bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative intact proteomics investigations of alveolar macrophages in sarcoidosis
Authors: Silva Ernesto , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy , Kasuga Kie , Eklund Anders , Grunewald Johan , Wheelock Åsa M.
Published: October 2012

Alveolar macrophages are important for granuloma formation, which is the histological hallmark in sarcoidosis. Their function as antigen-presenting cells in sarcoidosis is also believed to be relevant to the outcome of disease, resulting either in remission or a prolonged chronic inflammation in the lungs.

Our aim was to study alterations in the expression levels of the soluble proteome of alveolar macrophages in pulmonary sarcoidosis as compared with healthy controls, with the goal of identifying specific proteins and pathways important for the mechanisms of disease and/or disease phenotype.

Quantitative proteomics approach using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry was applied. Data was evaluated using multivariate modelling and pathway analyses. 69 protein spots were found to be significantly altered between sarcoidosis and healthy controls. Among these, 25 unique proteins were identified. Several of the identified proteins were related to key alveolar macrophage functionality, including the Fcγ-mediated phagocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathways.

Global proteomics analysis provided identification of alterations of a subset of proteins not previously reported in sarcoidosis. These alterations primarily affect biological pathways related to phagocytic macrophage functionality. These findings provide important insights into the role of macrophages in sarcoidosis pathogenesis.
Functional and genetic interactions of TOR in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with myosin type II-deficiency (myo1Δ)
Authors: Pagán-Mercado Glorivee , Santiago-Cartagena Ednalise , Akamine Pearl , Rodríguez-Medina José R
Published: October 2012

Background

Yeast has numerous mechanisms to survive stress. Deletion of myosin type II (myo1Δ) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in a cell that has defective cytokinesis. To survive this genetically induced stress, this budding yeast up regulates the PKC1 cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP). More recently, our work indicated that TOR, another stress signaling pathway, was down regulated in myo1Δ strains. Since negative signaling by TOR is known to regulate PKC1, our objectives in this study were to understand the cross-talk between the TOR and PKC1 signaling pathways and to determine if they share upstream regulators for mounting the stress response in myo1Δ strains.

Results

Here we proved that TORC1 signaling was down regulated in the myo1Δ strain. While a tor1 Δ mutant strain had increased viability relative to myo1Δ, a combined myo1Δtor1 Δ mutant strain showed significantly reduced cell viability. Synthetic rescue of the tor2-21

ts
lethal phenotype was observed in the myo1Δ strain in contrast to the chs2 Δ strain, a chitin synthase II null mutant that also activates the PKC1 CWIP and exhibits cytokinesis defects very similar to myo1Δ, where the rescue effect was not observed. We observed two pools of Slt2p, the final Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) of the PKC1 CWIP; one pool that is up regulated by heat shock and one that is up regulated by the myo1Δ stress. The cell wall stress sensor WSC1 that activates PKC1 CWIP under other stress conditions was shown to act as a negative regulator of TORC1 in the myo1Δ mutant. Finally, the repression of TORC1 was inversely correlated with the activation of PKC1 in the myo1Δ strain.

Conclusions

Regulated expression of TOR1 was important in the activation of the PKC1 CWIP in a myo1Δ strain and hence its survival. We found evidence that the PKC1 and TORC1 pathways share a common upstream regulator associated with the cell wall stress sensor WSC1. Surprisingly, essential TORC2 functions were not required in the myo1Δ strain. By understanding how yeast mounts a concerted stress response, one can further design pharmacological cocktails to undermine their ability to adapt and to survive.
The providing resources to enhance African American patients’ readiness to make decisions about kidney disease (PREPARED) study: protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ephraim Patti L , Powe Neil R , Rabb Hamid , Ameling Jessica , Auguste Priscilla , Lewis-Boyer LaPricia , Greer Raquel C , Crews Deidra C , Purnell Tanjala S , Jaar Bernard G , DePasquale Nicole , Boulware L Ebony
Published: October 2012

Background

Living related kidney transplantation (LRT) is underutilized, particularly among African Americans. The effectiveness of informational and financial interventions to enhance informed decision-making among African Americans with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and improve rates of LRT is unknown.

Methods/design

We report the protocol of the Providing Resources to Enhance African American Patients’ Readiness to Make Decisions about Kidney Disease (PREPARED) Study, a two-phase study utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methods to design and test the effectiveness of informational (focused on shared decision-making) and financial interventions to overcome barriers to pursuit of LRT among African American patients and their families. Study Phase I involved the evidence-based development of informational materials as well as a financial intervention to enhance African American patients’ and families’ proficiency in shared decision-making regarding LRT. In Study Phase 2, we are currently conducting a randomized controlled trial in which patients with new-onset ESRD receive 1) usual dialysis care by their nephrologists, 2) the informational intervention (educational video and handbook), or 3) the informational intervention in addition to the option of participating in a live kidney donor financial assistance program. The primary outcome of the randomized controlled trial will include patients’ self-reported rates of consideration of LRT (including family discussions of LRT, patient-physician discussions of LRT, and identification of a LRT donor).

