bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased responsiveness of human pulmonary arteries in patients with positive bronchodilator response
Authors: Cases Enrique , Vila José M. , Medina Pascual , Aldasoro Martín , Segarra Gloria , Lluch Salvador
Published: July 2012

The effects of noradrenaline, endothelin‐1, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were studied in isolated pulmonary arteries obtained from 14 patients undergoing lobectomy for lung carcinoma. Seven patients had shown increased response to a bronchodilator test prior to operation. In the remaining patients (control) the bronchodilator test was negative.

Artery rings from patients with a positive bronchodilator response showed greater contraction to noradrenaline (pD2 = 6.44 ± 0.1; Emax = 93 ± 9% of response to 100 mM KCl) and endothelin‐1 (pD2 = 8.92 ± 0.1; Emax = 130 ± 16%) than the rings from control patients (pD2 = 6.04 ± 0.08; Emax = 56 ± 8% for noradrenaline; pD2 = 8.29 ± 0.1; Emax = 78 ± 10% for endothelin‐1). There was no significant difference in the contractile responses to 100 mM KCl between arteries from either group of patients.

Arterial rings from patients with a positive bronchodilator test achieved 96 ± 3% of maximal relaxation in response to acetylcholine, whereas rings from control patients achieved a maximal relaxation of 72 ± 5%. Rings from both the controls and the patients with a positive bronchodilator test achieved complete relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside but pD2 values were significantly higher in patients with a positive bronchodilator test.

Removal of endothelium or treatment with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester of artery rings from both the control and the patients with a positive bronchodilator test reduced the relaxation to acetylcholine (P < 0.05) but did not modify relaxation to sodium nitroprusside.

It is concluded that responsiveness of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle to dilator and constrictor agents is increased in patients showing reversibility of airway constriction. Thus hyperresponsiveness of airway smooth muscle may be associated with a similar phenomenon in the surrounding vascular smooth muscle.
Influence of adrenodemedullation on β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors mediating relaxation of oesophageal smooth muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: de Boer Robert E.P. , Steegstra Mathijs R. , Kroezen Peter A. , Smit Jenneke , Zaagsma Johan
Published: July 2012

In oesophageal smooth muscle strips from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of 8–10 and 22–24 weeks of age, respectively, β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated relaxation was investigated, by use of the β‐agonists, (—)‐isoprenaline and fenoterol (both in the absence and presence of the β2‐selective antagonist ICI 118,551) and the selective β‐agonist, BRL 37,344.

In preparations from 8–10 week SHR, (—)‐isoprenaline‐ and fenoterol‐induced concentration‐response curves (CRCs) were hardly antagonized by ICI 118,551 at concentrations up to 1 μm, indicating only a minor contribution of β2‐adrenoceptors. pA2‐values for ICI 118,551 of 5.30 ((—)‐isoprenaline as agonist) and 5.46 (fenoterol as agonist), estimated from the shifts at the highest (10–100 μm) antagonist concentrations, are consistent with affinity at a β3‐adrenoceptor, similar to that in Wistar rat oesophageal smooth muscle.

In 8–10 week SHR, adrenodemedullated at 4 weeks of age (SHR‐ADM4) the potency of fenoterol was markedly increased and CRCs were shallow. In addition, ICI 118,551 (0.1 μm) now produced a clear rightward shift accompanied by a steepening of the CRC. A marked further shift was observed only at 100 μm of the antagonist. The data are compatible with the involvement of both β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors.

In 22–24 week animals, the same differences between SHR and SHR‐ADM4 were observed with fenoterol as in 8–10 week animals, though β‐adrenoceptor responsiveness was slightly decreased. The potency of ICI 118,551 at β3‐adrenoceptors (pA2 = 5.11) was significantly different from the pA2 value of 5.46 obtained with the younger animals.

Responses to the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, BRL 37,344, were similar in Wistar rat and SHR preparations. In 8–10 week SHR, a small decrease in the maximal response was observed, which in animals of 22–24 weeks of age was accompanied by a small decrease in the pEC50 value as well.

The results clearly indicate that β2‐adrenoceptors in SHR oesophageal muscularis mucosae are desensitized, whereas bT3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated responses are unaffected and similar to the responses observed in the Wistar rat oesophagus. The functional presence of bβ2‐adrenoceptor‐responses in SHR‐ADM4 suggests a major role for adrenal‐derived adrenaline in the desensitization of the β2‐adrenoceptor‐population.
Vasorelaxant and antiaggregatory properties of the endothelium: a comparative study in normocholesterolaemic and hereditary and dietary hypercholesterolaemic rabbits
Authors: Greenlees C. , Wainwright C.L. , Wadsworth R.M.
Published: July 2012

A comparison of the effects of dietary and genetically‐induced hypercholesterolaemia on the vasodilator and antiaggregatory capacity of the endothelium was made in rabbit isolated subclavian artery rings.

Dietary‐induced hypercholesterolaemia in NZW rabbits decreased the maximum relaxation to carbachol (0.01–10 μm) and calcimycin (0.01‐0.1 μm) in vessel rings precontracted with 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), 0.1 μm), when compared to responses observed in rings obtained from control normocholesterolaemic NZW rabbits. The relaxant responses to SIN‐1 (3‐(4‐morpholinyl)‐sydnonimine hydrochloride) were attenuated but were not significantly different from controls. In Froxfield genetically hypercholesterolaemic (FHH) rabbits, the maximum relaxations to carbachol, calcimycin and SIN‐1 were all reduced significantly.

