bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Edible Apple Films Inactivate Antibiotic Resistant and Susceptible Campylobacter jejuni Strains on Chicken Breast
Authors: Mild Rita M. , Joens Lynn A. , Friedman Mendel , Olsen Carl W. , McHugh Tara H. , Law Bibiana , Ravishankar Sadhana
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial diarrheal illness worldwide. Many strains are now becoming multidrug resistant. Apple‐based edible films containing carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde were evaluated for bactericidal activity against antibiotic resistant and susceptible C. jejuni strains on chicken. Retail chicken breast samples inoculated with D28a and H2a (resistant strains) and A24a (a sensitive strain) were wrapped in apple films containing cinnamaldehyde or carvacrol at 0.5%, 1.5%, and 3% concentrations, and then incubated at 4 or 23 °C for 72 h. Immediately after wrapping and at 72 h, samples were plated for enumeration of viable C. jejuni. The antimicrobial films exhibited dose‐ and temperature‐dependent bactericidal activity against all strains. Films with ≥1.5% cinnamaldehyde reduced populations of all strains to below detection at 23 °C at 72 h. At 4 °C with cinnamaldehyde, reductions were variable for all strains, ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 logs and 1.8 to 6.0 logs at 1.5% and 3.0%, respectively. Films with 3% carvacrol reduced populations of A24a and H2a to below detection, and D28a by 2.4 logs at 23 °C and 72 h. A 0.5‐log reduction was observed for both A24a and D28a, and 0.9 logs for H2a at 4 °C at 3% carvacrol. Reductions ranged from 1.1 to 1.9 logs and 0.4 to 1.2 logs with 1.5% and 0.5% carvacrol at 23 °C, respectively. The films with cinnamaldehyde were more effective than carvacrol films. Reductions at 23 °C were greater than those at 4 °C. Our results showed that antimicrobial apple films have the potential to reduce C. jejuni on chicken and therefore, the risk of campylobacteriosis. Possible mechanisms of antimicrobial effects are discussed.

Practical Application:  Apple antimicrobial films could potentially be used in retail food packaging to reduce C. jejuni commonly present on food.
Comparison of Fermented Soybean Paste (Doenjang) Prepared by Different Methods Based on Profiling of Volatile Compounds
Authors: Jo Ye‐Jin , Cho In Hee , Song Chi Kwang , Shin Hye Won , Kim Young‐Suk
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  In this study, 2 different extraction methods, namely solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), were employed to investigate the comprehensive volatile profile of Doenjang (one of Korean fermented soybean pastes) efficiently. Quantitatively, major volatiles of Doenjang isolated by SAFE were 3‐methylbutanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one (maltol), ethyl 2‐methylbutanoate, 2‐methylpropanoic acid, tetramethylpyrazine, and 4‐ethyl‐2‐methoxyphenol, while ethanol, ethenylbenzene, ethyl benzoate, ethyl linoleate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butanoate, tetramethylpyrazine, and ethyl 2‐methylpropanoate extracted by SPME. In addition, volatile profiling that applied principal component analysis to gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry datasets allowed Doenjang samples that had been prepared using different traditional and commercial methods to be discriminated, and the volatile compounds that contributed to their discrimination were assigned. The major volatiles that were related to differentiation of traditional and commercial Doenjang samples were 2‐pentylfuran, 4‐ethylphenol, dihydro‐5‐methyl‐2(3H)‐furanone, butanoic acid, pyrazines (for example, 2‐ethyl‐5‐methylpyrazine and 2,3‐dimethylpyrazine), esters (for example, ethyl 4‐methylpentanoate and diethyl succinate), maltol, dimethyl disulfide, 2‐ and 3‐methylbutanal, hexanal, 4‐vinylphenol, and ethanol.
The Effect of a Flaxseed Oil‐Enhanced Diet on the Product Quality of Farmed Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Fillets
Authors: Simmons Courtney A , Turk Philip , Beamer Sarah , Jaczynski Jacek , Semmens Kenneth , Matak Kristen E.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The effects of dietary modification with flaxseed oil‐enhanced (Flax) feed on the product quality of brook trout fillets were examined. Trout were fed a commercial feed supplemented with fish oil (CD) or flaxseed oil (Flax) for 165 d before harvesting. Proximate composition and fatty acid profile were determined on fillets. Quality parameters of the raw fillets were examined over the storage period by measuring color (L*, a*, b*), muscle pH, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances test. Evaluations on the cooked fillets included sensory evaluation with triangle tests and a paired preference test. There were no differences in proximate composition between the groups; however, the total omega‐3 fatty acids were greater in Flax fillets (P < 0.05). Diet and day were shown to interact in their effect on whiteness, pH, and lipid oxidation (P < 0.05); however, linear regression did not determine that malondialdehyde concentration was associated with time in either diet type implying that lipid oxidation in the vacuum‐packed fish was controlled at storage temperatures (4°C). Sensory panelists were able to choose the odd sample in a replicated triangle test analyzed using the β‐binomial model, and there was preference for Flax fillets (P < 0.05). Results indicate that a Flax‐enhanced diet would have favorable effects on product quality of farmed brook trout.
Photodynamic Effects of Pterin on HeLa Cells
Authors: Paula Denofrio M. , Lorente Carolina , Breitenbach Thomas , Hatz Sonja , Cabrerizo Franco M. , Thomas Andrés H. , Ogilby Peter R.
Published: March 2011

