bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Toxic Volatile Trimethylbismuth by the Intestinal Microbiota of Mice
Authors: Huber Britta , Dammann Philip , Krüger Christine , Kirsch Petra , Bialek Beatrix , Diaz-Bone Roland A. , Hensel Reinhard
Published: October 2011

The biotransformation of metals and metalloids into their volatile methylated derivatives by microbes growing under anaerobic conditions (e.g., the mammalian intestinal microbiota) plays an important role in spreading these compounds in the environment. In this paper, we could show that the presence of an intact intestinal microbiota of mice provides theconditio sine qua nonfor the production of these mostly toxic derivatives. To document the indispensible role of the intestinal microbiota in methylating metals and metalloids to volatile derivatives underin vivoconditions, we compared the methylation capability of conventionally raised (CONV) and germ-free (GF) B6-mice fed with chow containing colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) as the starting material for the formation of volatile methylated metal(loid)s. Permethylated volatile trimethylbismuth ((CH3)3Bi) was only detected in the blood of the conventionally raised mice. Concomitantly, a higher bismuth concentration was found in organs such as liver, lung, testicles, and brain of the CONV mice as compared to those of GF mice (P>0.01), strongly suggesting a correlation between the intestinal biomethylation of bismuth and its accumulation in mammalian tissues.
Solar Energy Conversion by Dye-Sensitized Photovoltaic Cells Using High Surface Area Mesoporous Carbon Counter Electrode
Authors: Srinivasu Pavuluri , Singh Surya Prakash , Islam Ashraful , Han Liyuan
Published: October 2011

Development of new counter electrode materials is vital for commercialization of efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) process. Research on DSCs has been focused mainly on using platinum as counter electrode, which makes them expensive. In this paper, we report DSCs fabricated with high surface area mesoporous carbon thin film with uniform spherical particles as counter electrode. An overall light-to-electricity efficiency as high as 7.6% has been achieved under illumination of air mass (AM) 1.5 sunlight (100 mW/cm2). In comparison with activated carbon, high surface area mesoporous carbon shows superior performance. Our results show that mesoporous carbon with high specific surface area and uniform pore size distribution proved to be better efficient electrode material for DSCs.
Propionibacterium acnesPyogenic Liver Abscess and Pylephlebitis
Authors: Poursina Arash , Weissman Sharon
Published: October 2011

Reported is an unusual case of pyogenic liver abscess and septic thrombophlebitis of the portal vein in a 44-year-old male caused byPropionibacterium acnessuccessfully managed with a combination of percutaneous drainage and antimicrobial therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this bacterium isolated in pure culture as the sole etiologic organism of pyogenic liver abscess and pylephlebitis in an adult patient.
Tetrodotoxin Detection by a Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor in Pufferfish Matrices and Urine
Authors: Taylor Allen D. , Vaisocherová Hana , Deeds Jonathan , DeGrasse Stacey , Jiang Shaoyi
Published: October 2011

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning is most commonly associated with consumption of pufferfish. TTX is a low molecular weight (~319 Da) neurotoxin that selectively blocks voltage-sensitive Na+-gated ion channels. The standard method accepted worldwide for monitoring TTX toxicity in food matrices is the mouse bioassay. Ethical concerns from live animal testing, low sample throughput, and analytical inaccuracies have led to the need for an alternative method. We have previously established that surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors can quantify TTX in aqueous buffer samples by an antibody-based inhibition assay. In this paper, we report the extension of the assay for the detection of TTX in both clinical- and food-relevant matrices. The assay was optimized for application to three relevant complex matrices: pufferfish liver extract, pufferfish muscle extract, and human urine. Matrix effects are discussed and calibration curves are presented. Naturally contaminated pufferfish liver and muscle extracts were analyzed by the SPR method, and the data is compared to liquid-chromatography electrospray-ionization multiple reactions monitoring mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MRM/MS) data. Ten samples, including three from a poisoning incident, two control monkfish samples, and five toxic pufferfish samples, were analyzed using this method, and the data is compared to LC/ESI/MRM/MS analysis of the samples.
Camera Localization in Distributed Networks Using Trajectory Estimation
Authors: Anjum Nadeem
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an algorithm for camera localization using trajectory estimation (CLUTE) in a distributed network of nonoverlapping cameras. The algorithm recovers the extrinsic calibration parameters, namely, the relative position and orientation of the camera network on a common ground plane coordinate system. We first model the observed trajectories in each camera's field of view using Kalman filtering, then we use this information to estimate the missing trajectory information in the unobserved areas by fusing the results of a forward and backward linear regression estimation from adjacent cameras. These estimated trajectories are then filtered and used to recover the relative position and orientation of the cameras by analyzing the estimated and observedexitandentrypoints of an object in each camera's field of view. The final configuration of the network is established by considering one camera as a reference and by adjusting the remaining cameras with respect to this reference. We demonstrate the algorithm on both simulated and real data and compare the results with state-of-the-art approaches. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is more robust to noisy and missing data and in case of camera failure.
Investigation on the Textural Properties Tuning of Ordered Mesoporous Carbons with an Excellent Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Srinivasu Pavuluri
Published: October 2011

