bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual RAS blockade normalizes angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 expression and prevents hypertension and tubular apoptosis in Akita angiotensinogen-transgenic mice
Authors: Lo Chao-Sheng , Liu Fang , Shi Yixuan , Maachi Hasna , Chenier Isabelle , Godin Nicolas , Filep Janos G. , Ingelfinger Julie R. , Zhang Shao-Ling , Chan John S. D.
Published: December 2011

We investigated the effects of dual renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade on angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (Ace2) expression, hypertension, and renal proximal tubular cell (RPTC) apoptosis in type 1 diabetic Akita angiotensinogen (Agt)-transgenic (Tg) mice that specifically overexpress Agt in their RPTCs. Adult (11 wk old) male Akita and Akita Agt-Tg mice were treated with two RAS blockers (ANG II receptor type 1 blocker losartan, 30 mg·kg−1·day−1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril (4 mg·kg−1·day−1) in drinking water. Same-age non-Akita littermates and Agt-Tg mice served as controls. Blood pressure, blood glucose, and albuminuria were monitored weekly. The animals were euthanized at age 16 wk. The left kidneys were processed for immunohistochemistry and apoptosis studies. Renal proximal tubules were isolated from the right kidneys to assess gene and protein expression. Urinary ANG II and ANG 1–7 were quantified by ELISA. RAS blockade normalized renal Ace2 expression and urinary ANG 1–7 levels (both of which were low in untreated Akita and Akita Agt-Tg), prevented hypertension, albuminuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular apoptosis, and inhibited profibrotic and proapoptotic gene expression in RPTCs of Akita and Akita Agt-Tg mice compared with non-Akita controls. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of RAS blockade in preventing intrarenal RAS activation, hypertension, and nephropathy progression in diabetes and support the important role of intrarenal Ace2 expression in modulating hypertension and renal injury in diabetes.
The renal transcriptome of db/db mice identifies putative urinary biomarker proteins in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Simonson Michael S. , Tiktin Margaret , Debanne Sara M. , Rahman Mahboob , Berger Bruce , Hricik Donald , Ismail-Beigi Faramarz
Published: December 2011

We sought to identify novel urinary biomarkers of kidney function in type 2 diabetes. We screened the renal transcriptome of db/db and db/m mice for differentially expressed mRNA transcripts that encode secreted proteins with human orthologs. Whether elevated urine levels of the orthologous proteins correlated with diminished glomerular filtration rate was tested in a cross-sectional study of n = 56 patients with type 2 diabetes. We identified 36 putative biomarker genes in db/db kidneys: 31 upregulated and 5 downregulated. Urinary protein levels of six selected candidates (endothelin-1, lipocalin-2, transforming growth factor-β, growth and differentiation factor-15, interleukin-6, and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1) were elevated in type 2 diabetic patients with subnormal glomerular filtration rate (i.e., <90 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), independent of microalbuminuria, age, sex, race, and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists. In contrast, urinary levels of fibroblast growth factor were not increased. A composite variable of urine albumin and any of the six candidate markers was associated with subnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate more closely than albumin alone. In addition, urinary endothelin-1, growth and differentiation factor-15, and interleukin-6 were associated with a marker of proximal tubule damage, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity. These results suggest that gene expression profiling in diabetic mouse kidney can complement existing proteomic-based approaches for renal biomarker discovery in humans.
Distributed sensitivity for movement amplitude in directionally tuned neuronal populations
Authors: Fabbri Sara , Caramazza Alfonso , Lingnau Angelika
Published: December 2011

Neurons in macaque primary motor cortex and dorsal premotor cortex are tuned to movement direction. In humans, neuronal populations tuned to movement direction have recently been described using multivoxel pattern analysis and functional magnetic resonance imaging adaptation. It is unclear, however, to what extent directionally tuned neuronal populations are sensitive to movement amplitude. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging adaptation to determine whether directionally tuned neuronal populations are modulated by movement amplitude. In different blocks, participants were adapted to small- or large-amplitude hand-reaching movements. On occasional test trials, we parametrically varied the angular difference between adaptation and test direction and the congruency between adapted and tested amplitude (same or different). We predicted that the blood oxygen level-dependent signal in directionally tuned regions should be adapted in proportion to the angular difference between adaptation and test direction. Directionally tuned regions insensitive to movement amplitude should show a transfer of adaptation from the adapted to the nonadapted amplitude. In contrast, regions sensitive to the specific combination of movement direction and amplitude should show directional tuning only for the adapted amplitude. We identified a network of parietal and frontal regions tuned to movement direction. We found that parietal areas contain neuronal populations sensitive to specific combinations of movement direction and amplitude, while frontal areas show transfer from the adapted to the nonadapted amplitude during small-amplitude movements after adaptation to large amplitude, but not vice versa. Our results thus imply different processing of movement amplitude in directionally tuned frontal and parietal areas.
Ifenprodil reduces excitatory synaptic transmission by blocking presynaptic P/Q type calcium channels
Authors: Delaney Andrew J. , Power John M. , Sah Pankaj
Published: December 2011

