bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Downregulation of ACE2 by the Spike Proteins of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Human Coronavirus NL63
Authors: Glowacka Ilona , Bertram Stephanie , Herzog Petra , Pfefferle Susanne , Steffen Imke , Muench Marcus O. , Simmons Graham , Hofmann Heike , Kuri Thomas , Weber Friedemann , Eichler Jutta , Drosten Christian , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: October 2009

The human coronaviruses (CoVs) severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and NL63 employ angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cell entry. It was shown that recombinant SARS-CoV spike protein (SARS-S) downregulates ACE2 expression and thereby promotes lung injury. Whether NL63-S exerts a similar activity is yet unknown. We found that recombinant SARS-S bound to ACE2 and induced ACE2 shedding with higher efficiency than NL63-S. Shedding most likely accounted for the previously observed ACE2 downregulation but was dispensable for viral replication. Finally, SARS-CoV but not NL63 replicated efficiently in ACE2-positive Vero cells and reduced ACE2 expression, indicating robust receptor interference in the context of SARS-CoV but not NL63 infection.
Process and consensus: ethical decision-making in the infertility clinic—a qualitative study: Table 1
Authors: Frith L
Published: October 2009

Infertility treatment is a speciality that has attracted considerable attention both from the public and bioethicists. The focus of this attention has mainly been on the dramatic dilemmas created by theses technologies. Relatively little is known, however, about how clinicians approach and resolve ethical issues on an everyday basis. The central aim of this study is to gain insight into these neglected aspects of practice. It was found that, for the clinicians, the process by which ethical decisions were made was of key importance. It will be argued that this focus on the process of decision-making is more than just empty proceduralism but is based on and facilitates certain substantive ethical principles. In conclusion, suggestions as to how ethical decision-making processes can be supported and improved in infertility practice will be made.
METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING BRAID GROUP REPRESENTATION AND ENTANGLEMENT IN A 9 × 9 YANG–BAXTER SYSTEM
Authors: HU TAOTAO , WANG GANGCHENG , SUN CHUNFANG , ZHOU CHENGCHENG , WANG QINGYONG , XUE KANG
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we present reducible representation of the n2 braid group representation which is constructed on the tensor product of n-dimensional spaces. Specifically, it is shown that via a combining method, we can construct more n2 dimensional braiding S-matrices which satisfy the braid relations. By Yang–Baxterization approach, we derive a 9 × 9 unitary [Formula: see text]-matrix according to a 9 × 9 braiding S-matrix we have constructed. The entanglement properties of [Formula: see text]-matrix is investigated, and the arbitrary degree of entanglement for two-qutrit entangled states can be generated via [Formula: see text]-matrix acting on the standard basis.
WORMHOLES SUPPORTED BY SCALAR FIELDS WITH NEGATIVE KINETIC ENERGY
Authors: RAHAMAN F. , KALAM M. , RAHMAN K. A.
Published: October 2009

We provide a new model of higher-dimensional wormholes supported by phantom energy derived from a scalar field with negative kinetic term. We have shown that the Averaged Null Energy Condition (ANEC) violating phantom energy can be reduced as desired. We have also noticed that dimension of the space–time plays a crucial role for measuring the ANEC violating matter needed.
FROM XSAT TO SAT BY EXHIBITING BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS
Authors: OSTROWSKI RICHARD , PARIS LIONEL
Published: October 2009

Given a Boolean formula in conjunctive normal form (CNF), the Exact Satisfiability problem (XSAT), a variant of the Satisfiability problem (SAT), consists in finding an assignment to the variables such that each clause contains exactly one satisfied literal. Best algorithms to solve this problem run in [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] for X3SAT). Another possibility is to transform each clause in a set of equivalent clauses for the Satisfiability problem and to use modern and powerful solvers (zChaff, Berkmin, MiniSat, RSat etc.) to find such truth assignment. In this paper we introduce three new encodings from XSAT instances to SAT instances that lead to a lot of structural information (equivalency gates and and gates) which is naturally hidden in the pairwise transformation. Some solvers (lsat,march_dl,eqsatz) can take into account this kinds of structural information to make simplifications as pretreatment and speed-up the resolution. Then we show the interest of dealing with the XSAT formalism by introducing an encoding of binary CSP and graph coloring problem into XSAT instances. Preliminary results on real-world binary CSP and graph coloring problem show the importance of exhibiting equivalencies for the XSAT problem.
NONLOCAL CLONING FOR A STATE NEAR A GIVEN ONE WITH SINGLE-PHOTON INTERFERENCE
Authors: SHAO YANG , ZHOU YAN-HUI , ZHU AI-DONG
Published: October 2009

A linear optical scheme is proposed for implementing a nonlocal cloning machine which copies a state near a given one with single-photon interference. We combine the advantages of photons and atoms by adopting two three level atoms as the storing qubits and a polarized photon as the flying qubit, and the photon loss events are also considered. With our present scheme, a high-fidelity cloning machine is realized at the expense of the success probability.
RESPONSE TO "VULNERABILITY OF 'A NOVEL PROTOCOL-AUTHENTICATION ALGORITHM RULING OUT A MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE ATTACK IN QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY'"
Authors: PEEV M. , PACHER C. , LORÜNSER T. , NÖLLE M. , POPPE A. , MAURHART O. , SUDA M. , FEDRIZZI A. , URSIN R. , ZEILINGER A.
Published: October 2009

