bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus BamHI W Repeat Number Limits EBNA2/EBNA-LP Coexpression in Newly Infected B Cells and the Efficiency of B-Cell Transformation: a Rationale for the Multiple W Repeats in Wild-Type Virus Strains
Authors: Tierney Rosemary J. , Kao Kuan-Yu , Nagra Jasdeep K. , Rickinson Alan B.
Published: September 2011

The genome of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a gammaherpesvirus with potent B-cell growth-transforming ability, contains multiple copies of a 3-kb BamHI W repeat sequence; each repeat carries (i) a promoter (Wp) that initiates transformation by driving EBNA-LP and EBNA2 expression and (ii) the W1W2 exons encoding the functionally active repeat domain of EBNA-LP. The W repeat copy number of a virus therefore influences two potential determinants of its transforming ability: the number of available Wp copies and the maximum size of the encoded EBNA-LP. Here, using recombinant EBVs, we show that optimal B-cell transformation requires a minimum of 5 W repeats (5W); the levels of transforming ability fall progressively with viruses carrying 4, 3, and 2 W repeats, as do the levels of Wp-initiated transcripts expressed early postinfection (p.i.), while viruses with 1 copy of the wild-type W repeat (1W) and 0W are completely nontransforming. We therefore suggest that genetic analyses of EBV transforming function should ensure that wild-type and mutant strains have equal numbers (ideally at least 5) of W copies if the analysis is not to be compromised. Attempts to enhance the transforming function of low-W-copy-number viruses, via the activity of helper EBV strains or by gene repair, suggested that the critical defect is not related to EBNA-LP size but to the failure to achieve sufficiently strong coexpression of EBNA-LP and EBNA2 early postinfection. We further show by the results of
ex vivo
assays that EBV strains in the blood of infected individuals typically have a mean of 5 to 8 W copies, consistent with the view that evolution has selected for viruses with an optimal transforming function.
Role of arsenic and its resistance in nature
Authors: Kaur Sukhvinder , Kamli Majid Rasool , Ali Arif
Published: September 2011

Contamination of the environment with heavy metals has increased drastically over the last few decades. The heavy metals that are toxic include mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium. Of these heavy metals, arsenic is one of the most important global environmental pollutants and is a persistent bioaccumulative carcinogen. It is a toxic metalloid that exists in two major inorganic forms: arsenate and arsenite. Arsenite disrupts enzymatic functions in cells, while arsenate behaves as a phosphate analog and interferes with phosphate uptake and utilization. Despite its toxicity, arsenic may be actively sequestered in plant and animal tissues. Various microbes interact with this metal and have shown resistance to arsenic exposure, and they appear to possess the ars operon for arsenic resistance consisting of three to five genes, i.e., arsRBC or arsRDABC, organized into a single transcriptional unit; some microbes even use it for respiration. Microbial interactions with metals may have several implications for the environment. Microbes may play a role in cycling of toxic heavy metals and in remediation of metal-contaminated sites. There is a correlation between tolerance to heavy metals and antibiotic resistance, a global problem currently threatening the treatment of infections in plants, animals, and humans. The purpose of this review is to highlight the nature and role of toxic arsenic in bacterial systems and to discuss the various genes responsible for this heavy-metal resistance in nature and the mechanisms to detoxify this element.
False-positive identification ofEscherichia coliin treated municipal wastewater and wastewater-irrigated soils
Authors: McLain Jean E.T. , Rock Channah M. , Lohse Kathleen , Walworth James
Published: September 2011

The increasing use of treated wastewater for irrigation heightens the importance of accurate monitoring of water quality. Chromogenic media, because they are easy to use and provide rapid results, are often used for detection of Escherichia coli in environmental samples, but unique levels of organic and inorganic compounds alter the chemistry of treated wastewater, potentially hindering the accurate performance of chromogenic media. We used MI agar and molecular confirmatory methods to assess false-positive identification of E. coli in treated wastewater samples collected from municipal utilities, an irrigation holding pond, irrigated soils, and in samples collected from storm flows destined for groundwater recharge. False-positive rates in storm flows (4.0%) agreed closely with USEPA technical literature but were higher in samples from the pond, soils, and treatment facilities (33.3%, 38.0%, and 48.8%, respectively). Sequencing of false-positive isolates confirmed that most were, like E. coli, of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and many of the false-positive isolates were reported to produce the β-d-glucuronidase enzyme targeted by MI agar. False-positive identification rates were inversely related to air temperature, suggesting that seasonal variations in water quality influence E. coli identification. Knowledge of factors contributing to failure of chromogenic media will lead to manufacturer enhancements in media quality and performance and will ultimately increase the accuracy of future water quality monitoring programs.
Gene cloning, structural gene and promoter identification, and active assay of the phosphatidylcholine synthase of Pseudomonas sp. strain 593
Authors: He Huoguang , Wu Bin , Xiong Min , Li Yang , Wu Wenhua , Wang Xingguo
Published: September 2011

