bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient expression of endothelins in the amoeboid microglial cells in the developing rat brain
Authors: Wu Chun‐Yun , Kaur Charanjit , Lu Jia , Cao Qiong , Guo Chun‐Hua , Zhou Yan , Sivakumar Viswanathan , Ling Eng‐Ang
Published: August 2006

Amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) which transiently exist in the corpus callosum in the postnatal rat brain expressed endothelins (ETs), specifically endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and ET3 as revealed by real time RT‐PCR. ET immunoreactive AMC occurred in large numbers at birth, but were progressively reduced with age and were undetected in 14 days. In rats subjected to hypoxia exposure, ET immunoexpression in AMC was reduced but the incidence of apoptotic cells was not increased when compared with the control suggesting that this was due to its downregulation that may help regulate the constriction of blood vessels bearing ET‐A receptor. AMC were endowed ET‐B receptor indicating that ET released by the cells may also act via an autocrine manner. In microglia activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ET‐1 mNA expression coupled with that of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP‐1) and stromal derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) was markedly increased; ET‐3 mRNA, however, remained unaffected. AMC exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro resulted in increase in both ET‐1 and ET‐3 mRNA expression. It is suggested that the downregulated ETs expression in vivo of AMC subjected to hypoxia as opposed to its upregulated expression in vitro may be due to the complexity of the brain tissue. Furthermore, the differential ET‐1 and ET‐3 mRNA expression in LPS and OGD treatments may be due to different signaling pathways independently regulating the two isoforms. The present novel finding has added microglia as a new cellular source of ET that may take part in multiple functions including regulating vascular constriction and chemokines release. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal place cells, context, and episodic memory
Authors: Smith David M. , Mizumori Sheri J.Y.
Published: August 2006

Although most observers agree that the hippocampus has a critical role in learning and memory, there remains considerable debate about the precise functional contribution of the hippocampus to these processes. Two of the most influential accounts hold that the primary function of the hippocampus is to generate cognitive maps and to mediate episodic memory processes. The well‐documented spatial firing patterns (place fields) of hippocampal neurons in rodents, along with the spatial learning impairments observed with hippocampal damage support the cognitive mapping hypothesis. The amnesia for personally experienced events seen in humans with hippocampal damage and the data of animal models, which show severe memory deficits associated with hippocampal lesions, support the episodic memory account. Although an extensive literature supports each of these hypotheses, a specific contribution of place cells to episodic memory has not been clearly demonstrated. Recent data from our laboratory, together with previous findings, indicate that hippocampal place fields and neuronal responses to task‐relevant stimuli are highly sensitive to the context, even when the contexts are defined by abstract task demands rather than the spatial geometry of the environment. On the basis of these findings, it is proposed that place fields reflect a more general context processing function of the hippocampus. Hippocampal context representations could serve to differentiate contexts and prime the relevant memories and behaviors. Since episodic memories, by definition, include information about the time and place where the episode occurred, contextual information is a necessary prerequisite for any episodic memory. Thus, place fields contribute importantly to episodic memory as part of the needed context representations. Additionally, recent findings indicate that hippocampal neurons differentiate contexts at progressively finer levels of detail, suggesting a hierarchical coding scheme which, if combined with temporal information, could provide a means of differentiating memory episodes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transient characteristics of small molten salt reactor during blockage accident
Authors: Yamamoto Takahisa , Mitachi Koshi , Ikeuchi Koji , Suzuki Takashi
Published: August 2006

This paper reports the results from a transient core analysis of a small molten salt reactor (MSR) when a duct blockage accident occurred. The focus of this study is a numerical model employed in order to consider the interaction among fuel salt flow, heat transfer, and nuclear reactions. The numerical model comprises continuity and momentum conservation equations for fuel salt flow, two‐group neutron diffusion equations for fast and thermal neutron fluxes, transport equations for six‐group delayed neutron precursors, and energy conservation equations for fuel salt and graphite moderators. The analysis results show the following: (1) the effect of the self‐control performance of the MSR on the effective multiplication factor and thermal power output of the reactor after the blockage accident is insignificant, (2) fuel salt and graphite moderator temperatures increase drastically but locally at the blockage area and its surroundings, (3) the highest fuel salt temperature after the blockage accident is 1,363 K; this value is lower than the boiling point of fuel salt and the melting temperature of the reactor vessel, (4) the change in the distributions of fast and thermal neutron fluxes after the blockage accident when compared with the distributions at the rated condition is very slight, and (5) delayed neutron precursors, especially the first delayed neutron precursor, accumulate at the blockage area due to its large decay constant. These results imply that the safety of the MSR is assured in the case of a blockage accident. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(6): 434–450, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20123
Quality inspection in polymer processing by a thermophysical handy tester
Authors: Koshikawa Yasuyuki , Kato Kazunori , Kano Ichiro , Takahashi Ichiro
Published: August 2006