In this work, we respond to a comment by A. Abidin and J.-Å. Larsson on our previous paper, Int. J. Quant. Inf.3 (2005) 225.
TELEPORTING AND SPLITTING ARBITRARY SINGLE-QUBIT INFORMATION USING A CLASS OF THREE-QUBIT W STATES
Authors: YANG JIE , LIU YI-MIN , ZUO XUE-QIN , ZHANG ZHAN-JUN
Published: October 2009

Using a class of three-qubit W states as quantum channel, we present a quantum teleportation (QT) scheme and a quantum information splitting (QIS) scheme, respectively. We compare our schemes with two similar schemes proposed recently. It is found that our QT scheme reduces the operation difficulty in contrast to Agrawal and Pati's QT scheme [Phys. Rev. A74 (2006) 062320], and our QIS scheme is more applicable than Zheng's QIS scheme [Phys. Rev. A74 (2006) 054303] for the latter is only a special case of the former in some given conditions.
REEXAMINING THE SECURITY OF THE RECONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE HILLERY-BUZĚK-BERTHIAUME QUANTUM SECRET-SHARING PROTOCOL
Authors: YANG YU-GUANG , CAO WEI-FENG , WEN QIAO-YAN
Published: October 2009

The participant attack is the most serious threat for quantum secret-sharing protocols. However, it is only during the transmission of quantum information carriers that attention is paid to this kind of attack in the existing quantum secret-sharing protocols. The security considerations of the secret reconstruction phase of quantum secret-sharing protocols against this kind of attack are neglected. We demonstrate our viewpoint by taking the scheme of Hillery, Buzěk, and Berthiaume (HBB) [Phys. Rev. A59 (1999) 18–29] as an example. By telling a lie in the reconstruction phase, a dishonest participant can easily attain the entire secret key instead of eavesdropping during the transmission awkwardly, whereas the honest one cannot judge whether the dishonest one tells the truth and the obtained secret random key is identical to what the secret distributor owns because of lack of verification mechanism in the HBB protocol. It is not difficult to find that almost all the quantum secret-sharing protocols have such disadvantages. Our viewpoint presented may be useful for the design of other similar protocols.
A role for Campylobacter jejuni-induced enteritis in inflammatory bowel disease?
Authors: Kalischuk Lisa D. , Buret Andre G.
Published: October 2009

The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are T cell-mediated diseases that are characterized by chronic, relapsing inflammation of the intestinal tract. The pathogenesis of IBD involves the complex interaction between the intestinal microflora, host genetic and immune factors, and environmental stimuli. Epidemiological analyses have implicated acute bacterial enteritis as one of the factors that may incite or exacerbate IBD in susceptible individuals. In this review, we examine how interactions between the common enteric pathogen Campylobacter jejuni ( C. jejuni ), the host intestinal epithelium, and resident intestinal microflora may contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. Recent experimental evidence indicates that C. jejuni may permit the translocation of normal, noninvasive microflora via novel processes that implicate epithelial lipid rafts. This breach in intestinal barrier function may, in turn, prime the intestine for chronic inflammatory responses in susceptible individuals. Insights into the interactions between enteric pathogens, the host epithelia, and intestinal microflora will improve our understanding of disease processes that may initiate and/or exacerbate intestinal inflammation in patients with IBD and provide impetus for the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD.
JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase limits calcium-dependent chloride secretion across colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Donnellan Fergal , Keating Niamh , Geoghegan Paul , Murray Frank E. , Harvey Brian J. P. , Keely Stephen J.
Published: October 2009

Neuroimmune agonists induce epithelial Cl−secretion through elevations in intracellular Ca2+or cAMP. Previously, we demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation and subsequent ERK MAPK activation limits secretory responses to Ca2+-dependent, but not cAMP-dependent, agonists. Although JNK MAPKs are also expressed in epithelial cells, their role in regulating transport function is unknown. Here, we investigated the potential role for JNK in regulating Cl−secretion in T84colonic epithelial cells. Western blot analysis revealed that a prototypical Ca2+-dependent secretagogue, carbachol (CCh; 100 μM), induced phosphorylation of both the 46-kDa and 54-kDa isoforms of JNK. This effect was mimicked by thapsigargin (TG), which specifically elevates intracellular Ca2+, but not by forskolin (FSK; 10 μM), which elevates cAMP. CCh-induced JNK phosphorylation was attenuated by the EGFR inhibitor, tyrphostin-AG1478 (1 μM). Pretreatment of voltage-clamped T84cells with SP600125 (2 μM), a specific JNK inhibitor, potentiated secretory responses to both CCh and TG but not to FSK. The effects of SP600125 on CCh-induced secretion were not additive with those of the ERK inhibitor, PD98059. Finally, in apically permeabilized T84cell monolayers, SP600125 potentiated CCh-induced K+conductances but not Na+/K+ATPase activity. These data demonstrate a novel role for JNK MAPK in regulating Ca2+but not cAMP-dependent epithelial Cl−secretion. JNK activation is mediated by EGFR transactivation and exerts its antisecretory effects through inhibition of basolateral K+channels. These data further our understanding of mechanisms regulating epithelial secretion and underscore the potential for exploitation of MAPK-dependent signaling in treatment of intestinal transport disorders.
Divergent effects of amygdala glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in the regulation of visceral and somatic pain
Authors: Myers Brent , Greenwood-Van Meerveld Beverley
Published: October 2009

