bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inducing salt tolerance in mung bean through coinoculation with rhizobia and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase
Authors: Ahmad Maqshoof , Zahir Zahir A. , Asghar H. Naeem , Asghar M.
Published: July 2011

Twenty-five strains of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase and 10 strains of rhizobia were isolated from rhizosphere soil samples and nodules of mung bean. They were screened in separate trials under salt-stressed axenic conditions. The three most effective strains of PGPR (Mk1, Pseudomonas syringae ; Mk20, Pseudomonas fluorescens ; and Mk25, Pseudomonas fluorescens biotype G) and Rhizobium phaseoli strains M1, M6, and M9 were evaluated in coinoculation for their growth-promoting activity at three salinity levels (original, 4 dS·m–1, and 6 dS·m–1) under axenic conditions. The results showed that salinity stress significantly reduced plant growth but inoculation with PGPR containing ACC deaminase and rhizobia enhanced plant growth, thus reducing the inhibitory effect of salinity. However, their combined application was more effective under saline conditions, and the combination Mk20 × M6 was the most efficient for improving seedling growth and nodulation. The effect of high ethylene concentrations on plant growth and the performance of these strains for reducing the negative impact of saline stress was also evaluated by conducting a classical triple-response bioassay. The intensity of the classical triple response decreased owing to inoculation with these strains, with the root and shoot lengths of inoculated mung bean seedlings increasing and stem diameter decreasing, which is a typical response to the dilution in a classical triple response bioassay. Thus, coinoculation with PGPR containing ACC deaminase and Rhizobium spp. could be a useful approach for inducing salt tolerance and thus improving growth and nodulation in mung bean under salt-affected conditions.
Isolation of estrogen-degrading bacteria from an activated sludge bioreactor treating swine waste, including a strain that converts estrone to β-estradiol
Authors: Isabelle Martine , Villemur Richard , Juteau Pierre , Lépine François
Published: July 2011

An estrogen-degrading bacterial consortium from a swine wastewater biotreatment was enriched in the presence of low concentrations (1 mg/L) of estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (βE2), and equol (EQO) as sole carbon sources. The consortium removed 99% ± 1% of these three estrogens in 48 h. Estrogen removal occurred even in the presence of an ammonia monooxygenase inhibitor, suggesting that nitrifiers are not involved. Five strains showing estrogen-metabolizing activity were isolated from the consortium on mineral agar medium with estrogens as sole carbon source. They are related to four genera ( Methylobacterium (strain MI6.1R), Ochrobactrum (strains MI6.1B and MI9.3), Pseudomonas (strain MI14.1), and Mycobacterium (strain MI21.2)) distributed among three classes (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria). Depending on the culture medium, strains MI6.1B, MI9.3, MI14.1, and MI21.2 partially transform βE2 into E1, whereas Methylobacterium sp. strain MI6.1R reduces E1 into βE2 under aerobic conditions, in contrast with the usually observed conversion of βE2 into E1. Since βE2 is a more potent endocrine disruptor than E1, it means that the presence of Methylobacterium sp. strain MI6.1R (or other bacteria with the same E1-reducing activity) in a treatment could transiently increase the estrogenicity of the effluent. MI6.1R can also reduce the ketone group of 16-ketoestradiol, a hydroxylated analog of E1. All βE2 and E1 transformation activities were constitutive, and many of them are favoured in a rich medium than a medium containing no other carbon source. None of the isolated strains could degrade EQO.
Effect of plant species on the function and structure of the bacterial community in the rhizosphere of lead–zinc mine tailings in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Li Junmin , Jin Zexin , Gu Qiping
Published: July 2011

To uncover the role played by pioneer plants in the natural succession of vegetation on heavy-metal mine tailings, it is important to explore the sensitive indicator of rhizosphere microbial community performance. We investigated the structure and function of rhizosphere bacterial communities of five pioneer plants growing on lead–zinc mine tailings in Zhejiang, China. Compared with the control, all five pioneer plants differentially affected the structure and function of rhizosphere bacterial communities. The number of bacteria, the activity of β-glucosidase and urease, and species richness indices were the highest in the rhizosphere of Erigeron annuus . The carbon utilization ability and the functional diversity indices were the highest in the rhizosphere of Lysimachia clethroides . There was no significant relationship between the functional or structural diversity indices and the bioavailable heavy-metal content among each species. Clustering analysis and the nonmetric dimensional scaling biplot showed that the rhizosphere bacterial communities of the five pioneer plants were different from those of control, indicating that plant species might be the main driver of microbial community composition on mine tailings. Both L. clethroides and E. annuus might be appropriate candidates for phytoremediation of mine tailings for higher soil microbial community function and species richness in rhizosphere.
COSMOLOGY FOR A DOMAIN-WALL BRANE UNIVERSE
Authors: VOLKAS RAYMOND R.
Published: July 2011

I discuss how standard FRW cosmology can arise for a domain-wall brane universe. While standard cosmological evolution is recovered in the thin-wall limit, at finite thickness we find that different particle species experience different cosmological expansion rates. This work was performed in collaboration with Damien P. George and Mark Trodden.
PHASE DIAGRAM OF THE STRONG INTERACTION SYSTEM FROM LATTICE QCD
Authors: KIM SEYONG
Published: July 2011

