bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Being Black and Brown in the 21st Century
Authors: Orelus Pierre W.
Published: November 2012

Depending on one’s level of understanding and awareness about the plight of Black and Brown people, one might argue that they are better off today than they were 50 years ago or so, especially when one remembers the Jim Crow era during which Black and Brown people were ruthlessly brutalized, particularly by White supremacist groups such as the Klu Klux Kan. However, if one critically analyzed the achievement gap between students of color and their White counterparts, the decline in incomes, and other forms of educational and socioeconomic inequality that Black and Brown people, particularly poor students of color, have been experiencing for the last several decades or so, one would realize that substantially nothing has changed for them. In light of this view, this article explores the educational and socioeconomic conditions of People of Color, including those of linguistically and culturally diverse students. Specifically, it examines the ways and the degree to which lack of resources combined with institutional racism and the legacy of slavery continue to limit the life chances of Black and Brown people in the 21st century. The author ends this article making recommendations to counter inequality in schools and society at large that Black and Brown people have been facing.
Effects on human transcriptome of mutated BRCA1 BRCT domain: A microarray study
Authors: Iofrida Caterina , Melissari Erika , Mariotti Veronica , Guglielmi Chiara , Guidugli Lucia , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Pellegrini Silvia
Published: November 2012

Background

BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset) missense mutations have been detected in familial breast and ovarian cancers, but the role of these variants in cancer predisposition is often difficult to ascertain. In this work, the molecular mechanisms affected in human cells by two BRCA1 missense variants, M1775R and A1789T, both located in the second BRCT (BRCA1 C Terminus) domain, have been investigated. Both these variants were isolated from familial breast cancer patients and the study of their effect on yeast cell transcriptome has previously provided interesting clues to their possible role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Methods

We compared by Human Whole Genome Microarrays the expression profiles of HeLa cells transfected with one or the other variant and HeLa cells transfected with BRCA1 wild-type. Microarray data analysis was performed by three comparisons: M1775R versus wild-type (M1775RvsWT-contrast), A1789T versus wild-type (A1789TvsWT-contrast) and the mutated BRCT domain versus wild-type (MutvsWT-contrast), considering the two variants as a single mutation of BRCT domain.

Results

201 differentially expressed genes were found in M1775RvsWT-contrast, 313 in A1789TvsWT-contrast and 173 in MutvsWT-contrast. Most of these genes mapped in pathways deregulated in cancer, such as cell cycle progression and DNA damage response and repair.

Conclusions

Our results represent the first molecular evidence of the pathogenetic role of M1775R, already proposed by functional studies, and give support to a similar role for A1789T that we first hypothesized based on the yeast cell experiments. This is in line with the very recently suggested role of BRCT domain as the main effector of BRCA1 tumor suppressor activity.
Allosteric inhibition enhances the efficacy of ABL kinase inhibitors to target unmutated BCR-ABL and BCR-ABL-T315I
Authors: Mian Afsar Ali , Metodieva Anna , Badura Susanne , Khateb Mamduh , Ruimi Nili , Najajreh Yousef , Ottmann Oliver Gerhard , Mahajna Jamal , Ruthardt Martin
Published: November 2012

Background

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphatic leukemia (Ph + ALL) are caused by the t(9;22), which fuses BCR to ABL resulting in deregulated ABL-tyrosine kinase activity. The constitutively activated BCR/ABL-kinase “escapes” the auto-inhibition mechanisms of c-ABL, such as allosteric inhibition. The ABL-kinase inhibitors (AKIs) Imatinib, Nilotinib or Dasatinib, which target the ATP-binding site, are effective in Ph + leukemia. Another molecular therapy approach targeting BCR/ABL restores allosteric inhibition. Given the fact that all AKIs fail to inhibit BCR/ABL harboring the ‘gatekeeper’ mutation T315I, we investigated the effects of AKIs in combination with the allosteric inhibitor GNF2 in Ph + leukemia.

Methods

The efficacy of this approach on the leukemogenic potential of BCR/ABL was studied in Ba/F3 cells, primary murine bone marrow cells, and untransformed Rat-1 fibroblasts expressing BCR/ABL or BCR/ABL-T315I as well as in patient-derived long-term cultures (PDLTC) from Ph + ALL-patients.

Results

Here, we show that GNF-2 increased the effects of AKIs on unmutated BCR/ABL. Interestingly, the combination of Dasatinib and GNF-2 overcame resistance of BCR/ABL-T315I in all models used in a synergistic manner.

Conclusions

Our observations establish a new approach for the molecular targeting of BCR/ABL and its resistant mutants using a combination of AKIs and allosteric inhibitors.
Early detection of tuberculosis through community-based active case finding in Cambodia
Authors: Eang Mao Tan , Satha Peou , Yadav Rajendra Prasad , Morishita Fukushi , Nishikiori Nobuyuki , van-Maaren Pieter , Weezenbeek Catharina Lambregts-van
Published: November 2012

Background

Since 2005, Cambodia’s national tuberculosis programme has been conducting active case finding (ACF) with mobile radiography units, targeting household contacts of TB patients in poor and vulnerable communities in addition to routine passive case finding (PCF). This paper examines the differences in the demographic characteristics, smear grades, and treatment outcomes of pulmonary TB cases detected through both active and passive case finding to determine if ACF could contribute to early case finding, considering associated project costs for ACF.

