bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of equine sarcoid
Authors: Taylor S. , Haldorson G.
Published: May 2012

Equine sarcoid is the most common tumour of horses and accounts for over half of all equine skin tumours. Six types of sarcoid based on gross appearance and clinical behaviour have been described including occult, verrucous, nodular, fibroblastic, mixed and malevolent. Common locations for sarcoid development include the periocular region, ear pinnae, lips, neck, extremities and ventrum (including groin region). Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) is causally associated with equine sarcoid with genetic haplotype, fly vectors and skin trauma identified as potential risk factors for development of the disease. Histopathology is required for definitive diagnosis of equine sarcoid but incomplete excision is thought to activate latent BPV and stimulate growth. Although there are no uniformly effective treatment options, several modalities have been successful in eliminating or managing equine sarcoid. Surgical excision, intratumoural chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hyperthermia, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and immune modulators are used with degrees of success relative to the accessibility and invasiveness of the tumour. Prevention of equine sarcoid may be facilitated by future development of vaccines against bovine papillomavirus.
Influence of crystal form of ipratropium bromide on micronisation and aerosolisation behaviour in dry powder inhaler formulations
Authors: Shur Jagdeep , Kubavat Harshal A , Ruecroft Graham , Hipkiss David , Price Robert
Published: May 2012

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the mechanical properties of anhydrous and monohydrate ipratropium bromide (IB) crystals, their processing behaviour upon air-jet micronisation and aerosolisation performance in dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations.

Methods

IB monohydrate and anhydrous crystals were produced from seed crystals and supercritical carbon dioxide crystallisation, respectively. Young's modulus of anhydrous and monohydrate IB crystals was determined using nanoindentation. For air-jet micronised crystals, the physicochemical and surface interfacial properties via the cohesive–adhesive balance (CAB) approach were investigated. These data were correlated to in-vitro aerosolisation performance of carrier-based DPI formulations containing either anhydrous or monohydrate IB.

Key findings

Particle size and Young's modulus of both crystals were similar and this was reflected in their similar processing upon micronisation. Particle size of micronised anhydrous and monohydrate crystals were similar. CAB measurements of the micronised particles of monohydrate or anhydrous forms of IB with respect to lactose were 0.70 (R2 = 0.998) and 0.77 (R2 = 0.999), respectively. These data suggested that both samples had similar adhesion to lactose, which correlated with their similar in-vitro aerosolisation performance in DPI formulations.

Conclusions

Monohydrate and anhydrous crystals of IB exhibited similar mechanical properties and interfacial properties upon secondary processing. As a result, the performance of the DPI formulations were similar.
Formation of graphene on SiC(0001¯) surfaces in disilane and neon environments
Authors: He Guowei , Srivastava Nishtha , Feenstra Randall M.
Published: May 2012

The formation of graphene on the SiC(0001¯) surface (the C-face of the {0001} surfaces) has been studied, utilizing both disilane and neon environments. In both cases, the interface between the graphene and the SiC is found to be different than for graphene formation in vacuum. A complex low-energy electron diffraction pattern with √43 × √43-R ± 7.6° symmetry is found to form at the interface. An interface layer consisting essentially of graphene is observed, and it is argued that the manner in which this layer covalently bonds to the underlying SiC produces the √43 × √43-R ± 7.6° structure [i.e., analogous to the 6√3 × 6√3-R30° “buffer layer” that forms on the SiC(0001) surface (the Si-face)]. Oxidation of the surface is found to modify (eliminate) the √43 × √43-R ± 7.6° structure, which is interpreted in the same manner as the known “decoupling” that occurs for the Si-face buffer layer.
Noncontact ultrasound imaging applied to cortical bone phantoms
Authors: Bulman J. B. , Ganezer K. S. , Halcrow P. W. , Neeson Ian
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

The purpose of this paper was to take the first steps toward applying noncontact ultrasound (NCU) to the tasks of monitoring osteoporosis and quantitative ultrasound imaging (QUS) of cortical bone. The authors also focused on the advantages of NCU, such as its lack of reliance on a technologist to apply transducers and a layer of acoustical coupling gel, the ability of the transducers to operate autonomously as specified by preprogrammed software, and the likely reduction in statistical and systematic errors associated with the variability in the pressure applied by the clinician to the transmitting transducer that NCU might provide. The authors also undertook this study in order to find additional applications of NCU beyond its past limited usage in assessing the severity of third degree burns.

Methods:

A noncontact ultrasound imaging system using a pair of specially designed broadband, 1.5 MHz noncontact piezoelectric transducers and cortical bone phantoms, were used to determine bone mineral density (BMD), speed of sound (SOS), integrated response (IR), and ultrasonic transmittance. Air gaps of greater than 3 cm, two transmission and two reflection paths, and a digital signal processor were also used in the collection of data from phantoms of nominal mass densities that varied from 1.17 to 2.25 g/cm3 and in bone mineral density from 0 to 1.7 g/cm3.