Ifenprodil is a selective blocker of NMDA receptors that are heterodimers composed of GluN1/GluN2B subunits. This pharmacological profile has been extensively used to test the role of GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors in learning and memory formation. However, ifenprodil has also been reported to have actions at a number of other receptors, including high voltage-activated calcium channels. Here we show that, in the basolateral amygdala, ifenprodil dose dependently blocks excitatory transmission to principal neurons by a presynaptic mechanism. This action of ifenprodil has an IC50of ∼10 μM and is fully occluded by the P/Q type calcium channel blocker ω-agatoxin. We conclude that ifenprodil reduces synaptic transmission in the basolateral amygdala by partially blocking P-type voltage-dependent calcium channels.
Use of Clinical Disease Activity Index Score for Assessment of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: An Indian Experience
Authors: Singh H. , Kumar H. , Handa R. , Talapatra P. , Ray S. , Gupta V.
Published: December 2011

Introduction. Serial objective assessment of disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is imperative to achieve remission. The CDAI score appears more practical than DAS-28 in routine assessment of disease activity in RA patients.
Objective. To evaluate correlation and agreement of the DAS-28 with CDAI in RA patients.
Methods. A total of 200 patients of RA were evaluated by DAS-28 and CDAI and divided into 4 categories of disease activity i.e. Group-I: Remission (DAS-28 < 2.6; CDAI < 2.8), Group II: Low disease activity (DAS-28 = 2.6–3.2; CDAI = 2.8–10), Group III: Moderate disease activity (DAS-28 = 3.2– 5.1; CDAI = 10–22), Group IV: High disease activity (DAS-28 > 5.1; CDAI > 22). DAS-28 was compared to CDAI in each group using spearman correlation coefficient and kappa statistics.
Results. Group I shows mean DAS-28 of 1.99±0.38; mean CDAI of 0.90±0.65, (P = 0.0001). Group II shows mean DAS-28 of 3.04±0.17; mean CDAI of 6.45±02.35, (P = 0.0001). Group III shows mean DAS-28 of 4.25±0.58; mean CDAI of 16.46±3.31 (P < 0.0001). Group IV shows mean DAS-28 of 6.38±0.87; mean CDAI of 38.56±11.88 (P < 0.0001). Kappa statistics (κ) of the above comparison was 0.533.
Conclusion. Our findings indicate that CDAI—a composite score that employs only clinical variables and omits assessment of Acute Phase Reactant (APR), has moderate to good correlation (Kappa value = 0.533) to DAS-28 for assessment of disease activity in RA patients.
More Than Just Tumor Destruction: Immunomodulation by Thermal Ablation of Cancer
Authors: Haen Sebastian P. , Pereira Philippe L. , Salih Helmut R. , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Gouttefangeas Cécile
Published: December 2011

Over the past decades, thermoablative techniques for the therapy of localized tumors have gained importance in the treatment of patients not eligible for surgical resection. Anecdotal reports have described spontaneous distant tumor regression after thermal ablation, indicating a possible involvement of the immune system, hence an induction of antitumor immunity after thermoinduced therapy. In recent years, a growing body of evidence for modulation of both adaptive and innate immunity, as well as for the induction of danger signals through thermoablation, has emerged. Induced immune responses, however, are mostly weak and not sufficient for the complete eradication of established tumors or durable prevention of disease progression, and combination therapies with immunomodulating drugs are being evaluated with promising results. This article aims to summarize published findings on immune modulation through radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, microwave ablation therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and laser-induced thermotherapy.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy in a Child with Moyamoya Syndrome, Hereditary Spherocytosis, and Interstitial Lung Disease: A Mere Coincidence or Partnership Based on Genetic Similarities
Authors: Karvandian Kasra , Khan Zahid Hussain , Zebardast Jayran , Miri Sayed Rohollah
Published: December 2011

A case of moyamoya syndrome and spherocytosis with concurrent interstitial lung disease who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy is being reported. A theory regarding their coexistence is being forwarded together with their anesthetic management. According to our search, this is the fourth case of moyamoya syndrome and the first case with an associated interstitial lung disease in a 10-year-old child.
Impact of Histopathological Diagnosis with Ancillary Immunohistochemical Studies on Lung Cancer Subtypes Incidence and Survival: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Bordoni Andrea , Bongiovanni Massimo , Mazzucchelli Luca , Spitale Alessandra
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of immunohistochemical- (IHC-) studies on incidence and survival of lung cancer histotypes.Patients and Methods. Lung cancers occurred in southern Switzerland between 1996 and 2010 were selected by the Ticino Cancer Registry and categorised into adenocarcinoma (AC), squamous-cell-carcinoma (SqCC), small-cell-carcinoma (SmCC), and large-cell carcinoma/non-small-cell lung cancer (LCC/NSCLC). Incidence rates, annual-percentage-change (APC), and two-year overall survival (OS) (follow-up: 31.12.2010) were performed.Results. 2467 cases were selected: 997 (40.4%) AC; 522 (21.2%) LCC/NSCLC, 378 (15.3%) SmCC, and 570 (23.1%) SqCC. Trend-analysis showed significant increase in AC (APC: 4.6; 95% CI: 3.1; 6.0) and decrease of LCC/NSCLC, with significant joinpoint in 2003 (APC: −14.7; 95% CI: −21.6; −7.1). Improved OS and decreased OS were detected in SqCC and LCC/NSCLC, respectively.Conclusions. This study highlights that diagnosis with ancillary immunohistochemical studies will change incidence and survival of precisely defined lung cancer subtypes. It calls attention to the need for cautious interpretation of studies and clinical trials, where the diagnosis was based on histology unaccompanied by IHC studies, and to the need of standardised diagnostic procedures.
Osmolarity and Glucose Differentially Regulate Aldose Reductase Activity in Cultured Mouse Podocytes
Authors: Lewko Barbara , Latawiec Elżbieta , Maryn Anna , Barczyńska Anna , Pikuła Michał , Zieliński Maciej , Rybczyńska Apolonia
Published: December 2011

