bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of operating temperature on performance of microbial fuel cell
Authors: Behera M. , Murthy S. S. R. , Ghangrekar M. M.
Published: August 2011

The performance of dual chambered mediator-less microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated under batch mode was evaluated under different operating temperatures, ranging between 20 and 55 °C, with step increase in temperature of 5 °C. Synthetic wastewater with sucrose as carbon source having chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 519–555 mg/L was used in the study. Temperature was a crucial factor in the performance of MFCs for both COD removal and electricity production. The MFC demonstrated highest COD removal efficiency of 84% and power density normalized to the anode surface area of 34.38 mW/m2 at operating temperature of 40 °C. Higher VSS to SS ratio was observed at the operating temperature between 35 and 45 °C. Under different operating temperatures the observed sludge yield was in the range of 0.05 to 0.14 g VSS/g COD removed. The maximum Coulombic and energy efficiencies were obtained at 40 °C, with values of 7.39 and 13.14%, respectively. Internal resistance of the MFC decreased with increase in operating temperature. Maximum internal resistance of 1,150 Ω was observed when the MFC was operated at 20 °C; whereas the minimum internal resistance (552 Ω) was observed at 55 °C.
Pollutant removal in a multi-stage municipal wastewater treatment system comprised of constructed wetlands and a maturation pond, in a temperate climate
Authors: Rivas A. , Barceló-Quintal I. , Moeller G. E.
Published: August 2011

A multi-stage municipal wastewater treatment system is proposed to comply with Mexican standards for discharge into receiving water bodies. The system is located in Santa Fe de la Laguna, Mexico, an area with a temperate climate. It was designed for 2,700 people equivalent (259.2 m3/d) and consists of a preliminary treatment, a septic tank as well as two modules operating in parallel, each consisting of a horizontal subsurface-flow wetland, a maturation pond and a vertical flow polishing wetland. After two years of operation, on-site research was performed. An efficient biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) (94–98%), chemical oxygen demand (91–93%), total suspended solids (93–97%), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (56–88%) and fecal coliform (4–5 logs) removal was obtained. Significant phosphorus removal was not accomplished in this study (25–52%). Evapotranspiration was measured in different treatment units. This study demonstrates that during the dry season wastewater treatment by this multi-stage system cannot comply with the limits established by Mexican standards for receiving water bodies type ‘C’. However, it has demonstrated the system's potential for less restrictive uses such as agricultural irrigation, recreation and provides the opportunity for wastewater treatment in rural areas without electric energy.
Evaluation of undersized bioretention stormwater control measures for treatment of highway bridge deck runoff
Authors: Luell S. K. , Hunt W. F. , Winston R. J.
Published: August 2011

Two grassed bioretention cells were constructed in the easement of a bridge deck in Knightdale, North Carolina, USA, in October, 2009. One was intentionally undersized (‘small’), while the other was full sized (‘large’) per current North Carolina standards. The large and small cells captured runoff from the 25- and 8-mm events, respectively. Both bioretention cells employed average fill media depths of 0.65 m and internal water storage (IWS) zones of 0.6 m. Flow-proportional, composite water quality samples were collected and analyzed for nitrogen species, phosphorus species, and TSS. During 13 months of data collection, the large cell's median effluent concentrations and loads were less than those from the small cell. The small cell's TN and TSS load reductions were 84 and 50%, respectively, of those achieved by the large cell, with both cells significantly reducing TN and TSS. TP loads were not significantly reduced by either cell, likely due to low TP concentrations in the highway runoff which may have approached irreducible levels. Outflow pollutant loads from the large and small cell were not significantly different from one another for any of the examined pollutants. The small cell's relative performance provides support for retrofitting undersized systems in urbanized areas where there is insufficient space available for conventional full-sized stormwater treatment systems.
Corruption and Software Piracy: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Andrés Antonio R. , Goel Rajeev K.
Published: August 2011

This article examines the influence of corruption on software piracy across countries. Drawing on a simple theoretical model and a large sample of countries for a recent time period, it addresses three key questions: (i) What are the key determinants of software piracy?; (ii) How do nations with different piracy levels respond differently to factors that affect piracy, especially corruption?; and (iii) Is there a two‐way causality between software piracy and corruption? It is demonstrated that corruption levels help explain variations in software piracy across countries, with higher levels of corruption correlating with higher levels of software piracy. However, the influences of different factors (including democracy, economic prosperity, market size and legal factors as well as corruption) are sensitive to prevailing levels of piracy, varying across countries with different piracy rates. Policy implications are discussed; these findings suggest that anti‐piracy initiatives would need to be fine‐tuned to country context, such as existing piracy levels.
Conditional Citizenship? Electronic Networks and the New Conditionality in Public Policy
Authors: Henman Paul
Published: August 2011