Discussion

Results from the PREPARED study will provide needed evidence on ways to enhance the decision to pursue LRT among African American patients with ESRD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01439516
Prognostic analysis of combined curative resection of the stomach and liver lesions in 30 gastric cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases
Authors: Wang Yan-Na , Shen Kun-Tang , Ling Jia-Qian , Gao Xiao-Dong , Hou Ying-Yong , Wang Xue-Fei , Qin Jing , Sun Yi-Hong , Qin Xin-Yu
Published: October 2012

Background

Gastric cancer with synchronous liver metastasis remains a clinical treatment challenge. There has been a longstanding debate on the question whether surgical resection could be beneficial to long-term survival. This study is to investigate the effectiveness and prognostic factors of combined curative resection of the stomach and liver lesions in gastric cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases.

Methods

A total of 30 patients who underwent simultaneous curative gastric and liver resection from March 2003 to April 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to select independent factors for survival.

Results

The overall 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 30 patients were 43.3%, 30.0%, 16.7% and 16.7%, respectively, with a median survival of 11.0 months and 5 patients still living by the time of last follow-up. Single liver metastasis (p = 0.028) and an absence of peritoneal dissemination (p = 0.007) were significantly independent prognostic factors for these gastric cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases. Major adverse events were protracted stomach paralysis in 2 patients and pulmonary infection in another 2 patients, all of whom recovered after conservative treatment.

Conclusions

This descriptive study without control group found that patients with solitary liver metastasis and absence of peritoneal dissemination could have better survival benefit from simultaneous curative resection of the gastric cancer and liver metastases.
Cucurbitacin B inhibits human breast cancer cell proliferation through disruption of microtubule polymerization and nucleophosmin/B23 translocation
Authors: Duangmano Suwit , Sae-lim Phorntip , Suksamrarn Apichart , Domann Frederick E , Patmasiriwat Pimpicha
Published: October 2012

Background

Cucurbitacin B, an oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid compound extracted from the Thai medicinal plant Trichosanthes cucumerina L., has been reported to have several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. Cucurbitacin B is great of interest because of its biological activity. This agent inhibits growth of various types of human cancer cells lines.

Methods

In this study, we explored the novel molecular response of cucurbitacin B in human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The growth inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin B on breast cancer cells was assessed by MTT assay. The effects of cucurbitacin B on microtubules morphological structure and tubulin polymerization were analyzed using immunofluorescence technique and tubulin polymerization assay kit, respectively. Proteomic analysis was used to identify the target-specific proteins that involved in cucurbitacin B treatment. Some of the differentially expressed genes and protein products were validated by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell cycle distributions and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry.

Results

Cucurbitacin B exhibited strong antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. We show that cucurbitacin B prominently alters the cytoskeletal network of breast cancer cells, inducing rapid morphologic changes and improper polymerization of the microtubule network. Moreover, the results of 2D-PAGE, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot analysis revealed that the expression of nucleophosmin/B23 and c-Myc decreased markedly after cucurbitacin B treatment. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that cucurbitacin B induced translocation of nucleophosmin/B23 from the nucleolus to nucleoplasm. Treatment with cucurbitacin B resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and the enhancement of apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that cucurbitacin B may inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells through disruption of the microtubule network and down-regulation of c-Myc and nucleophosmin/B23 as well as the perturbation in nucleophosmin/B23 trafficking from the nucleolus to nucleoplasm, resulting in G2/M arrest.
Are students kidding with health research ethics? The case of HIV/AIDS research in Cameroon
Authors: Munung Nchangwi Syntia , Tangwa Godfrey B , Che Chi Primus , Vidal Laurent , Ouwe-Missi-Oukem-Boyer Odile
Published: October 2012

Background

Universities in Cameroon are playing an active part in HIV/AIDS research and much of this research is carried out by students, usually for the purpose of a dissertation/thesis. Student theses/dissertations present research findings in a much more comprehensive manner and have been described as the stepping-stone of a budding scientist’s potential in becoming an independent researcher. It is therefore important to verify how students handle issues of research ethics.

Method

Theses/dissertations on HIV/AIDS that described research studies involving the use of human research participants were screened to verify if research ethics approval and informed consent were obtained and documented. The contents of the consent forms were also qualitatively analyzed.

Results

Of 174 theses/dissertations on HIV, ethics approval was documented in 17 (9.77%) and informed consent in 77 (47.83%). Research ethics approval was first mentioned at all in 2002 and highly reported in the year 2007. Evidence of ethics approval was found for the first time in 2005 and informed consent first observed and evidenced in 1997. Ethics approval was mostly reported by students studying for an MD (14.01%) and was not reported in any Bachelors’ degree dissertation. Informed consent was also highly reported in MD theses (64.58%) followed by undergraduate theses (31.58%). Voluntary participation and potential benefits of the study were some of the common aspects dealt with in most of the consent forms. The right to discontinue participation in the study and management of residual samples were scarcely ever mentioned.

