bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A calibration‐free, one‐step method for quantitative photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Jiang Huabei
Published: October 2012

Purpose

: Recently reported quantitative photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has significantly expanded the utilities of PAT because it allows for recovery of tissue optical absorption coefficient which directly correlates with tissue physiological information. However, the recovery of optical absorption coefficient by the existing quantitative PAT approaches strongly depends on the accuracy of absorbed energy density distribution, and on the knowledge of accurate strength and distribution of incident light source. The purpose of this study is to develop a new algorithm for the reconstruction of optical absorption coefficient that does not depend on these initial parameters.

Methods

: Here the authors propose a novel one‐step reconstruction approach that can directly recover optical absorption coefficient from photoacoustic measurements along boundary domain. The authors validate the method using simulation and phantom experiments.

Results

: The authors have demonstrated experimental evidence that it is possible to directly recover optical absorption coefficient maps using boundary photoacoustic measurements coupled with the photon diffusion equation in just one step. The authors found that the method described is able to quantitatively reconstruct absorbing objects with different sizes and optical contrast levels.

Conclusions

: Compared to the authors’ previous two‐step methods, the reconstruction results obtained here show that the one‐step scheme can significantly improve the accuracy of absorption coefficient recovery.
A Mutant Search—
Caenorhabditis elegans
and Gene Discovery
Authors: LaRue Candace C. , Padilla Pamela A.
Published: October 2012

Worm Mutants, an IBI Prize–winning module, offers Biology majors the opportunity to identify mutants and learn about genes that regulate biological functions.
Oxytocin/Vasopressin-Related Peptides Have an Ancient Role in Reproductive Behavior
Authors: Garrison Jennifer L. , Macosko Evan Z. , Bernstein Samantha , Pokala Navin , Albrecht Dirk R. , Bargmann Cornelia I.
Published: October 2012

Social Neuropeptides in Nematodes

The neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin stimulate maternal, reproductive, aggressive, and affiliative behaviors in mammals. They are implicated in behaviors ranging from ewe-lamb bonding in sheep to pair bonding in voles (see the Perspective by

Emmons

). Now,

Garrison
et al.

(p.
540
) and

Beets
et al.

(p.
543
) extend the evolutionary reach of these social neuropeptides to the invertebrate nematode worm,
Caenorhabditis elegans
. A similar neuropeptide was found to function in mating and also to modulate salt-taste preference, based on prior experience, suggesting an ancient role in associative learning.
In Vivo Architecture and Action of Bacterial Structural Maintenance of Chromosome Proteins
Authors: Badrinarayanan Anjana , Reyes-Lamothe Rodrigo , Uphoff Stephan , Leake Mark C. , Sherratt David J.
Published: October 2012

Making a Move

Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) complexes act ubiquitously in chromosome processing in all domains of life, but their mode of action in living cells has remained an enigma.

Badrinarayanan
et al.

(p.
528
) used noninvasive millisecond single-molecule imaging to understand SMC complex molecular biochemistry in living bacterial cells with super-resolution spatial precision.
Escherichia coli
SMC complexes, which are important for chromosome segregation, formed dimers that bound to DNA in an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–dependent manner and that could be released upon ATP-hydrolysis. By functioning in pairs, the complexes are likely to be able to undergo multiple cycles of ATP-hydrolysis without being released from DNA.
Fluorescence Enhancement at Docking Sites of DNA-Directed Self-Assembled Nanoantennas
Authors: Acuna G. P. , Möller F. M. , Holzmeister P. , Beater S. , Lalkens B. , Tinnefeld P.
Published: October 2012

Building a Fluorescent Hotspot

When two gold nanoparticles come close together, their overlapping plasmonic fields can create a region that acts as a nanoantenna that can enhance the fluorescent emission of a molecule.

Acuna
et al.

(p.
506
) used a surface-anchored DNA origami structure to assemble one or two gold nanoparticles next to a dye trapped within the structure. A > 100-fold enhancement in fluorescent emission was observed when the dye molecules were located in a 23-nm gap between two 100-nm gold nanoparticles.
Questions About Japanese Researcher Go Back Years
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer , Normile Dennis
Published: October 2012

A groundbreaking stem cell experiment by an unknown researcher with what has turned out to be a faked Harvard affiliation is raising questions about the research enterprise.
Food Labeling Issue Tops State Ballot Questions
Authors: Sachdev Meghna
Published: October 2012

Scientists say California's Proposition 37 would send a misguided message to the public about genetically modified foods.
Mice Lacking the ITIM-Containing Receptor G6b-B Exhibit Macrothrombocytopenia and Aberrant Platelet Function
Authors: Mazharian Alexandra , Wang Ying-Jie , Mori Jun , Bem Danai , Finney Brenda , Heising Silke , Gissen Paul , White James G. , Berndt Michael C. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Nieswandt Bernhard , Douglas Michael R. , Campbell Robert D. , Watson Steve P. , Senis Yotis A.
Published: October 2012

An inhibitory receptor ensures that megakaryocytes produce proper numbers of functional platelets.
Phosphatase-Dependent Inhibition of NF-κB
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: October 2012

