bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF THE IMMEDIATE AND SUBSEQUENT EFFECTS OF RESPONSE INTERRUPTION AND REDIRECTION ON VOCAL STEREOTYPY
Authors: Schumacher Brittany I. , Rapp John T.
Published: March 2012

We evaluated 2 3‐component multiple‐schedule sequences—a response interruption and redirection (RIRD) treatment sequence and a no‐interaction control sequence—using a multielement design. With this design, we were able to evaluate the immediate and subsequent effects of RIRD on 2 participants' vocal stereotypy. For both participants, RIRD produced an immediate decrease in vocal stereotypy and did not result in a subsequent increase.
BEHAVIOR‐ANALYTIC RESEARCH ON DEMENTIA IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Trahan Maranda A. , Kahng Sungwoo , Fisher Alyssa B. , Hausman Nicole L.
Published: March 2012

It is estimated that 1 in 10 adults aged 65 years and older have been diagnosed with dementia, which is associated with numerous behavioral excesses and deficits. Despite the publication of a special section of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) on behavioral gerontology (Iwata, 1986), there continues to be a paucity of behavior‐analytic research with this population. This review compares the research published before and after the behavioral gerontology special section and evaluates the most recently published aging articles in JABA.
Scaling and Root Planing Treatment for Periodontitis to Reduce Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kim Arthur J. , Lo Alexander J. , Pullin Deborah A. , Thornton‐Johnson Darneesh S. , Karimbux Nadeem Y.
Published: March 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to perform an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) in reducing the preterm‐birth and low‐birth‐weight risks to analyze important subgroups and to further explore heterogeneity and bias risks in the pooled studies.

Methods: The entire Cochrane Library was searched (from 1990 to September 2011), MEDLINE (from 1950 to September 2011), CINAHL (from 1980 to September 2011), University of Michigan School of Dentistry “Dentistry and Oral Sciences” database (from 1990 to September 2011), conference proceedings, and the ClinicalTrials.gov database. Authors were contacted when clarification was needed. Selection criteria included the following: 1) RCTs that reported preterm‐birth risk (<37 weeks) outcomes, 2) compared SRP treatment to either placebo or no treatment in pregnant patients with periodontitis, and 3) had a probing depth >4 mm or clinical attachment loss >2 mm for ≥1 site. Reviewers independently extracted data from each included study using a standardized, piloted form and assessed quality using a risk‐of‐bias tool modeled after Cochrane, and discrepancies were resolved. A random‐effects model was used to calculate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled data. For subgroup analysis with heterogeneity <50%, a fixed‐effects model was used.

Results: After abstract review, 12 studies were identified by the search, and 11 were included in the main meta‐analysis (preterm birth <37 weeks). Overall quality and design of included studies was fair or good. For the main meta‐analysis, results ranged from risk ratio with periodontal treatment 0.14 (95% CI = 0.01, 2.55) to 1.24 (95% CI = 0.93, 1.67) for an overall risk ratio of 0.81 (95% CI = 0.64, 1.02). When analyzed separately by subgroup for excess prematurity risk, the high‐risk group (overall prematurity of 22.2% to 62.8%) showed combined risk ratios of 0.66 (95% CI = 0.54, 0.80). Remaining studies (overall prematurity of 4.0% to 10.4%) showed combined risk ratio of 0.97 (95% CI = 0.75, 1.24).

Conclusions: This systematic review and meta‐analysis indicates statistically significant effect in reducing risk of preterm birth for SRP in pregnant women with periodontitis for groups with high risks of preterm birth only. Future research should attempt to confirm these findings and further define groups in which risk reduction may be effective.
Salmonella enterica shedding in hospitalized horses and associations with diarrhea occurrence among their stablemates and gastrointestinal-related illness or death following discharge
Authors: Hartnack Amanda K. , Van Metre David C. , Morley Paul S.
Published: March 2012

Objective—To evaluate the potential association between Salmonella enterica shedding in hospitalized horses and the risk of diarrhea among stablemates, and to characterize gastrointestinal-related illness and death following discharge among horses that shed S enterica while hospitalized.

Design—Case-control study.

Animals—221 horses (59 that shed S enterica during hospitalization and 162 that tested negative for S enterica shedding ≥ 3 times during hospitalization).

Procedures—Information from medical records (signalment, results of microbial culture of fecal samples, clinical status at the time of culture, and treatment history) was combined with data collected through interviews with horse owners regarding formerly hospitalized horses and their stablemates. Data were analyzed to investigate risk factors for death and diarrhea.

Results—Occurrence of diarrhea among stablemates of formerly hospitalized horses was not associated with S enterica shedding in hospitalized horses but was associated with oral treatment with antimicrobials during hospitalization. Salmonella enterica shedding during hospitalization was not associated with risk of death or gastrointestinal-related illness in study horses ≤ 6 months after discharge, but shedding status and history of gastrointestinal illness were associated with increased risk of death during the preinterview period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Stablemates of horses that shed S enterica during hospitalization did not appear to have an increased risk for diarrhea, but comingling with horses that receive orally administered antimicrobials may affect this risk. Salmonella enterica shedding during hospitalization may be a marker of increased long-term risk of death after discharge. Risks are likely influenced by the S enterica strain involved and biosecurity procedures used.
Diagnosis and management of hypoaldosteronism without hypoadrenocorticism in an alpaca
Authors: Butterworth Kelly A. , Pellegrini-Masini Alessandra M. , Barton Michelle H.
Published: March 2012

Case Description—Primary hypoaldosteronism without concurrent hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in an 8-year-old female alpaca with acute onset of weakness progressing to recumbency within 6 hours after onset.

