bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal treatment affects the laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: McCulloch Elaine , Ramage Gordon , Rajendran Ranjith , Lappin David F , Jones Brian , Warn Peter , Shrief Raghdaa , Kirkpatrick William R , Patterson Thomas F , Williams Craig
Published: November 2011

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of non-invasive diagnostic tests such as galactomannan enzyme immunoassay and quantitative PCR in the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA), and how these tests are impacted upon by the use of different classes of antifungal agents in an in-vivo model of IA.

Methods

A standardised rat inhalation model of IA was used to examine the effects of an azole, posaconazole, a polyene, amphotericin B and an echinocandin caspofungin. Daily blood samples were collected for subsequent analysis using a commercially available galactomannan assay and an inhouse qPCR assay.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the CE/g ofAspergillus fumigatusin the lungs of each group. qPCR was statistically more sensitive than galactomannan for both the early detection of infected controls (p=0.045) and for overall detection (p=0.018). However, antifungal treatment significantly reduced the overall sensitivity of qPCR (p=0.020); these effects were due to posaconazole and caspofungin. In the latter stages of infection (days 4 and 5) there were no significant differences in the numbers of infections detected by galactomannan and qPCR; however, the antifungal class used caused significant qualitative differences (p=0.041). Galactomannan showed improved detection in posaconazole-treated animals.

Conclusions

Previous exposure to antifungal therapy must be considered when interpreting either qPCR or galactomannan-based IA diagnostics as this study has shown that individual classes of antifungal agents impact upon the dynamics of antigen and DNA release into the circulation.
PRIMORDIAL BLACK HOLES, ASTROPHYSICAL SYSTEMS AND THE EDDINGTON–WEINBERG RELATION
Authors: CAPOZZIELLO SALVATORE , CRISTOFANO GERARDO , DE LAURENTIS MARIAFELICIA
Published: November 2011

Starting from a quantization relation for primordial black holes, it is shown that quantum fluctuations can play a fundamental role in determining the effective scales of self-gravitating astrophysical systems. Furthermore, the Eddington–Weinberg relation between the current scale of the observed universe to the Planck constant (the natural action unit) is naturally derived. Finally, such an approach allows to recover the current value of the cosmological constant.
Geochemistry of Torridonian tuffs and contemporary phosphorites; potential for correlation of Torridonian sequences in NW Scotland
Authors: Batchelor Richard A.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Although a number of discoveries have been made in recent years, there are very few historical reports of volcanic ash deposits in the Torridonian rocks of Scotland. New examples extend the known occurrence of such deposits and analyses suggest a geochemical stratigraphy for a suite of rocks that are otherwise notoriously difficult to correlate. Tuffs from the Colonsay Group are described for the first time, subdivided according to their geochemical characteristics. The Kilchattan Formation of Colonsay may correlate with the Torridonian Diabaig Formation and, based on the geochemistry of both tuffs and contemporary phosphorites, the Upper Diabaig Formation may be correlated with the Lower Sleat Group. This is the first attempt to construct a stratigraphy of the Torridonian based on the geochemical characteristics of contemporary tuffs.
Chronic renin inhibition with aliskiren improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and skeletal muscle glucose transport activity in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Marchionne Elizabeth M. , Diamond-Stanic Maggie K. , Prasonnarong Mujalin , Henriksen Erik J.
Published: November 2011

We have demonstrated previously that overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with whole body and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in obese Zucker ( fa/fa) rats. Moreover, this obesity-associated insulin resistance is reduced by treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor (type 1) blockers. However, it is currently unknown whether specific inhibition of renin itself, the rate-limiting step in RAS functionality, improves insulin action in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Therefore, the present study assessed the effect of chronic, selective renin inhibition using aliskiren on glucose tolerance, whole body insulin sensitivity, and insulin action on the glucose transport system in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats. Obese Zucker rats were treated for 21 days with either vehicle or aliskiren (50 mg/kg body wt ip). Renin inhibition was associated with a significant lowering (10%, P < 0.05) of resting systolic blood pressure and induced reductions in fasting plasma glucose (11%) and free fatty acids (46%) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (13%). Glucose tolerance (glucose area under the curve) and whole body insulin sensitivity (inverse of the glucose-insulin index) during an oral glucose tolerance test were improved by 15% and 16%, respectively, following chronic renin inhibition. Moreover, insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in isolated soleus muscle of renin inhibitor-treated animals was increased by 36% and was associated with a 2.2-fold greater Akt Ser473 phosphorylation. These data provide evidence that chronic selective inhibition of renin activity leads to improvements in glucose tolerance and whole body insulin sensitivity in the insulin-resistant obese Zucker rat. Importantly, chronic renin inhibition is associated with upregulation of insulin action on skeletal muscle glucose transport, and it may involve improved Akt signaling. These data support the strategy of targeting the RAS to improve both blood pressure regulation and insulin action in conditions of insulin resistance.
Doxorubicin-induced glomerulosclerosis with proteinuria in GFP-GABARAP transgenic mice
Authors: Takagi-Akiba Miyuki , Asanuma Katsuhiko , Tanida Isei , Tada Norihiro , Trejo Juan Alejandro Oliva , Nonaka Kanae , Asanuma Etsuko , Kominami Eiki , Ueno Takashi , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: November 2011

