bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Catalog of Self-Affine Hierarchical Entropy Functions
Authors: Kieffer John
Published: November 2011

For fixed k ≥ 2 and fixed data alphabet of cardinality m, the hierarchical type class of a data string of length n = kj for some j ≥ 1 is formed by permuting the string in all possible ways under permutations arising from the isomorphisms of the unique finite rooted tree of depth j which has n leaves and k children for each non-leaf vertex. Suppose the data strings in a hierarchical type class are losslessly encoded via binary codewords of minimal length. A hierarchical entropy function is a function on the set of m-dimensional probability distributions which describes the asymptotic compression rate performance of this lossless encoding scheme as the data length n is allowed to grow without bound. We determine infinitely many hierarchical entropy functions which are each self-affine. For each such function, an explicit iterated function system is found such that the graph of the function is the attractor of the system.
Generation and agglomeration behaviour of size-selected sub-nm iron clusters as catalysts for the growth of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Joshi Ravi , Waldschmidt Benjamin , Engstler Jörg , Schäfer Rolf , Schneider Jörg J
Published: November 2011

Mass-selected, ligand-free FeN clusters with N = 10–30 atoms (cluster diameter: 0.6–0.9 nm) were implanted into [Al@SiOx] surfaces at a low surface coverage corresponding to a few thousandths up to a few hundredths of a monolayer in order to avoid initial cluster agglomeration. These studies are aimed towards gaining an insight into the lower limit of the size regime of carbon nanotube (CNT) growth by employing size-selected sub-nm iron clusters as catalyst or precatalyst precursors for CNT growth. Agglomeration of sub-nm iron clusters to iron nanoparticles with a median size range between three and six nanometres and the CNT formation hence can be observed at CVD growth temperatures of 750 °C. Below 600 °C, no CNT growth is observed.
PECULIARITIES OF PRODUCING AND MEASURING CIRCULAR SCALES / APSKRITIMINIŲ SKALIŲ GAMYBA, MATAVIMO YPATUMAI / OСОБЕННОСТИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ КРУГОВЫX ШКАЛ
Authors: Sabaitis Deividas , Giniotis Vytautas , Rybokas Mindaugas , Dmitrijev Gintaras
Published: November 2011

The paper deals with investigation into manufacturing circular scales and its accuracy evaluation methods and means considering the new development of production and measurement methods based on advancing laser instruments. The article describes the results of recently conducted analysis and presents initial trials of applying them in practice. Santrauka Supažindinama su apskritiminių skalių tyrimais, gamybos ypatumais ir matavimo būdais. Įvertinamas naujų gamybos ir matavimo metodų plėtotės lazerinių prietaisų pagrindu lygis. Pristatomi kai kurie pastarųjų metų darbai ir pradiniai jų taikymo bandymai. Резюме Статья посвящена исследованию методов и средств производствa круговыx шкал и оценке методов иx точности с учетом новых развитий производства и измерений, основанныx на разработкax лазерныx инструментов. Представлены некоторые последние разработки и первичные испытания по их применению.
Effectiveness of Statins on Total Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease and All-cause Mortality in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: SHENG XIA , MURPHY MICHAEL J. , MacDONALD THOMAS M. , WEI LI
Published: November 2011

Objective.

There is increasing prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the effectiveness of statins on total cholesterol (TC), cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, and mortality in patients with OA or RA.

Methods.

A population-based cohort study was done using a record-linkage database in Tayside, Scotland. In total, 2024 OA or RA patients who had at least 2 separate TC measurements between 1993 and 2007 were studied. They were categorized into statin-exposed and statin-unexposed groups according to statin use status during followup. The main outcomes were TC concentration change from baseline, CV events, and all-cause mortality during the followup. Multivariate Cox regression models with a time-dependent variable for statins were employed to assess the risk of outcomes.

Results.

Statin-associated TC concentrations in OA decreased by 15% in patients without CV disease (primary prevention, n = 1269) and 7% in patients with CV disease (secondary prevention, n = 247) from baseline of 5.30 mmol/l and 4.54 mmol/l, respectively. Correspondingly, in RA TC was reduced by 16% (n = 430) and 15% (n = 78) with baselines of 5.54 mmol/l and 4.95 mmol/l. In primary prevention, statins were associated with reduced CV events and all-cause mortality in RA patients [adjusted HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.20–0.98) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.20–0.92), respectively] and all-cause mortality in OA patients [adjusted HR 0.43 (95% CI 0.25–0.72)]. Statins were not associated with reduced risk of CV events or all-cause mortality in the secondary prevention of RA or OA patients [adjusted HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.30–1.54) and 0.52 (95% CI 0.20–1.34) for OA patients, and HR 0.58 (95% CI 0.07–4.79) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.18–3.53) for RA patients].

Conclusion.

Statins reduced TC concentrations between 7% and 16% in patients with OA or RA. Statins were associated with reduced CV events and mortality in RA and mortality in OA in primary prevention.
Hand Joint Space Narrowing and Osteophytes Are Associated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-defined Knee Cartilage Thickness and Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: HAUGEN IDA K. , COTOFANA SEBASTIAN , ENGLUND MARTIN , KVIEN TORE K. , DREHER DONATUS , NEVITT MICHAEL , LANE NANCY E. , ECKSTEIN FELIX ,   the Osteoarthritis Initiative Investigators
Published: November 2011

Objective.