Results:

Good correlations between known BMD and measured SOS, IR, and transmittance were obtained for all 17 phantoms, and methods for quantifying and minimizing sources of systematic errors were outlined. The BMD of the phantom sets extended through most of thein vivo range found in cortical bone. A total of 16–20 repeated measurements of the SOS, thickness, and IR for the phantom set that were conducted over a period of several months showed a small variation in the range of measurements of ±1%–2%. These NCU data were shown to be in agreement with similar results using contact ultrasound to be within 1%–2%. Transmittance images of cortical bone phantoms showed differences in the nominal overall BMD values of the phantoms that were large enough to be distinguished by a visual examination. A list of possible sources of errors in quantitative NCU was also included in this study.

Conclusions:

The results of this paper suggest that NCU might find additional applications in medical imaging, beyond its original and only previous usage in assessing third degree burns. The fact that the authors' phantom measurements using conventional, gel coupled ultrasound are in agreement with those obtained with NCU demonstrates that in spite of large additional levels of attenuation of up to 150 dB and new error sources, NCU could have comparable levels of accuracy to those of conventional quantitative ultrasound, while providing the medical and patient comfort‐related advantages of not involving direct contact.
High‐ratio grid considerations in mobile chest radiography
Authors: Scott Alexander W. , Gauntt David M. , Yester Michael V. , Barnes Gary T.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

Grids are often not used in mobile chest radiography, and when used, they have a low ratio and are often inaccurately aligned. Recently, a mobile radiography automatic grid alignment system (MRAGA) was developed that accurately and automatically aligns the focal spot with the grid. The objective of this study is to investigate high‐ratio grid tradeoffs in mobile chest radiography at fixed patient dose when the focal spot lies on the focal axis of the grid.

Methods:

The chest phantoms (medium and large) used in this study were modifications of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) chest phantom and consisted of layers of Lucite™, aluminum, and air. For the large chest phantom, the amount of Lucite and aluminum was increased by 50% over the medium phantom. Further modifications included a mediastinum insert and the addition of contrast targets in the lung and mediastinum regions. Five high‐ratio grids were evaluated and compared to the nongrid results at x‐ray tube potentials of 80, 90, 100, and 110 kVp for both phantoms. The grids investigated were from two manufacturers: 12:1 and 15:1 aluminum interspace grids from one and 10:1, 13:1, and 15:1 fiber interspace grids from another. MRAGA was employed to align the focal spot with the grid. All exposures for a given kVp and phantom size were made using the same current‐time product (CTP). The phantom images were acquired using computed radiography, and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR) and CNR improvement factors (kCNR) were determined from the resultant images. The noise in the targets and the contrast between the targets and their backgrounds were calculated using a local detrending correction, and the CNR was calculated as the ratio of the target contrast to the background noise. kCNR was defined as the ratio of the CNR imaged with the grid divided by the CNR imaged without a grid.

Results:

The CNR values obtained with a high‐ratio grid were 4%–65% higher than those obtained without a grid at the same phantom dose. The improvement was greater for the large chest phantom than the medium chest phantom and greater for the mediastinum targets than for the lung targets. In general, the fiber interspace grids performed better than the aluminum interspace grids. In the lung, kCNR for both types of grids exhibited little dependence on kVp or grid ratio. In the mediastinum, kCNR decreased 4%–10% with increasing kVp, and varied up to 5.3% with grid ratio.

Conclusions:

When the focal spot is accurately aligned with the grid, the use of a high‐ratio grid in mobile chest radiography improves image quality with no increase in dose to the phantom. For the grids studied, the performance of the fiber interspace grids was superior to the performance of the aluminum interspace grids, with the fiber interspace 13:1 grid producing the best overall results for the medium chest phantom and the fiber interspace 15:1 producing the best overall results for the large chest phantom.
The Structure of the Full-Length Tetrameric PKA Regulatory RIIβ Complex Reveals the Mechanism of Allosteric PKA Activation
Authors: Elkins Jonathan M. , Knapp Stefan
Published: May 2012

The conformational changes caused by cAMP binding to the regulatory subunit in the PKA holoenzyme are shown.
Turing in Real Life
Authors: Andrianantoandro Ernesto
Published: May 2012

Nodal and Lefty dynamics in vivo provide biological evidence for Turing patterns.
Prevalence of
blaZ
Gene Types and the Inoculum Effect with Cefazolin among Bloodstream Isolates of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Livorsi D. J. , Crispell E. , Satola S. W. , Burd E. M. , Jerris R. , Wang Y. F. , Farley M. M.
Published: May 2012

We sought to define the prevalence of
blaZ
gene types and the inoculum effect to cefazolin among methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) bloodstream infections. The
blaZ
gene was present in 142/185 (77%) isolates. A total of 50 (27%) isolates had a ≥4-fold increase in the cefazolin MIC from a standard to a high inoculum, and 8 (4%) demonstrated a nonsusceptible cefazolin MIC, all type A
blaZ
strains. The efficacy of cefazolin in the presence of the inoculum effect requires further study.
Combination Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Multidrug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Milne K. E. N. , Gould I. M.
Published: May 2012

