bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trypanosomatid-Encoded Inhibitors of Peptidases: Unique Structural Features and Possible Roles as Virulence Factors
Authors: Paula C.A. Lima Ana , C. Mottram Jeremy
Published: March 2012

Trypanosomatids rely on peptidases as potent virulence factors and were recently found to contain a unique set
of natural peptidase inhibitors not found in higher eukaryotes or in yeast, but present in a limited number of bacteria. Chagasin,
identified in Trypanosoma cruzi, is a tight-binding, high affinity inhibitor of papain-like cysteine peptidases that has
an Ig-like fold and inactivates target enzymes through a limited number of contacts mediated by a few conserved residues
on three exposed loops. Chagasin homologues in other protozoa and bacteria are mostly single genes named ICPs, and together
with chagasin compose family I42 at MEROPS, the peptidase and peptidase inhibitors database
[http://merops.sanger.ac.uk/]. The biological function of chagasin/ICPs seems to vary depending on the organism, but
generally, the current studies point to a role in controlling the activity of endogenous parasite CPs, influencing parasite
differentiation, virulence and different aspects of the host response to infection. More recently, natural inhibitors of serine
peptidases that share similarity to bacterial ecotins were identified in trypanosomatids and named ISPs. Ecotins are specific
to trypsin-fold serine peptidases, enzymes which are not present in trypanosomatids. ISPs are limited to Trypanosomes
and Leishmania and to date, only ISP2 proven to have an inhibitory function. In Leishmania, ISP2 seems to control
the activity of host SPs at the initial stages of infection in order to ensure subsequent parasite survival in macrophages.
The main aspects of chagasin/ICP biochemistry, structure and biological function and the recent findings on ISPs will be
covered in this review.
Using Genomic Information to Understand Leishmania Biology
Authors: S. de Toledo Juliano S. de Toledo , J. R. Vasconcelos Elton , R. Ferreira Tiago , K. Cruz Angela
Published: March 2012

The genomes of different species of Leishmania have been deciphered in recent years. We learned that the genome
content and organization of Leishmania major, Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum are highly similar
and annotation of these genomes revealed that there are few species-specific genes. Association of genome information
with reverse and forward genetics approaches allows posing and answering relevant biological questions in a novel way.
In this article we briefly present an overview of relevant aspects of genome organization of the Leishmania and how this
information can be used to improve our understanding of the biology, pathogenesis, host-parasite interaction issues. We
present some of the most useful bioinformatics tools/softwares, which are currently available and how each one of them
can be used to explore the genome supporting a wide variety of queries. We included other computational tools which allow
integrating the genome data with biochemical pathways revealing metabolic and regulatory networks to be investigated.
Finally, we discuss reverse and forward genetic tools available and finalize with considerations on established and
novel high-throughput approaches at the genome, transcriptome and proteome levels.
Subcellular Proteomics and Global Analysis of Posttranslational Modifications to Study Functional Roles of
Trypanosoma cruzi Molecules
Authors: C. Almeida Igor , S. Nakayasu Ernesto
Published: March 2012

One century after the discovery of Chagas disease, the treatment for this illness is still based only on two drugs
with limited efficacy and severe side effects. In this mini-review, we discuss the application of mass spectrometry (MS)-
based proteomic approaches to study the biochemistry and cell biology of etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma
cruzi. We focus the discussion in the analysis of subcellular proteomics and posttranslational modifications (PTMs). In recent
years, subcellular proteomics has brought new insights into the localization of proteins and possible functions of organelles.
Thus far, proteomic analysis of reservosomes, ribosomes, detergent-solubilized membranes, and a preparation of
an organelle mixture have been performed. In addition, a number of analyses of PTMs of T. cruzi proteins (i.e., histone
modifications, phosphorylation, glycosylation, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchoring, and nitrosylation) have
been successfully carried out. The identification of those and other PTMs combined with cutting-edge biochemical, immunological
and cell biology approaches, have allowed a more in-depth understanding of biological and pathophysiological
processes resulting from host cell-parasite interactions.
Comparative effectiveness research and measuring the level of pharmaceutical innovation in the EU
Authors: Annemans Lieven , Cleemput Irina , Hulstaert Frank , Simoens Steven
Published: March 2012

Over the past 50 years, medicines have made a huge contribution to improving the health status of populations. However, the level of pharmaceutical innovation varies widely, ranging from breakthrough treatments for life-threatening diseases to minor modifications of medicines that have been on the market for some time. Once innovative medicines approach the market, a system of measuring the level of innovation should be established. This perspective describes the current situation, the challenges and initiatives, and formulates recommendations for a coordinated EU action to measure the level of pharmaceutical innovation. In our opinion, comparative effectiveness research needs to play a central role in measuring the level of pharmaceutical innovation.
Welcome to the
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research
Authors: Greenfield Sheldon , Rich Eugene
Published: March 2012

As the Senior Editors of the
Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research
(JCER) we are delighted to present you with the first issue of this exciting new publication, focusing on the socially and clinically impactful field of comparative effectiveness research (CER).
Public sector pay gap in Serbia during large-scale privatisation, by educational qualification
Authors: Lausev Jelena
Published: March 2012

