bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TAFI polymorphisms at amino acids 147 and 325 are not risk factors for cerebral infarction
Authors: Akatsu Hiroyasu , Yamagata Hidehisa , Chen Yusen , Miki Tetsuro , Kamino Kouzin , Takeda Masatoshi , Campbell William , Kondo Ikuko , Kosaka Kenji , Yamamoto Takayuki , Okada Hidechika
Published: November 2004

Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) was reported as an anaphylatoxin‐inactivating enzyme generated by proteolytic cleavage of its zymogen, and is the same enzyme as that first designated by our group as procarboxypeptidase R (proCPR). Its level in plasma appears to influence vascular disease. In addition, TAFI activity is strongly influenced by genetic polymorphism, especially at amino acids 147 and 325. We investigated whether these TAFI polymorphisms would act as a risk factor for cerebral infarction (CI) by examining 253 samples in which the diagnosis was cliniconeuropathologically confirmed. We found little that was statistically significant in terms of these polymorphisms among patients with no vascular problems or in a population‐based control group. In the present study of an elderly Japanese group, our samples revealed a lower percentage of the Ile allele at Thr/Ile‐325 compared with western counterparts. Although patients with severe infarcts had a lower percentage of the Ile allele (10%) at amino acid position 325 compared with the slightly and moderately affected patients and the population‐based control group (15–18%), no statistical significance was found. None of our results showed any statistical correlation between TAFI polymorphisms and CI.
Analyses for binding of the transferrin family of proteins to the transferrin receptor 2
Authors: Kawabata Hiroshi , Tong Xiangjun , Kawanami Takafumi , Wano Yuji , Hirose Yuko , Sugai Susumu , Phillip Koeffler H.
Published: November 2004

Transferrin receptor 2α (TfR2α), the major product of the TfR2 gene, is the second receptor for transferrin (Tf), which can mediate cellular iron uptake in vitro. Homozygous mutations of TfR2 cause haemochromatosis, suggesting that TfR2α may not be a simple iron transporter, but a regulator of iron by identifying iron‐Tf. In this study, we analysed the ligand specificity of TfR2α using human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and TfR2α‐stably transfected and expressing cells and flow‐cytometric techniques. We showed that human TfR2α interacted with both human and bovine Tf, whereas human TfR1 interacted only with human Tf. Neither human TfR1 nor TfR2α interacted with either lactoferrin or melanotransferrin. In addition, by creating point mutations in human TfR2α, the RGD sequence in the extracellular domain of TfR2α was shown to be crucial for Tf‐binding. Furthermore, we demonstrated that mutated TfR2α (Y250X), which has been reported in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis, also lost its ability to interact with both human and bovine Tf. Although human TfR1 and TfR2α share an essential structure (RGD) for ligand‐binding, they have clearly different ligand specificities, which may be related to the differences in their roles in iron metabolism.
The near‐surface information gap for time and depth imaging
Authors: Vesnaver A.
Published: November 2004

The shallowest few hundred metres of the earth cannot be adequately imaged by conventional seismic when tuned for deeper targets. Adding independent measurements (such as uphole or shallow refraction surveys) reduces this information gap, but in some arid areas (such as Saudi Arabia) the near‐surface complexities are not well resolved, even in this way. The joint tomographic inversion of different wave types can contribute to reducing these ambiguities further, by complementing the different penetration ranges and propagation directions of reflected, refracted and diving waves. Here, we demonstrate the weakness of diving waves when used alone, and the value of complementing them by available reflected and refracted arrivals.
An in vitro investigation of penetration depth of dentine bonding agents into carious dentine
Authors: Hahn P. , Hellwig E.
Published: November 2004

summary  The aim of the present in vitro study was to determine the penetration depth of dentine bonding agents into carious dentine as a possible strategy in caries treatment of deep lesions. Forty‐eight extracted carious teeth were used for the experiments and divided in four groups. In a split‐tooth design, one half of each tooth was treated without caries excavation, and the second half after caries excavation. In group 1 the teeth were treated with Prime & Bond 2·0 without phosphoric acid etching, and in group 2 with phosphoric acid etching. In group 3, the teeth were treated with All‐Bond 2 without phosphoric acid etching, and in group 4 with phosphoric acid etching. Bonding agents were marked with an orange dye prior to application. The composition of the bonding agents had no significant influence on penetration depths. The mean thickness of the outer, necrotic caries zone in unexcavated specimens was 117 μm (±126). Bonding agents penetrated significantly deeper into unexcavated carious dentine (mean 124 ± 76 μm) compared with excavated dentine (11 ± 14 μm) and sound dentine (3 ± 4 μm). Acid etching significantly reduced the thickness of the outer caries zone, and the penetration depth of the bonding agents into unexcavated carious specimens by approximately 50%, and increased it into sound dentine. The results indicate that dentine bonding agents could completely penetrate the unexcavated outer carious dentine in 90% of specimens. Further studies are required to determine whether further caries activity is arrested after treatment with dentine bonding procedures.
The effect of pulse activation on microleakage of a ‘packable’ composite resin and two ‘ormocers’
Authors: Helvatjoglu‐Antoniades M. , Kalinderis K. , Pedulu L. , Papadogiannis Y.
Published: November 2004