Methods

Demographic characteristics, smear grades, and treatment outcomes were compared between actively (n = 405) and passively (n = 602) detected patients by reviewing the existing programme records (including TB registers) of 2009 and 2010. Additional analyses were performed for PCF cases detected after the ACF sessions (n = 91).

Results

The overall cost per case detected through ACF was US$ 108. The ACF approach detected patients from older populations (median age of 55 years) compared to PCF (median age of 48 years; p < 0.001). The percentage of smear-negative TB cases detected through ACF was significantly higher (71.4%) than that of PCF (40.5%). Among smear-positive patients, lower smear grades were observed in the ACF group compared to the PCF group (p = 0.002). A fairly low initial defaulter rate (21 patients, 5.2%) was observed in the ACF group. Once treatment was initiated, high treatment success rates were achieved with 96.4% in ACF and with 95.2% in PCF. After the ACF session, the smear grade of TB patients detected through routine PCF continued to be low, suggesting increased awareness and early case detection.

Conclusions

The community-based ACF in Cambodia was found to be a cost-effective activity that is likely to have additional benefits such as contribution to early case finding and detection of patients from a vulnerable age group, possibly with an extended benefit for reducing secondary cases in the community. Further investigations are required to clarify the primary benefits of ACF in early and increased case detection and to assess its secondary impact on reducing on-going transmission.
A nationwide, population-based, long-term follow-up study of repeated self-harm in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Chi-Hsiang , Lai Ching-Huang , Chu Chi-Ming , Pai Lu , Kao Senyeong , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: November 2012

Background

Previous follow-up studies of repeated self-harm show that the cumulative risk of repeated self-harm within one year is 5.7%–15%, with females at greatest risk. However, relatively few studies have focused on the Far East. The objective of this study was to calculate the cumulative risk of repeated self-harm over different lengths of follow-up time (3 months, 6 months, and 1–8 years), to determine factors influencing repeated self-harm and to explore the interaction between gender and self-harm methods.

Methods

We used self-harm patient who hospitalized due to first-time self-harm between 2000 and 2007 from 1,230 hospitals in Taiwan. Hospitalization for repeated self-harm among members of this cohort was tracked after 3 months, 6 months, and 1–8 years. Tracking continued until December 31, 2008. We analyzed the cumulative risk and risk factors of repeated self-harm by using negative binomial regression.

Results

Of the 39,875 individual study samples, 3,388 individuals (8.50%) were found to have repeatedly self-harmed. The cumulative risk of repeated self-harm within three months was 7.19% and within one year was 8%. Within 8 years, it was 8.70%. Females were more likely to repeatedly self-harm than males (RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.15–1.76). The main method of self-harm was solid or liquid substances (RR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.23–2.04) or cutting or piercing (RR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.02–1.82), and in patients with psychiatric disorders were more likely to self-harm (RR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.48–1.75).

Conclusions

The key time for intervention for repeated self-harm is within three months. Appropriate prevention programs should be developed based on gender differences.
Relapse of imported Plasmodium vivax malaria is related to primaquine dose: a retrospective study
Authors: Townell Nicola , Looke David , McDougall David , McCarthy James S
Published: November 2012

Background

Relapsing Plasmodium vivax infection results in significant morbidity for the individual and is a key factor in transmission. Primaquine remains the only licensed drug for prevention of relapse. To minimize relapse rates, treatment guidelines have recently been revised to recommend an increased primaquine dose, aiming to achieve a cumulative dose of ≥6 mg/kg, i.e. ≥420 mg in a 70 kg patient. The aims of this study were to characterize the epidemiology of P. vivax infection imported into Queensland Australia, to determine the rates of relapse, to investigate the use of primaquine therapy, and its efficacy in the prevention of relapse.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of laboratory confirmed P. vivax infection presenting to the two major tertiary hospitals in Queensland, Australia between January 1999 and January 2011.

Primaquine dosing was classified as no dose, low dose (<420 mg), high dose (≥420 mg), or unknown. The dose of primaquine prescribed to patients who subsequently relapsed that prescribed to patients who did not relapse.