Neither genetic nor dietary‐induced hypercholesterolaemia modified the contractile responses of vessel rings to either KCl (10–100 μm) or 5‐HT (0.01–10 μm).

Endothelium‐dependent inhibition of collagen‐induced platelet aggregation in whole blood was demonstrated by stimulation of a vessel ring, incorporated into the blood sample, with carbachol (10 μm, final blood concentration). This effect was inhibited by NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NOARG, 100 μm). SIN‐1 (10 μm, final blood concentration) also decreased whole blood platelet aggregation, but only in the presence of an unstimulated vessel ring, and this was unaffected by L‐NOARG. Superoxide dismutase (150 u ml−1) did not influence the inhibition of aggregation by either a carbachol‐stimulated vessel ring or by SIN‐1.

Carbachol‐stimulated artery rings from FHH rabbits inhibited platelet aggregation to a similar extent to that seen with rings from control normocholesterolaemic rabbits. Rings from hypercholesterolaemic NZW rabbits, however, did not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation when stimulated with carbachol. SIN‐1 inhibited platelet aggregation in the presence of rings from either group of hypercholesterolaemic rabbits.

Hypercholesterolaemia induced by dietary modification induces changes in endothelial function which are characteristically different from those seen in genetically hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. It appears that dietary‐induced hypercholesterolaemia primarily decreases NO release from the endothelium, while in genetically‐induced hypercholesterolaemic vessel rings NO is released but there is a decreased responsiveness of the vascular smooth muscle cells to NO. This may reflect differences in the age and severity of the atherosclerotic lesions in the two groups of rabbits.
THE ROLE OF ZINC FINGER PROTEIN IN RNAi INTERFERENCE IN A UNICELLULAR GREEN ALGA CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDTII (CHLOROPHYCEAE)
Authors: Uchida Hidenobu , Ikeuchi Eri , Yamasaki Tomohito , Ohama Takeshi
Published: July 2012

In our previous study, we generated a strain of 19‐P (1030) in which artificial RNA interference (RNAi) was induced by transcribing a hairpin RNA of ~780‐bp stem. We utilized this RNAi‐induced strain to uncover RNAi‐related genes. Random insertional mutagenesis was performed to generate tag‐mutants that show a RNAi deficient phenotype. The 92‐12C is one such tag‐mutant, which bears a 14‐kb deletion in chromosome 1. Complementation of 92‐12C revealed that a protein gene, including a Cys‐Cys‐Cys‐His‐type zinc finger motif and an ankyrin repeat motif, is essential for effective RNAi in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Dangeard). BLAST analysis revealed that the zinc finger protein is homologous to an mRNA splicing‐related protein of other species. Therefore, one of the probable scenarios is that mRNA coding for RNAi‐related proteins cannot be properly spliced, which causes RNAi deficiency in the 92‐12C tag‐mutant.
Dorsal Slab Fracture of the Fourth Carpal Bone in a Racing Greyhound
Authors: Rutherford Scott , Ness Malcolm G.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To report the diagnosis and surgical management of a dorsal slab fracture of the fourth carpal bone in a racing greyhound.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animal

Three‐year‐old, male racing Greyhound.

Methods

The fracture was not visible on orthogonal radiographs and the diagnosis was made by computed tomography. Open reduction and internal fixation with 2 countersunk 2.0‐mm screws inserted in lag fashion was performed via a dorsal approach. Outcome was analyzed objectively by comparing preinjury and postsurgery racing performances.

Results

Internal fixation resulted in fracture healing and the dog returned to racing recording times similar to those before injury.

Conclusion

Fractures of the fourth carpal bone may not be visible on standard orthogonal radiographic views and cross‐sectional imaging may be required for more accurate identification. Surgical management was successful with the dog returning to preinjury levels of competition.
Conversion, continuity, and moral dilemmas among Christian Bidayuhs in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Chua Liana
Published: July 2012

The nascent anthropology of Christianity highlights rupture as central to conversion. Yet thick ethnography of a Bidayuh village in Malaysian Borneo reveals how conversion can also foster modes of thinking and speaking about continuity between Christianity and “the old ways.” Through a study of the shifting moral and religious topography of a community in which three churches coexist alongside a few elderly animist practitioners, I argue that such discourses and practices of continuity highlight the pluralistic and sometimes contradictory nature of Christianization. At the same time, they generate an understanding of conversion as a temporal and relational positioning that encompasses both converts and nonconverts.
Testing for the LOP under nonlinearity: an application to four major EU pork markets
Authors: Emmanouilides Christos J. , Fousekis Panos
Published: July 2012

This article develops an econometric procedure to test the validity of the Law of One Price (LOP) under nonlinearity and to distinguish between its strong and its weak version. The procedure is applied to four major EU pork markets using weekly prices from 1991 to 2008. The empirical results suggest that the markets are well integrated, with deviations from the steady‐state price differentials corrected nonlinearly. The LOP is valid for all market pairs and for the pair Germany–Spain it holds in its strong version.
Comparison of plaque accumulation and soft‐tissue blood flow with the use of full‐arch implant‐supported fixed prostheses with mucosal surfaces of different materials: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Kanao Masato , Nakamoto Tetsuji , Kajiwara Norihiro , Kondo Yusuke , Masaki Chihiro , Hosokawa Ryuji
Published: July 2012

Objective

The aims of this clinical study were to determine differences in plaque accumulation and to compare the effects of reinforced composite resin and titanium on peri‐implant soft‐tissue and residual‐ridge inflammation.

