bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in liver antioxidant enzyme activities in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Perlemuter Gabriel , Davit‐Spraul Anne , Cosson Claudine , Conti Marc , Bigorgne Amélie , Paradis Valérie , Corre Marie‐Pierre , Prat Lydie , Kuoch Viceth , Basdevant Arnaud , Pelletier Gilles , Oppert Jean‐Michel , Buffet Catherine
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Aims: Steatosis may increase oxidative stress, which is counteracted by cellular enzymatic (cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutases (Cu/Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase) and non‐enzymatic antioxidant systems. We aimed to determine, in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the level of antioxidant defenses (1) in liver biopsies, to demonstrate the existence of oxidative stress; (2) in erythrocytes and plasma, to determine whether their antioxidant defenses reflect liver oxidative stress.

Methods: Erythrocyte and plasma antioxidant defenses were prospectively studied in two groups of 16 patients: patients with NAFLD and controls. Liver biopsies were performed in eight NAFLD patients; liver antioxidant enzyme activities were measured and compared with those in 12 control livers used for transplantation.

Results: Cu/Zn‐SOD, GPx and catalase activities were significantly higher in NAFLD livers than in controls whereas no significant differences were observed in Mn‐SOD activity, and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) concentration. No differences were observed in erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, catalase, Cu/Zn‐SOD), erythrocyte TBARS concentration, and plasma α‐tocopherol concentration.

Conclusions: Liver antioxidant enzyme activities were high in patients with NAFLD, reflecting an oxidative stress possibly involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis. However, erythrocyte and plasma antioxidant defenses did not reflect intrahepatic peroxidation.
Overexpression of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor in mouse liver enhances the susceptibility of lipopolysaccharide leading to massive apoptosis of hepatocytes
Authors: Hirano Katsuharu , Shimizu Yukihiro , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Minemura Masami , Yasumura Satoshi , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: We examined whether antigen‐nonspecific accumulation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in the liver by the overexpression of granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) could prime severe liver injury after LPS injection.

Methods: We injected a recombinant adenovirus encoding GM‐CSF intravenously (AdGM), and LPS was administered 7 days later. Liver histology, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and apoptosis of hepatocytes were examined.

Results: Liver histology of the AdGM‐primed mice showed marked infiltrates of mononuclear cells (DCs and macrophages) without granuloma formation on day 7. Expression of toll‐like receptor‐4 on intrahepatic mononuclear cells isolated from AdGM‐primed mice was up‐regulated. After LPS injection, serum ALT levels in AdGM‐primed mice reached about 6000 IU/l at 12 h, and all those mice died within 24 h. Hemorrhagic liver injury with massive apoptosis of hepatocytes was histologically recognized. When AdGM and LPS were injected in FasL‐deficient C57BL/6J‐gld/gld mice, serum ALT levels were not elevated by the pretreatment with a neutralizing anti‐TNF‐α antibody.

Conclusions: Our present study provides a new model of severe liver injury, in which antigen‐nonspecific accumulation of DCs and macrophages in the liver by overexpressing GM‐CSF enhances the susceptibility to LPS, leading to hemorrhagic liver injury with massive hepatocyte apoptosis after LPS injection.
Beraprost sodium, a prostacyclin (PGI2) analogue, ameliorates concanavalin A‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Ohta Satoshi , Nakamuta Makoto , Fukushima Marie , Kohjima Motoyuki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Enjoji Munechika , Nawata Hajime
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a potent mediator in the inflammatory and coagulation processes. The aim of this study was to test whether beraprost sodium, a PGI2 analogue, could prevent experimental hepatic injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A), which is a model of fulminant hepatic failure.

Methods: Beraprost (100 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally simultaneously with Con A (40 mg/kg) in C57B6J mice. Blood circulation in the liver was determined by laser‐Doppler flowmetry. Plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and interleukin (IL)‐6 were determined. Levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ in culture supernatant of splenocytes were also determined.

Results: Beraprost administration reduced the incidence of death following hepatic failure (76.5% vs. 29.4%, P<0.05). Plasma levels of ALT were significantly lower in the beraprost‐treated group than in the control group, and in the former, there was concomitant suppression of the histological features of injury. Beraprost significantly increased hepatic blood flow volume in Con A‐treated mice. Plasma levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were significantly reduced at 6 and 12 h after Con A injection, respectively, but the levels of IL‐6 were increased at 6 h. In vitro, beraprost also suppressed Con A‐induced TNF‐α production in splenocytes, while it stimulated IFN‐γ production.

Conclusion: These findings imply that beraprost suppresses Con A‐induced liver injury. These data also suggest that beraparost, which is clinically effective in treating pulmonary hypertension, may have therapeutic potential for preventing hepatic injury.
Polymorphisms in the transforming growth factor‐β1 gene (TGF‐β1) and the risk of advanced alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Oliver Javier , Agúndez José A. G. , Morales Sonia , Fernández‐Arquero Miguel , Fernández‐Gutierrez Benjamín , De La Concha Emilio G. , Díaz‐Rubio Manuel , Martín Javier , Ladero José M.
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/aims: There are wide interindividual differences in the risk of developing alcoholic cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is the main cytokine involved in liver fibrogenesis. The TGF‐β1 gene is polymorphic at several sites and these polymorphisms are probably related to differences in the rate of TGF‐β1 synthesis. Our aim has been to analyse the influence of the TGF‐β1 gene polymorphisms in the predisposition to advanced alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in ethanol abusers.