To evaluate whether features of radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA) are associated with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined knee cartilage thickness, radiographic knee OA, and 1-year structural progression.

Methods.

A total of 765 participants in Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI; 455 women, mean age 62.5 yrs, SD 9.4) obtained hand radiographs (at baseline), knee radiographs (baseline and Year 1), and knee MRI (baseline and Year 1). Hand radiographs were scored for presence of osteophytes and joint space narrowing (JSN). Knee radiographs were scored according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. Cartilage thickness in the medial and lateral femorotibial compartments was measured quantitatively from coronal FLASHwe images. We examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between features of hand OA (total osteophyte and JSN scores) and knee cartilage thickness, 1-year knee cartilage thinning (above smallest detectable change), presence of knee OA (KL grade ≥ 3), and progression of knee OA (KL change ≥ 1) by linear and logistic regression. Both hand OA features were included in a multivariate model (if p ≤ 0.25) adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Results.

Hand JSN was associated with reduced knee cartilage thickness (ß = −0.02, 95% CI −0.03, −0.01) in the medial femorotibial compartment, while hand osteophytes were associated with the presence of radiographic knee OA (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.18; multivariate models) with both hand OA features as independent variables adjusted for age, sex, and BMI). Radiographic features of hand OA were not associated with 1-year cartilage thinning or radiographic knee OA progression.

Conclusion.

Our results support a systemic OA susceptibility and possibly different mechanisms for osteophyte formation and cartilage thinning.
Économie de l'information : les fondamentaux
Authors: Salaün Jean-Michel , Michel Jean , Battisti Michèle , Horn François , Bomsel Olivier , Chantepie Philippe
Published: November 2011

Résumé The complexity of information economics is evident. The document and its three basic dimensions of what you see, what you read and what you get out of it provide a fitting starting place to develop an efficient framework for identifying the principal ways of establishing its economic value.
Pratiques documentaires de chercheurs à l'ère numérique : le cas des mathématiciens et informaticiens en France
Authors: Wojciechowska Anna
Published: November 2011

Résumé S’appuyant sur trois enquêtes (2005, 2007 et 2010) visant à explorer les pratiques, en matière documentaire et d’archivage des articles, de la communauté mathématique et informatique en France liée aux bibliothèques du Réseau national des bibliothèques en mathématiques (RNBM), Anna Wojciechowska dresse ici une analyse comparative des résultats qui met en lumière les évolutions des comportements informationnels des chercheurs.
Biosensors and nanomaterials and their application for mycotoxin determination
Authors: Tothill I.
Published: November 2011

Mycotoxin analysis and detection in food and drinks is vital for ensuring food quality and safety, eliminating and
controlling the risk of consuming contaminated foods, and complying with the legislative limits set by food authorities
worldwide. Most analysis of these toxins is still conducted using conventional methods; however, biosensor methods
are currently being developed as screening tools for use in field analysis. Biosensors have demonstrated their ability
to provide rapid, sensitive, robust and cost-effective quantitative methods for on-site testing. The development
of biosensor devices for different mycotoxins has attracted much research interest in recent years with a range
of devices being designed and reported in the scientific literature. However, with the advent of nanotechnology
and its impact on the evolution of ultrasensitive devices, mycotoxin analysis is also benefiting from the advances
taking place in applying nanomaterials in sensors development. This paper reviews the developments in the area of
biosensors and their applications for mycotoxin analysis, as well as the development of micro/nanoarray transducers
and nanoparticles and their use in the development of new rapid devices.
Co-Providing: Understanding the Logistics
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S.
Published: November 2011

Continuing nursing education providers have sometimes said that they don’t want to co-provide because “it’s too much trouble” or they “won’t be able to control what happens” or because they don’t understand the process. This column clarifies the logistics of the co-provider relationship.
Nursing Education Innovation: Using e-Learning Technology to Meet Learners’ Needs
Authors: Wahl Stacy E. , Latayan Monica B.
Published: November 2011

Globalization, rapid advances in health care and research, and evidence-based practice challenge organizations to meet the continuing education needs of their professional staff while functioning within the confines of economic cutbacks. This column describes an innovative way technology was used to offer asynchronous learning to all members of one organization’s nursing staff.
Giant Gouty Tophi of the Hand and Wrist
Authors: Mittag Falk , Wuenschel Markus
Published: November 2011

Gout is an inflammatory-rheumatic disease characterized by an elevated serum urate concentration and recurrent flares, including painful, hot, red, and swollen joints and surrounding tissue. Untreated gout often develops into a chronic disease with tophi and destruction of joint surfaces. Giant tophi are often resistant to medication and change in diet.