Pterins, heterocyclic compounds widespread in biological systems, participate in relevant biological processes and are able to act as photosensitizers. In the present study, we ascertained that 2‐aminopteridin‐4(3H)‐one, abbreviated as Ptr, is readily incorporated into and/or onto cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and that these cells die upon UV‐A irradiation of Ptr. Cell death was assessed using two tests: (1) the Rhodamine 123 fluorescence assay for mitochondrial viability and (2) the Trypan Blue assay for membrane integrity. The data suggest that, for Ptr‐dependent photoinitiated cell death, events related to mitochondrial failure precede those associated with the failure of the cell membrane.
Low‐dose hepatic computed tomography perfusion imaging and its preliminary study
Authors: WANG Wen Jing , ZHONG Liang , HUA Xiao Lan , FAN Yu , LI Lan , XU Jian Rong
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Computed tomography perfusion imaging (CTPI) is a rapid and non‐invasive functional imaging method that reflects hemodynamic changes of liver diseases. However, its large radiation dosage limits its clinical application. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of low‐dose CTPI in normal liver and its preliminary application in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS:  CTPI was performed in 34 healthy volunteers randomly divided into three groups with different applications of tube current, including a conventional dose group, a median‐dose group and a low‐dose group. The perfusion parameters of each group were compared and a low‐dose CTPI was performed in 13 patients with HCC.

RESULTS:  Relatively satisfying images and perfusion parameters of liver CTPI were acquired with the different tube currents. There were no significant differences between the parameters of the three groups (P > 0.05). The effective dosage of conventional, median and low‐dose liver CTPI were 19.62 mSv, 12.61 mSv, and 7.01 mSv, respectively. The radiation dosage of low‐dose liver CTPI was reduced to 64.27% compared with that of the conventional group. The hepatic blood flow, hepatic blood volume and hepatic perfusion index of HCC were higher than background liver parenchyma and normal liver.

CONCLUSIONS:  Low‐dose liver CTPI obtained similar perfusion parameters result to that of the conventional‐dose, whereas the radiation dosage was reduced by 2/3. Low‐dose liver CTPI can reflect the hemodynamic change of HCC. Low‐dose liver CTPI has potential clinical value for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of liver diseases.
Solitary central myofibroma – report of a rare paediatric case
Authors: Jagannathan S. , Al‐Khalil M. , Darwish A.A.
Published: March 2011

Solitary central myofibroma of the paediatric mandible is a rare tumour. Although benign, its clinical course can mimic a malignant tumour in addition to the possibility of it being misdiagnosed histologically. We report our experience in the diagnosis and management of this rare lesion in a 2‐year‐old child.
Gene discovery in the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) skin transcriptome
Authors: HOFFMAN JOSEPH I.
Published: March 2011

Next‐generation sequencing provides a powerful new approach for developing functional genomic tools for nonmodel species, helping to narrow the gap between studies of model organisms and those of natural populations. Consequently, massively parallel 454 sequencing was used to characterize a normalized cDNA library derived from skin biopsy samples of twelve Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) individuals. Over 412 Mb of sequence data were generated, comprising 1.4 million reads of average length 286 bp. De novo assembly using Newbler 2.3 yielded 156 contigs plus 22 869 isotigs, which in turn clustered into 18 576 isogroups. Almost half of the assembled transcript sequences showed significant similarity to the nr database, revealing a functionally diverse array of genes. Moreover, 97.9% of these mapped to the dog (Canis lupis familiaris) genome, with a strong positive relationship between the number of sequences locating to a given chromosome and the length of that chromosome in the dog indicating a broad genomic distribution. Average depth of coverage was also almost 20‐fold, sufficient to detect several thousand putative microsatellite loci and single nucleotide polymorphisms. This study constitutes an important step towards developing genomic resources with which to address consequential questions in pinniped ecology and evolution. It also supports an earlier but smaller study showing that skin tissue can be a rich source of expressed genes, with important implications for studying the genomics not only of marine mammals, but also more generally of species that cannot be destructively sampled.
N‐glycosylation of the human melanocortin 1 receptor: occupancy of glycosylation sequons and functional role
Authors: Herraiz Cecilia , Sánchez‐Laorden Berta L. , Jiménez‐Cervantes Celia , García‐Borrón José C.
Published: March 2011

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a major determinant of skin pigmentation and phototype, mediates the actions of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone on melanocytes and is critical for melanocyte proliferation and differentiation. MC1R has two putative N‐glycosylation targets, Asn15 and Asn29. It has been shown that MC1R is a glycoprotein with an unusual sensitivity to endoglycosidase H digestion. However, the occupancy and functional importance of each specific glycosylation sequon remains unknown. We demonstrate that MC1R is N‐glycosylated at Asn15 and Asn29, with structurally and functionally different glycan chains. N‐glycosylation is not necessary for high affinity agonist binding or functional coupling but has a strong effect on the availability of MC1R molecules on the plasma membrane, most likely by a combination of improved forward trafficking and decreased internalization. Finally, we found that MC1R variants exhibit different degrees of glycosylation which do not show a simple correlation with their functional status or intracellular trafficking.
Efficiency of DNA barcodes for species delimitation: A case in Pterygiella Oliv. (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: DONG Li‐Na , WORTLEY Alexandra H. , WANG Hong , LI De‐Zhu , LU Lu
Published: March 2011