Methods: TGF‐β1 single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions –509 (C or T), +869 (C or T, codon 10), and +915 (C or G, codon 25) were examined in 165 alcoholics with advanced ALD and in 185 healthy controls.

Results: Among the 94 male patients with oesophageal varices, those carrying the GG genotype at position +915 were diagnosed at an older age than the remaining patients (age 52.1 years, standard deviation (SD) 9.9 vs. 45 SD 13.4, P=0.012). No other statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of the three TGF‐β1 polymorphisms analysed individually or as combined haplotypes.

Conclusions: The polymorphisms at the TGF‐β1 gene analysed in this study are probably not related to the risk of advanced ALD.
PRODUCTION AND CELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF NEUTRAL LONG‐CHAIN LIPIDS IN THE HAPTOPHYTE ALGAE ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA AND EMILIANIA HUXLEYI1
Authors: Eltgroth Matthew L. , Watwood Robin L. , Wolfe Gordon V.
Published: September 2005

Isochrysis galbana Parke, Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay and Mohler, and some related prymnesiophyte algae produce as neutral lipids a set of polyunsaturated long‐chain (C37–39) alkenones, alkenoates, and alkenes (PULCA). These biomarkers are widely used for paleothermometry, but the biosynthesis and cellular location of these unique lipids remain largely unknown. By staining with the fluorescent lipophilic dye Nile Red, we found that I. galbana and E. huxleyi, like many other algae, package their neutral lipid into cytoplasmic vesicles or lipid bodies. We found that these lipid bodies increase in abundance under nutrient limitation and disappear under prolonged darkness and show that this pattern correlates well with the concentration of PULCA as measured by TLC. In addition, we show that lipid vesicles purified by sucrose density gradient centrifugation consist predominantly of PULCA. We also found significant pools of neutral lipid associated with chloroplasts, and PULCA component profiles in lipid vesicles and chloroplasts are similar. Examination of cell ultrastructure shows conspicuous cytoplasmic and chloroplast lipid bodies, and we suggest that PULCA may be synthesized in chloroplasts and then exported to cytoplasmic lipid bodies for storage and eventual metabolism. Our results connect and extend prior observations of lipid bodies and membrane‐unbound PULCA in I. galbana and E. huxleyi, as well as the behavior of PULCA during nutrient and light stress.
Stargazer—A Mouse to Seize!
Authors: Letts Verity A.
Published: September 2005

The goals of this short review are to familiarize readers with the stargazer mouse and to outline the major functional defects associated with this mutant. The roles of the stargazin protein in calcium channel function and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-receptor trafficking are discussed; focus is placed on studies regarding the thalamus, whence absence seizures potentially originate, and the cerebellum, which is associated with the ataxic phenotype. Finally, two additional alleles of stargazer, waggler and stargazer 3Jackson (3J), illustrate the value of an allelic series for understanding stargazin function.
Does Preservation of Perisomatic Inhibition in Epileptic Hippocampus Contribute to Seizures?
Authors: Mazarati Andrey M.
Published: September 2005

Surviving CA1 Pyramidal Cells Receive Intact Perisomatic Inhibitory Input in the Human Epileptic Hippocampus

Wittner L, Eross L, Czirjak S, Halasz P, Freund TF, Magloczky Z

Brain 2005;128:138–152

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is known to be linked to an impaired balance of excitation and inhibition. Whether inhibition is decreased or preserved in the human epileptic hippocampus, beside the excess excitation, is still a debated question. In the present study, quantitative light and electron microscopy has been performed to analyze the distribution, morphology, and input–output connections of parvalbumin (PV)-immunopositive interneurons, together with the entire perisomatic input of pyramidal cells, in the human control and epileptic CA1 region. Based on the degree of cell loss, the patients with therapy-resistant TLE formed four pathologic groups. In the nonsclerotic CA1 region of TLE patients, where large numbers of pyramidal cells are preserved, the number of PV-immunopositive cell bodies decreased, whereas axon terminal staining and the distribution of their postsynaptic targets was not altered. The synaptic coverage of CA1 pyramidal cell axon initial segments (AISs) remained unchanged in the epileptic tissue. The somatic inhibitory input also is preserved; it has been decreased only in the cases with patchy pyramidal cell loss in the CA1 region (control, 0.637; epileptic with mild cell loss, 0.642; epileptic with patchy cell loss, 0.424- μm synaptic length/100- μm soma perimeter). The strongly sclerotic epileptic CA1 region, where pyramidal cells can hardly be seen, contains a very small number of PV-immunopositive elements. Our results suggest that perisomatic inhibitory input is preserved in the epileptic CA1 region as long as pyramidal cells are present. Basket and axoaxonic cells survive in epilepsy if their original targets are present, although many of them lose their PV content or PV immunoreactivity. An efficient perisomatic inhibition is likely to take part in the generation of abnormal synchrony in the nonsclerotic epileptic CA1 region, and thus participate in the maintenance of epileptic seizures driven, for example, by hyperactive afferent input.
Prophylactic Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with Brain Tumors
Authors: Bergen Donna C.
Published: September 2005

Seizure Prophylaxis in Patients with Brain Tumors: A Meta-analysis

Sirven JI, Wingerchuk DM, Drazkowski JF, Lyons MK, Zimmerman RS

Mayo Clin Proc 2004;79:1489–1494

Purpose

To assess whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be prescribed to patients with brain tumors who have no history of seizures.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (1966 to 2004) that evaluated the efficacy of AED prophylaxis versus no treatment or placebo to prevent seizures in patients with brain tumors who had no history of epilepsy. Summary odds ratios were calculated by using a random-effects model. Three subanalyses were performed to assess pooled odds ratios (ORs) of seizures in patients with primary glial tumors, cerebral metastases, and meningiomas.