Podocyte injury is associated with progression of many renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. In this study we examined whether aldose reductase (AR), the enzyme implicated in diabetic complications in different tissues, is modulated by high glucose and osmolarity in podocyte cells. AR mRNA, protein expression, and activity were measured in mouse podocytes cultured in both normal and high glucose and osmolarity for 6 hours to 5 days. Hyperosmolarity acutely stimulated AR expression and activity, with subsequent increase of AR expression but decrease of activity. High glucose also elevated AR protein level; however, this was not accompanied by respective enzyme activation. Furthermore, high glucose appeared to counteract the osmolarity-dependent activation of AR. In conclusion, in podocytes AR is modulated by high glucose and increased osmolarity in a different manner. Posttranslational events may affect AR activity independent of enzyme protein amount. Activation of AR in podocytes may be implicated in diabetic podocytopathy.
Low- and High-Temperature Tolerance and Acclimation for Chlorenchyma versus Meristem of the Cultivated Cacti Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia robusta, and Selenicereus megalanthus
Authors: Zutta Brian R. , Nobel Park S. , Aramians Alenoush M. , Sahaghian Arineh
Published: December 2011

Dividing meristematic cells are thought to be more sensitive to extreme temperatures compared to other tissues, such as chlorenchyma. This was examined for low and high temperatures for three widely cultivated cacti: Nopalea cochenillifera, Opuntia robusta, and Selenicereus megalanthus. Temperature tolerances of chlorenchyma and meristem were based on the cellular uptake of the vital stain neutral red for plants at mean day/night air temperatures of 25/20°C and plants maintained at 10/5°C or 45/40°C to examine temperature acclimation. Meristematic cells tolerated 1.8°C lower low temperatures and 4.0°C higher high temperatures than chlorenchyma cells for the three species at 25/20°C. Both tissue types showed acclimation, with a decrease or increase in temperature tolerated at 10/5°C or 45/40°C, respectively. Meristematic cells were more tolerant of extreme temperatures compared to chlorenchyma, contrary to the prevailing belief, and may reflect an additional strategy for cacti to survive extreme temperatures.
Changes Related to Age in Natural and Acquired Systemic Self-IgG Responses in Malaria
Authors: Dassé Romuald , Lefranc Didier , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Dussart Patricia , Dutoit-Lefevre Virginie , Sendid Boualem , Sombo Mambo François , Vermersch Patrick , Prin Lionel
Published: December 2011

Background. Absence of acquired protective immunity in endemic areas children leads to higher susceptibility to severe malaria. To investigate the involvement of regulatory process related to self-reactivity, we evaluated potent changes in auto-antibody reactivity profiles in children and older subjects living in malaria-endemic zones comparatively to none-exposed healthy controls.Methods. Analysis of IgG self-reactive footprints was performed using Western blotting against healthy brain antigens. Plasmas of 102 malaria exposed individuals (MEIs) from endemic zone, with or without cerebral malaria (CM) were compared to plasmas from non-endemic controls (NECs). Using linear discriminant and principal component analysis, immune footprints were compared by counting the number, the presence or absence of reactive bands. We identified the most discriminant bands with respect to age and clinical status.Results. A higher number of bands were recognized by IgG auto-antibodies in MEI than in NEC. Characteristic changes in systemic self-IgG-reactive repertoire were found with antigenic bands that discriminatePlasmodium falciparuminfections with or without CM according to age. 8 antigenic bands distributed in MEI compared with NEC were identified while 6 other antigenic bands were distributed within MEI according to the age and clinical status. Such distortion might be due to evolutionary processes leading to pathogenic/protective events.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Children and Its Relationship to Insulin Resistance and Adipokines
Authors: Roth Christian L. , Elfers Clinton , Kratz Mario , Hoofnagle Andrew N.
Published: December 2011

Low-serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are associated with insulin resistance in adults. Less data are available in pediatric populations. Serum 25(OH)D serum concentrations were assessed in 125 obese and 31 nonobese children (age11.9±2.7 y, range 6–16 y, 49% male) living in Bonn, Germany. The relationship between 25(OH)D, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and measures of insulin sensitivity and adipokines adiponectin and resistin were analyzed. Seventy-six % of subjects were 25(OH)D deficient (<20 ng/mL). Higher insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IRr=−0.269,P=0.023), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as well as lower quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKIr=0.264,P=0.030) values were found in obese children with lower 25(OH)D concentrations even after adjustment for gender, age, and body mass index. Furthermore, 25(OH)D correlated significantly with adiponectin, but not with resistin. Our results suggest that hypovitaminosis D is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance independent of adiposity.
The Hamster Model for Identification of Specific Antigens of Taenia solium Tapeworms
Authors: Ochoa-Sánchez Alicia , Jiménez Lucía , Landa Abraham
Published: December 2011