Clinical Findings—Hematologic testing at admission revealed profound hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and acidemia with a normal blood potassium concentration. Further diagnostic testing, including an ACTH stimulation test, led to a diagnosis of hypoaldosteronism in conjunction with normal cortisol production.

Treatment and Outcome—The hembra responded well to IV polyionic fluid therapy with sodium supplementation and was managed successfully long term with free access to saline (0.9% NaCl) solution in addition to water ad libitum.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hypoaldosteronism in an alpaca. Hypoaldosteronism should be considered in alpacas as a possible differential diagnosis for refractory hyponatremia or for hyponatremia in which an underlying etiology is not determined.
Adventitious shoot regeneration from dormant buds of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) cv. Hachiya
Authors: Kochanová Zuzana , Onus Naci , Brindza Ján
Published: March 2012

Adventitious shoot regeneration from dormant buds of persimmon (Diospyros kakiThunb.) cv. Hachiya

The effects of plant hormones 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on adventitious shoot regeneration from dormant persimmon buds were studied. The object of the study was the persimmon cultivar Hachiya, one of the most important persimmon cultivars in the Mediterranean area and Asia. Shoot regeneration was evaluated 4, 6 and 8 weeks after initiating the hormone treatment. Average shoot length was measured after 8 weeks and was evaluated by LSD test. Except for the media without hormone supplement, there was a statistically significant difference among average values of shoot length of plants, grown on the tested media. The increase in BAP had an effect on shoot regeneration that was significant and more pronounced with the addition of IBA, especially to the MS (1/2 N) medium. The highest value of shoot regeneration (98%) was obtained on medium MS (1/2 N), supplemented with 5 μmol l-1BAP and 1 μmol l-1IBA, with the highest average shoot length 23.69 mm, measured 8 weeks after the experiment initiation. The results indicate that adventitious shoots can be successfully produced in persimmon cv. Hachiya, especially with the supplement of hormone BAP, which, according to our results, plays an important role in persimmonin vitroregeneration.
Insulin-like growth factor-I gene polymorphism and its association with growth and slaughter characteristics in broiler chickens
Authors: Kadlec Jaromír , Hosnedlová Božena , Řehout Václav , Čítek Jindřich , Večerek Libor , Hanusová Lenka
Published: March 2012

Insulin-like growth factor-I gene polymorphism and its association with growth and slaughter characteristics in broiler chickens

Chicken insulin-like factor 1 gene (IGF1) is a biological candidate gene for the investigation of growth, body composition, and metabolic and skeletal traits, and is also a positional candidate gene for growth and fat deposition in chickens. Two broiler populations Ross 308 and Cobb 500 were used to study the relationship between IGF1 gene polymorphism and phenotypic traits. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified in 132 individuals using the PCR-RFLP technique. Genotypical frequencies were, for genotype AA: 0.83-0.86, and for AC: 0.14-0.17. Associations between IGF1 promotor polymorphism and liver weight (P≤0.05) and liver weight as a percentage of the weight of the poultry carcass with the giblets (P≤0.05), were found in the AC genotype in a comparison of broiler homozygous chickens AA in the Cobb 500 line. In these broilers, the breast muscle and leg muscle weight in the AC genotype were higher, and abdominal fat weight lower compared with AA genotype chickens, but these differences were not significant.
Inequities in access to pediatric epilepsy surgery: a bioethical framework
Authors: Ibrahim George M. , Barry Benjamin W. , Fallah Aria , Snead O. Carter , Drake James M. , Rutka James T. , Bernstein Mark
Published: March 2012

Epilepsy is a common childhood condition associated with a considerable medical and psychosocial burden. Children in whom medical treatment fails to reduce seizure burden represent an especially vulnerable patient population because prolonged, uncontrolled seizures are associated with poor developmental and neurocognitive outcomes. Surgical treatment in the form of cortical resection, functional disconnection, or neuromodulation may alleviate or significantly reduce the disease burden for a subset of these patients. However, there remains a dichotomy between the perceived benefits of surgery and the implementation of surgical strategies in the management of medically intractable epilepsy. The current paper presents an analysis of the bioethical implications of existing inequities in access to pediatric epilepsy surgery that result from inconsistent referral practices and discrepant evaluation techniques. The authors provide a basic bioethical framework composed of 5 primary expectations to inform public, institutional, and personal policies toward the provision of epilepsy surgery to afflicted children.
Vagal nerve stimulation for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy: a review of the current literature
Authors: Connor David E. , Nixon Menarvia , Nanda Anil , Guthikonda Bharat
Published: March 2012

Object

The authors conducted a study to evaluate the published results of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for medically refractory seizures according to evidence-based criteria.