Elevated amygdala activity and increased responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis have been observed in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Recently, we demonstrated that corticosterone (Cort) placed on the amygdala induced anxiety-like behavior coupled with decreased thresholds for visceral and somatic pain in rats. Moreover, these studies suggested that the effects of Cort were dependent on both the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR); however, the specific contributions of these receptors to the interaction between corticosteroids and the amygdala are still unclear. In the present study, we sought to define the distinct roles of amygdaloid GR and MR in anxiety-like behavior, visceral sensitivity, and somatic sensitivity through selective pharmacological activation. Male Fischer 344 rats received bilateral implants on the dorsal margin of the central amygdala containing the GR agonist dexamethasone (Dex), the MR agonist aldosterone (Aldo), or cholesterol as a control. Our results showed that GR or MR activation significantly reduced open arm exploration on the elevated plus maze, a measure of anxiety-like behavior. Aldo increased the number of abdominal muscle contractions in response to all levels of colorectal distension (CRD). In contrast, Dex only increased visceral sensitivity at noxious levels of CRD. Furthermore, GR but not MR activation reduced somatic pain thresholds measured by the mechanical force required to elicit hindlimb withdrawal. In summary, GR and MR mediated-mechanisms induce anxiety and visceral hypersensitivity, whereas somatic sensitivity involves only GR, suggesting that corticosteroids may enhance visceral and somatic sensation via divergent processes originating in the amygdala and involving specific steroid receptor mechanisms.
Long-term terbutaline exposure stimulates α1-Na+-K+-ATPase expression at posttranscriptional level in rat fetal distal lung epithelial cells
Authors: Rahman Muhammad S. , Gandhi Shephali , Otulakowski Gail , Duan Wenming , Sarangapani Aparna , O'Brodovich Hugh
Published: October 2009

Transepithelial Na+ transport through epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) on the apical membrane and Na+-K+-ATPase activity on the basolateral membrane of distal lung epithelial cells are critical for alveolar fluid clearance. Acute exposure to β-adrenergic agonists stimulates lung fluid clearance by increasing Na+ transport. We investigated the effects of chronic exposure to the β2-adrenergic agonist terbutaline on the transepithelial Na+ transport in rat fetal distal lung epithelia (FDLE). FDLE monolayers exposed to 10−4 M terbutaline for 48 h had significantly increased propanolol-blockable transepithelial total and amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current ( Isc); however, when these chronically exposed monolayers were acutely exposed to additional β-agonists and intracellular cAMP upregulators, there was no further increase in Isc. Monolayers exposed to terbutaline for >48 h had Isc similar to control cells. Ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+-ATPase activity was increased in 48-h terbutaline-exposed FDLE whose apical membranes were permeabilized with nystatin. In contrast, terbutaline did not increase amiloride-sensitive apical membrane Isc in FDLE whose basolateral membranes were permeabilized with nystatin. Terbutaline treatment did not affect α-, β-, or γ-ENaC mRNA or α-ENaC protein steady-state levels, but increased total cellular levels and rate of synthesis of α1-Na+-K+-ATPase protein in FDLE in the absence of any change in α1-Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA. Total cellular β1-Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA and protein levels were not affected by terbutaline. These data suggest that FDLE have different responses from adult type II epithelial cells when chronically exposed to terbutaline, and their increased transepithelial Na+ transport occurs via a posttranscriptional increase in α1-Na+-K+-ATPase expression.
Nasal nitric oxide and regulation of human pulmonary blood flow in the upright position
Authors: Sánchez Crespo Alejandro , Hallberg Jenny , Lundberg Jon O. , Lindahl Sten G. E. , Jacobsson Hans , Weitzberg Eddie , Nyrén Sven
Published: October 2009

There are a number of evidences suggesting that lung perfusion distribution is under active regulation and determined by several factors in addition to gravity. In this work, we hypothesised that autoinhalation of nitric oxide (NO), produced in the human nasal airways, may be one important factor regulating human lung perfusion distribution in the upright position. In 15 healthy volunteers, we used single-photon emission computed tomography technique and two tracers (99mTc and113mIn) labeled with human macroaggregated albumin to assess pulmonary blood flow distribution. In the sitting upright position, subjects first breathed NO free air through the mouth followed by the administration of the first tracer. Subjects then switched to either nasal breathing or oral breathing with the addition of exogenous NO-enriched air followed by the administration of the second tracer. Compared with oral breathing, nasal breathing induced a blood flow redistribution of ∼4% of the total perfusion in the caudal to cranial and dorsal to ventral directions. For low perfused lung regions like the apical region, this represents a net increase of 24% in blood flow. Similar effects were obtained with the addition of exogenous NO during oral breathing, indicating that NO and not the breathing condition was responsible for the blood flow redistribution. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that autoinhalation of endogenous NO from the nasal airways may ameliorate the influence of gravity on pulmonary blood flow distribution in the upright position. The presence of nasal NO only in humans and higher primates suggest that it may be an important part of the adaptation to bipedalism.
Childhood obesity and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Arens Raanan , Muzumdar Hiren
Published: October 2009