Results

Twenty relapses occurred following 151 primary episodes of P. vivax infection (13.2%). Relapses were confirmed among 3/21 (14.2%), 9/50 (18.0%), 1/54 (1.9%) and 7/18 (38.9%) of patients administered no dose, low dose, high dose and unknown primaquine dose respectively. High dose primaquine therapy was associated with a significantly lower rate of relapse compared to patients who were prescribed low dose therapy (OR 11.6, 95% CI 1.5-519, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Relapse of P. vivax infection is more likely in patients who received low dose primaquine therapy. This study supports the recommendations that high dose primaquine therapy is necessary to minimize relapse of P. vivax malaria.
A comparison of internal model validation methods for multifactor dimensionality reduction in the case of genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Gory Jeffrey J , Sweeney Holly C , Reif David M , Motsinger-Reif Alison A
Published: November 2012

Background

Determining the genes responsible for certain human traits can be challenging when the underlying genetic model takes a complicated form such as heterogeneity (in which different genetic models can result in the same trait) or epistasis (in which genes interact with other genes and the environment). Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) is a widely used method that effectively detects epistasis; however, it does not perform well in the presence of heterogeneity partly due to its reliance on cross-validation for internal model validation. Cross-validation allows for only one “best” model and is therefore inadequate when more than one model could cause the same trait. We hypothesize that another internal model validation method known as a three-way split will be better at detecting heterogeneity models.

Results

In this study, we test this hypothesis by performing a simulation study to compare the performance of MDR to detect models of heterogeneity with the two different internal model validation techniques. We simulated a range of disease models with both main effects and gene-gene interactions with a range of effect sizes. We assessed the performance of each method using a range of definitions of power.

Conclusions

Overall, the power of MDR to detect heterogeneity models was relatively poor, especially under more conservative (strict) definitions of power. While the overall power was low, our results show that the cross-validation approach greatly outperformed the three-way split approach in detecting heterogeneity. This would motivate using cross-validation with MDR in studies where heterogeneity might be present. These results also emphasize the challenge of detecting heterogeneity models and the need for further methods development.
Involvement of GR and p300 in the Induction of H6PD by Cortisol in Human Amnion Fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Weihua , Guo Chunming , Li Wenjiao , Li Jianneng , Wang Wangsheng , Myatt Leslie , Sun Kang
Published: November 2012

Human fetal membranes express 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), which reduces biologically inert cortisone to active cortisol and may provide an extraadrenal source of cortisol mediating fetal development and parturition. The reductase activity of 11β-HSD1 depends on the availability of the cofactor reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) derived from the enzymatic activity of hexose-6-phosphodehydrogenase (H6PD). Based on the feed-forward induction of 11β-HSD1 by glucocorticoids in human fetal membranes, we hypothesize that glucocorticoids simultaneously induce H6PD in the fetal membranes. We found a parallel distribution of H6PD and 11β-HSD1 in the amnion, chorion, and decidua. In cultured human amnion fibroblasts, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of H6PD expression significantly attenuated the conversion of cortisone to cortisol. Cortisol (0.01–1 μm) induced H6PD expression in a concentration-dependent manner, which was attenuated by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Cortisol induced the expression of p300, a histone acetyltransferase, whereas C646, an inhibitor of p300, attenuated the induction of H6PD by cortisol. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed GR and p300 in the same nuclear protein complex upon cortisol stimulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that cortisol increased the binding of p300 and GR to H6PD promoter and the acetylation of histone 3 lysine 9 on the promoters. In conclusion, the induction of H6PD by cortisol requires the participation of GR and p300 as well as the acetylation of H3K9 by p300. This may be a prerequisite for the parallel induction of reductase activity of 11β-HSD1 in human amnion fibroblasts in a feed-forward loop that may influence fetal development and the onset of parturition.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation Reduces Adrenal Chromaffin Cell Excitability Through a Nuclear Factor-κB-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Lukewich Mark K. , Lomax Alan E.
Published: November 2012

The adrenal medulla contains fenestrated capillaries that allow catecholamines and neuropeptides secreted by adrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs) to readily access the circulation. These capillaries may also allow bacterial products to enter the adrenal medulla and interact with ACCs during infection. One potential mediator of this interaction is toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), a pattern-recognition receptor that detects lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria. Evidence suggests that excitable cells can express TLR-4 and that LPS can modulate important neuronal and endocrine functions. The present study was therefore performed to test the hypothesis that TLR-4 activation by LPS affects ACC excitability and secretory output. RT-PCR revealed that TLR-4, cluster of differentiation 14, myeloid differentiation protein-2, and myeloid-derived factor 88 are expressed within mouse adrenal medullae. TLR-4 immunoreactivity was observed within all tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive ACCs. Incubation of isolated ACCs in LPS dose dependently hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential and enhanced large conductance (BK) Ca2+-activated K+ currents. LPS (10 μg/ml) also increased rheobase, decreased the number of action potentials fired at rheobase, and reduced the percentage of ACCs exhibiting spontaneous and anodal break action potentials. Although catecholamine release was unaltered, LPS significantly reduced high-K+-stimulated neuropeptide Y release from isolated ACCs. LPS did not alter the excitability of ACCs from TLR-4−/− mice. Inhibition of nuclear factor-κB signaling with SC-514 (20 μm) abolished the effects of LPS on ACC excitability. Our findings suggest that LPS acts at TLR-4 to reduce ACC excitability and neuropeptide Y release through an nuclear factor-κB-dependent pathway.
Uncommon gastrointestinal complications after liver transplantation: Radiologic findings and clinical features
Authors: Kwon Heon-Ju , Won Kim Kyoung , Song Gi-Won , Hwang Shin , Ha Hyun Kwon , Lee Sung Gyu
Published: November 2012