summary  The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of pulse polymerization on microleakage of one packable composite resin and two organically modified ceramics (ormocers), within a high C‐factor preparation. Class‐V cavity preparations with occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in dentin were prepared on 60 freshly extracted premolars or molars. Teeth were randomly assigned to 12 experimental groups (five teeth each) representing the different restorative systems, mode of polymerization and thermal cycling test. Three groups of 20 teeth each were restored with one of the following restorative systems: Scotch bond 1/Filtek P 60, Admira bond/Admira, Etch&Prime 3·0/Definite. 10 restorations of each restorative system (two experimental groups) were conventionally polymerized, whereas the other 10 restorations were polymerized with a pulse program. The specimens were stored in double‐distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h. Ten restorations from each restorative system (30 restorations, half of the specimens) were thermocycled, the other 30 restorations were kept in double‐distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h. Then all 60 restorations stained with dye, sectioned and scored for microleakage. Results showed that there were no significant differences (P > 0·05) among the materials with respect to microleakage scores. The experimental groups that were conventionally polymerized revealed significantly more microleakage (P < 0·05) after thermal cycling than all the other groups. The gingival microleakage was significantly more (P < 0·05) than occlusal in conventionally polymerized, thermocycled experimental groups.
Mechanical properties of cast Ti‐6Al‐4V‐XCu alloys
Authors: Aoki T. , Okafor I. C. I. , Watanabe I. , Hattori M. , Oda Y. , Okabe T.
Published: November 2004

summary  The mechanical properties of Ti‐6Al‐4V‐XCu (1, 4 and 10 wt% Cu) alloys were examined. The castings for each alloy were made in a centrifugal titanium casting machine. Two shapes of specimens were used: a dumbbell (20 mm gauge length × 2·8 mm diameter) for mechanical property studies, and a flat slab (2 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm) for metallography, microhardness determination and X‐ray diffractometry. Tensile strength, yield strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation and microhardness were evaluated. After tensile testing, the fracture surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strengths of the quaternary alloys decreased from 1016 MPa for the 1% Cu alloy to 387 MPa for the 10% Cu alloy. Elongation decreased with an increase in the copper content. The 1% Cu alloy exhibited elongation similar to Ti‐6Al‐4V without copper (3·0%). The results also indicated that the copper additions increased the bulk hardness of the quaternary alloy. In particular, the 10% Cu alloy had the highest hardness and underwent the most brittle fracture. The mechanical properties of cast Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy with 1 and 4% Cu were well within the values for existing dental casting non‐precious alloys.
Extensive Darier's disease with esophageal Involvement
Authors: Al Robaee Ahmed , Hamadah Issam R. , Khuroo Sultan , Alfadley Abdullah
Published: November 2004

Although the involvement of mucous membranes in Darier's disease is relatively uncommon, Darier's disease has been associated with mucosal lesions, especially in the oral mucosa. In the English literature there is only one report describing the involvement of esophageal mucous membranes in a patient with Darier's disease. Herein, we report the second case of Darier's disease with esophageal involvement.
Lupus erythematosus tumidus
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Poonsriaram Aram , Chaivoramukul Jaruwan
Published: November 2004

Background  Lupus erythematosus tumidus (LET) is a rare form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus that characteristically presents as a succulent, erythematous plaques on sun‐exposed areas. The histopathological change that primarily distinguishes LET from other variants of cutaneous lupus erythematosus is the lack of alterations of the dermo–epidermal junction and epidermis. Our purpose was to describe 15 cases of LET from Thailand.

Methods  The records of 15 patients diagnosed with LET at Srinagarind Hospital Medical School between 1995 and 2002 were reviewed on the following aspects: clinical manifestation, laboratory investigation, direct immunofluorescence study, phototesting, histopathological findings, clinical course, and treatment.

Results  All 15 patients consisted of 10 females and five males. The mean age at onset was 38.8 years. The lesions more commonly affect the face and trunk. One patient had concomitant discoid lupus erythematosus and two developed systemic involvement 4 and 6 months after LET. Direct immunofluorescence studies all showed negative results. Positive phototest reactions were detected in five of 10 tested patients: four with ultraviolet A and B and one with ultraviolet A only. Most patients responded well to chloroquine phosphate and the remainder successfully improved with methotrexate, topical and systemic corticosteroids.

Conclusion  Our data demonstrate the features of LET that are repeatable and characteristic. Lupus erythematosus tumidus in this study was more common in women, and photosensitivity reactions of the patients were seen less frequently compared with those in the earlier report of Kuhn et al2. Furthermore, two of 15 patients exhibited systemic involvement in the course of their disease.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: clinicopathologic correlation and proposed diagnostic criteria
Authors: Su W. P. Daniel , Davis Mark D. P. , Weenig Roger H. , Powell Frank C. , Perry Harold O.
Published: November 2004

