bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterization of wild type measles virus isolated in Croatia during the 2003–2004 outbreak
Authors: Forcic Dubravko , Ivancic J. , Baricevic M. , Mahovlic V. , Tesovic G. , Bozinovic D. , Gjenero Margan I. , Mazuran R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractViral epidemiology is determined by the movement of infected people within and between geographical areas. The genetic characterization of wild‐type isolates combined with standard epidemiological methods may enable the identification of the source and transmission pathways and permit differentiation between indigenous and imported viruses. We investigated the genetic characteristics of the wild‐type measles virus isolated in Croatia during a 2003–2004 outbreak. The results of this study indicate the presence of the D4 measles virus genotype in Europe. The isolated virus is closely related to virus isolates from the India‐like subgroup of the D4 measles virus genotype. The virus responsible for this outbreak differs in the hemagglutinin gene sequence from other virus strains belonging to the D4 genotype. The hemagglutinin gene sequence also differs when compared to viruses from other genotypes that are known to circulate in Europe and from vaccine strains. J. Med. Virol. 75:307–312, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual effect of DL‐homocysteine and S‐adenosylhomocysteine on brain synthesis of the glutamate receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid
Authors: Luchowska E. , Luchowski P. , Paczek R. , Ziembowicz A. , Kocki T. , Turski W.A. , Wielosz M. , Lazarewicz J. , Urbanska E.M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIncreased serum level of homocysteine, a sulfur‐containing amino acid, is considered a risk factor in vascular disorders and in dementias. The effect of homocysteine and metabolically related compounds on brain production of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of glutamate ionotropic receptors, was studied. In rat cortical slices, DL‐homocysteine enhanced (0.1–0.5 mM) or inhibited (concentration inducing 50% inhibition [IC50] = 6.4 [5.5–7.5] mM) KYNA production. In vivo peripheral application of DL‐homocysteine (1.3 mmol/kg intraperitoneally) increased KYNA content (pmol/g tissue) from 8.47 ± 1.57 to 13.04 ± 2.86 (P < 0.01; 15 min) and 11.4 ± 1.72 (P < 0.01; 60 min) in cortex, and from 4.11 ± 1.54 to 10.02 ± 3.08 (P < 0.01; 15 min) in rat hippocampus. High concentrations of DL‐homocysteine (20 mM) applied via microdialysis probe decreased KYNA levels in rabbit hippocampus; this effect was antagonized partially by an antagonist of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, LY367385. In vitro, S‐adenosylhomocysteine acted similar to but more potently than DL‐homocysteine, augmenting KYNA production at 0.03–0.08 mM and reducing it at ≥0.5 mM. The stimulatory effect of S‐adenosylhomocysteine was abolished in the presence of the L‐kynurenine uptake inhibitors L‐leucine and L‐phenyloalanine. Neither the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist CGS 19755 nor L‐glycine influenced DL‐homocysteine‐ and S‐adenosylhomocysteine‐induced changes of KYNA synthesis in vitro. DL‐Homocysteine inhibited the activity of both KYNA biosynthetic enzymes, kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) I and II, whereas S‐adenosylhomocysteine reduced only the activity of KAT II. L‐Methionine and L‐cysteine, thiol‐containing compounds metabolically related to homocysteine, acted only as weak inhibitors, reducing KYNA production in vitro and inhibiting the activity of KAT II (L‐cysteine) or KAT I (L‐methionine). The present data suggest that DL‐homocysteine biphasically modulates KYNA synthesis. This seems to result from conversion of compound to S‐adenosylhomocysteine, also acting dually on KYNA formation, and in part from the direct interaction of homocysteine with metabotropic glutamate receptors and KYNA biosynthetic enzymes. It seems probable that hyperhomocystemia‐associated brain dysfunction is mediated partially by changes in brain KYNA level. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intercalation‐induced structural change of DNA as studied by 1064 nm near‐infrared multichannel Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yuzaki Kenro , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o 
Published: December 2004

AbstractUsing 1064 nm‐excited dispersive multichannel Raman spectroscopy, we were able to measure the Raman spectra of the ethidium bromide (EB)–DNA complex in aqueous solution. Excitation at 1064 nm decreased the fluorescence due to EB to a considerable extent, so that high signal‐to‐noise ratio Raman spectra of the DNA–EB complex were obtained. The effect of the intercalation of EB into calf thymus DNA was investigated for various EB/DNA (base pair) molar ratios ranging from 1/30 to 1/3. The Raman spectral changes clearly indicated a structural transition of DNA from the B‐form to an A‐like form with increasing the EB concentration. Thus, the intercalation‐induced structural change of DNA was successfully traced by Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐domain reconstruction of lossy objects using dipole antennas
