bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A request for hospice admission from hospital to withdraw ventilation
Authors: Gannon C
Published: July 2005

A request to admit a hospital inpatient with motor neurone disease to the hospice generated unusual unease. Significantly, withdrawal of ventilation had already been planned. The presumption that ventilation would be withdrawn after transfer presented a dilemma. Should the hospice accept the admission? If so, should the hospice staff stop the ventilation, and then when and how? Debate centred on the continuity of best interests and the logistics of withdrawing ventilation. The factors making the request contentious identified competing interests within hospice admission decision making that could detrimentally impact on patient care.
The challenge of Terri Schiavo: lessons for bioethics
Authors: Koch T
Published: July 2005

This essay reviews a range of issues arising from the complex case of Terri Schiavo and the lessons the case raises for bioethicists. It argues that embedded in the case is a broader controversy than is immediately evident, one involving the definitions by which bioethics judge cases of extreme physical and psychological limits, in its principled form of address. Further, it argues that bioethicists who assume the issues involved in the case are settled miss the point of the emotional responses it has brought forth.
PALMPRINTS: A COOPERATIVE CO-EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM FOR CLUSTERING HAND IMAGES
Authors: KHARMA NAWWAF , SUEN CHING Y. , GUO PEI F.
Published: July 2005

The main objective of Project PalmPrints is to develop and demonstrate a special co-evolutionary genetic algorithm (GA) that optimizes (a clustering fitness function) with respect to three quantities, (a) the dimensions of the clustering space; (b) the number of clusters; and (c) and the locations of the various clusters. This genetic algorithm is applied to the specific practical problem of hand image clustering, with success. In addition to the above, this research effort makes the following contributions: (i) a CD database of (raw and processed) right-hand images; (ii) a number of novel features designed specifically for hand image classification; (iii) an extended fitness function, which is particularly suited to a dynamic (i.e. dimensionality varying) clustering space. Despite the complexity of the multi-optimizational task, the results of this study are clear. The GA succeeded in achieving a maximum fitness value of 99.1%; while reducing the number of dimensions (features) of the space by more than half (from 84 to 41).
STATE OF THE ART IN THE REALISTIC MODELING OF PLANT VENATION SYSTEMS
Authors: TAYLOR-HELL JULIA F. , BARANOSKI GLADIMIR V. G. , ROKNE JON G.
Published: July 2005

The modeling of plants is an active area of research in computer graphics and the geometrical modeling of veins is essential for obtaining plant images with a realistic appearance. The venation patterns determine the anisotropy of plant tissues, and affect the shadowing and masking of light incident on these tissues, hence the images. The current trend in the area of plant image generation is to aim for realism using biologically-based and predictable algorithms. Such algorithms do not depend on ad hoc parameters that have to be tuned whenever a new image is being generated. A number of plant image generation algorithms are now available in the literature that have achieved an impressive level of sophistication in many aspects, generating realistic looking images. One notable exception is the geometrical modeling of veins. This remains as an open problem in computer graphics. In this paper we review the state of art of the realistic simulation of plant venation systems from a geometric modeling perspective and propose a specified set of requirements for evaluating possible solutions for this problem.
VIDEO PROCESSING AND UNDERSTANDING TOOLS FOR AUGMENTED MULTISENSOR PERCEPTION AND MOBILE USER INTERACTION IN SMART SPACES
Authors: MARCHESOTTI LUCA , REGAZZONI CARLO , BONAMICO CARLO , LAVAGETTO FABIO
Published: July 2005

In this paper, a complete Smart Space architecture and related system prototype are presented. The system is able to analyze situations of interest in a given environment and to produce related contextual information. Experimental results show that video information plays a major role for what concerns both situation perception and personalized contex-aware communications. For this reason, the poropsed multisensor system automatically extracts information from multiple cameras as well as diverse sensors describing environment status. This information is then used to trigger personalized and context-aware video messages adaptively sent to users. A rule-based module is encharged to customize video messages in relation to the user profile, contextual situation and users's terminal. The systems outputs graphically generated video messages consisting of an animated avatar (i.e. Virtual Character) closing the loop on users. Proposed results validate the conceptual schema behind the architecture and the successful adaption to the analysis of different situations.
INVESTIGATING THE VOLUME MAXIMIZING THE PROBABILITY OF FINDING ν ELECTRONS FROM VARIATIONAL MONTE CARLO DATA
Authors: SCEMAMA ANTHONY
Published: July 2005

An algorithm is introduced for the search of a volume, in the three-dimensional space, which maximizes the probability of finding ναup electrons and νβdown electrons inside the volume, all the other electrons being outside of it. This search is performed after a Variational Monte Carlo sampling of the N-particle density generated by the wave function.
SIX-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMICS OF DISSOCIATIVE CHEMISORPTION OFH2ON METAL SURFACES
Authors: KROES GEERT-JAN , SOMERS MARK F.
Published: July 2005

The theory of time-dependent quantum dynamics of dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen on metal surfaces is reviewed, in the framework of electronically adiabatic scattering from static surfaces. Four implementations of the time-dependent wave packet (TDWP) method are discussed. In the direct product pseudo-spectral and the spherical harmonics pseudo-spectral methods, no use is made of the symmetry associated with the surface unit cell. This symmetry is exploited by the symmetry adapted wave packet and the symmetry adapted pseudo-spectral (SAPS) method, which are efficient for scattering at normal incidence. The SAPS method can be employed for potential energy surfaces of general form.