A phosphatase-containing complex inhibits NF-κB signaling in T cells.
Low Sensitivity of NS1 Protein Tests Evidenced during a Dengue Type 2 Virus Outbreak in Santos, Brazil, in 2010
Authors: Felix Alvina Clara , Romano Camila Malta , Centrone Cristiane de Campos , Rodrigues Célia Lima , Villas-Boas Lucy , Araújo Evaldo Stanislau , de Matos Andréia Manso , Carvalho Karina Inácio , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Kallas Èsper Georges , Pannuti Claúdio Sérgio , Levi José Eduardo
Published: October 2012

In 2010, a large outbreak of dengue occurred in Santos, Brazil. The detection of the NS1 antigen was used for diagnosis in addition to the detection of IgG, IgM, and RNA. A large number of NS1 false-negative results were obtained. A total of 379 RNA-positive samples were selected for thorough evaluation. NS1 was reactive in 37.7% of cases. Most of the cases were characterized as a secondary infection by dengue 2 virus. Sequencing of NS1 positive and negative isolates did not reveal any mutation that could justify the diagnostic failure. Use of existing NS1 tests in the Brazilian population may present a low negative predictive value, and they should be used with caution, preferentially after performing a validation with samples freshly obtained during the ongoing epidemic.
Molecular Characterization of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Outbreak in a Hematology Unit in Heidelberg, Germany
Authors: Geis Steffen , Prifert Christiane , Weissbrich Benedikt , Lehners Nicola , Egerer Gerlinde , Eisenbach Christoph , Buchholz Udo , Aichinger Elisabeth , Dreger Peter , Neben Kai , Burkhardt Ulrich , Ho Anthony D. , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Heeg Klaus , Schnitzler Paul
Published: October 2012

In 2011 and 2012, a large outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections affecting 57 laboratory-confirmed patients occurred in an adult hematology unit in Heidelberg, Germany. During the outbreak investigation, we performed molecular genotyping of RSV strains to differentiate between single versus multiple introductions of the virus into the unit. Furthermore, we assessed the time of viral shedding of consecutive samples from the patients in order to better understand the possible impact of prolonged shedding for outbreak control management. We used subtype-specific reverse transcription-PCR on nasopharyngeal and bronchoalveolar specimens for routine diagnostics and for measuring the viral shedding period. Samples of 47 RSV-infected patients involved in the outbreak were genotyped by sequence analysis and compared to samples from RSV-infected hospitalized children representing the timing of the annual RSV epidemic in the community. Molecular investigation of the virus strains from clinical samples revealed a unique cluster with identical nucleotide sequences of RSV type A (RSV A outbreak strain) for 41 patients, while 3 patients were infected with different RSV A (nonoutbreak) strains and three other patients with RSV type B. Outbreak strains were identified in samples from November 2011 until January 2012, while nonoutbreak strains were from samples coinciding with the community epidemic in February and March 2012. Median duration of viral shedding time was 24.5 days (range, 1 to 168 days) with no difference between outbreak and nonoutbreak strains (
P
= 0.45). Our investigation suggests a single introduction of the RSV A outbreak strain into the unit that spread among the immunocompromised patients. Prolonged viral shedding may have contributed to nosocomial transmission and should be taken into account in the infection control management of RSV outbreaks in settings with heavily immunosuppressed patients.
Neonatal Herpes Encephalitis Caused by a Virologically Confirmed Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Strain
Authors: Kakiuchi Satsuki , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Wakamatsu Hajime , Kogawa Kazuhiro , Wang Lixin , Kinoshita-Yamaguchi Hitomi , Takayama-Ito Mutsuyo , Lim Chang-Kweng , Inoue Naoki , Mizuguchi Masashi , Igarashi Takashi , Saijo Masayuki
Published: October 2012

A neonate with herpes simplex virus 1 encephalitis was treated with intravenous acyclovir. During the course of therapy, the infection became intractable to the treatment and a mutation in the viral thymidine kinase gene (nucleotide G375T, amino acid Q125H) developed. This mutation was demonstrated
in vitro
to confer acyclovir resistance.
Evaluation of a Simple Blood Culture Amplification and Antigen Detection Method for Diagnosis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Bacteremia
Authors: Castonguay-Vanier Josée , Davong Viengmon , Bouthasavong Latsanyphone , Sengdetka Davanh , Simmalavong Manivone , Seupsavith Amphayvanh , Dance David A. B. , Baker Stephen , Le Thi Phuong Tu , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Newton Paul N.
Published: October 2012

In most areas where typhoid is endemic, laboratory diagnosis is not possible due to the lack of appropriate facilities. We investigated whether the combination of blood culture amplification of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi with an
S. Typhi
antigen rapid diagnostic test (RDT) could be an accurate and inexpensive tool for the accelerated diagnosis of patients with acute typhoid in Laos. For a panel of 23 Gram-negative reference pathogens, the Standard Diagnostics (catalog no. 15FK20; Kyonggi-do, South Korea) RDT gave positive results for
S. Typhi
NCTC 8385,
S. Typhi
NCTC 786 (Vi negative),
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis (ATCC 13076), and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Ndolo NCTC 8700 (all group D). In a prospective study of 6,456 blood culture bottles from 3,028 patients over 15 months, 392 blood culture bottles (6.1%) from 221 (7.3%) patients had Gram-negative rods (GNRs) seen in the blood culture fluid. The sensitivity, negative predictive value, specificity, and positive predictive value were 96.7%, 99.5%, 97.9%, and 87.9%, respectively, for patients with proven
S. Typhi
bacteremia and 91.2%, 98.4%, 98.9%, and 93.9% for patients with group D
Salmonella
. The median (range) number of days between diagnosis by RDT and reference assays was 1 (−1 to +2) day for those with confirmed
S. Typhi
. The use of antigen-based pathogen detection in blood culture fluid may be a useful, relatively rapid, inexpensive, and accurate technique for the identification of important causes of bacteremia in the tropics.
Detection of SPM-1-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Class D β-Lactamase-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates by Use of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Carvalhaes Cecilia G. , Cayô Rodrigo , Assis Diego M. , Martins Evelin R. , Juliano Luiz , Juliano Maria A. , Gales Ana C.
Published: October 2012

