bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haptoglobin inhibits phospholipid transfer protein activity in hyperlipidemic human plasma
Authors: Henderson Ryan J , Wasan Kishor M , Leon Carlos G
Published: August 2009

Background

Haptoglobin is a plasma protein that scavenges haemoglobin during haemolysis. Phospholipid Transfer Protein (PLTP) transfers lipids from Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) to High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). PLTP is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis which causes coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in North America. It has been shown that Apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) binds and regulates PLTP activity. Haptoglobin can also bind to Apo-A1, affecting the ability of Apo-A1 to induce enzymatic activities. Thus we hypothesize that haptoglobin inhibits PLTP activity. This work tested the effect of Haptoglobin and Apo-A1 addition on PLTP activity in human plasma samples. The results will contribute to our understanding of the role of haptoglobin on modulating reverse cholesterol transport.

Results

We analyzed the PLTP activity and Apo-A1 and Haptoglobin content in six hyperlipidemic and six normolipidemic plasmas. We found that Apo-A1 levels are proportional to PLTP activity in hyperlipidemic (R2 = 0.66, p < 0.05) but not in normolipidemic human plasma. Haptoglobin levels and PLTP activity are inversely proportional in hyperlipidemic plasmas (R2 = 0.57, p > 0.05). When the PLTP activity was graphed versus the Hp/Apo-A1 ratio in hyperlipidemic plasma there was a significant correlation (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.05) suggesting that PLTP activity is affected by the combined effect of Apo-A1 and haptoglobin. When haptoglobin was added to individual hyperlipidemic plasma samples there was a dose dependent decrease in PLTP activity. In these samples we also found a negative correlation (-0.59, p < 0.05) between PLTP activity and Hp/Apo-A1. When we added an amount of haptoglobin equivalent to 100% of the basal levels, we found a 64 ± 23% decrease (p < 0.05) in PLTP activity compared to basal PLTP activity. We tested the hypothesis that additional Apo-A1 would induce PLTP activity. Interestingly we found a dose dependent decrease in PLTP activity upon Apo-A1 addition. When both Apo-A1 and Hpt were added to the plasma samples there was no further reduction in PLTP activity suggesting that they act through a common pathway.

Conclusion

These findings suggest an inhibitory effect of Haptoglobin over PLTP activity in hyperlipidemic plasma that may contribute to the regulation of reverse cholesterol transport.
Usefulness of NT-pro BNP monitoring to identify echocardiographic responders following cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Magne Julien , Dubois Michelle , Champagne Jean , Dumesnil Jean G , Pibarot Philippe , Philippon François , O'Hara Gilles , Sénéchal Mario
Published: August 2009

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) volumes, mitral regurgitation (MR) severity and symptoms of patients with heart failure (HF). However, ≥ 30% of patients have no significant clinical or echocardiographic improvement following CRT. Reverse remodeling after CRT correlates with improved clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that in NT-pro BNP monitoring is accurate to identify responders following CRT.

Methods

42 consecutive patients (mean age 66 ± 12 years, male 68%) with HF undergoing CRT were prospectively enrolled. Responders at follow-up were defined by echocardiography (decrease in LV end systolic volume ≥ 15%). Echocardiography and NT-pro BNP measurement were performed at baseline and repeated 3 to 6 month after CRT.

Results

There was no significant difference between responders (n = 29, 69%) and non-responders (n = 13, 31%) regarding baseline NT-pro BNP level. Responders had significantly higher decrease in NT-pro BNP levels during follow-up than non-responders (absolute: -1428 ± 1333 pg.ml-1 vs. -61 ± 959 pg.ml-1, p = 0.002; relative: -45 ± 28% vs. 2 ± 28%, p < 0.0001). A decrease of ≥ 15% in NT-pro BNP 3–6 months after CRT identifies echocardiographic responders with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 77%.

Conclusion

NT-pro BNP monitoring can accurately identify echocardiographic responders after CRT.
The paradoxical patterns of expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in colon cancer
Authors: Gao Yan-Fang , Peng Rui-Qing , Li Jiang , Ding Ya , Zhang Xing , Wu Xiao-Jun , Pan Zhi-Zhong , Wan De-Sen , Zeng Yi-Xin , Zhang Xiao-Shi
Published: August 2009

Background

One of the putative mechanisms of tumor immune escape is based on the hypothesis that carcinomas actively create an immunosuppressed state via the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), both in the cancer cells and in the immune cells among the tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN). In an attempt to verify this hypothesis, the patterns of expression of IDO in the cancer cells and the immune cells among colon cancers were examined.

Methods

Seventy-one cases of pathologically-confirmed colon cancer tissues matched with adjacent non-cancerous tissues, lymph node metastases, and TDLN without metastases were collected at the Sun Yat-sen Cancer Center between January 2000 and December 2000. The expression of IDO and Bin1, an IDO regulator, was determined with an immunohistochemical assay. The association between IDO or Bin1 expression and TNM stages and the 5-year survival rate in colon cancer patients was analyzed.

