bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Contamination of the Suction Tip in Clean Orthopedic Surgeries in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Medl Nikola , Guerrero Tomás G. , Hölzle Ludwig , Hässig Michael , Lochbrunner Sebastian , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To (1) determine suction tip (intermittent and continuous mode) contamination rate in orthopedic surgery in dogs and cats; (2) examine the effect of surgical time on contamination; and (3) report bacteria isolated.

Study Design

Clinical study.

Sample Population

Clean orthopedic surgeries (n = 50).

Methods

Surgical procedures were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) continuous (n = 25) or (2) intermittent suction (n = 25). A control suction was operated in each surgery. Samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriologic examination were collected from the surgical suction at 0, 20, 60 minutes, and at the end of surgery, and from the control suction at the end of the surgery only. Comparison of continuous and intermittent suction data, and the effect of surgical time on contamination rate were analyzed using a Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis followed by a Cox proportional hazards model.P< .05 was considered significant.

Results

Aerobic contamination occurred in 22 of 50 surgical procedures and there was no anaerobic growth. There was no significant difference between continuous and intermittent suction mode groups (P= .40). Surgical time did not influence the contamination rate (P= .79). Bacterial cultures mainly revealed coagulase‐negativeStaphylococci, however multiresistant bacteria were isolated.

Conclusions

We failed to find superiority of the intermittent operation mode of the suction tip over the continuous mode. A safe time frame before contamination of the suction tip occurs that could not be defined.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Screw‐In Femoral Implant in Cementless Total Hip System
Authors: Kim James Y. , Hayashi Kei , Garcia Tanya C. , Kim Sun‐Young , Entwistle Rachel , Kapatkin Amy S. , Stover Susan M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To compare (1) proximal femoral axial strains, (2) femoral head deflection, and (3) failure mechanical properties, betweenHelica head and neck prosthesis implanted femora and normal femora.

Study Design

In vitro study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric canine femora (n = 5 pair).

Methods

Femoral bone strains and head displacement during in vitro simulation of midstance of the gallop were evaluated using cadaveric femurs cyclically loaded in vitro. Strains and displacements were compared within femurs, before and after, prosthesis implantation; and throughout cycling to seek evidence of movement with cyclic loading. Subsequently, implanted femurs and contralateral, intact femurs were loaded to failure to compare failure mechanical properties and modes of failure.

Results

Proximal femoral axial strains were significantly different between intact and implanted femora on all 4 cortical surfaces (P< .05). Compressive strains were lower in the implanted femur on all cortical surfaces, except on the caudal surface which was higher. No difference was noted for femoral head angle under an axial load corresponding to gallop (P> .05). Vertical head displacement was ∼0.1 mm greater for implanted femora than intact femora (P< .05). Yield and failure loads and yield energy of implanted femora were 39–54% lower than those for intact femora (P< .05). Mode of failure for both the intact and implanted femora did not appear to be different.

Conclusion

Helica femoral prosthesis alters strain distribution in the proximal aspect of the femur and exhibits initial micromotion. Failure load in axial compression of theHelica‐implanted femur is less than that of the normal femur, but greater than that expected in vivo.
Safety‐Net Losses from Abandoning Glass–Steagall Restrictions
Authors: CAROW KENNETH A. , KANE EDWARD J. , NARAYANAN RAJESH P.
Published: September 2011

This paper evaluates the redistribution of gains surrounding regulatory relaxations in 1996 and 1997 and ultimate passage of the Financial Services Modernization Act (FSMA) of 1999. Gains in financial institution stocks may come from projected increases in efficiency, increases in the bargaining power of financial institutions, or greater access to the federal safety net. For customers seeking improved access to capital markets, gains in efficiency should result in increased benefits, but increases in bank bargaining power could increase funding costs and/or decrease capital market access. Customers may also lose as taxpayers who support the federal safety net. This paper finds evidence of potential taxpayer losses and increased bank bargaining power, especially vis‐à‐vis credit‐constrained customers for whom safety‐net subsidies are unlikely to be shifted forward. The stock prices of credit‐constrained customers declined during FSMA event windows and in event windows associated with regulatory relaxations.
Theoretical Analysis of the Effect of Positioning on Hemodynamic Stability During Pregnancy
Authors: Summers Richard L. , Harrison James M. , Thompson James R. , Porter John , Coleman Thomas G.
Published: September 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1094–1098 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  A left lateral tilt of 15° has been advocated during trauma resuscitation of near‐term pregnant patients to avoid the potential for hemodynamic compromise caused by aortocaval compression in the supine position. This recommendation is supported by limited objective evidence, and an experimental determination of the optimal tilt required would be very difficult to accomplish logistically. A derivation of the Guyton/Coleman/Summers computer model of cardiovascular physiology was used to analyze the theoretically expected hemodynamic responses to varying degrees of lateral tilt for a normal pregnancy and during a simulated hemorrhagic shock.

Methods:  Computer simulation studies were used to predict the degree of left lateral tilt required to restore hemodynamic normalcy during the final 20 weeks of gestation. The analytic procedure involved recreating the clinical conditions for a virtual subject through a simulated reenactment of the clinical transfer of a pregnant patient from a lateral to a supine positioning. An analysis of model validity in the context of this particular clinical condition found the model predictions to be within 5% to 12% of experimental results.

