bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlamydia trachomatis Causes Centrosomal Defects Resulting in Chromosomal Segregation Abnormalities
Authors: Grieshaber Scott S. , Grieshaber Nicole A. , Miller Natalie , Hackstadt Ted
Published: June 2006

Chlamydiae traffic along microtubules to the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) to establish an intracellular niche within the host cell. Trafficking to the MTOC is dynein dependent although the activating and cargo‐linking function of the dynactin complex is supplanted by unknown chlamydial protein(s). We demonstrate that once localized to the MTOC, the chlamydial inclusion maintains a tight association with cellular centrosomes. This association is sustained through mitosis and leads to a significant increase in supernumerary centrosomes, abnormal spindle poles, and chromosomal segregation defects. Chlamydial infection thus can lead to chromosome instability in cells that recover from infection.
Opioids in the Treatment of Headache: Perspective from the Bench
Authors: Ossipov Michael H.
Published: June 2006

It is well appreciated that excessive use of medication in the treatment of severe headaches may result in a paradoxical increase in intensity and frequency of the headaches, along with changes in the subjective qualities of the headaches themselves. A parallel development is found in the increasing appreciation for the observations that development of paradoxic abnormal pain can occur in response to prolonged exposure to opioids. In both of these situations, no clear mechanisms have yet been established. The increase in opioid use for clinical management of chronic, nonmalignant pain, including recurrent headache syndromes, over the past two decades has resulted in increased interest in the study of this phenomenon. Recent studies have indicated that prolonged opioid exposure results in several neuroplastic changes that ultimately lead to the establishment of descending facilitation arising from the RVM and in spinal sensitization. These changes have been associated with increased activity of CCK in the RVM that likely results in increased expression of spinal dynorphin, which itself promotes increased afferent inputs. Activation of a descending pain facilitatory system along with increased spinal dynorphin promote the release of excitatory neurotransmitters from primary afferent neurons. Together with increased release of PGE2 from spinal neurons, the increased outflow of neurotransmitters from the primary afferent fibers sensitizes projection neurons that in turn activate descending pain facilitatory systems. Ultimately, knowledge of the mechanisms of possible deleterious actions of opiates may allow the development of new chemical approaches that can prevent these effects. Importantly, evidence is emerging that medication‐induced enhanced pain is not unique to opioids, but may be generalized to other analgesic classes acting through G‐protein coupled receptor systems. An understanding of these mechanisms would lead to improved therapeutic management of long‐term painful conditions, including recurrent headache.
Design for rectangular hyperbolic crop–weed competition
Authors: Moffitt L.J. , Bhowmik P.C.
Published: June 2006

Fitting curves to data rather than doing multiple pairwise comparisons necessitates consideration of design. For the rectangular hyperbolic model of crop‐weed competition, emphasising extreme weed densities is shown to be efficient relative to experiments using a traditional design.
IDENTIFICATION OF MILK SOURCE BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION–RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS
Authors: EL‐RADY AHMED ABD , SAYED MOHAMMED
Published: June 2006

In this study, a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method was applied to identify the animal sources of milk by using a universal primer cytochrome b (cytb) (cytochrome b1 and cytochrome b2). It is common in Egypt to adulterate buffalo milk for sale or for use in cheese making with less expensive cow's milk. Identification of the animal source of milk is important from a theoretical standpoint and is useful because it allows the detection of fraud in the form of the substitution of a less costly type of milk for one of a higher quality. Milk samples were collected from four farm animal species (cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep) to differentiate each according to its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This method was based on mtDNA control region sequence variations. The DNA sequence of mitochondrial cytb gene (359‐bp fragments) was obtained from the gene bank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The PCR product was digested using restriction endonuclease enzyme and yielded a species‐specific restriction profile. This technique is more specific and sensitive for milk source identification and differentiation. Therefore, this assay may be suitable as a routine test, because it is more rapid than conventional methods and shows considerable sensitivity. The economic impact of this situation leads to many investigations of potential fraud.
Differential Macrophage/Microglia Activation in Neocortical EAE Lesions in the Marmoset Monkey
Authors: Merkler Doron , Böscke Robert , Schmelting Barthel , Czéh Boldizsár , Fuchs Eberhard , Brück Wolfgang , Stadelmann Christine
Published: June 2006