The paper explores the effect of large-scale privatization of public sector
activities on public-private sector pay differential, for groups of workers
according to educational qualification on average and across the pay
distribution in Serbia, from 2004 until 2008. The paper finds that both
unskilled and skilled men and women in the public sector saw significant
improvements in their financial position relative to their private sector
counterparts with the progress of the economic transition. The results showed
that the size of the public sector pay premium declines both with higher
educational level and higher percentile of earnings distribution. This
indicates, between and within groups, the inequality-reducing feature of the
public sector pay determination.
α1-Acid Glycoprotein Decreases Neutrophil Migration and Increases Susceptibility to Sepsis in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Spiller Fernando , Carlos Daniela , Souto Fabrício O. , de Freitas Andressa , Soares Fernanda S. , Vieira Silvio M. , Paula Francisco J.A. , Alves-Filho José C. , Cunha Fernando Q.
Published: March 2012

The mechanisms underlying immune deficiency in diabetes are largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that diabetic mice are highly susceptible to polymicrobial sepsis due to reduction in rolling, adhesion, and migration of leukocytes to the focus of infection. In addition, after sepsis induction, CXCR2 was strongly downregulated in neutrophils from diabetic mice compared with nondiabetic mice. Furthermore, CXCR2 downregulation was associated with increased G-protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) expression in these cells. Different from nondiabetic mice, diabetic animals submitted to mild sepsis displayed a significant augment in α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) hepatic mRNA expression and serum protein levels. Administration of AGP in nondiabetic mice subjected to mild sepsis inhibited the neutrophil migration to the focus of infection, as well as induced l-selectin shedding and rise in CD11b of blood neutrophils. Insulin treatment of diabetic mice reduced mortality rate, prevented the failure of neutrophil migration, impaired GRK2-mediated CXCR2 downregulation, and decreased the generation of AGP. Finally, administration of AGP abolished the effect of insulin treatment in diabetic mice. Together, these data suggest that AGP may be involved in reduction of neutrophil migration and increased susceptibility to sepsis in diabetic mice.
Concordance of Changes in Metabolic Pathways Based on Plasma Metabolomics and Skeletal Muscle Transcriptomics in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dutta Tumpa , Chai High Seng , Ward Lawrence E. , Ghosh Aditya , Persson Xuan-Mai T. , Ford G. Charles , Kudva Yogish C. , Sun Zhifu , Asmann Yan W. , Kocher Jean-Pierre A. , Nair K. Sreekumaran
Published: March 2012

Insulin regulates many cellular processes, but the full impact of insulin deficiency on cellular functions remains to be defined. Applying a mass spectrometry–based nontargeted metabolomics approach, we report here alterations of 330 plasma metabolites representing 33 metabolic pathways during an 8-h insulin deprivation in type 1 diabetic individuals. These pathways included those known to be affected by insulin such as glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism, Krebs cycle, and immune responses and those hitherto unknown to be altered including prostaglandin, arachidonic acid, leukotrienes, neurotransmitters, nucleotides, and anti-inflammatory responses. A significant concordance of metabolome and skeletal muscle transcriptome–based pathways supports an assumption that plasma metabolites are chemical fingerprints of cellular events. Although insulin treatment normalized plasma glucose and many other metabolites, there were 71 metabolites and 24 pathways that differed between nondiabetes and insulin-treated type 1 diabetes. Confirmation of many known pathways altered by insulin using a single blood test offers confidence in the current approach. Future research needs to be focused on newly discovered pathways affected by insulin deficiency and systemic insulin treatment to determine whether they contribute to the high morbidity and mortality in T1D despite insulin treatment.
Neurogenic Tumors of Soft Tissue
Authors: Cates Justin M.M. , Coffin Cheryl M.
Published: March 2012

Neurogenic tumors are an uncommon yet important category of soft tissue tumors in children and adolescents because of their frequent association with various genetic syndromes. The heterogeneous cellular composition of the peripheral nerve and the wide metaplastic capacity of the neural crest and its derivatives generate a variety of neoplasms with neurogenic differentiation. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of neurogenic tumors in the first two decades of life, and highlights use of selected ancillary methods for diagnosis.
Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions
Authors: Bhatta S , Makaju R , Mohammad A
Published: March 2012

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology is regarded as a gold standard investigation in diagnosis of thyroid swellings. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology as a diagnostic tool in investigation of thyroid swelling and to correlate the cytological findings with histopathology. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients with thyroid lesions submitted for fine needle aspiration cytology at Dhulikhel hospital Kathmandu Univeristy hospital over a four year period (May 2004 to May 2008) were studied. Results:  Majority of cases were non neoplastic (77 cases, 85.55 %), whereas 13 cases (14.45 %) were neoplastic. Tissue examination was available for subsequent histocytological correlation in 20 cases (22.22 %). The accuracy of cytodiagnosis was 90 % with a sensitivity of 85.7 %, specificity of 92.3 %, false negative rate of 14.28% and false positive rate of 7.69%. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions provides a reliable diagnosis and is an excellent first line method for investigating the nature of lesion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6018 JPN 2012; 2(3): 186-188
Clinico-hematological study of pancytopenia
Authors: Lakhey A , Talwar OP , Singh VK , KC Shiva Raj
Published: March 2012