This study evaluates the accuracy of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) for detecting carbapenem hydrolytic activity among SPM-1-, GIM-1-, and GES-5-producing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates and OXA-143-, IMP-10-, and OXA-58-producing
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates. Class A and B carbapenemase activities were rapidly detected by MALDI-TOF in a 2-h assay. However, an extended incubation time was necessary for detection of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase (CHDL) activity in
Acinetobacter
spp.
Rapid Intracellular Competition between Hepatitis C Viral Genomes as a Result of Mitosis
Authors: Webster Brian , Wissing Silke , Herker Eva , Ott Melanie , Greene Warner C.
Published: October 2012

Cells infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) become refractory to further infection by HCV (T. Schaller et al., J. Virol. 81:4591–4603, 2007; D. M. Tscherne et al., J. Virol. 81:3693–3703, 2007). This process, termed superinfection exclusion, does not involve downregulation of surface viral receptors but instead occurs inside the cell at the level of RNA replication. The originally infecting virus may occupy replication niches or sequester host factors necessary for viral growth, preventing effective growth of viruses that enter the cell later. However, there appears to be an additional level of intracellular competition between viral genomes that occurs at or shortly following mitosis. In the setting of cellular division, when two viral replicons of equivalent fitness are present within a cell, each has an equal opportunity to exclude the other. In a population of dividing cells, the competition between viral genomes proceeds apace, randomly clearing one or the other genome from cells in the span of 9 to 12 days. These findings demonstrate a new mechanism of intracellular competition between HCV strains, which may act to further limit HCV's genetic diversity and ability to recombine
in vivo
.
Mutations in Multiple Domains of Gag Drive the Emergence of
In Vitro
Resistance to the Phosphonate-Containing HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor GS-8374
Authors: Stray Kirsten M. , Callebaut Christian , Glass Bärbel , Tsai Luong , Xu Lianhong , Müller Barbara , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Cihlar Tomas
Published: October 2012

GS-8374 is a potent HIV protease inhibitor (PI) with a unique diethyl-phosphonate moiety. Due to a balanced contribution of enthalpic and entropic components to its interaction with the protease (PR) active site, the compound retains activity against HIV mutants with high-level multi-PI resistance. We report here the
in vitro
selection and characterization of HIV variants resistant to GS-8374. While highly resistant viruses with multiple mutations in PR were isolated in the presence of control PIs, an HIV variant displaying moderate (14-fold) resistance to GS-8374 was generated only after prolonged passaging for >300 days. The isolate showed low-level cross-resistance to darunavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, and saquinavir, but not other PIs, and contained a single R41K mutation in PR combined with multiple genotypic changes in the Gag matrix, capsid, nucleocapsid, and SP2 domains. Mutations also occurred in the transframe peptide and p6* domain of the Gag-Pol polyprotein. Analysis of recombinant HIV variants indicated that mutations in Gag, but not the R41K in PR, conferred reduced susceptibility to GS-8374. The Gag mutations acted in concert, since they did not affect susceptibility when introduced individually. Analysis of viral particles revealed that the mutations rendered Gag more susceptible to PR-mediated cleavage in the presence of GS-8374. In summary, the emergence of resistance to GS-8374 involved a combination of substrate mutations without typical resistance mutations in PR. These substrate changes were distributed throughout Gag and acted in an additive manner. Thus, they are classified as primary resistance mutations indicating a unique mechanism and pathway of resistance development for GS-8374.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Suppression of DUSP1 Facilitates Cellular Pathogenesis following
De Novo
Infection
Authors: Qin Zhiqiang , Dai Lu , Defee Michael , Findlay Victoria J. , Watson Dennis K. , Toole Bryan P. , Cameron Jennifer , Peruzzi Francesca , Kirkwood Keith , Parsons Chris
Published: October 2012