The increasing prevalence of obesity in children seems to be associated with an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to this association include the following: adenotonsillar hypertrophy due to increased somatic growth, increased critical airway closing pressure, altered chest wall mechanics, and abnormalities of ventilatory control. However, the details of these mechanisms and their interactions have not been elucidated. In addition, obesity and OSAS are both associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a constellation of features such as hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and prothrombotic and proinflammatory states. There is some evidence that OSAS may contribute to the progression of metabolic syndrome with a potential for significant morbidity. The treatment of OSAS in obese children has not been standardized. Adenotonsillectomy is considered the primary intervention followed by continuous positive airway pressure treatment if OSAS persists. Other methods such as oral appliances, surgery, positional therapy, and weight loss may be beneficial for individual subjects. The present review discusses these issues and suggests an approach to the management of obese children with snoring and possible OSAS.
Obesity and lung inflammation
Authors: Mancuso Peter
Published: October 2009

The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically worldwide, predisposing individuals to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Less recognized is the fact that obesity may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases through mechanisms that may involve proinflammatory mediators produced in adipose tissue that contribute to a low-grade state of systemic inflammation. In animal models, inflammatory responses in the lung have been shown to influence the production of the adipocytokines, leptin and adiponectin, cytokines, acute phase proteins, and other mediators produced by adipose tissue that may participate in immune responses of the lung. An increased adipose tissue mass may also influence susceptibility to pulmonary infections, enhance pulmonary inflammation associated with environmental exposures, and exacerbate airway obstruction in preexisting lung disease. An increased understanding of the mechanisms by which obesity influences pulmonary inflammation may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of lung disease.
Development of Auditory Phase-Locked Activity for Music Sounds
Authors: Shahin Antoine J. , Trainor Laurel J. , Roberts Larry E. , Backer Kristina C. , Miller Lee M.
Published: October 2009

The auditory cortex undergoes functional and anatomical development that reflects specialization for learned sounds. In humans, auditory maturation is evident in transient auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) elicited by speech or music. However, neural oscillations at specific frequencies are also known to play an important role in perceptual processing. We hypothesized that, if oscillatory activity in different frequency bands reflects different aspects of sound processing, the development of phase-locking to stimulus attributes at these frequencies may have different trajectories. We examined the development of phase-locking of oscillatory responses to music sounds and to pure tones matched to the fundamental frequency of the music sounds. Phase-locking for theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–14 Hz), lower-to-mid beta (14–25 Hz), and upper-beta and gamma (25–70 Hz) bands strengthened with age. Phase-locking in the upper-beta and gamma range matured later than in lower frequencies and was stronger for music sounds than for pure tones, likely reflecting the maturation of neural networks that code spectral complexity. Phase-locking for theta, alpha, and lower-to-mid beta was sensitive to temporal onset (rise time) sound characteristics. The data were also consistent with phase-locked oscillatory effects of acoustic (spectrotemporal) complexity and timbre familiarity. Future studies are called for to evaluate developmental trajectories for oscillatory activity, using stimuli selected to address hypotheses related to familiarity and spectral and temporal encoding suggested by the current findings.
Some Generalizations of Fixed Point Theorems in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Olaleru J. O.
Published: October 2009

We generalize, extend, and improve some recent fixed point results in cone metric spaces including the results of H. Guang and Z. Xian (2007); P. Vetro (2007); M. Abbas and G. Jungck (2008); Sh. Rezapour and R. Hamlbarani (2008). In all our results, the normality assumption, which is a characteristic of most of the previous results, is dispensed. Consequently, the results generalize several fixed results in metric spaces including the results of G. E. Hardy and T. D. Rogers (1973), R. Kannan (1969), G. Jungck, S. Radenovic, S. Radojevic, and V. Rakocevic (2009), and all the references therein.
The Quality of Randomized Clinical Trials in the Field of Surgery: Studies on Laparoscopic versus Open Appendectomy as an Example
Authors: Sadr-Azodi O. , Andrén-Sandberg Å.
Published: October 2009

