bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified development process of component-based software engineering
Authors: Gill Nasib Singh , Tomar Pradeep
Published: March 2010

Component-based software engineering (CBSE) is a branch of software engineering, the priority of which is the separation of concerns in respect of the wide-ranging functionality available throughout a given software system. CBSE emphasizes on building system by reusing high quality configurable software components. This reduces its development cost as well as time-to-market and ensures higher reliability, better maintainability and quality by exploiting reusability. In the traditional approach, when a software system is going to be developed, the implementation has to be done from scratch. With the advent of Object-Oriented Technology (OOT), reusable software components have become an indispensable part of programming knowledge. In addition to those classes and methods included in standard libraries of programming languages, such as the Java API library, many reusable software components are developed by software development organizations specifically for reuse or repackaged from previously developed systems. We propose here a modified development process of CBSE and present our modified development process of CBSE for increasing reusability in different abstraction levels: architecture level, modular design level and framework level. This modified development process of CBSE change the reusability approach into two different approaches composition-based approach and generation-based. Lastly on the basis of these two approaches we divide component reuse into two different processes. First one is process of development of reusable components which is composition-based approach and second one is process of development with reusable components which is based on the generation-based according X model with the benefits of reusable components in programming
OveRSoC: A Framework for the Exploration of RTOS for RSoC Platforms
Authors: Miramond Benoît , Huck Emmanuel , Verdier François , Benkhelifa Amine , Granado Bertrand , Lefebvre Thomas , Aïchouch Mehdi , Prevotet Jean Christophe , Oliva Yaset , Chillet Daniel , Pillement Sébastien
Published: March 2010

This paper presents the OveRSoC project. The objective is to develop an exploration and validation methodology of embedded Real Time Operating Systems (RTOSs) for Reconfigurable System‐on‐Chip‐based platforms. Here, we describe the overall methodology and the corresponding design environment. The method is based on abstract and modular SystemC models that allow to explore, simulate, and validate the distribution of OS services on this kind of platform. The experimental results show that our components accurately model the dynamic and deterministic behavior of both application and RTOS.
Ghrelin Protection against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Gastric Mucosal Cell Apoptosis Involves Constitutive Nitric Oxide Synthase-Mediated Caspase-3 S-Nitrosylation
Authors: Slomiany Bronislaw L. , Slomiany Amalia
Published: March 2010

Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced mainly in the stomach, has emerged as an important modulator of the inflammatory responses that are of significance to the maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity. Here, we report on the role of ghrelin in controlling the apoptotic processes induced in gastric mucosal cells byH. pylorilipopolysaccharide (LPS). The countering effect of ghrelin on the LPS-induced mucosal cell apoptosis was associated with the increase in constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) activity, and the reduction in caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2). The loss in countering effect of ghrelin on the LPS-induced changes in apoptosis and caspase-3 activity was attained with Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, as well as Akt inhibitor, SH-5, and cNOS inhibitor, L-NAME. Moreover, the effect of ghrelin on the LPS-induced changes in cNOS activity was reflected in the increased cNOS phosphorylation that was sensitive to SH-5. Furthermore, the ghrelin-induced up-regulation in cNOS activity was associated with the increase in caspase-3 S-nitrosylation that was susceptible to the blockage by L-NAME. Therefore, ghrelin protection of gastric mucosal cells againstH. pyloriLPS-induced apoptosis involves Src/Akt-mediated up-regulation in cNOS activation that leads to the apoptotic signal inhibition through the NO-induced caspase-3 S-nitrosylation.
Genetic Risk for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zaffanello M. , Malerba G. , Cataldi L. , Antoniazzi F. , Franchini M. , Monti E. , Fanos V.
Published: March 2010

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of morbidity in children and adults and affect up to 10% of children; its recurrence rate is estimated at 30–40%. UTI may occur in up to 50% of all women in their lifetimes and frequently require medication. Recent advances have suggested that a deregulation of candidate genes in humans may predispose patients to recurrent UTI. The identification of a genetic component of UTI recurrences will make it possible to diagnose at-risk adults and to predict genetic recurrences in their offspring. Six out of 14 genes investigated in humans may be associated with susceptibility to recurrent UTI in humans. In particular, the HSPA1B, CXCR1 & 2, TLR2, TLR4, TGF-1 genes seem to be associated with an alteration of the host response to UTIs at various levels.
Investigation of Cooperation Technologies in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Wang Wenbo
Published: March 2010

Heterogeneous wireless networks based on varieties of radio access technologies (RATs) and standards will coexist in the future. In order to exploit this potential multiaccess gain, it is required that different RATs are managed in a cooperative fashion. This paper proposes two advanced functional architecture supporting the functionalities of interworking between WiMAX and 3GPP networks as a specific case: Radio Control Server- (RCS-) and Access Point- (AP-) based centralized architectures. The key technologies supporting the interworking are then investigated, including proposing the Generic Link Layer (GLL) and researching the multiradio resource management (MRRM) mechanisms. This paper elaborates on these topics, and the corresponding solutions are proposed with preliminary results.
Global Hopf Bifurcation Analysis for a Time‐Delayed Model of Asset Prices
Authors: Qu Ying , Wei Junjie
Published: March 2010