Results

Of 474 articles found in the initial search, 17 were identified as primary studies. Five trials met inclusion criteria: patients with a neoplasm (primary glial tumors, cerebral metastases, and meningiomas) but no history of epilepsy who were randomized to either an AED or placebo. The three AEDs studied were phenobarbital, phenytoin, and valproic acid. Of the five trials, four showed no statistical benefit of seizure prophylaxis with an AED. Meta-analysis confirmed the lack of AED benefit at 1 week (OR, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–1.83) and at 6 months (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.51–1.98) of follow-up. The AEDs had no effect on seizure prevention for specific tumor pathology, including primary glial tumors (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 0.32–37.47), cerebral metastases (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 0.25–24.72), and meningiomas (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.10–3.85).

Conclusions

No evidence supports AED prophylaxis with phenobarbital, phenytoin, or valproic acid in patients with brain tumors and no history of seizures, regardless of neoplastic type. Subspecialists who treat patients with brain tumors need more education on this issue. Future randomized controlled trials should address whether any of the newer AEDs are useful for seizure prophylaxis.
Lamotrigine-induced Rash: Can We Stop Worrying?
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: September 2005

Lamotrigine-induced Rash: Worth a Rechallenge

P-Codrea Tigaran S, Sidenius P, Dam M

Acta Neurol Scand 2005;111:191–194

Purpose

The only serious adverse event associated with lamotrigine (LTG) treatment is a hypersensitivity reaction primarily occurring as a rash. Despite this concern, LTG is an antiepileptic drug (AED) with one of the most favorable efficacy/tolerability ratios compared with the new as well as the old AEDs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the results of rechallenge with LTG after the initial rash.

Methods

In total, 688 patients (350 as monotherapy, and 338 as add-on therapy) with either idiopathic generalized epilepsy or focal epilepsy were treated with LTG. The patients with LTG-induced rash were rechallenged with LTG. The dosage schedule was 5 mg every day or every second day for 14 days, increased by 5 mg every 14th day to 25 mg/day. After achieving the daily dosage of 25 mg/day, the uptitration was completed by following the current guidelines.

Results

In 52 patients, a rash developed. The LTG-induced rash occurred in 6%, whereas 12 (1.8%) developed a rash shown to be coincidentally associated with the initiation of LTG therapy. In their cases, LTG was continued with success without intermission. Nineteen (38%) of the initial cohort were rechallenged with LTG, with a success rate of 84%.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide a successful recipe verified in time for the rechallenge with LTG after the initial drug-induced rash. The concurrent use of valproate was not found in this study to represent an additional risk factor for the occurrence of the rash during rechallenge with LTG. Our results agree with previous findings that women are more likely to develop the rash ( P < 0.009).
Monte Carlo Algorithms for Hardy–Weinberg Proportions
Authors: Huber Mark , Chen Yuguo , Dinwoodie Ian , Dobra Adrian , Nicholas Mike
Published: September 2005

Summary The Hardy–Weinberg law is among the most important principles in the study of biological systems (Crow, 1988, Genetics119, 473–476). Given its importance, many tests have been devised to determine whether a finite population follows Hardy–Weinberg proportions. Because asymptotic tests can fail, Guo and Thompson (1992, Biometrics48, 361–372) developed an exact test; unfortunately, the Monte Carlo method they proposed to evaluate their test has a running time that grows linearly in the size of the population N. Here, we propose a new algorithm whose expected running time is linear in the size of the table produced, and completely independent of N. In practice, this new algorithm can be considerably faster than the original method.
A Model Framework for Mortality and Health Data Classified by Age, Area, and Time
Authors: Congdon Peter
Published: September 2005

SummaryThis article sets out a modeling framework for modeling health outcomes over area, age, and time dimensions that takes account of spatial correlation, interactions between dimensions, and cohort as well as age effects. The goals of the framework include parsimony and parameter interpretability. Multivariate extensions may be made allowing interdependent or shared effects between different outcomes (e.g., ill health and mortality). A particular focus is on assessing the proportionality assumption whereby separate age and area effects multiply to produce age–area mortality or illness rates, and age–area interactions are assumed not to exist. A trivariate (mortality–health) application of the framework involves cross‐sectional data in the 33 London boroughs, while a longitudinal univariate application involves deaths for the same areas over four 5‐year periods starting in 1979.
A Chemical Co‐Reduction Route to Synthesize Nanocrystalline Vanadium Carbide
Authors: Li Cun , Yang Xiaogang , Yang Baojun , Qian Yitai
Published: September 2005