There are various uncommon gastrointestinal complications, as liver transplantation becomes increasingly popular as the only curative method for patients with end-stage liver diseases. It is important for radiologists evaluating postoperative liver transplantation recipients to have a perspective on the possible gastrointestinal complications after liver transplantation and their radiologic features for early detection and early treatment. This article illustrates radiologic findings and clinical features of various uncommon gastrointestinal complications after liver transplantation.
Ellipsoid characterization theorems
Authors: Lángi Z.
Published: November 2012

In this note we prove two ellipsoid characterization theorems. The first one is that if K is a convex body in a normed space with unit ball M, and for any point p ∉ K and in any 2-dimensional plane P intersecting intK and containing p, there are two tangent segments of the same normed length from p to K, then K and M are homothetic ellipsoids. Furthermore, we show that if M is the unit ball of a strictly convex, smooth norm, and in this norm billiard angular bisectors coincide with Busemann angular bisectors or Glogovskij angular bisectors, then M is an ellipse.
Advances in reconstructive options of nerve injuries in the hand
Authors: Bíró Vilmos
Published: November 2012

The author summarizes the most important data about the development of reconstructive techniques of nerve injuries in the hand based on literature references and the author’s own experience in the past decades. A new bulk of knowledge turned into a common property related to the micro- and macroanatomic structure of peripheral nerves, the process of nerve regeneration, and the technical conditions of nerve reconstructive operations. This knowledge is a prerequisite for hand surgeons to perform their nerve reconstructive operations on a contemporary high level with an optimal result. After a critical review of literature data, the author reports his own experience and sketches the coming possible roads. A detailed list of references is also provided for those who are interested in the field. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1767–1778.
New finite-element approach for reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Heiza Khaled M.
Published: November 2012

Repair and strengthening of existing constructions are essential in many cases and may be the only option. A computer program based on the finite-element method has been developed and a new compound element was used to simulate reinforced concrete (RC) members strengthened with external layers on the different sides. Each compound element consists of four sub-elements. The sub-elements are two-dimensional isoparametric degenerated elements with eight nodes and five degrees of freedom. Each sub-element consists of different concrete, steel and strengthening laminates. Seven models from an experimental test programme on RC beams strengthened with external layers in different sides were analysed using finite elements. The newly developed compound element has been shown to be able to solve any RC member strengthened with additional external layers on different sides with accurate representations and acceptable results.
Calculation of the ultimate stress of unbonded tendons in prestressed concrete members considering the rotation capacity
Authors: Guiglia Matteo , Debernardi Pier Giorgio , Taliano Maurizio
Published: November 2012

Experimental observations have shown that the stress in unbounded tendons may increase significantly at failure in partially prestressed and prestressed concrete beams and slabs. Many experimental and analytical studies have been carried out over the past four decades to predict ultimate tendon stress at flexural failure, and formulae with different degrees of sophistication, based on different approaches, physical models and experimental tests, have been suggested. According to several models in the literature, including the strain compatibility approach, the total elongation of unbonded prestressing steel between the end anchorages (and the consequent stress increment) is mainly caused by the plastic deformation that occurs in the plastic region of the critical sections of the members. For this reason, the stress increment in unbounded tendons at the ultimate conditions should be evaluated taking into account the wide scattering observed in the plastic rotation capacity, and adopting an appropriate safety level. This paper critically reviews the design formulae that can be found in the literature and proposes a new approach that is able to improve some critical aspects of the existing formulations, in particular concerning the rotation capacity of the members.
Particle shape analysis of fine aggregate using a simplified digital image processing method
Authors: Prudêncio Luiz Roberto , Weidmann Denis Fernandes , de Oliveira Alexandre Lima , Damo Gabriela Ferreira
Published: November 2012

The use of manufactured fine aggregates in Portland cement concrete has been increasing in the last years owing to environmental and economic reasons. This type of aggregate normally has flaky and elongated particles that negatively affect workability. Producers have been making efforts to overcome this problem by the use of better crushers capable of improving particle shape. However, even using modern crushers, the particle shape depends on the rock mineralogy and the production variables. Thereby, it is of foremost importance to determine a shape index that can be used both as a production control parameter and for improvements on the aggregate performance. Hence, this paper presents a simplified digital image processing method to measure a particle shape index for fine aggregates based on the concept of volumetric coefficient recommended by French standard AFNOR XP P18-54. The validation tests were undertaken in coarse aggregate samples and showed a very good agreement with manual measurements. Experimental tests were also carried out on mortar samples produced with three different manufactured fine aggregates with distinct shape index measured by the proposed method. The results showed that mortar flow is strongly influenced by the particle shape measured by the proposed method.
Are Periodontal Bacterial Profiles and Placental Inflammatory Infiltrate in Pregnancy Related to Birth Outcomes?
Authors: Mesa Francisco , Pozo Elena , Blanc Vanessa , Puertas Alberto , Bravo Manuel , O'Valle Francisco
Published: November 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to determine whether periodontal clinical parameters, periodontal bacterial profiles, and inflammatory infiltrate in placental chorionic villi are associated with adverse pregnancy results.

