bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF TIMING OF PULSE SPRAYING AND RELEASING PERIODS ON DYNAMICS OF GENERALIZED PREDATOR-PREY MODEL
Authors: LI CHANGTONG , TANG SANYI
Published: May 2011

Based on the facts of releasing natural enemies and spraying pesticides at different time points, we propose a generalized predator-prey model with impulsive interventions. The threshold values for the existence and stability of pest eradication periodic solution are provided under the assumptions of releasing natural enemies either more or less frequent than spray. In order to address how the different pulse time points, control tactics affect the pest control (i.e. the threshold value), the Holling Type II Lotka-Volterra predator-prey system, as an example, with impulsive intervention at different time points are investigated carefully. The numerical results show how the threshold values are affected by the factors including instantaneous killing rates of pesticides on pests and natural enemies, the release rate of natural enemies and release constant, timing of pesticide application and timing of release period. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the system has the coexistences of pests and natural enemies for a wide range of parameters and with quite different pest amplitudes.
A DIFFUSIVE SEIR EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH DISTRIBUTED AND INFINITE DELAY
Authors: TANG QIU-LIN , WU MEI-YUN
Published: May 2011

An SEIR epidemic model with distributed and infinite delay is investigated. This model describes the transmission of disease such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. The behavior of positive solution to a reaction–diffusion system with homogenous Neumann boundary conditions are investigated. Sufficient conditions for the local and global asymptotical stability are given by spectral analysis and comparison arguments. Our result shows that the disease-free equilibrium is global asymptotically stable if the contact rate is small.
NONCONSTANT PREY HARVESTING IN RATIO-DEPENDENT PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM INCORPORATING A CONSTANT PREY REFUGE
Authors: DEVI SAPNA
Published: May 2011

This paper deals with the problem of nonconstant harvesting of prey in a ratio-dependent predator–prey system incorporating a constant prey refuge. Here we use the reasonable catch-rate function instead of usual catch-per-unit-effort hypothesis. The existence, as well as the stability of possible equilibria, is carried out. Bionomic equilibrium of the system is determined and optimal harvest policy is studied with the help of Pontryagin's maximum principle. The key results developed in this paper are illustrated using numerical simulations. Our results indicate that dynamic behavior of the system very much depends on the prey refuge parameter and increasing amount of refuge could increase prey density and may lead to the extinction of predator population density.
DYNAMICS OF A DIFFUSIVE PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH ADDITIVE ALLEE EFFECT
Authors: CAI YONGLI , WANG WEIMING , WANG JINFENG
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a diffusive predator–prey model with Holling-II functional response and the additive Allee effect in prey. We show the local and global asymptotical stability of the positive equilibrium, and give the conditions of the existence of the Hopf bifurcation. By carrying out global qualitative and bifurcation analysis, it is shown that the weak and strong Allee effects in prey can induce different dynamical behavior in the predator–prey model. Furthermore, we use some numerical simulations to illustrate the dynamics of the model. The results may be helpful for controlling and managing the predator–prey system.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF CELL DYNAMICS AFTER ALLOGENEIC BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: PRECUP RADU , ARGHIRESCU SMARANDA , CUCUIANU ANDREI , ŞERBAN MARGIT
Published: May 2011

In this paper a basic mathematical model is introduced to describe the dynamics of three cell lines after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: normal host cells, leukemic host cells and donor cells. Their evolution is one of competitive type and depends upon kinetic and cell–cell interaction parameters. Numerical simulations prove that the evolution can ultimately lead either to the normal hematopoietic state achieved by the expansion of the donor cells and the elimination of the host cells, or to the leukemic hematopoietic state characterized by the proliferation of the cancer line and the suppression of the other cell lines. One state or the other is reached depending on cell–cell interactions (anti-host, anti-leukemia and anti-graft effects) and initial cell concentrations at transplantation. The model also provides a theoretical basis for the control of post-transplant evolution aimed at the achievement of normal hematopoiesis.
PERSISTENCE, EXTINCTION AND STABILITY FOR NONLINEAR PLANKTON ALLELOPATHY MODEL WITH DELAYED NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS
Authors: LIU YAN-PING , LUO ZHI-XUE
Published: May 2011

By the techniques of comparison argument and Lyapunov-like functionals, some criteria about persistence and extinction of the species are obtained. And then, with the help of constructing Lyapunov functionals and some new analysis method, sufficient conditions, provided with the form of average value of a function, to guarantee the stability of the system are derived. Finally, some examples together with their numerical simulations show the feasibility of these main results. Our conclusions are different from many existing forms for nonlinear competitive systems.
SWITCHING AND SEQUENCING AVAILABLE THERAPIES SO AS TO MAXIMIZE A PATIENT'S EXPECTED TOTAL LIFETIME
Authors: GOULIONIS JOHN E.
Published: May 2011