Results:  During the simulated lateral to supine position transfer, the virtual patient with Class I hemorrhage had a 7% greater fall in cardiac output and a 17% greater fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) than the corresponding nonhemorrhagic patient. The model suggests that 15° of tilt will result in hemodynamic normalization only up to 26 weeks of gestation. In addition, 13% greater tilt is required to achieve hemodynamic normalcy in the hemorrhaged term pregnant patient.

Conclusions:  Current trauma guidelines suggest that the pregnant trauma patient be placed in a 15° left lateral tilt position to prevent aortocaval compression. A computer simulation study suggests that this tilt may be inadequate to offload the vena cava and normalize the circulation.
Intrapartum epidural analgesia and ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram
Authors: BECKER JEROEN H. , SCHAAP TIMME P. , WESTERHUIS MICHELLE E.M.H. , VAN WOLFSWINKEL LEO , VISSER GERARD H.A. , KWEE ANNEKE
Published: September 2011

Objective. To evaluate the influence of intrapartum epidural analgesia on the occurrence of ST events of the fetal ECG. Design. Nested case–control study. Setting. Single‐centre academic hospital in the Netherlands. Population. Laboring women with a high‐risk singleton pregnancy in cephalic position beyond 36weeks of gestation. Methods. Data of 72 women who received epidural analgesia using bupivacaine combined with sufentanil and 72 control women were collected and analyzed. The moment of epidural infusion was defined as t0. In the control group, t0 was defined by matching dilatation in centimeters. STAN® registrations from one hour before until two hours after t0 were classified, and the numbers and types of ST events were recorded and judged according to the STAN® clinical guidelines. T/QRS ratios were collected from one hour before t0 until two hours after t0, and differences were compared between the two groups. Main Outcome Measures. Numbers and types of ST events and mean T/QRS ratios before and after t0. Results. There were no significant differences between cases and control women regarding the numbers of ST events, types of ST events and whether they were significant (intervention advised) or not. Correction for outliers (three cases and three control women) did not change the results. Differences of T/QRS ratios before and after t0 were comparable between cases and control women. Conclusions. Epidural analgesia has no effect on the numbers or types of ST events when using ST analysis of the fetal ECG.
Systemic photosensitivity due to Goji berries
Authors: Gómez‐Bernal Silvia , Rodríguez‐Pazos Laura , García Martínez Francisco Javier , Ginarte Manuel , Rodríguez‐Granados María Teresa , Toribio Jaime
Published: September 2011

Systemic photosensitivity due to the intake of plants or herbal compounds is a rare phenomenon. Goji berries are widely used as a well‐being and anti‐aging remedy. In spite of this, only a few adverse reactions and no cases of photosensitivity have been reported to date. A 53‐year‐old male consulted due to a pruriginous eruption located on sun‐exposed areas of 2 weeks of duration. He had been taking Goji berries and infusions of cat's claw herb for 5 and 3 months, respectively. Minimal erythema dose for UVB (MED‐UVB) was diminished when the patient was taking these products, and became normal when they were withdrawn. Photoprovocation tests with Goji berries and cat's claw were performed. MED‐UVB decreased after the intake of Goji berries, and was normal with cat's claw. We report the first case of systemic photosensitivity due to Goji berries.
Physical activity is inversely associated with high blood pressure independently of overweight in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Christofaro D. G. D. , Ritti‐Dias R. M. , Chiolero A. , Fernandes R. A. , Casonatto J. , de Oliveira A. R.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between blood pressure (BP) levels and physical activity (PA) domains accounting for overweight/obesity. Adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old were recruited (n = 1021). International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria were used to define overweight and obesity. High BP was defined using the Center of Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Different domains of PA (school activities, sport out of school, and leisure time PA) were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 21.9% for boys and 14.8% for girls. Some 13.4% of boys and 10.2% of girls, respectively, had high blood pressure (HBP). A strong and positive association was found between overweight and HBP. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), total PA was inversely associated with BP. When all PA domains were entered simultaneously in a regression model, and after adjustment for BMI, only sport out of school was significantly and inversely associated with systolic BP [β: –0.82 (–1.50; –0.13)]. These findings open avenue for the early prevention of HBP by the prevention of obesity and promotion of PA.
Why Financial Institutions Matter: The Case of Energy Infrastructure MLPs
Authors: Ciccotello Conrad S.
Published: September 2011

Institutional investors entered the Master Limited Partnership (MLP) space in 2001 with the Kinder Morgan offering of I‐share units. In the ten years that have passed since then, the number of MLPs has quadrupled, and their total market capitalization has increased tenfold. When compared to the MLPs of the 1980s, today's MLP are more focused both in terms of operations and distribution policy. After its birth in 1981, the MLP spread to over 30 different industries. But thanks in large part to tax law changes in 1987 that have helped limit MLPs to natural resource sectors, companies adopting the MLP structure since then have been concentrated in energy, and especially in energy infrastructure. And whereas distribution policy varied considerably among the early MLPs, today's MLPs uniformly pay out a large majority of their distributable cash flow.

