Low-temperature ion beam sputtered optical coatings.

In thin film deposition processes, the lower limit of the deposition temperature is determined by the used coating technology and the duration of the coating process and is usually higher than room temperature. Hence, the processing of thermally sensitive materials and the adjustability of thin film morphology are limited. In consequence, for factual low-temperature deposition processes, an active cooling of the substrate is required. The effect of low substrate temperature on thin film properties during ion beam sputtering was investigated. The S i O 2 and T a 2 O 5 films grown at 0°C show a trend of lower optical losses and higher laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) compared to 100°C.

Esophageal pythiosis in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Ptiose Esofágica em avestrus (Struthio camelus)

Uma avestruz-do-pescoço-vermelho, com dois anos de idade, apresentava um nódulo no terço médio do esôfago e foi submetida a procedimento cirúrgico. Histologicamente, observou-se uma área focalmente extensa de necrose estendendo-se da túnica mucosa à muscular, e, em algumas secções, à túnica adventícia. Circundando a área de necrose, observou-se uma reação inflamatória composta principalmente por granulócitos e macrófagos, associada à fibroplasia e neovascularização. Em meio às áreas de necrose e inflamação, verificavam-se numerosas imagens negativas de hifas em seções longitudinais e transversais, melhor apreciadas pela coloração de metenamina nitrato de prata de Grocott. O diagnóstico definitivo de infecção por Pythium insidiosum foi confirmado por imuno-histoquímica. A avestruz recebia água para consumo de um lago localizado em uma área de pastagem, no qual alguns cavalos haviam desenvolvido pitiose cutânea anteriormente.(AU)

Activity-dependent bulk endocytosis proteome reveals a key presynaptic role for the monomeric GTPase Rab11.

Activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE) is the dominant mode of synaptic vesicle endocytosis during high-frequency stimulation, suggesting it should play key roles in neurotransmission during periods of intense neuronal activity. However, efforts in elucidating the physiological role of ADBE have been hampered by the lack of identified molecules which are unique to this endocytosis mode. To address this, we performed proteomic analysis on purified bulk endosomes, which are a key organelle in ADBE. Bulk endosomes were enriched via two independent approaches, a classical subcellular fractionation method and isolation via magnetic nanoparticles. There was a 77% overlap in proteins identified via the two protocols, and these molecules formed the ADBE core proteome. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a strong enrichment in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal and signaling molecules, in addition to expected synaptic and trafficking proteins. Network analysis identified Rab GTPases as a central hub within the ADBE proteome. Subsequent investigation of a subset of these Rabs revealed that Rab11 both facilitated ADBE and accelerated clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings suggest that the ADBE proteome will provide a rich resource for the future study of presynaptic function, and identify Rab11 as a regulator of presynaptic function.

[Bilateral Ischiofemoral Impingement: A Case Report]. / Bilaterales ischiofemorales Impingement: ein Fallbericht.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) is a rare cause of hip pain and was first described in 1977. While it can be related to trauma, it may also be idiopathic. We report a case of IFI in a 22-year old female, who was successfully treated by resection of the lesser trochanter. However, 8 months later, symptoms recurred on the contralateral side. Surgical intervention was required to alleviate the patient's symptoms. This case report discusses the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of IFI.

Parallelized multichannel BSDF measurements.

The intensity of scattered light is extremely sensitive to even small changes of illumination wavelength, incident angle, polarization states, or even the measurement position. To obtain light scattering distributions with varied parameters, time-consuming sequential measurement procedures are typically employed. Here, we propose a concept for the measurement of multiple properties at the same time. This is achieved by tailoring orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for light scattering measurement techniques to the required low inter-channel crosstalk performance. The concept is used for a highly-robust roughness and contamination characterization, to derive one-shot roughness information, as well as to characterize color and appearance.

Roughness and optical losses of rugate coatings.

Light-scattering measurements on rugate coatings made out of mixtures of Si(x)Ta(y)O(z) and Si(x)Hf(y)O(z) were performed. Through successive optimization steps for the substrate roughness and deposition parameters, the overall scattering loss could be reduced by 96% to 3.5 ppm. In order to analyze the relevant scattering mechanisms in such coatings, different theoretical models for scattering from bulk and surface imperfections are compared to measured data. The best accordance between simulated and measured data could be achieved for the theory based on bulk imperfections, while the classical roughness based theory, which is used for conventional multilayer systems, gives reasonable good results.