Conclusions

Overall, and given the current state of the art of research ethics around the world, student-scientists in Cameroon would seem to be merely kidding with research ethics. It is thus essential that training in health research ethics (HRE) be incorporated in the curriculum of universities in Cameroon in order that the next generation of scientists may be better equipped with thorough knowledge and practice of HRE. This, we believe, would be one way of fighting the occurrence of research scandals, which have not yet abated significantly, especially those arising from negligence or inexcusable ignorance.
Validation of administrative data sources for endoscopy utilization in colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Li Xue , Hilsden Robert , Hossain Shakhawat , Fleming John , Winget Marcy
Published: October 2012

Background

Validation of administrative data is important to assess potential sources of bias in outcome evaluation and to prevent dissemination of misleading or inaccurate information. The purpose of the study was to determine the completeness and accuracy of endoscopy data in several administrative data sources in the year prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis as part of a larger project focused on evaluating the quality of pre-diagnostic care.

Methods

Primary and secondary data sources for endoscopy were collected from the Alberta Cancer Registry, cancer medical charts and three different administrative data sources. 1672 randomly sampled patients diagnosed with invasive colorectal cancer in years 2000–2005 in Alberta, Canada were included. A retrospective validation study of administrative data for endoscopy in the year prior to colorectal cancer diagnosis was conducted. A gold standard dataset was created by combining all the datasets. Number and percent identified, agreement and percent unique to a given data source were calculated and compared across each dataset and to the gold standard with respect to identifying all patients who underwent endoscopy and all endoscopies received by those patients.

Results

The combined administrative data and physician billing data identified as high or higher percentage of patients who had one or more endoscopy (84% and 78%, respectively) and total endoscopy procedures (89% and 81%, respectively) than the chart review (78% for both).

Conclusions

Endoscopy data has a high level of completeness and accuracy in physician billing data alone. Combined with hospital in/outpatient data it is more complete than chart review alone.
Determinants of vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Naka Katerina K , Papathanassiou Katerina , Bechlioulis Aris , Kazakos Nikolaos , Pappas Konstantinos , Tigas Stelios , Makriyiannis Dimitrios , Tsatsoulis Agathocles , Michalis Lampros K
Published: October 2012

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is independently associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases that is primarily due to the early development of advanced atherosclerotic vascular changes. The aim of our study was to investigate the predictors of vascular dysfunction in T2DM patients.

Methods

We studied 165 T2DM patients without known macrovascular or microvascular disease. Standard demographic (age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, medications), clinical (body mass index, blood pressure) and laboratory (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipids, renal function) parameters were included in analyses. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitrate mediated dilation (NMD) and Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) were measured.

Results

Median age was 66 years and duration since T2DM diagnosis was 10 years, 70% were females and 79% hypertensives, while only 10% had a glycated hemoglobin <7%. FMD was positively associated with NMD (r 0.391, P < 0.001), while PWV was inversely associated with FMD (r -0.218, P = 0.014) and NMD (r -0.309, P < 0.001). Time since diagnosis of diabetes was the single independent predictor of FMD (β -0.40, P = 0.003). Increased age and fasting glucose and the presence of hypertension were independent predictors of decreased NMD (P < 0.001). Increased age and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with increased PWV (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In T2DM patients, impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation was independently associated only with longer diabetes duration while no association with other established risk factors was found. Vascular smooth muscle dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness were more prominent in older T2DM patients with hypertension. Worse glycemic control was associated with impaired vascular smooth muscle function.
Asymptotic analysis of flooding in CSMA-based large scale ad-hoc wireless networks
Authors: Shah-Mansouri Hamed , Khalaj Babak Hossein , Shariatpanahi Seyed Pooya , Ser Javier Del , Pérez-Sánchez Susana
Published: October 2012

In this article, we study the asymptotic behavior of flooding in large scale wireless networks. Specifically, we derive an upper bound on the coverage of flooding when the number of nodes n in the network goes to infinity. We consider two different regimes of transmission radii: first, the case of constant transmission radius r where the percentage of covered nodes scales as

O
(
n

r

2

e

−

K

S

n

r

2

)

for a constant K

S
> 0. In this case, as an important result, we observe that the percentage of covered nodes is upper bounded by a decreasing function, vanishing as the network size grows. Second, the case of vanishing r

n
(i.e., r decreases as n increases) is considered where it is shown in the literature that the minimum value of r

n
which maintains connectivity is

log
n
/
Π
n

. In this case, a coverage percentage of at most

O
(

n

−

K

S

′

log
n
)

is expected for a constant value of

K

S

′

>
0

, leading to an infinite number of covered nodes. In such case, the rate at which the network coverage is decreased can be controlled and be considerably reduced by a proper choice of network parameters (

K

S

′

). Consequently, this result shows that flooding is a suitable strategy even for large networks.
New perspectives on central and peripheral immune responses to acute traumatic brain injury
Authors: Das Mahasweta , Mohapatra Subhra , Mohapatra Shyam S
Published: October 2012

