bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A RAPID AND ACCURATE METHOD OF MOUNTING SECTIONS FOR ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: Noble Henry W.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

An improvement in the speed and accuracy with which ultra‐thin sections can be mounted upon formvar coated grids is possible by means of a simple device. The greater degree of precision with which sections can be placed upon the formvar film enables the steel slot type grid to be used with a greater degree of success in histological investigations.
OBSERVATIONS ON LAMELLATED STRUCTURES AND THEIR FORMATION IN DENERVATED SKELETAL MUSCLE
Authors: Lee Joseph Ching‐Yuen
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

In muscle fibres of the gastrocnemius of adult rabbits and rats, denervated for at least one month, electron microscopy revealed peculiar lamellated structures. Some of these appeared as arrays of parallel double lamellæ; others folded themselves into ovoids or asterisk‐like patterns, while still others were of irregular shape.

One to three months after denervation, the outer membrane of many muscle nuclei protruded to a varying extent, and later the protrusion folded into an array of parallel double lamellæ. When the array reached a certain size, it became detached from the nuclear membrane and assumed various forms. Such structures were more numerous in muscles denervated for longer than 3 months. They seemed to move gradually toward the sarcolemma and to become finally attached to it or to fuse with it. These findings support the current view that all membrane‐bounded cytoplasmic organelles belong to a common “membrane system” extending from the plasma membrane to the nuclear membrane. It is concluded that the lamellated structures in denervated muscle are derived from the outer nuclear membrane and that they are an outcome of the degeneration of muscle nuclei.
CYTOCHEMICAL LOCALIZATION OF ANTIGENS OF PARAMECIUM BY FERRITIN‐CONJUGATED ANTIBODY AND BY COUNTERSTAINING THE RESULTANT ABSORBED GLOBULIN
Authors: Mott Margaret R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The localization and transformation of the immobilization antigens of Paramecium aurelia were studied with the use of ferritin‐conjugated antibody. The reaction was extremely specific, ferritin granules being found only on the pellicle and cilia of homologous animals. In the transformation from one antigenic type to another, ferritin granules, conjugated with antibody specific for the “new” antigen, appeared initially on the pellicle and subsequently on the cilia.

An electron‐dense counterstain, of potassium permanganate and uranyl acetate, not only increased the detail of the structure of the organism, but also stained the absorbed globulin of the specific antibody as a thick fuzz on pellicle and cilia. This fuzz, unlike the ferritin granules, was clearly visible at very low magnifications of the electron microscope. This gave a quick scanning method, especially useful in transformation experiments, when various stages could be quickly scanned for the first appearance of globulin fuzz.
RESOLVING POWER AND SENSITIVITY OF A NEW EMULSION IN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE AUTORADIOGRAPHY
Authors: Granboulan Philippe
Published: November 2011

Autoradiography at the ultrastructural level has made considerable progress during the past year and soon it will be one of the routine techniques of electron microscopy. We wish to present here a few theoretical and technical considerations. In the theoretical domain we shall propose a geometrical model, which suggests certain reflections on the power of resolution and sensitivity. In the technical domain we shall present the details of the method which we now employ routinely, and introduce a new small‐grain photographic emulsion which improves considerably the resolving power of electron autoradiographs.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE FIXATION AND STAINING OF LIPIDS
Authors: Casley‐Smith J. R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Formalin, acrolein, or controlled chromation do not retain maize oil or butter during embedding.

Post‐chromation after calcium formol fixation retains some butter and much maize oil, but the fixation is not uniform.

Sudan Black B and Sudan IV stain these lipids for electron microscopy. These stains do not contain atoms of high atomic weight.

The double bonds of unsaturated lipids are stained by floating the sections on osmium tetroxide solutions, or by exposing the sections to ultra‐voilet light and then staining them with Schiff's reagent in the presence of a source of copper.
HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF THE ACTIVATION OF RAT ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE BY SODIUM CACODYLATE AND CACODYLIC ACID USING THE THIOACETIC ACID METHOD
Authors: McAlpine John C.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

In this histochemical study, sections of rat tongue muscle were incubated in thioacetic acid substrates containing different molarities of various organic arsenicals; the effects were compared with control substrates, and with other substrates containing magnesium, manganese, and calcium chlorides.

Evidence is presented to show that sodium cacodylate and cacodylic acid act as strong activators for the acetylcholinesterase of the muscle motor end‐plates.

The cacodylate‐activated substrate gives a clean, precipitate‐free solution and short incubation times; the enzyme activity is localized as a fine non‐granular reaction product.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GOLGI CONTROVERSY
Authors: Baker John R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The author accepts, after long hesitation, the view that the “Golgi apparatus” in the neurones of vertebrates corresponds with the organelle of the same name in other cells. He has been much influenced by the results of the application of A. B. Novikoff's histochemical test for thiamine diphosphatase to various cells. This test gives a positive reaction in the Golgi apparatus in many cells of vertebrates, and in the neurones of this group of animals the lamellæ of the apparatus are the only site of positive reaction.