Nanocrystalline vanadium carbide (VC) was synthesized via a chemical co‐reduction process, in which VCl4 and CCl4 were used as the vanadium source and the carbon source, respectively, and metallic Na as a reductant in an autoclave at 500°C for 12 h. X‐ray powder diffraction indicated that the product was an NaCl type of VC with a cell constant a=4.171 Å. A transmission electron microscopy image showed the VC particles were 10–40 nm in size. X‐ray photoelectron spectrum and Raman spectrum showed the surface covered with oxide and graphite. The formation of nanocrystalline VC was discussed based on thermodynamics.
Inhibition of skin pigmentation by an extract of Lepidium apetalum and its possible implication in IL‐6 mediated signaling
Authors: Choi Hyunjung , Ahn Soomi , Lee Byeong G. , Chang Ihseop , Hwang Jae S.
Published: September 2005

The development of effective skin‐lightening agents is an increasingly important area of research aimed at the treatment of hyperpigmentation induced by UV irradiation or by medical conditions such as melasma, postinflammatory melanoderma and solar lentigo. Although some inhibit tyrosinase, identifying and understanding the mechanisms of action of other agents is an important goal if more effective pigmentation inhibitors are to be developed. We present here that an extract of Lepidium apetalum (ELA) decreased UV‐induced skin pigmentation in brown guinea pigs and melanogenesis of HM3KO human melanoma cells. Interestingly, ELA did not reduce melanogenesis in HM3KO cells unless they were co‐cultivated in keratinocyte‐conditioned medium prepared by culturing keratinocytes with ELA. Under these conditions, ELA decreased tyrosinase mRNA and protein expression as well as melanin content via an ELA‐mediated increase in keratinocyte IL‐6 production which in turn was shown to decrease in the expression Mitf, a transcription factor implicated in tyrosinase gene expression and melanocyte differentiation. The results reveal that ELA may be an effective inhibitor of hyperpigmentation caused by UV irradiation or by pigmented skin disorders through a mechanism involving IL‐6‐mediated downregulation of Mitf rather than a direct inhibition of tyrosinase activity.
Melanin in human irides of different color and age of donors
Authors: Wielgus Albert R. , Sarna Tadeusz
Published: September 2005

Melanin is the main chromophore of the human iris. This pigment is considered to be the most important factor that determines the color of the irides. Previous studies based mainly on chemical degradation methods showed that brown irides contain more melanin than blue ones. In our study, we used electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy to detect and characterize melanin free radical centers and associated iron in human irides. Based on this method, we determined the amount of melanin in the irides and the relative content of iron in iridial melanin as a function of their color, shade, and the age of their donors. Chemical degradation of iridial homogenates enabled us to characterize the structure of eumelanin and determine the content of pheomelanin present in human and bovine irides. The ESR amplitude, the normalized intensity obtained by double integration of the ESR signal of melanin, and the content of the pigment in the irides depended on color and shade of the eyes being 40% higher in the brown group of the irides compared with all other groups. On the other hand, the relative iron content normalized to the melanin content in light blue irides showed a small decrease with age of donors. Melanin in human and bovine irides was mostly composed of eumelanin, and pheomelanin content was of the order of a few percent. Although some differences in the structure of eumelanin present in the human and bovine irides are possible, the results obtained in this study suggest that human irides contain eumelanin with very similar chemical properties.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN THE EQUINE DEEP DIGITAL FLEXOR TENDON AND DISTAL SESAMOID BONE IN ADVANCED NAVICULAR DISEASE—AN EX VIVO STUDY
Authors: Busoni Valeria , Heimann Marianne , Trenteseaux Jacques , Snaps Frédéric , Dondelinger Robert F.
Published: September 2005

We describe the abnormal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and distal sesamoid bone in horses with radiographic changes compatible with navicular syndrome. Thirteen postmortem specimens were examined using a 1.5‐T magnetic field, with spin echo (SE) T1‐weighted, turbo SE (TSE) proton density‐weighted (with and without fat saturation), and fat saturation TSE T2‐weighted sequences. The limbs were then dissected to compare the MR findings with the gross assessment and histologic examination of the DDFT and distal sesamoid bones. Tendonous abnormalities were detected by MR imaging in 12 DDFTs and confirmed at necropsy. Most tendon lesions were located at the level of the distal sesamoid bone and the proximal recess of the podotrochlear bursa. Tendon lesions were classified based on their MR imaging features as core lesions, dorsal lesions, dorsal abrasions, and parasagittal splits. Areas of increased MR signal in the DDFTs were characterized by tendon fiber disturbance and lack of continuity of the collagen fibers, foci of edema, hemorrhages, and formation of lakes containing eosinophilic plasma‐like material or amphophilic material of low density. Bone marrow signal alterations in the distal sesamoid bone were seen in all digits. Two main phenomena were responsible for the abnormal signal, respectively, in T1‐weighted (decreased signal) and in T2‐weighted fat‐suppressed images (increased signal): a decrease in the fat marrow content in the trabecular spaces and an increase in the fluid content. Histologic examination revealed foci of bone marrow edema, hemorrhage, necrosis, and fibrosis. Cyst formation and trabecular abnormalities (disorganization, thinning, remodelling) were also observed in areas of abnormal signal intensity. Increased bone density because of trabecular thickening induced a decrease in signal in all sequences.
ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIO‐PANCREATOGRAPHY IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS
Authors: Spillmann Thomas , Schnell‐Kretschmer Henning , Dick Martina , Gröndahl Katharina A. , Lenhard Tobias C.W. , Rüst Sabine K.
Published: September 2005