A synthetic method to produce mesoporous carbons with tunable textural properties and ordered pore structure has been developed by changing sucrose to water ratio. The specific surface area of 1437 m2/g with pore volume of 1.4 cm3/g and porosity of mesopores centered at around 4.4 nm are achieved by tuning the concentration of filling amount into mesoporous silica. The mesoporous carbon exhibits hexagonal rod-like morphology (a diameter of ~1.2 m), which confirms that the replication process is highly successful. It is demonstrated that the prepared mesoporous carbon exhibits much higher current density and superior performance as compared to conventional activated charcoal.
Characterization of Defects and Stress in Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Films on Glass Substrates by Raman Microscopy
Authors: Kitahara Kuninori , Ishii Toshitomo , Suzuki Junki , Bessyo Takuro , Watanabe Naoki
Published: October 2011

Raman microscopy was applied to characterize polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) on glass substrates for application as thin‐film transistors (TFTs) integrated on electronic display panels. This study examines the crystallographic defects and stress in poly‐Si films grown by industrial techniques: solid phase crystallization and excimer laser crystallization (ELC). To distinguish the effects of defects and stress on the optical‐phonon mode of the Si–Si bond, a semiempirical analysis was performed. The analysis was compared with defect images obtained through electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It was found that the Raman intensity for the ELC film is remarkably enhanced by the hillocks and ridges located around grain boundaries, which indicates that Raman spectra mainly reflect the situation around grain boundaries. A combination of the hydrogenation of films and the observation of the Si‐hydrogen local‐vibration mode is useful to support the analysis on the defects. Raman microscopy is also effective for detecting the plasma‐induced damage suffered during device processing and characterizing the performance of Si layer in TFTs.
Serum Antibodies Protect against Intraperitoneal Challenge with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Yang Xinghong , Thornburg Theresa , Holderness Kathryn , Suo Zhiyong , Cao Ling , Lim Timothy , Avci Recep , Pascual David W.
Published: October 2011

To assess whether anticolonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) fimbriae antibodies (Abs) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) can protect against various routes of challenge, BALB/c mice were immunized with a live attenuated Salmonella vaccine vector expressing CFA/I fimbriae. Vaccinated mice elicited elevated systemic IgG and mucosal IgA Abs, unlike mice immunized with the empty Salmonella vector. Mice were challenged with wild‐type ETEC by the oral, intranasal (i.n.), and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes. Naïve mice did not succumb to oral challenge, but did to i.n. challenge, as did immunized mice; however, vaccinated mice were protected against i.p. ETEC challenge. Two intramuscular (i.m.) immunizations with CFA/I fimbriae without adjuvant conferred 100% protection against i.p. ETEC challenge, while a single 30 μg dose conferred 88% protection. Bactericidal assays showed that ETEC is highly sensitive to anti‐CFA/I sera. These results suggest that parenteral immunization with purified CFA/I fimbriae can induce protective Abs and may represent an alternative method to elicit protective Abs for passive immunity to ETEC.
Numerical Solution of Diffusion Models in Biomedical Imaging on Multicore Processors
Authors: D'Amore Luisa , Casaburi Daniela , Marcellino Livia , Murli Almerico
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we consider nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) of diffusion/advection type underlying most problems in image analysis. As case study, we address the segmentation of medical structures. We perform a comparative study of numerical algorithms arising from using the semi-implicit and the fully implicit discretization schemes. Comparison criteria take into account both the accuracy and the efficiency of the algorithms. As measure of accuracy, we consider the Hausdorff distance and the residuals of numerical solvers, while as measure of efficiency we consider convergence history, execution time, speedup, and parallel efficiency. This analysis is carried out in a multicore-based parallel computing environment.
Apelin Serum Level in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: El-Mesallamy Hala O. , Hamdy Nadia M. , Rizk Hanan H. , El-Zayadi Abdel-Rahman
Published: October 2011

Objective. Highlighting the apelin system would present a new therapeutic target for liver disease. Apelin; endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor APJ, was recently suggested to be associated with fibrosis progression and cirrhosis in addition to insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation. The present study was conducted to evaluate blood apelin level changes among 73 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) Egyptian patients and if associated with body mass index (BMI), IR, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Serum apelin levels were significantly higher in patients with CHC with median value (3.25) when compared with controls (1.11), atP<0.0001, with significant apelin variations among asymptomatic carriers (ASC), fibrosis, and cirrhosis patients, and also among obese and nonobese patients. Multiple regression analysis depicted that BMI, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were independent correlation factors to apelin levels, whereas TNF-αwas found to be significantly negatively correlated to adjusted apelin in CHC patients (r=−0.5944,P<0.0001). IR was positively correlated to adjusted apelin in CHC patients (r=0.2663,P<0.05).Conclusion. Apelin level varies among stages of CHC, which may contribute to fibrosis progression. In addition, obesity and IR could act as comorbid factors affecting apelin level in patients with CHC.
Supercritical Phase Equilibria Modeling of Glyceride Mixtures and Carbon Dioxide Using the Group Contribution EoS
Authors: Fornari Tiziana , Tenllado Daniel , Torres Carlos , Reglero Guillermo
Published: October 2011