A time‐delayed model of speculative asset markets is investigated to discuss the effect of time delay and market fraction of the fundamentalists on the dynamics of asset prices. It proves that a sequence of Hopf bifurcations occurs at the positive equilibrium v, the fundamental price of the asset, as the parameters vary. The direction of the Hopf bifurcations and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are determined using normal form method and center manifold theory. Global existence of periodic solutions is established combining a global Hopf
bifurcation theorem with a Bendixson′s criterion for higher‐dimensional ordinary differential equations.
Protocols for Robotic Telescope Networks
Authors: Klotz Alain
Published: March 2010

Autonomous robotic observatories can use modern communications to receive pertinent information from institutes that generate events to observe (e.g., supernovae, near‐earth asteroids, gravitational lensings, and gamma‐ray bursts).
This paper is addressed to astronomers who are not specialists in computer science. We give explanations of some basic and advanced protocols to receive events and how to implement them in a robotic observatory software. We describe messages such as GCN notices, VOEvents or RTML, and protocols such as CGI, HTTP, SOAP, RSS, and XMPP.
Testosterone and Cholesterol Vasodilation of Rat Aorta Involves L-Type Calcium Channel Inhibition
Authors: Álvarez E. , Cairrão E. , Morgado M. , Morais C. , Verde I.
Published: March 2010

Testosterone has rapid nongenomic vasodilator effects which could be involved in protective cardiovascular actions. Several authors suggested specific mechanisms to explain this effect, but this matter was not clarified yet. We studied the actions of testosterone and cholesterol on endothelium-denuded rat aorta and their effects on the L-typeCa2+current (ICa,L) and potassium current (IK). Testosterone (1–100 μM) totally relaxed, in a rapid and concentration-dependent way, the aortic rings contracted by KCl or by (−)-Bay K8644 (BAY). Cholesterol also fully relaxed the contractions induced by KCl. None of the potassium channel antagonists tested (glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine) modified significantly the relaxant effect of testosterone. The antagonist of classic testosterone receptors, flutamide, did not modify the vasorelaxant effect of testosterone. Furthermore, testosterone and cholesterol inhibited either basal and BAY-stimulatedICa,Lin A7r5 cells and they have no effects onIK. In summary, our results demonstrate that cholesterol and testosterone relax rat aorta by inhibiting LTCC. This effect of testosterone is not mediated by the classic hormone receptor or by potassium channel activation. These results suggest that the vasodilator mechanism of cholesterol and testosterone is the same.
The Learning Curve for a Fetal Cardiac Intervention Team
Authors: Emery Stephen P. , Kreutzer Jacqueline , McCaffrey Frances M. , Sherman Fredrick S. , Simhan Hyagriv N. , Keller Bradley B.
Published: March 2010

Objectives. Multiple technical difficulties are encountered when a multidisciplinary team of subspecialists begins a minimally-invasive fetal cardiac interventional program. We describe the learning curve.Study Design. Ten pregnant sheep underwent ultrasound-guided balloon valvuloplasty of the aortic valve. Team members and their roles remained constant through the trial. The time between needle insertion and entrance of the left ventricle at the aortic root was recorded.F-test was used to assess significance (P≤.05).Results. The time required to accurately position the needle tip at the aortic root decreased significantly over the course of the trial, from 12 minutes with the first attempt to one minute with the last (P=.003).Conclusion. A significant learning curve is encountered when a multidisciplinary team begins a minimally-invasive fetal cardiac intervention program. However, technical proficiency can be achieved with practice. Institutions interested in developing such a program should consider practice in an animal model before proceeding to the human fetus.
A New Generating Function of (q‐) Bernstein‐Type Polynomials and Their Interpolation Function
Authors: Simsek Yilmaz , Acikgoz Mehmet
Published: March 2010

The main object of this paper is to construct a new generating function of the (q‐) Bernstein‐type polynomials. We establish elementary properties of this function. By using this generating function, we derive recurrence relation and derivative of the (q‐) Bernstein‐type polynomials. We also give relations between the (q‐) Bernstein‐type polynomials, Hermite polynomials, Bernoulli polynomials of higher order, and the second‐kind Stirling numbers. By applying Mellin transformation to this generating function, we define interpolation of the (q‐) Bernstein‐type polynomials. Moreover, we give some applications and questions
on approximations of (q‐) Bernstein‐type polynomials, moments of some distributions in
Statistics.
Input and Output Passivity of Complex Dynamical Networks with General Topology
Authors: Wang Jinliang
Published: March 2010

The input passivity and output passivity are investigated for a generalized complex dynamical network,
in which the coupling may be nonlinear, time-varying, and nonsymmetric. By constructing some suitable Lyapunov
functionals, some input and output passivity criteria are derived in form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) for complex
dynamical network. Finally, a numerical example and its simulation are given to illustrate the efficiency of the derived
results.
Aripiprazole Improves Depressive Symptoms and Immunological Response to Antiretroviral Therapy in an HIV-Infected Subject with Resistant Depression
Authors: Cecchelli Chiara , Grassi Giacomo , Pallanti Stefano
Published: March 2010