Occurrence of tumours metastatic to bones and multicentric tumours with skeletal involvement in dogs.

The skeletons of 110 dogs with malignant tumours of different origins were examined by necropsy examination over a 3-year period to identify bone metastases. Twenty-one cases of metastatic or multicentric tumours with bone involvement were recorded. In general, more female dogs presented with bony metastases; however, when the dogs with mammary tumours were omitted, the gender distribution of the cases was approximately equivalent. The mammary gland was the primary site of most of the metastatic bone lesions, followed by the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory system. The majority (77%) of metastases were grossly visible and present in multiple bones. However, in 23% of the cases, the metastases could be diagnosed only at the microscopical level. The vertebrae and the humerus were the most frequently affected bones regardless of the primary site and the histogenesis of the tumours. The results of this study revealed a high prevalence of bone metastases and/or bone involvement in dogs with multicentric tumours.

A comparative study of the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of pythiosis in horses, dogs and cattle.

Twenty-one cases of pythiosis in horses (n = 10), dogs (n = 9) and cattle (n = 2) were investigated. The aetiology in all cases was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Data related to the clinical course and outcome and localization of the lesions were obtained from pathology reports. The equine lesions consisted of fibrotic tissue with multiple, often coalescing, areas of immature granulation tissue encircling eosinophilic cores. Affected dogs had gastrointestinal and/or cutaneous lesions with either or both of a granulomatous/pyogranulomatous or necrotizing eosinophilic inflammatory reaction. In cattle, cutaneous lesions were characterized by multifocal to coalescing granulomas with surrounding fibrosis. The number of intralesional hyphae, the distribution of hyphae, the presence of angioinvasion and the nature of the local inflammatory reactions were associated with the different types of lesions observed.

Postgraduate education in neurology in Central and Eastern Europe.

The policy of the European co-operation in the new atmosphere of an international solidarity became one of the priorities of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS). It could be hardly pursued more efficiently in any other field of neurological performance as in education. To review several aspects of neurological practice and education the 'First European Co-operation Neurology Workshop' was held in the castle of Trest', Czech Republic, 13-20 April 2000. Participants from 15 countries (Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic and Slovenia), covering a region of 316 million inhabitants and 25 000 neurologists, presented their national postgraduate education systems (besides other topics). We refer data on density of medical doctors and that of neurologists, pre-board certification phase, board examination, continuing medical education (CME), and qualification rewards. Illustrative data were put in the comparative tables. This first meeting has founded the basis for a dynamic future collaboration in order to continue the integration process and an exchange of current information regarding CME amongst central and eastern countries as well as western Europe.

Characterization of a novel serine/threonine kinase associated with nuclear bodies.

A novel protein kinase, Mx-interacting protein kinase (PKM), has been identified in a yeast two-hybrid screen for interaction partners of human MxA, an interferon-induced GTPase with antiviral activity against several RNA viruses. A highly conserved protein kinase domain is present in the N-terminal moiety of PKM, whereas an Mx interaction domain overlaps with C-terminal PEST sequences. PKM has a molecular weight of about 127,000 and exhibits high sequence homology to members of a recently described family of homeodomain-interacting protein kinases. Recombinant PKM has serine/threonine kinase activity that is abolished by a single amino acid substitution in the ATP binding domain (K221W). PKM catalyzes autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of various cellular and viral proteins. PKM is expressed constitutively and colocalizes with the interferon-inducible Sp100 protein and murine Mx1 in discrete nuclear structures known as nuclear bodies.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of a stress-induced multifunctional O-methyltransferase with pinosylvin methyltransferase activity from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.).