Background: Pancytopenia refers to a reduction in all the three cellular elements of blood. The aim of this study was to identify the various causes of pancytopenia in patients attending to Manipal teaching hospital in Pokhara. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, carried out in Manipal teaching hospital from August 2008 to August 2010. Fifty-four patients with pancytopenia were included in the study. Complete blood count, bone marrow aspirations and trephine biopsies were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 11.0 version. Results: Out of 54 cases, there were 16 cases (29.60%) of hypoplastic bone marrow, 15 cases (27.78%) of hematological malignancies, 13 cases (24.10%) of megaloblastic anemia, 4 cases (11.11%) of erythroid hyperplasia and 6 cases (7.41%) of normcellular bone marrow. Acute myeloid leukemia was the commonest hematological malignancy. Conclusion: The commonest cause of pancytopenia in our study was hypoplastic bone marrow followed by hematological malignancies and megaloblastic anemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6023 JPN 2012; 2(3): 207-210
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with early phase acute inflammatory protein on serum protein electrophoresis
Authors: Tuladhar ET , Sharma VK , Sigdel M , Shrestha L
Published: March 2012

Background: The onset of Type 2 diabetes has been associated with low grade systemic inflammation. The inflammatory status has been studied by measuring acute phase reactant proteins like hsCRP, α1- antitrypsin, α1-acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen. Most of these acute phase reactants form α1 and α2 bands on electropherogram of serum proteins. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory status in controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes using cellulose acetate electrophoresis and to find the impact of glycemic status as indicated by HbA1c on inflammation process. Materials and Methods: Serum protein electrophoresis was done on serum samples of 60 cases of Diabetes [controlled and uncontrolled] using cellulose acetate paper technique. The electropherogram obtained was stained with Ponseu S and then quantitated using densitometer. Glycemic status was studied by HbA1c analysis. The density of α1and α2 bands in electropherogram were correlated with HbA1c level. Result: A significant increase in the percentage of α1 and α2 band proteins (0.765 and 0.716, p<0.001) were found with the increasing level of HbA1c. With cutoff of HbA1c 7% (American Diabetic Association recommended), the α1 and α2 serum proteins concentration are significantly higher (p<0.001) in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus compared to controlled diabetes mellitus Conclusion: Cellulose acetate electrophoresis of serum proteins show early phase acute inflammatory status in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. The process of systemic inflammation worsens with uncontrolled glycemia as indicated by HbA1c. Inflammatory status should be studied adjunct to glycemic status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i3.6024 JPN 2012; 2(3): 211-214
Rethinking Gender and Virtue through Richardson's Domestic Accounting
Authors: Roxburgh Natalie
Published: March 2012

A formal approach to the history of the novel is illuminative when form itself becomes a marker of virtue, a term at the heart of the so-called “Pamela controversy,” whose respondents doubt the virtue of Pamela's accounts. Analyzing the ways in which Samuel Richardson uses the formal components of the account in Pamela helps us to understand just what is at stake in the Pamela controversy. The changes Richardson makes in Clarissa, including proliferating points of view in order to help the reader to trust Clarissa's account and also showing by external means that Clarissa holds herself accountable to her account, reveal a necessary fictional supplement to accounting. This technique resembles strategies that the Bank of England uses, such as its architectural layout, to help the public trust the soundness of its own accounting mechanisms. In this way, formal analysis of Pamela and Clarissa reveals an important link between the rise of public credit and the rise of the novel.
Enzyme-Gelatin Electrochemical Biosensors: Scaling Down
Authors: De Wael Karolien , De Belder Stijn , Pilehvar Sanaz , Van Steenberge Geert , Herrebout Wouter , Heering Hendrik A.
Published: March 2012

In this article we investigate the possibility of scaling down enzyme-gelatin modified electrodes by spin coating the enzyme-gelatin layer. Special attention is given to the electrochemical behavior of the selected enzymes inside the gelatin matrix. A glassy carbon electrode was used as a substrate to immobilize, in the first instance, horse heart cytochrome c (HHC) in a gelatin matrix. Both a drop dried and a spin coated layer was prepared. On scaling down, a transition from diffusion controlled reactions towards adsorption controlled reactions is observed. Compared to a drop dried electrode, a spin coated electrode showed a more stable electrochemical behavior. Next to HHC, we also incorporated catalase in a spin coated gelatin matrix immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode. By spincoating, highly uniform sub micrometer layers of biocompatible matrices can be constructed. A full electrochemical study and characterization of the modified surfaces has been carried out. It was clear that in the case of catalase, gluteraldehyde addition was needed to prevent leaking of the catalase from the gelatin matrix.
Suicide Mortality in Comparison to Traffic Accidents and Homicides as Causes of Unnatural Death. An Analysis of 14,441 Cases in Germany in the Year 2010
Authors: Lukaschek Karoline , Erazo Natalia , Baumert Jens , Ladwig Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2012

