bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraocular lens implantation position sensitivity as a function of refractive error
Authors: Guo Huanqing , Goncharov Alexander , Dainty Chris
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Guo H, Goncharov A & Dainty C. Intraocular lens implantation position sensitivity as a function of refractive error. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 117–124. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00888.x

Purpose:  To quantify the change in ocular aberrations due to intraocular lens (IOL) implantation position errors for pseudo‐phakic eyes with different refractive errors.

Methods:  The theoretical part of this work was based on ray‐tracing in emmetropic and myopic eye models. The possible misalignments i.e. the decentration, tilt and axial translation, of the IOLs were statistically combined together and analysed using Monte–Carlo simulations. Spherical IOLs with a 3 and 5 mm pupil and an aspheric IOL with a 5 mm pupil were analysed as a function of refractive error. In the experimental part of the work, we built an IOL optical test bench including a model eye. The white light discrete point spread functions of misaligned IOLs were recorded by a CCD and we compared the change of the spread function as a result of misalignments for two spherical IOLs with different optical powers.

Results:  The Monte–Carlo simulations showed that the average root‐mean‐square spot size at the retinal plane decreased with increasing myopic refractive error, i.e. lower power IOL. The experiments showed that a lower optical power spherical IOL had a less distributed point spread function than a higher optical power IOL, which supported the results of the simulation.

Conclusion:  Regarding IOLs designed for myopic patients, low power IOLs (for high myopes) were shown to be less sensitive to the misalignment than high power ones. Aspheric IOLs were more sensitive to position errors than spherical IOLs under the same conditions.
Characteristics of women who are pregnant with their first baby at an advanced age
Authors: NILSEN ANNE BRITT VIKA , WALDENSTRÖM ULLA , HJELMSTED ANNA , RASMUSSEN SVEIN , SCHYTT ERICA
Published: December 2011

Objective. To describe the background characteristics of women who gave birth to their first child at an advanced and very advanced maternal age, including their sociodemographic background, social relationships, health behavior, physical and mental health, and reproductive history. Design. Cross‐sectional data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Setting. Norway. Sample. 41 236 Norwegian‐speaking nulliparous women. Methods. Data were collected by the first questionnaire distributed in week 17 of pregnancy during the recruitment period 1999–2008. The distribution of descriptive variables in relation to age was investigated, by means of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Main outcome measures. Advanced (33–37 years) and very advanced (≥38 years) maternal age. Results. Women who had their first baby at an advanced or very advanced age differed from the younger women with regard to a wide range of background characteristics, and this difference was most pronounced for the very advanced group. Problems related to physical aging were more common (infertility, physical health problems, sleep problems, depression and fatigue). Of the sociodemographic factors; high annual income and low level of education were most strongly correlated with high maternal age, followed by single status, unemployment, unsatisfactory relationship with partner and unplanned pregnancy. Conclusions. Besides having more age‐related reproductive and physical health problems, women who had their first baby at an advanced or very advanced age constituted a heterogeneous group characterized by either socioeconomic prosperity or vulnerability.
Novel Antiviral Characteristics of Nanosized Copper(I) Iodide Particles Showing Inactivation Activity against 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus
Authors: Fujimori Yoshie , Sato Tetsuya , Hayata Taishi , Nagao Tomokazu , Nakayama Mikio , Nakayama Tsuruo , Sugamata Ryuichi , Suzuki Kazuo
Published: December 2011

We investigated the antiviral activity of nanosized copper(I) iodide (CuI) particles having an average size of 160 nm. CuI particles showed aqueous stability and generated hydroxyl radicals, which were probably derived from monovalent copper (Cu
+
). We confirmed that CuI particles showed antiviral activity against an influenza A virus of swine origin (pandemic [H1N1] 2009) by plaque titration assay. The virus titer decreased in a dose-dependent manner upon incubation with CuI particles, with the 50% effective concentration being approximately 17 μg/ml after exposure for 60 min. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the inactivation of the virus due to the degradation of viral proteins such as hemagglutinin and neuraminidase by CuI. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy revealed that CuI generates hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solution, and radical production was found to be blocked by the radical scavenger
N
-acetylcysteine. Taken together, these findings indicate that CuI particles exert antiviral activity by generating hydroxyl radicals. Thus, CuI may be a useful material for protecting against viral attacks and may be suitable for applications such as filters, face masks, protective clothing, and kitchen cloths.
Decreased Xylitol Formation during Xylose Fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Due to Overexpression of Water-Forming NADH Oxidase
Authors: Zhang Guo-Chang , Liu Jing-Jing , Ding Wen-Tao
Published: December 2011

