bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sublingual Immunization Protects against
Helicobacter pylori
Infection and Induces T and B Cell Responses in the Stomach
Authors: Raghavan Sukanya , Östberg Anna Karin , Flach Carl-Fredrik , Ekman Annelie , Blomquist Margareta , Czerkinsky Cecil , Holmgren Jan
Published: August 2010

Sublingual (SL) immunization has been described as an effective novel way to induce mucosal immune responses in the respiratory and genital tracts. We examined the potential of SL immunization against
Helicobacter pylori
to stimulate immune responses in the gastrointestinal mucosa and protect against
H. pylori
infection. Mice received two SL immunizations with
H. pylori
lysate antigens and cholera toxin as an adjuvant, and after challenge with live
H. pylori
bacteria, their immune responses and protection were evaluated, as were immune responses prior to challenge. SL immunization induced enhanced proliferative responses to
H. pylori
antigens in cervicomandibular lymph nodes and provided at least the same level of immune responses and protection as corresponding intragastric immunization. Protection in SL-immunized mice was associated with strong
H. pylori
-specific serum IgG and IgA antibody responses in the stomach and intestine, with strong proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) production by spleen and mesenteric lymph node T cells stimulated with
H. pylori
antigens
in vitro
, and with increased IFN-γ and IL-17 gene expression in the stomach compared to levels in infected unimmunized mice. Immunohistochemical studies showed enhanced infiltration of CD4
+
T cells and CD19
+
B cells into the
H. pylori
-infected stomach mucosa of SL-immunized but not unimmunized
H. pylori
-infected mice, which coincided with increased expression of the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM-1) and T and B cell-attracting chemokines CXCL10 and CCL28. We conclude that, in mice, SL immunization can effectively induce protection against
H. pylori
infection in association with strong T and B cell infiltration into the stomach.
Wheat dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis: is this an appropriate terminology?
Authors: Wong G K Y , Huissoon A P , Goddard S , Collins D M , Krishna M T
Published: August 2010

Background

The presentation of wheat dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) can be variable. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to initiate the investigation pathway. Double blind placebo controlled food-exercise challenge is the gold standard investigation but the practicality of this test limits its application.

Aim

To critically analyse the symptoms of WDEIA and their correlation with serum specific IgE (sIgE) to rω-5-gliadin.

Methods

17 patients were tested for serum sIgE to rω-5-gliadin. The clinical response to a diet/exercise intervention protocol was used to assess specificity of a positive sIgE to rω-5-gliadin. Length of time to diagnosis, clinical likelihood scores, exercise intensity involved and the severity of allergic reactions were examined retrospectively.

Result

8/10 patients with positive sIgE to rω-5-gliadin had a confirmed diagnosis of WDEIA. Half of the WDEIA patients had a prolonged time lag to diagnosis (32–62 months) and were initially diagnosed with idiopathic anaphylaxis or chronic idiopathic urticaria and angioedema. Only three patients had experienced life threatening symptoms (Mueller grading 4). A close association was observed between requirements of lower exercise intensity to provoke a reaction and diagnostic delay.

Conclusion

Specific IgE to rω-5-gliadin can provide supportive evidence for WDEIA without the need of a food-exercise challenge. The wheat-exercise association is not obvious in many patients, highlighting the need to consider WDEIA in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with idiopathic systemic reactions. The term anaphylaxis may be inappropriate and it is therefore worth considering an alternative terminology such as ‘activity dependent wheat allergy’ to describe this condition.
THE SURFACE DENSITY OF HOLOGRAPHIC ENTROPY
Authors: KISELEV V. V. , TIMOFEEV S. A.
Published: August 2010

On the basis of postulates for the holographic description of gravity and the introduction of entropic force, for static sources we derive the universal law: the entropy of a holographic screen is equal to quarter of its area in the Planck system of units.
Epithelial Pathways in Choroid Plexus Electrolyte Transport
Authors: Damkier Helle H. , Brown Peter D. , Praetorius Jeppe
Published: August 2010

A stable intraventricular milieu is crucial for maintaining normal neuronal function. The choroid plexus epithelium produces the cerebrospinal fluid and in doing so influences the chemical composition of the interstitial fluid of the brain. Here, we review the molecular pathways involved in transport of the electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl−, and HCO3−across the choroid plexus epithelium.
A Management Dilemma: Infectious Keratitis Associated with Soft Contact Lens Use and Dubious Treatment Compliance
Authors: Tsaousis Konstantinos T. , Sakkias Georgios , Kozeis Nikolaos , Tahiaos Periklis
Published: August 2010