Governments throughout the world are increasingly making use of new forms of ‘conditional’ public and social policies. While some policies have always been conditional, for example through means‐testing, these new policies are notable for making a benefit or service in one policy domain conditional on a situation or behavior in another policy domain. In addition to political rationalities and realities, this article argues that any understanding of the rise of such policies must take account of electronic information networks. Such networks not only enable such policies to be implemented, they have also stimulated networked ways of thinking among policy makers. This argument is illustrated by reference to the electronic Australian Childhood Immunisation Register and the conditional Maternity Immunisation Allowance. The article concludes by examining how this combination of electronic technologies, political ideas and political realities is reconfiguring contemporary social citizenship, making it more conditional, segmented, individualized and unequal.
Fundamental Policy Considerations for the Regulation of Internet Cross‐Border Privacy Issues
Authors: Svantesson Dan J.B.
Published: August 2011

We are currently witnessing major changes to the regulation of privacy, both in Europe and North America, as well as in the Asia‐Pacific region. One of the most complex and controversial aspects of any regulatory scheme addressing privacy is the regulation of cross‐border data flows, and such regulation has become all the more complex in an interconnected world. After providing some necessary background observations regarding the issues surrounding the regulation of cross‐border data flows on the Internet, this article identifies and analyses eight fundamental policy considerations for any regulatory scheme addressing cross‐border privacy issues.
Long-Term Evaluation of Safety and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Treated with Oral Tranexamic Acid
Authors: Muse Ken , Lukes Andrea S , Gersten Janet , Waldbaum Arthur , Mabey R Garn , Trott Edward
Published: August 2011

Aims: A multicenter, long-term, open-label study was conducted to assess the safety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of an oral tranexamic acid (TA) formulation in women with cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Materials & methods: Following a screening menstrual cycle, women with a history of cyclic HMB initiated 27 cycles of treatment with TA 1.3 g administered three-times daily for up to 5 days per menstrual cycle (maximum of 15 doses). Safety was assessed by treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) monitoring, physical examinations, laboratory results, ophthalmologic examinations and electrocardiography. HRQoL was evaluated using both generic and HMB-specific instruments. Results: Most of the TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity and were largely considered unrelated to study treatment. The most commonly reported TEAEs among women in the intent-to-treat population (n = 723) were headache, menstrual discomfort and back pain. Improvements in generic and disease-specific HRQoL measures were evident during the first treatment cycle and were maintained throughout the 15 cycles of measurement for most domains. Conclusion: Long-term TA treatment was well tolerated and improved measures of HRQoL in women with cyclic HMB.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Enhances Glucagon-Like Peptide 1–Stimulated Postprandial Insulin Secretion in Humans
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Prigeon Ronald L. , D’Alessio David A.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

Gastric bypass (GB) surgery is associated with postprandial hyperinsulinemia, and this effect is accentuated in postsurgical patients who develop recurrent hypoglycemia. Plasma levels of the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) are dramatically increased after GB, suggesting that its action contributes to alteration in postprandial glucose regulation. The aim of this study was to establish the role of GLP-1 on insulin secretion in patients with GB.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve asymptomatic individuals with previous GB (Asym-GB), 10 matched healthy nonoperated control subjects, and 12 patients with recurrent hypoglycemia after GB (Hypo-GB) had pre- and postprandial hormone levels and insulin secretion rates (ISR) measured during a hyperglycemic clamp with either GLP-1 receptor blockade with exendin-(9–39) or saline.

RESULTS

Blocking the action of GLP-1 suppressed postprandial ISR to a larger extent in Asym-GB individuals versus control subjects (33 ± 4 vs.16 ± 5%; P = 0.04). In Hypo-GB patients, GLP-1 accounted for 43 ± 4% of postprandial ISR, which was not significantly higher than that in Asym-GB subjects (P = 0.20). Glucagon was suppressed similarly by hyperglycemia in all groups but rose significantly after the meal in surgical individuals but remained suppressed in nonsurgical subjects. GLP-1 receptor blockade increased postprandial glucagon in both surgical groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased GLP-1–stimulated insulin secretion contributes significantly to hyperinsulinism in GB subjects. However, the exaggerated effect of GLP-1 on postprandial insulin secretion in surgical subjects is not significantly different in those with and without recurrent hypoglycemia.
Women Priests in the Church of England: Psychological Type Profile
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Robbins Mandy , Whinney Michael
Published: August 2011

This study employed psychological type theory and measurement to explore the psychological profile of women priests ordained in the Church of England. A sample of 83 Anglican clergywomen in England completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The data demonstrated clear preferences for introversion (63%) over extraversion (37%), for intuition (60%) over sensing (40%), for feeling (76%) over thinking (24%), and for judging (55%) over perceiving (45%). In terms of dominant types, 37% were dominant feelers, 31% dominant intuitives, 23% dominant sensers, and 8% dominant thinkers. These findings are discussed to illuminate the preferred ministry styles of Anglican clergywomen in England and to highlight the significant differences between the psychological type profile of clergywomen and the UK female population norms.
Genetic structure and phenotypic variation in wild populations of the medicinal tetraploid species Bromelia antiacantha (Bromeliaceae)
Authors: Zanella Camila Martini , Bruxel Manuela , Paggi Gecele Matos , Goetze Márcia , Buttow Miriam Valli , Cidade Fernanda Witt , Bered Fernanda
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: The patterns of genetic structure in plant populations are mainly related to the species life history and breeding system, and knowledge of these patterns is necessary for the management, use, and conservation of biological diversity. Polyploidy is considered an important mode of evolution in plants, but few studies have evaluated genetic structure of polyploid populations. We studied the patterns of genetic structure and morphological variation of Bromelia antiacantha (Bromeliaceae) populations, a polyploid terrestrial species.