But to maintain or expand existing energy infrastructure while paying out most of their cash from operations, many MLPs require significant amounts of new capital. To help meet this ongoing funding requirement, new kinds of institutional intermediaries such as closed‐end C‐Corporation investment companies have emerged to provide capital to MLPs in the form of direct placements that offer flexibility with regard to offer sizing and timing. Since 2004, the total value of such direct placements of MLP units has exceeded $15 billion.

What's more, the rise of this MLP operating/C‐corporation investment company structure has resulted in a novel realignment of incentives and functions. In this innovative arrangement, the pass‐through operating vehicle (i.e., the MLP) avoids double taxation of dividends while effectively committing managers to distribute cash. At the same time, for those MLPs with large maintenance and other requirements for capital, the commitment to pay out cash effectively forces the operating companies to raise capital continuously and stay “close to the capital marketplace.” This unusual combination of operating and investment vehicles also means that C‐Corporation investment companies, unlike their pass‐through counterparts, must manage tax on their own books and disclose to their investors the after‐tax results of their portfolio trading as well as their capital gains “overhang.”
Spatial climate variation pattern and regional prediction of rainfall in Jordan
Authors: Tarawneh Qassem , Şen Zekai
Published: September 2011

Currently Jordan is facing various water problems accompanied by rapid population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation. It is of outmost importance to search for water resources augmentation possibilities leading to decision‐making procedures by addressing the rainfall sources as the main water resources in Jordan, through refined techniques. Point cumulative semivariogram (PCSV) samples are analysed in order to identify the regional dependence of the rainfall phenomena. Amman station is taken as a pivot site because of its location in the centre of the Kingdom, where the samples of the PCSV are calculated for eight systematic directions. Standard regional dependence function (SRDF) is obtained from the sample PCSV and the weighted average procedure is applied with the help of SRDF to predict the rainfall amounts. The radius of rainfall influence is determined for Amman in each direction. The cross‐validation methods are used to predict the rainfall in Amman using different samples representing along each direction. The result of cross‐validation method is acceptable in all samples with relative error not exceeding 10%, except in the desert sides where larger errors indicate weak regional dependence.
Type 2 polarized immune response holds a major position in Epstein–Barr virus‐related idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (EBV‐ITP)
Authors: JIN C.‐Q. , LIU F. , DONG H.‐X. , ZHANG J. , ZHOU J.‐W. , SONG L. , XIAO H. , ZHENG B.‐Y.
Published: September 2011

Introduction:  Dysfunctional cellular immunity is considered to be essential to the pathophysiology of Epstein–Barr virus‐related idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (EBV‐ITP). Cytokines in peripheral blood and the gene expression of transcription factors in T lymphocytes of patients with were investigated to correlate the polarization of T helper cell type 1 (Th1)/T helper cell type 2 (Th2) with the degree of thrombocytopenia.

Methods:  The expression of type 1 (T‐bet) and type 2 (GATA‐3) in T lymphocytes was detected by semiquantitative reverse‐transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and plasma cytokine levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay in 35 patients and 30 control subjects.

Results:  Th1/Th2 [(interleukin‐2 + γ‐interferon)/(interleukin‐10 + interleukin‐13)] cytokine ratios and transcription factor (T‐bet/GATA‐3) mRNA ratios were significantly decreased in patients with EBV‐ITP, and the Th1/Th2 ratio was directly correlated with platelet counts.

Conclusion:  Our findings clearly show that type 2 polarization of the autoimmune response accounts for the expression of cytokines and transcription factors in EBV‐ITP.
Fast track program for esophagectomy patients
Authors: Jianjun Qin , Yin Li , Wenqun Xing , Ming Yan , Qingfeng Jiang
Published: September 2011

Background:  A fast track (FT) program for esophagectomy patients is rarely used. We streamlined care using an algorithm for the postoperative care of patients who underwent esophagectomy to try to reduce hospital stays to 7 days while maintaining safety and patient satisfaction.

Methods:  A consecutive series of 80 patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent elective esophageal resection from 2007 to 2008 in our department was taken into the FT program. An algorithm for FT to guide postoperative care was used, featuring avoidance of the intensive care unit, early ambulation, removal of nasogastric tube and oral nutrition starting on postoperative day (POD) 1, with discharge on POD 7.

Results:  All patients were operated upon through a left posterolateral thoracotomy with a cervical esophagogastrostomy. Seventy‐eight (97.5%) patients completed the FT program. Discharge home was proposed for POD7. None was readmitted within 30 days of discharge. None suffered from anastomotic leakage. The time to first passage of flatus was 51.7 ± 8.4 h.