Traumatic injury to the brain (TBI) results in a complex set of responses involving various symptoms and long-term consequences. TBI of any form can cause cognitive, behavioral and immunologic changes in later life, which underscores the problem of underdiagnosis of mild TBI that can cause long-term neurological deficits. TBI disrupts the blood–brain barrier (BBB) leading to infiltration of immune cells into the brain and subsequent inflammation and neurodegeneration. TBI-induced peripheral immune responses can also result in multiorgan damage. Despite worldwide research efforts, the methods of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment for TBI are still relatively ineffective. In this review, we delve into the mechanism of how TBI-induced central and peripheral immune responses affect the disease outcome and discuss recent developments in the continuing effort to combat the consequences of TBI and new ways to enhance repair of the damaged brain.
Performance of small cluster surveys and the clustered LQAS design to estimate local-level vaccination coverage in Mali
Authors: Minetti Andrea , Riera-Montes Margarita , Nackers Fabienne , Roederer Thomas , Koudika Marie Hortense , Sekkenes Johanne , Taconet Aurore , Fermon Florence , Touré Albouhary , Grais Rebecca F , Checchi Francesco
Published: October 2012

Background

Estimation of vaccination coverage at the local level is essential to identify communities that may require additional support. Cluster surveys can be used in resource-poor settings, when population figures are inaccurate. To be feasible, cluster samples need to be small, without losing robustness of results. The clustered LQAS (CLQAS) approach has been proposed as an alternative, as smaller sample sizes are required.

Methods

We explored (i) the efficiency of cluster surveys of decreasing sample size through bootstrapping analysis and (ii) the performance of CLQAS under three alternative sampling plans to classify local VC, using data from a survey carried out in Mali after mass vaccination against meningococcal meningitis group A.

Results

VC estimates provided by a 10 × 15 cluster survey design were reasonably robust. We used them to classify health areas in three categories and guide mop-up activities: i) health areas not requiring supplemental activities; ii) health areas requiring additional vaccination; iii) health areas requiring further evaluation. As sample size decreased (from 10 × 15 to 10 × 3), standard error of VC and ICC estimates were increasingly unstable. Results of CLQAS simulations were not accurate for most health areas, with an overall risk of misclassification greater than 0.25 in one health area out of three. It was greater than 0.50 in one health area out of two under two of the three sampling plans.

Conclusions

Small sample cluster surveys (10 × 15) are acceptably robust for classification of VC at local level. We do not recommend the CLQAS method as currently formulated for evaluating vaccination programmes.
The insulinogenic effect of whey protein is partially mediated by a direct effect of amino acids and GIP on β-cells
Authors: Salehi Albert , Gunnerud Ulrika , Muhammed Sarheed J , Östman Elin , Holst Jens J , Björck Inger , Rorsman Patrik
Published: October 2012

Background

Whey protein increases postprandial serum insulin levels. This has been associated with increased serum levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, threonine and the incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). We have examined the effects of these putative mediators of whey’s action on insulin secretion from isolated mouse Langerhans islets.

Methods

Mouse pancreatic islets were incubated with serum drawn from healthy individuals after ingestion of carbohydrate equivalent meals of whey protein (whey serum), or white wheat bread (control serum). In addition the effect of individual amino acid combinations on insulin secretion was also tested. Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of whey serum on insulin secretion was tested in vitro in the absence and presence of a GIP receptor antagonist ((Pro(3))GIP[mPEG]).

Results

Postprandial amino acids, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) responses were higher after whey compared to white wheat bread. A stimulatory effect on insulin release from isolated islets was observed with serum after whey obtained at 15 min (+87%, P < 0.05) and 30 min (+139%, P < 0.05) postprandially, compared with control serum. The combination of isoleucine, leucine, valine, lysine and threonine exerted strong stimulatory effect on insulin secretion (+270%, P < 0.05), which was further augmented by GIP (+558% compared to that produced by glucose, P < 0.05). The stimulatory action of whey on insulin secretion was reduced by the GIP-receptor antagonist (Pro(3))GIP[mPEG]) at both 15 and 30 min (−56% and −59%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with white wheat bread meal, whey causes an increase of postprandial insulin, plasma amino acids, GIP and GLP-1 responses. The in vitro data suggest that whey protein exerts its insulinogenic effect by preferential elevation of the plasma concentrations of certain amino acids, GIP and GLP-1.
Protease activated receptor 1-induced glutamate release in cultured astrocytes is mediated by Bestrophin-1 channel but not by vesicular exocytosis
Authors: Oh Soo-Jin , Han Kyung-Seok , Park Hyungju , Woo Dong ho , Kim Hye Yun , Traynelis Stephen F , Lee C Justin
Published: October 2012

Background

Glutamate is the major transmitter that mediates the principal form of excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. It has been well established that glutamate is released via Ca2+-dependent exocytosis of glutamate-containing vesicles in neurons. However, whether astrocytes exocytose to release glutamate under physiological condition is still unclear.

