bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of DNA Hybridization by Adjacent Impedance Probing
Authors: Ma Kuo-Sheng , Zhou Hong , Zoval Jim , Madou Marc
Published: August 2005

In this paper we present the novel adjacent impedance probing (AIP) technique for DNA hybridization detection. In our design, the DNA hybridization site was employed only for the biorecognition event (this site does not necessarily need an underlying conductor surface). A bare adjacent electrode was used for detection of an impedance change. An enzymatic reporter produced the deposition of an insulator on the adjacent electrode. The adjacent impedance probing (AIP) technique is employed to alleviate the low-signal or high-noise problems caused by ssDNA capture probes adsorbed (nonspecifically through non-Au-S binding) on the electrode surface. Data showed that hybridization resulted in a twofold increase in impedance.
Determination of Cell Colony Formation in a High-Content Screening Assay
Authors: Wylie Paul G. , Bowen Wayne P.
Published: August 2005

The use of cell colony formation assays for research and clinical applications to assess the functional integrity of cells after in vitro manipulations is extensive. Key areas include hematopoietic stem cell research, cell transformation studies, and predicting the response of tumors to chemotherapeutic agents. Traditionally, enumeration of colonies has involved laborious and subjective counting by hand using a microscope. Here, laser scanning microplate cytometry has been used to provide an automated high-content readout of the effects of cytostatic agents on colony formation. This approach determines colony number through the application of a volume algorithm. Such an approach permits the differentiation of cytostatic effects where the number of colonies and size remains constant, and cytotoxic effects where the size and number may be reduced. Application of microplate cytometry thus offers significant benefits over alternative analytical methods in the search for novel chemotherapeutic agents.
A comprehensive view of Kara Sea polynya dynamics, sea‐ice compactness and export from model and remote sensing data
Authors: Kern S. , Harms I. , Bakan S. , Chen Y.
Published: August 2005

The Shelf Seas of the Arctic are known for their large sea‐ice production. This paper presents a comprehensive view of the Kara Sea sea‐ice cover from high‐resolution numerical modeling and space‐borne microwave radiometry. As given by the latter the average polynya area in the Kara Sea takes a value of 21.2 × 103 km2 ± 9.1 × 103 km2 for winters (Jan.–Apr.) 1996/97 to 2000/01, being as high as 32.0 × 103 km2 in 1999/2000 and below 12 × 103 km2 in 1998/99. Day‐to‐day variations of the Kara Sea polynya area can be as high as 50 × 103 km2. For the seasons 1996/97 to 2000/01 the modeled cumulative winter ice‐volume flux out of the Kara Sea varied between 100 km3a−1 and 350 km3a−1. Modeled high (low) ice export coincides with a high (low) average and cumulative polynya area, and with a low (high) sea‐ice compactness in the Kara Sea from remote sensing data, and with a high (low) sea‐ice drift speed across its northern boundary derived from independent model data for the winters 1996/97 to 2000/01.
Targets of microRNA regulation in the
Drosophila
oocyte proteome
Authors: Nakahara Kenji , Kim Kevin , Sciulli Christin , Dowd Susan R. , Minden Jonathan S. , Carthew Richard W.
Published: August 2005

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that silence gene expression. In animal cells, miRNAs bind to the 3′ untranslated regions of specific mRNAs and inhibit their translation. Although some targets of a handful of miRNAs are known, the number and identities of mRNA targets in the genome are uncertain, as are the developmental functions of miRNA regulation. To identify the global range of miRNA-regulated genes during oocyte maturation of
Drosophila
, we compared the proteome from wild-type oocytes with the proteome from oocytes lacking the
dicer-1
gene, which is essential for biogenesis of miRNAs. Most identified proteins appeared to be subject to translation inhibition. Their transcripts contained putative binding sites in the 3′ untranslated region for a subset of miRNAs, based on computer modeling. The fraction of genes subject to direct and indirect repression by miRNAs during oocyte maturation appears to be small (4%), and the genes tend to share a common functional relationship in protein biogenesis and turnover. The preponderance of genes that control global protein abundance suggests this process is under tight control by miRNAs at the onset of fertilization.
Differential patterns of apoptosis in response to aging in
Drosophila
Authors: Zheng Jie , Edelman Scott W. , Tharmarajah Grace , Walker David W. , Pletcher Scott D. , Seroude Laurent
Published: August 2005

Several lines of evidence suggest that programmed cell death may play a role in the aging process and the age-related functional declines of multicellular organisms. To pave the way for the use of
Drosophila
to rigorously test this hypothesis in a genetic model organism, this work examines the pattern of apoptosis in the adult fly during aging. The analysis across the lifespan of caspase activity and DNA fragmentation shows that apoptosis occurs in adult flies at all ages and that it is linked to physiological age. The results establish that under normal conditions, fly aging is coupled with a lifelong gradual increase of apoptosis within muscle cells and an activation of apoptosis in fat cells of old flies. The nervous system does not show signs of apoptosis. These time- and tissue-specific changes indicate that aging influences the levels and the nature of the cells that commit to apoptosis. The comparison with the apoptotic response to starvation and oxidative stresses strongly suggests that the lifelong increase in flight and leg muscles results from the accumulation of oxidative damage associated with aging. This finding presents an attractive mechanism to account for the decline of locomotor functions and muscle loss in the elderly and opens the way for the genetic analysis of sarcopenia in
Drosophila
.
Genetic ablation of
Cyclin D1
abrogates genesis of rhabdoid tumors resulting from
Ini1
loss
Authors: Tsikitis Mary , Zhang Zhikai , Edelman Winfried , Zagzag David , Kalpana Ganjam V.
Published: August 2005