Conclusion:  The majority of patients with esophageal carcinoma can tolerate FT surgery. Oral nutrition starting on POD1 is safe and FT surgery is feasible for patients scheduled for elective esophageal cancer resections without compromising quality.
Prediction of sustained response to low‐dose pegylated interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin in patients with genotype 1b and high hepatitis C virus level using viral reduction within 2 weeks after therapy initiation
Authors: Tamai Hideyuki , Shingaki Naoki , Shiraki Tatsuya , Tukuda Hiroshi , Mori Yoshiyuki , Moribata Kosaku , Enomoto Shotaro , Deguchi Hisanobu , Ueda Kazuki , Inoue Izumi , Maekita Takao , Iguchi Mikitaka , Yanaoka Kimihiko , Oka Masashi , Ichinose Masao
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Continuation of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin at the recommended dose is difficult in elderly patients and/or patients with cytopenia or complications. Whether the therapeutic efficacy of low‐dose PEG‐IFN plus ribavirin therapy could be predicted based on virological response within 2 weeks of therapy initiation was evaluated.

Methods:  A total of 106 patients with a high viral load of genotype‐1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) underwent low‐dose PEG‐IFN plus ribavirin therapy. PEG‐IFN alpha 2b (0.75 µg/kg per week) and ribavirin (600–800 mg/day) were administered for 48 weeks.

Results:  Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 37%, and treatment was discontinued in 9%. On univariate analysis of SVR‐contributing factors, significant differences were noted in the white blood cell count, platelet count, fibrosis markers, and viral reduction within 2 weeks from therapy initiation. On multivariate analysis, the platelet count and the reduction in the HCV core antigen level at week 2 were independent factors. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for SVR based on a 1‐log or greater HCV‐RNA level reduction at week 2 were 65% and 90%, respectively, and those based on HCV core antigen level at week 2 were 64% and 97%, respectively. PPV and NPV based on a 2‐log or greater reduction of the RNA level were 86% and 67%, respectively, and those based on the core antigen level were 93% and 69%, respectively.

Conclusion:  Evaluation of viral reduction at week 2 after therapy initiation is useful for predicting SVR to low‐dose PEG‐IFN plus ribavirin therapy.
Cost‐effective variable selection in habitat surveys
Authors: Braun Douglas C. , Reynolds John D.
Published: September 2011

1. Researchers usually expect to understand the ecological systems better when they examine more variables. However, we cannot measure everything because time and money are limited, so we need to make difficult choices. Decisions are complicated by the fact that variables are often either uninformative or highly correlated, leading to diminishing returns on information with new variables. Correlated variables and diminishing returns on information per variable can be explicitly incorporated with costs of data collection to design cost‐effective survey programmes.

2. We develop a step‐by‐step quantitative protocol to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of survey designs under different cost scenarios to help scientists and managers design cost‐effective surveys. We illustrate this protocol using a case study that relates physical stream habitat variables to variation in sockeye salmon spawning populations.

3. We present our protocol by comparing linear regression models containing different combinations of variables representing different survey designs. The steps of the protocol are to (i) eliminate redundant variables, (ii) calculate costs scenarios, (iii) calculate survey performance metrics and (iv) identify and compare a subset of survey designs that maximize effectiveness at a given cost. Survey designs are compared by their ranked performance using R2, AICc, average cost‐effectiveness ratio and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio.

4. Our case study shows diminishing returns on the information provided by the addition of more variables as survey costs increase. The protocol supports the design of cost‐effective monitoring programmes and leads to a general discussion relating changing environmental conditions to survey costs, including the need for clear and measurable objectives, which allow scientific information to be translated into management options.
Fuel Flexibility of Anode-Supported Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Evaluated With Developed Simulated-Reformate-Gas Generator
Authors: Tanaka Yohei , Momma Akihiko , Sato Katsutoshi , Kato Tohru
Published: September 2011

Background: In general, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems are said to be flexible to various kind of fuels such as natural gas and petroleum gas. The fuels are reformed at a reformer and supplied to anode. Cell testing for 10 to 100 W-class SOFCs needs steady supply of a real reformate gas or a simulated reformate gas. However, it is difficult to reform heavier hydrocarbons without know-how and to evaporate small flow-rate of water. In addition, cell performance comparison with reformate gases of various fuels has been scarcely reported. Method of approach: A new testing system, what we call “simulated-reformate-gas generator” was developed to simulate reformate gases from H2, O2, and CO2 stably and safely without dealing with toxic CO. An anode-supported planar Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSCF cell (100 cm2) was subjected to voltage-current density (V-J) characteristic to discuss validity of the generator and to evaluate fuel flexibility with practical size of the cell. Results: It was clarified that equilibrium compositions at steam reforming of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing biodiesel (C17H33COOCH3) can be simulated with ±1.0 mol.% precision by the generator. It was found that anode gas conditions can change quickly to shorten voltage stabilizing time at testing. Furthermore, it was elucidated that V-J characteristics hardly changed for simulated reformate of CH4, C3H8, kerosene (C12H24), and biodiesel at S/C = 3.0. DC electrical efficiency was estimated for the fuels as 54.2, 52.9, 52.5, 52.3% (LHV), respectively.Conclusions: The developed simulated-reformate-gas generator is so precise and useful for cell testing, making it easy to change anode gas conditions. As long as fuels for SOFC systems are reformed to thermodynamic equilibrium, cell performance and electrical efficiency will be comparable.
Combining nanoimprint lithography and a molecular weight selective thermal reflow for the generation of mixed 3D structures
Authors: Schleunitz Arne , Spreu Christian , Vogler Marko , Atasoy Hakan , Schift Helmut
Published: September 2011