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare but significant cause of ulcerations. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. Herein, we suggest diagnostic criteria and some historical perspectives on the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum.
Coccidioidal pneumonia, arthritis, and soft‐tissue infection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Blair J.E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: A 60‐year‐old male kidney transplant recipient presented with pneumonia 4 months after transplantation. Coccidioidomycosis was suspected and empirically treated with fluconazole. He was maintained on suppressive fluconazole without problems. Three weeks after discontinuing secondary prophylaxis, the patient experienced coccidioidal arthritis and an infection of the soft tissue of the hand that required debridement. Transplant recipients may have quiescent disseminated coccidioidomycosis that is reactivated by immunosuppression after withdrawal of suppressive antifungal therapy.
Periventricular and Subcortical Leukoencephalopathy in two Dachshund Puppies
Authors: Rentmeister K. , Schmidbauer S. , Hewicker‐Trautwein M. , Tipold A.
Published: November 2004

Two wirehaired dachshund puppies were presented with generalized tremor and gait abnormalities characterized by mild ataxia, tetraparesis and slightly abnormal proprioception. Neurological examination led to the suspicion of a diffuse generalized white matter lesion. Computerized tomography and pathological examination revealed a remarkable unilateral dilatation of the lateral ventricles in each dog. Histopathological examination showed a severe reduction of stainable myelin, widespread mild perineuronal oedema with vacuolations and multifocal reactive astrocytosis affecting the subcortical and deep periventricular white, and to a lesser degree, grey matter of the cerebral hemispheres, most prominently at the level of the optic chiasm. Axons showed a moderately reduced packing density; some axons were irregularly shaped and slightly thickened. There was no evidence of myelin breakdown products and neurones appeared to be well preserved. Brain stem, cerebellum and spinal cord were normal, as was the peripheral nervous system. This leukoencephalopathy in two dachshund puppies most closely resembles human periventricular leukomalacia caused by pre‐ or perinatal hypoxia‐ischaemia.
Epidemiological Study of Non‐contagious Intramammary Infections in Nine Commercial Dairy Herds following aStaphylococcus aureusControl Programme
Authors: Zecconi A. , Piccinini R. , Fox L. K.
Published: November 2004

Changes in prevalence in intramammary infection, by pathogen type, in herds applying a stringent contagious mastitis control programme was studied. Enrollment of 1651 lactating cows and collection of milk samples was made in this ancillary study to a cohort study of the dynamics of mastitis prevalence after adoption of a strict contagious mastitis control programme that targeted the elimination of mastitis caused byStaphylococcus aureus. Nine commercial dairies in Italy were used. Aseptic collection of milk samples from all lactating cows was performed at the time of enrollment, from all cows within 7–14 days of entering the lactating herd after the date of enrollment, and from all lactating cows at 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 months after the date of enrollment. Prevalence of intramammary infection by pathogen type was determined from culture of milk samples. Application of the strict contagious mastitis programme did not lead to an increased risk of non‐contagious mastitis. The risk of coliform, environmental streptococcal and coagulase‐negative staphylococcal intramammary infections decreased after adoption of the programme. The data reported herein indicate that the overall risk for any intramammary infections decreases with adoption of a strict contagious mastitis programme, and that such a programme therefore does not necessarily lead to an increase in environmental mastitis.
What to Do with the Informal Sector?
Authors: Bigsten Arne , Kimuyu Peter , Lundvall Karl
Published: November 2004

Almost all informal firms in the Kenyan manufacturing sector are managed by Kenyans of African origin. Formal enterprises are run by Kenyans of both African and Asian origin. These three groups are distinct in terms of experience, productivity and access to finance. Asian formal firms are the most efficient, while there is no significant productivity difference between informal and formal African firms. There are thus weak incentives for African informal firms to become formal. At the same time, Kenya needs higher investments and larger exports to achieve economic take‐off, and this can only be achieved through an efficient formal sector. Therefore policy should aim to integrate the sectors by improving infrastructure, capacity‐building, credit delivery, and supporting networks.
Guilds, efficiency, and social capital: evidence from German proto‐industry
Authors: OGILVIE SHEILAGH
Published: November 2004

This article considers recent economic theories about guilds in the light of evidence from a German proto‐industrial region. The empirical findings cast doubt on views that guilds existed because they were efficient institutional solutions to market failures relating to product quality, training, and innovation. However, guilds did generate a ‘social capital’ of shared norms, common information, mutual sanctions, and collective political action. This social capital benefitted guild members, but harmed outsiders and the wider economy. The article concludes that economic theories of collective action and interlinked markets can explain why guilds were widespread while not necessarily being efficient.
Effect of cardiovascular disease on hemodynamic response to cognitive activation: a functional transcranial Doppler study
Authors: Stroobant N. , Van Nooten G. , Vingerhoets G.
Published: November 2004

We compared the cerebrovascular response to various cognitive tasks of cardiovascular patients and healthy controls by using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD). Cognitive task‐induced cerebral blood flow velocity (BFV) changes in 66 candidates for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (mean age 59.4 ± 7.5) were compared with the functional BFV measurement of 60 healthy controls (mean age 58 ± 7). Absolute BFV values during baseline and activation were monitored with TCD. Relative increase of the BFV was calculated from the immediately preceding rest period to the following activation. A manova with group (patients versus controls) as between‐subjects factor showed no differences in absolute BFV during the rest period. For absolute BFV during activation, a significant difference between the two groups was found. Although for each test the percentage change was smaller in the cardiac group, the difference just failed to reach significance. An explorative multivariate linear regression analysis with the absolute activation and percentage change as dependent variables and coronary risk factors as independent variables revealed no significant predictors. Using functional TCD we found that BFV values during activation were significantly lower in cardiac patients compared with healthy controls. Future research should focus on the possible explanations of this phenomenon.
No correlation between number of MRI‐evident lesions in cerebrum and the soleus stretch reflex in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Nielsen J. F. , Bech E. , Gadeberg Paula , Sinkjær T.
Published: November 2004