This article presents a case of a 44-year-old man with giant gouty tophi at his hand and wrist. The last acute gout flare in his left wrist was approximately 3 years prior. For 2 years he had refused adequate nutrition, such as a low-purine diet, and had refused to take any preventive medication. Blood urate level was elevated to 8.7 mg/dL (normal range, 3.4–7.0 mg/dL). In time, the tophi led to a massive limitation of motion and use of especially the left wrist and thumb. Under the condition that the patient changed his diet and took the medication for his underlying disease, we surgically removed the almost skin-perforating tophi. Surgical debulking significantly improved joint function and cosmetic appearance.

The best treatment for gouty tophi is prevention by ensuring adequate nutrition, treating the underlying causes, and taking effective medication. In the case of massive limitation of joint motion, skin breakdown with risk of infection, and compression of neurovascular structures, surgical debulking of the tophi should be considered.
The Role for Decorin in Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity
Authors: Seidler Daniela G. , Mohamed Negia A. , Bocian Carla , Stadtmann Anika , Hermann Sven , Schäfers Klaus , Schäfers Michael , Iozzo Renato V. , Zarbock Alexander , Götte Martin
Published: November 2011

Decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, regulates extracellular matrix organization, growth factor-mediated signaling, and cell growth. Because decorin may directly modulate immune responses, we investigated its role in a mouse model of contact allergy (oxazolone-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity [DTH]) in decorin-deficient (Dcn−/−) and wild-type mice. Dcn−/− mice showed a reduced ear swelling 24 h after oxazolone treatment with a concurrent attenuation of leukocyte infiltration. These findings were corroborated by reduced glucose metabolism, as determined by 18fluordeoxyglucose uptake in positron emission tomography scans. Unexpectedly, polymorphonuclear leukocyte numbers in Dcn−/− blood vessels were significantly increased and accompanied by large numbers of flattened leukocytes adherent to the endothelium. Intravital microscopy and flow chamber and static adhesion assays confirmed increased adhesion and reduced transmigration of Dcn−/− leukocytes. Circulating blood neutrophil numbers were significantly increased in Dcn−/− mice 24 h after DTH elicitation, but they were only moderately increased in wild-type mice. Expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was reduced, whereas syndecan-1 and ICAM-1 were overexpressed in inflamed ears of Dcn−/− mice, indicating that these adhesion molecules could be responsible for increased leukocyte adhesion. Decorin treatment of endothelial cells increased tyrosine phosphorylation and reduced syndecan-1 expression. Notably, absence of syndecan-1 in a genetic background lacking decorin rescued the attenuated DTH phenotype of Dcn−/− mice. Collectively, these results implicated a role for decorin in mediating DTH responses by influencing polymorphonuclear leukocyte attachment to the endothelium. This occurs via two nonmutually exclusive mechanisms that involve a direct antiadhesive effect on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and a negative regulation of ICAM-1 and syndecan-1 expression.
Lung CD103+ Dendritic Cells Efficiently Transport Influenza Virus to the Lymph Node and Load Viral Antigen onto MHC Class I for Presentation to CD8 T Cells
Authors: Ho Adrian W. S. , Prabhu Nayana , Betts Richard John , Ge Moyar Qing , Dai Xilei , Hutchinson Paul Edward , Lew Fei Chuin , Wong Kok Loon , Hanson Brendon John , Macary Paul A. , Kemeny David Michael
Published: November 2011

The uptake, transport, and presentation of Ags by lung dendritic cells (DCs) are central to the initiation of CD8 T cell responses against respiratory viruses. Although several studies have demonstrated a critical role of CD11blow/negCD103+ DCs for the initiation of cytotoxic T cell responses against the influenza virus, the underlying mechanisms for its potent ability to prime CD8 T cells remain poorly understood. Using a novel approach of fluorescent lipophilic dye-labeled influenza virus, we demonstrate that CD11blow/negCD103+ DCs are the dominant lung DC population transporting influenza virus to the posterior mediastinal lymph node as early as 20 h postinfection. By contrast, CD11bhighCD103neg DCs, although more efficient for taking up the virus within the lung, migrate poorly to the lymph node and remain in the lung to produce proinflammatory cytokines instead. CD11blow/negCD103+ DCs efficiently load viral peptide onto MHC class I complexes and therefore uniquely possess the capacity to potently induce proliferation of naive CD8 T cells. In addition, the peptide transporters TAP1 and TAP2 are constitutively expressed at higher levels in CD11blow/negCD103+ DCs, providing, to our knowledge, the first evidence of a distinct regulation of the Ag-processing pathway in these cells. Collectively, these results show that CD11blow/negCD103+ DCs are functionally specialized for the transport of Ag from the lung to the lymph node and also for efficient processing and presentation of viral Ags to CD8 T cells.
Cross-Talk Between TCR and CCR7 Signaling Sets a Temporal Threshold for Enhanced T Lymphocyte Migration
Authors: Schaeuble Karin , Hauser Mark A. , Singer Eva , Groettrup Marcus , Legler Daniel F.
Published: November 2011

