bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4′-Chlorodiazepam, a translocator protein (18 kDa) antagonist, improves cardiac functional recovery during postischemia reperfusion in rats
Authors: Xiao Junjie , Liang Dandan , Zhang Hong , Liu Ying , Li Fajie , Chen Yi-Han
Published: May 2010

Inhibition of translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) can effectively prevent reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and improve postischemic contractile performance. Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, mediated mainly through oxidative stress during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), is a key event in reperfusion injury. 4′-Chlorodiazepam is a widely used TSPO antagonist. However, whether 4′-chlorodiazepam can improve cardiac functional recovery during postischemia reperfusion by affecting oxidative enzymes, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby inhibiting mPTP opening is still unknown. Cardiac function including heart rate, coronary flow rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal time derivatives of pressure (±d P/d t max) and the severity of ventricular arrhythmias were analyzed in isolated rat hearts during I/R. mPTP opening, ROS and oxidative enzyme activities were measured with fluorometric or spectrophotometric techniques. 4′-Chlorodiazepam did not affect heart rate and coronary flow rate, but abolished the increase in LVEDP, accelerated the recovery of LVDP and ±d P/d t max, and reduced the severity of ventricular arrhythmias. The mPTP opening probability was reduced by 4′-chlorodiazepam, accompanied by a reduction in ROS level. In addition, the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I and complex III were increased, while those of xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase were reduced. Therefore, 4′-chlorodiazepam may improve cardiac functional recovery during reperfusion, potentially by affecting the activities of oxidative enzymes, reducing ROS and thereby inhibiting mPTP opening. The present study presents evidence that 4′-chlorodiazepam could be a novel adjunct to reperfusion.
Salvianolic acid B attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating mediators in death receptor and mitochondrial pathways
Authors: Yan Xiuchuan , Zhou Tao , Tao Yanyan , Wang Qinglan , Liu Ping , Liu Chenghai
Published: May 2010

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is a water-soluble compound found in the traditional Chinese medicine, Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, and has been widely used to treat a variety of diseases in Asian cultures. Sal B was shown to inhibit apoptosis in many cell types, but its effect on hepatocyte apoptosis is unknown. In this study, we attempt to show that Sal B attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic injury induced by lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine in mice. Sal B also inhibits apoptosis that is induced by the death receptor in the HL-7702 hepatocyte cell line. Apoptosis in vitro is determined by flow cytometry, DNA electrophoresis and high content screening assay. The antiapoptotic effect is generated by reducing the expression of tumor necrosis factor α receptor type 1, balancing the expression of Bcl-2 family members, decreasing the release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytosol and inhibiting activated Caspase-3. These findings suggest that Sal B can effectively inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis as well as the underlying mechanisms related to regulating mediators in death receptor and mitochondrial pathways.
Time course of retinal degeneration associated with the absence of 1, 4, 5-inositol trisphosphate receptor in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Vázquez-Martínez Olivia , Loranca Angélica , Palma-Tirado Lourdes , Wischin-Fuentes Sabina , Villalobos-Leal Mónica , Antaramián Anaid , Riesgo-Escovar Juan , Hernández-Muñoz Rolando , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio
Published: May 2010

The absence of the inositol trisphosphate receptor is associated with a gradual retinal degeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. To characterize the time-course profile of this process, mosaic flies expressing a null allele of the itp gene in the eye were studied by electroretinograms and electronic microscopy. Membrane contour alterations, disrupted mitochondria, altered morphology and even loss of photoreceptors were increased progressively starting 5 d after hatching, were more evident during days 10–15 and promoted highly disorganized structures thereafter. The synaptic transmission and membrane potential of retinal cells were also significantly distorted, showing reduced ON and OFF transients as well as membrane potential from day 10 of hatching, and the functional defects became progressively more severe. Unexpectedly, these alterations were detected not only in the non-pigmented mutant ommatidia, but also in the pigmented ommatidia, including heterozygous and twin clones expressing 1, 4, 5-inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). To explore the mechanism underlying this degenerative process, the progression of pro-oxidant and apoptotic reactions was characterized by immunohistochemical techniques. Mutant ommatidia showed intermittent episodes of increased pro-oxidant reactions (detected as adducts of 4-hydroxy-nonenal) throughout the fly's life. Similarly, several episodes of active caspase 3, an apoptotic effector, were evident with the same time pattern. Episodes of enhanced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis were also observed in the pigmented ommatidia of the mosaic eyes. The results indicate that photoreceptors lacking IP3R suffer episodes of increased lipid peroxidation, which eventually perturb the retinal subcellular organization and disrupt the phototransduction process and cell viability. Pigmented ommatidia also showed a similar pattern of damage, indicating that the degenerative process is non-autonomous and is so intense that it propagated to the non-mutant retinal cells in the mosaic eyes. In conclusion, ommatidia with a null mutation of IP3R degenerate by a process associated with intermittent lipid peroxidation and apoptotic activities.
The Hedgehog morphogen in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Bijlsma Maarten F , Spek C Arnold
Published: May 2010