When Novikoff's test is applied to the neurones of certain invertebrates, however, the lipochondria react positively, the Golgi apparatus feebly or not at all. The author stresses that the remarkable morphological similarity of the Golgi apparatus, as represented in electron micrographs of diverse cells, may disguise very considerable chemical and enzymic differences.
AGEING OF FIBRIN IN LESIONS
Authors: Cook E.
Published: November 2011

Fibrin is frequently deposited in tissues at sites of hæmorrhage and inflammation and I have made a survey of the changes which occur in the morphology and in the staining reactions of fibrin with the passage of time. It is common enough to encounter fibrin in pathological lesions, but accurate assessment of its age is surprisingly difficult; material containing fibrin of uncertain age was excluded from this study. Material used was obtained from cases of cerebral haemorrhage, ruptured kidney, healing surgical scars and healing puncture wounds of arteries in all of which consideration of the clinical history enabled an accurate “age” to be given to the fibrin.
THE CONSTRUCTION AND HEATING OF MICROSCOPE INCUBATORS
Authors: Sharp J. A.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Methods of constructing microscope incubators, utilizing a domestic hair dryer, are discussed.
Determination of the dry mass of tissue sections by interference microscopy
Authors: GALJAARD H. , SZIRMAI J. A.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Under certain conditions the relationship between the optical‐path difference and the light intensity in an interference system is identical for both even field and interference fringes. This principle has been utilised to determine the absolute value of optical‐path differences in interference contrast (even field) for estimation of the dry‐mass concentration of tissue sections. A Leitz double‐beam interference microscope has been employed and the intensities were evaluated by photographic photometry. The method adopted consists of the following steps: (a) tissue sections are immersed in a medium which completely penetrates into the object; (b) the specimen is first examined in interference fringes using monochromatic light and a photograph is taken comprising the object and part of the free background; (c) even field is then adjusted and a second photograph is taken under the same conditions. (d) the photographs are quantitatively processed and the densities of selected areas of the object in even field and of the background in both even field and fringes are recorded by a microdensitometer; (e) the optical‐path differences are measured by comparing the densities in the object with those of the sinusoidal reference curve of the interference fringes. Experimental data are presented to validate the various steps of the procedure. The error of the method was found to vary from 2 to 9 p.c. when applied to sections of hyaline cartilage.
Histochemical study of 5‐nucleotidase in the human thyroid gland
Authors: HARCOURT‐WEBSTER J. N. , STOTT N. C. H.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

In this histochemical study the patterns of activity and sites of localization of 5‐nucleotidase in a series of human pathological thyroid glands are reported. An association is demonstrated between seasonal changes of temperature and the level of enzyme activity; a relationship between this activity and involutionary change is also shown. The sites of localization of this enzyme suggest a role in cell transport mechanisms; this is discussed and related to the other observations. The significance of 5‐nucleotidase as a link in the overall control of thyroid function is considered.
A histochemical and electron microscopical study of the fibrinoid of the mouse placenta
Authors: BRADBURY S. , BILLINGTON W. D. , KIRBY D. R. S.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Histochemical and electron‐microscopical techniques have been employed to study fibrinoid material present in the mouse placenta. These show the material to be an amorphous substance of moderate electron‐density, which stains characteristically with the periodic acid‐Schiff and Hale colloidal iron reactions. Auxiliary techniques, including enzymic digestion, have enabled greater specificity to be obtained from these reactions, and show that the placental fibrinoid contains a mucoprotein rich in tryptophane, with at least two non‐sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides, probably hyaluronic and sialic acids.

The fibrinoid is present around each trophoblast cell and as a layer between the foetal and maternal components of the placenta. Considerably more fibrinoid is evident in placentae from hybrid than from inbred matings.

It is suggested that the fibrinoid material in the mouse placenta acts as a barrier to prevent the egress of foetal transplantation antigens into the mother.
Certain effects of histamine and of pilocarpine upon the granules of the oxyntico‐peptic cells of Gallus domesticus
Authors: MENZIES GORDON
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

New observations are presented on the oxyntico‐peptic cells of Gallus domesticus. In the control animals (which were starved for 72 hours) acid phosphatase is present below the nucleus in the cytoplasm of the majority of the cells lying in the upper part of the alveoli. Following the administration of histamine, there is an increase of acid phosphatase. In cells situated in the upper part of the alveoli it is present above and alongside the nucleus. In many cells lying in the lower part of the alveoli it occurs chiefly in an infranuclear position, although in some it is above and alongside the nucleus. There is a progressive decrease in the number of pepsinogen granules, and in cells in many areas of the mucosa, this is preceded by a progressive decrease in the intensity of colouring of the granules. Evacuation of the granules commences in cells lying in the lower part of the alveoli and proceeds to those that are situated in the upper part of the alveoli. The larger type of granule is discharged first, and 2 to 3 hours after injection of the drug all the granules have been discharged from the cells. It seems probable that the pepsinogen granules reappear in cells found in the basal half of the alveoli about 6 hours after histamine injection. Following the injection of pilocarpine, very large spheroids which stain an intense blue after Bowie's method are found above the nucleus in cells lying in the upper part of the alveoli.
Microscopical observations on the effects of phenanthroline chelates on Landschütz ascites tumour cells
Authors: MAYHEW E. , ROE E. M. F. , SHULMAN A.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

The passage of coloured chelates derived from 3:4:7:8‐tetramethyl‐1:10 phenanthroline and divalent copper and ruthenium into Landschütz ascites tumour cells, in vitro and in the mouse, has been examined by bright‐field and fluorescence microscopy. Chelate absorption on to the cell surface occurs rapidly but penetration into the cell appears to be a slow process and is generally associated with cell damage.

