bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formaldehyde substitute fixatives: effects on nucleic acid preservation
Authors: Moelans Cathy B , Oostenrijk Daphne , Moons Michiel J , van Diest Paul J
Published: June 2011

Aims

In surgical pathology, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues are increasingly being used as a source of DNA and RNA for molecular assays in addition to histopathological evaluation. However, the commonly used formalin fixative is carcinogenic, and its crosslinking impairs DNA and RNA quality.

Methods

The suitability of three new presumably less toxic, crosslinking (F-Solv) and non-crosslinking (FineFIX, RCL2) alcohol-based fixatives was tested for routine molecular pathology in comparison with neutral buffered formalin (NBF) as gold standard. Size ladder PCR, epidermal growth factor receptor sequence analysis, microsatellite instability (MSI), chromogenic (CISH), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and qPCR were performed.

Results

The alcohol-based non-crosslinking fixatives (FineFIX and RCL2) resulted in a higher DNA yield and quality compared with crosslinking fixatives (NBF and F-Solv). Size ladder PCR resulted in a shorter amplicon size (300 bp) for both crosslinking fixatives compared with the non-crosslinking fixatives (400 bp). All four fixatives were directly applicable for MSI and epidermal growth factor receptor sequence analysis. All fixatives except F-Solv showed clear signals in CISH and FISH. RNA yield and quality were superior after non-crosslinking fixation. qPCR resulted in lower Ct values for RCL2 and FineFIX.

Conclusion

The alcohol-based non-crosslinking fixatives performed better than crosslinking fixatives with regard to DNA and RNA yield, quality and applicability in molecular diagnostics. Given the higher yield, less starting material may be necessary, thereby increasing the applicability of biopsies for molecular studies.
Physicians' Ethics Forum: a web-based ethics consultation service
Authors: Louhiala Pekka , Saarni Samuli , Hietala Katri , Pasternack Amos
Published: June 2011

To meet all physicians' needs for ethics consultation in Finland, a novel form of service, the Physicians' Ethics Forum, was founded in 2003. The Forum is a cost-efficient service based on electronic communication. In this paper, experiences throughout its first 6 years are described.
CHOLESTERIC LIQUID CRYSTALS WITH TUNABLE DEFECT INSIDE
Authors: GEVORGYAN A. H. , OGANESYAN K. B. , HARUTYUNYAN E. M. , HARUTYUNYAN S. H. , SANTROSYAN E. A.
Published: June 2011

Peculiarities of the defect modes of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with an isotropic/anisotropic defect inside are investigated. The influence of the defect layer thickness and its anisotropy of refraction, the influence of the system thickness and of the defect layer position in the system, as well as the influence of the dielectric borders on the defect modes are investigated. It is shown that it is possible to change reflection at the defect modes in wide intervals and change the defect mode wavelength, by tuning the defect location and its thickness. Such a system possesses transmission asymmetry. Also, the CLC system thickness and the refraction coefficient of the medium bordering the CLC layer on its both sides have essential influence on the reflection at the defect mode and on the reflection frequency.
TOLERANCE ROUGH SET BASED ATTRIBUTE EXTRACTION APPROACH FOR MULTIPLE SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE BASE INTEGRATION
Authors: GUO H. Z. , CHEN Q. C. , WANG X. L. , CUI L.
Published: June 2011

In the integration of multiple semantic knowledge bases (SKBs), the inconsistence of the items or their attributes appeared in different SKBs is still an opening challenge for researchers. To address this issue, this paper presents an innovative approach which bases on extracting common class attributes and establishing unified category-attribute templates. Since the natural properties of uncertainty and vagueness of semantic analysis involved in selecting a specific attribute from numerous candidates, the tolerance rough set (TRS) techniques are applied in constructing class-attribute templates from online SKBs. The extraction of attribute is fulfilled by statistical techniques and is integrated into the TRS framework. Finally, experiments are conducted on random selected categories. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
PRIVACY RISK ASSESSMENT WITH BOUNDS DEDUCED FROM BOUNDS
Authors: LI YINGJIU , LU HAIBING
Published: June 2011

As more and more organizations collect, store, and release large amounts of personal information, it is increasingly important for the organizations to conduct privacy risk assessment so as to comply with various emerging privacy laws and meet information providers' demands. Existing statistical database security and inference control solutions may not be appropriate for protecting privacy in many new uses of data as these methods tend to be either less or over-restrictive in disclosure limitation or are prohibitively complex in practice. We address a fundamental question in privacy risk assessment which asks: how to accurately derive bounds for protected information from inaccurate released information or, more particularly, from bounds of released information. We give an explicit formula for calculating such bounds from bounds, which we call square bounds or S-bounds. Classic F-bounds in statistics become a special case of S-bounds when all released bounds retrograde to exact values. We propose a recursive algorithm to extend our S-bounds results from two dimensions to high dimensions. To assess privacy risk for a protected database of personal information given some bounds of released information, we define typical privacy disclosure measures. For each type of disclosure, we investigate the distribution patterns of privacy breaches as well as effective and efficient controls that can be used to eliminate privacy risk, both based on our S-bounds results.
MEASURES OF LOCAL ENTROPIES FOR COMPOSITIVE FUZZY PARTITIONS
Authors: VIVONA DORETTA , DIVARI MARIA
Published: June 2011