Material and methods

A total of 19 subjects were enrolled in this clinical trial; 10 jaws had implant‐supported fixed prostheses with composite resin mucosal surfaces, 11 jaws had titanium prostheses fabricated by computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacture (CAD/CAM), and 6 jaws had acrylic resin prostheses. Plaque area indexes (PAIs) were calculated on the mucosal surfaces of prostheses, and blood flow in the mucosa was captured with two‐dimensional laser speckle imaging to evaluate residual‐ridge inflammation. Subjects were educated about oral hygiene and reevaluated after 3 months.

Results

The PAI was significantly lower on titanium mucosal surfaces than on reinforced composite resin surfaces at the initial and second measurements (initial, P = 0.0052; second, P = 0.0044). Self‐curing acrylic resin surfaces did not show any significant difference when compared with reinforced resin or titanium. Blood flow was significantly lower in mucosa contacting titanium surfaces than in mucosa contacting reinforced composite resin surfaces at the initial measurement (P = 0.0330). Although subjects were instructed about plaque control after the initial measurement, PAIs indicated that the difference between the two materials could not be overcome.

Conclusion

In terms of oral hygiene and mucosal inflammation, titanium was superior to reinforced composite resin in implant‐supported fixed prostheses for edentulous subjects, and the short‐term use of acrylic resin was superior to the use of reinforced composite resin.
BRAF, NRAS and KIT sequencing analysis of spindle cell melanoma
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Lazar Alexander J. , Davies Michael A. , Homsi Jade , Papadopoulos Nicholas E. , Hwu Wen‐jen , Bedikian Agop Y. , Woodman Scott E. , Patel Sapna P. , Hwu Patrick , Kim Kevin B.
Published: July 2012

Background

Spindle cell melanoma represents a rare but distinct subset of melanoma, and its genomic spectrum has not been fully defined.

Methods

We searched our institutional database for patients with a diagnosis of pure spindle cell‐type melanoma whose tumors had been analyzed for BRAF, NRAS, and KIT mutations using pyrosequencing technique.

Results

We identified 24 patients with spindle cell melanoma, including 10 patients with desmoplastic melanoma, whose tumors had been analyzed for at least one of the three genes. The median Breslow thickness was 2.6 mm, and the most common site of the primary melanoma was the trunk, followed by the head and neck region. BRAF, NRAS and KIT genomic sequencing was performed successfully in 20, 18 and 14 patients, respectively. Among the 20 melanomas with completed BRAF‐sequencing analysis, 6 (30%) harbored a mutation, of which 5 (83%) had a V600E mutation and 1 (17%) had a V600R mutation. None of the melanomas harbored NRAS or KIT mutations.

Conclusion

As has been reported in other common types of melanoma, V600 BRAF mutation is the most common mutation of those tested in spindle cell melanoma. NRAS or KIT mutation appears to be rare, if not completely absent.
Bi‐clonal, multifocal primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Nicholson Kimberly M. , Patel Keyur P. , Duvic Madeleine , Prieto Victor G. , Tetzlaff Michael T.
Published: July 2012

Bi‐clonality is a rare phenomenon seen in approximately 5% of chronic B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Both true bi‐clonality and somatic hypermutation resulting in intraclonal evolution have been described. We present the case of a 37‐year‐old female who developed extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma with immunohistochemical studies showing monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin lambda light chain on her right arm in 2008. Three years later, she developed a second focus of extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma on her left arm, but immunohistochemical studies demonstrated monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin kappa light chain confirmed after repeat analysis. Evaluation for systemic lymphoma with laboratory and imaging studies was negative. Together, the findings were consistent with bi‐clonal, multifocal extranodal primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma. We present this case to highlight a rare phenomenon within primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas.
Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Beneficial Association. Possible therapeutic application of embryo‐specific Pre‐implantation Factor (PIF*)
Authors: Paidas Michael J. , Annunziato Jack , Romano Michael , Weiss Lola , Or Reuven , Barnea Eytan R.
Published: July 2012

A typical autoimmune neuro‐inflammatory disease (NID), multiple sclerosis (MS), is more prevalent in women than in men. Majority of patients with MS are of child‐bearing age; therefore, occurrence in pregnancy is common. Herein, we review proposed disease mechanisms and suggest therapeutic interventions, focusing on the remarkable pregnancy‐induced protection against MS – insofar considered as best, albeit temporary therapy for such harsh NID. Current drugs used for MS therapy in pregnancy are described. Role of non‐pregnancy‐specific agents considered involved in amelioration of disease is also presented. This review highlights pregnancy‐derived neuro‐protective agents, proposing that unique pregnancy‐induced immune‐protective environment is because of the conceptus and its direct action. The essential role of pre‐implantation factor (PIF) in pregnancy is delineated. Finally, PIF immune‐modulatory effects and efficacy in chronic model of neuro‐inflammation to reduce inflammation and paralysis coupled with neural regeneration is presented. Overall, we postulate that this embryo‐derived‐compound holds great promise to improve MS and possibly neuro‐inflammation in general.
Oral health therapists: what is their role in Australian health care?
Authors: Ford PJ , Farah CS
Published: July 2012