It has been shown by the use of the vital stain lissamine green that exposure to metal chelate decreases significantly the viability of Landschütz ascites tumour both in vitro and in the mouse.
The histochemical demonstration of fructose‐1‐phosphate aldolase and fructose‐1–6‐diphosphate aldolase, and application of the method to a case of fructose intolerance
Authors: LAKE BRIAND
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

A histochemical method for the demonstration of fructose‐1–6‐diphosphate aldolase and fructose‐1‐phosphate aldolase is presented. The method, which incorporates the requirements for the biochemical estimation of these enzymes, has been applied to various fresh frozen tissues including a liver biopsy from a case of fructose intolerance. The results show that in fructose intolerance both these enzymes were reduced in amount, a finding which was confirmed by biochemical estimation.
Electron cytochemical demonstration of acid phosphatase in the globular basophils of the amphibian pituitary
Authors: RIECKEN E. O. , NUNN R. E. , WÄCHTLER K. , PEARSE A. G. E.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Acid phosphatase activity in the pituitary gland of Triturus cristatus carnex was studied at the electron‐microscope level.

In the mucoid (basophil) cells of the pars distalis the reaction product was confined to the large globules. The smaller granules of the same cells never contained electron‐dense material.

Another cell type containing electron‐dense reaction product in its granules was found in the pars intermedia.

The possible role of hydrolytic enzymes in the activation of hormone precursors is discussed.

It is concluded that the two distinct cellular inclusions of the globular basophil are functionally distinct.
Reflected‐light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy applied to the examination of set gypsum plaster texture
Authors: HARBORD N. H. , MANICOM D. K. , SMEETON R.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

Optical‐microscope techniques for the examination of set gypsum plaster are described. It is shown that, at magnifications below x 1250, reflected‐light microscopy is a suitable technique for the examination of smooth surfaces and yields adequate information on texture. For extremely fine‐textured smooth surfaces or for irregular surfaces the scanning electron microscope must be used.
Observations on dugong histology
Authors: CAVE A. J. E. , AUMONIER F. J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

A description is given, for the first time, of the histological structure of (a) certain lymph nodes, and (b) the thymus and thyroid glands, of the dugong (Dugong dugon). The nodes are of the haanolymph variety and manifest an astonishing range of variation in both the relative proportions and the mutual topographical distribution of their component medullary and cortical tissue. The thymus displays the customary mammalian constitution. The thyroid gland, however, is exceptional in the relatively great abundance and density of its intervesicular stroma; its histological appearance would seem to agree with other evidence favouring the occurrence in the Sirenia of a functional hypothyroidism.
Histochemical studies of the formazan reaction: III. The reversible oxidation‐reduction of mucosubstance formazans
Authors: STOWARD PETER J.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

In sections of fixed tissue, periodate‐oxidized mucosubstances that have been treated firstly with Phenylhydrazine and secondly at a pH near 9 with a diazonium salt, such as diazotized aniline or tetrazotized 3,3′‐dimethoxybenzidine, are converted into highly‐coloured derivatives which could be formazans, azo‐compounds, tetrazenes, or a mixture of these. That such derivatives are in fact mostly, if not exclusively, formazans has been confirmed by treating these derivatives in situ firstly with N‐bromosuccinimide, to oxidize acid‐labile formazans into acid‐stable, colourless tetrazolium salts; secondly, with a hot ethanolic solution of hydrochloric acid, to destroy azo‐derivatives and tetrazenes and leave tetrazolium salts untouched; and thirdly, with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulphide, to reduce the mucosubstance tetrazolium salts back to the original coloured formazans.
Localization of perivascular tissue for electron microscopy
Authors: HOLMES R. L.
Published: November 2011

SYNOPSIS

A simple method of combined dye perfusion and aldehyde fixation for electron microscopy is described. The technique has been found useful in the selection of accurately localized samples of perivascular tissue.
Velocity modeling workflows for sub‐salt geopressure prediction: a case study from the Lower Tertiary trend, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: TAYLOR J. , FISHBURN T. , DJORDJEVIC O. , SULLIVAN R.
Published: November 2011