Autophagy is a process of cellular degradation, and its dysfunction elicits many pathological symptoms. However, the contribution of autophagy to kidney glomerular function has not been fully clarified. We previously reported that LC3, a promising executor of autophagy, played an important role in recovery from podocyte damage in an experimental nephrosis model (Asanuma K, Tanida I, Shirato I, Ueno T, Takahara H, Nishitani T, Kominami E, Tomino Y. FASEB J 17: 1165–1167, 2003). γ-Aminobutyric acid A receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), has recently been characterized as another homolog of LC3, although its precise role in autophagy remains unclear. We recently generated green fluorescent protein (GFP)-GABARAP transgenic mice, in which GFP-GABARAP is abundantly expressed in glomerular podocytes. We found that the transgenic mice showed no obvious phenotype, and podocytes isolated from these mice manifested autophagic activity almost equivalent to that of wild-type mice when measured in vitro. Surprisingly, a single injection of doxorubicin caused a greater increase in proteinuria and sclerotic glomeruli in transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. Under these conditions, neither GFP-GABARAP nor endogenous GABARAP appeared to be recruited to autophagosomes, and both remained in the cytosol. Moreover, the cytosolic GFP-GABARAP was significantly colocalized with p62 to form aggregates. These results indicate that the GFP-GABARAP/p62 complex is responsible for impairment of glomerular function and that it retards recovery from the effects of doxorubicin.
Direct and Inverse Approximation Theorems for Baskakov Operators with the Jacobi‐Type Weight
Authors: Feng Guo
Published: November 2011

We introduce a new norm and a new K‐functional . Using this K‐functional, direct and inverse approximation theorems for the Baskakov operators with the Jacobi‐type weight are obtained in this paper.
Molecular Identification ofEnterocytozoon bieneusiIsolates from Nigerian Children
Authors: Ayinmode Adekunle Bamidele , Ojuromi Oladele Teslim , Xiao Lihua
Published: November 2011

A study was conducted to detect and identify enteric microsporidian species in 43 children from Oyo state, Nigeria. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, 9.3% of the children were identified as positive forEnterocytozoon bieneusi. DNA sequencing of the PCR products showed the presence of three known genotypes (two isolates of genotype D and one of genotype K) and one new genotype. This study suggests that either human or animal (or both) could be the infection source for the children, since identified genotypes D and K have been previously detected in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients and domestic animals. The identification of high diversity also suggests intensive transmission of microsporidiosis in the studied area.
Classification of Physiology Indicators for the Automatic Detection of Potentially Hazardous Physiological States
Authors: Damousis I. G. , Argyropoulos S. , Muzet A.
Published: November 2011

In EU‐funded project HUMABIO, physiological signals are used as biometrics for security purposes. Data are collected via electrode sensors that are attached to the body of the subject and are obtrusive to some degree. In order to maximize the obtained information and the benefits from the use of obtrusive, physiological sensors, the collected data are processed to also detect abnormal physiology states that may endanger the subjects and those around them during critical operations. Three abnormal states are studied: drug and alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation. For the classification of the physiology, four state‐of‐the‐art techniques were compared, support vector machines, fuzzy expert systems, neural networks, and Gaussian mixture models. The results reveal that there is significant potential on the automatic detection of potentially hazardous physiology states without the need for a human supervisor and that such a system could be included at installations such as nuclear factories to enhance safety by reducing the possibility of human operator related accidents.
Place Cells, Grid Cells, Attractors, and Remapping
Authors: Jeffery Kathryn J.
Published: November 2011

Place and grid cells are thought to use a mixture of external sensory information and internal attractor dynamics to organize their activity. Attractor dynamics may explain both why neurons react coherently following sufficiently large changes to the environment (discrete attractors) and how firing patterns move smoothly from one representation to the next as an animal moves through space (continuous attractors). However, some features of place cell behavior, such as the sometimes independent responsiveness of place cells to environmental change (called “remapping”), seem hard to reconcile with attractor dynamics. This paper suggests that the explanation may be found in an anatomical separation of the two attractor systems coupled with a dynamic contextual modulation of the connection matrix between the two systems, with new learning being back-propagated into the matrix. Such a scheme could explain how place cells sometimes behave coherently and sometimes independently.
A Bayes Formula for Nonlinear Filtering with Gaussian and Cox Noise
Authors: Mandrekar Vidyadhar , Meyer-Brandis Thilo , Proske Frank
Published: November 2011

A Bayes‐type formula is derived for the nonlinear filter where the observation contains both general Gaussian noise as well as Cox noise whose jump intensity depends on the signal. This formula extends the well‐known Kallianpur‐Striebel formula in the classical non‐linear filter setting. We also discuss Zakai‐type equations for both the unnormalized conditional distribution as well as unnormalized conditional density in case the signal is a Markovian jump diffusion.
Schistosome: Its Benefit and Harm in Patients Suffering from Concomitant Diseases
Authors: Osada Yoshio , Kanazawa Tamotsu
Published: November 2011