The Group Contribution Equation of State (GC‐EoS) was extended to represent high‐pressure phase equilibria behavior of mixtures containing mono‐, di‐, triglycerides, and carbon dioxide (CO2). For this purpose, the alcohol‐ester and the alcohol‐triglyceride binary group interaction parameters were regressed in this work, using experimental phase equilibria data from the literature.
The capability of the parameters obtained was assessed by applying the GC‐EoS model to simulate the supercritical CO2 fractionation of a complex glyceride mixture, which was produced by the ethanolysis of sunflower oil.
Experimental data was obtained in a countercurrent packed extraction column at pressures ranging from 16 to 25 MPa and temperatures from 313 to 368 K. The GC‐EoS model was applied in a completely predictive manner to simulate the phase equilibria behavior of the multistage separation process. The chemical analysis of the glyceride mixture allowed a significant simplification of its complex composition and thus, a simple and satisfactory simulation of the supercritical extraction process was achieved.
The Mckittrick-Wheelock Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Severe Hydroelectrolyte Disorders and Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Bruno Andrea , Chimienti Domenico , Montanaro Alda , Prete Fernando , Libutti Pasquale , Lisi Piero , Basile Carlo
Published: October 2011

The McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare cause of severe hydroelectrolyte disorders and fluid depletion as a result of rectal tumor hypersecretion, which can lead to acute renal failure. We report the case of a 70-year-old female who presented with hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and acute renal failure, due to a watery, mucinous diarrhea. A large rectal villous adenoma was discovered on ileocolonoscopy, and definitive management was achieved by removal of the tumor. In conclusion, reversal of the biochemical derangement is the cornerstone of successful management of the McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome. Then, immediate surgical resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Based Tissue Engineering for Chondrogenesis
Authors: Seo Seogjin , Na Kun
Published: October 2011

In tissue engineering fields, recent interest has been focused on stem cell therapy to replace or repair damaged or worn‐out tissues due to congenital abnormalities, disease, or injury. In particular, the repair of articular cartilage degeneration by stem cell‐based tissue engineering could be of enormous therapeutic and economic benefit for an aging population. Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can induce chondrogenic differentiation would provide an appropriate cell source to repair damaged cartilage tissues; however, we must first understand the optimal environmental conditions for chondrogenic differentiation. In this review, we will focus on identifying the best combination of MSCs and functional extracellular matrices that provides the most successful chondrogenesis.
Penile Curvature Incidence in Hypospadias: Can It Be Determined?
Authors: Stojanovic Borko , Bizic Marta , Majstorovic Marko , Kojovic Vladimir , Djordjevic Miroslav
Published: October 2011

The aim was to retrospectively determine the real incidence of congenital penile curvature in various forms of hypospadias, in order to indicate intraoperative assessment and correction of curvature. We analyzed 842 patients with hypospadias who underwent surgery from 2003 to 2010, classified into two groups. First group was intraoperatively checked for curvature as a routine procedure, while a curvature in the second group was assessed mostly in severe hypospadias. Results are analyzed using Fisher's and chi-square tests. In total, 238 cases (28.3%) of associated curvature were confirmed. Curvature was significantly more frequent in the first group, regarding hypospadias in general (P<0.01), as well as distal (P<0.05) and midshaft forms (P<0.01). Penile curvature is common figure in hypospadias, including distal types. Intraoperative testing for associated curvature should be considered as a routine procedure in hypospadias repair.
A Contrast Source Inversion Algorithm Formulated Using the Log-Phase Formulation
Authors: Rubæk Tonny , Meaney Paul M. , Paulsen Keith D.
Published: October 2011

The contrast source inversion (CSI) algorithm was introduced for microwave imaging in 1997 and has since proven to be one of the most successful algorithms for nonlinear microwave tomography. In the CSI algorithm, the nonlinear integral equation, which must be solved to extract the constitutive electromagnetic parameters of the object under test from the microwave measurements, is represented by two linear equations, known as the data and the object equations. In this paper, the data equation in the CSI algorithm is reformulated using the so-called log-phase formulation. In this formulation, the measured data is represented by the change in the logarithm of the amplitude and the change in the unwrapped phase. This formulation has previously been applied for nonlinear tomography within the framework of a Gauss-Newton based algorithm for detection of breast cancer. Here, significant improvements have been observed compared to the more commonly used real-imaginary formulation. The modified CSI algorithm is tested on both simulated data and on a measurement of a breast. It is shown that for imaging setups with large differences in the measured signals, the new formulation of the data equation significantly improves the performance of the CSI algorithm
Worldwide Increasing Incidences of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Godar Dianne E.
Published: October 2011