Rhabdoid tumors are aggressive pediatric malignancies for which, currently, there are no effective or standard treatment strategies. Rhabdoid tumors arise because of the loss of the tumor suppressor gene
INI1
. We have previously demonstrated that
INI1
represses
Cyclin D1
transcription in rhabdoid cells by directly recruiting histone deacetylase 1 complex to its promoter, leading to G
0
-G
1
arrest. Expression of Cyclin D1 overcomes cell cycle arrest mediated by INI1 and Cyclin D1 overexpression in human rhabdoid tumors is a common phenomenon. However, it is not clear whether
Cyclin D1
is a critical downstream target of INI1
in vivo
and whether the derepression of this gene is essential for rhabdoid tumorigenesis. To determine the requirement of Cyclin D1 for genesis of rhabdoid tumors
in vivo
, we developed
Ini1
heterozygous mice by targeted disruption. We found that the tumors developed in these
Ini1
+/- mice are rhabdoid, defective for Ini1 protein, and like the human tumors, express Cyclin D1. We crossed
Ini1
+/- mice to
Cyclin D1
-/- mice and found that
Ini1
+/- mice with
Cyclin D1
deficiency did not develop any spontaneous tumors, in contrast to the parental
Ini1
+/- mice. These results strongly support the hypothesis that
Cyclin D1
is a key mediator in the genesis of rhabdoid tumors. Our results provide an
in vivo
proof of concept that drugs that target
Cyclin D1
expression or activity could be potentially effective as novel therapeutic agents for rhabdoid tumors.
The Root Tip and Accelerating Region Suppress Elongation of the Decelerating Region without any Effects on Cell Turgor in Primary Roots of Maize under Water Stress
Authors: Shimazaki Yumi , Ookawa Taiichiro , Hirasawa Tadashi
Published: August 2005

To identify the region in which a root perceives a decrease in the ambient water potential and changes its elongation rate, we applied two agar blocks (1 × 1 × 1 mm3) with low water potential bilaterally to primary roots of maize (Zea mays) at various positions along the root. When agar blocks with a water potential of −1.60 MPa (−1.60-MPa blocks) or lower were attached to a root tip, the rate of elongation decreased. This decrease did not result from any changes in the water status of elongating cells and was not reversed when the −1.60-MPa blocks were replaced by −0.03-MPa blocks. The rate decreased slightly and was unaffected, respectively, when −1.60-MPa blocks were applied to the so-called decelerating region of the elongating zone and the mature region. However, the rate decreased markedly and did not recover for several hours at least when such blocks were attached to the accelerating region. In this case, the turgor pressure of the elongating cells decreased immediately after the application of the blocks and recovered thereafter. The decrease in elongation rate caused by −1.60-MPa blocks applied to the root tip was unaffected by additional −0.03-MPa blocks applied to the accelerating region and vice versa. We concluded that a significant reduction in root growth could be induced by water stress at the root tip, as well as in the accelerating region of the elongating zone, and that transmission of some signal from these regions to the decelerating region might contribute to the suppression of cell elongation in the elongation region.
The TIP GROWTH DEFECTIVE1 S-Acyl Transferase Regulates Plant Cell Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hemsley Piers A. , Kemp Alison C. , Grierson Claire S.
Published: August 2005

TIP GROWTH DEFECTIVE1 (TIP1) of Arabidopsis thaliana affects cell growth throughout the plant and has a particularly strong effect on root hair growth. We have identified TIP1 by map-based cloning and complementation of the mutant phenotype. TIP1 encodes an ankyrin repeat protein with a DHHC Cys-rich domain that is expressed in roots, leaves, inflorescence stems, and floral tissue. Two homologues of TIP1 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and human (Homo sapiens) have been shown to have S-acyl transferase (also known as palmitoyl transferase) activity. S-acylation is a reversible hydrophobic protein modification that offers swift, flexible control of protein hydrophobicity and affects protein association with membranes, signal transduction, and vesicle trafficking within cells. We show that TIP1 binds the acyl group palmitate, that it can rescue the morphological, temperature sensitivity, and yeast casein kinase2 localization defects of the yeast S-acyl transferase mutant akr1Δ, and that inhibition of acylation in wild-type Arabidopsis roots reproduces the Tip1− mutant phenotype. Our results demonstrate that S-acylation is essential for normal plant cell growth and identify a plant S-acyl transferase, an essential research tool if we are to understand how this important, reversible lipid modification operates in plant cells.
Prospective evaluation of three different models for the pre‐operative diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Aslam N. , Tailor A. , Lawton F. , Carr J. , Savvas M. , Jurkovic D.
Published: August 2005

Objective
To test the accuracy of the risk of malignancy index, the revised risk of malignancy index and Tailor's regression model to diagnose malignancy in women with known adnexal masses.

Design
Prospective collaborative study.