Aim: To assess suicide mortality in comparison to traffic accidents and homicide deaths in Germany in the year 2010 and to compare years of life lost (YLL) due to these unnatural deaths. Methods: Mortality data were provided by the Federal Statistical Office giving death rates (related to 100,000 inhabitants) and proportions (related to 100 deaths of individuals) for suicide, traffic accidents and homicide as well as YLL data. Results: A total of 14,441 unnatural deaths (suicide, traffic accidents, homicide) were reported in 2010 in Germany. Of those, 10,021 subjects (69.4%) committed suicide, 3,942 (27.3%) died in traffic accidents, 478 (3.3%) were murdered. Suicide death rates were by far the highest, with rates for men (18.6) three times higher than for women (6.1). For both sexes, suicide rates increased with age, whereas suicide as a proportion of all causes of death was higher in younger age groups. In both sexes, suicide was the leading cause of YLL (men: 314 YLL, women: 90 YLL). Conclusions: Suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death and YLL. The sex- and age- specific patterns in suicide mortality call for different action plans to target high risk groups.
A Comparative Study on the Expression, Purification and Functional Characterization of Human Adiponectin in Pichia pastoris and Escherichia coli
Authors: Rothan Hussin A. , Teh Ser Huy , Haron Kamariah , Mohamed Zulqarnain
Published: March 2012

Adiponectin is one of the most bioactive substances secreted by adipose tissue and is involved in the protection against metabolic syndrome, artherosclerosis and type II diabetes. Research into the use of adiponectin as a promising drug for metabolic syndromes requires production of this hormone in high quantities considering its molecular isoforms. The objective of this study is to produce recombinant human adiponectin by Pichia pastoris (P-ADP) as a cheap and convenient eukaryotic expression system for potential application in pharmaceutical therapy. For comparison, adiponectin was also expressed using the Escherichia coli (E-ADP) expression system. Adiponectin was constructed by overlap-extension PCR, and cloned in standard cloning vector and hosts. Recombinant expression vectors were cloned in the P. pastoris and E. coli host strains, respectively. SDS-PAGE and western blotting were used to detect and analyse expressed recombinant protein in both systems. Adiponectin was purified by affinity chromatography and quantified using the Bradford Assay. The results of this study indicated that P-ADP quantity (0.111 mg/mL) was higher than that of E-ADP (0.04 mg/mL) and both were produced in soluble form. However, P-ADP was able to form high molecular weights of adiponectin molecules, whilst E-ADP was not able to form isoforms higher than trimer. In addition, P-ADP was more active in lowering blood glucose compared with E-ADP. The two types of proteins were equally efficient and significantly decreased blood triglyceride and increased high density lipoprotein. We conclude that P. pastoris is able to produce high quantity of bioactive adiponectin for potential use in treatment of metabolic syndromes.
Azimuthally Varying Guided Mode Resonance Filters
Authors: Roth Zachary A. , Srinivasan Pradeep , Poutous Menelaos K. , Pung Aaron J. , Rumpf Raymond C. , Johnson Eric G.
Published: March 2012

New and novel sensing schemes require optical functions with unconventional spatial light distributions, as well as complex spectral functionality. Micro-optical elements have shown some flexibility in their ability to spatially encode phase information using surface relief dielectrics. In this paper, we present a novel optical component that exploits the properties of optically resonant structures to make an azimuthally spatially varying spectral filter. The dispersive properties are quite unique with an angular resonance shift of 28 Deg/nm. This device is fabricated using techniques that are compatible with standard micro-electronic fabrication technologies.
Increasing Spatial Detail of Burned Scar Maps Using IRS‑AWiFS Data for Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Sedano Fernando , Kempeneers Pieter , Strobl Peter , McInerney Daniel , San Miguel Jesús
Published: March 2012

A two stage burned scar detection approach is applied to produce a burned scar map for Mediterranean Europe using IRS-AWiFS imagery acquired at the end of the 2009 fire season. The first stage identified burned scar seeds based on a learning algorithm (Artificial Neural Network) coupled with a bootstrap aggregation process. The second stage implemented a region growing process to extend the area of the burned scars. Several ancillary datasets were used for the accuracy assessment and a final visual check was performed to refine the burned scar product. Training data for the learning algorithm were obtained from MODIS-based polygons, which were generated by the Rapid Damage Assessment module of the European Forest Fire Information System. The map produced from this research is the first attempt to increase the spatial detail of current burned scar maps for the Mediterranean region. The map has been analyzed and compared to existing burned area polygons from the European Forest Fire Information System. The comparison showed that the IRS-AWiFS-based burned scar map improved the delineation of burn scars; in addition the process identified a number of small burned scars that were not detected on lower resolution sensor data. Nonetheless, the results do not clearly support the improved capability for the detection of smaller burned scars. A number of reasons can be provided for the under-detection of burned scars, these include: the lack of a full coverage and cloud free imagery, the time lag between forest fires and image acquisition date and the occurrence of fires after the image acquisition dates. On the other hand, the limited spectral information combined with the presence of undetected cloud shadows and shaded slopes are reasons for the over-estimation of small burned scars.
Stability of Liver Fibrosis among HCV-Infected Injection Drug Users
Authors: Mehta Shruti H , Kirk Gregory D , Astemborski Jacquie , Sulkowski Mark S , Afdhal Nezam H , Thomas David L
Published: March 2012

Background

There are few published data characterizing patterns of liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) among HCV-infected persons and their potential impact on clinical decisions (for example, deferring treatment and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance).