The developmental Hedgehog (Hh) protein family is known to be pivotal in many embryonic patterning events and the number of processes in which Hh plays an essential role is expanding persistently. Recently, it has become clear that the Hh pathway is not only active in the developing embryo but also in the adult organism. For example, Hh has been suggested to salvage ischemia-induced tissue damage although endogenous Hh might be deleterious during the early phase of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion. The current review provides an overview of the history of Hh biology and discusses some novel insights on Hh cell biology. Hh function in pathophysiology as well as recent findings concerning Hh signaling in ischemia models, especially in light of cardiovascular disease, is discussed in more detail and future perspectives are proposed.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in SMAD3 are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yang Ting , Ying Binwu , Song Xingbo , Zhang Sizhong , Fan Hong , Xu Dan , Wang Tao , Liu Daishun , Wen Fuqiang
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Smad3 gene in the Chinese population and their possible association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The frequency distribution of nine SNPs in the introns of the Smad3 gene was determined in both the COPD patients and control groups by the TaqMan polymerase chain reaction method using a minor groove binder probe. The genotype distribution of the rs28683050 polymorphism in control subjects was as follows: CC, 67.6%; CT, 27.0% and TT, 5.4%; and in COPD patients was as follows: CC, 47.0%; CT, 38.8% and TT, 14.2%. Therefore, a significant difference in allelic and genotypic frequencies between the COPD patients and control subjects is observed. Their genotypic distribution was not significantly different from that predicted by Hardy–Weinberg's equilibrium. The frequency of the TT genotype in the COPD patients was significantly higher than that in controls (14.2% versus 5.4%, odds ratio [OR] = 3.762, 95% confidence interval: 1.650–8.581, P = 0.002), and the frequency of the T allele in the COPD patients was significantly higher than that in controls (81.1% versus 66.4%, OR = 1.774, 95% confidence interval: 1.354–2.324, P = 0.001). These data show that the rs28683050 polymorphism of the Smad3 gene may be associated with COPD.
Poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1 and health
Authors: Kirkland James B
Published: May 2010

Niacin (vitamin B3) is required to form nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), which are involved in scores of anabolic and catabolic redox reactions throughout metabolism. It is now understood that NAD+ is also a substrate for several families of ADP-ribosylation reactions, which control processes like DNA repair, replication and transcription, the activity of G-proteins, chromatin structure and intracellular calcium signalling. Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is the most active of the PARP enzymes, and it has been implicated in both prevention and aggravation of disease processes. Inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose formation will tend to cause genomic instability and tumorigenesis in chronic models of DNA damage, but the same inhibition can prevent many acute disease processes, such as stroke, myocardial infarction and septic shock. In models of acute stress, PARP-1 inhibition may protect cellular NAD pools and prevent nuclear factor- κB-dependent inflammatory signalling, while long-term protective roles for PARP-1 include DNA repair and regulation of chromatin structure. Promising new PARP-1 inhibitors may display interactions with dietary niacin status and may have long-term deleterious effects on genomic stability, but may be extremely valuable for the treatment of acute inflammatory conditions.
Ash2l interacts with Tbx1 and is required during early embryogenesis
Authors: Stoller Jason Z , Huang Li , Tan Cheryl C , Huang Facan , Zhou Diane D , Yang Jifu , Gelb Bruce D , Epstein Jonathan A
Published: May 2010

TBX1 encodes a DNA binding transcription factor that is commonly deleted in human DiGeorge syndrome and plays an important role in heart development. Mechanisms of Tbx1 function, such as Tbx1 interacting regulatory proteins and transcriptional target specificity, are largely unknown. Ash2l is the mammalian homolog of Drosophila Ash2 (absent small homeotic 2) and is a core component of a multimeric histone methyltransferase complex that epigenetically regulates transcription via methylation of histone lysine residues. We undertook an unbiased yeast two-hybrid screen to look for functionally relevant Tbx1-interacting proteins and report a physical and functional interaction between Tbx1 and Ash2l. Tbx1 interacts with Ash2l in both yeast and mammalian cells and Ash2l acts as a transcriptional co-activator in luciferase reporter assays. Expression analysis shows that Tbx1 and Ash2l have overlapping mRNA and protein expression patterns during development. By generating an Ash2l knockout mouse utilizing gene-trap technology, we show that although Ash2l heterozygous mice are normal, Ash2l-null embryos die early during gestation. Thus, Ash2l is required for the earliest stages of embryogenesis. Furthermore, our finding of a physical interaction between Tbx1 and Ash2l suggest that at least some functions of Tbx1 may be mediated by direct interactions with a histone methyltransferase complex.
Anti-inflammatory activity of soy and tea in prostate cancer prevention
Authors: Hsu Anna , Bray Tammy M , Ho Emily
Published: May 2010

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of death for men in the USA. Prostate cancer risk is significantly lower in Asian countries compared with the USA, which has prompted interest in the potential chemo-preventive action of soy and green tea that are more predominant in Asian diets. It has been proposed that chronic inflammation is a major risk factor of prostate cancer, acting as both an initiator and promoter. Specifically, the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB) pathway has been implicated as an important mediator between chronic inflammation, cell proliferation and prostate cancer. Dietary factors that inhibit inflammation and NF- κB may serve as effective chemo-preventive agents. Recent studies have demonstrated that soy and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties, and may have the potential to block the inflammatory response during cancer progression. This minireview discusses the relationship between chronic inflammation and prostate cancer, emphasizing on the significance of NF- κB, and further explores the anti-inflammatory effects of soy and green tea. Finally, we propose that dietary strategies that incorporate these bioactive food components as whole foods may be a more effective means to target pathways that contribute to prostate cancer development.
Studies on molecular mechanisms of growth inhibitory effects of thymoquinone against prostate cancer cells: role of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Koka Padma Sandeep , Mondal Debasis , Schultz Michelle , Abdel-Mageed Asim B , Agrawal Krishna C
Published: May 2010

Thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient of black seed oil ( Nigella Sativa), has been shown to possess antineoplastic activity against a variety of experimental tumors. However, the precise mechanism of action of TQ is not known. We investigated the mechanism of action of TQ in androgen receptor (AR)-independent (C4-2B) and AR naïve (PC-3) prostate cancer cells, as models of aggressive prostate cancers. Exposure (24–48 h) to TQ (25–150 μmol/L) inhibited the growth of both C4-2B and PC-3 cells, with IC50 values of approximately 50 and 80 μmol/L, respectively. Within one hour, TQ increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (3-fold) and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels (60%) in both cell types. Pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited both TQ-induced ROS generation and growth inhibition. TQ did not increase the activity of caspases and the caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-FMK did not decrease TQ-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, although TQ treatment resulted in the activation of Jun kinase (JNK), pretreatment with the JNK inhibitor, SP600125, did not protect cells from TQ. However, TQ significantly up-regulated the expressions of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene (GADD45 α) and apoptosis-inducing factor-1 and down-regulated the expressions of several Bc12-related proteins, such as BAG-1, Bcl2, Bcl2A1, Bcl2L1 and BID. In C4-2B cells, TQ dose dependently inhibited both total and nuclear AR levels (4–5 fold) and AR-directed transcriptional activity (10–12 fold). Interestingly, this suppressive effect on AR was not prevented by NAC, which clearly suggested that TQ-induced cytotoxicity is not due to changes in AR regulation. These data suggest that TQ-induced cell death is primarily due to increased ROS generation and decreased GSH levels, and is independent of AR activity.
Macro to nano: a simple method for transporting cultured cells from milliliter scale to nanoliter scale
Authors: Seale Kevin T , Faley Shannon L , Chamberlain Jeff , Wikswo John P
Published: May 2010

Microfluidic devices are well-suited for the study of metabolism and paracrine and autocrine signaling because they allow steady or intermittent perfusion of biological cells at cell densities that approach those in living tissue. They also enable the study of small populations of rare cells. However, it can be difficult to introduce the cells into a microfluidic device to achieve and control such densities without damaging or clumping the cells. We describe simple procedures that address the problem of efficient introduction of cells and cell culture media into microfluidic devices using small bore polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tubing and Hamilton gastight syringes. Suspension or adherent cells grown in cell culture flasks are centrifuged and extracted directly from the centrifuge pellet into the end of the PEEK tubing by aspiration. The tube end is then coupled to prepunched channels in the polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device by friction fitting. Controlled depression of the syringe plunger expels the cells into the microfluidic device only seconds following aspiration. The gastight syringes and PEEK tubing with PEEK fittings provide a non-compliant source of pressure and suction with a rapid response time that is well suited for short-term intramicrofluidic cellular studies. The benefits of this method are its simplicity, modest expense, the short preparation time required for loading appropriate numbers of cells and the applicability of the technique to small quantities of rare or expensive cells. This should in turn lead to new applications of microfluidic devices to biology and medicine.
Situation, motivation, implementation and results of telehealth-enabled health care
Authors: Hueppmeier Roland J , Single Angela , Welte Ileana
Published: May 2010

Well-implemented telehealth systems can reduce the total costs of care by reducing emergency hospital visits and unnecessary treatment. Telehealth is especially well-suited to supporting patients with chronic, complex or co-morbid conditions. A substantial body of research – much from the USA – documents the value of a commercially-available system which supplements remote monitoring with daily questions about the patient's health and behaviours. However, there are still very few large scale deployments of telehealth because the best practices needed to implement it are still being developed.
The use of kiosk technology in general practice
Authors: Lowe Charles , Cummin Debbie
Published: May 2010

We have attempted to quantify the benefit to both patients and professional users from introducing ‘self-service’ kiosks into the waiting rooms of general practitioners (GPs). We conducted a series of interviews with practice managers, GPs and patients in practices where kiosks had been used. We then estimated the time savings and other benefits. There were significant time savings both for nursing and GP staff, and similar time savings for patients. We estimate that the total time savings would be equivalent to one health-care assistant for a practice size of 10–12,000. Practice income was enhanced as a result of the improved information gathering made possible by the kiosks. These effects resulted in improved patient outcomes. The key to successful implementation appears to be strong support, particularly from reception staff to encourage and facilitate the use of kiosks. To maximise the benefits, GPs and nurses must be prepared to change their ways of working.
Isoflurane and sevoflurane provide equally effective anaesthesia in laboratory mice
Authors: Cesarovic Nikola , Nicholls Flora , Rettich Andreas , Kronen Peter , Hässig Michael , Jirkof Paulin , Arras Margarete
Published: May 2010