Aripiprazole is the first medication approved by the FDA as an add-on treatment for MDD. The impact of aripiprazole on the response to HIV is unknown. The patient we report on was diagnosed HIV-positive in 1997 and has been treated with antiretroviral therapy since then. In 2008, we diagnosed resistant major depression, hypochondria, and panic disorder. On that occasion, blood tests showed a significantly reduced CD4 count and a positive viral load. We treated this patient with aripiprazole and citalopram. Mood, somatic symptoms, and occupational functioning progressively improved. The last blood examination showed an increase in the CD4 count and a negative viral load. On the basis of the present case study and the review of the literature concerning the effects of psychotropic agents on viral replication, we suggest that the use of aripiprazole in HIV-infected subjects warrants further research.
Benchmarking B-Cell Epitope Prediction for the Design of Peptide-Based Vaccines: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Caoili Salvador Eugenio C.
Published: March 2010

To better support the design of peptide-based vaccines, refinement of methods to predict B-cell epitopes necessitates meaningful benchmarking against empirical data on the cross-reactivity of polyclonal antipeptide antibodies with proteins, such that the positive data reflect functionally relevant cross-reactivity (which is consistent with antibody-mediated change in protein function) and the negative data reflect genuine absence of cross-reactivity (rather than apparent absence of cross-reactivity due to artifactual masking of B-cell epitopes in immunoassays). These data are heterogeneous in view of multiple factors that complicate B-cell epitope prediction, notably physicochemical factors that define key structural differences between immunizing peptides and their cognate proteins (e.g., unmatched electrical charges along the peptide-protein sequence alignments). If the data are partitioned with respect to these factors, iterative parallel benchmarking against the resulting subsets of data provides a basis for systematically identifying and addressing the limitations of methods for B-cell epitope prediction as applied to vaccine design.
Random Trigonometric Polynomials with Nonidentically Distributed Coefficients
Authors: Farahmand K. , Li T.
Published: March 2010

This paper provides asymptotic estimates for the expected number of real zeros of two different forms of random trigonometric polynomials, where the coefficients of polynomials are normally distributed random variables with different means and variances. For the polynomials in the form of a0 + a1cosθ + a2cos2θ + ⋯+ancosnθ and a0 + a1cosθ + b1sinθ + a2cos2θ + b2sin2θ + ⋯+ancosnθ + bnsinnθ, we give a closed form for the above expected value. With some mild assumptions on the coefficients we allow the
means and variances of the coefficients to differ from each others. A case of
reciprocal random polynomials for both above cases is studied.
Evaluation of Urine Collection Methods for the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Children
Authors: Karacan Candemir , Erkek Nilgun , Senel Saliha , Akin Gunduz Suzan , Catli Gonul , Tavil Betul
Published: March 2010

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of urine sample collection methods among children suspected of having urinary tract infections. Subjects and Methods: Four methods for urine sample collection were evaluated in 1,067 children aged 0–16 years with suspected urinary tract infections over 2 months at Dr. Sami Ulus Children’s Hospital. Within 30 min of collection, all specimens were sent to the laboratory, refrigerated and processed according to standard hospital microbiological procedures. Urine samples were analyzed using routine culture techniques. Results: At initial sending of the urine culture, 617 (57.8%) had negative culture results, 145 (13.6%) had positive culture results, and 305 (28.6%) had evidence of bacterial contamination. Clean catch specimens showed a contamination rate of 14.3% and urethral catheterization specimens showed a similar contamination rate (14.3%). However, urethral catheterization was preferred in only a small number of cases (n = 7). Suprapubic aspiration was also used in a small number of cases (n: 11) and the contamination rate for suprapubic aspiration was 9.1% (n: 1/11). The contamination rate for sterile urine bag was 43.9%, significantly higher than the other methods (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Suprapubic aspiration showed the lowest contamination rate and sterile urine bag showed the highest contamination rate among 4 methods of urine sample collection. Contaminated specimens, needed to be repeated and this procedure increased the cost of urine culture. In conclusion, measures should be taken to reduce the contamination rate in our center. This is an area where further investigation is required.
Significance of Antinuclear Antibodies and Rheumatoid Factor in Patients with Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Qadan Laila R. , Ahmed Adel A. , Abdel-Jalil Suhair , Al-Bader Marzouk A.
Published: March 2010