Background: The field of surgery undergoes rapid renewal and introduction of surgical techniques and instruments. Thus, the quality of the randomized clinical trials in this field should be evaluated. We assessed the quality of randomized trials comparing laparoscopic versus open appendectomy as a model. Method: Using MEDLINE and EMBASE, 42 first-time published randomized clinical trials in the English language met the inclusion criteria. Factors related to the methodological quality, e.g. blinding, sample size calculation and intention-to-treat analysis, were reviewed. Results: Method of random number generation was described in only 15 (36%) of the studies, i.e., it was not clear if the remaining two thirds of the studies were actually randomized or not. Although not using blocking, the trials often reported similar sample size in the intervention and control groups. Proper concealment of the allocation status was reported in almost half of the studies. None of the trials was judged to use proper double-blinding measures. Sample size calculation was present in one of five trials and half of the studies performed analysis according to intention-to-treat. Conclusions: It seems that surgical trials do not always follow the basic methodological guidelines to maintain the high quality of randomized clinical trials. Compliance with the CONSORT statement and transparency in result reporting is strongly recommended to improve the quality of randomized trials in the field of surgery.
Preliminary Results of Subconjunctival Bevacizumab in Primary Pterygium Excision
Authors: Razeghinejad Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Hamid , Ahmadi Farzin , Rahat Feisal , Eghbal Hossein
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of subconjunctival bevacizumab as an adjunctive therapy for primary pterygium surgery. Material and Methods: This randomized prospective clinical study was conducted on 30 eyes of 30 patients. After pterygium excision and accomplishing a rotational conjunctival flap, 15 patients (case group) received 1.25 mg (0.1 ml) bevacizumab, and 15 other patients (control group) received 0.1 ml balanced salt solution subconjunctivally. The main outcome measures were recurrence of pterygia, horizontal length of the corneal epithelial defect, conjunctival erythema, lacrimation and photophobia during the first postoperative week. Results: There were no statistically significant differences regarding age, sex or recurrence risk factors between the two groups (p > 0.05). The pterygia resolved in 13 (86.6%) of 15 eyes in both groups, with a recurrence rate of 13.4% during a mean follow-up period of 8 ± 1.4 months in the case group and 7.4 ± 1.5 months in the control group (p = 0.2). There were no statistically significant differences regarding reduction in refractive astigmatism, improvement in visual acuity, corneal epithelial defects, conjunctival erythema, lacrimation or photophobia between the case and control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A single intraoperative subconjunctival bevacizumab injection had no effect on recurrence rate or early postoperative conjunctival erythema, lacrimation, photophobia or healing of corneal epithelial defects following pterygium excision.
Treatment-Related Burkitt’s Lymphoma: Literature Review and Case Report of Successful Treatment with Rituximab Monotherapy
Authors: Nagasaki Akitoshi , Yamanoha Atsushi , Okudaira Taeko , Miyagi Takashi , Takasu Nobuyuki
Published: October 2009

The development of Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is uncommon in elderly people. Most treatment-related hematological malignancies are of a myeloid lineage. Only a few cases with BL secondary to cancer treatment have been described. We report a rare case of an elderly patient with radiotherapy-related BL. A 71-year-old Japanese man, who had a past history of oropharyngeal cancer treated with local irradiation 15 years ago, presented with a left mandibular mass in December 2004. A partial mandibulectomy disclosed pathological features consistent with BL. Although the patient was initially treated with intensive chemotherapy, the development of complications precluded further anticancer drug treatment. Rituximab was administered once weekly for 5 consecutive weeks, with resolution of the mandibular mass. He remained in remission without further lymphoma treatment for more than 3 years after diagnosis. Rituximab monotherapy should be considered as a therapeutic option for elderly patients with BL.
Clinicopathological Roles of Aberrantly Expressed Recoverin in Malignant Tumor Cells
Authors: Matsuo Sachiyo , Ohguro Hiroshi , Ohguro Ikuyo , Nakazawa Mitsuru
Published: October 2009

Purpose: Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is an ocular manifestation of a paraneoplastic syndrome whereby immunological reactions toward recoverin, a retina-specific calcium binding protein, and other retinal antigens aberrantly expressed in tumor cells are elicited. As a consequence, photoreceptor cell degeneration is induced. To elucidate the pathological role of the aberrantly expressed recoverin, we studied the recoverin expression levels in various malignant tumors and the effects of the expressed recoverin on the sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. Methods: Recoverin expression levels were determined by immunohistochemistry with anti-human recoverin monoclonal antibody on multiple tissue arrays obtained from several lung, stomach, colon and other cancers. In the presence of several anti-cancer drugs, including anti-tumor antibiotics, plant alkaloids and anti-metabolites, cytotoxicity assay was performed using recoverin-positive or recoverin-negative A549 cells originating from human lung adenocarcinoma. Results: Immunofluorescence labeling revealed that recoverin immunoreactivities were detected at approximately 10–40% of malignant tumor tissues. Cytotoxic effects by anti-cancer drugs were higher in recoverin-positive A549 cells as compared to recoverin-negative cells. Conclusion: The present data may correlate with the previous observation that recoverin-expressing cancer cells induced tumor immunity and a favorable prognosis for primary cancer in CAR patients.
Long-Term Results of Plastipore Prostheses in Reconstruction of the Middle Ear Ossicular Chain
Authors: Eleftheriadou A. , Chalastras T. , Georgopoulos S. , Yiotakis J. , Manolopoulos L. , Iliadis I. , Charalabopoulos K. , Kandiloros D.
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To examine the acoustic results over a long period of time, in patients who underwent ossiculoplasty with Plastipore, and to report the percentage of prosthesis extrusion and factors related to the prognosis. Procedures: Forty-two patients, who underwent ossiculoplasty with Plastipore, were studied. Patients were followed up for the next 14 years. The surgical procedures were classified as: tympanoplasty, tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy with canal wall up, and tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy with canal wall down. A successful hearing result was defined as a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) of 20 dB or less. Results: Successful results were seen in 65% of our patients, 68.8% with a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) and a 62.5% success rate with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). The mean value for ABG improvement was 25.5 dB. Prosthesis extrusion occurred in 4.7%. Conclusions: The ossiculoplasty-Plastipore technique leads to good hearing results and a low percentage of prosthesis extrusion in long-term follow-ups.
Prognostic Factors of Treatment Outcomes in Patients with Granulocytic Sarcoma
Authors: Lan Tsung-Yu , Lin Dong-Tsamn , Tien Hwei-Fang , Yang Rong-Sen , Chen Chih-Yu , Wu Karl
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To investigate the possible prognostic factors of survival outcomes in patients with granulocytic sarcoma (GS). Methods: We retrospectively investigated the prognostic factors determining survival in 24 patients with GS using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis followed by log rank tests. We evaluated gender, age, location, GS antedating leukemia, underlying disorders, treatment type and stem cell transplantation. Results: The 5-year survival rate for the patients with GS was 21%. The patients undergoing chemotherapy had a significantly longer survival time compared to those who did not (p = 0.0009). We found no difference in the 5-year survival rate among the patients undergoing chemotherapy combined with radiation or surgery. Patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic disorders had worse survival rates (p = 0.0028). Conclusion: Early diagnosis with biopsy and early chemotherapy can improve survival outcome. Local radiation or surgery can improve symptoms but does not influence survival outcomes.
Closure Times Measured by the Platelet Function Analyzer PFA-100® Are Longer in Neonatal Blood Compared to Cord Blood Samples
Authors: Saxonhouse Matthew A. , Garner Rachel , Mammel Lauren , Li Qin , Muller Keith E. , Greywoode Jewel , Miller Cindy , Sola-Visner Martha
Published: October 2009