The recombinant xylose-fermenting
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain harboring xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) from
Scheffersomyces stipitis
requires NADPH and NAD
+
, creates cofactor imbalance, and causes xylitol accumulation during growth on
d
-xylose. To solve this problem,
noxE
, encoding a water-forming NADH oxidase from
Lactococcus lactis
driven by the
PGK1
promoter, was introduced into the xylose-utilizing yeast strain KAM-3X. A cofactor microcycle was set up between the utilization of NAD
+
by XDH and the formation of NAD
+
by water-forming NADH oxidase. Overexpression of
noxE
significantly decreased xylitol formation and increased final ethanol production during xylose fermentation. Under xylose fermentation conditions with an initial
d
-xylose concentration of 50 g/liter, the xylitol yields for of KAM-3X(pPGK1-noxE) and control strain KAM-3X were 0.058 g/g xylose and 0.191 g/g, respectively, which showed a 69.63% decrease owing to
noxE
overexpression; the ethanol yields were 0.294 g/g for KAM-3X(pPGK1-noxE) and 0.211 g/g for the control strain KAM-3X, which indicated a 39.33% increase due to
noxE
overexpression. At the same time, the glycerol yield also was reduced by 53.85% on account of the decrease in the NADH pool caused by overexpression of
noxE
.
Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria Synthesize Antioxidant Peptides during Sourdough Fermentation of Cereal Flours
Authors: Coda Rossana , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Pinto Daniela , Gobbetti Marco
Published: December 2011

A pool of selected lactic acid bacteria was used for the sourdough fermentation of various cereal flours with the aim of synthesizing antioxidant peptides. The radical-scavenging activity of water/salt-soluble extracts (WSE) from sourdoughs was significantly (
P
< 0.05) higher than that of chemically acidified doughs. The highest activity was found for whole wheat, spelt, rye, and kamut sourdoughs. Almost the same results were found for the inhibition of linoleic acid autoxidation. WSE were subjected to reverse-phase fast protein liquid chromatography. Thirty-seven fractions were collected and assayed
in vitro
. The most active fractions were resistant to further hydrolysis by digestive enzymes. Twenty-five peptides of 8 to 57 amino acid residues were identified by nano-liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Almost all of the sequences shared compositional features which are typical of antioxidant peptides. All of the purified fractions showed
ex vivo
antioxidant activity on mouse fibroblasts artificially subjected to oxidative stress. This study demonstrates the capacity of sourdough lactic acid bacteria to release peptides with antioxidant activity through the proteolysis of native cereal proteins.
Multiplex PCR-Based Reverse Line Blot Assay for Simultaneous Detection of 22 Virulence Genes in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Kudinha Timothy , Kong Fanrong , Johnson James R. , Andrew Scott D. , Anderson Peter , Gilbert Gwendolyn L.
Published: December 2011

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and are responsible for significant morbidity and health care costs worldwide. The main bacterial cause of uncomplicated UTI is
Escherichia coli
, which possesses numerous virulence factors (VFs). Many studies of the pathogenesis of
E. coli
UTI have centered on VF genes. Hence, the development of better molecular assays to study VF genes would facilitate these studies. We developed a highly sensitive and specific multiplex PCR-based reverse line blot (mPCR/RLB) assay to simultaneously detect 22 VF genes of uropathogenic
E. coli
and then used it to characterize 180 isolates from nonpregnant women of child-bearing age with cystitis and 153 fecal isolates from similar-age healthy women, in regional New South Wales, Australia. The assay accurately identified all VF genes (of the 22 under study) known to be present in 30 previously characterized control strains. The detection limits were 28 ng of DNA from
E. coli
isolates and 50 CFU/ml in mock-infected urine specimens containing known concentrations of
E. coli.
Cystitis isolates (compared to the fecal isolates) showed a significantly higher prevalence of 18 individual VF genes and contained significantly more VF genes per isolate (median number, 18.5 versus 6.5 [
P
= 0.001]). Discordance between paired probes for a given VF gene occurred in several clinical test isolates but no reference strains and among the test isolates was associated with fecal source (10% of VF genes versus 2% for cystitis isolates [
P
< 0.001]). This novel mPCR/RLB method is a potentially powerful tool for investigating the prevalence and distribution of VFs in
E. coli
.
The Allele-Specific Probe and Primer Amplification Assay, a New Real-Time PCR Method for Fine Quantification of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Pooled DNA
Authors: Billard A. , Laval V. , Fillinger S. , Leroux P. , Lachaise H. , Beffa R. , Debieu D.
Published: December 2011

The evolution of fungicide resistance within populations of plant pathogens must be monitored to develop management strategies. Such monitoring often is based on microbiological tests, such as microtiter plate assays. Molecular monitoring methods can be considered if the mutations responsible for resistance have been identified. Allele-specific real-time PCR approaches, such as amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR and mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA) PCR, are, despite their moderate efficacy, among the most precise methods for refining SNP quantification. We describe here a new real-time PCR method, the allele-specific probe and primer amplification assay (ASPPAA PCR). This method makes use of mixtures of allele-specific minor groove binder (MGB) TaqMan probes and allele-specific primers for the fine quantification of SNPs from a pool of DNA extracted from a mixture of conidia. It was developed for a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that is responsible for resistance to the sterol biosynthesis inhibitor fungicide fenhexamid, resulting in the replacement of the phenylalanine residue (encoded by the TTC codon) in position 412 of the enzymatic target (3-ketoreductase) by a serine (TCC), valine (GTC), or isoleucine (ATC) residue. The levels of nonspecific amplification with the ASPPAA PCR were reduced at least four times below the level of currently available allele-specific real-time PCR approaches due to strong allele specificity in amplification cycles, including two allele selectors. This new method can be used to quantify a complex quadriallelic SNP in a DNA pool with a false discovery rate of less than 1%.
Activation-Independent Cyclization of Monoterpenoids
Authors: Siedenburg Gabriele , Jendrossek Dieter , Breuer Michael , Juhl Benjamin , Pleiss Jürgen , Seitz Miriam , Klebensberger Janosch , Hauer Bernhard
Published: December 2011