Methods: The authors designed an observational case‐control study in 244 postpartum females: mothers with preterm/low–birth weight newborns (n = 91 cases) and mothers with full‐term, normal‐weight infants (n = 153 controls). Sociodemographic, gynecologic, and periodontal variables were gathered for all participants. Data on placental inflammatory infiltrate in biopsies from 68 cases and 65 controls and the gingival bacterial profile in mothers with periodontitis were gathered, detecting associations with bivariate analyses and constructing a multiple logistic regression model with the number of positive inflammatory cells as the dependent variable.

Results: Periodontal values were significantly worse in cases versus controls. Numbers of leukocyte subsets per square millimeters in maternal and fetal vascular spaces were similar between cases and controls. CD45 in maternal placental space was related to the presence of periodontitis (P = 0.029) but not to case or control group (P = 0.264). The anaerobic and commensal bacterial profile in mothers with periodontitis was similar between the groups.

Conclusions: Periodontal disease was more severe and a periodontitis diagnosis more frequent in mothers with preterm or low–birth weight versus normal delivery. No differences in anaerobic or commensal bacterial profile were found between mothers with periodontitis in the two groups. Local placental factors, such as the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate and slightly higher expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in the females with these adverse pregnancy outcomes, may be related to a subclinical proinflammatory status that could contribute to triggering premature labor.
Boric Acid Irrigation as an Adjunct to Mechanical Periodontal Therapy in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sağlam Mehmet , Arslan Uğur , Buket Bozkurt Şerife , Hakki Sema S.
Published: November 2012

Background: The purpose of this single‐masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of boric acid irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiologic parameters and compare this method with chlorhexidine irrigation and SRP alone in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Forty‐five systemically healthy patients with CP are included in this study. They were divided into three groups: 1) SRP + saline irrigation (C); 2) SRP + chlorhexidine irrigation (CHX); and 3) SRP + boric acid irrigation (B). To determine an ideal concentration of boric acid, a preclinical analysis was conducted. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment, clinical measurements, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were performed, and subgingival plaque samples were taken. Quantitative analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Treponema denticola (Td) was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures.

Results: The concentration of boric acid is 0.75% in this study. All clinical parameters showed statistically significant reduction at all time points compared to baseline in all groups (P <0.001). Whole‐mouth PD and CAL reduction was similar in all groups at all time points after treatment (P >0.05). The PD and CAL reductions for moderately deep pockets (PD ≥5 and <7) were greater in the B group compared to other groups between baseline and 1 month (P <0.05). For deep pockets (PD ≥7), reductions were similar in the B and CHX groups (P >0.05). BOP (percentage) was significantly lower in the B group compared with the CHX and C groups in the first month after treatment (P <0.001). GI and PI scores were significantly lower in the B and CHX groups compared with the C group at all time points after treatment (P <0.05). The amounts of Pg, Tf, and Td were significantly reduced in all treatment groups after 1 month (P <0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected among the groups for microbiologic parameters at any time points after treatment (P >0.05).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that boric acid could be an alternative to chlorhexidine, and it might be more favorable because boric acid was superior in whole‐mouth BOP as well as PD and CAL reduction for moderate pockets in early time periods.
Recent Advances in Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Aminoalkylsulfonates and Sulfonamidopeptides
Authors: Obreza Ales , Gobec Stanislav
Published: November 2012

The replacement of peptide bond is an important segment in the synthesis of peptidomimetics, because this modification may result in the preparation of biologically active analogues with improved properties, especially regarding bioavailability and metabolical stability. The introduction of sulfonamide group increases polarity of a molecule and the hydrogen-bond donor properties as a sulfonamide N-H is more acidic (pKα=11-12) than carboxamide. Furthermore, due to geometry of sulfur atom the sulfonamido bond shows structural similarity to the tetrahedral transition state present as an intermediate in the enzymatic hydrolysis of an amide bond thus making these compounds candidates in the development of new drugs. Recent advances in the synthesis of building blocks for sulfonamidopeptides, such as α or β- substituted aminoalkylsulfonates and efficient methods for the formation of sulfonamide bond have enabled the preparation of large number of oligomers with potential applications on various fields. These methods have been applied for the synthesis of oligopeptidosulfonamides, catalysts, receptor molecules and enzyme inhibitors. This article deals with physicochemical properties of sulfonamides, synthesis of aminoalkylsulfonates and sulfonamidopeptides, and the biological activity of these compounds
Botulinum Toxin: A Successful Therapeutic Protein
Authors: Aoki K. Roger
Published: November 2012