The aim of this report was to examine the role of the oral health therapist (OHT) in the contemporary Australian context. The original intent of the OHT role was to address unmet community oral health need in a cost‐effective manner. Although it was recognized that OHTs would need to deliver clinical treatment, particularly restorative services for children, the core of their education and their knowledge and proficiency is in oral health and public health promotion. Unmet oral health need persists, and this is especially urgent for the most disadvantaged. Some may argue that this provides evidence that OHTs should provide an expanded range of clinical services, including adult restorative treatment, and that additional training should be provided to enable this to occur. This report counters that view by showing that the current health system does not avail itself of the health promotion services that OHTs are already educated to deliver. Improved health outcomes within the Australian health system are achievable by bringing oral health into the general health system, by introducing models of care aimed at the early detection of risk and disease and by recognizing the importance of public health measures designed to prevent disease.
Attitudes and practices of family paediatricians in Italy regarding infant feeding
Authors: Radaelli Giovanni , Riva Enrica , Verduci Elvira , Agosti Massimo , Giovannini Marcello
Published: July 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to examine attitudes and practices of family paediatricians in Italy towards infant feeding.

Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to 850 paediatricians across Italy, asking about attitudes and practices towards infant feeding with focus on the World Health Organization’s criteria.

Results:  The response rate was 91.2%. Breastfeeding is recommended for 6–11 months (70.6%) or longer (29.4%). A 95% of paediatricians recommend introducing complementary foods throughout 4–5.9 months. Among paediatricians who give indications about the minimum acceptable diet (61.7%), recommendations agree with WHO in 71.3% and 83.3% of cases for infants aged 6–8 or 9–11 months, respectively. A 95.6% of paediatricians recommend consumption of meat for infants aged 6 months or more, and 98.4% use of formula milk for infants having breastfeeding stopped in the first year of life. Paediatricians reported own experience (73.4%) and reading (54.2%) as main sources of information. A 70% of paediatricians know the WHO/Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices criteria regarding breastfeeding but <5% the complementary feeding indicators.

Conclusion:  Family paediatricians in Italy have positive disposition towards infant feeding but their knowledge and practices are suboptimal with respect to the WHO criteria, especially regarding complementary feeding.
Nixon's New Deal: Welfare Reform for the Silent Majority
Authors: SPITZER SCOTT J.
Published: July 2012

Utilizing recently opened politically sensitive materials at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, this article shows how welfare reform became increasingly important to the Nixon administration's political ambitions for a new conservative majority, consisting of southern white conservatives and northern working‐ and middle‐class white voters. Welfare reform rose to the top of the president's domestic policy agenda for a number of reasons, but the president selected the Family Assistance Plan (FAP) over more conservative alternatives in keeping with his political aims: the FAP would redistribute federal welfare to the white working poor in northern metropolitan areas, while simultaneously increasing federal welfare spending in southern states. As the 1970 midterm elections approached, however, the predominant political focus for the FAP became the effort to appeal to blue‐collar, northern white‐ethnic voters. In the aftermath of the disappointing results from those elections, President Nixon and his political team became convinced that a New Deal–style redistributive strategy was ineffective in appealing to conservative voters in the “silent majority,” especially southern conservatives who were opposed to any expansion of federal welfare, even when they would benefit directly. Instead, Nixon began to emphasize the FAP's value as a platform for launching strong rhetorical attacks on welfare. While the president subsequently pulled back from pushing for FAP's legislative enactment, offering an important explanation for the measure's failure, his antiwelfare rhetoric was politically successful, providing subsequent national conservative leaders with a political formula for utilizing antiwelfare rhetoric to build support among white working‐ and middle‐class voters.
The Historical Presidency: Growing Executive Power: The Strange Case of the “Protective Return” Pocket Veto
Authors: SPITZER ROBERT J.
Published: July 2012

Recent presidents have carved out a presidential power by asserted constitutional right allegedly adhering to the presidency in the form of the so‐called protective return pocket veto, by which presidents claim to pocket veto a bill—a circumstance where, by definition, bill return to Congress is not possible—yet proceed to do the impossible by returning the bill to Congress. This obscure yet portentous power grab (1) arose, ironically, from adverse court rulings and a repudiation of the protective return; (2) illustrates the accretion of presidential power by the claiming of constitutional powers by presidents; and (3) exemplifies the ability of presidents to autonomously define, consolidate, and expand power over time.
Incorporating a periodic function into an equation for estimating herbage mass in Zoysia‐dominated pastures from rising plate readings
Authors: Itano Shiro , Tomimatsu Hajime , Nakagami Koji , Maeda Yasuyuki
Published: July 2012