Sloped and stepped 3D structures were added to surface-patterned resists using grey-scale electron beam lithography and thermal reflow. A poly(methyl methacrylate) resist with moderate initial molecular weight of 120 kg/mol was chosen, which enabled processing with both nanoimprint and electron beam lithography. Using proper exposure doses, a molecular weight distribution was generated that allowed a selective thermal postprocessing of the exposed steps while the imprinted gratings on top of the resist were preserved. This allows fabricating mixed structures of microprisms surrounded by large-area nanogratings in the same resist layer. Working stamps were casted from the template pattern and subsequently replicated using thermal nanoimprint. As a possible application, backlight devices with arrays of light outcoupling prisms can be seen.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Gα-Interacting Protein GIV Promotes Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase During Cell Migration
Authors: Lin Changsheng , Ear Jason , Pavlova Yelena , Mittal Yash , Kufareva Irina , Ghassemian Majid , Abagyan Ruben , Garcia-Marcos Mikel , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: September 2011

GIV links ligand stimulation of various receptors to downstream activation of a kinase involved in cell migration.
Time-Dependent Quantitative Multicomponent Control of the G
1
-S Network by the Stress-Activated Protein Kinase Hog1 upon Osmostress
Authors: Adrover Miquel Àngel , Zi Zhike , Duch Alba , Schaber Jörg , González-Novo Alberto , Jimenez Javier , Nadal-Ribelles Mariona , Clotet Josep , Klipp Edda , Posas Francesc
Published: September 2011

The stress-activated protein kinase Hog1 delays bud morphogenesis and DNA replication through different cyclin proteins.
RNA-Mediated Reciprocal Regulation between Two Bacterial Operons Is RNase III Dependent
Authors: Johnson Christopher M. , Haemig Heather H. A. , Chatterjee Anushree , Wei-Shou Hu , Weaver Keith E. , Dunny Gary M.
Published: September 2011

In bacteria, RNAs regulate gene expression and function via several mechanisms. An RNA may pair with complementary sequences in a target RNA to impact transcription, translation, or degradation of the target. Control of conjugation of pCF10, a pheromone response plasmid of
Enterococcus faecalis
, is a well-characterized system that serves as a model for the regulation of gene expression in bacteria by intercellular signaling. The
prgQ
operon, whose products mediate conjugation, is negatively regulated by two products of the
prgX
operon, Anti-Q, a small RNA, and PrgX, the transcriptional repressor of the
prgQ
promoter. Here we show that Qs, an RNA from the 5′ end of the
prgQ
operon, represses expression of PrgX by targeting
prgX
mRNA for cleavage by RNase III. Our results demonstrate that the
prgQ
and
prgX
operons each use RNAs to negatively regulate gene expression from the opposing operon by different mechanisms. Such reciprocal regulation between two operons using RNAs has not been previously demonstrated. Furthermore, these results show that Qs is an unusually versatile RNA, serving three separate functions in the regulation of conjugation. Understanding the potential versatility of RNAs and their various roles in gene regulatory networks will allow us to better understand how cells regulate complex behavior.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria use RNA to regulate gene expression by a variety of mechanisms. The
prgQ
and
prgX
operons of pCF10, a conjugative plasmid of
Enterococcus faecalis
, have been shown to negatively regulate one another by a variety of mechanisms. One of these mechanisms involves Anti-Q, a small RNA from the
prgX
operon that prevents gene expression from the
prgQ
operon. In this work, we find that Qs, an RNA from the
prgQ
operon, negatively regulates gene expression from the
prgX
operon. These findings have a number of implications. (i) The Anti-Q and Qs RNAs act by different mechanisms, highlighting the variety of ways in which bacteria can regulate gene expression using RNAs. (ii) Reciprocal regulation between operons mediated by small RNAs has not been previously described, deepening our understanding of how bacteria regulate complex behavior. (iii) Additional roles for Qs have been described, demonstrating the versatility of this RNA.
Shape-persistent macrocycles — Self-assembly reactions and characterization by hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy**In memory of Professor Michael M. Pollard.
Authors: Campbell Katie , Ooms Kristopher J. , Ferguson Michael J. , Stang Peter J. , Wasylishen Roderick E. , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: September 2011

The use of three shape-persistent, conjugated macrocycles 2a–2c as ligands for self-assembly reactions is described. The macrocycles have been characterized through a combination of spectroscopic analyses and, for compounds 2b and 2c, X-ray crystallographic analysis. Whereas the reaction of 2a with the cis-Pt(II) species 3 successfully provides the porous solid 4a, the analogous reaction of 2b and 2c with 3 leads only to mixtures of products. The application of continuous-flow hyperpolarized 129Xe NMR spectroscopy to investigate the solid-state pores of macrocycles 2b and 2c and the supramolecular complex 4a as a function of temperature is described. All three species show permanent porosity upon removal of co-crystallized solvent molecules. Using trends in the 129Xe chemical shifts and temperature-dependent dynamics of Xe atoms in the solids, information is obtained on the nature of the pores in these systems. Using the 129Xe NMR data for complex 4a, the effective heat of adsorption (ΔHads) was calculated to be ~29 kJ mol–1.
Hydrogen peroxide decomposition in bicarbonate solution catalyzed by ferric citrate*This article has a companion paper in this issue (doi: 10.1139/v11-080).
Authors: Attiogbe Francis K. , Francis Raymond C.
Published: September 2011

