bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Instream Methods for Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity in Sandy Streambeds
Authors: Landon Matthew K. , Rus David L. , Harvey F. Edwin 
Published: December 2005

AbstractStreambed hydraulic conductivity (K) values were determined at seven stream transects in the Platte River Basin in Nebraska using different instream measurement techniques. Values were compared to determine the most appropriate technique(s) for use in sandy streambeds. Values of K determined from field falling‐ and constant‐head permeameter tests analyzed using the Darcy equation decreased as permeameter diameter increased. Seepage meters coupled with hydraulic gradient measurements failed to yield K values in 40% of the trials. Consequently, Darcy permeameter and seepage meter tests were not preferred approaches. In the upper 0.25 m of the streambed, field falling‐ and constant‐head permeameter tests analyzed with the Hvorslev solution generally had similar K values that were significantly greater than those determined using the Hazen grain‐size, Bouwer and Rice slug test for anisotropic and isotropic conditions, and Alyamani and Sen grain‐size methods; median differences between these tests and the Hvorslev falling‐head 60 cm diameter permeameter were about 8, 9, 17, and 35 m/day, respectively. The Hvorslev falling‐head permeameter test is considered the most robust method for measuring K of the upper 0.25 m of the streambed because of the inherent limitations of the empirical grain‐size methods and less sediment disturbance for permeameter than slug tests. However, lateral variability in K along transects on the Platte, North Platte, and Wood Rivers was greater than variability in K between valid permeameter, grain‐size, or slug tests, indicating that the method used may matter less than making enough measurements to characterize spatial variability adequately. At the Platte River tributary sites, the upper 0.3 m of the streambed typically had greater K than sediment located 0.3 to 2.5 m below the streambed surface, indicating that deposits below the streambed may limit ground water/surface water fluxes. The Hvorslev permeameter tests are not a practical measurement approach for these greater depths. Thus, selection of a method for measuring streambed K needs to consider the vertical location of the sediments that are most likely to limit the rate of ground water/surface water interaction.
Helper T cells and atherosclerosis: the cytokine web
Authors: Baidya S G , Zeng Q-T 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
There is growing evidence regarding the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its ultimate progression to the clinical syndromes. Recently there has been an increasing interest in the role of helper T (Th) cells in atherosclerosis. The Th cells act with the macrophages and the dendritic cells via the various cytokines in bringing about a variety of changes thus leading to the progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesions have been seen to have increased expression of type 1 helper T (TH1) cells together with increased levels of the Th1 related cytokines. It is mainly the cytokines involved with Th1 functioning that seem to show a prominent effect, with the whole process centred around interferon gamma, making it seem like every pathway and the cytokines involved lead to a final common pathway of interferon gamma secretion; the increase or decrease of which dictates the progression of atherosclerosis and its final manifestation as the clinical syndromes.
Differential diagnosis of common tremor syndromes
Authors: Bhidayasiri R 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Tremor is one of the most common involuntary movement disorders seen in clinical practice. In addition to the detailed history, the differential diagnosis is mainly clinical based on the distinction at rest, postural and intention, activation condition, frequency, and topographical distribution. The causes of tremor are heterogeneous and it can present alone (for example, essential tremor) or as a part of a neurological syndrome (for example, multiple sclerosis). Essential tremor and the tremor of Parkinson’s disease are the most common tremors encountered in clinical practice. This article focuses on a practical approach to these different forms of tremor and how to distinguish them clinically. Evidence supporting various strategies used in the differentiation is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines or recommendations when they exist.
Agreement between community echocardiography and hospital echocardiography in patients suspected of having left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Jeyaseelan S , Goudie B M , Pringle S D , Donnan P T , Sullivan F M , Struthers A D 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Smaller echocardiography machines, when used in hospitals, are accurate for detecting left ventricular dysfunction and valvular disease. This paper assessed the detection of left ventricular dysfunction and of valvular disease in the community setting by a smaller machine.