Purpose. To present a case of infectious keratitis caused by the microorganism Serratia marcescens in a contact lens user and further to confer on the most advantageous management of comparable situations.Case. After altering the routine that she used for contact lens disinfection, a 24-year-old patient presented with pain and conjunctival redness in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed two infiltrates in the inferior part of the cornea in the right eye and five smaller infiltrates in the superior half of the left cornea. Appropriate treatment, after hospitalization, improved the symptoms while culture of the contact lens material revealed Serratia marcescens as the responsible infectious factor.Conclusion. Enhancing the availability of information with respect to contact lens users and customized analysis regarding treatment for a particular complication could be beneficial in order to reduce the frequency of admission to the eye clinic due to infectious keratitis. In addition, rapid laboratory testing of the infected materials should be a priority for selection of the optimal treatment regimen.
Comparative Solid Phase Photocatalytic Degradation of Polythene Films with Doped and Undoped TiO2Nanoparticles
Authors: Asghar Wasim , Qazi Ishtiaq A. , Ilyas Hassan , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Awan M. Ali , Rizwan Aslam M.
Published: August 2010

Comparative photocatalytic degradation of polythene films was investigated with undoped and metal (Fe, Ag, and Fe/Ag mix) doped TiO2nanoparticles under three different conditions such as UV radiation, artificial light, and darkness. Prepared photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of the polythene films was determined by monitoring their weight reduction, SEM analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Weight of PE films steadily decreased and led to maximum of 14.34% reduction under UV irradiation with Fe/Ag mix doped TiO2nanoparticles and maximum of 14.28% reduction under artificial light with Ag doped TiO2nanoparticles in 300 hrs. No weight reduction was observed under darkness. Results reveal that polythene-TiO2compositing with metal doping has the potential to degrade the polythene waste under irradiation without any pollution.
Choroidal Neovascular Membranes Express Toll-Like Receptor 3
Authors: Maloney Shawn C. , Antecka Emilia , Orellana Maria E. , Fernandes Bruno F. , Odashiro Alexandre N. , Eghtedari Masoomeh , Burnier, Jr. Miguel N.
Published: August 2010

Background: Recent evidence has suggested a role for toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in experimental models of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To date, however, few data exist about TLR3 in human AMD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of TLR3 in human choroidal neovascular (CNV) membranes. Methods: Immunostaining for TLR3 was performed on sections of CNV membranes from 8 AMD patients and eyes from 4 donors without CNV. Results: All CNV membranes expressed TLR3 in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. One was classified as having strong intensity, 5 as having moderate intensity and 2 as having weak intensity. All cases had ≧30% of the RPE cells staining for TLR3, ranging from 30 to 90%. No expression of TLR3 was observed in vascular endothelial cells or fibroblasts in any CNV membrane. In the donor eyes, the RPE cells near the ora serrata stained stronger than those at the posterior pole, where no staining was observed in 3 out of 4 cases. Conclusion: TLR3 was found in all CNV membranes and was expressed exclusively in RPE cells. The observed difference in RPE staining for TLR3 in donor eyes and CNV membranes suggests a possible role for this receptor in human neovascular AMD.
Definitions of Types of Hearing Impairment: A Discussion Paper
Authors: Neumann Katrin , Stephens Dafydd
Published: August 2010

Objective: To develop a clear and meaningful set of definitions of types of hearing impairment. Method: A critical analysis was made of previous definitions together with a consideration of current knowledge of functions and dysfunctions of the auditory system. Results and Conclusions: A coherent set of definitions compatible with the contemporary understanding of auditory disorders and their perceptual effects is proposed.
Effects of Various Fluoride Solutions on Enamel Erosion in vitro
Authors: Yu H. , Attin T. , Wiegand A. , Buchalla W.
Published: August 2010

The objective of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of different fluoride solutions on enamel erosion. Human enamel specimens were pretreated with 1 of 10 different fluoride solutions (n = 20): TiF4, NaF, AmF, ZnF2, or SnF2, each at native pH (pH range: 1.2–7.8) or buffered pH (pH = 4). The control group samples received no fluoride pretreatment. All samples were then eroded by citric acid (pH 2.6) for 6 × 1 min daily over 5 days. Between the erosive cycles, the samples were stored in artificial saliva. Erosion effects were investigated by surface profilometry (n = 10), scanning electron microscopy (n = 4), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (n = 6) after fluoride pretreatment and after erosion. To test the effects of pH only, additional experiments were carried out with fluoride-free solutions at similar pH to that of fluoride solutions. In general, AmF solution was more effective in protecting enamel erosion compared to all other fluoride agents. However, the application of native TiF4, native and buffered SnF2, and native and buffered AmF solutions also resulted in significantly less enamel loss compared to the control group. A Ti-rich coating was formed after application of native TiF4, but partially dissolved due to erosive attack. Samples pretreated with SnF2 showed a significant increase in surface tin content. Surface fluoride concentration was significantly increased by native TiF4, native and buffered AmF, buffered ZnF2, and buffered NaF application. Under the current experimental setting, the fluoride agents at lower pH had better protective potential. Highly concentrated TiF4, AmF, and SnF2 solution was effective in inhibiting erosion of enamel.
Three-Dimensional and Molecular Analysis of the Venous Pole of the Developing Human Heart
Authors: Sizarov Aleksander , Anderson Robert H. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Moorman Antoon F.M.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Various congenital malformations and many abnormal rhythms originate from the venous pole of the heart. Because of rapid changes during morphogenesis, lack of molecular and lineage data, and difficulties in presenting complex morphogenetic changes in the developing heart in a clear fashion, the development of this region in human has been difficult to grasp.