Results

IDO and Bin1 were detected in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and normal epithelium. In primary colon cancer, the strong expression of IDO existed in 9/71 cases (12.7%), while the strong expression of Bin1 existed in 33/71 cases (46.5%). However, similar staining of IDO and Bin1 existed in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Among the 41 cases with primary colon tumor and lymph node metastases, decreased expression of IDO was documented in the lymph node metastases. Furthermore, among the TDLN without metastases, a higher density of IDO+cells was documented in 21/60 cases (35%). Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the density of IDO+cells in TDLN was an independent prognostic factor. The patients with a higher density of IDO+cells in TDLN had a lower 5-year survival rate (37.5%) than the cells with a lower density (73.1%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated paradoxical patterns of expression of IDO in colon cancer. The high density IDO+cells existed in TDLN and IDO was down-regulated in lymph nodes with metastases, implying that IDO in tumor and immune cells functions differently.
Prediction of viral microRNA precursors based on human microRNA precursor sequence and structural features
Authors: Kumar Shiva , Ansari Faraz A , Scaria Vinod
Published: August 2009

MicroRNAs (small ~22 nucleotide long non-coding endogenous RNAs) have recently attracted immense attention as critical regulators of gene expression in multi-cellular eukaryotes, especially in humans. Recent studies have proved that viruses also express microRNAs, which are thought to contribute to the intricate mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Computational predictions have greatly accelerated the discovery of microRNAs. However, most of these widely used tools are dependent on structural features and sequence conservation which limits their use in discovering novel virus expressed microRNAs and non-conserved eukaryotic microRNAs. In this work an efficient prediction method is developed based on the hypothesis that sequence and structure features which discriminate between host microRNA precursor hairpins and pseudo microRNAs are shared by viral microRNA as they depend on host machinery for the processing of microRNA precursors. The proposed method has been found to be more efficient than recently reported ab-initio methods for predicting viral microRNAs and microRNAs expressed by mammals.
Chinese medicines as a resource for liver fibrosis treatment
Authors: Feng Yibin , Cheung Kwok-Fan , Wang Ning , Liu Ping , Nagamatsu Tadashi , Tong Yao
Published: August 2009

Liver fibrosis is a condition of abnormal proliferation of connective tissue due to various types of chronic liver injury often caused by viral infection and chemicals. Effective therapies against liver fibrosis are still limited. In this review, we focus on research on Chinese medicines against liver fibrosis in three categories, namely pure compounds, composite formulae and combination treatment using single compounds with composite formulae or conventional medicines. Action mechanisms of the anti-fibrosis Chinese medicines, clinical application, herbal adverse events and quality control are also reviewed. Evidence indicates that some Chinese medicines are clinically effective on liver fibrosis. Strict quality control such as research to identify and monitor the manufacturing of Chinese medicines enables reliable pharmacological, clinical and in-depth mechanism studies. Further experiments and clinical trials should be carried out on the platforms that conform to international standards.
Apolipoprotein E4 (1–272) fragment is associated with mitochondrial proteins and affects mitochondrial function in neuronal cells
Authors: Nakamura Toshiyuki , Watanabe Atsushi , Fujino Takahiro , Hosono Takashi , Michikawa Makoto
Published: August 2009

Background

Apolipoprotein E allele ε4 (apoE4) is a strong risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Secreted apoE has a critical function in redistributing lipids among central nervous system cells to maintain normal lipid homeostasis. In addition, previous reports have shown that apoE4 is cleaved by a protease in neurons to generate apoE4(1–272) fragment, which is associated with neurofibrillary tanglelike structures and mitochondria, causing mitochondrial dysfunction. However, it still remains unclear how the apoE fragment associates with mitochondria and induces mitochondrial dysfunction.

Results

To clarify the molecular mechanism, we carried out experiments to identify intracellular apoE-binding molecules and their functions in modulating mitochondria function. Here, we found that apoE4 binds to ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 2 (UQCRC2) and cytochrome C1, both of which are components of mitochondrial respiratory complex III, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 (COX IV 1), which is a component of complex IV, in Neuro-2a cells. Interestingly, these proteins associated with apoE4(1–272) more strongly than intact apoE4(1–299). Further analysis showed that in Neuro-2a cells expressing apoE4(1–272), the enzymatic activities of mitochondrial respiratory complexes III and IV were significantly lower than those in Neuro-2a cells expressing apoE4(1–299).

Conclusion

ApoE4(1–272) fragment expressed in Neuro2a cells is associated with mitochondrial proteins, UQCRC2 and cytochrome C1, which are component of respiratory complex III, and with COX IV 1, which is a member of complex IV. Overexpression of apoE4(1–272) fragment impairs activities of complex III and IV. These results suggest that the C-terminal-truncated fragment of apoE4 binds to mitochondrial complexes and affects their activities, and thereby leading to neurodegeneration.
Anti-oncogenic and pro-differentiation effects of clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, on high grade prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Hongjuan , Flamand Vincent , Peehl Donna M
Published: August 2009

Background

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), a mitochondrial enzyme that degrades monoamines including neurotransmitters, is highly expressed in basal cells of the normal human prostatic epithelium and in poorly differentiated (Gleason grades 4 and 5), aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Clorgyline, an MAO-A inhibitor, induces secretory differentiation of normal prostate cells. We examined the effects of clorgyline on the transcriptional program of epithelial cells cultured from high grade PCa (E-CA).

