bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐amyloid precursor protein immunoglobulins inhibit amyloid‐β production by steric hindrance
Authors: Thomas Rhian S. , Liddell J. Eryl , Kidd Emma J.
Published: November 2010

The cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β‐ and γ‐secretases results in the production of amyloid‐β (Aβ) in Alzheimer’s disease. We raised two monoclonal antibodies, 2B3 and 2B12, that recognize the β‐secretase cleavage site on APP but not Aβ. We hypothesized that these antibodies would reduce Aβ levels via steric hindrance of β‐secretase. Both antibodies decreased extracellular Aβ levels from astrocytoma cells, but 2B3 was more potent than 2B12. Levels of soluble sAPPα from the nonamyloidogenic α‐secretase pathway and intracellular APP were not affected by either antibody nor were there any effects on cell viability. 2B3 exhibited a higher affinity for APP than 2B12 and its epitope appeared to span the cleavage site, whereas 2B12 bound slightly upstream. Both of these factors probably contribute to its greater effect on Aβ levels. After 60 min incubation at pH 4.0, most 2B3 and 2B12 remained bound to their antigen, suggesting that the antibodies will remain bound to APP in the acidic endosomes where β‐secretase cleavage probably occurs. Only 2B3 and 2B12, but not control antibodies, inhibited the cleavage of sAPPα by β‐secretase in a cell‐free assay where the effects of antibody internalization and intracellular degradation were excluded. 2B3 virtually abolished this cleavage. In addition, levels of C‐terminal APP fragments, generated following β‐secretase cleavage (βCTF), were significantly reduced in cells after incubation with 2B3. These results strongly suggest that anti‐cleavage site IgGs can generically reduce Aβ levels via inhibition of β‐secretase by steric hindrance and may provide a novel alternative therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Antioxidant Therapy Reduces Oxidative and Inflammatory Tissue Damage in Patients Subjected to Cardiac Surgery with Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Castillo Rodrigo , Rodrigo Ramón , Perez Felipe , Cereceda Mauricio , Asenjo René , Zamorano Jaime , Navarrete Roberto , Villalabeitia Eli , Sanz Juan , Baeza Cristián , Aguayo Rubén
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Ischaemia reperfusion injury is a pathophysiological event that occurs after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. This clinical event has been associated with the induction of oxidative and inflammatory damage in atrial tissue. Here, we tested whether combined omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA)‐antioxidant vitamin protocol therapy reduces oxidative and inflammatory cardiac tissue damage. This trial assigned 95 either‐sex patients to supplementation with n‐3 PUFA (2 g/day), or matching placebo groups, 7 days before on‐pump surgery. Antioxidant vitamins C (1 g/day) and E (400 IU/day) or placebo were added from 2 days before surgery until discharge. Blood and atrial tissue samples were obtained during the intervention. Reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation were determined in atrial tissue. Leucocyte count and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) in blood plus nuclear factor (NF)‐κappaB activation in atrial tissue served for inflammation assessment. Lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation were 27.5 and 24% lower in supplemented patients (p < 0.01). GSH/GSSG ratio was 38.1% higher in supplemented patients compared with placebo (p < 0.01). Leucocyte count and serum hs‐CRP levels were markedly lower throughout the protocol in supplemented patients (p < 0.01). Atrial tissue NF‐κB DNA activation in supplemented patients was 22.5% lower than that in placebo patients (p < 0.05). The combined n‐3 PUFA‐antioxidant vitamin protocol therapy here proposed reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers, in patients undergoing on‐pump cardiac surgery.
In Vitro Anti‐Tumour Activities of Quinolizidine Alkaloids Derived from Sophora Flavescens Ait
Authors: Lin Ze , Huang Chang‐Fa , Liu Xiao‐Shan , Jiang Jikai
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The dry root of Sophora flavescens Ait. (SF) has long been used in a variety of Chinese herbal formulations to treat patients with cancer. Alkaloids are commonly known to present in SF as main active constituents. Here, we report that among the six characterized SF‐derived quinolizidine alkaloids including sophoridine, aloperine, sophocarpine, matrine, oxymatrine and cytisine, aloperine exerted the most potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines and oxymatrine exhibited selective anti‐cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Analysis of DNA fragmentation and PARP cleavage revealed that aloperine treatment for 48 hr induced apoptosis in HL‐60 cells. In addition, autophagic formation of acidic vacuole was also observed in HL‐60 cells exposed to aloperine. These results suggest that aloperine may be a novel contributor to the anti‐cancer properties of SF.
The current state of care in gout: Addressing the need for better understanding of an ancient disease
Authors: Zychowicz Michael E. , Pope Richard S. , Graser Elke
Published: November 2010