This paper presents the applicability of a thermophysical handy tester for quality inspection and diagnostic technique such as in situ measurement of polymeric resin products. Influence of crystallinity known as a rating factor of quality, or filler concentration upon thermal conductivity is determined for the case of unsaturated polyester resin products by using the tester. Consequently, good correlations between the thermal conductivity and the crystallinity or the filler concentration are certified. The variation or the distribution of thermal conductivity of products molded under various conditions can be detected nondestructively using the tester. As an example, the thermal conductivity distribution around the forming gate is demonstrated, indicating the density‐uniformity of the resin product. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(6): 421–433, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20124
Prediction of turbulent flow and heat transfer within rotating U‐shaped passages
Authors: Kai Liu Chuan , Hongwu Deng , Zhi Tao , Shuiting Deng , Xuguoqiang
Published: August 2006

Numerical predictions of three‐dimensional flow and heat transfer are presented for rotating serpentine passages with and without rib turbulators. The coolant air is pressurized and its operating conditions are selected closely to match actual turbine operating parameters. Two different arrangements of rib turbulators were studied: (1) transverse ribs on the leading and trailing walls and (2) transverse ribs on all four walls. The rib height‐to‐hydraulic diameter ratio (e/Dh) is 0.143; the rib pitch‐to‐height ratio (s/e) is 7. Results for the rib‐roughened serpentine passages were compared with those of smooth ones calculated in the literature. It was shown that a significant enhancement is achieved by means of rib turbulators in a serpentine passage at a stationary state as well as in a rotating state. In the radially‐outward flow passages, the effect of rotation on heat transfer is relatively prominent. The secondary flows induced by the Coriolis forces are most intensive in the channel with four ribbed surfaces. The heat transfer after a 180° sharp turn in the smooth channel is influenced more by the sharp‐turn‐induced flow than the rib‐roughened ones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(6): 410–420, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20125
Experimental study on heat transfer enhancement in the vertical nature convection by using delta‐winglet longitudinal vortex generators
Authors: Taowang  , Zeliangyang  , Guangchangfeng
Published: August 2006

This paper focuses on the study of heat transfer enhancement in natural vertical convection by using delta‐winglet longitudinal vortex generators. In the experimental range of Rayleigh numbers, the effect of attack angle, height, and width of the winglet of longitudinal vortex generator (LVG) on heat transfer performance was experimentally investigated. The results showed that there was an optimal attack angle and that the height and width can affect the heat transfer. In terms of array performance, it was shown that initial arrays could enhance the performance of later arrays. Moreover, the effects of LVG and low rectangular fins were compared. The results showed that the effect of LVGs was greater than that of low rectangular fins. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(6): 402–409, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20126
Ventilation effect on fire smoke transport in a townhouse building
Authors: Lin C.S. , Wang S.C. , Hung C.B. , Hsu J.H.
Published: August 2006

Accidental building fires present considerable valuable information on fire phenomena and behavior. However, fire and smoke movement quantitative data cannot be obtained directly from a building fire accident. Therefore, computational methods have been widely used to reestablish the fire scenario and obtain a great deal of information for fire study. This paper utilized two types of fire simulation software, CFAST and FDS, to reconstruct a motorcycle shop fire accident in Taiwan. Important thermodynamic parameters during the fire duration were obtained through numerical simulations. The impact of natural/forced ventilation on the fire was also studied. The results showed that the more forced airflow into the building, the more time people had to evacuate to a safe place from the fire. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(6): 387–401, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20127
Interpretation of teasing during early adolescence
Authors: Agliata Allison Kanter , Tantleff‐Dunn Stacey , Renk Kimberly
Published: August 2006

Research has suggested that teasing, especially about physical appearance, is a common experience with negative consequences for adolescents. This study aimed to examine the cognitive processes of adolescents exposed to teasing. Students from two middle schools were assigned randomly to view videotaped vignettes of appearance‐related teasing, competency teasing, or a control situation and completed questionnaires to assess their cognitive reactions and memories of the teasing. Results indicated that adolescent girls recalled appearance‐related teasing more readily than competency teasing, adolescent girls with high body dissatisfaction recalled fewer positive appearance words, and participants exposed to competency teasing were more likely to recall competency words. The findings indicated that cognitive processes may be important in the study of adolescents' interpretation of teasing and for clinical treatment of adolescents who are teased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 23–30, 2007.
P‐Akt expression distinguishes two types of malignant rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Charboneau Aubri , Chai Jingjing , Jordan Jennifer , Funkhouser William , Judkins Alexander , Biegel Jaclyn , Weissman Bernard
Published: August 2006

Highly aggressive pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT) arise in the kidney and central nervous system (CNS) with no curative treatment available. Multiple studies have shown that inactivation of the SNF5 tumor suppressor gene occurs in virtually all MRTs. However, few studies have addressed whether additional genetic events may contribute to MRT development. In this report, we demonstrate that phosphorylated Akt (P‐Akt) is expressed in a subpopulation of cells in at least 10% of primary rhabdoid tumors as well as at high levels in three MRT cell lines. Similar to other high P‐Akt expressing tumor cell lines, MRTs have decreased sensitivity to p21 induced growth arrest. Therefore, P‐Akt expression may distinguish between two types of MRTs. Because drugs directed against the PI3‐K/Akt have shown promise in clinical trials for other tumor types, they may prove useful for treatment of patients with P‐Akt positive MRTs. P‐Akt expression also provides a potential mechanistic link between these pediatric tumors and adult malignancies. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 422–427, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subnuclear localization and differentiation‐dependent increased expression of DGK‐ζ in C2C12 mouse myoblasts
Authors: Evangelisti Camilla , Riccio Massimo , Faenza Irene , Zini Nicoletta , Hozumi Yasukazu , Goto Kaoru , Cocco L. , Martelli Alberto M.
Published: August 2006