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has been increasing at a steady rate in fair-skinned populations around the world for decades. Scientists are not certain why CMM has been steadily increasing, but strong, intermittent UVB (290–320 nm) exposures, especially sunburn episodes, probably initiate, CMM, while UVA (321–400 nm) passing through glass windows in offices and cars probably promotes it. The CMM incidence may be increasing at an exponential rate around the world, but it definitely decreases with increasing latitude up to~50°N where it reverses and increases with the increasing latitude. The inversion in the incidence of CMM may occur because there is more UVA relative to UVB for most of the year at higher latitudes. If windows, allowing UVA to enter our indoor-working environment and cars, are at least partly responsible for the increasing incidence of CMM, then UV filters can be applied to reduce the rate of increase worldwide.
Argon 4sand 4pExcited States Atomic Data Applied in ARC-JET Modeling
Authors: Katsonis K. , Berenguer Ch. , Kaminska A. , Dudeck M.
Published: October 2011

Evaluated atomic data concerning the 4sand 4pconfigurations of Ar I are averaged in order to simplify their use in various cases of Ar plasma modeling and diagnostics. These data are used here to model a low-power arcjet, running with Argon at low pressure. In so doing, they are explicitly introduced in the chemical processes included in a fluid Navier-Stokes type code, allowing for evaluation of the spectroscopically measurable level populations and of the electronic temperatures. The characteristics of the model are described and the main processes are discussed in view of the results of the calculations.
Use of the Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition to Fabricate Light-Emitting Diodes Based on ZnO Nanowire/p-GaN Heterojunction
Authors: Chang Sheng-Po , Chang Ting-Hao
Published: October 2011

The fabrication and characteristics of grown ZnO nanowire/p-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes are reported. Vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays were grown on a p-GaN substrate by thermal chemical vapor deposition in quartz tube. The rectifying current-voltage characteristics indicate that a p-n junction was formed with a heterostructure of n-ZnO nanowire/p-GaN. The room temperature electroluminescent emission peak at 425 nm was attributed to the band offset at the interface between the n-ZnO nanowire and p-GaN and to defect-related emission from GaN; it was also found that the there exist the yellow band in the hetrojunction. It would be attributed to the deep defect level in the heterojunction.
A Rare Case of Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Authors: Sood Nidhi , Sood Nikhil
Published: October 2011

We describe here a rare case of Idiopathic Bullous Emphysema/Vanishing Lung Syndrome (VLS) in a 33-year-old male patient with a history of marijuana abuse who presents to the hospital with pleuritic chest pain thought to be due to pneumothorax based on the chest radiograph. This case emphasizes the need to obtain chest computed tomography in a relatively stable patient suspected of VLS to reduce the potential risk of overseeing a bronchopleural fistula.
Prediction of Enzyme Mutant Activity Using Computational Mutagenesis and Incremental Transduction
Authors: Basit Nada , Wechsler Harry
Published: October 2011

Wet laboratory mutagenesis to determine enzyme activity changes is expensive and time consuming. This paper expands on standard one-shot learning by proposing an incremental transductive method (T2bRF) for the prediction of enzyme mutant activity during mutagenesis using Delaunay tessellation and 4-body statistical potentials for representation. Incremental learning is in tune with both eScience and actual experimentation, as it accounts for cumulative annotation effects of enzyme mutant activity over time. The experimental results reported, using cross-validation, show that overall the incremental transductive method proposed, using random forest as base classifier, yields better results compared to one-shot learning methods. T2bRF is shown to yield 90% on T4 and LAC (and 86% on HIV-1). This is significantly better than state-of-the-art competing methods, whose performance yield is at 80% or less using the same datasets.
Constructing Potential Energy Surfaces for Polyatomic Systems: Recent Progress and New Problems
Authors: Espinosa-Garcia J. , Monge-Palacios M. , Corchado J. C.
Published: October 2011

Different methods of constructing potential energy surfaces in polyatomic systems are reviewed, with the emphasis put on fitting, interpolation, and analytical (defined by functional forms) approaches, based on quantum chemistry electronic structure calculations. The different approaches are reviewed first, followed by a comparison using the benchmark H + CH4 and the H + NH3 gas-phase hydrogen abstraction reactions. Different kinetics and dynamics properties are analyzed for these reactions and compared with the available experimental data, which permits one to estimate the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, we analyze different problems with increasing difficulty in the potential energy construction: spin-orbit coupling, molecular size, and more complicated reactions with several maxima and minima, which test the soundness and general applicability of each method. We conclude that, although the field of small systems, typically atom-diatom, is mature, there still remains much work to be done in the field of polyatomic systems.
Are the Adaptogenic Effects of Omega 3 Fatty Acids Mediated via Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokines?
Authors: Bradbury Joanne , Brooks Lyndon , Myers Stephen P.
Published: October 2011

The study was undertaken to estimate the size of the impact of n-3 fatty acids in psychological stress and the extent to which it is mediated via proinflammatory cytokines. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze data from 194 healthy Australians. Biomarkers used were erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA)),ex-vivostimulated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)). Stress was measured with the perceived stress scale (PSS-10), found to comprise three factors: Coping (items 4, 7, 5), Overwhelm (2, 10, 6 and 8), and Emotional (1, 9 and 3). This modeling demonstrated that the effects of DHA on coping are largely direct effects (0.26,t=2.05) and were not significantly mediated via the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Future modeling should explore whether adding EPA to the model would increase the significance of the mediation pathways.
Measurement of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Concentrations Using a Piezoelectric Microcantilever as a Mass Sensor
Authors: Lee Sangkyu , Cho Jongyun , Lee Yeolho , Jeon Sangmin , Cha Hyung Joon , Moon Wonkyu
Published: October 2011