Schistosomiasis is an important tropical disease affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. Because of its chronicity and robust immunomodulatory activity, the effects of schistosomes on other diseases, such as allergies, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases, have been studied extensively in both epidemiological and experimental settings. In this paper, we summarize the beneficial and harmful effects of schistosomes. The importance of controlling schistosomiasis is also discussed.
Unraveling Plant Responses to Bacterial Pathogens through Proteomics
Authors: Zimaro Tamara , Gottig Natalia , Garavaglia Betiana S. , Gehring Chris , Ottado Jorgelina
Published: November 2011

Plant pathogenic bacteria cause diseases in important crops and seriously and negatively impact agricultural production. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms by which plants resist bacterial infection at the stage of the basal immune response or mount a successful specific R‐dependent defense response is crucial since a better understanding of the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying these interactions will enable molecular and transgenic approaches to crops with increased biotic resistance. In recent years, proteomics has been used to gain in‐depth understanding of many aspects of the host defense against pathogens and has allowed monitoring differences in abundance of proteins as well as posttranscriptional and posttranslational processes, protein activation/inactivation, and turnover. Proteomics also offers a window to study protein trafficking and routes of communication between organelles. Here, we summarize and discuss current progress in proteomics of the basal and specific host defense responses elicited by bacterial pathogens.
The Dendritic Cell-Regulatory T Lymphocyte Crosstalk Contributes to Tumor-Induced Tolerance
Authors: Janikashvili Nona , Bonnotte Bernard , Katsanis Emmanuel , Larmonier Nicolas
Published: November 2011

Tumor cells commonly escape from elimination by innate and adaptive immune responses using multiple strategies among which is the active suppression of effector immune cells. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) and tolerogenic dendritic cells play essential roles in the establishment and persistence of cancer-induced immunosuppression. Differentiating dendritic cells (DCs) exposed to tumor-derived factors may be arrested at an immature stage becoming inept at initiating immune responses and may induce effector T-cell anergy or deletion. These tolerogenic DCs, which accumulate in patients with different types of cancers, are also involved in the generation of Treg. In turn, Treg that expand during tumor progression contribute to the immune tolerance of cancer by impeding DCs' ability to orchestrate immune responses and by directly inhibiting antitumoral T lymphocytes. Herein we review these bidirectional communications between DCs and Treg as they relate to the promotion of cancer-induced tolerance.
Does Large Genome Size Limit Speciation in Endemic Island Floras?
Authors: Kapralov Maxim V. , Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: November 2011

Genome sizes in plants vary by several orders of magnitude, and this diversity may have evolutionary consequences. Large genomes contain mainly noncoding DNA that may impose high energy and metabolic costs for their bearers. Here we test the large genome constraint hypothesis, which assumes that plant lineages with large genomes are diversifying more slowly Knight et al. (2005), using endemic floras of the oceanic archipelagos of the Canaries, Hawaii, and Marquesas Islands. In line with this hypothesis, the number of endemic species per genus is negatively correlated with genus-average genome size for island radiations on Hawaiian and Marquesas archipelagos. However, we do not find this correlation on the Canaries, which are close to the continent and therefore have higher immigration rate and lower endemism compared to Hawaii. Further work on a larger number of floras is required to test the generality of the large genome constraint hypothesis.
Predictors of Time to Relapse/Recurrence after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nordenskjöld Axel , von Knorring Lars , Engström Ingemar
Published: November 2011

Objective. The aim of the study is to define predictors of relapse/recurrence after electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, for patients with major depressive disorder.Methods. A study of all patients (n=486) treated by means of ECT for major depressive disorder was performed. The data were derived from a regional quality register in Sweden. Psychiatric hospitalisation or suicide was used as a marker for relapse/recurrence.Results. The relapse/recurrence rate within one year after ECT was 34%. Factors associated with increased risk of relapse/recurrence included comorbid substance dependence and treatment with benzodiazepines or antipsychotics during the follow-up period.Conclusions. Within the first years after ECT, relapses/recurrences leading to hospitalisation or suicide are common. Treatment with lithium might be beneficial, while benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, or continuation ECT does not seem to significantly reduce the risk of relapse/recurrence.
A Preconditioned Method for Rotating Flows at Arbitrary Mach Number
Authors: Sheng Chunhua
Published: November 2011

An improved preconditioning is proposed for viscous flow computations in rotating and nonrotating frames at arbitrary Mach numbers. The key to the current method is the use of both free stream Mach number and rotating Mach number to construct a preconditioning matrix, which is applied to the compressible governing equations written in terms of primitive variables. A Fourier analysis is conducted that reveals the efficacy of the modified preconditioning. Numerical approximations for the convective and diffusive fluxes are detailed based on the preconditioned system of equations. A set of boundary conditions using characteristic variables are described for internal and external flow computations. Numerical validations are performed on four realistic viscous flows in both fixed and rotating frames. The results indicated that the modified preconditioning has a superior performance compared to the original method to predict flows from extremely low to supersonic Mach numbers.
Generic Lightlike Submanifolds of an Indefinite Cosymplectic Manifold
Authors: Jin Dae Ho , Lee Jae Won
Published: November 2011