Authors: Zhou Hui , Takenaka Takashi , Tanaka Toshiyuki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn iterative time‐domain algorithm for reconstructing three‐dimensional (3D) lossy objects using microwave data transmitted and collected by dipole antennas is presented. The electromagnetic and adjoint fields are calculated using the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. Numerical examples show the algorithm can rebuild simultaneously from noise‐free and noisy data the permittivity and conductivity of a 3D lossy object settled in a lossless background. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 238–243, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20598
Optical clock recovery from 10‐Gb/s NRZ signal after propagation on 100 km of DS, NZD or SR installed fiber
Authors: Betti S. , Curti F. , Duca E. , Monterosso S. , Reale A. , Tosi‐Beleffi G. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn optical clock has been experimentally recovered by an actively mode‐locked fiber ring based on a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) from a 10‐Gb/s NRZ data stream after propagation on 100 km of installed fiber (either DS, or NZD, or SR). The results indicate the flexibility and robustness of the technique, which seems well suited for application in optical networks. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 264–266, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20606
Electromagnetic scattering by partially inhomogeneous dielectric bodies of revolution
Authors: Kucharski Andrzej A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMethods for the computation of electromagnetic scattering by partially inhomogeneous dielectric bodies are considered. The formulations are based on hybrid volume/surface integral equations (VIE/SIE), where volume‐equivalent currents are used to model the inhomogeneous parts of the body while surface currents are responsible for satisfying the boundary conditions at the body surface. The algorithms are developed for so‐called bodies of revolution (BOR); however, the underlying equations are fully general and may be applied to any 3D objects. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 275–281, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20610
Effect of substrate height variations on radiation properties of microstrip patch antennas on ferrite
Authors: Albuquerque M. R. M. L. , Silva S. G. , Oliveira J. R. S. , d'Assunção A. G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the theoretical behavior of microstrip antennas on tapered ferrite substrates. A full‐wave analysis in the spectral domain is developed to provide antenna bandwidth enhancement as a function of linear variations in the substrate‐height profile that supports the patch. The results for the main parameters are presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 289–292, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20613
Prospective evaluation of urological effects of aging in chronic spinal cord injury by method of bladder management
Authors: Drake M.J. , Cortina‐Borja M. , Savic G. , Charlifue S.W. , Gardner B.P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAimsRisk of treatment‐related problems in spinal cord injury (SCI) mandates assessment of complication rates of different bladder management methods (BMMs). The current study evaluated aging‐related complications of various BMMs over a 6‐year period in a population with spinal cord injury for at least 20 years.Materials and MethodsClinical parameters were compared using a linear mixed effects model, controlling for various confounding variables, to establish complication trends with aging and their association with BMM. Results for people whose BMM was changed during the study were evaluated separately as well as in combination with the whole population.ResultsOne hundred and ninety six people (mean age 57.4 and years post injury (YPI) 33) were evaluated on three occasions. Both age and YPI were significantly associated with rising complication rates regardless of BMM. The BMMs assessed differed in terms of complication rates. In comparison with balanced reflex voiding, straining was significantly better for renal structural abnormality. Intermittent catheterization was associated with significantly worse renal function, possibly for demographic reasons. Overall, 28.8% changed BMM during the study period, particularly, those using straining or balanced reflex voiding. The probability of change increased with age and YPI. Reasons for change of BMM were varied and there was no specific association between reason for change and BMM.ConclusionsAging and duration of injury substantially influence urological complication rates, and BMM options differ in respect of prevalence and incidence of complications. At a late stage post injury there remains a high probability of change in BMM. The findings indicate the importance of long‐term planning from the time of injury to minimize late complications. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current perception thresholds in the lower urinary tract: Sine‐ and square‐wave currents studied in young healthy volunteers