Abstract  DNA barcoding is becoming an increasingly popular means to identify species. The obscure discrimination in the genus Pterygiella calls into question the re‐assessment of the criterion for species delimitation. We collected 20 individuals, representing all five described species of this genus in its distributional range. The aim was to use three proposed barcode DNA regions (rbcL, matK, and ITS) to diagnose Pterygiella species, and examine which barcode is more suitable for discerning the congeneric and related species. The results showed that the core barcodes matK and rbcL were comparatively less effective. However, the ITS region, especially ITS‐1 and ITS‐2, successfully identified all species in the genus. Furthermore, the secondary structure of ITS‐2 RNA, especially compensatory base changes, appears complementary to classical primary sequence analysis for DNA barcoding.
Design and Characterization of a Liquid-Fueled Microcombustor
Authors: Peck Jay , Jacobson Stuart A. , Waitz Ian A.
Published: March 2011

As part of an effort to develop a microscale gas turbine engine, this paper presents the design and experimental characterization of a microcombustor that catalytically burns JP8 fuel. Due to the high energy densities of hydrocarbon fuels, microscale heat engines based on them may enable compact power sources with specific energies higher than those of current battery systems. In addition, utilizing a commonly available logistics fuel would provide advantages for military applications. Thus, a microscale engine burning JP8 fuel is attractive as a portable power source. A liquid-fueled microcombustor with a combustion chamber volume of 1.4 cm3 and an overall die size of 36.4×36.4×6.5 mm3 was designed, microfabricated, and experimentally characterized. Two configurations were tested and compared, one with the combustion chamber entirely filled with a catalyst and the other with the combustion chamber partially filled with a catalyst. In the configuration filled with a catalyst, JP8 combustion was sustained at mass flow rates up to 0.1 g/s and an exit gas temperature of 780 K; an overall combustor efficiency of 19% and a power density of 43 MW/m3 were achieved. The primary limitation on increasing the mass flow rates and temperature further was the structural failure of the device due to thermal stresses. With the partially filled configuration, a mass flow rate of 0.2 g/s and a corresponding power density of 54 MW/m3 were obtained. The exit gas temperature for the partially filled configuration was as high as 720 K, and the maximum overall efficiency was over 22%. Although the reduced amount of catalyst led to incomplete combustion, smaller thermal losses resulted in an increase in the overall combustor efficiency and power density. A nondimensional operating map was constructed based on the experiment, and it suggests that improving the thermal efficiency would be necessary to achieve higher efficiencies in the device.
Dynamic Adaptation of Aerodynamic Flame Stabilization of a Premix Swirl Burner to Fuel Reactivity Using Fuel Momentum
Authors: Sangl J. , Mayer C. , Sattelmayer T.
Published: March 2011

Due to the expected increase in available fuel gas variants in the future and the interest in independence from a specific fuel, fuel flexible combustion systems are required for future gas turbine applications. Changing the fuel used for lean premixed combustion can lead to serious reliability problems in gas turbine engines caused by the different physical and chemical properties of these gases. A new innovative approach to reach efficient, safe, and low-emission operation for fuels such as natural gas, syntheses gas, and hydrogen with the same burner is presented in this paper. The basic idea is to use the additionally available fuel momentum of highly reactive gases stemming from their lower Wobbe index (lower volumetric heating value and density) compared with lowly reactive fuels. Using fuel momentum opens the opportunity to influence the vortex dynamics of swirl burners designed for lowly reactive gases in a favorable way for proper flame stabilization of highly reactive fuels without changing the hardware geometry. The investigations presented in this paper cover the development of the optimum basic aerodynamics of the burner and the determination of the potential of the fuel momentum in water channel experiments using particle image velocimetry. The results show that proper usage of the fuel momentum has enough potential to adjust the flow field to different fuels and their corresponding flame behavior. As the main challenge is to reach flashback safe fuel flexible burner operation, the main focus of the study lies on avoiding combustion induced vortex breakdown. The mixing quality of the resulting injection strategy is determined by applying laser induced fluorescence in water channel tests. Additional OH∗ chemiluminescence and flashback measurements in an atmospheric combustion test rig confirm the water channel results for CH4, CH4/H2 mixtures, H2 with N2 dilution, and pure H2 combustion. They also indicate a large operating window between flashback and lean blow out and show expected NOx emission levels. In summary, it is shown for a conical four slot swirl generator geometry that the proposed concept of using the fuel momentum for tuning of the vortex dynamics allows aerodynamic flame stabilization for different fuels in the same burner.
How Inclusion of Genetic Counselors on the Research Team Can Benefit Translational Science
Authors: Zierhut Heather , Austin Jehannine
Published: March 2011

Genetic counselors could help recruit study participants and bring a more clinical focus to translational studies.
Sildenafil: Bench to Bedside and Back Again
Authors: Boxer Rebecca S.
Published: March 2011