This paper has focused on applying mathematical techniques to address fundamental question in therapy planning when to switch, and how to sequence therapies. We consider switching and sequencing available therapies so as to maximize a patient's expected total lifetime. We assume knowledge only about the lifetime distributions induced by the therapies. We discuss a specialization of this model that is tailored to a frequently reoccurring type of management problem, where our goal is to determine the best timing for testing and treatment decisions for patients with ischemic heart disease. Typically, decisions are made with an overall, goal of maximizing the patient's expected lifetime or quality-adjusted lifetime.
Erbium Silicide Growth in the Presence of Residual Oxygen
Authors: Reckinger Nicolas , Tang Xiaohui , Godey Sylvie , Dubois Emmanuel , Łaszcz Adam , Ratajczak Jacek , Vlad Alexandru , Duţu Constantin Augustin , Raskin Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2011

The chemical changes of Ti/Er/n-Si(100) stacks evaporated in high vacuum and grown ex situ by rapid thermal annealing were scrutinized. The emphasis was laid on the evolution with the annealing temperature of (i) the Er-Si solid-state reaction and (ii) the penetration of oxygen into Ti and its subsequent interaction with Er. For that sake, three categories of specimens were analyzed: as-deposited, annealed at 300°C, and annealed at 600°C. It was found that the presence of residual oxygen into the annealing atmosphere resulted in a substantial oxidation of the Er film surface, irrespective of the annealing temperature. However, the part of the Er film in intimate contact with the Si bulk formed a silicide (amorphous at 300°C and crystalline at 600°C) invariably free of oxygen, as testified by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling and Schottky barrier height extraction of 0.3 eV at 600°C. This proves that, even if Er is highly sensitive to oxygen contamination, the formation of low Schottky barrier Er silicide contacts on n-Si is quite robust. Finally, the production of stripped oxygen-free Er silicide was demonstrated after process optimization.
An Approach for Correlating Friction Force and Removal Rate to Pad Topography during Tungsten Chemical Mechanical Planarization
Authors: Sampurno Yasa , Rice Adam , Zhuang Yun , Philipossian Ara
Published: May 2011

The evolution of coefficient of friction (COF) and removal rate (RR) during 8.5 h of tungsten CMP is correlated to pad surface topography via a novel pad surface descriptor termed ‘pad surface abruptness’. Interferometric analysis indicates that during the first 2.5 h of polishing, pad surface abruptness remains stable and after 5.5 h, pad surface abruptness decreases (i.e. surface becomes smoother). Results from polishing show similar trends whereby RR and COF are stable during the first 2.5 h period and decrease significantly thereafter. The coefficient of correlation between pad surface abruptness and COF as well as between pad surface abruptness and RR are 0.98 and 0.77, respectively.
The Performance Enhancement of Silicon Anode by Carbon Nanoballs from Arc Discharge
Authors: Wen Zhongsheng , Lu Dong , Lei Junpeng , Fu Yingqing , Wang Liang , Sun Juncai
Published: May 2011

A novel carbon nanoball material with mixed structure including a great quantity of graphite layers and disordered structure was obtained from the mixture of highly pure graphite and pyrolyzed pitch by arc discharge. The microstructure of the carbon nano-balls was determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum analysis. The electrochemical property of the obtained carbon nanoballs used as conductive additive for silicon electrode of lithium ion batteries was investigated for the first time. The capability and cyclability of silicon composite electrode were enhanced dramatically by the addition of carbon nanoballs. This was beneficial from the mixed microstructure of graphitization layers and amorphous structure of carbon nanoballs.
The magnitudes of hyperpolarization-activated and low-voltage-activated potassium currents co-vary in neurons of the ventral cochlear nucleus
Authors: Cao Xiao-Jie , Oertel Donata
Published: May 2011

In the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), neurons have hyperpolarization-activated conductances, which in some cells are enormous, that contribute to the ability of neurons to convey acoustic information in the timing of their firing by decreasing the input resistance and speeding-up voltage changes. Comparisons of the electrophysiological properties of neurons in the VCN of mutant mice that lack the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel α subunit 1 (HCN1−/−) ( Nolan et al. 2003 ) with wild-type controls (HCN1+/+) and with outbred ICR mice reveal that octopus, T stellate, and bushy cells maintain their electrophysiological distinctions in all strains. Hyperpolarization-activated (Ih) currents were smaller and slower, input resistances were higher, and membrane time constants were longer in HCN1−/− than in HCN1+/+ in octopus, bushy, and T stellate cells. There were significant differences in the average magnitudes of Ih, input resistances, and time constants between HCN1+/+ and ICR mice, but the resting potentials did not differ between strains. Ih is opposed by a low-voltage-activated potassium (IKL) current in bushy and octopus cells, whose magnitudes varied widely between neuronal types and between strains. The magnitudes of Ih and IKL were correlated across neuronal types and across mouse strains. Furthermore, these currents balanced one another at the resting potential in individual cells. The magnitude of Ih and IKL is linked in bushy and octopus cells and varies not only between HCN1−/− and HCN1+/+ but also between “wild-type” strains of mice, raising the question to what extent the wild-type strains reflect normal mice.
A Simple and Fast Method for the Production and Characterization of Methylic and Ethylic Biodiesels from Tucum Oil via an Alkaline Route
Authors: de Oliveira Marcelo Firmino , Vieira Andressa Tironi , Batista Antônio Carlos Ferreira , Rodrigues Hugo de Souza , Stradiotto Nelson Ramos
Published: May 2011