Formation of pinosylvin (PS) and pinosylvin 3-O-monomethyl ether (PSM), as well as the activities of stilbene synthase (STS) and S-adenosyl-1-methionine (SAM):pinosylvin O-methyltransferase (PMT), were induced strongly in needles of Scots pine seedlings upon ozone treatment, as well as in cell suspension cultures of Scots pine upon fungal elicitation. A SAM-dependent PMT protein was purified and partially characterised. A cDNA encoding PMT was isolated from an ozone-induced Scots pine cDNA library. Southern blot analysis of the genomic DNA suggested the presence of a gene family. The deduced protein sequence showed the typical highly conserved regions of O-methyltransferases (OMTs), and average identities of 20-56% to known OMTs. PMT expressed in Escherichia coli corresponded to that of purified PMT (40 kDa) from pine cell cultures. The recombinant enzyme catalysed the methylation of PS, caffeic acid, caffeoyl-CoA and quercetin. Several other substances, such as astringenin, resveratrol, 5-OH-ferulic acid, catechol and luteolin, were also methylated. Recombinant PMT thus had a relatively broad substrate specificity. Treatment of 7-year old Scots pine trees with ozone markedly increased the PMT mRNA level. Our results show that PMT represents a new SAM-dependent OMT for the methylation of stress-induced pinosylvin in Scots pine needles.

The deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: We have investigated the deterioration of cardiovascular reflexes in Parkinson's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a group of 20 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in a group of 10 age-matched control subjects a battery of cardiovascular reflex (CVR) tests (Valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing test, handgrip test, orthostatic test) was repeated after 3 years. RESULTS: In PD patients at deep breathing test, at Valsalva manoeuvre and at orthostatic test the heart rate response decreased significantly (P<0.05). The impairment of systolic and diastolic blood pressure response at orthostatic test was significant as well (P < 0.005). At hand grip test no significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure response were found. In control subjects only heart rate response at orthostatic test decreased significantly after 3 years. CONCLUSION: Our results show progression of an impairment of sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the cardiovascular functions in patients with PD over a period of 3 years.

MxA GTPase: oligomerization and GTP-dependent interaction with viral RNP target structures.

MxA protein is an interferon-induced GTPase of human cells that inhibits the multiplication of several RNA viruses, including influenza viruses and bunyaviruses. Studies on MxA transgenic mice have shown that MxA is a powerful antiviral agent in vivo. It has been suggested that this cellular protein also protects humans from viral disease, but the mechanism(s) by which MxA exerts its antiviral action is still poorly understood. Using an in vitro cosedimentation assay, we now demonstrate that MxA tightly interacts with components of the ribonucleoprotein complex of Thogoto virus, an influenza-like virus transmitted by ticks. This assay demonstrates for the first time a physical interaction between MxA GTPase and a viral target structure. It is based on three elements, namely, highly active MxA GTPases as effector molecules, viral ribonucleoprotein particles as viral targets, and GTPgammaS as a stabilizing factor. Furthermore, using a simple nuclear translocation assay, we show that human MxA protein forms oligomers in vivo. This assay provides a stringent test for tight association of partner molecules in intact mammalian cells. It not only will be useful for studying physical interactions of MxA with partner molecules, but may also be applicable to other studies on protein-protein interactions in living cells.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms on patients with congestive heart failure. VEST Investigators for TNF Genotype Analysis. Vesnarinone Survival Trial.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is known to be elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Two biallelic polymorphisms have been identified in the TNF gene locus: one in the promoter region of TNF-alpha (TNFA1/2), and the other in the first intron of TNF-beta (TNFB1/2). Both TNFA2 and TNFB2 alleles are associated with high TNF-alpha production in vitro and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. Given the importance of TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of CHF, we studied the prevalence of TNF gene polymorphisms in CHF patients and the correlation of genotypes to in vivo TNF-alpha levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: TNFA and TNFB genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. There were no differences in the TNF allele frequencies between CHF (n=229; TNFA1/2=0.84/0.16, TNFB1/2=0.33/0.67) and control subjects (n=139; TNFA1/2=0.84/0.16, TNFB1/2=0.32/0.68). In 211 patients with CHF, circulating levels of TNF-alpha and the soluble receptors type I and type II were measured by ELISA: 6.18+/-3.59 pg/mL, 1768+/-761 pg/mL, and 4484+/-1750 pg/mL, respectively. There were no correlations between TNFA or TNFB genotypes and circulating levels of TNF-alpha or its soluble receptors in the CHF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite their association with other inflammatory diseases, neither TNFA nor TNFB polymorphisms are related to the presence of CHF or the elevation of circulating TNF-alpha. Thus, other factors may be more important in determining the circulating levels of TNF-alpha in CHF.

Intravenous immune globulin in the therapy of myocarditis and acute cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Although an autoimmune pathogenesis has been postulated for dilated cardiomyopathy, immunosuppressive therapy has not been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Immune modulatory therapy with immune globulin is an effective therapy for Kawasaki disease in children, and recent data suggest that it improves ventricular function in children with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathies. The role of immune globulin therapy in adults with this disorder has not previously been evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten patients were treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin infusions (2 g/kg). All were hospitalized with NYHA class III to IV heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.40, and symptoms for < 6 months at the time of presentation. One patient died before the completion of therapy. The remaining 9 were discharged, and LVEF was reassessed 12 months after therapy. LVEF improved from 0.24 +/- 0.02 (mean +/- SEM) at baseline to 0.41 +/- 0.04 at follow-up (P = .003). All 9 patients improved functionally to NYHA class I to II, and there have been no subsequent hospitalizations for heart failure during the course of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients with new-onset dilated cardiomyopathy treated with high-dose immune globulin, LVEF improved 17 EF units. The effectiveness of intravenous immune globulin therapy in this disorder should be evaluated in a randomized, multicenter trial.

Biochemical plant responses to ozone : I. Differential induction of polyamine and ethylene biosynthesis in tobacco.

Polyamine metabolism was examined in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) exposed to a single ozone treatment (5 or 7 hours) and then postcultivated in pollutant-free air. The levels of free and conjugated putrescine were rapidly increased in the ozone-tolerant cultivar Bel B and remained high for 3 days. This accumulation was preceded by a transient rise of l-arginine decar-boxylase (ADC, EC 4.1.1.19) activity. The ozone-sensitive cultivar Bel W3 showed a rapid production of ethylene and high levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid after 1 to 2 hours of exposure. Induction of putrescine levels and ADC activity was weak in this cultivar and was observed when necrotic lesions developed. Leaf injury occurred in both lines when the molar ratio of putrescine to 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid or ethylene fell short of a certain threshold value. Monocaffeoyl-putrescine, an effective scavenger for oxyradicals, was detected in the apo-plastic fluid of the leaves of cv Bel B and increased upon exposure to ozone. This extracellular localization could allow scavenging of ozone-derived oxyradicals at the first site of their generation. Induction of either polyamine or ethylene pathways may represent a control mechanism for inhibition or promotion of lesion formation and thereby contribute to the disposition of plants for ozone tolerance.

Evolution, traits, and the stages of human courtship: qualifying the parental investment model.

Individual differences are explicitly connected to social interaction in Darwin's notion of sexual selection. Traits that increase the probability of successful reproduction will tend to increase in frequency. This process operates partly through differential choice, by one sex, of certain traits in the other. According to the parental investment model, females frequently have more stringent criteria for the traits they will accept in a mate because they have a relatively larger investment in each offspring. Because human mating arrangements often involve a substantial commitment of resources by the male, it is necessary to invoke a distinction between the selectivity involved during casual mating opportunities and the selectivity exercised when choosing a long-term partner. Ninety-three undergraduate men and women rated their minimum criteria on 24 partner characteristics at four levels of commitment. In line with an unqualified parental investment model, females were more selective overall, particularly on status-linked variables. In line with a qualified parental investment model, males' trait preferences depended upon the anticipated investment in the relationship. Males had lower requirements for a sexual partner than did females, but were nearly as selective as females when considering requirements for a long-term partner.

[Mineralization activity of microorganisms in refuse from medical consulting rooms and in municipal refuse]. / Mineralisierungsaktivität von Mikroorganismen in Abfällen aus Arztpraxen und im Hausmüll.

Mineralization activity of microorganisms in refuse from consulting rooms of general practitioners, E.T.N.-specialists, dermatologists, dentists, veterinarians, and in municipal refuse was estimated by means of CO2 and NH3 measurement. In comparison to municipal refuse, the refuse from medical consulting rooms released only low amounts of CO2 and NH3. Only in refuse from the veterinarians consulting rooms relative high mineralization was found, due to specific consistency (fecal contamination) of those refuse. A slight enrichment in pepton of all refuse under test resulted in a strong enhancement of the CO2 and NH3 evolution. That effect indicates either high potential mineralization activity of microorganisms in the refuse from medical consulting rooms and their relative resistance to microbial degradation.