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) concentrations were measured using a piezoelectric microcantilever sensor (PEMS) developed by the authors. The developed PEMS is label-free and detects the sensing signal electrically. It was designed to measure the mass of biomolecules attached to it using an accurate mass-microbalancing technique; its probe area is confined to the end of the cantilever, and its equivalent spring constant is relatively high to minimize the effect of changes in the surface stress when the biomolecules are attached to it. The “dip- and-dry” technique was used to enable the probe area of the sensor to react with reagents in controlled environmental conditions. HBsAg was detected by an immunoreaction whereas the reaction time, antibody density, and its area on the probe were kept at a constant level. The mass of the detected HBsAg was measured in the range of 0.1–100 ng/mL.
Protective Effects of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-αAgonist, Wy14643, on Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Primary Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Ke , Li Yuan-Hai , Xu Si-Qi , Hu Sheng-Hong , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2011

This study investigates the effects and possible mechanism of an agonist of PPARα, Wy14643, on primary hepatocytes subjected to H/R injury in rats. H/R induced a significant increase ALT, AST, MDA in the culture medium and ROS in the hepatocytes. These effects were reversed by pretreatment with Wy14643 in the dose-dependent manner. The activity of SOD and the level of GSH in the hepatocytes were decreased after H/R, which were increased by Wy14643 pretreatment. Moreover, the mRNA expressions of PPARαsignificantly increased in H/R+Wy14643 groups when compared with that in H/R group. A PPARαagonist, Wy14643, exerts significant protective effect against H/R injury in primary hepatocytes via PPARαactivation and attenuating oxidative stress.
Triangular Energy-Saving Cache-Based Routing Protocol by Energy Sieving
Authors: Tuan Chiu-Ching , Wu Yi-Chao
Published: October 2011

In wireless ad hoc networks, designing an energy-efficient routing protocol is a major issue since nodes are energy limited. To address energy issue, we proposed a triangular energy-saving cached-based routing protocol by energy sieving (TESCES). TESCES offered a grid leader election by energy sieving (GLEES), a cache-based grid leader maintenance (CGLM), and a triangular energy-saving routing discovery (TESRD). In GLEES, only few nodes join in grid leader election to be elected as a grid leader. New grid leader is elected directly by cache without sending extra control packets in CGLM. TESRD selects an energy-efficient path to transmit data packets. Hence, TESCES could save more energy for transmitting packets and prolong routing lifetime. Simulation results showed that TESCES could reduce 31% of energy consumption, prolong 67% of routing lifetime, and increase 19% of survival ratio of nodes. Furthermore, TESCES may be more outstanding as the number of nodes increased.
Complex 3D Vortex Lattice Formation by Phase-Engineered Multiple Beam Interference
Authors: Xavier Jolly , Vyas Sunil , Senthilkumaran Paramasivam , Joseph Joby
Published: October 2011

We present the computational results on the formation of diverse complex 3D vortex lattices by a designed superposition of multiple plane waves. Special combinations of multiples of three noncoplanar plane waves with a designed relative phase shift between one another are perturbed by a nonsingular beam to generate various complex 3D vortex lattice structures. The formation of complex gyrating lattice structures carrying designed vortices by means of relatively phase-engineered plane waves is also computationally investigated. The generated structures are configured with both periodic as well as transversely quasicrystallographic basis, while these whirling complex lattices possess a long-range order of designed symmetry in a given plane. Various computational analytical tools are used to verify the presence of engineered geometry of vortices in these complex 3D vortex lattices.
Emergence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Amantadine-Resistant Influenza A Subtype H3N2 Viruses in Dublin, Ireland, over Six Seasons from 2003/2004 to 2008/2009
Authors: Salter A. , Ni Laoi B. , Crowley B.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of amantadine-resistant influenza A viruses and perform genetic analysis of isolates collected in Dublin during six seasons (2003/2004 to 2008/2009). Methods: Known mutations in the matrix 2 gene (M2) conferring amantadine resistance were screened and phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin gene (HA) performed. Results: Of 1,180 samples, 67 influenza A viruses were isolated, 88% of which were subtype H3N2. Amantadine resistance was only found in subtype H3N2 and increased dramatically from 7% in 2003/2004 to 90% in 2008/2009. A maximum likelihood tree of the HA gene of influenza A H3N2 isolates differentiated them into two distinct clades, clade N and clade S, where the majority of isolates were amantadine-resistant and amantadine-sensitive, respectively. The clades were distinguished by amino acid substitutions, S193F and D225N, which probably conferred a selective advantage for the spread of such viruses. Phylogenetic analysis showed some degree of antigenic drift when compared with the vaccine strain of the corresponding season. Conclusions: This study showed that circulation in Ireland of a distinct lineage, clade N, among H3N2 viruses favoured emergence of amantadine resistance. Furthermore, comparison of circulating Irish viruses and vaccine strains used in the northern hemisphere showed high similarity.
Bile Acids Promote HCV Replication through the EGFR/ERK Pathway in Replicon-Harboring Cells
Authors: Patton John B. , George David , Chang Kyeong-Ok
Published: October 2011

