, exhibited a large anisotropic optical response with a strong angular dependence following a sinusoidal behavior. Furthermore, we examined the spatial distribution of the reflection difference in Bi0.17Ca0.83MnO3+δ using infrared synchrotron radiation and could clearly distinguish microscopic anisotropic domains having different optical axes. These results demonstrate that our experimental scheme can be used as a powerful tool to spectrally and spatially resolve anisotropy of solid-state materials in the mid-infrared region.
Reproducibility of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Compost, Municipal Solid Waste, and Landfill Material
Authors: Meissl K. , Smidt E. , Tintner J.
Published: February 2008

The reproducibility of infrared spectra from different waste materials such as compost, mechanically-biologically treated (MBT) municipal solid waste, and landfill materials was investigated. Reproducibility tests focused mainly on infrared spectra and parameter prediction from the spectrum developed for composts and MBT-waste, as well as band height ratio measurement for landfill materials in terms of practical applications. Compared to compost and landfill material, the reproducibility of infrared spectra from MBT-waste was considerably lower. Accordingly, sample preparation was modified and maximum mean deviation was minimized from 8.3% to 4.2%. The number of required spectra replicates was determined in consideration of practical aspects such as parameter prediction for composts and MBT-waste and the measurement of band height ratios (2925/1630 cm−1) of landfill materials. For composts two-fold measurements and for MBT-waste and landfill materials three-fold measurements were considered appropriate.
Speciation of Europium (III) Surface Species on Monocrystalline Alumina Using Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence—Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy
Authors: Ghaleb Khalil Abbas , Viala François , Miserque Frederic , Salmon Laurent , Reiller Pascal , Moutiers Gilles
Published: February 2008

The aim of this work was to perform highly localized spectroscopic surface measurements by combining time-resolved laser spectroscopy and scanning near-field optical microscopy. The final purpose of that was to study surface sorption at the molecular level of trivalent ions in the framework of nuclear waste disposal assessment. Time-resolved laser spectroscopy presents the advantages of being selective, sensitive, and noninvasive and scanning near-field optical microscopy is a promising technique for high resolution surface speciation. Investigation of the interaction between trivalent europium and a monocrystalline alumina (11̄02) surface was made using different conditions of concentration and pH. We found that the distribution of sorbed europium was always homogeneous with a decay time of europium (III) equal to 350 μs ± 15 μs. On the other hand, carbonate species with a decay time of 210 μs ± 10 μs or other hydroxide species with a decay time of 180 μs ± 10 μs were detected on the surface when a higher concentration or a higher pH solution, respectively, were used. Distribution of these species was heterogeneous and their associated fluorescence signal was relatively high, evoking a precipitated form. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also used on the same samples as a complementary technique. A binding energy of 1135.1 eV was obtained for the sorbed europium and another binding energy of 1134.4 eV was obtained for the hydroxide species, thus confirming the presence of two kinds of species on the surface.
High-Pressure Raman Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Studies of a Terpolymer of Tetrafluoroethylene-Hexafluoropropylene-Vinylidene Fluoride: THV 500
Authors: Emmons E. D. , Velisavljevic N. , Schoonover J. R. , Dattelbaum D. M.
Published: February 2008

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of THV 500, a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride, were performed using diamond anvil cells (DAC). Changes in the interatomic spacing as well as shifts of several of the vibrational bands as a function of pressure were measured up to ∼10 GPa. The changes in interatomic spacing and shifts of the vibrational bands are compared to those of polytetrafluoroethylene, showing the effects of copolymerization and reduced crystallinity. The high-pressure behavior of polymers is a relatively unexplored field but is becoming increasingly important due to applications where polymers experience extreme conditions.
Determination of Nitrate Concentration in Soil via Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Analysis of Ion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Linker Raphael
Published: February 2008

Numerous works have demonstrated that ion exchange membranes can be used for accurate determination of the availability of nitrate and other key nutrients in soils. After letting the ion exchange membrane interact with the soil for a known period of time, the membrane is typically immersed in a strong reagent to desorb the ions and the resulting solution is analyzed by standard chemical methods. The present study shows that mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy can be used to estimate directly the amount of nitrate sorbed onto such membranes and could replace advantageously the standard chemical analysis. The study was conducted with two commercially available membranes, and in both cases the average determination error achieved with a simple partial least squares model was approximately 1.6–1.8 μeq, which under the specific experimental conditions corresponds to approximately 4.5–5.0 mg[N]/kg[dry soil]. Such errors are about 30% larger than those reported in a previous study in which the membrane was analyzed by transmittance spectroscopy. However, the present method is suitable for a much wider range of membranes, such as those commonly used for water treatment and that are too thick for transmittance measurements. For such membranes, photoacoustic spectroscopy is a very cheap and rapid alternative to standard chemical analysis.
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of Contamination by Searching Difference Spectra against Libraries of Difference Spectra
Authors: Laughlin Kenneth B.
Published: February 2008