A simple, fast, and complete route for the production of methylic and ethylic biodiesel from tucum oil is described. Aliquots of the oil obtained directly from pressed tucum (pulp and almonds) were treated with potassium methoxide or ethoxide at 40°C for 40 min. The biodiesel form was removed from the reactor and washed with 0.1 M HCl aqueous solution. A simple distillation at 100°C was carried out in order to remove water and alcohol species from the biodiesel. The oxidative stability index was obtained for the tucum oil as well as the methylic and ethylic biodiesel at 6.13, 2.90, and 2.80 h, for storage times higher than 8 days. Quality control of the original oil and of the methylic and ethylic biodiesels, such as the amount of glycerin produced during the transesterification process, was accomplished by the TLC, GC‐MS, and FT‐IR techniques. The results obtained in this study indicate a potential biofuel production by simple treatment of tucum, an important Amazonian fruit.
Relapse of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Associated with Intravenous Lidocaine
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Mori Masahiro , Masuda Saeko , Aoe Kazuhiko , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: May 2011

Lidocaine unmasks silent symptoms and eases neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis patients; however, the effects of lidocaine in neuromyelitis optica have never been reported. We describe the case of a 59-year-old Japanese woman with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder who developed optic neuritis 1 day after intravenous lidocaine injection for treating allodynia. Her symptom seemed to result from a relapse of neuromyelitis optica induced by lidocaine administration, and not because of the transient effects of intravenous lidocaine administration. The possibility that lidocaine administration results in relapse of neuromyelitis optica due to its immunomodulating effects cannot be ruled out.
Reprogramming CD19-Specific T Cells with IL-21 Signaling Can Improve Adoptive Immunotherapy of B-Lineage Malignancies
Authors: Singh Harjeet , Figliola Matthew J. , Dawson Margaret J. , Huls Helen , Olivares Simon , Switzer Kirsten , Mi Tiejuan , Maiti Sourindra , Kebriaei Partow , Lee Dean A. , Champlin Richard E. , Cooper Laurence J.N.
Published: May 2011

Improving the therapeutic efficacy of T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) represents an important goal in efforts to control B-cell malignancies. Recently an intrinsic strategy has been developed to modify the CAR itself to improve T-cell signaling. Here we report a second extrinsic approach based on altering the culture milieu to numerically expand CAR+ T cells with a desired phenotype, for the addition of interleukin (IL)-21 to tissue culture improves CAR-dependent T-cell effector functions. We used electrotransfer of Sleeping Beauty system to introduce a CAR transposon and selectively propagate CAR+ T cells on CD19+ artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPC). When IL-21 was present, there was preferential numeric expansion of CD19-specific T cells which lysed and produced IFN-γ in response to CD19. Populations of these numerically expanded CAR+ T cells displayed an early memory surface phenotype characterized as CD62L+CD28+ and a transcriptional profile of naïve T cells. In contrast, T cells propagated with only exogenous IL-2 tended to result in an overgrowth of CD19-specific CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CAR+ T cells cultured with IL-21 exhibited improved control of CD19+ B-cell malignancy in mice. To provide coordinated signaling to propagate CAR+ T cells, we developed a novel mutein of IL-21 bound to the cell surface of aAPC that replaced the need for soluble IL-21. Our findings show that IL-21 can provide an extrinsic reprogramming signal to generate desired CAR+ T cells for effective immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3516–27. ©2011 AACR.
National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Genetics Workshop
Authors: Catalona William J. , Bailey-Wilson Joan E. , Camp Nicola J. , Chanock Stephen J. , Cooney Kathleen A. , Easton Douglas F. , Eeles Rosalind A. , FitzGerald Liesel M. , Freedman Matthew L. , Gudmundsson Julius , Kittles Rick A. , Margulies Elliott H. , McGuire Barry B. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Stanford Janet L. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Witte John S. , Isaacs William B.
Published: May 2011

Compelling evidence supports a genetic component to prostate cancer susceptibility and aggressiveness. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified more than 30 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with prostate cancer susceptibility. It remains unclear, however, whether such genetic variants are associated with disease aggressiveness—one of the most important questions in prostate cancer research today. To help clarify this and substantially expand research in the genetic determinants of prostate cancer aggressiveness, the first National Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Genetics Workshop assembled researchers to develop plans for a large new research consortium and patient cohort. The workshop reviewed the prior work in this area and addressed the practical issues in planning future studies. With new DNA sequencing technology, the potential application of sequencing information to patient care is emerging. The workshop, therefore, included state-of-the-art presentations by experts on new genotyping technologies, including sequencing and associated bioinformatics issues, which are just beginning to be applied to cancer genetics. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3442–6. ©2011 AACR.
Molecular Characteristics Predict Clinical Outcomes: Prospective Trial Correlating Response to the EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Gefitinib with the Presence of Sensitizing Mutations in the Tyrosine Binding Domain of the EGFR Gene
Authors: Rizvi Naiyer A. , Rusch Valerie , Pao William , Chaft Jamie E. , Ladanyi Marc , Miller Vincent A. , Krug Lee M. , Azzoli Christopher G. , Bains Manjit , Downey Robert , Flores Raja , Park Bernard , Singh Bhuvanesh , Zakowski Maureen , Heelan Robert T. , Shen Ronglai , Kris Mark G.
Published: May 2011

Purpose: To determine if tumor regression following treatment with gefitinib correlates with the presence of sensitizing mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Patients and Methods: Patients with resectable stage I and II non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enriched for the likelihood of EGFR mutation (≤15 pack-year cigarette smoking history and/or a component of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma) received preoperative gefitinib for 21 days. Tumor specimens were analyzed for EGFR and KRAS mutations and EGFR protein expression and amplification. Patients with 25% or more reduction in tumor size measured bidimensionally at 3 weeks and/or patients with an EGFR mutation received adjuvant gefitinib for 2 years postoperatively.