A rising plate meter (RPM), which enables rapid, non‐destructive estimation of herbage mass of pastures, is useful in grazing management. Herbage mass is estimated from the RPM readings using a linear regression model, which has the parameters α (constant) and β (slope). In this study, we analyzed the seasonal changes in the two parameter values for total and green herbage (TH and GH, respectively) masses in Zoysia‐dominated pastures, and examined the potential for incorporating a periodic function (PF) of the parameters into the equation for estimating herbage mass. The values of both α and β showed a weak seasonal periodicity for TH. No periodicity and a clear seasonal periodicity were detected in the α and β values for GH, respectively. Compared with the linear regression models developed separately for individual dates, the equation incorporating a PF for β improved the estimation accuracy for the GH mass (from 0.64 to 0.77 as R2), though it did not affect the predictability for the TH mass. Incorporation of a PF into the model relating herbage mass to the RPM reading increases the sample number and broadens the data range by allowing the use of all seasonal data, and produces a single equation useful for estimating herbage mass across seasons.
The Impact of NaCl Substitution with KCl on Proteinase Activities Cell‐Free Extract and Cell‐Free Supernatant at Different pH Levels and Salt Concentrations: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus
Authors: Ayyash M. M. , Sherkat F. , Shah N. P.
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The effect of NaCl substitution with KCl at different pH levels (6.0, 5.5, and 5.0) and salt concentrations on proteinase activities of cell‐free and supernatant of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus 11824 (L. bulgaricus) and Streptococcus thermophilus MS (ST) was investigated. MRS broths were separately mixed with 4 salt treatments (NaCl only, 1NaCl:1KCl, 1NaCl:3KCl, and KCl only) at 2 different concentrations (5% and 10%) and incubated at 37 °C for 22 h. The cell pellets were used to prepare proteinase of cell‐free extract and the cell‐free supernatants were used as source of extracellular proteinases. The proteolytic activities and protein contents of both fractions were determined. The supernatants after incubation of both fractions with 3 milk caseins (α‐, β‐, κ‐casein) were subjected to angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐inhibitory) activity and proteolytic activity by ortho‐phthalaldehyde (OPA) method. Significant differences were observed in ACE‐inhibitory activities and proteolytic (OPA) between salt treatments of cell‐free extract and cell‐free supernatant of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus at same salt concentration and same pH level. There was a significant effect of pH level and salt treatments interaction on ACE‐inhibitory activity, OPA activity and azocasein activity.

Practical Application:  To reduce sodium concentration in cheese by substituting of NaCl with KCl, it was important to study the effect on starter culture proteinases which play a vital role in ripening and texture profile of cheese.
Upregulation of Angiotensin II Receptor and Connexin 43 in Increased Suburothelial Myofibroblasts in the Rat Inflammatory Bladder
Authors: TOBU Shohei , NOGUCHI Mitsuru , HATADA Teppei , MORI Ken‐ichi , MATSUO Manabu , SAKAI Hideki
Published: July 2012

Objectives: Signaling pathways in suburothelial layer are involved in the bladder sensory response. The expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors and connexin 43 (Cx43) in suburothelial myofibroblasts was investigated in an acute bladder inflammation model.

Methods: Adult female Wistar rats underwent urethral catheterization and received 0.2 mL intravesical infusion of 0.4 M HCl to establish acute bladder inflammation model or 0.2 mL of sterile saline as control (n = 10 rats/group). Eight days after treatment, cystometry was performed. Suburothelial myofibroblasts were also collected and subjected to immunohistochemical staining to examine AT1 receptor and Cx43 expression.

Results: Eight days after treatment with HCl to induce acute bladder inflammation, the frequency and basal pressure of the bladder was significantly increased compared with those in control rats. The number of suburothelial myofibroblasts was significantly increased in acute bladder inflammation rats, as was the expression of AT1 receptor and Cx43.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the increased number of suburothelial myofibroblasts, upregulation of AT1 receptor and Cx43 expression may be associated with the pathogenesis of hyperactivation of bladder sensory signaling pathways in acute inflammatory bladder.
Late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Mao‐Bin , Jiang Chao , Tian Li‐Jun , Liu Chun‐Lei , Zhuang Hong‐Qing , Chen Zhong‐Jie , Song Yong‐Chun , Wang Jun , Pang Qing‐Song , Zhao Lu‐Jun , Yuan Zhi‐Yong , Wang Ping
Published: July 2012

Background

Late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy (LCAHR) is used as a standard treatment option for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LAESCC) in China, but concerns remain regarding its efficacy and safety. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LCAHR. The comparisons examined were as follows: LCAHR versus conventional fractionation radiotherapy (CFR) and LCAHR plus chemotherapy (CT) versus LCAHR alone.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CBMdisc, and CNKI, as well as employing manual searches. The primary end points were survival and local control. The second end point was toxicities.

Results

Based on search criteria, we found 29 trials involving 3187 patients. Our results showed that LCAHR, compared with CFR, improved the survival and local control, and was, thus, more therapeutically beneficial. Further analysis revealed that LCAHR plus CT proved to be better for patients' survival and local control compared to LCAHR alone. Acute toxicities were increased rather than late toxicities.