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is increasingly being isolated from the respiratory tract of individuals with cystic fibrosis, and, because of its multidrug-resistant nature, the selection of suitable treatment regimens can be problematical. Etest methodology was used to facilitate MIC and antimicrobial combination testing on 80 isolates of
S. maltophilia
cultured from the respiratory tract of Scottish individuals with cystic fibrosis between 2001 and 2010. The overall rate of susceptibility for the 1,410 MIC tests was 23.1%, and resistance was 68.9%. The most active antimicrobials were minocycline, co-trimoxazole, and doxycycline, with 92.4%, 87.3%, and 58.8% of isolates being susceptible, respectively. Of the 517 combinations, 13.2% were synergistic, with the most synergistic being ticarcillin/clavulanate plus aztreonam (91.7% synergistic), ticarcillin/clavulanate plus colistin (40%), and ticarcillin/clavulanate plus levofloxacin (19.4%). Colistin plus tobramycin was the only antagonistic combination (0.2%). By the median susceptible breakpoint index, the most active combinations were minocycline plus co-trimoxazole (median index, 20), minocycline plus piperacillin-tazobactam (median, 20), and co-trimoxazole plus ceftazidime (median, 16.5). The increasing problem of multidrug resistance in organisms recovered from the respiratory tracts of individuals with cystic fibrosis is not going to go away. Current susceptibility testing methods do not address the slow-growing organisms associated with chronic infection, and interpretive standards are based on achievable blood levels of antimicrobials. Addressing these issues specifically for organisms recovered from the respiratory tracts of individuals with cystic fibrosis should lead to better therapeutic outcomes and improved wellbeing of individuals with cystic fibrosis.
An Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Caused by a Macrolide-Resistant Isolate in a Nursery School in China
Authors: Wang Yong , Qiu Shaofu , Yang Guang , Song Lixue , Su Wenli , Xu Yuanyong , Jia Leili , Wang Ligui , Hao Rongzhang , Zhang Chuanfu , Liu Jingmei , Fu Xiuping , He Jinrong , Zhang Jingshan , Li Zhenjun , Song Hongbin
Published: May 2012

Eighteen out of 45 children were reported to have a respiratory illness during an outbreak at a temporary dormitory in a nursery school in China in 2011. To study the outbreak and to determine the risk factors for infection, an epidemiological investigation was performed. A standardized questionnaire was completed for a total of 45 children with the help of their guardians and parents. In addition, acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples and throat swabs from the children were taken for laboratory diagnosis. The diagnosis of a
Mycoplasma
-like illness was based on the following clinical criteria. The criteria were onset of illness after 31 May 2011, characterized by a cough, fever(>37.5°C), or at least 3 of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough or expectoration, and runny or stuffy nose. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), determination of MICs, and sequencing were performed to determine the genotype, antibiotic resistance, and sequence polymorphisms of the isolated strains, respectively. The paired sera revealed that 15 patients were infected with
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
. Epidemiology confirmed that this was a point source outbreak, characterized by a short incubation period, a high secondary attack rate, and a long period of hospitalization. PCR-RFLP analysis revealed that the 12 isolated strains of
M. pneumoniae
shared the same subtype P1 gene, and 23S rRNA sequence analysis showed that these strains harbored two macrolide-resistant gene-related point mutations at position 2063 and 2617. In this outbreak, the major risk factor was the distance between the bed of the first patient and the beds of close contacts (beds less than three meters apart). The strains isolated in this study were found to harbor two point mutations conferring macrolide resistance, indicating the importance of pathogen and drug resistance surveillance systems.
Optimal Dosing of Miltefosine in Children and Adults with Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Dorlo Thomas P. C. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Beijnen Jos H. , de Vries Peter J.
Published: May 2012

Only anecdotal data are available on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of miltefosine in children suffering from visceral leishmaniasis (VL). While failure rates were higher in children with VL, steady-state concentrations appeared lower than those seen with adults. We hypothesized that the current linear dosage (in milligrams per kilogram of body weight) is too low for children and that a new dosing algorithm based on an appropriate body size model would result in an optimal exposure. A population PK analysis was performed on three historic pooled data sets, including Indian children, Indian adults, and European adults. Linear and allometric scaling of PK parameters by either body weight or fat-free mass (FFM) was evaluated for body size models. Based on the developed PK model, a dosing algorithm for miltefosine in children and adults was proposed and evaluated
in silico
. The population PK model employing allometric scaling fitted best to the pooled miltefosine data. Allometric scaling by FFM reduced between-subject variability, e.g., for drug clearance, from 49.6% to 32.1%. A new allometric miltefosine dosing algorithm was proposed. Exposure to miltefosine was lower in children than adults receiving 2.5 mg/kg/day: a
C
max
of 18.8 μg/ml was reached by 90% of adults and 66.7% of children. The allometric daily dose resulted in similar levels of exposure to miltefosine for adults and children. The use of a new allometric dosing algorithm for miltefosine in VL patients results in optimal exposure to miltefosine in both adults and children and might improve clinical outcome in children.
The Intermediate Region of Helicobacter pylori VacA Is a Determinant of Toxin Potency in a Jurkat T Cell Assay
Authors: González-Rivera Christian , Algood Holly M. Scott , Radin Jana N. , McClain Mark S. , Cover Timothy L.
Published: May 2012