Pseudomonas sp. strain 593, a soil bacterium, is able to use exogenous choline to synthesize phosphatidylcholine via phosphatidylcholine synthase (Pcs). A 2020 bp DNA fragment that hybridized to a Pcs probe was cloned. This fragment contained a large open reading frame (ORF) with two potential ATG start sites that would encode for 293 and 231 amino acid proteins. Fragments containing the two ORFs encoded Pcs when they were inserted into the expression vector pET23a and expressed under the control of the T7 promoter in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) pLysS. However, when the two ORFs were inserted into the cloning vector pMD18-T and expressed without control of the plasmid promoter in E. coli DH5α, only the larger clone exhibited Pcs activity. This suggested that the larger fragment contained a native promoter driving expression of the smaller ORF. A promoter activity assay, in which DNA fragments were inserted into the promoter-probe plasmid pCB182 and β-galactosidase activity of E. coli transformants was tested, demonstrated that a promoter is indeed present in the DNA region. All results together indicate that the 696 bp ORF, not the larger 897 bp ORF, encodes the Pcs in Pseudomonas sp. strain 593 and carries a promoter in front of its 5′ terminus.
SYBR green as a fluorescent probe to evaluate the biofilm physiological state of Staphylococcus epidermidis, using flow cytometry
Authors: Cerca Filipe , Trigo Gabriela , Correia Alexandra , Cerca Nuno , Azeredo Joana , Vilanova Manuel
Published: September 2011

Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms with different proportions of viable but nonculturable bacteria were used to show that SYBR green (SYBR) may be used as a probe to evaluate the bacterial physiological state using flow cytometry. Biofilms grown in excess glucose presented significantly higher proportions of dormant bacteria than biofilms grown in excess glucose with buffered pH conditions or with exponential-phase planktonic cultures. Bacteria obtained from biofilms with high or low proportions of viable but nonculturable cells were further cultured in broth medium and stained with SYBR at different time points. An association between bacterial growth and SYBR staining intensity was observed. In addition, bacteria presenting higher SYBR fluorescence intensity also stained more intensely with cyanoditolyl tetrazolium chloride, used as a probe to evaluate cellular metabolism. Accordingly, planktonic bacteria treated with rifampicin, an inhibitor of bacterial RNA transcription, presented lower SYBR and cyanoditolyl tetrazolium chloride staining intensity than nontreated bacteria. Overall, our results indicate that SYBR, in addition to being used as a component of LIVE/DEAD stain, may also be used as a probe to evaluate the physiological state of S. epidermidis cells.
Cholinergic signaling inhibits oxalate transport by human intestinal T84 cells
Authors: Hassan Hatim A. , Cheng Ming , Aronson Peter S.
Published: September 2011

Urolithiasis remains a very common disease in Western countries. Seventy to eighty percent of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate, and minor changes in urinary oxalate affect stone risk. Intestinal oxalate secretion mediated by anion exchanger SLC26A6 plays a major constitutive role in limiting net absorption of ingested oxalate, thereby preventing hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Using the relatively selective PKC-δ inhibitor rottlerin, we had previously found that PKC-δ activation inhibits Slc26a6 activity in mouse duodenal tissue. To identify a model system to study physiologic agonists upstream of PKC-δ, we characterized the human intestinal cell line T84. Knockdown studies demonstrated that endogenous SLC26A6 mediates most of the oxalate transport by T84 cells. Cholinergic stimulation with carbachol modulates intestinal ion transport through signaling pathways including PKC activation. We therefore examined whether carbachol affects oxalate transport in T84 cells. We found that carbachol significantly inhibited oxalate transport by T84 cells, an effect blocked by rottlerin. Carbachol also led to significant translocation of PKC-δ from the cytosol to the membrane of T84 cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we observed that carbachol inhibits oxalate transport through the M3 muscarinic receptor and phospholipase C. Utilizing the Src inhibitor PP2 and phosphorylation studies, we found that the observed regulation downstream of PKC-δ is partially mediated by c-Src. Biotinylation studies revealed that carbachol inhibits oxalate transport by reducing SLC26A6 surface expression. We conclude that carbachol negatively regulates oxalate transport by reducing SLC26A6 surface expression in T84 cells through signaling pathways including the M3 muscarinic receptor, phospholipase C, PKC-δ, and c-Src.
Protein kinase Cα activity is important for contraction-induced FXYD1 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Thomassen Martin , Rose Adam J. , Jensen Thomas E. , Maarbjerg Stine J. , Bune Laurids , Leitges Michael , Richter Erik A. , Bangsbo Jens , Nordsborg Nikolai B.
Published: September 2011