Sildenafil attenuates the effects of pulmonary hypertension in a rat model of left-sided heart failure.
Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections in Brazilian Hospitals: Analysis of 2,563 Cases from a Prospective Nationwide Surveillance Study
Authors: Marra Alexandre R. , Camargo Luis Fernando Aranha , Pignatari Antonio Carlos Campos , Sukiennik Teresa , Behar Paulo Renato Petersen , Medeiros Eduardo Alexandrino Servolo , Ribeiro Julival , Girão Evelyne , Correa Luci , Guerra Carla , Brites Carlos , Pereira Carlos Alberto Pires , Carneiro Irna , Reis Marise , de Souza Marta Antunes , Tranchesi Regina , Barata Cristina U. , Edmond Michael B. ,   the Brazilian SCOPE Study Group
Published: March 2011

Nosocomial bloodstream infections (nBSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Data from a nationwide, concurrent surveillance study, Brazilian SCOPE (Surveillance and Control of Pathogens of Epidemiological Importance), were used to examine the epidemiology and microbiology of nBSIs at 16 Brazilian hospitals. In our study 2,563 patients with nBSIs were included from 12 June 2007 to 31 March 2010. Ninety-five percent of BSIs were monomicrobial. Gram-negative organisms caused 58.5% of these BSIs, Gram-positive organisms caused 35.4%, and fungi caused 6.1%. The most common pathogens (monomicrobial) were
Staphylococcus aureus
(14.0%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (12.6%),
Klebsiella
spp. (12.0%), and
Acinetobacter
spp. (11.4%). The crude mortality was 40.0%. Forty-nine percent of nBSIs occurred in the intensive-care unit (ICU). The most frequent underlying conditions were malignancy, in 622 patients (24.3%). Among the potential factors predisposing patients to BSI, central venous catheters were the most frequent (70.3%). Methicillin resistance was detected in 157
S. aureus
isolates (43.7%). Of the
Klebsiella
sp. isolates, 54.9% were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Of the
Acinetobacter
spp. and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, 55.9% and 36.8%, respectively, were resistant to imipenem. In our multicenter study, we found high crude mortality and a high proportion of nBSIs due to antibiotic-resistant organisms.
The psychosocial quality of work determines whether employment has benefits for mental health: results from a longitudinal national household panel survey
Authors: Butterworth P , Leach L S , Strazdins L , Olesen S C , Rodgers B , Broom D H
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Although employment is associated with health benefits over unemployment, the psychosocial characteristics of work also influence health. We used longitudinal data to investigate whether the benefits of having a job depend on its psychosocial quality (levels of control, demands and complexity, job insecurity, and unfair pay), and whether poor quality jobs are associated with better mental health than unemployment.

Method

Analysis of seven waves of data from 7,155 respondents of working age (44,019 observations) from a national household panel survey. Longitudinal regression models evaluated the concurrent and prospective association between employment circumstances (unemployment and employment in jobs varying in psychosocial job quality) and mental health, assessed by the MHI-5.

Results

Overall, unemployed respondents had poorer mental health than those who were employed. However the mental health of those who were unemployed was comparable or superior to those in jobs of the poorest psychosocial quality. This pattern was evident in prospective models: those in the poorest quality jobs showed greater decline in mental health than those who were unemployed (B = 3.03, p<0.05). The health benefits of becoming employed were dependent on the quality of the job. Moving from unemployment into a high quality job led to improved mental health (mean change score of +3.3), however the transition from unemployment to a poor quality job was more detrimental to mental health than remaining unemployed (−5.6 vs −1.0).

Conclusions

Work of poor psychosocial quality does not bestow the same mental health benefits as employment in jobs with high psychosocial quality.
Cancer incidence within a cohort occupationally exposed to asbestos: a study of dose–response relationships
Authors: Clin Bénédicte , Morlais Fabrice , Launoy Guy , Guizard Anne-Valérie , Dubois Brice , Bouvier Véronique , Desoubeaux Nelly , Marquignon Marie-France , Raffaelli Claude , Paris Christophe , Galateau-Salle Françoise , Guittet Lydia , Letourneux Marc
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The aim of our study was to analyse the dose–response relationship between occupational asbestos exposure and risk of cancer.

Methods

Our study was a retrospective morbidity study based on 2024 subjects occupationally exposed to asbestos, conducted over the period 1 January 1978 to 31 December 2004. Analysis of the dose–response relationship between occupational asbestos exposure, as a time-dependant variable, and risk of cancer was performed using a Cox model. In order to account for the effect of latency, we conducted the analysis with a lag of 10 years.

Results

285 cases of cancers were observed in our cohort. The relative risk of pleuro-peritoneal mesothelioma, lung cancer and colorectal cancer associated with asbestos exposure, adjusted for age as a time-dependant variable and for sex, was correlated with exposure intensity (or average exposure level, AEL). The risk of cancer, whatever the anatomical site, did not increase with the duration of exposure to asbestos.