Lymphocyte homing to, and motility within, lymph nodes is regulated by the chemokine receptor CCR7 and its two ligands CCL19 and CCL21. There, lymphocytes are exposed to a number of extracellular stimuli that influence cellular functions and determine the cell fate. In this study, we assessed the effect of TCR engagement on CCR7-mediated cell migration. We found that long-term TCR triggering of freshly isolated human T cells through CD3/CD28 attenuated CCR7-driven chemotaxis, whereas short-term activation significantly enhanced CCR7-mediated, but not CXCR4-mediated, migration efficiency. Short-term activation most prominently enhanced the migratory response of naive T cells of both CD4 and CD8 subsets. We identified distinct roles for Src family kinases in modulating CCR7-mediated T cell migration. We provide evidence that Fyn, together with Ca2+-independent protein kinase C isoforms, kept the migratory response of naive T cells toward CCL21 at a low level. In nonactivated T cells, CCR7 triggering induced a Fyn-dependent phosphorylation of the inhibitory Tyr505 of Lck. Inhibiting Fyn in these nonactivated T cells prevented the negative regulation of Lck and facilitated high CCR7-driven T cell chemotaxis. Moreover, we found that the enhanced migration of short-term activated T cells was accompanied by a synergistic, Src-dependent activation of the adaptor molecule linker for activation of T cells. Collectively, we characterize a cross-talk between the TCR and CCR7 and provide mechanistic evidence that the activation status of T cells controls lymphocyte motility and sets a threshold for their migratory response.
Quantifying Antigen-Specific CD4 T Cells during a Viral Infection: CD4 T Cell Responses Are Larger Than We Think
Authors: McDermott Daniel S. , Varga Steven M.
Published: November 2011

The number of virus-specific CD8 T cells increases substantially during an acute infection. Up to 90% of CD8 T cells are virus specific following lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In contrast, studies identifying virus-specific CD4 T cell epitopes have indicated that CD4 T cells often recognize a broader array of Ags than CD8 T cells, consequently making it difficult to accurately quantify the total magnitude of pathogen-specific CD4 T cell responses. In this study, we show that CD4 T cells become CD11ahiCD49d+ after LCMV infection and retain this expression pattern into memory. During the effector phase, all the LCMV-specific IFN-γ+ CD4 T cells display a CD11ahiCD49d+ cell surface expression phenotype. In addition, only memory CD11ahiCD49d+ CD4 T cells make IFN-γ after stimulation. Furthermore, upon secondary LCMV challenge, only CD11ahiCD49d+ memory CD4 T cells from LCMV-immune mice undergo proliferative expansion, demonstrating that CD11ahiCD49d+ CD4 T cells are truly Ag specific. Using the combination of CD11a and CD49d, we demonstrate that up to 50% of the CD4 T cells are virus specific during the peak of the LCMV response. Our results indicate that the magnitude of the virus-specific CD4 T cell response is much greater than previously recognized.
The Haematopoietic Stem Cell Niche: New Insights into the Mechanisms Regulating Haematopoietic Stem Cell Behaviour
Authors: Lilly Andrew J. , Johnson William E. , Bunce Christopher M.
Published: October 2011

The concept of the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche was formulated by Schofield in the 1970s, as a region within the bone marrow containing functional cell types that can maintain HSC potency throughout life. Since then, ongoing research has identified numerous cell types and a plethora of signals that not only maintain HSCs, but also dictate their behaviour with respect to homeostatic requirements and exogenous stresses. It has been proposed that there are endosteal and vascular niches within the bone marrow, which are thought to regulate different HSC populations. However, recent data depicts a more complicated picture, with functional crosstalk between cells in these two regions. In this review, recent research into the endosteal/vascular cell types and signals regulating HSC behaviour are considered, together with the possibility of a single subcompartmentalised niche.
Recent Advances in Molecular Technologies and Their Application in Pathogen Detection in Foods with Particular Reference toYersinia
Authors: Gui Jin , Patel Isha R.
Published: October 2011

Yersinia enterocoliticais an important zoonotic pathogen that can cause yersiniosis in humans and animals. Food has been suggested to be the main source of yersiniosis. It is critical for the researchers to be able to detectYersiniaor any other foodborne pathogen with increased sensitivity and specificity, as well as in real-time, in the case of a foodborne disease outbreak. Conventional detection methods are known to be labor intensive, time consuming, or expensive. On the other hand, more sensitive molecular-based detection methods like next generation sequencing, microarray, and many others are capable of providing faster results. DNA testing is now possible on a single molecule, and high-throughput analysis allows multiple detection reactions to be performed at once, thus allowing a range of characteristics to be rapidly and simultaneously determined. Despite better detection efficiencies, results derived using molecular biology methods can be affected by the various food matrixes. With the improvements in sample preparation, data analysis, and testing procedures, molecular detection techniques will likely continue to simplify and increase the speed of detection while simultaneously improving the sensitivity and specificity for tracking pathogens in food matrices.
Do Recommendations for the Management of Hypertension Improve Cardiovascular Outcome? The Canadian Experience
Authors: Bolli Peter , Campbell Norm R. C.
Published: October 2011

The Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP) was established in 1999 as a response to the result of a national survey that showed that a high percentage of Canadians were unaware of having hypertension with only 13% of those treated for hypertension having their blood pressure controlled. The CHEP formulates yearly recommendations based on published evidence. A repeat survey in 2006 showed that the percentage of treated hypertensive patients with the blood pressure controlled had risen to 65.7%. Over the first decade of the existence of the CHEP, the number of prescriptions for antihypertensive medications had increased by 84.4% associated with a significant greater decline in the yearly mortality from stroke, heart failure and myocardial infarction and a significant decrease in the hospitalization for stroke and heart failure. Therefore, the introduction of the CHEP and the yearly issue of updated recommendations resulted in a significant increase in the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and in a significant reduction in stroke and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The CHEP model could serve as a template for its adoption to other regions or countries.
Multimodal Liver-Directed Management of Neuroendocrine Hepatic Metastases
Authors: Lewis Mark A. , Hubbard Joleen
Published: October 2011

A preponderance of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) will experience hepatic metastases during the course of their disease. Many diagnoses of NETs are made only after the neoplasms have spread from their primary gastroenteropancreatic sites to the liver. This paper reviews current evidence-based treatments for neuroendocrine hepatic metastases, encompassing surgery, hepatic artery embolization (HAE) and chemoembolization (HACE), radioembolization, hepatic artery infusion (HAI), thermal ablation (radiofrequency, microwave, and cryoablation), alcohol ablation, and liver transplantation as therapeutic modalities. Consideration of a multidisciplinary approach to liver-directed therapy is strongly encouraged to limit morbidity and mortality in this patient population.
Utilization of APPswe/PS1dE9 Transgenic Mice in Research of Alzheimer′s Disease: Focus on Gene Therapy and Cell‐Based Therapy Applications
Authors: Malm Tarja , Koistinaho Jari , Kanninen Katja
Published: October 2011

One of the most extensively used transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, which over express the Swedish mutation of APP together with PS1 deleted in exon 9. These mice show increase in parenchymal Aβ load with Aβ plaques starting from the age of four months, glial activation, and deficits in cognitive functions at the age of 6 months demonstrated by radial arm water maze and 12‐13 months seen with Morris Water Maze test. As gene transfer technology allows the delivery of DNA into target cells to achieve the expression of a protective or therapeutic protein, and stem cell transplantation may create an environment supporting neuronal functions and clearing Aβ plaques, these therapeutic approaches alone or in combination represent potential therapeutic strategies that need to be tested in relevant animal models before testing in clinics. Here we review the current utilization of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice in testing gene transfer and cell transplantation aimed at improving the protection of the neurons against Aβ toxicity and also reducing the brain levels of Aβ. Both gene therapy and cell based therapy may be feasible therapeutic approaches for human AD.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management of Prehypertension
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Li Ninghua
Published: October 2011

Prehypertension remains an important public health challenge all over the world and appropriate treatments should be adopted to prehypertensive group in different degree effectively. This review aimed to assess the prevalence of Prehypertension and provide effective evidence of the benefits of treating prehypertensive patients. The reasonable evaluation and appropriate intervention of prehypertensive remain need further study.
Lipid Chaperones and Metabolic Inflammation
Authors: Furuhashi Masato , Ishimura Shutaro , Ota Hideki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: October 2011

Over the past decade, a large body of evidence has emerged demonstrating an integration of metabolic and immune response pathways. It is now clear that obesity and associated disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with a metabolically driven, low-grade, chronic inflammatory state, referred to as “metaflammation.” Several inflammatory cytokines as well as lipids and metabolic stress pathways can activate metaflammation, which targets metabolically critical organs and tissues including adipocytes and macrophages to adversely affect systemic homeostasis. On the other hand, inside the cell, fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), a family of lipid chaperones, as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and reactive oxygen species derived from mitochondria play significant roles in promotion of metabolically triggered inflammation. Here, we discuss the molecular and cellular basis of the roles of FABPs, especially FABP4 and FABP5, in metaflammation and related diseases including obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
Biomarkers for Microglial Activation in Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Lautner Ronald , Mattsson Niklas , Schöll Michael , Augutis Kristin , Blennow Kaj , Olsson Bob , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: November 2011

Intensive research over the last decades has provided increasing evidence for neuroinflammation as an integral part in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer′s disease (AD). Inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS) are initiated by activated microglia, representing the first line of the innate immune defence of the brain. Therefore, biochemical markers of microglial activation may help us understand the underlying mechanisms of neuroinflammation in AD as well as the double‐sided qualities of microglia, namely, neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. In this paper we summarize candidate biomarkers of microglial activation in AD along with a survey of recent neuroimaging techniques.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Focus on Pazopanib
Authors: Vasudev Naveen S. , Larkin James M.G.
Published: October 2011

Advances in our understanding of renal cancer biology have led to a new treatment paradigm in renal cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), that target the intracellular kinase domain of the VEGF receptor, have become established as the most successful class of agent in this disease. Three TKIs are currently approved for use in patients with advanced disease. Newer, more potent inhibitors have reached phase III clinical testing, meaning others are likely to follow. In 2009, pazopanib became the most recent TKI to receive FDA approval. This review sets out to discuss the key opportunities and challenges associated with TKI use in RCC, focusing particularly on pazopanib. We also review the current place of pazopanib in the management of patients with advanced disease, in what is a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.
On the Interplay between the Evolvability and Network Robustness in an Evolutionary Biological Network: A Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Lin Ying-Po
Published: November 2011