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) catalyze phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DG) to yield phosphatidic acid (PA). Previous evidence has shown that the nucleus contains several DGK isoforms. In this study, we have analyzed the expression and subnuclear localization of DGK‐ζ employing C2C12 mouse myoblasts. Immunocytochemistry coupled to confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that both endogenous and green fluorescent protein‐tagged overexpressed DGK‐ζ localized mostly to the nucleus. In contrast, overexpressed DGK‐α, ‐β, ‐δ, and ‐ι did not migrate to the nucleus. DGK‐ζ was present in the nuclear speckle domains, as also revealed by immuno‐electron microscopy analysis. Moreover, DGK‐ζ co‐localized and interacted with phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase Cβ1 (PLCβ1), that is involved in inositide‐dependent signaling pathways important for the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, we report that DGK‐ζ associated with nuclear matrix, the fundamental organizing principle of the nucleus where many cell functions take place, including DNA replication, gene expression, and protein phosphorylation. Nuclear DGK‐ζ increased during myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells, while DGK‐ζ down‐regulation by siRNA markedly impaired differentiation. Overall, our findings further support the importance of speckles and nuclear matrix in lipid‐dependent signaling and suggest that nuclear DGK‐ζ might play some fundamental role during myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 370–378, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myotube depolarization generates reactive oxygen species through NAD(P)H oxidase; ROS‐elicited Ca2+ stimulates ERK, CREB, early genes
Authors: Espinosa Alejandra , Leiva Aida , Peña Marisol , Müller Mariolly , Debandi Anibal , Hidalgo Cecilia , Angélica Carrasco M. , Jaimovich Enrique
Published: August 2006

Controlled generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to physiological intracellular signaling events. We determined ROS generation in primary cultures of rat skeletal muscle after field stimulation (400 1‐ms pulses at a frequency of 45 Hz) or after depolarization with 65 mM K+ for 1 min. Both protocols induced a long lasting increase in dichlorofluorescein fluorescence used as ROS indicator. Addition of diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase, PEG‐catalase, a ROS scavenger, or nifedipine, an inhibitor of the skeletal muscle voltage sensor, significantly reduced this increase. Myotubes contained both the p47phox and gp91phox phagocytic NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, as revealed by immunodetection. To study the effects of ROS, myotubes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at concentrations (100–200 µM) that did not alter cell viability; H2O2 induced a transient intracellular Ca2+ rise, measured as fluo‐3 fluorescence. Minutes after Ca2+ signal initiation, an increase in ERK1/2 and CREB phosphorylation and of mRNA for the early genes c‐fos and c‐jun was detected. Inhibition of ryanodine receptor (RyR) decreased all effects induced by H2O2 and NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors DPI and apocynin decreased ryanodine‐sensitive calcium signals. Activity‐dependent ROS generation is likely to be involved in regulation of calcium‐controlled intracellular signaling pathways in muscle cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 379–388, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulatory volume increase (RVI) by in situ and isolated bovine articular chondrocytes
Authors: Kerrigan Mark J.P. , Hook Corinne S.V. , Qusous Ala' , Hall Andrew C.
Published: August 2006

Metabolism of the matrix by chondrocytes is sensitive to alterations in cell volume that occur, for example, during static loading and osteoarthritis. The ability of chondrocytes to respond to changes in volume could be important, and this study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that chondrocytes can regulate their volume following cell shrinking by regulatory volume increase (RVI). We used single cell fluorescence imaging of in situ bovine articular chondrocytes, cells freshly isolated into 280 or 380 mOsm, or 2‐D cultured chondrocytes loaded with calcein or fura‐2, to investigate RVI and changes to [Ca2+]i during shrinkage. Following a 42% hyperosmotic challenge, chondrocytes rapidly shrunk, however, only ∼6% of the in situ or freshly isolated chondrocytes demonstrated RVI. This contrasted with 2D‐cultured chondrocytes where ∼54% of the cells exhibited RVI. The rate of RVI was the same for all preparations. During the ‘post‐RVD/RVI protocol’, ∼60% of the in situ and freshly isolated chondrocytes demonstrated RVD, but only ∼5% showed RVI. There was no relationship between [Ca2+]i and RVI either during hyperosmotic challenge, or during RVD suggesting that changes to [Ca2+]i were not required for RVI. Depolymerisation of the actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin, increased RVI by freshly isolated chondrocytes, in a bumetanide‐sensitive manner. The results showed that in situ and freshly isolated articular chondrocytes have only limited RVI capacity. However, RVI was stimulated by treating freshly isolated chondrocytes with latrunculin B and following 2D culture of chondrocytes, suggesting that cytoskeletal integrity plays a role in regulating RVI activity which appears to be mediated principally by the Na+K+2Cl− cotransporter. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 481–492, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective amino acid restriction targets mitochondria to induce apoptosis of androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Fu Ya‐Min , Zhang Hui , Ding Mingjie , Li Yi‐Qi , Fu Xing , Yu Zu‐Xi , Meadows Gary G.
Published: August 2006