Botulinum toxin serotype A has proven to be a successful and valuable therapeutic protein when dosage, frequency of treatment and variety of treated clinical conditions are considered. This modern therapeutic protein was predicted by Justinus Kerner, a 19th century German physician, who provided the first detailed clinical description of botulism and its association with faulty sausage production [5-7]. Kerner was preceded by Paracelsus, who described the duality of a drug as “only the dose makes a remedy poisonous” [7]. This concept is well known to modern medicinal chemists, pharmacologists and clinicians worldwide. Because botulinum toxin is an enzyme and specifically delivered to its target cell / neuron, exceedingly small doses are needed to exert its pharmacological effect. Botulinum toxin therapy is successful because of the local administration of nanogram quantities of this highly selective and long-lasting (months) therapeutic effect, which leads to symptomatic relief of numerous disease conditions. These minute therapeutic doses are dramatically lower than the doses needed to cause systemic disease (e.g. botulism). This review will focus on the current understanding of the mechanism of action of botulinum neurotoxins and the pharmacology of the various approved-marketed products and the direction of future research.
Term extraction and Ramsey's theorem for pairs
Authors: Kreuzer Alexander P. , Kohlenbach Ulrich
Published: November 2012

In this paper we study with proof-theoretic methods the function(al)s provably recursive relative to Ramsey's theorem for pairs and the cohesive principle (COH).

Our main result on COH is that the type 2 functional provably recursive fromare primitive recursive. This also provides a uniform method to extract bounds from proofs that use these principles. As a consequence we obtain a new proof of the fact thatis-conservative over PRA.

Recent work of the first author showed thatis equivalent to a weak variant of the Bolzano-Weierstraß principle. This makes it possible to use our results to analyze not only combinatorial but also analytical proofs.

For Ramsey's theorem for pairs and two colorswe obtain the upper bounded that the type 2 functional provable recursive relative toare inT1. This is the fragment of Gödel's systemTcontaining only type 1 recursion—roughly speaking it consists of functions of Ackermann type. With this we also obtain a uniform method for the extraction ofT1-bounds from proofs that use. Moreover, this yields a new proof of the fact thatis-conservative over.

The results are obtained in two steps: in the first step a term including Skolem functions for the above principles is extracted from a given proof. This is done using Gödel's functional interpretation. After this the term is normalized, such that only specific instances of the Skolem functions are used. In the second step this term is interpreted using-comprehension. The comprehension is then eliminated in favor of induction using either elimination of monotone Skolem functions (for COH) or Howard's ordinal analysis of bar recursion (for).
Functional results after surgery for obstructed defecation
Authors: Xynos Evaghelos
Published: November 2012

Obstructed defecation (OD) syndrome is associated with several abnormalities
of the pelvic organs, namely anterior rectal mucosa prolapse, anterior
rectocele, recto-anal intussusception, and a deep Douglas pouch which
predisposes to enterocele or rectocele. Surgical repair of the anatomical
deformities should be attempted, only after thorough selection of patients
and conservative treatment has been exhausted. Transperineal procedures
include resection-plication of the anterior rectal wall and stapled
transanal rectal resection, and are indicated for the treatment of anterior
rectocele and internal rectal prolapse. Functional results are satisfactory
in approximately 75 percent of the cases. Transabdominal procedures include
posterior prosthesis rectopexy, resection suture-rectopexy and ventral
prosthesis colporectopexy. These procedures are indicated in patients with
large rectocele and rectal intussusception and enterocele or sigmoidocele.
The rate of repair of anatomical deformities is very high and improvement of
symptoms is accounted in more than 80 percent of the cases. Ventral
prosthesis colporectopexy seems a very promising approach, but further
evidence is mandatory.
Management of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera)
Authors: Sivcev Ivan , Kljajic Petar , Kostic Miroslav , Sivcev Lazar , Stankovic Sladjan
Published: November 2012

Western corn rootworm (WCR) was registered for the first time in Europe near
the Surcin international airport in Serbia in 1992. The spread of WCR on the
territory of Serbia and its population density increased fast. The Serbian
territory was entirely populated in the following few years, while major
damages occurred on corn grown for two or more years in the same field. Data
on damages caused to over 140,000 ha under corn until 1999 were collected by
organized monitoring. After 2000 and 2003, population abundance of D.v.
virgifera, as well as the number of damaged corn fields, significantly
decreased due to drought and application of crop rotation. Corn rootworm has
one generation per year. It overwinters in the egg stage. Under the climatic
conditions of Serbia larvae hatching starts around May 15th. The highest
number of larvae on root is observed around June 20th when feeding is most
intensive and plants become lodged as they lose roots. First adults emerge by
the end of June. Their abundance increases during July and reaches maximum by
the end of the month. From the second decade of August the abundance
decreases. Adults are present in the field until the first frosts. Larvae are
much more harmful and significant than adults. Larvae feed on roots or into
roots by boring. Roots can be entirely destroyed under heavy attack and the
host plants lodged already at the end of June. Under our climatic and
agrotechnical conditions, adults are sporadic pests. Adults are a threat only
when sowing is done after the optimal sowing date or in case of stubble corn
sowing. Crop rotation is an efficient and most widespread means of WCR
control. No damage on corn grown in crop rotation has been registered in
Serbia for now. In the first year of production corn does not require
protection from Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte larvae. Several
insecticides have performed high efficacy by application at sowing and have
been registered for commercial use. On the other hand, soil insecticides have
never been applied on a significant area in Serbia.
Differentiation of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars originating from stone fruits
Authors: Gasic Katarina , Prokic Andjelka , Ivanovic Milan , Kuzmanovic Nemanja , Obradovic Aleksa
Published: November 2012