Methods

We systematically assessed gene expression changes induced by clorgyline in E-CA cells using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. Genes differentially expressed in treated and control cells were identified by Significance Analysis of Microarrays. Expression of genes of interest was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The expression of 156 genes was significantly increased by clorgyline at all time points over the time course of 6 – 96 hr identified by Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). The list is enriched with genes repressed in 7 of 12 oncogenic pathway signatures compiled from the literature. In addition, genes downregulated ≥ 2-fold by clorgyline were significantly enriched with those upregulated by key oncogenes including beta-catenin and ERBB2, indicating an anti-oncogenic effect of clorgyline. Another striking effect of clorgyline was the induction of androgen receptor (AR) and classic AR target genes such as prostate-specific antigen together with other secretory epithelial cell-specific genes, suggesting that clorgyline promotes differentiation of cancer cells. Moreover, clorgyline downregulated EZH2, a critical component of the Polycomb Group (PcG) complex that represses the expression of differentiation-related genes. Indeed, many genes in the PcG repression signature that predicts PCa outcome were upregulated by clorgyline, suggesting that the differentiation-promoting effect of clorgyline may be mediated by its downregulation of EZH2.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that inhibitors of MAO-A, already in clinical use to treat depression, may have potential application as therapeutic PCa drugs by inhibiting oncogenic pathway activity and promoting differentiation.
Risedronate inhibits human osteosarcoma cell invasion
Authors: Xin Zeng Feng , Kim Yang Kyung , Jung Sung Taek
Published: August 2009

Background

Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant bone tumor and is the most commonly encountered malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Furthermore, significant numbers of patients eventually develop pulmonary metastases and succumb to the disease even after conventional multi-agent chemotherapy and surgical excision. Several solid tumors display enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and recently clinical trials have been initiated on MMP-inhibitors. On the other hand, bisphosphonates (BPs), which have a profound effect on bone resorption, are widely used to treat osteoclast-mediated bone diseases. BPs are also known to inhibit tumor growths and metastases in some tumors such as breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and prostate cancer.

Methods

Two osteosarcoma cell lines (SaOS-2 and U2OS) were treated with risedronate (0, 0.1, 1, 10 μM) for 48 hours. Cell viabilities were determined using MTT assay, the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, the amount of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein were analyzed by Westernblot, the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed by Gelatin zymography, and Matrigel invasion assays were used to investigate the invasive potential of osteosarcoma cell lines before and after risedronate treatment.

Results

The invasiveness of osteosarcoma cell lines (SaOS-2, U2OS) were reduced in a dose dependent manner follow 48 hour treatment of up to 10 μM of the risedronate at which concentration no cytotoxicity occurred. Furthermore, the gelatinolytic activities and protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were also suppressed by increasing risedronate concentrations.

Conclusion

Given that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are instrumental in tumor cell invasion, our results suggest the risedronate could reduce osteosarcoma cell invasion.
Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10, nerve growth factor and substance P in the painful degenerate intervertebral disc
Authors: Richardson Stephen M , Doyle Paul , Minogue Ben M , Gnanalingham Kanna , Hoyland Judith A
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be involved in the degradation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) during intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study investigated MMP-10 (stromelysin-2) expression in the NP during IVD degeneration and correlated its expression with pro-inflammatory cytokines and molecules involved in innervation and nociception during degeneration which results in low back pain (LBP).

Methods

Human NP tissue was obtained at postmortem (PM) from patients without a history of back pain and graded as histologically normal or degenerate. Symptomatic degenerate NP samples were also obtained at surgery for LBP. Expression of MMP-10 mRNA and protein was analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression for pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF) and the pain-associated neuropeptide substance P were also analysed. Correlations between MMP-10 and IL-1, TNF-α and NGF were assessed along with NGF with substance P.

Results

MMP-10 mRNA was significantly increased in surgical degenerate NP when compared to PM normal and PM degenerate samples. MMP-10 protein was also significantly higher in degenerate surgical NP samples compared to PM normal. IL-1 and MMP-10 mRNA demonstrated a significant correlation in surgical degenerate samples, while TNF-α was not correlated with MMP-10 mRNA. NGF was significantly correlated with both MMP-10 and substance P mRNA in surgical degenerate NP samples.

Conclusions

MMP-10 expression is increased in the symptomatic degenerate IVD, where it may contribute to matrix degradation and initiation of nociception. Importantly, this study suggests differences in the pathways involved in matrix degradation between painful and pain-free IVD degeneration.
Dynamic analysis of a turning tool with a discrete model of the workpiece
Authors: Kotaiah K R , Srinivas J
Published: August 2009

The present paper proposes an analytical stability model of regenerative chatter in orthogonal turning operations. Tool geometry is initially developed as a solid model and analysed at different tool overhang conditions. In each case, stiffness, fundamental bending mode, and corresponding damping ratios of the tool are evaluated. With these data, the cutting tool can be represented with a lumped-parameter, single-degree-of-freedom vibration oscillator. Workpiece dynamics, on the other hand, is considered independently using a discrete finite element beam model. At some contact node of the workpiece, tool mass imposes a regenerative cutting force and second-order dynamic delay differential equations are formulated in terms of tool and modal parameters. The stability criterion is formulated from a characteristic equation. The effects of tool overhang and workpiece cross-section on stability using the proposed model are reported. Experimental analysis is carried out to show the effect of tool overhang on cutting dynamics.
A hydro-bulging mechanism of tailor-welded tubes with dissimilar thickness
Authors: Chu G N , Liu G
Published: August 2009

