bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STANDARD BASES OVER RINGS
Authors: SADIQ AFSHAN
Published: November 2010

The theory of standard bases in polynomial rings with coefficients in a ring R with respect to local orderings is developed. R is a commutative Noetherian ring with 1 and we assume that linear equations are solvable in R.
On a multicriteria clustering approach for attack attribution
Authors: Thonnard Olivier , Mees Wim , Dacier Marc
Published: November 2010

We present a multicriteria clustering approach that has been developed to address a problem known as attack attribution in the realm of investigative data mining. Our method can be applied to a broad range of security data sets in order to get a better understanding of the root causes of the underlying phenomena that may have produced the observed data. A key feature of this approach is the combination of cluster analysis with a component for multi-criteria decision analysis. As a result, multiple criteria of interest (or attack features) can be aggregated using different techniques, allowing one to unveil complex relationships resulting from phenomena with eventually dynamic behaviors. To illustrate the method, we provide some empirical results obtained from a data set made of attack traces collected in the Internet by a set of honeypots during two years. Thanks to the application of our attribution method, we are able to identify several large-scale phenomena composed of IP sources that are linked to the same root cause, which constitute a type of phenomenon that we have called Misbehaving cloud (MC). An in-depth analysis of two instances of such clouds demonstrates the utility and meaningfulness of the approach, as well as the kind of insights we can get into the behaviors of malicious sources involved in these clouds.
Use of NBD-cholesterol to identify a minor but NPC1L1-independent cholesterol absorption pathway in mouse intestine
Authors: Adams Michelle R. , Konaniah Eddy , Cash James G. , Hui David Y.
Published: November 2010

The importance of Niemann-Pick C1 Like-1 (NPC1L1) protein in intestinal absorption of dietary sterols, including both cholesterol and phytosterols, is well documented. However, the exact mechanism by which NPC1L1 facilitates cholesterol transport remains controversial. This study administered 22-( N(-7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3β-ol (NBD-cholesterol) and [3H]cholesterol to Npc1l1+/+and Npc1l1−/−mice to determine whether NPC1L1 facilitates dietary sterol uptake by enterocytes and/or participates in intracellular sterol delivery to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for lipoprotein assembly before secretion into plasma circulation. Results showed that [3H]cholesterol absorption was reduced but not abolished in Npc1l1−/−mice compared with Npc1l1+/+mice. In the presence of Pluronic L-81 to block pre-chylomicron exit from the ER, significant amounts of [3H]cholesterol were found to be associated with lipid droplets in the intestinal mucosa of both Npc1l1+/+and Npc1l1−/−mice, and the intracellular [3H]cholesterol can be esterified to cholesteryl esters. These results provided evidence indicating that the main function of NPC1L1 is to promote cholesterol uptake from the intestinal lumen but that it is not necessary for intracellular cholesterol transport to the ER. Surprisingly, NBD-cholesterol was taken up by intestinal mucosa, esterified to NBD-cholesteryl esters, and transported to plasma circulation to similar extent between Npc1l1+/+and Npc1l1−/−mice. Ezetimibe treatment also had no impact on NBD-cholesterol absorption by Npc1l1+/+mice. Thus, NBD-cholesterol absorption proceeds through an NPC1L1-independent and ezetimibe-insensitive sterol absorption mechanism. Taken together, these results indicate that NBD-cholesterol can be used to trace the alternative cholesterol absorption pathway but is not suitable for tracking NPC1L1-mediated cholesterol absorption.
Respiration drives phase synchronization between blood pressure and RR interval following loss of cardiovagal baroreflex during vasovagal syncope
Authors: Ocon Anthony J. , Medow Marvin S. , Taneja Indu , Stewart Julian M.
Published: November 2010

Loss of the cardiovagal baroreflex (CVB), thoracic hypovolemia, and hyperpnea contribute to the nonlinear time-dependent hemodynamic instability of vasovagal syncope. We used a nonlinear phase synchronization index (PhSI) to describe the extent of coupling between cardiorespiratory parameters, systolic blood pressure (SBP) or arterial pressure (AP), RR interval (RR), and ventilation, and a directional index (DI) measuring the direction of coupling. We also examined phase differences directly. We hypothesized that AP-RR interval PhSI would be normal during early upright tilt, indicating intact CVB, but would progressively decrease as faint approached and CVB failed. Continuous measurements of AP, RR interval, respiratory plethysomography, and end-tidal CO2 were recorded supine and during 70-degree head-up tilt in 15 control subjects and 15 fainters. Data were evaluated during five distinct times: baseline, early tilt, late tilt, faint, and recovery. During late tilt to faint, fainters exhibited a biphasic change in SBP-RR interval PhSI. Initially in fainters during late tilt, SBP-RR interval PhSI decreased (fainters, from 0.65 ± 0.04 to 0.24 ± 0.03 vs. control subjects, from 0.51 ± 0.03 to 0.48 ± 0.03; P < 0.01) but then increased at the time of faint (fainters = 0.80 ± 0.03 vs. control subjects = 0.42 ± 0.04; P < 0.001) coinciding with a change in phase difference from positive to negative. Starting in late tilt and continuing through faint, fainters exhibited increasing phase coupling between respiration and AP PhSI (fainters = 0.54 ± 0.06 vs. control subjects = 0.27 ± 0.03; P < 0.001) and between respiration and RR interval (fainters = 0.54 ± 0.05 vs. control subjects = 0.37 ± 0.04; P < 0.01). DI indicated respiratory driven AP (fainters = 0.84 ± 0.04 vs. control subjects = 0.39 ± 0.09; P < 0.01) and RR interval (fainters = 0.73 ± 0.10 vs. control subjects = 0.23 ± 0.11; P < 0.001) in fainters. The initial drop in the SBP-RR interval PhSI and directional change of phase difference at late tilt indicates loss of cardiovagal baroreflex. The subsequent increase in SBP-RR interval PhSI is due to a respiratory synchronization and drive on both AP and RR interval. Cardiovagal baroreflex is lost before syncope and supplanted by respiratory reflexes, producing hypotension and bradycardia.
Male human motor cortex stimulus-response characteristics are not altered by aging
Authors: Smith Ashleigh E. , Sale Martin V. , Higgins Ryan D. , Wittert Gary A. , Pitcher Julia B.
Published: November 2010