Recent studies revealed an important involvement of the cerebral cortex in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Cortical lesions in MS were reported to be less inflammatory and to show less structural damage than white matter lesions. Animal models reflecting the histopathological hallmarks of cortical demyelinated lesions in MS are sparse. Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the common marmoset has turned out to be an attractive non‐human‐primate model for MS. In the present study we investigated the presence and detailed cellular composition of cortical inflammatory demyelinating pathology in the common marmoset upon immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Extensive cortical demyelination reflecting the topographically distinct cortical lesion types in MS patients was revealed by immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein (MBP). We explored the density of T‐ and B‐lymphocytes, MHC‐II expressing macrophages/microglia cells and early activated macrophages (MRP14) at perivascular and parenchymal lesions sites in neocortex and subcortical white matter. Despite a similar density of perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in the demyelinated neocortex, a considerable lower fraction of macrophages was found to express MRP14 in the neocortex indicating a different activation pattern in cortical compared with white matter lesions. Furthermore, cortical EAE lesions in marmoset monkeys revealed immunoglobulin leakage and complement component C9 deposition in intracortical but not subpial demyelination. Our findings indicate that the inflammatory response, especially macrophage and microglia activation, may be regulated differently in gray matter areas in primate brain.
THERMAL ENTANGLEMENT IN THE ANISOTROPIC XXZ MODEL UNDER AN INHOMOGENEOUS MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: WU KE-DONG , ZHOU BIN
Published: June 2006

We investigate the thermal entanglement in the two-qubit anisotropic XXZ model in the presence of an external inhomogeneous magnetic field along the z axis. Concurrence, the measurement of entanglement is calculated. The effects of the anisotropic parameter Δ on the thermal entanglement are studied carefully for both the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic cases. The critical temperature Tc can also be controlled by the anisotropic parameter Δ.
Knowledge Management Implementation in SMEs: A Framework and a Case Illustration
Authors: Daghfous Abdelkader , Kah Muhammadou M. O.
Published: June 2006

In today's hyper-competitive marketplace it is pivotal for firms to master the art of integrating disparate sources of knowledge. Managing knowledge requires a complex combination of new tools, infrastructure, intellectual capital, processes, strategies, and their coexistence and integration with the existing ones. Although knowledge management (KM) implementation appears relatively risky and overwhelming, it starts with a few steps and requires assistance from inside and outside the organisation. This paper examines the implementation of KM from a dynamic capabilities perspective (Teece et al., 1997) and proposes a model that summarises the normative framework, which suggests that an organisation builds the requisite infrastructure to be in a position to embark on the path towards successful KM implementation. Based on a case study of a UAE based firm, this paper illustrates the utility of the framework as a guide in efforts to manage knowledge, draws practical recommendations for managers and policy makers enabling them to develop their organisations in the global knowledge economy. The paper also proposes ideas for future research.
Metabolic control over the oxygen consumption flux in intact skeletal muscle: in silico studies
Authors: Liguzinski Piotr , Korzeniewski Bernard
Published: June 2006

It has been postulated previously that a direct activation of all oxidative phosphorylation complexes in parallel with the activation of ATP usage and substrate dehydrogenation (the so-called each-step activation) is the main mechanism responsible for adjusting the rate of ATP production by mitochondria to the current energy demand during rest-to-work transition in intact skeletal muscle in vivo. The present in silico study, using a computer model of oxidative phosphorylation developed previously, analyzes the impact of the each-step-activation mechanism on the distribution of control (defined within Metabolic Control Analysis) over the oxygen consumption flux among the components of the bioenergetic system in intact oxidative skeletal muscle at different energy demands. It is demonstrated that in the absence of each-step activation, the oxidative phosphorylation complexes take over from ATP usage most of the control over the respiration rate and oxidative ATP production at higher (but still physiological) energy demands. This leads to a saturation of oxidative phosphorylation, impossibility of a further acceleration of oxidative ATP synthesis, and dramatic drop in the phosphorylation potential. On the other hand, the each-step-activation mechanism allows maintenance of a high degree of the control exerted by ATP usage over the ATP turnover and oxygen consumption flux even at high energy demands and thus enables a potentially very large increase in ATP turnover. It is also shown that low oxygen concentration shifts the metabolic control from ATP usage to cytochrome oxidase and thus limits the oxidative ATP production.
Tricarboxylic acid cycle dysfunction as a cause of human diseases and tumor formation
Authors: Brière Jean-Jacques , Favier Judith , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Rustin Pierre
Published: June 2006

A renewed interest in tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymopathies has resulted from the report that, in addition to devastating encephalopathies, these can result in various types of tumors in human. We first review the major features of the cycle that may underlie this surprising variety of clinical features. After discussing the rare cases of encephalopathies associated with specific deficiencies of some of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, we finally examine the mechanism possibly causing tumor/cancer formation in the cases of mutations affecting fumarase or succinate dehydrogenase genes.
Exocytotic release of ATP and activation of P2X receptors in dissociated guinea pig stellate neurons
Authors: Tompkins John D. , Parsons Rodney L.
Published: June 2006