Background: Although neonatal platelets have been shown to be hyporesponsive to most agonists in vitro, several groups have reported shorter closure times (CT) in term cord blood samples than in children and adults. It is unknown whether this is also true for preterm neonates, or for neonates of any gestational age (GA) during the 1st week of life, since limited studies have evaluated neonatal blood samples. Objectives: We designed this study to determine the effects of GA and postconceptional age on platelet function using the platelet function analyzer PFA-100®. Methods: We measured CTs in cord blood samples and in neonatal blood samples of varying GAs on days of life 1–2, and ≧7. Results: CTs were determined in 51 cord blood samples, 34 neonatal blood samples obtained on day of life 1–2, 16 neonatal blood samples from preterm neonates ≧7 days old, and 10 adults. We found a significant inverse relationship between ADP CTs and GA in both cord blood and neonatal blood day of life 1–2 samples (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). When cord blood samples were compared with neonatal and adult blood, epinephrine and ADP CTs were significantly longer in adult blood as well as in neonatal samples obtained at either of the two time points (p ≤ 0.01 for all). Conclusions: Platelet function in response to ADP appears to improve with advancing GA. The differences between cord blood and neonatal blood CTs indicate that substantial changes in primary hemostasis occur shortly after birth. The reasons underlying these changes are unknown.
Craving and Attentional Bias Respond Differently to Alcohol Priming: A Field Study in the Pub
Authors: Schoenmakers T.M. , Wiers R.W.
Published: October 2009

Background: Several experimental laboratory studies have shown that subjective craving for alcohol increases as a result of low-to-moderate levels of alcohol consumption. Less is known about alcohol prime effects on relatively automatic appetitive motivational processes such as attentional bias (AB). Also, it is not known whether the effects from laboratory studies can be generalized to real-life drinking environments, and whether effects change after higher alcohol doses than those that have been administered in lab studies. Method: In two pubs, we investigated alcohol prime dose effects in self-reported craving and AB, measured by a modified Flicker Paradigm. We included an opportunistic sample of 72 social drinkers who had been drinking various amounts of alcohol. Results: Self-reported craving was positively predicted by dose of alcohol consumed, from one up to 16 drinks. In contrast, AB was negatively predicted by dose consumed in participants who had been binge drinking. Conclusion: This field study validates earlier experimental research on alcohol prime effects in a real drinking situation. Further, it demonstrates prime effects up to much higher alcohol doses than in previous lab studies.
Central Clock Regulates the Cervically Stimulated Prolactin Surges by Modulation of Dopamine and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Release in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Poletini Maristela O. , Kennett Jessica E. , McKee De’Nise T. , Freeman Marc E.
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Cervical stimulation induces a circadian rhythm of prolactin secretion and antiphase dopamine release. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) controls this rhythm, and we propose that it does so through clock gene expression within the SCN. Methods: To test this hypothesis, serial blood samples were taken from animals injected with an antisense deoxyoligonucleotide cocktail for clock genes (generated against the 5′ transcription start site and 3′ cap site of per1, per2, and clock mRNA) or with a random-sequence deoxyoligonucleotide in the SCN. To determine whether disruption of clock genes in the SCN compromises the neural mechanism controlling prolactin secretion, we sacrificed another group of rats (under the same treatments) at 12.00 or 17.00 h. Dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were measured using HPLC/electrochemical detection in the median eminence as well as the intermediate and the neural lobe of the pituitary gland, and the DOPAC:dopamine ratio was used as an index of dopamine activity. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) content was determined in tissue punches of the SCN and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an SCN efferent. Results: Treatment with clock gene antisense deoxyoligonucleotide cocktail abolished both the diurnal and nocturnal prolactin surges induced by cervical stimulation. This treatment abolished the antiphase relationship established by cervical stimulation between dopamine neuronal activity and prolactin secretion. Also, VIP content increased in the SCN and decreased in the PVN. Conclusion: These results suggest that the SCN clock determines the circadian rhythm of prolactin secretion in cervically stimulated rats by regulating dopamine neuronal activity and VIP inputs to the PVN.
Multimodality Imaging of Carotid Artery Plaques
Authors: Kwee Robert M. , Teule Gerrit J. J. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Mess Werner H. , Prins Martin H. , van der Geest Rob J. , ter Berg Johannes W.M. , Franke Cees L. , Korten Arthur G.G.C. , Meems Bé J. , Hofman Paul A.M. , van Engelshoven Jos M.A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Kooi M. Eline
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