Results: Fifty patients with stage I/II NSCLC were treated. After 21 days of preoperative gefitinib a response of 25% or more was observed in 21 of 50 (42%) patients. Seventeen of 21 patients with a response had an EGFR mutation and 4 of 21 patients with a response did not (P = 0.0001). Twenty-five of 50 patients were eligible to receive adjuvant gefitinib. With a median follow-up of 44.1 months, 2-year disease free survival for EGFR mutant patients and for those who received adjuvant gefitinib was not statistically different than those who were EGFR wild-type and those who did not receive adjuvant gefitinib. The median disease free and overall survivals have not been reached.

Conclusions: The presence of sensitizing EGFR mutations correlates with radiographic response. A short course of preoperative treatment serves a platform for evaluating activity of new agents and assures sufficient tumor availability for correlative analyses. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3500–6. ©2011 AACR.
The Selective Class I PI3K Inhibitor CH5132799 Targets Human Cancers Harboring Oncogenic PIK3CA Mutations
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi , Yoshida Miyuki , Tanimura Hiromi , Fujii Toshihiko , Sakata Kiyoaki , Tachibana Yukako , Ohwada Jun , Ebiike Hirosato , Kuramoto Shino , Morita Keiichi , Yoshimura Yasushi , Yamazaki Toshikazu , Ishii Nobuya , Kondoh Osamu , Aoki Yuko
Published: May 2011

Purpose: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a central role in cell proliferation and survival in human cancer. PIK3CA mutations, which are found in many cancer patients, activate the PI3K pathway, resulting in cancer development and progression. We previously identified CH5132799 as a novel PI3K inhibitor. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the biochemical and antitumor activity of CH5132799 and elucidate the correlation between CH5132799 response and genetic alterations in the PI3K pathway.

Experimental Design: Kinase inhibitory activity was profiled in cell-free assays. A large panel of human breast, ovarian, prostate, and endometrial cancer cell lines, as well as xenograft models, were used to evaluate the antitumor activity of CH5132799, followed by analysis for genetic alterations. Effects on Akt phosphorylation induced by mTORC1 inhibition were tested with CH5132799 and compared with mTORC1 and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors.

Results: CH5132799 selectively inhibited class I PI3Ks and PI3Kα mutants in in vitro kinase assays. Tumors harboring PIK3CA mutations were significantly sensitive to CH5132799 in vitro and were remarkably regressed by CH5132799 in in vivo mouse xenograft models. In combination with trastuzumab, tumors disappeared in the trastuzumab-insensitive breast cancer model with the PIK3CA mutation. Moreover, CH5132799 did not reverse a negative feedback loop of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and induced regression against tumors regrown after long-term mTORC1 inhibitor treatment.

Conclusions: CH5132799 is a selective class I PI3K inhibitor with potent antitumor activity against tumors harboring the PIK3CA mutations. Prediction of CH5132799 response on the basis of PIK3CA mutations could enable patient stratification in clinical settings. Clin Cancer Res; 17(10); 3272–81. ©2011 AACR.
Analysis of Promoter CpG Island Hypermethylation in Cancer: Location, Location, Location!
Authors: van Vlodrop Iris J.H. , Niessen Hanneke E.C. , Derks Sarah , Baldewijns Marcella M.L.L. , van Criekinge Wim , Herman James G. , van Engeland Manon
Published: May 2011

The genetic and epigenetic alterations that underlie cancer pathogenesis are rapidly being identified. This provides novel insights in tumor biology as well as in potential cancer biomarkers. The somatic mutations in cancer genes that have been implemented in clinical practice are well defined and very specific. For epigenetic alterations, and more specifically aberrant methylation of promoter CpG islands, evidence is emerging that these markers could be used for the early detection of cancer as well as prediction of prognosis and response to therapy. However, the exact location of biologically and clinically relevant hypermethylation has not been identified for the majority of methylation markers. The most widely used approaches to analyze DNA methylation are based on primer- and probe-based assays that provide information for a limited number of CpG dinucleotides and thus for only part of the information available in a given CpG island. Validation of the current data and implementation of hypermethylation markers in clinical practice require a more comprehensive and critical evaluation of DNA methylation and limitations of the techniques currently used in methylation marker research. Here, we discuss the emerging evidence on the importance of the location of CpG dinucleotide hypermethylation in relation to gene expression and associations with clinicopathologic characteristics in cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4225–31. ©2011 AACR.
HSP90 Inhibition Is Effective in Breast Cancer: A Phase II Trial of Tanespimycin (17-AAG) Plus Trastuzumab in Patients with HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Progressing on Trastuzumab
Authors: Modi Shanu , Stopeck Alison , Linden Hannah , Solit David , Chandarlapaty Sarat , Rosen Neal , D'Andrea Gabriella , Dickler Maura , Moynahan Mary E. , Sugarman Steven , Ma Weining , Patil Sujata , Norton Larry , Hannah Alison L. , Hudis Clifford
Published: May 2011