Activation of P2X receptors by a Ca2+- and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) protein-dependent release of ATP was measured using patch-clamp recordings from dissociated guinea pig stellate neurons. Asynchronous transient inward currents (ASTICs) were activated by depolarization or treatment with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1.5 and 3 μM). During superfusion with a HEPES-buffered salt solution containing 2.5 mM Ca2+, depolarizing voltage steps (−60 to 0 mV, 500 ms) evoked ASTICs on the decaying phase of a larger, transient inward current. Equimolar substitution of Ba2+ for Ca2+ augmented the postdepolarization frequency of ASTICs, while eliminating the larger transient current. Perfusion with an ionomycin-containing solution elicited a sustained activation of ASTICs, allowing quantitative analysis over a range of holding potentials. Under these conditions, increasing extracellular [Ca2+] to 5 mM increased ASTIC frequency, whereas no events were observed following replacement of Ca2+ with Mg2+, demonstrating a Ca2+ requirement. ASTICs were Na+ dependent, inwardly rectifying, and reversed near 0 mV. Treatment with the nonselective purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS) (10 μM) blocked all events under both conditions, whereas the ganglionic nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium (100 μM and 1 mM) had no effect. PPADS also blocked the macroscopic inward current evoked by exogenously applied ATP (300 μM). The presence of botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E) in the whole-cell recording electrode significantly attenuated the ionomycin-induced ASTIC activity, whereas phorbol ester treatment potentiated this activity. These results suggest that ASTICs are mediated by vesicular release of ATP and activation of P2X receptors.
Exercise training prevents Ca2+ dysregulation in coronary smooth muscle from diabetic dyslipidemic yucatan swine
Authors: Witczak Carol A. , Wamhoff Brian R. , Sturek Michael
Published: June 2006

Aerobic exercise training is known to have profound cardioprotective effects in disease, yet cellular mechanisms remain largely undefined. We tested the hypothesis that increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ buffering and increased voltage-gated Ca2+ channel density underlie coronary smooth muscle intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) dysregulation in diabetic dyslipidemia and that exercise training would prevent these increases. Yucatan swine were maintained in 1) control, 2) alloxan-induced hyperglycemic, 3) high fat/cholesterol fed, 4) hyperglycemic plus high fat/cholesterol fed (diabetic dyslipidemic), and 5) diabetic dyslipidemic plus exercise-trained (treadmill running) conditions. After 20 wk, the heart was removed and smooth muscle cells isolated from the right coronary artery. We utilized fura-2 imaging of Ca2+i levels to separate the functional role of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) from the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and the plasmalemmal Ca2+-ATPase, and whole-cell patch clamp to examine voltage-gated Ca2+ channel current density (i.e., Ca2+ influx). Results indicated that diabetic dyslipidemia impaired plasmalemmal Ca2+ efflux, increased basal Ca2+i levels, increased SERCA protein and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+i buffering, and elicited an ∼50% decrease in voltage-gated Ca2+ channel current density. Exercise training concurrent with the diabetic dyslipidemic state restored plasmalemmal Ca2+ efflux, SERCA protein, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+i buffering, and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel current density to control levels. Interestingly, basal Ca2+i levels were significantly lower in the exercise-trained group compared with control. Collectively, these results demonstrate a crucial role for exercise in the prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia-induced Ca2+i dysregulation.
A sensitive in vivo model for quantifying interstitial convective transport of injected macromolecules and nanoparticles
Authors: Reddy Sai T. , Berk David A. , Jain Rakesh K. , Swartz Melody A.
Published: June 2006

Effective interstitial transport of particles is necessary for injected drug/diagnostic agents to reach the intended target; however, quantitative methods to estimate such transport parameters are lacking. In this study, we develop an in vivo model for evaluating interstitial convection of injected macromolecules and nanoparticles. Fluorescently labeled macromolecules and particles are coinfused with a reference solute at constant infusion pressure intradermally into the mouse tail tip, and their relative convection coefficients are determined from spatial and temporal interstitial concentration profiles. Quantifying relative solute velocity with a coinfused reference solute eliminates the need to estimate interstitial fluid velocity profiles, greatly reducing experimental variability. To demonstrate sensitivity and usefulness of this model, we compare the effects of size (dextrans of 3, 40, 71, and 2,000 kDa and 40-nm diameter particles), shape (linear dextran 71 kDa vs. 69 kDa globular protein albumin), and charge (anionic vs. neutral dextran 3 kDa) on interstitial convection. We find significant differences in interstitial transport rates between each of these molecules and confirm expected transport phenomena, testifying to sensitivity of the model in comparing solutes of different size, shape, and charge. Our data show that size exclusion (within a specific size range) dominates molecular convection, while mechanical hindrance slows larger molecules and nanoparticles; proteins convect slower than linear molecules of equal molecular mass, and negative surface charges increase convection through matrix repulsion. Our in vivo model is presumably a sensitive and reliable tool for evaluating and optimizing potential drug/diagnostic vehicles that utilize interstitial and lymphatic delivery routes.
Role of NSF in Neurotransmitter Release: A Peptide Microinjection Study at the Crayfish Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Parnas I. , Rashkovan G. , O'Connor V. , El-Far O. , Betz H. , Parnas H.
Published: June 2006