Exercise-induced phosphorylation of FXYD1 is a potential important regulator of Na+-K+-pump activity. It was investigated whether skeletal muscle contractions induce phosphorylation of FXYD1 and whether protein kinase Cα (PKCα) activity is a prerequisite for this possible mechanism. In part 1, human muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, after 30 s of high-intensity exercise (166 ± 31% of V̇o2max) and after a subsequent 20 min of moderate-intensity exercise (79 ± 8% of V̇o2max). In general, FXYD1 phosphorylation was increased compared with rest both after 30 s ( P < 0.05) and 20 min ( P < 0.001), and more so after 20 min compared with 30 s ( P < 0.05). Specifically, FXYD1 ser63, ser68, and combined ser68 and thr69 phosphorylation were 26–45% higher ( P < 0.05) after 20 min of exercise than at rest. In part 2, FXYD1 phosphorylation was investigated in electrically stimulated soleus and EDL muscles from PKCα knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Contractile activity caused FXYD1 ser68 phosphorylation to be increased ( P < 0.001) in WT soleus muscles but to be reduced ( P < 0.001) in WT extensor digitorum longus. In contrast, contractile activity did not affect FXYD1 ser68 phosphorylation in the KO mice. In conclusion, exercise induces FXYD1 phosphorylation at multiple sites in human skeletal muscle. In mouse muscles, contraction-induced changes in FXYD1 ser68 phosphorylation are fiber-type specific and dependent on PKCα activity.
Heat acclimation and exercise training interact when combined in an overriding and trade-off manner: physiologic-genomic linkage
Authors: Kodesh Einat , Nesher Nir , Simaan Assi , Hochner Benny , Beeri Ronen , Gilon Dan , Stern Michael D. , Gerstenblith Gary , Horowitz Michal
Published: September 2011

Combined heat acclimation (AC) and exercise training (EX) enhance exercise performance in the heat while meeting thermoregulatory demands. We tested the hypothesis that different stress-specific adaptations evoked by each stressor individually trigger similar cardiac alterations, but when combined, overriding/trade-off interactions take place. We used echocardiography, isolated cardiomyocyte imaging and cDNA microarray techniques to assay in situ cardiac performance, excitation-contraction (EC) coupling features, and transcriptional programs associated with cardiac contractility. Rat groups studied were controls (sedentary 24°C); AC (sedentary, 34°C, 1 mo); normothermic EX (treadmill at 24°C, 1 mo); and heat-acclimated, exercise-trained (EXAC; treadmill at 34°C, 1 mo). Prolonged heat exposure decreased heart rate and contractile velocity and increased end ventricular diastolic diameter. Compared with controls, AC/EXAC cardiomyocytes demonstrated lower l-type Ca2+current ( ICaL) amplitude, higher Ca2+transient (Ca2+T), and a greater Ca2+T-to- ICaLratio; EX alone enhanced ICaLand Ca2+T, whereas aerobic training in general induced cardiac hypertrophy and action potential elongation in EX/EXAC animals. At the genomic level, the transcriptome profile indicated that the interaction between AC and EX yields an EXAC-specific molecular program. Genes affected by chronic heat were linked with the EC coupling cascade, whereas aerobic training upregulated genes involved with Ca2+turnover via an adrenergic/metabolic-driven positive inotropic response. In the EXAC cardiac phenotype, the impact of chronic heat overrides that of EX on EC coupling components and heart rate, whereas EX regulates cardiac morphometry. We suggest that concerted adjustments induced by AC and EX lead to enhanced metabolic and mechanical performance of the EXAC heart.
Effect of combining an ACE inhibitor and a VDR activator on glomerulosclerosis, proteinuria, and renal oxidative stress in uremic rats
Authors: Finch Jane L. , Suarez Edu B. , Husain Kazim , Ferder Leon , Cardema Michelle C. , Glenn Denis J. , Gardner David G. , Liapis Helen , Slatopolsky Eduardo
Published: September 2011

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ameliorate the progression of renal disease. In combination with vitamin D receptor activators, they provide additional benefits. In the present study, uremic (U) rats were treated as follows: U+vehicle (UC), U+enalapril (UE; 25 mg/l in drinking water), U+paricalcitol (UP; 0.8 μg/kg ip, 3 × wk), or U+enalapril+paricalcitol (UEP). Despite hypertension in UP rats, proteinuria decreased by 32% vs. UC rats. Enalapril alone, or in combination with paricalcitol, further decreased proteinuria (≈70%). Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial infiltration increased in UC rats. Paricalcitol and enalapril inhibited this. The increase in cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) seen in UC rats was significantly decreased by paricalcitol. Enalapril produced a more dramatic reduction in ANP. Renal oxidative stress plays a critical role in inflammation and progression of sclerosis. The marked increase in p22phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase, and decrease in endothelial nitric oxide synthase were inhibited in all treated groups. Cotreatment with both compounds inhibited the uremia-induced increase in proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and glutathione peroxidase activity better than either compound alone. Glutathione reductase was also increased in UE and UP rats vs. UC. Kidney 4-hydroxynonenal was significantly increased in the UC group compared with the normal group. Combined treatment with both compounds significantly blunted this increase, P < 0.05, while either compound alone had no effect. Additionally, the expression of Mn-SOD was increased and CuZn-SOD decreased by uremia. This was ameliorated in all treatment groups. Cotreatment with enalapril and paricalcitol had an additive effect in increasing CuZn-SOD expression. In conclusion, like enalapril, paricalcitol alone can improve proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and interstitial infiltration and reduce renal oxidative stress. The effects of paricalcitol may be amplified when an ACE inhibitor is added since cotreatment with both compounds seems to have an additive effect on ameliorating uremia-induced changes in iNOS and CuZn-SOD expression, peroxidase activity, and renal histomorphometry.
pUNISHER: a high-level expression cassette for use with recombinant viral vectors for rapid and long term in vivo neuronal expression in the CNS
Authors: Montesinos Monica S. , Chen Zuxin , Young Samuel M.
Published: September 2011