The aim of the study was to investigate if the stretch reflex of the soleus muscle was useful in quantifying upper motor neuron lesions. The soleus stretch reflex was recorded in 10 healthy subjects and 20 patients with active relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis and correlated to the number of MRI lesions in cerebrum and clinical scores (expanded disability status scale and regional functional scoring system). The short latency stretch reflex was elicited by rotating the left ankle joint 4° with a rise time in the interval of 40–640 ms. The amplitude of the stretch was larger in multiple sclerosis patients being 88.5 μV in patients and 12.8 μV in controls, P = 0.007. The sensitivity of the stretch reflex expressed as the slope of the best linear fit was increased in MS patients to 2.6 μVs/degree compared with 0.6 μVs/degree (0.1–2.2) in controls, P = 0.009. There was no correlation between amplitude of the stretch reflex and number of MRI lesions (r = −0.03). In conclusion, the soleus stretch reflex might be useful to quantify spasticity but is not useful in detecting dysfunction of upper motor neurons in MS.
Inhibition of brain mitochondrial respiration by dopamine and its metabolites: implications for Parkinson's disease and catecholamine‐associated diseases
Authors: Gluck Martin R. , Zeevalk Gail D.
Published: November 2004

A structure–potency study examining the ability of dopamine (DA), its major metabolites and related amine and acetate congeners to inhibit NADH‐linked mitochondrial O2 consumption was carried out to elucidate mechanisms by which DA could induce mitochondrial dysfunction. In the amine studies, DA was the most potent inhibitor of respiration (IC50 7.0 mm) compared with 3‐methoxytryramine (3‐MT, IC50 19.6 mm), 3,4‐dimethoxyphenylethylamine (IC50 28.6 mm), tyramine (IC50 40.3 mm) and phenylethylamine (IC50 58.7 mm). Addition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors afforded nearly complete protection against inhibition by phenylethylamine, tyramine and 3,4‐dimethoxyphenylethylamine, indicating that inhibition arose from MAO‐mediated pathways. In contrast, the inhibitory effects of DA and 3‐MT were only partially prevented by MAO blockade, suggesting that inhibition might also arise from two‐electron catechol oxidation and quinone formation by DA and one‐electron oxidation of the 4‐hydroxyphenyl group of 3‐MT. In the phenylacetate studies, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was equipotent with DA in inhibiting respiration (IC50 7.4 mm), further implicating the catechol reaction as the cause of inhibition. All other carboxylate congeners; phenylacetic acid (IC50 13.0 mm), 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (IC50 12.1 mm), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenylacetic acid (HVA, IC50 12.0 mm) and 3,4‐dimethoxyphenylacetic acid (IC50 10.2 mm), were equipotent respiratory inhibitors and two‐ to fourfold more potent than their corresponding amine. These latter findings suggest that the phenylacetate ion can also contribute independently to mitochondrial inhibition. In summary, mitochondrial respiration can be inhibited by DA and its metabolites by four distinct MAO‐dependent and independent mechanisms.
Examining predictors and consequences of information seeking in close relationships
Authors: Afifi Walid A. , Dillow Megan R. , Morse Christopher
Published: November 2004

The management of information in close relationships plays a critical role in our well‐being (e.g., S. Petronio, 2002). Since relational partners often desire to be “in the know” about one another, the relative absence of inquiry into the process of information seeking in close relationships is puzzling. Recently, W. Ickes, J. W. Dugosh, J. A. Simpson, and C. L. Wilson (2003) examined that process and showed important ways in which the motivation to acquire relationship‐threatening information may be harmful to relationships. We extend their work and apply the newly developed Theory of Motivated Information Management (W. A. Afifi, & Weiner, 2004) to close relationships. In addition, we test the consequences of information seeking for short‐term changes in relationship commitment. Two hundred and twenty‐two participants thought of something that their relational partner did or said for which they wanted more information, then completed 2 surveys, 3 weeks apart, measuring cognitive and behavioral factors related to the information‐management process. Results reveal several factors that influence the seeking of information in close relationships (e.g., issue importance, anxiety, expected outcomes, and perceived efficacy), show benefits of an indirect search for information in the face of negative expectancies, and suggest several directions for future research.
Familial suicide behaviour: association with probands suicide attempt characteristics and 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism
Authors: Correa H. , Campi‐Azevedo A. C. , De Marco L. , Boson W. , Viana M. M. , Guimarães M. M. , Costa E. , Miranda D. M. , Romano‐Silva M. A.
Published: November 2004

Objective:  There is compelling evidence that a serotonergic dysfunction may play a major role in suicide behaviour and it has also been demonstrated that suicide is, at least partially, genetically determined. Thus, the serotonin‐related genes are the major candidates. Previously a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) was identified and the presence of the short allele (S) was found to be associated with a lower level of expression of the gene and lower levels of 5‐HT uptake when compared with the long allele (L).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between family suicide behaviour history and probands’ suicide attempt (SA) history, SA characteristics and 5‐HTTLPR genotype.