Methods

The authors performed a review of available literature published between 1980 and 2010. Inclusion criteria for articles included more than 10 patients evaluated, average follow-up of 1 or more years, inclusion of medically refractory epilepsy, and consistent preoperative surgical evaluation. Articles were divided into 4 classes of evidence according to criteria established by the American Academy of Neurology.

Results

A total of 70 publications were reviewed, of which 20 were selected for review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 2 articles that provided Class I evidence, 7 that met criteria for Class II evidence, and 11 that provided Class III evidence.

The majority of evidence supports VNS usage in partial epilepsy with a seizure reduction of 50% or more in the majority of cases and freedom from seizure in 6%–27% of patients who responded to stimulation. High stimulation with a gradual increase in VNS stimulation over the first 6 weeks to 3 months postoperatively is well supported by Class I and II data. Predictors of positive response included absence of bilateral interictal epileptiform activity and cortical malformations.

Conclusions

Vagal nerve stimulation is a safe and effective alternative for adult and pediatric populations with epilepsy refractory to medical and other surgical management.
Seizure outcomes and mesial resection volumes following selective amygdalohippocampectomy and temporal lobectomy
Authors: Sagher Oren , Thawani Jayesh P. , Etame Arnold B. , Gomez-Hassan Diana M.
Published: March 2012

Object

Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH) are the preferred surgical approaches for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy involving the nondominant and dominant temporal lobes, respectively. Both techniques provide access to mesial structures—with the ATL providing a wider surgical corridor than SelAH. Because the extent of mesial temporal resection potentially impacts seizure outcome, the authors examined mesial resection volumes, seizure outcomes, and neuropsychiatric test scores in patients undergoing either ATL or transcortical SelAH at a single institution.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 96 patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Fifty-one patients who had nondominant temporal lobe epilepsy underwent standard ATL, and 45 patients with language-dominant temporal lobe epilepsy underwent transcortical SelAH. Volumetric MRI analysis was used to quantify the mesial resection in both groups. In addition, the authors examined seizure outcomes and the change in neuropsychiatric test scores.

Results

Seizure-free outcome in the entire patient cohort was 94% at a mean follow-up of 44 months. There was no significant difference in the seizure outcome between the 2 groups. The extent of resection of the mesial structures following ATL was slightly higher than for SelAH (98% vs 91%, p < 0.0001). The change in neuropsychiatric test scores largely reflected the side of surgery, but overall IQ and memory function did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusions

Transcortical SelAH provides adequate access to the mesial structures, and allows for a resection that is nearly as extensive as that achieved with standard ATL. Seizure outcomes and neuropsychiatric sequelae are similar in both procedures.
Increased rate of complications on a neurological surgery service after implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education work-hour restriction
Authors: Dumont Travis M. , Rughani Anand I. , Penar Paul L. , Horgan Michael A. , Tranmer Bruce I. , Jewell Ryan P.
Published: March 2012

Object

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education instituted mandatory 80-hour work-week limitations in July 2003. The work-hour restriction was met with skepticism among the academic neurosurgery community and is thought to represent a barrier to teaching, ultimately compromising patient care. The authors hypothesize that the introduction of the mandatory resident work-hour restriction corresponds with an overall increase in morbidity rate.

Methods

This study compares the morbidity and mortality rates on an academic neurological surgery service before and after institution of the work-hour restriction. Complications are individually assessed at a monthly divisional conference by neurosurgical faculty and residents. A prospective database was commenced in July 2000 recording all complications, complications that were deemed to be potentially avoidable (“possibly preventable”), and complications that were deemed unavoidable. The incidence of morbidity and mortality from July 2000 to June 2003 is compared with the incidence from July 2003 to June 2006.

Results

The overall rate of morbidity and mortality increased from 103 to 114 per 1000 patients treated after institution of the work-hour restriction, although this increase was not statistically significant (χ21, N = 8546 = 2.6, p = 0.106). The morbidity rate increased from 70 to 89 per 1000 patients treated after institution of the work-hour restriction (χ21, N = 8546 = 10, p = 0.001). The overall mortality rate was diminished from 32 to 27 per 1000 patients treated after institution of the work-hour restriction (χ21, N = 8546 = 3.2, p = 0.075). Morbidities considered avoidable or possibly preventable were seen to increase from 56 to 66 per 1000 patients treated (χ21, N = 8546 = 5.7, p = 0.017). Avoidable or possibly preventable mortalities numbered 3 per 1000 patients treated, and this rate did not change after introduction of the work-hour restriction (χ21, N = 8546 = 0.08, p = 0.777).

Conclusions

The morbidity rate on a neurological surgery service is increased after implementation of the work-hour restriction. Mortality rates remain unchanged.
The health care burden of patients with epilepsy in the United States: an analysis of a nationwide database over 15 years
Authors: Vivas Andrew C. , Baaj Ali A. , Benbadis Selim R. , Vale Fernando L.
Published: March 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to analyze the national health care burden of patients diagnosed with epilepsy in the US and to analyze any changes in the length of stay, mean charges, in-hospital deaths (mortality), and disposition at discharge.

