bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simple Wooden Ribosome Model: Helping Students Understand Transpeptidation
Authors: Klein Donald A.
Published: December 2010

In teaching biology, it is critical to communicate broad concepts before considering more specific details of a process. This is particularly important when attempting to communicate the essence of transpeptidation, a key process in translation. Based on my experience in teaching general microbiology, transpeptidation is the most difficult aspect of translation for students to understand.

Typically, figures given in microbiology and biochemistry texts show movement of the nascent peptide attached to the P position t-RNA to the incoming single amino acid attached to the A position amino acid-tRNA by the use of arrows, an approach that makes it difficult to understand the dynamic aspects of this process. To attempt to improve understanding of this process, tutorials also are available that emphasize decoding “messages” and the use of “Do-it-Yourself DNA Kits” where the process of transpeptidation is not specifically discussed. The simple model described in this communication provides a clear demonstration of the transpeptidation process.
A Review of
Microbiology Experiments & Lab Techniques
with CD-ROMMicrobiology Experiments & Lab Techniques with CD-ROM;	AldersonGary; (	2008).	Eagle Visions Editions,	Vista CA.	348 pages (with appendices, accompanying
Microbiology Prep Handbook,
and index, 164 pages).
Authors: Harbour Deborah V. , Spencer Juliet V.
Published: December 2010

Review of:
Microbiology Experiments & Lab Techniques with CD-ROM;
Gary Alderson; (2008). Eagle Visions Editions, Vista CA. 348 pages (with appendices, accompanying Microbiology Prep Handbook, and index, 164 pages).
Clinical Microbiology in Pharmacy Education: A Practice-based Approach
Authors: Wasfi Olla , Power Mary , Slavcev Roderick A.
Published: December 2010

The increasing incidence of multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria, alongside viral and fungal human pathogens, supports the argument that skills in microbiology and infectious disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention are of growing global importance to be held among primary care clinicians.

In Canada, inevitable future astronomical health care costs largely due to an aging population, have forced eyes upon pharmacists as one of (if not) the primary clinical professions to accommodate the growing need to accommodate patient access to health care while maintaining lower health care costs. As such, the role of pharmacists in health care is expanding, punctuating the need to enhance and improve Pharmacy education. Accurate assessment of the current gaps in Pharmacy education in Canada provides a unique opportunity for a new Pharmacy School at the University of Waterloo to establish a non-traditional, outcomes-based model to curricular design. We are applying this iterative curriculum assessment and design process to the establishment of a Medical Microbiology program, deemed as a prominent gap in former Pharmacy educational training programs.

A pilot study was carried out distributing a comprehensive survey to a local group of pharmacists practicing in a variety of settings including: hospital, clinic, community, independent, industry and government, to assess perceived gaps in Pharmacy microbiology and infectious disease education. Preliminary findings of the surveys indicate that practitioners feel under-qualified in some areas of microbiology. The results are discussed with respect to a curricular redesign model and next steps in the process of curricular design are proposed.
Using an “Unknown Characterization” Activity as the Midterm Lab Practical in a Large Enrollment, Multi-Lab Section Microbiology Course
Authors: Barden Ned T.
Published: December 2010

The characterization and identification of “unknowns” is an often-used laboratory activity in microbiology courses. As course enrollments become large, the logistics of providing unknown culture mixes, tubed and plated culture media, plus incubator and refrigerator space become quite daunting. A few years ago we discontinued the three-week Unknowns lab exercise when enrollment reached 240 or so students. In its place we have developed an hour long, midterm lab practical that incorporates smear preparation and the Gram stain, biochemical media, rapid tests, and a streak plate. This easy-to-grade laboratory assessment tool has taken the place of the more traditional station-to-station lab practical, and has worked well for the instructors responsible for administering practicals to 480 students in 13 lab sections over a two-day period.
A Review of
Techniques in Microbiology: a Student Handbook
Techniques in Microbiology: a Student Handbook;	LammertJohn M.; (	2007).	Pearson Education, Inc.,	Upper Saddle River, NJ.	225 pages.
Authors: Banada Padmapriya P.
Published: December 2010

Review of:
Techniques in Microbiology: a Student Handbook ;
John M. Lammert; (2007) . Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. 225 pages.
Expression of heparan sulfate in gastric carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological features and patient survival
Authors: Lo Soo-Ling , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Soo-Yong , Lim Tony Kiat-Hon , Tan Iain Bee-Huat , Choo Su-Pin , Tan Puay-Hoon , Bay Boon-Huat , Yip George Wai-Cheong
Published: December 2010

Aim

To determine the expression pattern and prognostic value of heparan sulfate in gastric cancer.

Method

The 10E4 antiheparan sulfate monoclonal antibody was used to examine the expression pattern of heparan sulfate in tissue microarrays consisting of 162 cases of gastric carcinoma by immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactivities of both epithelial and stromal components of the specimens were examined and analysed statistically for significant associations with clinicopathological parameters, including histological grade of the tumour, extent of cancer infiltration and presence of lymph-node metastases, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, perforation of gastric wall and stromal reaction. The potential use of heparan sulfate as a predictive factor for patient survival was also evaluated.