Humans acquire taeniasis by ingesting pork meat infected with Taenia solium cysticerci, which are the only definitive hosts of the adult stage (tapeworm) and responsible for transmitting the human and porcine cysticercosis. Hence, detection of human tapeworm carriers is a key element in the development of viable strategies to control the disease. This paper presents the identification of specific antigens using sera from hamsters infected with T. solium tapeworms analyzed by western blot assay with crude extracts (CEs) and excretion‐secretion antigens (E/S Ag) obtained from T. solium cysticerci and tapeworms and extracts from other helminthes as controls. The hamster sera infected with T. solium tapeworms recognized specific bands of 72, 48, 36, and 24 kDa, in percentages of 81, 81, 90, and 88%, respectively, using the T. solium tapeworms E/S Ag. The antigens recognized by these hamster sera could be candidates to improve diagnosis of human T. solium taeniasis.
Using Sun’s Java Real-Time System to Manage Behavior-Based Mobile Robot Controllers
Authors: McKenzie Andrew , Dawson Shameka , Hu Fei , Anderson Monica
Published: December 2011

Implementing a robot controller that can effectively manage limited resources in a deterministic, real-time manner is challenging. Behavior-based architectures that decompose autonomy into levels of intelligence are popular due to their robustness but do not provide real-time features that enforce timing constraints or support determinism. We propose an architecture and approach for using the real-time features of the Real-Time Specification for Java (RTSJ) in a behavior-based mobile robot controller to show that timing constraints affect performance. This is accomplished by extending a real-time aware architecture that explicitly enumerates timing requirements for each behavior. It is not enough to reduce latency. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated via an implementation on Solaris 10 and the Sun Java Real-Time System (Java RTS). Experimental results are obtained using a K-team Koala robot performing path following with four composite behaviors. Experiments were conducted using several task period sets in three cases: real-time threads with the real-time garbage collector, real-time threads with the non- real-time garbage collector, and non-real-time threads with the non-real-time garbage collector. Results show that even if latency and determinism are improved, the timing of each individual behavior significantly affects task performance.
Coordination Chemistry of Polyaromatic Thiosemicarbazones 2: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Zinc, Cobalt, and Copper Complexes of 1-(Naphthalene-2-yl)ethanone Thiosemicarbazone
Authors: LeBlanc Marc-Andre , Gonzalez-Sarrías Antonio , Beckford Floyd A. , Mbarushimana P. Canisius , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: December 2011

A novel thiosemicarbazone from 2-acetonaphthone (represented as acnTSC) has been synthesized and its basic coordination chemistry with zinc(II), cobalt(II), and copper(II) explored. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques and are best formulated as [M(acnTSC)2Cl2] with the metal likely in an octahedral environment. The anticancer activity of the complexes was determined against a panel of human colon cancer cells (HCT-116 and Caco-2). The compounds bind to DNA via an intercalative mode with binding constants of 9.7×104 M-1, 1.8×105 M-1, and 9.5×104 M-1 for the zinc, cobalt, and copper complexes, respectively.
On Complete Convergence for Weighted Sums of Arrays of Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Sung Soo Hak
Published: December 2011

A rate of complete convergence for weighted sums of arrays of rowwise independent random variables was obtained by Sung and Volodin (2011). In this paper, we extend this result to negatively associated and negatively dependent random variables. Similar results for sequences of φ‐mixing and ρ*‐mixing random variables are also obtained. Our results improve and generalize the results of Baek et al. (2008), Kuczmaszewska (2009), and Wang et al. (2010).
Dissemination and Molecular Epidemiology of KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Collected in Puerto Rico Medical Center Hospitals during a 1-Year Period
Authors: Robledo Iraida E. , Vázquez Guillermo J. , Moland Ellen S. , Aquino Edna E. , Goering Richard V. , Thomson Kenneth S. , Santé María I. , Hanson Nancy D.
Published: December 2011

During a 2003-2004 PCR-based surveillance study conducted in 6 Puerto Rico Medical Center hospitals, 27/92 multi-beta-lactam-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were identified as carbapenemase (KPC) positive in 4 hospitals. The objectives of this study were to identify the KPC variants, their genetic relatedness, and any other beta-lactamases present. Susceptibility testing, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), isoelectric focusing, PCR, and DNA sequencing were performed. KPC variants -2, -3, -4, and -6 were identified. Additional beta-lactamases detected were TEM, DHA, OXA-9 and -30. Antimicrobial susceptibility to carbapenems varied depending on the KPC variant. Five PFGE genetically related groups were identified in 15 isolates and 12 unrelated types. PFGE profiles suggested that both clonal and horizontal transfer are contributing to the dissemination of these isolates among the various hospitals. Comparison of the 2003 and a 2009 surveillance studies showed a significant increase in the KPC-positive K. pneumoniae isolates in the latter.
On Diffraction Fresnel Transforms for Boehmians
Authors: Al-Omari S. K. Q. , Kılıçman A.
Published: December 2011