Purpose: To enable clinicians to initiate appropriate steps for long‐term management of gout, including controlling acute exacerbations and pain and sustaining target serum uric acid (SUA) levels to control hyperuricemia as the underlying metabolic disorder.

Data sources: Incorporation of pertinent rheumatology and primary care literature seeking a comprehensive overview about the disease state of gout and its symptoms, comorbidities, and impact on quality of life, with a key focus on the role of serum uric acid, evidence‐based approaches to long‐term management of gout, and the importance of a functioning clinician‐patient relationship.

Conclusions: Gout is increasingly recognized as a prevalent chronic disease state requiring appropriate long‐term management while controlling for risk factors and comorbid conditions. Effective treatment options can help gout patients achieve therapeutic SUA targets to control gout flares and prevent potentially destructive disease manifestations. Patient education is an important element in achieving treatment goals and ensuring adherence.

Implications for practice: Effective treatment plans for any gout patient must be guided by a long‐term approach that focuses on sustained control of hyperuricemia, while providing continuous control of chronic disease. Patient education can be a key element in this process.
The impact of exercise training on the diameter dilator response to forearm ischaemia in healthy men
Authors: Thijssen D. H. J. , Tinken T. M. , Hopkins N. , Dawson E. A. , Cable N. T. , Green D. J.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Recent studies found differences between groups in the rate of diameter increase following the flow‐mediated dilation (FMD). Whilst exercise training alters the magnitude of the FMD, little is known about the impact of exercise training on the rate of diameter increase. The aim of this study is to examine post‐cuff deflation changes in brachial artery diameter following 5 min forearm ischaemia every 2 weeks across 8‐weeks of a handgrip exercise training regimen.

Methods:  Post‐deflation changes in brachial artery diameter following 5‐min of ischaemia were examined before, after and every 2‐weeks across an8‐week handgrip training programme in healthy young men (n = 11) using echo‐Doppler.

Results:  The magnitude of dilation increased at week 2–4–6, but returned towards baseline values at week 8 (anova: P = 0.001). The time‐to‐peak diameter (42 ± 15 s) demonstrated a significant prolongation at week 4 (77 ± 32 s), but returned towards baseline values at weeks 6 and 8 (anova: P < 0.001). The rate of diameter increase did not differ across the intervention.

Conclusion:  Exercise training in healthy subjects is initially characterized by a larger dilation. Since the rate of dilation did not change, a longer time‐to‐peak dilation was necessary to achieve the increase in magnitude of dilation. As exercise training continues, the timing and magnitude of the peak diameter response returns to near baseline levels.
Medieval Shinto: New Discoveries and Perspectives1
Authors: Andreeva Anna
Published: November 2010

Until recently, historical materials that might shed light on the diverse practices and beliefs surrounding the worship of Japanese native deities, kami, in the medieval period were largely unavailable for academic study. Some still remain hidden in temple treasuries or private collections, waiting to be discovered. ‘Medieval Shinto’ is thus a relatively new field of enquiry, but a fruitful and promising one as well. The current revival of this field is based on a decisive departure from earlier scholarship, and the studies of kami worship are now advancing rapidly. This article will give a brief overview of the major terms, definitions and themes in the study of medieval kami worship. First, we shall see how Japanese kami became associated with Buddhist deities. Secondly, we shall find out how the worship of kami became influenced by Esoteric Buddhism and what types of esoteric kami worship had emerged in medieval Japan. We shall briefly touch upon the rituals dedicated to kami, and how the ideas about native deities became reflected in medieval Japanese arts and literature. Finally, this article will introduce several important books and main areas of research regarding this complex but fascinating subject.
Buddhists in Modern Southeast Asia
Authors: McDaniel Justin Thomas
Published: November 2010