Conclusion

While confirming the established relationship between asbestos exposure and pleuropulmonary and peritoneal cancers, this study also suggests a causal relationship between asbestos exposure and colorectal cancer.
LIE SYMMETRIES OF TWO (2+1)-DIMENSIONAL DIFFERENTIAL-DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS BY GEOMETRIC APPROACH
Authors: LV NA , MEI JIANQIN , GUO QILONG , ZHANG HONGQING
Published: March 2011

We obtain the Lie symmetries of two (2+1)-dimensional differential-difference equations based on the extended Harrison and Estabrook's geometric approach that is extended from the continuous differential equations to the differential-difference equations. Moreover, it is shown that both of the two equations possess a Kac–Moody–Virasoro symmetry algebra.
ON A GEOMETRICAL DESCRIPTION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: NOVELLO M. , SALIM J. M. , FALCIANO F. T.
Published: March 2011

We show that quantum mechanics can be interpreted as a modification of the Euclidean nature of 3-d space into a particular affine space, which we call Q-wis. This is proved using the Bohm–de Broglie causal formulation of quantum mechanics. In the Q-wis geometry, the length of extended objects changes from point to point. In this formulation, deformation of physical distances are in the core of quantum effects allowing a geometrical formulation of the uncertainty principle.
SASAKIAN 3-MANIFOLD AS A RICCI SOLITON REPRESENTS THE HEISENBERG GROUP
Authors: SHARMA RAMESH , GHOSH AMALENDU
Published: March 2011

We show that, if a 3-dimensional Sasakian metric is a non-trivial Ricci soliton, then it is expanding and homothetic to the standard Sasakian metric on the Heisenberg group nil3. We have also discussed properties of the Ricci soliton potential vector field that relate to the underlying contact structure.
COHERENT STATES AND PURE STATE QUANTIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF A VARIABLE MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: MĂNTOIU MARIUS , PURICE RADU , RICHARD SERGE
Published: March 2011

We introduce magnetic coherent states for a particle in a variable magnetic field. They provide a pure state quantization of the phase space ℝ2Nendowed with a magnetic symplectic form.
EMPIRICAL FORMULA AND EXPERIMENT BASED FORCE MODELING FOR HAPTIC SPINE SURGERY SIMULATION
Authors: XU DA , SHEN XUKUN , MO ZHONGJUN , FAN YUBO
Published: March 2011

Realistic force modeling of bone drilling is critical to haptic simulation systems for precise surgical training such as pedicle screw fixation in spine surgery. Existing method of force modeling applied metal machining theory to bone drilling directly. However, the mechanical property of bony material is different from continuous metal. In this paper, we present a novel force modeling method of bone drilling based on empirical formula and drilling experiment to provide a force model with high fidelity. A simplified empirical model of drilling in bony material is derived from the empirical formula of metal drilling. To determine the parameters in our empirical model, we construct an experimental system and perform a group of drilling experiments on real bones. We implement our force model in a group of drilling simulations and compare the computational force with the original experimental data to testify its validity.
ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE IN A GRID SYSTEM VIA A RESOURCE DISCOVERY SCHEME
Authors: KARAOGLANOGLOU KONSTANTINOS I. , KARATZA HELEN D.
Published: March 2011

This paper studies a resource discovery scheme for a Grid system comprised of virtual organizations (VOs). The proposed scheme suggests that routers and resources comprise VOs within a Grid system, where a router controls locally a number of resources. The router also maintains the connections of each VO with other VOs in the system. Each VO acquires only partial/limited knowledge of the availability of resources controlled by other VOs in the system. When a request for a specific resource is created in a VO of the system, the goal is to discover an appropriate resource for its satisfaction, and subsequently to effectively direct this request. The proposed resource discovery scheme takes into consideration the fact that VOs only acquire a limited knowledge of the system and manages to extend this knowledge without affecting negatively the satisfaction of requests. During the satisfaction of requests, the proposed resource discovery scheme supports and enhances the VOs of the system in order to gain better knowledge of the Grid resource availability. As the creation and satisfaction of requests progress, the VOs manage to acquire an adequate knowledge of the Grid resources, enhancing the overall system's well-function. Finally, this paper presents the performance evaluation of the resource discovery scheme by providing a number of simulation tests in Grid systems of different sizes.
THERMOMECHANICAL MODELING OF ELECTRONIC PACKAGES
Authors: JAGANNATHAN N. , PALANINATHAN R.
Published: March 2011

This paper is concerned with an integrated thermomechanical modeling and analysis of electronic packages. As the technology advances in terms of speed and density of circuit within a chip, the power dissipation increases exponentially. The packages are subjected to heating during fabrication, testing, and service. Due to the heterogeneous construction with wide mismatch of material properties, thermal stresses are induced which would result in mechanical failures such as cracking and delamination. It is essential to analyze the packages for thermal and stress fields and check their compliance with the design requirements. Earlier investigations were mostly based on approximate models such as plane-stress, plane-strain, and axisymmetric conditions. In reality, none of the packages satisfies the conditions associated with these models. In this work, 3D solid finite element with variable nodes, 8–21 nodes per element is employed. Software has been developed with the following features: sequentially coupled thermomechanical modeling, nonlinear transient solution capability, incompatible mode option when 8-node brick element is used, better estimation of nodal stresses by transformation from gauss point stresses, and quadratic criterion for delamination failure. A flipchip has been analyzed using the software developed for their thermal and stress fields. Numerical results indicate: the junction temperatures exceed the specification limits for higher heat dissipation, if appropriate cooling is not applied. The stresses in the die corner and at the solder balls are critical. Three-dimensional modeling is necessary for estimation of the same. Appropriate failure criterion was used in the failure prediction.
Dietary manipulation reveals an unexpected inverse relationship between fat mass and adipose 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1
Authors: Man Tak Yung , Michailidou Zoi , Gokcel Adnan , Ramage Lynne , Chapman Karen E. , Kenyon Christopher J. , Seckl Jonathan R. , Morton Nicholas M.
Published: March 2011