Methods

A retrospective review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for epilepsy admissions was completed for the years from 1993 to 2008. The NIS is maintained by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and represents a 20% random stratified sample of all discharges from nonfederal hospitals within the US. Patients with epilepsy were identified using ICD-9 codes beginning with 345.XX. Approximately 1.1 million hospital admissions were identified over a span of 15 years.

Results

Over this 15-year period (between 1993 and 2008), the average hospital charge per admission for patients with epilepsy has increased significantly (p < 0.001) from $10,050 to $23,909, an increase of 137.9%. This is in spite of a 33% decrease in average length of stay from 5.9 days to 3.9 days. There has been a decrease in the percentage of in-hospital deaths by 57.9% and an increase in discharge to outside medical institutions.

Conclusions

The total national charges associated with epilepsy in 2008 were in excess of $2.7 billion (US dollars, normalized). During the studied period, the cost per day for patients rose from $1703.39 to $6130.51. In spite of this drastic increase in health care cost to the patient, medical and surgical treatment for epilepsy has not changed significantly, and epilepsy remains a major source of morbidity.
Epilepsy surgery in tuberous sclerosis: a review
Authors: Evans Linton T. , Morse Richard , Roberts David W.
Published: March 2012

Seizures are the initial manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in 90% of individuals. The prevalence of epilepsy in TSC is 80%–90% with a large proportion refractory to antiepileptic drugs. A review of the literature of epilepsy surgery in TSC demonstrates impressive success rates for seizure-free outcomes. These studies describe a number of novel noninvasive methods for seizure localization including PET, SPECT, and magnetoencephalography. Additionally, there is a subset of patients with TSC with bilateral, multifocal, or generalized epileptiform discharges that would have previously been excluded from resection. New developments in neuroimaging and invasive monitoring with intracranial electrodes are useful methods in identifying an epileptogenic tuber in these individuals with refractory epilepsy. The authors offer a survey of the literature and description of these methods. Additionally they present an illustrative case of ictal SPECT and intracranial electroencephalography used in the preoperative evaluation of a 10-year-old girl with intractable seizures and TSC. This patient ultimately underwent resection of an epileptogenic region within the occipital lobe.
Brain stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy
Authors: Fridley Jared , Thomas Jonathan G. , Navarro Jovany Cruz , Yoshor Daniel
Published: March 2012

The treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy has always been challenging. Despite the availability of multiple antiepileptic medications and surgical procedures with which to resect seizure foci, there is a subset of epilepsy patients for whom little can be done. Currently available treatment options for these unfortunate patients include vagus nerve stimulation, the ketogenic diet, and electric stimulation, both direct and indirect, of brain nuclei thought to be involved in epileptogenesis. Studies of electrical stimulation of the brain in epilepsy treatment date back to the early 20th century, beginning with research on cerebellar stimulation. The number of potential targets has increased over the years to include the hippocampus, subthalamic nucleus, caudate nucleus, centromedian nucleus, and anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT). Recently the results of a large randomized controlled trial, the electrical Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of Thalamus for Epilepsy (SANTE) trial, were published, demonstrating a significant reduction in mean seizure frequency with ANT stimulation. Soon after, in 2011, the results of a second randomized, controlled trial—the NeuroPace RNS trial—were published. The RNS trial examined closed-loop, responsive cortical stimulation of seizure foci in patients with refractory partial epilepsy, again finding significant reduction in seizure frequency. In the present review, the authors examine the modern history of electrical stimulation of the brain for the treatment of epilepsy and discuss the results of 2 important, recently published trials, the SANTE and RNS trials.
Demand Forecast of Petroleum Product Consumption in the Chinese Transportation Industry
Authors: Chai Jian , Wang Shubin , Wang Shouyang , Guo Ju’e
Published: March 2012

In this paper, petroleum product (mainly petrol and diesel) consumption in the transportation sector of China is analyzed. This was based on the Bayesian linear regression theory and Markov Chain Monte Carlo method (MCMC), establishing a demand-forecast model of petrol and diesel consumption introduced into the analytical framework with explanatory variables of urbanization level, per capita GDP, turnover of passengers (freight) in aggregate (TPA, TFA), and civilian vehicle number (CVN) and explained variables of petrol and diesel consumption. Furthermore, we forecast the future consumer demand for oil products during “The 12th Five Year Plan” (2011–2015) based on the historical data covering from 1985 to 2009, finding that urbanization is the most sensitive factor, with a strong marginal effect on petrol and diesel consumption in this sector. From the viewpoint of prediction interval value, urbanization expresses the lower limit of the predicted results, and CVN the upper limit of the predicted results. Predicted value from other independent variables is in the range of predicted values which display a validation range and reference standard being much more credible for policy makers. Finally, a comparison between the predicted results from autoregressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA) and others is made to assess our task.
A Systematic Review of Social Factors and Suicidal Behavior in Older Adulthood
Authors: Fässberg Madeleine Mellqvist , Orden Kimberly A. van , Duberstein Paul , Erlangsen Annette , Lapierre Sylvie , Bodner Ehud , Canetto Silvia Sara , Leo Diego De , Szanto Katalin , Waern Margda
Published: March 2012