Findings

We report a novel form of glutamate release in astrocytes via the recently characterized Ca2+-activated anion channel, Bestrophin-1 (Best1) by Ca2+ dependent mechanism through the channel pore. We demonstrate that upon activation of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1), an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration leads to an opening of Best1 channels and subsequent release of glutamate in cultured astrocytes.

Conclusions

These results provide strong molecular evidence for potential astrocyte-neuron interaction via Best1-mediated glutamate release.
Construction and decoding of BCH codes over chain of commutative rings
Authors: Shah Tariq , Qamar Attiq , de Andrade Antonio Aparecido
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we present a new construction and decoding of BCH codes over certain rings. Thus, for a nonnegative integer t, let

A

0

⊂

A

1

⊂
⋯
⊂

A

t
−
1

⊂

A

t

be a chain of unitary commutative rings, where each

A

i

is constructed by the direct product of appropriate Galois rings, and its projection to the fields is

K

0

⊂

K

1

⊂
⋯
⊂

K

t
−
1

⊂

K

t

(another chain of unitary commutative rings), where each

K

i

is made by the direct product of corresponding residue fields of given Galois rings. Also,

A

i

∗

and

K

i

∗

are the groups of units of

A

i

and

K

i

, respectively. This correspondence presents a construction technique of generator polynomials of the sequence of Bose, Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem (BCH) codes possessing entries from

A

i

∗

and

K

i

∗

for each i, where 0 ≤ i ≤ t. By the construction of BCH codes, we are confined to get the best code rate and error correction capability; however, the proposed contribution offers a choice to opt a worthy BCH code concerning code rate and error correction capability. In the second phase, we extend the modified Berlekamp-Massey algorithm for the above chains of unitary commutative local rings in such a way that the error will be corrected of the sequences of codewords from the sequences of BCH codes at once. This process is not much different than the original one, but it deals a sequence of codewords from the sequence of codes over the chain of Galois rings.
Impact of oral care with versus without toothbrushing on the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gu Wan-Jie , Gong Yi-Zhen , Pan Lei , Ni Yu-Xia , Liu Jing-Chen
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common hazardous complication in mechanically ventilated patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of toothbrushing as a component of oral care on the prevention of VAP in adult critically ill patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (up to April 2012) was conducted. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials of mechanically ventilated adult patients receiving oral care with toothbrushing. Relative risks (RRs), weighted mean differences (WMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test.

Results

Four studies with a total of 828 patients met the inclusion criteria. Toothbrushing did not significantly reduce the incidence of VAP (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.21) and intensive care unit mortality (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.10). Toothbrushing was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD, -0.88 days; 95% CI, -2.58 to 0.82), length of intensive care unit stay (WMD, -1.48 days; 95% CI, -3.40 to 0.45), antibiotic-free day (WMD, -0.52 days; 95% CI, -2.82 to 1.79), or mechanical ventilation-free day (WMD, -0.43 days; 95% CI, -1.23 to 0.36).

Conclusions

Oral care with toothbrushing versus without toothbrushing does not significantly reduce the incidence of VAP and alter other important clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously since relevant evidence is still limited, although accumulating. Further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are urgently needed.
Multidisciplinary study of the hanging wall of the Kiirunavaara iron ore deposit, northern Sweden
Authors: Jensen Mai-Britt , Kashubin Artem , Juhlin Christopher , Elming Sten-Åke
Published: October 2012

Potential weakness zones due to mining-related fracture development under the town of Kiruna, Sweden, have been investigated by integration of seismic, gravity, and petrophysical data. Reflection seismic data were acquired along two subparallel 2D profiles within the residential area of the town. The profiles of [Formula: see text], each oriented approximately east–west, nearly perpendicular to the general strike of the local geology, crossed several contact zones between quartz-bearing porphyries, a sequence of interchanging sedimentary rocks (siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate, and agglomerate), and metabasalt. The resulting reflection seismic sections revealed a strong east-dipping reflectivity that is imaged down to approximately 1.5 km. The location and orientation of major features agree well between the profiles and with the surface geology and known contact zones between the different rock types. Our imaging results, supported by traveltime modelling, indicate that the contact zones dip 40°–50° to the east. The deepest and the weakest reflections are associated with a [Formula: see text] dipping structure that is presumably related to the Kiirunavaara iron mineralization. Tomographic inversion of refracted arrivals revealed a more detailed image of the velocity distribution in the upper 100–200 m along the profiles, enabling us to identify near-surface low velocity zones. These could be possible weakness zones developed along the lithological contacts and within the geologic units. The structural image obtained from the seismic data was used to constrain data inversion along a 28 km long east–northeast to west–southwest-oriented gravity profile. The resulting density model indicates that the quartz-bearing porphyry in the hanging wall of the Kiirunavaara mineralization can be separated into two blocks oriented parallel to the ore body. One block has an unexpected low density, which could be an indication of extensive fracturing and deformation.
Detection and imaging sensitivity of the marine CSEM method
Authors: Mittet Rune , Morten Jan Petter
Published: October 2012