Some of the most active and high profile hydrocarbon plays currently being explored and developed around the world lie below a complex salt canopy. Accurate predrill prediction of sub‐salt pore and fracture pressures is technically challenging, yet remains critical for mitigating drilling risk and reducing exploration and development costs. The objective of this paper is to highlight how 3‐D velocity modeling methodologies can be applied to accurately predict sub‐salt geopressures. An example data set from the Lower Tertiary trend of deep water Gulf of Mexico is utilized to demonstrate the key data requirements and earth modeling procedures, and to compare predicted results with postwell drilling reports and measured well data. Central to this approach is a 3‐D layered earth model. It is the basis for cross‐discipline data integration and provides an ideal platform for well property interpolation, velocity–density–pressure transformations, characterization of geomechanical rock properties, multiwell planning, and drilling risk assessment. Although the main goal of the work is accurate predrill predictions of both pore pressure and fracture pressure for improved well design, these multi‐attribute models also provide superior depth prognoses and can be utilized for hydrocarbon column height assessment and seal breach risking, as well as for lithological discrimination. Furthermore, model properties can be incorporated into geomechanical models for detailed wellbore stability analysis. By adopting an earth‐model centric workflow, more reliable and robust predrill geopressure predictions have resulted. This has had a positive impact on well design efficiencies and minimized drilling downtime arising from well control events.
Mutual recognition between polymerized liposomes. IV. Polysaccharide‐lectin system
Authors: Hasegawa M. , Kaku T. , Kuroda M. , Ise N. , Kitano H.
Published: November 2011

As a model of cell‐cell recognition processes, the association processes of a polysaccharide (mannan)‐carrying liposome with a lectin (Concanavalin A, Con A)‐carrying polymerized liposome were followed by turbidimetry. The association process was strongly inhibited by the addition of a low molecular weight sugar, methyl‐alpha‐D‐mannopyranoside, which shows that the association between the liposomes is due to the specific interaction between Con A and mannan. The association rate constant obtained was much smaller than the theoretical value for a diffusion‐controlled binary association process. This implies that the association rate of liposomes is limited by the recognition between complementary ligands bound on the liposome surfaces. Another reason for the smaller association rate constant in the liposome‐liposome system is the repulsive hydration effect. The effect of the surface density of the lectin immobilized on the liposome on the recognition was also examined.
Parasitism of aphid embryos by Aphidius smithi: some effects of extremely small host size
Authors: Mackauer M. , Kambhampati S.
Published: November 2011

Embryos of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), were successfully parasitized by Aphidius smithi Sharma & Subba Rao while still inside their mother. Parasites from embryos were much smaller, laid fewer eggs, but survived as long as their counterparts that had developed in adult viviparous aphids. Lifetime fecundity was positively correlated with wasp size, as measured by dry weight at the time of death. A. smithi females produced the same offspring sex ratio at eclosion on both host classes, although emergence was significantly lower from mummified adult aphids than from embryos. The data are discussed with regard to progeny and sex allocation decisions by solitary hymenopterous parasites. It is suggested that, in A. smithi, the decision to lay a fertilized or unfertilized egg is influenced by the host's overall size, rather than by the size and quality of a smaller target area inside the host, such as embryos.
(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate: a novel storage medium for avulsed teeth
Authors: Chen Huangqin , Huang Bin
Published: November 2011

Abstract –  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) in maintaining the vitality of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells when used as a storage medium for avulsed teeth prior to replantation. Thirty freshly extracted single‐rooted human teeth with closed apices were randomly assigned to three experimental groups with 10 samples per group and immersed in one of the storage media: EGCG, Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), or milk for 2 h. The PDL cells were dissociated by an enzyme treatment with collagenase and trypsin. The cells were then labeled with 0.4% Trypan blue for the determination of viability. The result showed that EGCG group had the highest percentage of cell viability, followed by HBSS and milk group, in descending order.
Extensive polymorphism in the porcine Toll‐like receptor 10 gene
Authors: Bergman I.‐M. , Edman K. , Ekdahl K. N. , Rosengren K. J. , Edfors I.
Published: November 2011

The great importance of the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in innate immunity is well established, but one family member – TLR10 – remains elusive. TLR10 is expressed in various tissues in several species, but its ligand is not known and its function is still poorly understood. The open reading frame of TLR10 was sequenced in 15 wild boars, representing three populations, and in 15 unrelated domestic pigs of Hampshire, Landrace and Large White origin. Amino acid positions corresponding to detected nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed in the crystal structures determined for the human TLR1–TLR2–lipopeptide complex and the human TLR10 Toll/Interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) dimer. SNP occurrence in wild boars and domestic pigs was compared, and haplotypes for the TLR10 gene and the TLR6‐1‐10 gene cluster were reconstructed. Despite the limited number of animals sequenced in the present study (N = 30), a larger number of SNPs were found in TLR10 than recently reported for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR2. Thirty‐three SNPs were detected, of which 20 were nonsynonymous. The relative frequency of nonsynonymous (dN) and synonymous (dS) SNPs between wild boars and domestic pigs was higher in TLR10 than recently reported for TLR1, TLR6 and TLR2. However, the polymorphism reported in the present study seems to leave the function of the TLR10 molecule unaffected. Furthermore, no nonsynonymous SNPs were detected in the part of the gene corresponding to the hinge region of the receptor, probably reflecting rigorously acting functional constraint. The total number of SNPs and the number of nonsynonymous SNPs were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the wild boars than in the domestic pigs, and fewer TLR10 haplotypes were present in the wild boars. The majority of the TLR6‐1‐10 haplotypes were specific for either wild boars or domestic pigs, probably reflecting differences in microbial environment and population history.
Composition as Identity: Part 2
Authors: Wallace Megan
Published: November 2011