This article contrasts the study of Southeast Asian Buddhist social and political movements and institutions (ecclesiastical, colonial, royal, or governmental) with the study of individuals who are recreating Buddhism outside of the various national Sangha organizations and political structures. The power of the state to control nuns, monks, and even lay expression is often over emphasized in modern scholarship. Until recently, the agency and creativity of individual Buddhists is often overlooked. Therefore, in brief summary for students, I want to focus on subjects that have often been neglected in the study of Buddhism in Southeast Asia. I am interested in the ways individual Buddhists make meaning, display this ever‐changing understanding to others, and continually and mutually re‐make society and its explanations. Instead of looking at the epistemic characteristics of macro‐level culture or religion or the ‘trait geographies’ of a people, I am concerned with the ‘practical reasoning and reflexive accounts that people use on a daily basis and that make social life an ongoing practical accomplishment’ [J. McDaniel, Gathering Leaves and Lifting Words: Monastic Education in Laos and Thailand, University of Washington Press, Seattle, 2008, p. 250; I. F. Silber, European Journal of Social Theory6 (2003) 429]. I will be trying to temper any macro‐sociological speculative analysis with the explanations and actions of individual agents while always emphasizing that agents are in situated in highly specific relationships.
Neurocognitive Contexts for Morphological Complexity: Dissociating Inflection and Derivation
Authors: Bozic Mirjana , Marslen‐Wilson William
Published: November 2010

We review experimental findings about the processing of morphologically complex words, and provide a neuro‐cognitive account of the mechanisms that underlie this processing. Within the framework of the brain network that supports language comprehension, we argue that complex words created by regular and rule‐based combinations, such as regular inflections in English (e.g. played, jumps), engage a left‐lateralized frontotemporal subsystem, specialized for grammatical computations. In contrast, processing of lexicalized and unpredictable complexity, present in derived words (e.g. bravely, warmth), engages a bilateral subsystem, which underpins whole‐word, stem‐based lexical access. We suggest a potential neurobiological framework for this proposed organization.
Glioblastoma, Cancer Stem Cells and Hypoxia
Authors: Bar Eli E.
Published: November 2010

Glioblastoma (GBM) prognosis remains dismal, with most patients succumbing to disease within 1 or 2 years of diagnosis. Recent studies have suggested that many solid tumors, including GBM, are maintained by a subset of cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). It has been shown that these cells are inherently radio‐ and chemotherapy resistant, and may be maintained in vivo in a niche characterized by reduced oxygen tension (hypoxia). This review examines the recently described effects of hypoxia on CSC in GBM, and the potential promise in targeting the hypoxic pathway therapeutically.
Resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel therapy
Authors: MUSALLAM K. M. , CHARAFEDDINE K. , BITAR A. , KHOURY M. , ASSAAD S. , BERESIAN J. , ALAM S. , TAHER A. T.
Published: November 2010

Introduction:  Despite increasing evidence on the roles of aspirin and clopidogrel in decreasing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, resistance to therapy remains an emerging clinical entity. The aim of this review was to revisit current knowledge of the mechanisms, laboratory evaluation, clinical impact and management of resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel therapy.

Methods:  Potentially relevant studies were identified from an electronic search of MEDLINE and PubMed databases. There were no language or publication year restrictions. References in published articles were also reviewed.

Results:  Several definitions for resistance have been set, and various laboratory testing modalities are available. The pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood; yet, several extrinsic, intrinsic and genetic factors are described. The clinical implications of this phenomenon are alarming and warrant concern. Management is currently limited to dosing alteration and introduction of other antiplatelet agents.