Fast onset and high-level neurospecific transgene expression in vivo is of importance for many areas in neuroscience, from basic to translational, and can significantly reduce the amount of vector load required to maintain transgene expression in vivo. In this study, we tested various cis elements to optimize transgene expression at transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and posttranslational levels and combined them together to create the high-level neuronal transgene expression cassette pUNISHER. Using a second-generation adenoviral vector system in combination with the pUNISHER cassette, we characterized its rate of onset of detectable expression and levels of expression compared with a neurospecific expression cassette driven by the 470-bp human synapsin promoter in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate in primary neurons that the pUNISHER cassette, in a recombinant adenovirus type 5 background, led to a faster rate of onset of detectable transgene expression and higher level of transgene expression. More importantly, this cassette led to highly correlated neuronal expression in vivo and to stable transgene expression up to 30 days in the auditory brain stem with no toxicity on the characteristics of synaptic transmission and plasticity at the calyx of Held synapse. Thus the pUNISHER cassette is an ideal high-level neuronal expression cassette for use in vivo for neuroscience applications.
Long-term patch recordings from adult spinal neurons herald new era of opportunity
Authors: Hochman Shawn
Published: September 2011

Recently, Andreas Husch, Nathan Cramer, and Ronald M. Harris-Warrick achieved a remarkable breakthrough in patch-clamp recordings of ventral horn neurons in the adult spinal cord slice preparation. This landmark study that breaks the “age barrier” is titled “Long-duration perforated patch recordings from spinal interneurons of adult mice” (Husch et al., in press). In it, the authors demonstrate the unprecedented ability to undertake day-long (up to 12 h), and utterly stable perforated patch recordings. A description of the methodology is detailed in their paper. Here, I give a brief overview before providing context to this extraordinary achievement.
Primary Vulval Rhabdoid Tumor in an Adult: A Case Report, Immunohistochemical Profile and Literature Review
Authors: Arafah Maria A. , Aljuboury Muna I.
Published: September 2011

We report a rare case of primary vulval rhabdoid tumor in an adult. The diagnosis was confirmed using the recently emerging INI1/BAF47 immunostain. We also demonstrate the expression of ER and PR hormonal receptors by the tumor cells.
Antimyeloma Effects of the Heat Shock Protein 70 Molecular Chaperone Inhibitor MAL3-101
Authors: Braunstein Marc J. , Scott Sadeaqua S. , Scott Craig M. , Behrman Shannon , Walter Peter , Wipf Peter , Coplan Jeremy D. , Chrico William , Joseph Danielle , Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Batuman Olcay
Published: September 2011

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and remains incurable, primarily due to the treatment-refractory/resistant nature of the disease. A rational approach to this compelling challenge is to develop new drugs that act synergistically with existing effective agents. This approach will reduce drug concentrations, avoid treatment resistance, and also improve treatment effectiveness by targeting new and nonredundant pathways in MM. Toward this goal, we examined the antimyeloma effects of MAL3-101, a member of a new class of non-ATP-site inhibitors of the heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 molecular chaperone. We discovered that MAL3-101 exhibited antimyeloma effects on MM cell linesin vitroandin vivoin a xenograft plasmacytoma model, as well as on primary tumor cells and bone marrow endothelial cells from myeloma patients. In combination with a proteasome inhibitor, MAL3-101 significantly potentiated thein vitroandin vivoantimyeloma effects. These data support a preclinical rationale for small molecule inhibition of Hsp70 function, either alone or in combination with other agents, as an effective therapeutic strategy for MM.
Enhanced Light Harvesting in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Using External Lightguide
Authors: Chien Chi-Hui , Tsai Ming-Lang , Hsieh Chi-Chang , Li Yan-Huei
Published: September 2011

An external lightguide (EL) for enhancing the light-harvesting efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was designed and developed. The EL attached to the exterior of a DSSC photoelectrode directed light on a dye-covered nanoporous TiO2film (D-NTF) of the photoelectrode. Experimental tests confirmed that the EL increased the light-harvesting efficiency of a DSSC with an active area of 0.25 cm2by 30.69%. Photocurrent density and the power conversion efficiency were also increased by 38.12% and 25.09%, respectively.
Microarray Analysis for a Comprehensive Immunological‐Status Evaluation during Cancer Vaccine Immune Monitoring
Authors: Monsurrò Vladia , Marincola Francesco M.
Published: September 2011

Anticancer immune responses can be enhanced by immune intervention that promotes complex biological mechanisms involving several cellular populations. The classical immune monitoring for biological‐based cancer clinical trials is often based on single‐cell analysis. However, the overall effect could be lost by such a reductionist approach explaining the lack of correlation among clinical and immunological endpoints often reported. Microarray technology could give the possibility of studying in a multiparametric setting the immune therapy effects. The application of microarray is leading to an improved understanding of the immune responses to tumor immunotherapy. In fact, analysis of cancer vaccine‐induced host responses using microarrays is proposed as valuable alternative to the standard cell‐based methods. This paper shows successful examples of how high‐throughput gene expression profiling contributed to the understanding of anticancer immune responses during biological therapy, introducing as well the integrative platforms that allow the network analysis in molecular biology studies.
Open-Coil Retraction Spring
Authors: Vibhute Pavankumar Janardan
Published: September 2011