Many of us think that ordinary objects – such as tables and chairs – exist. We also think that ordinary objects have parts: my chair has a seat and some legs as parts, for example. But once we are committed to the (seemingly innocuous) thesis that ordinary objects are composed of parts, we then open ourselves up to a whole host of philosophical problems, most of which center on what exactly this composition relation is. Composition as Identity (CI) is the view that the composition relation is the identity relation. While such a view has some advantages, there are many arguments against it. In this essay, I discuss several versions of the most common objection against CI, and show how the CI theorist can maintain that these arguments – contrary their initial intuitive appeal – are nonetheless unsound.
Critical Reception of Raz’s Theory of Authority
Authors: Ehrenberg Kenneth
Published: November 2011

This is a canvass to the critical reaction to Joseph Raz’s service conception of authority, as well as actual or possible replies by Raz. Familiarity is assumed with the theory itself, covered in a previous article. The article focuses primarily on direct criticisms of Raz’s theory, rather than replies developed in the context of a theorist’s wider project.
Cellular Stochastic Control of the Collective Output of a Class of Distributed Hysteretic Systems
Authors: Wood Levi B. , Harry Asada H.
Published: November 2011

Stable stochastic feedback control of an aggregate output from a multitude of cellular units is presented in this paper. Similar to a skeletal muscle comprising a number of muscle fibers, the plant considered in this paper consists of many independent units (called cellular units), each of which contributes to an aggregate output of the whole system. The central controller regulates the aggregate output by stochastically recruiting as many cellular units as needed for producing a required output. Two challenges are considered. The first is how to deal with individual units having pronounced hysteresis and long latency time in transient response. It will be shown that slow response and poor stability due to the hysteresis and latency time can significantly be improved by coordinating the multitude of cellular units, which are in diverse phases in the hysteresis loop. The second challenge is how to build a central controller that coordinates the multitude of cellular units without knowing the state of individual units. Stochastic broadcast feedback is presented as a solution that meets those requirements. The central controller observes only the aggregate output value rather than the output and state of each unit, compares the aggregate output against a reference, and broadcasts an error signal to all the units, which are anonymous. In turn, each cellular unit makes a control decision stochastically with state transition probabilities that are modulated by the broadcast error signal from the central controller. Stability analysis based on supermatingale theory guarantees that this stochastic broadcast feedback is stable and robust against cell failures. The method is applied to the control of shape-memory-alloy muscle actuators with cellular architecture. Despite pronounced hysteresis and long latency time, stochastic broadcast feedback can achieve fast and stable control. Simulation experiments verify the theoretical results.
GenoType MTBDR
sl
for Molecular Detection of Second-Line-Drug and Ethambutol Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains and Clinical Samples
Authors: Lacoma A. , García-Sierra N. , Prat C. , Maldonado J. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Haba L. , Gavin P. , Samper S. , Ausina V. , Domínguez J.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the GenoType MTBDR
sl
assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) for its ability to detect resistance to fluoroquinolones (FLQ), injectable second-line antibiotics [kanamycin (KM) and capreomycin (CM)], and ethambutol (EMB) in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical strains and directly in clinical samples. A total of 34 clinical strains were characterized with the Bactec 460 TB system. Fifty-four clinical samples from 16 patients (5 were smear negative and 49 were smear positive) were also tested directly. The corresponding isolates of the clinical specimens were also analyzed with the Bactec 460TB. When there was a discrepancy between assays, pyrosequencing was performed. The overall rates of concordance of the MTBDR
sl
and the Bactec 460TB for the detection of FLQ, KM/CM, and EMB susceptibility in clinical strains were 72.4% (21/29), 88.8% (24/27), and 67.6% (23/34), whereas for clinical samples, rates were 86.5% (45/52), 92.3% (48/52), and 56% (28/50), respectively. In conclusion, the GenoType MTBDR
sl
assay may be a useful tool for making early decisions regarding KM/CM susceptibility and to a lesser extent regarding FLQ and EMB susceptibility. The test is able to detect mutations in both clinical strains and samples with a short turnaround time. However, for correct management of patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, results must be confirmed by a phenotypical method.
Clinical Impact of a Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of Staphylococcal Bacteremia
Authors: Frye Abigail M. , Baker Catherine A. , Rustvold D. Leif , Heath Kim A. , Hunt Jessica , Leggett James E. , Oethinger Margret
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of real-time PCR reporting both on timely identification of clustered Gram-positive cocci (GPC) in blood cultures and on appropriate antibiotic treatment. This retrospective, interventional cohort study evaluated inpatients with blood cultures positive for GPC in the pre-PCR (15 January 2009 to 14 January 2010) and post-PCR (15 January 2010 to 14 January 2011) periods. Post-PCR implementation, laboratory services completed batched PCR; results other than methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) were reported in the electronic medical record without additional interventions. The assay's sensitivity and specificity, time to identification of staphylococcal bacteremia, and clinically relevant outcomes, including time to optimal antibiotic therapy, were evaluated. Demographic information was also collected and analyzed. Sixty-eight and 58 patients with
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia from the pre- and post-PCR periods, respectively, met inclusion criteria. Similar numbers of consecutive patients with coagulase-negative staphylococci were analyzed for comparison. The time to identification was significantly reduced post-PCR implementation (mean, 13.2 h; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 10.5 to 15.9 h;
P
< 0.0001). However, the time to optimal antibiotic therapy was not significantly reduced. We conclude that implementation of a PCR assay demonstrated the potential to improve appropriate antibiotic use based on clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in the time to microbiologic identification. However, in order to realize this potential benefit, processes must be optimized and additional interventions initiated to facilitate providers' use of the PCR result.
RADIATIVE DAMPING AND FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: RAJU SUVRAT , RAJU C. K.
Published: November 2011