Methods and Results—

To gain insight into the development of the different types of myocardium forming the venous pole of the human heart, we performed an immunohistochemical and 3-dimensional analysis of serial sections of human embryos ranging from 22 through 40 days of development. Three-dimensional models were prepared in a novel interactive portable format providing crucial spatial information and facilitating interpretation. As in the mouse, the systemic venous myocardium expresses the transcription factor TBX18, whereas the pulmonary venous myocardium expresses NKX2–5. In contrast to the mouse, a systemic venous sinus is identified upstream from the atrial chambers, albeit initially with nonmyocardial walls. From the outset, as in the mouse, the pulmonary vein empties to a chamber with atrial, rather than systemic venous, characteristics. Compared with the mouse, the vestibular spine is a more prominent structure.

Conclusion—

The similarities in gene expression in the distinctive types of myocardium surrounding the systemic and pulmonary venous tributaries in man and mouse permit extrapolation of the conclusions drawn from transgenic and lineage studies in the mouse to the human, showing that the systemic and pulmonary venous myocardial sleeves are derived from distinct developmental lineages.
Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase α, Protein Kinase C, and L-Type Ca2+Channels in Mediating the Complex Actions of Angiotensin II on Mouse Cardiac Contractility
Authors: Liang Wenbin , Oudit Gavin Y. , Patel Mikin M. , Shah Ajay M. , Woodgett James R. , Tsushima Robert G. , Ward Michael E. , Backx Peter H.
Published: August 2010

Although angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in heart disease associated with pump dysfunction, its direct effects on cardiac pump function remain controversial. We found that after Ang II infusion, the developed pressure and +dP/dtmaxin isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts showed a complex temporal response, with a rapid transient decrease followed by an increase above baseline. Similar time-dependent changes in cell shortening and L-type Ca2+currents were observed in isolated ventricular myocytes. Previous studies have established that Ang II signaling involves phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K). Dominant-negative inhibition of PI3Kα in the myocardium selectively eliminated the rapid negative inotropic action of Ang II (inhibited by ≈90%), whereas the loss of PI3Kγ had no effect on the response to Ang II. Consistent with a link between PI3Kα and protein kinase C (PKC), PKC inhibition (with GF 109203X) reduced the negative inotropic effects of Ang II by ≈50%. Although PI3Kα and PKC activities are associated with glycogen synthase kinase-3β and NADPH oxidase, genetic ablation of either glycogen synthase kinase-3β or p47phox(an essential subunit of NOX2-NADPH oxidase) had no effect on the inotropic actions of Ang II. Our results establish that Ang II has complex temporal effects on contractility and L-type Ca2+channels in normal mouse myocardium, with the negative inotropic effects requiring PI3Kα and PKC activities.
Angiotensin II and NADPH Oxidase Increase ADMA in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Luo Zaiming , Teerlink Tom , Griendling Kathy , Aslam Shakil , Welch William J. , Wilcox Christopher S.
Published: August 2010

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine inhibits nitric oxide synthase, cationic amino acid transport, and endothelial function. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors often have endothelial dysfunction associated with increased plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine and markers of reactive oxygen species. We tested the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species, generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, enhance cellular asymmetrical dimethylarginine. Incubation of rat preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells with angiotensin II doubled the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase but decreased the activities of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase by 35% and of cationic amino acid transport by 20% and doubled cellular (but not medium) asymmetrical dimethylarginine concentrations (
P
<0.01). This was blocked by tempol or candesartan. Cells stably transfected with p22
phox
had a 50% decreased protein expression and activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase despite increased promoter activity and mRNA. The decreased DDAH protein expression and the increased asymmetrical dimethylarginine concentration in p22
phox
-transfected cells were prevented by proteosomal inhibition. These cells had enhanced protein arginine methylation, a 2-fold increased expression of protein arginine methyltransferase-3 (
P
<0.05) and a 30% reduction in cationic amino acid transport activity (
P
<0.05). Asymmetrical dimethylarginine was increased from 6±1 to 16±3 μmol/L (
P
<0.005) in p22
phox
-transfected cells. Thus, angiotensin II increased cellular asymmetrical dimethylarginine via type 1 receptors and reactive oxygen species. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase increased cellular asymmetrical dimethylarginine by increasing enzymes that generate it, enhancing the degradation of enzymes that metabolize it, and reducing its cellular transport. This could underlie increases in cellular asymmetrical dimethylarginine during oxidative stress.
Calorie Restriction Prevents Hypertension and Cardiac Hypertrophy in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Dolinsky Vernon W. , Morton Jude S. , Oka Tatsujiro , Robillard-Frayne Isabelle , Bagdan Mariel , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Des Rosiers Christine , Walsh Kenneth , Davidge Sandra T. , Dyck Jason R.B.
Published: August 2010