To reveal the deformation characteristics and influence of dissimilar thickness on hydro-bulging of tailor-welded tubes (TWT), a finite-element analysis (FEA), experiments, and a mechanical analysis were conducted. Based on the stress and strain resulting from finite-element simulation, it was concluded that the deformation of the thicker tube lags behind that of the thinner tube throughout the bulging process. The plastic deformation occurs first at the middle zone of the thinner tube and then extends to the thicker tube crossing the weld seam. In general, the expansion occurring on the two parts with dissimilar thickness is non-uniform. However, the higher the length ratio, the higher the deformation compatibility. When the length ratio reaches 0.8, the deformation between two tubes is almost synchronic. It is concluded that the mechanism for improving the deformation compatibility is to induce a deformation in the thicker tube by enhancing the bulging pressure needed for a deformation in the thinner tube by changing the stress state in the thinner tube and applying the work-hardening effect.
Fault diagnosis based on support vector machines with parameter optimization by an ant colony algorithm
Authors: Zhang X L , Chen X F , He Z J
Published: August 2009

Since support vector machines (SVM) exhibit a good generalization performance in the small sample cases, these have a wide application in machinery fault diagnosis. However, a problem arises from setting optimal parameters for SVM so as to obtain optimal diagnosis result. This article presents a fault diagnosis method based on SVM with parameter optimization by ant colony algorithm to attain a desirable fault diagnosis result, which is performed on the locomotive roller bearings to validate its feasibility and efficiency. The experiment finds that the proposed algorithm of ant colony optimization with SVM (ACO—SVM) can help one to obtain a good fault diagnosis result, which confirms the advantage of the proposed ACO—SVM approach.
Study into laser short-pulse heating of a layered structure
Authors: Yilbas B S
Published: August 2009

Laser short-pulse heating of a lead—silicon—gold-layered structure is considered and non-equilibrium equation in the lattice and electron subsystems is formulated using the electron kinetic theory approach. The Seebeck coefficient in the metallic and silicon layers is also formulated. Electron and lattice site temperature rise in the subsystems and the Seebeck coefficients are computed for time exponentially decaying pulse. The study is extended to include the influence of the first layer (lead layer) thickness on temperature rise and the Seebeck coefficients. It is found that the lattice site temperature across the interface of the lead and silicon layers increases sharply. The Seebeck coefficient predicted in the silicon layer is higher than in the metallic layers in the structure.
On the limits of stability of ships rolling in head seas
Authors: Neves M A S , Rodríguez C A , Vivanco J E M
Published: August 2009

Limits of stability are a well-known and practical way of looking into the problem of parametric resonance. In the present paper an in-depth analysis of parametric rolling is presented employing the concept of limits of stability as a tool for improved understanding and assessment of the complex dynamics embedded in the problem of non-linearly coupled parametric rolling in extreme regular seas. A third-order coupled mathematical model is considered. The coupled modes of heave, roll, and pitch are contemplated. By means of the analysis of the linear variational equation derived from the extended third-order model, the appearance of super-harmonics and increased rigidity — proportional to wave amplitude squared — due to third-order terms is demonstrated. The mathematical model is then cast in the form of a Hill's equation.

Two important new aspects are addressed: the possible appearance of upper limits to the unstable area of the diagram; and the computation of numerical limits of stability. These new limits are compared with the analytical results. Subsequently, by computing the bifurcation diagrams, the dependence of the limits of stability on the initial conditions is shown. Finally, the basins of attraction corresponding to two internal regions of the domain of unstable motions are computed.
Effect of hourly wind trends on the peak load-carrying capability of wind-integrated power systems
Authors: Billinton R , Karki B
Published: August 2009

Wind power is gaining serious consideration as an important source of electric power generation. The output power of a wind turbine generator is, however, dependent on the wind speed, which is uncertain, intermittent, and variable. It is therefore necessary to develop suitable wind power integration models to assess the load-carrying capability benefits of added wind power. The present paper discusses the concept of short-term wind speed probability distributions and unit commitment risk, and examines the peak load-carrying capability and increase in peak load-carrying capability due to added wind power. The effects of hourly changes in wind speed on the estimation of these benefits are illustrated by evaluating the operating situations at two different times of the day in two different seasons of the year.
OR Forum—Homeland Security: From Mathematical Models to Policy Implementation: The 2008 Philip McCord Morse Lecture
Authors: Wein Lawrence M.
Published: August 2009

This paper is the archival record of the INFORMS Philip McCord Morse Lecture delivered in 2008. It describes the author's research on four topics in homeland security and public health: preparedness and response to a bioterror anthrax attack, preparedness and response to a bioterror attack on the food supply, routes of transmission and infection control for pandemic influenza, and biometrics (e.g., fingerprint matching) to prevent terrorists from entering the country. The paper focuses on the modeling, policy recommendations, and implementation of these recommendations. The author draws lessons about policy implementation from these examples and from examples from his other homeland security work with colleagues, including a bioterror smallpox attack, preventing nuclear weapons from entering the country on a shipping container, preventing nuclear weapons from entering a city, and preventing terrorists from crossing the border between the United States and Mexico.
Ziegfeld, Bagley, Sillman, and Cranko: The Revue in the 195657 Season On and Off-Broadway
Authors: Sebesta Judith A
Published: August 2009

This essay examines five musical revues produced on and off Broadway during the 195657 season New Faces of 56, Cranks, Shoestring 57, the Ziegfeld Follies of 57, and Mask and Gown exploring such issues as changes to the form (or lack of form), critical reception
and audience expectations, the showcasing of new talent, and the legacy of the revues.
Reviews
Authors: Poston-Anderson Barbara , Booth Greg , Purin Peter , van der Merwe Ann Ommen
Published: August 2009