Colonization of the human stomach with
Helicobacter pylori
is a risk factor for peptic ulceration, noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma. The secreted VacA toxin is an important
H. pylori
virulence factor that causes multiple alterations in gastric epithelial cells and T cells. Several families of
vacA
alleles have been described, and
H. pylori
strains containing certain
vacA
types (s1, i1, and m1) are associated with an increased risk of gastric disease, compared to strains containing other
vacA
types (s2, i2, and m2). Thus far, there has been relatively little study of the role of the VacA intermediate region (i-region) in toxin activity. In this study, we compared the ability of i1 and i2 forms of VacA to cause functional alterations in Jurkat cells. To do this, we manipulated the chromosomal
vacA
gene in two
H. pylori
strains to introduce alterations in the region encoding the VacA i-region. We did not detect any differences in the capacity of i1 and i2 forms of VacA to cause vacuolation of RK13 cells. In comparison to i1 forms of VacA, i2 forms of VacA had a diminished capacity to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and suppress interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Correspondingly, i2 forms of VacA bound to Jurkat cells less avidly than did i1 forms of VacA. These results indicate that the VacA i-region is an important determinant of VacA effects on human T cell function.
Interactions between Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms on Silicone Implants
In Vivo
Authors: van Gennip Maria , Christensen Louise Dahl , Alhede Morten , Qvortrup Klaus , Jensen Peter Østrup , Høiby Niels , Givskov Michael , Bjarnsholt Thomas
Published: May 2012

Chronic infections with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
persist because the bacterium forms biofilms that are tolerant to antibiotic treatment and the host immune response. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to visualize biofilm development
in vivo
following intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with bacteria growing on hollow silicone tubes, as well as to examine the interaction between these bacteria and the host innate immune response. Wild-type
P. aeruginosa
developed biofilms within 1 day that trapped and caused visible cavities in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). In contrast, the number of cells of a
P. aeruginosa rhlA
mutant that cannot produce rhamnolipids was significantly reduced on the implants by day 1, and the bacteria were actively phagocytosed by infiltrating PMNs. In addition, we identified extracellular wire-like structures around the bacteria and PMNs, which we found to consist of DNA and other polymers. Here we present a novel method to study a pathogen-host interaction in detail. The data presented provide the first direct, high-resolution visualization of the failure of PMNs to protect against bacterial biofilms.
Understanding public trust in services provided by community pharmacists relative to those provided by general practitioners: a qualitative study
Authors: Gidman Wendy , Ward Paul , McGregor Lesley
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To apply sociological theories to understand public trust in extended services provided by community pharmacists relative to those provided by general practitioners (GPs).

Design

Qualitative study involving focus groups with members of the public.

Setting

The West of Scotland.

Participants

26 purposively sampled members of the public were involved in one of five focus groups. The groups were composed to represent known groups of users and non-users of community pharmacy, namely mothers with young children, seniors and men.

Results

Trust was seen as being crucial in healthcare settings. Focus group discussions revealed that participants were inclined to draw unfavourable comparisons between pharmacists and GPs. Importantly, participants' trust in GPs was greater than that in pharmacists. Participants considered pharmacists to be primarily involved in medicine supply, and awareness of the pharmacist's extended role was low. Participants were often reluctant to trust pharmacists to deliver unfamiliar services, particularly those perceived to be ‘high risk’. Numerous system-based factors were identified, which reinforce patient trust and confidence in GPs, including GP registration and appointment systems, GPs' expert/gatekeeper role and practice environments. Our data indicate that the nature and context of public interactions with GPs fostered familiarity with a specific GP or practice, which allowed interpersonal trust to develop. By contrast, participants' exposure to community pharmacists was limited. Additionally, a good understanding of the GPs' level of training and role promoted confidence.

Conclusion

Current UK initiatives, which aim to implement a range of pharmacist-led services, are undermined by lack of public trust. It seems improbable that the public will trust pharmacists to deliver unfamiliar services, which are perceived to be ‘high risk’, unless health systems change in a way that promotes trust in pharmacists. This may be achieved by increasing the quality and quantity of patient interactions with pharmacists and gaining GP support for extended pharmacy services.
A four-country survey of public attitudes towards restricting healthcare costs by limiting the use of high-cost medical interventions
Authors: Blendon Robert J , Benson John M , Botta Michael D , Zeldow Deborah , Kim Minah Kang
Published: May 2012

Objective

To discern how the public in four countries, each with unique health systems and cultures, feels about efforts to restrain healthcare costs by limiting the use of high-cost prescription drugs and medical/surgical treatments.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Adult populations in Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA.