Isoflurane is currently the most common volatile anaesthetic used in laboratory mice, whereas in human medicine the more modern sevoflurane is often used for inhalation anaesthesia. This study aimed to characterize and compare the clinical properties of both anaesthetics for inhalation anaesthesia in mice. In an approach mirroring routine laboratory conditions (spontaneous breathing, gas supply via nose mask, preventing hypothermia by a warming mat) a 50 min anaesthesia was performed. Anaesthetics were administered in oxygen as carrier gas at standardized dosages of 1.5 minimum alveolar concentrations, which was 2.8% for isoflurane and 4.9% for sevoflurane. Both induction and recovery from anaesthesia proceeded quickly, within 1–2 min. During anaesthesia, all reflex testing was negative and no serious impairment of vital functions was found; all animals survived. The most prominent side-effect during anaesthesia was respiratory depression with hypercapnia, acidosis and a marked decrease in respiration rate. Under anaesthesia, heart rate and core body temperature remained within the normal range, but were significantly increased for 12 h after anaesthesia. Locomotor activity, daily food and water consumption and body weight progression showed no abnormalities after anaesthesia. No significant difference was found between the two anaesthetics. In conclusion, isoflurane and sevoflurane provided an equally reliable anaesthesia in laboratory mice.
Moment-to-Moment Optimal Branding in TV Commercials: Preventing Avoidance by Pulsing
Authors: Teixeira Thales S. , Wedel Michel , Pieters Rik
Published: May 2010

We develop a conceptual framework about the impact that branding activity (the audiovisual representation of brands) and consumers' focused versus dispersed attention have on consumer moment-to-moment avoidance decisions during television advertising. We formalize this framework in a dynamic probit model and estimate it with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Data on avoidance through zapping, along with eye tracking on 31 commercials for nearly 2,000 participants, are used to calibrate the model. New, simple metrics of attention dispersion are shown to strongly predict avoidance. Independent of this, central on-screen brand positions, but not brand size, further promote commercial avoidance. Based on the model estimation, we optimize the branding activity that is under marketing control for ads in the sample to reduce commercial avoidance. This reveals that brand pulsing—while keeping total brand exposure constant—decreases commercial avoidance significantly. Both numerical simulations and a controlled experiment using regular and edited commercials, respectively, provide evidence of the benefits of brand pulsing to ward off commercial avoidance. Implications for advertising management and theory are addressed.
Fatigue Damage Severity Calculation for Vibration Tests
Authors: Lee Yung-Li , Polehna Dennis , Kang Hong-Tae
Published: May 2010

An analytical solution to calculate a fatigue damage spectrum for a linear single degree-of-freedom system is presented to assess fatigue damage severity for various vibration test specifications. This solution can be served as the fundamental to develop an accelerated vibration test specification based on the real measured customer usage data and the use of material. Fundamentals of vibration characteristics for sinusoidal and random vibrations are well described in this paper. The state-of-the-art frequency-based fatigue theories are also reviewed. Finally, this paper compares the calculation results for a product subject to the vibration loads defined in IEC-60068-2-6 and ISO 16750-3.
Modellbasierte Überwachung und Fehlerdiagnose von kontinuierlichen technischen Prozessen
Authors: Isermann Rolf
Published: May 2010

Durch zunehmende Anforderungen an hochzuverlässige und sichere Prozesse, an Lebenszykluskosten und an das Assetmanagement kommt der Überwachung und Fehlerdiagnose aller wichtiger Komponenten technischer Anlagen eine wesentliche Bedeutung zu. Der Beitrag gibt zunächst eine Übersicht von einigen signalgestützten und modellgestützten Methoden zur Erkennung von fehlerhaften Änderungen des normalen Prozessverhaltens. Hierbei gelingt es durch Analyse einzelner periodischer oder stochastischer Signale mit Methoden der Spektralanalyse und durch Analyse mehrerer Ein- und Ausgangssignale über Prozessmodelle mit Parameterschätzung, Beobachtern oder Paritätsgleichungen mehrere Symptome zu erzeugen. Diese bilden die Grundlagen für eine Fehlerdiagnose mit Klassifikations- oder Inferenzmethoden. Das prinzipielle Vorgehen wird an einer Auswahl von am Institut für Automatisierungstechnik untersuchten technischen Prozessen, wie einem hydraulischen Aktor, Elektroantrieben, Kreiselpumpen, Verbrennungsmotoren und Kraftfahrzeugen kurz erläutert und es werden experimentelle Ergebnisse für eingebaute Fehler beschrieben. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Zusammenfassung bisher erreichter Ergebnisse und einer Beurteilung der angewandten Methoden, die im Laufe der Jahre entwickelt wurden. Der Beitrag soll mit Hilfe der Beispiele die Anwendbarkeit deutlich machen.
Multitouch-Produkte: Welche kulturellen Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten gibt es bei der Nutzung von Gesten
Authors: Le Hong Sylvia , Koller Franz
Published: May 2010