We have developed a formalism to systematically study the sensitivity of the marine controlled source electromagnetic method for hydrocarbon exploration, taking into account measurement errors. We utilize error propagation to estimate the data uncertainty, and find that contributions that scale by the transmitter dipole moment give qualitatively different behavior than noise contributions that are independent of the dipole moment. The uncertainty is used in quantitative criteria to determine if a hydrocarbon reservoir can be detected and whether it can be successfully imaged. Our formalism can be used to make detailed feasibility studies incorporating equipment accuracy limitations, and to identify which experimental component that must be improved to ensure overall improvement in sensitivity. The criteria can be applied to identify the limiting factors for detection and imaging of targets with increasing burial depth. We have defined experimental accuracy conditions for next generation CSEM equipment to successfully image a large hydrocarbon reservoir at 5 km burial depth.
Risk of psychopathology in adolescent offspring of mothers with psychopathology and recurrent depression
Authors: Sellers Ruth , Collishaw Stephan , Rice Frances , Thapar Ajay K. , Potter Robert , Mars Becky , Harold Gordon T. , Smith Daniel J. , Owen Michael J. , Craddock Nick , Thapar Anita
Published: October 2012

Background

Offspring of mothers with depression are at heightened risk of psychiatric disorder. Many mothers with depression have comorbid psychopathology. How these co-occurring problems affect child outcomes has rarely been considered.

Aims

To consider whether the overall burden of co-occurring psychopathology in mothers with recurrent depression predicts new-onset psychopathology in offspring.

Method

Mothers with recurrent depression and their adolescent offspring (9–17 years at baseline) were assessed in 2007 and on two further occasions up to 2011. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing depression severity, anxiety, alcohol problems and antisocial behaviour. Psychiatric disorder in offspring was assessed using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment.

Results

The number of co-occurring problems in mothers (0, 1 or 2+) predicted new-onset offspring disorder (odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% CI 1.17–2.77, P = 0.007). Rates varied from 15.7 to 34.8% depending on the number of co-occurring clinical problems. This remained significant after controlling for maternal depression severity (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.03–2.89, P = 0.040).

Conclusions

The burden of co-occurring psychopathology among mothers with recurrent depression indexes increased risk of future onset of psychiatric disorder for offspring. This knowledge can be used in targeting preventive measures in children at high risk of psychiatric disorder.
Rameau’s Changing Views on Supposition and Suspension
Authors: Martin Nathan John
Published: October 2012

The precise sense of Jean Philippe Rameau’s conception of supposition is among the more vexing questions that his theorizing poses. Supposition has been interpreted, on the one hand, as an account of ninth and eleventh chords and, on the other, as a means of explaining melodic suspensions. Understanding Rameau’s doctrine means, in part, retracing the many refinements, revisions, and reversals that it underwent over the course of its author’s career. This article accordingly reconstructs the development of supposition from the Traité de l’harmonie (1722) to the Code de musique pratique (1760), with particular attention to the extensive discussion of the topic in the “Art de la basse fondamentale” (c. 1737–43). To a considerable degree, Rameau’s conception of supposition was worked out in dialogue with his critics. Retracing that dialogue helps to clarify a number of points: First, Rameau revised his account of supposition continually. Second, the impetus for these revisions was, in many cases, the intervention of a prominent critic. Third, these critics did not, as has been claimed, misunderstand Rameau’s account of supposition; rather, they disputed it (the second musicien) or extended it (Charles-Henri de Blainville and Jean-Jacques Rousseau). Fourth, the eventual form that Rameau’s doctrine took was significantly influenced by these criticisms; indeed, Rameau tended to appropriate those aspects of his interlocutors’ arguments that he ended up finding germane. And fifth, it emerges from this inquiry that supposition is not solely a means of accounting for melodic suspensions; it is also an attempt to explain a number of idiomatic sonorities that are endemic to French baroque music, and to the grand motet in particular.

In general, this article aims to provide a more detailed and more nuanced account of supposition than has thus far been available by attending not only to Rameau’s own writings but also to the writings of his early critics and to the musical repertories that were these writers’ frame of reference.
Exploring the Rhythm of the Palestrina Style
Authors: Mavromatis Panayotis
Published: October 2012

This article presents a general-purpose formalism for modeling musical syntax as a probabilistic musical grammar. The formal probabilistic framework offers a precise yet flexible characterization of musical style as structure and process. Moreover, the grammar can be built algorithmically from a sample of musical examples, using a statistical grammar induction technique known as hidden Markov models (HMMs). The two fundamental assumptions of HMMs—termed finite memory and stationarity—are analyzed to show that the framework is expressive enough to capture a broad range of syntactic constraints in music. It is argued that the HMM technique draws its power from the ability to identify hidden structures that are important for shaping the musical surface. Thus, HMM-based grammar induction offers a practical, accurate, and methodologically sound tool for fine-grained modeling of musical style.