Peptides that inhibit the SNAP-stimulated ATPase activity of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF-2, NSF-3) were injected intra-axonally to study the role of this protein in the release of glutamate at the crayfish neuromuscular junction. Macropatch recording was used to establish the quantal content and to construct synaptic delay histograms. NSF-2 or NSF-3 injection reduced the quantal content, evoked by either direct depolarization of a single release bouton or by axonal action potentials, on average by 66 ± 12% (mean ± SD; n = 32), but had no effect on the time course of release. NSF-2 had no effect on the amplitude or shape of the presynaptic action potential nor on the excitatory nerve terminal current. Neither NSF-2 nor NSF-3 affected the shape or amplitude of single quantal currents. Injection of a peptide with the same composition as NSF-2, but with a scrambled amino acid sequence, failed to alter the quantal content. We conclude that, at the crayfish neuromuscular junction, NSF-dependent reactions regulate quantal content without contributing to the presynaptic mechanisms that control the time course of release.
Cystic Fibrosis in 65- and 67-Year-Old Siblings
Authors: Mainz J. , Hammer U. , Rokahr C. , Hübler A. , Zintl F. , Ballmann M.
Published: June 2006

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive genetic disease caused by defects of the cystic fibrosis trans-membrane regulator (CFTR) gene with a median survival of less than 35 years. This work reports on the oldest living German siblings with CF. Besides clinical history, CF genotype and nasal potential difference (NPD) measurement results, the remarkably high exercise activity of the siblings is discussed as a disease-modifying factor. Both male patients have an overall mild pulmonary manifestation. They have suffered from abdominal symptoms since their early childhood, including recurrent pancreatitis and diffuse symptoms leading to partial gastric resection. They were diagnosed as having CF with positive sweat tests at the advanced ages of 45 and 43 years, respectively. Later on genotyping revealed compound heterozygosity for F508del and 2789+5G→A. Using NPD we demonstrated a CF-typical inhibition of the NPD by the Na channel blocker amiloride, although in both siblings the remaining CFTR function and alternate chloride channel function were detected during superfusion of the nasal epithelium with isoproterenol and ATP. Long-term survival with CF is basically influenced by the CFTR genotype. The patients’ genotype was discussed as a mild one with remaining CFTR function. We demonstrated this residual CFTR function in both siblings using NPD. Additionally the siblings’ continuous healthy lifestyle and their engagement in a remarkably high level of exercise activities from early childhood to the present possibly have an important effect on the long-term outcome of CF as disease-modifying factors. In this regard this report can encourage CF patients to maintain a high level of physical activity in their daily lives.
Behavior of Planetary Waves before and after Stratospheric Sudden Warming Events in Several Phases of the Equatorial QBO
Authors: Naito Yoko , Yoden Shigeo
Published: June 2006

Almost a thousand stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events are obtained through long time integrations with a simple global circulation model, and a statistical analysis based on such a large number of samples is made to investigate behavior of planetary waves before and after SSW events depending on the phase of the equatorial quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). An idealized zonal momentum forcing to mimic a phase of the QBO is imposed under a perpetual winter condition, and eight phases of the QBO-wind forcing are examined for 8 × 10 800-day datasets.

Some systematic dependence on the phase of the QBO-wind forcing is seen in the anomaly of the Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux in the winter hemisphere, both in the 10 800-day average and in the composites for SSW events. The composite analysis shows that before SSW events, the upward EP flux in the troposphere and midlatitude lower stratosphere as well as the equatorward flux above the tropopause is larger in the westerly forcing runs than in the easterly forcing runs. After SSW events, the upward EP flux in the troposphere is still larger in the westerly forcing runs. Correlation associated with the differences among SSW events that occurred in each run is significantly positive between the magnitude of the warming and the planetary wave activity flux before all the events in QBO-wind forcing in the stratosphere, but only in the easterly forcing runs in the troposphere.
The House of Being Still Stands: Nuclear Holocaust and Human Meaning
Authors: Pope Alan
Published: June 2006

The “A-Bomb Dome” is a building that miraculously survived the atomic blast at Hiroshima in 1945.This article explores the image of this surviving building, Heidegger’s proclamation that “language is the house of Being,” and the diaries maintained by surviving physician Michihiko Hachiya to meditate on what of the human spirit survives nuclear holocaust. It is shown that the capacity for making meaning survives, and it is language in its poetic—as opposed to scientific—sensibilities, resonant with primordial silence and ambiguity, that connects us to an essential need to preserve and communicate meaning. Existentially, the way out of our predicament, and the means by which future nuclear catastrophe can be averted, is through genuinely grieving the losses inherent in the state of the modern world and in learning to heed the silence at the root of our own authentic language
Dialogue Toward Agenocide: Encountering the Other in the Context of Genocide
Authors: Munn Samson
Published: June 2006