Comparison to experiment shows that the TDWP method yields good, but not yet excellent, quantitative accuracy for dissociation of (ν = 0, j = 0) H2if the calculations are based on accurately fitted density functional theory calculations that are performed using the generalized gradient approximation. The influence of the molecule's vibration (rotation) is well (reasonably well) described. The theory does not yet yield quantitatively accurate results for rovibrationally inelastic scattering. The theory has helped with the interpretation of existing experimental results, for instance, by solving a parodox regarding the corrugation of Pt(111) as seen by reacting and scattering H2. The theory has also provided some exciting new predictions, for instance, concerning where on the surface of Cu(100) H2reacts depending on its vibrational state. Future theoretical studies of H2reacting on metal surfaces will likely be aimed at validating GGAs for molecule-surface interactions, and understanding trends in collisions of H2with complex metal surfaces.
THE STEADY-STATE, ERGODICITY, AND TIME-ORDERING IN SIMULATIONS ON FAMILIES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Authors: KIRK WILLIAM R
Published: July 2005

The free energy perturbation technique employing molecular dynamics simulations is more powerful than may be at first apparent. Intrinsically, one can obtain energies and possibly other expectation values even under decidedly non-equilibrium conditions. Interesting questions are thereby raised about irreversible processes, ergodicity, and time-ordering. Techniques and formulas are presented herein with which to extend the power of simulations into the far-from-equilibrium regime to identify "natural" steady-state regimes, where, ordinarily, one would expect the effects of nonergodicity to limit the utility of such simulations.
STEM CELL NICHE: Structure and Function
Authors: Li Linheng , Xie Ting
Published: July 2005

Adult tissue-specific stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and generate functional differentiated cells that replenish lost cells throughout an organism's lifetime. Studies on stem cells from diverse systems have shown that stem cell function is controlled by extracellular cues from the niche and by intrinsic genetic programs within the stem cell. Here, we review the remarkable progress recently made in research regarding the stem cell niche. We compare the differences and commonalities of different stem cell niches in Drosophila ovary/testis and Caenorhabditis elegans distal tip, as well as in mammalian bone marrow, skin/hair follicle, intestine, brain, and testis. On the basis of this comparison, we summarize the common features, structure, and functions of the stem cell niche and highlight important niche signals that are conserved from Drosophila to mammals. We hope this comparative summary defines the basic elements of the stem cell niche, providing guiding principles for identification of the niche in other systems and pointing to areas for future studies.
DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID, FATTY ACID–INTERACTING PROTEINS, AND NEURONAL FUNCTION: Breastmilk and Fish Are Good for You
Authors: Marszalek Joseph R. , Lodish Harvey F.
Published: July 2005

In contrast to other tissues, the nervous system is enriched in the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs): arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3). Despite their abundance in the nervous system, AA and DHA cannot be synthesized de novo by mammals; they, or their precursors, must be ingested from dietary sources and transported to the brain. During late gestation and the early postnatal period, neurodevelopment is exceptionally rapid, and substantial amounts of PUFAs, especially DHA, are critical to ensure neurite outgrowth as well as proper brain and retina development. Here, we review the various functions of DHA in the nervous system, the proteins involved in its internalization and metabolism into phospholipids, and its relationship to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Low-intensity exercise training delays onset of decompensated heart failure in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure rats
Authors: Emter Craig A. , McCune Sylvia A. , Sparagna Genevieve C. , Radin M. Judith , Moore Russell L.
Published: July 2005

Data regarding the effectiveness of chronic exercise training in improving survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) are inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the effect of exercise training on survival in a well-defined animal model of heart failure (HF), using the lean male spontaneously hypertensive HF (SHHF) rat. In this model, animals typically present with decompensated, dilated HF between ∼18 and 23 mo of age. SHHF rats were assigned to sedentary or exercise-trained groups at 9 and 16 mo of age. Exercise training consisted of 6 mo of low-intensity treadmill running. Exercise training delayed the onset of overt HF and improved survival ( P < 0.01), independent of any effects on the hypertensive status of the rats. Training delayed the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform shift from α- to β-MyHC that was seen in sedentary animals that developed HF. Exercise was associated with a concurrent increase in cardiomyocyte length (≈6%), width, and area and prevented the increase in the length-to-width ratio seen in sedentary animals in HF. The increases in proteinuria, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, and serum leptin levels observed in rats with HF were suppressed by low-intensity exercise training. No significant alterations in sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, phospholamban, or Na+/Ca2+ exchanger protein expression were found in response to training. Our results indicate that 6 mo of low-intensity exercise training delays the onset of decompensated HF and improves survival in the male SHHF rat. Similarly, exercise intervention prevented or suppressed alterations in several key variables that normally occur with the development of overt CHF. These data support the idea that exercise may be a useful and inexpensive intervention in the treatment of HF.
Regulation of capillary hydraulic conductivity in response to an acute change in shear
Authors: Kim Min-ho , Harris Norman R. , Tarbell John M.
Published: July 2005