Increased dietary fat intake is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease. In transgenic mice, adipose tissue-specific overexpression of the glucocorticoid-amplifying enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) exacerbates high-fat (HF) diet-induced visceral obesity and diabetes, whereas 11β-HSD1 gene knockout ameliorates this, favoring accumulation of fat in nonvisceral depots. Paradoxically, in normal mice HF diet-induced obesity (DIO) is associated with marked downregulation of adipose tissue 11β-HSD1 levels. To identify the specific dietary fats that regulate adipose 11β-HSD1 and thereby impact upon metabolic disease, we either fed mice diets enriched (45% calories as fat) in saturated (stearate), monounsaturated (oleate), or polyunsaturated (safflower oil) fats ad libitum or we pair fed them a low-fat (11%) control diet for 4 wk. Adipose and liver mass and glucocorticoid receptor and 11β-HSD1 mRNA and activity levels were determined. Stearate caused weight loss and hypoinsulinemia, partly due to malabsorption, and this markedly increased plasma corticosterone levels and adipose 11β-HSD1 activity. Oleate induced pronounced weight gain and hyperinsulinemia in association with markedly low plasma corticosterone and adipose 11β-HSD1 activity. Weight gain and hyperinsulinemia was less pronounced with safflower compared with oleate despite comparable suppression of plasma corticosterone and adipose 11β-HSD1. However, with pair feeding, safflower caused a selective reduction in visceral fat mass and relative insulin sensitization without affecting plasma corticosterone or adipose 11β-HSD1. The dynamic depot-selective relationship between adipose 11β-HSD1 and fat mass strongly implicates a dominant physiological role for local tissue glucocorticoid reactivation in fat mobilization.
Scraping through the ice: uncovering the role of TRPM8 in cold transduction
Authors: McCoy Daniel D. , Knowlton Wendy M. , McKemy David D.
Published: March 2011

The proper detection of environmental temperatures is essential for the optimal growth and survival of organisms of all shapes and phyla, yet only recently have the molecular mechanisms for temperature sensing been elucidated. The discovery of temperature-sensitive ion channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily has been pivotal in explaining how temperatures are sensed in vivo, and here we will focus on the lone member of this cohort, TRPM8, which has been unequivocally shown to be cold sensitive. TRPM8 is expressed in somatosensory neurons that innervate peripheral tissues such as the skin and oral cavity, and recent genetic evidence has shown it to be the principal transducer of cool and cold stimuli. It is remarkable that this one channel, unlike other thermosensitive TRP channels, is associated with both innocuous and noxious temperature transduction, as well as cold hypersensitivity during injury and, paradoxically, cold-mediated analgesia. With ongoing research, the field is getting closer to answering a number of fundamental questions regarding this channel, including the cellular mechanisms of TRPM8 modulation, the molecular context of TRPM8 expression, as well as the full extent of the role of TRPM8 in cold signaling in vivo. These findings will further our understanding of basic thermotransduction and sensory coding, and may have important implications for treatments for acute and chronic pain.
Use of transcriptional signatures induced in lymphoid and myeloid cell lines as an inflammatory biomarker in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jia Shuang , Kaldunski Mary , Jailwala Parthav , Geoffrey Rhonda , Kramer Joanna , Wang Xujing , Hessner Martin J.
Published: March 2011

Inflammation is common to many disorders and responsible for tissue and organ damage. In many disorders, the associated peripheral cytokine milieu is dilute and difficult to measure, necessitating development of more sensitive and informative biomarkers for mechanistic studies, earlier diagnosis, and monitoring therapeutic interventions. Previously, we have shown that plasma of recent-onset (RO) Type 1 diabetes patients induces a disease-specific proinflammatory transcriptional profile in fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) compared with that of healthy controls (HC). To eliminate assay variance introduced through the use of multiple donors or multiple draws of the same person over time, we evaluated human leukemia cell lines as potential surrogates for fresh PBMC. We 1) tested seven different cell lines in their power to differentiate RO from HC plasma and 2) compared the similarity of the signatures generated across the seven cell lines to that obtained with fresh PBMC. While each cell line tested exhibited a distinct transcriptional response when cultured with RO or HC plasma, the expression profile induced in any single cell line shared little identity with that of the other cell lines or fresh PBMC. In terms of regulated biological pathways, the transcriptional response of each cell line shared varying degrees of functional identity with fresh PBMC. These results indicate that use of human leukemia cell lines as surrogates for fresh PBMC has potential in detecting perturbations to the peripheral cytokine milieu. However, the response of each is distinct, possessing varying degrees of functional relatedness to that observed with PBMC.
NPM1/B23: A Multifunctional Chaperone in Ribosome Biogenesis and Chromatin Remodeling
Authors: Lindström Mikael S.
Published: March 2011

At a first glance, ribosome biogenesis and chromatin remodeling are quite different processes, but they share a common problem involving interactions between charged nucleic acids and small basic proteins that may result in unwanted intracellular aggregations. The multifunctional nuclear acidic chaperone NPM1 (B23/nucleophosmin) is active in several stages of ribosome biogenesis, chromatin remodeling, and mitosis as well as in DNA repair, replication and transcription. In addition, NPM1 plays an important role in the Myc-ARF-p53 pathway as well as in SUMO regulation. However, the relative importance of NPM1 in these processes remains unclear. Provided herein is an update on the expanding list of the diverse activities and interacting partners of NPM1. Mechanisms of NPM1 nuclear export functions of NPM1 in the nucleolus and at the mitotic spindle are discussed in relation to tumor development. It is argued that the suggested function of NPM1 as a histone chaperone could explain several, but not all, of the effects observed in cells following changes in NPM1 expression. A future challenge is to understand how NPM1 is activated, recruited, and controlled to carry out its functions.
New Iterative Scheme for Finite Families of Equilibrium, Variational Inequality, and Fixed Point Problems in Banach Spaces
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Zhou Caili
Published: March 2011