Relative specific amino acid dependency is one of the metabolic abnormalities of cancer cells, and restriction of specific amino acids induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. This study shows that restriction of tyrosine and phenylalanine (Tyr/Phe), glutamine (Gln), or methionine (Met), modulates Raf and Akt survival pathways and affects the function of mitochondria in DU145 and PC3, in vitro. These three restrictions inhibit energy production (ATP synthesis) and induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Restriction of Tyr/Phe or Met in DU145 and Met in PC3 reduces mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and induces caspase‐dependent and ‐independent apoptosis. In DU145, Tyr/Phe or Met restriction reduces activity of Akt, mitochondrial distribution of phosphorylated Raf and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), and increases mitochondrial distribution of Bak. Mitochondrial Bcl‐XL is increased in Tyr/Phe‐restricted but decreased in Met‐restricted cells. Under Tyr/Phe or Met restriction, reduced mitochondrial Raf does not inactivate the pro‐apoptotic function of Bak. Tyr/Phe restriction also inhibits Bcl‐2 and Met restriction inhibits Bcl‐XL in mitochondria. These comprehensive actions damage the integrity of the mitochondria and induce apoptosis of DU145. In PC3, apoptosis induced by Met restriction was not associated with alterations in intracellular distribution of Raf, Bcl‐2 family proteins, or AIF. All of the amino acid restrictions inhibited Akt activity in this cell line. We conclude that specific amino acid restriction differentially interferes with homeostasis/balance between the Raf and Akt survival pathways and with the interaction of Raf and Bcl‐2 family proteins in mitochondria to induce apoptosis of DU145 and PC3 cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 522–534, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leucine stimulates procollagen α1(I) translation on hepatic stellate cells through ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation
Authors: de Obanos María P.Pérez , Zabalza María J. López , Prieto Jesús , Herraiz María T. , Iraburu María J.
Published: August 2006

The essential amino acid leucine has been described to specifically activate signaling pathways leading to the activation of the translational machinery and the increase of total protein synthesis. Regulation of type I collagen production by hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a multistep process involving transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms. In the present work we studied the effect of leucine on translation regulation of collagen α1(I) production in HSC and the signaling pathways involved. Treatment of HSC with 5 mM leucine did not alter half‐life or steady state levels of procollagen α1(I) mRNA, but caused an increase in procollagen α1(I) protein that correlated with changes of components involved in translational regulation, like enhanced 4E‐BP1, Mnk‐1, and eIF4E phosphorylation. Leucine also induced mTOR, ERK, and Akt phosphorylation in HSC, without affecting p38 and JNK activation. Pre‐treatment of HSC with PD098059, wortmannin, or rapamycin prevented the profibrogenic action of leucine due to the inhibition of different molecular mechanisms. These results suggest leucine is a profibrogenic agent for HSC, activating signaling pathways that lead to an enhancement of collagen α1(I) production through translational regulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 580–586, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene expression profiles of vitrified in vivo derived 8‐cell stage mouse embryos detected by high density oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Mamo Solomon , Bodo Szilard , Kobolak Julianna , Polgar Zsuzsanna , Tolgyesi Gergely , Dinnyes Andras
Published: August 2006

Very little is known about the effect of vitrification on gene functions after warming. The goals of our study were to compare the gene expression patterns, and identify those most affected. For this, 8‐cell stage embryos were collected from ICR mice and vitrified with solid surface vitrification technique, while maintaining equal numbers of embryos as control. Total RNAs were extracted and two rounds of amplification were employed. Finally three micrograms of contrasting RNA samples were hybridized on the Agilent Mouse 22 K oligonucleotide slides and the results were analyzed with subsequent verification by independent real‐time PCR analyses. The two rounds of amplification with 5 ng tRNA input have yielded 15–16 µg of cRNA. The analyses of repeated hybridizations showed 20,183 genes/ESTs as common signatures, and unsupervised analysis identified 628 differentially expressed (P < 0.01) genes. However, with at least 1.5‐fold change considerations, 183 genes were differentially expressed (P < 0.01) out of which 107 were upregulated. The independent analysis with real‐time PCR and unamplified samples fully confirmed the results of microarray, indicating the linearity of amplification. Furthermore, this novel gene expression study for vitrified embryos identified many new candidate genes with overrepresentation in some important biological processes. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the expression pattern reflected a broad spectrum of consequences of vitrification on embryos, with most effects on metabolism, regulatory role and stress response genes and allowed the identification of new candidate marker genes for cryosurvival. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 73: 1380–1392, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatially localized intermolecular zero‐quantum coherence spectroscopy for in vivo applications
Authors: Balla David Z. , Melkus Gerd , Faber Cornelius
Published: August 2006