Purpose: HSP90 is a chaperone protein required for the stability of a variety of client proteins. 17-Demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) is a natural product that binds to HSP90 and inhibits its activity, thereby inducing the degradation of these clients. In preclinical studies, HER2 is one of the most sensitive known client proteins of 17-AAG. On the basis of these data and activity in a phase I study, we conducted a phase II study of 17-AAG (tanespimycin) with trastuzumab in advanced trastuzumab-refractory HER2-positive breast cancer.

Experimental Design: We enrolled patients with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer whose disease had previously progressed on trastuzumab. All patients received weekly treatment with tanespimycin at 450 mg/m2 intravenously and trastuzumab at a conventional dose. Therapy was continued until disease progression. The primary endpoint was response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria.

Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled with a median age of 53 years and a median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) of 90%. The most common toxicities, largely grade 1, were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and headache. The overall response rate was 22%, the clinical benefit rate [complete response + partial response + stable disease] was 59%, the median progression-free survival was 6 months (95% CI: 4–9), and the median overall survival was 17 months (95% CI: 16–28).

Conclusions: This is the first phase II study to definitively show RECIST-defined responses for 17-AAG in solid tumors. Tanespimycin plus trastuzumab has significant anticancer activity in patients with HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer previously progressing on trastuzumab. Further research exploring this therapeutic interaction and the activity of HSP90 inhibitors is clearly warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5132–9. ©2011 AACR.
Effects of Human Oral Mucosal Tissue, Saliva, and Oral Microflora on Intraoral Metabolism and Bioactivation of Black Raspberry Anthocyanins
Authors: Mallery Susan R. , Budendorf Deric E. , Larsen Matthew P. , Pei Ping , Tong Meng , Holpuch Andrew S. , Larsen Peter E. , Stoner Gary D. , Fields Henry W. , Chan Kenneth K. , Ling Yonghua , Liu Zhongfa
Published: May 2011

Our oral cancer chemoprevention trial data implied that patient-specific differences in local retention and metabolism of freeze-dried components of black raspberries (BRB) affected therapeutic responsiveness. Subsequent studies have confirmed that anthocyanins are key contributors to BRB's chemopreventive effects. Consequently, functional assays, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate levels and distribution of BRB anthocyanin-relevant metabolic enzymes in human oral tissues were conducted. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) analyses of time course saliva samples collected following BRB rinses were conducted to assess local pharmacokinetics and compare the capacities of three different BRB rinse formulations to provide sustained intraoral levels of anthocyanins. Protein profiles showed the presence of key metabolic enzymes in all 15 oral mucosal tissues evaluated, whereas immunohistochemistry confirmed these enzymes were distributed within surface oral epithelia and terminal salivary ducts. β-Glucosidase assays confirmed that whole and microflora-reduced saliva can deglycosylate BRB anthocyanins, enabling generation of the bioactive aglycone, cyanidin. LC/MS-MS analyses showed retention of parent anthocyanins and their functional, stable metabolite, protocatechuic acid, in saliva for up to 4 hours after rinsing. Furthermore, postrinse saliva samples contained glucuronidated anthocyanin conjugates, consistent with intracellular uptake and phase II conversion of BRB anthocyanins into forms amenable to local recycling. Our data show that comparable to the small intestine, the requisite hydrolytic, phase II and efflux transporting enzymes necessary for local enteric recycling are present and functional in human oral mucosa. Notably, interpatient differences in anthocyanin bioactivation and capacities for enteric recycling would impact treatment as retention of bioactivated chemopreventives at the target site would sustain therapeutic effectiveness. Cancer Prev Res; 4(8); 1209–21. ©2011 AACR.
Prognostic Relevance of Limb Shaking in Symptomatic Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Knoflach Michael , Matosevic Benjamin , Meinhart Michael , Rücker Michael , Furtner Martin , Zangerle Alexandra , Prantl Barbara , Mair Artur , Schmidauer Christoph , Kiechl Stefan , Willeit Johann
Published: May 2011