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography is a combination of endoscopy and fluoroscopy used for radiographic imaging of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. In order to assess its feasibility and to describe abnormal findings in dogs, this technique was performed in 30 dogs with nonspecific chronic gastrointestinal disturbances. Using an 11‐mm side‐view endoscope, retrograde cholangiography was successful in 20/30 dogs (67%) and pancreatography in 21/30 (70%). Success was affected by intraduodenal food, mucus or blood, problems in papillary cannulation, stomach overdistention, body size, and changes in duodenal mucosa. It was impossible to perform the procedure in dogs weighing <10 kg with the available material. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed findings that differed from previous reports in healthy beagles in 5/20 dogs. Findings included enlarged common bile duct (n=2), intraductal filling defects (n=2), and deviated course of common bile duct (n=1), and major papilla stenosis (n=1). In the dog with major papilla stenosis and intraductal filling defects, endoscopic guided sphincterotomy was performed. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed an abnormal course of the accessory pancreatic duct in 2/21 dogs. In both dogs with proven end‐stage pancreatic acinar atrophy, the left duct branch did not run distal the stomach to the left but went parallel to the right duct branch and the duodenum. Repeated clinical and laboratory examinations revealed no signs of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography. It was concluded that this imaging technique is promising for the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic diseases in dogs. It also offers the chance for new treatment options such as endoscopic guided sphincterotomy in dogs.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS: ACUTE LUNG INJURY FOLLOWING MASSIVE BEE ENVENOMATION IN A DOG
Authors: Walker Thomas , Tidwell Amy S. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , DeLaforcade Armelle , Hoffman Andrew M.
Published: September 2005

A 5‐year‐old neutered male mixed breed dog presented for increased respiratory effort after being stung by over 100 bees and developing anaphylactic shock. Given the history, clinical signs and thoracic radiographic findings of a mild bilateral interstitial pattern, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) was suspected. Further testing was performed to support this diagnosis. On computed tomographic images, there was a diffuse bilateral opacification of the lungs, with preservation of bronchial and vascular margins. Pulmonary function testing indicated decreased pulmonary compliance, decreased diffusion capacity and decreased functional residual capacity. These results supported the diagnosis of ALI/ARDS secondary to bee sting envenomation and development of anaphylactic shock. After 8 days of treatment with oxygen, steroids, antibiotics, and bronchodilators the dog improved. This case demonstrates the usefulness of computed tomography and pulmonary function testing in the diagnosis of ALI/ARDS.
EXTRA‐ABDOMINAL CHONDROLIPOMA IN A DOG
Authors: Tanabe Shigeyuki , Yamada Kazutaka , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu , Suzuki Koudai , Yamaguchi Miho , Uzuka Yuji , Sarashina Takao , Inoue Michiyo
Published: September 2005

A 10‐year‐old male maltise dog was presented for evaluation of a gradual abdominal enlargement, which had developed over 2 years. (On the radiograph of the abdomen, a significant distention of the abdomen with a large accumulation of fat could be seen.) The mass effect was noticeable because of the rightward displacement of the viscera. There was multifocal amorphous mineralization, mostly in the right abdomen. Computed tomography (CT) identified a 13 × 13 × 10 cm mass, most likely an intra‐abdominal lipoma, by which the digestive tract had been displaced in the abdomen. It was only during surgery, however, that the mass was found to be located between the peritoneum and transversus abdominis muscles and the rectus abdominus muscle. It was completely resected. Histopathological examination revealed that the mass was chondrolipoma. The amorphous radiopaque lesion on the images corresponded to cartilaginous tissues with calcification. There has been no recurrence for 10 months. This is the first report of an extra‐abdominal chondrolipoma in dogs. Cartilaginous metaplasia of lipoma, located in the abdominal area, should be included in the differential diagnosis for multifocal amorphous mineralization.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS—PYLOROGASTRIC INTUSSUSCEPTION IN A DOG
Authors: Lee Heechun , Yeon Seongchan , Lee Hyojong , Chang Dongwoo , Eom Kidong , Yoon Junghee , Choi Hojung , Lee Youngwon
Published: September 2005

A 7‐year‐old female Maltese presented for evaluation of severe vomiting. A diagnosis of pylorogastric intussusception was made during ultrasonographic examination. The intussusception spontaneously underwent reduction by the following morning.
ASSESSMENT OF CARDIAC CHAMBER SIZE USING ANATOMIC M‐MODE
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Sisson D. David
Published: September 2005

Anatomic M‐mode (AMM) is an echocardiographic technique that is capable of generating M‐mode studies from two‐dimensional (2D) cine loops. Unlike conventional M‐mode (CMM) whose scan line must lie along the axis of the ultrasound signal, AMM produces M‐mode studies independent of the orientation of the ultrasound beam. We sought to determine the ability of AMM to measure cardiac dimensions in normal dogs and to assess the accuracy and variability of AMM and CMM vs. 2D measurements. Thirty‐eight healthy dogs underwent physical exam and 2D, CMM, and AMM echocardiographic studies. The end‐diastolic and end‐systolic dimension of the left ventricle and the diameter of the left atrium (LAD) and aortic root were evaluated from the right parasternal short‐ and long‐axis views. Results of the AMM and CMM study were compared with the 2D study via linear regression and calculation of a coefficient of correlation. AMM increased the level of correlation with both the left ventricular dimensions and LAD. Bland–Altman analysis revealed that AMM increased the level of agreement with 2D measurements and CMM greatly underestimated LAD vs. AMM. In healthy dogs, cardiac AMM measurements are associated with greater accuracy and less variability than CMM. AMM has the potential to improve quantification of cardiac dimensions.
MEASUREMENT OF TUMOR HYPOXIA IN SPONTANEOUS CANINE SARCOMAS
Authors: Bruehlmeier Matthias , Kaser‐Hotz Barbara , Achermann Roger , Bley Carla Rohrer , Wergin Melanie , Schubiger Pius A. , Ametamey Simon M.
Published: September 2005