We introduced a new iterative scheme for finding a common element in the set of common fixed points of a finite family of quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings, the set of common solutions of a finite family of equilibrium problems, and the set of common solutions of a finite family of variational inequality problems in Banach spaces. The proof method for the main result is simplified under some new assumptions on the bifunctions.
Contrast Sensitivity after Zyoptix Tissue Saving LASIK and Standard LASIK for Myopia with 6-Month Followup
Authors: Zhao Li-Quan , Zhu Huang
Published: March 2011

This control-matched comparative study evaluated changes in contrast sensitivity after Zyoptix tissue-saving (TS) LASIK and Planoscan standard LASIK (Technolas 217z, Bausch & Lomb) for myopia 6 months postoperatively. 102 TS LASIK-treated eyes were matched with 102 standard LASIK-treated eyes (divided into low, moderate, and high groups). There were no significant differences in refraction outcomes between the groups postoperatively. In high group, a significant reduction in contrast sensitivity after TS LASIK was found at high spatial frequencies (P<.05) under photopic conditions and at middle to high spatial frequencies (P<.05) under mesopic conditions. And significant reduction was also found in standard LASIK at high spatial frequency (P<.05) under mesopic conditions. The reduction was significantly lower in TS LASIK than that in standard LASIK at high spatial frequencies (P<.05) under mesopic conditions. TS LASIK was prone to reduce mesopic contrast sensitivity of high myopia at high spatial frequencies.
Properties of Third‐Order Nonlinear Functional Differential Equations with Mixed Arguments
Authors: Baculíková B.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this paper is to offer sufficient conditions for property
(B) and/or the oscillation of the third‐order nonlinear functional differential
equation with mixed arguments . Both cases and are considered. We
deduce properties of the studied equations via new comparison theorems. The
results obtained essentially improve and complement earlier ones.
Oncogenomics to Target Myeloma in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Authors: Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: March 2011

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an example of rapid bench-to-bedside translation in new drug development. Bortezomib and lenalidamide target the tumor cell in the bone marrow microenvironment to overcome drug resistance in laboratory and animal models; each is effective to treat relapsed and/or refractory, relapsed, and newly diagnosed MM, and both are now showing promise as maintenance therapy. Major ongoing translational research efforts include improved classification and personalized therapies; identification and validation of next-generation agents targeting the tumor cell in its microenvironment; novel immune therapies; rationally based combination therapies; and use of novel agents to delay or prevent development of active MM. This paradigm of targeting the tumor in its microenvironment has already extended median survival in MM from 3 to 7 to 8 years and has great potential to improve patient outcome in other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors as well. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1225–33. ©2011 AACR.
Moving Closer to a Prognostic DNA Methylation Signature in Colon Cancer
Authors: Carmona F. Javier , Esteller Manel
Published: March 2011

Although large panels of genes undergoing aberrant CpG island methylation in colorectal cancer have been identified, reliable predictors for clinical management in this tumor type remain elusive. A new DNA methylation signature affecting the extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway has been identified with potential prognostic value in colon cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(6); 1215–7. ©2011 AACR.
First and Second Trimester Markers of Fetal Aneuploidy in Pregnant Women with HIV Infection
Authors: Spencer Kevin
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate if levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free β-hCG and nuchal translucency (NT) used in first trimester aneuploidy screening and α-fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated oestriol (UE3) and free β-hCG in the second trimester are altered in pregnancies with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Methods: Median MoM values of biochemical markers and δ-NT in 92 women with HIV infection in the first trimester were compared with those from 912 HIV-seronegative controls. In the second trimester, biochemical marker levels were compared in 52 women with HIV infection and 378 HIV-seronegative controls. Results: First trimester free β-hCG median MoM levels in HIV-infected pregnancies were not different to controls (0.978 vs. 0.981, p = 1.000), as were PAPP-A levels (1.190 vs. 1.102, p = 0.099) and δ-NT (0.1374 vs. 0.0445, p = 0.0631). Second trimester levels of free β-hCG were not significantly different (1.0575 vs. 0.9619, p = 0.1827), as was AFP (0.9734 vs. 0.9350, p = 0.6576), although UE3 was significantly lower (0.970 vs. 1.110, p = 0.0005). Conclusions: In the first trimester, marker levels are not affected by the presence of HIV infection, and risks for aneuploidy are likely to be accurate in this group. Further studies are required to evaluate if UE3 levels continue to be low in HIV-infected women since this may have an impact on screening in the second trimester.
First-Trimester Prediction of Macrosomia
Authors: Poon Leona C.Y. , Karagiannis George , Stratieva Violeta , Syngelaki Argyro , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To determine if combinations of maternal characteristics and measurements of parameters used in screening for aneuploidies at 11–13 weeks provide significant prediction of macrosomia. Method: Maternal characteristics, fetal nuchal translucency (NT), free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were recorded at 11+0–13+6 weeks in 36,743 singleton pregnancies. Regression analysis was used to determine if in predicting macrosomia significant contributions are provided by maternal factors, fetal NT, free β-hCG and PAPP-A. Results: The risk for macrosomia increased with maternal weight and height and was higher in parous women with previous delivery of a macrosomic baby and in those with diabetes mellitus; the risk was lower in women of African and South Asian racial origins, in cigarette smokers and in those with chronic hypertension. In the macrosomic group compared to the unaffected group there were higher Δ-NT (0.167 vs. 0.116 mm), free β-hCG (1.010 vs. 0.964 MoM) and PAPP-A (1.103 vs. 1.003 MoM). Prediction of macrosomia provided by maternal factors was significantly improved by fetal NT, free β-hCG and PAPP-A (34.4 vs. 33.1% at a false-positive rate of 10%). Conclusion: Prediction of macrosomia is provided in the first trimester of pregnancy by a combination of maternal characteristics and measurements of parameters used in screening for aneuploidies.
Neonatal Emergencies Associated with Cardiac Rhabdomyomas: An 8-Year Experience
Authors: De Rosa Gabriella , De Carolis Maria Pia , Pardeo Manuela , Bersani Iliana , Tempera Alessia , De Nisco Alessia , Caforio Leonardo , Romagnoli Costantino , Piastra Marco
Published: March 2011