We briefly review recent progresses in studying QCD thermodynamics from lattice QCD. Investigation of QCD in zero baryon density shows a rapid cross-over with realistic (u, d, s) quark masses. Various improvements of lattice QCD action leads to more accurate determination of QCD thermodynamic properties. Although simulating QCD in non-zero baryon density is difficult due to "sign problem", steady progress is also achieved.
DISSIPATIVE EFFECTS ON MSSM INFLATION
Authors: KAMADA KOHEI , YOKOYAMA JUN'ICHI
Published: July 2011

We study the dissipative effects on the MSSM inflation, which suffers from severe fine-tuning problems on potential parameters and initial conditions because of the narrowness of the slow-roll region. Dissipative effects appear as a consequence of interactions between an inflaton and other fields and they act as a friction term in its equation of motion. Of course it also can emerge in the case of MSSM inflation. However, we find that in the inflationary stage it can neither overwhelm the friction term that is due to the cosmic expansion nor affect the primordial fluctuations. Therefore it cannot relax the fine-tuning problem of the MSSM inflation.
THE EXTENSIVE AIR SHOWER EXPERIMENT KASCADE-GRANDE
Authors: KANG DONGHWA , APEL W. D. , ARTEAGA J. C. , BADEA F. , BEKK K. , BERTAINA M. , BLÜMER J. , BOZDOG H. , BRANCUS I. M. , BRÜGGEMANN M. , BUCHHOLZ P. , CANTONI E. , CHIAVASSA A. , COSSAVELLA F. , DAUMILLER K. , DE SOUZA V. , DI PIERRO F. , DOLL P. , ENGEL R. , ENGLER J. , FINGER M. , FUHRMANN D. , GHIA P. L. , GILS H. J. , GLASSTETTER R. , GRUPEN C. , HAUNGS A. , HECK D. , HÖRANDEL J. R. , HUEGE T. , ISAR P. G. , KAMPERT K.-H. , KICKELBICK D. , KLAGES H. O. , KOLOTAEV Y. , ŁUCZAK P. , MATHES H. J. , MAYER H. J. , MILKE J. , MITRICA B. , MORELLO C. , NAVARRA G. , NEHLS S. , OEHLSCHLÄGER J. , OSTAPCHENKO S. , OVER S. , PETCU M. , PIEROG T. , REBEL H. , ROTH M. , SCHATZ G. , SCHIELER H. , SCHRÖDER F. , SIMA O. , STÜMPERT M. , TOMA G. , TRINCHERO G. C. , ULRICH H. , VAN BUREN J. , WALKOWIAK W. , WEINDL A. , WOCHELE J. , WOMMER M. , ZABIEROWSKI J.
Published: July 2011

The extensive air shower experiment KASCADE-Grande (KArlsruhe Shower Core and Array DEtector and Grande array) is located on site of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe in Germany. The original KASCADE experiment consisted of a densely packed scintillator array with unshielded and shielded detectors for the measurement of the electromagnetic and muonic shower component independently, as well as muon tracking devices and a hadron calorimeter. The Grande array as an extension of KASCADE consists of 37 scintillation detector stations covering an area of 700×700 m2. The main goal for the combined measurements of KASCADE and Grande is the investigation of the energy spectrum and composition of primary cosmic rays in the energy range of 1016 to 1018 eV. In this paper an overview of the KASCADE-Grande experiment and recent results will be presented.
THE STRUCTURE OF NEUTRON STAR BY USING THE QUARK-MESON COUPLING MODEL
Authors: RYU C. Y. , CHEOUN MYUNG-KI
Published: July 2011

We investigate the structure of neutron star within the framework of the quark-meson coupling model, considering hyperons and kaon condensation. In order to compare the EoS with that from quark matter, the MIT bag model is used. We calculate the mass and radius of a neutron star by using Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkov equations.
RADION STABILIZATION IN BRANE GAS COSMOLOGY
Authors: KIM JIN YOUNG
Published: July 2011

We address an overview on the mechanism of the radion stabilization in brane gas cosmology. We explain why it is not possible to stabilize the radion with a brane gas alone. The bulk RR field can arise an effective potential required for the radion stabilization. For a combination of (D - 3)-brane gas wrapping the extra dimension and 4-form RR flux in the unwrapped dimensions, it is possible that three dimensions can expand monotonically while the extra dimensions oscillate or sit at the minimum of the potential.
TWO DARK MATTER COMPONENTS IN NDMMSSM AND PAMELA DATA
Authors: HUH JI-HAENG
Published: July 2011

PAMELA has observed the significant excess of the positron flux fraction. We explain it in the context of the dark matter annihilation process in our Galaxy. Since there is the helicity suppression, a majorana spin-1/2 (e.g. a neutralino in MSSM) and spin-0 dark matter cannot explain the data. We extend the MSSM minimally to incorporate 2 component dark matter and to produce positron flux from their co-annihilation.
Improvement in pump function with endocardial biventricular pacing increases with activation time at the left ventricular pacing site in failing canine hearts
Authors: Howard Elliot J. , Covell James W. , Mulligan Lawrence J. , McCulloch Andrew D. , Omens Jeffrey H. , Kerckhoffs Roy C. P.
Published: July 2011