This study’s objective was to compare

18

F
-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (
18
F-FDG PET), CT, and MRI of carotid plaque assessment.

Materials and Methods—

Fifty patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis underwent
18
F-FDG PET/CT and MRI. Correlations and agreement between imaging findings were assessed by Spearman and Pearson rank correlation tests,
t
tests, and Bland-Altman plots.

Results—

Spearman ρ between plaque
18
F-FDG standard uptake values and CT/MRI findings varied from −0.088 to 0.385. Maximum standard uptake value was significantly larger in plaques with intraplaque hemorrhage (1.56 vs 1.47;
P
=0.032). Standard uptake values did not significantly differ between plaques with an intact and thick fibrous cap and plaques with a thin or ruptured fibrous cap on MRI. (1.21 vs 1.23;
P
=0.323; and 1.45 vs 1.54;
P
=0.727). Pearson ρ between CT and MRI measurements varied from 0.554 to 0.794 (
P
<0.001). For lipid-rich necrotic core volume, the CT–MRI correlation was stronger in mildly (≤10%) than in severely (>10%) calcified plaques (Pearson ρ 0.730 vs 0.475). Mean difference in measurement ±95% limits of agreement between CT and MRI for minimum lumen area, volumes of vessel wall, lipid-rich necrotic core, calcifications, and fibrous tissue were 0.4±18.1 mm
2
(
P
=0.744), −41.9 ±761.7 mm
3
(
P
=0.450), 78.4±305.0 mm
3
(
P
<0.001), 180.5±625.7 mm
3
(
P
=0.001), and −296.0±415.8 mm
3
(
P
<0.001), respectively.

Conclusions—

Overall, correlations between
18
F-FDG PET and CT/MRI findings are weak. Correlations between CT and MRI measurements are moderate to strong, but there is considerable variation in absolute differences.
Making Darwin: Biography and the Changing Representations of Charles Darwin
Authors: Browne Janet
Published: October 2009

Biographies of scientists are generating fresh interest as current movements in the historiography of science increasingly focus on the social aspects of science and on the criteria that most accurately describe a scientific life. Biography is the form through which the work of a scientist can be located in its fullest historical context. It can also reveal much about the construction of reputation and about the reception of ideas. The biographical tradition surrounding the naturalist Charles Darwin from 1882 to the present day has employed a variegated imagery, exemplifying how writings about scientific figures have adjusted to changing cultural and scientific norms.
The Shallow End of History? The Substance and Future of Political Biography
Authors: Riall Lucy
Published: October 2009

The “Great Man” tradition of political life-writing in Britain originated in the Dictionary of National Biography (which commenced publication in 1882) and continues to this day in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. The commercial popularity of the genre has persisted despite the challenges of post-structuralism and the rise of cultural and gender history. Contemporary political biographers who wish to incorporate new methodologies in their work, however, could approach the lives of Great Men through a study of how they acquired their reputations, thereby helping to explicate not only the importance attached to political heroes in history but also the creation of political biography itself. One case in point is my biography of Giuseppe Garibaldi, which analyzes the construction of, and political strategy behind, the remarkable fame and popularity of this revolutionary leader.
One Voice, But Whose Voice? Exploring What Drives Trade Association Activity
Authors: Barnett Michael L.
Published: October 2009

Trade associations operate under the premise of advancing the shared interests of their member firms. How well do they fulfill this role? This article measures the activity of 148 major industry trade associations over time and relates this activity to the performance of the relevant industries and dominant firms within them. Findings suggest that trade association spending increases when the profitability of the four largest firms in an industry decreases, but spending is unrelated to the profitability of the industry overall. This implies that large firms exert control over trade association agendas and may use these communal organizations to advance their own interests rather than the shared interests of the entire industry. Moreover, it points to the need for further development of the currently anemic management literature on the activities of trade associations.
Measuring Multi-Ethnic Desegregation
Authors: McAuliffe Straus Ryane
Published: October 2009