Setting
Gynaecology Assessment Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College Hospital, London.

Sample
Sixty‐one women with known adnexal masses were examined pre‐operatively. Women were recruited from three South London hospitals.

Methods
The demographic, biochemical and sonographic data recorded for each patient included: age; menopausal status; CA125 levels; tumour volume; ultrasound characteristics; and Doppler blood flow analysis (peak and mean blood velocities, the pulsatility and resistance indices). The diagnosis of malignancy was made for each woman using all three models and the results compared with the final histopathological diagnosis.

Results
Thirty‐eight women had benign tumours and 23 had ovarian cancer. Women with malignant tumours were significantly older than those with benign masses. There were also significant differences in CA125 levels, locularity, presence of papillary proliferations and ascites between the two groups. Tailor's regression model achieved a 43% sensitivity and 92% specificity in the diagnosis of malignancy. This compared with a 74% sensitivity and 92% specificity with the risk of malignancy model, and a 74% sensitivity and 89% specificity with the revised risk of malignancy model.

Conclusion
When applied prospectively all three diagnostic models performed less accurately than originally reported, despite clinical signs of malignancy being present in many cases. It is likely that their accuracy would be even less in a population of women in whom there was a substantial clinical uncertainty. Intra‐tumoral blood velocity and CA125 levels were the best individual parameters for discrimination between benign and malignant tumours.
Pharmacokinetic and Dose Tolerability Study of ADD 94057 in Comedicated Patients with Partial Seizures
Authors: Pledger Gordon W. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Sahlroot J. Todd , Taylor M. Robin , Cereghino James J. , McCormick Cynthia , Whitley Lois , Manning Linda W.
Published: August 2005

Summary: ADD 94057, a metabolite of fluzinamide, manufactured by the A. H. Robins Company, blocks chemically‐ and electrically‐induced seizures in animals. The primary objective of this open add‐on study was to evaluate patient tolerability of ADD 94057 at ascending target plasma concentrations. Nine subjects with medically refractory seizures were receiving phenytoin (PHT, 3), carbamazepine (CBZ, 3), or both (3). A pharmacokinetic profile after a single oral 400‐mg dose of ADD 94057 was used to calculate ADD 94057 dosages. After a 4‐week baseline period, patients were treated for 4 weeks with weekly ADD 94057 dosage escalations. Two patients completed the study at their assigned highest dosage level; the other patients finished the study at lower dosages. The patients receiving PHT (but not CBZ) tolerated higher plasma concentrations of ADD 94057 than did patients receiving CBZ, alone or in combination with PHT. Adverse experiences included headache, ataxia, blurred vision, diplopia, dizziness, lightheadedness, and mild confusion. Eight of nine patients had reductions in seizure frequency from baseline.
Anticonvulsant 1‐Phenylcycloalkylamines: Two Analogues with Low Motor Toxicity When Orally Administered
Authors: Blake Philmore A. , Yamaguchi Shunichi , Thurkauf Andrew , Rogawski Michael A.
Published: August 2005

Summary: 1‐Phenylcyclohexylamine (PCA) and its analogues 1‐phenylcyclopentylamine (PPA) and 1‐(3‐fluoropheny1)cyclohexylamine (3‐F‐PCA) are potent anticonvulsants in the mouse maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test. Unlike the structurally related dissociative anesthetic phencyclidine (PCP), however, which produces motor toxicity at anticonvulsant doses, PCA, PPA, and 3‐F‐PCA protect against MES seizures at 2.2‐ to 3.5‐fold lower doses than those that cause motor toxicity when administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). In the present study, we evaluated the oral anticonvulsant activity of PCA, PPA, and 3‐F‐PCA in mice; we also examined 3‐F‐PCA in rats. All the compounds were orally active in the mouse MES seizure test (ED50 values 14.5, 53.4, and 26.7 mg/kg, respectively). Moreover, 3‐F‐PCA was especially potent in rats, either when administered i.p. (ED50 0.4 mg/kg vs. 9.4 mg/kg in mice) or orally (ED50 0.8 mg/kg). Surprisingly, however, oral PPA failed to cause motor toxicity in mice even at doses that were many times higher than those that were protective in the MES test (TD50 >300 mg/kg). In rats, 3‐F‐PCA also showed a strikingly low oral toxicity (TD50 >50 mg/kg) in relation to its potency as an anticonvulsant. Like PCP, PCA analogues block N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced behavioral effects and lethality in mice. Moreover, in vitro studies indicate that the compounds act as uncompetitive antagonists of the NMDA receptor‐channel complex. Therefore, their anticonvulsant activity may, at least in part, relate to an interaction with NMDA receptors.
Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone: Potentiation of Cocaine‐Kindled Seizures and Lethality
Authors: Weiss Susan R. B. , Nierenberg Jay , Lewis Roderic , Post Robert M.
Published: August 2005