Objectives: Bile acids promoted the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and compromised the anti-HCV effects of interferon-α (IFN-α) in replicon-harboring cells. To explore a potential mechanism for the observation, we studied the effects of bile acids on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in association with HCV replication in genotype 1a or 1b replicon-harboring cells. Methods: Replicon-harboring cells were treated with various bile acids, IFN-α and small molecule inhibitors either individually or combined together. The effects of these treatments were measured using cell cycle analysis, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. Results: Bile acids induced the activation of EGFR/ERK pathway and extended S-phase of cells, which was correlated with the increased levels of viral replication. The inhibitors of EGFR (AG1478) or ERK (U0126) significantly mitigated the bile acid-mediated promotion of HCV replication. When AG1478 or U0126 were added to the treatment of bile acids and IFN-α, they were able to restore the anti-HCV effects of IFN-α. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the addition of an EGFR or ERK inhibitor to the current IFN-α-based regimen may improve overall treatment efficacy by blocking the bile acid-mediated promotion of HCV replication.
Occupational IgE-Mediated Softwood Allergy: Characterization of the Causative Allergen
Authors: Kespohl Sabine , Kotschy-Lang Nicole , Tomm Janina M. , von Bergen Martin , Maryska Silke , Brüning Thomas , Raulf-Heimsoth Monika
Published: October 2011

Allergic reactions to wood dust allergens are rare, and only few in vitro diagnostic tools and information about relevant allergens are available. To differentiate between protein-based allergy and probably clinically silent glycogenic sensitization, it is helpful to characterize the relevant protein allergens and specify IgE binding. The current case report deals with the occupational softwood allergy of a carpenter exposed to different wood dusts. Skin tests and IgE tests against wood were performed with specifically tailored ImmunoCAPs and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants. Potential allergens were identified by IgE blots and tandem mass spectrometry. The clinical relevance was verified by challenge tests. Specific IgE to softwood (spruce, pine and larch wood), beech wood, natural rubber latex (NRL) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were detected. Allergens in spruce wood, the dominant allergen source, were identified as peroxidases. Softwood were the strongest inhibitors. HRP reduced IgE binding to softwood to <50%, indicating predominantly proteinogenic epitopes, whereas IgE binding to NRL and beech wood was reduced to >50% by HRP, indicating predominantly glycogenic IgE epitopes. Skin and challenge tests underlined that softwoods were the source of sensitization. For the polysensitized patient, a clinically relevant softwood allergy was diagnosed, not only by challenge tests but also with specifically tailored in vitro tools.
Induction of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Production by Xylene and Exacerbation of Picryl Chloride-Induced Allergic Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Satou Nozomi , Ishihara Kenji , Hiratsuka Masahiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Endo Yasuo , Saito Saburo , Iwakura Yoichiro , Leonard Warren J. , Hirasawa Noriyasu
Published: October 2011

Background: Some chemical compounds in the environment worsen allergic inflammation. In this study, we examined whether organic solvents induce the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) which elicits Th2-type immune responses. Methods: Organic solvents were painted on the earlobes of BALB/c mice. The expression of TSLP in the ear was determined by ELISA. Results: Xylene and toluene, but not chloroform or ethyl acetate, induced the expression of mRNA for TSLP in the earlobe tissue. Among the aromatic compounds, xylene, especially m-xylene, and trimethylbenzene caused apparent TSLP production. The level of TSLP in the xylene-treated earlobes reached a maximum at 24 h, and TSLP was expressed in epithelial tissues. Production of TSLP was unaffected in mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice but apparently diminished in TNF-α knockout mice and IL-4 receptor knockout mice. Repeated painting of xylene for 7 days induced an increase in the weight of cervical lymph nodes and expression of OX40 ligand, both of which were inhibited in TSLP receptor knockout mice. Xylene promoted the picryl chloride-induced thickening of the ear and IL-4 production, which were reversed in TSLP receptor knockout mice. Conclusion: Xylene induced TSLP production, resulting in an exacerbation of allergic inflammation. Thus, xylene might be a good tool for examining the roles of TSLP in eliciting allergy in experimental animals.
May the Reduction of Exposure to Specific Sensitizers Be an Alternative to Work Cessation in Occupational Asthma? Results from a Follow-Up Study
Authors: Talini D. , Novelli F. , Melosini L. , Bacci E. , Bartoli M.L. , Cianchetti S. , Dente F.L. , Di Franco A. , Vagaggini B. , Paggiaro P.L.
Published: October 2011