Due to an overlapping host range, similar symptomatology and many common
characteristics, Pseudomonas syringae pathovars originating from stone fruits
can easily be misidentified. In order to select tests for rapid and efficient
differentiation of P. s. pvs. syringae, morsprunorum and persicae, we studied
the suitability and differentiating potential of some standard
bacteriological and molecular methods. Differentiation of the strains was
performed using LOPAT, GATTa and ice nucleation tests, nutrient sucrose broth
growth and utilization of various carbon sources. PCR method enabled the
detection of toxin-producing genes: syrB and syrD in P. s. pv. syringae, and
cfl gene in P. s. pv. morsprunorum race 1. Syringomycin production by pv.
syringae was confirmed in bioassay using Geotrichum candidum, Saccharomyces
cerevisiae and Rhodotorula pilimanae as indicator organisms. Pathogenicity
test on lemon and immature nectarine fruits, as well as on string bean pods,
showed different intensity of reaction of the inoculated material which could
separate pv. syringae from the other two pathovars. PCR-based repetitive
sequences, Rep-PCR with REP, ERIC and BOX primers revealed different genetic
profiles within P. syringae pathovars.
Streptocara formosensis Sugimoto, 1930 (Nematoda: Acuariidae) in wild ducks from the southern coast of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Królaczyk K. , Kavetska K. , Stapf A. , Kalisińska E.
Published: November 2012

Although nematofauna of wild ducks in north-western Poland seems to be quite well known, researchers still discover species that are new for the fauna of this region and Europe in general. One of them is Streptocara formosensis Sugimoto, 1930 with distinct ecological specificity (the nematode parasites only ducks wintering in the southern Baltic Sea) and topospecificity (limited to the gizzard). During parasitological research on 1005 wild ducks representing 17 species, 13,333 nematodes were isolated, 360 of which (2.7 %) were identified as Streptocara formosensis Sugimoto, 1930. The distinguishing feature of this species from other nematodes of the genus Streptocara (Railliet, Henry and Sisoff, 1912) is the absence of a collar and a specific arrangement of deirids at the nerve ring. During the study, the nematodes were located only under the stratum corneum of the gizzard, lying down in the form of characteristic white “springs.” This is the first observation of this parasite in the nematofauna of Polish wild birds. The nematode was found in 84 (8.35 %) wild ducks representing 7 species: Aythya Marila (Aythyini), Bucephala clangula, Clangula hyemalis, Melanitta nigra, M. fusca, Mergus merganser, Mergellus albellus (Mergini). The highest prevalence (36.7 %) occurred in mergansers; the coefficient of dominance showed that S. formosensis is a subdominant species in B. clangula, C. hyemalis and M. merganser, and a rare species in other hosts. The presence of the parasite in only three out of 157 examined A. marila suggests that the greater scaup is only an accidental host for the nematode.
Intrusion detection system episteme
Authors: Mihályi Daniel , Novitzká Valerie , Ľaľová Martina
Published: November 2012

In our paper we investigate the possibilities of modal logics in coalgebras of program systems. We deal with a simplified model of an intrusion detection system. We model an intrusion detection system as a coalgebra and construct its Kripke model of coalgebraic modal linear logic using powerset endofunctor. In this model we present our idea how a fragment of epistemic linear logic can provide knowledge and belief of intrusion attempt.
General composition for high level Petri nets and its properties
Authors: Peťko Ivan , Hudák Štefan
Published: November 2012

Composition of High Level Petri Nets in terms of joining relevant places and/or transitions is considered in the paper. In case of place composition type safe and combined types composition is contemplated. The process of composition is proposed and analysed in three separate cases with respect to the general approaches with minimal composition interface in each case but an analogous extension of the interface follows immediately from the approach introduced. Properties of the composition mechanism are analysed, namely preserving of boundedness, liveness and deadlock freedom. Conditions for preserving of the desired properties are introduced. Usability of the compositional mechanism is analysed in the process of de/compositional analysis.
Algorithm of traffic signs recognition based on the rapid transform
Authors: Gamec Jan , Urdzík Daniel , Gamcová Mária
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a model of a system for invariant object recognition, which consists of five stages. The first stage shifts the object so that the centroid of the object coincides with the center of the image plane. The second stage is an application of the polar-coordinate transforms used to obtain N-dimensional vectors-representations of the input object. In this stage, any rotation of the input object becomes a cyclic shift of the output value of this stage. The third stage employs CT (Certain Transform), a class of shift-invariant transformations to provide invariant representations for cyclically shifted inputs. The next stage normalizes the outputs of the previous stage to obtain scale invariance. The final stage realizes a classification.
Command and control information systems semantic interoperability using a canonical messaging approach
Authors: Galinec Darko , Steingartner William , Macanga Danijel
Published: November 2012