Results

Reduced expression of heparan sulfate in the epithelial component was associated with higher histological grades of gastric cancer as well as the presence of more extensive tumour infiltration. Furthermore, this decrease in heparan sulfate expression was found to be predictive of reduced patient survival after tumour recurrence.

Conclusion

The data suggest that heparan sulfate may play an important role in regulating the biology of gastric cancer, and that it may be a useful prognostic marker of this tumour.
The effects of work-related maternal risk factors on time to pregnancy, preterm birth and birth weight: the Generation R Study
Authors: Burdorf A , Brand T , Jaddoe V W , Hofman A , Mackenbach J P , Steegers E A P
Published: December 2010

Objective

To investigate the influence of maternal working conditions on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

8880 women were enrolled in a large prospective birth cohort during early (76%), mid (21%) or late pregnancy (3%) (61% participation). Complete questionnaire information was available for 6302 women (71% response). Outcomes were prolonged time to pregnancy (TTP) (>6 months), preterm birth (<37 weeks) and decreased birth weight (<3000 g). Self-reported exposure to chemical agents was based on a limited list of chemicals. Physical load questions concerned manual materials handling, prolonged sitting and long periods of standing. A job-exposure matrix (JEM) linked reported job title to workplace chemical exposure within jobs according to expert judgement. Associations between maternal occupational exposure and fertility and pregnancy outcomes, adjusted for age, education, minority, parity, smoking and alcohol use, were studied using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Women in jobs with regular handling of loads ≥5 kg had better fertility and pregnancy outcomes. No self-reported exposure to chemicals was associated with any outcomes and self-assessments had very low reliability compared with JEM-based assessments. JEM-based maternal occupational exposure to phthalates was associated with prolonged TTP (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.57) and exposure to pesticides was associated with decreased birth weight (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.34). The population attributable fractions were small at 0.7% for phthalates and 0.7% for pesticides.

Conclusion

This birth cohort study presents evidence of health-based selection into the workforce and adverse effects of maternal occupational exposure to phthalates and pesticides on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Smokers who are also using smokeless tobacco products in the US: a national assessment of characteristics, behaviours and beliefs of ‘dual users’: Table 1
Authors: McClave-Regan Annette K , Berkowitz Judy
Published: December 2010

Background

Marketing and advertising of smokeless tobacco products towards cigarette smokers has increased recently. Because the use of multiple tobacco products is a growing public health concern, the present work assesses the use of smokeless tobacco among cigarette smokers, a behaviour termed as ‘dual use’, as well as attitudes and beliefs on their ‘dual use’ of tobacco.

Methods

Data were used from the 2008 ConsumerStyles survey, a nationally representative, mail-in survey of consumers in the USA (n=10 108).

Results

‘Dual use’ was more common among cigarette smokers who were young, white men living in the Midwest or South. The majority of ‘dual users’ reported using smokeless tobacco in places where they could not smoke (67.7%) and did not believe smokeless tobacco would help in quitting smoking (75.1%). ‘Dual users’ reported planning to quit within the next 6 months less often than adults who smoke cigarettes exclusively and close to half (42.3%) never plan to quit smoking.

Conclusions

Tobacco use is attributed to a number of diseases and deaths worldwide, and cessation of tobacco use can reduce these health risks. The prevalent use of smokeless tobacco in places with smoking restrictions and lack of planning to quit by ‘dual users’ suggest the need to promote cessation among these users.
CONSTRUCTION OF FRACTAL INTERPOLATION SURFACES ON RECTANGULAR GRIDS
Authors: METZLER WOLFGANG , YUN CHOL HUI
Published: December 2010

We present a general method for generating continuous fractal interpolation surfaces by iterated function systems on an arbitrary data set over rectangular grids and estimate their Box-counting dimension.
A HYBRID ASYMPTOTIC EXPANSION SCHEME: AN APPLICATION TO LONG-TERM CURRENCY OPTIONS
Authors: TAKAHASHI AKIHIKO , TAKEHARA KOHTA
Published: December 2010

This paper develops a general approximation scheme, henceforth called a hybrid asymptotic expansion scheme for valuation of multi-factor European path-independent derivatives. Specifically, we apply it to pricing long-term currency options under a market model of interest rates and a general diffusion stochastic volatility model with jumps of spot exchange rates. Our scheme is very effective for a type of models in which there exist correlations among all the factors whose dynamics are not necessarily affine nor even Markovian so long as the randomness is generated by Brownian motions. It can also handle models that include jump components under an assumption of their independence of the other random variables when the characteristic functions for the jump parts can be analytically obtained. An asymptotic expansion approach provides a closed-form approximation formula for their values, which can be calculated in a moment and thus can be used for calibration or for an explicit approximation of Greeks of options. Moreover, this scheme develops Fourier transform method with an asymptotic expansion as well as with closed-form characteristic functions obtainable in parts of a model, extending the method proposed by Takehara and Takahashi (2008) to be applicable to a general class of models. It also introduces a characteristic-function-based Monte Carlo simulation method with the asymptotic expansion as a control variable in order to make full use of analytical approximations by the asymptotic expansion and of the closed-form characteristic functions. Finally, a series of numerical examples shows the effectiveness of our scheme.
A FINITE-DIMENSIONAL HJM MODEL: HOW IMPORTANT IS ARBITRAGE-FREE EVOLUTION?
Authors: DEVIN SIOBHÁN , HANZON BERNARD , RIBARITS THOMAS
Published: December 2010