The effects of mechanical perturbations (shear stress, pressure) on microvascular permeability primarily have been examined in micropipette-cannulated vessels or in endothelial monolayers in vitro. The objective of this study is to determine whether acute changes in blood flow shear stress might influence measurements of hydraulic conductivity ( Lp) in autoperfused microvessels in vivo. Rat mesenteric microvessels were observed via intravital microscopy. Occlusion of a third-order arteriole with a micropipette was used to divert and increase flow through a nonoccluded capillary or fourth-order arteriolar branch. Transvascular fluid filtration rate in the branching vessel was measured with a Landis technique. Flow (shear)-induced increases in Lp disappeared within 20–30 s of the removal of the shear and could be eliminated with nitric oxide synthase inhibition. The shear-induced increase in Lp was greater in capillaries compared with terminal arterioles. An acute change in shear may regulate Lp by a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism that displays heterogeneity within a microvascular network.
Arg16/Gly β2-adrenergic receptor polymorphism alters the cardiac output response to isometric exercise
Authors: Eisenach John H. , Barnes Sunni A. , Pike Tasha L. , Sokolnicki Lynn A. , Masuki Shizue , Dietz Niki M. , Rehfeldt Kent H. , Turner Stephen T. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: July 2005

Normotensive adults homozygous for glycine (Gly) of the Arg16/Gly β2-adrenergic-receptor polymorphism have 1) greater forearm β2-receptor mediated vasodilation and 2) a higher heart rate (HR) response to isometric handgrip than arginine (Arg) homozygotes. To test the hypothesis that the higher HR response in Gly16 subjects serves to maintain the pressor response [increased cardiac output (CO)] in the setting of augmented peripheral vasodilation to endogenous catecholamines, we measured continuous HR (ECG), arterial pressure (Finapres), and CO (transthoracic echocardiography) during isometric, 40% submaximal handgrip to fatigue in healthy subjects homozygous for Gly ( n = 30; mean age ± SE: 30 ± 1.2, 13 women) and Arg ( n = 17, age 30 ± 1.6, 11 women). Resting data were similar between groups. Handgrip produced similar increases in arterial pressure and venous norepinephrine and epinephrine concentrations; however, HR increased more in the Gly group (60.1 ± 4.3% increase from baseline vs. 45.5 ± 3.9%, P = 0.03), and this caused CO to be higher (Gly: 7.6 ± 0.3 l/m vs. Arg: 6.5 ± 0.3 l/m, P = 0.03), whereas the decrease in systemic vascular resistance in the Gly group did not reach significance ( P = 0.09). We conclude that Gly16 homozygotes generate a higher CO to maintain the pressor response to handgrip. The influence of polymorphic variants in the β2-adrenergic receptor gene on the cardiovascular response to sympathoexcitation may have important implications in the development of hypertension and heart failure.
Systemic Mastocytosis: Bone Marrow Pathology, Classification, and Current Therapies
Authors: Pardanani A.
Published: July 2005

Mast cell disease (MCD) is characterized by the abnormal growth and accumulation of neoplastic mast cells (MC) in one or more organs. The diagnosis of systemic MCD is most commonly established by a thorough histological and immunohistochemical examination of a bone marrow (BM) trephine specimen. In cases with pathognomonic perivascular and -trabecular aggregates of morphologically atypical MC and significant BM involvement, the diagnosis may be relatively straightforward. In contrast, when a sparse, loose pattern of MC infiltration predominates, or when MCs are obscured by an associated non-MC hematological neoplasm, a high index of suspicion and use of adjunctive tests, including special stains, such as tryptase and CD25, may be necessary to reach a diagnosis. The updated classification for MCD clarifies the clinical and pathological criteria for categorizing patients into relatively discrete subgroups. Some cases, however, such those with Fip1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (FIP1L1-PDGFRA)+ clonal eosinophilia associated with elevated serum tryptase levels, with features that overlap MCD and chronic eosinophilic leukemia, may not be easy to categorize on the basis of this classification. There is no standard therapy for MCD and treatment has to be tailored to the needs of the individual patient. MC-cytoreductive therapies, such as interferon-α and chemotherapy, are generally reserved for patients with progressive disease and organopathy. A subset of MCD patients with associated eosinophilia who carry the FIP1L1-PDGFRA oncogene will achieve complete clinical, histological, and molecular remissions with imatinib mesylate therapy, in contrast to those with c-kit D816V mutations. The BM pathology, consensus classification, and current therapies for MCD are further discussed in this article.
Spinal Epidural Epitheloid Hemangioma – Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moiyadi Aliasgar V. , Bhat Dhananjaya I. , Devi B. Indira , Mahadevan Anita , Shankar S.K. , Sastry K.V.R.
Published: July 2005