Gesten, die während eines Gesprächs verwendet werden, können in verschiedenen Ländern eine ganz unterschiedliche Bedeutung haben. Doch gibt es auch kulturelle Unterschiede bei Gesten, die zur Bedienung eines Multi-Touchscreen-Geräts genutzt werden? Die International Usability Partners (IUP) haben eine Pilotstudie in den USA und Deutschland durchgeführt. Diese bildete den Auftakt für eine weltweite Untersuchung in insgesamt neun Ländern. Pro Land nahmen 40 Nutzer an der Studie teil. Die Probanden mussten für insgesamt 28 verschiedene Aktionen, wie zum Beispiel das Löschen eines Items, eine entsprechende Geste finden. Als Stimulus-Material dienten Bilder, die den Vorher- und Nachher-Zustand eines mobilen Multitouch- Geräts darstellen. Der deutlichste kulturelle Unterschied zeigte sich in der Nutzung von symbolischen Gesten versus direkten Manipulationen: Chinesische Nutzer verwenden signifikant mehr symbolische Gesten (z. B. Schriftzeichen, Fragezeichen, etc.) als Nutzer aller anderen Länder. Insgesamt ließen sich aber mehr Gemeinsamkeiten als Unterschiede im Ländervergleich beobachten. So zeigten sich bei einigen Aktionen (z. B. Drehen eines Bildes, Verschieben eines Objekts) in allen Ländern klare Tendenzen für die gleiche Geste. Bei anderen Funktionen, wie dem Bearbeiten von Text, gab es zwischen den Nutzern verschiedener Länder jedoch nur einen geringen Grad an Übereinstimmung. Im weiteren Verlauf der Studie werden detaillierte Analysen der Ergebnisse durchgeführt. Sie tragen dazu bei, weitere kulturelle Unterschiede oder Gemeinsamkeiten zu erkennen.
Blended Library – Neue Interaktionsformen für die Bibliothek der Zukunft
Authors: Heilig Mathias , Demarmels Mischa , Huber Stephan , Reiterer Harald
Published: May 2010

Im Zuge der voranschreitenden Digitalisierung wurden in der Vergangenheit in den unterschiedlichsten Bereichen reale Dienste, wie die einer Bibliothek, auf digitale Dienste übertragen. Jedoch gingen dadurch viele soziale und physische Mehrwerte realer Umgebungen (z. B. persönlicher Kundenkontakt, räumliche Orientierung, greifbare Medienobjekte) verloren. Dieser Beitrag schlägt deshalb einen Paradigmenwechsel, weg von der Entwicklung rein virtueller Welten hin zur Einbettung von Informationstechnologien in die soziale und physische Welt einer Bibliothek vor. Eine Lösungsvariante für diesen Paradigmenwechsel ist das hier vorgestellte Konzept der Blended Library, welches die physischen und sozialen Fähigkeiten von Benutzern in die Interaktion mit der ”Bibliothek der Zukunft“ einbringt. Die theoretische Basis hierfür liefert die aus der Kognitionswissenschaft bekannte und zunehmend dominierende Theorie des ”Embodiment“. Diese Theorie offenbart Anforderungen an digitale Systeme, welche eine neue Generation von Benutzerschnittstellen verlangen. Als konzeptionelles Werkzeug für diese neuen Benutzerschnittstellen werden ”Blends“ vorgeschlagen. MedioVis 2.0 dient dabei als erste exemplarische Umsetzung einer Blended Library, welche umfassend auf den kreativen Arbeitsablauf eines Wissensarbeiters in der Bibliothek der Zukunft eingeht. Das Konzept wird anhand eines realitätsnahen Szenarios vorgestellt, in dem die Designentscheidungen von MedioVis 2.0 basierend auf ”Conceptual Blending“ erklärt werden. Dazu wurde eine begleitende Benutzerstudie mit elf Teilnehmern durchgeführt, die das Potenzial von MedioVis 2.0 untersuchte.
Answers to the Sterlinski´s comments
Authors: Aupiais Jean , Vivier V.
Published: May 2010

Recently, the Bayesian approach has been considered in the standard ISO to refine the determination of the decision threshold by taking into account all accessible information such as type A and type B uncertainties. In a previous paper [1] and later a corrigendum [2], we had demonstrated that such treatment was not properly performed and we have developed a complete treatment without simplification, based on the Bayesian approach and Poisson distribution. A new law of distribution of the net counting knowing one experimental determination of the background was thus introduced. Here, we discuss the comments from S. Sterlinski about this law of distribution. All variables in bold and italic are random while all variables in italic style are numbers experimentally obtained after a measurement.
Sorption of radiocobalt and other activation product radionuclides on titanium oxide material CoTreat®
Authors: Harjula Risto , Kelokaski Maarit , Leinonen Heikki
Published: May 2010

CoTreat is a commercial titanate material that is effective for the removal of 60Co and other activated corrosion product nuclides from nuclear waste effluents. A basic study has been carried out to investigate the uptake mechanism and selectivity of CoTreat material for trace sorption of 54Mn, 59Fe, 57Co, 63Ni, 65Zn and 110mAg. The analyses of the trace sorption isotherms indicate that except for 110mAg the uptake mechanism for the trace metal ions is surface complex formation. The selectivity of the material for the metal ions studied decreases in the order Fe>Ag>Mn>Co ≈Ni>Zn. Except for Fe, the selectivity thus decreases with the increasing tendency of the cations to hydrolyse.
Estudo comparativo da sensibilidade nos pés de diabéticos com e sem úlceras utilizando o PSSD™
Authors: Ferreira Marcus Castro , Vieira Suzy Anne Tavares , Carvalho Viviane Fernandes de
Published: May 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: Determinar e comparar limiares de sensibilidade cutânea nos pés de pacientes diabéticos com úlcera em apenas um dos membros inferiores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: 20 pacientes foram estudados, a média de idade e de conhecimento do diabetes foi 61,6 e 12,4 anos, respectivamente. Todos os pacientes foram previamente testados com o monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein nº 5,07. A sensibilidade foi avaliada usando o teste de discriminação entre dois pontos e o PSSD™ (Pressure-Specified Sensory Device) para avaliar os limiares de sensibilidade de maneira quantitativa, em g/mm². Testadas três áreas da pele: polpa do hálux, dorso do pé e parte medial do calcâneo, incluindo-se quatro testes, um ponto estático, um ponto dinâmico, dois pontos estáticos e dois pontos dinâmicos. RESULTADOS: A distância média de discriminação de dois pontos em mm foi superior nos pés com úlceras, mas a diferença entre os membros inferiores teve significância estatística apenas para o hálux. Com o PSSD™, todos os pacientes tiveram limiares de pressão superior nos pés com úlcera, em comparação com os pés sem úlcera, em todos os testes e com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O PSSD™ foi capaz de diferenciar níveis de sensibilidade entre membros com e sem úlcera em pacientes diabéticos, com significância estatística.
Eletroestimulação seletiva mantem estrutura e função do tibial anterior desnervado de ratos
Authors: Polônio Juliana de Tillio , Mazzer Nilton , Barbieri Cláudio Henrique , Mattiello-Sverzut Ana Claudia
Published: May 2010