Evidence suggests that there are aging-related changes in corticospinal stimulus-response curve characteristics in later life. However, there is also limited evidence that these changes may only be evident in postmenopausal women and not in men. This study compared corticospinal stimulus-response curves from a group of young men [19.8 ± 1.6 yr (range 17–23 yr)] and a group of old men [ n = 18, aged 64.1 ± 5.0 yr (range 55–73 yr)]. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the contralateral motor cortex was used to evoke motor potentials at a range of stimulus intensities in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of each hand separately. There was no effect of age group or hemisphere (i.e., left vs. right motor cortex) on motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude or any other stimulus-response characteristic. MEP variability was strongly modulated by resting motor threshold but not by age. M-wave (but not F-wave) amplitude was reduced in old men, but expressing MEP amplitude as a ratio of M-wave amplitude did not reveal any age-related differences in cortically evoked stimulus-response characteristics. We conclude that male corticospinal stimulus-response characteristics are not altered by advancing age and that previously reported age-related changes in motor cortical excitability assessed with TMS are likely due to changes inherent in the female participants only. Future studies are warranted to fully elucidate the relationship between, and functional significance of, changes in circulating neuroactive sex hormones and motor function in later life.
Ethyl gallate, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide that inhibits lysozyme-induced hydrogen peroxide signaling in vitro, reverses hypotension in canine septic shock
Authors: Mink Steven N. , Jacobs Hans , Gotes Jose , Kasian Krika , Cheng Zhao-Qin
Published: November 2010

Although hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-described reactive oxygen species that is known for its cytotoxic effects and associated tissue injury, H2O2has recently been established as an important signaling molecule. We previously demonstrated that lysozyme (Lzm-S), a mediator of sepsis that is released from leukocytes, could produce vasodilation in a phenylephrine-constricted carotid artery preparation by H2O2signaling. We found that Lzm-S could intrinsically generate H2O2and that this generation activated H2O2-dependent pathways. In the present study, we used this carotid artery preparation as a bioassay to define those antioxidants that could inhibit Lzm-S's vasodilatory effect. We then determined whether this antioxidant could reverse the hypotension that developed in an Escherichia coli bacteremic model. Of the many antioxidants tested, we found that ethyl gallate (EG), a nonflavonoid phenolic compound, was favorable in inhibiting Lzm-S-induced vasodilation. In our E. coli model, we found that EG reversed the hypotension that developed in this model and attenuated end-organ dysfunction. By fluorometric H2O2assay and electrochemical probe techniques, we showed that EG could scavenge H2O2and that it could reduce H2O2production in model systems. These results show that EG, an antioxidant that was found to scavenge H2O2in vitro, was able to attenuate cardiovascular dysfunction in a canine in vivo preparation. Antioxidants such as EG may be useful in the treatment of hemodynamic deterioration in septic shock.
In vivo estimation of the contribution of elastin and collagen to the mechanical properties in the human abdominal aorta: effect of age and sex
Authors: Åstrand H. , Stålhand J. , Karlsson J. , Karlsson M. , Sonesson B. , Länne T.
Published: November 2010