Summary: Carbamazepine (CBZ) blocks the development of local anesthetic seizures kindled by cocaine and lidocaine. Cocaine and lidocaine release corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamic cell cultures, and this effect is also blocked by CBZ. Because CRH administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) can produce seizures, its potential role in the development of cocaine seizures and in the anticonvulsant effects of CBZ was studied. CRH (at doses of 5, 10, and 100 μg) potentiated cocaine‐kindled seizure development and lethality in a dose‐related fashion. CRH also reversed the effects of CBZ on cocaine kindling and lethality, but only at the highest doses, which also affected cocaine kindling. Thus, a selective role for CRH in the anticonvulsant effects of CBZ was not demonstrated. The findings suggest a potentially important role for CRH in exacerbating cocaine‐seizure evolution and its associated lethality and confirm the inhibition of cocaine kindling and lethality by CBZ.
Psychosocial Evaluation of Adults with Epilepsy in Chile
Authors: Alvarado Luis , Ivanovic‐Zuvic Fernando , Candia Ximena , Méndez María , Ibarra Ximena , Alarcón Jenny
Published: August 2005

Summary: The Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory (WPSI) was used to assess psychosocial functioning of 116 epileptic outpatients being treated in an epilepsy program at a public health service (PHS). Disturbances in several areas of psychosocial adjustment were noted. Although the distribution was similar to those previously reported using the WPSI, the severity of the observed disturbances was greater. Peak‐score scales were Financial Status, Emotional and Interpersonal Adjustment, and Overall Psychosocial Functioning. Rehabilitation measures in epilepsy could play a substantial role in prevention and treatment of psychosocial disorders.
Fetal Heart Rate Patterns and Chronic Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Swartjes J. M. , van Geijn H. P. , Meinardi H. , Mantel R.
Published: August 2005

Summary: Fetal heart rate (FHR) characteristics of fetuses exposed and not exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were studied. FHR is considered to reflect central nervous system (CNS) integrity. Three intervals during pregnancy were investigated: 20,32, and 38 weeks. At 32 and 38 weeks, FHR was studied in relation to quiet (C1F) and active (C2F) sleep periods. For each tracing, a baseline was determined and accelerations and decelerations were identified. To assess FHR variability, the longterm irregularity, interval difference and absolute beat‐to‐beat indexes, and the bandwidth were calculated for 30‐s intervals between accelerations and decelerations. No marked differences were noted between study and control groups concerning basal FHR and the occurrence of accelerations. For FHR derived from the fetal ECG, all indexes of FHR variability and the bandwidth were lower for the study group as compared with the control group, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Our study shows that chronic prenatal exposure to AEDs does not seriously interfere with modulation of fetal heart rhythm by the CNS.
Topical antisense oligonucleotide therapy against LIX, an enterocyte-expressed CXC chemokine, reduces murine colitis
Authors: Kwon John H. , Keates Andrew C. , Anton Pauline M. , Botero Maria , Goldsmith Jeffrey D. , Kelly Ciarán P.
Published: August 2005

Epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78 (ENA-78), a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily, is induced by inflammatory cytokines in human colonic enterocyte cell lines and increased in the colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC-chemokine (LIX) was recently identified as the murine homolog of ENA-78. Here we show that, similar to ENA-78, inflammatory cytokine stimulation of a murine colonic epithelial cell line, MODE-K, results in increased LIX expression. Consistent with the expression pattern of ENA-78 in IBD, LIX expression is significantly increased in mice with colitis induced by the ingestion of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Treating mice with antisense oligonucleotides to LIX via rectal enema delivery before DSS treatment results in colonic enterocyte uptake and a significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration and severity of colitis. These findings indicate that LIX plays an integral role in the pathogenesis of DSS-induced colitis. Similarly, enterocyte-derived CXC chemokines may play a key role in regulating neutrophil recruitment and intestinal injury in IBD. The intracolonic administration of ENA-78 antisense oligonucleotides may be effective in treating distal ulcerative colitis in humans.
Rapid dilation of arterioles with single contraction of hamster skeletal muscle
Authors: VanTeeffelen Jurgen W. G. E. , Segal Steven S.
Published: August 2005

Skeletal muscle blood flow increases rapidly with exercise onset, but little is known of where or how the rapid onset of vasodilation (ROV) is governed within the microcirculation. In the retractor muscle of anesthetized hamsters ( n = 26), we tested the following: 1) where in the resistance network ROV occurred, 2) how microvascular responses were affected by the duration of contraction, and 3) whether ROV involved muscarinic receptor activation. Single tetanic contractions were evoked using supramaximal field stimulation (100 Hz) to depolarize motor end plates. In response to a 200-ms contraction, red blood cell (rbc) velocity ( Vrbc) in feed arteries (FA; rest: 17.8 ± 2 mm/s) increased within 1 s; a transient first peak (P1; 50 ± 7% increase) occurred at ∼5 s; and a second peak (P2; 50 ± 15% increase) occurred at ∼15–20 s. For vasodilation, P1 increased in frequency from proximal FA (2/7) and 1A arterioles (2/7) to distal 2A (4/7) and 3A (7/8) arterioles ( P < 0.05). Relative to resting (and maximal, 10 μM sodium nitroprusside) diameters, P1 increased from proximal (FA, 3 ± 2% from 57 ± 5 μm) to distal (3A, 27 ± 6% from 14 ± 1 μm) vessel branches ( P < 0.05). P2 was manifest in all vessels and increased relative to resting diameters from FA (11 ± 3%) to 3A (36 ± 6%) branches ( P < 0.01). Extending a contraction from 200 to 1,000 ms (tension × time integral from 17 ± 2 to 73 ± 4 mN/mm2× s) increased P1 and P2 for Vrbcand for diameter ( P < 0.05) while reducing the time of onset for P2 ( P < 0.05). Superfusion with atropine (10 μM) attenuated P1 of vasodilation (200 ms contraction) from 26 ± 8% to 6 ± 2% ( n = 7 across branches; P < 0.05) and reduced the diameter × time integral by 46 ± 13% ( P < 0.05) without changing P2. We conclude that ROV in the hamster retractor muscle is initiated in distal arterioles, increases with the duration of muscle contraction, and involves muscarinic receptor activation.
MCI-186 (edaravone), a novel free radical scavenger, protects against acute autoimmune myocarditis in rats
Authors: Nimata Masaomi , Okabe Taka-aki , Hattori Miki , Yuan Zuyi , Shioji Keisuke , Kishimoto Chiharu
Published: August 2005