Aims
To measure the agreement in patients with suspected heart failure between community echocardiography and traditional echocardiography in the hospital in detecting left ventricular dysfunction and significant valve disease.

Methods
Suspected heart failure patients were referred to one of the authors (SJ) for community echocardiography using a Siemens Cypress machine. The patients had a second echocardiogram in the hospital by another sonographer who was blinded to the results of the first echocardiogram. The reports of the two sonographers were assessed for agreement using κ statistics.

Results
458 patients had a community echocardiogram and 136 agreed to a second echocardiogram in the hospital. There was excellent agreement, κ = 0.87 (0.06 SE), for the detection of left ventricular dysfunction between community echocardiography and the hospital machine. The detection of significant valvular disease was good, κ = 0.75 (0.06) between the community echocardiogram and hospital machines.

Conclusions
In suspected heart failure patients, community echocardiography gives comparable results to traditional hospital echocardiography for left ventricular dysfunction detection and for significant valvular disease detection.
Liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus related liver disease
Authors: Gee I , Alexander G 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Liver transplantation is a useful treatment for end stage liver disease of all aetiologies but recurrent disease presents an ongoing challenge, particularly for hepatitis C virus (HCV) where recurrence is almost universal. Immunosuppression is needed for all patients after transplantation and should be tailored to the individual patient, with particular problems being noted for those with HCV. The longer term effects of immunosuppression, particularly renal failure and the adverse effects of certain treatments on the liver graft, have become more important as survival improves and results are studied for longer periods after transplantation.
Genetic strain differences in platelet aggregation of laboratory mice
Authors: Ito Hideki , Kimura Yukio , Sudo Toshiki 
Published: December 2005

SummaryTo investigate the physiological role of novel genes and proteins in platelet activation, various knockout mice have been produced. A number of standard inbred mouse strains each possessing genetically unique characters such as high tumor generation, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia, have been bred. In breeding knockout mice for investigation of specific physiological functions, appropriate selection of parental or backcross strains is necessary. Thus, examination of strain-specific platelet characteristics is important. In the present study, platelet aggregation responses of 13 laboratory mouse strains, 129/Sv, A, AKR, BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6J, CBA, DBA/1, DBA/2, ddY, FVB, ICR, and NZW, and the diabetic strain C57BL/KsJ db/db, were compared. Marked strain differences were observed inADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The highest responses with both were seen in AKR/J and NZW/N, whereas the lowest were seen in DBA/2 and DBA/1.There was a 5-fold difference in the platelet aggregation threshold index (PATI) for ADP-induced PRP aggregation between AKR/J (0.6 µM) and DBA/2 (3.0 µM). With whole blood aggregation, the highest response was seen in AKR, whereas the lowest was seen in DBA/2 and DBA/1. The present study demonstrated that there is considerable strain difference in platelet aggregation among laboratory mice, which should be taken into account in backcrossing knockout strains.
Characterisation of six novel A-subunit mutations leading to congenital factor XIII deficiency and molecular analysis of the first diagnosed patient with this rare bleeding disorder
Authors: Schroeder Verena , Meili Esther , Cung Trinh , Schmutz Peter , Kohler Hans 
Published: December 2005