In presence of rapid development of information and communications technology (ICT) able to increase data processing, much more data can be stored, used and/or mediated and disseminated. Today, information and knowledge become a resource of strategic importance in complex systems, both business and military. On the other hand the question of credibility of the collected data arises: complex systems have to deal with an increasing access to information with less knowledge about their origins and their quality. Due to this lack of information on information, contemporary organizations suffer from organizational indifference. In this paper the ways and means for ensuring semantic interoperability in order to achieve information superiority in complex systems are examined, with special emphasis to military systems using Command and Control Information Systems (C2IS). Canonical messages (canonical intermediaries) based on canonical forms (canonical data models and formats) reduce the number of transformation maps that system must create and manage. An approach based on canonical messaging within the military domain is presented: Multilateral Interoperability Programme (MIP). If implemented correctly and consistently it should lead to achievement of information superiority.
Digital preservation of historical buildings using virtual reality technologies
Authors: Hrozek František , Sobota Branislav , Szabó Csaba
Published: November 2012

3D model creation and visualization is often used in digital preservation of looks and structure of historical buildings. Virtual reality (VR) technologies facilitate this 3D model creation and visualization. 3D scanner can be used for acceleration of the data collection and model creation. 3D displays can be used to improve visual perception and 3D printing can be used for physical model creation. In this paper is presented the way for preservation of historical buildings using virtual reality technologies. Example of preservation procedure, which consists from 3D scanning, 3D model creation, optimization and visualization, is shown on the historical building of The State Theatre of Košice.
Dynamics of the Baltic clam Macoma balthica (Mollusca: Bivalvia) infection with digeneans from the Gymnophallidae family in the Gulf of Gdańsk
Authors: Zgud Izabela , Rolbiecki Leszek , Wołowicz Maciej
Published: November 2012

Macoma balthica is a marine bivalve commonly occurring in the boreal zone. It is one of the most common zoobenthos species in the Baltic Sea, including the Gulf of Gdańsk, and a significant element of the food web. Observations of the infection prevalence in M. balthica from different parts of Gulf of Gdańsk were conducted in 2007-2008, taking into account the water depth. Metacercariae of Gymnophalloides (=Lacunovermis) macomae (prevalence: 89.0%) were found, as well as sporocysts with metacercariae of Parvatrema affinis (prevalence: 1.1%) and unidentified sporocysts with cercariae (prevalence: 1.3%). The most infected clams were found on the shallowest research station (30 m).
Simultaneous accumulation of anatoxin-a and microcystins in three fish species indigenous to lakes affected by cyanobacterial blooms
Authors: Pawlik-Skowrońska Barbara , Toporowska Magdalena , Rechulicz Jacek
Published: November 2012

A four-year study carried out in a lake with perennial water blooms caused by toxigenic Planktothrix agardhii (Oscillatoriales) and Anabaena lemmermanii, Anabaena flos-aquae, Anabaena spp. and Aphanizomenon issatchenkoi (Nostocales) revealed that the lake-dwelling fish were threatened by simultaneous exposure to intracellular and extracellular microcystins (MCs) as well as anatoxin-a (ANTX). Higher contents of anatoxin-a and microcystins were found in livers than in fish muscles. This is the first report on ANTX accumulation in the common fish, indigenous to European freshwaters during perennial cyanobacterial blooms. Generally, the omnivorous roach (Rutilus rutilus) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) accumulated higher amounts of MCs in their tissues compared to mostly predacious perch (Perca fluviatilis), and similar amounts of ANTX. The long-lasting presence of MCs exceeding the safe levels for consumption was found in fish muscles. ANTX accumulation in fish muscles (up to 30 ng g−1 FW) suggests the probability of its transfer in a food chain.
A review of biological research in the Vistula Lagoon
Authors: Paturej Ewa , Gutkowska Agnieszka , Mierzejewska Joanna
Published: November 2012

The Vistula Lagoon, a brackish water body that offers unique living conditions to aquatic organisms, is an interesting object of hydrobiological investigations. This paper presents a review of biological research conducted on the Vistula Lagoon, from simple floristic and faunistic analyses to satellite-based comprehensive environmental analyses. Changes that occurred in the studied aquatic ecosystem due to human pressure over the last century are discussed. Innovative research technologies determined what measures should be taken to preserve the unique biocenoses in the Vistula Lagoon.