As a concrete illustration, this article builds a formal grammar of rhythm for the Palestrina style. The grammar’s structure and components are carefully explained, and the formalism is compared with existing approaches to style characterization. Many traditional counterpoint rules are shown to naturally correspond with the grammar’s formal structure and are thus supported or refined. Other rules are disconfirmed or shown to lie outside the formalism’s scope. The long-standing problem of Renaissance meter is discussed in light of these results. Thus, through the Palestrina case study, the problem of grammar induction is framed in terms of traditional concerns in music scholarship in order to motivate application of the technique, illustrate its usefulness, and place it in a historical and methodological context within music theory research.
Tonal Structures in Bellini
Authors: Rothstein William
Published: October 2012

The operas of Vincenzo Bellini (1801–35) exhibit compositional traits that, in North American scholarship, have generally been associated with German composers, especially Wagner. Close analysis of passages from Norma, La straniera, and other operas establishes the prevalence in Bellini of tonal pairing, usually (but not always) involving relative keys. The sonorità or focal melodic pitch, long associated with Verdi’s operas, is found to play a unifying role in the second-act finale of Norma. Issues of reception history, text criticism, and analytical methodology are also discussed.
Reelin-dependent ApoER2 downregulation uncouples newborn neurons from progenitor cells
Authors: Pérez-Martínez F. Javier , Luque-Río Álvaro , Sakakibara Akira , Hattori Mitsuharu , Miyata Takaki , Luque Juan M.
Published: October 2012

Reelin and its receptor machinery are well known to be required for the migration and positioning of neocortical projection neurons. More recently, reelin has been shown both necessary and sufficient to determine the rate of neocortical neurogenesis. The molecular links underlying its seemingly distinct proliferative and post-proliferative functions remain unknown. Here we reveal an enriched expression of functional reelin receptors, largely of Apolipoprotein E Receptor 2 (ApoER2), in radial glia basal processes and intermediate progenitor cells during mid/late cortical development. In vivo, ApoER2 overexpression inhibits neuronal migration. In contrast, precluding excessive levels of ApoER2 in reelin-deficient cortices, by either ApoER2 knock-down or the transgenic expression of reelin in neural progenitor cells, improves neuronal migration and positioning. Our study provides groundwork for the highly orchestrated clearance of neocortical neurons from their birth site, suggesting that a reelin-dependent ApoER2 downregulation mechanism uncouples newborn neurons from progenitor cells, thereby enabling neurons to migrate.
Kinematics and wing shape across flight speed in the bat,Leptonycteris yerbabuenae
Authors: Von Busse Rhea , Hedenström Anders , Winter York , Johansson L. Christoffer
Published: October 2012

The morphology and kinematics of a flying animal determines the resulting aerodynamic lift through the regulation of the speed of the air moving across the wing, the wing area and the lift coefficient. We studied the detailed three-dimensional wingbeat kinematics of the bat, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, flying in a wind tunnel over a range of flight speeds (0–7 m/s), to determine how factors affecting the lift production vary across flight speed and within wingbeats. We found that the wing area, the angle of attack and the camber, which are determinants of the lift production, decreased with increasing speed. The camber is controlled by multiple mechanisms along the span, including the deflection of the leg relative to the body, the bending of the fifth digit, the deflection of the leading edge flap and the upward bending of the wing tip. All these measures vary throughout the wing beat suggesting active or aeroelastic control. The downstroke Strouhal number, Std, is kept relatively constant, suggesting that favorable flow characteristics are maintained during the downstroke, across the range of speeds studied. The Std is kept constant through changes in the stroke plane, from a strongly inclined stroke plane at low speeds to a more vertical stroke plane at high speeds. The mean angular velocity of the wing correlates with the aerodynamic performance and shows a minimum at the speed of maximum lift to drag ratio, suggesting a simple way to determine the optimal speed from kinematics alone. Taken together our results show the high degree of adjustments that the bats employ to fine tune the aerodynamics of the wings and the correlation between kinematics and aerodynamic performance.
Phenotyping of Nod1/2 double deficient mice and characterization of Nod1/2 in systemic inflammation and associated renal disease
Authors: Stroo Ingrid , Butter Loes M. , Claessen Nike , Teske Gwen J. , Rubino Stephen J. , Girardin Stephen E. , Florquin Sandrine , Leemans Jaklien C.
Published: October 2012

It is indispensable to thoroughly characterize each animal model in order to distinguish between primary and secondary effects of genetic changes. The present study analyzed Nod1 and Nod2 double deficient (Nod1/2 DKO) mice under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Nod1 and Nod2 are members of the Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich repeat containing Receptor (NLR) family. Several inflammatory disorders, such as Crohn's disease and asthma, are linked to genetic changes in either Nod1 or Nod2. These associations suggest that Nod1 and Nod2 play important roles in regulating the immune system.