Lightlike geometry has its applications in general relativity, particularly in black hole theory. Indeed, it is known that lightlike hypersurfaces are examples of physical models of Killing horizons in general relativity (Galloway, 2007). In this paper, we introduce the definition of generic lightlike submanifolds
of an indefinite cosymplectic manifold. We investigate new results on a class of generic lightlike submanifolds M of an indefinite cosymplectic manifold .
Optimal Inequalities between Harmonic, Geometric, Logarithmic, and Arithmetic‐Geometric Means
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Wang Miao-Kun
Published: November 2011

We find the least values p, q, and s in (0, 1/2) such that the
inequalities H(pa + (1  −  p)b, pb + (1  −  p)a) > AG(a, b), G(qa + (1 − q)b, qb + (1 − q)a) > AG(a, b), and L(sa + (1 − s)b, sb + (1 − s)a)> AG(a, b) hold for all
a, b > 0 with a ≠ b, respectively. Here AG(a, b), H(a, b), G(a, b), and L(a, b) denote the arithmetic‐geometric, harmonic, geometric, and logarithmic means
of two positive numbers a and b, respectively.
On Penalty and Gap Function Methods for Bilevel Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Van Dinh Bui , Muu Le Dung
Published: November 2011

We consider bilevel pseudomonotone equilibrium problems. We use a penalty function to convert a bilevel problem into one‐level ones. We generalize a pseudo‐∇‐monotonicity concept from ∇‐monotonicity and prove that under pseudo‐∇‐monotonicity property any stationary point of a regularized gap function is a solution of the penalized equilibrium problem. As an application, we discuss a special case that arises from the Tikhonov regularization method for pseudomonotone equilibrium problems.
Wave Breaking and Propagation Speed for a Class of One‐Dimensional Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Jiang Zaihong , Hakkaev Sevdzhan
Published: November 2011

We investigate a more general family of one‐dimensional shallow water equations. Analogous to the Camassa‐Holm equation, these new equations admit blow‐up phenomenon and infinite propagation speed. First, we establish blow‐up results for this family of equations under various classes of initial data. It turns out that it is the shape instead of the size and smoothness of the initial data which influences breakdown in finite time. Then, infinite propagation speed for the shallow water equations is proved in the following sense: the corresponding solution u(t, x) with compactly supported initial datum u0(x) does not have compact x‐support any longer in its lifespan.
A Simple, Cost-Effective Method for Leaf Area Estimation
Authors: Pandey S. K. , Singh Hema
Published: November 2011

Easy, accurate, inexpensive, and nondestructive methods to determine individual leaf area of plants are a useful tool in physiological and agronomic studies. This paper introduces a cost-effective alternative (called here millimeter graph paper method) for standard electronic leaf area meter, using a millimeter graph paper. Investigations were carried out during August–October, 2009-2010, on 33 species, in the Botanical garden of the Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi, India. Estimates of leaf area were obtained by the equation, leaf area (cm2) =x/y, wherexis the weight (g) of the area covered by the leaf outline on a millimeter graph paper, andyis the weight of one cm2of the same graph paper. These estimates were then compared with destructive measurements obtained through a leaf area meter; the two sets of estimates were significantly and linearly related with each other, and hence the millimeter graph paper method can be used for estimating leaf area in lieu of leaf area meter. The important characteristics of this cost-efficient technique are its easiness and suitability for precise, non-destructive estimates. This model can estimate accurately the leaf area of plants in many experiments without the use of any expensive instruments.
Complete Convergence for Arrays of Rowwise Asymptotically Almost Negatively Associated Random Variables
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Hu Shuhe , Yang Wenzhi
Published: November 2011

Let {Xni, i ≥ 1, n ≥ 1} be an array of rowwise asymptotically
almost negatively associated random variables. Some sufficient conditions for
complete convergence for arrays of rowwise asymptotically almost negatively
associated random variables are presented without assumptions of identical
distribution. As an application, the Marcinkiewicz‐Zygmund type strong law
of large numbers for weighted sums of asymptotically almost negatively associated random variables is obtained.
Current Concepts in the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Chatterjee S. , Rudra A. , Sengupta S.
Published: November 2011

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are still common following surgery. This is not only distressing to the patient, but increases costs. The thorough understanding of the mechanism of nausea and vomiting and a careful assessment of risk factors provide a rationale for appropriate management of PONV. Strategy to reduce baseline risk and the adoption of a multimodal approach will most likely ensure success in the management of PONV.
Outcomes of Neonatal Candidiasis: The Impact of Delayed Initiation of Antifungal Therapy
Authors: Cahan Heather , Deville Jaime G.
Published: November 2011