Epitheloid hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions composed of epitheloid endothelial-cell-lined channels. We report an unusual case of a purely extradural non-osseous spinal epitheloid hemangioma presenting with quadriparesis. A 5-year-old boy presented with neck pain and quadriparesis following a trivial fall. MRI revealed a mixed intensity extradural lesion compressing the cervico-thoracic spinal cord posteriorly. At surgery the lesion consisted of vascular granulation tissue admixed with blood clots without abnormal vessels. Bone was normal. Histopathology revealed it to be an epitheloid hemangioma. The case and relevant literature is reviewed.
Quantification of Pharyngeal Patency in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Vanderveken Olivier M. , Oostveen Ellie , Boudewyns An N. , Verbraecken Johan A. , Van de Heyning Paul H. , de Backer Wilfried A.
Published: July 2005

Many techniques are available for the assessment of pharyngeal characteristics in sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). However, most of the reported techniques are invasive to some extent and/or hard to perform during sleep studies. The focus of this concept paper is on the forced oscillation technique (FOT) to quantify pharyngeal patency in patients with SDB. In a pilot study, the potential of FOT for non-invasive and continuous assessment of pharyngeal patency during different types of respiratory events was studied in 8 patients with an established diagnosis of a sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. During polysomnography, FOT was applied using a 5-Hz pressure oscillation signal. The respiratory impedance was determined and considered as a marker for pharyngeal patency. The results demonstrate that FOT allows detection of the complete pharyngeal occlusion during obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, we found that central sleep apnea can be associated with pharyngeal closure. We also demonstrated that during the flow-limited breath preceding obstructive apnea, almost complete upper airway closure can occur during either the expiratory or the inspiratory phase. FOT is a suitable method to assess pharyngeal patency continuously and non-invasively during sleep. Furthermore, this technique has the potential to contribute substantially to our knowledge of upper airway physiology in SDB.
Inhibitory Effects of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) Peptide on Cell Attachment and Migration in a Human Lens Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Oharazawa Hideaki , Ibaraki Nobuhiro , Ohara Kunitoshi , Reddy Venkat N.
Published: July 2005

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery is caused by growth of residual human lens epithelial (HLE) cells on the posterior capsule. We have shown that extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential factor for HLE cell attachment and migration. The purpose of this study was to examine the inhibitory effects of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide on cell attachment and migration in an HLE cell line. HLE cell line cells (SRA 01/04) that were obtained by transfection of large T antigen of SV40 were cultured in the absence of serum. The culture dishes were coated with type IV collagen, laminin or fibronectin, and Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP) RGD peptide (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 2.0 mg/ml) was added to the medium. The number of attached cells was counted after 90 min of incubation, and the inhibitory effects of GRGDSP RGD peptide on cell attachment were calculated. Cell attachment on the fibronectin-coated dishes was inhibited by GRGDSP RGD peptide at concentrations higher than 0.3 mg/ml; the inhibitory rate was 80% at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml. The inhibition of cell attachment by GRGDSP RGD peptide on laminin-coated dishes appeared only at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml, whereas no effects were observed on the type IV collagen-coated dishes. The inhibitory effects of GRGDSP RGD peptide on cell migration were measured in medium containing 2.0 mg/ml of GRGDSP RGD peptide after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of culture. Cell migration was inhibited by GRGDSP RGD peptide from 1 day of culture on the fibronectin-coated dishes and from 5 days of culture on the laminin-coated dishes, whereas no effects were observed on the type IV collagen-coated dishes. GRGDSP RGD peptide inhibited cell attachment and migration on laminin and fibronectin that have RGD sequences. These data suggested that RGD peptide may have the potential to prevent PCO.
The Effect of Exposure Time on Maximum Acceptable Dose for Avoidance of Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Cataract
Authors: Dong Xiuqin , Söderberg Per G. , Ayala Marcelo , Löfgren Stefan
Published: July 2005

The effect of exposure time on maximum acceptable dose (MAD) for avoidance of ultraviolet radiation B (UVRB)-induced cataract was investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 exposure time groups: 7.5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. Each exposure time group was divided into 5 dose subgroups: 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kJ/m2. The rats were unilaterally exposed to UVR around 300 nm. One week after the exposure, macroscopic structure was recorded and lens forward light scattering was measured. MAD for avoidance of UVRB-induced cataract was estimated based on the dose-response function. MAD for avoidance of UVRB-induced cataract for 7.5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min exposures was estimated to be 2.0, 1.4, 1.9, 1.8 and 2.2 kJ/m2, respectively. In the exposure time domain 7.5–120 min, MAD for avoidance of UVRB-induced cataract depends on exposure time.
Functional Polymorphism of the Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Gene Is Associated with Personality Traits in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Matsuzawa Daisuke , Hashimoto Kenji , Shimizu Eiji , Fujisaki Mihisa , Iyo Masaomi
Published: July 2005