Participants

2517 adults in the four countries. A questionnaire survey conducted by telephone (landline and cell) with randomly selected adults in each of the four countries.

Main outcome measures

Support for different rationales for not providing/paying for high-cost prescription drugs/medical or surgical treatments, measured in the aggregate and using four case examples derived from actual decisions. Measures of public attitudes about specific policies involving comparative effectiveness and cost-benefit decision making.

Results

The survey finds support among publics in four countries for decisions that limit the use of high-cost prescription drugs/treatments when some other drug/treatment is available that works equally well but costs less. The survey finds little public support, either in individual case examples or when asked in the aggregate, for decisions in which prescription drugs/treatments are denied on the basis of cost or various definitions of benefits. The main results are based on majorities of the public in each country supporting or opposing each measure.

Conclusions

The survey findings indicate that the public distinguishes in practice between the concepts of comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analysis. This suggests that public authorities engaged in decision-making activities will find much more public support if they are dealing with the first type of decision than with the second.
ON 3-DIMENSIONAL HOMOTOPY QUANTUM FIELD THEORY, I
Authors: TURAEV VLADIMIR , VIRELIZIER ALEXIS
Published: May 2012

Given a discrete group G and a spherical G-fusion category whose neutral component has invertible dimension, we use the state-sum method to construct a 3-dimensional Homotopy Quantum Field Theory with target the Eilenberg–MacLane space K(G, 1).
Protective Effect of Hemidesmus indicus L. R. Br. Against Bromobenzene-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rat Kidney
Authors: Ramakrishna Vadde , Gopi Sriram , Setty Oruganti H.
Published: May 2012

Hemidesmus indicus (HI) is used in ancient Indian traditional herbal medicine to treat hepatic and renal disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of HI aqueous extract against bromobenzene induced mitochondrial dysfunction in rat kidneys. Rats were administered bromobenzene with or without prior administration of HI or vitamin E. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed and kidneys were obtained to study mitochondrial function, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology. Administration of bromobenzene caused significant changes like: decrease in the mitochondrial respiration and P/O ratios, increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in mitochondria with significant histopathological changes in the kidney. Prior administration of HI extract showed a significant protection against bromobenzene induced changes in the kidney and this effect is attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of the HI. The protection was much better with HI compared to vitamin E.
Protective Effects of Total Flavonoids fromLitsea coreanaon Alcoholic Fatty Liver in Rats Associated with Down-Regulation Adipose Differentiation-Related Protein Expression
Authors: Hu Cheng-Mu , Cao Qi , Lv Xiong-Wen , Cheng Wen-Ming , Li Rong , Li Jun
Published: May 2012

Alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) is a reversible condition, but it can potentiate the development of alcoholic hepatitis and even cirrhosis by increasing oxidant generation, which is one of the key pathogenic factors and could result in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Total flavonoids from Litsea coreana (TFLC), an active component extracted from Litsea coreana leve, have been shown to have therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia. The present study was to evaluate the protective effects of TFLC on alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) in rats, and investigate the potential mechanism. An AFL model in rats was established by intaking different doses of alcohol (concentration from 5% to 40%) over 12 weeks. Serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TNF-α, insulin, and glucose were measured, histopathologic changes were determined, and expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) in the liver were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that treatment with TFLC resulted in decreased serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, TNF-α, glucose and insulin, as well as improved liver index. Morphological evaluation revealed rats in model group developed a severe steatosis, but the severities of liver steatosis were effectively ameliorated in TFLC (200 and 400 mg/kg) treated groups. Expression of hepatic ADRP were increased in model group, and suppressed in TFLC treated groups. These results suggest that TFLC had a protective effect on AFL rats; the mechanism may be involved in regulation serum lipid profiles via down-regulation of hepatic expression of ADRP in AFL rats.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Citrus Unshiu Peel in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells
Authors: Oh You-Chang , Cho Won-Kyung , Jeong Yun Hee , Im Ga Young , Yang Min Cheol , Hwang Youn-Hwan , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: May 2012

Citrus Unshiu peel (CUP) has been traditionally used in East Asia as a drug for the treatment of vomiting and dyspepsia. However, its effects on inflammation remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of CUP on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The research focused on determining whether CUP could inhibit the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), as well as the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We found that CUP represses LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 gene expression as well as NO , PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 production. Additionally, CUP inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK, and suppressed IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Collectively, our results indicate that CUP inhibits the production of various inflammatory mediators via blockade of MAPK phosphorylation pursuant to the inhibition of IκBα degradation and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These findings are the first to clarify the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect exerted by CUP in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated by inflammatory agents.
Ganoderma lucidum Extract Induces G1 Cell Cycle Arrest, and Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Guosheng , Qian Zhengming , Guo Jiajie , Hu Dejun , Bao Jiaolin , Xie Jing , Xu Wenshan , Lu Jinjian , Chen Xiuping , Wang Yitao
Published: May 2012

Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst is a traditional Chinese herb that has been widely used for centuries to treat various diseases including cancer. Herein, an ethanol-soluble and acidic component (ESAC), which mainly contains triterpenes, was prepared from G. lucidum and its anti-tumor effects in vitro were tested on human breast cancer cells. Our results showed that ESAC reduced the cell viability of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 of about 100 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL, respectively. DNA damage was detected by Comet assay and the increased expression of γ-H2AX after ESAC treatment was determined in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, ESAC effectively mediated G1 cell cycle arrest in both concentration- and time-dependent manners and induced apoptosis as determined by Hoechst staining, DNA fragment assay and Western blot analysis in MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, ESAC exerts anti-proliferation effects by inducing DNA damage, G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
Housing Finance Reform: Should There Be a Government Guarantee?
Authors: Green Richard K.
Published: May 2012

In 2007 and 2008, the mortgage market failed. It failed in a number of dimensions: Default rates rose to their highest levels since the great depression, and mortgage liquidity ground to a halt. This failure has produced recriminations: Blame has been laid at the feet of borrowers, brokers, lenders, investment banks, investors and government and quasi-government entities that guaranteed mortgages. These recent events have produced an important debate: Whether the U.S. mortgage market requires a federal guarantee in order to best serve consumers, investors and markets. My view is that such a guarantee is necessary. I will divide my argument into four areas:

(1) I will argue that the United States has had a history of providing guarantees, either implicit or explicit, regardless of its professed position on the matter. This phenomenon goes back to the origins of the republic. It is in the best interest of the country to acknowledge the existence of such guarantees, and to price them appropriately before, rather than after, they become necessary.

(2) I will argue that in times of economic stress, such as now, the absence of government guarantees would lead to an absence of mortgages.

(3) I will argue that a purely "private" market would likely not provide a 30 year fixed rate pre-payable mortgage. I think that this is no longer a particularly controversial statement; what is more controversial is whether such a mortgage is necessary — I will argue that it is.

(4) I will argue that in the absence of a federal guarantee, the price and quantity of mortgages will vary across geography. In particular, rural areas will have less access to mortgage credit that urban areas, central cities will have less access than suburbs. Condominiums already are treated less favorably than detached houses, and this difference is likely to get larger in the absence of a guarantee.
Stochastic Volatility in General Equilibrium
Authors: Tauchen George
Published: May 2012

The connections between stock market volatility and returns are studied within the context of a general equilibrium framework. The framework rules out a priori any purely statistical relationship between volatility and returns by imposing uncorrelated innovations. The main model generates a two-factor structure for stock market volatility along with time-varying risk premiums on consumption and volatility risk. It also generates endogenously a dynamic leverage effect (volatility asymmetry), the sign of which depends upon the magnitudes of the risk aversion and the intertemporal elasticity of substitution parameters.
Optimizing the turn-taking behavior of task-oriented spoken dialog systems
Authors: Raux Antoine , Eskenazi Maxine
Published: May 2012

Even as progress in speech technologies and task and dialog modeling has allowed the development of advanced spoken dialog systems, the low-level interaction behavior of those systems often remains rigid and inefficient. Based on an analysis of human-human and human-computer turn-taking in naturally occurring task-oriented dialogs, we define a set of features that can be automatically extracted and show that they can be used to inform efficient end-of-turn detection. We then frame turn-taking as decision making under uncertainty and describe the Finite-State Turn-Taking Machine (FSTTM), a decision-theoretic model that combines data-driven machine learning methods and a cost structure derived from Conversation Analysis to control the turn-taking behavior of dialog systems. Evaluation results on CMU Let's Go, a publicly deployed bus information system, confirm that the FSTTM significantly improves the responsiveness of the system compared to a standard threshold-based approach, as well as previous data-driven methods.
K-Coverage Persevering Routing Technique Based on Event Occurrence Patterns for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rafigh Majid , Abbaspour Maghsoud
Published: May 2012