Objective/Methods. To determine the outcomes of invasive neonatal candidiasis before institution of routine antifungal prophylaxis, we conducted a retrospective review of cases of invasive candidiasis in newborns in a referral-based neonatal intensive care unit located in a single tertiary academic center between January 1998 and December 2002.Results. Sixty-three newborns with invasive neonatal candidiasis were identified. Overall mortality rate was 35%. Virtually every infant had a central venous catheter (CVC), required mechanical ventilation and previous administration of antibacterial agents. Delayed institution of antifungal therapy was associated with increased mortality. In addition, length of hospitalization, duration of prior antibacterial therapy, mechanical ventilation, and CVC use, as well as evidence of end-organ disease, were associated with an adverse outcome.Conclusions. Reliance on available laboratory tools in cases of invasive neonatal candidiasis can result in delayed diagnosis and increased mortality. A risk-factor-based approach to empirical treatment could be justified in this setting.
A Comparison of One‐Way and Two‐Way Coupling Methods for Numerical Analysis of Fluid‐Structure Interactions
Authors: Benra Friedrich-Karl , Dohmen Hans Josef , Pei Ji , Schuster Sebastian , Wan Bo
Published: November 2011

The interaction between fluid and structure occurs in a wide range of engineering problems. The solution for such problems is based on the relations of continuum mechanics and is mostly solved with numerical methods. It is a computational challenge to solve such problems because of the complex geometries, intricate physics of fluids, and complicated fluid‐structure interactions. The way in which the interaction between fluid and solid is described gives the largest opportunity for reducing the computational effort. One possibility for reducing the computational effort of fluid‐structure simulations is the use of one‐way coupled simulations. In this paper, different problems are investigated with one‐way and two‐way coupled methods. After an explanation of the solution strategy for both models, a closer look at the differences between these methods will be provided, and it will be shown under what conditions a one‐way coupling solution gives plausible results.
Generalized Quadratic Linearization of Machine Models
Authors: Ayalur Krishnamoorthy Parvathy , Vijayarajan Kamaraj , Rajagopalan Devanathan
Published: November 2011

In the exact linearization of involutive nonlinear system models, the issue of singularity needs to be addressed
in practical applications. The approximate linearization technique due to Krener, based on Taylor series expansion, apart from being applicable to noninvolutive systems, allows the singularity issue to be circumvented. But approximate linearization, while removing terms up to certain order, also introduces terms of higher order than those removed into the system. To overcome this problem, in the case of quadratic linearization, a new concept called
“generalized quadratic linearization” is introduced in this paper, which seeks to remove quadratic terms without introducing third‐ and higher‐order terms into the system. Also, solution of generalized quadratic linearization of a class of control affine systems is derived. Two machine models are shown to belong to this class and are reduced to only linear terms through coordinate and state feedback. The result is applicable to other machine models as
well.
Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury due to Severe Heat Stroke
Authors: Trujillo Máximo H. , Fragachán G. Carlos
Published: November 2011

We present a case of heat stroke (HS) and acute kidney injury (AKI) due to severe rhabdomyolysis in a 14-year-old previously healthy female patient. When she was practicing strenuous exercise she suffered acute seizures and high fever. These symptoms were followed by coma and multiple organ failure (MOF), which included AKI, encephalopathy, fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The patient was managed in the ICU with renal replacement therapy, ventilatory support, and other vital supporting measures. After three weeks of ICU treatment she made a full recovery.
The OPFOS Microscopy Family: High-Resolution Optical Sectioning of Biomedical Specimens
Authors: Buytaert Jan A. N. , Descamps Emilie , Adriaens Dominique , Dirckx Joris J. J.
Published: November 2011

We report on the recently emerging (laser) light-sheet-based fluorescence microscopy field (LSFM). The techniques used in this field allow to study and visualize biomedical objects nondestructively in high resolution through virtual optical sectioning with sheets of laser light. Fluorescence originating in the cross-section of the sheet and sample is recorded orthogonally with a camera. In this paper, the first implementation of LSFM to image biomedical tissue in three dimensions—orthogonal-plane fluorescence optical sectioning microscopy (OPFOS)—is discussed. Since then many similar and derived methods have surfaced, (SPIM, ultramicroscopy, HR-OPFOS, mSPIM, DSLM, TSLIM, etc.) which we all briefly discuss. All these optical sectioning methods create images showing histological detail. We illustrate the applicability of LSFM on several specimen types with application in biomedical and life sciences.
Ezetimibe: Its Novel Effects on the Prevention and the Treatment of Cholesterol Gallstones and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: de Bari Ornella , Neuschwander-Tetri Brent A. , Liu Min , Portincasa Piero , Wang David Q.-H.
Published: November 2011

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe can significantly reduce plasma cholesterol concentrations by inhibiting the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1), an intestinal sterol influx transporter that can actively facilitate the uptake of cholesterol for intestinal absorption. Unexpectedly, ezetimibe treatment also induces a complete resistance to cholesterol gallstone formation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in addition to preventing hypercholesterolemia in mice on a Western diet. Because chylomicrons are the vehicles with which the enterocytes transport cholesterol and fatty acids into the body, ezetimibe could prevent these two most prevalent hepatobiliary diseases possibly through the regulation of chylomicron-derived cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the liver. It is highly likely that there is an intestinal and hepatic cross-talk through the chylomicron pathway. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms whereby cholesterol and fatty acids are absorbed from the intestine could offer an efficacious novel approach to the prevention and the treatment of cholesterol gallstones and NAFLD.
An Iterative Algorithm on Approximating Fixed Points of Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Yu Youli
Published: November 2011