Methods

A total of 591 HCV-infected injection drug users in a community-based cohort had four LSMs. We used semi-parametric latent class growth modelling to identify patterns, which then became a gold standard against which we characterized validity of information from the initial measurements.

Results

Median age was 49, 68% were male, 92% African-American and 33% HIV-coinfected. The median LSM at visit 1 was 6.7 kPa (IQR 5.3–8.8). Over a median 1.75 years, LSM measures were stable; median change between visits was 0 kPa (IQR -1.4–1.7). Only 3% had evidence of fibrosis progression. Other groups included stable patterns of no fibrosis (59%), moderate fibrosis (21%), severe fibrosis (7%) and cirrhosis (9%). Individuals with fibrosis progression were more likely to be HIV-infected than those with stable low fibrosis ( P<0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of the first LSM for identification of need for cancer surveillance (cirrhosis ≥12.3 kPa) was high (positive predictive value =97%). Although no single low LSM had high negative predictive value for significant fibrosis (metavir <2), individuals with two or more low results rarely had progression.

Conclusions

These data underscore the stability of liver fibrosis in a cohort of predominantly African-American HCV-infected persons over 1.75 years, support using LSMs to monitor untreated persons at risk for progression and assess need for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance.
Levels of Plasma-soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (sTREM-1) Are Correlated with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: CHOI SANG TAE , KANG EUN-JIN , HA YOU JUNG , SONG JUNG-SOO
Published: March 2012

Objective.

To determine whether levels of plasma-soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether levels are correlated with disease activity and other variables.

Methods.

Our study included 71 patients with RA and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Clinical characteristics and laboratory measures, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) were assessed. Plasma levels of sTREM-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA.

Results.

Patients with RA had significantly higher plasma sTREM-1 levels than healthy controls (170.10 ± 84.71 pg/ml vs 97.41 ± 40.64 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In patients with RA, plasma sTREM-1 levels were found to be correlated with DAS28, ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and plasma TNF-α levels (r = 0.329, p = 0.005; r = 0.241, p = 0.043; r = 0.314, p < 0.001; r = 0.261, p = 0.028; r = 0.278, p = 0.019; and r = 0.313, p = 0.009, respectively). Plasma sTREM-1 levels in patients with active disease status (DAS28 > 3.2) were significantly higher than in those with low disease status (DAS28 ≤ 3.2; 208.89 ± 100.14 pg/ml vs 150.29 ± 68.70 pg/ml; p = 0.005).

Conclusion.

Patients with RA had higher plasma sTREM-1 levels than healthy controls, and plasma sTREM-1 levels were correlated with disease activity measures, suggesting that plasma sTREM-1 could play a role in the inflammatory process associated with TNF-α, and that it may be a useful disease activity marker in RA.
Fusarium species, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol content in preharvest scabby wheat heads from Poland
Authors: Chełkowski J. , Gromadzka K. , Stępień Ł. , Lenc L. , Kostecki M. , Berthiller F.
Published: March 2012

High incidence of Fusarium head blight occurred in Northern and Southern Poland in the 2009 season. Head samples from 106 wheat fields were collected before harvest from Northern, Central and Southern Poland in August 2009. Fusarium species were identified in 1,311 heads with visible scab symptoms and the collected material was subjected to mycotoxin analyses. Fusarium graminearum was identified as the most frequently occurring species on wheat, present in 48% of all samples examined. This species prevailed in Northern and Southern Poland, with the frequencies of 53% and 55%, respectively, and its frequency has increased over five-fold after two decades. In the central part of the country, Fusarium culmorum was the major pathogen of wheat, with a frequency of 43%, although in this region the incidence of infected heads in wheat fields was lower than 1%. Several other species, including Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium cerealis and Microdochium nivale, occurred with lower frequencies. Microscopic identification of species was confirmed using species-specific markers in DNA extracted directly from sporodochia. For the first time, glucosylated deoxynivalenol was identified in Polish cereals, in amounts of 1.6 to 7.4 mg/kg. Deoxynivalenol (DON) content was estimated between 1.7 and 11.9 mg/kg for the healthy looking kernels (HLK) fraction, while the Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) were contaminated with high amounts of DON, from 57.3 to 312.3 mg/kg, and zearalenone, from 0.035 to 4.48 mg/kg. The HLK fractions contained about 20 times less DON and zearalenone (ZEA) than the FDK fractions. ZEA accumulated in both FDK kernels and chaff fractions at a similar level. DON was accumulated in the chaff fraction in much lower amounts than in the FDK fraction.
Influence of light on growth, conidiation and the mutual regulation of fumonisin B2 and ochratoxin A biosynthesis by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Fanelli F. , Schmidt-Heydt M. , Haidukowski M. , Geisen R. , Logrieco A. , Mulè G.
Published: March 2012