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that MCI-186 (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one; edaravone), a novel free radical scavenger, protects against acute experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats by the radical scavenging action associated with the suppression of cytotoxic myocardial injury. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play a role in myocarditis. We administered MCI-186 intraperitoneally at 1, 3, and 10 mg·kg−1·day−1to rats with EAM for 3 wk. The results were compared with untreated rats with EAM. MCI-186 treatment did not affect hemodynamics. MCI-186 treatment (3 and 10 mg·kg−1·day−1) reduced the severity of myocarditis as assessed by comparing the heart-to-body weight ratio and pathological scores. Myocardial interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-positive cells and myocardial oxidative stress overload with DNA damage in rats with EAM given MCI-186 treatment were significantly less compared with those of the untreated rats with EAM. In addition, MCI-186 treatment decreased not only the myocardial protein carbonyl contents but also the myocardial thiobarbituric acid reactive substance products in rats with EAM. The formation of hydroxyl radicals in MCI-186-treated heart homogenates was decreased compared with untreated heart homogenates. Furthermore, cytotoxic activities of lymphocytes of rats with EAM treated with MCI-186 were significantly lower compared with those of the untreated rats with EAM. Hydroxyl radicals may be involved in the development of myocarditis. MCI-186 protects against acute EAM in rats associated with scavenging hydroxyl free radicals, resulting in the suppression of autoimmune-mediated myocardial damage associated with reduced oxidative stress state.
Involvement of the platelet-activating factor receptor in host defense againstStreptococcus pneumoniaeduring postinfluenza pneumonia
Authors: van der Sluijs Koenraad F. , van Elden Leontine J. R. , Nijhuis Monique , Schuurman Rob , Florquin Sandrine , Shimizu Takao , Ishii Satoshi , Jansen Henk M. , Lutter René , van der Poll Tom
Published: August 2005

Although influenza infection alone may lead to pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections are a much more common cause of pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated causative pathogen during postinfluenza pneumonia. Considering that S. pneumoniae utilizes the platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) to invade the respiratory epithelium and that the PAFR is upregulated during viral infection, we here used PAFR gene-deficient (PAFR−/−) mice to determine the role of this receptor during postinfluenza pneumococcal pneumonia. Viral clearance was similar in wild-type and PAFR−/−mice, and influenza virus was completely removed from the lungs at the time mice were inoculated with S. pneumoniae ( day 14 after influenza infection). PAFR−/−mice displayed a significantly reduced bacterial outgrowth in their lungs, a diminished dissemination of the infection, and a prolonged survival. Pulmonary levels of IL-10 and KC were significantly lower in PAFR−/−mice, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α were only trendwise lower. These data indicate that the pneumococcus uses the PAFR leading to severe pneumonia in a host previously exposed to influenza A.
Blockade of tissue factor-factor X binding attenuates sepsis-induced respiratory and renal failure
Authors: Welty-Wolf Karen E. , Carraway Martha S. , Ortel Thomas L. , Ghio Andrew J. , Idell Steven , Egan Jack , Zhu Xiaoyun , Jiao Jin-an , Wong Hing C. , Piantadosi Claude A.
Published: August 2005

Tissue factor expression in sepsis activates coagulation in the lung, which potentiates inflammation and leads to fibrin deposition. We hypothesized that blockade of factor X binding to the tissue factor-factor VIIa complex would prevent sepsis-induced damage to the lungs and other organs. Acute lung injury was produced in 15 adult baboons primed with killed Escherichia coli [1 × 109colony-forming units (CFU)/kg], and then 12 h later, they were given 1 × 1010CFU/kg live E. coli by infusion. Two hours after live E. coli, animals received antibiotics with or without monoclonal antibody to tissue factor intravenously to block tissue factor-factor X binding. The animals were monitored physiologically for 34 h before being killed and their tissue harvested. The antibody treatment attenuated abnormalities in gas exchange and lung compliance, preserved renal function, and prevented tissue neutrophil influx and bowel edema relative to antibiotics alone (all P < 0.05). It also attenuated fibrinogen depletion ( P < 0.01) and decreased proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL-6 and -8 ( P < 0.01), in systemic and alveolar compartments. Similar protective effects of the antibody on IL-6 and -8 expression and permeability were found in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated endothelial cells. Blockade of factor X binding to the tissue factor-factor VIIa complex attenuates lung and organ injuries in established E. coli sepsis by attenuating the neutrophilic response and inflammatory pathways.
Connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor from airway smooth muscle interact with the extracellular matrix
Authors: Burgess Janette K. , Ge Qi , Poniris Maree H. , Boustany Sarah , Twigg Stephen M. , Black Judith L. , Johnson Peter R. A.
Published: August 2005