Objective: To determine whether or not elevated titers of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and/or rheumatoid factor (RF) are associated with patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done between September 2005 and December 2006. Fifty-eight patients with clinical and angiographic evidence of PAD and 41 controls were studied. Controls had no documented history of peripheral, coronary or cerebral vascular disease. All subjects were screened for metabolic syndrome and C-reactive protein (CRP) as risk factors for peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, all were tested for anti-mitochondrial, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic and anti-smooth muscle antibodies; those with positive results were excluded. ANA and RF were measured in sera from cases and controls. Results: One case and 3 controls had positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies and were therefore excluded from statistical analysis. Metabolic syndrome was significantly more prevalent in patients than controls (p < 0.05). Mean CRP level was 4.78 ± 7.70 and 2.65 ± 3.86 mg/dl in cases and controls, respectively (p = 0.021). ANA were detected at a titer of ≧1:40 in 6 (10.5%) of the advanced PAD patients but none of the controls; the difference was not statistically significant. RF was less prevalent in cases than controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RF and ANA do not appear to be associated with PAD in a Kuwaiti population.
Advanced Glycation End Products and Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Celec Peter , Burská Stella , Šebeková Katarína , Kalousová Marta , Zima Tomáš , Murín Ján
Published: March 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the dynamics of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Subjects and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 20 non-diabetic patients with acute MI on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th day after the onset of symptoms. Serum AGE levels were estimated spectrofluorometrically. Results: A marked decrease in the AGE-specific fluorescence was observed, especially between the 1st and the 2nd days after MI. Conclusion: The findings of this study tend to contradict the suggestion that AGEs are relatively stable markers of carbonyl stress. Although the reason for this is currently unknown, this observation may have implications for ongoing studies of AGEs in cardiovascular diseases.
Principles and Practice of Nonpharmacological Interventions to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Dagogo-Jack Samuel , Egbuonu Nonso , Edeoga Chimaroke
Published: March 2010

The components of the metabolic syndrome, including prediabetes, prehypertension and dyslipidemia, represent prodromal stages of major cardiometabolic disorders. Lifestyle interventions have been shown to ameliorate or prevent the progression of individual components of the metabolic syndrome. The specific interventions utilized in randomized controlled studies often include dietary modification and physical activity. The effects of smoking cessation and the reduction of psychosocial stress on cardiometabolic risk factors need to be studied more. Because of the close concordance between the metabolic syndrome and multiple cardiometabolic diseases, the adoption of an effective lifestyle change upon initial recognition of the metabolic syndrome can be expected to delay or prevent the future development of sequelae such as diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Such a nonpharmacological approach to primary prevention and disease interruption carries enormous public health significance. Meeting the challenge of an implementation of effective lifestyle change at the community level requires (a) a system for the identification of at-risk populations, (b) an optimization of the knowledge base and practices of health care providers, and (c) a piloting of targeted biobehavioral intervention programs. Once identified, persons and communities at risk for cardiometabolic disorders can be empowered through increased health and nutritional literacy, the promotion of lifestyle interventions, provision of community resources, and pertinent legislative action that rewards preventive behavior. This paper reviews landmark studies that demonstrate the principles of nonpharmacological approaches to the reduction of cardiometabolic risk. We also discuss the physiological and emerging molecular genetic mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of lifestyle interventions.
Frequency and Type of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients in Kuwait: A Six-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Al-Bahar Soad , Zámečníkova Adriana , Pandita Ramesh
Published: March 2010

Objective: To characterize the frequency of genetic profiles in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: This review presents the general cytogenetic characteristics of 164 pediatric patients diagnosed as having ALL in a 6-year period. Chromosomal and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were made on bone marrow aspirates at diagnosis and during different stages of the disease. Results: Recurring aberrations, observed in 123 (75%) patients, included hyperdiploidy (n = 68, 41%), tetraploidy (n = 12, 7.3%), hypodiploidy (n = 2, 1.2%), TEL-AML1 fusion (n = 11, 7%), mixed-lineage leukemia rearrangement (n = 6, 3.6%), t(9;22) (n = 4, 2.4%), t(1;19) (n = 3, 1.8%), t(8;14) or t(8;22) (n = 2, 1.2%), +21 (n = 2, 1.2%), del(6) (n = 2, 1.2%) and miscellaneous abnormalities (n = 9, 5%). The highest observed numerical chromosome abnormality was high hyperdiploidy in 89 patients (54%) with abnormal karyotype while the TEL-AML fusion was the highest observed structural abnormality. Conclusion: This study showed that clonal anomalies detected in pediatric ALL have shown correlations between specific abnormalities and clinicobiological characteristics of the patients.
Association of Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Gene Polymorphism with Pathogenesis of Osteoporosis in Korean Vegetarian Men
Authors: Kim So Yeon , Kim Hyun Hee , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Hyeon Chang , Suh Il , Kang Byung Yong
Published: March 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between two genetic polymorphisms (PvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphisms, RFLPs) of the estrogen receptor-α (ER1) gene and the quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters at the calcaneus. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-six Korean vegetarian men, mean age 50.9 ± 12.0 years (range 26–80), were studied. Polymorphisms at the ER1 gene sites and the cross-sectional associates of genetic factors with calcaneal QUS parameters including broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the speed of sound (SOS) were analyzed by RFLPs using polymerase chain reaction. Results: The distribution of PvuII and XbaI RFLPs in the ER1 gene was as follows: PP 11.6%, Pp 47.2%, pp 41.2%, XX 1.2%, Xx 24.4% and xx 74.4%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as age and body mass index, two genetic polymorphisms of the ER1 gene were independently associated with BUA, SOS and stiffness index at the calcaneus of our subjects. The QUS measurements of the subjects with the xx genotype were higher than those of the subjects with an Xx genotype, while the QUS measurements of the subjects with a Pp genotype were significantly lower than those of the subjects with PP or pp genotypes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that the PvuII and XbaI RFLPs of the ER1 gene may be genetic factors that affect QUS at the calcaneus.
Investigation of a One-Time Phenol Application for Pilonidal Disease
Authors: Kayaalp Cuneyt , Olmez Aydemir , Aydin Cemalettin , Piskin Turgut , Kahraman Latif
Published: March 2010