The Opera Lover's Companion, Charles Osborne (2004) New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 627 pp., includes Index of Titles and General Index, ISBN 978-0-300-12373-9, paperback, 25.00

Hindi Film Songs and the Cinema, Anna Morcom (2007) SOAS Musicology
Series, Aldershot: Ashgate, 281 pp., ISBN: 978-0-7546-5198-7 (hbk), 60.00

Directors and the New Musical Drama: British and American Musical Theatre in the 1980s and 1990s, Miranda Lundskaer-Nielsen (2008) Palgrave Studies in Theatre and Performance History, New York: Palgrave
Macmillan, 231 pp., ISBN 978-0-230-60129-1, hardback, 42.50

Tony Pastor: Father of Vaudeville, Armond Fields (2008) Jefferson, NC and London: McFarland & Company, 210 pp., ISBN 9780786430543, hardback, 52.50
Iowa Stubborn: Meredith Willson's musical characterization of his fellow Iowans
Authors: Schwartz Roberta Freund
Published: August 2009

The song Iowa Stubborn from The Music Man provides a key to understanding the development and musical content of the work. Willson's Iowa Stubborn insistence on the organic development of songs from the narrative led him to use experimental techniques like speak-song and words-without-songs,
some of which were by-products of his long career in radio. By creating a dialogic style of song based on stubborn pitch repetition and a small number of motifs, the composer, who by the early 1950s was Iowa's most famous son, was able to characterize the stubborn natives of the Hawkeye state,
both musically and lyrically, in numerous numbers in the score.
The American musical theatre in 1957
Authors: Laird Paul R
Published: August 2009

This Introduction to a volume on musical theatre from 1957 includes a list of every musical playing on Broadway that year with brief comment on each. There is also a summary of events and issues that the United States faced in 1957, including those from the political world and popular
culture. Finally, there is an introduction of each article in the volume.
Damn Yankees and the 1950s man: you gotta have (loyalty, an escape clause, and) heart
Authors: Sternfeld Jessica
Published: August 2009

Despite its reception as a light-hearted romp, Damn Yankees (by Adler, Ross, and Abbott, 1955) embodies several cultural ideas that were in conflict or in flux in the mid-1950s. This story of a middle-aged man who makes a deal with the devil to become a champion baseball star
can teach us much about the way the era viewed young healthy men versus older unfit men, in a time when concerns about fitness and international threats conflicted with growing prosperity and lives of ease. The musical delves into the time period's distinct notions of masculinity, fighting
for country, fidelity to one's wife, and the psyche of a post-war suburban populace. Joe Boyd becomes representative of a growing type of 1950s man, teaching a somewhat ambiguous, not entirely inspirational lesson about the dangers of risking a comfortable lifestyle for the sake of adventure.
Li'l Abner: from comic strip to musical
Authors: Harvill William
Published: August 2009

By the time that Li'l Abner opened on Broadway in 1956, Al Capp's popular comic strip had been running for over twenty years. While Capp was barely involved in the creation of the musical, the show was faithful to the strip in many regards, including storylines, dialect, and
the use of irony. However the musical's faithfulness to the comic strip has probably been its greatest problem in remaining popular, since much of the show's popularity seemed to hinge on the audience's awareness of the source material. That, and the relative obscurity of the songs, indicates
that while Li'l Abner will always have a place as a piece of Americana, it may continue to lose its truly devoted audience.
Beta-Expansions with Negative Bases
Authors: Ito Shunji , Sadahiro Taizo
Published: August 2009

This paper investigates representations of real numbers with an arbitrary negative base –β < –1, which we call the (–β)-expansions. They arise from the orbits of the (–β)-transformation which is a natural modification of the β-transformation. We show some fundamental properties of (–β)-expansions, each of which corresponds to a well-known fact of ordinary β-expansions. In particular, we characterize the admissible sequences of (–β)-expansions, give a necessary and sufficient condition for the (–β)-shift to be sofic, and explicitly determine the invariant measure of the (–β)-transformations.
Convergence in Möbius Number Systems
Authors: Kazda Alexandr
Published: August 2009

The Möbius number systems use sequences of Möbius transformations to represent the extended real line or, equivalently, the unit complex circle. An infinite sequence of Möbius transformations represents a point x on the circle if and only if the transformations, in the limit, take the uniform measure on the circle to the Dirac measure centered at the point x. We present new characterizations of this convergence.

Moreover, we show how to improve a known result that guarantees the existence of Möbius number systems for some Möbius iterative systems.

As Möbius number systems use subshifts instead of the whole symbolic space, we can ask what is the language complexity of these subshifts. We offer (under some assumptions) a sufficient and necessary condition for a number system to be sofic.
On the Boundary of the Set of the Closure of Contractive Polynomials
Authors: Pethő Attila
Published: August 2009

For and a = (a
1, . . . , ad
)
T
∈ ℤ
d
, let τ

r
(a) = (a
2, . . . , ad
, –⌊r

T

a⌋)
T
. Further, let . In this paper we prove that if some roots of the polynomial Xd
+ rdX

d–1 + ⋯ + r
2
X + r
1 are t -th roots of unity and the others lie in the open unit disc, then |a

k+t
– ak
| < c
1 with a constant c
1 which does not depend on k. Under some conditions this yields an algorithm to decide whether the sequence is, for all a, ultimately periodic, or becomes divergent for some a.