The peroxymonocarbonate mono- and di-anions (HCO4–and CO42–) are known to be generated from H2O2/HCO3–. They are promising oxidants for wood pulp bleaching, but peroxide decomposition catalyzed by ferric complexes can be significant for pulps whose lignin is highly reactive. Dicarboxylates from lignin peroxidation are believed to be the ferric chelators in the pH 8.5 range that is optimum for H2O2/HCO3–. This investigation aimed to see if HCO3–addition caused destabilization of the peroxygen system owing to its partial conversion to HCO4–. This anionic peracid is a much stronger oxidant than H2O2and could lead to a higher rate of Fe(II) oxidation to Fe(III) and (or) Fe(IV). For most free radical chain mechanisms, an increase in Fe(II) oxidation results in a higher rate of peroxide decomposition. Based on the kinetic data that were obtained and theoretical analyses, it was concluded that HCO4–did not significantly destabilize the peroxygen system when citrate was used as a model chelator for Fe(III). Increasing the [HCO3–] fourfold from 0.025 to 0.10 mol/L caused the decomposition rate to increase by only 20%.
Triterpenoid saponins from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa
Authors: Gao Guang-Chun , Lu Zhong-Xian , Tao Shu-Hong , Zhang Si , Wang Fa-Zuo , Li Qing-Xin
Published: September 2011

Four new triterpenoid saponins, Catunaroside E (1; 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-siaresinolic acid), Catunaroside F (2; 3-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-28-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-oleanolic acid), Catunaroside G (3; 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]- 28-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-siaresinolic acid), and Catunaroside H (4; 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl}-28-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-siaresinolic acid), and the known triterpenoid saponin Mussaendoside J (5), were isolated from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa . Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidence.
EFFECT OF APPLIED ELECTRIC FIELD ON ACCEPTOR STATES IN ZINC-BLENDE InGaN/GaN QUANTUM DOT
Authors: WEI YINGNAI , XIA C. X. , LIU Y. M. , ZENG Z. P. , WEI S. Y.
Published: September 2011

Based on the effective-mass approximation, the acceptor binding energy in a cylindrical zinc-blende (ZB) InGaN / GaN single quantum dot (QD) is investigated variationally in the presence of the applied electric field. Numerical results show that the acceptor binding energy is highly dependent on the applied electric field, impurity positions and QD size. The applied electric field also induces an asymmetric distribution of the acceptor binding energy with respect to the center of the QD. Moreover, in the presence of the applied electric field, the acceptor binding energy is insensitive to dot height when the impurity is located at the left boundary of the ZB In 0.1 Ga 0.9 N / GaN QD with large dot height (H≥6 nm). In particular, the acceptor binding energy of the impurity located at the left boundary of the ZB In 0.1 Ga 0.9 N / GaN QD is identical for different dot height when the applied electric field F≥350 KV/cm. This result can be of interest for the technological purpose, as it could involve a source of control some impurity-related properties in these systems under the applied electric field.
A GENERATIVE MODEL OF OFFENDERS' SPATIAL BEHAVIOUR
Authors: BACHE RICHARD , CRESTANI FABIO
Published: September 2011

The relationship between distance travelled to an offence and frequency of offending has traditionally been expressed as a (downward-sloping) decay function and such a curve is typically used to fit empirical data. It is proposed here that a decay function should be viewed as a probability density function. It is then possible to construct generative models to assign probabilities to suspects from a set of known offenders whose past crimes are stored in a police data archive. Probabilities can then be used to prioritise suspects in an investigation and calculate the probability of being the culprit. Two functional forms of the decay function are considered: negative exponential and power. These are shown empirically to outperform a basic model which simply ranks suspects by distance from the crime. The model is then extended to include also preferred direction of travel which varies between offenders. If direction of travel is incorporated then predictions become more accurate. The generative decay model has two advantages over a basic model. Firstly it can incorporate other information such as past frequency of offending. Secondly, it provides an estimate of suspect likelihood indicating the trustworthiness of any inference by the model.
FUZZY SIMILARITIES TO COMPARE DEFORMED IMAGES
Authors: LIZASOAIN INMACULADA , MORENO CRISTINA
Published: September 2011

We use the concept of fuzzy similarity to compare the objects of a free image algebra (a set of objects which a group is acting on). In particular, we study those fuzzy similarities that are preserved by the action of the group. Later we consider a deformation mechanism of the image algebra and trackle the problem of comparing deformed images. For that purpose, we characterize those deformation mechanisms that are equivalent to the induced action from a subgroup of the group of deformations. In that case, by using techniques from group representation theory, we extend any fuzzy similarity defined on the image algebra to a fuzzy similarity defined on the whole space of deformed images. Moreover, we prove that the invariance of the similarity with respect to the group action is preserved by this extension.
Clenbuterol suppresses proteasomal and lysosomal proteolysis and atrophy-related genes in denervated rat soleus muscles independently of Akt
Authors: Gonçalves Dawit A. P. , Silveira Wilian A. , Lira Eduardo C. , Graça Flávia A. , Paula-Gomes Silvia , Zanon Neusa M. , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C. C.
Published: September 2011