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and KSHV activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) initiates a number of key pathogenic determinants of KS. Direct inhibition of signal transduction as a therapeutic approach presents several challenges, and a better understanding of KSHV-induced mechanisms regulating MAPK activation may facilitate the development of new treatment or prevention strategies for KS. MAPK phosphatases, including dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1), negatively regulate signal transduction and cytokine activation through MAPK dephosphorylation or interference with effector molecule binding to MAPKs, including the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). We found that ERK-dependent latent viral gene expression, the induction of promigratory factors, and cell invasiveness following
de novo
infection of primary human endothelial cells are in part dependent on KSHV suppression of DUSP1 expression during
de novo
infection. KSHV-encoded miR-K12-11 upregulates the expression of xCT (an amino acid transporter and KSHV fusion/entry receptor), and existing data indicate a role for xCT in the regulation of 14-3-3β, a transcriptional repressor of DUSP1. We found that miR-K12-11 induces endothelial cell secretion of promigratory factors and cell invasiveness through upregulation of xCT-dependent, 14-3-3β-mediated suppression of DUSP1. Finally, proof-of-principle experiments revealed that pharmacologic upregulation of DUSP1 inhibits the induction of promigratory factors and cell invasiveness during
de novo
KSHV infection. These data reveal an indirect role for miR-K12-11 in the regulation of DUSP1 and downstream pathogenesis.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an otherwise healthy 2-year-old child
Authors: Soeteman Marijn , Willems Rick P P , Busari Jamiu O
Published: October 2012

The following report describes a previously healthy 2-year-old girl with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). The child presented with a painless vesicular skin eruption covering the left forehead. There was only a history of household exposure to varicella zoster virus (VZV) and the child had not been vaccinated against VZV. PCR assays on vesicular fluid identified VZV DNA. Treatment with acyclovir was started early in the clinical course. In addition, the girl was treated with locally administered ophthalmological acyclovir ointment. Besides some dermal excoriations, a complete resolution of the HZO was achieved without sequelae.
Novel mutation ofSRD5A2gene in a patient with 5α-reductase 2 deficiency from India
Authors: Shabir Iram , Marumudi Eunice , Khurana Madan L , Khadgawat Rajesh
Published: October 2012

Master N had genital malformation at birth and had bilateral gonads in the labial fold. He was reared as a boy and corrective surgery was done at the age of 4 years and was reassessed at the age of 14 years. His testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was 11.8 (reference range <=10). Molecular analysis of SRD5A2 gene indicated the presence of a novel heterozygous missense mutation of p.A52T in exon 1, which was also detected in mother. The father, sister and maternal grandfather were found to have normal SRD5A2 gene sequence. We also detected an intronic (1–2) homozygous T>C transition in patient, whereas both parents were found to have the same transition in heterozygous form. Although 5α-steroid reductase 2 deficiency is an autosomal-recessive disorder, in this case, it appears that there may be a dominant inheritance because only one identified mutation was present which was passed from mother to son.
INVESTIGATION OF ZrxLa1-xOy NANOCRYSTALLITES IN METAL–HIGH-k OXIDE–SILICON-TYPE NONVOLATILE MEMORY DEVICES
Authors: BAHARI ALI , GHOLIPUR REZA
Published: October 2012

To investigate characterization of Zr x La 1-x O y nanocrystallites as a buffer oxide in forming the metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) structure, we synthesized Zr x La 1-x O y nanocrystallites by sol–gel method. Moreover, from the solution prepared, thin films on silicon wafer substrates have been realized by "dip-coating" with a pulling out speed of 5 cm min -1. The structure, morphology, electrical properties of thin film was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Electrical property characterization was performed with metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures through capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current density–voltage (J–V) measurements. The leakage current density was below 1.0 ×10-6 A/cm 2 at 1 MV/cm.
A STATIC OPTIMALITY TRANSFORMATION WITH APPLICATIONS TO PLANAR POINT LOCATION
Authors: IACONO JOHN , MULZER WOLFGANG
Published: October 2012

Over the last decade, there have been several data structures that, given a planar subdivision and a probability distribution over the plane, provide a way for answering point location queries that is fine-tuned for the distribution. All these methods suffer from the requirement that the query distribution must be known in advance.

We present a new data structure for point location queries in planar triangulations. Our structure is asymptotically as fast as the optimal structures, but it requires no prior information about the queries. This is a 2-D analogue of the jump from Knuth's optimum binary search trees (discovered in 1971) to the splay trees of Sleator and Tarjan in 1985. While the former need to know the query distribution, the latter are statically optimal. This means that we can adapt to the query sequence and achieve the same asymptotic performance as an optimum static structure, without needing any additional information.
COMPRESSIVE SENSING WITH LOCAL GEOMETRIC FEATURES
Authors: GUPTA RISHI , INDYK PIOTR , PRICE ERIC , RACHLIN YARON
Published: October 2012

We propose a framework for compressive sensing of images with local distinguishable objects, such as stars, and apply it to solve a problem in celestial navigation. Specifically, let x ∈ ℝNbe an N pixel image, consisting of a small number of local distinguishable objects plus noise. Our goal is to design an m × Nmeasurement matrix A with m ≪ N, such that we can recover an approximation to x from the measurements Ax.

We construct a matrix A and recovery algorithm with the following properties: (i) if there are k objects, the number of measurements m is O((k log N)/( log k)), undercutting the best known bound of O(k log (N/k)) (ii) the matrix A is very sparse, which is important for hardware implementations of compressive sensing algorithms, and (iii) the recovery algorithm is empirically fast and runs in time polynomial in k and log (N).