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques that use the distant dipolar field (DDF) to locally refocus inhomogeneous line‐broadening promise improved spectral resolution in spatially varying fields. We investigated three possible implementations of localized DDF spectroscopy. Theoretical analysis and phantom experiments at 17.6 T showed that only localization immediately prior to acquisition provides sufficient spatial selectivity and sensitivity for in vivo applications. Spectra from an (8 mm)3 voxel of the rat brain were acquired in 25 min, and three major metabolites were resolved. In a tumor mouse model, DDF spectra with well‐resolved lines can be obtained from significantly larger voxels compared to conventional localized spectroscopy. From an inhomogeneous voxel, improved spectral resolution can be obtained with DDF techniques when a sufficient number of increments are sampled along the second spectral dimension. With fewer increments, measurement time is significantly shortened, and DDF techniques can provide higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) efficiency. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tetrodotoxin for prolonged local anesthesia with minimal myotoxicity
Authors: Padera Robert F. , Tse Julie Y. , Bellas Evangelia , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: August 2006

Conventional local anesthetics such as bupivacaine cause considerable myotoxicity and neurotoxicity, whereas tetrodotoxin (TTX) does not. Tetrodotoxin combined with bupivacaine or vasoconstrictors produces long‐duration nerve blockade. To assess whether these prolonged blocks can be produced without increased myotoxicity, Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with bupivacaine, TTX, and both, or TTX plus epinephrine. Median durations of thermal nociceptive blockade were, respectively, 188, 401, 882, and 972 min. On dissection 4 days later, all tissues appeared macroscopically pristine. Muscle injury was at most mild to moderate in all animals, and the muscle injury scores for the combination formulations were not higher than for bupivacaine alone. Similarly, in differentiated cells from a myoblast cell line (C2C12), TTX caused either no or minimal worsening of cell viability from bupivacaine at 2 or 7 days. Epinephrine did not worsen TTX's relatively minimal cytotoxicity. Tetrodotoxin may thus be useful in producing prolonged nerve block with minimal myotoxicity and perhaps neurotoxicity. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Abnormal urethral motor function is common in female stress, mixed, and urge incontinence
Authors: Mattiasson Anders , Teleman Pia
Published: August 2006

Aim

To investigate the urethral motor function in incontinent women.

Materials and Methods

The intraurethral pressure was measured continuously in the high‐pressure zone of the urethra at rest and during repeated short squeezes around the microtip transducer catheter in a group of 205 women with clinically manifest urinary incontinence (severe), and compared with the findings of investigations in 87 middle‐aged women (53–63 years) with treatment naïve incontinence (mild‐to‐moderate) and healthy controls.

Results

Women with established incontinence significantly (P < 0.001) more often (66%) had a pressure fall during or immediately following squeeze than women with treatment naïve incontinence (35%) or asymptomatic women (25%). The acceleration of urinary flow and the maximal flow rate were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in patients with incontinence: acceleration was 13 ± 2.2 (17.8), 20 ± 2.8 (18.9), and 32 ± 4.9 (24.9) degrees (mean ± SEM; SD) for incontinence, naïve incontinence and no incontinence, respectively; maximum urinary flow rate was 23, 22, and 16 ml/sec. No statistical differences in any of these measures were seen when stress and urge incontinence were compared.

Conclusion

Women with stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence seem to have a primary neuromuscular disorder in the urethra, which presents itself as an overactive opening mechanism with a urethral pressure fall instead of a pressure increase on provocation during the filling phase of the bladder, and during bladder emptying a more efficient opening of the bladder outlet than in normal women. We suggest that one and the same pathophysiological mechanism participates in female stress, urge, and mixed incontinence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:703–708, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revisiting reliability of quantified perineal ultrasound: Bland and Altman analysis of a new protocol for the rectangular coordinate method
Authors: Armstrong S.M. , Miller J.M. , Benson K. , Jain S. , Panagopoulos K. , DeLancey J.O.L. , Sampselle C.M.
Published: August 2006

Aims

This study tested the reliability of a new protocol for the rectangular coordinate method of quantifying perineal ultrasound.

Methods

Representative scans of healthy primiparous females were quantified by positioning a pubic bone template, drawn onto an acetate sheet containing x–y axes, over scans, by aligning the x‐axis with the pubic bone central axis. Values for x (Dx) and y (Dy) located the urethrovesical junction (UVJ) at Rest, and at maximal Valsalva and Kegel. Range of motion (V–K) was calculated. Bland and Altman analysis, correlations, and t‐tests determined intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability, and variance due to designation of the pubic bone central axis (template control).

Results

Correlations averaged 0.72, 0.70, and 0.92 for intra‐rater, inter‐rater, and template control experiments. Dx Rest, Dx Kegel, and V–K were reliable in all experiments. First and second measures for inter‐rater Dy Rest and Dy Kegel, and template control Dy Valsalva were significantly different. Bland and Altman analysis showed Dy Rest, Dy Kegel, and Dx and Dy Valsalva for both reliability experiments to have limits of agreement (LOA's) large enough to explain ≥50% of the actual value ranges. Template control LOA's explained ≤30% of the actual value ranges.