Method:  We genotyped 237 probands (major depressed or schizophrenic patients) and used a semistructured interview to determine probands’ SA characteristics and first‐ and second‐degree family suicidal behaviour.

Results:  An association between suicidal family history and proband's SA but not with SA characteristics and probands genotype was found.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that multiple biological and environmental factors underlie familial transmission of suicidal behaviour.
Prediction of mortality at age 40 in Danish males at high and low risk for alcoholism
Authors: Knop J. , Penick E. C. , L. Mortensen E. , Nickel E. J. , Gabrielli W. F. , Jensen P. , Mednick S. A.
Published: November 2004

Objective:  This prospective high‐risk study examined the influence of father's alcoholism and other archival‐generated measures on premature death.

Method:  Sons of alcoholic fathers (n = 223) and sons of non‐alcoholic fathers (n = 106) have been studied from birth to age 40. Archival predictors of premature death included father's alcoholism, childhood developmental data, and diagnostic information obtained from the Psychiatric Register and alcoholism clinics.

Results:  By age 40, 21 of the 329 subjects had died (6.4%), a rate that is more than two times greater than expected. Sons of alcoholic fathers were not more likely to die by age 40. Premature death was associated with physical immaturity at 1‐year of age and psychiatric/alcoholism treatment. No significant interactions were found between risk and archival measures.

Conclusion:  Genetic vulnerability did not independently predict death at age 40. Death was associated with developmental immaturities and treatment for a psychiatric and/or substance abuse problem.
Resistant pure red cell aplasia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with major ABO mismatch treated by escalating dose donor leukocyte infusion
Authors: Verholen F. , Stalder M. , Helg C. , Chalandon Y.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  We report a case of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) with major ABO mismatch which proved resistant to all standard treatment options such as change in immunosuppressive treatment, high‐dose erythropoietin (EPO) or plasma exchange. We therefore proceeded to administer five cycles of Rituximab therapy, without success. Finally, escalating doses of donor‐derived leukocyte infusion (DLI) resolved the PRCA of our patient 415 d after bone‐marrow transplantation (BMT) and 140 d after the first infusion of donor leukocytes. A review of the literature shows the efficacy of various treatments; the role of DLI and other treatment options are discussed. Furthermore, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms especially with regard to the role of NK cells in alloreactivity after allogeneic SCT are explained.
Effectiveness of propagermanium treatment in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Tsutsumi Yutaka , Tanaka Junji , Kanamori Hiroe , Musashi Mio , Minami Hiina , Fukushima Arata , Yamato Hiroaki , Ehira Nobuyuki , Kawamura Takahito , Obara Shinji , Ogura Nobutaka , Asaka Masahiro , Imamura Masahiro , Masauzi Nobuo
Published: November 2004

Interferon (IFN) is one of several drugs effective in treating multiple myeloma (MM), and propagermanium is an IFN inducer. We report on 10 MM patients who were treated with propagermanium at doses from 10 to 40 mg. Two patients achieved complete remission (CR), two patients achieved partial remission (PR), and the condition of four patients was stable (stable disease, SD). After discontinuation of propagermanium, the status of MM progressed in two patients who were in SD and in two patients who had achieved PR. The administration of propagermanium was restarted in one patient resulting in a decrease in her paraprotein.
Functional and Physical Interactions between Autonomously Replicating Sequence‐Binding Factor 1 and the Nuclear Transport Machinery
Authors: Loch Christian M. , Mosammaparast Nima , Miyake Tsuyoshi , Pemberton Lucy F. , Li Rong
Published: November 2004