Background: Few data are reported on the effects of a reduction of exposure to specific sensitizers in occupational asthma (OA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of subjects with OA, comparing the effect of a reduction with that of the persistence or cessation of occupational exposure to the specific sensitizer. Subjects and Methods: Forty-one subjects with OA due to different sensitizers were diagnosed via a specific inhalation challenge. After a follow-up interval of 3.5 years, subjects were reexamined by clinical assessment, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BH) and induced sputum. Results: At follow-up, subjects who had reduced occupational exposure (n = 22) showed a significant improvement in BH and a nonsignificant improvement in sputum eosinophilia (from 5.3 to 1.1%, n.s.), while subjects still exposed (n = 10) showed a significant decrease in FEV1. Subjects who ceased work (n = 9) showed a trend of improvement in BH and sputum eosinophilia. Logistic analysis showed that the major determinant of improvement in BH at follow-up was the severity of BH at diagnosis, with a minimal contribution from the duration of exposure and treatment with inhaled corticosteroids during follow-up; reduction of work exposure did not enter into any model. Conclusion: The reduction of occupational exposure could not be considered to be as effective as work cessation, which remained the best treatment for OA. However, it was not associated with a deterioration of FEV1 as observed in subjects with persistent exposure.
Cytologic Diagnosis of Tumoral Calcinosis: A Case Report
Authors: Snitchler Andrea N. , Silverman Jan F.
Published: October 2011

A 55-year-old male with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with neck pain of 1 year’s duration. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed as part of his workup, and a posterior cervical neck mass was detected. CT-guided fine needle aspiration was performed with an immediate cytologic interpretation of tumoral calcinosis. On air-dried Diff-Quik and alcohol-fixed Papanicolaou-stained smears, the specimen demonstrated coarse-to-fine calcific debris. A final diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis was rendered. A literature search revealed that this diagnosis is rarely made by touch imprint cytology of core needle biopsy and/or needle aspiration cytology, although it can be a relatively easy and straightforward diagnosis.
Liquid-Based Cytology in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsies of the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Fadda Guido , Rossi Esther Diana
Published: October 2011

Objectives: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is regarded as the most important diagnostic tool for thyroid lesions because of its simplicity, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, its pivotal role in the correct characterization of the majority of nodules is impaired by the difficulties in discriminating benign from malignant follicular-patterned lesions. Study Design: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a semiautomated device that has recently become widely available and has gained popularity as a method of collecting and processing both gynecologic and nongynecologic cytologic specimens. It achieves a diagnostic sensitivity as accurate as conventional preparations, especially for its excellent cell preservation and lack of background which decrease the amount of inadequate diagnoses. Results: In many cases the cytologic features are similar in both methods, but the colloid film and the lymphocytic component are more easily evaluated on direct smears whereas nuclear details and colloid globules are better evaluated in LBC slides. The material stored in the preservative solution could be effectively used for the application of immunocytochemical and molecular techniques. Conclusions: LBC-processed biopsies represent a valid alternative to conventional cytology. The possibility of applying additional techniques enhances the efficacy of the cytologic diagnosis of thyroid lesions.
Pleural Effusion in Women with a Known Adenocarcinoma: The Role of Immunostains in Uncovering Another Hidden Primary Tumor
Authors: Nasser H. , Kuntzman T.J.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: Pleural fluid metastasis occurs often secondary to a known primary tumor. We aim to identify the percentage of adenocarcinomas metastatic to pleural effusion in women and the frequency of another primary tumor being the origin of the effusion using morphology and immunostains. Study Design: One hundred and thirty-one cases from our archives were reviewed. Results: Ninety-four percent had a documented primary. The breast was the most common site (34%); less common were the lung and ovary, and 7.9% had two different primaries. Seven cases proved to be secondary to an adenocarcinoma other than the one on record. Lung tumors were the most common overlooked tumors (5/7 cases). Six percent remained of inconclusive origin due to an occult primary, absent cells on cell blocks, or discordance with radiology or cytology of a known primary. Morphology in association with a small panel of immunostains including thyroid transcription factor 1, estrogen receptor, mammaglobin, Wilms tumor antigen 1, CA125 and CDX2 proved helpful in identifying the primary origin in 94% of cases. Conclusion: After a morphological comparison with previously available material, and due to major implications in the therapeutic strategy, a small panel of immunostains is advised on available cell block material to verify the origin of the metastatic effusion.
The Clinicopathologic Correlates of Cellular Atypia in Urinary Cytology of Ileal Neobladders
Authors: Cimino-Mathews Ashley , Ali Syed Z.
Published: October 2011

Objective: Ileal neobladders (INBs) are routinely created in patients following cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma (UC). Patients are screened by urinary cytology for tumor recurrence. However, the diagnosis of urothelial atypia remains a nonstandardized category in INB specimens and has never been studied before. Study Design: The cytopathology archives from the Johns Hopkins Hospital were searched over a period of 19 years for specimens from patients with INB and atypical urine cytology. Follow-up surgical pathology results and clinical data were reviewed. Results: A total of 620 urine specimens were identified from patients with INB, 77 of which (12.4%) were diagnosed as ‘atypical’. Of the 51 patients who were followed up, only 3 developed a concordant local recurrence (5.9% positive predictive value), defined as biopsy-proven recurrence within 1 year of atypical cytology. The recurrent patients had more diagnoses of ‘atypical cells suspicious for carcinoma’ than nonrecurrent patients (66 vs. 11.4%; p > 0.10). Conclusion: A diagnosis of urothelial atypia in patients with INB is made as frequently as in patients with native bladders but with a lower positive predictive value (5.9 vs. 12%) for subsequent histologic diagnosis of UC. This suggests that the diagnosis of urothelial atypia in INB may have less clinical significance than in native bladders.
From Prevention to Nursing Home Care: A Comprehensive National Audit of Stroke Care
Authors: Horgan Frances , McGee Hannah , Hickey Anne , Whitford David L. , Murphy Sean , Royston Maeve , Cowman Seamus , Shelley Emer , Conroy Ronan M. , Wiley Miriam , O’Neill Desmond ,   on behalf of the Irish National Audit of Stroke Care (INASC) Consortium
Published: October 2011