The aim of this paper is to characterize of the measures of entropies without probability or fuzzy measure for compositive fuzzy partitions, taking into account the so-called locality property. We propose a system of functional equations, whose solutions give some forms of entropies without probability or fuzzy measures.
ANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS OF POLYMERIC GEL STRUCTURES UNDER BUCKLING AND WRINKLE
Authors: LIU Z. S. , SWADDIWUDHIPONG S. , CUI F. S. , HONG W. , SUO Z. , ZHANG Y. W.
Published: June 2011

One of the unique properties of polymeric gel is that the volume and shape of gel can dramatically change even at mild variation of external stimuli. Though a variety of instability patterns of slender and thin film gel structures due to swelling have been observed in various experimental studies, many are not well understood. This paper presents the analytical solutions of swelling-induced instability of various slender and thin film gel structures. We have adopted the well developed constitutive relation of inhomogeneous field theory of a polymeric network in equilibrium with a solvent and mechanical load or constraint with the incremental modulus concept for slender beam and thin film gel structures. The formulas of buckling and wrinkle conditions and critical stress values are derived for slender beam and thin film gel structures under swelling-induced instability using nonlinear buckling theories of beam and thin film structures. For slender beam structure, we construct the stability diagram with the distinct stable and unstable zones. The critical slenderness ratio and corresponding critical stresses are provided for different dimensionless material parameters. For thin film gel structures, we consider the thin film gel on an elastic foundation with different stiffness. The analytical solutions of critical stress and corresponding wrinkle wavelength, as well as buckling condition (or critical chemical potential) are given. These analytical solutions will provide a guideline for gel structure design used in polymeric gels MEMS and NEMS structures such as sensors and actuators. More importantly, the work provides a theoretical foundation of gel structure buckling and wrinkle, instability phenomena are different from normal engineering or material buckling.
ANALYSIS OF THE KINETICS OF SHRINKING OF THE IONIC-STRENGTH-SENSITIVE HYDROGEL WITH A MULTI-PHYSICAL MODEL
Authors: LI HUA , LAI FUKUN
Published: June 2011

In this paper, a multiple-field model, which is termed the multi-effect-coupling ionic-strength-stimulus (MECis), is presented for analysis of the kinetics shrinking of the ionic-strength-sensitive hydrogel. The MECis model is composed of three sets of governing nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), which account for the three fields, namely the chemical, electrical and mechanical fields. In addition, three sets of the constitutive relations are also included in the present model, namely, the constitutive flux, the fixed charge density equation and the material law of the polymeric network. The total six sets of equations characterize the behavior of the mobile ion, the fixed charge and the solid network in both the hydrogel and solution domains. The MECis model is applied to analyze a practical kinetics shrinking problem that was published [Goel et al., 2006a]. The chemical, electric and mechanical behaviors of the hydrogel during the kinetics shrinking are also simulated in details by the present MECis model.
A DIGITAL VOLUME CORRELATION TECHNIQUE FOR 3-D DEFORMATION MEASUREMENTS OF SOFT GELS
Authors: HUANG JIANYONG , PAN XIAOCHANG , LI SHANSHAN , PENG XIAOLING , XIONG CHUNYANG , FANG JING
Published: June 2011

This paper develops a set of digital volume correlation (DVC) algorithms to address 3-D deformation measurements of soft gels with the aid of laser-scanning confocal microscopy. As an extension of the well-developed digital image correlation (DIC) method, the present DVC approach adopts a three-dimensional zero-normalized cross-correlation criterion (3-D ZNCC) to perform volume correlation calculations. Based on a 3-D sum-table scheme and the fast Fourier transform technique, a fast algorithm is first proposed to accelerate the integer-voxel correlation computations. Subsequently, two kinds of sub-voxel registration algorithms, i.e., 3-D gradient-based algorithm and 3-D Newton–Raphson algorithm, are presented to obtain the sub-voxel displacement and strain fields of volume images before and after deformation. Both a series of computer-simulated digital volume images and an actual agarose gel sample randomly embedded with fluorescent particles are employed to verify the 3-D deformation measurement capability of the proposed DVC algorithms, which indicates that they are competent to acquire 3-D displacement and strain fields of soft gels.
EFFECTS OF GEOMETRIC VARIATIONS ON THE BUCKLING OF ARTERIES
Authors: DATIR PARAG , LEE AVIONE Y. , LAMM SHAWN D. , HAN HAI-CHAO
Published: June 2011