Authors: De Laet Kevin , De Wachter Stefan , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAimsTo establish normative current perception threshold (CPT) values with neuroselective sine‐wave current in the lower urinary tract and to compare these values with square‐wave current CPTs.Materials and Methods10 female and 8 male healthy volunteers were used for this study. A filling cystometry was performed and CPTs were determined with square‐wave current at a frequency of 2.5 Hz and with neuroselective sine‐wave current at 5 (C‐fiber), 250 (Aδ‐fiber), and 2000 Hz (Aβ‐fiber) in the bladder, the posterior, and the distal urethra.ResultsBladder CPTs were significantly higher compared with CPTs in the posterior urethra (P < 0.028) and in the distal urethra (P < 0.002) with all three sine‐wave frequencies. No significant difference was found with any sine‐wave frequency between the posterior and distal urethra (P > 0.30). Using square‐wave pulses at 2.5 Hz, CPTs decreased towards the distal urethra, with a significant difference between the three stimulation sites (P < 0.0001). At all sites tested, the CPT's determined with sine‐wave current at 2000 Hz were significantly higher than those at 250 Hz (P < 0.002) and 5 Hz (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between 5 Hz and 250 Hz at any site in the LUT (P > 0.50). At all sites, CPTs determined with square‐wave pulses at 2.5 Hz were significantly higher than those determined with sine‐wave current at all frequencies (P < 0.001). CPTs determined with all sine‐wave currents were not correlated with CPTs using square‐wave pulses. There was no correlation between the volumes at which sensation of filling occurred and the CPTs.ConclusionsWe described normative values in young healthy volunteers at three sites in the LUT using sine‐wave current. Although this type of current is said to be neuroselctive, this needs to be confirmed. Stimulation with sine‐wave current is different and might be more physiologic compared to square‐wave stimulation. Our data show that sine‐wave current stimulation at 5 Hz, 250 Hz, and 2000 Hz can probably not be used as a semi‐objective measurement of the sensation of bladder filling because no correlation was found between CPTs and the cystometeric sensation of filling. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary communication: Urodynamic assessment of donepezil hydrochloride in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Yoshiyama Mitsuharu , Yamanishi Tomoyuki , Hattori Takamichi 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and AimsDonepezil hydrochloride, a central cholinergic drug, is widely used for improving cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether donepezil might affect the lower urinary tract (LUT) function in AD.MethodsAlzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) (0–70, increase as impairment), urinary questionnaire, and electromyography (EMG)‐cystometry were performed in eight patients with AD before and after treatment with 5 mg/day of donepezil.ResultsThe first assessment (before donepezil) showed moderate cognitive decline in the patients as a mean ADAS‐cog score of 27.0 (range: 17–35) (normal < 15). Seven patients had urinary symptoms including urinary urgency incontinence in five.EMG‐cystometry revealed neurogenic detrusor overactivity in seven with a mean detrusor pressure of 44.9 cmH2O (20–101), mean bladder capacity of 202 ml (20–412), and post‐void residuals in none. The second assessment (3 months after donepezil) showed a decrease in the ADAS‐cog score to 23.3 (11–35) though without statistical significance. Urinary incontinence disappeared in one and none had a new onset of incontinence. EMG‐cystometry revealed an increase in the detrusor pressure on overactivity to 54.1 cmH2O (20–122), but also an increase in the bladder capacity to 234 ml (80–400), and post‐void residuals in one (40 ml).ConclusionAlthough the number of our patients was small, it seems possibly that donepezil could ameliorate cognitive function without serious adverse effects on the LUT function in patients with AD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upstream CpG island methylation of the PAX3 gene in human rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Peterson Charlotte A. , Parham David M. , Chen Bin , McDonald Rachel E. , Cooney Craig