Autonomously replicating sequence‐binding factor 1 (Abf1p) is a site‐specific DNA binding protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that functions to regulate multiple nuclear events including DNA replication, transcriptional activation, and gene silencing. Previous work indicates that the multiple functions of Abf1p are conferred by the carboxy‐terminus of the protein, which can be further dissected into two important clusters of amino acid residues (CS1 and CS2). Here we present genetic and cell biological evidence for a critical role of CS1 in proper nuclear localization of Abf1p. Mutations in CS1 cause severe defects in cell growth, nuclear translocation, and Abf1p‐mediated gene regulation, which can be rescued by a heterologous nuclear localization sequence (NLS). In addition, the CS1‐domain can mediate the import of a CS1‐GFP fusion protein. Importantly, the CS1‐mediated nuclear import depends on the Ran guanine nucleotide exchange factor Prp20p. Interestingly, a single amino acid change in CS1 (K625I) also causes the protein to be exported out of the nucleus via the Crm1p‐dependent pathway. The temperature‐sensitive growth phenotype of this particular mutant can be overcome by overexpression of Kap121p/Pse1p, a well‐established nuclear transport receptor. Biochemical studies indicate that Pse1p binds to a region of Abf1p upstream of CS1 in a RanGTP‐sensitive manner, suggesting that Abf1p has a second distinct NLS and can be imported into the nucleus by several overlapping pathways. We propose that the link between Abf1p and the nuclear transport machinery may also be important for partitioning multiple Abf1p‐mediated nuclear processes.
Federal University of Santa Catarina follow‐up management routine for traumatized primary teeth – part 1
Authors: Cardoso Mariane , Rocha Maria José de Carvalho
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  The objective of this study was to verify if the follow‐up management routine of traumatized primary teeth set up by Federal University of Santa Catarina, which performs clinical and radiographic assessments (15 and 45 days; 4, 8 and 12 months) after the oral trauma, enabled an early diagnosis of sequelae which would indicate the need for endodontic intervention, as well as the influence a type of trauma and the child's age could have in the severity of the sequelae. In this study 52 sets of records were used of patients being seen in the last 6 months, with a total of 70 teeth that were receiving follow‐up treatment. Patients returned for regular visits set up by the management routine, where clinical and radiographic examinations were performed to check for sequelae, which justified endodontic intervention. Mobility (51.2%) and crown discoloration (25.6%) were the most common sequelae found in the patient's first appointment. In the follow‐up visits, replacement root resorption (22.5%) was the second most common sequela found, suggesting endodontic intervention. No significant association was found between severe sequelae, types of trauma and a child's age (χ2 = 0.3, P = 0,8613). During the intervals of the follow‐up visits, it was noticed that between 46 days and 8 months a higher number of sequelae were diagnosed (P < 0.05). The diagnosis of sequelae such inflammatory and replacement root resorption, which can lead to an early loss of a primary tooth, are frequent and that the interval between the follow‐up visits has to be changed, suggesting the setting up of management routine 2. The study also concluded that the type of trauma and the child's age are not fundamental factors in the diagnosis of severe sequelae.
Federal University of Santa Catarina endodontic treatment of traumatized primary teeth – part 2
Authors: Rocha Maria José de Carvalho , Cardoso Mariane
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  This research sought to evaluate periapical repair in 28 traumatized deciduous teeth that had suffered endodontic intervention due to the presence of internal or external inflammatory resorption or replacement root resorption. After obtaining endodontic access, work length and biomechanical preparation, the root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide and propylene glycol under the form of a dense slurry, during 12 months. Replacement of the intracanal dressing was performed when monthly radiographic examinations showed its absence. After 12 months the teeth were obturated with zinc oxide and eugenol cement. Halting of the inflammatory and replacement root resorption (64.3%; n = 28) occurred 9 months after the use of calcium hydroxide dressings, in a total of 18 successful cases. Fisher's test was applied to relate success with the type of trauma, work length time, child's age and pulpal condition. The test did not present statistical significance (P < 0.05). However, in the qualitative analysis, failure was observed in those cases (35.7%) where replacement resorption was already present at the moment of treatment (up to two‐thirds) associated with severe trauma cases. The authors concluded that endodontic treatment must be initiated at an early stage, and must be coincident with the radiographic signs of resorption. Success of the treatment is directly related to the seriousness of the sequelae at the moment of the first examination or the endodontic treatment.
The cost of treating children and adolescents with injuries to their permanent incisors at a dental hospital in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wong Ferranti S. L. , Kolokotsa Konstantina
Published: November 2004

Abstract –  The aim was to estimate the total cost, including the direct costs (outpatient costs) and indirect costs (missed working day) of treating children and adolescents with traumatic injuries to their incisors. Factors such as the number of treatment visits and the success of outcome were also investigated. The sample was taken from patients who attended the dental trauma clinic at a London teaching hospital between 1990 and 2001. Eighty‐one patients, with 111 traumatized incisors were included in this study. The mean age was 9.9 (SD = 2.33) years and the male:female ratio was 3:2. The median number of visits and median treatment duration were eight visits and 21 months, respectively. Sixty‐two per cent of the patients lived >5 miles and 25% lived >10 miles from the hospital; 44% of the patients had uncomplicated and 56% had complicated trauma to their incisors. Accidental falls, falls involving a second person, sport‐related injuries and road accidents accounted for 30, 22, 22 and 17% of the total injuries. For uncomplicated trauma, 97% of the patients had a successful outcome but this was reduced to 58% for complicated trauma. The average total cost of treating a patient with one traumatic injury was £856. The best predictor for higher number of visits and unsuccessful outcome was complicated trauma with odd ratios of 4.5 and 24 (95% CI 1.5–13.7 and 2.9–194.2), respectively. It was concluded that the indirect cost was a considerably large proportion (39%) of the total cost. More specialists in paediatric dentistry are needed to improve access to care locally and thus reducing the indirect travelling cost.
Synaptic integration in motoneurons with hyper-excitable dendrites
Authors: Heckman C J , Kuo Jason J , Johnson Michael D
Published: November 2004