Three-month-old wildtype (Wt) and Nod1/2 DKO mice were sacrificed, body and organ weight were determined, and blood was drawn. Except for lower liver weight in Nod1/2 DKO mice, no differences were found in body/organ weight between both strains. Leukocyte count and composition was comparable. No significant changes in analyzed plasma biochemical markers were found. Additionally, intestinal and vascular permeability was determined. Nod1/2 DKO mice show increased susceptibility for intestinal permeability while vascular permeability was not affected. Next we induced septic shock and organ damage by administering LPS+PGN intraperitoneally to Wt and Nod1/2 DKO mice and sacrificed animals after 2 and 24 hours. The systemic inflammatory and metabolic response was comparable between both strains. However, renal response was different as indicated by partly preserved kidney function and tubular epithelial cell damage in Nod1/2 DKO at 24 hours. Remarkably, renal inflammatory mediators Tnfα, KC and Il-10 were significantly increased in Nod1/2 DKO compared with Wt mice at 2 hours.

Systematic analysis of Nod1/2 DKO mice revealed a possible role of Nod1/2 in the development of renal disease during systemic inflammation.
pH-Induced Switchable Vesicular Aggregation of Zwitterionic and Anionic Phospholipids
Authors: Suzuki Kentaro , Kurihara Kensuke , Okura Yusaku , Toyota Taro , Sugawara Tadashi
Published: October 2012

Giant vesicles (GVs) comprising zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids (DOPC and POPG, respectively) at a molar ratio of 90:10 formed a sparse network of aggregates that dissociated into isolated GVs reversibly depending on the pH of the dispersion (pH range, 7.0–2.5). This reversibility was due to the fluctuations in the composition of as-grown GVs.
A Simple, Single-measurement Methodology to Account for Electrode Polarization in the Dielectric Spectra of Colloidal Dispersions
Authors: Beltramo Peter J , Furst Eric M
Published: October 2012

A single-measurement methodology to produce accurate dielectric spectra is developed and validated by measurements on a dilute aqueous suspension containing 1 µm polystyrene particles suspended in 0.1 mM KCl. Electrode polarization artifacts in the spectra are eliminated down to the kilohertz frequency regime. Corrected dielectric spectra agree with previously established extrapolation methods and the standard electrokinetic theory. The method is simple yet effective and allows for accurate time-dependent measurements without the need for disassembling and reassembling the dielectric cell.
Protein-specific Effects of Binding to Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Bharti Bhuvnesh , Findenegg Gerhard H
Published: October 2012

Adsorption of the globular proteins cytochrome c and lysozyme on 22-nm silica nanoparticles is shown to cause heteroaggregation over a wide pH range between the isoelectric points of silica and the protein. Although the two systems follow the same generic behavior, we find protein-specific differences in the adsorption and aggregation, which are attributed to differences in the charge distribution on the two proteins and the roles of non-Coulombic interactions for the adsorption of the two proteins.
Volume Change Behavior of Poly(l-lysine-alt-terephthalic acid) Microcapsules Encapsulating Glucose Oxidase
Authors: Kishigawa Takeshi , Tagami Yasunobu , Narita Takayuki , Oishi Yushi
Published: October 2012

Glucose-sensitive microcapsules, whose volume changed in response to glucose, were successfully prepared by encapsulating glucose oxidase (GOx) into poly(l-lysine-alt-terephthalic acid) (PPL) microcapsules. The GOx–PPL microcapsules decreased in size in a glucose solution, after a certain lag time. The shrinking rate of the capsules showed a linear correlation with glucose concentration, while the lag time showed a logarithmical correlation with the glucose concentration.
pH-Dependent Interactions between Membrane and Histidine-containing Peptides
Authors: Kato Noritaka , Kawamata Tomohiro , Sasaki Takanori , Mukai Yuri
Published: October 2012

A 26-residue peptide containing six histidine (H) residues showed a pH-dependent interaction with a membrane. At a basic pH, where the H residues were deprotonated, the peptides formed a helical structure and adopted a transmembrane alignment in the lipid vesicles. At an acidic pH, where the H residues were protonated, they exhibited a mixture of β and random forms and were aggregated or dissolved in the aqueous phase.
Dynamics of Condensed Monolayer and Multilayer Formation of Hexadecylpyridinium Chloride–Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Mixed Systems at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Takumi Hiroki , Noda Megumi , Matsubara Hiroki , Takiue Takanori , Aratono Makoto
Published: October 2012

The adsorption dynamics of mixed adsorbed films of hexadecylpyridinium chloride (HPC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were investigated through external reflection–absorption FTIR (ERA FTIR) and surface tension measurements, following two different experimental approaches. In the first approach (case 1), solutions of SDS and HPC, at the desired total concentration and composition, were first introduced into the measurement cell, and then, the measurement was started. In the second approach (case 2), the HPC solution, at a given concentration, was first introduced into the cell, and after adsorption equilibrium was reached, a certain volume of concentrated SDS solution (to attain the desired total concentration and composition) was added to the cell, and the measurement was continued. The experiments clearly showed that the adsorption rate, as well as the mechanism, differed significantly between the two approaches.