• Methods: Microsatellite markers and morphological analyses were used to explore patterns of genetic and morphological diversity in wild populations of B. antiacantha.

• Key results: The results of our simple‐sequence repeat analyses supported that B. antiacantha is a polyploid species. The inbreeding coefficients were high and significant in all populations (FIS = 0.431), indicating homozygote excess. Bromelia antiacantha showed high levels of genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.224) and therefore was highly structured. High morphological variation was observed in fruit phenotypic traits in the populations studied.

• Conclusions: The levels of genetic diversity and the pattern of the population's structure may be related to the low recruitment of seeds, clonal reproduction, and the population's colonization history. The genetic and morphological variability displayed in this study are important issues in planning the conservation and exploitation of this resource in a sustainable way.
DETERMINISTIC CHAOS VERSUS STOCHASTIC OSCILLATION IN A PREY-PREDATOR-TOP PREDATOR MODEL
Authors: Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar , Banerjee Malay , Parshad Rana , Raw Sharada Nandan
Published: August 2011

The main objective of the present paper is to consider the dynamical analysis of a three dimensional prey-predator model within deterministic environment and the influence of environmental driving forces on the dynamics of the model system. For the deterministic model we have obtained the local asymptotic stability criteria of various equilibrium points and derived the condition for the existence of small amplitude periodic solution bifurcating from interior equilibrium point through Hopf bifurcation. We have obtained the parametric domain within which the model system exhibit chaotic oscillation and determined the route to chaos. Finally, we have shown that chaotic oscillation disappears in presence of environmental driving forces which actually affect the deterministic growth rates. These driving forces are unable to drive the system from a regime of deterministic chaos towards a stochastically stable situation. The stochastic stability results are discussed in terms of the stability of first and second order moments. Exhaustive numerical simulations are carried out to validate the analytical findings.
OSCILLATION ANALYSIS OF NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS FOR NONLINEAR DELAY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF POPULATION DYNAMICS
Authors: Gao Jianfang , Song Minghui , Liu Mingzhu
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with oscillations of numerical solutions for the nonlinear delay differential equation of population dynamics. The equation proposed by Mackey and Glass for a ”dynamic disease” involves respiratory disorders and its solution resembles the envelope of lung ventilation for pathological breathing, called Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Some conditions under which the numerical solution is oscillatory are obtained. The properties of non-oscillatory numerical solutions are investigated. To verify our results, we give numerical experiments.
De la visite médiatisée. Étude clinique
Authors: Boudarse Khalid , Dodelin Martine
Published: August 2011

La visite médiatisée fait partie des outils utilisés par les professionnels du champ médico-social afin de permettre des contacts entre parent(s) et enfant(s). Contrairement à l’entretien et à l’observation, elle n’a pas de cadre de référence théorique et clinique précis. Comment donc concevoir un protocole et un cadre à la visite médiatisée ? Sur quelle conception de la relation d’aide pouvons-nous nous appuyer pour penser nos manières d’être et de travailler, pour penser les différents niveaux d’interactions qu’engagent les bénéficiaires des visites et pour saisir les transactions affectives et imaginaires que ces derniers nouent avec les professionnels que nous sommes ? C’est ce cadre spécifique de la VM que l’article interroge en s’appuyant sur l’exemple d’un dispositif mis en place pour restaurer le contact entre un père souffrant de psychose et sa petite fille, victime de violences paternelles quand elle était nourrisson.
Who Participates in Seasonal Influenza Vaccination? Past Behavior Moderates the Prediction of Adherence
Authors: Ernsting Anna , Lippke Sonia , Schwarzer Ralf , Schneider Michael
Published: August 2011

Background.Vaccination effectively prevents seasonal influenza. To promote vaccination adherence, it is necessary to understand the motivational process that underlies vaccination behavior. This was examined along with the moderating influence of past behavior on intention formation.Methods.German employees ( = 594) completed questionnaires at baseline and at 7-month followup. Regression analyses were conducted for mediation and moderated mediation.Results.Intention at Time 1 mediated the effect of risk perception, and positive and negative outcome expectancies on Time 2 vaccination. Past behavior moderated this effect: there was a mediation effect for risk perception and outcome expectancies only for those individuals who did not participate annually.Conclusions.Risk perception and outcome expectancies influenced intentions to receive vaccination, which in turn predicted participation. Hence, these social-cognitive variables could be targeted in vaccination campaigns to increase intentions. However, vaccination experience affected the formation of intentions and should be accounted for when developing interventions.
Molecular Bases of Cutaneous and Uveal Melanomas
Authors: Gaudi Sudeep , Messina Jane L.
Published: August 2011