Airway remodeling describes the structural changes that occur in the asthmatic airway that include airway smooth muscle hyperplasia, increases in vascularity due to angiogenesis, and thickening of the basement membrane. Our aim in this study was to examine the effect of transforming growth factor-β on the release of connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor from human airway smooth muscle cells derived from asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients. In addition we studied the immunohistochemical localization of these cytokines in the extracellular matrix after stimulating bronchial rings with transforming growth factor-β. Connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were released from both cell types and colocalized in the surrounding extracellular matrix. Prostaglandin E2 inhibited the increase in connective tissue growth factor mRNA but augmented the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 decreased the amount of connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, but not fibronectin deposited in the extracellular matrix. This report provides the first evidence that connective tissue growth factor may anchor vascular endothelial growth factor to the extracellular matrix and that this deposition is decreased by matrix metalloproteinase-2 and prostaglandin E2. This relationship has the potential to contribute to the changes that constitute airway remodeling, therefore providing a novel focus for therapeutic intervention in asthma.
The Machine That Never Changed: Intangible Specialisation and Output-Mix Optimisation at Fiat, 1960s–1990s
Authors: Maielli Giuliano
Published: August 2005

The paper addresses Fiat's lack of competitiveness in the medium and upper segments of the market. The main empirical finding is that the Italian company unsuccessfully tried to adjust the output mix upmarket as early as the 1970s. This attempt has not emerged from any previous account on Fiat, but it contributes to explain the failure of subsequent attempts to adjust the output mix upmarket in the 1980s and 1990s. The theoretical implication of the Fiat case concerns what in this paper is called ‘intangible specialisation’. This concept revolves around the relationship between routines, path dependence and the uneven level of competitiveness of car manufacturers in the different sectors of the market. Intangible specialisation in the design of small cars locked the company in the lower end of the market and reduced the scope for output-mix flexibility in spite of the technical flexibility of Fiat's production technology.
Cultural and Political Embeddedness, Foreign Investment and Locality in Transforming Economies: The Case of ABB in Poland and China
Authors: Hardy Jane , Currie Frank , Ye Zhen
Published: August 2005

The article draws on the concepts of cultural and political embeddedness to analyse the local embeddedness of a global transnational engineering in transforming economies. It compares the process of the negotiations for and the acquisitions of assets undertaken by ABB in Wroclaw, Poland and Xiamen, China. With reference to political embeddedness, while the firm has a strong espoused business culture, the relative strength and autonomy of local institutions in Wroclaw and Xiamen implied different corporate strategies for entry and acquisition. The cultural embeddedness of ABB meant that there were strong similarities in Xiamen and Wroclaw in terms of transferring the norms and routines of the firm. Taking a longer-term view what may appear to be contrasting approaches could be viewed as the same strategy working under more severe institutional constraints, which ultimately slows the pace of acquisition and control rather than fundamentally changing its nature.
Linking hydrology and biogeochemistry in complex landscapes
Authors: Burt T. P. , Pinay G.
Published: August 2005

This review seeks to examine connections between hydrology and biogeochemistry at the landscape scale. A review of research on landscape structure and organization provides a context for what follows, and seeks to integrate work at relevant scales in ecology and geomorphology; the degree of functional ‘connectedness’ between different landscape elements provides the key theme. Following a review of hillslope hydrology, links between hillslope runoff pathways and nutrient dynamics are then considered. We focus in particular on riparian zones, where nutrient dynamics has relevance for water-quality management in catchments. In conclusion, we argue that future studies need to focus on the critical near-stream zone, given its importance in coupling hillslope and channel systems.
The use of reservoir sediments as environmental archives of catchment inputs and atmospheric pollution
Authors: Shotbolt L. A. , Thomas A. D. , Hutchinson S. M.
Published: August 2005

Lakes and reservoirs act as sinks for both catchment and atmospherically derived particulates and so their sediments can provide valuable information on temporal changes in these inputs. While the use of lake sediments as environmental archives is well established, reservoir sediments have less frequently been used as temporal records. Yet, for investigating pollution histories, reservoirs are ostensibly of greater interest: they are generally located close to urban and industrial sources of pollution and accumulate sediment rapidly and over similar time periods to major emissions of pollutants. The lack of interest in reservoir sediments stems from the perception that fluctuating water levels are likely to result in significant sediment disturbance. This perception is sustained, perhaps mistakenly, by a lack of research into reservoir sedimentary systems. There is, therefore, a need to review the available published research on reservoir sedimentation processes and patterns, the relatively few studies that have used reservoir sediments and relevant studies from the lake-sediment literature, and thus critically evaluate the potential and problems of using reservoir sediments as temporal records of pollution. Current understanding of the processes of sedimentation and resulting distributions are reviewed. Some significant differences between sedimentation in lakes and reservoirs are highlighted and the implications for sampling and interpretation of sedimentary records discussed. It is suggested that, at present, a valuable resource is being underutilized and it is demonstrated that, where sediment deposition patterns are taken into account, reservoir sedimentary records can provide important data for reconstructing past atmospheric and catchment pollutant inputs.
Glacier melt: a review of processes and their modelling
Authors: Hock Regine
Published: August 2005