The mechanical properties of the aorta affect cardiac function and are related to cardiovascular morbidity/mortality. This study was designed to evaluate the isotropic (mainly elastin, elastiniso) and anisotropic (mainly collagen, collagenani) material parameters within the human aorta in vivo. Thirty healthy men and women in three different age categories (23–30, 41–54, and 67–72 yr) were included. A novel mechanical model was used to identify the mechanical properties and the strain field with aid of simultaneously recorded pressure and radius in the abdominal aorta. The magnitudes of the material parameters relating to both the stiffness of elastiniso and collagenani were in agreement with earlier in vitro studies. The load-bearing fraction attributed to collagenani oscillated from 10 to 30% between diastolic and systolic pressures during the cardiac cycle. With age, stiffness of elastiniso increased in men, despite the decrease in elastin content that has been found due to elastolysis. Furthermore, an increase in stiffness of collagenani at high physiological pressure was found. This might be due to increased glycation, as well as changed isoforms of collagen in the aortic wall with age. A marked sex difference was observed, with a much less age-related effect, both on elastiniso and collagenani stiffness in women. Possible factors of importance could be the effect of sex hormones, as well as differing collagen isoforms, between the sexes.
Polysaccharide Krestin Is a Novel TLR2 Agonist that Mediates Inhibition of Tumor Growth via Stimulation of CD8 T Cells and NK Cells
Authors: Lu Hailing , Yang Yi , Gad Ekram , Wenner Cynthia A. , Chang Amy , Larson Emily R. , Dang Yushe , Martzen Mark , Standish Leanna J. , Disis Mary L.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: Polysaccharide krestin (PSK) is a mushroom extract that has been long used in Asia and recently in Western countries as a treatment for cancer due to its presumed immune potentiating effects. Although there have been reports of clinical responses after patients have ingested PSK, the mechanism of action of the agent remains undefined. The current study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of the antitumor actions of PSK.

Experimental Design: The immunostimulatory effect of PSK was first evaluated in vitro using splenocytes from neu transgenic mice and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 knockout (TLR2−/−) mice. Then the immunostimualtory and antitumor effect of PSK was determined using tumor-bearing neu transgenic mice, TLR2−/−, and wild-type C57BL/6 mice.

Results: We demonstrate that PSK is a selective TLR2 agonist, and the activation of dendritic cells (DC) and T cells by PSK is dependent on TLR2. Oral administration of PSK in neu transgenic mice significantly inhibits breast cancer growth. Selective depletion of specific cell populations suggests that the antitumor effect of PSK is dependent on both CD8+ T cell and NK cells, but not CD4+ T cells. PSK does not inhibit tumor growth in TLR2−/− mice suggesting that the antitumor effect is mediated by TLR2.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that PSK, a natural product commonly used for the treatment of cancer, is a specific TLR2 agonist and has potent antitumor effects via stimulation of both innate and adaptive immune pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 17(1); 67–76. ©2010 AACR.
Prophylactic Antibiotics Reduce Pancreatic Necrosis in Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Yao Linhua , Huang Xiayue , Li Yuqin , Shi Ruihua , Zhang Guoxin
Published: November 2010

Background and Aim: The use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection and reduce mortality in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of the data from randomized controlled trials to compare prophylactic antibiotic treatment of patients with ANP versus placebo. Methods: A computerized literature search was conducted using Medline, PubMed, EMBase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant articles published in English from January 1990 to March 2010. MeSH terms and keywords used to identify articles included ‘antibiotic’, ‘pancreatitis’, and ‘randomized’. Outcome measures were infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), mortality, nonpancreatic infection (NPN) and need for surgical intervention. Results: Nine trials involving 564 patients were included. Analysis suggested that IPN was significantly reduced by treatment with antibiotics (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.98, p = 0.04). Mortality (p = 0.1), NPN (p = 0.07), and need for surgical intervention (p = 0.17) were not significantly reduced by antibiotic treatment. Subsequent subgroup analysis confirmed that antibiotics were statistically superior to controls in reducing of infected necrosis (p = 0.003) and also mortality (p = 0.02) in single-blinded randomized controlled trials. Conclusion: Prophylactic antibiotic treatment reduced occurrence of IPN, but did not affect mortality, NPN, or surgical intervention in patients with ANP.
A Theoretical and Practical Course on Urine Microscopy in Nigeria: A Model for Nephrological Skill Transfer
Authors: Fogazzi Giovanni B. , Bosan Istifanus B. , Garigali Giuseppe , Arogundade Fatiu
Published: November 2010

Background: In the developing world, the diagnostic power of nephrologists is heavily limited by financial, technical and human resource constraints. Urine microscopy (UM) is a basic, inexpensive and relatively simple diagnostic tool, which supplies irreplaceable information. Recently, a theoretical and practical course on UM was organized during the 22nd annual meeting of the Nigerian Society of Nephrology. Methods: The 2-day course was based on power point presentations and on examination of true urine samples by means of a microscope equipped with phase contrast, polarized light and a video camera for projection of the findings. Results: The presentations described were the methodology, the particles of the urine sediment and their clinical interpretation, the urine sediment in different clinical conditions, and 12 clinical cases, which demonstrated the value of UM in clinical practice. Practical sessions showed the most important urine particles, and how they could be identified and combined into urine profiles. More than 97% of the participants found the course to be useful and practicable and a UM program was actually started in 1 Nigerian center a few days after the course. Conclusion: This course demonstrated that nephrological skills can be transferred from the developed to the developing world without large financial investments.
Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Andersson Maria , Hurrell Richard F.
Published: November 2010

Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in infants, children and adolescents worldwide due to their high iron requirements during growth, low dietary iron intake and low-bioavailability diet. Low iron status is associated with adverse health consequences throughout childhood. Prevention measures should be initiated early and include iron supplementation of pregnant women, delayed cord clamping at delivery and exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months. Iron needs to increase sharply after the first 4–6 months of life and high iron content of complementary foods is critical. Iron fortification of infant formulas and infant cereals, addition of micronutrient powders to home-prepared complementary foods, or provision of iron drops are the most effective prevention strategies in weaning infants, but early introduction of meat and delayed introduction of cow’s milk are also important. Prevention strategies in older children involve dietary approaches which increase iron content and bioavailability of the diet, and consumption of iron-fortified foods. In areas of extensive ID, iron supplementation may be required. If malaria is prevalent, large supplementation doses should only be given to children with confirmed ID. All interventions to control pediatric ID should be integrated into larger national and global health programs for pregnant women and children, including health education, malaria prevention and deworming. The impact of ID prevention strategies on iron status and the prevalence of ID should be monitored by measuring iron status periodically in the population.
Prognostic Model to Predict Outcomes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Erlotinib as Salvage Treatment
Authors: Kim Seung Tae , Lee Jeeyun , Sun Jong-mu , Park Yeon Hee , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung-Ju
Published: November 2010

Purpose: To devise a prognostic model based on clinical parameters for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with erlotinib as a salvage therapy. Patients and Methods: Between July 2006 and September 2008, two hundred fifty-seven metastatic/relapsed NSCLC patients who had been treated with erlotinib as a salvage therapy were analyzed retrospectively. Results: For the 257 patients, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with erlotinib treatment were 12.4 and 2.8 months. Multivariate analysis showed that an ECOG performance status of 2 or more, an elevated serum LDH level, and the absence of skin rash were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS and that the presence of intra-abdominal metastasis, 2 or more prior chemotherapy regimens, and the absence of skin rash were prognostic factors for PFS. Patients were categorized into the following 4 prognosis groups on the basis of each adverse prognostic factor: good, intermediate, poor, and very poor prognosis. The median OS times for the good, intermediate, poor, and very poor prognosis groups were 22.0, 9.3, 5.4, and 2.7 months (p < 0.001) and the median PFS times were 6.5, 3.0, 1.2, and 0.9 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This prognostic model based on clinical parameters would be useful to identify patients who might be most likely to benefit from erlotinib therapy in clinical practice.
Sunitinib in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Progression under Sorafenib Treatment
Authors: Wörns Marcus Alexander , Schuchmann Marcus , Düber Christoph , Otto Gerd , Galle Peter Robert , Weinmann Arndt
Published: November 2010

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sunitinib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after progression under sorafenib treatment. Methods: Sunitinib was administered at 37.5 mg daily (4-weeks-on/2-weeks-off schedule) after progression under sorafenib treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using NCI-CTCAE v3.0, and tumor response was evaluated according to RECIST. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Eleven patients with metastatic disease were treated. Seven patients (64%) presented with no liver cirrhosis, including 3 patients with a history of liver transplantation. The first radiological follow-up showed stable disease in 40% of patients after marked radiological progression under sorafenib. The median time to progression was 3.2 months. Treatment was discontinued due to radiological progression (n = 9) or AEs (n = 2; hemorrhages) in all patients after 3.5 months. The median overall survival was 8.4 months. All patients with Child-Pugh class B liver cirrhosis suffered a clinical deterioration of liver function and died within 4 months due to tumor progression. Conclusions: Sunitinib provided modest antitumor activity in patients with advanced HCC after progression under sorafenib treatment. Patients with Child-Pugh class B liver cirrhosis might not receive a clinical benefit from this second-line approach. Hemorrhagic complications may represent a clinically relevant problem of sunitinib in patients with advanced HCC.
Molecular and Physiological Responses to Juvenile Traumatic Brain Injury: Focus on Growth and Metabolism
Authors: Babikian Talin , Prins Mayumi L. , Cai Yan , Barkhoudarian Garni , Hartonian Ivet , Hovda David A. , Giza Christopher C.
Published: November 2010

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), one of the most frequent causes of neurologic and neurobehavioral morbidity in the pediatric population, can result in lifelong challenges not only for patients, but also for their families. Survivors of a brain injury experienced during childhood – when the brain is undergoing a period of rapid development – frequently experience unique challenges as the consequences of their injuries are overlaid on normal developmental changes. Experimental studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms and underlying molecular underpinnings of the injury response and recovery process following a TBI in the developing brain. In this paper, normal and TBI-related alterations in growth, development and metabolism are comprehensively reviewed in the postweanling/juvenile age range in the rat (postnatal days 21–60). As part of this review, TBI-related changes in gene expression are presented, with a focus on the injury-induced alterations related to cerebral growth and metabolism, and discussed in the context of existing literature related to physiological and behavioral responses to experimental TBI. Increasing evidence from the existing literature and from our own gene microarray data indicates that molecular responses related to growth, development and metabolism may play a particularly important role in the injury response and the recovery trajectory following developmental TBI. While gene expression analysis shows many of these changes occur at the level of transcription, a comprehensive review of other studies suggests that the control of metabolic substrates may preferentially be regulated through changes in transporters and enzymatic activity. The interrelation between cellular metabolism and activity-dependent neuroplasticity shows great promise as an area for future study for an optimal translation of experimental data to clinical TBI, with the ultimate goal of guiding therapeutic interventions.
Towards the Integration of Genetic Knowledge into Clinical Practice
Authors: Ong Albert C.M. , Devuyst Olivier
Published: November 2010