We also present a comprehensive study of the application of our algorithm to attitude determination, or finding one's orientation in space. Spacecraft typically use cameras to acquire an image of the sky, and then identify stars in the image to compute their orientation. Taking pictures is very expensive for small spacecraft, since camera sensors use a lot of power. Our algorithm optically compresses the image before it reaches the camera's array of pixels, reducing the number of sensors that are required.
AN ACCEPTANCE MODEL FOR SERVICE ROBOTS IN GLOBAL MARKETS
Authors: PARK EUNIL , DEL POBIL ANGEL P.
Published: October 2012

This study aims to investigate the perceived enjoyment and service quality of service robots with a user acceptance model to predict user acceptance of service robots in global markets. Service robots are currently providing various services in various fields. A total of 1014 users worldwide participated in an online survey to analyze our proposed research model. By using the method of structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood, this study finds that service quality and perceived enjoyment by users significantly affect the factors of usefulness and ease of use in adopting service robots for various tasks. Also, this study confirms the value of the traditional technology acceptance model. In other words, the present study suggests a new framework for understanding the perceptions of users about the emerging technology of service robots in various fields worldwide.
ADVANCING A NATIONAL STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CANADIAN OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Authors: ELVIN SANDRA S. , FRASER GAIL S.
Published: October 2012

Cumulative environmental effects from the offshore oil and gas industry in Canada are inadequately addressed in the Environmental Assessment process due to the complexity of analysis required to overcome unknowns with respect to offshore environments. Limited Environmental Assessments can lead to deleterious consequences for wildlife populations and their habitats dependent on offshore marine ecosystems, particularly as adverse effects become additive and synergistic. A Strategic Environmental Assessment generates guiding policies and programmes for future industrial activities, while taking environmental concerns from all and potential sources into consideration. To address the cumulative impacts of the offshore oil and gas industry in Canada's three marine regions, this paper advances the idea of a National Strategic Environmental Assessment to ensure the health of marine ecosystems is secured throughout present and future industrial activities sustainably.
REASONS FOR THE SLOW ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL SEA SYSTEMS IN MAINLAND CHINA
Authors: YANG SHANSHAN
Published: October 2012

SEA was introduced in China in 2003 by the EIA Law. However, most Chinese provinces were slow to establish their own SEA systems. This paper reviews the Chinese SEA institutional arrangements, regulations and documents, both, at national and at provincial levels. The paper concludes that the slow establishment of the provincial SEA systems has been caused by the nature of Chinese SEA institutional arrangements, regulations and documents at national level. For example, lack of willingness to carry out SEAs; failure to strengthen Environmental Protection Bureaus (EPBs) at all levels; and the narrow range of plans requiring SEA. Suggestions are made for improving the SEA institutional arrangements and regulations. This paper provides a specific perspective by reviewing the Chinese SEA system through linking the establishment of provincial SEA systems to the national SEA institutional arrangements and regulations. Suggestions are made for further research.
Transport efficiency and workload distribution in a mathematical model of the thick ascending limb
Authors: Nieves-González Aniel , Clausen Chris , Layton Anita T. , Layton Harold E. , Moore Leon C.
Published: October 2012

The thick ascending limb (TAL) is a major NaCl reabsorbing site in the nephron. Efficient reabsorption along that segment is thought to be a consequence of the establishment of a strong transepithelial potential that drives paracellular Na+uptake. We used a multicell mathematical model of the TAL to estimate the efficiency of Na+transport along the TAL and to examine factors that determine transport efficiency, given the condition that TAL outflow must be adequately dilute. The TAL model consists of a series of epithelial cell models that represent all major solutes and transport pathways. Model equations describe luminal flows, based on mass conservation and electroneutrality constraints. Empirical descriptions of cell volume regulation (CVR) and pH control were implemented, together with the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system. Transport efficiency was calculated as the ratio of total net Na+transport (i.e., paracellular and transcellular transport) to transcellular Na+transport. Model predictions suggest that 1) the transepithelial Na+concentration gradient is a major determinant of transport efficiency; 2) CVR in individual cells influences the distribution of net Na+transport along the TAL; 3) CVR responses in conjunction with TGF maintain luminal Na+concentration well above static head levels in the cortical TAL, thereby preventing large decreases in transport efficiency; and 4) under the condition that the distribution of Na+transport along the TAL is quasi-uniform, the tubular fluid axial Cl−concentration gradient near the macula densa is sufficiently steep to yield a TGF gain consistent with experimental data.
Interleukin-18 binding protein therapy is protective in adriamycin nephropathy
Authors: Wyburn Kate R. , Chadban Steven J. , Kwan Tony , Alexander Stephen I. , Wu Huiling
Published: October 2012

Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) is an experimental model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in which macrophages are considered to play a pathogenic role. We hypothesize that interleukin-18 (IL-18), largely derived from macrophages, is a key contributor to kidney injury in AN and a potential therapeutic target. In this study, BALB/c mice received adriamycin (9.6 mg/kg) via tail vein injection and subsequently were treated with either neutralizing IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP; 250 μg) or normal saline (control). At 5 wk, IL-18 was upregulated in AN, and IL-18BP therapy afforded significant protection against the development of AN, resulting in less proteinuria ( P < 0.01), kidney dysfunction ( P < 0.01), glomerulosclerosis ( P < 0.001), and interstitial accumulation of macrophages and T cells ( P < 0.001). Gene expression of IL-18 downstream inflammatory molecules, including inducible nitric oxide synthase ( P < 0.001), TNF-α ( P < 0.001), and IFN-γ ( P < 0.01); IL-17 ( P < 0.001) and the chemokines CCL2 ( P < 0.01) and CCL5 ( P < 0.005), was reduced. We demonstrate that IL-18 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AN. The protective effect of IL-18BP therapy illustrates the importance of immune mediators in chronic proteinuric kidney disease and highlights the potential of IL-18BP therapy.
ALLN rescues an in vitro excitatory synaptic transmission deficit in Lis1 mutant mice
Authors: Sebe Joy Y. , Bershteyn Marina , Hirotsune Shinji , Wynshaw-Boris Anthony , Baraban Scott C.
Published: October 2012