A method is presented for quickly identifying contaminants in a material. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra are collected for anomalous and normal material using a method that gives highly reproducible absolute intensity, such as attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy of liquids or solids that contact the crystal perfectly. The difference spectrum is calculated as the point-by-point subtraction of absorbance values without the use of a variable subtraction factor, giving a spectrum with positive and negative spectral features. This spectrum is then searched against libraries of difference spectra, such as spectra of possible contaminants minus the spectrum of normal material. The key advantage of the method is that it removes subjective judgment in choosing the subtraction factor. It also provides information about the material that is depleted along with identifying the contaminant.
Book Review: Practical Spectroscopy in Agriculture and Food Science
Authors: Elmore Douglas L.
Published: February 2008

Please forward book reviews to the Book Review Editor, Alexander Scheeline, Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.
Cladding Tube Deformation Test for Stress Reorientation of Hydrides
Authors: Alam Adil M. , Hellwig Christian
Published: February 2008

The phenomenon of stress reorientation of hydrides in fuel cladding tubes was studied with the help of a test technique named as the “cladding tube deformation test” (CTDT). Unirradiated Zircaloy-2 (Zry-2) cladding tube specimens charged with 250 ppm of hydrogen were tested. The test consisted of heating specimens to 400°C and then cooling them down to room temperature at cooling rates of 0.7°C/min and 2°C/min. During the cooling phase, a constant tensile load was applied to specimens with the help of two inner cylinder halves. The stress-strain fields developed in the tube specimen were calculated with the help of the finite element method (FEM). Post-testing metallographic observations revealed considerable amount of hydrides oriented radially as a result of loading. Lengths and relative position of all hydride bands were determined through a semi-automatic image processing technique. Mapping of FEM calculated stress field on the metallographic section helped to determine a stress threshold value of 72 MPa. Tests performed with a cooling rate 2°C/min showed a considerably lower extent of hydride reorientation. The above test technique was validated by performing internal pressurization tests using pre-hydrided Zry-2 cladding tubes. The external diameter of the tube was tapered by fine turning in order to exert different uniform hoop stress values on different cross sections of the tube. Internal pressurization tests were performed with a maximum temperature of 400°C and a cooling rate of 0.5°C/min. Post-testing metallographic observations on several cross sections of the specimen revealed a stress reorientation threshold of 65 MPa. Percentage of radially oriented hydrides as well as their lengths increased with the stress level until it reached a plateau. Further tests were carried out with the CTDT technique on specimens with H2 content ranging from 560 ppm to 750 ppm. These results revealed a reorientation stress threshold of around 120 MPa for higher hydrogen content.
On reconstitutive phase transitions and the jump of the chemical potential
Authors: Blesgen Thomas
Published: February 2008

This article studies diffusion in solids in the case of two phases under isothermal conditions where due to plastic effects the number of vacancies changes when crossing a transition layer, i.e. a reconstitutive phase transition. A segregation model is derived and the equations are studied in the limit of a sharp interface. A Gibbs–Thomson law is derived and it is shown that the vacancy component of the chemical potential jumps across the transition layer thereby explaining recent experimental observations. The thermodynamic correctness of the model is shown as well as the existence of weak solutions with logarithmic free energies.
Magnetic Nanorods: Genesis, Self-Organization and Applications
Authors: Birringer Rainer , Wolf Helmut , Lang Christian , Tschöpe Andreas , Michels Andreas
Published: February 2008

Magnetic-field-assisted self-assembly of magnetic dipole moment carrying iron nanoparticles is shown to result in the formation of magnetic and mechanically stiff nanoscale rods. The cooperative behavior of an ensemble of such rods and bundles thereof exhibits self-organized pattern formation on different length scales. Pattern formation on large length scales reveals great similarity with physical systems undergoing spinodal decomposition. Possible applications for dipolar magnetic nanorods in the field of perpendicular storage media are highlighted. We discuss an aerosol-synthesis-route allowing to prepare ferrofluids (FF) with shape-anisotropic particles constituting the magnetic phase immersed in the nonmagnetic carrier fluid. These so-called nanorod FF unveil a two orders of magnitude increase of viscosity enforced by an applied field of 10mT even at shear rates larger than 10-2s. This raises prospects for applications in microfluidics and MEMS.
Nanocrystalline Metals Prepared by Electrodeposition
Authors: Natter Harald , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: February 2008

An overview is presented about the preparation of nanocrystalline metals by pulsed electrodeposition out of aqueous electrolytes and ionic liquids. Appropriate selection of the bath chemistry and the plating parameters provide the flexibility to control the crystallite size. For selected examples we demonstrate how these electrochemical methods can be used for the preparation of nanostructured bulk metals and nanoparticle for fuel cell applications. Electrochemical analytical methods like cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry are used to fundamentally understand the deposition mechanisms, the effect of bath additives on the micro- and nanostructure of the deposits and to characterize the catalytic activity of the electrocatalysts. Some improved physical properties of electrodeposited nanocrystalline metals are discussed, namely thermal stability of n-Fe, magnetisation of n-Ni and hardness of n-Al.