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest that a certain type of personality or temperament as well as oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) plays a role in the antioxidant defense system. Objectives: The authors studied the association between the GPX1 gene polymorphism and personality traits in healthy subjects. Methods: One hundred forty-nine healthy subjects were enrolled. Analysis of the functional polymorphism (Pro198Leu) in the human GPX1 gene was performed. Results: Subjects with Pro198Pro have significantly higher scores in openness to experience on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) as compared with subjects with other genotypes (Pro198Leu or Leu198Leu). In contrast, we detected no association between other personality dimensions on the NEO-PI-R and scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory. Conclusion: This study reports that the functional polymorphism (Pro198Leu) in the GPX1 gene might be associated with openness to experience among the personality traits.
Association Study of a Functional MAOA-uVNTR Gene Polymorphism and Cognitive Function in Healthy Females
Authors: Yu Younger W.-Y. , Tsai Shih-Jen , Hong Chen-Jee , Chen Ming-Chao , Yang Chih-Wei , Chen Tai-Jui
Published: July 2005

Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the degradation of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine and these neurotransmitters are hypothesized to be involved in the cognitive function of humans. This study of a cohort of 191 healthy young Chinese females attempts to utilize the intelligence quotient (IQ), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and P300 event-related potentials as cognitive assessments for testing the relationship between the polymorphism with a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the upstream regulatory region (MAOA-uVNTR) and cognition. The results demonstrate that subjects bearing the 4/4-repeat genotype have a significantly higher full IQ than subjects bearing the 3/3-repeat genotype. However, there is no significant association between this MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism and the WCST and P300. Our study shows that the MAOA-uVNTR genetic polymorphism plays a role in the IQ; however, this may be a chance finding as the result was negative after using the Bonferroni adjustment. Therefore, we suggest that our study should be replicated and that the testing method, sex, disease and ethnicity should also be considered in future studies.
Functional Disabilities Profile of Chinese Elderly People with Alzheimer’s Disease – A Validation Study on the Chinese Version of the Disability Assessment for Dementia
Authors: Mok Cycbie C.M. , Siu Andrew M.H. , Chan W.C. , Yeung K.M. , Pan P.C. , Li Siu-wah
Published: July 2005

This study aimed to determine the validity and applicability of the Chinese version of the Disability Assessment for Dementia (CDAD) in the Chinese elderly population. The original English version was translated and modified to a 47-item scale to suit the societal and cultural background of the Chinese population. The CDAD was administered to 169 community-residing Chinese elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91), excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation, ICC = 0.99) and excellent interrater reliability (ICC = 0.98). The functional disabilities profile of the same sample was examined. The CDAD had a high negative correlation with the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS; Spearman’s ρ = –0.89, p< 0.001). ANOVA and post hoc comparisons showed there were significant differences in the mean CDAD scores across different GDS stages. To study the construct validity, the CDAD was administered concurrently with several instruments. The Instrumental Activities of Daily Living subscore of the CDAD had a high correlation with the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (r = 0.94,p< 0.001), and the Activities of Daily Living subscore of the CDAD had a high correlation with the Modified Barthel Index (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) with the Cantonese version of the Mini Mental State Examination was also found. Analysis of the relationship with sociodemographic factors indicated that the CDAD was not correlated with gender and education, and that the correlation with age was low. The CDAD was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument in assessing the functional disabilities of community-residing elderly subjects with AD in the Chinese population.
Expression of Mediators of Renal Injury in the Remnant Kidney of ROP Mice Is Attenuated by Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition
Authors: Cheng Huifang , Zhang Mingzhi , Moeckel Gilbert W. , Zhao Yan , Wang Suwan , Qi ZhongHua , Breyer Matthew D. , Harris Raymond C.
Published: July 2005

To investigate the effects of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition on renal injury of mice, ROP mice were subjected to subtotal ablation (‘remnant’). A subset of the remnant group was treated with a selective COX-2 inhibitor, SC58236, in the drinking water. At 12 weeks the remnant group developed significant albuminuria (181.3 ± 15.8 µg/24 h), which was blunted by SC58236 treatment (138.9 ± 17.1; p < 0.05 compared to remnant). SC58236 did not alter systemic blood pressure or GFR significantly. Immunoreactive COX-2 was upregulated in remnant (1.88 ± 0.35 fold sham, n = 8, p < 0.05), which was blunted by SC58236 (to 1.26 ± 0.31 fold sham). Collagen IV mRNA increased significantly in remnant kidneys (2.69 ± 0.34 fold sham, n = 8, p < 0.05), and this increase was inhibited by SC58236 treatment (to 1.84 ± 0.32 fold control). Immunoreactive TGF-β1, connective tissue growth factor, HGF receptor, c-Met, and fibronectin all increased in remnant (2.85 ± 0.51, 3.83 ± 0.55, 2.56 ± 0.31, and 2.80 ± 0.39 fold sham respectively, n = 4–8, p < 0.05), and SC58236 blunted the increases (to 1.45 ± 0.34, 1.85 ± 0.13, 1.75 ± 0.30, and 1.60 ± 0.32 fold sham). Immunohistochemistry indicated that the major localization for these progression factors was in the tubulointerstitium, especially in the scar area, which is in agreement with the expression of a macrophage marker, F4/80. Therefore, these results indicate that in a mouse model of subtotal renal ablation, COX-2 inhibition blocks expression of mediators of renal tubulointerstitial injury.
Renal Tissue Factor Expression Is Increased in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sommeijer Dirkje W. , Florquin Sandrine , Hoedemaker Inge , Timmerman Janneke J. , Reitsma Pieter H. , ten Cate Hugo
Published: July 2005