In the evolutionary process, the random transmission and mutation of genes provide biological diversities for natural selection. In order to preserve functional phenotypes between generations, gene networks need to evolve robustly under the influence of random perturbations. Therefore, the robustness of the phenotype, in the evolutionary process, exerts a selection force on gene networks to keep network functions. However, gene networks need to adjust, by variations in genetic content, to generate phenotypes for new challenges in the network's evolution, ie, the evolvability. Hence, there should be some interplay between the evolvability and network robustness in evolutionary gene networks. In this study, the interplay between the evolvability and network robustness of a gene network and a biochemical network is discussed from a nonlinear stochastic system point of view. It was found that if the genetic robustness plus environmental robustness is less than the network robustness, the phenotype of the biological network is robust in evolution. The tradeoff between the genetic robustness and environmental robustness in evolution is discussed from the stochastic stability robustness and sensitivity of the nonlinear stochastic biological network, which may be relevant to the statistical tradeoff between bias and variance, the so-called bias/variance dilemma. Further, the tradeoff could be considered as an antagonistic pleiotropic action of a gene network and discussed from the systems biology perspective.
Improved measurement of microbial activity in deep‐sea sediments at in situ pressure and methane concentration
Authors: Bowles Marshall W. , Samarkin Vladimir A. , Joye Samantha B.
Published: November 2011

A robust and convenient method was developed to evaluate rates of microbial activity in gas‐charged deepsea sediments at in situ hydrostatic pressure, temperature, and gas concentration. The method used a hydrostatic chamber to maintain high pressures of 50 bar and greater, and a modified Hungate tube and plunger to contain samples. This technique can be easily applied to quantifying rates of microbial processes sensitive to dissolved gas concentration (e.g., sulfate reduction, anaerobic methane oxidation, and methanogenesis) in high pressure, gas‐rich environments. Here, the method was used to determine rates of microbial activity in cold seep sediments from the Gulf of Mexico and the California coast. We measured rates of sulfate reduction (SR), anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), and methanogenesis (MOG) using radiotracer techniques. We compared in situ pressure and elevated methane concentration assays to traditional ex situ incubations at 1 bar using recovered (degassed) sediment. Methane concentrations were elevated in ex situ incubations to assess a substrate level effect. Upon the application of pressure, rates of AOM, SR, and MOG increased. AOM and MOG rates were more sensitive to methane addition than SR. Our results show that measuring rates of deep‐sea microbial activity at in situ pressure and gas concentrations is essential to quantify carbon flow in these environments accurately.
Using a Structural Equation Model to Describe the Infusion of Civic Engagement in the Campus Culture
Authors: Billings Meredith S. , Terkla Dawn Geronimo
Published: November 2011

This study assesses whether Tufts University's campus culture was successful at infusing civic-mindedness in all undergraduates. A structural equation model was developed, and findings revealed that the campus environment had a significant positive impact on civic values and beliefs and a positive indirect effect on civic engagement activities.
Parameters Affecting the Microwave-Assisted Polyol Synthesis of Silver Nanorods
Authors: Nandikonda Srichandana , Davis Edward W.
Published: October 2011

The effects of salt chemistry and concentration on the morphology and yield of silver nanorods produced by the microwave-assisted polyol synthesis are reported. Compared to NaCl, iron and copper salts reduced nanorod yield and length and increased diameter. This is in stark contrast to expectations based on the slower traditional polyol process. The role of the cation was further explored using MgCl2 and MnCl2 which showed different concentration dependent effects on nanorod diameter. In addition, the morphology and yield of nanomaterials was found to be significantly influenced by small variations in the procedure including container shape and the time between reactant mixing and microwave heating. These results highlight that, while the microwave-assisted process is very promising, results cannot be directly anticipated based on the traditional process, and the synthesis is very sensitive to procedural changes.
Irreducibility of the Tensor Product of Specializations of the Burau Representation of the Braid Groups
Authors: Abdulrahim Mohammad N. , Zeid Wiaam M.
Published: October 2011

The reduced Burau representation is a one-parameter representation of , the braid group on strings. Specializing the parameter to nonzero complex number gives a representation : , which is either irreducible or has an irreducible composition factor : . In our paper, we let , and we determine a sufficient condition for the irreducibility of the tensor product of irreducible Burau representations. This is a generalization of our previous work concerning the cases and .
Effects of Local Biomass Availability and Road Network Properties on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Biomass Supply Chain
Authors: Jäppinen E. , Korpinen O.-J. , Ranta T.
Published: November 2011

This study presents two case studies of 100 GWh of forest biomass supply: Rovaniemi in northern Finland and Mikkeli in south-eastern Finland. The study evaluates the effects of local biomass availability and road network properties on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of these two supply chains. The local forest biomass availability around the case study locations, truck transportation distances, and road network properties were analyzed by GIS methods to produce accurate and site-dependent data for the transportation emission calculations. The GHG emissions were then assessed by LCA methods. The total transportation distance to Rovaniemi was 22% larger than to Mikkeli, but the transportation derived GHG emissions were 31% larger. The results highlight the fact that local conditions should always be taken into account when assessing the sustainability of biomass-based energy production.
Differential Equation and Recursive Formulas of Sheffer Polynomial Sequences
Authors: Youn Heekyung , Yang Yongzhi
Published: November 2011