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) comprising of tiny, power-constrained nodes are gaining popularity due to their potential use in a wide range of applications, including monitoring of environmental attributes, intrusion detection, and various military and civilian environments. While the sensing objectives of these environments are unique and application dependent, a common performance criteria for wireless sensor networks is prolonging network lifetime while satisfying coverage and connectivity in the deployment region. In many real-world scenarios, reoccurring spatial patterns of occurrence could be identified in the sensed event information. This paper proposes a new routing algorithm schema based on event occurrence history to secure K-Coverage of event paths and maintain the maximum degree of coverage. In the proposed method the nodes located around event path try to save their battery power by not participating in data packet forwarding to neighbor nodes. The simulation results show that the proposed method improves network lifetime by shifting the routing responsibility from sensing nodes to communication nodes, while maximizing the degree of coverage in the main path of event occurrence. As a consequence, the lifetime of main path coverage is increased dramatically as compared to previous methods.
The Association between Myocardial Iron Load and Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Asymptomatic Beta-Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Kayrak Mehmet , Acar Kadir , Gul Enes Elvin , Özbek Orhan , Abdulhalikov Turyan , Sonmez Osman , Alibaşiç Hajrudin
Published: May 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated impaired ventricular repolarization in patients with β-TM. However, the effect of iron overload with cardiacT2*magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on cardiac repolarization remains unclear yet. We aimed to examine relationship between repolarization parameters and iron loading using cardiacT2*MRI in asymptomatic β-TM patients. Twenty-two β-TM patients and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled to the study. From the 12-lead surface electrocardiography, regional and transmyocardial repolarization parameters were evaluated manually by two experienced cardiologists. All patients were also undergone MRI for cardiacT2*evaluation. CardiacT2*score <20 msec was considered as iron overload status. Of the QT parameters, QT duration, corrected QT interval, and QT peak duration were significantly longer in the β-TM group compared to the healthy controls.Tp−TeandTp−Tedispersions were also significantly prolonged in β-TM group compared to healthy controls.(Tp-Te)/QTwas similar between groups. There was no correlation between repolarization parameters and cardiacT2*MRI values. In conclusion, although repolarization parameters were prolonged in asymptomatic β-TM patients compared with control, we could not find any relation between ECG findings and cardiac iron load.
A Dengue Vaccination Model for Immigrants in a Two-Age-Class Population
Authors: Tasman Hengki , Supriatna Asep K. , Nuraini Nuning , Soewono Edy
Published: May 2012

We develop a model of dengue transmission with some vaccination programs for immigrants. We classify the host population into child and adult classes, in regards to age structure, and into susceptible, infected and recovered compartments, in regards to disease status. Since migration plays important role in disease transmission, we include immigration and emigration factors into the model which are distributed in each compartment. Meanwhile, the vector population is divided into susceptible, exposed, and infectious compartments. In the case when there is no incoming infected immigrant, we obtain the basic reproduction ratio as a threshold parameter for existence and stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. Meanwhile, in the case when there are some incoming infected immigrants, we obtain only endemic equilibrium. This indicates that screening for the immigrants is important to ensure the effectiveness of the disease control.
Sharp Bounds by the Generalized Logarithmic Mean for the Geometric Weighted Mean of the Geometric and Harmonic Means
Authors: Qian Wei-Mao , Long Bo-Yong
Published: May 2012

We present sharp upper and lower generalized logarithmic mean bounds for the geometric weighted mean of the geometric and harmonic means.
Microglial Scavenger Receptors and Their Roles in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wilkinson Kim , El Khoury Joseph
Published: May 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing in prevalence with the aging population. Deposition of amyloid-β(Aβ) in the brain of AD patients is a hallmark of the disease and is associated with increased microglial numbers and activation state. The interaction of microglia with Aβappears to play a dichotomous role in AD pathogenesis. On one hand, microglia can phagocytose and clear Aβ, but binding of microglia to Aβalso increases their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and neurotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenger receptors, a group of evolutionally conserved proteins expressed on the surface of microglia act as receptors for Aβ. Of particular interest are SCARA-1 (scavenger receptor A-1), CD36, and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products). SCARA-1 appears to be involved in the clearance of Aβ, while CD36 and RAGE are involved in activation of microglia by Aβ. In this review, we discuss the roles of various scavenger receptors in the interaction of microglia with Aβand propose that these receptors play complementary, nonredundant functions in the development of AD pathology. We also discuss potential therapeutic applications for these receptors in AD.
Neutralisation of Local Haemorrhage Induced by the Saw-Scaled ViperEchis carinatus sochurekiVenom Using Ethanolic Extract ofHibiscus aethiopicusL.
Authors: Hasson S. S. , Al-Balushi M. S. , Said E. A. , Habbal O. , Idris M. A. , Mothana R. A. A. , Sallam T. A. , Al-Jabri A. A.
Published: May 2012