Background: Internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, present in up to 15% of stroke patients, may cause low-flow transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) like limb shaking (LS) or retinal claudication (RC). Reliable data on the frequency of these phenomena and their potential prognostic relevance are still sparse. Aims: To provide more data about the frequency of low-flow TIA and investigate their influence on outcome. Material and Methods: Medical records of 260 consecutive patients with symptomatic ICA occlusion were carefully reviewed (survey period: January 2000 to December 2006). Baseline stroke severity and outcome at 90 days and in the long term were assessed. All patients were specifically questioned about symptoms of LS and RC, were exposed to bright light (pupillary testing) and carefully watched during testing of posture/gait and early mobilization. Results: LS, RC or both occurred in 28.6, 9.5 and 2.7%, respectively, of patients eligible for a thorough assessment of low-flow TIAs (n = 147). An adverse outcome was more likely in patients with LS than in those without at day 90 (modified Ranking Scale ≧4, 45.2 vs. 21.9%, p = 0.005) and in the long term (median, 37 months) (52.7 vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, prognostic relevance was found to be independent of baseline stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale). There was also a tendency towards higher rates of recurrent stroke and TIA in limb shakers. RC had no prognostic relevance regarding functional outcome and recurrent events. Conclusion: In patients with ICA occlusion, RC and LS are more common than previously assumed. The presence of LS is associated with a worse outcome independent of initial stroke severity and patient characteristics.
Proposal for a New Grading of Moyamoya Disease in Adult Patients
Authors: Czabanka M. , Peña-Tapia P. , Schubert G.A. , Heppner F.L. , Martus P. , Horn P. , Schmiedek P. , Vajkoczy P.
Published: May 2011

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is graded based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with limited clinical applications. The aim was to identify clinically relevant parameters that may be used to develop a novel MMD grading system. Methods: In 40 MMD patients bilateral revascularization surgery was performed. Clinical data including DSA, MRI and regional cerebral blood flow studies were assessed. χ2 test corrected for dependency of measurements at the same subject and analysis of receiver operating characteristics were used to identify key parameters. Grading system included: DSA (stenosis/occlusion = 1 point; stenosis/occlusion + intracranial compensation = 2 points; stenosis/occlusion + intracranial compensation + extra-intracranial compensation = 3 points), MRI (no sign of ischemia = 0 points; signs of ischemia = 1 point) and cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC > –5% = 0 points; CVRC < –5% = 2 points). MMD grade I referred to 1–2 points, grade II to 3–4 and grade III to 5–6 points. Results: DSA, MRI and CVRC were dependent factors associated with the occurrence of clinical symptoms. Receiver operating characteristics analysis indentified the grading system as superior to each single parameter in predicting clinical symptoms. Fourteen hemispheres were graded as mild (grade I), 35 as moderate (grade II) and 31 as severe (grade III); 21% of grade I, 63% of grade II and 93% of grade III hemispheres were clinically symptomatic. Conclusions: The proposed grading system allows to stratify for clinical symptomatology in MMD patients. Future studies will have to investigate its value for assessing clinical symptoms and treatment risks.
Mania and Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Catarina O. , Caeiro Lara , Ferro José M. , Figueira M. Luísa
Published: May 2011

Background: Mania is a rare consequence of stroke and according to the sparse published information it is difficult to describe its demographic, clinical and prognostic characteristics. Methods: We performed a systematic review of all cases of mania and stroke to describe those characteristics. Studies were identified from comprehensive searches of electronic databases, reference lists of the studies collected and handbooks. Two authors independently assessed abstracts, and collected and extracted data. Results: From 265 abstracts, 139 were potentially relevant. For the first analysis, which tries to answer the clinical question of the relationship between mania and stroke, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria and described 74 cases. For the second analysis, we looked for an explicit temporal and causal relationship between manic symptoms and stroke, and selected 32 studies describing 49 cases. In both analyses, the typical patient was male, without a personal or family history of psychiatric disorder, with at least one vascular risk factor, but without subcortical atrophy and had suffered a right cerebral infarct. The majority of patients (92%) presented elevated mood as the first symptom. The other frequent symptoms were an increased rate or amount of speech (71%), insomnia (69%) and agitation (63%). Conclusions: Post-stroke mania should be considered in any manic patient who presents concomitant neurological focal deficits and is older than expected for the onset of primary mania. The results of a systematic study of mania in acute stroke with subsequent follow-up and data from diffusion MR or perfusion CT in a multicenter study with a central database would be relevant.
Evidence for a Proatherogenic Biochemical Phenotype in Beta Thalassemia Minor and Intermedia
Authors: Lai Maria Eliana , Vacquer Stefania , Carta Maria Paola , Spiga Alessandra , Cocco Pierluigi , Abete Claudia , Dessì Sandra , Mandas Antonella
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to focus on pathophysiological mechanisms linking β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) and minor (β-TMI) with cardiovascular risk. Iron status, prooxidant-antioxidant balance and lipid profiles in serum, and lipid content in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated in 20 β-TMI subjects, 22 β-TI patients and in 30 nonthalassemic blood donors. The mRNA levels of some genes involved in the regulation of iron and cholesterol metabolism were also determined. In β-TI and in β-TMI, serum iron, prooxidant-antioxidant ratio, transferrin saturation and erythropoietin levels were higher, while transferrin and hepcidin were lower compared to controls. Hepcidin and interleukin-1α mRNA levels were found to be reduced in β-TI- and β-TMI-PBMCs, while those of tumor necrosis factor alpha were increased. A reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum and an accumulation of neutral lipids coupled with increased mRNA levels of acetyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase and decreased neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase in PBMCs were also observed in β-TI and β-TMI compared to controls. Taken together, these findings provide experimental support for the idea that not only β-TI patients but also β-TMI have a proatherogenic biochemical phenotype which may contribute to increase their cardiovascular disease risk.
Xeroderma Pigmentosum in an African-American
Authors: Orosco Ryan K. , Wang Timothy , Byrne Patrick J.
Published: May 2011