Recently, attention has been focused on comparing left ventricular (LV) endocardial (ENDO) with epicardial (EPI) pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy. However, the effects of ENDO and EPI lead placement at multiple sites have not been studied in failing hearts. We hypothesized that differences in the improvement of ventricular function due to ENDO vs. EPI pacing in dyssynchronous (DYSS) heart failure may depend on the position of the LV lead in relation to the original activation pattern. In six nonfailing and six failing dogs, electrical DYSS was created by atrioventricular sequential pacing of the right ventricular apex. ENDO was compared with EPI biventricular pacing at five LV sites. In failing hearts, increases in the maximum rate of LV pressure change (dP/d t; r = 0.64), ejection fraction ( r = 0.49), and minimum dP/d t ( r = 0.51), relative to DYSS, were positively correlated ( P < 0.01) with activation time at the LV pacing site during ENDO but not EPI pacing. ENDO pacing at sites with longer activation delays led to greater improvements in hemodynamic parameters and was associated with an overall reduction in electrical DYSS compared with EPI pacing ( P < 0.05). These findings were qualitatively similar for nonfailing hearts. Improvement in hemodynamic function increased with activation time at the LV pacing site during ENDO but not EPI pacing. At the anterolateral wall, end-systolic transmural function was greater with local ENDO compared with EPI pacing. ENDO pacing and intrinsic activation delay may have important implications for management of DYSS heart failure.
Vasodilation induced by oxygen/glucose deprivation is attenuated in cerebral arteries of SUR2 null mice
Authors: Adebiyi Adebowale , McNally Elizabeth M. , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: July 2011

Physiological functions of arterial smooth muscle cell ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, which are composed of inwardly rectifying K+ channel 6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR)-2 subunits, during metabolic inhibition are unresolved. In the present study, we used a genetic model to investigate the physiological functions of SUR2-containing KATP channels in mediating vasodilation to hypoxia, oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) or metabolic inhibition, and functional recovery following these insults. Data indicate that SUR2B is the only SUR isoform expressed in murine cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. Pressurized SUR2 wild-type (SUR2wt) and SUR2 null (SUR2nl) mouse cerebral arteries developed similar levels of myogenic tone and dilated similarly to hypoxia (<10 mmHg Po2). In contrast, vasodilation induced by pinacidil, a KATP channel opener, was ∼71% smaller in SUR2nl arteries. Human cerebral arteries also expressed SUR2B, developed myogenic tone, and dilated in response to hypoxia and pinacidil. OGD, oligomycin B (a mitochondrial ATP synthase blocker), and CCCP (a mitochondrial uncoupler) all induced vasodilations that were ∼39–61% smaller in SUR2nl than in SUR2wt arteries. The restoration of oxygen and glucose following OGD or removal of oligomycin B and CCCP resulted in partial recovery of tone in both SUR2wt and SUR2nl cerebral arteries. However, SURnl arteries regained ∼60–82% more tone than did SUR2wt arteries. These data indicate that SUR2-containing KATP channels are functional molecular targets for OGD, but not hypoxic, vasodilation in cerebral arteries. In addition, OGD activation of SUR2-containing KATP channels may contribute to postischemic loss of myogenic tone.
Metabolic deterioration of the sedentary control group in clinical trials
Authors: Patel Mahesh J. , Slentz Cris A. , Kraus William E.
Published: July 2011

Randomized clinical trials of exercise training regimens in sedentary individuals have provided a mechanistic understanding of the long-term health benefits and consequences of physical activity and inactivity. The sedentary control periods from these trials have provided evidence of the progressive metabolic deterioration that results from as little as 4–6 mo of continuing a physically inactive lifestyle. These clinical trials have also demonstrated that only a modest amount of physical activity is required to prevent this metabolic deterioration, and this amount of physical activity is consistent with current physical activity recommendations (150 min/wk of moderate intensity physical activity). These recommendations have been issued to the general population for a vast array of health benefits. While greater adherence to these recommendations should result in substantial improvements in the health of the population, these recommendations still remain inadequate for many individuals. An individual's physical activity requirements are influenced by such factors as an individual's diet, nonexercise physical activity patterns, genetic profile, and medications. Improving the understanding of how these factors influence an individual's physical activity requirements will help advance the field and help move the field toward the development of more personalized physical activity recommendations.
Exercise protects against doxorubicin-induced markers of autophagy signaling in skeletal muscle
Authors: Smuder Ashley J. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Min Kisuk , Powers Scott K.
Published: July 2011

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antitumor agent used in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, DOX is also toxic to skeletal muscle and can result in significant muscle wasting. The cellular mechanism(s) by which DOX induces toxicity in skeletal muscle fibers remains unclear. Nonetheless, DOX-induced toxicity is associated with increased generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage, and activation of the calpain and caspase-3 proteolytic systems within muscle fibers. It is currently unknown if autophagy, a proteolytic system that can be triggered by oxidative stress, is activated in skeletal muscles following DOX treatment. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that systemic administration of DOX leads to increased expression of autophagy markers in the rat soleus muscle. Our results reveal that DOX administration results in increased muscle mRNA levels and/or protein abundance of several important autophagy proteins, including: Beclin-1, Atg12, Atg7, LC3, LC3II-to-LCI ratio, and cathepsin L. Furthermore, given that endurance exercise increases skeletal muscle antioxidant capacity and protects muscle against DOX-induced oxidative stress, we performed additional experiments to determine whether exercise training before DOX administration would attenuate DOX-induced increases in expression of autophagy genes. Our results clearly show that exercise can protect skeletal muscle from DOX-induced expression of autophagy genes. Collectively, our findings indicate that DOX administration increases the expression of autophagy genes in skeletal muscle, and that exercise can protect skeletal muscle against DOX-induced activation of autophagy.
Targeted Therapeutic Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment Improves an HER-2 DNA Vaccine and Prevents Recurrence in a Murine Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Liao Debbie , Liu Ze , Wrasidlo Wolfgang J. , Luo Yunping , Nguyen Giang , Chen Tingmei , Xiang Rong , Reisfeld Ralph A.
Published: July 2011