We propose a general technique to solve the classical many-body problem with radiative damping. We modify the short-distance structure of Maxwell electrodynamics. This allows us to avoid runaway solutions as if we had a covariant model of extended particles. The resulting equations of motion are functional differential equations (FDEs) rather than ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Using recently developed numerical techniques for stiff, retarded FDEs, we solve these equations for the one-body central force problem with radiative damping. Our results indicate that locally the magnitude of radiation damping may be well approximated by the standard third-order expression but the global properties of our solutions are dramatically different. We comment on the two-body problem and applications to quantum field theory and quantum mechanics.
COSMOLOGICAL BACKREACTION OF HEAVY STRING STATES
Authors: DE RISI G.
Published: November 2011

We propose a mechanism to have a smooth transition from a pre-Big Bang phase to a standard cosmological phase. Such transition is driven by gravitational production of heavy massive string states that backreact on the geometry to stop the growth of the curvature. Close to the string scale, particle creation can become effective because the string phase space compensate the exponential suppression of the particle production. Numerical solutions for the evolution of the Universe with this source are presented.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 modulates neurally evoked mucosal chloride secretion in guinea pig small intestine in vitro
Authors: Baldassano Sara , Wang Guo-Du , Mulè Flavia , Wood Jackie D.
Published: November 2011

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) acts at the G protein-coupled receptor, GLP-1R, to stimulate secretion of insulin and to inhibit secretion of glucagon and gastric acid. Involvement in mucosal secretory physiology has received negligible attention. We aimed to study involvement of GLP-1 in mucosal chloride secretion in the small intestine. Ussing chamber methods, in concert with transmural electrical field stimulation (EFS), were used to study actions on neurogenic chloride secretion. ELISA was used to study GLP-1R effects on neural release of acetylcholine (ACh). Intramural localization of GLP-1R was assessed with immunohistochemistry. Application of GLP-1 to serosal or mucosal sides of flat-sheet preparations in Ussing chambers did not change baseline short-circuit current ( Isc), which served as a marker for chloride secretion. Transmural EFS evoked neurally mediated biphasic increases in Iscthat had an initial spike-like rising phase followed by a sustained plateau-like phase. Blockade of the EFS-evoked responses by tetrodotoxin indicated that the responses were neurally mediated. Application of GLP-1 reduced the EFS-evoked biphasic responses in a concentration-dependent manner. The GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9–39) suppressed this action of GLP-1. The GLP-1 inhibitory action on EFS-evoked responses persisted in the presence of nicotinic or vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor antagonists but not in the presence of a muscarinic receptor antagonist. GLP-1 significantly reduced EFS-evoked ACh release. In the submucosal plexus, GLP-1R immunoreactivity (IR) was expressed by choline acetyltransferase-IR neurons, neuropeptide Y-IR neurons, somatostatin-IR neurons, and vasoactive intestinal peptide-IR neurons. Our results suggest that GLP-1R is expressed in guinea pig submucosal neurons and that its activation leads to a decrease in neurally evoked chloride secretion by suppressing release of ACh at neuroepithelial junctions in the enteric neural networks that control secretomotor functions.
Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma in Sigmoid Kidney
Authors: Rouanne Mathieu , Legrand Guillaume , Renard-Penna Raphaëlle , Chartier-Kastler Emmanuel , Bitker Marc Olivier , Thibault Frédéric
Published: November 2011

Crossed renal ectopia is a rare congenital malformation. We report a case in a 77-year-old man presenting with a left lower abdominal mass. Abdominal computed tomography showed a vascular lesion that developed in a right-to-left crossed-fused renal ectopia. The patient was treated with radical heminephrectomy. Appropriate preoperative imaging and surgical technique for the isthmusectomy are highlighted.
Urokinase Receptor Associates With Myocardin to Control Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Phenotype in Vascular Disease
Authors: Kiyan Yulia , Limbourg Anne , Kiyan Roman , Tkachuk Sergey , Limbourg Florian P. , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Chichkov Boris N. , Haller Hermann , Dumler Inna
Published: November 2011

Objective—

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its specific receptor (uPAR) are a potent multifunctional system involved in vascular remodeling. The goal of the study was to unravel the mechanisms of uPA/uPAR-directed vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation.