Background: Tissue factor (TF) is the key initiator of the coagulation cascade. Recent evidence suggests that TF plays a role in renal fibrin formation and renal failure in experimental kidney disease. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia is an important stimulus of TF expression in the kidney. Methods: Mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (200 mg/kg) or with control buffer. Three or 10 weeks after injection, fibrin, thrombin and TF staining and TF activity were evaluated in the kidney. The effect of hyperglycemia on TF expression and secretion by tubular epithelial cells was measured in vitro. Results: Kidneys of STZ-treated mice showed a marked increase in thrombin staining (3.0 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.11) (p = 0.002) and an increase in TF clotting activity 10 weeks after STZ injection (33.9 ± 1.3 vs. 25.4 ± 1.0 s) (p < 0.0001). Increased glomerular fibrin deposition was present in 3 out of 6 diabetic mice. Tubular cells incubated with D-glucose (25 mmol/l) for 48 h displayed increased cellular TF (p = 0.05). However, soluble TF levels and TF activity in supernatant of cells incubated with D- or L-glucose were not different. Conclusions: These data suggest that hyperglycemia is a causal factor in procoagulant activity associated with diabetic nephropathy.
L-Arginine Does Not Affect Renal Morphology and Cell Survival in Ischemic Acute Renal Failure in Rats
Authors: Raff Ulrike , Schneider Reinhard , Gambaryan Stepan , Seibold Stefan , Reber Mark , Vornberger Nicole , Freund Ralf , Schramm Lothar , Wanner Christoph , Galle Jan
Published: July 2005

Background:L-Arginine (L-Arg), a substrate of nitric oxide synthases, improves renal function in ischemic acute renal failure (iARF). We evaluated whether L-Arg improves renal morphology and cell survival in the course of iARF. Methods and Results: iARF was induced in rats by bilateral clamping of renal arteries for 45 min. L-Arg was applied intraperitoneally during clamping, and orally during 14 days of follow-up. Morphology and cell survival of renal cortical and medullar tissue was analyzed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 of follow-up, using toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemistry of perfusion-fixated tissue, and Western blot analysis of tissue homogenate. Renal tubular injury showed typical features of necrosis and was most severe on days 1 and 3 after clamping, predominantly in S3 segments, with almost complete recovery by day 14. Enhanced medullar monocyte infiltration, determined by ED-1 expression as well as by immunohistochemistry, and enhanced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), indicative of proliferation and regeneration, accompanied these morphological changes. Compared to controls, L-Arg had no impact on renal morphology, ED-1, and PCNA expression. Furthermore, expression of markers of apoptosis Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 was only slightly increased in iARF rats, compared to sham-operated animals, and was also not influenced by L-Arg. Conclusion: Despite its repeatedly reported positive impact on renal function as also shown in our model, L-Arg does not alter cell death and proliferation in the course of iARF in our model. Thus, different mechanisms have to be considered, in particular improved intrarenal hemodynamics.
Antagonistic and Agonistic GnRH Analogue Treatment of Precocious Puberty: Tracking Gonadotropin Concentrations in Urine
Authors: Roth C.L. , Brendel L. , Rückert C. , Hartmann K.
Published: July 2005

Background: The pharmacodynamics of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists includes an initial ‘flare-up’ of the pituitary-gonadal axis, followed by reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The question is if combining a short-acting antagonist with a long-acting agonist can diminish gonadotropin flare-up. Methods: To achieve quick downregulation in patients with recently diagnosed central precocious puberty (CPP, 7 patients) or short stature with short predicted final height (3 patients), we combined the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix (3 subcutaneous injections every 72 h) at the beginning of GnRH agonist treatment (leuprorelin or triptorelin) in 6 patients and compared the effect to 4 patients treated solely with GnRH agonist. To monitor effects, we measured LH and FSH concentrations in urine collected from initial morning urination during the first month of treatment. Results: In both treatment groups, gonadotropin flare-up could be detected in urine levels increased due to the flare-up phenomenon which was of short duration (<5 days) in the majority (5 of 6) of combined-treated patients and in the minority (1 of 4) of patients treated by agonist alone. During the first 10 days of treatment, mean LH concentration measured in urine was significantly lower in 4 CPP patients treated by the combined therapy compared to 3 CPP patients treated by the agonist only (mean LH combined therapy: 10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 20.1 ± 11.0 mU/ml in the agonist-only group, mean ± SEM, p < 0.05). Significant correlations between stimulated serum LH in GnRH test prior to treatment and maximum urine LH after initiating GnRH analogue treatment (r = 0.547, p = 0.043), as well as basal serum LH and basal urine LH (r = 0.685, p = 0.014) were found. Conclusion: Combined GnRH agonist and antagonist treatment led to rapid gonadotropin suppression. Also, urine measurements of LH and FSH seemed suitable for monitoring gonadotropin-inhibiting or -stimulating properties of GnRH analogues in individual patients. However, a controlled trial of a larger patient cohort is required to decide which treatment is the most effective.
Endocrine Manifestations of Chromosome 22q11.2 Microdeletion Syndrome
Authors: Choi Jin-Ho , Shin Young-Lim , Kim Gu-Hwan , Seo Eul-Ju , Kim Youngho , Park In-Sook , Yoo Han-Wook
Published: July 2005