Sliding mechanic has become a popular method for space closure with developments in preadjusted edgewise appliance. Furthermore, various space closing auxiliaries have been developed and evaluated extensively for their clinical efficiency. Their effectiveness enhanced with optimum force magnitude and low-load deflection rate (LDR)/force decay. With the advent of NiTi springs in orthodontics, LDRs have been markedly reduced. For use of NiTi, clinician has to depend upon prefabricated closed coil springs. “Open Coil Retraction Spring (OCRS)” is developed utilizing NiTi open-coil spring for orthodontic space closure. This paper describes fabrication and clinical application of OCRS which have number of advantages. It sustains low LDR with optimum force magnitude. Its design is adjustable for desired length and force level. It is fail-safe for both activation and deactivation (i.e., it cannot be over activated, and decompression limit of open coil is also controlled by the operator, resp.). A possibility to offset the OCRS away from mucosa helps to reduce its soft-tissue impingement.
Severe Vertex Epidural Hematoma in a Child: A Case Report of a Management without Expert Neurosurgical Care
Authors: Brévart Christophe , Bertani Antoine , Abdourahman Aden Hassan , Menguy Paul , Dulou Renaud
Published: September 2011

Vertex epidural hematomas (VEDHs) are an uncommon situation and difficulties may be encountered in their diagnosis and management. This is more complicated when the surgical management has to be performed by general surgeons, not specialized in neurosurgery, in a remote location. It was in this context that we were brought to care in charge a 2-year-old boy who required a neurosurgical emergency rescue for a severe VEDH in Djibouti. Through the description of this case, we want to emphasize the value of developing a network of teleconsultation for the benefit of remote and isolated locations and learning basic techniques of emergency neurosurgery.
On the Fractional Difference Equations of Order (2, q)
Authors: Cheng Jin-Fa , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a kind of new definition of fractional difference, fractional summation, and fractional difference equations and gives methods for explicitly solving fractional difference equations of order (2, q).
Influence of Carbon Black Structure and Specific Surface Area on the Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Filled Rubber Composites
Authors: Al-Hartomy Omar A. , Al-Solamy Falleh , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed , Dishovsky Nikolay , Ivanov Milcho , Mihaylov Mihail , El-Tantawy Farid
Published: September 2011

Natural rubber based composites have been prepared using various amounts of two fillers: conventional Corax N220 carbon black or electrically conductive carbon black Printex XE-2B which has a very high specific surface area. The composites have been studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, dielectric thermal analysis and SEM. It has been established that all vulcanizates investigated are in the glass state in the−80∘C to−40∘C interval. The storage modulus increases with the increasing filler content in the−40∘C to +80∘C interval when the vulcanizates are in the highly elastic state. DETA shows that the increase in filler content leads to an increase in the dielectric permittivity (ε′).ε′also increases with temperature increasing. Higher frequency causes a decrease ofε′values which becomes more pronounced with the increasing filler content. Obviously, when the content of Printex XE-2B carbon black in the vulcanizates is higher than 7.5 phr, the percolation threshold is reached and theε′values increase up to 102–104. Theε′values for the vulcanizates comprising 20 and 50 phr Corax N220 carbon black are measurable with those for the vulcanizates comprising 5 and 10 phr Printex XE-2B carbon black respectively. The results obtained could be explained by the difference in the structure and specific surface area of the two types of carbon black—Printex XE-2B and Corax N220.
Splenomegaly, Cardiomegaly, and Osteoporosis in a Child with Gaucher Disease
Authors: Sheth J. J. , Ankleshwaria C. M. , Mistri M. A. , Nanavaty N. , Mehta S. J.
Published: September 2011

A 15-month-old girl, born to the consanguineous parents, was referred with the sign of massive splenomegaly associated with thrombocytopenia and anemia. Plasma Chitotriosidase estimation was carried out as a screening test and was found to be normal with reduced activity ofβ-glucosidase in leucocytes suggestive of Gaucher disease. At the age of 4 years, severe osteoporosis and cardiomegaly with pulmonary congestion were observed in the child. Molecular analysis for GBA gene has revealed homozygous status for L444P (c.1448C) in the proband, whereas parents and two elder sisters were found to be heterozygote. Prenatal study during the fourth pregnancy was carried out from cultured chorionic villi forβ-glucosidase, which was in the carrier range. Further confirmation of the carrier status was carried out from amniotic fluid DNA and was found to be heterozygous for L444P (c.1448C) in theGBAgene. This case demonstrates that children with the sign of splenomegaly with anemia and thrombocytopenia need to be screened for Gaucher disease, and molecular study can further help to confirm the heterozygous status, where prenatal study by enzyme investigation demonstrate heterozygous condition.
Resilience of Interbank Market Networks to Shocks
Authors: Li Shouwei , He Jianmin
Published: September 2011