Methods and Results—

Using cultured human primary VSMCs, we identified a new molecular mechanism controlling phenotypic modulation in vitro and in vivo. We found that the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) acts together with the transcriptional coactivator myocardin to regulate the VSMC phenotype. uPAR, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell-surface receptor family member, undergoes ligand-induced internalization and nuclear transport in VSMCs. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β and SUMOylated RanGAP1 mediate this trafficking. Nuclear uPAR associates with myocardin, which is then recruited from the promoters of serum response factor target genes and undergoes proteasomal degradation. This chain of events initiates the synthetic VSMC phenotype. Using mouse carotid artery ligation model, we show that this mechanism contributes to adverse vascular remodeling after injury in vivo. We then cultured cells on a microstructured biomaterial and found that substrate topography induced uPAR-mediated VSMC differentiation.

Conclusion—

These findings reveal the transcriptional activity of uPAR, controlling the differentiation of VSMCs in a vascular disease model. They also suggest a new role for uPAR as a therapeutic target and as a marker for VSMC phenotyping on prosthetic biomaterials.
Dynamic Synchrotron Imaging of Diabetic Rat Coronary Microcirculation In Vivo
Authors: Jenkins Mathew J. , Edgley Amanda J. , Sonobe Takashi , Umetani Keiji , Schwenke Daryl O. , Fujii Yutaka , Brown Russell D. , Kelly Darren J. , Shirai Mikiyasu , Pearson James T.
Published: November 2011

Objective—

In diabetes, long-term micro- and macrovascular damage often underlies the functional decline in the cardiovascular system. However, it remains unclear whether early-stage diabetes is associated with in vivo functional impairment in the coronary microvasculature. Synchrotron imaging allows us to detect and quantify regional differences in resistance microvessel caliber in vivo, even under conditions of high heart rate.

Methods and Results—

Synchrotron cine-angiograms of the coronary vasculature were recorded using anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats 3 weeks after treatment with vehicle or streptozotocin (diabetic). In the early diabetic state, in the presence of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, vessel diameters were smaller (
P
<0.01) and endothelium-dependent vessel recruitment was already depressed (
P
<0.05). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatory responses in individual coronary vessels were not different in vivo. Inhibition of NO and PGI
2
production in diabetes uncovered early localized impairment in dilation. Diabetic animals displayed focal stenoses and segmental constrictions during nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase blockade, which persisted during acetylcholine infusion (
P
<0.05), and a strong trend toward loss of visible microvessels.

Conclusion—

Synchrotron imaging provides a novel method to investigate coronary microvascular function in vivo at all levels of the arterial tree. Furthermore, we have shown that early-stage diabetes is associated with localized coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction.
Frizzled 4 Regulates Arterial Network Organization Through Noncanonical Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity Signaling
Authors: Descamps Betty , Sewduth Raj , Ferreira Tojais Nancy , Jaspard Béatrice , Reynaud Annabel , Sohet Fabien , Lacolley Patrick , Allières Cécile , Lamazière Jean-Marie Daniel , Moreau Catherine , Dufourcq Pascale , Couffinhal Thierry , Duplàa Cécile
Published: November 2011

Rationale:

A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway regulates endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, but the components that mediate this regulation remain elusive.

Objective:

We investigated the involvement of one of the receptors, Frizzled4 (Fzd4), in this process because its role has been implicated in retinal vascular development.

Methods and Results:

We found that loss of
fzd4
function in mice results in a striking reduction and impairment of the distal small artery network in the heart and kidney. We report that loss of
fzd4
decreases vascular cell proliferation and migration and decreases the ability of the endothelial cells to form tubes. We show that
fzd4
deletion induces defects in the expression level of stable acetylated tubulin and in Golgi organization during migration. Deletion of
fzd4
favors Wnt noncanonical AP1-dependent signaling, indicating that Fzd4 plays a pivotal role favoring PCP signaling. Our data further demonstrate that Fzd4 is predominantly localized on the top of the plasma membrane, where it preferentially induces Dvl3 relocalization to promote its activation and α-tubulin recruitment during migration. In a pathological mouse angiogenic model, deletion of
fzd4
impairs the angiogenic response and leads to the formation of a disorganized arterial network.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that Fzd4 is a major receptor involved in arterial formation and organization through a Wnt/PCP pathway.
Synoptic Development of the Hanoi Heavy Rainfall Event of 30–31 October 2008: Multiple-Scale Processes
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Yen Ming-Cheng , Tsay Jenq-Dar , Tan Thanh Nguyen Thi , Alpert Jordan
Published: November 2011