Arteries often demonstrate geometric variations such as elliptic and eccentric cross sections, stenosis, and tapering along the longitudinal axis. Effects of these variations on the mechanical stability of the arterial wall have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the buckling behavior of arteries with elliptic, eccentric, stenotic, and tapered cross sections. The arterial wall was modeled as a homogeneous anisotropic nonlinear material. Finite element analysis was used to simulate the buckling process of these arteries under lumen pressure and axial stretch. Our results demonstrated that arteries with an oval cross section buckled in the short axis direction at lower critical pressures as compared to circular arteries. Eccentric cross sections, stenosis, and tapering also decreased the critical pressure. Stenosis led to dramatic pressure variations along the vessel and reduced the buckling pressure. In addition, tapering shifted the buckling deformation profile of the artery towards the distal end. We conclude that geometric variations reduce the critical pressure of arteries and thus make the arteries more prone to mechanical instability than circular cylindrical arteries. These results improve our understanding of the mechanical behavior of arteries.
The KATP channel Kir6.2 subunit content is higher in glycolytic than oxidative skeletal muscle fibers
Authors: Banas Krystyna , Clow Charlene , Jasmin Bernard J. , Renaud Jean-Marc
Published: June 2011

It has long been suggested that in skeletal muscle, the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) channel is important in protecting energy levels and that abolishing its activity causes fiber damage and severely impairs function. The responses to a lack of KATP channel activity vary between muscles and fibers, with the severity of the impairment being the highest in the most glycolytic muscle fibers. Furthermore, glycolytic muscle fibers are also expected to face metabolic stress more often than oxidative ones. The objective of this study was to determine whether the t-tubular KATP channel content differs between muscles and fiber types. KATP channel content was estimated using a semiquantitative immunofluorescence approach by staining cross sections from soleus, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles with anti-Kir6.2 antibody. Fiber types were determined using serial cross sections stained with specific antimyosin I, IIA, IIB, and IIX antibodies. Changes in Kir6.2 content were compared with changes in CaV1.1 content, as this Ca2+ channel is responsible for triggering Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum. The Kir6.2 content was the lowest in the oxidative soleus and the highest in the glycolytic EDL and FDB. At the individual fiber level, the Kir6.2 content within a muscle was in the order of type IIB > IIX > IIA ≥ I. Interestingly, the Kir6.2 content for a given fiber type was significantly different between soleus, EDL, and FDB, and highest in FDB. Correlations of relative fluorescence intensities from the Kir6.2 and CaV1.1 antibodies were significant for all three muscles. However, the variability in content between the three muscles or individual fibers was much greater for Kir6.2 than for CaV1.1. It is suggested that the t-tubular KATP channel content increases as the glycolytic capacity increases and as the oxidative capacity decreases and that the expression of KATP channels may be linked to how often muscles/fibers face metabolic stress.
Heuristically optimal path scanning for high-speed multiphoton circuit imaging
Authors: Sadovsky Alexander J. , Kruskal Peter B. , Kimmel Joseph M. , Ostmeyer Jared , Neubauer Florian B. , MacLean Jason N.
Published: June 2011

Population dynamics of patterned neuronal firing are fundamental to information processing in the brain. Multiphoton microscopy in combination with calcium indicator dyes allows circuit dynamics to be imaged with single-neuron resolution. However, the temporal resolution of fluorescent measures is constrained by the imaging frequency imposed by standard raster scanning techniques. As a result, traditional raster scans limit the ability to detect the relative timing of action potentials in the imaged neuronal population. To maximize the speed of fluorescence measures from large populations of neurons using a standard multiphoton laser scanning microscope (MPLSM) setup, we have developed heuristically optimal path scanning (HOPS). HOPS optimizes the laser travel path length, and thus the temporal resolution of neuronal fluorescent measures, using standard galvanometer scan mirrors. Minimizing the scan path alone is insufficient for prolonged high-speed imaging of neuronal populations. Path stability and the signal-to-noise ratio become increasingly important factors as scan rates increase. HOPS addresses this by characterizing the scan mirror galvanometers to achieve prolonged path stability. In addition, the neuronal dwell time is optimized to sharpen the detection of action potentials while maximizing scan rate. The combination of shortest path calculation and minimization of mirror positioning time allows us to optically monitor a population of neurons in a field of view at high rates with single-spike resolution, ∼125 Hz for 50 neurons and ∼8.5 Hz for 1,000 neurons. Our approach introduces an accessible method for rapid imaging of large neuronal populations using traditional MPLSMs, facilitating new insights into neuronal circuit dynamics.
Evoked potentials in large-scale cortical networks elicited by TMS of the visual cortex
Authors: Garcia Javier O. , Grossman Emily D. , Srinivasan Ramesh
Published: June 2011