What modes of interaction exist between historically heinous human behavior, one’s relationship to such history, one’s identity and one’s responses to counter such behavior and its effects? Of many paths to take and levers to use to engender peace and healing, a vital element constitutes reciprocally respectful efforts at societal bridging. Intensive dialogue group projects and their coordination are described. Participants are personally related to the trauma’s “sides,” such as sons and daughters of Holocaust survivors meeting with those of Nazi perpetrators, or Northern Irish Catholic Republicans meeting with Protestant Unionists (and with Britishers). Founded in part on emotional responsibility, the eventual goal is a multiplicative effect toward a culture and consciousness of peace, eliciting tangible responses. The approaches are generally nonreligious, not deliberately therapeutic per se, cost free, and apolitical. The Austrian Encounter is discussed in depth; however, other groups are also introduced. The essence of the work reflects Emmanuel Levinas’s views of the Other, of responsibility, and of dialogue as philosophical truth as process
The Law on Violent Intervention: Deuteronomy 25.11-12 Revisited
Authors: Cortez Marc
Published: June 2006

This article explores the exegetical issues surrounding Deut. 25.11-12 by (1) briefly examining the text to determine the nature of the woman's action and her intentions, (2) evaluating options for understanding the woman' action, and (3) determining the relationship of this law to the lex talionis. Through interaction with these three issues, this study will argue that the woman intervened in the fight to save her husband from imminent threat of significant physical harm or even death by grabbing the assailant's genitals. In doing so she injured the assailant and thus became liable to an application of the lex talionis .This understanding of the law provides the best perspective from which to incorporate all the details of the text and its surrounding context.
Maps of Dispersions for Machining Processes
Authors: Wolff Valéry , Lefebvre Arnaud , Renaud Jean
Published: June 2006

During product design, the design office defines dimensional and geometrical parameters according to the use criteria and product functionality. The manufacturing department must integrate the manufacturing and the workpiece position dispersions during the choice of tools and the machine operating modes and parameter values to respect the functional constraints. In this article, the authors suggest a model for the turning dispersions taking into account not only geometrical specifications of position or orientation, but also the experience of method actors. A representation using the principle of know-how maps in two or three dimensions is privileged. The most interesting aspect is that these maps include tacit and explicit knowledge. An experimental study realized on a machine tool (HES 300) allows one to elaborate knowledge maps especially for the turning process.
Using Canonical Correlation to Optimize Taguchi’s Multiresponse Problem
Authors: Liao Hung-Chang , Chang Hsu-Hwa , Hsu Chih-Ming
Published: June 2006

A conventional and efficient approach, the Taguchi method, is applied to an off-line quality control so that the experimental design is combined with quality loss in order to optimize a single response problem. Three stages, system design, parameter design, and tolerance design, are included in the Taguchi method. In the real world, more than one quality characteristic should be considered for most of the industrial products; i.e., most applications customers are concerned with multiresponse problems. Therefore, the Taguchi method is not appropriate to optimize a multiresponse problem because engineering judgment and experience are the main optimization scenario in Taguchi’s method. In order to overcome this gap, this study proposes the effective procedure, canonical correlation, to optimize the multiresponse problem. Using canonical correlation, multiple responses in each experiment are transformed into a performance index. Therefore, the optimal factors/levels combination for the multiresponses can be determined. Two case studies in Tarng et al. [7] and Lin et al. [9] are resolved by the proposed procedure. The result indicates that canonical correlation can yield a satisfactory solution for multiresponse problems.
Chemosensory properties of murine nasal and cutaneous trigeminal neurons identified by viral tracing
Authors: Damann Nils , Rothermel Markus , Klupp Barbara G , Mettenleiter Thomas C , Hatt Hanns , Wetzel Christian H
Published: June 2006

Background

Somatosensation of the mammalian head is mainly mediated by the trigeminal nerve that provides innervation of diverse tissues like the face skin, the conjunctiva of the eyes, blood vessels and the mucouse membranes of the oral and nasal cavities. Trigeminal perception encompasses thermosensation, touch, and pain. Trigeminal chemosensation from the nasal epithelia mainly evokes stinging, burning, or pungent sensations. In vitro characterization of trigeminal primary sensory neurons derives largely from analysis of complete neuronal populations prepared from sensory ganglia. Thus, functional properties of primary trigeminal afferents depending on the area of innervation remain largely unclear.

Results

We established a PrV based tracing technique to identify nasal and cutaneous trigeminal neurons in vitro. This approach allowed analysis and comparison of identified primary afferents by means of electrophysiological and imaging measurement techniques.

Neurons were challenged with several agonists that were reported to exhibit specificity for known receptors, including TRP channels and purinergic receptors. In addition, TTX sensitivity of sodium currents and IB4 binding was investigated.