OBJETIVO: A eletroestimulação para tratamento de músculos desnervados deve ser aplicada através do tratamento seletivo. Este estudo avaliou o efeito da eletroestimulação seletiva do músculo desnervado sobre sua estrutura e função. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados cinqüenta ratos Wistar distribuídos em controle, desnervado estimulado e desnervado não-estimulado. Após avaliação eletrodiagnóstica de estímulo pré-desnervação, os animais sofreram desnervação proximal completa do músculo tibial anterior unilateral. Houve reavaliação semanal para adaptação dos parâmetros de tratamento seletivo, aplicado três vezes por semana. Os animais foram mortos após 7, 14, 28 e 56 dias do pós-cirúrgico. Foram realizados procedimentos histoquímicos e estudos morfológicos e morfométricos. RESULTADOS: Os animais desnervados estimulados não apresentaram contratura da articulação do tornozelo e não houve automutilações nas patas. Alterações significativas nas áreas das fibras musculares tipo IIB (desnervados estimulados aos 7 dias) e tipo IIA e híbridas (desnervados estimulados 28 e 56 dias) indicaram menor atrofia. Transição do tipos de fibras musculares foi significativa, indicando uma manutenção do padrão funcional do músculo tibial anterior nos períodos de 7 e 14 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que houve manutenção temporária da estrutura e função do músculo tibial anterior desnervado através da eletroestimulação seletiva.
Análise biomecânica do equilíbrio do idoso
Authors: Cruz André , Oliveira Elisabete Maria de , Melo Sebastião Iberes Lopes
Published: May 2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar as características biomecânicas do equilíbrio dos idosos, com base na oscilação do centro de pressão em cinco posições de colocação dos pés, com olhos abertos e fechados. Participaram da amostra vinte idosos sendo que para aquisição dos dados utilizou-se a plataforma de força extensométrica amti® or6-5, com freqüência de 100hz durante 60s. MÉTODOS: Processou-se a filtragem dos dados com fft butterworth de 4ª ordem e passa baixa de 20 hz e aplicou-se os testes estatísticos de kruskal wallis e de mann whitney. RESULTADOS: As situações que apresentaram menor estabilidade foram as posições com os olhos fechados e as posições com polígono de sustentação reduzido e as que apresentaram maior estabilidade foram a posição com pés afastados a 10cm e angulados a 45º a posição livre e a posição com pés paralelos e afastados a 10cm todas com olhos abertos. CONCLUSÃO: O feedback visual contribuiu no controle postural.
Single‐cell‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display and the use of photoalignment technology
Authors: Du Tao , Yao Lishuang , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Kwok Hoi‐sing
Published: May 2010

Abstract— In this paper, transflective liquid‐crystal‐display (LCD) technology will be reviewed, and several new single‐cell‐gap transflective LCD configurations are proposed. Photoalignment technology is studied especially for transflective‐LCD applications. In order to realize the optimal performance of the display as well as a matched transmittance/reflectance voltage curve (TVC/RVC) for the transflective configurations, two different single‐cell‐gap transflective‐LCD approaches will be discussed. The first one is the dual‐mode single‐cell‐gap approach, in which different liquid‐crystal modes are applied to the transmissive and reflective subpixels of the transflective LCD. The other approach is the single‐mode s ingle‐cell‐gap approach, in which an in‐cell retardation film is applied to adjust the performance and TVC/RVC matching of a transflective LCD. Photoalignment technology is used to fabricate the dual‐mode liquid‐crystal cell in the first approach and also the in‐cell retardation film in the second approach. Prototypes of the proposed configurations have been fabricated, which show good performance and a matched TVC/RVC.
A straightforward method of measuring MPRT using LC test cells
Authors: Cerrolaza Beatiz , De Smet Herbert , Cerrolaza Juan J. , Geday Morten A. , Quintana Xabier , Otón José M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract— A simple method based on integration over time to measure motion‐picture response time (MPRT) has been developed. Liquid‐crystal response time (LCRT) alone cannot express the motion blur perceived by the observer; one must also take into account the transition between intermediate gray levels and the sample‐and‐hold effect. The method shows similar results to other previously reported methods based on temporal integration, while being simpler and more straightforward. Indeed, just monopixel test cells are required for measuring MPRT. This method can be used for comparison between different materials, alignments surfaces, or other manufacturing details with no need of fabricating the whole LCD structure. Nevertheless, the method could also be used for characterization of commercial displays with major changes. A comparison of MPRT values for three different liquid‐crystal materials is presented in this work. The behavior of the MPRT parameter in the case of an ideal liquid‐crystal material with an LCRT equal to zero has also been studied. The results obtained for this material have been used as a reference to establish comparisons with real materials.
Neuroprotection by glucagon: role of gluconeogenesis
Authors: Fanne Rami Abu , Nassar Taher , Mazuz Achinoam , Waked Otailah , Heyman Samuel N. , Hijazi Nuha , Goelman Gadi , Higazi Abd Al-Roof
Published: May 2010