Single pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) result in distal and long-lasting oscillations, a finding directly challenging the virtual lesion hypothesis. Previous research supporting this finding has primarily come from stimulation of the motor cortex. We have used single-pulse TMS with simultaneous EEG to target seven brain regions, six of which belong to the visual system [left and right primary visual area V1, motion-sensitive human middle temporal cortex, and a ventral temporal region], as determined with functional MRI-guided neuronavigation, and a vertex “control” site to measure the network effects of the TMS pulse. We found the TMS-evoked potential (TMS-EP) over visual cortex consists mostly of site-dependent theta- and alphaband oscillations. These site-dependent oscillations extended beyond the stimulation site to functionally connected cortical regions and correspond to time windows where the EEG responses maximally diverge (40, 200, and 385 ms). Correlations revealed two site-independent oscillations ∼350 ms after the TMS pulse: a theta-band oscillation carried by the frontal cortex, and an alpha-band oscillation over parietal and frontal cortical regions. A manipulation of stimulation intensity at one stimulation site (right hemisphere V1-V3) revealed sensitivity to the stimulation intensity at different regions of cortex, evidence of intensity tuning in regions distal to the site of stimulation. Together these results suggest that a TMS pulse applied to the visual cortex has a complex effect on brain function, engaging multiple brain networks functionally connected to the visual system with both invariant and site-specific spatiotemporal dynamics. With this characterization of TMS, we propose an alternative to the virtual lesion hypothesis. Rather than a technique that simulates lesions, we propose TMS generates natural brain signals and engages functional networks.
On Delay‐Independent Criteria for Oscillation of Higher‐Order Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Sun Yuangong
Published: June 2011

We investigate the oscillation of the following higher‐order functional differential equation: x(n)(t) + q(t) | x(t − τ)|λ−1x(t − τ) = e(t), where q(t) and e(t) are continuous functions on [t0, ∞), 1 > λ > 0 and τ ≠ 0 are constants. Unlike most of delay‐dependent oscillation results in the literature, two delay‐independent oscillation criteria for the equation are established in both the case τ > 0 and the case τ < 0 under the assumption that the potentials q(t) and e(t) change signs on [t0, ∞).
Can the New Neutrino Telescopes Reveal the Gravitational Properties of Antimatter?
Authors: Hajdukovic Dragan Slavkov
Published: June 2011

We argue that the hypothesis of the gravitational repulsion between matter and antimatter can be tested at the Ice Cube, a neutrino telescope, recently constructed at the South Pole. If there is such a gravitational repulsion, the gravitational field, deep inside the horizon of a black hole, might create neutrino-antineutrino pairs from the quantum vacuum. While neutrinos must stay confined inside the horizon, the antineutrinos should be violently ejected. Hence, a black hole (made from matter) should behave as a point-like source of antineutrinos. Our simplified calculations suggest that the antineutrinos emitted by supermassive black holes in the centre of the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy could be detected by the new generation of neutrino telescopes.
Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Prevention: The Role and the Limitations of Currently Available Antiplatelet Drugs
Authors: Tufano A. , Cimino E. , Di Minno M. N. D. , Ieranò P. , Marrone E. , Strazzullo A. , Di Minno G. , Cerbone A. M.
Published: June 2011

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with macrovascular and microvascular complications. Platelets have a “key role” in atherogenesis and its thrombotic complications in subjects with DM. Moreover, the concomitant presence of multiple “classical” cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic subjects contributes to enhanced atherothrombotic risk. Antiplatelet agents are effective in primary and secondary prevention of arterial thrombosis (cardiovascular events, ischaemic stroke, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease). The role of chronic administration of antiplatelet drugs in primary prevention of arterial vascular events is known to be less clear than in secondary prevention, and, also in diabetic patients, the decision to give primary prophylaxis should be taken on an individual-patient basis, after a careful evaluation of the balance between the expected benefits and the risk of major bleedings. Although, currently, treatment has proven useful in reducing vascular events, diabetic patients continue to have a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events compared with those in nondiabetic patients. This paper reviews the role of currently available antiplatelet drugs in primary and secondary prevention of vascular events in diabetic patients and the limitations of these drugs, and it discusses the role of novel and more potent antiplatelets and of new agents currently under clinical development.
Using Rhodamine 123 Accumulation in CD8+ Cells as a Surrogate Indicator to Study the P‐Glycoprotein Modulating Effect of Cepharanthine Hydrochloride In Vivo
Authors: Li Han , Yan Zhang , Ning Wang , Xiao-Juan Guo , Cai-Hong Zang , Jin-Hua Jiang , Fang Ma , Qing-Duan Wang
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was the use of rhodamine 123 (Rho123) accumulation in peripheral blood CD8+cells as a surrogate indicator to evaluate the modulating effect of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitors in the multidrug resistance (MDR) tumor‐bearing mouse model. Rho123 was administered to mice, and the fluorescence level in CD8+ cells was measured. Cepharanthine hydrochloride (CH) and verapamil (VER), two P‐gp inhibitors, were administered to mice 1 hour prior to Rho123 administration in vivo or added to peripheral blood 1 hour prior to Rho123 addition ex vivo. The tumor inhibition effect of 5‐fluorouracil/adriamycin/cisplatin (FAP) protocol plus CH was also investigated. A concentration‐ or dose‐response relationship was shown between the concentration and dose of CH and Rho123 accumulation or the antitumor activity. In conclusion, the measurement of Rho123 accumulation in CD8+ cells provides a surrogate assay for the screening of candidate P‐gp inhibitors in preclinical trials, and CH is effective in modulating P‐gp‐mediated MDR in vivo.
Vancomycin-Associated Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
Authors: Pongruangporn Makhawadee , Ritchie David J. , Lu Dongsi , Marschall Jonas
Published: June 2011