Objective: To investigate wound healing rates and postoperative recovery of patients after a one-time phenol application for pilonidal disease. Subjects and Methods: A total 30 consecutive patients with chronic pilonidal disease ranging from midline to complex sinuses were enrolled in the study. No preoperative laboratory examinations or bowel preparation were required. No antibiotic prophylaxis or sedation was used. A small incision was made on the midline and hair/debris in the sinuses was removed. A cotton swab with saturated phenol was moved into the cavity and the phenol was left for 2 min. No special dressing was necessary and patients left the hospital immediately afterwards. Patients filled out a daily questionnaire for 7 days. We did not intervene in the wounds with a second phenol application or curettage during the observation period. Wounds were inspected at weekly intervals for 2 months. Results: At the end of the third day, 97% of the patients were pain-free and 100% of the patients were free from analgesics. Time off work was 2 days for most patients (93.3%). Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients were satisfied with the procedure, they found it easy and painless and suggested the procedure to other patients. Twenty-five (83%) patients were asymptomatic at the end of 2 months’ observation and the remaining 5 patients had unhealed sinuses. Mean time for wound healing was 25 days (range 10–63 days). There were 4 recurrences after a mean of 14 months’ follow-up and the overall success rate was 70%. Conclusions: A one-time phenol application was an effective treatment for pilonidal disease with acceptable wound healing rates, less postoperative pain and less time off work. Hence it can be an alternative treatment modality.
The Value of Transvaginal Ultrasonography in the Endometrial Evaluation of Breast Cancer Patients Using Tamoxifen
Authors: Kazerooni Talieh , Ghaffarpasand Fariborz , Mosalaei Ahmad , Kazerooni Yasaman
Published: March 2010

Objective: To estimate the value of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU) in evaluating the endometrium in breast cancer patients on tamoxifen, and to investigate the relationship between TVU and histologic endometrial findings in these patients. Subjects and Methods: 107 breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen were included in this study. TVU was performed twice for each patient: prior to starting tamoxifen therapy and 1 year after taking tamoxifen. An endometrial thickness of ≧5 mm was considered abnormal. Endometrial biopsy was performed at the same time the 2nd TVU was done. The patients were divided into 2 groups: symptomatic (group A) and asymptomatic (group B), based on whether or not there was abnormal vaginal bleeding. Results: 31 patients (29%) were symptomatic, while the remaining 76 (71%) were asymptomatic. The endometrial thickness increased after 1 year of taking tamoxifen from 4.84 ± 0.4 mm to 6.34 ± 2.1 mm in group A and from 4.73 ± 0.3 mm to 5.67 ± 1.95 mm in group B (p > 0.05). Endometrial biopsy revealed 77 (71.96%) atrophic endometria and 21 (19.62%) polyps. A comparison between the 2 groups showed a significant difference in patients with endometrial atrophy and atypical hyperplasia. Patients who had an endometrial thickness of >5 mm had a significantly higher prevalence of atypical hyperplasia (p = 0.003) and polyps (p = 0.041). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values of TVU were 63.3, 28.57, 25.67 and 66.66%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed a discrepancy between TVU and endometrial biopsy findings, due to the specific histology of the endometrium in breast cancer patients using tamoxifen. Due to this discrepancy, TVU alone is not an effective screening test for endometrial pathology and its application alone might lead to an undesirably high frequency of invasive diagnostic procedures.
A Case of Community-Onset Meningitis Caused by Hospital Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Successfully Treated with Linezolid and Rifampicin
Authors: Al Kandari M. , Jamal W. , Udo E.E. , El Sayed A. , Al Shammri S. , Rotimi V.O.
Published: March 2010

Objective: To report a relatively rare presentation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) meningitis in a previously healthy boy in Kuwait. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 14-year-old boy presented with a 2 weeks’ history of headache and fever with increasing severity. He developed photophobia and double vision 2 days prior to his hospital visit and received ceftriaxone for 6 days prior to admission to the hospital. There was no history of head trauma or neurosurgical operation. Lumbar puncture revealed a slightly turbid cerebrospinal fluid with pleocytosis and greatly reduced glucose, elevated protein level and on culture grew MRSA. Staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) typing revealed that it belonged to SCCmec type III and sequence type 238 (ST238-SCCmec-III). Polymerase chain reaction screening for the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes yielded a negative result; all these findings were consistent with hospital-acquired MRSA. He was treated with intravenous linezolid and rifampicin for 2 weeks, made good response and was discharged home fully recovered and well. Conclusion: Hospital MRSA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the causative agents of community-onset meningitis in healthy patients even without predisposing factor.
Characterization of the T-Cell Epitopes of the Major Peach Allergen Pru p 3
Authors: Pastorello E.A. , Monza M. , Pravettoni V. , Longhi R. , Bonara P. , Scibilia J. , Primavesi L. , Scorza R.
Published: March 2010