Motoneurons have extensive dendritic trees that receive the numerous inputs required to produce movement. These dendrites are highly active, containing voltage-sensitive channels that generate persistent inward currents (PICs) that can enhance synaptic input 5-fold or more. However, this enhancement is proportional to the level of activity of monoaminergic inputs from the brainstem that release serotonin and noradrenalin. The higher this activity, the larger the dendritic PIC and the higher the firing rate evoked by a given amount of excitatory synaptic input. This brainstem control of motoneuron input-output gain translates directly into control of system gain of a motor pool and its muscle. Because large dendritic PICs are probably necessary for motoneurons to have sufficient gain to generate large forces, it is possible that descending monoaminergic inputs scale in proportion to voluntary force. Inhibition from sensory inputs has a strong suppressive effect on dendritic PICs: the stronger the inhibition, the smaller the PIC. Thus, local inhibitory inputs within the cord may oppose the descending monoaminergic control of PICs. Most motor behaviors evoke a mixture of excitation and inhibition (e.g., the reciprocal inhibition between antagonists). Therefore, normal joint movements may involve constant adjustment of PIC amplitude.Key words: motoneuron, serotonin, norepinephrine, neuromodulation, persistent inward current, spinal cord.
Selective motor unit recruitment via intrafascicular multielectrode stimulation
Authors: McDonnall Daniel , Clark Gregory A , Normann Richard A
Published: November 2004

Recruitment of force via independent asynchronous firing of large numbers of motor units produces the grace and endurance of physiological motion. We have investigated the possibility of reproducing this physiological recruitment strategy by determining the selectivity of access to large numbers of independent motor units through intrafascicular multielectrode stimulation (IFMS) of the peripheral nerve. A Utah Slanted Electrode Array containing 100, 0.5–1.5 mm-long penetrating electrodes was inserted into the sciatic nerve of a cat, and forces generated by the 3 heads of triceps surea in response to electrical stimulation of the nerve were monitored via force transducers attached to their tendons. We found a mean of 17.4 ± 4.9 (mean ± SEM) electrodes selectively excited maximal forces in medial gastrocnemius before exciting another muscle. Among electrodes demonstrating selectivity at threshold, a mean of 7.3 ± 2.7 electrodes were shown to recruit independent populations of motor units innervating medial gastrocnemius (overlap < 20%). Corresponding numbers of electrodes were reported for lateral gastrocnemius and soleus, as well. We used these stimulation data to emulate physiological recruitment strategies, and found that independent motor unit pool recruitment approximates physiological activation more closely than does intensity-based recruitment or frequency-based recruitment.Key words: functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS), microelectrode array, neuroprosthesis, intrafascicular multielectrode stimulation (IFMS).
Encoding mechanisms for sensory neurons studied with a multielectrode array in the cat dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Stein R B , Aoyagi Y , Weber D J , Shoham S , Normann R A
Published: November 2004

Recent advances in microelectrode array technology now permit a direct examination of the way populations of sensory neurons encode information about a limb's position in space. To address this issue, we recorded nerve impulses from about 100 single units simultaneously in the L6 and L7 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the anesthetized cat. Movement sensors, placed near the hip, knee, ankle, and foot, recorded passive movements of the cat's limb while it was moved pseudo-randomly. The firing rate of the neurons was correlated with the position of the limb in various coordinate systems. The firing rates were less correlated to the position of the foot in Cartesian coordinates (x, y) than in joint angular coordinates (hip, knee, ankle), or in polar coordinates. A model was developed in which position and its derivatives are encoded linearly, followed by a nonlinear spike-generating process. Adding the nonlinear portion significantly increased the correlations in all coordinate systems, and the full models were able to accurately predict the firing rates of various types of sensory neurons. The observed residual variability is captured by a simple stochastic model. Our results suggest that compact encoding models for primary afferents recorded at the DRG are well represented in polar coordinates, as has previously been suggested for the cortical and spinal representation of movement. This study illustrates how sensory receptors encode a sense of limb position, and it provides a general framework for modeling sensory encoding by populations of neurons.Key words: sensory, encoding, multielectrode, dorsal root ganglion, cutaneous, muscle.
DUALITY OF COMPACT GROUPS AND HILBERT C*-SYSTEMS FOR C*-ALGEBRAS WITH A NONTRIVIAL CENTER
Authors: BAUMGÄRTEL HELLMUT , LLEDÓ FERNANDO
Published: November 2004

In this paper we present duality theory for compact groups in the case when the C*-algebra [Formula: see text], the fixed point algebra of the corresponding Hilbert C*-system [Formula: see text], has a nontrivial center [Formula: see text] and the relative commutant satisfies the minimality condition [Formula: see text] as well as a technical condition called regularity. The abstract characterization of the mentioned Hilbert C*-system is expressed by means of an inclusion of C*-categories [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a suitable DR-category and [Formula: see text] a full subcategory of the category of endomorphisms of [Formula: see text]. Both categories have the same objects and the arrows of [Formula: see text] can be generated from the arrows of [Formula: see text] and the center [Formula: see text].