We consider a two-factor Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) model under the risk neutral measure and show that it may be decoupled into a particular dynamic Nelson–Siegel (NS) model plus a somewhat counter-intuitive adjustment (lying outside the NS family) which keeps it arbitrage-free. We assess the importance of the adjustment for arbitrage-free pricing by comparing the HJM model with a novel NS model which is selected using projection techniques. We analyze forward curves and derivative prices generated by the HJM and projected NS model and consider two real-world case studies. Our analysis shows that the influence of the adjustment term on arbitrage-free evolution is small.
SOLVING THE ASIAN OPTION PDE USING LIE SYMMETRY METHODS
Authors: CAISTER NICOLETTE C. , O'HARA JOHN G. , GOVINDER KESHLAN S.
Published: December 2010

Asian options incorporate the average stock price in the terminal payoff. Examination of the Asian option partial differential equation (PDE) has resulted in many equations of reduced order that in general can be mapped into each other, although this is not always shown. In the literature these reductions and mappings are typically acquired via inspection or ad hoc methods. In this paper, we evaluate the classical Lie point symmetries of the Asian option PDE. We subsequently use these symmetries with Lie's systematic and algorithmic methods to show that one can obtain the same aforementioned results. In fact we find a familiar analytical solution in terms of a Laplace transform. Thus, when coupled with their methodic virtues, the Lie techniques reduce the amount of intuition usually required when working with differential equations in finance.
A ONE-SIDED PRIME IDEAL PRINCIPLE FOR NONCOMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: REYES MANUEL L.
Published: December 2010

Completely prime right ideals are introduced as a one-sided generalization of the concept of a prime ideal in a commutative ring. Some of their basic properties are investigated, pointing out both similarities and differences between these right ideals and their commutative counterparts. We prove the Completely Prime Ideal Principle, a theorem stating that right ideals that are maximal in a specific sense must be completely prime. We offer a number of applications of the Completely Prime Ideal Principle arising from many diverse concepts in rings and modules. These applications show how completely prime right ideals control the one-sided structure of a ring, and they recover earlier theorems stating that certain noncommutative rings are domains (namely, proper right PCI rings and rings with the right restricted minimum condition that are not right artinian). In order to provide a deeper understanding of the set of completely prime right ideals in a general ring, we study the special subset of comonoform right ideals.
DENSELY CO-HOPFIAN MODULES
Authors: ASGARI SH. , HAGHANY A.
Published: December 2010

The modules of the title are introduced as a proper generalization of quasi co-Hopfian modules, and they are characterized in several ways. The ring R is right nonsingular if and only if the densely co-Hopfian right R-modules and quasi co-Hopfian right R-modules coincide. Dense co-Hopficity is investigated for certain modules that have indecomposable decompositions complementing direct summands. For some classes of rings R, including rings with dense right socles, we determine when the injective envelope of an R-module is densely co-Hopfian.
R-SUPPORTS IN TENSOR TRIANGULATED CATEGORIES
Authors: GARKUSHA GRIGORY
Published: December 2010

Various authors classified the thick triangulated ⊗-subcategories of the category of compact objects for appropriate compactly generated tensor triangulated categories by using supports of objects. In this paper we introduce R-supports for ring objects, showing that these completely determine the thick triangulated ⊗-subcategories. R-supports give a general framework for the celebrated classification theorems by Benson–Carlson–Rickard–Friedlander–Pevtsova, Hopkins–Smith and Hopkins–Neeman–Thomason.
TOROIDAL LIE ALGEBRAS AND SOME DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF TODA TYPE
Authors: TAN YOUJUN
Published: December 2010

We deduce a recursive system of partial differential equations from the toroidal Lie algebra associated to a simple Lie algebra. Such a recursive system starts from the corresponding classical Toda field equations. For each truncated system we describe its Hamiltonian formalism using Gel'fand–Dikii's differential polynomial algebras, and some nontrivial local integrals are given.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURIAL VENUES AND SOCIAL CAPITAL
Authors: COCHRANE PHILLIP
Published: December 2010

This study explores African-American (AA) entrepreneurship through the lens of social capital. Using a foundation of social capital theory, this study attempts to validate the hypothesis that social capital is a determinant of whether AA entrepreneurs choose to function in the formal or informal economies. One hundred and sixteen African American entrepreneurs participated in the study, which utilized respondent driven sampling, a technique for studying hidden populations. Although the results for the study failed to confirm the hypothesis, they do offer some insight into the relationship between the informal and formal economies and minority entrepreneurship.
THE CONTINUUM OF CAPITAL FOR SMALL AND MICRO ENTERPRISES
Authors: SERVON LISA J. , VISSER M. ANNE , FAIRLIE ROBERT W.
Published: December 2010