Background: Endocrine abnormalities, including hypocalcemia, thyroid dysfunction, and short stature, are associated with chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome. This study was undertaken to examine the frequencies and clinical features of endocrine abnormalities in patients with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome. Methods: We analyzed 61 patients with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome diagnosed based on the verification of microdeletion by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a probe of the DiGeorge syndrome critical region (TUPLE1) at 22q11.2 and a control probe, ARSA at 22q13. Serum total calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured, thyroid function test was performed, and serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were also estimated. Height and weight of patients were compared with individual chronological ages. Results: Hypocalcemia was found in 20 patients (32.8%), and overt hypoparathyroidism in 8 (13.1%). Two patients (3.3%) showed autoimmune thyroid diseases, 1 each with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Ten patients (16.4%) were below the third percentile in height, but the serum IGF-1 level was normal in 9 out of these 10 patients. Conclusion: Our findings show that patients with chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome present with variable endocrine manifestations and variable clinical phenotypes. In addition to FISH analysis, careful endocrine evaluations are required in patients with this microdeletion syndrome, particularly for those with hypoparathyroidism or thyroid dysfunction.
The English Fetus and the Right to Life
Authors: Scott Rosamund
Published: July 2005

Following the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998 in English law, there was speculation as to whether the English legal position that the fetus has no right to life is compatible with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Vo v. France provides an opportunity to reflect on the current English and ECtHR approaches to the fetus. The problems of finding a fetal right to life, which Vo sidesteps, are noted. At the same time, the "all or nothingness" of rights language is not without difficulties and troubled the judges in Vo. In particular, the idea that the fetus has no right to life gives the impression that neither English nor ECHR law values the fetus. In this light, we find English and ECtHR judges trying to express a concern for the fetus which does not undermine a pregnant woman's legal interests. This article considers these issues and highlights the importance, in a highly genetic age, of developing ways of valuing the fetus without invoking the language of rights and thus without affecting the current legal balance of interests in the maternal-fetal relationship. The idea of valuing the fetus in this way is briefly explored with particular reference to aspects of selective abortion.
Problems of practice and principle if centring law reform on the concept of genetic discrimination
Authors: Taylor
Published: July 2005

Advances in genetic science are increasing the significance of genetic information within the contractual environment. While there may be an obligation upon governments to respond to this trend a number of problems may be associable with any attempt to do so that is centred on the concept of genetic discrimination as such. An attempt to exclusively limit regulatory reform to the acquisition and use of specifically genetic information may prove ultimately indefensible: the nature of genetic information is likely to render any such reform either ineffective or unworkable in practice or prove it arbitrary in principle.This position may be defended through a sustained look at what might conceivably be understood by the term 'genetic discrimination'. The term may, broadly speaking, be understood to refer to one of three kinds of discrimination. Tracing the conceptual contours of genetic discrimination in a primary, secondary and tertiary sense helps to illustrate potential regulatory difficulties of both principle and practice.If the identified practical problems are to be avoided then lines must be drawn not between the three 'kinds' of genetic discrimination described but rather through them. However, drawing a line through a particular concept of genetic discrimination (and of genetic information) involves undeniably excluding certain genetic information from the scope of the regulation.If an unblinking focus upon the concept of genetic information per se demonstrates the limits of this concept as a focus of legislative reform then questions are raised as to the significance of 'genetic' interpretation to the raison d'être of regulation. I conclude by proposing that, while advances in genetic science may provide the motivation, the most appropriate target of reform may not indeed be genetic information per se at all.
GPS Meteorology: Sliding-Window Analysis*
Authors: Foster James , Bevis Michael , Businger Steven
Published: July 2005