Object

The severity of neurological impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is exacerbated by several endogenous processes, including hyperglycemia, hypotension, and the generation of glutamate. However, in addition to controlling hyperglycemia, insulin has pleiotropic effects on tissue metabolism, which include reducing the concentration of the neurotoxic amino acid glutamate, making it unclear whether insulin's beneficial effects are attributable to the establishment of euglycemia per se. In the present study, the authors asked if reducing glutamate via approaches that do not lower glucose levels would improve neurological outcome following TBI.

Methods

Glucagon activates gluconeogenesis by increasing the hepatic uptake of amino acids such as glutamate and facilitating their conversion to glucose. Glucagon was administered as a single intraperitoneal injection before or after closed head injury (CHI). Neurological function, brain histological features, blood glutamate and glucose levels, and CSF glutamate concentrations were measured.

Results

A single intraperitoneal injection of glucagon (25 μg) into mice 10 minutes before or after CHI reduced lesion size by about 60% (p < 0.0001) and accelerated neurological recovery. The neuroprotective effect of glucagon was related to gluconeogenesis by decreasing the concentration of the neuroexcitatory amino acid glutamate in the circulation from 207 ± 32.1 μmol/L in untreated mice to 101.11 ± 21.6 μmol/L in treated mice (p < 0.001); a similar effect occurred in the CSF. The neuroprotective effect of glucagon was seen notwithstanding the attendant increase in blood glucose, the final substrate of gluconeogenesis.

Conclusions

Glucagon exerts a marked neuroprotective effect post-TBI by decreasing CNS glutamate. Glucagon was beneficial despite increasing blood glucose. Favorable effects also occurred when glucagon was given prior to TBI, suggesting its involvement in the preconditioning process. Thus, glucagon may be of value in providing neuroprotection when administered after TBI or prior to certain neurosurgical or cardiac interventions in which the incidence of perioperative ischemia is high.
Biomarkers for Basal-like Breast Cancer
Authors: Choo Jennifer R. , Nielsen Torsten O.
Published: May 2010

Initially recognized through microarray-based gene expression profiling, basal-like breast cancer, for which we lack effective targeted therapies, is an aggressive form of carcinoma with a predilection for younger women. With some success, immunohistochemical studies have attempted to reproduce the expression profile classification of breast cancer through identification of subtype-specific biomarkers. This review aims to present an in depth summary and analysis of the current status of basal-like breast cancer biomarker research. While a number of biomarkers show promise for future clinical application, the next logical step is a comprehensive investigation of all biomarkers against a gene expression profile gold standard for breast cancer subtype assignment.
Acid-Catalysed Conversion of Saccharides into Furanic Aldehydes in the Presence of Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Al-TUD-1
Authors: Lima Sérgio , Antunes Margarida M. , Fernandes Auguste , Pillinger Martyn , Ribeiro Maria Filipa , Valente Anabela A.
Published: May 2010

The one-pot acid-catalysed conversion of mono/di/polysaccharides (inulin, xylan, cellobiose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, xylose) into 2-furfuraldehyde (FUR) or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in the presence of aluminium-containing mesoporous TUD-1 (denoted as Al-TUD-1, Si/Al = 21), at 170 ºC was investigated. Xylose gave 60% FUR yield after 6 h reaction; hexose-based mono/disaccharides gave less than 20% HMF yield; polysaccharides gave less than 20 wt % FUR or HMF yields after 6 h. For four consecutive 6 h batches of the xylose reaction in the presence of Al-TUD-1, the FUR yields achieved were similar, without significant changes in Si/Al ratio.
Synthesis and Adrenolytic Activity of New Propanolamines
Authors: Groszek Grażyna , Bajek Agata , Bis Agnieszka , Nowak-Król Agnieszka , Bednarski Marek , Siwek Agata , Filipek Barbara
Published: May 2010

The synthesis of (2R,S)-1-(6-methoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-3-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan-2-ol and (2R,S)-1-(4-methoxy-6-(methoxymethyl)-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-3-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan-2-ol is described. The compounds were tested for electrographic, antiarrhythmic, hypotensive, and spasmolytic activity, as well as for a1-, a2- and β1-adrenoceptor binding affinity.
Are New Generations of Female College-Student Populations Meeting Calcium Requirements: Comparison of American and Croatian Female Students
Authors: Douglas Crystal C. , Rumbak Ivana , Barić Irena Colić , Kovačina Marinela , Piasek Martina , Ilich Jasminka Z.
Published: May 2010

We compared calcium (Ca) sources and intake, as well as multivitamin/mineral supplement use between female students with nutrition/health background and those from general-student-populations. 314 participants 18–37 y, including 57 African-Americans and 54 Caucasian-Americans recruited from Nutrition and/or other Health Sciences departments (NHS), and 100 African-American and 103 Croatian women representing general-student-population (GSP), completed food frequency questionnaire assessing their usual Ca intake and supplement use. NHS populations met recommendations and consumed significantly more Ca, particularly from dairy sources, and were more likely to take supplements than GSP groups, suggesting that health education may influence Ca intake.
Association between initiation of antiretroviral therapy with efavirenz and decreases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Brown Todd T , McComsey Grace A
Published: May 2010

Background

We aimed to determine whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with efavirenz (EFV) is associated with decreases in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) compared with non-EFV regimens.