Compared with cutaneous neurons, a larger fraction of nasal trigeminal neurons showed sensitivity for menthol and capsaicin. These findings pointed to TRPM8 and TRPV1 receptor protein expression largely in nasal neurons whereas for cutaneous neurons these receptors are present only in a smaller fraction. The majority of nasal neurons lacked P2X3 receptor-mediated currents but showed P2X2-mediated responses when stimulated with ATP. Interestingly, cutaneous neurons revealed largely TTX resistant sodium currents. A significantly higher fraction of nasal and cutaneous afferents showed IB4 binding when compared to randomly chosen trigeminal neurons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the usability of PrV mediated tracing of primary afferents was demonstrated. Using this technique it could be shown that compared with neurons innervating the skin nasal trigeminal neurons reveal pronounced chemosensitivity for TRPM8 and TRPV1 channel agonists and only partially meet properties typical for nociceptors. In contrast to P2X3 receptors, TRPM8 and TRPV1 receptors seem to be of pronounced physiological relevance for intranasal trigeminal sensation.
First histological observations on the incorporation of a novel nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste OSTIM® in human cancellous bone
Authors: Huber Franz-Xaver , Belyaev Orlin , Hillmeier Joachim , Kock Hans-Juergen , Huber Colette , Meeder Peter-Juergen , Berger Irina
Published: June 2006

Background:

A commercially available nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste Ostim®has been reported in few recent studies to surpass other synthetic bone substitutes with respect to the observed clinical results. However, the integration of this implantable material has been histologically evaluated only in animal experimental models up to now. This study aimed to evaluate the tissue incorporation of Ostim®in human cancellous bone after reconstructive bone surgery for trauma.

Methods:

Biopsy specimens from 6 adult patients with a total of 7 tibial, calcaneal or distal radial fractures were obtained at the time of osteosynthesis removal. The median interval from initial operation to tissue sampling was 13 (range 3–15) months. Samples were stained with Masson-Goldner, von Kossa, and toluidine blue. Osteoid volume, trabecular width and bone volume, and cortical porosity were analyzed. Samples were immunolabeled with antibodies against CD68, CD56 and human prolyl 4-hydroxylase to detect macrophages, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts, respectively. TRAP stainings were used to identify osteoclasts.

Results:

Histomorphometric data indicated good regeneration with normal bone turnover: mean osteoid volume was 1.93% of the trabecular bone mass, trabecular bone volume – 28.4%, trabecular width – 225.12 μm, and porosity index – 2.6%. Cortical and spongious bone tissue were well structured. Neither inflammatory reaction, nor osteofibrosis or osteonecrosis were observed. The implanted material was widely absorbed.

Conclusion:

The studied nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste showed good tissue incorporation. It is highly biocompatible and appears to be a suitable bone substitute for juxtaarticular comminuted fractures in combination with a stable screw-plate osteosynthesis.
Glycopeptidolipids from Mycobacterium avium promote macrophage activation in a TLR2- and MyD88-dependent manner
Authors: Sweet Lindsay , Schorey Jeffrey S
Published: June 2006

The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components in the immune response against numerous pathogens. Previous studies have indicated that TLR2 plays an essential role in promoting immune responses against mycobacterial infections. Prior work has also shown that mice deficient in TLR2 are more susceptible to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin, and Mycobacterium avium. Therefore, it is important to define the molecules expressed by pathogenic mycobacteria, which bind the various TLRs. Although a number of TLR agonists have been characterized for M. tuberculosis, no specific TLR ligand has been identified in M. avium. We have found that glycopeptidolipids (GPLs), which are highly expressed surface molecules on M. avium, can stimulate the nuclear factor-κB pathway as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines when added to murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. This stimulation was dependent on TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88) but not TLR4. M. avium express apolar and serovar-specific (ss)GPLs, and it is the expression of the latter that determines the serotype of a particular M. avium strain. It is interesting that the ssGPLs activated macrophages in a TLR2- and MyD88-dependent manner, and no macrophage activation was observed when using apolar GPLs. ssGPLs also differed in their ability to activate macrophages with Serovars 1 and 2 stimulating inhibitor of κB p38 and phosphorylation and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion, while Serovar 4 failed to stimulate p38 activation and TNF-α production. Our studies indicate that ssGPLs can function as TLR2 agonists and promote macrophage activation in a MyD88-dependent pathway.
Increased Plasma Concentration of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Nilsson Lennart , Jonasson Lena , Nijm Johnny , Hamsten Anders , Eriksson Per
Published: June 2006

Background: Plaque rupture is often associated with breakdown of the extracellular matrix in the shoulder region of a plaque. We tested whether plasma concentrations of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) could serve as markers for plaque instability as well as relationships between plasma MMPs and inflammatory markers.

Methods: The study group included 65 men with angiographically verified CAD (45 with stable and 20 with unstable CAD) and 28 healthy controls. Circulating MMP, TIMP-1, C-reactive protein, and cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Leukocyte subtype counts in whole blood were determined, and T-cell subsets and natural killer cells were measured by flow cytometry. Differences in continuous variables between groups were tested by ANOVA with the Scheffé F-test used as a post hoc test, and correlations were analyzed by a linear regression method.