SummaryIn 1960, the first case report on factor XIII deficiency was published describing a seven-year-old Swiss boy with a so far unknown bleeding disorder. Today, more than 60 mutations in the factor XIIIA- and B-subunit genes are known leading to congenital factor XIII deficiency. In the present study, we describe six novel mutations in the factor XIII A-subunit gene. Additionally, we present the molecular characterisation of the first described patient with congenital factor XIII deficiency. The six novel mutations include a small deletion, Glu202 del G, leading to a premature stop codon and truncation of the protein, and a splice site mutation at the exon 10/intron 10 boundary, +1G/A, giving rise to an incorrect spliced mRNA lacking exons 10 and 11. The remaining four mutations are characterised by the single amino acid changes Met159Arg, Gly215Arg, Trp375Cys, and His716Arg, and were expressed in COS-1 cells. Antigen levels and activity of the mutants were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type. The patient described in 1960 also shows a single amino acid change, Arg77Cys. Structural analysis of all mutant enzymes suggests several mechanisms leading to destabilisation of the protein.
Thrombomodulin plays an important role in arterial remodeling and neointima formation in mouse carotid ligation model
Authors: Li Yi-Heng , Liu Shu-Lin , Shi Guey-Yueh , Tseng Guan-Hsiung , Liu Ping-Yen , Wu Hua-Lin 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThrombomodulin (TM) is a cell membrane-bound glycoprotein that functions as a thrombin cofactor in the activation of protein C. Its protein structure includes a N-terminal lectin-like domain (D1), 6 epidermal growth factor repeats (D2), a serine-threonine-rich region (D3), a transmembrane domain (D4) and a short cytoplasmic tail (D5). Recent studies have demonstrated the direct effect ofTM on cellular proliferation, adhesion and inflammation. In the study, we investigated the role of TM in vascular remodeling and neointima formation in a mouse carotid ligation model. TM expressions on the endothelium, neointima and media were examined in the ligated carotid artery by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Endothelial TM expression decreased after ligation and appeared later in the media and neointima, which is quite similar to the appearance of TM in the human atherosclerotic process. Recombinant TMD123 was prepared. It was effective for thrombin-dependent protein C activation and the inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to the vessel wall after carotid ligation. RecombinantTMD123 and saline was administered immediately before and after carotid ligation. The TM-treated arteries demonstrated significantly less arterial dilatation (30279±12605 vs 73789±15073 µm2, p<0.05) in response to less neointima formation (14179±6538 vs 42227±8754 µm2, p<0.05) at 4 weeks after ligation. Our data indicated that there was a compensatory increase inTM expression in the media and neointima in relation to the reduced endothelial TM after carotid ligation. Early recombinant TM treatment in mice undergoing carotid ligation altered vascular remodeling and decreased the severity of neointima formation.
EMMPRIN (CD 147) is a central activator of extracellular matrix degradation by Chlamydia pneumoniae-infected monocytes.
Authors: Schmidt Roland , Redecke Vanessa , Breitfeld Yoshi , Wantia Nina , Miethke Thomas , Massberg Steffen , Fischel Sina , Neumann Franz-Josef , Schömig Albert , May Andreas 
Published: December 2005

Summary
Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae are thought to infect monocytes and use them as vectors into the vessel wall, where they may accelerate atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of C. pneumoniae on monocytic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation with focus on the role of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer EMMPRIN. Human monocytes or monocytic MonoMac6 cells were infected with C. pneumoniae. Infection enhanced mRNA-and surface expression of EMMPRIN and Membrane-type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), plus the secretion of MMP-7, MMP-9 and the urokinase receptor (uPAR). Chlamydial heat shock protein 60 was identified to be partially responsible for EMMPRIN and MMP-9 induction, while C. trachomatis-infection had no stimulatory effect, indicatinga C. pneumoniae-specific activation pathway. Suppression of EMMPRIN by gene silencing almost completely hindered the induction of MT1-MMP and MMP-9 by C. pneumoniae, suggesting a predominant regulatory role for EMMPRIN. Moreover, C. pneumoniae-infected monocytes exhibited increased MMP-and plasmin-dependent migration through “matrigel”. Additionally, incubation of SMCs with supernatants of C. pneumoniae-infected monocytes induced MMP-2 activation, which was inhibited by IL1-Receptor antagonist or anti-IL-6-mAb, indicating paracrine intercellular activation pathways. In conclusion,C. pneumoniae induce MMP activity directly in monocytes through an EMMPRINdependent pathway and indirectly in SMCs via monocytederived cytokines.
Signaling through PI3Kγ: a common platform for leukocyte, platelet and cardiovascular stress sensing
Authors: Lembo Giuseppe , Montrucchio Giuseppe , Rommel Christian , Costa Carlotta , Barberis Laura , Hirsch Emilio 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe concerted activation of leukocytes and vessels shapes multiple physiological and pathological responses. A large number of these processes shares a common signal transduction platform involving the activation of plasma membrane bound G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This event is usually amplified by the production of different intra-cellular second messenger molecules. Among these mediators, the phosphorylated lipid phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) produced by phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) has recently emerged as a crucial signal in both vascular and white blood cells. The generation of mice lacking PI3Kγ showed that the GPCR/PI3Kγ/PIP3 signaling pathway controls diverse immune modulatory and vascular functions like respiratory burst, cell recruitment, mast cell reactivity, platelet aggregation, endothelial activation as well as smooth muscle contractility. The relative specificity of these events suggests that blocking PI3Kγ function might turn out beneficial for diseases like inflammation, allergy, thrombosis, and major cardiovascular disorders like hypertension, thus offering a wide range of therapeutic opportunities.
Treatment of embolic stroke in rats with bortezomib and recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Zheng , Liu Xianshuang , Hozeska Ann , Stagliano Nancy , Riordan William , Lu Mei , Chopp Michael 
Published: December 2005