We used positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) to study tumor hypoxia in six dogs with spontaneous sarcomas. The tumors were regarded as hypoxic if [18F]FMISO uptake exceeded normal tissue radioactivity by 40% (tumor/muscle ratio >1.4) or if kinetic analysis indicated a positive [18F]FMISO tissue influx rate (Ki>0) by a Patlak plot. Using these criteria, we found hypoxia in a fibrosarcoma grade II, an undifferentiated sarcoma, and an ostoeosarcoma, but not in a fibrosarcoma grade I, another osteosarcoma, and a myxosarcoma. In three animals, the tumor oxygen partial pressure (pO2) was also measured invasively using Eppendorf needle electrodes. In these cases, the Eppendorf measurements were confirmed by the [18F]FMISO PET results. In addition, [15O]H2O PET was performed in four dogs in order to assess tumor perfusion. Comparisons of the [18F]FMISO with [15O]H2O PET images in two cases showed that tumor hypoxia occurred in the tumor center with low perfusion, whereas perfusion was heterogeneous in a nonhypoxic tumor.
Structure, epitope mapping, and docking simulation of a gibberellin mimic peptide as a peptidyl mimotope for a hydrophobic ligand
Authors: Murata Takashi , Hemmi Hikaru , Nakamura Shugo , Shimizu Kentaro , Suzuki Yoshihito , Yamaguchi Isomaro
Published: September 2005

Using NMR spectroscopy and simulated annealing calculations, we determined the solution structure of the disulfide‐linked cyclized decapeptide ACLPWSDGPC (SD), which is bound to an anti‐(gibberellin A4) mAb 4‐B8(8)/E9 and was found to be the first peptidyl mimotope for a hydrophobic ligand. The resulting structure of the peptide showed a β‐turn‐like conformation in residues three to seven and the region converges well (average rmsd 0.54 Å). The binding activity and the epitopes of the peptide to the antibody were assessed using saturation transfer difference (STD)‐NMR experiments. We also conducted docking simulations between the peptide and the mAb to determine how the peptide is bound to the mAb. Resonances around the β‐turn‐like conformation of peptide SD (residues 3–5) showed strong STD enhancement, which agreed well with results from docking simulation between peptide SD and the mAb. Together with the commonality of amino acid residues of the mAb involved in interactions with gibberellin A4 (GA4) and peptide SD, we concluded that peptide SD is bound to the antigen‐binding site of mAb 4‐B8(8)/E9 as a GA4 mimic, confirming evidence for the existence of peptide mimics even for hydrophobic ligands.
3‐Hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase and short chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase in human health and disease
Authors: Yang Song‐Yu , He Xue‐Ying , Schulz Horst
Published: September 2005

3‐Hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) functions in mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation by catalyzing the oxidation of straight chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoAs. HAD has a preference for medium chain substrates, whereas short chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (SCHAD) acts on a wide spectrum of substrates, including steroids, cholic acids, and fatty acids, with a preference for short chain methyl‐branched acyl‐CoAs. Therefore, HAD should not be referred to as SCHAD. SCHAD is not a member of the HAD family, but instead, belongs to the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. Previously reported cases of SCHAD deficiency are due to an inherited HAD deficiency. SCHAD, also known as 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10, is important in brain development and aging. Abnormal levels of SCHAD in certain brain regions may contribute to the pathogenesis of some neural disorders. The human SCHAD gene and its protein product, SCHAD, are potential targets for intervention in conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and an X‐linked mental retardation, that may arise from the impaired degradation of branched chain fatty acid and isoleucine.
Distribution of the extrinsic proteins as a potential marker for the evolution of photosynthetic oxygen‐evolving photosystem II
Authors: Enami Isao , Suzuki Takehiro , Tada Osamu , Nakada Yoshiko , Nakamura Kumi , Tohri Akihiko , Ohta Hisataka , Inoue Isao , Shen Jian‐Ren
Published: September 2005