The biosynthesis of cyclic monoterpenes (C10) generally requires the cyclization of an activated linear precursor (geranyldiphosphate) by specific terpene cyclases. Cyclic triterpenes (C30), on the other hand, originate from the linear precursor squalene by the action of squalene-hopene cyclases (SHCs) or oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs). Here, we report a novel terpene cyclase fromZymomonas mobilis(ZMO1548-Shc) with the unique capability to cyclize citronellal to isopulegol. To our knowledge, ZMO1548-Shc is the first biocatalyst with diphosphate-independent monoterpenoid cyclase activity. A combinatorial approach using site-directed mutagenesis and modeling of the active site with a bound substrate revealed that the cyclization of citronellal proceeds via a different mechanism than that of the cyclization of squalene.
Posttranslational Modifications of Proteins in the Pathobiology of Medically Relevant Fungi
Authors: Leach Michelle D. , Brown Alistair J. P.
Published: December 2011

Posttranslational modifications of proteins drive a wide variety of cellular processes in eukaryotes, regulating cell growth and division as well as adaptive and developmental processes. With regard to the fungal kingdom, most information about posttranslational modifications has been generated through studies of the model yeasts
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
, where, for example, the roles of protein phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and neddylation have been dissected. More recently, information has begun to emerge for the medically important fungal pathogens
Candida albicans
,
Aspergillus fumigatus
, and
Cryptococcus neoformans
, highlighting the relevance of posttranslational modifications for virulence. We review the available literature on protein modifications in fungal pathogens, focusing in particular upon the reversible peptide modifications sumoylation, ubiquitination, and neddylation.
A Single-Domain FlgJ Contributes to Flagellar Hook and Filament Formation in the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Zhang Kai , Tong Brian A. , Liu Jun , Li Chunhao
Published: December 2011

FlgJ plays a very important role in flagellar assembly. In the enteric bacteria,
flgJ
null mutants fail to produce the flagellar rods, hooks, and filaments but still assemble the integral membrane-supramembrane (MS) rings. These mutants are nonmotile. The FlgJ proteins consist of two functional domains. The N-terminal rod-capping domain acts as a scaffold for rod assembly, and the C-terminal domain acts as a peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase (PGase), which allows the elongating flagellar rod to penetrate through the PG layer. However, the FlgJ homologs in several bacterial phyla (including spirochetes) often lack the PGase domain. The function of these single-domain FlgJ proteins remains elusive. Herein, a single-domain FlgJ homolog (FlgJ
Bb
) was studied in the Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
. Cryo-electron tomography analysis revealed that the

flgJ
Bb

mutant still assembled intact flagellar basal bodies but had fewer and disoriented flagellar hooks and filaments. Consistently, Western blots showed that the levels of flagellar hook (FlgE) and filament (FlaB) proteins were substantially decreased in the

flgJ
Bb

mutant. Further studies disclosed that the decreases of FlgE and FlaB in the mutant occurred at the posttranscriptional level. Microscopic observation and swarm plate assay showed that the motility of the

flgJ
Bb

mutant was partially deficient. The altered phenotypes were completely restored when the mutant was complemented. Collectively, these results indicate that FlgJ
Bb
is involved in the assembly of the flagellar hook and filament but not the flagellar rod in
B. burgdorferi
. The observed phenotype is different from that of
flgJ
mutants in the enteric bacteria.
BpaB and EbfC DNA-Binding Proteins Regulate Production of the Lyme Disease Spirochete's Infection-Associated Erp Surface Proteins
Authors: Jutras Brandon L. , Verma Ashutosh , Adams Claire A. , Brissette Catherine A. , Burns Logan H. , Whetstine Christine R. , Bowman Amy , Chenail Alicia M. , Zückert Wolfram R. , Stevenson Brian
Published: December 2011

Vector-borne pathogens regulate their protein expression profiles, producing factors during host infection that differ from those produced during vector colonization. The Lyme disease agent,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, produces Erp surface proteins throughout mammalian infection and represses their synthesis during colonization of vector ticks. Known functions of Erp proteins include binding of host laminin, plasmin(ogen), and regulators of complement activation. A DNA region immediately 5′ of
erp
operons, the
erp
operator, is required for transcriptional regulation. The
B. burgdorferi
BpaB and EbfC proteins exhibit high
in vitro
affinities for
erp
operator DNA. In the present studies, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated that both proteins bind
erp
operator DNA
in vivo
. Additionally, a combination of
in vivo
and
in vitro
methods demonstrated that BpaB functions as a repressor of
erp
transcription, while EbfC functions as an antirepressor.
Building capacity of drivers in Nigeria to provide first aid for road crash victims
Authors: Sangowawa Adesola O , Owoaje Eme T
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the effect of first aid training on the first aid knowledge and skills of university drivers. The intervention group (n=98) received training on first aid and controls (n=78) received training on HIV/AIDS. First aid knowledge and skills were measured at baseline, immediately after the training and 4 months post-intervention. Changes in knowledge and skills were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Knowledge scores were 51.2±14.8%, 59.6±12.8% and 57.6±12.8% (p>0.05) for intervention drivers versus 51.6±11.6%, 53.2±12.0% and 56.4±12.4% (p>0.05) in controls. The skill scores for intervention drivers were 49.2±14.2%, 78.3±12.9% and 77.5±11.7% (p<0.05) versus 37.7±12.4%, 40.4±16.3% and 41.7±12.1% (p>0.05) for controls. Four months after intervention, >75% of the 13 intervention drivers who came across a crash had used the skills acquired. The intervention improved the first aid skills of intervention drivers. In view of the reduction in scores by the fourth month post-intervention, periodic refresher training is recommended to sustain the skills acquired.
Modelled impacts of badger culling on cattle TB in a real area with geographic boundaries
Authors: Fenwick N. I. D.
Published: December 2011