This paper first constructs a tiered network model of the interbank market. Then, from the perspective of contagion risk, it studies numerically the resilience of four types of interbank market network models to shocks, namely, tiered networks, random networks, small‐world networks, and scale‐free networks. This paper studies the interbank market with homogeneous and heterogeneous banks and analyzes random shocks and selective shocks. The study reveals that tiered interbank market networks and random interbank market networks are basically more vulnerable against selective shocks, while small‐world interbank market networks and scale‐free interbank market networks are generally more vulnerable against random shocks. Besides, the results indicate that, in the four types of interbank market networks, scale‐free networks have the highest stability against shocks, while small‐world networks are the most vulnerable. When banks are homogeneous, faced with selective shocks, the stability of the tiered interbank market networks is slightly lower than that of random interbank market networks, whereas, in other cases, the stability of the tiered interbank market networks is basically between that of random interbank market networks and that of scale‐free interbank market networks.
Initial Boundary Value Problem and Asymptotic Stabilization of the Two‐Component Camassa‐Holm Equation
Authors: Zong Xiju , Cheng Xingong , Wang Zhonghua , Han Zhenlai
Published: September 2011

The nonhomogeneous initial boundary value problem for the two‐component Camassa‐Holm equation, which describes a generalized formulation for the shallow water wave equation, on an interval is investigated. A local in time existence theorem and a uniqueness result are achieved. Next by using the fixed‐point technique, a result on the global asymptotic stabilization problem by means of a boundary feedback law is considered.
Nanotechnologies for Curcumin: An Ancient Puzzler Meets Modern Solutions
Authors: Wang Shengpeng , Tan Miao , Zhong Zhangfeng , Chen Meiwan , Wang Yitao
Published: September 2011

Curcumin, a low-molecular-weight natural polyphenol mainly found in the plantCurcuma longa(turmeric), is widely used as a food colorant and as a potential protective agent against several chronic diseases including cancer, HIV-infection, neurological, cardiovascular, and skin diseases. Moreover, evidences from long-term use process and preclinical trials have demonstrated low toxicity of curcumin, even at relatively high doses. However, it has been well known that the application of curcumin was limited owing to its water insolubility, instability, and poor bioavailability. For decades, many attempts have been made to compensate for these disadvantages, with the development of improved delivery platforms as the feasible approaches. The past ten years witnessed the encouraging progress in the use of nanoscale drug delivery systems on curcumin such as loading curcumin into liposomes or nanoparticles, forming self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS), cyclodextrin inclusions, and solid dispersions, as well as the latest reported technologies such as nadodisks and nanotubes. This paper summarizes the recent works on the design and development of nanoscale delivery systems of curcumin, with the goal of harnessing the true difficulties of this multifunctional agent in the clinical arena.
Systematically Controlling for the Influence of Age, Sex, Hertz and Time Post-Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on Four Measures of Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Cross-Over Study
Authors: Merriman Harold L. , Brahler C. Jayne , Jackson Kurt
Published: September 2011

Though popular, there is little agreement on what whole-body vibration (WBV) parameters will optimize performance. This study aimed to clarify the effects of age, sex, hertz and time on four physical function indicators in community-dwelling older adults (). Participants were exposed to 2 min WBV per session at either 2 Hz or 26 Hz and outcome measures were recorded at 2, 20 and 40 min post-WBV. Timed get up-and-go and chair sit-and-reach performances improved post-WBV for both sexes, were significantly different between 2 Hz and 26 Hz treatments () and showed statistically significant interactions between age and gender (). Counter movement jump and timed one-legged stance performances showed a similar but non-significant response to 2 Hz and 26 Hz treatments, though male subjects showed a distinct trended response. Age and gender should be statistically controlled and both 2 Hz and 26 Hz exert a treatment effect.
High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography Retinal Imaging: A Case Series Illustrating Potential and Limitations
Authors: Puzyeyeva Olena , Lam Wai Ching , Flanagan John G. , Brent Michael H. , Devenyi Robert G. , Mandelcorn Mark S. , Wong Tien , Hudson Christopher
Published: September 2011

Purpose. To present a series of retinal disease cases that were imaged by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in order to illustrate the potential and limitations of this new imaging modality.Methods. The series comprised four selected cases (one case each) of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Patients were imaged using the Heidelberg Spectralis (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) in SD-OCT mode. Patients also underwent digital fundus photography and clinical assessment.Results. SD-OCT imaging of a case of age-related macular degeneration revealed a subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane with detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neurosensory retina. Using SD-OCT, the cases of DR and BRVO both exhibited macular edema with cystoid spaces visible in the outer retina.Conclusions. The ability of SD-OCT to clearly and objectively elucidate subtle morphological changes within the retinal layers provides information that can be used to formulate diagnoses with greater confidence.
Simple and Specific Dual‐Wavelength Excitable Dye Staining for Glycoprotein Detection in Polyacrylamide Gels and Its Application in Glycoproteomics
Authors: Chiang Yu-Hsuan , Wu Yu-Jen , Lu Ya-Ting , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lin Tzu-Chun , Chen Yu-Kuang H. , Li Ding-Tzai , Shi Fong-Ku , Chen Ching-Chuan , Hsu Jue-Liang
Published: September 2011