Conclusions

The reliability of this protocol varied according to the conditions analyzed; accurate reliability assessment of all conditions required Bland and Altman analysis; and the designation of the pubic bone central axis remained a source of variance between investigators. Our results suggest Bland and Altman analysis be used with each study that quantifies perineal ultrasound. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:731–738, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discrete search allocation game with false contacts
Authors: Hohzaki Ryusuke
Published: August 2006

This paper deals with a two‐person zero‐sum game called asearch allocation game, where a searcher and a target participate, taking account of false contacts. The searcher distributes his search effort in a search space in order to detect the target. On the other hand, the target moves to avoid the searcher. As a payoff of the game, we take the cumulative amount of search effort weighted by the target distribution, which can be derived as an approximation of the detection probability of the target. The searcher's strategy is a plan of distributing search effort and the target's is a movement represented by a path or transition probability across the search space. In the search, there are false contacts caused by environmental noises, signal processing noises, or real objects resembling true targets. If they happen, the searcher must take some time for their investigation, which interrupts the search for a while. There have been few researches dealing with search games with false contacts. In this paper, we formulate the game into a mathematical programming problem to obtain its equilibrium point. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Templating synthesis of non‐spherical polymer particles and their effect on the fracture toughness of an epoxy‐amine network
Authors: Du Zhongjie , Liu Rui , Zhang Chen , Qiao Jinliang , Li Hangquan
Published: August 2006

Flexible non‐spherical polymer particles were successfully produced via concentrated emulsion polymerization. LUDOX TM‐50 (colloidal silica, 50 wt% suspension in water) was introduced into the continuous phase to strengthen the template and inhibit monomer diffusion between the continuous and dispersed phases. The extent of non‐spherical shape was identified by the roundness value. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the higher the volume fraction of the dispersed phase became, the more non‐spherical were the poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) particles. As an application, the effect of the non‐spherical particles on the fracture toughness of a modified epoxy‐amine network was studied. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the introduction of the non‐spherical PBA particles improved efficiently the impact strength of the cured epoxy resin. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Repellency of Cinnamomum cassia bark compounds and cream containing cassia oil to Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory and indoor conditions
Authors: Chang Kyu‐Sik , Tak Jun‐Hyung , Kim Soon‐Il , Lee Won‐Ja , Ahn Young‐Joon
Published: August 2006

Patch and skin bioassays were used in laboratory and indoor tests to evaluate the repellency of (E)‐cinnamaldehyde, identified in Cinnamomum cassia Blume bark and essential oil, and a cream containing 5% (w/w) cassia oil against Aedes aegypti (L.) females. Results were compared with those of a known C. cassia compound cinnamyl alcohol, N,N‐diethyl‐m‐toluamide (DEET) and two commercial repellents: MeiMei® cream containing citronella and geranium oils and Repellan S® aerosol containing 19% DEET. In patch bioassay tests with A. aegypti females, (E)‐cinnamaldehyde at 0.153 mg cm−2 and DEET at 0.051 mg cm−2 provided 93 and 89% protection at 40 min after exposure. In skin bioassay tests, (E)‐cinnamaldehyde at 0.051 mg cm−2 and DEET at 0.025 mg cm−2 provided 87 and 95% protection at 30 min after application. (E)‐Cinnamaldehyde was significantly more effective than cinnamyl alcohol in both bioassays. In indoor tests with four human volunteers, 5% cassia oil cream provided 94, 83 and 61% protection against A. aegypti females exposed for 30, 50 and 70 min after application respectively. Cassia oil cream was a slightly less effective repellent than MeiMei cream. Repellan S aerosol provided 91% repellency at 120 min after application. Products containing cassia oil merit further study as potential repellents for the protection of humans and domestic animals from blood‐feeding vectors and the diseases they transmit. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The maximal axial components in the equivalent parametrizations of crystal‐field Hamiltonians
Authors: Mulak Jacek , Mulak Maciej
Published: August 2006

Within the limits of every class of equivalent parametrizations of the crystal‐field Hamiltonian there exists always such a parametrization(s) for which the magnitude of the axial parameter B k 0 of a 2k ‐pole component, where k = 2, 4, 6, reaches a well–defined maximal value, max |B k 0| ≤ $ \left [ {\sum \limits _{m}} \, | B_{km}|^2 \right ] ^{1/2} $. This extreme constitutes a convenient discriminant of all these parametrizations, provided the B k 0 sign is recognized. Such discriminants, the same for all the equivalent parametrizations, distinguish the space directions which can be used as the z‐axis of the common reference frame. A method of calculation of max |B k 0| as well as the angles between the distinguished z‐axes of the appropriately rotated reference frame for the individual crystal‐field multipoles is given. It allows to identify and explicitly verify the equivalence of the ℋ︁CF parametrizations, and in consequence, to perform their standardization. The proposed method concerns particularly triclinic crystal‐field potentials for which no other distinguished orientation of the reference frame seems to exist. A number of available crystal‐field parametrizations of the low‐symmetry crystal‐field potentials (C 2, C s ), obtained from fitting spectroscopic data, have been analyzed from the postulated discriminant point of view. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical and optical properties of AIIBIVC2V and AIBIIIC2VI semiconductors
Authors: Verma A. S. , Bhardwaj S. R.
Published: August 2006