Vancomycin is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treatment of serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or in individuals who have failed, cannot tolerate, or are allergic to other antibiotics. Very few cases of vancomycin-associated leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been published. We report on a patient who developed pruritus and palpable purpura in both lower extremities after receiving six days of intravenous vancomycin. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Clear Cell Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Bilateral Native Kidneys after 2 Years of Renal Transplantation: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bing Zhanyong , Tomaszewski John E.
Published: June 2011

Renal transplantation increases the probability of malignant tumors by about 2–4-fold overall with a much higher rate for renal epithelial malignancy. Renal tumors in renal transplant recipients are commonly conventional clear cell or papillary renal cell carcinoma. Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma is a recently described unique renal epithelial neoplasm with scant eosinophilic or moderate amount of clear cytoplasm and pyknotic small nuclei oriented commonly toward the apical surfaces. No such tumor has been reported in renal transplant recipients. In this paper, we describe a clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma involving bilateral native kidneys in a patient who had received a renal transplant 2 years earlier. Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma commonly presents with low pathologic stage and lower Fuhrman grade and is clinically indolent. Additional cases are needed to evaluate the clinical behavior of this type of tumor in renal transplant recipients.
Predicting Flavonoid UGT Regioselectivity
Authors: Jackson Rhydon , Knisley Debra , McIntosh Cecilia , Pfeiffer Phillip
Published: June 2011

Machine learning was applied to a challenging and biologically significant protein classification problem: the prediction of
avonoid UGT acceptor regioselectivity from primary sequence. Novel indices characterizing graphical models of residues were proposed and found to be widely
distributed among existing amino acid indices and to cluster residues appropriately. UGT subsequences biochemically linked to regioselectivity
were modeled as sets of index sequences. Several learning techniques incorporating these UGT models were compared with classifications based
on standard sequence alignment scores. These techniques included an application of time series distance functions to protein classification. Time
series distances defined on the index sequences were used in nearest neighbor and support vector machine classifiers. Additionally, Bayesian neural network classifiers were applied to the index sequences. The experiments
identified improvements over the nearest neighbor and support vector machine
classifications relying on standard alignment similarity scores, as well as
strong correlations between specific subsequences and regioselectivities.
Out of the Cube: Augmented Rubik's Cube
Authors: Bergig Oriel , Soreq Eyal , Hagbi Nate , Pevzner Kirill , Levi Nati , Blau Shoham , Smelansky Yulia , El-Sana Jihad
Published: June 2011

Computer gaming habits have a tendency to evolve with technology, the best being ones that immerse both our imagination and intellect. Here, we describe a new game platform, anAugmented Reality Rubik's cube. The cube acts simultaneously as both the controller and the game board. Gameplay is controlled by the cube, and game assets are rendered on top of it. Shuffling and tilting operations on the cube are mapped to game interaction. We discuss the game design decisions involved in developing a game for this platform, as well as the technological challenges in implementing it. Ultimately, we describe two games and discuss the conclusions of an informal user study based on those games.
Existence of Random Attractors for a p‐Laplacian‐Type Equation with Additive Noise
Authors: Zhao Wenqiang , Li Yangrong
Published: June 2011

We first establish the existence and uniqueness of a solution for a stochastic p‐Laplacian‐type equation with additive white noise and show that the unique solution generates a stochastic
dynamical system. By using the Dirichlet forms of Laplacian and an approximation procedure, the nonlinear obstacle, arising from the additive noise is overcome when we make energy estimate. Then, we obtain a random attractor for this stochastic dynamical system. Finally, under a restrictive assumption on the monotonicity coefficient, we find that the random attractor consists of a single point, and therefore the system possesses a unique stationary solution.
MA-MCL: Mobile-Assisted Monte Carlo Localization for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Teng Guodong , Zheng Kougen , Dong Wei
Published: June 2011

As many Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) applications require sensor position information, localization has been an important problem in WSNs. To reduce the number of seeds, a number of mobile-assisted approaches have been proposed. Current proposed mobile-assisted approaches for localization require special hardware or face route selection problem, however. In this paper, we propose a Mobile-Assisted Monte Carlo Localization (MA-MCL) for WSNs. Our approach relies on direct arriver and leaver information from a single mobile-assisted seed. It does not require any specially designed hardware due to the range-free technique, and the single mobile-assisted seed in our approach can move uncontrollably to avoid route selection problem based on Monte Carlo method. Evaluation results show that the accuracy of MA-MCL outperforms MSL*, MSL, and ADO when all of them use only a mobile seed for localization in the static sensor networks.
Catheter-RelatedAcremonium kilienseFungemia in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis under Treatment with Infliximab
Authors: Díaz-Couselo Fernando A. , Zylberman Marcelo
Published: June 2011