Results: The plasma concentration of MMP-7 was increased in patients with stable and unstable CAD, whereas MMP-2 and -3 concentrations were decreased. The plasma concentration of TIMP-1 was significantly increased in patients with unstable CAD. MMP-2, -3, and -7 showed no correlations with established markers of inflammation. However, MMP-2 correlated positively with the number of natural killer cells in patients with stable and unstable CAD.

Conclusion: Plasma concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs may be markers of CAD but appear to be differentially regulated.
A New Roman Grave-altar from Pannonia Inferior
Authors: Kovács Péter
Published: June 2006

In this paper the author publishes a new Roman grave-altar from Bikács
(County Tolna). The richly decorated altar was erected by a peregrine Eraviscus
and it can be dated to the first decades of the 2nd century. In eastern
Pannonia very few grave-altars are known and this is the first one which was
erected to a native father. He still had a Celtic cognomen but his son was
called Appius. The find-spot can be found in the southern edge of the civitas
Eraviscorum. This region is very poor in inscriptions.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Early Abuse on Later Victimization Among High-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A. , Johnson Katherine A.
Published: June 2006

Although previous research on adolescents finds a link between early abuse and later victimization, the majority of this research is cross-sectional and based on samples of currently homeless adolescents. Therefore, factors that predict the likelihood of victimization have not been systematically examined. As such, the current study longitudinally examines the effects of early abuse and poor parenting on victimization via running away, delinquency, and early sexual onset among a sample of over 700 currently housed high-risk adolescents. Results revealed that having experienced sexual and physical abuse, as well as lower levels of parental monitoring and closeness, significantly predicted running away at wave 1. Adolescents who had run at wave 1 were significantly more likely to run again, more likely to engage in delinquency, and more likely to have had an early sexual onset at wave 3, all of which significantly predicted victimization at wave 4.
Modern Portfolio Theory: Some Main Results
Authors: Müller Heinz H.
Published: June 2006

This article summarizes some main results in modern portfolio theory. First, the Markowitz approach is presented. Then the capital asset pricing model is derived and its empirical testability is discussed. Afterwards Neumann–Morgenstern utility theory is applied to the portfolio problem. Finally, it is shown how optimal risk allocation in an economy may lead to portfolio insurance.
Between Individual and Collective Model for the Total Claims
Authors: Kaas R. , van Heerwaarden A. E. , Goovaerts M. J.
Published: June 2006

This article studies random variables whose stop-loss rank falls between a certain risk (assumed to be integer-valued and non-negative, but not necessarily of life-insurance type) and the compound Poisson approximation to this risk. They consist of a compound Poisson part to which some independent Bernoulli-type variables are added.

Replacing each term in an individual model with such a random variable leads to an approximating model for the total claims on a portfolio of contracts that is computationally almost as attractive as the compound Poisson approximation used in the standard collective model. The resulting stop-loss premiums are much closer to the real values.
Predicting Ibnyr Events and Delays: I. Continuous Time
Authors: Jewell William S.
Published: June 2006

An IBNYR event is one that occurs randomly during some fixed exposure interval and incurs a random delay before it is reported. Both the rate at which such events occur and the parameters of the delay distribution are unknown random quantities. Given the number of events that have been reported during some observation interval, plus various secondary data on the dates of the events, the problem is to estimate the true values of the unknown parameters and to predict the number of events that are still unreported. A full-distributional Bayesian model is used, and it is shown that the amount of secondary data is critical. A recursive procedure calculates the predictive density; however, an explicit formula for the predictive mode can be obtained. The main computational work is the evaluation of an integral involving the prior density of the delay parameters, but this can be simplified in the exponential case using Gammoid approximations.
A Generalization of Automobile Insurance Rating Models: The Negative Binomial Distribution with a Regression Component
Authors: Dionne Georges , Vanasse Charles
Published: June 2006

The objective of this paper is to provide an extension of well-known models of tarification in automobile insurance. The analysis begins by introducing a regression component in the Poisson model in order to use all available information in the estimation of the distribution. In a second step, a random variable is included in the regression component of the Poisson model and a negative binomial model with a regression component is derived. We then present our main contribution by proposing a bonus-malus system which integrates a priori and a posteriori information on an individual basis. We show how net premium tables can be derived from the model. Examples of tables are presented.
Fear and learning: Trauma‐related factors in the adult education process
Authors: Perry Bruce D.
Published: June 2006

Adverse learning experiences in childhood may affect the adult's capacity to learn throughout the lifespan. Suggestions for adult educators are provided.
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder: Preliminary experience with 18‐month follow up
Authors: Pinto Robin J. , Dalvi Bharat V. , Sharma Satyavan
Published: June 2006