Conclusions

There was a significant survival and local control benefit of LCAHR over CFR, as well as LCAHR plus CT over LCAHR alone. Considering the strength of the evidence, the results of this study indicate that this regimen would be a new promising modality worth further investigation.
Bronchomediastinal fistula detected accidently during palliative radiation therapy
Authors: Song Sung Heon , Oh Yoon Jung , Chae Soo‐Min , Lee JungYeon
Published: July 2012

Bronchomediastinal fistula is an extremely rare complication resulting from diseases such as mediastinitis or mediastinal malignancies. In patients with lung cancer, bronchomediastinal fistula formation has rarely been reported, except during post‐chemotherapy or post‐radiation therapy complications. An 84‐year‐old visited our hospital to receive palliative radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the right main bronchus T4N2M1a. During an early course of radiation therapy, chest computed tomography (CT) scans revealed bronchomediastinal fistula between the right main bronchus and the enlarged sub‐carinal lymph nodes. Radiation therapy was, therefore, discontinued and the patient received only supportive care.
Distribution and Genotypic Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Isolated from Poultry in Split and Dalmatia County, Croatia
Authors: Kovačić A. , Listeš I. , Vučica C. , Kozačinski L. , Tripković I. , Šiško‐Kraljević K.
Published: July 2012

Consumption of poultry contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni has been recognized worldwide as the leading cause of campylobacteriosis. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence and genotype diversity of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry meat intended for consumption in Split and Dalmatia County, which is the second biggest County in Croatia. Furthermore, we also wanted to discover possibly stable clones of C. jejuni appearing in different samples and periods of time, which would indicate their ability to persist in or adapt to poultry. In the period from March 2008 until June 2010, 834 samples of poultry from various sources were examined using a surface swab technique. Isolation of C. jejuni was performed by Preston broth and Karmali agar. Identification of the isolates was carried out using biochemical tests. C. jejuni was found in 84 of 574 chicken samples (14.6%) and in nine of 260 samples of turkey (3.5%). Pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to analyse 61 obtained isolates using SmaI and KpnI. Of 22 different macrorestriction profiles (MRP) that were found, five were detected in poultry from both different locations and periods of time. Samples from 11 locations were found to be contaminated with more than two different genotypes of C. jejuni. Interestingly, the same MRP were found both in poultry declared to be of domestic origin and in the poultry imported from abroad. The prevalence of C. jejuni in poultry samples was in accordance with previously reported results. Genotypic analysis indicated that the population of C. jejuni in Split and Dalmatia County was diverse and that multiple strains of C. jejuni could be found in the same poultry samples. Furthermore, the same genotypes were identified from the samples obtained from different locations and periods of time, which could support the theory of a global existence of certain MRP that are able to persist in or adapt to poultry.
Not Your Parents' Language Class: Curriculum Revision to Support University Language Requirements
Authors: Calvin Lisa M. , Rider N. Ann
Published: July 2012

Abstract: Indiana State University's (ISU) foreign language requirement curriculum serves as a model for the 21st century. Unique to the program is an emphasis on integrating the common goals of general education and multicultural studies with the development of critical thinking skills to reach overall objectives of communicative competency, cultural awareness, sensitivity to diversity, and a holistic application of strategies and skills for lifelong learning. This article traces the process of curricular development (outcomes standards, statement of course pedagogy, and course requirements) and program implementation. Of particular interest is the expanded use of learning journals. A comprehensive assessment program is also outlined. Early feedback indicates that the program is meeting its goals and is favorably received by students.
Transforming the Landscape of Manufacturing: Distributed Manufacturing Based on Desktop Manufacturing (DM)2
Authors: DeVor R. E. , Kapoor S. G. , Cao J. , Ehmann K. F.
Published: July 2012

This paper examines a new paradigm in the world of manufacturing—distributed manufacturing based on desktop manufacturing (DM)2. The evolution of (DM)2 began in the last decade of the 20th century and its technological development is well underway, as is evidenced by a World Technology Evaluation Center study (www.wtec.org). However, as managers begin to assess the competitive advantages of moving to this manufacturing model it will be important to consider the social and environmental implications of this paradigm shift as well as issues related to materials and energy utilization. The factors that now appear to be driving the need for radical departures from the more traditional manufacturing paradigms have been broadly articulated but the longer-term future of this manufacturing model is less clear. Several scenarios are proposed and discussed that suggest how manufacturing will shift to a more distributed model via the concept of desktop manufacturing (DM), which will coexist with the centralized manufacturing model but likely take on a greater and greater share of the total manufacturing market worldwide. Spurred on by the rapid emergence of miniaturization technologies, the development and refinement of these desktop manufacturing scenarios needs to be examined in the context of a number of important socioeconomic, environmental, and materials and energy utilization issues as (DM)2 continues to evolve as a transforming paradigm for the world of manufacturing. Scientific, technical, and economic barriers and challenges are identified and discussed.
Impact of Self-Assembly Process Errors on Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Crane Nathan B. , McKnight Patrick
Published: July 2012

Thermoelectric devices have many scaling benefits that motivate miniaturization, but assembly of small components is a significant challenge. Self-assembly provides a promising method for integrating very small elements. However, it introduces the possibility of stochastic errors with significant performance impacts. This work presents a method to estimate the impact of these errors on system performance. Equivalent thermoelectric properties are developed that adjust for the effect of missing elements in one-dimensional thermoelectric models. The models show that the thermoelectric devices can accommodate significant self-assembly errors by incorporation of redundant electrical paths. The model shows nearly linear decline in effective power factor with declining assembly accuracy, but the effective figure of merit (ZT) is relatively insensitive to assembly errors. Predictions from the modified one-dimensional model agree well with three-dimensional finite element simulations. This work identifies two basic strategies for how devices such as thermoelectric could be designed for self-assembly and demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high performance despite self-assembly process errors.
Influence of copper to indium atomic ratio on the properties of Cu–In–Te based thin-film solar cells prepared by low-temperature co-evaporation
Authors: Mise Takahiro , Nakada Tokio
Published: July 2012