A crucial new element that appears in the present analysis is an abelian group [Formula: see text], which we call the chain group of [Formula: see text], and that can be constructed from certain equivalence relation defined on [Formula: see text], the dual object of [Formula: see text]. The chain group, which is isomorphic to the character group of the center of [Formula: see text], determines the action of irreducible endomorphisms of [Formula: see text] when restricted to [Formula: see text]. Moreover, [Formula: see text] encodes the possibility of defining a symmetry ∊ also for the larger category [Formula: see text] of the previous inclusion.
STABLE MANIFOLDS OF HOLOMORPHIC HYPERBOLIC MAPS
Authors: FORNÆSS JOHN ERIK , STENSØNES BERIT
Published: November 2004

We investigate stable manifolds of hyperbolic holomorphic automorphisms. Our main result is that these can always be embedded as open subsets of complex Euclidean space.
ITERATED FUNCTION SYSTEMS, REPRESENTATIONS, AND HILBERT SPACE
Authors: JORGENSEN PALLE E. T.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we are concerned with spectral-theoretic features of general iterated function systems (IFS). Such systems arise from the study of iteration limits of a finite family of maps τi, i=1,…,N, in some Hausdorff space Y. There is a standard construction which generally allows us to reduce to the case of a compact invariant subset X⊂Y. Typically, some kind of contractivity property for the maps τi is assumed, but our present considerations relax this restriction. This means that there is then not a natural equilibrium measure μ available which allows us to pass the point-maps τi to operators on the Hilbert space L2(μ). Instead, we show that it is possible to realize the maps τi quite generally in Hilbert spaces ℋ(X) of square-densities on X. The elements in ℋ(X) are equivalence classes of pairs (φ,μ), where φ is a Borel function on X, μ is a positive Borel measure on X, and ∫X|φ|2 dμ<∞. We say that (φ,μ)~(ψ,ν) if there is a positive Borel measure λ such that μ≪λ, ν≪λ, and [Formula: see text] We prove that, under general conditions on the system (X,τi), there are isometries [Formula: see text] in ℋ(X) satisfying [Formula: see text] the identity operator in ℋ(X). For the construction we assume that some mapping σ:X→X satisfies the conditions σ◦τi= id X, i=1,…,N.

We further prove that this representation in the Hilbert space ℋ(X) has several universal properties.
ON A SUBFACTOR CONSTRUCTION OF A FACTOR NON-ANTIISOMORPHIC TO ITSELF
Authors: VIOLA MARIA GRAZIA
Published: November 2004

We define a ℤ3-kernel α on [Formula: see text] and a ℤ3-kernel β on the hyperfinite II1factor R, which have conjugate obstruction to lifting. Hence, α⊗β can be perturbed by an inner automorphism to produce an action γ on [Formula: see text]. The aim of this paper is to show that the factor [Formula: see text], which is similar to Connes's example of a II1factor non-antiisomorphic to itself, is the enveloping algebra of an inclusion of II1factors A⊂B. Here A is an interpolated free group factor and B is isomorphic to the crossed product A⋊θℤ9, where θ is a ℤ3-kernel of A with non-trivial obstruction to lifting. By using an argument due to Connes, which involves the invariant χ(ℳ), we show that ℳ is not anti-isomorphic to itself. Furthermore, we prove that for one of the generator of χ(ℳ), which we will denote by σ, the Jones invariant ϰ(σ) is equal to [Formula: see text].
BARUT–GIRARDELLO COHERENT STATES CONSTRUCTED BY Ym m(θ,φ) AND Ym+1 m(θ,φ) FOR A FREE PARTICLE ON THE SPHERE
Authors: CHENAGHLOU A. , FAKHRI H.
Published: November 2004

Using the realization idea of simultaneous shape invariance with respect to two different parameters of the associated Legendre functions, the Hilbert space of spherical harmonics Yn m(θ,φ) corresponding to the motion of a free particle on a sphere is split into a direct sum of infinite-dimensional Hilbert subspaces. It is shown that these Hilbert subspaces constitute irreducible representations for the Lie algebra u (1,1). Then by applying the lowering operator of the Lie algebra u (1,1), Barut–Girardello coherent states are constructed for the Hilbert subspaces consisting of Ym m(θ,φ) and Ym+1 m(θ,φ).
AN INDEPENDENT METHOD FOR OBTAINING THE ACTIVATION ENERGY OF THERMOLUMINESCENCE GLOW PEAKS
Authors: RASHEEDY M. S.
Published: November 2004

The activation energy E (eV) of the first-order thermoluminescence (TL) glow peak is currently obtained using a two heating rates method. However, this method having the common drawback, that it assumes the first-order kinetics in the luminescence process. In the present work, an equation is suggested to determine the activation energy E (eV) of any glow peak, independent on the kinetics order of the process. To apply this method, three heating rates (β1,β2,β3), the corresponding peak temperatures (T1,T2,T3) and intensities (I1,I2,I3) of the isolated glow peaks are required. The applicability of the suggested method is demonstrated here by taking some numerically computed first-, second- and general-order TL glow peaks.
MOVING FOUR-LEVEL ATOM INTERACTING WITH A SINGLE-MODE FIELD WITH INTENSITY DEPENDENT COUPLING
Authors: ZAIT R. A.
Published: November 2004

We study the interaction of a moving four-level atom with a single mode cavity field. Involving intensity dependent coupling, the atom-field wave function and the reduced density matrix of the field are obtained when the atom is initially prepared in a coherent superposition of the upper and ground states and the field is initially in a coherent state. The influence of the intensity dependent atom-field coupling and of the detuning on the collapse and revival phenomenon of the time evolution of statistical aspects, such as the mean photon number, the second-order correlation function of the field, the momentum increment and momentum diffusion, are investigated. It is found that, for the nonresonant case, the detuning between the field and the atom has a significant influence which leads to increasing the collapse time with decreasing amplitude. Numerical computations and discussion of the results are presented.