SummaryStroke elicits a progressive vascular dysfunction, which contributes to the evolution of brain injury. Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) promotes adverse vascular events that limit the therapeutic window of stroke to three hours. Proteasome inhibitors reduce vascular thrombotic and inflammatory events, and consequently protect vascular function. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of bortezomib,a potent and selective inhibitor of the proteasome, alone and in combination with delayed thrombolytic therapy on a rat model of embolic focal cerebral ischemia. Treatment with bortezomib reduces adverse cerebrovascular events including secondary thrombosis,inflammatory responses,and blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and hence reduces infarct volume and neurological functional deficit when administrated within 4 h after stroke onset. Combination of bortezomib and tPA extends the thrombolytic window for stroke to6 h, which is associated with the improvement of vascular patency and integrity. Real time RT-PCR of endothelial cells isolated by laser-capture microdissection from brain tissue and Western blot analysis showed that bortezomib upregulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and blocks NF-κB activation. These results demonstrate that bortezomib promotes eNOS dependent vascular protection, and reduces NF-κB dependent vascular disruption, all of which may contribute to neuroprotection after stroke.
Chemotaxis: moving forward and holding on to the past
Authors: Bagorda Anna , Mihaylov Vassil , Parent Carole 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe ability of cells to sense external chemical cues and respond by directionally migrating towards them is a fundamental process called chemotaxis. This phenomenon is essential for many biological responses in the human body, including the invasion of neutrophils to sites of inflammation. Remarkably, many of the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling neutrophils chemotaxis arose millions of years ago in the simple eukaryotic organism Dictyostelium discoideum. Both neutrophils and Dictyostelium use G protein-coupled signaling cascades to mediate chemotactic responses, which are responsible for transducing external cues into highly organized cytoskeletal rearrangements that ultimately lead to directed migration. By using the genetically and biochemically tractable organism Dictyostelium as a model system, it has been possible to decipher many of the signal transduction events that are involved in chemotaxis.
Plasma von Willebrand factor, thrombosis, and the endothelium: The first 30 years
Authors: Blann Andrew 
Published: December 2005