The tumor microenvironment (TME) mediates immunosuppression resulting in tumor cell escape from immune surveillance and cancer vaccine failure. Immunosuppression is mediated by the STAT-3 transcription factor, which potentiates signaling in tumor and immune cells. Because immunosuppression continues to be a major inhibitor of cancer vaccine efficacy, we examined in this study whether therapeutically targeted delivery of a synthetic STAT-3 inhibitor to the TME, combined with an HER-2 DNA vaccine can improve immune surveillance against HER-2+ breast cancer and prevent its recurrence. To this end, we developed a novel ligand-targeted nanoparticle (NP) encapsulating a CDDO-Im payload capable of specific delivery to the TME, which showed an effective therapeutic inhibition of STAT-3 activation in primary tumors. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with these NPs resulted in priming of the immune TME, characterized by increased IFN-γ, p-STAT-1, GM-CSF, IL-2, IL-15, and IL-12b and reduced TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-10 protein expression. In addition, we found significantly increased tumor infiltration by activated CD8+ T cells, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells. These changes correlated with delayed growth of orthotopic 4TO7 breast tumors and, when combined with an HER-2 DNA vaccine, prevented HER-2+ primary tumor recurrence in immunocompetent mice. Furthermore, antitumor T-cell responses were enhanced in splenocytes isolated from mice treated with this combination therapy. Together, these data show effective protection from cancer recurrence through improved immune surveillance against a tumor-specific antigen. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5688–96. ©2011 AACR.
Tamoxifen DownregulatesEtsOncogene Family MembersETV4andETV5in Benign Breast Tissue: Implications for Durable Risk Reduction
Authors: Euhus David , Bu Dawei , Xie Xian-Jin , Sarode Venetia , Ashfaq Raheela , Hunt Kelly , Xia Weiya , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Grant Michael , Arun Banu , Dooley William , Miller Alexander , Flockhart David , Lewis Cheryl
Published: July 2011

Five years of tamoxifen reduces breast cancer risk by nearly 50% but is associated with significant side effects and toxicities. A better understanding of the direct and indirect effects of tamoxifen in benign breast tissue could elucidate new mechanisms of breast carcinogenesis, suggest novel chemoprevention targets, and provide relevant early response biomarkers for phase II prevention trials. Seventy-three women at increased risk for breast cancer were randomized to tamoxifen (20 mg daily) or placebo for 3 months. Blood and breast tissue samples were collected at baseline and posttreatment. Sixty-nine women completed all study activities (37 tamoxifen and 32 placebo). The selected biomarkers focused on estradiol and IGFs in the blood; DNA methylation and cytology in random periareolar fine-needle aspirates; and tissue morphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression (microarray and reverse transcriptase PCR) in the tissue core samples. Tamoxifen downregulated Ets oncogene transcription factor family members ETV4 and ETV5 and reduced breast epithelial cell proliferation independent of CYP2D6 genotypes or effects on estradiol, ESR1, or IGFs. Reduction in proliferation was correlated with downregulation of ETV4 and DNAJC12. Tamoxifen reduced the expression of ETV4- and ETV5-regulated genes implicated in epithelial-stromal interaction and tissue remodeling. Three months of tamoxifen did not affect breast tissue composition, cytologic atypia, preneoplasia, or apoptosis. A plausible mechanism for the chemopreventive effects of tamoxifen is restriction of lobular expansion into stroma through downregulation of ETV4 and ETV5. The human equivalent of murine multipotential progenitor cap cells of terminal end buds may be the primary target. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1852–62. ©2011 AACR.
Uterine Cervical Sarcoidosis Identified on Pap Test: Cytomorphologic Findings and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Guan Hui , Ali Syed Z.
Published: July 2011

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of uncertain etiology that is histopathologically characterized by non-necrotizing granulomas. It typically involves the lungs and lymph nodes, but has been reported in many other organ systems as well. Sarcoidosis involving the female genital tract, the uterus in particular, is a rare event with isolated accounts in the medical literature. Case: We present a rare occurrence of cervical sarcoidosis in a Pap test of a 31-year-old woman with a history of biopsy-proven mediastinal lymph node sarcoidosis and mediastinal pleomorphic liposarcoma with status post chemotherapy. The Surepath smear showed crowded cellular groups with abundant epithelioid histiocytes and lymphocytes consistent with granulomatous inflammation. No granular necrotic debris or polarizable foreign body material was identified. There were no microorganisms present. The cytomorphologic features and differential diagnoses are discussed. Conclusion: Uterine cervical sarcoidosis, although rare, can be an overlooked cause of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in a cervical Pap test. Sarcoidosis should be a diagnosis of exclusion; other common conditions with similar morphologic presentation such as non-necrotizing tuberculosis, foreign body-related granulomatous inflammation, and neoplastic/chemotherapy-related sarcomatoid reaction need to be excluded in conjunction with the patient’s clinical history.
Endometrial Cells in Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology: A Diagnostic Pitfall Solved by Preparing Cytohistology from the Residual Thin Layer Sample
Authors: Risse E.K.J. , Ouwerkerk-Noordam E. , Boon M.E.
Published: July 2011