The past three decades have seen a revolution in molecular biology and genetics that have changed the way we define disease, diagnose it, understand pathogenesis, initiate new treatments and assess individual responsiveness to intervention. The ‘new genetics’ has made its biggest impact on monogenic or ‘rare’ diseases, although its impact is increasingly being felt in the polymorphic so-called ‘common’ diseases. In this brief review, we summarise the efforts being made to improve the management of rare kidney diseases in Europe through the EUNEFRON network and also the rapid progress being made internationally in translating genetic knowledge for patient benefit in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, the most common inherited kidney disease.
Loop Disorders: Insights Derived from Defined Genotypes
Authors: Jeck Nikola , Seyberth Hannsjörg W.
Published: November 2010

Great progress has been made in the last 15 years in the characterization and the pathophysiological understanding of renal salt and water wasting associated with inherited disorders of the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle’s loop, the loop disorders. Besides careful clinical observations and innovative physiological concepts, molecular genetics have made this progress possible. So far, mutations in five different genes may be responsible for the loop disorders. These gene products are as follows: NKCC2 symporter, ROMK, ClC-Ka, ClC-Kb, and barttin, a β-subunit to both chloride channels. The key symptoms, such as polyhydramnios secondary to fetal polyuria, postnatal volume depletion with hypotension, iso- or hyposthenuria, hyperprostaglandinuria and hypercalciuria followed by hypokalemic alkalosis secondary to hyperaldosteronism, are typical features of loop disorders that are restricted to TAL, such as in disorders with NKCC2 and ROMK mutations. However, transient perinatal hyperkalemia in infants with ROMK mutations suggests an additional function of ROMK for K secretion in the cortical collecting duct. The extremely rare human ClC-Kamutation has only been described in combination with ClC-Kb mutations. Similar to barttin mutations, this double knockout of transepithelial salt transport in TAL and in distal convoluted tubule (DCT) leads to a severe loop disorder with deafness. In contrast, the isolated ClC-Kb mutation predominantly appears as an incomplete loop disorder with features similar to an isolated DCT defect, because ClC-Kb function in TAL can in part be compensated by ClC-Ka. This compensation does not exist in DCT. Besides these defined genotypes, the type and the severity of mutation as well as the onset and quality of medical care are important determinants for the patients’ outcome. Considering a few variables, such as transient hyperkalemia, disease onset beyond neonatal period, profound hypochloremia and hypokalemia, or congenital hearing loss, might be helpful to guide genetic testing efficiently.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Patients Are at Low Risk for Invasive Fungal Infections after High-Dose Cytarabine Consolidations and Thus Do Not Require Prophylaxis
Authors: Lewis Grant , Hall Patricia , Eisa Nihal , Deremer David , Dobbins Robin , El-Geneidy Mohamed , Jillella Anand , Ustun Celalettin
Published: November 2010

We evaluated the frequency of invasive fungal infections (IFI), the frequency of empirical antifungal use (EAFU), and the efficacy of fluconazole prophylaxis on IFI and EAFU after high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) consolidations. Twenty-seven acute myelogenous leukemia patients in their first complete remission received 76 cycles of HiDAC (median cycle: n = 3). Fluconazole prophylaxis was administered following 44 cycles (fluconazole group) and not given in 32 cycles (control group). IFI (2 episodes) + EAFU (11 episodes) was observed in 13 of 76 cycles (17%); there was no difference between the fluconazole group and the control group (p = 0.469). Neutropenia duration was <13 days in 89% of the 76 cycles and was similar in the fluconazole and control groups (p = 0.845). Neutropenic fever was observed in 34 of the 76 cycles (45%) and was similar in the fluconazole group and the control group (p = 0.43). Although HiDAC cycle 1 was associated with a shorter neutropenia duration, there was no association between HiDAC cycle numbers and neutropenic fever or IFI + EAFU. HiDAC consolidations resulted in a high rate of neutropenic fever, the lack of an appreciable benefit from EAFU, and rare IFI. Most likely because of the low incidence of IFI, use of fluconazole or another antifungal is not warranted in this setting.
Endoscopic Subureteral Polydimethylsiloxane Injection and Prevention of Recurrent Acute Graft Pyelonephritis
Authors: Song Joon Chang , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Yoon Hye Eun , Kim Jun Chul , Choi Bum Soon , Kim Yong Soo , Yang Chul Woo
Published: November 2010