Methods

25(OH)D was measured from stored plasma samples in 87 ART-naive HIV-positive patients prior to ART initiation with EFV-containing ( n=51) or non-EFV-containing (89% with protease inhibitors; n=36) regimens from a single clinic in Cleveland (OH, USA). A repeat measurement was made 6–12 months after ART initiation. The change in 25(OH)D after ART initiation and the prevalence of patients with hypovitaminosis D (≤37.5 nmol/l [15 ng/ml]) after ART initiation was compared in those who initiated ART with and without EFV using multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression, respectively.

Results

Prior to ART initiation, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) 25(OH)D concentration was 52.7 nmol/l (IQR 32.2–72.1), with 33% prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. After 6–12 months of ART, 25(OH)D decreased by a mean ±se of -12.7 ±3.7 nmol/l in the EFV group relative to the non-EFV group ( P=0.001) after adjustment for baseline 25(OH)D concentration, race and season (non-summer versus summer) at the visit 6–12 months after ART initiation. Similarly, after multivariable adjustment, the risk of hypovitaminosis D after ART initiation was significantly higher in the EFV group compared with the non-EFV group (prevalence ratio 1.8 [95% confidence interval 1.2–2.8]; P=0.007).

Conclusions

ART initiation with EFV is associated with significant decreases in 25(OH)D and an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D compared with non-EFV regimens.
Pharmacokinetic study of once-daily versus twice-daily abacavir and lamivudine in HIV type-1-infected children aged 3–<36 months
Authors:   Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA), Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne , Harrison Linda , Zhao Wei , Compagnucci Alexandra , Castro (née Green) Hannah , Farrelly Laura , Saidi Yacine , Hamadache Djamel , Welch Steven , Wintergerst Uwe , Forcat Silvia , Hadjou Ghenima , Firtion Ghislaine , Snowden Wendy , Giaquinto Carlo , Gibb Diana , Burger David
Published: May 2010

Background

Once-daily dosing of abacavir and lamivudine has been approved for adults, but paediatric data are insufficient. We conducted a pharmacokinetic study of once-daily and twice-daily abacavir and lamivudine in children aged 3–<36 months.

Methods

Children with stable HIV type-1 (HIV-1) RNA levels after 12 weeks treatment with twice-daily abacavir (8 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (4 mg/kg) underwent plasma pharmacokinetic sampling. Children then switched to once-daily abacavir (16 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (8 mg/kg), and sampling was repeated 4 weeks later. The area under the plasma concentration– time curve over 24 h (AUC0–24) and the maximum concentration (Cmax) were compared using geometric mean ratios (GMRs); 90% confidence intervals (CIs) within the range of 0.80–1.25 were considered bioequivalent.

Results

A total of 18 children (4, 6 and 8 in the 3–<12, 12–<24 and 24–<36 month age ranges, respectively) provided pharmacokinetic data for abacavir (17 for lamivudine). The GMR of AUC0–24, once-daily versus twice-daily, was 1.07 (90% CI 0.92–1.23) for abacavir and 0.91 (90% CI 0.79–1.06) for lamivudine. Cmax almost doubled on once-daily versus twice-daily dosing: abacavir and lamivudine GMRs were 2.04 (90% CI 1.73–2.42) and 1.78 (90% CI 1.52–2.09), respectively. At baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, 89%, 94%, 100% and 89% of children had HIV-1 RNA<400 copies/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

Bioequivalence was demonstrated on AUC0–24 between twice-daily and once-daily abacavir; very similar AUC0–24 values were seen for twice-daily and once-daily lamivudine. Given that viral load suppression rates were maintained, these data suggest that once-daily abacavir and lamivudine might be an option for children aged 3–<36 months.
Perspectives on Fibrosis Progression in Hepatitis C: An à la Carte Approach to Risk Factors and Staging of Fibrosis
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Afdhal Nezam H
Published: May 2010

The morbidity and mortality of chronic hepatitis C is related to progressive fibrosis and the development of cirrhosis. The development of fibrosis in patients with HCV is highly influenced by immune status, host response to the virus and associated factors, such as, age, sex, alcohol intake, diabetes, obesity and coinfection with other viruses. The rate of fibrosis progression differs depending on several factors, including the stage of fibrosis and the time since infection. Routine assessment of fibrosis through biopsy every 3–5 years has poor patient acceptance and reliability, and might result in missed opportunities to improve or modify treatment priorities. Enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in HCV infection has led to the development of a number of non-invasive assessment modalities. The ideal test would discriminate fibrosis in the categories none/early (stages 0/1), intermediate (stage 2) and advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (stages 3/4) and be readily available, inexpensive and accurate. Biomarker tests utilize individual or combined serum markers to determine the degree of fibrosis. Other strategies combine biomarkers with clinical variables, such as patient age or utilize liver imaging or functional assessments. Incorporation of appropriately validated non-invasive assessments of liver fibrosis will likely improve the clinical care of patients with HCV infection.