Let E be a real reflexive Banach space with a uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm. Let K be a nonempty bounded closed convex subset of E, and every nonempty closed convex bounded subset of K has the fixed point property for non‐expansive self‐mappings. Let f : K → K a contractive mapping and T : K → K be a uniformly continuous pseudocontractive mapping with F(T)≠∅. Let {λn}⊂(0, 1/2) be a sequence satisfying the following conditions: (i) limn→∞λn = 0; (ii) . Define the sequence {xn} in K by x0 ∈ K, xn+1 = λnf(xn)+(1 − 2λn)xn + λnTxn, for all n ≥ 0. Under some appropriate assumptions, we prove that the sequence {xn} converges strongly to a fixed point p ∈ F(T) which is the unique solution of the following variational inequality: 〈f(p) − p, j(z − p)〉 ≤ 0, for all z ∈ F(T).
Role of Linkers between Zinc Fingers in Spacing Recognition by Plant TFIIIA-Type Zinc-Finger Proteins
Authors: Fukushima Setsuko , Yoshida Michiteru , Takatsuji Hiroshi
Published: November 2011

The EPF family of plant TFIIIA-type zinc-finger (ZF) proteins (ZPTs) is characterized by long linkers separating ZF motifs. We previously reported that two-fingered ZPTs bind to two tandem core sites that are separated by several base pairs, each ZF making contact with one core site. Here we report further characterization of DNA-binding activities of ZPTs using four family members, ZPT2-14, ZPT2-7, ZPT2-8, and ZPT2-2, having inter-ZF linkers of different lengths and sequences, to investigate the correlation of the length and/or sequence of the linker with preference for the spacing between core sites in target DNAs. Selected and amplified binding site (SAAB)-imprinting assays and gel mobility shift assays prompted three conclusions. (1) The four ZPTs have common specificity for core binding sites—two AGT(G)/(C)ACTs separated by several nucleotides. (2) The four ZPTs prefer a spacing of 10 bases between the core sites, but each ZPT has its own preference for suboptimal spacing. (3) At a particular spacing, two zinc fingers may bind to the core sites on both strands. The results provide new information about how the diversity in linker length/sequence affects DNA-sequence recognition in this protein family.
Anti-VEGF Agents for Ocular Angiogenesis and Vascular Permeability
Authors: Kimoto Kenichi , Kubota Toshiaki
Published: November 2011

We review articles describing intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drug trials, while discussing the mechanisms of the action of anti-VEGF antibodies, and also evaluating their outcomes. Intraocular injections of anti-VEGF drug are considered to be an effective treatment for macular edema after retinal vein occlusion, however, recurrent/persistent edema is common. The recent reports may lead to a shift in treatment paradigm for DME, from laser photocoagulation, to newer approaches using anti-VEGF drugs. There have been several well-publicized prospective, randomized studies that demonstrated the efficacy of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs for patients with AMD. Adjuvant bevacizumab for neovascular glaucoma may prevent further PAS formation, and it is likely to open up a therapeutic window for a panretinal photocoagulation and trabeculectomy. Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) results in a substantial decrease in bleeding from the retinal vessels or new vessels during a standard vitrectomy. IVB has also been reported to be effective for inducing the regression of new vessels in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The use of bevacizumab in stage 4 or 5 retinopahty of permaturity (ROP) is to reduce the plus sign to help reduce hemorrhage during the subsequent vitrectomy. Some authors reported cases of resolution of stage 4 A ROP after bevacizumab injection.
NKX3.1 Haploinsufficiency Is Prognostic for Prostate Cancer Relapse following Surgery or Image-Guided Radiotherapy
Authors: Locke Jennifer A. , Zafarana Gaetano , Ishkanian Adrian S. , Milosevic Michael , Thoms John , Have Cherry L. , Malloff Chad A. , Lam Wan L. , Squire Jeremy A. , Pintilie Melania , Sykes Jenna , Ramnarine Varune Rohan , Meng Alice , Ahmed Omer , Jurisica Igor , van der Kwast Theo , Bristow Robert G.
Published: November 2011

Background: Despite the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason-score, and T-category as prognostic factors, up to 40% of patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer will fail radical prostatectomy or precision image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Additional genetic prognosticators are needed to triage these patients toward intensified combination therapy with novel targeted therapeutics. We tested the role of the NKX3.1 gene as a determinant of treatment outcome given its reported roles in tumor initiating cell (TIC) renewal, the DNA damage response, and cooperation with c-MYC during prostate cancer progression.

Methods: Using high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), we profiled the copy number alterations in TIC genes using tumor DNA from frozen needle biopsies derived from 126 intermediate-risk patients who underwent IGRT. These data were correlated to biochemical relapse-free rate (bRFR) by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results: A screen of the aCGH-IGRT data for TIC genes showed frequent copy number alterations for NKX3.1, PSCA, and c-MYC. NKX3.1 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased genomic instability independent of PSA, T-category, and Gleason-score. After adjusting for clinical factors in a multivariate model, NKX3.1 haploinsufficiency was associated with bRFR when tested alone (HR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.46–6.39, P = 0.0030) or when combined with c-MYC gain (HR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.78–8.49, P = 0.00067). A similar association was observed for patients following radical prostatectomy with a public aCGH database. NKX3.1 status was associated with positive biopsies post-IGRT and increased clonogen radioresistance in vitro.