Intensive research in recent years has begun to unlock the mysteries surrounding the molecular pathogenesis of melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers. The high-penetrance, low-frequency susceptibility geneCDKN2Aproduces tumor suppressor proteins that function in concert with p53 and retinoblastoma protein to thwart melanomagenesis. AberrantCDKN2Agene products have been implicated in a great many cases of familial cutaneous melanoma. Sporadic cases, on the other hand, often involve constitutive signal transduction along the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, with particular focus falling upon mutated RAS and RAF protooncogenes. The proliferative effects of the MAPK pathway may be complemented by the antiapoptotic signals of the PI3K/AKT pathway. After skin, melanoma most commonly affects the eye. Data for the constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway in uveal melanoma exists as well, however, not through mutations of RAS and RAF. Rather, evidence implicates the proto-oncogene GNAQ. In the following discussion, we review the major molecular pathways implicated in both familial and sporadic cutaneous melanomagenesis, the former accounting for approximately 10% of cases. Additionally, we discuss the molecular pathways for which preliminary evidence suggests a role in uveal melanomagenesis.
Gold Electrodes Modified with Self-Assembled Layers Made of Sulphur Compounds and Gold Nanoparticles Used for Selective Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Catecholamine in the Presence of Interfering Ascorbic and Uric Acids
Authors: Łuczak Teresa
Published: August 2011

Gold electrodes modified with S-containing compounds and gold nanoparticles were used for determination of epinephrine (EP) in aqueous solution. The modified electrodes exhibited a good sensitivity, reproducibility, and stability. The results have shown that modified electrodes could clearly resolve the oxidation peaks of epinephrine, ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA) with peak-to-peak separation enabling determination of EP, AA, and UA in their simultaneous presence. A linear relationship between EP concentration and current response was obtained in the range of 0.1 μM to 700 μM with the detection limit ≥0.034 μM for the electrodes modified at 2D template and in the range of 0.1 μM to 800 μM with the detection limit ≥0.030 μM for the electrodes modified at 3D template.
Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation and Possible Implications for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lemmens Robin , Hermans Sylvia , Nuyens Dieter , Thijs Vincent
Published: August 2011

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia mainly caused by valvular, ischemic, hypertensive, and myopathic heart disease. Atrial fibrillation can occur in families suggesting a genetic background especially in younger subjects. Additionally recent studies have identified common genetic variants to be associated with atrial fibrillation in the general population. This cardiac arrhythmia has important public health implications because of its main complications: congestive heart failure and ischemic stroke. Since atrial fibrillation can result in ischemic stroke, one might assume that genetic determinants of this cardiac arrhythmia are also implicated in cerebrovascular disease. Ischemic stroke is a multifactorial, complex disease where multiple environmental and genetic factors interact. Whether genetic variants associated with a risk factor for ischemic stroke also increase the risk of a particular vascular endpoint still needs to be confirmed in many cases. Here we review the current knowledge on the genetic background of atrial fibrillation and the consequences for cerebrovascular disease.
Modulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase, Neuropeptide Y, Glutamate, and Substance P in Ganglia and Brain Areas Involved in Cardiovascular Control after Chronic Exposure to Nicotine
Authors: Ferrari Merari F. R. , Coelho Emerson F. , Farizatto Karen L. G. , Chadi Gerson , Fior-Chadi Debora R.
Published: August 2011

Considering that nicotine instantly interacts with central and peripheral nervous systems promoting cardiovascular effects after tobacco smoking, we evaluated the modulation of glutamate, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) in nodose/petrosal and superior cervical ganglia, as well as TH and NPY in nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after 8 weeks of nicotine exposure. Immunohistochemical andin situhybridization data demonstrated increased expression of TH in brain and ganglia related to blood pressure control, preferentially in SHR, after nicotine exposure. The alkaloid also increased NPY immunoreactivity in ganglia, NTS, and PVN of SHR, in spite of decreasing its receptor (NPY1R) binding in NTS of both strains. Nicotine increased SP and glutamate in ganglia. In summary, nicotine positively modulated the studied variables in ganglia while its central effects were mainly constrained to SHR.
Lifespan and Glucose Metabolism in Insulin Receptor Mutant Mice
Authors: Shimizu Takahiko , Baba Tomonori , Ogawara Midori , Shirasawa Takuji
Published: August 2011

Insulin/insulin-like growth factor type 1 signaling regulates lifespan and resistance to oxidative stress in worms, flies, and mammals. In a previous study, we revealed that insulin receptor (IR) mutant mice, which carry a homologous mutation found in the long-liveddaf-2 mutant ofCaenorhabditis elegans, showed enhanced resistance to oxidative stress cooperatively modulated by sex hormones and dietary signals (Baba et al., (2005)). We herein investigated the lifespan of IR mutant mice to evaluate the biological significance of insulin signaling in mice. Under normoxia, mutant male mice had a lifespan comparable to that of wild-type male mice. IR mutant female mice also showed a lifespan similar to that of wild-type female mice, in spite of the fact that the IR mutant female mice acquired more resistance to oxidative stress than IR mutant male mice. On the other hand, IR mutant male and female mice both showed insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia, but they did not develop hyperglycemia throughout their entire lifespan. These data indicate that the IR mutation does not impact the lifespan in mice, thus suggesting that insulin signaling might have a limited effect on the lifespan of mice.
Computational Simulations to Predict Creatine Kinase-Associated Factors: Protein-Protein Interaction Studies of Brain and Muscle Types of Creatine Kinases
Authors: Hu Wei-Jiang , Zhou Sheng-Mei , Yang Joshua SungWoo , Meng Fan-Guo
Published: August 2011