We study the boundary of the closure of 𝒟3 and show that large parts of it belong to 𝒟3, while others lie outside 𝒟3.
The basic considerations on patient repatriation
Authors: Felkai Péter , Gorove László
Published: August 2009

A beteg jólléte mindenekelőtt! – ezt az elvet sem a társadalmi, sem a politikai nyomás, sem az adminisztrációs kötelezettségek, sem a kereskedelmi érdekek nem sérthetik az orvosi rendtartás előírása szerint. A mindennapi, repatriációval összefüggő orvosi és nem orvosi tevékenységek azonban ezt az elvet gyakran megszegik. A hazai gyakorlatban az utazási biztosítások alapján történő beteg-hazaszállításoknak komoly anomáliái vannak. Ha ezeknek az eredete a financiális szempontok felülkerekedése a beteg érdekének rovására, akkor ezt a motivációs tényezőt azonnal ki kell iktatni! A torz gyakorlatot (többek között) a hosszú távú, betegszállítással kapcsolatos szakmai szabályok hiánya teszi lehetővé. Elsősorban a repatriáció szakmai indikációinak hiánya, a szállíthatósággal kapcsolatos hiányos állásfoglalások, következésképpen a szakmai felelősség elmosása nyújt erre lehetőséget. A szakmai szabályok hiánya lehetetlenné teszi a hazaszállítással megbízott egészségügyi szolgáltató számára a szakmai szempontok betartását – és ezzel a beteg érdekeinek érvényesítését. A helyzetet rontja, hogy a klinikai szakmák képviselői és maguk az alapellátásban dolgozó orvosok is alig ismerik a beteg hazaszállításának szakmai kérdéseit, annak gyakorlati lebonyolítását. Jelen közleményben a szerzők összefoglalják a repatriáció indikációit és kontraindikációit, útmutatást adnak a szállíthatóság kérdésének eldöntéséhez. Részletesen ismertetik a hazaszállításra alkalmazható járműveket, azok használatának korlátait.
Primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in two Hungarian regions
Authors: Kollár Balázs , Rajnics Péter , Hunyady Béla , Zeleznik Erika , Jakucs János , Egyed Miklós
Published: August 2009

A felnőttkori non-Hodgkin-lymphoma előfordulása az elmúlt évtizedekben jelentősen nőtt. A betegcsoport nagyon heterogén, változatos klinikai és morfológiai megjelenéssel. A legjellemzőbb nodalis érintettség mellett gyakoriak az extranodalis formák, amelyek leggyakrabban a gastrointestinalis traktust, a központi idegrendszert és a bőrt érintik. A gastrointestinalis traktus non-Hodgkin-lymphomáinak kezelési stratégiája változott az elmúlt évtizedben, a kemoimmunoterápia háttérbe szorította a korábban jóval gyakrabban végzett sebészeti beavatkozásokat.
Módszerek:
A szerzők Kaposváron, a Kaposi Mór Oktató Kórházban és Gyulán, a Pándy Kálmán Megyei Kórházban kezelt 48, gastrointestinalis traktust érintő non-Hodgkin-lymphomás betegük adatait mutatják be. A betegek közül 27 nő és 21 férfi, átlagéletkoruk 67,8 év. A leggyakoribb lokalizáció a gyomor (
n
= 26), a leggyakoribb szövettani típus diffúz nagy B-sejtes lymphoma (DLBCL) volt. A betegek rizikófaktorait a nemzetközi prognosztikai index (IPI) alapján állapították meg. Negyvenhat beteg kapott kemoimmunoterápiás kezelést, 6 esetben érintett mezős sugárkezelés, 3 esetben
Helicobacter pylori
-eradikáció, 4 betegnél gyomorreszekció történt.
Eredmények:
Az összes beteg 68%-ában sikerült komplett, 13%-ában parciális remissziót elérni, 19% nonreszponder volt. A nemzetközi prognosztikai index alapján a betegek többsége az alacsony, illetve magas intermedier rizikócsoportba tartozott (IPI-átlag: 2,68). A tápcsatorna felső szakaszát érintő lymphomás betegek prognózisa volt a legjobb (IPI: 2,0), ugyanakkor a gyomorlymphomás betegeknél volt a legmagasabb a komplett remisszió aránya (73%).
Következtetés:
Kemoimmunoterápiával a betegek gyógyulási esélyei javultak az elmúlt évtizedben, a gastrointestinalis traktust érintő non-Hodgkin-lymphomák jelentős hányada meggyógyítható. Az IPI a legelfogadottabb mutató a non-Hodgkin-lymphoma prognózisának megítélésére. A komplett remisszióba jutott betegek prognosztikai indexe volt a legalacsonyabb, de az IPI-n kívül egyéb tényezők is befolyásolhatják a kezelésre adott választ.
Megacariócitos e neoplasias experimentais: 3. Estudo da medula óssea em animais inoculados no peritôneo
Authors: Kastner M. R. Q. de
Published: August 2009

Foi feito um estudo qualitativo e quantitativo dos megacariócitos da medula de camundongos inoculados no peritôneo com 0,5 ml de líquido ascítico do Sarcoma 180. Concluímos que: 1. Existe realmente um aumento do número total de megacariócitos durante o desenvolvimento da neoplasia. 2. Êste aumento já é bem aparente no 1º dia. 3. Esta megacariocitopoiese estabiliza-se, com valôres altos, a partir do 3º dia. 4. Os megacariócitos se apresentam muitas vêzes aumentados de volume e alguns formando agregados. Tecem-se considerações a respeito dos resultados.
Histologische beobachtungen am Ovariolenstiel von Syntermes dirus (Isoptera)
Authors: Barth Rudolf
Published: August 2009