Background/Aims: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an important factor in recurrent acute graft pyelonephritis (AGPN). In this study, we evaluated the effect of subureteral polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) injection on recurrent AGPN in renal transplant recipients with VUR. Methods: 64 renal transplant recipients with recurrent AGPN were included, 31 (48%) of whom had VUR. Of the patients with VUR, 19 (61%) were treated with PDS and the others were managed with antibiotics. The effect of PDS treatment on recurrent AGPN was evaluated in terms of the overall success rate, the success rate according to VUR grade, and the number of PDS treatments. Results: The overall success rate of PDS injection was 63%, and the number of AGPN episodes was significantly reduced after injection compared with the number before injection (0.21 vs. 1.34 times/person-year, respectively, p < 0.05). The success rate of PDS treatment differed with the VUR grade (50% in grade 1, 33% in grade 2, 75% in grade 3, and 67% in grade 4). The success rate in the first trial was 67% and in the second it was 50%. Conclusion: PDS injection is an effective treatment for recurrent AGPN in renal allograft recipients with VUR.
Platelet–Leukocyte Interactions in Cardiovascular Disease and Beyond
Authors: Totani Licia , Evangelista Virgilio
Published: November 2010

Platelet–leukocyte interactions define a basic cell process that is characterized by the exchange of signals between platelets and different types of leukocytes and that bridges 2 fundamental pathophysiological events: atherothrombosis and inflammatory immune reactions. When this process takes place at the site of atherosclerotic plaque development or at the site of endothelial injury, platelet-dependent leukocyte recruitment and activation contributes to the inflammatory reaction of the vessel wall, which accounts for the exacerbation of atherosclerosis and for intimal hyperplasia and plaque instability. Moreover, platelet–leukocyte interactions may have a key role in modulating a wide array of responses of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and tissue damage, as well as to host defense.
Properties of Procoagulant Platelets
Authors: Fager Ammon M. , Wood Jeremy P. , Bouchard Beth A. , Feng Ping , Tracy Paula B.
Published: November 2010

Objective—

The goal of this study was to define and characterize the subpopulation of platelets capable of regulating the functional interactions of factors Va (FVa) and Xa (FXa) on the thrombin-activated platelet surface.

Methods and Results—

Flow cytometric analyses were used to define and characterize platelet subpopulations. At a concentration of thrombin known to elicit maximal platelet activation, platelet-derived FVa release, and prothrombinase assembly/function, only a subpopulation of platelets was positive for FVa and FXa binding. An additional subpopulation bound lower levels of FVa but little, if any, FXa. Fluorescence microscopy analyses confirmed these data. Phenotypically, platelets capable of binding FXa were more highly reticulated and demonstrated significantly increased expression of several key adhesion molecules, including P-selectin, glycoprotein Ibα, and integrins α
IIb
and β
3
. This platelet subpopulation was also defined by the expression of a nondissociable, membrane-bound pool of functional platelet-derived FVa, which made up ≈35% to 50% of the total membrane-bound cofactor.

Conclusion—

The ability of activated platelets to support thrombin generation is defined by a subpopulation of platelets expressing a nondissociable pool of platelet-derived FVa and increased adhesive receptor density. This subpopulation is hypothesized to play a significant role in regulating both normal hemostasis and pathological thrombus formation because the adherent properties of platelets and their ability to mount and sustain a procoagulant response are crucial steps in both of these processes.
Hepatic Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α Is Essential for Maintaining Triglyceride and Cholesterol Homeostasis
Authors: Yin Liya , Ma Huiyan , Ge Xuemei , Edwards Peter A. , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: November 2010

Objective—

Loss-of-function mutations in human hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) are associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young and lipid disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the lipid disorders are poorly understood. In this study, we determined the effect of acute loss or augmentation of hepatic HNF4α function on lipid homeostasis.

Methods and Results—

We generated an adenovirus expressing LacZ (Ad-shLacZ) or short hairpin RNA of
Hnf4
α (Ad-shHnf4α). Tail vain injection of C57BL/6J mice with Ad-shHnf4α reduced hepatic
Hnf4
α expression and resulted in striking phenotypes, including the development of fatty liver and a >80% decrease in plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These latter changes were associated with reduced hepatic lipogenesis and impaired very-low-density lipoprotein secretion. Deficiency in hepatic
Hnf4
α did not affect intestinal cholesterol absorption despite decreased expression of genes involved in bile acid synthesis. Consistent with the loss-of-function data, overexpression of
Hnf4
α induced numerous genes involved in lipid metabolism in isolated primary hepatocytes. Interestingly, many of these HNF4α-regulated genes were not induced in wild-type mice that overexpressed hepatic
Hnf4
α. Because of selective gene regulation, mice overexpressing hepatic
Hnf4
α had unchanged plasma triglyceride levels and decreased plasma cholesterol levels.

Conclusion—

Loss of hepatic HNF4α results in severe lipid disorder as a result of dysregulation of multiple genes involved in lipid metabolism. In contrast, augmentation of hepatic HNF4α activity lowers plasma cholesterol levels but has no effect on plasma triglyceride levels because of selective gene regulation. Our data indicate that hepatic HNF4α is essential for controlling the basal expression of numerous genes involved in lipid metabolism and is indispensable for maintaining normal lipid homeostasis.
Protein Kinase C Upregulates Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Leukocyte-Endothelium Interactions in Hyperglycemia via Activation of Endothelial Expressed Calpain
Authors: Smolock Amanda R. , Mishra Gourav , Eguchi Kunie , Eguchi Satoru , Scalia Rosario
Published: November 2010

Objective—

We tested the hypothesis of a role for the calcium-dependent protease calpain in the endothelial dysfunction induced by hyperglycemic activation of protein kinase C (PKC).