Because recent evidence demonstrated that calorie restriction (CR) has numerous beneficial cardiovascular effects, we investigated whether short-term CR could reduce hypertension and prevent cardiac hypertrophy inherent to the nonobese spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). After 5 weeks of either ad libitum feeding or short-term CR, SHRs subjected to short-term CR had lower systolic blood pressure (BP) and reduced left ventricular wall thickness as assessed by noninvasive tail-cuff BP measurements and echocardiography, respectively. In addition, ultrasound measurements of the femoral artery revealed that flow-mediated vasodilation was significantly improved in SHRs with CR compared to controls. Moreover, pressure myography of isolated mesenteric arteries and subsequent histological and biochemical analysis of these arteries demonstrated that short-term CR improved vascular compliance, increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and nitric oxide bioavailability, and reduced vascular remodeling compared to ad libitum-fed SHRs. Although these effects are likely multifactorial, they were associated with elevated levels of the circulating adipokine, adiponectin, and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. To provide evidence that elevated adiponectin levels in the SHR is sufficient to prevent an increase in BP, adenoviral-mediated overexpression of adiponectin increased circulating levels of adiponectin, reduced BP, and activated the AMPK/eNOS pathway in the absence of CR. Overall, our findings provide compelling evidence that short-term CR exerts beneficial effects in the SHR via stimulation of an adiponectin/AMPK/eNOS signaling axis. As a result, CR may serve as an effective nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension, and targeting the adiponectin/AMPK/eNOS pathway may improve treatment of hypertension.
The Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Aortic Stiffness and Wave Reflections Depends on Age
Authors: McEniery Carmel M. , Yasmin  , Maki-Petaja Kaisa M. , McDonnell Barry J. , Munnery Margaret , Hickson Stacey S. , Franklin Stanley S. , Cockcroft John R. , Wilkinson Ian B.
Published: August 2010

Ageing exerts differential effects on arterial stiffness and wave reflections. However, the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on arterial stiffness and wave reflections and, particularly, how such effects are influenced by ageing has not been assessed within a single large population, covering a sufficiently wide age range. Therefore, we determined the extent to which age alters the impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factors on arterial stiffness and wave reflections. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections were assessed in 4421 individuals (age range 18 to 92 years). When treated as continuous variables, clinic systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures and glucose levels were independently associated with stiffness, and, with the exception of diastolic pressure, these associations were more marked in older individuals. In contrast, clinic systolic and diastolic pressures and smoking were independently associated with wave reflections, with stronger associations observed in younger individuals. The impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factors on arterial stiffness and wave reflections is strongly dependent on age and is largely driven by blood pressure. Additional studies are required to assess the impact of these arterial measures on cardiovascular outcome within a single population.
Severe Local Storms in the Tropics
Authors: Barnes Gary
Published: August 2010

No Abstract available.
Severe Local Storms Forecasting
Authors: Moller Alan R.
Published: August 2010

No Abstract available.
Flash Flood Forecast and Detection Methods
Authors: Davis Robert S.
Published: August 2010

No Abstract available.
Volume I: Overview
Authors: Kocin Paul J. , Uccellini Louis W.
Published: August 2010

No Abstract available.
The Sanders Barotropic Tropical Cyclone Track Prediction Model (SANBAR)
Authors: Burpee Robert W.
Published: August 2010

Sanders designed a barotropic tropical cyclone (TC) track prediction model for the North Atlantic TC basin that became known as the Sanders barotropic (SANBAR) model. It predicted the streamfunction of the deeplayer mean winds (tropical circulation vertically averaged from 1000 to 100 hPa) that represents the vertically averaged tropical circulations. Originally, the wind input for the operational objective analysis (OA) consisted of winds measured by radiosondes and 44 bogus winds provided by analysis at the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which corresponded to the vertically averaged flow over sparsely observed tropical, subtropical, and midlatitude oceanic regions. The model covered a fixed regional area and had a grid size of ~ 154 km. It estimated the initial storm motion solely on the basis of the large-scale flow from the OA, not taking into account the observed storm motion.