Objective: It was our aim to assess the usefulness of cytohistology in cervical thin layer brush samples with problems in the differential diagnosis of endometrial cells. Study Design: This study reveals the cytological, cytohistological and immunohistochemistry findings of 8 cases suspicious of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)/adenocarcinoma (AC) in cervical liquid-based cytology (LBC) preparations that turned out to be normal endometrial cells. Results: All 8 cervical LBCs featured endometrial and atypical endocervical-like columnar cells with frequent ragged ‘feathered’ edge appearance and rosette formations. Overlapping atypical glandular cell groups were present on 2 ThinPrep slides as well. In cytohistology of 7 cases, the recognition of endometrial stroma with endometrial glands easily allowed the diagnosis of normal endometrium. In 1 case with very small loose tissue fragments without glands, the diagnosis could be established by positivity for CD10 marker (endometrial stroma) and without proliferative activity in the Ki-67 immunostaining. Conclusion: In cervical LBC preparations, nuclear hyperchromasia, pleomorphism and nucleoli in normal endometrial cells are more obvious than in conventional smears, and their arrangement is sometimes suggestive of AIS or AC. In the 8 cases presented, we could avoid a false-positive diagnosis of AIS or AC through cytohistology/immunohistochemistry, and in consequence, unnecessary colposcopical/histological examination.
Cytologic, Immunocytologic, Histopathologic and Immunohistologic Diagnosis of the Poorly Differentiated Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor
Authors: Soleimanpour H. , Shirian S. , Oryan A. , Daneshbod K. , Bagheri N. , Daneshbod Y.
Published: July 2011

Background: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), also known as arrhenoblastomas, are tumors of the sex cord-stromal group of ovary and testis cancers. They comprise <1% of all ovarian tumors. They are divided into 6 categories based on the degree of differentiation and the presence of heterologous elements. However, <15% of these tumors are poorly differentiated. Case: A 23-year-old unmarried female presented with an 8-month history of irregular menstrual cycle and abdominal pain. There were no clinical features suggesting virilization. The left salpingo-oophorectomy specimen revealed an oval ovarian mass of 11 × 7 × 4 cm in dimension. Grossly, the cut surface of the mass was yellowish white in color and solid in consistency and touch preparation was made. By applying cytology and immunocytochemistry techniques, a preliminary diagnosis suggestive of poorly differentiated SLCT was made. The tumor was confirmed as a poorly differentiated SLCT. Conclusion: Cytology and immunocytochemistry by WT-1, melan A, vimentin and calretinin are helpful in the diagnosis of poorly differentiated SLCTs.
Posturing after Macular Hole Surgery: A Review
Authors: Chandra Aman , Charteris David G. , Yorston David
Published: July 2011

Since the first reports on surgical repair of macular holes, postoperative face-down posturing (FDP) has been part of the management regime. However, prone positioning is unpleasant for patients, and has adverse effects. Over the last decade some vitreoretinal surgeons have reduced the duration of FDP, or even abandoned it altogether. There have been few non-randomised, and even fewer randomised trials addressing this controversy. With high success rates for macular hole surgery and multiple different surgical strategies such as internal limiting membrane peeling, combining macular hole and cataract surgery, and different durations of gas tamponade, analysing the effects of individual factors is difficult. This paper discusses the mechanisms of surgical repair as well as the role of postoperative FDP, and reviews the studies that have attempted to determine its effect on the success of macular hole surgery.
Is There a Role for Long-Term Silicone Oil Tamponade for More than Twelve Months in Vitreoretinal Surgery?
Authors: Stappler Theodor , Morphis George , Irigoyen Cristina , Heimann Heinrich
Published: July 2011

Despite modern and sophisticated vitreoretinal techniques, the authors are convinced that an underreported patient group exists, for whom long-term silicone oil tamponade is unavoidable. We conducted a literature review of the current evidence base in order to provide guidance on the ocular tolerance and side effects of long-term silicone oil, weighing up benefits against complications as well as providing an outlook on future silicone oils with improved physical properties. We advocate the removal of silicone oil in all cases; however, one has to recognise that long-term silicone oil tamponade may have to be considered as a measure of last resort for selected patients. There is a clinical need to develop novel, emulsification-resistant tamponades.
Choices in Correction of Aphakia during Vitrectomy
Authors: Bastawrous Andrew , Parkes Craig , Prasad Som
Published: July 2011