As a part of bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy, the Welsh Government has proposed a badger cull in a defined area in and around North Pembrokeshire, and has published information on herd densities and incidence levels within and close to the area. In the present study, three sets of previously published data relating the impact of badger culling inside and around previous culling areas to distances from culling area boundaries have been used to model possible impacts of the proposed cull, taking account of three possible scenarios in which geographic boundaries reduce, to varying extents, adverse effects caused by increased badger movements. For the scenarios considered, the results predict average changes in confirmed herd incidences (CHIs) in the range –15.7 (–29.1 to 1.6 per cent) to –25.3 per cent (–52.2 to 46.1 per cent) over a period of 10 years, comprising average changes in the culling area in the range −26.1 (–34.8 to –14.8 per cent) to –32.6 per cent (–59.6 to 47.6 per cent), and average changes on adjoining land in the range 4.5 (–21.8 to 39.8 per cent) to 7.8 per cent (–16.1 to 38.5 per cent). The overall impacts equate to average reductions in the number of CHIs of between 122 (37 to 187) and 158 (–254 to 304).
Two‐dimensional and M‐mode echocardiographic reference values in healthy adult Saanen goats
Authors: Leroux A. A. , Moonen M. L. , Farnir F. , Sandersen C. F. , Deleuze S. , Salciccia A. , Amory H.
Published: December 2011

Echocardiography has become a routine non‐invasive cardiac diagnostic tool in most species. Accurate measurement of cardiac dimensions requires reference values, which are poorly documented in goats. The aim of the present study was to test the inter‐day repeatability and to establish the reference values of two‐dimensional (2D‐) and time‐motion (M‐) mode echocardiographic variables in healthy adult Saanen goats. Six goats were investigated three times by the same observer at one‐day interval using a standardised 2D‐ and M‐mode echocardiographic protocol. The intra‐observer inter‐day repeatability was tested using analysis of variance, calculation of the coefficient of variation and confidence intervals. A single echocardiographic examination was performed in six other goats, and values obtained in the 12 goats were used to establish the 2D‐ and M‐mode echocardiographic reference values in healthy adult female Saanen goats. Statistical analysis revealed a good inter‐day repeatability of the echocardiographic cardiac measurements. Echocardiographic reference values obtained in healthy adult Saanen goats seemed slightly higher than those reported in healthy Swedish domestic goats and were similar to those reported in healthy adult sheep.
LIFTED HEEGAARD SURFACES AND VIRTUALLY HAKEN MANIFOLDS
Authors: ZHANG YU
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we give infinitely many non-Haken hyperbolic genus three 3-manifolds each of which has a finite cover whose induced Heegaard surface from some genus three Heegaard surface of the base manifold is reducible but can be compressed into an incompressible surface. This result supplements [A. Casson and C. Gordon, Reducing Heegaard splittings, Topology Appl. 27 (1987) 275–283] and extends [J. Masters, W. Menasco and X. Zhang, Heegaard splittings and virtually Haken Dehn filling, New York J. Math. 10 (2004) 133–150].
UNRAVELLING TANGLED GRAPHS
Authors: FARKAS CATHERINE , FLAPAN ERICA , SULLIVAN WYNN
Published: December 2011

Motivated by proposed entangled molecular structures known as ravels, we introduce a method for constructing such entanglements from 2-string tangles. We then show that for most (but not all) arborescent tangles this construction yields either a planar θ4 graph or contains a knot.
ON THE EXPLICIT FORMULA IN THE THEORY OF PRIME NUMBERS
Authors: LI XIAN-JIN
Published: December 2011

In [Complements to Li's criterion for the Riemann hypothesis, J. Number Theory77 (1999) 274–287] Bombieri and Lagarias observed the remarkable identity [1 - (1 - 1/s)n] + [1 - (1 - 1/(1 - s))n] = [1 - (1 - 1/s)n]⋅[1 - (1 - 1/(1 - s))n], and pointed out that the positivity in Li's criterion [The positivity of a sequence of numbers and the Riemann hypothesis, J. Number Theory65 (1997) 325–333] has the same meaning as in Weil's criterion [Sur les "formules explicites" de la théorie des nombres premiers, in Oeuvres Scientifiques, Collected Paper, Vol. II (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1979), pp. 48–61]. Let λn = ∑ρ[1 - (1 - 1/ρ)n] for n = 1, 2, …, where ρ runs over the complex zeros of the Riemann zeta function ζ(s). In this note, a certain truncation of λn is expressed as Weil's explicit formula [Sur les "formules explicites" de la théorie des nombres premiers, in Oeuvres Scientifiques, Collected Paper, Vol. II (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1979), pp. 48–61] for each positive integer n. By using the Bombieri and Lagarias' identity, we prove that the positivity of these truncations implies the Riemann hypothesis. If these truncations have suitable upper bounds, we prove that all nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function lie on the critical line.
ARITHMETIC PROPERTIES OF THE SEQUENCE OF DEGREES OF STERN POLYNOMIALS AND RELATED RESULTS
Authors: ULAS MACIEJ
Published: December 2011