Since the 1990s, interest in the role of small and microenterprises (SMMEs) in economic development has garnered considerable attention throughout academic and practioner circles. Widely known for their potential to help stimulate economic growth and as a potential avenue for poverty alleviation, the purpose and promise of small businesses have been widely publicized. However, to date, little research exists that adequately documents the specific capital needs of very small businesses (those with less than 20 employees) and microenterprises (those with less than 5 employees) and their owners at specific points in a business's development and growth. Using data from the 1992 Characteristics of Business Owners Survey, the 2002 Survey of Business Owners and the 2003 Survey of Small Business Finances, we analyze the different types of firms in the United States, the amount of capital used by firms of different size and the sources of capital used by firms of different sizes to assess how capital needs and sources differ for those businesses with less than 20 employees. Paying particular attention to businesses owned by women and minorities, we argue that the path of SMMEs differs substantially from the typical path of larger small businesses. In addition, we highlight the implications of our findings and provide our policy recommendations to address them.
MAKING SENSE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS IN THE LITERATURE: SUGGESTIONS FOR RESEARCHERS AND POLICYMAKERS
Authors: YUSUF JUITA-ELENA (WIE)
Published: December 2010

This article addresses three questions: (1) How has entrepreneurial outcome been measured? (2) How can these measurements be categorized? (3) What measures are most appropriate and when? It provides an inventory of the measures that have been used, and presents two frameworks through which to understand how they can be organized. The first framework organizes the various measures along the dimensions of time and performance. The second borrows the lifecycle approach to defining different outcomes as transition points between the stages in the lifecycle. Each framework is discussed in terms of its relevance to entrepreneurship researchers and policy makers.
THE COMMONALITY AND CHARACTER OF OFF-THE-BOOKS ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A COMPARISON OF DEPRIVED AND AFFLUENT URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , NADIN SARA
Published: December 2010

Until now, few studies have evaluated whether there are geographical variations in the extent and character of off-the-books entrepreneurship. The aim of this paper is to evaluate whether and how the prevalence and nature of off-the-books entrepreneurship varies across deprived and affluent neighborhoods in an advanced economy. To do this, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 511 households in English affluent and deprived urban neighborhoods, and are reported here. The finding in both communities surveyed is that wholly legitimate enterprises represent just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface in all areas is a large hidden enterprise culture composed of both registered businesses trading off-the-books as well as unregistered wholly off-the-books enterprises. However, the preponderance of both early-stage entrepreneurs as well as the established self-employed to trade off-the-books is greater in deprived than affluent urban communities, as is the tendency for entrepreneurs to operate business on a wholly off-the-books basis, intimating that deprived urban communities are perhaps relatively more enterprising and entrepreneurial than is currently recognized. The paper thus concludes by contending that across all localities, but especially in deprived urban neighborhoods, legitimizing the hidden enterprise culture could be an important but so far untapped means of promoting enterprise and economic development.
CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRON DRIFT MOBILITY IN Cr2+:ZnS AND Cr2+:ZnSe MATERIALS BY RODE ITERATION MODEL
Authors: ARABSHAHI HADI
Published: December 2010

The results of electron drift velocity in Cr2+:ZnS , and Cr2+:ZnSe are calculated for different temperatures, free-electron concentrations and compositions. The two-mode nature of the polar optic phonons is considered jointly with deformation potential acoustic, piezoelectric, alloy and ionized-impurity scattering. Band non-parabolocity, admixture of p functions, arbitrary degeneracy of the electron distribution, and the screening effects of free carriers on the scattering probabilities are incorporated. The Boltzmann equation is solved by an iterative technique using the currently established values of the material parameters. The iterative results are in fair agreement with other recent calculations obtained using the relaxation-time approximation and experimental methods.
ANALYSIS AND QUANTIFICATION OF DATA ASSIMILATION BASED ON SEQUENTIAL MONTE CARLO METHODS FOR WILDFIRE SPREAD SIMULATION
Authors: GU FENG , HU XIAOLIN
Published: December 2010

Data assimilation is an important technique to improve simulation results by assimilating real time sensor data into a simulation model. A data assimilation framework based on Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods for wildfire spread simulation has been developed in previous work. This paper provides systematic analysis and measurement to quantify the effectiveness and robustness of the developed data assimilation method. Measurement metrics are used to evaluate the robustness of SMC methods in data assimilation for wildfire spread simulation. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to examine the influences of important parameters to the data assimilation results. This work of analysis and quantification provides information to assess the effectiveness of the data assimilation method and suggests guidelines to further improve the data assimilation method for wildfire spread simulation.
Genetic analysis of mouse strains with variable serum sodium concentrations identifies the Nalcn sodium channel as a novel player in osmoregulation
Authors: Sinke Anne P. , Caputo Christina , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Yuan Rong , Ren Dejian , Deen Peter M. T. , Korstanje Ron
Published: December 2010