A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundAdult tumors can be characterized by hypermethylation of CpG islands associated with 5′‐upstream and coding regions of specific genes. This hypermethylation can also be part of the aging process. In contrast, much less is known about gene hypermethylation in childhood cancers, where methylation changes are not part of the aging process but likely represent developmental dysregulation. PAX3 is an important gene in muscle development and muscle‐producing neoplasms such as rhabdomyosarcomas.ProceduresWe examined the methylation status of a PAX3 5′‐CpG island in rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes and in normal fetal skeletal muscle. PAX3 methylation was analyzed in 15 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, 12 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, and in six normal skeletal muscle samples, using semi‐quantitative PCR analysis of DNA digested with methyl‐sensitive restriction enzymes.ResultsThe CpG island in the upstream region of the human PAX3 gene was hypermethylated in the majority of ERMS examined (13 of 15 tumors, mean of 52% methylation), whereas most ARMS (9 of 12 tumors) and all normal muscle samples showed relative hypomethylation (both 18% mean methylation). Various CpG sites differ in contribution to overall PAX3 CpG island methylation, with methylation at a HaeII site being inversely correlated with PAX3 expression.ConclusionsPAX3 CpG island methylation appears to distinguish embryonal subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma from alveolar, and methylation at certain sites within this CpG island is inversely correlated with PAX3 expression. In addition to exemplifying developmental dysregulation, methylation of PAX3 has potential in the development of an epigenetic profile for the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metallothionein protects bone marrow stromal cells against hydrogen peroxide‐induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Liu An‐Ling , Zhang Zhong‐Ming , Zhu Bi‐Feng , Liao Zhao‐Hui , Liu Zhu 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMetallothionein (MT), a cysteine‐rich, metal‐binding protein, is involved in homeostatic regulation of essential metals and protection of cells against oxidative injury. It has been shown that oxidative stress is associated with pathogenesis of osteoporosis and is capable of inhibiting osteoblastic differentiation of bone cells by nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). In this study, the effect of MT on oxidative stress‐induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation was examined. 50–200 μM hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress suppressed the osteoblastic differentiation process of primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), manifested by a reduction in the differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The presence of exogenous MT (20–500 μM) or induction of endogenous MT by ZnCl2 (50–200 μM) could protect BMSCs against H2O2‐induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation, manifested by a resumption of H2O2‐inhibited ALP activity and ALP positive cells. Furthermore, adding exogenous MT or inducing endogenous MT expression impaired H2O2‐stimulated NF‐κB signaling. These data indicate the ability of MT to protect BMSCs against oxidative stress‐induced inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation.
Combined systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Clements Ian P. 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundHeart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) suggests isolated diastolic dysfunction.AimThe purpose of this study was to determine if systolic and diastolic dysfunction occurred with preserved LVEF.MethodsEquilibrium resting radionuclide ventriculograms from 439 patients with an LVEF ≥0.50 were used to determine LV peak filling rate (PFR) and peak ejection rate (PER) in end‐diastolic volumes per second and LV end‐systolic volume (ml). Patients with low‐normal (n=147; range, 0.50−0.58; mean±S.D., 0.53±0.02), intermediate‐normal (161, 0.59−0.64, 0.61±0.02), and high‐normal (131, 0.65−0.94, 0.72±0.06) LVEF were compared.ResultsFrom low‐normal to intermediate‐normal to high‐normal LVEF, LV end‐systolic volume decreased (93±36, 71±33, 43±26, respectively, P<0.0001), PFR increased (2.31±0.74, 2.58±0.74, 3.15±0.94, P<0.0001), PER increased (−2.78±0.50, −3.13±0.47, −3.83±0.84, P<0.0001), the percentages of patients with abnormal PFR decreased (66, 56, 40, P<.0001), and the percentage with abnormal PER decreased (47, 14, 5, P<0.0001). Of 193 patients with preserved LVEF and abnormally low PFR, 65 (34%) had abnormally low PER.ConclusionsThe results indicate that a preserved LVEF was often associated with LV systolic dysfunction (enlarged LV end‐systolic volume and low PER) and LV diastolic dysfunction (decreased PFR).