The theory of the diffraction Fresnel transform is extended to certain spaces of Schwartz distributions. In the context of Boehmian spaces, the diffraction Fresnel transform is obtained as a continuous function. Convergence with respect to δ and Δ is also defined.
Spectral Domain OCT: An Aid to Diagnosis and Surgical Planning of Retinal Detachments
Authors: Auger Graham , Winder Stephen
Published: December 2011

Regmatogenous retinal detachments need prompt intervention particularly when macula is on. Unfortunately this is not always easy to ascertain clinically and the chronicity of the event is often muddled in patient's histories. Developments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have allowed high-resolution axial scans which have enabled the characterisation of retinal changes in retinal detachments. In this paper, we show the changes in retinal morphology observed by spectral domain OCT and how this can be used to plan appropriate surgical intervention.
Identification of Regional Lymph Node Involvement of Colorectal Cancer by Serum SELDI Proteomic Patterns
Authors: Fan Nai-Jun , Gao Chun-Fang , Wang Xiu-Li
Published: December 2011

Background. To explore the application of serum proteomic patterns for the preoperative detection of regional lymph node involvement of colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods. Serum samples were applied to immobilized metal affinity capture ProteinChip to generate mass spectra by Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Proteomic spectra of serum samples from 70 node-positive CRC patients and 75 age- and gender-matched node-negative CRC patients were employed as a training set, and a classification tree was generated by using Biomarker Pattern Software package. The validity of the classification tree was then challenged with a blind test set including another 65 CRC patients.Results. The software identified an average of 46 mass peaks/spectrum and 5 of the identified peaks at m/z 3,104, 3,781, 5,867, 7,970, and 9,290 were used to construct the classification tree. The classification tree separated effectively node-positive CRC patients from node-negative CRC patients, achieving a sensitivity of 94.29% and a specificity of 100.00%. The blind test challenged the model independently with a sensitivity of 91.43% a specificity of 96.67%.Conclusions. The results indicate that SELDI-TOF-MS can correctly distinguish node-positive CRC patients from node-negative ones and show great potential for preoperative screening for regional lymph node involvement of CRC.
Laser Vision Correction on Patients with Sick Optic Nerve: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Ming
Published: December 2011

This 48-year-old white female with chronic optic disc edema is reported for the discussion of the management for the laser vision correction. Two procedures were considered, one was PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and the other was LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis). A search strategy was developed to search evidence in the literature to support the decision in the selection of the better procedure for this patient. The evidences also were rigorously appraised for the validity. PRK was selected and performed on the patient with good outcome.
MovieRemix: Having Fun Playing with Videos
Authors: Dusi Nicola , Federico Maria , Furini Marco
Published: December 2011

The process of producing new creative videos by editing, combining, and organizing pre-existing material (e.g., video shots) is a popular phenomenon in the current web scenario. Known asremixor video remix, the produced video may have new and different meanings with respect to the source material. Unfortunately, when managing audiovisual objects, the technological aspect can be a burden for many creative users. Motivated by the large success of the gaming market, we propose a novel game and an architecture to make the remix process a pleasant and stimulating gaming experience. MovieRemix allows people to act like a movie director, but instead of dealing with cast and cameras, the player has to create a remixed video starting from a given screenplay and from video shots retrieved from the provided catalog. MovieRemix is not a simple video editing tool nor is a simple game: it is a challenging environment that stimulates creativity. To temp to play the game, players can access different levels of screenplay (original, outline, derived) and can also challenge other players. Computational and storage issues are kept at the server side, whereas the client device just needs to have the capability of playing streaming videos.
An Iterative Algorithm for a Hierarchical Problem
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Cho Yeol Je , Yang Pei-Xia
Published: December 2011

A general hierarchical problem has been considered, and an explicit algorithm has been presented for solving this hierarchical problem. Also, it is shown that the suggested algorithm converges strongly to a solution of the hierarchical problem.
Mathematical Issues in the Inference of Causal Interactions among Multichannel Neural Signals
Authors: Jung Young-Jin , Kim Kyung Hwan , Im Chang-Hwan
Published: December 2011

Within the last few decades, attempts have been made to characterize the underlying mechanisms of brain activity by analyzing neural signals recorded, directly or indirectly, from the human brain. Accordingly, inference of functional connectivity among neural signals has become an indispensable research tool in modern neuroscience studies aiming to explore how different brain areas are interacting with each other. Indeed, remarkable advances in computational sciences and applied mathematics even allow the estimation of causal interactions among multichannel neural signals. Here, we introduce the brief mathematical background of the use of causality inference in neuroscience and discuss the relevant mathematical issues, with the ultimate goal of providing applied mathematicians with the current state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on this promising multidisciplinary topic.
The Dark Side of the Light Show: Predators of Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains
Authors: Lewis Sara M. , Faust Lynn , De Cock Raphaël
Published: December 2011