Acremoniumspp. are filamentous, cosmopolitan fungi commonly isolated from plant debris and soil. They are infrequent pathogens in humans.Acremoniumfungemia has been reported in neutropenic patients associated with central venous catheters and in nonneutropenic patients receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition. TNF-αblockade is associated with fungal infections, but noAcremoniumspp. infection had been reported up to the present. In this paper, we present a patient with ulcerative colitis who developedAcremonium kiliensefungemia associated with infliximab therapy while receiving total parenteral nutrition. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole.Acremoniumsp. infection must be suspected as another cause of fungal infection in patients under treatment with infliximab.
How the Virus Outsmarts the Host: Function and Structure of Cytomegalovirus MHC‐I‐Like Molecules in the Evasion of Natural Killer Cell Surveillance
Authors: Revilleza Maria Jamela , Wang Rui , Mans Janet , Hong Manqing , Natarajan Kannan , Margulies David H.
Published: June 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells provide an initial host immune response to infection by many viral pathogens. Consequently, the viruses have evolved mechanisms to attenuate the host response, leading to improved viral fitness. One mechanism employed by members of the β‐herpesvirus family, which includes the cytomegaloviruses, is to modulate the expression of cell surface ligands recognized by NK cell activation molecules. A novel set of cytomegalovirus (CMV) genes, exemplified by the mouse m145 family, encode molecules that have structural and functional features similar to those of host major histocompatibility‐encoded (MHC) class I molecules, some of which are known to contribute to immune evasion. In this review, we explore the function, structure, and evolution of MHC‐I‐like molecules of the CMVs and speculate on the dynamic development of novel immunoevasive functions based on the MHC‐I protein fold.
Scrotal Swelling and Testicular Atrophy due to Schistosomiasis in a 9-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report
Authors: Rambau Peter F. , Chandika Alphonce , Chalya Philipo L. , Jackson Kahima
Published: June 2011

Schistosomiasis is a communicable disease which commonly involves urinary bladder causing hematuria, or large bowel causing bloody stool. The common species encountered in this lake region surrounding Lake Victoria in Tanzania areSchistosoma haematobiumandSchistosoma mansoni. Complications can lead to portal hypertension due portal fibrosis in liver, and fibrosis in lung can lead to pulmonary hypertension; this commonly seen withS. mansoni. Major complications ofS. maeametobiumare chronic cystitis with squamous metaplasia with subsequent development of squamous cell carcinoma. Involvement of spinal cord causing paraplegia has been observed inS. haematobium. Other unusual pathology of schistosomiasis has been described, such as involvement of the appendix, ovary, prostate, and cervix. Here, we present a case of schistosomiasis in a 9-year-old boy who presented with left scrotal pain for one year which was accompanied by scrotal swelling; surgical exploration was done, and the finding was hydrocele and atrophic testes with nodules on the surface. Histological examination reveals atrophic testis and heavy active granulomatous inflammation with schistosoma eggs consistent withSchistosoma haematobiumin the tunica vaginalis.
The Effects of Mucopolysaccharide Polysulphate on Hydration and Elasticity of Human Skin
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Eimpunth Sasima , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: June 2011

Background. Mucopolysaccharide polysulphate (MPS) has been used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent for over 50 years. Its chemical structure permits considerable hydrogen bonding with adjacent water molecules, which effectively leads to hydration of the surrounding tissue. In addition, it stimulates endogenous hyaluronate synthesis, resulting in an increase in water-binding capacity and viscoelasticity of the skin.Objective. To study the efficacy of 0.1% MPS on hydration and elasticity of human skin.Methods. The first part of this study was a randomized double blind placebo-controlled study which included 60 female volunteers aged 30–45 years with dry skin, defined by Corneometer CM 825. The volunteers were treated with either 0.1% MPS or vehicle control. All subjects were asked to apply 1 g of cream to their face twice daily for a total period of 4 weeks. Skin hydration and elasticity were measured at baseline and week 4 with Corneometer CM 825 and cutometer MPA 580, respectively, at forehead and both cheeks. The second part of this study focused on the efficacy of 0.1% MPS on skin hydration after single application. 20 female volunteers aged 30–45 years with dry skin, defined by Corneometer CM 825, were recruited to the study. All subjects were asked to apply 2 g of 0.1% MPS cream on entirely randomly selected forearm. Skin hydration at the middle of both forearms was measured at baseline, immediately after application, and every 1 hour after application for a period of 10 hours.Results. 57 subjects (28 in vehicle control group, 29 in MPS) completed treatment protocol. The baseline skin hydration of both groups was not significantly different (P=0.47). Hower, there was a statistically significant difference in skin hydration at 4 weeks between MPS and placebo group (P=0.01). Skin elasticity was significantly improved at week 4 in both groups (vehicle-control,P<0.01, and MPS,P<0.01). However, no significant difference in skin elasticity between MPS and vehicle-control group was noted (P=0.15). Lastly, there was a statistically significant improvement in skin hydration after a single application (P<0.01). This improvement was maintained for 10 hours.Conclusions. MPS provided improvement of skin hydration but not skin elasticity in woman with dry skin, compared with vehicle control. And MPS improved the skin hydration for at least 10 hours after single application.
Hyperacute Corticosteroid Treatment of Optic Neuritis at the Onset of Pain May Prevent Visual Loss: A Case Series
Authors: Plant G. T. , Sibtain N. A. , Thomas D.
Published: June 2011