Although it is well known that administration of the selective β2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol (CB) protects muscle following denervation (DEN), the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We report that in vivo treatment with CB (3 mg/kg sc) for 3 days induces antiproteolytic effects in normal and denervated rat soleus muscle via distinct mechanisms. In normal soleus muscle, CB treatment stimulates protein synthesis, inhibits Ca2+-dependent proteolysis, and increases the levels of calpastatin protein. On the other hand, the administration of CB to DEN rats ameliorates the loss of muscle mass, enhances the rate of protein synthesis, attenuates hyperactivation of proteasomal and lysosomal proteolysis, and suppresses the transcription of the lysosomal protease cathepsin L and of atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF1, two ubiquitin (Ub) ligases involved in muscle atrophy. These effects were not associated with alterations in either IGF-I content or Akt phosphorylation levels. In isolated muscles, CB (10−6M) treatment significantly attenuated DEN-induced overall proteolysis and upregulation in the mRNA levels of the Ub ligases. Similar responses were observed in denervated muscles exposed to 6-BNZ-cAMP (500 μM), a PKA activator. The in vitro addition of triciribine (10 μM), a selective Akt inhibitor, did not block the inhibitory effects of CB on proteolysis and Ub ligase mRNA levels. These data indicate that short-term treatment with CB mitigates DEN-induced atrophy of the soleus muscle through the stimulation of protein synthesis, downregulation of cathepsin L and Ub ligases, and consequent inhibition of lysosomal and proteasomal activities and that these effects are independent of Akt and possibly mediated by the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
An Irritable Infant and the Runaway Redback: An Instructive Case
Authors: Ward Thomas R. , Falconer James A. , Craven John A.
Published: September 2011

The envenomation syndrome of Redback spider bites, lactrodectism, is distinctive. However diagnosis can be difficult due to an atypical presentation. We describe the case of a 1 year old boy with irritability, diaphoresis and reduced oral intake, in whom a diagnosis was made of redback spider bite. Successful resolution of symptoms was achieved following treatment with antivenom. The symptoms and management of redback spider bites is discussed.
Superstability of Generalized Higher Derivations
Authors: Shateri T. L.
Published: September 2011

We define the notion of an approximate generalized higher derivation and investigate the superstability of strong generalized higher derivations.
Ethephon Stimulation and Yield Response of SomeHeveaClones in the Humid Forests of South West Cameroon
Authors: Njukeng J. N. , Muenyi P. M. , Ngane B. K. , Ehabe E. E.
Published: September 2011

Several exploitation systems are being used today to sustainably improve dry rubber production by the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). These involve different combinations of tapping frequencies, cut lengths, stimulation frequencies, and stimulant concentrations. Such combinations are much easier to ascertain for confirmed clones as opposed to new introductions, for which extensive testing is required. A study was therefore conducted in the South West region of Cameroon characterized by a monomodal rainfall regime (one dry and one rainy season) to evaluate yield response to Ethephon stimulation (conc. 2.5%) of some newly introduced rubber clones (IRCA 18, IRCA 19, RRIC 100, and RRIC 110) for large-scale planting in Cameroon. Generally, annual yields and tree productivity ranged between the referenced clones tested: some closer to the intermediate yielding GT 1 (IRCA 18 and IRCA 19) and others to the high yielding PB clones (RRIC 100 and RRIC 110) indicating thereby the possible convenient adoption of some established exploitation regimes for these new introductions. Climatic factors like cumulative rainfall and relative humidity conditioned rubber yields of clones tested and considerably accounted for yield variations. These results could be used as a first step towards deriving regional climate models for predicting rubber yields, especially in an era of global climate change.
Time Reversal in Subwavelength-Scaled Resonant Media: Beating the Diffraction Limit
Authors: Lemoult Fabrice , Ourir Abdelwaheb , de Rosny Julien , Tourin Arnaud , Fink Mathias , Lerosey Geoffroy
Published: September 2011

Time reversal is a physical concept that can focus waves both spatially and temporally regardless of the complexity of the propagation medium. Time reversal mirrors have been demonstrated first in acoustics, then with electromagnetic waves, and are being intensively studied in many fields ranging from underwater communications to sensing. In this paper, we will review the principles of time reversal and in particular its ability to focus waves in complex media. We will show that this focusing effect depends on the complexity of the propagation medium rather than on the time reversal mirror itself. A modal approach will be utilized to explain the physical mechanism underlying the concept. A particular focus will be given on the possibility to break the diffraction barrier from the far field using time reversal. We will show that finite size media made out of coupled subwavelength resonators support modes which can radiate efficiently in the far field spatial information of the near field of a source. We will show through various examples that such a process, due to reversibility, permits to beat the diffraction limit using far field time reversal, and especially that this result occurs owing to the broadband inherent nature of time reversal.
Immunopathology and Immunogenetics of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Knutsen Alan P.
Published: September 2011