Let Bn(t) be an nth Stern polynomial and let e(n) = deg Bn(t) be its degree. In this note we continue our study started in [On certain arithmetic properties of Stern polynonials, Publ. Math. Debrecen79(1–2) (2011) 55–81] of the arithmetic properties of the sequence of Stern polynomials and the sequence [Formula: see text]. We also study the sequence d(n) = ord t=0 Bn(t). Among other things we prove that d(n) = ν(n), where ν(n) is the maximal power of 2 which divides the number n. We also count the number of the solutions of the equations e(m) = i and e(m) - d(m) = i in the interval [1, 2n]. We also obtain an interesting closed expression for a certain sum involving Stern polynomials.
ON THE LOG-CONCAVITY OF THE DEGENERATE BERNOULLI NUMBERS
Authors: LUCA FLORIAN , YOUNG PAUL THOMAS
Published: December 2011

The degenerate Bernoulli numbers βn(λ) are polynomials with rational coefficients of degree n in the variable λ, which arise in several combinatorial settings. An appropriate change of variable transforms βn(λ) into a polynomial whose coefficients are all positive. Here, we prove that this transformed polynomial is log-concave, and therefore unimodal. As a consequence, we deduce bounds on the absolute values of the roots of βn(λ).
ON THE DIOPHANTINE EQUATION axy + byz + czx = 0
Authors: ZHANG ZHONGFENG , YUAN PINGZHI
Published: December 2011

Let a, b, c be integers. In this paper, we prove the integer solutions of the equation axy + byz + czx = 0 satisfy max {|x|, |y|, |z|} ≤ 2 max {a, b, c} when a, b, c are odd positive integers, and when a = b = 1, c = -1, the positive integer solutions of the equation satisfy max {x, y, z} < exp ( exp ( exp (5))).
STUDY OF FREE BURNING ARC CHARACTERISTICS BY DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER SIMULATION
Authors: DE IZARRA GRÉGOIRE
Published: December 2011

This paper deals with the study of experimental current intensity/voltage characteristics of a free burning arc that appears to be singular: At low intensity current, the arc voltage decreases until a minimum value, corresponding to a critical current intensity Ic. For current intensities higher than Ic, there is an increase of the arc voltage with the current intensity. Dimensional analysis and Pi theorem coupled with a large set of experimental data allow us to evaluate the main physical processes responsible for the characteristics shape. At low current intensity, the plasma is mostly driven by thermal conduction effects while at high current intensity, it is principally governed by radiation losses. Finally, the results obtained from dimensional analysis allow to propose a 1D numerical simulation of the plasma column that gives rather good qualitative results.
Ghrelin protects musculocutaneous tissue from ischemic necrosis by improving microvascular perfusion
Authors: Rezaeian F. , Wettstein R. , Scheuer C. , Bäumker K. , Bächle A. , Vollmar B. , Menger M. D. , Harder Y.
Published: December 2011

Persistent ischemia in musculocutaneous tissue may lead to wound breakdown and necrosis. The objective of this experimental study was to analyze, whether the gastric peptide ghrelin prevents musculocutaneous tissue from necrosis and to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice equipped with a dorsal skinfold chamber containing ischemic musculocutaneous tissue were allocated to four groups: 1) ghrelin; 2) Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME); 3) ghrelin and l-NAME; and 4) control. Microcirculation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue survival were assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (iNOS I and eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) were assessed by Western blot analysis. Ghrelin-treated animals showed an increased expression of iNOS and eNOS in critically perfused tissue compared with controls. This was associated with arteriolar dilation, increased arteriolar perfusion, and a sustained functional capillary density. Ghrelin further upregulated NF-κB and VEGF and induced angiogenesis. Finally, ghrelin reduced microvascular leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, apoptosis, and overall tissue necrosis ( P < 0.05 vs. control). Inhibition of nitric oxide by l-NAME did not affect the anti-inflammatory and angiogenic action of ghrelin but completely blunted the ghrelin-induced tissue protection by abrogating the arteriolar dilation, the improved capillary perfusion, and the increased tissue survival. Ghrelin prevents critically perfused tissue from ischemic necrosis. Tissue protection is the result of a nitric oxide synthase-mediated improvement of the microcirculation but not due to induction of angiogenesis or attenuation of inflammation. This might represent a promising, noninvasive, and clinically applicable approach to protect musculocutaneous tissue from ischemia.
On Asymptotic Behavior for Reaction Diffusion Equation with Small Time Delay
Authors: Yin Xunwu
Published: December 2011

We investigate the asymptotic behavior of scalar diffusion equation with small time delay ut−Δu = f(u(t), u(t − τ)). Roughly speaking, any bounded solution will enter and stay in the neighborhood of one equilibrium when the equilibria are discrete.
Some Results on the Best Proximity Pair
Authors: Haddadi Mohammad Reza , Moshtaghioun S. Mohammad
Published: December 2011