During 1970, the SANBAR model became the first dynamical TC track model to be run operationally at NHC. Track forecasts of SANBAR were verified from the 1971 TC season when track model verifications began at NHC until its retirement after the 1989 Atlantic TC season. The average annual SANBAR forecast track errors were verified relative to Climatology and Persistence (CLIPER), the standard no-skill track forecast. Comparison with CLIPER determines the skill of track forecast methods. Verifications are presented for two different versions of the SANBAR model system used operationally during 1973–84 and 1985–89. In homogeneous comparisons (i.e., includes only forecasts for the same initial times) for the former period, SANBAR's track forecasts were slightly better than CLIPER at 24–48-h forecast intervals; however, from 1985 to 1989 the average SANBAR track forecast errors from 24–72 h were ~10% more skillful than homogeneous CLIPER track forecasts.
Fred Sanders' Roles in the Transformation of Synoptic Meteorology, the Study of Rapid Cyclogenesis, the Prediction of Marine Cyclones, and the Forecast of New York City's “Big Snow” of December 1947
Authors: Uccellini Louis W. , Kocin Paul J. , Sienkiewicz Joseph , Kistler Robert , Baker Michael
Published: August 2010

Fred Sanders' career extended over 55 yr, touching upon many of the revolutionary transformations in the field of meteorology during that period. In this paper, his contributions to the transformation of synoptic meteorology, his research into the nature of explosive cyclogenesis, and related advances in the ability to predict these storms are reviewed. In addition to this review, the current status of forecasting oceanic cyclones 4.5 days in advance is presented, illustrating the progress that has been made and the challenges that persist, especially for forecasting those extreme extratropical cyclones that are marked by surface wind speeds exceeding hurricane force. Last, Fred Sanders' participation in a forecast for the historic 1947 snowstorm (that produced snowfall amounts in the New York City area that set records at that time) is reviewed along with an attempt to use today's operational global model to simulate this storm using data that were available at the time. The study reveals the predictive limitations involved with this case based on the scarcity of upper-air data in 1947, while confirming Fred Sanders' forecasting skills when dealing with these types of major storm events, even as a young aviation forecaster at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
Closed Anticyclones of the Subtropics and Midlatitudes: A 54-Yr Climatology (1950–2003) and Three Case Studies
Authors: Galarneau Thomas J. , Bosart Lance F. , Aiyyer Anantha R.
Published: August 2010

The pioneering large-scale studies of cyclone frequency, location, and intensity conducted by Fred Sanders prompt similar questions about lesser-studied anticyclone development. The results of a climatology of closed anticyclones (CAs) at 200, 500, and 850 hPa, with an emphasis on the subtropics and midlatitudes, is presented to assess the seasonally varying distribution and hemispheric differences of these features. To construct the CA climatology, a counting program was applied to twice-daily 2.5° NCEP–NCAR reanalysis 200-, 500-, and 850-hPa geopotential height fields for the period 1950–2003. Stationary CAs, defined as those CAs that were located at a particular location for consecutive time periods, were counted only once.

The climatology results show that 200-hPa CAs occur preferentially during summer over subtropical continental regions, while 500-hPa CAs occur preferentially over subtropical oceans in all seasons and over subtropical continents in summer. Conversely, 850-hPa CAs occur preferentially over oceanic regions beneath upper-level midocean troughs, and are most prominent in the Northern Hemisphere, and over midlatitude continents in winter.

Three case studies of objectively identified CAs that produced heal waves over the United States, Europe, and Australia in 1995, 2003, and 2004, respectively, are presented to supplement the climatological results. The case studies, examining the subset of CAs than can produce heat waves, illustrate how climatologically hot continental tropical air masses produced over arid and semiarid regions of the subtropics and lower midlatitudes can become abnormally hot in conjunction with dynamically driven upper-level ridge amplification. Subsequently, these abnormally hot air masses are advected downstream away from their source regions in conjunction with transient disturbances embedded in anomalously strong westerly jets.
Surface Boundaries of the Southern Plains: Their Role in the Initiation of Convective Storms
Authors: Bluestein Howard B.
Published: August 2010

The nature of the different types of surface boundaries that appear in the southern plains of the United States during the convectively active season is reviewed. The following boundaries are discussed: fronts, the dryline, troughs, and outflow boundaries, The boundaries are related to their environment and to local topography. The role these boundaries might play in the initiation of convective storms is emphasized. The various types of boundary-related vertical circulations and their dynamics are discussed. In particular, quasigeostrophic and semigeostrophic dynamics, and the dynamics of solenoidal circulations, density currents, boundary layers, and gravity waves are considered.

Miscellaneous topics pertinent to convective storms and their relationship to surface boundaries such as along-the-boundary variability, boundary collisions, and the role of vertical shear are also discussed. Although some cases of storm initiation along surface boundaries have been well documented using research datasets collected during comprehensive field experiments, much of what we know is based only on empirical forecasting and nowcasting experience. It is suggested that many problems relating to convective-storm formation need to be explored in detail using real datasets with new observing systems and techniques, in conjunction with numerical simulation studies, and through climatological studies.
Electrically conducting paper from a polyaniline/pulp composite and paper folding art work for a 3D object
Authors: Goto Hiromasa
Published: August 2010

A conducting polymer, polyaniline (PANI), was synthesized in the presence of dispersed pulp fibers in the polymerization reaction to yield PANI/pulp composite fibers, which were then formed into a conducting paper sheet. The paper surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity and electron spin resonance measurements were performed. This simple, convenient method for preparing organic conducting materials should prove useful for industrial applications, and the present results encourage further study in the new field of ‘textile electronics’.
What Do Retrospective Subjective Reports of Childhood Health Capture? Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study
Authors: Haas Steven A. , Bishop Nicholas J.
Published: August 2010