In this study, a commercially available fluorescent dye, Lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl hydrazine (LRSH), was designed to specifically stain the glycoproteins in polyacrylamide gels. Through the periodate/Schiff base mechanism, the fluorescent dye readily attaches to glycoproteins and the fluorescence can be simultaneously observed under either 305 nm or 532 nm excitation therefore, the dye‐stained glycoproteins can be detected under a regular UV transilluminator or a more elegant laser‐based gel scanner. The specificity and detection limit were examined using a standard protein mixture in polyacrylamide gels in this study. The application of this glycoprotein stain dye was further demonstrated using pregnancy urine samples. The fluorescent spots were further digested in gel and their identities confirmed through LC‐MS/MS analysis and database searching. In addition, the N‐glycosylation sites of LRSH‐labeled uromodulin were readily mapped via in‐gel PNGaseF deglycosylation and LC‐MS/MS analysis, which indicated that this fluorescent dye labeling does not interfere with enzymatic deglycosylation. Hence, the application of this simple and specific dual‐wavelength excitable dye staining in current glycoproteome research is promising.
Ruthenium-106 Plaque Therapy for Diffuse Choroidal Hemangioma in Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Kubicka-Trząska Agnieszka , Kobylarz Joanna , Romanowska-Dixon Bożena
Published: September 2011

Diffuse choroidal hemangiomas associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) are classically treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBR), but there are a few reports usually of single cases indicating the usefulness of plaque therapy. We present our observations on two cases of diffuse choroidal hemangiomas with exudative retinal detachment associated with SWS treated with Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and regression in tumor thickness measured by ultrasonography. The initial BCVA of the affected eyes was counting fingers at 1 meter and light projection. Pretreatment tumors thickness was 3.5 mm and 4.7 mm. In a follow-up period of 18–24 months, significant reduction in thickness of choroidal hemangiomas up to 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm with prompt resolution of exudative retinal detachment was observed. BCVA achieved 20/200 and 20/400, respectively. The findings in this paper indicate that Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy is effective in treatment of diffuse choroidal hemangiomas associated with SWS.
Papillary Adenocarcinoma of Rete Testis Mimics Inflammatory Lump: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Che-An , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Man Kee-Ming , Shen Jui-Lung , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: September 2011

We presented a rare extratesticular neoplasm, papillary adenocarcinoma of rete testis, which manifested variable symptoms and mimicked most frequently seen benign extratesticular lesions. Due to its rarity, the treatment is therefore uncertain. Our patient's clinical manifestations mimicked an inflammatory lump and underwent radical orchiectomy after pathological report had been confirmed. Unlike other reports, our patient survives and has a good outcome. No definite predictor and tumor marker can be used to define the prognosis. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment may have a good outcome.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicating Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report
Authors: Papadimitraki Eva D. , Ahamed Mubarak , Bunce Nicholas H.
Published: September 2011

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but can involve extraintestinal organs including musculoskeletal system and skin. The most frequent cardiac manifestations of UC are pericarditis and myocarditis. Patients display an increased risk for venous thromboembolic complications and mesenteric ischemia, but the association with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction is uncertain. We present the case of a 27-year-old man with anti-PRIII ANCA-positive ulcerative colitis and increased factor VIII activity who presented with an acute myocardial infarction. We discuss possible causative links between these clinical entities and demonstrate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with underlying inflammatory conditions who present with chest pain and evidence of myocardial damage.
Inequalities and Duality in Gene Coexpression Networks of HIV‐1 Infection Revealed by the Combination of the Double‐Connectivity Approach and the Gini′s Method
Authors: Ma Chuang , Zhou Yanhong , Huang Sheng-He
Published: September 2011

The symbiosis (Sym) and pathogenesis (Pat) is a duality problem of microbial infection, including HIV/AIDS. Statistical analysis of inequalities and duality in gene coexpression networks (GCNs) of HIV‐1 infection may gain novel insights into AIDS. In this study, we focused on analysis of GCNs of uninfected subjects and HIV‐1‐infected patients at three different stages of viral infection based on data deposited in the GEO database of NCBI. The inequalities and duality in these GCNs were analyzed by the combination of the double‐connectivity (DC) approach and the Gini′s method. DC analysis reveals that there are significant differences between positive and negative connectivity in HIV‐1 stage‐specific GCNs. The inequality measures of negative connectivity and edge weight are changed more significantly than those of positive connectivity and edge weight in GCNs from the HIV‐1 uninfected to the AIDS stages. With the permutation test method, we identified a set of genes with significant changes in the inequality and duality measure of edge weight. Functional analysis shows that these genes are highly enriched for the immune system, which plays an essential role in the Sym‐Pat duality (SPD) of microbial infections. Understanding of the SPD problems of HIV‐1 infection may provide novel intervention strategies for AIDS.
Axial‐Symmetry Numerical Approaches for Noise Predicting and Attenuating of Rifle Shooting with Suppressors
Authors: Lo Shi-Wei , Tai Chang-Hsien , Teng Jyh-Tong
Published: September 2011

The moving bullet out of a rifle barrel is propelled by a fired explosive charge. Subsequently, a disturbed muzzle blast wave is initiated which lasts several milliseconds. In this study, axially symmetric, unsteady, Large Eddy Simulation (LES), and Ffowcs Williams and Hawkins (FWH) equations were solved by the implicit‐time formulation. For the spatial discretization, second order upwind scheme was employed. In addition, dynamic mesh model was used to where the ballistic domain changed with time due to the motion of bullet. Results obtained for muzzle flow field and for noise recorded were compared with those obtained from experimental data; these two batches of results were in agreement. Five cases of gunshot including one model of an unsuppressed rifle and four models of suppressors were simulated. Besides, serial images of species distributions and velocity vectors‐pressure contours in suppressors and near muzzle field were displayed. The sound pressure levels (dB) in far field that were post‐processed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) were compared. The proposed physical model and the numerical simulations used in the present work are expected to be extended to solve other shooting weapon problems with three‐dimensional and complex geometries.
Lipid Emulsion for Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity
Authors: Ciechanowicz Sarah , Patil Vinod
Published: September 2011