We give some new conditions for existence and uniqueness of best proximity point. We also introduce the concept of strongly proximity pair and give some interesting results.
Dielectric Resonator Direction Finding Antenna
Authors: Salman Laila Hady , Kajfez Darko , Kishk Ahmed A.
Published: December 2011

The idea of using a cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna for mechanical direction finding and target tracking is presented. The hybrid feeding network of the receiving antenna comprised two ports: one for the broadside-type sum pattern and another for the monopole-type difference pattern. The proposed design is fabricated and tested experimentally for concept validation. Both linearly polarized patterns were obtained around 2.6 GHz. The coupling between the sum and difference ports is measured to be smaller than −30 dB, and the 3 dB width of the minimum in the difference pattern is 10°.
Applications of Subleading-Color Amplitudes inN=4SYM Theory
Authors: Naculich Stephen G. , Nastase Horatiu , Schnitzer Howard J.
Published: December 2011

A number of features and applications of subleading-color amplitudes ofN=4SYM theory are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the IR divergences of the subleading-color amplitudes, the relationships ofN=4SYM theory toN=8supergravity, and to geometric interpretations of one-loop subleading-color andNkMHVamplitudes ofN=4SYM theory.
Strategies for Reducing or Preventing the Generation of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Poljsak B.
Published: December 2011

The reduction of oxidative stress could be achieved in three levels: by lowering exposure to environmental pollutants with oxidizing properties, by increasing levels of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, or by lowering the generation of oxidative stress by stabilizing mitochondrial energy production and efficiency. Endogenous oxidative stress could be influenced in two ways: by prevention of ROS formation or by quenching of ROS with antioxidants. However, the results of epidemiological studies where people were treated with synthetic antioxidants are inconclusive and contradictory. Recent evidence suggests that antioxidant supplements (although highly recommended by the pharmaceutical industry and taken by many individuals) do not offer sufficient protection against oxidative stress, oxidative damage or increase the lifespan. The key to the future success of decreasing oxidative-stress-induced damage should thus be the suppression of oxidative damage without disrupting the wellintegrated antioxidant defense network. Approach to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants should be changed into prevention of free radical formation. Thus, this paper addresses oxidative stress and strategies to reduce it with the focus on nutritional and psychosocial interventions of oxidative stress prevention, that is, methods to stabilize mitochondria structure and energy efficiency, or approaches which would increase endogenous antioxidative protection and repair systems.
Resistance Exercise Reduces Skeletal Muscle Cachexia and Improves Muscle Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sharif Salaheddin , Thomas James M. , Donley David A. , Gilleland Diana L. , Bonner Daniel E. , McCrory Jean L. , Hornsby W. Guyton , Zhao Hua , Lively Mathew W. , Hornsby Jo Ann A. , Alway Stephen E.
Published: December 2011

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease associated with cachexia (reduced muscle and increased fat). Although strength-training exercise has been used in persons with RA, it is not clear if it is effective for reducing cachexia. A 46-year-old woman was studied to determine: (i) if resistance exercise could reverse cachexia by improving muscle mass, fiber cross-sectional area, and muscle function; and (2) if elevated apoptotic signaling was involved in cachexia with RA and could be reduced by resistance training. A needle biopsy was obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle of the RA subject before and after 16 weeks of resistance training. Knee extensor strength increased by 13.6% and fatigue decreased by 2.8% Muscle mass increased by 2.1%. Average muscle fiber cross-sectional area increased by 49.7%, and muscle nuclei increased slightly after strength training from 0.08 to 0.12 nuclei/μm2. In addition, there was a slight decrease (1.6%) in the number of apoptotic muscle nuclei after resistance training. This case study suggests that resistance training may be a good tool for increasing the number of nuclei per fiber area, decreasing apoptotic nuclei, and inducing fiber hypertrophy in persons with RA, thereby slowing or reversing rheumatoid cachexia.
Photoemission Spectroscopy Characterization of Attempts to Deposit MoO2Thin Film
Authors: Irfan  , So Franky , Gao Yongli
Published: December 2011

Attempts to deposit molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) thin films have been described. Electronic structure of films, deposited by thermal evaporation of MoO2powder, had been investigated with ultraviolet photoemission and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (UPS and XPS). The thermally evaporated films were found to be similar to the thermally evaporated MoO3films at the early deposition stage. XPS analysis of MoO2powder reveals presence of +5 and +6 oxidation states in Mo 3d core level along with +4 state. The residue of MoO2powder indicates substantial reduction in higher oxidation states while keeping +4 oxidation state almost intact. Interface formation between chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc-Cl) and the thermally evaporated film was also investigated.
Asymptomatic Primary Fallopian Tube Cancer: An Unusual Cause of Axillary Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Healy N. A. , Hynes S. O. , Bruzzi J. , Curran S. , O'Leary M. , Sweeney K. J.
Published: December 2011

Primary Fallopian tube malignancy is considered a rare disease and is often mistaken histologically and clinically for ovarian cancer. The etiology is poorly understood, and it typically presents at an advanced disease stage, as symptoms are often absent in the initial period. As a result, primary fallopian tube cancer is generally associated with a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 45-year-old female who presents with a 5-day history of left axillary swelling and a normal breast examination. Mammogram and biopsy of a lesion in the left breast revealed a fibroadenoma but no other abnormalities. Initial sampling of the axillary node was suspicious for a primary breast malignancy, but histology of the excised node refuted this. PET-CT showed an area of high uptake in the right pelvis, and a laparoscopy identified a tumor of the left fallopian tube which was subsequently excised and confirmed as a serous adenocarcinoma.
Usefulness of Double-Balloon Endoscopy in the Postoperative Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Endo Masaki , Abiko Yukito , Oana Syuhei , Kudara Norihiko , Kosaka Takashi , Chiba Toshimi , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: December 2011

Background. The small intestine has been considered to be a highly difficult organ to visualize in imaging examinations due to its anatomical location compared with the stomach and the colon. In recent years, many imaging modalities have become available, such as CT enterography, MR enterography, capsule endoscopy (CE), and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE).Patients and Methods. DBE was performed in the postoperative intestines of 91 patients (128 DBE examinations) at Iwate Medical University between 2004 and 2010. There were 61 male and 30 female patients, and their mean age was 69.7 years (range: 30–80 years).Results. A total of 124 DBE examinations were performed with endoscope insertion into the reconstructed intestines. The endoscope reached the blind end in 115 of 124 examinations, (92.7%). There were 17 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in whom 30 DBE examinations were performed. The bleeding site was identified in 12 patients (70.6%). Nine patients underwent endoscopic treatment. Hemostasis was achieved in all patients.Conclusion. DBE is very useful modality for the assessment and application of endotherapy to areas of the small bowel which have been altered by surgery.
Coronary Anomaly and Coronary Artery Fistula as Cause of Angina Pectoris with Literature Review
Authors: Koneru Jayanth , Samuel Anish , Joshi Meherwan , Hamden Aiman , Shamoon Fayez E. , Bikkina Mahesh
Published: December 2011

Coronary artery fistulas are rare anomalies of the coronary arteries that may sometimes cause symptoms by shunting blood flow away from the myocardial capillary network. We report the case of a 46-year old lady which shows the right coronary cusp giving rise to left main coronary artery called anomalous origin of a coronary artery (AOCA), and also a fistula between the left coronary artery and pulmonary artery. We describe our diagnostic approach and review the literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, the diagnostic modalities, and treatment options.
Localization of Magic‐F1 Transgene, Involved in Muscular Hypertrophy, during Early Myogenesis
Authors: Ronzoni Flavio , Bongio Matilde , Conte Silvio , Vercesi Luigi , Cassano Marco , Tribioli Carla , Galli Daniela , Bellazzi Riccardo , Magenes Giovanni , Cusella De Angelis Maria Gabriella , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: December 2011

We recently showed that Magic‐F1 (Met‐activating genetically improved chimeric factor 1), a human recombinant protein derived from hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) induces muscle cell hypertrophy but not progenitor cell proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we examined the temporal and spatial expression pattern of Magic‐F1 in comparison with Pax3 (paired box gene 3) transcription factor during embryogenesis. Ranging from 9.5 to 17.5 dpc (days post coitum) mouse embryos were analyzed by in situ hybridization using whole mounts during early stages of development (9.5–10.5–11.5 dpc) and cryostat sections for later stages (11.5–13.5–15.5–17.5 dpc). We found that Magic‐F1 is expressed in developing organs and tissues of mesenchymal origin, where Pax3 signal appears to be downregulated respect to the wt embryos. These data suggest that Magic‐F1 could be responsible of muscular hypertrophy, cooperating with Pax3 signal pathway in skeletal muscle precursor cells.
Certain K0‐Monoid Properties Preserved by Tracial Approximation
Authors: Fan Qingzhai
Published: December 2011

We show that the following K0‐monoid properties of C*‐algebras in the class Ω are inherited by simple unital C*‐algebras in the class TAΩ: (1) pseudocancellation property, (2) weakly divisible, (3) strongly separative, (4) separative, and (5) preminimal.
Identifying Telemedicine Services to Improve Access to Specialty Care for the Underserved in the San Francisco Safety Net
Authors: Coelho Ken Russell
Published: December 2011

Safety-net settings across the country have grappled with providing adequate access to specialty care services. San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, serving as the city's primary safety-net hospital, has also had to struggle with the same issue. WithHealthy San Francisco, the City and County of San Francisco's Universal Healthcare mandate, the increased demand for specialty care services has placed a further strain on the system. With the recent passage of California Proposition 1D, infrastructural funds are now set aside to assist in connecting major hospitals with primary care clinics in remote areas all over the state of California, using telemedicine. Based on a selected sample of key informant interviews with local staff physicians, this study provides further insight into the current process of e-referral which uses electronic communication for making referrals to specialty care. It also identifies key services for telemedicine in primary and specialty care settings within the San Francisco public health system. This study concludes with proposals for a framework that seek to increase collaboration between the referring primary care physician and specialist, to prioritize institution of these key services for telemedicine.
Evaluation by an Aeronautic Dentist on the Adverse Effects of a Six-Week Period of Microgravity on the Oral Cavity
Authors: Rai Balwant , Kaur Jasdeep , Foing Bernard H.
Published: December 2011