We derive a differential equation and recursive formulas of Sheffer polynomial sequences utilizing matrix algebra. These formulas provide the defining characteristics
of, and the means to compute, the Sheffer polynomial sequences. The tools we use are
well-known Pascal functional and Wronskian matrices. The properties and the relationship
between the two matrices simplify the complexity of the generating functions of Sheffer
polynomial sequences. This work extends He and Ricci's work (2002) to a broader class of
polynomial sequences, from Appell to Sheffer, using a different method. The work is self-contained.
A Restriction for Singularities on Collapsing Orbifolds
Authors: Ding Yu
Published: October 2011

Every point in an orbifold has a neighborhood that is homeomorphic to , where is a finite group acting on , so that . Assume is a Riemannian orbifold with isolated singularities that is collapsing, that is, admits a sequence of metrics with uniformly bounded curvature, so that, for any , the volume of , with respect to the metric , goes to 0 as . For such , we prove that for all singularities .
Glomerulonephritis with Crescents in Children: Etiology and Predictors of Renal Outcome
Authors: Alsaad K. , Oudah N. , Al Ameer A. , Fakeeh K. , Al Jomaih A. , Al Sayyari A.
Published: October 2011

Objective. To investigate the clinicopathological features and outcome of glomerulonephritis with crescents among Saudi children. Method. This is a retrospective study of cases of crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN) seen over a 9-year period. Histological features and renal function were recorded. Results. Thirty-seven cases were enrolled. The mean percent of glomeruli with crescents was 39% (±19). Lupus nephritis (LN) was the commonest etiology (54.1%). At presentation, the serum creatinine (SCr) was 218.2 (±174.3) umol/l, and 57.1% of the cases had nephrotic range proteinuria. By the end of the observation period, SCr dropped to 81.0 (±67.7) umol/l (P=0.001). Worsening renal function was associated with younger age (P=0.002), non-LN etiology (P=0.01), more crescents (P=0.019), and ATN (P=0.05). At the end of the followup, more patients in the LN group were dialysis-free (P=0.017) and had improved renal function (0.01) than in the non-LN group. Using multivariate analysis, the only independent factor found to predict need for dialysis or change in SCr level was percent of globally sclerosed glomeruli (P=0.034). Conclusion. LN is the main cause of CrGN in our cohort of children. The LN group had less globally sclerorsed glomeruli and better renal prognosis than the non-LN group.
The Clinical Features and Prognosis of Gastric Remnant Carcinoma after Treatment
Authors: Cheng Ken-Sheng , Tang Hui-Ling , Chou Jen-Wei , Yu Cheng-Ju , Tsou Shi-Seng , Chou Fu-Tsan
Published: October 2011

Introduction. The incidence of gastric remnant carcinoma does not decrease after partial gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of gastric remnant carcinoma after treatment. Methods. Among 412 gastric carcinoma patients who were admitted to our hospital, 21 were found to have gastric remnant carcinoma. We analyzed their clinicopathological features and prognosis. Results. Prognosis did not differ significantly in terms of gender, age, tumor lymph node metastasis stage, tumor location, and time interval between first and subsequent operations. However, it was influenced by intensive curative gastrectomy with resection of local lymph nodes. Conclusion. Long-term follow-up after gastrectomy, appropriate curative resection, and prevention and management of comorbidities are important to detect gastric remnant carcinoma at an early stage.
Effects of 6-month, Multimodal Exercise Program on Clinical and Gait Parameters of Patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vitório Rodrigo , Teixeira-Arroyo Claudia , Lirani-Silva Ellen , Barbieri Fabio Augusto , Caetano Maria Joana Duarte , Gobbi Sebastião , Stella Florindo , Teresa Bucken Gobbi Lilian
Published: October 2011

This pilot study aimed to identify the effects of a 6-month, multimodal exercise program on clinical and gait parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease. Two groups of participants were enrolled in the study: Trained Group (TG) and Control Group (CG). Individuals in the TG exercised three times a week for 24 weeks (in a multimodal exercise program), while the CG participants maintained their regular activity level. Participants in both the TG and the CG were assessed at pre- and posttest by clinical rates and the spatiotemporal parameters of self-paced walking. The two groups were not significantly different in demographic, clinical, and gait data at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups for clinical data at posttest. The purposed multimodal exercise program has found improvement in some kinematic gait parameters for the TG. Further study in the form of randomized controlled trial would be required to establish effectiveness of the intervention.
Evaluating the Association between Assisted Conception and the Severity of Preeclampsia
Authors: Calhoun Kathryn C. , Barnhart Kurt T. , Elovitz Michal A. , Srinivas Sindhu K.
Published: October 2011