The influence of copper to indium atomic ratio (Cu/In) on the properties of Cu–In–Te based thin films and solar cells was investigated. The films (Cu/In = 0.38–1.17) were grown on both bare and Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrates at 250 °C by single-step co-evaporation using a molecular beam epitaxy system. Highly (112)-oriented CuInTe2 films were obtained at Cu/In ratios of 0.84–0.99. However, stoichiometric and Cu-rich films showed a poor film structure with high surface roughness. The films consist of polyhedron-shaped grains, which are related to the coexistence of a Cu2−xTe phase, and significant evidence for the coexistence of the Cu2−xTe phase in the stoichiometric and Cu-rich films is presented. KCN treatment was performed for the films in order to remove the Cu2−xTe phase. The stoichiometric CuInTe2 thin films exhibited a high mobility above 50 cm2/V s at room temperature after the KCN treatment. A preliminary solar cell fabricated using a 1.4-μm-thick Cu-poor CuInTe2 thin film (Cu/In = 0.84, Eg = 0.988 eV) yielded a total-area efficiency of 2.10%. The photovoltaic performance of the cell was improved after long-term ambient aging in dark conditions.
Data‐resolution based optimization of the data‐collection strategy for near infrared diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Karkala Deepak , Yalavarthy Phaneendra K.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To optimize the data‐collection strategy for diffuse optical tomography and to obtain a set of independent measurements among the total measurements using the model based data‐resolution matrix characteristics.

Methods:

The data‐resolution matrix is computed based on the sensitivity matrix and the regularization scheme used in the reconstruction procedure by matching the predicted data with the actual one. The diagonal values of data‐resolution matrix show the importance of a particular measurement and the magnitude of off‐diagonal entries shows the dependence among measurements. Based on the closeness of diagonal value magnitude to off‐diagonal entries, the independent measurements choice is made. The reconstruction results obtained using all measurements were compared to the ones obtained using only independent measurements in both numerical and experimental phantom cases. The traditional singular value analysis was also performed to compare the results obtained using the proposed method.

Results:

The results indicate that choosing only independent measurements based on data‐resolution matrix characteristics for the image reconstruction does not compromise the reconstructed image quality significantly, in turn reduces the data‐collection time associated with the procedure. When the same number of measurements (equivalent to independent ones) are chosen at random, the reconstruction results were having poor quality with major boundary artifacts. The number of independent measurements obtained using data‐resolution matrix analysis is much higher compared to that obtained using the singular value analysis.

Conclusions:

The data‐resolution matrix analysis is able to provide the high level of optimization needed for effective data‐collection in diffuse optical imaging. The analysis itself is independent of noise characteristics in the data, resulting in an universal framework to characterize and optimize a given data‐collection strategy.
The effects of binaural spectral resolution mismatch on Mandarin speech perception in simulated electric hearing
Authors: Chen Fei , Wong Lena L. N. , Tahmina Qudsia , Azimi Behnam , Hu Yi
Published: July 2012

This study assessed the effects of binaural spectral resolution mismatch on the intelligibility of Mandarin speech in noise using bilateral cochlear implant simulations. Noise-vocoded Mandarin speech, corrupted by speech-shaped noise at 0 and 5 dB signal-to-noise ratios, were presented unilaterally or bilaterally to normal-hearing listeners with mismatched spectral resolution between ears. Significant binaural benefits for Mandarin speech recognition were observed only with matched spectral resolution between ears. In addition, the performance of tone identification was more robust to noise than that of sentence recognition, suggesting factors other than tone identification might account more for the degraded sentence recognition in noise.
Response to Comment on “Illusions Promote Mating Success in Great Bowerbirds”
Authors: Endler John A. , Mielke Paul W. , Kelley Laura A.
Published: July 2012

Borgia
et al
. raise some questions about our recent study showing that great bowerbirds create visual illusions that are used in mate choice. We address them by providing further details about our methods and results. We also provide detailed descriptions of our geometric calculations to address their measurement and analysis questions.
Counterintuitive Solutions
Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Science.
Jim Al-Khalili. Bantam, London, 2012. 251 pp. £16.99. ISBN 9780593069295.
Authors: Sprague Michael R.
Published: July 2012

Al-Khalili dissects nine supposed physics paradoxes.
Evolution and Robots
Darwin's Devices: What Evolving Robots Can Teach Us About the History of Life and the Future of Technology.
John Long. Basic Books, New York, 2012. 281 pp. $26.99, C$30, £17.99. ISBN 9780465021413.
Authors: White Michael A.
Published: July 2012

Long discusses his use of autonomous robotic fish to study vertebrate biomechanics and evolution.
From the Belly of a Whale
Floating Gold: A Natural (and Unnatural) History of Ambergris.
Christopher Kemp. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2012. 209 pp. $22.50, £14.50. ISBN 9780226430362.
Authors: DeRuiter Stacy
Published: July 2012