Modelling ice and snow melt is of large practical and scientific interest, including issues such as water resource management, avalanche forecasting, glacier dynamics, hydrology and hydrochemistry, as well as the response of glaciers to climate change. During the last few decades, a large variety of melt models have been developed, ranging from simple temperature-index to sophisticated energy-balance models. There is a recent trend towards modelling with both high temporal and spatial resolution, the latter accomplished by fully distributed models. This review discusses the relevant processes at the surface-atmosphere interface, and their representation in melt models. Despite considerable advances in distributed melt modelling there is still a need to refine and develop models with high spatial and temporal resolution based on moderate input data requirements. While modelling of incoming radiation in mountain terrain is relatively accurate, modelling of turbulent fluxes and spatial and temporal variability in albedo constitute major uncertainties in current energy-balance melt models, and thus need further research.
Elimination of Baseline Variations from a Recorded Spectrum by Ultra-Low Frequency Filtering
Authors: Atakan Ahmet K. , Blass W. E. , Jennings D. E.
Published: August 2005

A technique for the elimination of baseline variation is discussed and illustrated. The method involves ultra-low frequency filtering in the frequency domain (transform space) and is illustrated by applying it to several diode laser spectra of C2H6 (ethane). In the examples presented, the technique eliminates the effects of diode laser output energy variations as a particular mode is scanned. This technique may be especially valuable for diode laser spectroscopy where a multipass cell is used and where the cell cannot readily be removed from the beam to obtain a background scan. The technique should be applicable to baseline variation problems in general.
Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Study of Ferric Iron Solutions
Authors: Brown Mary F. , Kester Dana R.
Published: August 2005

Ultraviolet absorbance spectra of ferric iron solutions of varying iron concentrations maintained at a constant pH of 1.0 and a constant ionic strength of 0.1 were studied. The experimental conditions of low pH minimized the formation of the hydrolytic FeOH2+ and Fe(OH)2+ species; thus, the spectra of iron solutions containing principally the Fe3+ species were recorded. The digitized spectral data were used to establish a model for the Fe3+ absorption spectrum that involves a Gaussian function with three parameters for each of the two absorption bands. These parameters were the wavenumber of the band maximum, ν̄max, the full width at half maximum intensity, Δν̄1/2, and the absorptivity of the band maximum, εmax. This study provided estimates for these parameters at 25°C for 0.1 ionic strength media.
The Study of Macromolecular Dynamics by High Resolution NMR
Authors: Ribeiro A. , Wade-Jardetzky N. G. , King R. , Jardetzky O.
Published: August 2005

The measurement and interpretation of relaxation data on macromolecules present special problems. The required instrumental conditions and extensions of relaxation theory are outlined and illustrated by the analysis of 13C and 1H relaxation data on a small protein (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor).
Rotational Motions of Muscle Proteins Studied by Saturation-Transfer Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Authors: Seidel John C.
Published: August 2005

The sensitivity of saturation-transfer electron paramagnetic resonance to rotational motion in the submillisecond range provides a means of studying rotational motions of the myofibrillar proteins of muscle and segments of these proteins. Estimates of these rotational motions have been made using purified proteins and supramolecular complexes that have been formed by assembly of purified proteins or isolated as such by partially disrupting the intact muscle cell. These motions are of particular relevance to an understanding of the molecular basis of energy transduction in muscle, where the force-generating step is generally believed to involve rotation of the myosin crossbridge about some point on the actin filament. By selectively introducing rigidly bound spin labels into specific muscle proteins and into specific regions of these proteins it has been possible to obtain insights into the molecular motions of myosin and actin, and into the nature of interaction between these proteins.
Evaluation of Carbon and Oxygen Content of Silicon Wafers Using Infrared Absorption
Authors: Mead D. G. , Lowry S. R.
Published: August 2005

Room temperature Fourier transform infrared measurements on some contaminated silicon wafers are presented. Use of subtractive techniques readily allows both carbon and oxygen concentrations of about 0.1 ppm atomic to be obtained in relatively short measurement times (about 1 min), providing an adequate “pure” wafer is used as the reference standard.
Quantitative Analysis of Powder Mixtures by Diffuse Reflectance
Authors: Hecht Harry G.
Published: August 2005

Previous tests of continuum diffuse reflectance models are extended in the current study to include powder mixtures in which one component is an intense absorbant and the other is a nonabsorbing scatterer. For model systems of this type, the Pitts-Giovanelli formula gives a very good fit over a large concentration range. However, the fitting procedure is very sensitive to the initial estimate of parameters, and it failed to converge in several cases. The Rozenberg formula, on the other hand, was very stable and gave a moderately good fit to the data, particularly for low reflectances. A simplified version of the Rozenberg formula, Ro/ R = 1 + β, was almost as good, and represents a very simple formula which should be quite useful for quantitative analyses.
Fluorescence Decay Measurements via High Repetition Rate Gated Photon Counting
Authors: Gustafson T. L. , Lytle Fred E.
Published: August 2005