In central osmoregulation, a 1–2% rise in plasma osmolality is detected by specialized osmoreceptors located in the circumventricular organs of the hypothalamus. A disturbance in this tightly regulated balance will result in either hyponatremia or hypernatremia, which are both common electrolyte disorders in hospitalized patients. Despite the high clinical importance of hypo- and hypernatremia and the fact that this vital process has been studied for many years, the genes and corresponding proteins involved in this process are just beginning to be identified. To identify novel genes involved in the (patho-)physiology of osmoregulation, we therefore employed haplotype association mapping on an aging group of 27 inbred mouse strains. Serum sodium concentrations were determined in all strains at 6, 12, and 18 mo of age, and high-resolution mapping was performed for males and females separately. We identified a total of five loci associated with the serum sodium concentration of which the locus on chromosome 14, containing only one known gene ( Nalcn), showed the strongest correlation. Within this locus three different haplotypes could be distinguished, which associated with different average serum sodium levels. The association of Nalcn with sodium levels was confirmed by analysis of heterozygous Nalcn knockout mice, which displayed hypernatremia compared with wild-type littermates. Our study demonstrates that Nalcn associates with serum sodium concentrations in mice and indicates that Nalcn is an important novel player in osmoregulation.
Expansion and Activation Kinetics of Immune Cells during Early Phase of GVHD in Mouse Model Based on Chemotherapy Conditioning
Authors: Sadeghi Behnam , Al-Hashmi Suleiman , Hassan Zuzana , Rozell Bjorn , Concha Hernan , Lundmark Carin , Grönvik Kjell-Olov , Abedi-Valugerdi Manuchehr , Hassan Moustapha
Published: December 2010

In the present paper, we have investigated early pathophysiological events in graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), a major complication to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). BLLB/c female mice conditioned with busulfan/cyclophosphamide (Bu‐Cy) were transplanted with allogeneic male C57BL/6. Control group consisted of syngeneic transplanted Balb/c mice. In allogeneic settings, significant expansion and maturation of donor dendritic cells (DCs) were observed at day +3, while donor T‐cells CD8+ were increased at day +5 (230%) compared to syngeneic HSCT. Highest levels of inflammatory cytokines IL‐2, IFN‐gamma, and TNF‐alfa at day +5 matched T‐cell activation. Concomitantly naïve T‐cells gain effecr‐memory phenotype and migrated from spleen to peripheral lymphoid organs. Thus, in the very early phase of GHVD following Bu‐Cy conditioning donor, DCs play an important role in the activation of donor T cells. Subsequently, donor naïve T‐cells gain effector‐memory phenotype and initiate GVHD.
Metabolic Phenotype and Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Skyba Peter , Ukropec Jozef , Pobeha Pavol , Ukropcova Barbara , Joppa Pavol , Kurdiova Timea , Stroffekova Katarina , Brusik Miroslav , Klimes Iwar , Tkac Ivan , Gasperikova Daniela , Tkacova Ruzena
Published: December 2010

Potential links between metabolic derangements and adipose tissue (AT) inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unexplored. We investigated AT expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CD68 (macrophage cell surface receptor), caspase-3, and Bax, and their relationships to the metabolic phenotype in nine cachectic, 12 normal-weight, 12 overweight, and 11 obese patients with COPD (age62.3±7.2years). With increasing body mass index, increases in AT expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, and CD68 were observed (P<.001;P=.005;P<.001, resp.), in association with reduced insulin sensitivity (P<.001). No differences were observed between cachectic and normal-weight patients in AT expressions of inflammatory or proapoptotic markers. Adipose tissue CD68 and TNF-α expressions predicted insulin sensitivity independently of known confounders (P=.005;P=.025;R2=0.840). Our results suggest that AT inflammation in obese COPD patients relates to insulin resistance. Cachectic patients remain insulin sensitive, with no AT upregulation of inflammatory or proapoptotic markers.
Mortality in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Neonates in México City (1985–2009)
Authors: Iglesias-Leboreiro José , Bernardez-Zapata Isabel , Ramírez-Haua José , González-Morán Rocco , Rendón-Macías Mario Enrique
Published: December 2010

Objective. To analyze 25 years of mortality of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) neonates (≤1000 g) in a private hospital in Mexico City and to establish the current viability limit for ELBW neonates.Methods. We designed a prospective observational study of all ELBW neonates born between 1985 and 2009. Neonatal mortality, early neonatal mortality, and the 120-day mortality rate were analyzed in 5-year intervals by two categories of birth weight (501–750 g and 751–1000 g).Results. Among the 50,823 total births, 158 were ELBW (3.1 per 103). Neonatal mortality (death ≤28 days) decreased for the 501–750 g neonates from 88.9% (1985–1989) to 55.6% (2005–1999) (P=.008) and for 751–1000 g neonates also decreased from 50% to 5.3% (P=.002). The 120-day mortality for neonates over 500 g diminished: 501–750 g neonates, 88.9% to 61.1% (P=.02) and for 751–1000 g neonates, 62.5% to 15.8% (P=.002). The highest viability limit was established in neonates who weighed ≥650 g and were ≥26 weeks in gestational age.Conclusions. The survival of ELBW neonates has improved in Mexico particularly in private hospitals, and it was more evident over the years 2004–2009. These data suggest that it is possible to increase the ELBW neonates survive in developing counties.
Invariant Sets of Hybrid Autonomous Systems with Disturbance
Authors: Jian-Qiang Li , Zexuan Zhu , Zhen Ji , Hai-Long Pei
Published: December 2010