Aims: To describe a case of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) in a middle-aged African-American woman, and to review pertinent literature on this rare clinical scenario. Methods: Case report and English literature review related to XP in black patients. Results: A 34-year-old African-American woman diagnosed with XP with first cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at age 23 years progressed to develop additional SCC, basal cell carcinomas, and melanoma in situ. She was treated with sun avoidance and protection and required multiple excisions. Conclusions: We report a case of XP with a rare presentation in an African-American with onset of cutaneous neoplasm in her third decade. Severe photosensitivity and common malignancy seen in XP patients necessitate frequent surveillance with a low threshold for intervention. This case highlights the ability of XP to present in this demographic with a diverse spectrum of malignancies, and a potentially prolonged clinical course.
Intramyocardial BNP Gene Delivery Improves Cardiac Function Through Distinct Context-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Moilanen Anne-Mari , Rysä Jaana , Mustonen Erja , Serpi Raisa , Aro Jani , Tokola Heikki , Leskinen Hanna , Manninen Aki , Levijoki Jouko , Vuolteenaho Olli , Ruskoaho Heikki
Published: May 2011

Background—

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an endogenous peptide produced under physiological and pathological conditions mainly by ventricular myocytes. It has natriuretic, diuretic, blood pressure–lowering, and antifibrotic actions that could mediate cardiorenal protection in cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we used BNP gene transfer to examine functional and structural effects of BNP on left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Human BNP was overexpressed by using adenovirus-mediated gene delivery in normal rat hearts and in hearts during the remodeling process after infarction and in an experimental model of angiotensin II–mediated hypertension. In healthy hearts, BNP gene delivery into the anterior wall of the LV decreased myocardial fibrosis (
P
<0.01, n=7 to 8) and increased capillary density (
P
<0.05, n=7 to 8) associated with a 7.3-fold increase in LV BNP peptide levels. Overexpression of BNP improved LV fractional shortening by 22% (
P
<0.05, n=6 to 7) and ejection fraction by 19% (
P
<0.05, n=6 to 7) after infarction. The favorable effect of BNP gene delivery on cardiac function after infarction was associated with normalization of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase expression and phospholamban Thr17-phosphorylation. BNP gene delivery also improved fractional shortening and ejection fraction in angiotensin II–mediated hypertension as well as decreased myocardial fibrosis and LV collagen III mRNA levels but had no effect on angiogenesis or Ca
2+
-ATPase expression and phospholamban phosphorylation.

Conclusions—

Local intramyocardial BNP gene delivery improves cardiac function and attenuates adverse postinfarction and angiotensin II–induced remodeling. These results also indicate that myocardial BNP has pleiotropic, context-dependent, favorable actions on cardiac function and suggest that BNP acts locally as a key mechanical load–activated regulator of angiogenesis and fibrosis.
TVP1022 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Kidney Dysfunction in Experimental Volume Overload-Induced Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Abassi Zaid A. , Barac Yaron D. , Kostin Sawa , Roguin Ariel , Ovcharenko Elena , Awad Hoda , Blank Ayelet , Bar-Am Orit , Amit Tamar , Schaper Jutta , Youdim Moussa , Binah Ofer
Published: May 2011

Background—

Despite the availability of many pharmacological and mechanical therapies, the mortality rate among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) remains high. We tested the hypothesis that TVP1022 (the
S
-isomer of rasagiline; Azilect), a neuroprotective and cytoprotective molecule, is also cardioprotective in the settings of experimental CHF in rats.

Methods and Results—

In rats with volume overload-induced CHF, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of TVP1022 (7.5 mg/kg) on cardiac function, structure, biomarkers, and kidney function. Treatment with TVP1022 for 7 days before CHF induction prevented the increase in left ventricular end-diastolic area and end-systolic area, and the decrease in fractional shortening measured 14 days after CHF induction. Additionally, TVP1022 pretreatment attenuated CHF-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, plasma and ventricular B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and reactive oxygen species expression. Further, in CHF rats, TVP1022 decreased cytochrome
c
and caspase 3 expression, thereby contributing to the cardioprotective efficacy of the drug. TVP1022 also enhanced the urinary Na
+
excretion and improved the glomerular filtration rate. Similar cardioprotective effects were obtained when TVP1022 was given to rats after CHF induction.

Conclusions—

TVP1022 attenuated the adverse functional, structural, and molecular alterations in CHF, rendering this drug a promising candidate for improving cardiac and renal function in this disease state.
Money, Moral Authority, and the Politics of Creditworthiness
Authors: Polillo Simone
Published: May 2011

This article moves beyond current controversies on the nature of money by suggesting that a general social process allows different kinds of organizations and networks—from states to banks to local communities—to produce currencies: that is, the articulation of criteria of creditworthiness, or what I call the exercise of moral authority. Bankers specialize in moral authority, but when that authority is contested, challenging groups must articulate alternative criteria of creditworthiness for their currencies to become stable and acceptable. I illustrate these processes with historical material from the postbellum United States, which I use to discuss why the federal government failed to create a stable financial system, and why local bankers engaged in a process of financial innovation that further destabilized money. I conclude with reflections on the shifting structural sources of moral authority, which have made the local level a springboard for destabilizing financial innovations.
What to do about depression? Self-help recommendations of the public
Authors: Holzinger Anita , Matschinger Herbert , Angermeyer Matthias
Published: May 2011

Background: While help-seeking and treatment preferences for depression have been assessed in a number of population studies, little is known about the public’s self-help beliefs.

Aims: To explore public beliefs about self-help actions to be taken in case of depression.

Methods: In spring 2009, a population-based survey was conducted by telephone in the city of Vienna. A fully structured interview was carried out, which began with the presentation of a vignette describing a case of depression. Subsequently, respondents were asked to indicate to what extent they would recommend various self-help actions.

Results: Among the self-help options proposed, confiding in a close friend or someone in the family were most frequently recommended. Apart from that, a variety of interpersonal actions (socializing with others, joining a self-help group), psychological methods (thinking positively), lifestyle changes (engaging in sport, listening to music, going on vacation, reading a good book) and dietary methods (eating healthy food) were endorsed by over half of respondents. While women were more ready to recommend self-help actions, the better educated were less enthusiastic about them.

Conclusions: As only some of the self-help measures endorsed by the public are evidence based, more research is needed before promulgating their use.
From Traders to Teachers: A History of Elite Women in Onitsha, Nigeria, 1928—1940
Authors: Ejikeme Anene
Published: May 2011

In Onitsha, an important commercial center in Nigeria, success as a merchant was the usual route for women who aspired to elite status in the period before the 1930s. In 1928, a school for girls was opened by the Holy Rosary Sisters, a Catholic order created especially by the bishop in charge of Onitsha Diocese. The opening of this convent school in Onitsha heralded a major transformation in the lives of Onitsha women, marking the transition between two epochs with regard to how women achieved elite status. From the mid-1930s a new class of elite women began to appear in Onitsha, all products of mission education; this transition from traders to teachers marks a major shift in the lives and roles of elite women. The colonial government contributed to this transformation with policies that undermined women’s ascendancy in the market by placing men in leadership positions there.
Drilling of Al—Mg—Cu alloys and Al—Mg—Cu/SiC composites
Authors: Alrashdan Abdalla , Mayyas Ahmad T. , Adel Mahamood Hassan  , Hayajneh Mohammed T.
Published: May 2011

Metal matrix composites are widely used in engineering applications including automotive, aircraft, and military industries. In this study, different Al—4 wt%Mg—Cu alloys, and Al—4 wt%Mg—Cu/SiC composites were drilled on a vertical drilling machine using moderate speed and general purpose high-speed steel tools. The machinability parameters studied in this research were drilling forces (torque and thrust force) and surface roughness of the drilled holes. The results showed that the effect of the addition of copper as alloying element (up to 5 wt%) to Al—4 wt%Mg tends to decrease torque and thrust force. Also, it was found that the addition of SiCP (up to 10 vol.%) to the Al—4 wt%Mg—Cu alloys had little effect on the drilling torque and thrust force, but tends to improve the surface roughness of the drilled surfaces. Moreover, the analysis of the produced chips indicates that most of the produced chips by dry drilling of aluminum-based materials were of continuous type.
Processing of surface-treated boron carbide-reinforced aluminum matrix composites by liquid–metal stir-casting technique
Authors: Mahesh V.P. , Nair Praseeda S. , Rajan T.P.D. , Pai B.C. , Hubli R.C.
Published: May 2011

Boron carbide is one of the potential neutron-shielding materials and its use can be maximized for structural shielding application by dispersing it into metal matrixes such as aluminum. Dispersion of B4C and its interfacial stability is a major issue during its processing. This investigation is on the synthesis of B4C-reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composite by liquid–metal stir-casting technique under optimized conditions after solving the issues related to the processing, and evaluation of the structural, mechanical, and interfacial characteristics. During processing of composites, pretreatment of B4C particles is necessary to improve its dispersion. However, higher preheating temperatures above 300°C lead to particle agglomeration in the matrix due to the formation of B2O3 phase during preheating. B2O3 is formed due to the surface oxidation of B4C particles above 300°C and this glassy phase leads to particle sintering and lump formation. Incorporation of particles preheated at 250°C has shown uniform distribution of particles in the composite. Interfacial characterization of the composite and the extracted B4C particles from the matrix has shown the presence of interfacial reaction products such as AlB2, Al3BC, AlB12, and AlB10.
Performance analysis of waste silk fabric-reinforced vinyl ester resin laminates
Authors: Ravindra Rama Shetty , Rai S.K.
Published: May 2011

Laminates of vinyl ester resin system with different weight fractions of waste silk fabrics ‘as reinforcement’ are developed and their physico-mechanical properties are studied, using standard procedure. Both, tensile strength and modulus of laminates were found to increase with the increase in weight fraction of silk fabric loading. Properties such as density, void content, hardness, and water absorption of the developed composite laminates are studied. Chemical resistance test is also carried out. Attempts to explain these differing trends are made in this study by analyzing the features observed on the cross-section of tensile fractured specimen using fractography employing scanning electron microscopy.