Suicide in later life is a global public health problem. The aim of this review was to conduct a systematic analysis of studies with comparison groups that examined the associations between social factors and suicidal behavior (including ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, or deaths) among individuals aged 65 and older. Our search identified only 16 articles (across 14 independent samples) that met inclusion criteria. The limited number of studies points to the need for further research. Included studies were conducted in Canada (n = 2), Germany (n = 1), Hong Kong (n = 1), Japan (n = 1), Singapore (n = 1), Sweden (n = 2), Taiwan (n = 1), the U.K. (n = 2), and the U.S. (n = 3). The majority of the social factors examined in this review can be conceptualized as indices of positive social connectedness—the degree of positive involvement with family, friends, and social groups. Findings indicated that at least in industrialized countries, limited social connectedness is associated with suicidal ideation, non-fatal suicidal behavior, and suicide in later life. Primary prevention programs designed to enhance social connections as well as a sense of community could potentially decrease suicide risk, especially among men.
Genome-Wide Analysis of a TaLEA-Introduced Transgenic Populus simonii × Populus nigra Dwarf Mutant
Authors: Yuan Hong-Mei , Chen Su , Lin Lin , Wei Rui , Li Hui-Yu , Liu Gui-Feng , Jiang Jing
Published: March 2012

A dwarf mutant (dwf1) was obtained among 15 transgenic lines, when TaLEA (Tamarix androssowii late embryogenesis abundant gene) was introduced into Populus simonii × Populus nigra by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Under the same growth conditions, dwf1 height was significantly reduced compared with the wild type and the other transgenic lines. Because only one transgenic line (dwf1) displayed the dwarf phenotype, we considered that T-DNA insertion sites may play a role in the mutant formation. The mechanisms underlying this effect were investigated using TAIL-PCR (thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR) and microarrays methods. According to the TAIL-PCR results, two flanking sequences located on chromosome IV and VIII respectively, were cloned. The results indicated the integration of two independent T-DNA copies. We searched for the potential genes near to the T-DNA insertions. The nearest gene was a putative poplar AP2 transcription factor (GI: 224073210). Expression analysis showed that AP2 was up-regulated in dwf1 compared with the wild type and the other transgenic lines. According to the microarrays results, a total of 537 genes involved in hydrolase, kinase and transcription factor activities, as well as protein and nucleotide binding, showed significant alterations in gene expression. These genes were expressed in more than 60 metabolic pathways, including starch, sucrose, galactose and glycerolipid metabolism and phenylpropanoids and flavonoid biosyntheses. Our transcriptome and T-DNA insertion sites analyses might provide some useful insights into the dwarf mutant formation.
SnCl2/TiCl3-Mediated Deoximation of Oximes in an Aqueous Solvent
Authors: Lin Mei-Huey , Liu Han-Jun , Chang Cheng-Yu , Lin Wei-Cheng , Chuang Tsung-Hsun
Published: March 2012

A simple procedure for SnCl2/TiCl3-mediated deoximation of ketoximes in an aqueous solvent is reported. Under the conditions developed in this effort, various ketones and aldehydes are produced in good to excellent yields.
Antibacterial Activity of Four Human Beta-Defensins: HBD-19, HBD-23, HBD-27, and HBD-29
Authors: Chow Bryan T. , Soto Maira , Lo Bonnie L. , Crosby David C. , Camerini David
Published: March 2012

Human β-defensins (HBD) are a family of small antimicrobial peptides that play important roles in the innate and adaptive immune defenses against microbial infection. In this study, we predicted the mature sequences and assessed the antibacterial properties of synthetic HBD-19, HBD-23, HBD-27, and HBD-29 against three species of clinically relevant bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also examined the cytotoxicity of each β-defensin to human cells. HBD-19 exhibited modest antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. aureus but had little effect on the growth of P. aeruginosa. HBD-23 exhibited substantial antibacterial effects against all three bacterial species and was particularly potent against the Gram-negative species, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. HBD-27 exerted modest antibacterial activity only towards S. aureus while HBD-29 had modest antibacterial activity for E. coli and P. aeruginosa. HBD-23 and HBD-27 showed little or no toxicity to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, while HBD-19 and HBD-29 decreased cell viability by 20% at 30 μg/mL.
Artificial Neural Network for Location Estimation in Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Chen Chien-Sheng
Published: March 2012

In a wireless communication system, wireless location is the technique used to estimate the location of a mobile station (MS). To enhance the accuracy of MS location prediction, we propose a novel algorithm that utilizes time of arrival (TOA) measurements and the angle of arrival (AOA) information to locate MS when three base stations (BSs) are available. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used techniques in various areas to overcome the problem of exclusive and nonlinear relationships. When the MS is heard by only three BSs, the proposed algorithm utilizes the intersections of three TOA circles (and the AOA line), based on various neural networks, to estimate the MS location in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments. Simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the algorithm for different NLOS error distributions. The numerical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed algorithms can obtain more precise location estimation under different NLOS environments.
The Interactions of Human Neutrophils with Shiga Toxins and Related Plant Toxins: Danger or Safety?
Authors: Brigotti Maurizio
Published: March 2012