Distribution of photosystem II (PSII) extrinsic proteins was examined using antibodies raised against various extrinsic proteins from different sources. The results showed that a glaucophyte (Cyanophora paradoxa) having the most primitive plastids contained the cyanobacterial‐type extrinsic proteins (PsbO, PsbV, PsbU), and the primitive red algae (Cyanidium caldarium) contained the red algal‐type extrinsic proteins (PsO, PsbQ′, PsbV, PsbU), whereas a prasinophyte (Pyraminonas parkeae), which is one of the most primitive green algae, contained the green algal‐type ones (PsbO, PsbP, PsbQ). These suggest that the extrinsic proteins had been diverged into cyanobacterial‐, red algal‐ and green algal‐types during early phases of evolution after a primary endosymbiosis. This study also showed that a haptophyte, diatoms and brown algae, which resulted from red algal secondary endosymbiosis, contained the red algal‐type, whereas Euglena gracilis resulted from green algal secondary endosymbiosis contained the green algal‐type extrinsic proteins, suggesting that the red algal‐ and green algal‐type extrinsic proteins have been retained unchanged in the different lines of organisms following the secondary endosymbiosis. Based on these immunological analyses, together with the current genome data, the evolution of photosynthetic oxygen‐evolving PSII was discussed from a view of distribution of the extrinsic proteins, and a new model for the evolution of the PSII extrinsic proteins was proposed.
Analysis of the contribution of changes in mRNA stability to the changes in steady‐state levels of cyclin mRNA in the mammalian cell cycle
Authors: Penelova Anna , Richman Larry , Neupert Barbara , Simanis Viesturs , Kühn Lukas C.
Published: September 2005

Cyclins are the essential regulatory subunits of cyclin‐dependent protein kinases. They accumulate and disappear periodically at specific phases of the cell cycle. Here we investigated whether variations in cyclin mRNA levels in exponentially growing cells can be attributed to changes in mRNA stability. Mouse EL4 lymphoma cells and 3T3 fibroblasts were synchronized by elutriation or cell sorting. Steady‐state levels and degradation of cyclin mRNAs and some other cell cycle related mRNAs were measured at early G1, late G1, S and G2/M phases. In both cell lines mRNAs of cyclins C, D1 and D3 remained unchanged throughout the cell cycle. In contrast, cyclin A2 and B1 mRNAs accumulated 3.1‐ and 5.7‐fold between early G1 and G2/M phase, whereas cyclin E1 mRNA decreased 1.7‐fold. Mouse cyclin A2 and B1 genes, by alternative polyadenylation, gave rise to more than one transcript. In both cases, the longer transcripts were the minor species but accumulated more strongly in G2/M phase. All mRNAs were rather stable with half‐lives of 1.5–2 h for cyclin E1 mRNA and 3–4 h for the others. Changes in mRNA stability accounted for the accumulation in G2/M phase of the short cyclin A2 and B1 mRNAs, but contributed only partially to changes in levels of the other mRNAs.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor as a physiological regulator
Authors: Maxwell Patrick H.
Published: September 2005

Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription complex which responds to changes in oxygen, providing cells with a master regulator that coordinates changes in gene transcription. HIF operates in all mammalian cell types and is ancient in evolutionary terms, being conserved in C. elegans and D. melanogaster. This review summarizes recent insights into the molecular events that link reduced oxygenation to HIF activation and emerging insights into the extensive role of HIF in a broad range of physiological processes.
Bootstrap and Buddhism
Authors: Capra Fritjof
Published: September 2005

It is argued that the contrast between “fundamentalists” and “bootstrappers” in high-energy physics reflects the contrast between Western and Eastern philosophy. Most physicists are reluctant to accept the bootstrap model because the fundamentalist thinking is intimately connected with their cultural and philosophical background. A comparison of the general philosophy and of the more detailed features of the model with the concepts of Mahayana Buddhism reveals striking similarities.
Personalized Instruction with Bootstrap Tutors in an Introductory Biophysics Course
Authors: Roper L. David
Published: September 2005

A description is given of an introductory biophysics PSI (Personalized System of Instruction) course which utilizes tutors selected from the students themselves (bootstrap tutors). In the author's opinion such tutors, while obviously easier to obtain, are as good as or better than tutors selected from a previous class.
Remark on the Solutions of the Harmonic Oscillator Equation
Authors: Buchdahl H. A.
Published: September 2005

This article deals with a number of errors which are commonly to be found in the literature in the context of the solution of the harmonic oscillator problem by means of the polynomial method. Principally, wrong or misleading statements are often made about the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of the harmonic oscillator equation. The situation is here rectified by deriving certain rigorous inequalities by quite elementary means which maintain the spirit of the usual argument.
Walk-In Laboratory: A Laboratory for Introductory Physics
Authors: Price R. M. , Brandt D.
Published: September 2005

We report on the philosophy and operation of a self-instructional laboratory to support introductory physics courses, including those which are self-paced. The laboratory features demonstrations and experiments which, in most cases, yield quantitative data. The instruction is accomplished by means of displays of visual and printed material and, most importantly, by means of audio recordings with each experiment.
Comments on the Hafele-Keating Experiment
Authors: Schlegel Richard
Published: September 2005

Salient features of the Hafele-Keating test of relativistic clock-rate changes are presented; these changes were for cesium atomic clocks which had been flown around the world, once eastward and once westward, on approximately equatorial paths. An inconsistency for an earth observer, between equal energy but different time rates for eastward and westward moving clocks, is shown to be removed if the Sagnac effect is taken into account in the synchronization of clocks in the earth reference system. Also, it is shown that an atomic clock's directional relativistic loss (gain) for an eastward (westward) circumpolar journey is velocity independent. The observed relativistic time effects may be derived as general-relativistic changes, leaving the question of special-relativistic kinetic effects on a macroscopic clock an open one empirically.
Physics Course on Information Processing in the Nervous System
Authors: Horwitz Barry
Published: September 2005