Aim. To show that high-dose corticosteroids may prevent visual loss in patients with optic neuritis (ON) treated at the prodromal, hyperacute, phase of retrobulbar pain.Method. Prospective case series: patients were recruited with a history of ON associated with pain. The patients were advised to report immediately to the investigators should the pain recur in either eye. Where possible, orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to confirm a recurrence of ON and treatment with high-dose corticosteroids was commenced. Visual function and the patient’s subjective account were monitored.Results. Eight patients (including cases of MS, CRION and NMO) presented in the hyperacute phase. MRI confirmed optic nerve inflammation in 5/5. Treatment was commenced immediately, and, in all cases, no visual loss ensued.Conclusion. MRI can be used to confirm acute optic neuritis prior to visual loss in the hyperacute phase. We suggest that treatment with high-dose corticosteroids may abort the attack and prevent loss of vision in patients with ON who are treated at the onset of pain. This has potential implications for the management of acute ON and also for our understanding of the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets in the neuroinflammatory conditions associated with ON.
Tuberculosis of the Oral Cavity Affecting Alveolus: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Bipin
Published: June 2011

We report a first case of tuberculosis of oral cavity affecting the left alveolus from Nepal in a 63-year-old male who came to otorhinolaryngology outpatient department with a complaint of an ulcer in the oral cavity and pain in bilateral ear and throat. An ulcer measuring 1.8 cm in diameter with irregular friable margin and bleeding on touch was found in the left upper alveolar region of the oral cavity. Biopsy from the ulcer margin revealed histological features of necrotizing granulomatous lesion. Stain for acid fast bacilli was positive.
Sequential Dose-Dense Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide in Advanced Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Patients in an Out-Patient-Basis Schedule
Authors: Almeida G. F. G. , Castro G. , Snitcovsky I. M. L. , Siqueira S. A. , Akaishi E. H. , Camargo O. P. , Oliveira C. R. G. C. M. , Federico M. H. H.
Published: June 2011

Aims. This phase II study explored activity/safety of front-line dose-dense chemotherapy in high-grade STS (soft tissue sarcoma) patients and tested ezrin as prognostic factor.Patients and Methods. The protocol consisted of three cycles of doxorubicin (DOXO) 30 mg/m2on days 1–3 every 2 weeks, followed by three cycles of ifosfamide (IFO) 2.5 g/m2two hours a day on days 1–5 every 3 weeks, with GCSF support. Ezrin was assessed immunohistochemically.Results. Twenty patients, 13 metastatic and 7 locally advanced, were enrolled. Median age was 39 years (25–60). Median dose intensities were 42 mg/m2/week and 3.6 g/m2/week for DOXO and IFO, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities occurred in 18 patients. Response rate was 15% (3 of 20) by RECIST. Patients younger than 45 years with locally advanced disease and synovial histology presented longer survival. A trend towards longer survival was observed among ezrin-positive patients.Conclusions. This dose-dense schedule should not be routinely used due to its high frequency of toxic events; however, a sequential strategy with DOXO and IFO may benefit selected patients and should be further explored with lower doses. The role of ezrin as a prognostic marker should be confirmed in a larger group of patients.
Analysis of Agreement on Traditional Chinese Medical Diagnostics for Many Practitioners
Authors: Lo Lun-Chien , Cheng Tsung-Lin , Huang You-Chieh , Chen Ying-Ling , Wang Jeng-Ting
Published: June 2011

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics, it is an important issue to study the degree of agreement among several distinct practitioners. In order to study the reliability of TCM diagnostics, we have to design an experiment to simultaneously deal with both of the cases when the data is ordinal and when there are many TCM practitioners. In this study, we consider a reliability measure called “Krippendorff's alpha” to investigate the agreement of tongue diagnostics in TCM. Besides, since it is not easy to obtain a large data set with patients rated simultaneously by many TCM practitioners, we use the renowned “bootstrapping” to obtain a 95% confidence interval for the Krippendorff's alpha. The estimated Krippendorff's alpha for the agreement among ten physicians that discerned fifteen randomly chosen patients is 0.7343, and the 95% bootstrapping confidence interval for the true alpha coefficient is [0.6570, 0.7349]. The data was collected and analyzed at the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) in Taiwan.
Temporal and Spatial Properties of Arterial Pulsation Measurement Using Pressure Sensor Array
Authors: Hu Chung-Shing , Chung Yu-Feng , Yeh Cheng-Chang , Luo Ching-Hsing
Published: June 2011