Phacoemulsification with an intraocular lens implant is a safe and effective means of correction of visual loss from cataract. The high frequency of this procedure world wide means inevitable direct surgical complications will be numerous even though infrequent. The approach to correcting aphakia following complicated cataract surery is dependent on multiple factors including the degree to which the capsular bag is intact and the type of intraocular lens that has been inserted. We discuss several approaches and strategies for managing dropped intraocular lenses, the correction of aphakia and the safety and long-term results of anterior chamber intraocular lens placement.
The Use of Continuous Silicone Oil Infusion as a Peroperative Tool to Facilitate Break Localisation, Vitreous Base Dissection and Drainage of Subretinal Fluid
Authors: Wong David , Lai Wico , Yusof Wadid
Published: July 2011

Introduction: We introduce the use of low-molecular-weight silicone oil as an infusion and as a peroperative tool to facilitate three specific surgical steps, namely internal search for retinal breaks, vitreous base shaving and drainage of subretinal fluid. Method and Patients: Ethics committee approval was obtained to test this novel agent in a small number of cases as a pilot study. Following vitrectomy the posterior retina was reattached and stabilised using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). The infusion of balanced salt solution was then stopped and replaced with 5 mPas silicone oil. Subsequent surgery was assessed as to whether the infusion was helpful in the three surgical steps. Five cases were selected for this pilot study. Three presented with long-standing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) of 2 or more months: 1 had dense vitreous haemorrhage and no fundal view at presentation; 2 had proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Of the remaining 2 cases, 1 had a giant retinal break and the other case had a combined diabetic tractional retinal detachment and RRD. Results: Additional retinal breaks were found in 2 patients. The silicone oil joined with the PFCL to form a single bubble. The vitreous base along with the operculum of any retinal break was reflected anteriorly. The infusion of oil stabilised the anterior retina, making it possible to shave the vitreous closely in all 5 patients. Visualisation of the vitreous gel was also improved. There was a clear interface between vitreous and oil because of the large difference between the refractive indices of vitreous and oil. Four of the 5 patients had a total reattachment with one procedure. In the 2 cases in which 5,000 mPas silicone oil was used for long-term postoperative tamponade, no emulsification was observed. Follow-up of patients ranged from 6 to 13 months. There were no additional serious adverse reactions recorded. Conclusion: We found that the experience of using silicone oil was very highly positive.
On the Role of Articulatory Prosodies in German Message Decoding
Authors: Kohler Klaus J. , Niebuhr Oliver
Published: July 2011

A theoretical framework for speech reduction is outlined in which ‘coarticulation’ and ‘articulatory control’ operate on sequences of ‘opening-closing gestures’ in linguistic and communicative settings, leading to suprasegmental properties – ‘articulatory prosodies’ – in the acoustic output. In linking this gestalt perspective in speech production to the role of phonetic detail in speech understanding, this paper reports on perception experiments that test listeners’ reactions to varying extension of an ‘articulatory prosody of palatality’ in message identification. The point of departure for the experimental design was the German utterance ich kann Ihnen das ja mal sagen ‘I can mention this to you’ from the Kiel Corpus of Spontaneous Speech, which contains the palatalized stretch [k̟hε̈njnjəs] for the sequence of function words /kan i.n(ə)n das/ kann Ihnen das. The utterance also makes sense without the personal pronoun Ihnen. Systematic experimental variation has shown that the extent of palatality has a highly significant influence on the decoding of Ihnen and that the effect of nasal consonant duration depends on the extension of palatality. These results are discussed in a plea to base future speech perception research on a paradigm that makes the traditional segment–prosody divide more permeable, and moves away from the generally practised phoneme orientation.
Carotid Plaque Surface Irregularity Predicts Cerebral Embolism during Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Rosenkranz Michael , Russjan Arkadiusz , Goebell Einar , Havemeister Stefanie , Thomalla Götz , Cheng Bastian , Beck Christoph , Krützelmann Anna , Fiehler Jens , Gerloff Christian
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is associated with the risk of periprocedural embolic events. The procedural risk may vary with plaque characteristics. We aimed at determining the impact of carotid plaque surface irregularity on the risk of cerebral embolism during CAS. Methods: Solid microembolic signals (MES) during CAS for symptomatic carotid stenosis were assessed by means of dual-frequency transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Study endpoint was the number of solid MES during CAS in 12 patients with irregular carotid stenosis compared to 12 matched patients with smooth carotid stenosis. Results: A total of 438 solid MES were detected. The cumulative number of solid MES was 329 in patients with irregular plaques and 109 in those with smooth plaques. The proportion of subjects in whom solid MES were detected was higher in the irregular plaque group (11/12) than in the smooth plaque group (5/12) (p = 0.030). The numbers of solid MES per CAS procedure and per hour of CAS procedure were both higher in patients with irregular plaques than in those with smooth plaques (p = 0.008 and 0.015, respectively). Conclusions: Carotid plaque surface irregularity predicts solid cerebral embolism during stenting of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.
Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Parameters in Small for Gestational Age Moderately Preterm Infants
Authors: Bauer Jacqueline , Masin Markus , Brodner Katharina
Published: July 2011