Objective. HDT bed rest condition is a simulated microgravity condition in which subject lies on bed inclined −6 degree feet up. To determine the influence of a simulated microgravity (HDT bed rest) on oral cavity, 10 healthy male volunteers were studied before, during, just after, and after 6 weeks of the simulated microgravity condition of −6° head-down-tilt (HDT) bed rest.Materials and Methods. Facial nerve function, facial sensation, chemosensory system, salivary biomarkers were measured.Results. Lactate dehydrogenase, MIP 1 alpha, malonaldehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and thiocyanate were found to increase significantly, while flow rate, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, protein, amylase activity, vitamin E and C, and mouth opening were decreased in simulation environments in contradiction to normal. The threshold for monosodium glutamate (MSG) and capsaicin increased during microgravity as compared to normal conditions. Moderate pain of teeth, facial oedema, mild pain, loss of sensation of pain and temperature, decreased tongue, and mandibular movement in simulation microgravity environments were observed.Conclusions. These results suggest that reversible effect of microgravity is oedema of face, change in taste, abnormal expression of face, teeth pain, and xerostomia. Further study will be required on large scale on long-term effects of microgravity on oral cavity to prevent the adverse effects.
Comparison of Cannabinoid CB1Receptor Binding in Adolescent and Adult Rats: A Positron Emission Tomography Study Using [18F]MK-9470
Authors: Verdurand Mathieu , Nguyen Vu , Stark Daniela , Zahra David , Gregoire Marie-Claude , Greguric Ivan , Zavitsanou Katerina
Published: December 2011

Despite the important role of cannabinoid CB1receptors (CB1R) in brain development, little is known about their status during adolescence, a critical period for both the development of psychosis and for initiation to substance abuse. In the present study, we assessed the ontogeny of CB1R in adolescent and adult ratsin vivousing positron emission tomography with [18F]MK-9470. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for body weight that would potentially influence [18F]MK-9470 values between the two groups revealed a main effect of age (F(1,109)=5.0,P=0.02) on [18F]MK-9470 absolute binding (calculated as percentage of injected dose) with adult estimated marginal means being higher compared to adolescents amongst 11 brain regions. This finding was confirmed usingin vitroautoradiography with [3H]CP55,940 (F(10,99)=140.1,P<0.0001). This ontogenetic pattern, suggesting increase of CB1R during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is the opposite of most other neuroreceptor systems undergoing pruning during this period.
Collective Micro-Optics Technologies for VCSEL Photonic Integration
Authors: Bardinal V. , Camps T. , Reig B. , Barat D. , Daran E. , Doucet J. B.
Published: December 2011

We describe the main recent technological approaches that associate micro-optical elements to VCSELs in order to control their output beam and to improve their photonic integration. These approaches imply either a hybrid assembly or a direct integration technique. They are compared with regards to their tolerance to alignment errors and to their ease of implementation onto arrays of devices at a wafer level. In particular, we detail the integration techniques we have developed for self-aligned polymer microlens fabrication for beam collimation and short distance beam focusing. Finally, designs to achieve active micro-optics or to exploit novel nanophotonic effects are discussed.
Travelling Wave Solutions to the Generalized Pochhammer‐Chree (PC) Equations Using the First Integral Method
Authors: El-Ganaini Shoukry Ibrahim Atia
Published: December 2011

By using the first integral method, the traveling wave solutions for the generalized Pochhammer‐Chree (PC) equations are constructed. The obtained results include complex exponential function solutions, complex traveling solitary wave solutions, complex periodic wave solutions, and complex rational function solutions. The power of this manageable method is confirmed.
Photo-Irradiated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Edible MushroomPleurotus floridaand Their Antibacterial Activity Studies
Authors: Bhat Ravishankar , Deshpande Raghunandan , Ganachari Sharanabasava V. , Huh Do Sung , Venkataraman A.
Published: December 2011

This is a report on photo-irradiated extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) as a reducing agent. The appearance, size, and shape of the silver nanoparticles are understood by UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The X-ray diffraction studies, energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicate that particles are crystalline in nature. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the nanoparticles are covered with biomoieties on their surface. As can be seen from our studies, the biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles thus produced have shown admirable antimicrobial effects, and the synthetic procedure involved is eco-friendly and simple, and hence high range production of the same can be considered for using them in many pharmaceutical applications.
The Pivotal Role of Airway Smooth Muscle in Asthma Pathophysiology
Authors: Ozier Annaïg , Allard Benoit , Bara Imane , Girodet Pierre-Olivier , Trian Thomas , Marthan Roger , Berger Patrick
Published: December 2011

Asthma is characterized by the association of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and remodelling. The aim of the present article is to review the pivotal role of airway smooth muscle (ASM) in the pathophysiology of asthma. ASM is the main effector of AHR. The mechanisms of AHR in asthma may involve a larger release of contractile mediators and/or a lower release of relaxant mediators, an improved ASM cell excitation/contraction coupling, and/or an alteration in the contraction/load coupling. Beyond its contractile function, ASM is also involved in bronchial inflammation and remodelling. Whereas ASM is a target of the inflammatory process, it can also display proinflammatory and immunomodulatory functions, through its synthetic properties and the expression of a wide range of cell surface molecules. ASM remodelling represents a key feature of asthmatic bronchial remodelling. ASM also plays a role in promoting complementary airway structural alterations, in particular by its synthetic function.