Shiga toxins and ricin are well characterized similar toxins belonging to quite different biological kingdoms. Plant and bacteria have evolved the ability to produce these powerful toxins in parallel, while humans have evolved a defense system that recognizes molecular patterns common to foreign molecules through specific receptors expressed on the surface of the main actors of innate immunity, namely monocytes and neutrophils. The interactions between these toxins and neutrophils have been widely described and have stimulated intense debate. This paper is aimed at reviewing the topic, focusing particularly on implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Regularization for Generalized Additive Mixed Models by Likelihood-based Boosting
Authors: Tutz G. , Groll A.
Published: March 2012

Objective: With the emergence of semi- and nonparametric regression the generalized linear mixed model has been extended to account for additive predictors. However, available fitting methods fail in high dimensional settings where many explanatory variables are present. We extend the concept of boosting to generalized additive mixed models and present an appropriate algorithm that uses two different approaches for the fitting procedure of the variance components of the random effects.

Methods: The main tool developed is likelihood-based componentwise boosting that enforces variable selection in generalized additive mixed models. In contrast to common procedures they can be used in high-dimensional settings where many covariates are available and the form of the influence is unknown. The complexity of the resulting estimators is determined by information criteria. The performance of the methods is investigated in simulation studies for binary and Poisson responses with comparisons to alternative approaches and it is applied to clinical real world data.

Results: Simulations show that the proposed methods are considerably more stable and more accurate in estimating the regression function than the conventional approach, especially when a large number of predictors is available. The methods also produce reasonable results in applications to real data sets, which is illustrated by the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

Conclusions: The boosting algorithm allows to extract relevant predictors in generalized additive mixed models. It works in high-dimensional settings and is very stable.
Murature di mattoni medioevali a vista e resti di finiture a Venezia
Authors: Squassina Angela
Published: March 2012

[it] Nelle «Pietre di Venezia„ Ruskin già evocava le tele di Carpaccio e di Bellini, oggi custodite alle Gallerie dell’Accademia, per un’immagine documentata della policromia della città antica, quell’»Urbs picta„ in cui murature e rivestmenti partecipavano in ugual misura all’articolazione delle facciate, grazie alle qualità fisiche e cromatiche dei mattoni, alle modalità di finitura dei giunti di malta, alle cromie vere e proprie e di cui sin dall’Ottocento si lamentava la frammentarietà, invocandone la conservazione. L’interesse per la Venezia pre-rinascimentale ha continuato per più di un secolo ad alimentare la ricerca sugli assetti decorativi e relative tecniche esecutive, con studi di tipo storiografico seguiti, a partire dalla fine degli anni Settanta, da ricerche tematizzate, indagini sui conti di fabbrica di cantieri storici e forme di ricognizione e schedatura delle superfici.
Affrontare il tema delle finiture delle superfici veneziane più antiche significa quindi, da un lato, beneficiare degli esiti delle ricerche precedentemente condotte ma anche l’onere di approfondire alcuni aspetti conoscitivi, senza trascurarne le possibili ricadute operative. Uno sviluppo auspicabile è la formulazione di un protocollo conoscitivo, progettuale e operativo, che abbia come referenti anche i risultati di alcuni interventi ritenuti esemplari, seppure ancora minoritari rispetto al tenore della consuetudine operativa.
TGF-β–Mediated Downregulation of MicroRNA-196a Contributes to the Constitutive Upregulated Type I Collagen Expression in Scleroderma Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Honda Noritoshi , Jinnin Masatoshi , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Takamitsu , Makino Katsunari , Masuguchi Shinichi , Fukushima Satoshi , Okamoto Yoshinobu , Hasegawa Minoru , Fujimoto Manabu , Ihn Hironobu
Published: March 2012

Previous reports indicated the significance of the TGF-β signaling in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. We tried to evaluate the possibility that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a part in the type I collagen upregulation seen in normal fibroblasts stimulated with exogenous TGF-β and systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts. miRNA expression profile was evaluated by miRNA PCR array and real-time PCR. The protein expression of type I collagen was determined by immunoblotting. In vivo detection of miRNA in paraffin section was performed by in situ hybridization. Several miRNAs were found to be downregulated in both TGF-β–stimulated normal fibroblasts and SSc fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts by PCR array. Among them, miR-196a expression was decreased in SSc both in vivo and in vitro by real-time PCR or in situ hybridization. In SSc fibroblasts, miR-196a expression was normalized by TGF-β small interfering RNA. miR-196a inhibitor leads to the overexpression of type I collagen in normal fibroblasts, whereas overexpression of the miRNA resulted in the downregulation of type I collagen in SSc fibroblasts. In addition, miR-196a was detectable and quantitative in the serum of SSc patients. Patients with lower serum miR-196a levels had significantly higher ratio of diffuse cutaneous SSc:limited cutaneous SSc, higher modified Rodnan total skin thickness score, and higher prevalence of pitting scars than those without. miR-196a may play some roles in the pathogenesis of SSc. Investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of type I collagen expression by miR-196a may lead to new treatments using miRNA.
Intrapulmonary Administration of Leukotriene B4 Augments Neutrophil Accumulation and Responses in the Lung to Klebsiella Infection in CXCL1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Batra Sanjay , Cai Shanshan , Balamayooran Gayathriy , Jeyaseelan Samithamby
Published: March 2012