Numerous large cohort studies have begun collecting retrospective childhood health information. However, few studies have investigated the content and quality of such data. This study fills this gap by investigating the content of subjective retrospective childhood health measures using the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. The authors find that a wide array of common childhood conditions and activity limitations were significant predictors of overall assessments of childhood health status. Those conditions that were persistent/recurring, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and frequent ear infections, were the strongest predictors of overall health reports. The results lend support to the judicious use of retrospective childhood health data.
The Experience of Stress for Open Heart Surgery Patients and Their Caregivers
Authors: Robley Lois , Ballard Nancy , Holtzman Debbie , Cooper William
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this research was to understand the modern experience of stress among adult coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who are hospitalized less than 10 days and among their significant caregivers. The naming of stressors and the nature and triggers for the stress response that either contributed to or ameliorated stress were examined. A qualitative research method using hermeneutic phenomenology was used to interpret and understand the experience of stress. The stressors identified by both patient and family participants in this study were shock and disbelief leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Among patients, mortality was foremost. Among family caregivers, anger was expressed. The importance of providing information, honesty, and trust were pivotal to alleviating stress. A more thorough knowledge of history and complementary therapies are needed to reduce stress.
‘Heated political dynamics exist …’: examining the politics of palliative care in rural British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Crooks Valorie A , Castleden Heather , Hanlon Neil , Schuurman Nadine
Published: August 2010

Palliative care is delivered by a number of professional groups and informal providers across a range of settings. This arrangement works well in that it maximizes avenues for providing care, but may also bring about complicated ‘politics’ due to struggles over control and decision-making power. Thirty-one interviews conducted with formal and informal palliative care providers in a rural region of British Columbia, Canada, are drawn upon as a case study. Three types of politics impacting on palliative care provision are identified: inter-community, inter-site, and inter-professional. Three themes crosscut these politics: ownership, entitlement, and administration. The politics revealed by the interviews, and heretofore underexplored in the palliative literature, have implications for the delivery of palliative care. For example, the outcomes of the politics simultaneously facilitate (e.g. by promoting advocacy for local services) and serve as a barrier to (e.g. by privileging certain communities/care sites/provider) palliative care provision.
Time-varying inverse filtering of narrowband ultrasonic signals
Authors: Moll J. , Heftrich C. , Fritzen C-P.
Published: August 2010

Active strategies for structural health monitoring using ultrasonic guided waves mainly deal with excitation signals that are band limited in order to minimize the effect of dispersion. The underlying idea is to activate only the fundamental wave modes so that the signal complexity decreases and individual wave packets in the sensor signals can be identified separately. However, it would be advantageous to increase the temporal resolution of the signal in order to enhance the performance of the post-processing algorithms, for example, travel-time-based damage localization algorithms that need precise arrival time estimations or imaging approaches processing the deconvolved signals directly. This article suggests a new technique to deconvolve narrowband and nonstationary ultrasonic signals by means of a time-varying inverse filter. This filter is realized through the application of the matching pursuit decomposition algorithm. The properties of this methodology are quantitatively compared with several onset-time estimation approaches and evaluated with experimental pitch-catch and differential signals between the pristine and the damaged structure.
Targeting angiogenesis in melanoma: prospects for the future
Authors: Corrie P.G. , Basu B. , Ahmad Zaki K.
Published: August 2010

Angiogenesis has been identified as a relevant target for melanoma experimental therapeutics, based on preclinical and clinical studies. A variety of angiogenesis inhibitors are currently being tested in both metastatic and adjuvant melanoma clinical trials. To date, the most promising evidence of benefit is based on a statistically nonsignificant trend in survival gain reported in a randomized phase II trial combining bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Larger phase III studies are required to determine the true extent of clinical benefit with this class of agents. Key to these clinical trials is the need to include translational endpoints, since correlation of biological and clinical data will provide the opportunity to identify biomarkers predictive of treatment response. These biological studies will also aid our, as yet, poor understanding of the mechanism of action of angiogenesis inhibitors, as well as drug-related side effects. Finally, if these trials show meaningful clinical benefit, then careful consideration will need to be given when designing second-generation trials, in the light of novel gene-directed therapies currently showing promise in melanoma.
FACT: Functional annotation transfer between proteins with similar feature architectures
Authors: Koestler Tina , von Haeseler Arndt , Ebersberger Ingo
Published: August 2010

Background

The increasing number of sequenced genomes provides the basis for exploring the genetic and functional diversity within the tree of life. Only a tiny fraction of the encoded proteins undergoes a thorough experimental characterization. For the remainder, bioinformatics annotation tools are the only means to infer their function. Exploiting significant sequence similarities to already characterized proteins, commonly taken as evidence for homology, is the prevalent method to deduce functional equivalence. Such methods fail when homologs are too diverged, or when they have assumed a different function. Finally, due to convergent evolution, functional equivalence is not necessarily linked to common ancestry. Therefore complementary approaches are required to identify functional equivalents.