Objective. To investigate the association between assisted conceptions and preeclampsia (PEC), including assessment of severity of disease. Methods. In a prospective case control study, cases were selected from women with preeclampsia and controls from women without preeclampsia. Exposure was defined as assisted conception with intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization (IUI or IVF). We assessed the association between exposure and outcome, using Chi square or Fisher's exact tests. Stratified analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to control for confounders. Results. Preeclampsia was associated with assisted conception after controlling for age and race (AOR 2.2, [1.03–4.72]). All women with preeclampsia who had assisted conceptions demonstrated severe disease and were more likely to have abnormal lab values: AST >45 (AOR = 6.01 [1.63–22.21] P=0.007), creatinine ≥1 (AOR 2.92 [0.82–10.4], P=0.09) or platelets <100 (AOR 5.74 [1.00–32.76] P=0.049), after adjusting for race, age, and multiple gestations. Conclusion. Assisted conceptions are associated with a more severe preeclamptic phenotype.
An Artificial Cellular Convolution Architecture for Real-Time Image Processing
Authors: Mahrous H. , James A. P.
Published: November 2011

An artificial cell is comprised of the most basic elements in a hierarchical system, that has minimal functionality, but general enough to obey the rules of “artificial life.” The ability to replicate, organize hierarchy, and generalize within an environment is some of the properties of an artificial cell. We present a hardware artificial cell having the properties of generalization ability, the ability of self-organization, and the reproducibility. The cells are used in parallel hardware architecture for implementing the real-time 2D image convolution operation. The proposed hardware design is implemented on FPGA and tested on images. We report improved processing speeds and demonstrate its usefulness in an image filtering application.
Improvement in Functional Ability and Quality of Life Takes Place among Patients with Supraspinatus Tendinitis Regardless of the Type of Intervention
Authors: Nyman Pia , Palenius Kaj , Panula Harri , Mälkiä Esko , Nygård Clas-Håkan
Published: November 2011

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional ability and state of health before and after three different treatments of patients (n=156) with shoulder problems. Design. This is a comparative study using convenience sampling and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, the Short Form-36 Health Survey self-evaluation questionnaires, and metabolic equivalent (MET), prior to and after intervention. The patients in Group 1 had an arthroscopic operation while Group 2 had an open acromioplasty. The patients in Group 3 had merely received conservative treatment. Results. Improvement has occurred regardless of the type of intervention. However, a change is notable less evident in the Conservative group, which at least in part can be explained by their higher initial scores (measurement 1); their situation has simply been better already from the start, and this is perhaps why they have not been placed onto an operation waiting list. Conclusion. Even if conservative treatment appears to result in comparatively poorer outcomes, the role of physiotherapy should not be disregarded. Physiotherapy cannot replace essential surgical operations, but physiotherapy is able to significantly alleviate patients' experiences of pain.
Determination of Dissolved Bromate in Drinking Water by Ion Chromatography and Post Column Reaction: Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Cordeiro Fernando , Robouch Piotr , de la Calle Maria Beatriz , Emteborg Håkan , Charoud-Got Jean , Schmitz Franz ,   Collaborators:, Bauer K H , Bogenschuetz G , Broeckx S , Brunton J , Caille N , De Borba B , Désiré Djoukeng J , Garche A , Harihara Subramanian N , Hoffmann A , Kim J R , Läubli M , Michalski R , Röhrig K-H , Schumacher B , Waals K , Winzek P
Published: November 2011

A collaborative study, International Evaluation Measurement Programme®-25a, was conducted in accordance with international protocols to determine the performance characteristics of an analytical method for the determination of dissolved bromate in drinking water. The method should fulfill the analytical requirements of Council Directive 98/83/EC (referred to in this work as the Drinking Water Directive; DWD). The new draft standard method under investigation is based on ion chromatography followed by post-column reaction and UV detection. The collaborating laboratories used the Draft International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/Draft International Standard (DIS) 11206 document. The existing standard method (ISO 15061:2001) is based on ion chromatography using suppressed conductivity detection, in which a preconcentration step may be required for the determination of bromate concentrations as low as 3 to 5 μg/L. The new method includes a dilution step that reduces the matrix effects, thus allowing the determination of bromate concentrations down to 0.5 μg/L. Furthermore, the method aims to minimize any potential interference of chlorite ions. The collaborative study investigated different types of drinking water, such as soft, hard, and mineral water. Other types of water, such as raw water (untreated), swimming pool water, a blank (named river water), and a bromate standard solution, were included as test samples. All test matrixes except the swimming pool water were spiked with high-purity potassium bromate to obtain bromate concentrations ranging from 1.67 to 10.0 μg/L. Swimming pool water was not spiked, as this water was incurred with bromate. Test samples were dispatched to 17 laboratories from nine different countries. Sixteen participants reported results. The repeatability RSD (RSDr) ranged from 1.2 to 4.1%, while the reproducibility RSD (RSDR) ranged from 2.3 to 5.9%. These precision characteristics compare favorably with those of ISO 15601. A thorough comparison of the performance characteristics is presented in this report. All method performance characteristics obtained in the frame of this collaborative study indicate that the draft ISO/DIS 11206 standard method meets the requirements set down by the DWD. It can, therefore, be considered to fit its intended analytical purpose.
Dermoscopy: a new perspective
Authors: Argenziano Giuseppe , Zalaudek Iris
Published: November 2011

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