In the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, the Light Show is a popular seasonal attraction created by thousands of courting malePhotinus carolinusfireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) that flash in synchrony to locate females. This study was undertaken to provide a temporal snapshot of whether invertebrate predators are active within these dense and conspicuous firefly breeding aggregations. In addition, we examined whether femalePhoturisfireflies, which are specialist predators on other fireflies, show any feeding preferences within the diverse local firefly fauna. A field survey revealed a surprisingly diverse suite of generalist insectivores feeding on fireflies withinP. carolinusbreeding aggregations. In addition, laboratory studies revealed major differences in prey consumption rates whenPhoturispredators were given access to several lampyrid taxa. This suite of generalist and specialist predators appears to create a complex selective landscape that is predicted to be a powerful force shaping the evolution of firefly defenses.
Association of Plasma Homocysteine with Self-Reported Sleep Apnea Is Confounded by Age: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006
Authors: Thakre Tushar P. , Mamtani Manju , Ujaoney Shweta , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: December 2011

High levels of plasma homocysteine are implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases especially if accompanied by sleep apnea, but a direct pathogenetic link between plasma homocysteine levels and obstructive sleep apnea is debatable. This association can have far-reaching public health implications considering the inverse association between folate and plasma homocysteine. We used data from the 2005-2006 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to test the hypothesized associations. Of the 4490 subjects included in analysis, 177 reported sleep apnea. Age-standardized and design-effect-corrected prevalence rates were differential across gender, plasma homocysteine, and red cell folate status. Plasma homocysteine was positively correlated with age (r=0.38,P<0.0001). Multivariate analyses using sociodemographic and clinical covariates demonstrated that plasma homocysteine levels retained their respective associations with self-reported sleep apnea in all models except when age was included as a covariate. Our results demonstrate that the claimed association of plasma homocysteine with sleep apnea may be confounded by age.
Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: (Re)evaluation of the Current State in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland 2010
Authors: Bandorski Dirk , Jakobs Ralf , Brück Martin , Hoeltgen Reinhard , Wieczorek Marcus , Keuchel Martin
Published: December 2011

Background and Aims. The study was a repeated evaluation of the experience of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).Patients and Methods. A standardized questionnaire was sent by the manufactors Given Imaging and Olympus to all centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland providing capsule endoscopy service. The questionnaire covers the number of examined patients, monitoring during CE, check of the electric implants before and after CE, occurrence of arrhythmia, quality of CE video, complications, indication of CE, and type of institution.Results. Overall 580 questionnaires were sent to the users. 26/5% (Germany/Austria + Switzerland) of the questionnaires were sent back anonymously to the authors. 114 centers (82 hospitals, 11 surgeries, 21 without specification) replied. In 58 centers (51%), patients with cardiac pacemaker (n=300) and ICDs (n=80) underwent uneventful capsule endoscopy. The predominant indication (patients with CP 97%, patients with ICD 100%) was mid gastrointestinal bleeding.Conclusion. The results of our inquiry show that in spite of formal contraindication CE is increasingly applied in bleeding patients with cardiac pacemakers/ICDs and seems to be safe even in a large cohort.
The Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Novel H1/H3 Receptor Antagonists in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Daley-Yates Peter , Ambery Claire , Sweeney Lisa , Watson Joanna , Oliver Amanda , McQuade Barbara
Published: December 2011

Background: A therapeutic role for histamine H3 receptor antagonism in allergic rhinitis has been proposed and may be complimentary to the well-known benefits of H1 receptor antagonism. Combined H1/H3 blockade has therefore been investigated as a novel therapeutic approach that may enhance symptom relief, particularly nasal blockage. Methods: Two novel H1/H3 dual receptor antagonists were investigated in phase I and II safety and efficacy studies. One molecule (GSK1004723) was designed for intranasal administration as a suspension or solution and the other molecule (GSK835726) for oral administration. In phase I and II studies, both molecules were compared with an active control and/or placebo in randomised studies. In phase II studies, efficacy was assessed in an environmental allergen challenge chamber (ECC). Subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis were exposed to allergen to induce symptoms. Efficacy and safety was measured over 4, 7 and 20–24 h post-dose. The endpoints included total nasal symptom score and nasal blockage. Results: Intranasal suspension of GSK1004723 and oral GSK835726 were well tolerated. Single-dose intranasal suspensions of GSK1004723 (220, 1,100 µg) failed to demonstrate clinically significant attenuation of symptoms of allergic rhinitis induced in the ECC. Single (10, 50, 100 mg) and 3-day repeat (10 mg) dose oral GSK835726 demonstrated clinically significant attenuation of symptoms in the ECC comparable to cetirizine 10 mg. Three-day repeat dosing of the intranasal solution GSK1004723 1,000 µg also demonstrated a statistically significant attenuation of nasal symptoms, but was less than seen with cetirizine and GSK835726 and caused initial nasal discomfort. Conclusions: Combined H1/H3 antagonism did not show differentiation from H1 antagonism in reducing total nasal symptom score or nasal blockage.
Assessing Degree of Flowering Implicates Multiple Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae Species in Allergy
Authors: Ferrer Lucía , Carnés Jerónimo , Rojas-Hijazo Beatriz , Lopez-Matas María Angeles , Sobrevía María Teresa , Colas Carlos
Published: December 2011