The accidental overdose of local anesthetics may prove fatal. The commonly used amide local anesthetics have varying adverse effects on the myocardium, and beyond a certain dose all are capable of causing death. Local anesthetics are the most frequently used drugs amongst anesthetists and although uncommon, local anaesthetic systemic toxicity accounts for a high proportion of mortality, with local anaesthetic-induced cardiac arrest particularly resistant to standard resuscitation methods. Over the last decade, there has been convincing evidence of intravenous lipid emulsions as a rescue in local anesthetic-cardiotoxicity, and anesthetic organisations, over the globe have developed guidelines on the use of this drug. Despite this, awareness amongst practitioners appears to be lacking. All who use local anesthetics in their practice should have an appreciation of patients at high risk of toxicity, early symptoms and signs of toxicity, preventative measures when using local anesthetics, and the initial management of systemic toxicity with intravenous lipid emulsion. In this paper we intend to discuss the pharmacology and pathophysiology of local anesthetics and toxicity, and the rationale for lipid emulsion therapy.
The Role of Immune Correlates and Surrogate Markers in the Development of Vaccines and Immunotherapies for Plague
Authors: Williamson E. D.
Published: September 2011

One of the difficulties in developing countermeasures to biothreat agents is the challenge inherent in demonstrating their efficacy in man. Since the first publication of the Animal Rule by the FDA, there has been increased discussion of potential correlates of protection in animal models and their use to establish surrogate markers of efficacy in man. The latter need to be relatively easy to measure in assays that are at least qualified, if not validated, in order to derive a quantitative assessment of the clinical benefit conferred. The demonstration of safety and clinical benefit is essential to achieve regulatory approval for countermeasures for which clinical efficacy cannot be tested directly, as is the case for example, for biodefence vaccines. Plague is an ancient, serious infectious disease which is still endemic in regions of the modern world and is a potential biothreat agent. This paper discusses potential immune correlates of protection for plague, from which it may be possible to derive surrogate markers of efficacy, in order to predict the clinical efficacy of candidate prophylaxes and therapies.
Design of Novel Compound Fresnel Lens for High-Performance Photovoltaic Concentrator
Authors: Jing Lei , Liu Hua , Zhao Huifu , Lu Zhenwu , Wu Hongsheng , Wang He , Xu Jialin
Published: September 2011

We present a new design of compound Fresnel-R concentrator which is composed of two lenses: a primary lens (Fresnel lens) that works by total internal reflection at outer sawteeth but refraction at inner sawteeth, and a ringed secondary lens that works by refraction. In contrast to previous Fresnel lens concentrators, this design increases the acceptance angle, improves the irradiance uniformity on the solar cell, and reduces the aspect ratio significantly. Meanwhile several sawteeth of the primary Fresnel lens can correspond to a same ring of secondary lens, which will efficiently lower the complexity of designing and manufacturing. Moreover, in order to reduce the influence of manufacturing tolerances and to increase the optical efficiency further, the central part of the bottom of the secondary lens which directly adhered to the solar cell is designed as a cone-shaped prism to collect the sunlight that does not reach the solar cell. Finally, we provide simulations and analyses of the design method an optical efficiency more than 80% and an aspect ratio smaller than 0.5 can be achieved.
The First Report on the Medicinal Use of Fossils in Latin America
Authors: Moura Geraldo Jorge Barbosa , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: September 2011

There have been very few ethnopharmacological studies performed on the traditional use of fossil species, although a few records have been conducted in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This study is the first ever to be performed on the use of Testudine (turtle) fossils for folk medicine in Latin America. An investigation was conducted in the Araripe Basin, which is one of the most important fossil-bearing reserves in the world due to the diversity, endemism, and quality of preservation of its fossils. We propose the formalization of a new discipline called ethnopaleontology, which will involve the study of the dynamic relationship between humans and fossils, from human perception to direct use.
Intelligent Collaborative Event Query Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhu Rongbo
Published: September 2011

Event query processing is a very important issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In order to detect event early and provide monitoring information and event query timely in WSNs, an efficient intelligent collaborative event query (ICEQ) algorithm is proposed, in which sensor nodes that are near to the boundary of events are selected to accomplish complex event monitoring and query processing through intelligent collaboration. ICEQ will select range-nearest neighbors as the basic components of surrounding nodes. Then it will identify the gaps between the surrounding nodes and try to select the nearest neighbor collaborative nodes for enclosing the event in the node selection phase, which can avoid redundant sensor nodes to join surrounding nodes via identifying a set of association surrounding nodes between the nearest sensor nodes and the query events. Detailed experimental results and comparisons with existed algorithm show that the proposed ICEQ algorithm can achieve better performance in terms of query-processing time, average number of selected collaborative nodes, and query message consumption.