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to analyze resting energy expenditure (REE), hormonal parameters and lipid profile in small for gestational age (SGA) moderately preterm infants compared to their appropriate for gestational age (AGA) counterparts in the first week after birth. Methods: REE was measured in all participants using indirect calorimetry. Blood samples of all infants were collected at the same study point together with indirect calorimetry measurements. Results: A total of 32 infants including 16 preterm infants born SGA and 16 AGA preterm neonates were recruited for the study, with a mean gestational age of 35 ± 1 weeks in both groups. REE values in the SGA group were significantly increased compared to the AGA group data after birth (p < 0.002). Low-density lipoprotein levels from the AGA group were significantly higher (p = 0.002) when compared to the SGA infants. No other clinical differences in hormonal parameters, lipid profile or blood pressure levels were identified between the two groups. Conclusions: In addition to low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation is associated with a statistically significant increase in REE in SGA moderately premature infants shortly after birth, which requires further investigation when establishing nutritional recommendations in this cohort.
Simultaneous Detection of T Lymphocyte-Related Antigens (CD4/CD8, CD57, TCRβ) with Nuclei by Fluorescence-Based Immunohistochemistry in Paraffin-Embedded Human Lymph Node, Liver Cancer and Stomach Cancer
Authors: Nakata Takahiro , Takayama Eiji , Magari Hirohito , Kato Jun , Kondo Nobuo , Masao Ichinose
Published: July 2011

Objective: To develop a method for immunohistochemical staining of three different T lymphocyte antigens (CD4 or CD8, CD57 and TCRβ) on the same tissue section and to determine whether tissues have been infiltrated with T lymphocytes expressing these markers. Study Design: Commercially available antibodies were tested for immunohistochemical usefulness in a dye-based conventional single-immunostaining method after antigen retrieval on paraffin-embedded human lymph nodes. We searched for the combination of antibodies that could detect T lymphocyte antigens on the same section without any cross-reactivity and that have fluorescent signals robust enough to overcome paraffin autofluorescence. Results: Application of the antigen retrieval technique and the Sudan black B quenching technique enabled staining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections with fluorescent-labeled secondary antibodies. The combination of primary and secondary antibodies that could simultaneously detect the T lymphocyte antigens CD4 or CD8, CD57 and TCRβ in histochemical analysis of a paraffin-embedded human lymph node section was established, and was successfully applied to a human tissue section infiltrated with T lymphocytes that express these markers. Conclusion: The antibodies listed here would be helpful for histopathologists who wish to investigate T lymphocytes in the paraffin-embedded sections that have accumulated in pathology labs throughout the world.
A Comparison of Dacron versus Flocked Nylon Swabs for Anal Cytology Specimen Collection
Authors: Gage Julia C. , Ghosh Arpita , Borgonovo Sylvia , Follansbee Stephen , Wentzensen Nicolas , Gravitt Patti E. , Grabe Niels , Lahrmann Bernd , Castle Philip E.
Published: July 2011

Objectives: We compared the performance of commonly used Dacron versus flocked nylon swabs for anal cytology. Study Design: From 23 HIV-positive men screened at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco (San Francisco, Calif., USA), 2 anal specimens were collected, 1 with each swab in random order, and placed into liquid cytology medium. Specimens were tested for cellularity by quantifying a genomic DNA (erv-3). The number of cells was assessed from prepared slides by automated image analysis. Performance was compared between swabs using 2-sample t tests and standard crossover trial analysis methods accounting for period effect. Results: Flocked swabs collected slightly more erv-3 cells than Dacron for the first sample although not significantly (p = 0.18) and a similar number of erv-3 cells for the second sample (p = 0.85). Flocked swabs collected slightly more cells per slide than the Dacron swabs at both time periods although this was only significant in the second time period (p = 0.42 and 0.03 for first and second periods, respectively). In crossover trial analysis, flocked swabs outperformed Dacron for cell count per slide based on slide imaging (p = 0.03), but Dacron and flocked swabs performed similarly based on erv-3 quantification (p = 0.14). Conclusions: Further studies should determine whether flocked swabs increase the representation of diagnostically important cells compared to Dacron.
Dispositional Optimism Protects Older Adults From Stroke
Authors: Kim Eric S. , Park Nansook , Peterson Christopher
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Although higher optimism has been linked to an array of positive health outcomes, the association between optimism and incidence of stroke remains unclear, especially among older adults. We examined whether higher optimism was associated with a lower incidence of stroke.

Method—

Prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study—a nationally representative panel study of American adults aged >50 years—were used. Analyses were conducted for a 2-year follow-up on the subset of 6044 adults (2542 men, 3502 women) who were stroke-free at baseline. Analyses adjusted for chronic illnesses, self-rated health, and relevant sociodemographic, behavioral, biological, and psychological factors.

Results—

Higher optimism was associated with a lower risk of stroke. On an optimism measure ranging from 3 to 18, each unit increase in optimism was associated with an age-adjusted OR of 0.90 for stroke (95% CI, 0.84 to 0.97;
P
<0.01). The effect of optimism remained significant even after fully adjusting for a comprehensive set of sociodemographic, behavioral, biological, and psychological stroke risk factors.