Background: This study reports our experience in the nonsurgical closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects in children and adolescents with the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder and the outcome of an 18‐month follow up. Methods and Results: Twenty patients (median age:10 years; median weight:32 kg) with perimembranous ventricular septal defect were selected for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer device. The prosthesis diameter chosen was 1–2 mm larger than the largest measured diameter of the defect on transesophageal echo (TEE). All patients were put on oral aspirin (5 mg/kg/day in children and 150 mg/day in adults) five days prior to and for six months after closure. Follow‐up evaluation at 48 hr and 1, 6, 12 and 18 months included clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and a transthoracic echocardiogram. The mean defect diameter on color flow mapping on TEE was 7.1 ± 2.3 mm. The device diameter ranged from 6–14 mm (median = 8 mm). One patient developed an anaphylactic reaction to contrast. The procedure was successful in 17 out of 19 patients where it was attempted (89.4%). In two patients with associated significant aortic valve prolapse and mild aortic regurgitation the device could not be successfully deployed. A trivial residual shunt observed during postdeployment left ventricular angiogram in 7 of 17 patients (41.2%) completely disappeared at one month follow‐up. Three patients had right bundle branch block (2 complete and 1 incomplete) whereas one developed junctional escape rhythm with a right bundle branch block morphology. One patient had clinically silent thromboembolism to the left vertebral artery and another patient had hemolysis which resolved spontaneously within 48 hr. Follow‐up at 13.5 ± 5.3 months (range 1–18 months) revealed no residual shunt. The left ventricular internal dimension in diastole decreased significantly from 45 ± 6 mm to 40 ± 6 mm (P < 0.01) at the time of the last follow up. The baseline tricuspid regurgitation (n = 4) and aortic regurgitation (n = 3) remained unchanged during the follow up period. None of the patients developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or new aortic or tricuspid regurgitation. There were no other device related complications such as device migration, systemic thromboembolism, infective endocarditis, pericardial effusion or delayed conduction disturbances. Conclusions: In carefully selected children and young adults, the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder is a promising device for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect with encouraging results on short term follow up. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transformations of runoff chemistry in the Arctic tundra, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Quinton W. L. , Pomeroy J. W.
Published: June 2006

The transformation of snowmelt water chemical composition during melt, elution and runoff in an Arctic tundra basin is investigated. The chemistry of the water flowing along pathways from the surface of melting snow to the 95·5 ha basin outlet is related to relevant hydrological processes. In so doing, this paper offers physically based explanations for the transformation of major ion concentrations and loads of runoff water associated with snowmelt and rainfall along hydrological pathways to the stream outlet. Late‐lying snowdrifts were found to influence the ion chemistry in adjacent reaches of the stream channel greatly. As the initial pulse of ion‐rich melt water drained from the snowdrift and was conveyed through hillslope flowpaths, the concentrations of most ions increased, and the duration of the peak ionic pulse lengthened. Over the first 3 m of overland flow, the concentrations of all ions except for NO$_{3}^{-}$ increased by one to two orders of magnitude, with the largest increase for K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. This was roughly equivalent to the concentration increase that resulted from percolation of relatively dilute water through 0·25 m of unsaturated soil. The Na+ and Cl− were the dominant ions in snowmelt water, whereas Ca2+ and Mg2+ dominated the hillslope runoff. On slopes below a large melting snowdrift, ion concentrations of melt water flowing in the saturated layer of the soil were very similar to the relatively dilute concentrations found in surface runoff. However, once the snowdrift ablated, ion concentrations of subsurface flow increased above parent melt‐water concentrations. Three seasonally characteristic hydrochemical regimes were identified in a stream reach adjacent to late‐lying snowdrifts. In the first two stages, the water chemistry in the stream channel strongly resembled the hillslope drainage water. In the third stage, in‐stream geochemical processes, including the weathering/ion exchange of Ca2+ and Mg2+, were the main control of streamwater chemistry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reductive decolourization and total organic carbon reduction of the diazo dye CI Acid Black 24 by zero‐valent iron powder
Authors: Chang Ming‐Chin , Shu Hung‐Yee , Yu Hsin‐Hung , Sung Yi‐Chun
Published: June 2006

In this study, wastewater contaminated by colour and total organic carbon from the diazo dye CI Acid Black 24 was successfully removed by reductive decolourization with zero‐valent iron powder. The effects on decolourization of experimental variables such as iron dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and dissolved oxygen level were evaluated. The best removal efficiencies for decolourization of 99.7% and total organic carbon of 57.4% were obtained with an initial dye concentration of 25.0 mg L−1 and iron dosage of 200.0 g L−1. Moreover, the decolourization rates followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetic equations with respect to dye concentration. The colour removal efficiency was simultaneously dependent on iron dosage and various initial dye concentrations, although the colour and total organic carbon removal efficiencies linearly increased with increased iron dosage, reaching a maximum at 100.0 g L−1. A contour plot was developed to illustrate the 3D relation of removal efficiencies with initial dye concentration and iron dosage. For wastewater with a concentration range from 25 to 100 mg L−1 CI Acid Black 24 the suggested ideal operation conditions are 100.0 g L−1 iron dosage, pH 2‐4, normal oxygen concentration of 5‐7 mg L−1 and reaction time of 30‐60 min. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry