bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Frequency of Nonmotor Symptoms among Advanced Parkinson Patients May Depend on Instrument Used for Assessment
Authors: Hwynn Nelson , Haq Ihtsham U. , Malaty Irene A. , Resnick Andrew S. , Okun Michael S. , Carew Danica S. , Oyama Genko , Dai Yunfeng , Wu Samuel S. , Rodriguez Ramon L. , Jacobson Charles E. , Fernandez Hubert H.
Published: August 2011

Background. Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson's disease (PD) may be more debilitating than motor symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and corecognition of NMS among our advanced PD cohort (patients considered for deep brain stimulation (DBS)) and caregivers.Methods. NMS-Questionnaire (NMS-Q), a self-administered screening questionnaire, and NMS Assessment-Scale (NMS-S), a clinician-administered scale, were administered to PD patients and caregivers.Results. We enrolled 33 PD patients (23 males, 10 females) and caregivers. The most frequent NMS among patients using NMS-Q were gastrointestinal (87.9%), sleep (84.9%), and urinary (72.7%), while the most frequent symptoms using NMS-S were sleep (90.9%), gastrointestinal (75.8%), and mood (75.8%). Patient/caregiver scoring correlations for NMS-Q and NMS-S were 0.670 () and 0.527 (), respectively.ConclusionThe frequency of NMS among advanced PD patients and correlation between patients and caregivers varied with the instrument used. The overall correlation between patient and caregiver was greater with NMS-Q than NMS-S.
Thyroid Functions and Bipolar Affective Disorder
Authors: Chakrabarti Subho
Published: August 2011

Accumulating evidence suggests that hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis dysfunction is relevant to the pathophysiology and clinical course of bipolar affective disorder. Hypothyroidism, either overt or more commonly subclinical, appears to the commonest abnormality found in bipolar disorder. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is also likely to be greater among patients with rapid cycling and other refractory forms of the disorder. Lithium-treatment has potent antithyroid effects and can induce hypothyroidism or exacerbate a preexisting hypothyroid state. Even minor perturbations of the HPT axis may affect the outcome of bipolar disorder, necessitating careful monitoring of thyroid functions of patients on treatment. Supplementation with high dose thyroxine can be considered in some patients with treatment-refractory bipolar disorder. Neurotransmitter, neuroimaging, and genetic studies have begun to provide clues, which could lead to an improved understanding of the thyroid-bipolar disorder connection, and more optimal ways of managing this potentially disabling condition.
Current Concepts on Dedifferentiation/High-Grade Transformation in Salivary Gland Tumors
Authors: Costa Ana Flávia , Altemani Albina , Hermsen Mario
Published: August 2011

The concept of dedifferentiation had previously been used in salivary gland carcinomas. Recently, the term “high-grade transformation” was introduced for adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and may better reflect this phenomenon, although transformation into moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (i.e., not “high grade”) has also been described. Among the immunohistochemical markers, Ki-67 seems to be the only one that can help distinguish between the conventional and transformed components; however, the combination of morphological criteria is still sovereign. The overexpression of p53 was observed in the transformed component in all tumor types studied, despite few cases having been demonstrated to carry mutations or deletions in TP53 gene. Genetic studies in salivary gland tumors with dedifferentiation/high-grade transformation are rare and deserve further investigation. This paper aims at providing an overview on the recent concepts in histopathological classification of salivary gland tumors, complemented by immunohistochemical and genetic findings.
Animal Models of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Sider Krista L. , Blaser Mark C. , Simmons Craig A.
Published: August 2011

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), once thought to be a degenerative disease, is now recognized to be an active pathobiological process, with chronic inflammation emerging as a predominant, and possibly driving, factor. However, many details of the pathobiological mechanisms of CAVD remain to be described, and new approaches to treat CAVD need to be identified. Animal models are emerging as vital tools to this end, facilitated by the advent of new models and improved understanding of the utility of existing models. In this paper, we summarize and critically appraise current small and large animal models of CAVD, discuss the utility of animal models for priority CAVD research areas, and provide recommendations for future animal model studies of CAVD.
Unique Properties of Hepatocarcinogenesis-Resistant DRH Rat Hepatocytes Linked or Not Linked to theDrh1Locus on Rat Chromosome 1
Authors: Hashimoto Norikazu , Yamamoto Masahiro , Miyakoshi Masaaki , Tanaka Hiroki , Ogawa Katsuhiro
Published: August 2011

Hepatocarcinogenesis-resistant DRH rats exhibit few and small preneoplastic hepatocytic lesions during hepatocarcinogenesis, of which traits have been assigned to two major chromosomal regions,Drh1andDrh2. In this study, hepatocytes from DRH.F344-Drh1, a congenic strain in which theDrh1chromosomal region was replaced with that of F344 rats, were compared to hepatocytes from Donryu (original strain), DRH, and F344 rats. Although DRH hepatocytes exhibited low proliferation and p38 dephosphorylation after lead nitrate (LN) treatment despite cytokine and Cox2 activation, DRH.F344-Drh1hepatocytes exhibited high responses, as did Donryu and F344 hepatocytes. Moreover, although DRH hepatocytes were resistant to hepatotoxins, DRH.F344-Drh1hepatocytes were as sensitive to hepatotoxins as Donryu and F344 hepatocytes. However, DRH.F344-Drh1hepatocytes like DRH hepatocytes proliferated at lower ratesin vitroand contained smaller nuclei than Donryu and F344 hepatocytes. Thus, low responses to LN and resistance to hepatotoxins in DRH hepatocytes were linked to theDrh1locus, while low proliferationin vitroand small nuclear size were not linked to theDrh1locus.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Heart Disease: Do Antioxidants Have a Role in Treatment and/or Prevention?
Authors: Pashkow Fredric J.
Published: August 2011

Inflammation triggered by oxidative stress is the cause of much, perhaps even most, chronic human disease including human aging. The oxidative stress originates mainly in mitochondria from reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and can be identified in most of the key steps in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and the consequential clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the formation of atherosclerosis, it involves lipid metabolism, plaque rupture, thrombosis, myocardial injury, apoptosis, fibrosis and failure. The recognition of the critical importance of oxidative stress has led to the enthusiastic use of antioxidants in the treatment and prevention of heart disease, but the results of prospective, randomized clinical trials have been overall disappointing. Can this contradiction be explained and what are its implications for the discovery/development of future antioxidant therapeutics?
Is Speciation Accompanied by Rapid Evolution? Insights from Comparing Reproductive and Nonreproductive Transcriptomes inDrosophila
Authors: Jagadeeshan Santosh , Haerty Wilfried , Singh Rama S.
Published: August 2011

The tempo and mode of evolutionary change during speciation have remained contentious until recently. While much of the evidence claiming speciation is an abrupt and rapid process comes from fossil data, recent molecular phylogenetics show that the background of gradual evolution is often broken by accelerated rates of molecular evolution during speciation. However, what kinds of genes affect or are affected by speciation remains unexplored. Our analysis of 4843 protein-coding genes in five species of theDrosophila melanogastersubgroup shows that while ~70% of genes follow clock-like evolution, between 17–19.67% of loci show signatures of accelerated rates of evolution in recently formed species. These genes show 2-3-fold higher rates of substitution in recently diverged species compared to older species. This fraction of loci affects a diverse range of functions. Only a small proportion of reproductive genes experience speciation-related accelerated changes but many sex-and -reproduction related genes show an interesting pattern of persistent rapid evolution suggesting that sex-and-reproduction related genes are under constant selective pressures. The identification of loci associated with accelerated evolution allows us to address the mechanisms of rapid evolution and speciation, which in our study appears to be a combination of both selection and rapid demographical changes.
The Evaluation of Diastolic Dysfunction with Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism and the Effect of L-Thyroxine Treatment on Diastolic Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Erkan Gulbanu , Erkan Aycan Fahri , Cemri Mustafa , Karaahmetoglu Selma , Cesur Mustafa , Cengel Atiye
Published: August 2011

Background. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) predominantly affects women. The necessity of treatment in SH is controversial.Objective. We aimed to investigate the response of diastolic dysfunction to thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) in women.Methods and Results. Twenty-two female subjects with SH and 20 euthyroid female controls were enrolled. Baseline and follow-up biochemical, hormonal, and echocardiographic evaluations were performed. Repeat echocardiograms were performed three months after the achievement of a euthyroid status with THRT. Mean baseline myocardial performance index (MPI) was0.27±0.08in the SH group, and0.22±0.06in the control group (P=0.03). MPI did not change significantly after THRT. Pulsed-wave Doppler findings were not different among the groups. However, tissue Doppler-derived mitral annular E’ velocities were significantly lower in the SH group. A moderate but significant improvement was observed in E’ velocities after THRT (13.2±3.87versus14.53±2.75,P=0.04). We also observed left ventricular concentric remodeling in SH patients which was reversible with THRT.Conclusions. Tissue Doppler echocardiography may be a useful tool for monitoring the response of diastolic dysfunction to thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients with SH. Our findings suggest that THRT may reverse diastolic dysfunction in women with SH.
Cyclic Voltammetry and Impedance Spectroscopy Behavior Studies of Polyterthiophene Modified Electrode
Authors: Maouche Naima , Nessark Belkacem
Published: August 2011

We present in this work a study of the electrochemical behaviour of terthiophene and its corresponding polymer, which is obtained electrochemically as a film by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on platinum electrode. The analysis focuses essentially on the effect of two solvents acetonitrile and dichloromethane on the electrochemical behaviour of the obtained polymer. The electrochemical behavior of this material was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The voltammograms show that the film of polyterthiophene can oxide and reduce in two solutions; in acetonitrile, the oxidation current intensity is more important than in dichloromethane. The impedance plots show the semicircle which is characteristic of charge-transfer resistance at the electrode/polymer interface at high frequency and the diffusion process at low frequency.
Amylolytic Microorganism from São Paulo Zoo Composting: Isolation, Identification, and Amylase Production
Authors: Pascon Renata C. , Bergamo Rogério Faria , Spinelli Rafael Xavier , de Souza Elisangela Dutra , Assis Diego Magno , Juliano Luiz , Vallim Marcelo Afonso
Published: August 2011

Composting is a way of transforming the organic waste into fertilizer, minimizing the use of inorganic compounds that may contaminate the environment. This transformation is the result of the microorganism action, converting complex carbon sources into energy. Enzymes that are exported by the microorganisms to the surrounding environment mediate this process. The aiming of the present work is to prospect the compost produced by the organic composting unit (OCU) of the Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP) to find novel starch hydrolyzing organisms (SHO) that secrete large amounts of amylases under harsh conditions, such as high temperature. We found five bacterial isolates that have amylolytic activity induced by soluble starch and 39°C temperature of growth. These bacterial strains were identified by MALDI-TOF (Matrix-assistedlaserdesorption/ionization-TimeofFlight) analysis, a rapid and efficient methodology for microbe identification in large scale. Our results present amylolytic strains that belong to diverse taxonomic groups (Solibacillus silvestris,Arthrobacter arilaitensis,Isoptericola variabilis, andAcinetobacter calcoaceticus); some of them have never been associated with this kind of hydrolytic activity before. The information regarding enzyme induction will be important to optimize the production by the bacterial isolates, which may be a great value for biotechnological applications.
Relative Expression Levels Rather Than Specific Activity Plays the Major Role in DeterminingIn VivoAKT Isoform Substrate Specificity
Authors: Lee Rachel S. , House Colin M. , Cristiano Briony E. , Hannan Ross D. , Pearson Richard B. , Hannan Katherine M.
Published: August 2011

The AKT protooncogene mediates many cellular processes involved in normal development and disease states such as cancer. The three structurally similar isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3 exhibit both functional redundancy and isoform-specific functions; however the basis for their differential signalling remains unclear. Here we show thatin vitro, purified AKT3 is ∼47-fold more active than AKT1 at phosphorylating peptide and protein substrates. Despite these marked variations in specific activity between the individual isoforms, a comprehensive analysis of phosphorylation of validated AKT substrates indicated only subtle differences in signalling via individual isoformsin vivo. Therefore, we hypothesise, at least in this model system, that relative tissue/cellular abundance, rather than specific activity, plays the dominant role in determining AKT substrate specificityin situ.
In VitroDifferentiation and Maturation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell into Multipotent Cells
Authors: Mahmood Amer , Napoli Claudio , Aldahmash Abdullah
Published: August 2011

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which have the potential to generate virtually any differentiated progeny, are an attractive cell source for transplantation therapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. To realize this potential, it is essential to be able to control ESC differentiation and to direct the development of these cells along specific pathways. Basic science in the field of embryonic development, stem cell differentiation, and tissue engineering has offered important insights into key pathways and scaffolds that regulate hESC differentiation, which have produced advances in modeling gastrulation in culture and in the efficient induction of endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm, and many of their downstream derivatives. These findings have lead to identification of several pathways controlling the differentiation of hESCs into mesodermal derivatives such as myoblasts, mesenchymal cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, as well as hemangioblastic derivatives. The next challenge will be to demonstrate the functional utility of these cells, bothin vitroand in preclinical models of bone and vascular diseases.
Ovine Paratuberculosis: A Seroprevalence Study in Dairy Flocks Reared in the Marche Region, Italy
Authors: Anna Rita Attili , Victor Ngu Ngwa , Silvia Preziuso , Luciana Pacifici , Anastasia Domesi , Vincenzo Cuteri
Published: August 2011

In order to fulfil the seroprevalence gap onMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisinfection in ovine dairy farms of Marche region (central Italy), a stratified study was carried out on 2086 adult female sheep randomly chosen from 38 herds selected in Ancona and Macerata provinces. 73.7% flocks resulted infected by a commercial ELISA test (Pourquier, France), with a mean seroprevalence of 6.29% of sampled sheep in both provinces. A higher number ofMAPseropositive ewes was recorded in the large herds' consistence than in the small and medium herds' consistence (), and a greater percentage of infected sheep was obtained among female at early/late than in peak lactation stage ().MAPinfection was confirmed in 12.6% of infected farms by faecal culture. The true sheep-level seroprevalence was 15.1% ± 7.3%.
Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Biosensors: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Radi Abd-Elgawad
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews the advancements of a wide range of electrochemical aptamer-based biosensors, electrochemical aptasensors, for target analytes monitoring. Methods for immobilizing aptamers onto an electrode surface are discussed. Aptasensors are presented according to their detection strategies. Many of these are simply electrochemical, aptamer-based equivalents of traditional immunochemical approaches, sandwich and competition assays employing electroactive signaling moieties. Others, exploiting the unusual physical properties of aptamers, are signal-on (positive readout signal) and signal-off (negative readout signal) aptasensors based on target binding-induced conformational change of aptamers. Aptamer label-free devices are also discussed.
Exploring Positive and Negative Affect as Key Indicators of Life Satisfaction among Centenarians: Does Cognitive Performance Matter?
Authors: Bishop Alex J. , Martin Peter , Poon Leonard , Johnson Mary Ann
Published: August 2011

The aim of this investigation was to determine how cognitive performance was associated with positive and negative affect and life satisfaction over time. This study involved a secondary longitudinal analysis of cross-section data collected at Phase I (1988–1992) and during an 18-month longitudinal followup at Phase II (1992–1998) of the Georgia Centenarian Study. Participants included centenarians at Time 1 and survivors at Time 2. Significant stability in cognitive impairment existed at Time 1 and Time 2 for positive () and negative affect () models. Negative affect at Time 1 was associated with lower life satisfaction at Time 1 ( ). In addition, cognitive impairment at Time 2 was associated with decreased positive emotionality at Time 2 (, ). Furthermore, greater positive affect at Time 2 was associated with greater satisfaction with life at Time 2 (). It appears that positive emotionality contemporaneously influences the association between cognitive impairment and life satisfaction among centenarians. Implications relative to improving life satisfaction among centenarians are discussed.
Should a Sentinel Node Biopsy Be Performed in Patients with High-Risk Breast Cancer?
Authors: Westover Kenneth D. , Westover M. Brandon , Winer Eric P. , Richardson Andrea L. , Iglehart J. Dirk , Punglia Rinaa S.
Published: August 2011

A negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy spares many breast cancer patients the complications associated with lymph node irradiation or additional surgery. However, patients at high risk for nodal involvement based on clinical characteristics may remain at unacceptably high risk of axillary disease even after a negative SLN biopsy result. A Bayesian nomogram was designed to combine the probability of axillary disease prior to nodal biopsy with customized test characteristics for an SLN biopsy and provides the probability of axillary disease despite a negative SLN biopsy. Users may individualize the sensitivity of an SLN biopsy based on factors known to modify the sensitivity of the procedure. This tool may be useful in identifying patients who should have expanded upfront exploration of the axilla or comprehensive axillary irradiation.
Genetic Mutations and Mitochondrial Toxins Shed New Light on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sato Shigeto , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: August 2011

The cellular abnormalities in Parkinson's disease (PD) include mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage, which are probably induced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. The recent discovery of genes associated with the etiology of familial PD has emphasized the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD. The discovery and increasing knowledge of the function of PINK1 and parkin, which are associated with the mitochondria, have also enhanced the understanding of cellular functions. The PINK1-parkin pathway is associated with quality control of the mitochondria, as determined in cultured cells treated with the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), which causes mitochondrial depolarization. To date, the use of mitochondrial toxins, for example, 1-methyl-4-phynyl-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and CCCP, has contributed to our understanding of PD. We review how these toxins and familial PD gene products are associated with and have enhanced our understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in PD.
Sign Changes of the Liouville Function on Quadratics
Authors: Borwein Peter , Choi Stephen K. K. , Ganguli Himadri
Published: August 2011

Let λ(n) denote the Liouville function. Complementary to the prime number theorem, Chowla
conjectured that

for any polynomial f (x) with integer coefficients which is not of form bg(x)2.
The Sizes of Rearrangements of Cantor Sets
Authors: Hare Kathryn E. , Mendivil Franklin , Zuberman Leandro
Published: August 2011

A linear Cantor setC with zero Lebesgue measure is associated with the countable collection of the bounded complementary open intervals. A rearrangment of C has the same lengths of its complementary intervals, but with different locations. We study the Hausdorff and packing h-measures and dimensional properties of the set of all rearrangments of some given C for general dimension functions h. For each set of complementary lengths, we construct a Cantor set rearrangement which has the maximal Hausdorff and the minimal packing h-premeasure, up to a constant. We also show that if the packing measure of this Cantor set is positive, then there is a rearrangement which has infinite packing measure.
Application of Measure of Noncompactness to Infinite Systems of Differential Equations
Authors: Mursaleen M.
Published: August 2011

In this paper we determine theHausdorff measure of noncompactness on the sequence space n(ϕ) ofW. L. C. Sargent. Further we apply the technique of measures of noncompactness to the theory of infinite systems of differential equations in the Banach sequence spaces n(ϕ) and m(ϕ). Our aim is to present some existence results for infinite systems of differential equations formulated with the help of measures of noncompactness.
Anthropogenic emissions during Arctas-A: mean transport characteristics and regional case studies
Authors: Harrigan D. L. , Fuelberg H. E. , Simpson I. J. , Blake D. R. , Carmichael G. R. , Diskin G. S.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) mission during 2008 as a part of the International Polar Year (IPY). The purpose of ARCTAS was to study the factors responsible for changes in the Arctic's atmospheric composition and climate. A major emphasis was to investigate Arctic haze, which is most pronounced during winter and early spring. This study focuses on the spring phase of ARCTAS (ARCTAS-A) that was based in Alaska during April 2008. Although anthropogenic emissions historically have been associated with Arctic haze, biomass burning emissions dominated the ARCTAS-A period and have been the focus of many ARCTAS related studies. This study determines mean transport characteristics of anthropogenic emissions during ARCTAS-A. Trajectories are initiated each day from three significant regions of anthropogenic emissions (Asia, North America, and Europe). The fifteen day forward trajectories are calculated using data from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at 45 km horizontal resolution. The trajectory calculations indicate: origins of emissions that reach the Arctic (defined as north of 70° N) within fifteen days, pathways of these emissions, Arctic entry locations, and altitudes at which the trajectories enter the Arctic. Three cases during the ARCTAS-A period (one for each of the regions above) are examined using backward trajectories and chemical fingerprinting based on in situ data sampled from the NASA DC-8. The fingerprinting utilizes volatile organic compounds that represent pure anthropogenic tracers, Asian anthropogenic pollution, incomplete combustion, and natural gas emissions. We determine flight legs containing anthropogenic emissions and the pathways travelled by these emissions. Results show that the DC-8 sampled anthropogenic emissions from Asia, North America, and Europe during the spring phase of ARCTAS. The pathways travelled by these emissions agree with our derived transport characteristics and previous studies of Arctic transport. Meteorological analysis and trajectory calculations indicate that middle latitude cyclones and their associated warm conveyor belts play an important role in lofting the surface based emissions to their sampling altitude in all three cases.
Sulfur isotope fractionation during oxidation of sulfur dioxide: gas-phase oxidation by OH radicals and aqueous oxidation by H2O2, O3 and iron catalysis
Authors: Harris E. , Sinha B. , Hoppe P. , Crowley J. N. , Ono S. , Foley S.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The oxidation of SO2 to sulfate is a key reaction in determining the role of sulfate in the environment through its effect on aerosol size distribution and composition. Sulfur isotope analysis has been used to investigate sources and chemistry of sulfur dioxide and sulfate in the atmosphere, however interpretation of measured sulfur isotope ratios is challenging due to a lack of reliable information on the isotopic fractionation involved in major transformation pathways. This paper presents measurements of the fractionation factors for the major atmospheric oxidation reactions for SO2: Gas-phase oxidation by OH radicals, and aqueous oxidation by H2O2, O3 and a radical chain reaction initiated by iron. The measured fractionation factor for 34S/32S during the gas-phase reaction is αOH = (1.0089±0.0007) − ((4±5)×10−5) T(°C). The measured fractionation factor for 34S/32S during aqueous oxidation by H2O2 or O3 is αaq=(1.0167±0.0019) − ((8.7±3.5) ×10−5) T(°C). The observed fractionation during oxidation by H2O2 and O3 appeared to be controlled primarily by protonation and acid-base equilbria of S(IV) in solution, and there was no significant difference between the fractionation produced by the two oxidants within the experimental error. The isotopic fractionation factor from a radical chain reaction in solution catalysed by iron is αFe = (0.989±0.0043) at 19 °C for 34S/32S. Fractionation was mass-dependent with regards to 33S for all the reactions investigated. The radical chain reaction mechanism was the only measured reaction that had a faster rate for the light isotopes, and will be particularly useful to determine the importance of the transition-metal catalysed oxidation pathway.
Downscaling climate change scenarios for apple pest and disease modeling in Switzerland
Authors: Hirschi M. , Stoeckli S. , Dubrovsky M. , Spirig C. , Calanca P. , Rotach M. W. , Fischer A. M. , Duffy B. , Samietz J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. As a consequence of current and projected climate change in temperate regions of Europe, agricultural pests and diseases are expected to occur more frequently and possibly to extend to previously not affected regions. Given their economic and ecological relevance, detailed forecasting tools for various pests and diseases have been developed, which model their phenology depending on actual weather conditions and suggest management decisions on that basis. Assessing the future risk of pest-related damages requires future weather data at high temporal and spatial resolution. Here, we use a combined stochastic weather generator and re-sampling procedure for producing site-specific hourly weather series representing present and future (1980–2009 and 2045–2074 time periods) climate conditions in Switzerland. The climate change scenarios originate from the ENSEMBLES multi-model projections and provide probabilistic information on future regional changes in temperature and precipitation. Hourly weather series are produced by first generating daily weather data for these climate scenarios and then using a nearest neighbor re-sampling approach for creating realistic diurnal cycles. These hourly weather series are then used for modeling the impact of climate change on important life phases of the codling moth and on the number of predicted infection days of fire blight. Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) are two major pest and disease threats to apple, one of the most important commercial and rural crops across Europe. Results for the codling moth indicate a shift in the occurrence and duration of life phases relevant for pest control. In southern Switzerland, a 3rd generation per season occurs only very rarely under today's climate conditions but is projected to become normal in the 2045–2074 time period. While the potential risk for a 3rd generation is also significantly increasing in northern Switzerland (for most stations from roughly 1 % on average today to over 60 % in the future for the median climate change signal of the multi-model projections), the actual risk will critically depend on the pace of the adaptation of the codling moth with respect to the critical photoperiod. To control this additional generation, an intensification and prolongation of control measures (e.g., insecticides) will be required, implying an increasing risk of pesticide resistances. For fire blight, the projected changes in infection days are less certain due to uncertainties in the leaf wetness approximation and the simulation of the blooming period. Two compensating effects are projected, warmer temperatures favoring infections are balanced by a temperature-induced advancement of the blooming period, leading to no significant change in the number of infection days under future climate conditions for most stations.
Graph Polynomials
Authors: Alaeiyan Mehdi , Mohammadian Saeid
Published: August 2011

One of the most important and applied concepts in graph theory is to find the edge cover, vertex cover, and dominating sets with minimum cardinal also to find independence and matching sets with maximum cardinal and their polynomials. Although there exist some algorithms for finding some of them (Kuhn and Wattenhofer, 2003; and Mihelic and Robic, 2005), but in this paper we want to study all of these concepts from viewpoint linear and binary programming and we compute the coefficients of the polynomials by solving a system of linear equations with variables.
Preparation of Fluconazole -Cyclodextrin Complex Ocuserts: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Abdul Ahad Hindustan , Sreeramulu J. , Padmaja B. Suma , Reddy M. Narasimha , Prakash P. Guru
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of the present study was to develop ocuserts of Fluconazole -CD (beta-cyclodextrin) complex and to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo. Fluconazole was made complex with -CD, and the release rate was controlled by HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose polymers using dibutyl Phthalate as permeability enhancer. Drug-polymer interactions were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies. The formulated ocuserts were tested for physicochemical parameters of in vitro release and in vivo permeation in rabbits. The optimized formulations (F-5 and F-8) were subjected to stability studies. The formulated ocuserts were found to have good physical characters, thickness, diameter, uniformity in weight, folding endurance, less moisture absorption, and controlled release of drug both in vitro and in vivo. The optimized formulations retained their characteristics even after stability studies. The study clearly showed that this technique was an effective way of formulating ocuserts for retaining the drug concentration at the intended site of action for a sufficient period of time and to elicit the desired pharmacological response.
Whole Slide Quantification of Stromal Lymphatic Vessel Distribution and Peritumoral Lymphatic Vessel Density in Early Invasive Cervical Cancer: A Method Description
Authors: Balsat C. , Blacher S. , Signolle N. , Beliard A. , Munaut C. , Goffin F. , Noel A. , Foidart J. M. , Kridelka F.
Published: August 2011

Peritumoral Lymphatic Vessel Density (LVD) is considered to be a predictive marker for the presence of lymph node metastases in cervical cancer. However, when LVD quantification relies on conventional optical microscopy and the hot spot technique, interobserver variability is significant and yields inconsistent conclusions. In this work, we describe an original method that applies computed image analysis to whole slide scanned tissue sections following immunohistochemical lymphatic vessel staining. This procedure allows to determine an objective LVD quantification as well as the lymphatic vessel distribution and its heterogeneity within the stroma surrounding the invasive tumor bundles. The proposed technique can be useful to better characterize lymphatic vessel interactions with tumor cells and could potentially impact on prognosis and therapeutic decisions.
3–5 BI-RADs Microcalcifications: Correlation between MRI and Histological Findings
Authors: Fiaschetti Valeria , Pistolese Chiara Adriana , Perretta Tommaso , Cossu Elsa , Arganini Chiara , Salimbeni Claudia , Scarano Angela Lia , Arduini Silvia , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: August 2011

Purpose. To evaluate the correlation between MRI and histopathological findings in patients with mammographically detected 3–5 BI-RAD (Breast Imaging Reporting And Data Systems) microcalcifications and to allow a better surgical planning.Materials and Method. 62 female Patients (age ) with screening detected 3–5 BI-RAD microcalcifications underwent dynamic 3 T contrast-enhanced breast MRI. After 30-day (range 24–36 days) period, 55 Patients underwent biopsy using stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), 5 Patients underwent stereotactic mammographically guided biopsy, and 2 Patients underwent MRI-guided VAB.Results. Microhistology examination demonstrated 36 malignant lesions and 26 benign lesions. The analysis of MRI findings identified 8 cases of MRI BI-RADS 5, 23 cases of MRI BI-RADS 4, 11 cases of MRI BI-RADS 3, 4 cases type A and 7 cases type B, and 20 cases of MRI BI-RADS 1-2. MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 88.8%, 76.9%, 84.2%, and 83.3%, respectively.
Identification and assessment of new biomarkers for colorectal cancer with serum N‐glycan profiling
Authors: Zhao Yun‐Peng , Ruan Can‐Ping , Wang Hao , Hu Zhi‐Qian , Fang Meng , Gu Xing , Ji Jun , Zhao Jin‐Yan , Gao Chun‐Fang
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

The objectives of this study were to identify and validate the diagnostic value of N‐glycan markers in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to uncover their underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS:

In total, 347 individuals, including patients with CRC, patients with colorectal adenoma, and healthy controls, were divided randomly into a training group (n = 287) and retrospective validation groups (n = 60). Serum N‐glycan profiling was analyzed by DNA sequencer‐assisted/flurophore‐assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (DSA‐FACE). Two diagnostic models were constructed based on N‐glycan profiling with logistic stepwise regression. The diagnostic performance of each model was assessed further in retrospective, prospective (n = 43), and follow‐up (n = 46) cohorts. Lectin blot and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the total core‐fucosylated residues and molecular expression involved in core‐fucosylation modifications in CRC.

RESULTS:

Two diagnostic models designated CRCglycoA and CRCglycoB were constructed to differentiate CRC from normal and adenoma, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of both CRCglycoA and CRCglycoB were higher than the AUC of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (CRCglycoA, 0.92 vs 0.81; CRCglycoB, 0.81 vs 0.73). The sensitivity and accuracy of CRCglycoA improved from 21.7% to 25% and from 11.63% to 18% in the training cohort, the retrospective cohort, and the prospective cohorts compared with the sensitivity and accuracy of CEA. The sensitivity of CRCglycoB improved from 20% to 28.23%. Both altered N‐glycans, and results from the diagnostic models were reversed after curative surgery. The level of total core fucose residues and fucosyltransferase were decreased significantly in CRC.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that the N‐glycan markers based diagnostic models are new, valuable, noninvasive alternatives for identifying CRC. The authors concluded that decreased fucosyltransferase may be responsible for decreased levels of total core‐fucosylated modification in both tissues and serum from patients with CRC. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Chemical Technologies for Exploiting and Recycling Carbon Dioxideinto the Value Chain
Authors: Peters Martina , Köhler Burkhard , Kuckshinrichs Wilhelm , Leitner Walter , Markewitz Peter , Müller Thomas E.
Published: August 2011

While experts in various fields discuss the potential of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, the utilization of carbon dioxide as chemical feedstock is also attracting renewed and rapidly growing interest. These approaches do not compete; rather, they are complementary: CCS aims to capture and store huge quantities of carbon dioxide, while the chemical exploitation of carbon dioxide aims to generate value and develop better and more‐efficient processes from a limited part of the waste stream. Provided that the overall carbon footprint for the carbon dioxide‐based process chain is competitive with conventional chemical production and that the reaction with the carbon dioxide molecule is enabled by the use of appropriate catalysts, carbon dioxide can be a promising carbon source with practically unlimited availability for a range of industrially relevant products. In addition, it can be used as a versatile processing fluid based on its remarkable physicochemical properties.
Entropically‐driven ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic butylene terephthalate: Rheology and kinetics
Authors: Chen Hongliang , Yu Wei , Zhou Chixing
Published: August 2011

Cyclic butylene terephthalate oligomers (CBT) with ultra‐low melt viscosity can be polymerized into poly (butylene terephthalate) (pCBT) via entropically‐driven ring‐opening polymerization (ED‐ROP) in a short time (ranging from several seconds to 10 min) with no chemical emission and no heat generation during the polymerization process. Due to no heat generation, dynamic rheological measurements were used to monitor the polymerization of CBT from 220 to 250°C. The polymerization was accompanied by a steep increase of the melt viscosity and modulus in isothermal rheological tests, and much faster at higher temperature. With rheological results, reptation theory and Double reptation model were adopted to determine the variation of the molecular weight and concentration with time for pCBT. According to the ED‐ROP mechanism of CBT, kinetics equations were also established to simulate the polymerization process. Furthermore, using the results of variation of molecular weight with time for pCBT and kinetics equations, the polymerization rate constants for initiation and propagation steps were evaluated, and the activation energy was also obtained. It was proved that rheological method is a convenient and reliable way to investigate the kinetics of ED‐ROP of CBT. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
In Situmetal tip sharpening of scanning probe microscopes
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Zhang Huiliang , Kim Changdong , Butta Nakul , Liang Hong , Hemmer Philip R.
Published: August 2011

This article demonstrated a new approach for fabrication and sharpening of metal tips of scanning probe microscopes. Experimentally, a metal tip was heated and melted by a focused laser light. The tip was then sharpened by a strong electric field and consolidated as the laser was turned off. With a low‐vacuum and a high‐voltage source, a 25‐µm indium‐coated platinum wire was sharpened to a tip with diameters below 50 nm. The minimal tip radius by this method is estimated to be below 1 nm. With this technique,in situtip sharpening for SPM would be possible. SCANNING 34: 76–79, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of lyophilization to prepare the nitrifying bacterial biofilm for imaging with scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Karcz Jagna , Bernas Tytus , Nowak Agnieszka , Talik Ewa , Woznica Andrzej
Published: August 2011