Work‐rate affects cardiopulmonary exercise test results in heart failure
Authors: Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Bianchi Michele , Moraschi Andrea , Palermo Pietro , Cattadori Gaia , La Gioia Rocco , Bussotti Maurizio , Wasserman Karlman 
Published: December 2004

AimsCardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is used to evaluate patients with chronic heart failure (HF) usually by means of a personalized ramp exercise protocol. Our aim was to evaluate if exercise duration or ramp rate influences the results.Methods and resultsNinety HF patients were studied (peak VO2: >20 ml/min/kg, n=28, 15>20 ml/min/kg, n=39 and <15 ml/min/kg, n=23). Each patient did four CPET studies. The initial study was used to separate the subjects into three groups, according to their exercise capacity. In the remaining studies, work‐rate was increased at three different rates designed to have the subjects reach peak exercise in 5, 10 and 15 min from the start of the ramp increase in work‐rate, respectively. The order was randomized. The work‐rate applied for the total population averaged 22.7±8.0, 11.6±3.7, 7.5±2.9 W/min with effective loaded exercise duration of 5 min and 16 s±29 s, 9 min and 43 s±49 s and 14 min and 32 s±1 min and 12 s for the 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐min tests, respectively. Peak averaged 16.9±4.3*, 18.0±4.4 and 18.0±5.4 ml/min/kg for the 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐min tests, (*=p<0.001 vs. 10 min). The shortest test had the lowest peak heart rate and ventilation and highest peak work‐rate. Peak and heart rate were lowest in 5‐min tests regardless of HF severity. The δ/δwork‐rate was lowest in 5‐min tests and highest in 15‐min tests. At all ramp rates, δ/δwork‐rate was lower for the subjects with the lower peak . The slope and at anaerobic threshold were not affected by the protocol for any grade of HF.ConclusionsIn chronic HF, exercise protocol has a small effect on peak and δ/δwork but does not affect at anaerobic threshold and slope.
p38 MAP‐kinase in cultured adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes: expression and involvement in hypertrophic signalling
Authors: Wenzel Sibylle , Müller Claudia , Piper Hans Michael , Schlüter Klaus‐Dieter 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBoth α‐adrenoceptor‐ and β‐adrenoceptor‐stimulation lead to hypertrophic growth of the myocardium. But only β‐adrenoceptor‐stimulation requires the pre‐cultivation of cells with active TGF‐α. In order to define signalling molecules that are specifically involved in α‐adrenoceptor‐dependent hypertrophy, changes in expression and hypertrophic responsiveness during pre‐cultivation with TGF‐α were investigated. Isolated adult ventricular cardiomyocytes from rats were either cultured in 20% (v/v) foetal calf serum (FCS) to activate autocrine released TGF‐β or used without pre‐treatment. Protein synthesis was analysed by 14C‐phenylalanine incorporation. Expression of signalling molecules was determined by immunoblotting. During cultivation of cardiomyocytes with active TGF‐β only the expression of p38 MAP‐kinase increased. Subsequent stimulation of β‐adrenoceptors induced protein synthesis in a p38 MAP‐kinase‐dependent way. However, stimulation of β‐adrenoceptors activated p38 MAP‐kinase irrespective of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β. In the absence of this cytokine, hyperosmolarity or reconstitution of mechanical activity increased protein synthesis via p38 MAP‐kinase activation in freshly isolated cells. In conclusion, activation of p38 MAP‐kinase is a newly identified necessary signalling step required for β‐adrenoceptor induced hypertrophic growth. Like activation of adenyl cyclase, activation of p38 MAP‐kinase is up‐stream of the TGF‐β‐induced coupling to the regulation of protein synthesis. Reconstitution of mechanical activity mimics the co‐activation required and induced by TGF‐β.