Blending science, history, and travelogue, Kemp carries readers into the world of the people who seek this coveted essence of sperm whales.
The Marine Sulfur Cycle, Revisited
Authors: Hurtgen Matthew T.
Published: July 2012

Model studies point to a larger role of the sulfur cycle in maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels than previously recognized.
Stability at Last for Australian Synchrotron?
Authors: Finkel Elizabeth
Published: July 2012

The Australian government is expected to announce next month that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation will take the troubled Australian Synchrotron under its wing.
What If the Science Pipeline Isn't Really Leaking?
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: July 2012

A new book on the overall health of the U.S. scientific enterprise argues not only that the pipeline of scientific workers isn't leaky, but that it's the wrong metaphor.
A Timely Structure
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: July 2012

Structure-function analyses reveal details of the interaction between two proteins that regulate daily rhythms in mammals.
Pole to Pole
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: July 2012

The regulation of a yeast cell-growth enzyme is dynamic rather than on-off.
Weighing Asthma Risk
Authors: Reznik Marina
Published: July 2012

Being either underweight or obese correlates with worse lung function and asthma-related outcomes in children.
Development and Application of a Double-Antigen Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Antibodies to Porcine Circovirus 2
Authors: Ge Meng , Luo Wei , Jiang Daliang , Li Runcheng , Zhao Wenwei , Chen Guoliang , Yang Xingdong , Yu Xinglong
Published: July 2012

A double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for detection of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) antibodies using the well-characterized recombinant PCV2 capsid protein. In a comparative test of 394 pig sera against an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test and a commercial ELISA kit (also based on the recombinant PCV2 capsid protein), the results showed that the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the assay were, respectively, 90.61, 94.02, and 91.62% compared with IIF and 94.38, 95.28, and 94.67% compared with the commercial ELISA kit. Assay of 12 PCV-free pigs over a 5-week period produced only PCV2-negative titers by all 3 methods. These results and the seroprofiles of 4 pig farms obtained by both the commercial ELISA kit and the double-antigen sandwich ELISA indicate that the sandwich ELISA is a reliable method for detection of antibodies to PCV2. Additionally, the method described here permits the use of undiluted test serum samples simultaneously loaded with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated antigen into the test well, and the complete test procedure can be performed in less than 90 min. This double-antigen sandwich ELISA should be a useful tool to aid swine industry professionals in deciding the intervention strategies for the control of PCV2-associated diseases.
Direct Human Papillomavirus E6 Whole-Cell Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Objective Measurement of E6 Oncoproteins in Cytology Samples
Authors: Yang Yi-Shan , Smith-McCune Karen , Darragh Teresa M. , Lai Yvonne , Lin Ju-Hwa , Chang Ting-Chang , Guo Hsiao-Yun , Kesler Tiea , Carter Alicia , Castle Philip E. , Cheng Shuling
Published: July 2012

A novel, whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a non-type-specific anti-human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 antibody was tested on 182 residual cytological specimens. For samples with a designation of more severe than
c
ervical
i
ntraepithelial
n
eoplasia grade 3 (CIN3+), 83% tested positive for E6; in a subset with paired testing for E6 ELISA and HPV DNA, 72% tested E6 positive and 92% tested high-risk (HR)-HPV DNA positive (
P
= 0.2). Among the women with a less than CIN3 diagnosis, 31% and 47% tested positive for E6 and HR-HPV DNA, respectively (
P
= 0.0006).
Draft Genome Sequence of Treponema sp. Strain JC4, a Novel Spirochete Isolated from the Bovine Rumen
Authors: Rosewarne Carly P. , Cheung Jane L. , Smith Wendy J. M. , Evans Paul N. , Tomkins Nigel W. , Denman Stuart E. , Ó Cuív Páraic , Morrison Mark
Published: July 2012

Morphologically and biochemically diverse members of the
Treponema
genus are present in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, yet very little is understood about their functional importance to this microbiome. Here we describe the annotated draft genome sequence of
Treponema
sp. strain JC4, a novel spirochete isolated from a bovine rumen sample.
Genome Sequence of Aerococcus viridans LL1
Authors: Qin Nan , Zheng Beiwen , Yang Fengling , Chen Yanfei , Guo Jing , Hu Xinjun , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2012

Aerococcus viridans
is a catalase-negative Gram-positive bacterium and has been described as an airborne organism widely distributed in the hospital environment or in clinical specimens. We isolated
A. viridans
strain LL1 from indoor dust samples collected by a patient. Here, we prepared a genome sequence for this strain consisting of 31 contigs totaling 1,994,039 bases and a GC content of 39.42%.
Genomic Comparison of Rickettsia honei Strain RB
T
and Other Rickettsia Species
Authors: Xin Dong , El Karkouri Khalid , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: July 2012

Rickettsia honei
strain RB
T
was isolated from a febrile patient on Flinders Island, Australia, in 1991 and has been demonstrated to be the agent of Flinders Island spotted fever, a disease transmitted to humans by ticks. The comparison of this 1.27-Mb genome with other
Rickettsia
genomes provides additional insight into the mechanisms of evolution in
Rickettsia
species.