Structure of bacterial biofilms may be investigated using several variants of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We apply lyophilization to prepare nitrifying bacterial biofilm for conventional SEM imaging in high‐vacuum mode (CSEM). We therefore replace standard biofilm fixation in glutaraldehyde cross‐linking, ethanol dehydration, and critical‐point drying (CPD) with less‐invasive low‐temperature drying by sublimation in vacuum. We compare this approach with: (1) standard preparation with glutaraldehyde fixation, ethanol dehydration, and CPD before CSEM, (2) cryo‐sputter preparation of rapidly frozen biofilm in hydrated state (cryo‐SEM), and (3) in situ observation without any sample pretreatment in environmental SEM. Combined imaging with these modalities revealed two distinct immobilization patterns on the polyurethane foam: (1) large irregular aggregates (flocs) of bacterial biofilm that exist as irregular biofilm fragments, rope‐like structures, or biofilm layers on the foam surface; (2) biofilm threads adherent to the surface of polyurethane foam. Our results indicate that lyophilization was suitable for preservation of bacterial cells and many forms of structure of extracellular matrix. The lyophilized material could be imaged with high resolution (using CSEM) to generate structural information complementary to that obtained with other SEM techniques. SCANNING 34: 26–36, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Toward Diversity and Cultural Competence in Genetic Counseling
Authors: Warren Nancy Steinberg
Published: August 2011

This introduction provides an overview of the professional issues and original research papers in this special issue. The articles address workforce challenges and/or cross‐cultural education and communication with culturally and religiously diverse clients. Additional suggestions are made for moving the profession of genetic counseling toward diversity and cultural competence.
Test‐Retest Reliability of the Sensory Organization Test in Older Persons With a Transtibial Amputation
Authors: Jayakaran Prasath , Johnson Gillian M. , Sullivan S. John
Published: August 2011

Objective

To determine the test‐retest reliability of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) in older persons with a unilateral transtibial amputation.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study with repeated measures.

Setting

A University balance laboratory.

Participants

Fifteen participants (12 men and 3 women) who had undergone a unilateral transtibial amputation that was performed as a result of either trauma or complications of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease were recruited from a patient database. The mean age of the participants was 69.53 years (SD, 6.60), with 11.94 mean years of prosthetic use.

Intervention

All participants completed 3 trials of the 6 balance testing conditions in the standard SOT protocol with use of the NeuroCom SMART Equitest system on 2 occasions approximately 2 weeks apart.

Main Outcome Measures

Reliability of the mean equilibrium and strategy scores for the 6 SOT conditions and the overall composite score was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

The test‐retest reliability coefficients (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1) for the equilibrium scores ranged from 0.67‐0.90 for conditions 1 to 4 and 6, indicating fair‐to‐good reliability. The coefficients obtained for the strategy scores of all the conditions and the composite score showed excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.75).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the majority of outcome measurements associated with the SOT protocol on the SMART Equitest provide a reliable measure of dynamic balance performance in older persons with a unilateral transtibial amputation, even in the presence of comorbidities. The equilibrium, strategy, and composite scores obtained from the testing protocol with the exception of condition 5, can be used reliably in clinical practice to monitor for changes in balance with rehabilitation or to monitor the effects of a specific intervention and/or in patients with comorbidities that could potentially affect their balance capacities.
Stroke Rehabilitation in Australia in a Freestanding Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Compared With a Unit Located in an Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Katrak Pesi H. , Black Deborah , Peeva Victoria
Published: August 2011

Objective

To study the functional outcome of stroke rehabilitation from 2 units that are similar in most aspects except for location: freestanding rehabilitation units (FSRU) versus acute care hospital (acute hospital rehabilitation unit [AHRU]).

Design

An observational retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Rehabilitation units in university‐affiliated hospitals in Australia.

Methods

Five‐year data on functional outcomes of stroke rehabilitation and rehabilitation process measures from an FSRU were compared with data from the subsequent 5 years after the same unit was relocated to an AHRU.

Main Outcome Measurements

Time from stroke onset to rehabilitation assessment, time to transfer to rehabilitation, length of stay (LOS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score, Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) score, transfer back to acute care, walking velocity, and discharge destination.

Results

Data on 357 patients from an FSRU and 372 patients from an AHRU who completed the rehabilitation program are presented. Baseline characteristics, such as age, gender, stroke location, stroke type, and risk factors, were similar in the 2 groups. There was no difference in outcomes such as FIM score, MAS score, walking velocity, or discharge destination. On regression analysis, the patients in an FSRU had a longer LOS (37.6 versus 35.9 days) and were more likely to be transferred to acute care than from an AHRU (12.4% versus 5.4%). The episode LOS (total LOS in acute and rehabilitation units) was nearly identical in the 2 settings at 52.6 days (15 in acute care + 37.6 days in an FSRU and 16.7 in acute care + 35.9 days in an AHRU).

Conclusions

Stroke rehabilitation effectiveness is not related to the proximity of a rehabilitation facility to acute medical services. However, the increased need for the transfer of patients with medical complications from FSRU to acute care, longer LOS in an FSRU, and greater difficulty in obtaining consultations from other medical specialties persuade us to recommend a unit co‐located with acute care services instead of an FSRU.