Es wird eine eingehende Beschreibung des Ovariolenstiels und der Ovariolen des Ovariums von Syntermes dirus unter Heranziehung zu Vergelichszwecken des Ovariums von Nasutiterme sp. gegeben. Anhand der gewonnenen Daten ist es moeglich den Transport der Eier durch den Ovariolenstiel in den Eileiter zu erklaeren. Die Hauptkraft ist der Wachstumsschub hervorgerufen durch die bodeutende Volumen- und Laengenzunahme der drei bis vier letzten Eizellen jeder Ovariole, wie aus den Daten der Kurven in Graf. 2 hervorgeht.
Lankesterella alencari n. sp., a toxoplasma-like organism in the central nervous system of Amphibia (Protozoa, Sporozoa)
Authors: Costa Sylvio Celso Gonçalves da , Pereira Neize de Moura
Published: August 2009

Lankesterella alencari n. sp. a Sporozoa that occur in the blood and CNS of the South American frog Leptodactylus acellatus is described. Since the tissue forms of this parasite have been previously reported as belonging to the genus Toxoplasma, we attempted in fection of 2 species of amphibia (Bufo marinus an dLeptodactylus ocellatus) with a Toxoplasma strain of human origen; inoculation was by intraperitoneal injection of parasite-containing ascitic fluid from infected mice. Attempt of experimental inoculation of the parasite found in the CNS of L. ocellatus in a highly susceptible host (mice) was unsuccessful. These results suggest that Toxoplasma does not occur naturally in the amphibia; be related to Toxoplasma is excluded. The following genera of haematozoa found in brazilian amphibia have been considered briedfly: Haemobartonella, Cytamoeba, Dactylosoma, Hepatozoon and Trypanosoma.
Catálogo sistemático dos pólens das plantas arbóreas do Brasil Meridional: XII - Palmae
Authors: Barth Ortrud Monika , Barbosa Alda Ferreira
Published: August 2009

Foi estudada a morfologia polínica de sete espécies de palmeiras que ocorrem na floresta subtropical latifoliada do Brasil meridional, dando-se especial ênfase à estratificação das exinas em relação ao aspecto da superfície. A presença de nexina 1 no gênero Butia e a falta desta camada nos deamis gêneros estudados, está de acôrdo com as grandes divisões toxonômicas destas família, bem como a ocorrência ecológica das espécies.
Catálogo sistemático dos pólens das plantas arbóreas do Brasil Meridional: X - Proteables
Authors: Barth Ortrud Monika
Published: August 2009

São estudados os grãos de pólen das Porteaceae que ocorrem na mata umbrófila subtropical do Sul do Brasil. É possível distinguir os três gêneros através da sua morfologia polínica, mas quanto à separação das espécies, isto não é mais válido para o gênero Roupala, onde sòmente podem ser formados grupos de espécies.
Desenvolvimento larvário de Balanídeos em laboratório - Balanus amphitrite (Var. amphitrite)
Authors: Lacombe Dyrce , Monteiro Wanda
Published: August 2009

É descrita a técnicade criação de balanus amphitrite var. amphitrite em laboratório, sob condições controladas, que permitem observações das mudas, do número de estágios e, ainda são apresentadas as características de cada estágio. Balanus amphitrite amphitrite é criado pela primeira vez em laboratório com sucesso. Dos 200 Nauplii obtidos da eclosão dos ovos das lamelas dos adultos, conseguiu-se a fixação de 120 cypris e o crescimento de 78 Balanus pelo período de três meses. A alimentação usada foi Cyclotella nana, proveniente do New York Aquarium. A fase larvária de Balanus amphitrite amphitrite consiste de seis estágios de Nauplii e um estágio de Cypris. A disposição, forma, tamanho, número de setas, sétulas e espinhos diferem entre os 6 estágios. São apresentados todos os detalhes de microanatomia de cada estágio. A setação é critério valioso para a identificação dos Nauplii e pode ser usada para separar certos estágios especiais. A duração dos seis estágios é a seguinte: o primeiro estágio leva, aproximadamente, de 15 a 20 minutos; 2º estágio de 2 até 4 dias a partir do nascimento dos Nauplii; 3º estágio vai até ao 6º dia; 4º estágio é encontrado a partir do 7º dia de eclosão; 5º estágio varia entre o 9º ao 11º dia e, finalmente, o 6º estágio até o aparecimento do Cypris que se faz no 12º dia de criação. O tempo necessário para o completo desenvolvimento larvários em laboratório estende-se de 12 até 14 dias, aproximadamente. O estudo da metamorfose do Cypris, e o crescimento dos Balanídeos foi realizado por um período de tres meses no frasco de criação.
Transmissão congênita do vírus da gripe inoculado em hamsters
Authors: Lacorte J. Guilherme
Published: August 2009