The concept and model of hybrid systems are introduced. Invariant sets introduced by LaSalle are proposed, and the concept is extended to invariant sets in hybrid systems which include disturbance. It is shown that the existence of invariant sets by arbitrary transition in hybrid systems is determined by the existence of common Lyapunov function in the systems. Based on the Lyapunov function, an efficient transition method is proposed to ensure the existence of invariant sets. An algorithm is concluded to compute the transition mode, and the invariant set can also be computed as a convex problem. The efficiency and correctness of the transition algorithm are demonstrated by an example of hybrid systems.
Impact of Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Reimer Peter
Published: December 2010

Peripheral T/NK-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are rare malignancies characterized by poor prognosis. So far, no standard therapy has been established, due to the lack of randomised studies. High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-autoSCT) have shown good feasibility with low toxicity in retrospective studies. In relapsing and refractory PTCL several comparison analyses suggest similar efficacy for PTCL when compared with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. In the upfront setting, prospective data show promising results with a long-lasting overall survival in a relevant subset of patients. Achieving a complete remission at transplantation seems to be the most important prognostic factor. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) has been investigated only as salvage treatment. Especially when using reduced intensity conditioning regimen, eligible patients seem to benefit from this approach. To define the role for upfront stem cell transplantation a randomised trial by the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group comparing HDT-autoSCT and alloSCT will be initiated this year.
Release of Danger Signals during Ischemic Storage of the Liver: A Potential Marker of Organ Damage?
Authors: Liu Anding , Jin Hao , Dirsch Olaf , Deng Meihong , Huang Hai , Bröcker-Preuss Martina , Dahmen Uta
Published: December 2010

Liver grafts suffer from unavoidable injury due to ischemia and manipulation before implantation. Danger signals such as high-mobility group box -1(HMGB1) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) play a pivotal role in the immune response. We characterized the kinetics of their release into the effluent during cold/warm ischemia and additional manipulation-induced mechanical damage. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between HMGB1/MIF release and ischemic/mechanical damage. Liver enzymes and protein in the effluent increased with increasing ischemia time. HMGB1/MIF- release correlated with the extent of hepatocellular injury. With increasing ischemia time and damage, HMGB1 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasma as indicated by weak nuclear and strong cytoplasmic staining. Enhancement of liver injury by mechanical damage was indicated by an earlier HMGB1 translocation into the cytoplasm and earlier release of danger signals into the effluent. Our results suggest that determination of HMGB1 and MIF reflects the extent of ischemic injury. Furthermore, HMGB1and MIF are more sensitive than liver enzymes to detect the additional mechanical damage inflicted on the organ graft during surgical manipulation.
Designated‐Tailoring on {100} Facets of Cu2O Nanostructures: From Octahedral to Its Different Truncated Forms
Authors: Yang Zhimao , Sun Shaodong , Kong Chuncai , Song Xiaoping , Ding Bingjun
Published: December 2010

A facile template‐free controlled synthesis of Cu2O architectures from octahedral to its different truncated forms is
successfully achieved. It is found that the precursor formation temperature is crucial to the designated‐tailoring on the {100} facets of
Cu2O crystals, which can modify the ratio (R) between
the growth rates along the 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 directions, leading to the formation of the initial structures with different shapes. The multiple morphologies can be evolved from these varied
initial structures via the synergic effect of oriented attachment and ripening mechanism. This template‐free complex precursor‐based solution route has provided
an innovative approach to design the {100} facets with different sizes to further enrich the current morphologies of Cu2O crystals.
The Antioxidant Effect of Erythropoietin on Thalassemic Blood Cells
Authors: Amer Johnny , Dana Mutaz , Fibach Eitan
Published: December 2010

Because of its stimulating effect on RBC production, erythropoietin (Epo) is used to treat anemia, for example, in patients on dialysis or on chemotherapy. Inβ-thalassemia, where Epo levels are low relative to the degree of anemia, Epo treatment improves the anemia state. Since RBC and platelets of these patients are under oxidative stress, which may be involved in anemia and thromboembolic complications, we investigated Epo as an antioxidant. Using flow-cytometry technology, we found that in vitro treatment with Epo of blood cells from these patients increased their glutathione content and reduced their reactive oxygen species, membrane lipid peroxides, and external phosphatidylserine. This resulted in reduced susceptibility of RBC to undergo hemolysis and phagocytosis. Injection of Epo into heterozygous (Hbbth3/+)β-thalassemic mice reduced the oxidative markers within 3 hours. Our results suggest that, in addition to stimulating RBC and fetal hemoglobin production, Epo might alleviate symptoms of hemolytic anemias as an antioxidant.
Conservation Status of Marine Biodiversity in Oceania: An Analysis of Marine Species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Authors: Polidoro Beth A. , Elfes Cristiane T. , Sanciangco Jonnell C. , Pippard Helen , Carpenter Kent E.
Published: December 2010

Given the economic and cultural dependence on the marine environment in Oceania and a rapidly expanding human population, many marine species populations are in decline and may be vulnerable to extinction from a number of local and regional threats. IUCN Red List assessments, a widely used system for quantifying threats to species and assessing species extinction risk, have been completed for 1190 marine species in Oceania to date, including all known species of corals, mangroves, seagrasses, sea snakes, marine mammals, sea birds, sea turtles, sharks, and rays present in Oceania, plus all species in five important perciform fish groups. Many of the species in these groups are threatened by the modification or destruction of coastal habitats, overfishing from direct or indirect exploitation, pollution, and other ecological or environmental changes associated with climate change. Spatial analyses of threatened species highlight priority areas for both site- and species-specific conservation action. Although increased knowledge and use of newly available IUCN Red List assessments for marine species can greatly improve conservation priorities for marine species in Oceania, many important fish groups are still in urgent need of assessment.
Immunopathology of Postprimary Tuberculosis: Increased T-Regulatory Cells and DEC-205-Positive Foamy Macrophages in Cavitary Lesions
Authors: Welsh Kerry J. , Risin Semyon A. , Actor Jeffrey K. , Hunter Robert L.
Published: December 2010

Postprimary tuberculosis occurs in immunocompetent people infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis. It is restricted to the lung and accounts for 80% of cases and nearly 100% of transmission. Little is known about the immunopathology of postprimary tuberculosis due to limited availability of specimens. Tissues from 30 autopsy cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were located. Sections of characteristic lesions of caseating granulomas, lipid pneumonia, and cavitary stages of postprimary disease were selected for immunohistochemical studies of macrophages, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, and mycobacterial antigens. A higher percentage of cells in lipid pneumonia (36.1%) and cavitary lesions (27.8%) were positive for the dendritic cell marker DEC-205, compared to granulomas (9.0%,P<.05). Cavities contained significantly more T-regulatory cells (14.8%) than found in lipid pneumonia (5.2%) or granulomas (4.8%). Distribution of the immune cell types may contribute to the inability of the immune system to eradicate tuberculosis.
Purity and Defect Characterization of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Miyata Yasumitsu , Mizuno Kohei , Kataura Hiromichi
Published: December 2010

We investigated the purity and defects of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) produced by various synthetic methods including chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge, and laser ablation. The SWCNT samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. Quantitative analysis of SEM images suggested that the G-band Raman intensity serves as an index for the purity. By contrast, the intensity ratio of G-band to D-band (G/D ratio) reflects both the purity and the defect density of SWCNTs. The combination of G-band intensity and G/D ratio is useful for a quick, nondestructive evaluation of the purity and defect density of a SWCNT sample.
Expression of Proinflammatory and Regulatory Cytokines via NF-κB and MAPK-Dependent and IFN Regulatory Factor-3-Independent Mechanisms in Human Primary Monocytes Infected byMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Giacomini Elena , Remoli Maria Elena , Scandurra Marta , Gafa Valérie , Pardini Manuela , Fattorini Lanfranco , Coccia Eliana M.
Published: December 2010

Knowledge of the molecular events regulating the innate response toMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is critical for understanding immunological pathogenesis and protection from tuberculosis. To this aim, the regulation and the expression of regulatory and proinflammatory cytokines were investigated in human primary monocytes upon Mtb infection. We found that Mtb-infected monocytes preferentially express a proinflammatory cytokine profile, including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Conversely, among the regulatory cytokines, Mtb elicited IL-10 and IL-23 release while no expression of IL-12p70, IL-27, and IFN-βwas observed. The analysis of the signalling pathways leading to this selective cytokine expression showed that in monocytes Mtb activates MAPK and NF-κB but is unable to stimulate IRF-3 phosphorylation, a transcription factor required for IL-12p35 and IFN-βgene expression. Thus, by inducing a specific cytokine profile, Mtb can influence the immunoregulatory properties of monocytes, which represent important target of novel vaccinal strategies against Mtb infection.
Gastric Bypass Promotes More Lipid Mobilization Than a Similar Weight Loss Induced by Low-Calorie Diet
Authors: Kullberg Joel , Sundbom Magnus , Haenni Arvo , Freden Susanne , Johansson Lars , Börnert Peter , Ahlström Anders , Ahlström Håkan , Karlsson Anders
Published: December 2010