Background: Pru p 3 is the major peach allergen recognized by more than 90% of peach-allergic individuals of the Mediterranean area. Identification of the dominant Pru p 3 T-cell epitopes can improve our understanding of the immune responses against this protein and could be helpful in the development of hypoallergenic immunotherapy. For this purpose, we examined the phenotypes, specificities and cytokine secretion profiles of proliferating T cells in response to Pru p 3 in peach-allergic individuals. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 peach-allergic patients were incubated with Pru p 3. The proliferation of antigen-specific T-cell lines (TCLs) was assessed by tritiated methylthymidine incorporation. T-cell epitopes were identified by analyzing the reactivity of TCLs against 8 overlapping peptides spanning the entire length of Pru p 3. We characterized the phenotype of Pru-p-3-specific TCLs by flow cytometry and analyzed their production of interleukin (IL) 4 and γ-interferon (IFN-γ) by ELISA. Results: Ninety-two Pru-p-3-specific TCLs were isolated (stimulation index ≧5). These TCLs proliferated mainly in response to Pru p 312–27 and Pru p 357–72. Pru-p-3-specific TCLs were mainly CD4+ (81%) and expressed cell surface CD30. In addition, TCLs produced high levels of IL-4 and low levels of IFN-γ, indicating a Th2 phenotype. Conclusions: Two immunodominant T-cell-reactive regions of Pru p 3 were identified: Pru p 312–27 and Pru p 357–72. These peptides showed a differential ability to elicit a Th2 response. Taken together, our results provide a better understanding of the immunological T-cell reactivity against Pru p 3.
Induction of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+IL-10+ T Cells in HDM-Allergic Asthmatic Children with or without SIT
Authors: Wei Wang , Liu Yongge , Wang Yonghong , Zhao Yuhong , He Jianxin , Li Xiang , Shen Kunling
Published: March 2010

Background: Regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β1, may have a role in clinically effective allergen-specific immunotherapy. IL-10-secreting regulatory T cells have emerged as potential mediators of immune tolerance in numerous murine models of immunopathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and function of regulatory T cells in the response to house dust mite (HDM) immunotherapy. Methods: PBMCs were isolated from 27 HDM-allergic asthmatic children who underwent immunotherapy for 1.5–2 years (SIT group) and from 27 matched treated asthmatic children allergic to HDM (asthma group). After 48 h of in vitro stimulation with HDM extracts, regulatory T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Production of IL-4, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 in supernatants from allergen-stimulated cultures and the PBMC proliferations were measured by ELISA. Sera were tested for allergen-specific IgE using the ImmunoCAP 100 assay. Results: Patients undergoing immunotherapy produced significantly more IL-10 and showed a significant reduction in proliferation induced by HDM extract compared with the asthma group. In cultures stimulated with HDM extract, the amounts of IL-4 and TGF-β were lower and the amounts of IFN-γ were higher in the SIT group compared with the asthma group. Conclusion: There is a functional, but quantitative, insufficiency of Treg cells in allergic asthmatic children, which was reversed in SIT-treated children. SIT can up-regulate the function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells.
Multiple Integrations of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Proviruses in the Engrafted Cells from the Asymptomatic Carriers in NOD/SCID/γcnull Mice
Authors: Yamamoto Ikuo , Takajo Ichiro , Umeki Kazumi , Morishita Kazuhiro , Hatakeyama Kinta , Kataoka Hiroaki , Nomura Hajime , Okayama Akihiko
Published: March 2010

Objectives: Successful engraftment of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected cells and a marked increase of proviral DNA loads (PVLs) in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID)/γcnull (NOG) mice have been reported. Whether the increased PVL in transplanted mice is due to the new infection of HTLV-1 was examined. Methods: Mononuclear cells from 3 NOG mice with primary engraftment from asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers were transplanted into a second group of NOG mice. HTLV-1 PVL, proviral integration by fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, expression of viral antigen, and T-cell clonality were analyzed. Results: The PVLs in the secondarily transplanted NOG mice were significantly higher than those of primarily transplanted NOG mice. Multiple signals of HTLV-1 proviruses in the nucleus of the infected cells were revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Expression of HTLV-1 tax/rex mRNA and antigen was observed. The variety of T-cell clones was limited in the transplanted NOG mice. Conclusions: Multiple proviral integrations were considered to be due to the new infection from HTLV-1-infected cells to the other cells. Only a certain fraction of T cells seemed to have selectively survived in NOG mice after engraftment.
Alcohol Intake and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Younger, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults
Authors: Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Tolstrup Janne S. , Jakobsen Marianne U. , Heitmann Berit L. , Grønbæk Morten , O'Reilly Eilis , Bälter Katarina , Goldbourt Uri , Hallmans Göran , Knekt Paul , Liu Simin , Pereira Mark , Pietinen Pirjo , Spiegelman Donna , Stevens June , Virtamo Jarmo , Willett Walter C. , Rimm Eric B. , Ascherio Alberto
Published: March 2010

Background—

Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. This protective effect of alcohol, however, may be confined to middle-aged or older individuals. Coronary heart disease incidence is low in men <40 years of age and in women <50 years of age; for this reason, study cohorts rarely have the power to investigate the effects of alcohol on coronary heart disease risk in younger adults. This study examined whether the beneficial effect of alcohol on coronary heart disease depends on age.