Creatine kinase (CK; EC 2.7.3.2) is related to several skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatomyositis. CK is important in skin energy homeostasis because it catalyzes the reversible transfer of a phosphoryl group from MgATP to creatine. In this study, we predicted CK binding proteins via the use of bioinformatic tools such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) mappings and suggest the putative hub proteins for CK interactions. We obtained 123 proteins for brain type CK and 85 proteins for muscle type CK in the interaction networks. Among them, several hub proteins such as NFKB1, FHL2, MYOC, and ASB9 were predicted. Determination of the binding factors of CK can further promote our understanding of the roles of CK in physiological conditions.
Copper Modulation as a Therapy for Alzheimer′s Disease?
Authors: Manso Yasmina , Comes Gemma , Hidalgo Juan , Bush Ashley I. , Adlard Paul A.
Published: August 2011

The role of metals in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) has gained considerable support in recent years, with both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating that a mis‐metabolism of metal ions, such as copper and zinc, may affect various cellular cascades that ultimately leads to the development and/or potentiation of AD. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the preclinical and clinical literature that specifically relates to attempts to affect the AD cascade by the modulation of brain copper levels. We will also detail our own novel animal data, where we treated APP/PS1 (7‐8 months old) mice with either high copper (20 ppm in the drinking water), high cholesterol (2% supplement in the food) or a combination of both and then assessed β‐amyloid (Aβ) burden (soluble and insoluble Aβ), APP levels and behavioural performance in the Morris water maze. These data support an interaction between copper/cholesterol and both Aβ and APP and further highlight the potential role of metal ion dyshomeostasis in AD.
Laccase-Based CLEAs: Chitosan as a Novel Cross-Linking Agent
Authors: Arsenault Alexandre , Cabana Hubert , Jones J. Peter
Published: August 2011

Laccase from Coriolopsis Polyzona was insolubilized as cross-linked
enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) for the first time with chitosan as the cross-linking
agent. Concentrations between 0.01 and 1.867 g/L of chitosan were used and
between 0.05 and 600 mM of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
hydrochloride. The laccase was precipitated using ammonium sulphate and cross-linked
simultaneously. Specific activity and thermal stability of these biocatalysts were
measured. Activities of up to 737 U/g were obtained when
2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) was used as a
substrate. Moreover, the stability of these biocatalysts was improved with regards
to thermal degradation compared to free laccase when exposed to denaturing
conditions of high temperature and low pH. The CLEAs stability against chemical
denaturants was also tested but no significant improvement was detected. The total
amount of ABTS to be oxidized during thermal degradation by CLEAs and free laccase
was calculated and the insolubilized enzymes were reported to oxidize more substrate
than free laccase. The formation conditions were analyzed by response surface
methodology in order to determine an optimal environment for the production of
efficient laccase-based CLEAs using chitosan as the cross-linking agent. After 24
hours of formation at pH 3 and at 4°C without agitation, the
CLEAs exhibit the best specific activity.
Does Systematic Preliminar Colour Doppler Study Reduce Kidney Biopsy Complication Incidence?
Authors: Granata Antonio , Floccari Fulvio , Ferrantelli Angelo , Rotolo Ugo , Di Lullo Luca , Fiorini Fulvio , Logias Francesco , Gallieni Maurizio , Fiore Carmelo Erio
Published: August 2011

While ultrasonography is widely performed prior to biopsy, colour Doppler examination is often used only to discover post-biopsy complications. Aim of this paper was to evaluate the usefulness of colour Doppler examination in planning the optimal site of puncture for renal biopsy. Present analysis includes 561 consecutive percutaneous renal biopsies performed from the same operator. Until August 2000 332 biopsies were performed after a preliminary ultrasonography (Group A). From September 2000, 229 patients underwent even a preliminary colour Doppler study (Group B). Postbioptic bleeding were categorized as minor (gross hematuria or subcapsular perinephric hematoma < 4 cmq of greater diameter) or major (hematoma >4 cmq of greater diameter; requiring blood transfusion or invasive procedures; leading to acute renal failure, urine tract obstruction, septicaemia, or death). Major complications were seen in 2.1% in Group A while in Group B only one case was reported (0.43%). Minor clinically significant complications occur in 7.8% in Group A and in 3.4% of cases of Group B. Colour Doppler reduced drastically the incidence of complications observed before the introduction of routine colour Doppler examination prior to biopsy. In our opinion, these data support the use of preliminary colour Doppler study when a biopsy is planned.
CXCR4 and Axillary Lymph Nodes: Review of a Potential Biomarker for Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hiller David , Chu Quyen D.
Published: August 2011