Aspergillus niger is a fungus able to produce the carcinogenic mycotoxins ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins. We analysed the influence of light of various wavelengths on growth, conidiation, fumonisin B2 (FB2) and OTA biosynthesis by A. niger ITEM 7097. Light from both sides of the spectrum, from long (627 nm) to short wavelengths (470-455 nm), had a stimulating effect on growth, with the highest stimulation under blue (455 nm, 1,700 Lux) and short-wave blue light (390 nm). Conidiation was reduced by 40% under a short blue wavelength (455 nm, 200 Lux), but strongly promoted under light at an even shorter wavelength (390 nm), with an increase of about 200 fold in comparison to the dark. Production of FB2 and OTA was mutually regulated by light. FB2 production was promoted under light conditions: red and blue light in particular increased FB2 biosynthesis by 40%. Conversely, OTA production was greatly inhibited under red and blue light in comparison to dark incubation, with a mean reduction of about 40 fold, indicating a reverse regulation of both biosynthetic pathways. Incubation under a 390 nm wavelength repressed the production of both toxins to non-detectable levels.
Potential Food-Drug Interactions in Long-Term Care
Authors: Anderson Judy K. , Fox Jodie R.
Published: March 2012

Medication administration at mealtimes may result in food-drug interactions. Older adults are especially at risk of food-drug interactions leading to adverse drug effects and subtherapeutic responses. Research on potential food-drug interactions is limited and dated. This study examined the frequency of potential food-drug interactions in long-term care. Forty-nine percent of drugs administered at mealtimes had potential for interaction, with cardiovascular medications given most frequently. The frequency of potential interactions makes this phenomenon critically important to review. Collaboration between nurses and pharmacists may identify optimal medication scheduling. Nurses can enhance care by identifying strategies to limit interactions through knowledge and creative, collaborative administration schedules.
Pharmacological Management of Chronic Constipation in Older Adults
Authors: Franklin Lynette E. , Spain Margaret P. , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: March 2012

Chronic constipation in older adults has multiple etiologies, and many of these factors are interrelated. An initial medical history and physical examination can provide relevant clues to the causes of the problem. The Rome III classification system of functional constipation is useful in clinical practice to help clinicians identify symptoms and confirm a diagnosis. Additionally, the Bristol Stool Scale is a valuable medical aid designed to assist patients in describing bowel patterns in a way that is more useful for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment methods. Pharmacological management, along with dietary changes and patient education, is the initial approach to treat patients with idiopathic chronic constipation. Consensus statements support a five-step care approach for patients with constipation. Knowledge of this approach will help clinicians in prescribing the appropriate medications along with patient education.
Ageism among Health Care Providers and Interventions to Improve Their Attitudes Toward Older Adults: An Integrative Review
Authors: Eymard Amanda Singleton , Douglas Dianna Hutto
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to review relevant literature on ageism among health care providers and assess interventions used to improve their attitudes toward older adults. Literature published between 1983 and 2011 was reviewed using the keywords
attitudes
,
older adults
,
nursing
, and
nursing students
using CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Education Resources Information Center. Previous relevant research is discussed and includes studies categorized according to health care provider populations: (a) nurses, (b) nursing students, (c) medical students, and (d) direct care workers. Studies in nursing and medical professions that highlight ageism have been conducted; however, there is a gap in the literature concerning ageism among direct care workers. This often neglected, yet critical population of health care providers is essential to the care of older adults; recommendations regarding their training and mentoring are emphasized.
Human Trafficking: What Psychiatric Nurses Should Know to Help Children and Adolescents
Authors: Newby Amy
Published: March 2012

Psychiatric nurses are in key positions to identify and stop human trafficking, as well as aid its survivors. The combination of emotional trauma, sexual violence, and physical injuries experienced by these victims leads to high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. To detect human trafficking, it is important to identify the salient risk factors of homelessness and runaway history. This article offers key questions to help identify victims, as well as web-based resources.
Histopathology of Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno Jose Maria , Montero Javier A. , Jonet Laurent , Jeanny Jean-Claude P. , Behar-Cohen Francine
Published: March 2012

The different therapeutic responses observed among choroidal neovascularization (CNV) of different etiologies, ages, and locations might be related to the presence of varied mediators. Two surgically removed peripapillary CNVs from two different patients were analyzed. One of the patients had received one intravitreous injection of bevacizumab 3 months earlier. CNV was analyzed using conventional histology and immunohistochemistry. Histological analysis showed intense neovascularization and epithelial and glial components. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors were found in the endothelial cells and the epithelial cells of the CNV. VEGF was expressed in the patient who had not been previously treated with anti-VEGF. The CNV was deeply infiltrated by glial cells and invaded by microglial cells in one case. VEGF and VEGF receptors may be expressed, suggesting that therapies aiming at VEGF may be efficient only for a subtype of CNV and at a certain time point of their evolution.
Vitreous Cortex Splitting in Cases of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome
Authors: Itakura Hirotaka , Kishi Shoji
Published: March 2012