Conventionally, a pulse taking platform is based on a single sensor, which initiates a feasible method of quantitative pulse diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to implement a pulse taking platform with a tactile array sensor. Three-dimensional wrist pulse signals are constructed, and the length, width, ascending slope, and descending slope are defined following the surface of the wrist pulse. And the pressure waveform of the wrist pulse obtained through proposed pulse-taking platform has the same performance as the single sensor. Finally, the results of a paired samplest-test reveal that the repeatability of the proposal platform is consistent with clinical experience. On the other hand, the results of ANOVA indicate that differences exist among different pulse taking depths, and this result is consistent with clinical experience in traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis (TCMPD). Hence, the proposed pulse taking platform with an array sensor is feasible for quantification in TCMPD.
Regression of Glioma in Rat Models by Intranasal Application of Parvovirus H-1
Authors: Kiprianova Irina , Thomas Nadja , Ayache Ali , Fischer Manuel , Leuchs Barbara , Klein Michèle , Rommelaere Jean , Schlehofer Jörg R.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: In previous studies, we have shown that the apathogenic rat parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) is capable to induce regression of advanced symptomatic rat and human gliomas in a rat model, when the virus was injected in the tumor (intracranially) or intravenously. Infection with H-1PV did not provoke any pathology in nontumor tissue. This study addresses the question whether also intranasal application of this oncolytic virus is suitable and sufficient for treating gliomas in this animal model.

Experimental Design: Rat (RG-2) or human (U87) glioma cells were grafted stereotactically in the brain of rats (Wistar or RNU, respectively), and after development of tumors visible by MRI, H-1PV was instilled intranasally. Tumor regression was monitored by MRI, and survival was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Brains from sacrificed animals were analyzed for histologic alterations, presence of viral DNA and proteins and infectious virions. In addition, distribution of virus to other organs was determined.

Results: A single intranasal instillation of H-1PV was sufficient to induce efficient regression of rat glioma, leading to significant prolongation of survival without any toxicity for other tissues. It is shown that the virus reaches brain and other tissues, and that the viral replication-associated (and oncolysis-associated) regulatory proteins are exclusively expressed in the tumor tissue. In rats with xenografts of human glioma, oncolytic activity of H-1PV was less pronounced, however, leading to significant prolongation of survival.

Conclusion: In view of an ongoing clinical trial on the use of H-1PV for oncolytic virotherapy of glioma, the option of applying the virus intranasally may be a valuable alternative to invasive routes of infection. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5333–42. ©2011 AACR.
The General Public’s Understanding and Perception of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test Results
Authors: Leighton J.W. , Valverde K. , Bernhardt B.A.
Published: June 2011

Background/Aims: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing allows consumers to discover their risk for common complex disorders. The extent to which consumers understand typical results provided by DTC genetic testing is currently unknown. Misunderstanding of the results could lead to negative consequences including unnecessary concern, false reassurance or unwarranted changes in screening behaviors. We conducted a study to investigate consumers’ perceptions and understanding of DTC test results. Methods: An online survey was posted on Facebook that included questions relating to 4 sample test results for risk of developing colorectal cancer, heart disease and skin cancer. Genetic counselors were used as a comparison group. Results: 145 individuals from the general public and 171 genetic counselors completed the survey. A significant difference was found between the way the general public and genetic counselors interpreted the meaning of the DTC results. The general public respondents also believed that results in all 4 scenarios would be significantly more helpful than the genetic counselors did. Although the majority of general public respondents rated the results as easy to understand, they often misinterpreted them. Conclusions: These findings imply that the general public has the potential to misinterpret DTC results without appropriate assistance. Further research is needed to explore optimal methods of providing DTC test results and ways to minimize the risk of negative consequences for consumers.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Hutteman M. , van der Vorst J.R. , Mieog J.S.D. , Bonsing B.A. , Hartgrink H.H. , Kuppen P.J.K. , Löwik C.W.G.M. , Frangioni J.V. , van de Velde C.J.H. , Vahrmeijer A.L.
Published: June 2011

Background: Intraoperative visualization of pancreatic tumors has the potential to improve radical resection rates. Intraoperative visualization of the common bile duct and bile duct anastomoses could be of added value. In this study, we explored the use of indocyanine green (ICG) for these applications and attempted to optimize injection timing and dose. Methods: Eight patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy were injected intravenously with 5 or 10 mg ICG. During and after injection, the pancreas, tumor, common bile duct and surrounding organs were imaged in real time using the Mini-FLARE™ near-infrared (NIR) imaging system. Results: No clear tumor-to-pancreas contrast was observed, except for incidental contrast in 1 patient. The common bile duct was clearly visualized using NIR fluorescence, within 10 min after injection, with a maximal contrast between 30 and 90 min after injection. Patency of biliary anastomoses could be visualized due to biliary excretion of ICG. Conclusion: No useful tumor demarcation could be visualized in pancreatic cancer patients after intravenous injection of ICG. However, the common bile duct and biliary anastomoses were clearly visualized during the observation period. Therefore, these imaging strategies could be beneficial during biliary surgery in cases where the surgical anatomy is aberrant or difficult to identify.