CXCR4 is a 7-transmembrane G-protein chemokine receptor that allows for migration of hematopoietic cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral lymph nodes. Research has shown CXCR4 to be implicated in the invasion and metastasis of several cancers, including carcinoma of the breast. CXCL12 is the ligand for CXCR4 and is highly expressed in areas common for breast cancer metastasis, including the axillary lymph nodes. Axillary lymph nodes positive for breast carcinoma have been an important component of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent research. The goal of this paper is to analyze the literature that has explained the pathways from CXCR4 expression to breast cancer metastasis of the lymph nodes and the prognostic and/or predictive implications of lymph node metastases in the presence of elevated CXCR4.
Chiral Discrimination of Tryptophan Enantiomers via (1R, 2R)-2-Amino-1, 2-Diphenyl Ethanol Modified Interface
Authors: Zhou Juan , Chen Qiao , Wang Li-lan , Wang Yong-hua , Fu Ying-zi
Published: August 2011

The paper reported that a simple chiral selective interface constructed by (1R, 2R)-2-amino-1, 2-diphenyl ethanol had been developed to discriminate tryptophan enantiomers. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used for the characteristic analysis of the electrode. The results indicated that the interface showed stable and sensitive property to determine the tryptophan enantiomers. Moreover, it exhibited the better stereoselectivity for L-tryptophan than that for D-tryptophan. The discrimination characteristics of the chiral selective interface for discriminating tryptophan enantiomers, including the response time, the effect of tryptophan enantiomers concentration, and the stability, were investigated in detail. In addition, the chiral selective interface was used to determine the enantiomeric composition of L- and D-tryptophan enantiomer mixtures by measuring the relative change of the peak current as well as in pure enantiomeric solutions. These results suggested that the chiral selective interface has the potential for enantiomeric discrimination of tryptophan enantiomers.
Fluorescence Polarization Binding Assay forAspergillus fumigatusVirulence Factor UDP-Galactopyranose Mutase
Authors: Qi Jun , Oppenheimer Michelle , Sobrado Pablo
Published: August 2011

Aspergillus fumigatusis an opportunistic human pathogenic fungus responsible for deadly lung infections in immunocompromised individuals. Galactofuranose (Galf) residues are essential components of the cell wall and play an important role inA. fumigatusvirulence. The flavoenzyme UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) catalyzes the isomerization of UDP-galactopyranose to UDP-galactofuranose, the biosynthetic precursor of Galf. Thus, inhibitors of UGM that block the biosynthesis of Galfcan lead to novel chemotherapeutics for treatingA. fumigatus-related diseases. Here, we describe the synthesis of fluorescently labeled UDP analogs and the development of a fluorescence polarization (FP) binding assay forA. fumigatusUGM (AfUGM). High-affinity binding to AfUGM was only obtained with the chromophore TAMRA, linked to UDP by either 2 or 6 carbons withKdvalues of 2.6 ± 0.2 μM and 3.0 ± 0.7 μM, respectively. These values were~6 times lower than when UDP was linked to fluorescein. The FP assay was validated against several known ligands and displayed an excellentZ′factor (0.79 ± 0.02) and good tolerance to dimethyl sulfoxide.
Myeloid-Related Protein Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Malemud Charles J.
Published: August 2011

SA100A8, SA100A9, and SA100A12 are members of the myeloid-related protein class. SA100A8 and SA100A9, also known as MRP-8 and MRP-14, respectively, are intracellular Ca2+-binding proteins produced mainly by neutrophils and monocytes where they exist as a heterodimeric complex in the cytosol. The MRP-8/-14 complex has been shown to promote chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In that regard, MRP-8 and MRP-14 regulate the inflammatory response through their capacity to recruit neutrophils and monocytes to target tissues resulting in attachment to endothelium. MRPs also activate the signal transduction pathway principally involving the stress-activated/mitogen-activated protein kinases. MRP-8/MRP-14 also increased nitric oxide synthesis. Most recently, the MRP-8/MRP-14 complex was shown to be a novel ligand for the toll-like receptors (TLRs) and TLR-4, in particular. Engagement of TLRs by the MRP-8/-14 complex may be particularly important for activating antigen-presenting dendritic cells which regulate critical autoimmune responses that promote chronic synovitis characteristic of RA.
An Examination by Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Putative Key Residues in the Determination of Coenzyme Specificity in ClostridialNAD+-Dependent Glutamate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Griffin Joanna , Engel Paul C.
Published: August 2011