During the foetal-neonatal period, rhabdomyomas represent the majority of cardiac tumours and are closely associated with tuberous sclerosis. Cardiac rhabdomyomas may be completely asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered during an echocardiogram, or may cause cardiac dysfunctions requiring medical and/or surgical intervention. During foetal life and the early neonatal period, life-threatening conditions, mostly due to arrhythmias, cardiac failure or obstruction, do occur on rare occasions. We reviewed the medical records of all cases of cardiac rhabdomyomas diagnosed prenatally or postnatally over an 8-year period. The present study reviews 7 cases of life-threatening conditions. Arrhythmic episodes were described in 5 patients, and blood flow obstruction was reported in 2 cases. Antiarrhythmic agents successfully controlled the clinical and electrophysiological conditions. Obstructive conditions were associated with poor outcomes. In conclusion, when prenatal diagnosis of rhabdomyoma is made, appropriate planning at delivery for the management of potential haemodynamic complications may prevent adverse neonatal outcomes. The clinical outcome is more influenced by obstructive rather than by dysrhythmic complications. Appropriate antiarrhythmic treatment is of primary importance. In all cases discovered through prenatal and/or neonatal life-threatening conditions, an accurate follow-up should always be performed to anticipate the development of tuberous sclerosis.
Evaluation of Two Real-Time Multiplex PCR Screening Assays Detecting Fetal RHD in Plasma from RhD Negative Women to Ascertain the Requirement for Antenatal RhD Prophylaxis
Authors: Clausen Frederik Banch , Krog Grethe Risum , Rieneck Klaus , Råsmark Emma Elin Frida , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate two different multiplex real-time PCR assays detecting fetal RHD for screening of RhD negative women in relation to antenatal RhD prophylaxis. Methods: We designed a duplex assay for the detection of RHD exon 7 and 10 and a triplex assay for the detection of RHD exon 7, 10 and 5. We used the same fluorescent dye for the exon 7 and 10 probes to increase sensitivity; exon 5 was VIC labeled. We evaluated possible inhibition of DNA amplification with dilution experiments. We then tested the two multiplex assays with DNA extracted from 97 plasma samples from 38 RhD negative women in gestational weeks 6–37. Results: Dilution experiments revealed no inhibition of amplification in the multiplex assays. For plasma samples, the duplex assay was significantly more sensitive than the triplex assay (p < 0.0001). For the duplex assay (exon 7/10), accuracy was 99.0%. For the triplex assay (exon 7/10), accuracy was 94.2%. Detection of exon 5 was less reliable. Conclusion: The duplex assay using exon 7/10 was the most reliable for prenatal prediction of fetal RhD type as a candidate assay for screening of RhD negative women in relation to antenatal RhD prophylaxis. The triplex assay needs further optimization.
Prediction of Small-for-Gestation Neonates from Biophysical and Biochemical Markers at 11–13 Weeks
Authors: Karagiannis George , Akolekar Ranjit , Sarquis Rita , Wright David , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To develop a model for prediction of small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates in the absence of preeclampsia (PE) based on maternal factors and biophysical and biochemical markers at 11–13 weeks’ gestation. Methods: Screening study in 1,536 SGA and 31,314 non-SGA pregnancies based on maternal characteristics, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG). We also measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and performed case-control studies for measurement of maternal serum concentration of placental growth factor (PLGF), placental protein 13 (PP13) and A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease (ADAM12). Regression analysis was used to develop a model for the prediction of SGA. Results: In the SGA group, uterine artery PI and MAP were increased and serum PAPP-A, free β-hCG, PLGF, PP13, and ADAM12 and fetal NT were decreased. At a false positive rate of 10%, the estimated detection rate by a combination of maternal factors and biophysical and biochemical markers at 11–13 weeks was 73% for SGA requiring delivery before 37 weeks and 46% for those delivering at term. Conclusions: Half of pregnancies with SGA neonates in the absence of PE could potentially be identified at 11–13 weeks.