The sliding-window technique uses a moving time window to select GPS data for processing. This makes it possible to routinely incorporate the most recently collected data and generate estimates for atmospheric delay or precipitable water in (near) real time. As a consequence of the technique several estimates may be generated for each time epoch, and these multiple estimates can be used to explore and analyze the characteristics of the atmospheric estimates and the effect of the processing model and parameters. Examples of some of the analyses that can be undertaken are presented. Insights into the phenomenology of the atmospheric estimates provided by sliding-window analysis permit the fine-tuning of the GPS processing as well as the possibility of both improving the accuracy of the near-real-time estimates themselves and constraining the errors associated with them. The overlapping data windows and the multiple estimates that characterize the sliding-window method can lead to ambiguity in the meaning of many terms and expressions commonly used in GPS meteorology. In order to prevent confusion in discussions of sliding-window processing, a nomenclature is proposed that formalizes the meaning of the primary terms and defines the geometric and physical relationships between them.
Assimilation of Ship-Mounted ADCP Data for Barotropic Tides: Application to the Ross Sea
Authors: Erofeeva S. Y. , Padman Laurie , Egbert Gary
Published: July 2005

The application of a generalized inverse approach for assimilating vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (VM-ADCP) data into numerical solutions of barotropic tides is described. The derived estimates of tidal currents can be used to detide the VM-ADCP data and expose underlying mean circulation. The methodology is illustrated with data assimilation models of tidal currents in the Ross Sea. The prior solution, obtained by solving the nonlinear shallow-water equations by time stepping with a linear bottom friction parameterization and elevation of open boundary conditions obtained from a circum-Antarctic tide model, provides reasonably good fit to most available moored current meter data. Two inverse solutions were obtained: one assimilating moored current meter records and the other assimilating three cruises of VM-ADCP data. Fitting either the mooring time series or the VM-ADCP records leads to only small changes relative to the prior solution currents, except over the shelf break where short length scale, energetic diurnal topographic vorticity waves are present. It is shown that the dynamics embedded in the representer functions provides reasonable tidal corrections even with no prior information about forcing at open boundaries.
Comparison of Two Jason-1 Altimeter Precipitation Detection Algorithms with Rain Estimates from the TRMM Microwave Imager
Authors: Tran N. , Obligis E. , Ferreira F.
Published: July 2005

This paper evaluates and compares the ability of two different Jason-1 dual-frequency altimeter algorithms (referred as Tournadre’s and Quartly’s rain flags, respectively) to detect rain events in order to flag rain-contaminated altimeter range measurements. They are based on departures from a defined relationship between the Ku- and C-band radar cross sections observed in no-rain conditions. The algorithms’ performances were assessed via collocations of these dual-frequency-based estimates with rain rates and a rain–no-rain flag from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI). The Jason-1–TMI analysis is built upon a yes–no discrimination, which is helpful in providing good insight into the altimeter rain detection flags’ efficiency through estimations of the percentages of hits, misses, false alarms, and correct negatives when compared with TMI measurements. Tournadre’s rain flag, based on a combination of altimeter and radiometer data, gives the best match with TMI estimates, compared to Quartly’s, and also has a higher sensitivity to low-intensity rainfall.
Feasible Method for the Assimilation of Satellite-Derived SST with an Ocean Circulation Model
Authors: Manda Atsuyoshi , Hirose Naoki , Yanagi Tetsuo
Published: July 2005

The surface restoring condition of satellite-derived sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is validated as a feasible assimilation method with an ocean circulation model that incorporates the strongly nonlinear mixed layer model. The restoring treatment is an empirical method for correcting the heat flux in order to pull the predicted SST toward the observed SST; it is referred to as the nudging method in this study. A one-dimensional experiment is conducted to evaluate the skill of the nudging method. The mixed layer model (MLM) used in the experiment is a second-order turbulence closure model that has a strong nonlinearity. The skill of the nudging method is compared with that of an ensemble Kalman filter, which is a statistically optimal method for nonlinear dynamic models. Although the nudging method is statistically suboptimal, the result of the experiment shows that the skill of this method is comparable when using an appropriate restoring time scale. A three-dimensional experiment using an ocean general circulation model (OGCM), which incorporates the same MLM as that used in the one-dimensional experiment, is also conducted to further examine the skill of the nudging method. By applying the nudging method to the OGCM, the model improves the estimated thermal structure not only near the surface, but also in the subsurface layers.
A Comparative Study of ASOS and USCRN Temperature Measurements
Authors: Sun Bomin , Baker C. Bruce , Karl Thomas R. , Gifford Malcolm D.
Published: July 2005

Temperature measurements from the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) instrument system were compared to the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) ambient air temperature measurements and were examined under different regimes of wind speed and solar radiation. Influences due to observing practice differences and the effects of siting differences were discussed.

This analysis indicated that the average difference between the ASOS and USCRN temperatures is on the order of 0.1°C. However, problems were noticed that were possibly related to the ASOS shield effectiveness, including a solar radiation warm effect under calm conditions and the dependence of ASOS minus USCRN temperature on wind speed.

The ASOS and USCRN time of observation difference was on the order of ∼0.05°C, with a warmer ASOS daily Tmax and a cooler ASOS daily Tmin. The local effect complicates the bias analysis because it depends not only on local heating/cooling, but it can be strongly modified by cloudiness, wind, and solar radiation.