LIS1 gene mutations lead to a rare neurological disorder, classical lissencephaly, characterized by brain malformations, mental retardation, seizures, and premature death. Mice heterozygous for Lis1 ( Lis1+/−) exhibit cortical malformations, defects in neuronal migration, increased glutamate-mediated synaptic transmission, and spontaneous electrographic seizures. Recent work demonstrated that in utero treatment of Lis1+/− mutant dams with ALLN, a calpain inhibitor, partially rescues neuronal migration defects in the offspring. Given the challenges of in utero drug administration, we examined the therapeutic potential of ALLN on postnatal lissencephalic cells. Voltage- and current-clamp studies were performed with acute hippocampal slices obtained from Lis1 mutant mice and age-matched littermate control mice. Specifically, we determined whether postnatal ALLN treatment can reverse excitatory synaptic transmission deficits, namely, an increase in spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) frequency, on CA1 pyramidal neurons observed in tissue slices from Lis1+/− mice. We found that acute application of ALLN restored spontaneous and miniature EPSC frequencies to wild-type levels without affecting inhibitory postsynaptic synaptic current. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of protein expression, including proteins involved in excitatory synaptic transmission, demonstrated that ALLN blocks the cleavage of the calpain substrate αII-spectrin but does not rescue Lis1 protein levels in Lis1+/− mutants.
Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy in Caesarean Section Scar: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Kamal , Soni Anjali , Rana Shelly
Published: October 2012

Pregnancy implantation within previous caesarean scar is one of the rarest locations for an ectopic pregnancy. Incidence of caesarean section is increasing worldwide and with more liberal use of transvaginal sonography, more cases of caesarean scar pregnancy are being diagnosed in early pregnancy thus allowing preservation of uterus and fertility. However, a delay in either diagnosis or treatment can lead to uterine rupture, hysterectomy, and significant maternal morbidity. We are reporting a rare case of first trimester caesarean scar pregnancy with viable fetus in the process of rupture, where uterine repair could be done, thus preserving the future fertility.
Dynamical Analysis of a Delayed Reaction‐Diffusion Predator‐Prey System
Authors: Zhu Yanuo , Cai Yongli , Yan Shuling , Wang Weiming
Published: October 2012

This work deals with the analysis of a delayed diffusive predator‐prey system under Neumann boundary conditions. The dynamics are investigated in terms of the stability of the nonnegative equilibria and the existence of Hopf bifurcation by analyzing the characteristic equations. The direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of bifurcating periodic solution are also discussed by employing the normal form theory and the center manifold reduction. Furthermore, we prove that the positive equilibrium is asymptotically stable when the delay is less than a certain critical value and unstable when the delay is greater than the critical value.
Finite‐Time Stabilization of Stochastic Nonholonomic Systems and Its Application to Mobile Robot
Authors: Gao Fangzheng , Yuan Fushun
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the problem of finite‐time stabilization for a class of stochastic nonholonomic systems in chained form. By using stochastic finite‐time stability theorem and the method of adding a power integrator, a recursive controller design procedure in the stochastic setting is developed. Based on switching strategy to overcome the uncontrollability problem associated with x0(0) = 0, global stochastic finite‐time regulation of the closed‐loop system states is achieved. The proposed scheme can be applied to the finite‐time control of nonholonomic mobile robot subject to stochastic disturbances. The simulation results demonstrate the validity of the presented algorithm.
Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast in a Male Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Muallaoglu Sadık , Özdemir Ersin , Kutluay Lale
Published: October 2012

Breast carcinoma is an uncommon neoplastic condition among man, accounting for not more than 1% of all breast cancers. Intracystic papillary carcinoma in man is an extremely rare condition and represents only 5–7,5% of all male breast carcinomas. Clinical and radiological manifestations of intracystic papillary carcinomas are not specific. Pathologic diagnosis can be difficult at classical histological examination and identification of myoepithelial cells layer by immunohistochemical study can be useful. Adjuvant therapy is still controversial and prognosis is excellent. We report a case of this rare histological type of breast cancer in 48-year-old male patient and review the literature.
Identification of Novel Mutations in FAH Gene and Prenatal Diagnosis of Tyrosinemia in Indian Family
Authors: Sheth Jayesh J. , Ankleshwaria Chitra M. , Pawar Rajeshwari , Sheth Frenny J.
Published: October 2012