Background: IgE-mediated sensitization to the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae families is a cause of allergic symptoms in arid areas. Salsola kali and Chenopodium album are considered the main species responsible; however, there is a discrepancy between the pollination period of these two plants and clinical symptoms. The objectives of this study were to identify new Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae members with sensitization capacity and to correlate symptoms, pollen counts and degree of flowering of different species. Methods: A total of 37 individuals monosensitized to S. kali and C. album were included in the study. All patients recorded daily symptom scores between May and October 2007. Extracts from Chenopodium (album, vulvaria and murale), Salsola (kali, vermiculata, and oppositifolia), Bassia scoparia, Atriplex (patula and halimus) and Amaranthus (deflexus and muricatus) were manufactured and used in skin prick tests (SPTs). Protein content and IgE binding were assessed for each extract. Pollen counts and degree of flowering (based on the Orshan specific semiquantitative method) were assessed weekly. Results: Symptom scores demonstrated a positive correlation with pollen counts even outside the pollination period of S. kali. Positive SPTs were obtained with all 11 species tested, which showed common proteins with IgE-binding capacity. Different species flowered at different times during the pollen season. Conclusion: Different taxonomically related species of Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae can induce allergic sensitization and should be considered for use in diagnosis and treatment. Degree of flowering is a complementary method for assessing pollination that could be used for botanical families with indistinguishable pollen grains.
Immunotherapy Is Allergen-Specific: A Double-Blind Trial of Mite or Timothy Extract in Mite and Grass Dual-Allergic Patients
Authors: Dreborg S. , Lee T.H. , Kay A.B. , Durham S.R.
Published: December 2011

Background: One hundred years ago, Noon [Lancet 1911;1:1572–1573], using conjunctival provocation testing (CPT), was the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in grass-allergic subjects with hay fever. In this centenary year, we present data that, by use of CPT and allergen-specific IgG, replicate this observation and additionally confirm the allergen specificity of SCIT by using a double-blind design employing either grass or mite SCIT in dual grass- and mite-allergic individuals. Methods: Twenty adults (11 females) with perennial rhinoconjunctivitis and exacerbation of symptoms during the grass pollen season and in the autumn had immediate skin and conjunctival sensitivity and raised specific IgE to both Dermatophagoides farinae and Phleum pratense. Participants were randomly assigned to either timothy or D. farinae immunotherapy for 3 years. CPT and specific IgG tests to both allergens were performed annually. After 3 years, subjects gave their blinded overall evaluation. Results: Six mild-to-moderate general reactions occurred in 2 timothy- and 4 mite-treated patients. Four of these patients and 2 other patients withdrew from the study. Seven patients in each group completed the study. After 3 years of immunotherapy, the timothy CPT threshold concentration had increased 16- fold in timothy-treated patients (p < 0.05; between-group change, p < 0.05). The increase in the mite CPT threshold in mite- compared to grass-treated patients was 31-fold (p < 0.05). The overall assessment of conjunctival sensitivity was highly significant in favour of treatment (p < 0.015), as was that of allergen-specific IgG (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Allergen immunotherapy is allergen species-specific, as judged by decreased conjunctival sensitivity and changes in allergen-specific IgG concentrations.
Correlation between Leukocyte Membrane Lipid Peroxidation and Expression of Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase mRNA in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Washio Kazunori , Inagaki Masahiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Morio Yuri , Gotoh Hiromichi , Gotoh Yoshikazu , Oguchi Katsuji
Published: December 2011

Background: Previously, we reported an increase in expressions of mRNA of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) in leukocytes of hemodialysis (HD) patients, and speculated that the increase is associated with oxidative stress on the leukocyte membrane due to the HD process. Methods: Expressions of Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA in leukocytes, contents of plasma SOD, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in leukocyte and erythrocyte membranes, respectively, were examined in 25 HD patients and 14 healthy volunteers. These were also determined after using a vitamin E-coated dialyzer (VE dialyzer) for 4 weeks. Results: All values were significantly higher in HD patients. A significant correlation was found between leukocyte Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA expression and membrane MDA. After using the VE dialyzer, all values were significantly lowered, showing a significant correlation between changing rate of leukocyte Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA expression and membrane MDA. Conclusion: In HD patients, oxidative stress is generated on the leukocyte membrane, and the level of Cu/Zn-SOD mRNA in leukocytes can be a useful oxidative stress marker.
Effect of Dose and Duration of Micronized Progesterone Treatment during the First Trimester on Incidence of Glucose Intolerance and on Birth Weight
Authors: Köşüş Aydın , Köşüş Nermin , Haktankaçmaz Seval A. , Ak Dilek , Turhan Nilgün Ö.
Published: December 2011