Results

We present the F eature A rchitecture C omparison T ool http://www.cibiv.at/FACT to search for functionally equivalent proteins. FACT uses the similarity between feature architectures of two proteins, i.e., the arrangements of functional domains, secondary structure elements and compositional properties, as a proxy for their functional equivalence. A scoring function measures feature architecture similarities, which enables searching for functional equivalents in entire proteomes. Our evaluation of 9,570 EC classified enzymes revealed that FACT, using the full feature, set outperformed the existing architecture-based approaches by identifying significantly more functional equivalents as highest scoring proteins. We show that FACT can identify functional equivalents that share no significant sequence similarity. However, when the highest scoring protein of FACT is also the protein with the highest local sequence similarity, it is in 99% of the cases functionally equivalent to the query. We demonstrate the versatility of FACT by identifying a missing link in the yeast glutathione metabolism and also by searching for the human GolgA5 equivalent in Trypanosoma brucei.

Conclusions

FACT facilitates a quick and sensitive search for functionally equivalent proteins in entire proteomes. FACT is complementary to approaches using sequence similarity to identify proteins with the same function. Thus, FACT is particularly useful when functional equivalents need to be identified in evolutionarily distant species, or when functional equivalents are not homologous. The most reliable annotation transfers, however, are achieved when feature architecture similarity and sequence similarity are jointly taken into account.
Peptide aptamers as new tools to modulate clathrin-mediated internalisation — inhibition of MT1-MMP internalisation
Authors: Wickramasinghe Rochana D , Ferrigno Paul Ko , Roghi Christian
Published: August 2010

Background

Peptide aptamers are combinatorial protein reagents that bind to targets with a high specificity and a strong affinity thus providing a molecular tool kit for modulating the function of their targetsin vivo.

Results

Here we report the isolation of a peptide aptamer named swiggle that interacts with the very short (21 amino acid long) intracellular domain of membrane type 1-metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), a key cell surface protease involved in numerous and crucial physiological and pathological cellular events. Expression of swiggle in mammalian cells was found to increase the cell surface expression of MT1-MMP by impairing its internalisation. Swiggle interacts with the LLY573internalisation motif of MT1-MMP intracellular domain, thus disrupting the interaction with the μ2 subunit of the AP-2 internalisation complex required for endocytosis of the protease. Interestingly, swiggle-mediated inhibition of MT1-MMP clathrin-mediated internalisation was also found to promote MT1-MMP-mediated cell migration.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results provide further evidence that peptide aptamers can be used to dissect molecular events mediated by individual protein domains, in contrast to the pleiotropic effects of RNA interference techniques.
Performance of criteria for selecting evolutionary models in phylogenetics: a comprehensive study based on simulated datasets
Authors: Luo Arong , Qiao Huijie , Zhang Yanzhou , Shi Weifeng , Ho Simon YW , Xu Weijun , Zhang Aibing , Zhu Chaodong
Published: August 2010

Background

Explicit evolutionary models are required in maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference, the two methods that are overwhelmingly used in phylogenetic studies of DNA sequence data. Appropriate selection of nucleotide substitution models is important because the use of incorrect models can mislead phylogenetic inference. To better understand the performance of different model-selection criteria, we used 33,600 simulated data sets to analyse the accuracy, precision, dissimilarity, and biases of the hierarchical likelihood-ratio test, Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and decision theory.

Results

We demonstrate that the Bayesian information criterion and decision theory are the most appropriate model-selection criteria because of their high accuracy and precision. Our results also indicate that in some situations different models are selected by different criteria for the same dataset. Such dissimilarity was the highest between the hierarchical likelihood-ratio test and Akaike information criterion, and lowest between the Bayesian information criterion and decision theory. The hierarchical likelihood-ratio test performed poorly when the true model included a proportion of invariable sites, while the Bayesian information criterion and decision theory generally exhibited similar performance to each other.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the Bayesian information criterion and decision theory should be preferred for model selection. Together with model-adequacy tests, accurate model selection will serve to improve the reliability of phylogenetic inference and related analyses.
Replication of the association of chromosomal region 9p21.3with generalized aggressive periodontitis (gAgP) using an independent case-control cohort
Authors: Ernst Florian D , Uhr Katharina , Teumer Alexander , Fanghänel Jutta , Schulz Susanne , Noack Barbara , Gonzales Jose , Reichert Stefan , Eickholz Peter , Holtfreter Birte , Meisel Peter , Linden Gerard J , Homuth Georg , Kocher Thomas
Published: August 2010

Background

The human chromosomal region9p21.3has been shown to be strongly associated with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in several Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS). Recently, this region has also been shown to be associated with Aggressive Periodontitis (AgP), strengthening the hypothesis that the established epidemiological association between periodontitis and CHD is caused by a shared genetic background, in addition to common environmental and behavioural risk factors. However, the size of the analyzed cohorts in this primary analysis was small compared to other association studies on complex diseases. Using our own AgP cohort, we attempted to confirm the described associations for the chromosomal region9p21.3.