The 30–31 October 2008 Hanoi, Vietnam, heavy rainfall–flood (HRF) event occurred unusually farther north than other Vietnam events. The cause of this event is explored with multiple-scale processes in the context of the midlatitude–tropical interaction. In the midlatitudes, the cold surge linked to the Hanoi event can be traced westward to the leeside cyclogenesis between the Altai Mountains and Tianshan. This cyclone developed into a Bering Sea explosive cyclone later, simultaneously with the occurrence of the Hanoi HRF event. In the tropics, a cold surge vortex formed on 26 October, south of the Philippines, through the interaction of an easterly disturbance, an already existing small surface vortex in the Celebes Sea, and the eastern Asian cold surge flow. This cold surge vortex developed into a cyclone, juxtaposed with the surface high of the cold surge flow, and established a strong moist southeasterly flow from the South China Sea to Hanoi, which helped maintain the HRF event. Spectral analysis of the zonal winds north and south of the Hanoi HRF cyclone and rainfall at Hanoi reveal the existence of three monsoon modes: 30–60, 12–24, and 5 days. The cold surge vortex developed into an HRF cyclone in conjunction with the in-phase constructive interference of the three monsoon modes, while the Hanoi HRF event was hydrologically maintained by the northwestward flux of water vapor into Hanoi by these monsoon modes.
Three‐Year Ear, Nose, and Throat Cross‐sectional Analysis of Audiometric Protocols for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Screening of Acoustic Tumors
Authors: Cheng Teddy Caramoan , Wareing Michael J.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

(1) Evaluate audiometric protocols and recommend protocols with best sensitivity and specificity for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening of acoustic tumors; (2) determine clinical risks (false negative) of missing acoustic tumors and potential wastes in screening (false positive) nonacoustic tumors or radiologically “normal” cases; and (3) identify the decibel difference and range of frequencies compared by the best‐performing protocols.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study with chart review.

Setting

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT); audiology; and radiology departments in a tertiary‐care hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Three‐year cohort (2006‐2009) of 1751 ENT patients underwent MRI screening and pure‐tone audiometry indicating sensorineural hearing loss. Audiometric protocols were ranked by highest sensitivity to acoustic tumors, specificity A to nonacoustic tumors, and specificity B to “radiologically normal” cases.

Results

No audiometric protocols achieved 100% sensitivity or specificity rates. Only 2 protocols achieved ≥90% sensitivity: the AMCLASS‐A‐Urben protocol (93.16%) and the Mangham protocol (91.58%). Eleven of 15 protocols for specificity A and 12 of 15 protocols for specificity B achieved ≥50%. Clinical risks ranged from 6.84% to 18.95%, whereas potential wastes ranged from 33.56% to 68.37% for specificity A and 31.76% to 66.86% for specificity B. Interaural difference parameters indicating highest mean sensitivity were on the order of ≥10 dB, ≥15 dB, and ≥20 dB. For frequency comparison parameters, “2 or more adjacent frequency” and “single‐frequency” comparison indicated higher mean sensitivity than the “averaged multifrequency” comparison. Mean specificity showed an opposite pattern.

Conclusions

For optimum sensitivity, the Mangham protocol is preferred (sensitivity, 91.58%; specificity A, 44.23%; specificity B, 44.91%), which proposes a ≥10‐dB interaural difference, averaging 1 to 8 kHz. For optimum specificity, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery protocol is preferred (sensitivity, 87.37%; specificity A, 65.38%; specificity B, 66.04%), which proposes ≥15 dB between ears, averaging 0.5 to 3 kHz.
SCFIA: a statistical corresponding feature identification algorithm for LC/MS
Authors: Cui Jian , Ma Xuepo , Chen Long , Zhang Jianqiu
Published: November 2011

Background

Identifying corresponding features (LC peaks registered by identical peptides) in multiple Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) datasets plays a crucial role in the analysis of complex peptide or protein mixtures. Warping functions are commonly used to correct the mean of elution time shifts among LC-MS datasets, which cannot resolve the ambiguity of corresponding feature identification since elution time shifts are random. We propose a Statistical Corresponding Feature Identification Algorithm(SCFIA) based on both elution time shifts and peak shape correlations between corresponding features. SCFIA first trains a set of statistical models, and then, all candidate corresponding features are scored by the statistical models to find the maximum likelihood solution.

Results

We test SCFIA on publicly available datasets. We first compare its performance with that of warping function based methods, and the results show significant improvements. The performance of SCFIA on replicates datasets and fractionated datasets is also evaluated. In both cases, the accuracy is above 90%, which is near optimal. Finally the coverage of SCFIA is evaluated, and it is shown that SCFIA can find corresponding features in multiple datasets for over 90% peptides identified by Tandem MS.

Conclusions

SCFIA can be used for accurate corresponding feature identification in LC-MS. We have shown that peak shape correlation can be used effectively for improving the accuracy. SCFIA provides high coverage in corresponding feature identification in multiple datasets, which serves the basis for integrating multiple LC-MS measurements for accurate peptide quantification.