Conclusions—

Optimism may play an important role in protecting against stroke among older adults.
Decolonializing discourse: Critical reflections on organizational discourse analysis
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Kärreman Dan
Published: July 2011

Organizational discourse has emerged as a large research field and references to discourse are numerous. As with all dominating approaches problematizations of assumptions are important. This article, partly a follow up of the authors’ frequently cited 2000 Human Relations article, provides a critical and perhaps provocative overview of some of the more recent work and tendencies within the field. It is argued that discourse continues to be used in vague and all-embracing ways, where the constitutive effects of discourse are taken for granted rather than problematized and explored. The article identifies three particular problems prevalent in the current organizational discourse literature: reductionism, overpacking, and colonization and suggests three analytical strategies to overcome these problems: counter-balancing concepts — aiming to avoid seeing ‘everything’ as discourse — relativizing muscularity — being more open about discourse’s constitutive effects — and disconnecting discourse and Discourse through much more disciplined use of discourse vocabulary.
Ethnic minority professionals’ experiences with subtle discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Van Laer Koen , Janssens Maddy
Published: July 2011

This qualitative study aims to explore the processes underlying subtle discrimination in the workplace. Based on 26 in-depth interviews with minority professionals of Turkish or Maghrebi descent in Flanders, we argue that subtle discrimination in the workplace is characterized by three important elements. First, subtle discrimination is ambiguous, and often involves disempowerment through apparent empowering behavior. Second, subtle discrimination is based on processes of power — normalization, legitimization of only the individual, legitimization as the Other and naturalization — which subtly, through everyday incidents, disempower minority individuals. Third, subtle discrimination in the workplace is linked to societal structures and discourses, which permeate the workplace through, and are reproduced by, workplace encounters.
Simulation and design tool for performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators
Authors: Kucuk Serdar
Published: July 2011

In this paper, a novel interactive simulation and design tool based on a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for the performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators (PPMs), which are a special group among the other parallel robot manipulators. The novel simulation and design tool (SIDEP) for the performance analysis of PPMs provides a suite of analysis tools allowing forward and inverse kinematics, Jacobian matrices, workspaces and singularities to be analyzed in a straightforward manner. As a simulation and design tool, SIDEP allows researchers to change the parameters such as base and end-effector coordinates the side length of the equilateral triangle moving platform and link lengths in order to interactively design their manipulators. The three-degree-of-freedom RRR and RPR PPMs are given as examples to illustrate the simulation and design principles of SIDEP.
Constructing the Space of Testimony
Authors: Tampio Nicholas
Published: July 2011

How do we conceptualize distinctions between religious–political territories in the contemporary world when old categories—such as Islam and the West, or dar al-Islam and dar al-harb—precipitate misunderstandings and conflicts? In this essay, I consider Tariq Ramadan’s argument that Muslims must enact an intellectual transformation along the lines of Kant’s Copernican revolution and thence create concepts—such as the space of testimony ( dar al-shahada)—to facilitate interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and respectful contestation. The essay aims to illuminate the nature of Ramadan’s political theory and dispel the claim that he is a Muslim Martin Luther; to imagine the contours of a future political-intellectual movement that integrates elements of the European Enlightenment and the Arab Nahda; and to envision how Muslim and non-Muslim political theorists may combat political Manichaeanism without denying the reality and importance of contending ethical visions and political identities.
Labor Union Renewal in Argentina
Authors: Cató Juan Montes , Ventrici Patricia
Published: July 2011

Despite the persecution of labor leaders and activists during the dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s and the co-optation of the union leadership in the 1990s, in the past few years Argentine labor unions have regained some of the leadership role they lost when they became strategic allies of the government, moderating their wage demands and supporting the government in disputes with other strong social actors. The new landscape created by Néstor Kirchner’s taking office in 2003 provided a favorable context for a revitalization of unions grounded in principles of union democracy. The experience of the subway workers of Buenos Aires, which is paradigmatic for the depth of the changes in internal practices, their persistence over time, and the strong connection between the form of organization and the results achieved, contributes to an understanding of this revitalization. The involvement of members in formulating and implementing policies produces a program more representative of their demands and allows them to acquire experience, skills, knowledge, self-confidence, and a feeling of solidarity that make their organizations stronger for the struggle with capital. Thus union democracy is not an obstacle to but a prerequisite for increasing union power.
Testimony and Human Rights Violations in Oaxaca
Authors: Stephen Lynn
Published: July 2011

Testimony can be an important tool for documenting human rights violations and achieving political and legal credibility when formal institutions for the defense of human rights are incapable of guaranteeing rights and providing impartial justice. The testifier is an active social agent engaged in a personal and collective performative act that can potentially broaden the meaning of truth to advance alternative and contested understandings of history and events. The case of Ramiro Aragón Pérez, Elionai Santiago Sánchez, and Juan Gabriel Ríos, who were falsely charged, tortured, and imprisoned in connection with the social movement in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2006, provides evidence of this function.
The Face of Love
Authors: Häfner Michael , IJzerman Hans
Published: July 2011

The present research investigated whether accommodation, typically formulated as the tendency to deliberately inhibit a destructive reaction in response to a partner’s destructive behavior, could also occur spontaneously. Supporting this notion, results of the first study revealed that participants respond to their partner’s angry face with a spontaneous smile, whereas strangers’ angry faces are mimicked and thus lead to a spontaneous frown. Importantly, the facial EMG data are moderated by participants’ daily interaction styles: People perceiving themselves in a communal relationship show spontaneous acts of accommodation, whereas this is not the case for people in exchange relationships. The moderation occurred in our first (spontaneous) and third (forced accommodation) studies. The results of the second study replicated the first study in that participants in communal relationships frowned less toward partner’s subliminally presented angry faces but more to their sad faces. The authors discuss their findings as spontaneous social emotion regulation.