Methods and Results—

In this pooled analysis of 8 prospective studies from North America and Europe including 192 067 women and 74 919 men free of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers at baseline, average daily alcohol intake was assessed at baseline with a food frequency or diet history questionnaire. An inverse association between alcohol and risk of coronary heart disease was observed in all age groups; hazard ratios among moderately drinking men (5.0 to 29.9 g/d) 39 to 50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years of age were 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36 to 0.93), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.86), and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.97) compared with abstainers. However, the analyses indicated a smaller incidence rate difference between abstainers and moderate consumers in younger adults (incidence rate difference, 45 per 100 000; 90% CI, 8 to 84) than in middle-aged (incidence rate difference, 64 per 100 000; 90% CI, 24 to 102) and older (incidence rate difference, 89 per 100 000; 90% CI, 44 to 140) adults. Similar results were observed in women.

Conclusion—

Alcohol is also associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease in younger adults; however, the absolute risk was small compared with middle-aged and older adults.
Overexpression of Urokinase by Plaque Macrophages Causes Histological Features of Plaque Rupture and Increases Vascular Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Aged Apolipoprotein E–Null Mice
Authors: Hu Jie Hong , Du Liang , Chu Talyn , Otsuka Goro , Dronadula Nagadhara , Jaffe Mia , Gill Sean E. , Parks William C. , Dichek David A.
Published: March 2010

Background—

The mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque rupture are poorly understood. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is expressed at elevated levels by macrophages in advanced human plaques. Patients with evidence of increased plasminogen activation have an elevated risk of major cardiovascular events. We used atherosclerotic mice to test the hypothesis that increased macrophage uPA expression in advanced plaques would cause histological features similar to those in ruptured human plaques.

Methods and Results—

Bone marrow from transgenic mice with increased macrophage uPA expression or nontransgenic controls (all apolipoprotein E–null [
Apoe
−/−
]) was transplanted into 35-week-old
Apoe
−/−
recipients, and innominate lesions and aortas were examined 8 to 13 weeks later. Donor macrophages accumulated in innominate lesions adjacent to plaque caps and in aortas, increasing uPA expression at both sites. Recipients of uPA-overexpressing macrophages had an increased prevalence of intraplaque hemorrhage (61% versus 13%;
P
=0.002) as well as increased lesion fibrin staining and fibrous cap disruption (
P
=0.06 for both). Transplantation of uPA-overexpressing macrophages increased aortic matrix metalloproteinase activity (40%;
P
=0.02). This increase was independent of matrix metalloproteinase-9.

Conclusions—

In advanced plaques of
Apoe
−/−
mice, macrophage uPA overexpression causes intraplaque hemorrhage and fibrous cap disruption, features associated with human plaque rupture. uPA overexpression also increases vascular matrix metalloproteinase activity. These data provide a mechanism that connects macrophage uPA expression, matrix metalloproteinase activity, and plaque rupture features in mice. The data also suggest that elevated plaque plasminogen activator expression and plasminogen activation in humans may be causally linked to plaque rupture and cardiovascular events.
Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Regulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Humans
Authors: Forman John P. , Williams Jonathan S. , Fisher Naomi D.L.
Published: March 2010

Vitamin D regulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in experimental animals, but corresponding human data are limited. We examined the relation between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and elements of the RAS in 184 normotensive individuals in high sodium balance; these included circulating levels of plasma renin activity and angiotensin II (Ang II) and the renal plasma flow response to infused Ang II, which is an indirect measure of the intrinsic RAS activity in the kidney. Compared with individuals with sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (≥30.0 ng/mL), those with insufficiency (15.0 to 29.9 ng/mL) and deficiency (<15.0 ng/mL) had higher circulating Ang II levels (
P
for trend=0.03). Moreover, those with vitamin D deficiency had significantly blunted renal plasma flow responses to infused Ang II (mean decrease of 115 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
in renal plasma flow versus 145 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
among those with sufficient vitamin D levels;
P
for trend=0.009). Although plasma renin activity was higher among individuals with insufficient levels of vitamin D, the result was not statistically significant. These data suggest that low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may result in upregulation of the RAS in otherwise healthy humans.
Interannual-to-Multidecadal Variability of Vertical Shear and Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Aiyyer Anantha , Thorncroft Chris
Published: March 2010

Spatiotemporal patterns of tropics-wide vertical shear variability are extracted after separating a 58-yr data record into high-frequency (HF, periods of 1.5–8 yr) and low-frequency (LF, periods greater than 8 yr) components. The HF vertical shear variability is dominated by circulation anomalies associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The LF variability is primarily contained in two multidecadal patterns and a near-decadal pattern.