Methods

We analyzed our cohort consisting of patients suffering from the most severe form of AgP, generalized AgP (gAgP) (n = 130) and appropriate periodontally healthy control individuals (n = 339) by genotyping four tagging SNPs (rs2891168, rs1333042, rs1333048 and rs496892), located in the chromosomal region9p21.3, that have been associated with AgP.

Results

The results confirmed significant associations between three of the four SNPs and gAgP. The combination of our results with those from the study which described this association for the first time in a meta-analysis of the four tagging SNPs produced clearly lower p-values compared with the results of each individual study. According to these results, the most plausible genetic model for the association of all four tested SNPs with gAgP seems to be the multiplicative one.

Conclusion

We positively replicated the finding of an association between the chromosomal region9p21.3and gAgP. This result strengthens support for the hypothesis that shared susceptibility genes within this chromosomal locus might be involved in the pathogenesis of both CHD and gAgP.
Compliance assessment of ambulatory Alzheimer patients to aid therapeutic decisions by healthcare professionals
Authors: Schwalbe Oliver , Scheerans Christian , Freiberg Ines , Schmidt-Pokrzywniak Andrea , Stang Andreas , Kloft Charlotte
Published: August 2010

Background

Compliance represents a major determinant for the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Compliance reports summarising electronically compiled compliance data qualify healthcare needs and can be utilised as part of a compliance enhancing intervention. Nevertheless, evidence-based information on a sufficient level of compliance is scarce complicating the interpretation of compliance reports. The purpose of our pilot study was to determine the compliance of ambulatory Alzheimer patients to antidementia drugs under routine therapeutic use using electronic monitoring. In addition, the forgiveness of donepezil (i.e. its ability to sustain adequate pharmacological response despite suboptimal compliance) was characterised and evidence-based guidance for the interpretation of compliance reports was intended to be developed.

Methods

We determined the compliance of four different antidementia drugs by electronic monitoring in 31 patients over six months. All patients were recruited from the gerontopsychiatric clinic of a university hospital as part of a pilot study. The so called medication event monitoring system (MEMS) was employed, consisting of a vial with a microprocessor in the lid which records the time (date, hour, minute) of every opening. Daily compliance served as primary outcome measure, defined as percentage of days with correctly administered doses of medication. In addition, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of donepezil were simulated to systematically assess therapeutic undersupply also incorporating study compliance patterns. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS and Microsoft Excel.

Results

Median daily compliance was 94% (range 48%-99%). Ten patients (32%) were non-compliant at least for one month. One-sixth of patients taking donepezil displayed periods of therapeutic undersupply. For 10 mg and 5 mg donepezil once-daily dosing, the estimated forgiveness of donepezil was 80% and 90% daily compliance or two and one dosage omissions at steady state, respectively. Based on the simulation findings we developed rules for the evidence-based interpretation of donepezil compliance reports.

Conclusions

Compliance in ambulatory Alzheimer patients was for the first time assessed under routine conditions using electronic monitoring: On average compliance was relatively high but variable between patients. The approach of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamicin silicosimulations was suitable to characterise the forgiveness of donepezil suggesting evidence-based recommendations for the interpretation of compliance reports.
Impact of RNA degradation on gene expression profiling
Authors: Opitz Lennart , Salinas-Riester Gabriela , Grade Marian , Jung Klaus , Jo Peter , Emons Georg , Ghadimi B Michael , Beißbarth Tim , Gaedcke Jochen
Published: August 2010

Background

Gene expression profiling is a highly sensitive technique which is used for profiling tumor samples for medical prognosis. RNA quality and degradation influence the analysis results of gene expression profiles. The impact of this influence on the profiles and its medical impact is not fully understood. As patient samples are very valuable for clinical studies, it is necessary to establish criteria for the RNA quality to be able to use these samples in later analysis.

Methods

To investigate the effects of RNA integrity on gene expression profiling, whole genome expression arrays were used. We used tumor biopsies from patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer. To simulate degradation, the isolated total RNA of all patients was subjected to heat-induced degradation in a time-dependent manner. Expression profiling was then performed and data were analyzed bioinformatically to assess the differences.

Results

The differences introduced by RNA degradation were largely outweighed by the biological differences between the patients. Only a relatively small number of probes (275 out of 41,000) show a significant effect due to degradation. The genes that show the strongest effect due to RNA degradation were, especially, those with short mRNAs and probe positions near the 5' end.

Conclusions

Degraded RNA from tumor samples (RIN > 5) can still be used to perform gene expression analysis. A much higher biological variance between patients is observed compared to the effect that is imposed by degradation of RNA. Nevertheless there are genes, very short ones and those with the probe binding side close to the 5' end that should be excluded from gene expression analysis when working with degraded RNA. These results are limited to the Agilent 44 k microarray platform and should be carefully interpreted when transferring to other settings.