Summary
“It is quite useless to argue the questions concerning the development of intimal scleroses if we study and discuss the late stages of the disease alone. If we wish to gain insight into the complex question of arterio-sclerosis we must attempt to follow the lesion from its earliest beginning” (Klotz and Manning, J Path Bact 1911: 16; 211–20).Over thirty years ago Boneu and colleagues publisheda report of raised levels of plasma vonWillebrand factor (vWf) in patients with arteritis, diabetes and sepsis. They concluded that raised levels of this molecule indicate endothelial damage, and may possibly be a contributory factor in thrombosis in arterial disease. The former aspect of this conclusion is now accepted, and numerous studies on the risk factors for atherosclerosis provide mechanisms for this damage. Other studies have demonstrated raised levels in cancer and in connective tissue disease. Numerous long-term follow-up studies have also demonstrated that increased vWf predicts major cardiovascular end points. However, the link between these studies, and the latter aspect of Boneu’s conclusion, that raised vWf contributes to thrombosis is,although attractive, nevertheless unproven. Despite this, vWf remains the most important plasma marker of endothelial damage/dysfunction and as such attracts clinical attention.
Microcellular Injection Molded Wood Fiber-PP Composites: Part II - Effect of Wood Fiber Length and Content on Cell Morphology and Physico-mechanical Properties
Authors: Bledzki Andrzej K. , Faruk Omar 
Published: December 2005

Microcellular wood fiber reinforced PP composites, a new development using bio-fiber strengthened plastic, are prepared in an injection molding process. The microcellular composites with five different types of wood fibers (hard wood fiber, finer hard wood fiber, soft wood fiber, finer soft wood fiber, and long wood fiber) are examined. The influence of wood fiber content (30-60% by weight) on the microcellular properties is also investigated. Microcell morphology (cell size, shape, and distribution) is observed using optical light and scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). The wood fiber length, geometry, and content strongly affected the microcellular structures of wood-PP composites. Composites with finer wood fibers possess better microcellular structures, and at a constant chemical foaming content, the higher percentage of wood fiber results in composites with smaller microcells. Due to the finer microcellular structures, finer wood fibers also result in improved physico-mechanical properties.
Selective processing of social threat cues following acute tryptophan depletion
Authors: Munafò Marcus R , Hayward Gail , Harmer Catherine 
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of low dose tryptophan depletion on recovered depressed patients both on and off antidepressant medication on an emotional Stroop task using social threat cues. Twenty-four healthy volunteers, 24 euthymic volunteers with a history of depression not currently on antidepressant medication and 24 euthymic volunteers with a history of depression and currently on antidepressant medication were randomly allocated to double-blind treatment with either a tryptophan depleting or a balanced mixture. All participants then completed subjective mood ratings and an emotional Stroop task using social threat cues. The recovered depressed group on medication demonstrated an increase in selective processing of social threat cues on the emotional Stroop task in the tryptophan depletion compared to the control condition. This was not the case for either healthy controls or the recovered depressed group not on medication. Although none of the patients showed a clinically significant relapse following tryptophan depletion, the medicated group showed a small but statistically significant increase in self-rated depression on the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Our data indicate that low-dose acute tryptophan depletion elicits both cognitive processing typical of the depressed state and subtle changes in subjective mood in the recovered depressed group on medication, but not in the recovered depressed group not on medication. This suggests that these two groups may differ in their underlying vulnerability to compromised serotonin function.
Antinociceptive effect of spinally administered cannabinergic and 2-adrenoceptor drugs on the formalin test in rat: possible interactions
Authors: Khodayar Mohammad Javad , Shafaghi Bijan , Naderi Nima , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza 
Published: December 2005

The current experiments were designed to study the antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of cannabinoid CB1receptor and 2-adrenoceptor drugs in the nociceptive processing and also their receptor interactions. Different doses of a cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP 55,940, and an 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine induced a dose-dependent antinociception in both phases of the formalin test.CP 55,940-induced antinociception was reduced by pretreatment of a selective cannabinoid CB1receptor antagonist, SR 141716A, but not by pretreatment with an 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine in both phases of the test. However, yohimbine and SR 141716A attenuated the antinociception induced by clonidine in the early phase but not in the late phase of the test. While SR 141716A by itself did not influence pain behaviour, the reversal effect of clonidine by SR 141716A indicate that clonidine stimulate the release of endocannabinoid(s).In conclusion, our findings may suggest that: (1) spinal cannabinoid and 2-adrenoceptor systems are able to induce antinociception in both phases of formalin test, and (2) the cannabinoid system may be involved in the antinociception induced by adrenoceptors in the early phase.