The authors report four cases of vitreomacular traction syndrome with splitting of the posterior vitreous cortex. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed consecutively in 35 patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome between June 2007 and February 2011. SD-OCT showed perifoveal posterior vitreous detachment with splitting of the posterior vitreous cortex in 4 of 35 eyes (at the fovea in 1 eye and the perifovea in 3 eyes). The separated cortex of the posterior lamella adhered to the retina in all 4 eyes. The posterior vitreous cortex may split at the macular area in cases of vitreomacular traction syndrome.
SD-OCT Patterns of the Different Stages of Choroidal Metastases
Authors: Iuliano Lorenzo , Scotti Fabrizio , Gagliardi Marco , Bianchi Ingrid , Pierro Luisa
Published: March 2012

A diagnosis of choroidal metastasis is based on the patient’s clinical history, the tumor’s ophthalmoscopic appearance, and instrumental imaging results such as ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has provided additional useful information for clinical diagnosis: a pattern of hyperintense irregular spots in the context of the photoreceptor layer and in the retinal pigment epithelium, subretinal fluid, and marked irregularity of the retinal pigment epithelium with thickening and gross undulation. The authors describe a case of bilateral choroidal metastasis presenting peculiar SD-OCT features acquired at different stages. They emphasize the central role of SD-OCT among instrumental imaging procedures and for final successful diagnosis.
Fred rant
Authors: Juhasz Alexandra
Published: March 2012

A compilation of videos and commentary about Fred, a popular teen YouTuber with the persona of a 6-year-old child.
Fake and fan film trailers as incarnations of audience anticipation and desire
Authors: Williams Kathleen Amy
Published: March 2012

In the lead-up to the release of some feature films, fake and fan trailers are created by users and uploaded to YouTube and other Web sites. These trailers demonstrate that users are literate not only in the form of the trailer itself, but also in the Hollywood system and how it markets products to audiences. Circulating in a networked environment online, these texts, which play with the form of the trailer, perform and embody users' and fans' desire to see not just the feature film but also the official trailer itself. I discuss these fake and fan trailers in relation to cinematic anticipation and describe how they navigate both spatial and temporal bounds. Using the architectural concept of the desire line, I argue that spatial frameworks can be usefully employed to consider how users navigate online spaces, media, and concepts through the form of the trailer.
Genesis of the digital anime music video scene, 1990–2001
Authors: Roberts Ian
Published: March 2012

An exploration of digital anime music videos created by Western fans from the 1990s to the early 2000s. [Videos were reuploaded on January 9, 2020.]
Abridged series and fandom remix culture
Authors: Doerr Zephra
Published: March 2012

The "abridged series" is one of the more recent genres to come out of the fan culture of anime fan subs. An abridged series is a form of fan parody in which some of the peculiarities of fan subs are mixed with the more general conventions of Internet parodies to produce a shortened version of an anime series with edited video and original dubbed-in dialogue. The abridged series is not just a form of fan translation or a humorous recap of an existing work; rather, because they are engaged in significant textual criticism, construction of independent narratives, and interaction with greater fan communities, they should be considered a unique creative genre of transformative work.
Experimental Study of Micro Electrochemical Milling with Side-Insulated Electrode
Authors: Hu Man Hong , Li Yong , Yue Zhang , Jian Wang , Zhu Xiao Gu
Published: March 2012

In order to study the machine effects of using side-insulated electrode during the Micro electrochemical milling, a 704-silica material is firstly introduced to fabricate the side-insulation film on the micro ECM tool electrode by spin-coating technique. The 704-silica insulation film can effectively isolate the side of tool electrode with the electrolyte and eliminate the stray corrosion. With the side-insulated electrode, triangle, square and circle columns with vertical sidewalls were successfully machined in passivat sodium nitrate electrolyte. Moreover, the material removal rate is about 2.1×104 μm3/s by using a tool electrode of Ф=100 μm in diameter.
Implementation of Multi-Core Parallel Computation for Real-Time Turning of PID Parameters Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shuang Shi , Wang Xu Ben , Wang Wei Hua
Published: March 2012

The aim of the work described in this paper is to investigate the implementation of Multi-core Parallel Genetic Algorithm (McPGA) for real-time turning of PID parameters based on it using OpenMP. The performance of our scheme is discussed in comparison with that of the Sequential Genetic Algorithm (SGA) program running on the same computer. Numerical experimental results clearly show that McPGA is much better than SGA on convergence, premature and optimized speed. It can be used for PID parameter real-time turning in Industry Process Control Computer (IPC).
Influences of Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Reinforced by Polyester Fibers
Authors: Jin Man Tong , Chen Liang , Chen Lin Wei , Jin Zan Fang
Published: March 2012