This article proposes a new method for measuring school desegregation in multiracial districts, and uses the new method to measure the desegregation effects of magnet schools in Los Angeles. Rather than measuring desegregation between only two groups at a time, I compute the index of interracial exposure for Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and Asians. Each of these figures is then combined to form a composite desegregation score. I find that magnet schools in Los Angeles are less segregated than nonmagnet schools, but that Whites and Asians are the most segregated groups and have become more segregated over time.
Educators’ Perspectives on Culturally Relevant Programs for Academic Success: The American Excellence Association
Authors: DeCuir-Gunby Jessica T. , DeVance Taliaferro Jocelyn , Greenfield Derek
Published: October 2009

This study examines educators’ perspectives of the American Excellence Association (AEA). Using interviews with 16 educators (teachers, counselors, and principals) from 10 high schools, we explored their perceptions regarding AEA’s impact on student participants as well as the potential for this type of culturally relevant programming for closing the achievement gap in their respective schools. Results of the analysis suggest that the educators perceive that the AEA fosters an achievement culture and provides participants with a genuine sense of ownership, creating a feeling of belonging and cultural competence, and helping develop critical consciousness through community service. Recommendations are made regarding the use of AEA as a model initiative for transforming the educational experiences of students of color.
Examining the Socio-Cultural Dimension of Schooling in a Racially Integrated School
Authors: Huidor Ofelia , Cooper Robert
Published: October 2009

This article examines the experiences of 20 students of color who voluntarily attend a racially integrated school. The study draws from the Socio-Cultural dimension of schooling as a framework to understand how the students of color fared on a social, cultural, and environmental level within a predominantly White school. Through a questionnaire, African American and Latina/o students discussed the conditions and perceptions of their local schools, their experiences at the new school site, and the value of navigating the educational opportunities offered by participating in a voluntary integration program. Furthermore, based on the findings that emerged from this study, recommendations with implications for policy are discussed.
Social Crime or Spatial Crime? Exploring the Effects of Social, Economical, and Spatial Factors on Burglary Rates
Authors: Chang Dongkuk
Published: October 2009

Space-crime research has primarily focused on crime prevention through environmental design, based on the ideology of defensible space, territoriality, target-hardening factors, and so on. Much of the research has attempted to determine ideological imperatives within the scope of either architectural buildings or urban areas. Few studies can be found dealing with whether there exists a significant influence of spatial configuration or CPTED-based building designs or social and economical reasons for the patterns of residential burglary distribution. This research focuses on three major factors: social factor of building use patterns, economical factor of building values, and two spatial factors, namely, the configurational factor of urban space structures and the design factor of architectural buildings. To examine the effect of the latter factors on burglary distribution patterns, configurational factor of urban space structures will be examined by investigating the configurational factors of intelligibility and integration. Other factors in consideration are road types, the types of buildings that witness high crime rates, and visibility issues. For the effect of building design factors, issues such as the number of entrances, building height, and target-hardening facilities will be examined. Our findings across six areas in a metropolitan city suggest that intelligible areas that can be easily accessible by passersby, and thus, enable more people to enter the area, are deemed to be less vulnerable than less intelligible areas. The urban space structure configures residential burglary patterns and building-use patterns significantly affect burglary rates, followed by road type and design factor issues.
Experience of Caregiving in Schizophrenia: a Study From India
Authors: Aggarwal Munish , Avasthi Ajit , Kumar Suresh , Grover Sandeep
Published: October 2009

Background: Many studies from India have evaluated the burden of schizophrenia on caregivers. Experience of caregiving, on the contrary, is a broader concept that takes into consideration both negative and positive consequences of the disorder and is influenced by factors like social support and coping of caregivers.

Methodology: Fifty caregivers of patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed on Experience of Caregiving Inventory (ECI), Coping Checklist (CCL), Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Patients were assessed on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: Maximum ECI score was seen in negative domains of handling the difficult behaviour followed by negative symptoms, loss and dependency. Significant positive correlation was seen between total positive ECI score and the level of education of patients and caregivers. Regression analysis showed that use of problem-focused coping, seeking social support as a coping strategy and education of caregivers explained 30.6% of the variance of ECI positive score.

Conclusion: The study showed that education of caregivers, coping strategies used by the caregivers and available social support influence the final appraisal of caregiving.
Enhancing the Performance of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 by Integration with Millimeter Length Scale Aluminium-based Cores
Authors: Paramsothy M. , Hassan S.F. , Srikanth N. , Gupta M.
Published: October 2009

New bimetal magnesium/aluminium macrocomposites containing millimeter-scale Al-based core reinforcement were fabricated using solidification processing followed by hot coextrusion. Two approaches were attempted for enhancing the performance of AZ31: (a) AZ31 shell integration with pure Al core (pure Al core approach) and (b) AZ31 shell integration with AA5052 core (AA5052 core approach), in that order. In the AA5052 core approach eventually, macrointerface width was increased by 2 orders of magnitude (compared to that in the macrocomposite obtained using the pure Al core approach), while stiffness was increased (+36%), 0.2%YS was unchanged and UTS was increased (+14%) (compared to monolithic AZ31). The evolution of the Mg-Al macrointerface and its effect on microstructure and mechanical properties is investigated in this article.