The objective of the study is to investigate the anti-snake venom activities of a local plant,Hibiscus aethiopicusL. TheH. aethiopicuswas dried and extracted with ethanol. Different assays were performed according to standard techniques, to evaluate the plant’s acute toxicity and its antivenom activities. The results of evaluating the systemic acute toxicity of theH. aethiopicusextract using “oral and intra-peritoneal” route were normal even at the highest dose (24 g/kg) tested. All guinea pigs (n=3) when treated with venomsE. c. sochureki(75 μg) alone induced acute skin haemorrhage. In contrast, all guinea pigs (n=18) treated with both venom and the plant extract at a concentration between 500 and 1000 mg/kg showed no signs of haemorrhage. Moreover, all guinea pigs (n=18) treated with venom and the plant extract below 400 mg/kg showed acute skin haemorrhage. All guinea pigs treated with venomE. c. sochureki(75 μg) alone induced acute skin haemorrhage after both 24 and 32 hours. In contrast, all guinea pigs treated with both venom and the plant extract (administered independently) at concentrations between 500 and 1000 mg/kg showed no signs of haemorrhage after 32 hours. However, after 24 hours all tested guinea pigs showed less inhibition (<60%) compared to that obtained after 32 hours. The outcome of this study reflects that the extract ofH. aethiopicusplant may contain an endogenous inhibitor of venom induced local haemorrhage.
N-Domain Isoform of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme as a Marker of Hypertension: Populational Study
Authors: Maluf-Meiken Leila C. V. , Fernandes Fernanda B. , Aragão Danielle S. , Ronchi Fernanda A. , Andrade Maria C. C. , Franco Maria C. , Febba Andreia C. S. , Plavnik Frida L. , Krieger José E. , Mill Jose G. , Sesso Ricardo C. C. , Casarini Dulce E.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper was to investigate the presence of the urinary 90 kDa N-domain ACE in a cohort of the population from Vitoria, Brazil, to verify its association with essential hypertension since this isoform could be a possible genetic marker of hypertension. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory parameters of the individuals were evaluated (n=1150) and the blood pressure (BP) was measured. The study population was divided according to ACE isoforms in urine as follows: ACE 65/90/190, presence of three ACE isoforms (n=795), ACE 90+(65/90) (n=186), and ACE 90−(65/190) (n=169) based on the presence (+) or absence (−) of the 90 kDa ACE isoform. The anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, serum levels of uric acid, glucose, and the systolic and diastolic BP were significantly greater in the ACE 90+compared with the ACE 90−and ACE 65/90/190 individuals. We found that 98% of individuals from the ACE 90+group and 38% from the ACE 65/90/190 group had hypertension, compared to only 1% hypertensive individuals in the ACE 90−group. There is a high presence of the 90 kDa N-domain ACE isoform (85%) in the studied population. The percentile of normotensive subjects with three isoforms was 62%. Our findings could contribute to the development of new efficient strategy to prevent and treat hypertension to avoid the development of cardiovascular disease.
The Fate of Sulfamethazine in Sodium-Hypochlorite-Treated Drinking Water: Monitoring by LC--IT-TOF
Authors: Melton Tyler C. , Brown Stacy D.
Published: May 2012

Pharmaceutical compounds represent a rapidly emerging class of environmental contaminants. Such compounds were recently classified by the U.S. Geological Survey, including several antibiotics. An LC-MS/MS screening method for the top five antibiotics in drinking water was developed and validated using a Shimadzu LC-MS-IT-TOF. The separation was performed using a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column with a gradient elution. Sulfamethazine was exposed to conditions intended to mimic drinking water chlorination, and samples were collected and quenched with excess sodium sulfite. Kinetics of sulfamethazine degradation was followed as well as the formation of the major chlorinated byproduct ( 313). For the screening method, all five antibiotic peaks were baseline resolved within 5 minutes. Additionally, precision and accuracy of the screening method were less than 15%. Degradation of sulfamethazine upon exposure to drinking water chlorination occurred by first order kinetics with a half-life of 4 min (approximately 37 days) with measurements starting 5 minutes after chlorination. Likewise, the formation of the major chlorinated product occurred by first order kinetics with a rate constant of −2. The proposed identification of the chlorinated product was 4-amino-(5-chloro-4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrimidinyl)-benzenesulfonamide (C12H13N4O2SCl) using spectra and databases searches of SciFinder and ChemSpider.
Asymptotic Upper and Lower Estimates of a Class of Positive Solutions of a Discrete Linear Equation with a Single Delay
Authors: Diblík J. , Hlavičková I.
Published: May 2012

We study a frequently investigated class of linear difference equations Δv(n) = −p(n)v(n − k)
with a positive coefficient p(n) and a single delay k. Recently, it was proved that if the function p(n) is bounded above by a certain function, then there exists a positive vanishing solution of the considered equation, and the upper bound was found. Here we improve this result by finding even the lower bound for the positive solution, supposing the function p(n) is bounded above and below by certain functions.
[Retracted] The Split Common Fixed Point Problem for Quasi‐Total Asymptotically Nonexpansive Uniformly Lipschitzian Mappings
Authors: Na Jing , Wang Lin , Ma Zhaoli
Published: May 2012

We introduce an algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problem for quasi‐total asymptotically nonexpansive uniformly Lipschitzian mapping in Hilbert spaces. The results presented in this paper improve and extend some recent corresponding results.
A Family of Derivative‐Free Methods with High Order of Convergence and Its Application to Nonsmooth Equations
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Hueso José L. , Martínez Eulalia , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: May 2012

A family of derivative‐free methods of seventh‐order
convergence for solving nonlinear equations is suggested. In the proposed
methods, several linear combinations of divided differences are used in
order to get a good estimation of the derivative of the given function at
the different steps of the iteration. The efficiency indices of the members of
this family are equal to 1.6266. Also, numerical examples are used to show
the performance of the presented methods, on smooth and nonsmooth
equations, and to compare with other derivative‐free methods, including
some optimal fourth‐order ones, in the sense of Kung‐Traub’s conjecture.