As for the synthesis of polyester fibers based geopolymer, different fiber contents (0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 %, and 0.4 %) are investigated to obtain the optimum synthesis condition by flexural and compressive tests. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are employed to explore the crystalline structure and microstructure of composites. Results show that the addition of 0.2 % fiber is considered as the most suitable proportion in polyester-geopolymers.
Modal Analysis for a New Double-Side Blade Grinding Machine
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang He Ran , Zhang Zuo Jie , Li Tong Zhan
Published: March 2012

Blade is the key part of aeroengine. The main method for grinding blade is manual operation, which is inefficient. A new machine for grinding both sides of blade synchronically is proposed in this paper to improve the efficiency and machining accuracy. The modal analysis for the machine is demonstrated using ANSYS and the modal testing experiments verify the theoretical analysis.
Point Cloud Data Acquisition Based on Reverse Engineering Technology
Authors: Ran Xian Sheng , Lin Li , Wei Han Bing
Published: March 2012

A reverse engineering based point cloud data acquisition method is addressed. The most critical part of reverse engineering (RE) is data acquisition of the digital model, the quality of design is determined by point cloud data acquisition, which is related to the accuracy of design. The measurement of relative position of different parts has been a difficulty of data acquisition. In this paper, the ATOS optical scanner was used as an example to illustrate the principle of three-dimensional scanner, the positioning methods and procedure of point cloud processing. A case study of point cloud data acquisition of car body was used to illustrate three-point positioning principle, which improves the accuracy of measurement compare with traditional method.
Research on Automatic Polishing Technology for Free Surface of Dies Based on Fuzzy Control
Authors: Li Dong Ming , Jia Ying , Tian Xiao Jing , Yin Jun Wei , Ren Xian Ke
Published: March 2012

In order to solve the problem of removing uneven and improve processing quality for automatic polishing free curve surface of dies, a new technique based on fuzzy control is put forward in the thesis. Polishing pressure and rotate speed of grinding wheel will be changed according to the curvature of free curve surface, the results of simulation and experiment show the method is excellent for removing material evenly, reducing the values of surface roughness and improving the surface quality of parts, which provides good basis of practical research and application of accurate working for free surface of dies.
Research on Remanufacturing Closed-Loop Logistics Network Design under Low-Carbon Restriction
Authors: Wang Ya Can , Lu Tao , Gao Chun Hua , Zhang Chun Hui , Chen Chi
Published: March 2012

In this paper we study how to trade off the economic and ecological effects in the remanufacturing closed-loop logistics network design in the context of low-carbon economy. We establish a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming model to find the optimal facility locations and materials flow allocation. In the objective function, we set three minimum targets: economic cost, CO2 emission and waste generation. Through an iterative algorithm, we get the Pareto Frontier of our problem. In the numeric study, we find that in order to achieve a Pareto improvement over an original system, three of the critical rates (i.e. return rate, recovery rate, and cost substitute rate) should be increased. Also, to meet the need of low-carbon dioxide, we plot an iso-CO2 emission curve in which decision makers have a series of optimal choices with the same CO2 emission but different cost and waste generation. Each choice may have different network design but all of these are Pareto optimal solutions, which provide a comprehensive evaluation of both economics and ecology for the decision making.
Research on Scheme Evaluation of the Automobile Fault Diagnosis System
Authors: Tong Min Yong
Published: March 2012

Based on the characteristics of the automobile diagnosis system scheme, this paper has established the parameter system of diagnosis system scheme evaluation. Aiming at automobile diagnosis system scheme is difficult to evaluate its condition because of its structure is complex and its monitoring parameters are complicated and various, a second order fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is proposed. The case study results show that the proposed model is feasible and effective. Hence, the evaluated results can aid to automobile diagnosis system design.
Study on a Modeling and Meshing Method in Numerical Simulation for Wind Loads on Antennas
Authors: Du Qiang , Xie Wu Bin , Ma Su Jun
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a sort of modeling and meshing method based on the characteristic size of antennas is put forward, which can be used to numerically compute the wind loads. Based on the Reynolds-averaged N-S equations and Renormalization Group k-ε turbulence model (RNG k-ε), the wind loads on antenna are computed in considering of some modeling parameters, such as the sizes of computational domain, grid size. Through the comparison between the results obtained by numerical computation and the ideal value derived by wind tunnel tests, the method of modeling and meshing the computational domain has proved to be effective, and the fitted curves of the drag coefficients show that the computational results for wind loads on antennas will be more accurate if the large sizes of the computational domain and little sizes of the grid are adopted.
The Effects of Solid-Solution on Properties and Microstructure of Cu-Zn-Al-Ni Alloy
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Yong Ru , Dai Jiao Yan , Xiao Lai Rong , Li Zhou
Published: March 2012

The effects of different solid-solution temperature (500, 600, 700, 800, 900°C) and holding time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2h) on properties and microstructure of Cu-Zn-Al-Ni alloy were investigated experimentally. The result shows that the hardness of the alloy presents lowest at 700°C and then increases gradually as a function of temperature. It is also revealed that hardness has no relation with the holding time. Phase transition occurs when the temperature is 900°C, as a result of which increases the hardness of the alloy.