Relatam-se, no presente trabalho, experiências feitas em hamsters visando observar a transmissão congênita do vírus da gripe. inocularam-se 151 hamsters prenhes ou acasaladas, usando-se a via parenteral ou a nasal. o vírus foi isolado em percentagens variáveis, conforme o caso, sempre acima de 50%, quer das hamsters mães, quer dos filhotes, fetos ou embriões. Observaram-se 15,2% de perturbações embrionárias ou fetais. Processou-se, infecção latente ou inaparente nos animais e os órgãos dos que foram sacrificados não revelaram alterações comuns, macroscópicas ou microscópicas.
The use of rocuronium in giant Amazon turtle Podocnemis expansa (Schweigger, 1812) (Testudines, Podocnemididae)
Authors: Bosso Andréa Cristina Scarpa , Santos André Luiz Quagliatto , Brito Fernando Moraes Machado , Alves Júnior José Roberto Ferreira , Guimarães Ednaldo Carvalho
Published: August 2009

PURPOSE: To determine whether rocuronium would provide safe, short-term immobilization in Podocnemis expansa. METHODS: Twenty P. expansa, weighing on average 1.59 ± 0.28 kg, were subjected to two protocols: G1 0.25 mg/kg IM of rocuronium and 0.07 mg/kg IM of neostigmine, while G2 received 0.50 mg/kg IM of rocuronium and 0.07 mg/kg IM of neostigmine. The drugs were applied, respectively, in the left and right thoracic members. Assessments were made of the anesthetic parameters of respiratory frequency, heartbeat, righting reflex, cloacal relaxation, palpebral and pupilar reflexes, easy handling, muscle relaxation, locomotion, response to pain stimuli in the right thoracic members, pelvic members and tail, ambient humidity and temperature. RESULTS: They were not found statistical differences between the dosages for the majority of the assessments. G1 was as efficient as G2. A consistent neuromuscular blockade effect was recorded 12 ± 4.21 minutes in G1 and G2. All the animals were recovered in 150 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of rocuronium at dose of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg IM is a safe and effective adjunct to clinical proceedings or pre-anesthetics in P. expansa. Because rocuronium does not provide any analgesic or sedative effects, the duration of neuromuscular blockade without anesthesia should be minimized to avoid undue stress.
Device for craniocervical isolation in rabbits
Authors: Ivo Cláudio Santana , Ivo Marcelo Braga , Salles Paulo Guilherme de Oliveira , Rosário Ricardo Costa Val do , Nunes Tarcizo Afonso
Published: August 2009

PURPOSE: To evaluate the craniocervical isolation collar, for use in rabbits, with regard to the following aspects: effectiveness of the craniocervical attachment for up to 120 hours; ease of handling; freedom of the animal to move about and ingest food; and the physical integrity of the animal during and after use of the device. METHODS: Starting from an Elizabethan collar, a craniocervical collar was prepared for use in rabbits with the following modifications: a wide cut in the device in the shape of a half-moon, coinciding with the animal's mouth; inner division of the device into two compartments to individually isolate and immobilize the ears; multiple perforations in the upper compartment for better ventilation; adaptation of the cervical-thoracic band to attach the collar to the cervical region, keeping the fasteners on the animal's back. The device was used on 18 male New Zealand rabbits for up to 120 consecutive hours. RESULTS: The device was effective in the craniocervical isolation and separation of ears in rabbits without interfering with the animals' respiration, ability to swallow food, or causing physical trauma, while allowing the animals to move about freely and rest comfortably. Attaching and removing the device was easy and quick and it remained in place for up to 120 hours without the need to reposition it. CONCLUSION: The modified craniocervical isolation collar made it possible to conduct the experiment with isolation of the rabbits' ears, ease of handling, and without causing limitations in relation to the animals' ability to eat and move about freely.
Rat pinealectomy: a modified direct visual approach
Authors: Maganhin Carla Cristina , Simões Ricardo Santos , Fuchs Luiz Fernando Portugal , Oliveira-Filho Ricardo Martins , Simões Manuel de Jesus , Evêncio Neto Joaquim , Baracat Edmund Chada , Soares Júnior José Maria
Published: August 2009

PURPOSE: To report a new, direct visual approach for rat pinealectomy. METHODS: Eighty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus EPM-1 strain) were weighted and anesthetized intraperitoneally with 15 mg/kg xylazine and 30 mg/kg ketamine. The animal was fastened to a dissection table, an incision was made in the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, bringing the lambda into view. The skullcap was opened with a dental drill, bringing the cerebral hemispheres and the superior sagittal sinus into view. The pineal gland, located under the venous sinus, was removed in a single piece using tweezers. Next, the bone fragment was returned to its place and the surgical layers were sutured. RESULTS: This new technique is easy to be done, avoids bleedings and removes only the pineal gland without damage to the remaining encephalon. In addition it makes possible the achievement of a sham surgery, allowing the pineal gland to remain intact. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique intends to facilitate studies aiming to better understanding the complexity and importance of the pineal gland on reproductive and other body systems.
The rabbit as an animal model for experimental surgery
Authors: Calasans-Maia Mônica Diuana , Monteiro Maria Lucia , Áscoli Fábio Oliveira , Granjeiro José Mauro
Published: August 2009

The white New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is frequently used as a model for in vivo studies. However, information on precautions when using this animal as an experimental model is limited. This review of the literature covers the gamut from the selection of the animal model all the way to its death, and describes procedures for transporting, raising, breeding, housing, administering anesthesia and handling so as to rationalize the utilization of this species while exploiting its unique characteristics. Based upon the literature and our own experience with white New Zealand rabbits, we conclude that the rabbit is an adequate model for experimental surgery.