Conclusions: Our results support the use of genomic predictors, such as NKX3.1 status, in needle biopsies for personalized approaches to prostate cancer management. Clin Cancer Res; 18(1); 308–16. ©2011 AACR.
Characterization of Infections of Human Leukocytes by Non-Polio Enteroviruses
Authors: Hwang Jenie Yoonoo , Jun Eun Jung , Seo Ilseon , Won Minna , Ahn Jeonghyun , Kim Yoo Kyum , Lee Heuiran
Published: November 2011

To elucidate the detailed susceptibilities of leukocytes to clinically important non-polio enteroviruses (EVs), primary monocytes and various human leukocyte cell lines were infected with coxsackievirus A24 (CVA24), coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), and enterovirus 70 (EV70). The permissiveness was then assessed by determining virus replication and resultant cytopathic effects. Different EVs varied markedly in their ability to infect leukocyte cell lines. CVB3 replicated effectively in leukocytes of B-cell, T-cell, and monocyte origin, CVA24 in leukocytes of B-cell and monocyte origin, and EV70 in leukocytes of monocyte origin. Primary monocytes, as well as monocyte-derived U-937 cells, were permissive to all three EVs. We observed a positive correlation between cytotoxicity and active virus replication, except in CVB3-infected monocytes. U-937 cells efficiently generated CVB3 progeny virus without severe cellular damage, including cell death. Moreover, infectivity on leukocytes was not absolutely associated with the availability of viral receptors. These findings suggest that the susceptibility of human leukocytes to non-polio EVs may be responsible for virus transport during the viremic phase, particularly to secondary target organs, and that active replication of CVB3 in all human leukocyte lineages leads to greater dissemination, in agreement with the ability of CVB to cause systemic diseases.
Detection of Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 and Survivin Baseline Level in Patients after Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Dong Zhi-Long , Lu Ze-Ping , Wang Han-Zhang , Zhang Li-Yuan , Wang Zhi-Ping , Zhang Yu-Fang , Ma Bao-Liang
Published: November 2011

We investigated the baseline levels of urine nuclear matrix protein 22 (U-NMP22) and survivin in urine after radical cystectomy for primary invasive bladder cancer. We measured U-NMP22 and survivin values in 72 patients with four types of urinary diversion (Indiana bladder, Bricker bladder, Mainz bladder and orthotopic bladder) after radical cystectomy and 25 healthy volunteers. We also analyzed the relation between the U-NMP22 and survivin level and other variables among patients with continent urinary diversion and incontinent urinary diversion as well as healthy controls, and found that the U-NMP22 and survivin values were not associated with postoperative interval or gender. The U-NMP22 values (mean ± standard error) for continent urinary diversion, incontinent urinary diversion and healthy controls were 12.08 ± 0.10, 16.62 ± 0.15 and 0.01 ± 0.00 U/ml, respectively. The survivin values (mean ± standard error) for continent urinary diversion, incontinent urinary diversion and healthy controls were 0.47 ± 0.06, 0.69 ± 0.16 and 0.02 ± 0.03 U/ml, respectively. The U-NMP22 and survivin values in the Bricker bladder group were significantly higher than the values in the other three groups. We noted that increased levels of U-NMP22 and survivin after radical cystectomy varied according to different predictors, which may be useful for designing strategies to follow these cases.
Delivering Quality of Care while Managing the Interests of All Stakeholders
Authors: Stopper Andrea , Raddatz Agnieszka , Grassmann Aileen , Stuard Stefano , Menzer Marcus , Possnien Gernot , Scatizzi Laura , Marcelli Daniele
Published: November 2011

National healthcare systems worldwide face growing challenges to reconcile interests of patients for high-quality medical care and of payers for sustainable and affordable funding. Advances in the provision of renal replacement therapy can only be made by developing and implementing appropriate sophisticated and state-of-the-art business models that include reimbursement schemes for comprehensive care packages. Such business models must succeed in integrating and reconciling the interests of all stakeholders. NephroCare as dialysis provider has adopted and tailored recognized management techniques, i.e. Balanced Scorecard and Kaizen, to achieve these goals. Success of the complete business model package is tangible – strategies initiated to improve treatment quality even at the cost of providers have been translated into win-win scenarios for the complete stakeholder community. Room for improvement exists: the possibility to extend the portfolio of service offerings within the comprehensive care frame, as well as the challenge for achieving a balance between the stability of targets while keeping these up to date concerning new insights.
Seasonal and Intraseasonal Modulation of Tropical Cyclogenesis Environment over the Bay of Bengal during the Extended Summer Monsoon
Authors: Yanase Wataru , Satoh Masaki , Taniguchi Hiroshi , Fujinami Hatsuki
Published: November 2011