Methods and Results—

Chronic hyperglycemia with insulin deficiency (type 1 diabetes) was induced in rats by streptozotocin. Total PKC and calpain activities, along with activity and expression level of the 2 endothelial-expressed calpains isoforms, μ- and m-calpain, were measured in vascular tissue homogenates by enzymatic assays and Western blot analysis, respectively. Intravital microscopy was used to measure and correlate leukocyte-endothelium interactions with calpain activity in the microcirculation. Expression levels and endothelial localization of the inflammatory adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were studied by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence, respectively. The mechanistic role of hyperglycemia alone in the process of PKC-induced calpain activation and actions was also investigated. We found that in the type 1 diabetic vasculature, PKC selectively upregulates the activity of the μ-calpain isoform. Mechanistic studies confirmed a role for hyperglycemia and PKCβ in this process. The functional implications of PKC-induced calpain activation were upregulation of endothelial expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and leukocyte-endothelium interactions.

Conclusion—

Our results uncover the role of μ-calpain in the endothelial dysfunction of PKC. Calpain may represent a novel molecular target for the treatment of PKC-associated diabetic vascular disease.
Finding Mount Everest and Handling Voids
Authors: Storch Tobias
Published: November 2010

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are randomized search heuristics that solve problems successfully in many cases. Their behavior is often described in terms of strategies to find a high location on Earth's surface. Unfortunately, many digital elevation models describing it contain void elements. These are elements not assigned an elevation. Therefore, we design and analyze simple EAs with different strategies to handle such partially defined functions. They are experimentally investigated on a dataset describing the elevation of Earth's surface. The largest value found by an EA within a certain runtime is measured, and the median over a few runs is computed and compared for the different EAs. For the dataset, the distribution of void elements seems to be neither random nor adversarial. They are so-called semirandomly distributed. To deepen our understanding of the behavior of the different EAs, they are theoretically considered on well-known pseudo-Boolean functions transferred to partially defined ones. These modifications are also performed in a semirandom way. The typical runtime until an optimum is found by an EA is analyzed, namely bounded from above and below, and compared for the different EAs. We figure out that for the random model it is a good strategy to assume that a void element has a worse function value than all previous elements. Whereas for the adversary model it is a good strategy to assume that a void element has the best function value of all previous elements.
Bow Wow: The Interactive Violin Bow and Improvised Music, A Personal Perspective
Authors: Rose Jon
Published: November 2010

Bowed string music has always existed as an aural culture with improvisation considered as a prime focus of expression. It is the author's strong belief that experimentation is the natural state of all string music. This paper concentrates on recent history: bows that have incorporated interactive sensor technology. The central narrative deals with the author's own experiments and experience at STEIM since 1987. How reliable and practical is this technology? Are the results worth the trouble? Are there new modes of improvising only possible with an interactive bow?
Onias IV and the δέσποτος ερός: Placing Antiquities 13.62-73 into the Context of Ptolemaic Land Tenure
Authors: Last Richard
Published: November 2010

Josephus’ narrative of Onias IV in Ant. 13.62-73 is an account of a Judean refugee who flees to Egypt and manages to acquire land in both Alexandria and Heliopolis. He is also given the authority to construct a temple on his Heliopolis property, which Josephus describes to have previously been δέσποτος. This is a technical term used in the papyri and by classical authors to designate ownerless property, which could be acquired legally only by purchase at the public auction and, in the Roman period, also directly from the idios logos. Scholars have long endeavoured to reconstruct the history behind Josephus’ narrative of the temple of Onias, but they have yet to investigate the function of this technical term within the larger narrative of Ant. 13.62-73, nor the insights that it might provide regarding the historicity of the account. The present article enters into the world of Ptolemaic land tenure in order to contextualize Josephus’ account of Onias’ acquisition of an ownerless temple. It demonstrates that Josephus’ story of Onias’ temple is more nuanced than previously thought.
L’humanité vue d’en haut (Cyprien, Ad Donatum, 6-13)
Authors: Fredouille Jean-Claude
Published: November 2010

Both converted a short time before, Cyprian and his friend Donatus are supposed to look down at mankind from a symbolic summit. Far from being diatribical improvisations, these chapters 6-13 of Ad Donatum display a very careful and personal structure. Cyprian shows himself an eclectic and original heir to a literary and philosophical tradition. The genre of Ad Donatum is often called into question because the author seems to have several purposes in mind. In fact, it should be regarded as a specimen of the epistolary genre.
Presidential Address 2010 When Liberation Becomes Survival
Authors: Alexander Estrelda
Published: November 2010