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a Th2 hypersensitivity lung disease in response toAspergillus fumigatusthat affects asthmatic and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Sensitization toA. fumigatusis common in both atopic asthmatic and CF patients, yet only 1%–2% of asthmatic and 7%–9% of CF patients develop ABPA. ABPA is characterized by wheezing and pulmonary infiltrates which may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and/or bronchiectasis. The inflammatory response is characterized by Th2 responses toAspergillusallergens, increased serum IgE, and eosinophilia. A number of genetic risks have recently been identified in the development of ABPA. These include HLA-DR and HLA-DQ, IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4RA) polymorphisms,IL-10 −1082GApromoter polymorphisms, surfactant protein A2 (SP-A2) polymorphisms, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) mutations. The studies indicate that ABPA patients are genetically at risk to develop skewed and heightened Th2 responses toA. fumigatusantigens. These genetic risk studies and their consequences of elevated biologic markers may aid in identifying asthmatic and CF patients who are at risk to the development of ABPA. Furthermore, these studies suggest that immune modulation with medications such as anti-IgE, anti-IL-4, and/or IL-13 monoclonal antibodies may be helpful in the treatment of ABPA.
Decision Making in Uncertain Rural Scenarios by means of Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
Authors: Armero Eva , García-Cascales M. Socorro , Gómez-López M. Dolores , Lamata M. Teresa
Published: September 2011

A great deal of uncertain information which is difficult to quantify is taken into account by farmers and experts in the enterprise when making decisions. We are interested in the problems of the implementation of a rabbit-breeding farm. One of the first decisions to be taken refers to the design or type of structure for housing the animals, which is determined by the level of environmental control sought to be maintained in its interior. A farmer was consulted, and his answers were incorporated into the analysis, by means of the fuzzy TOPSIS methodology. The main purpose of this paper is to study the problem by means of the fuzzy TOPSIS method as multicriteria decision making, when the information was given in linguistic terms.
Efficacy and Safety of Human Placental Extract Solution on Fatigue: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Kang-Kon , Choi Whan-Seok , Yum Keun-Sang , Song Sang-Wook , Ock Sun-Myeong , Park Sat-Byul , Kim Moon-Jong
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Fatigue is a common symptom, but only a few effective treatments are available. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the human placental extract solution, which has been known to have a fatigue recovery effect.Methods. A total of 315 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 (with Unicenta solution administration), group 2 (with exclusively human placental extract administration, excluding other ingredients from the Unicenta solution), and the placebo group. Subsequently, solutions were administered for four weeks.Results. The fatigue recovery rate was 71.00% in group 1, 71.72% in group 2, and 44.21% in the placebo group, which show statistically significant differences between the group 1 and the placebo group (Pvalue = 0.0002), and between group 2 and the placebo group (Pvalue = 0.0001).Conclusion. The human placental extract solution was effective in the improvement of fatigue.
Nonlinear Optical Signal Processing for Tbit/s Ethernet Applications
Authors: Oxenløwe L. K. , Galili M. , Mulvad H. C. Hansen , Hu H. , Areal J. L. , Palushani E. , Ji H. , Clausen A. T. , Jeppesen P.
Published: September 2011

Wereviewrecent experimental demonstrations of Tbaud optical signal processing. In particular, we describe a successful 1.28 Tbit/s serial data generation based on single polarization 1.28 Tbaud symbol rate pulses with binary data modulation (OOK) and subsequent all-optical demultiplexing. We also describe the first error-free 5.1 Tbit/s data generation and demodulation based on a single laser, where a 1.28 Tbaud symbol rate is used together with quaternary phase modulation (DQPSK) and polarization multiplexing. The 5.1 Tbit/s data signal is all-optically demultiplexed and demodulated by direct detection in a delay-interferometer-balanced detector-based receiver, yielding a BER less than 10−9. We also present subsystems making serial optical Tbit/s systems compatible with standard Ethernet data for data centre applications and present Tbit/s results using, for instance silicon nanowires.
Protein Glycosylation inAspergillus fumigatusIs Essential for Cell Wall Synthesis and Serves as a Promising Model of Multicellular Eukaryotic Development
Authors: Jin Cheng
Published: September 2011

Glycosylation is a conserved posttranslational modification that is found in all eukaryotes, which helps generate proteins with multiple functions. Our knowledge of glycosylation mainly comes from the investigation of the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand mammalian cells. However, during the last decade, glycosylation in the human pathogenic moldAspergillus fumigatushas drawn significant attention. It has been revealed that glycosylation inA. fumigatusis crucial for its growth, cell wall synthesis, and development and that the process is more complicated than that found in the budding yeastS. cerevisiae. The present paper implies that the investigation of glycosylation inA. fumigatusis not only vital for elucidating the mechanism of fungal cell wall synthesis, which will benefit the design of new antifungal therapies, but also helps to understand the role of protein glycosylation in the development of multicellular eukaryotes. This paper describes the advances in functional analysis of protein glycosylation inA. fumigatus.