The environmental field of tropical cyclogenesis over the Bay of Bengal is analyzed for the extended summer monsoon season (approximately May–November) using best-track and reanalysis data. Genesis potential index (GPI) is used to assess four possible environmental factors responsible for tropical cyclogenesis: lower-tropospheric absolute vorticity, vertical shear, potential intensity, and midtropospheric relative humidity. The climatological cyclogenesis is active within high GPI in the premonsoon (~May) and postmonsoon seasons (approximately October–November), which is attributed to weak vertical shear. The genesis of intense tropical cyclone is suppressed within the low GPI in the mature monsoon (approximately June–September), which is due to the strong vertical shear. In addition to the climatological seasonal transition, the authors’ composite analysis based on tropical cyclogenesis identified a high GPI signal moving northward with a periodicity of approximately 30–40 days, which is associated with boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO). In a composite analysis based on the BSISO phase, the active cyclogenesis occurs in the high GPI phase of BSISO. It is revealed that the high GPI of BSISO is attributed to high relative humidity and large absolute vorticity. Furthermore, in the mature monsoon season, when the vertical shear is climatologically strong, tropical cyclogenesis particularly favors the phase of BSISO that reduces vertical shear effectively. Thus, the combination of seasonal and intraseasonal effects is important for the tropical cyclogenesis, rather than the independent effects.
The Development and Initial Validation of the Work Volition Scale–Student Version
Authors: Duffy Ryan D. , Diemer Matthew A. , Jadidian Alex
Published: November 2011

The present study sought to develop and validate an instrument to measure work volition, defined as the perceived capacity to make occupational choices despite constraints, among college students. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted with a large and diverse sample of college students, finding a reliable scale with two factors, volition and constraints. In Study 2, with a new sample of college students, a confirmatory factor analysis was completed finding a final 16-item scale with strong model fit and internal consistency. In addition, the Work Volition Scale–Student Version (WVS-SV) was found to correlate in expected directions with career decision self-efficacy, core self-evaluations, career locus of control, career barriers, and the Big 5 personality traits. Finally, in Study 3, the WVS-SV was found to have strong test–retest reliability. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Fabrication processes and multi-functional applications of carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Lim BK , Hwang JW , Lee DJ , Suh SH , Hong SH
Published: November 2011

The microstructures and properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)/metal nanocomposites, which are fabricated by the molecular level mixing process, have been investigated for multifunctional applications as structural and functional materials. The molecular level mixing process provides a homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes in metal matrices by inducing the ionic bonding between functionalized carbon nanotubes and metal ions. For the structural applications, CNT/Cu nanocomposites showed an outstanding enhancement in mechanical properties such as strength, modulus, and wear resistance. For the functional applications, CNT/Co nanocomposites showed excellent field emission behavior for possible applications on next generation field emission displays. SiC/W nanocomposites, fabricated by using CNT/W nanocomposite powders, showed good ablation properties for the applications as rocket propulsion materials.
Reframing the Interwar Peace Movement: The Curious Case of Albert Einstein
Authors: Ashkenazi Ofer
Published: November 2011

The diversity of transnational interrelations within the peace movement has been commonly overlooked in studies on the anti-war struggle in the interwar years. Consequently, these studies have often provided an over-simplified view of the formation of anti-war ideologies, worldviews, and objectives. Contrary to this tendency, this article examines Albert Einstein's engagement with the peace movement in a way that emphasizes its transnational facets. Associating Einstein's worldview with ideas that were prevalent in transnational organizations in the decade preceding the second world war, it explains the scientist's propensity to endorse seemingly incompatible ideas as inherent to the nature of these organizations. Focusing on his relationships with two apparently contradictory organizations – the War Resisters’ International and The New Commonwealth Society – I argue that Einstein's views reflect a set of principles that were held by many supporters of both organizations. Mainly, these principles constituted a revision of nineteenth-century liberal thought which sought to marginalize the impact of nationalist sentiments, redefine the social responsibilities of the state, and restrict its sovereignty. Thus, shifting the emphasis to the transnational aspects of the peace movement would not only make sense of Einstein's ‘confused’ politics, but also shed new light on interwar pacifism, its objectives, popularity, and enduring influence.
The Last Chance Saloon? The Independent Labour Party and Miners’ Militancy in the Second World War Revisited
Authors: McIlroy John , Campbell Alan
Published: November 2011

The second world war witnessed widespread conflict in British industry, notably in mining. We review the role of the Independent Labour Party (ILP), a small revolutionary socialist organization, focusing on its work in the trade unions. Its development is discussed in the light of recent claims that, with the Communist Party (CP) pledged to national unity after Hitler’s invasion of Russia, the ILP generated and harnessed militancy in the mines around demands for their immediate nationalization under workers’ control. We discuss the organization, policy and personnel of the party at the outbreak of war. Its approach to agitation in the unions is analysed and compared with that of the Communists and Trotskyists. Its activity in the coalfields throughout the war is assessed. We conclude that strikes in coal and other industries were motivated by workplace problems, not aspirations for workers’ control. Disputes reflected conventional discontents exacerbated by wartime conditions rather than opposition to the war or demands for ‘a socialist Britain now’. The ILP was ill-equipped to mobilize grievance and its role in its articulation was marginal. By 1945 its efforts in industry had failed to arrest its decline – the CP again provides instructive comparison – or improve its electoral prospects.