Objective: The aim was to investigate the potential effect of oral progesterone therapy during the first trimester on glucose metabolism and on birth weight, and to assess the existence of dose-related differences. Methods: One hundred and fifty women with a history of imminent abortion and who used micronized progesterone (MicP) (200-600 µg/day for 4-6 weeks), and 150 healthy pregnant women as a control group, were included in the study. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and OGL were measured between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Patients were followed up to term and birth weight was recorded. Results: Risk of abnormal FBG and OGL was increased by 4.5- and 9.4-fold, respectively, in patients receiving MicP (p < 0.001). Median birth weight and gestational age were 3,599 g (500) and 39.0 weeks (1.3) for the MicP exposed group and 3,120 g (210) and 39.4 weeks (1.5) for the control group, respectively. Median birth weight was significantly higher in the MicP-exposed group for a similar gestational age (p < 0.001). There were no dose-related differences between groups. Conclusion: MicP therapy during the first trimester of pregnancy might have undesirable effects on glucose metabolism, which stresses the need of larger studies to confirm this association.
Epilepsy Surgery in a Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Study of 129 Children from a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country along with Assessment of Quality of Life
Authors: Dagar Amit , Chandra P. Sarat , Chaudhary Kapil , Avnish Chauhan , Bal C.S. , Gaikwad Shailesh , Garg Ajay , Sarkar Chitra , Srivastava A. , Padma M.V. , Rekha Diwedi , Gulati Sheffali , Paul Vinod , Prasad K. , Singh M.B. , Tripathi Manjari
Published: December 2011

Purpose: To assess the outcome of a pediatric population operated for drug-resistant epilepsy from a large tertiary care center in India. Methods: Retrospectively: quality of life (QOL); prospectively: preoperative assessment included interictal EEG, MRI (as per epilepsy protocol), video-EEG. Ictal SPECT (with subtraction) and PET were performed when required. QOL scores were assessed using the HASS or SSQ for seizure severity, Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE) for QOL, and Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) for behavior. Results: 142 were operated from January 2000 to June 2011 by the senior author. 118 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 9.8 ± 4.3 years. In addition, 40 patients underwent QOL assessment prospectively both before and after surgery. Mean duration of epilepsy was 5.3 ± 3.3 years. A class I outcome (Engel’s) was seen in 79.5% patients, class II in 8.6%, class III in 10.7%, and class IV in 1 patient. As per surgical procedures, class I outcome in patients who underwent temporal resection, hemispherotomy and extratemporal resection was 76, 87 and 72%, respectively. QOL scores correlated with duration of seizures, epileptic encephalopathy and outcome of surgery, but not with side of surgery, age and sex. Conclusions: This study, the largest reported from India, has demonstrated satisfactory results for epilepsy surgery in children.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Does Not Significantly Increase Polyp and Cancer Detection Yield when Used to Supplement CT Colonography
Authors: Selinger C.P. , Mullender J. , Choudhury S. , Jones P.E. , Sukumar S. , Ramesh J.
Published: December 2011

Background and Aims: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) increases polyp and carcinoma detection in addition to double contrast barium enema (DCBE). However, CT colonography (CTC) is now the preferred technique. Our aim was to explore whether FS increases polyp and carcinoma detection rates when used in addition to CTC. Methods: Patients who underwent FS and CTC between 2007 and 2009 were included and data were collected from patient records. Yields of polyp, adenoma and carcinoma detection were calculated for FS and CTC. Results: In a cohort of 294 patients, CTC detected 36 patients with carcinomas while FS detected 28. One rectal cancer not seen on CTC was diagnosed by FS. Polyps were seen by CTC in 66 and FS in 45 patients. In 5 patients FS found polyps that were not detected by CTC; 3 of which were small adenomas. FS detected extra adenomas or carcinomas in 1.36% (4/294). Adding FS to CTC neither increased the cancer nor the polyp detection yield significantly. Conclusions: This first study investigating the use of FS in addition to CTC detected little additional pathology. The routine use of FS as a supplement to CTC for adenoma and carcinoma detection is of questionable utility.
Rosuvastatin Preserves Renal Structure following Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction in the Neonatal Rat
Authors: Mazzei Luciana Jorgelina , García Isabel Mercedes , Altamirano Liliana , Docherty Neil G. , Manucha Walter
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims: Unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) in neonatal rodents can be used as a paradigm for in utero obstruction in humans and a platform for studying the potential of novel therapies for congenital obstructive nephropathy. The present study examined the effect of rosuvastatin (Ros) on key morphometric measures of renal injury and corresponding gene expression correlates following neonatal UUO in the rat. Methods: Neonatal rats subjected to UUO and controls were treated daily with vehicle or Ros for 14 days. Quantification of tubular dilatation, glomerular size and number and tubulointerstitial fibrotic area was performed and changes validated by reference to appropriate renal gene expression correlates. Results: UUO increased tubular diameter and interstitial fibrosis by 2.7- and 7-fold, respectively, in parallel with increases in renal transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA levels. Glomerular number and size were reduced by 52 and 33%, respectively. Reductions in WT-1 mRNA and protein expression were noted following obstruction occurring in tandem with reduced mRNA levels for BMP-7 and E-cadherin. Ros attenuated tubular dilatation (33%) and interstitial fibrosis (72%) in association with the normalization of renal TGF-β1 and TNF-α mRNA levels. Ros improved glomerular number and size (30 and 50%), and preserved mRNA and protein expression levels of WT-1 and normalized mRNA levels for BMP-7 and E-cadherin. Conclusions: Ros treatment attenuated all changes, most notably the increase in interstitial fibrosis. Notably, Ros treatment was unable to completely salvage glomerular development. Together these data highlight the therapeutic potential and limitations of Ros in neonatal obstruction.