Background. Recently, we found large reductions in visceral and subcutaneous fat one month after gastric bypass (GBP), without any change in liver fat content.Purpose. Firstly to characterize weight loss-induced lipid mobilization after one month with preoperative low-calorie diet (LCD) and a subsequent month following GBP, and secondly, to discuss the observations with reference to our previous published findings after GBP intervention alone.Methods. 15 morbidly obese women were studied prior to LCD, at GBP, and one month after GBP. Effects on metabolism were measured by magnetic resonance techniques and blood tests.Results. Body weight was similarly reduced after both months (mean: −8.0 kg,n=13). Relative body fat changes were smaller after LCD than after GBP (−7.1±3.6% versus−10±3.2%,P=.029,n=13). Liver fat fell during the LCD month (−41%,P=.001,n=13) but was unaltered one month after GBP (+12%).Conclusion. Gastric bypass seems to cause a greater lipid mobilization than a comparable LCD-induced weight loss. One may speculate that GBP-altered gastrointestinal signalling sensitizes adipose tissue to lipolysis, promoting the changes observed.
Efficacy of the InVance™ Male Sling in Treating Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Three-Year Experience from a Single Centre
Authors: Athanasopoulos Anastasios , Konstantinopoulos Angelis , McGuire Edward
Published: December 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the InVance™ male sling in treating stress urinary incontinence. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed operative logs from a single surgeon of 43 patients treated over a 3-year period (Feb. 2004 to Nov. 2006) for stress incontinence by implantation of a male bulbourethral bone-anchoring sling (InVance™). The mean follow-up time was 24.2 months (range 4–38). Radical prostatectomy was the most common cause of incontinence in this group (33/ 43 cases; 76.7%). Efficacy was evaluated objectively in terms of the number of pads used per day, while subjective patient satisfaction was also recorded. We also investigated a possible correlation between preoperative parameters and outcome. Results: Twenty-two patients (51.2%) were cured (totally dry: 30.2%; the remainder: 1 pad per day), while 8 (18.6%) patients improved but still required two pads per day. Overall, 30 of 43 patients (69.6%) were satisfied with the outcome of the operation. Postoperative infection was the most common complication (11.6%). The severity of preoperative incontinence correlated with the outcome of the operation, with mild incontinence giving better results. Conclusions: The bone-anchored male sling is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for mild-to-moderate male urinary incontinence.
Prognostic Role of Perineural Invasion in 239 Consecutive Patients with Pathologically Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer
Authors: Masieri Lorenzo , Lanciotti Michele , Nesi Gabriella , Lanzi Federico , Tosi Nicola , Minervini Andrea , Lapini Alberto , Carini Marco , Serni Sergio
Published: December 2010

Objective: The aim of our study was to analyze the role of perineural invasion (PNI) as a predictive parameter of outcome after radical prostatectomy (RRP) in pathologically organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa) and to assess its possible correlation with other well-known prognostic features. Patients and Methods: At our institution between January 2000 and December 2007, we prospectively collected data from 251 consecutive patients with pathologically localized PCa after antegrade RRP. In our analysis 239 patients were included. PNI was defined as adenocarcinoma within the perineural space adjacent to a nerve. We evaluated the biochemical progression-free survival rate using the Kaplan-Meier method to establish the correlation between PNI and prognosis, the log-rank test to verify the statistical significance, and χ2 test to investigate the correlation between PNI and other clinicopathological parameters. Results: We found intraprostatic PNI in 157 patients (65.7%). The PNI rate was 73% (149/204) in pT2b–c vs. 26% (8/35) in pT2a surgical specimens (p < 0.001), and it was 78.5% (73/93) in patients with a Gleason score of 7–10 vs. 57% (84/146) in a Gleason score of 2–6 (p < 0.01). The mean follow-up was 65.4 (median 62, range 24–118) months. Overall, 11/239 (4.6%) patients presented biochemical recurrence after surgery and 7 (63.6%) of these patients showed PNI, but this was not statistically higher than in patients free from progression (150/228, 65.7%). The actuarial biochemical progression-free survival rate for all patients was 96.9 and 93.5% at 60 and 84 months, respectively, and the stratification based on the presence or absence of PNI did not allow us to identify different prognostic groups. Conclusions: Perineural infiltration frequently takes part in the pathway of extraprostatic extension. In our series, patients with pathological T2 stages and PNI were found to present a higher pT2 stage and Gleason score, even though our early biochemical-free outcome was not significantly higher than in patients without PNI.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Is Highly Efficient and Safe in Infants and Children under 3 Years of Age
Authors: Guven Selcuk , Istanbulluoglu Okan , Ozturk Ahmet , Ozturk Bulent , Piskin Mesut , Cicek Tufan , Kilinc Mehmet , Ozkardes Hakan , Arslan Mehmet
Published: December 2010

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in infants and small children (12–36 months). Methods: The PNL applications conducted in children <3 years of age in two centers were evaluated. Whereas pediatric PNL instrumentation was used in the first center, adult-size instrumentation was utilized in the second center. The complications were given according to the modified Clavien classification system. Results: The mean age of the patients was 22.76 months (5–36 months) and the mean body weight was 11.51 kg (6–15 kg). In twelve renal units, pediatric instrumentation was used and among these, two had miniperc. In the other eight renal units, adult-size instrumentation was employed. Except for the patient with complex renal stones, all patients were stone free after the intervention and none required a conversion to open surgery. There were grade 1–2 complications in 3 patients. The postoperative hemoglobin drop was greater in the children who underwent PNL with adult-size instrumentation. Conclusion: In this young age group, in addition to standard PNL, simultaneous bilateral PNL, tubeless PNL and in urgent cases of renal failure, urgent PNL, are safe and effective treatment modalities provided patients are selected properly and the surgeon performing the procedure has the necessary experience.