This articles uses three contemporary issues — the struggle for authentic racial and cultural justice for people who are in some way locked out of the “mainstream” of the privileged white power structure, the quest of women to live out their God-ordained humanity in every arena of the church and society, and the response of the church to the perceived threat of the homosexual agenda — to explore the necessity of drawing on the intellectual resources of Pentecostal/Charismatic scholarship to engage the social justice issues with which the church must wrestle in the twenty-first century. Historically, liberation theologies have been dismissed by the evangelical and Pentecostal communities as totally unbiblical responses to social ills driven largely by unbiblical philosophical understanding and agenda, but they have failed to speak a liberative word to those within our own churches whose very lives are circumscribed by blatantly unjust responses to these issues. This article calls for crafting liberative theologies as a Spirit-empowered and enlightened intellectual pursuit that takes seriously the biblical mandate to be responsive to issues of justice.
Representation and Reference
Authors: Ankersmit Frank
Published: November 2010

This essay focuses on the historical text as a whole. It does so by conceiving of the historical text as representation ‐ in the way the we may say of a photo or a painting that it represents the person depicted on it. It is argued that representation cannot be properly understood by modelling it on true description. So all the central questions asked since the days of Frege with regard to how the true statement relates to the world must be asked anew, if we wish to understand how a historical representation relates to what it is about. Three claims are made. In the first place, representation is not a two-place but a three-place operator: apart from a representation (say, a book on Napoleon) and what the representation represents (Napoleon himself), a representation also indicates an aspect of represented reality (an aspect of Napoleon). The second claim is that this notion of the aspect is crucial for a proper understanding of (historical) representation. Thirdly, it is argued that traditional theories of reference cannot account for the relationship between a representation and the aspect indicated by it.
Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions
Authors: Kaushik Anupma , Shaktawat Gayatri
Published: November 2010

The participation of Indian women in the freedom movement led by Gandhi as well as enlightened leadership of India ensured that Indian women got equal political rights in the constitution of free India; however, in reality despite some successes, the majority of Indian women were left far behind men in enjoyment of these rights. Hence, the need for bringing women in political sphere through reservation was felt and 33 percent seats were reserved for women in the local self-governing bodies. This brought hundred thousand women into active politics, but questions were repeatedly raised regarding their competence. This article is an empirical study of situation at the ground level in Chittorgarh district. Chittorgarh was selected as it represents the real India.
Chemosensory irritations and pulmonary effects of acute exposure to emissions from oriented strand board
Authors: Gminski Richard , Marutzky Rainer , Kevekordes Sebastian , Fuhrmann Frank , Bürger Werner , Hauschke Dieter , Ebner Winfried , Mersch-Sundermann Volker
Published: November 2010

Due to the reduction of air change rates in low-energy houses, the contribution to indoor air quality of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitting from oriented strand boards (OSB) has become increasingly important. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensory irritations, pulmonary effects and odor annoyance of emissions from OSB in healthy human volunteers compared to clean air. Twenty-four healthy non-smokers were exposed to clean air and OSB emissions for 2 h under controlled conditions in a 48 m3 test chamber at three different time points: to fresh OSB panels and to the same panels after open storage for 2 and 8 weeks. Chemosensory irritation, exhaled nitric oxide (NO) concentration, eye blink frequency, lung function and subjective perception of irritation of eyes, nose and throat were examined before, during and after exposure. Additionally, olfactory perception was investigated. Total VOC exposure concentrations reached 8.9 ± 0.8 mg/m3 for the fresh OSB panels. Emissions consisted predominantly of α-pinene, ▵3-carene and hexanal. Two-hour exposure to high VOC concentrations revealed no irritating or pulmonary effects. All the subjective ratings of discomfort were at a low level and the medians did not exceed the expression ‘hardly at all.’ Only the ratings for smell of emissions increased significantly during exposure in comparison to clean air. In conclusion, exposure of healthy volunteers to OSB emissions did not elicit sensory irritations or pulmonary effects up to a VOC concentration of about 9 mg/m3. Sensory intensity of OSB emissions in the chamber air was rated as ‘neutral to pleasant.’
Toxic influence of organophosphate, carbamate, and organochlorine pesticides on cellular metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates
Authors: Karami-Mohajeri Somayyeh , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2010

Pesticides, including organophosphate (OP), organochlorine (OC), and carbamate (CB) compounds, are widely used in agricultural and indoor purposes. OP and CB act as acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors that affect lots of organs such as peripheral and central nervous systems, muscles, liver, pancreas, and brain, whereas OC are neurotoxic involved in alteration of ion channels. There are several reports about metabolic disorders, hyperglycemia, and also oxidative stress in acute and chronic exposures to pesticides that are linked with diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In this respect, there are several in vitro and in vivo but few clinical studies about mechanism underlying these effects. Bibliographic databases were searched for the years 1963–2010 and resulted in 1652 articles. After elimination of duplicates or irrelevant papers, 204 papers were included and reviewed. Results indicated that OP and CB impair the enzymatic pathways involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein within cytoplasm, mitochondria, and proxisomes. It is believed that OP and CB show this effect through inhibition of AChE or affecting target organs directly. OC mostly affect lipid metabolism in the adipose tissues and change glucose pathway in other cells. As a shared mechanism, all OP, CB and OC induce cellular oxidative stress via affecting mitochondrial function and therefore disrupt neuronal and hormonal status of the body. Establishing proper epidemiological studies to explore exact relationships between exposure levels to these pesticides and rate of resulted metabolic disorders in human will be helpful.