Carrier of tyrosinemia type I was diagnosed by sequencingFAH(fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase) gene. It leads to the identification of heterozygous status for both c.648C>G (p.Ile216Met) and c.1159G>A (p.Gly387Arg) mutations in exons 8 and 13, respectively, in the parents. The experimental program PolyPhen, SIFT, and MT predicts former missense point mutation as “benign” that creates a potential donor splice site and later one as “probably damaging” which disrupts secondary structure of protein.
Comparison of Narrowband Imaging with Autofluorescence Imaging for Endoscopic Visualization of Superficial Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lesions of the Esophagus
Authors: Suzuki Haruhisa , Saito Yutaka , Oda Ichiro , Kikuchi Tsuyoshi , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Fukunaga Shusei
Published: October 2012

Aim. To compare narrowband imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence imaging (AFI) endoscopic visualization for identifying superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods. Twenty-four patients with superficial esophageal carcinomas diagnosed at previous hospitals were enrolled in this study. Lesions were initially detected using white-light endoscopy and then observed with both NBI and AFI. Endoscopic images documented each method, and three endoscopists experienced in esophageal imaging retrospectively reviewed respective images of histologically confirmed esophageal SCCs. Images were assessed for quality in identifying superficial SCCs and rated as excellent, fair, or poor by the three reviewers with interobserver agreement calculated using kappa (κ) statistics. Results. Thirty-one lesions histologically confirmed as superficial esophageal SCCs were detected in 24 patients. NBI images of 27 lesions (87%) were rated as excellent, three as fair, and one as poor compared to AFI images of 19 lesions (61%) rated as excellent, 10 as fair and two as poor (P<0.05). Moderate interobserver agreement (κ=0.42, 95% CI 0.24–0.60) resulted in NBI while fair agreement (κ=0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.51) was achieved using AFI. Conclusion. NBI may be more effective than AFI for visualization of esophageal SCC.
Analysis of the Effect of the Length of Stop‐Spacing on the Transport Efficiency of a Typically Formed Conventional Locomotive Hauled Passenger Train in China
Authors: Feng Xuesong , Wu Keqi , Liu Haidong , Sun Qipeng , Zhang Hanxiao
Published: October 2012

By utilizing a computer‐aided simulation approach, this research analyzes the detailed effect of the length of stop‐spacing on the transport time per passenger‐kilometer of a typically formed Chinese intercity passenger train hauled by, respectively, representative types of the locomotives utilized in China for different target speeds. It is empirically confirmed that a stop‐spacing longer than approximately 20.00 km has little influence upon the transport efficiency of the train. In contrast, shortening the stop‐spacing below about 20.00 km increases the transport time per passenger‐kilometer of the train evidently, in particular for a target speed much higher than some 40.00 km/h. Therefore, the target speed of such a train providing transport service on a railway line whose transport capacity has not been much consumed ought to be changeable according to the length of each stop‐spacing rather than consistent for the whole trip.
Influence of Process Parameters on Microhardness of Electroless Ni-B Coatings
Authors: Das Suman Kalyan , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: October 2012

Electroless Ni-B coatings have found large applications due to their high hardness and wear resistance. The present paper tries to investigate the influence of coating process parameters on the microhardness of electroless Ni-B coating with the help of Taguchi analysis. Four parameters, namely, bath temperature, concentration of reducing agent, concentration of nickel source, and annealing temperature, are considered and fitted into an [Formula: see text] orthogonal array to find out the optimized condition for improved hardness of the coating. The optimized condition is found to yield about 19% improvement in hardness of the coating compared to the initial condition. The significance of the process parameters and their interactions on the hardness of Ni-B coating is studied with the help of analysis of variance, which revealed that annealing temperature and concentration of reducing agent have significant influence over the hardness characteristics of electroless Ni-B coating. The compositional, microstructural, and phase structure analyses are conducted with the help of energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction analyzer, respectively.
Enthalpy-Entropy Compensation in Polyester Degradation Reactions
Authors: Al-Mulla Adam
Published: October 2012

In an earlier work the author had studied the degradation kinetics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) under nonisothermal conditions in air and N2at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C/min. In this paper the kinetic degradation parameters of PET, PTT, and PBT were estimated using the Coats-Redfern method for two different weight loss regions ranging from 2–8% (Zone I) and 8–40% (Zone II). A comparative analysis of the enthalpy-entropy compensation effect for these polyesters in air and N2is presented. A linear relationship was found to exist between entropy and enthalpy values. The following criteria were applied to establish an enthalpy-entropy compensation effect and to check the presence of an isokinetic temperature: (a) Exner’s plot of logk3T1versus logk3T2, and (b) Krug et al. linear regression of ΔHversus ΔG.By the use of the latter two methods, varying isokinetic temperatures were obtained. These temperatures were not in the range of the experimental work conducted, indicating that these systems do not display compensation phenomena.
Spontaneous Resolution of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Micale Sara J. , Kane Michael P. , Busch Robert S.
Published: October 2012

A 71 yo woman with primary hyperparathyroidism awaiting surgery because of significant hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria presented to the local emergency department with the chief complaints of discomfort in her neck, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. She was found to be hypocalcemic with a calcium level of 8.1 mg/dL. She was seen by her endocrinologist three days later at which time serum calcium, iPTH, and serum phosphate levels were all within normal limits. Based on history and a series of ultrasounds the patient was diagnosed with spontaneous infarction of her parathyroid adenoma, which resulted in resolution of her primary hyperparathyroidism.
Carotid Artery Occlusion by Rhinoorbitocerebral Mucormycosis
Authors: Al-Otaibi Faisal , Albloushi Monirah , Alhindi Hindi , Timms Michael S.
Published: October 2012

Mucormycosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection that particularly occurs in immunocompromised patients. Intracranial and extracranial arteriovenous vasculopathy is a complication that makes this disease more complex and difficult to treat. We describe a 23-year-old female, who presented to her local hospital with acute blindness and diabetic ketoacidosis-induced coma requiring intensive care treatment. She was found to have lesions in the nasal sinuses, orbit, and frontal base. The left carotid artery was occluded from its origin in the neck to the supraclinoid segment and left cavernous sinus involvement. No cerebral infarction was noted. Biopsies obtained by endonasal debridement confirmed mucormycosis. In addition to antimicrobial therapy, she underwent several multidisciplinary approaches to treat her disease. Multiple endonasal, and cranial procedures were done including bilateral orbital exenteration. After prolonged treatment on the intensive care unit she made a remarkable recovery to the point where she was communicating verbally and had normal limb movements and later discharged home. She remained alive and well for two months, but later succumbed to a recurrence of her disease. In conclusion, mucormycosis-induced vasculopathy is a complex problem, which merits aggressive treatment of this invasive disease. It is normally regarded as an indicator of grave prognosis.
The Impact of Infrastructure Spending in Sub-Saharan Africa: A CGE Modeling Approach
Authors: Estache Antonio , Perrault Jean-François , Savard Luc
Published: October 2012

In this paper we construct a standard CGE model to explore the impact of scaling up infrastructure in six African countries. As the debate on the importance of scaling up infrastructure to stimulate growth and provide a push to African economies, some analysts raise concern on financing these infrastructures after construction and that external funding of these can create major distortion and have a negative impact on the trade balance of these countries. This study aims to provide insights into this debate. It draws from the infrastructure productivity literature to postulate positive productive externalities of new infrastructure and Fay and Yepes (2003) for operating cost associated with new infrastructure. We compare various infrastructure investments funded with different fiscal tools. These investments scenarios are compared to nonproductive investment that can be interpreted as a business as usual scenario. Our results show that foreign aid does produce Dutch disease effects but the negative impacts are strongly dependent on the type of investments performed. Moreover, growth effects contribute to attenuate the negative effects.
Inhibitory Effects of the AttenuatedSalmonella typhimuriumContaining the IL-2 Gene on Hepatic Tumors in Mice
Authors: Ha Xiao-qin , Yin Qiang , Zhao Hong-bin , Hui Ling , Wang Mei-liang , Peng Jun-hua , Dong Ju-zi , Deng Zhi-yun , Zhao Yong , Zhang Yuan-yuan
Published: October 2012

To observe the inhibitory effects of an attenuatedS. typhimuriumstrain carrying IL-2 gene (TPI) on hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and transplanted tumors in mice. TPI, TPG (an attenuatedS. typhimuriumstrain carrying green fluorescent protein gene), and TP (an attenuatedS. typhimuriumstrain) strains were transfected into HepG2 cells. At 48h after transfecting, the transfection rate was 82.58 ± 1.74%. The expression level of IL-2 was (99.5 ± 12.2) ng/1×106cells. Compared with TPG, TP, and normal mouse groups, the proportion of CD4+T and CD8+T cells in the blood from the TPI group was higher, the levels of IgM and IgG1were significantly increased, and the proliferation activity of splenic lymphocyte was significantly stronger. The transplanted tumor weight in the TPI group was significantly smaller than that in the other two groups. The infiltration of lymphocytes increased in the tumor from TPI group mice. TPI was effectively transfected into cancer cells, which expressed the protein of interest. Oral administration of TPI prolonged survival of mice transplanted with hepatoma cell tumours.
Perioperative Endocrine Therapy for Patients with Cushing's Syndrome Undergoing Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
Authors: Cui Xiaobo , Yang Lu , Li Jianwei , Bu Siyuan , Wei Qiang , An Zhenmei , Fan Tianyong
Published: October 2012

Objectives. To investigate the efficacy and safety of perioperative endocrine therapy (PET) for patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) undergoing retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA).Methods. The novel, simplified PET modality of 82 patients who underwent RLA procedures for CS were studied. Clinical manifestations were observed for all patients on days 1 and 5 postoperatively, and clinical data, such as blood pressure (BP), levels of serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), blood glucose, and electrolytes, were acquired and analyzed.Results. Supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoid were administered during the perioperative period, and the dosage was reduced gradually. In all 82 cases, the RLAs were performed successfully without any perioperative complication, such as steroid withdrawal symptoms. The patient’s symptoms and signs were improved quickly and safely during the hospital days. The serum cortisol and potassium levels were rather stable on days 1 and 5 postoperatively, and most were within the normal range. The clinical manifestations, serum levels of cortisol, ACTH, and potassium in most patients restored to normal gradually after several months (mean, 6.7 ± 1.2 months), except for one patient undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy.Conclusions. This perioperative endocrine therapy for patients with Cushing’s syndrome (mainly for adrenocortical adenoma) undergoing retro-laparoscopic adrenalectomy is both effective and safe.