Background: Many countries are developing national audits of stroke care. However, these typically focus on stroke care from acute event to hospital discharge rather than the full spectrum from prevention to long-term care. We report on a comprehensive national audit of stroke care in the community and hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. The findings provide insights into the wider needs of people with stroke and their families, a basis for developing stroke-appropriate health strategies, and a global model for the evaluation of stroke services. Methods: Six national surveys were completed: general practitioners (prevention and primary care), hospital organisational and clinical audit of 2,570 consecutive stroke admissions (acute and hospital care), allied health professionals and public health nurses (discharge to community care), nursing homes (needs of patients discharged to long-term care), and patient and carers (post-hospital phase of rehabilitation and ongoing care). Results: The audit identified substantial deficits in a number of areas including primary prevention, emergency assessment/investigation and treatment in hospital, discharge planning, rehabilitation and ongoing secondary prevention, and communication with patients and families. There was a lack of coordination and communication between the acute and community services, with a dearth of therapy services in both home and nursing home settings. Conclusion: This multi-faceted national stroke audit facilitated multiple perspectives on the continuum of stroke prevention and care. An overall synthesis of surveys supports the development of a multidisciplinary perspective in planning the development of comprehensive stroke services at the national level, and may assist in regional and global development of stroke strategies.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI Helps Predict Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Treated with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis
Authors: Karameshev Alexander , Arnold Marcel , Schroth Gerhard , Kappeler Liliane , Stein Paul , Gralla Jan , Brekenfeld Caspar , Findling Oliver , Mono Marie-Luise , De Marchis Gian Marco , Fischer Urs , Mattle Heinrich P. , Nedeltchev Krassen , El-Koussy Marwan
Published: October 2011

Background: Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) can improve clinical outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the severity of neurological symptoms, the extent of early ischemic damage on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), and the lesion progression or regression on post-treatment MRI can predict functional outcome in patients with BAO treated with IAT. Methods: Thirty-six BAO patients (13 women, 23 men; mean age 60 years) treated with IAT within 12 h of symptom onset were studied. Early ischemic damage on DWI was assessed by applying 4 DWI scoring systems, including a proposed DWI score developed for this study. The latter was used for evaluation of lesion dynamics on post-treatment MRI. The association of pretreatment DWI, severity of symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS, and Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS, scores), vessel recanalization, and lesion progression or regression after IAT with clinical outcome at 3 months was analyzed. Results: Median NIHSS and GCS scores on admission were 17 and 10, respectively. In univariate analysis, NIHSS and GCS scores (on admission) and all 4 DWI scores were significantly associated with clinical outcome. After regression analysis for each DWI score, the DWI score proposed herein was the only score that remained independently associated with clinical outcome at 3 months (p = 0.004). A decrease in DWI score was observed in 3 of 23 patients with post-IAT MRI. Successful recanalization was significantly associated with lesion regression (p = 0.044). Conclusions: BAO patients with less extensive tissue damage on DWI and milder neurological deficits (lower NIHSS and higher GCS) have a better clinical outcome following IAT. The introduced DWI score reliably quantified the pretreatment ischemic damage and was an independent predictor of functional outcome. Lesion regression on DWI score after IAT was associated with vessel recanalization (p = 0.44), but had no impact on clinical outcome.
European Research Priorities for Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Steiner Thorsten , Petersson Jesper , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Christensen Hanne , Cordonnier Charlotte , Csiba Laszlo , Harnof Sagi , Krieger Derk , Mendelow David , Molina Carlos , Montaner Joan , Overgaard Karsten , Roine Risto O. , Schmutzhard Erich , Tatlisumak Turgut , Toni Danilo , Stapf Christian ,   for the European Research Network on Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Published: October 2011

Over 2 million people are affected by intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) worldwide every year, one third of them dying within 1 month, and many survivors being left with permanent disability. Unlike most other stroke types, the incidence, morbidity and mortality of ICH have not declined over time. No standardised diagnostic workup for the detection of the various underlying causes of ICH currently exists, and the evidence for medical or surgical therapeutic interventions remains limited. A dedicated European research programme for ICH is needed to identify ways to reduce the burden of ICH-related death and disability. The European Research Network on Intracerebral Haemorrhage EURONICH is a multidisciplinary academic research collaboration that has been established to define current research priorities and to conduct large clinical studies on all aspects of ICH.