In prior studies, we demonstrated that 1) CXCL1/KC is essential for NF-κB and MAPK activation and expression of CXCL2/MIP-2 and CXCL5/LPS-induced CXC chemokine in Klebsiella-infected lungs, and 2) CXCL1 derived from hematopoietic and resident cells contributes to host immunity against Klebsiella. However, the role of CXCL1 in mediating neutrophil leukotriene B4 (LTB4), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production is unclear, as is the contribution of these factors to host immunity. In this study, we investigated 1) the role of CXCL1 in LTB4, NADPH oxidase, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in lungs and neutrophils, and 2) whether LTB4 postinfection reverses innate immune defects in CXCL1−/− mice via regulation of NADPH oxidase and iNOS. Our results demonstrate reduced neutrophil influx, attenuated LTB4 levels, and decreased ROS and iNOS production in the lungs of CXCL1−/− mice after Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Using neutrophil depletion and repletion, we found that neutrophils are the predominant source of pulmonary LTB4 after infection. To treat immune defects in CXCL1−/− mice, we intrapulmonarily administered LTB4. Postinfection, LTB4 treatment reversed immune defects in CXCL1−/− mice and improved survival, neutrophil recruitment, cytokine/chemokine expression, NF-κB/MAPK activation, and ROS/RNS production. LTB4 also enhanced myeloperoxidase, H2O2, RNS production, and bacterial killing in K. pneumoniae-infected CXCL1−/− neutrophils. These novel results uncover important roles for CXCL1 in generating ROS and RNS in neutrophils and in regulating host immunity against K. pneumoniae infection. Our findings suggest that LTB4 could be used to correct defects in neutrophil recruitment and function in individuals lacking or expressing malfunctional CXCL1.
Discernible rhythm in the spatio/temporal distributions of transatlantic dust
Authors: Ben-Ami Y. , Koren I. , Altaratz O. , Kostinski A. , Lehahn Y.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The differences in North African dust emission regions and transport routes, between the boreal winter and summer, are thoroughly documented. Here we re-examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of dust transport over the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, using 10 yr of satellite data, in order to better characterize the different dust transport periods. We see a robust annual triplet: a discernible rhythm of "transatlantic dust weather". The proposed annual partition is composed of two heavy loading periods, associated here with a northern-route period and southern-route period, and one light-loading period, accompanied by unusually low average optical depth of dust. The two dusty periods are quite different in character: their duration, transport routes, characteristic aerosol loading and frequency of pronounced dust episodes. The southern-route period lasts ~4 months. It is characterized by a relatively steady southern positioning, low frequency of dust events, low background values and high variance in dust loading. The northern-route period lasts ~6.5 months and is associated with a steady drift northward of ~0.1 latitude day−1, reaching ~1500 km north of the southern-route. The northern period is characterized by higher frequency of dust events, higher (and variable) background and smaller variance in dust loading. It is less episodic than the southern period. Transitions between the periods are brief. Separation between the southern and northern periods is marked by northward latitudinal shift in dust transport and by moderate reduction in the overall dust loading. The second transition, between the northern and southern periods, commences with an abrupt reduction in dust loading and rapid shift southward of ~0.2 latitude day−1, and ~1300 km in total. Based on cross-correlation analyses, we attribute the observed rhythm to the contrast between the northwestern and southern Saharan dust source spatial distributions. Despite the vast difference in areas, the Bodélé Depression, located in Chad, appears to modulate transatlantic dust patterns about half the time.
The influence of the spatial resolution of topographic input data on the accuracy of 3-D UV actinic flux and irradiance calculations
Authors: Weihs P. , Wagner J. E. , Schreier S. F. , Rieder H. E. , Angelini F. , Blumthaler M. , Fitzka M. , Gobbi G. P. , Kift R. , Kreuter A. , Simic S. , Webb A. R.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the spatial resolution of a digital elevation map (DEM) on the three-dimensional (3-D) radiative transfer performance for both spectral ultraviolet (UV) irradiance and actinic flux at 305 nm. Model simulations were performed for clear sky conditions for three case studies: the first and second one using three sites in the Innsbruck area and the third one using three sites at the Sonnblick observatory and surrounding area. It was found that the DEM resolution may change the altitude at some locations by up to 500 m, resulting in changes in the sky obscured by the horizon of up to 15%. The geographical distribution of UV irradiance and actinic flux shows that with larger pixel size, uncertainties in UV irradiance and actinic flux determination of up to 100% are possible. These large changes in incident irradiance and actinic flux with changing pixel size are strongly connected to shading effects. The effect of the DEM pixel size on irradiance and actinic flux was studied at the six locations, and it was found that significant increases in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM pixel size occurred at one valley location at high solar zenith angles in the Innsbruck area as well as for one steep valley location in the Sonnblick area. This increase in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM resolution is most likely to be connected to shading effects affecting the reflections from the surroundings.