Current methods for time-resolved measurements with photon counting detection are not able to take advantage adequately of the high repetition rates available from most pulsed ion laser sources. A technique is described which allows high repetition rate gating of fluorescence decays with photon counting detection. Fluorescence decay measurements of acridine orange (τ = 4.4 ns), rubrene (τ = 16.5 ns) and tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) dichloride (τ = 760 ns) are obtained at repetition rates as high as 2.7 MHz. The utility of this technique for analog measurements is also demonstrated.
A Resonance Raman Method for the Rapid Detection and Identification of Bacteria in Water
Authors: Howard W. F. , Nelson W. H. , Sperry J. F.
Published: August 2005

Resonance Raman spectra are reported for 16 types of carotene-containing bacteria and algae in aqueous dispersion. Spectra are obtained with ease from organisms grown in culture and collected by centrifugation. In many instances spectra produced with 488 nm incident radiation are sufficiently unique to provide a basis for identification. While most information is contained in the 900 to 1600 cm−1 region, several bacteria exhibit pronounced carotenoid overtone and combination bands which can be assigned along with the fundamental vibrations.
A New, Inexpensive, Nitrogen-Pumped Dye Laser with Subnanosecond Pulses
Authors: Walden G. L. , Bradshaw J. D. , Winefordner J. D.
Published: August 2005

A simple, inexpensive design for the generation of subnanosecond pulses from an N2-pumped dye laser is given. The critical alignment necessary for most dye lasers is minimized because the dye laser is entirely self-contained. The dye laser, operating at 18 Hz, produced intense broad band emission pulses of ∼0.2–0.4 ns in the visible region.
Optical Spectroscopy Applied to the Study of Plasma Etching
Authors: Frieser R. G. , Nogay J.
Published: August 2005

The use of an optical spectrographic system in the study of a CF3H plasma process has been investigated. CF3H plasma etch rates of SiO2 are related to emission intensities of spectral lines of compounds identified in the plasma. HF is a definite component when SiO2 is etched with a CF3H plasma. This optical spectrographic system has the potential to control and eventually automate both plasma etch and deposition processes.
Characterization of an Improved dc Plasma Excitation Source
Authors: Coleman G. N. , Braun W. P. , Allen A. M.
Published: August 2005

Several modifications of the direct current plasma jet have resulted in significantly enhanced analysis capabilities. Reducing the electrode angle, decreasing the aerosol chimney size, and operating in a diffuse mode with helium have provided improved stability, sensitivity, freedom from interferences, and detection limits. While the actual mechanism of the helium enhancement is not clear, no direct evidence was found which supports participation in the excitation step. Rather, improved desolvation, vaporization and possibly sample introduction result from the thermal conductivity of helium being much greater than that of argon.
Analysis of the Major Constituents in Venezuelan Laterites; A Comparison of Atomic Absorption, X-ray Fluorescence, and Classical Methods
Authors: Labrecque J. J. , Schorin H.
Published: August 2005

A comparison of an atomic absorption method and x-ray fluorescence procedure for the analysis of the major constituents in Venezuelan laterites from Serranía de los Guaicas and bauxites is presented. These methods are also compared to other classical methods. The accuracy and precision of both these techniques are within the requirements needed. The HF-H3BO3 decomposition step is a disadvantage in the atomic absorption method because of the uncertainty in a complete sample dissolution of bauxites, but it has been shown to be suitable for Venezuelan laterites. The x-ray fluorescence technique presented herein is also limited because of its sample preparation, i.e., the use of expensive Pt-Au crucibles and the large quantity of sample needed.
Molecular Orbitals and CH3, CH2, and CH Deformation Group Frequencies
Authors: Colthup Norman B.
Published: August 2005

A linear relationship has been found between the wavenumber of the CH3 symmetrical deformation vibration and the electron density on the CH3 carbon as calculated from CNDO/2 molecular orbital theory. Other CH deformation vibrations are also related to the electron density on the carbon and, as a result, can be correlated with the CH3 symmetrical deformation wavenumber. These include ν̄(CH2 def), ν̄(CH2 wag) and both components of ν̄(CH wag). The splitting of ν̄(CH3 sym def) in isopropyl and t-butyl groups has long been known. It is shown here that the effect is due to an interaction force constant relating to the CH3 symmetrical deformation vibrations of two or three different neighboring CH3 groups. The origin of the interaction is thought to be an H,H′ repulsion between hydrogens on the different CH3 groups.
Second Derivative Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometry for Line Profile Determination I. Theory
Authors: Olson Mark L. , Grieble David L. , Griffiths Peter R.
Published: August 2005

A technique of using second derivative spectra has been developed by which accurate infrared line widths and shapes may be measured using a single-beam tunable diode laser spectrometer both for a flat background and in the presence of a sloping background. It is shown that there exist easily measured parameters of the second derivative line profile which are independent of a small linearly sloping background. A procedure was developed which uses sets of precomputed model line profiles to allow an estimate of the true linewidth of a line to be derived from the second derivative spectrum. The accuracy of this technique is limited by the accuracy with which the second derivative line profile can be measured.