A simple method based on a plasma oscillations theory of solids is proposed for the calculation of mechanical and optical properties such as microhardness (H), bulk modulus (B), dielectric constant (ϵ), polarizability (α), electronic susceptibility (χ) of AIIBIVC2V and AIBIIIC2VI semiconductors. Our calculated values are in excellent agreement with the values reported by earlier researchers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Moments of phonon density of states spectra and characteristic phonon temperatures of wide band gap materials
Authors: Pässler Roland
Published: August 2006

We have re‐digitized a variety of phonon density of states (PDOS) spectra, that have been published by different researchers for the wide band gap materials diamond, SiC, BN, AlN, GaN, ZnO, ZnS, and ZnSe, including calculations of the respective first‐ and second‐order moments. Notwithstanding the obvious differences in concrete shapes of spectra presented for one and the same material by different authors, the respective magnitudes of estimated moments have been found in most cases to be nearly the same (to within uncertainties of some few%). Anticipated differences between phonon temperatures, Θ eff, that are effective in controlling the observable temperature dependences of fundamental energy gaps and the respective average phonon temperatures, Θ P, are seen to be throughout smaller than ±10%. The estimated high‐temperature limits of Debye temperatures, Θ D(∞), are found to be significantly higher (by factors of order 1.4) than Θ P. As a remarkable heuristic finding revealed by our numerical and analytical studies we can further state that, for SiC, AlN, GaN, ZnO, ZnS, and ZnSe, the individual Θ D(∞) values are nearly equal (within ±5%) to the respective average optical (LO/TO) phonon temperatures pertaining to the upper sections of the corresponding PDOS spectra. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Development of Industrial Reaction Processes Using Fluorous Lewis Acid Catalysts
Authors: Yoshida Akihiro , Hao Xiuhua , Yamazaki Osamu , Nishikido Joji
Published: August 2006

We have developed a series of novel fluorous Lewis acid catalysts, namely the ytterbium(III), scandium(III), tin(IV) or hafnium(IV) bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)amides or tris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methides for waste‐free and environmentally‐benign industrial processes. Our catalysts are not only highly active but also recyclable due to their fluorous properties for acylations of alcohols and aromatics, Baeyer‐Villiger reactions, direct esterifications and transesterifications in a fluorous biphasic system (FBS) and on fluorous silica gel supports.
Supporting the development of CAM/DAOP applications: an integrated development process
Authors: Fuentes L. , Pinto M. , Troya J. M.
Published: August 2006

The increasing complexity of large‐scale distributed applications is driving the Software Engineering community to adopt new software technologies for the development of distributed systems. In this sense, the emergence of component‐based software engineering represents a significant advance towards assembling applications by plugging in pre‐fabricated components. Additionally, the principle of ‘advanced’ separation of concerns is nowadays widely applied to improve modularity, reusability and adaptability of software components. In this way, the aspect‐oriented software development paradigm separates into a new dimension, named aspect, those properties that crosscut the system ‘objects’ or ‘components’, reducing their dependencies. However, the development of software based on the composition of components and aspects is still in its early stages. Part of the reason for this is the lack of well‐defined development processes and tools that help software developers in the use of existing component and aspect‐based approaches. Therefore, the primary aim of this paper is to propose an integrated development process for deriving applications by the assembly of a set of prefabricated components and aspects. This process supports the development of Component‐Aspect Model/Dynamic Aspect‐Oriented Platform (CAM/DAOP) applications, where CAM/DAOP is a new model and platform based on components and aspects. Our intention is to show how, with the support of the integrated development process presented in this paper, it is possible to use CAM/DAOP as an alternative to current distributed platforms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulatory effects of dextran sulfate and fucoidan on binding and channel properties of AMPA receptors isolated from rat brain
Authors: Suppiramaniam Vishnu , Vaithianathan Thirumalini , Manivannan Kandiah , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Parameshwaran Kodeeswaran , Bahr Ben A.
Published: August 2006

Previous work showed that the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) dextran sulfate (500 kDa) altered the binding and channel properties of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)‐type glutamate receptors. The current study compared the effects of dextran sulfate with another GAG, fucoidan (100–180 kDa), to determine whether GAG‐mediated changes in high‐affinity binding of AMPA receptors have a concomitant influence on specific channel properties. Dextran sulfate was more potent in inhibiting high‐affinity AMPA binding to solubilized receptors (EC50of 7 nM) compared to fucoidan (EC50of 124 nM). Similarly, dextran sulfate was more potent in modulating the channel properties of purified and reconstituted AMPA receptors. Dextran sulfate, at 1 μg/ml (2 nM), produced a three to fourfold increase in open channel probability and a threefold increase in mean burst duration of channel activity elicited by 283 nM AMPA. The mean open time was increased by two to threefold and closed times were decreased by two to eightfold. Fucoidan produced similar effects at a concentration many times higher than that of dextran sulfate. Dextran sulfate and fucoidan had no effect on the single channel conductance or the ability of a specific antagonist to block AMPA channels. The effects of GAGs on multichannel patches showed an interactive channel gating behavior resulting in macroscopic currents with long lived open channel life times. These findings suggest that GAG components of proteoglycans can interact with and alter the binding affinity of AMPA receptors and modulate their functional properties. Synapse 60:456–464, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic analysis of developmental changes in vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 function
Authors: Volz Trent J. , Hanson Glen R. , Fleckenstein Annette E.
Published: August 2006

The vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT‐2) sequesters cytoplasmic dopamine (DA) into vesicles and may thus protect neurons from DA‐associated oxidative damage. VMAT‐2 function, as assessed by measuring [3H]DA uptake, is less in adolescent when compared with young adult rats and VMAT‐2 susceptibility to methamphetamine also changes with age. Thus, developmental alterations in VMAT‐2 function warrant further investigation. The current study extends these findings by showing that the initial velocities of both DA uptake and methamphetamine‐induced DA efflux are less in adolescent postnatal day (PND 38–42) vs. young adult (PND 88–92) rats as assessed in nonmembrane associated (presumably cytoplasmic) vesicles purified from rat striatal synaptosomes. The decrease in DA uptake velocities is due to a decrease in theVmaxof DA uptake with no change in theKm. The density of kinetically active VMAT‐2 and VMAT‐2 immunoreactivity are less in adolescent vs. young adult rats while both the turnover number (2.4–2.8 s−1) and rate constant for the association of DA with VMAT‐2(˜1 × 107M−1s−1) are similar in these age groups. These results suggest that the kinetics of DA binding and translocation across the membrane are unaltered in the vesicles of PND 38–42 vs. PND 88–92 rats. However, decreased VMAT‐2 density in PND 38–42 rats reducesVmax, which in turn lowers DA uptake. Synapse 60:474–477, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy increases plasma levels of the endogenous inotrope apelin
Authors: Francia Pietro , Salvati Adriano , Balla Cristina , De Paolis Paola , Pagannone Erika , Borro Marina , Gentile Giovanna , Simmaco Maurizio , De Biase Luciano , Volpe Massimo
Published: August 2006

Background:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been introduced to treat drug refractory chronic heart failure (CHF). Apelin, the endogenous ligand of the APJ receptor, is under evaluation for its potential role in human CHF pathophysiology. This study aims to assess whether biventricular pacing affects plasma apelin levels in patients with severe CHF.

Methods and results:

Fourteen patients (9 men, 5 women, mean age 68±13years) undergoing biventricular pace‐maker/ICD implantation were studied. Patients underwent baseline clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, and assessment of plasma apelin and NT‐proBNP levels. The evaluation was repeated 48h and 9±2months after device implantation to assess the acute and chronic effects of CRT on apelin and NT‐proBNP levels. Eight healthy age‐ and sex‐matched subjects served as controls.

In CHF patients, baseline apelin levels were reduced and NT‐proBNP increased compared to control subjects (apelin: 0.47±0.2 vs. 0.97±0.3ng/mL, p<0.001; NT‐proBNP: 2007±114 vs. 229±72pmol/L, p<0.001). Short‐term evaluation did not reveal any effect of CRT on apelin or NT‐proBNP levels. By contrast, at 9±2months follow‐up, CRT responders showed left ventricular reverse remodelling and an increase in ejection fraction, together with a significant increase in plasma apelin levels (0.99±0.1 vs. 0.47±0.2ng/mL, p<0.001) and decrease in NT‐proBNP (938±591 vs. 2007±114pmol/L, p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Long‐term CRT increases plasma levels of the endogenous inotrope apelin in patients with CHF.
Estimating the catching efficiency of a 2-m beam trawl for sampling epifauna by removal experiments
Authors: Reiss Henning , Kröncke Ingrid , Ehrich Siegfried
Published: August 2006

The catching efficiency of a standard 2-m beam trawl for sampling epifauna was estimated by removal experiments at two sites in the southern North Sea. In order to allow repeated sampling of the same area, a rig of three beam trawls one behind the other was constructed, the three being tied together by steel ropes. Catching efficiency was estimated on the basis of the sum of the catches of all three trawls relative to the numbers caught in the first trawl. The catching efficiency of the beam trawl for epifauna ranged from 36% to 44% of total abundance between sites. Efficiency was least for partly buried species (Liocarcinus holsatus, 9% and 18%; Buglossidum luteum, 27%; Arnoglossus laterna, 35%), and slightly better for species living on the surface of the sediment (Asterias rubens, 42% and 46%; Pomatoschistus minutus, 58% and 46%; Pagurus bernhardus, 51%). The abundance of epifauna will be underestimated by a factor of 1.4–11 relative to the abundance in the three trawls. Also, sediment type seems to influence the catching efficiency of the beam trawl, efficiency being less at the sandy study site than at the muddy site for most species.