Unexpected high yields of carbonyl and peroxide products of aqueous isoprene ozonolysis and implications
Authors: Wang H. L. , Huang D. , Zhang X. , Zhao Y. , Chen Z. M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The aqueous phase reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has not been considered in most analyses of atmospheric chemical processes. However, some experimental evidence has shown that, compared to the corresponding gas phase reaction, the aqueous chemical processes of VOCs in the bulk solutions and surfaces of ambient wet particles (cloud, fog, and wet aerosols) may potentially contribute to the products and formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). In the present study, we performed a laboratory experiment of the aqueous ozonolysis of isoprene at different pHs (3–7) and temperatures (4–25 °C). We detected three important kinds of products, including carbonyl compounds, peroxide compounds, and organic acids. Our results showed that the molar yields of these products were nearly independent of the investigated pHs and temperatures. These products included (1) carbonyls: 56.7 ± 6.7% formaldehyde, 42.8 ± 2.5% methacrolein (MAC), and 57.7 ± 3.4% methyl vinyl ketone (MVK); (2) peroxides: 53.4 ± 4.1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 15.1 ± 3.1% hydroxylmethyl hydroperoxide (HMHP); and (3) organic acids: undetectable (< 1% estimated by the detection limit). Based on the amounts of products formed and the isoprene consumed, the total carbon yield was estimated to be 95 ± 4%. This implied that most of the products in the reaction system were detected. Of note, the combined yields of both MAC + MVK and H2O2 + HMHP in the aqueous isoprene ozonolysis were much higher than those observed in the corresponding gas phase reaction. We suggested that these unexpected high yields of carbonyls and peroxides were related to the greater capability of condensed water, compared to water vapor, to stabilize energy-rich Criegee radicals. This aqueous ozonolysis of isoprene (and possibly other biogenic VOCs) could potentially occur on the surfaces of ambient wet particles and plants. Moreover, the high-yield carbonyl and peroxide products might provide a considerable source of aqueous phase oxidants and SOA precursors. Thus, aqueous ozonolysis on the surface of plants, where carbonyls and peroxides form, might affect biogenic VOC emissions and the deposition of O3 and SO2 onto leaves to different extents in clean and polluted regions.
Quantification and mitigation of the impact of scene inhomogeneity on Sentinel-4 UVN UV-VIS retrievals
Authors: Noël S. , Bramstedt K. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P. , Standfuss C. , Dufour E. , Veihelmann B.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The quality of trace gas products derived from measurements of a space-borne imaging spectrometer is affected by the inhomogeneity of the illumination of the instrument slit and thus by the heterogeneity of the observed scene. This paper aims to quantify this effect and summarise findings on how to mitigate the impact of inhomogeneous slit illumination on tropospheric O3, NO2, SO2 and HCHO columns derived from measurements of the Sentinel-4 UVN imaging spectrometer. For this purpose, spectra for inhomogeneous ground scenes have been simulated based on a combination of a radiative transfer model and spatially high resolved MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. The resulting errors on tropospheric O3, NO2, SO2 and HCHO columns derived from these spectra have been determined via an optimal estimation approach. It could be concluded that inhomogeneous illumination results in significant errors in the data products if the natural inhomogeneity of the observed scenes is not accounted for. O3 columns are less affected than the other data products; largest errors occur for NO2 (mean absolute errors about 5%, maximum error exceeding 50%). These errors may be significantly reduced (by factors up to >10) by an appropriate wavelength calibration applied individually to each Earthshine radiance spectrum. With wavelength calibration the estimated mean absolute errors due to inhomogeneity are for all gases well below 1%; maximum errors are about 10% for NO2 and around 5% for the other gases.
Signatures of moving polar cap arcs in the F-region PolarDARN echoes
Authors: Koustov A. V. , Hosokawa K. , Nishitani N. , Shiokawa K. , Liu H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Joint observations of the all-sky camera at Resolute Bay (Nunavut, Canada) and the Polar Dual Auroral Radar Network (PolarDARN) HF radars at Rankin Inlet and Inuvik (Canada) are considered to establish radar signatures of poleward moving polar cap arcs "detaching" from the auroral oval. Common features of the events considered are enhanced power or echo occurrence in the wake of the arcs and enhanced spectral width of these echoes. When the arcs were oriented along some of the radar beams, velocity reversals at the arc location were observed with the directions of the arc-associated flows corresponding to a converging electric field. For the event of 9 December 2007, two arcs were poleward progressing almost along the central beams of the Inuvik radar at the speed close to the E × B drift of the bulk of the F-region plasma as inferred from HF Doppler velocities and from independent measurements by the Resolute Bay ionosonde. In global-scale convection maps inferred from all Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar measurements, the polar cap arcs were often seen close to the reversal line of additional mesoscale convection cells located poleward of the normal cells related to the auroral oval.