Sequence and structure comparisons of various glutamate dehydrogenases (GDH) and other nicotinamide nucleotide-dependent dehydrogenases have potentially implicated certain residues in coenzyme binding and discrimination. We have mutated key residues inClostridium symbiosumNAD+-specific GDH to investigate their contribution to specificity and to enhance acceptance of NADPH. Comparisons withE. coliNADPH-dependent GDH prompted design of mutants F238S, P262S, and F238S/P262S, which were purified and assessed at pH 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0. They showed markedly increased catalytic efficiency with NADPH, especially at pH 8.0 (∼170-fold for P262S and F238S/P262S with relatively small changes for NADH). A positive charge introduced through the D263K mutation also greatly increased catalytic efficiency with NADPH (over 100-fold at pH 8) and slightly decreased activity with NADH. At position 242, “P6” of the “core fingerprint,” where NAD+- and NADP+-dependent enzymes normally have Gly or Ala, respectively, clostridial GDH already has Ala. Replacement with Gly produced negligible shift in coenzyme specificity.
Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified by Using Nanostructure Ruthenium Oxide Hexacyanoferrate/Ruthenium Hexacyanoferrate Thin Film
Authors: Shervedani Reza Karimi , Alinajafi-Najafabadi Hossein Ali
Published: August 2011

Application of mixed ruthenium oxide hexacyanoferrate/ruthenium hexacyanoferrate glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA) is described for the first time. The overlapped voltammetric oxidation potentials of ascorbic acid (AA) and DA are separated and shifted to more facile direction, +170 and +320 mV versus Ag/AgCl, respectively. Voltammetric response of the electrode toward the DA showed a dynamic calibration curve with two linear parts, from 0.50 to 10.00 μM and 25.00 to 550.00 μM DA, and a detection limit of 0.195 μM. The sensitivity (0.2917 μA/μM) and detection limit (0.195×10−7 μMDA) of this electrode are 21 times higher and 11.5 times lower than those found in our previous paper. The sensor response of 9.95 μMDA was not affected by 5.0 mM of glucose, 4.5 mM of fructose, 0.58 mM of sucrose, 0.28 mM of cystine, 0.25 mM of ascorbic acid, 79.60 μM of cysteine, and 49.70 μM of uric acid and urea. The fabricated sensor was successfully tested for determination of DA in injection medicine and human blood plasma samples.
Age-Related White Matter Changes
Authors: Xiong Yun Yun , Mok Vincent
Published: August 2011

Age-related white matter changes (WMC) are considered manifestation of arteriolosclerotic small vessel disease and are related to age and vascular risk factors. Most recent studies have shown that WMC are associated with a host of poor outcomes, including cognitive impairment, dementia, urinary incontinence, gait disturbances, depression, and increased risk of stroke and death. Although the clinical relevance of WMC has been extensively studied, to date, only very few clinical trials have evaluated potential symptomatic or preventive treatments for WMC. In this paper, we reviewed the current understanding in the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical importance, chemical biomarkers, and treatments of age-related WMC.
Resistant Thyrotoxicosis in a Patient with Graves Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Saleem Taimur , Sheikh Aisha , Masood Qamar
Published: August 2011

Background. Conventional management of thyrotoxicosis includes antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and surgery while adjunctive treatment includes beta-blockers, corticosteroids, inorganic iodide and iopanoic acid. Very rarely, patients may be resistant to these modalities and require additional management.Case Presentation. A 50-year-old lady presented with weight loss and palpitations diagnosed as atrial fibrillation. Her past history was significant for right thyroid lobectomy for thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid functions tests at this presentation showed free T4 of 6.63 ng/dl (normal range: 0.93–1.7) and TSH of <0.005 μIU/mL (normal range: 0.4–4.0). She was given aspirin, propranolol, heparin and carbimazole; however free T4 failed to normalize. Switching to propylthiouracil (PTU) did not prove successful. She was then given high doses of prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) and lithium (400 mg twice daily) which prepared the patient for radioactive iodine treatment by reducing free T4 levels (2.82 ng/dl). Two doses of radioactive iodine were then administered 6 months apart. Subsequently she became hypothyroid and was started on thyroid replacement therapy.Conclusion. This case highlights management options in patients with resistant thyrotoxicosis. Radioactive iodine and surgery are definitive modes of treatment in such complex cases while steroids and lithium play an important role in preparing patients for more definitive treatment.
Recovery and Biodistribution ofEx VivoExpanded Human Erythroblasts Injected into NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnullmice
Authors: Ghinassi Barbara , Ferro Leda , Masiello Francesca , Tirelli Valentina , Sanchez Massimo , Migliaccio Giovanni , Whitsett Carolyn , Kachala Stefan , Riviere Isabelle , Sadelain Michel , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: August 2011

Ex vivoexpanded erythroblasts (EBs) may serve as advanced transfusion products provided that lodgment occurs in the macrophage-niche of the marrow permitting maturation. EBs expanded from adult and cord blood expressed the receptors (CXCR4, VLA-4, and P-selectin ligand 1) necessary for interaction with macrophages. However, 4-days following transfusion to intact NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnullmice,CD235aposEBs were observed insideCD235anegsplenic cells suggesting that they underwent phagocytosis. When splenectomized and intact NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnullmice were transfused using retrovirally labeled human EBs, human cells were visualized by bioluminescence imaging only in splenectomized animals. Four days after injection, humanCD235aposcells were detected in marrow and liver of splenectomized mice but only in spleen of controls. HumanCD235aposerythrocytes in blood remained low in all cases. These studies establish splenectomized NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnullmice as a suitable model for tracking and quantification of human EBsin vivo.
Sex Differences in Medication and Primary Healthcare Use before and after Spousal Bereavement at Older Ages in Denmark: Nationwide Register Study of over 6000 Bereavements
Authors: Oksuzyan Anna , Jacobsen Rune , Glaser Karen , Tomassini Cecilia , Vaupel James W. , Christensen Kaare
Published: August 2011