A multidisciplinary course for advanced physics and biology majors at the undergraduate level is described. The focus of the course is on the problem of how the nervous system receives, processes, and transmits information. Our main goals are to provide recognition of an important, interdisciplinary area of research, to elucidate some of what is presently known about this area, and, finally, to indicate the kinds of questions that must be asked in order to obtain an understanding of neural mechanisms.
Heat Engines that Use a Gravitational Field
Authors: Kell G. S.
Published: September 2005

In the ordinary steam engine both the recovery of work and changes of the working substance involve the motion of a piston. Two heat engines are described here in which the gravitational field permits a separation of these two aspects. The first machine evaporates a liquid (for example, water) in the heat source, condenses it in the sink, and work is obtained from a water wheel; this machine is easy to understand, though not very efficient. The second machine is a reversible one using a Carnot cycle, again separating volume changes of the working substance from the motion of a piston. Both machines require large vertical dimensions but may someday be feasible in the exploitation of geothermal energy.
Quaternion Quantum Theory: New Physics or Number Mysticism?
Authors: Edmonds James D.
Published: September 2005

Hamilton's ancient quaternion formalism gave rise to vector analysis. Quaternions resurface once again to suggest relativistic generalizations of quantum theory and a new spin-12 wave equation.
Continued Fraction Solution of Certain Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: David Carl W.
Published: September 2005

A simple continued fraction technique for obtaining eigenvalues of some quantum mechanical problems with minimum effort is presented. The technique is intended for presentation prior to a rigorous discussion of these same problems.
Magnetic Forces Doing Work?
Authors: Mosca Eugene P.
Published: September 2005

Consider a conducting circuit moving with velocity v through a constant magnetic field B. The induced emf is given by  ∫ v × B · dl where the integral is taken once around the circuit. Some texts refer to v × B as the force the magnetic field exerts on a unit charge moving around the circuit. This is incorrect as magnetic forces can never do work. The force the conductor exerts on an electron is shown to do this work.
Solution of the Schrödinger Equation for Some Electric Field Problems
Authors: Buch Lawrence H. , Denman Harry H.
Published: September 2005

An alternate treatment of the Schrödinger equation for a charged particle in a uniform, constant electric field is given. The time-varying field is then treated. Next, using a Hamiltonian which gives the classical equations of motion for a particle in a viscous medium subject to a uniform constant, or time-varying field, the corresponding Schrödinger equation is solved. This procedure yields the classical electrical conductivity expressions for both dc and ac fields.
Antibound ‘States’ and Resonances
Authors: Ohanian Hans C. , Ginsburg Carl G.
Published: September 2005

In order to illustrate the concepts of antibound ‘state’ and resonance, we present some simple examples of elastic scattering in one dimension. The phase shift, scattering probability, time delay, and wave amplitude are plotted as a function of energy for a particle incident on a square well (deuteron) and a square well plus barrier. We discuss how antibound ‘states’ and resonances show up in these plots.
The Horizontal Sundial
Authors: Erlichson Herman
Published: September 2005

An analytic solution for determining the markings on a horizontal sundial is presented. A description of a demonstration self-contained horizontal sundial with bubble level, compass, and equation of time is also given.
Teaching Laser Physics: High Brow or Low Brow?
Authors: Weichel H. , Pedrotti L. S.
Published: September 2005

In the present “laser age” more and more institutions of higher learning are offering laser courses. A physics professor, teaching such a course (or courses), soon realizes that the subject can be addressed and presented at three distinct levels of conceptual and mathematical sophistication. In this paper, the three levels are defined and characterized. In addition the advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed and recommendations for choosing a particular approach to match student level and interest are offered.
Introductory CAI Dialogue in Differential Calculus for Freshman Physics
Authors: Kalman C. S. , Kaufman D. , Smith R.
Published: September 2005

A project on a computer based dialogue for freshmen is described and evaluated. The dialogue utilizes a CAI language written in fortran that allows a designer to easily write and edit questions at his own desk without the use of a terminal.
Simplified Derivation of Wigner's Quantum Correction for Thermodynamics
Authors: Harper Charlie
Published: September 2005

A simplified derivation of Wigner's quantum-mechanical correction for thermodynamic equilibrium is presented. The analysis is restricted to the quantum statistics of systems with classical analogs.
Quantum Defect and Fine Structure in the Arc Spectrum of Rubidium—An Experiment
Authors: Luke K. L. , George S. , Tucker A. W.
Published: September 2005

Using a relatively inexpensive, commercially available rubidium lamp, we obtained the first 11, 7 and 19 lines of the sharp, principal, and diffuse series respectively from the arc spectrum of rubidium. It is shown that the following three student exercises can be performed by using the data obtained: (a) identification of the sharp, principal, and diffuse series of rubidium; (b) verification of Rydberg's formula for rubidium, in so doing determine the quantum defect and series limit for the sharp, principal and diffuse series, respectively; and (c) verification of the dependence of the splitting due to spin-orbit interaction of the levels on n* as given by the Landé formula. From the results, this experiment is recommended for an advanced optics and spectroscopy or quantum physics laboratory.
Absorption Model for Electron—Rare Gas Atom Scattering
Authors: Kazaks Peter A. , Kuster Eric J.
Published: September 2005

A model for differential cross sections based on absorption of flux out of the elastic channel is presented. It is very easy to apply and constitutes the simplest kind of distorted wave model. This model has hitherto been used only in nuclear and high energy physics. Here it is applied to electron-rare gas atom scattering with qualitative success.