The multidecadal modes are strongest within the tropical Atlantic and are correlated with Sahel precipitation and interhemispheric sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The results suggest that the multidecadal variability of vertical shear over the Atlantic is linked to atmospheric circulation anomalies forced by the variability in Sahel precipitation. The decadal mode is strongest within the central Pacific and is correlated with Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO)-like SST anomalies. The circulation associated with this anomalous shear pattern appears to be consistent with the atmospheric response to the PDO-related diabatic heating anomaly over the central Pacific.

The relationship between vertical shear and seasonal tropical cyclone activity, as defined by the accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), is examined for the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and western Pacific Oceans. The results show that global modes of vertical shear and seasonal average ACE are not consistently related in all three regions. It is only in the Atlantic Ocean that seasonal ACE is most consistently limited by vertical shear. This calls into question the utility of vertical shear as an independent predictor of seasonal tropical cyclone activity, particularly over the western Pacific Ocean.
WRF Model Sensitivity to Choice of Parameterization over South America: Validation against Surface Variables
Authors: Ruiz Juan J. , Saulo Celeste , Nogués-Paegle Julia
Published: March 2010

The Weather and Research Forecast model is tested over South America in different configurations to identify the one that gives the best estimates of observed surface variables.

Systematic, nonsystematic, and total errors are computed for 48-h forecasts initialized with the NCEP Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS). There is no unique model design that best fits all variables over the whole domain, and nonsystematic errors for all configurations differ little from one another; such differences are in most cases smaller than the observed day-to-day variability. An ensemble mean consisting of runs with different parameterizations gives the best skill for the whole domain.

Surface variables are highly sensitive to the choice of land surface models. Surface temperature is well represented by the Noah land model, but dewpoint temperature is best estimated by the simplest land surface model considered here, which specifies soil moisture based on climatology. This underlines the need for better understanding of humid processes at the subgrid scale.

Surface wind errors decrease the intensity of the low-level jet, reducing expected heat and moisture advection over southeast South America (SESA), with negative precipitation errors over SESA and positive biases over the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ). This pattern of errors suggests feedbacks between wind errors, precipitation, and surface processes as follows: an increase of precipitation over the SACZ produces compensating descent in SESA, with more stable stratification, less rain, less soil moisture, and decreased rain. This is a clear example of how local errors are related to regional circulation, and suggests that improvement of model performance requires not only better parameterizations at the subgrid scales, but also improved regional models.
Neurologic Disease in a Pig
Authors: Gelberg H. B.
Published: March 2010

Three 4-week-old Yorkshire-Hampshire cross piglets from a litter of 9 (7 liveborn) developed convulsions the day of weaning. They were subsequently obtunded, ataxic, and hypermetric and had intention tremors. An affected male pig was presented live for necropsy on day 5 postweaning. This animal was euthanatized and necropsied. No significant grossly visible postmortem lesions were found. Histologic examination of the brain disclosed laminar necrosis of the submeningeal cerebral and cerebellar cortices with replacement by broad sheets of gitter cells. Occasional cerebral and cerebellar leptomeningeal and parenchymal vessels were surrounded by lymphocytes with fewer eosinophils. The morphologic diagnosis was severe multifocal subcortical cerebral and cerebellar laminar necrosis with moderate multifocal lymphocytic and eosinophilic cerebral and cerebellar leptomeningeal and parenchymal perivasculitis. The history and histologic findings are consistent with an etiologic diagnosis of sodium ion intoxication.
Knowledge-theoretic models in hydrology
Authors: Odoni Nicholas A. , Lane Stuart N.
Published: March 2010

The rate of progress in quantitative modelling since the 1950s has been such that application of sophisticated computer models to a wide range of geoscientific problems is now routine. It is generally held that by making such models more physically (physics) based, their explanatory power and predictive reliability are enhanced. This formulation, a model-theoretic approach, assumes accurate knowledge of the properties, states and relationships between all of the objects that are known to matter within the system of interest but, simultaneously, an incomplete understanding of the totality that this knowledge creates. In hydrological modelling, this translates into a severe dependence upon the data models that are needed to make a hydrological model work. The opposite extreme is a model-data approach in which measurements become the basis of generic relationships. Even in the most heavily data-derived cases (eg, neural network forecasting of river flows) these data models can be shown implicitly to have a theoretical content. Thus, both model-theoretic and model-data approaches sit within a general class of modelling, best labelled as ‘data-theoretic’. Here, we illustrate this point and advocate an approach that is knowledge-theoretic rather than data-theoretic, to capture the much richer sources of knowledge available to the modeller. These sources include third-party reports, personal recollections and diaries, old photographs and press articles, opinions, etc, which are, by convention, either excluded from analysis, or simply added into descriptions of model results at the point of dissemination and consultation of model findings. We conclude by noting that this approach to hydrological modelling fits into current thinking that the process by which publics engage with knowledge must be moved upstream. Here, the production of scientific knowledge comes to include not just scientists and specialists, but also those people for whom model predictions make a material difference.