Background. The study aimed to examine sex differences in healthcare use before and after widowhood to investigate whether reduced healthcare use among widowers compared with widows may partially explain excess mortality and more adverse health outcomes among men than women after spousal loss.Methods. All individuals alive and aged at least 60 years in 1996 and who became widowed in the period from 1996 to 2003 were selected from the 5% sample of the total Danish population and all Danish twins. The healthcare use was assessed as the average daily all-cause and major system-specific medication use and the average annual number of visits to general physicians (GPs).Results. The average daily use of all-cause and major system-specific medications, as well as the number of GP visits increased over the period from 1 year before and up to 5 years after a spouse's death, but there were no sex-specific patterns in the trajectories of medication use and number of GP visits after conjugal loss.Conclusion. We found little support for the hypothesis that reduced healthcare use contributes to the explanation of more adverse health outcomes after conjugal loss in men compared with women in Denmark.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of Hydrogen Peroxide on Palladium-Gold Codeposits on Glassy Carbon: Applications to the Design of Interference-Free Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Horozova Elena , Dodevska Totka , Dimcheva Nina , Mussarlieva Ruska
Published: August 2011

Following our previous studies on the catalytic activity electrochemically codeposited on graphite Pd-Pt electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide electroreduction, a series of glassy carbon electrodes were modified with Pd or (Pd+Au) deposits aiming at the development of even more efficient electrocatalysts for the same process. The resulting electrodes were found to be very effective at low applied potentials (−100and−50 mV versus Ag/AgCl, 1 M KCl). The surface topography of the electrode modified with Pd+Au mixed in proportions 90% : 10%, exhibiting optimal combination of sensitivity and linear dynamic range towards hydrogen peroxide electrochemical reduction, was studied with SEM and AFM. The applicability of the same electrode as transducer in an amperometric biosensor for glucose assay was demonstrated. At an applied potential of−50 mV, the following were determined: detection limit (S/N=3) of6×10−6 M glucose, electrode sensitivity of 0.15 μAμM−1, and strict linearity up to concentration of3×10−4 M.
Bioincompatible Impact of Different Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid Components and Therapeutic Interventions as Tested in a Rat Peritoneal Dialysis Model
Authors: Stavenuiter Andrea W. D. , Farhat Karima , Schilte Margot N. , ter Wee Piet M. , Beelen Robert H. J.
Published: August 2011

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with functional and structural changes of the peritoneal membrane. In this paper, we describe the impact of different factors contributing to peritoneal incompatibility of PD fluid installation including presence of a catheter, volume loading, and the PD fluid components itself. These factors initiate recruitment and activation of peritoneal immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells, as well as activation of peritoneal cells as mesothelial cells in situ. We provide an overview of PD-associated changes as seen in our rat PD-exposure model. Since these changes are partly reversible, we finally discuss therapeutic strategies in the rat PD model with possible consequences of long-term PD in the relevant human setting.
Clinical Significance of MicroRNA Expression Profiles and Polymorphisms in Lung Cancer Development and Management
Authors: Megiorni Francesca , Pizzuti Antonio , Frati Luigi
Published: August 2011

Lung cancers account for a huge percentage of death in industrialized countries, and hence there is an increasing call for the development of novel treatments. These malignancies are caused by a combination of environmental factors, principally cigarette smoking and genetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of regulatory noncoding small RNAs with a significance in numerous biological processes. Strong evidence links miRNA impaired expression profiles and pathways to the etiology of several diseases, including neoplasia. This paper focuses on the emerging role of miRNA function in lung cancer development with particular highlighting on the use of miRNA profiles and polymorphisms for the molecular and biological characterization of tumor pulmonary growth and progression. Furthermore, we underline the potential utility of lung cancer-associated miRNAs as clinical biomarkers with a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance and give emphasis to the promising novel miRNA-based curative strategies.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Osmium Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in the Absence and Presence of Aqueous Methanol
Authors: Borja-Arco Edgar , Jiménez-Sandoval Omar , Escalante-García Jaime , Magallón-Cacho Lorena , Sebastian P. J.
Published: August 2011

Osmium electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were prepared by microwave irradiation ofOs3(CO)12at different experimental conditions. The materials obtained were structurally characterized by FT-IR, micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Their chemical compositions were obtained by EDS. The electrocatalytic properties for the oxygen reduction reaction were evaluated by rotating disk electrode measurements in 0.5 mol L-1H2SO4, in the absence and presence of aqueous methanol. The kinetic parameters, such as Tafel slope, exchange current density, and charge transfer coefficient are reported.