Conclusion:  Data from ongoing and future studies are awaited to better understand this entity and to highlight the most appropriate treatment strategies.
Middle‐class Latin@ Identity: Building a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Delgado Daniel J.
Published: November 2010

Middle‐class Latin@ identity is a rare discussion in the racial/ethnic studies and identity literatures. Often the Latin@ middle class is invisible as much of the research focuses on the poor, working class and immigrant populations. This article provides a discussion of literature that addresses the shape of middle‐class Latin@ identity. It then moves to provide a theoretical and conceptual framework of strategies of identity negotiation for middle‐class Latin@s based on this existing literature. Ultimately, it provides a much needed shift in both the identity and race/ethnic studies literatures by balancing structural and agentic elements of conceptualizing how middle‐class Latin@ people’s identities are maintained, constructed, and negotiated.
Gated Communities in the United States: From Case Studies to Systematic Evidence
Authors: Vesselinov Elena
Published: November 2010

Scholarly research about gated communities is a recently established field of study, because the significant proliferation of these communities has occurred in the last couple of decades. In this article, I argue that the seminal work of Blakely and Snyder (1997, Fortress America: Gated communities in the United States. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press.) gave the first impetus and the initial research directions in gated communities’ study. The subsequent research established it as a true interdisciplinary urban field and produced important knowledge across several different academic disciplines: sociology, political science, anthropology, urban policy and planning, geography, and legal studies. The article discusses this first phase of theoretical and empirical work, based mostly on qualitative and secondary data sources. A new methodological shift is proposed, which should determine the second phase of research based on hypotheses testing and collection of systematic empirical evidence. Such evidence is essential to understand the wider impact of gated communities on larger urban areas and society as a whole.
Constructing Authenticity: A Review of Trends and Influences in the Process of Authentication in Consumption
Authors: Koontz Amanda
Published: November 2010

I review the processes surrounding consumption in the arts and leisure activities, through which consumers, producers, and marketers construct products as authentic. I examine how producers and marketers authenticate their products to differentiate them in an increasingly saturated global market, meeting consumer demand for products that appear ‘true’ or ‘real’. Such authentication creates value for products, which promotes consumption. I delineate what generic forms of authentication people favor, along with how individuals and organizations use various cultural resources to promote products as authentic. These forms include what I term otherizing and traditionalizing.
Understanding Relationship Quality: Theoretical Challenges and New Tools for Assessment
Authors: Fincham Frank D. , Rogge Ron
Published: November 2010

Relationship quality is studied in a variety of disciplines, yet widely accepted practices promulgate a lack of conceptual clarity. We build on a conceptually simple and theoretically advantageous view of relationship quality and suggest a shift to conceptualizing it as two distinct yet related dimensions—positive and negative evaluations of relationships. We introduce item response theory as a powerful tool for measure development, demonstrating how relationship quality can be optimally pursued in the context of modern test theory, thus leading to better theory development. Recognizing the limitations of self‐reported relationship quality, we extend this two‐dimensional conceptualization further by drawing on developments in the derivation of implicit measures. After briefly introducing such measures, we illustrate their application to assessment of relationship quality.
Beyond Satisfaction: The Role of Attachment in Marital Functioning
Authors: Selcuk Emre , Zayas Vivian , Hazan Cindy
Published: November 2010

In this article, we investigate marital functioning from an attachment theory perspective. We review empirical evidence showing that, in nondistressed marriages, spouses, as attachment figures, provide each other with a subjective sense of felt security, regulate each other's affective and physiological states, and facilitate each other's functioning outside the relationship, especially with respect to exploratory behaviors. These provisions of the attachment bond occur independent of the level of satisfaction experienced in the marriage and may even occur when the marital relationship itself is not very satisfying. In addition, we discuss the role of attachment style in marital functioning. We conclude by suggesting future directions in which an attachment theory perspective may complement existing theory and research in marital relations.
Integrating Theory, Enhancing Understanding: The Potential Contributions of Recent Experimental Research in Social Exchange for Studying Intimate Relationships
Authors: Collett Jessica L.
Published: November 2010

The natural rapport between an exchange approach and the domain of family produced a rich literature over time. This article focuses on recent developments in social exchange that are occurring in sociology and explores what these—largely experimental—research programs have to offer those studying family. To facilitate the use of these developments, in this article, I give a brief introduction to the exchange orientation and describe how it has been used previously in work on the family. I then explain the contemporary work in sociological social exchange, which explores the affective and cognitive outcomes of exchange (e.g., trust, solidarity, commitment), in detail and highlight its insight for those studying romantic partnerships.
A Eudaimonic Theory of Marital Quality
Authors: Fowers Blaine J. , Owenz Meghan B.
Published: November 2010

This article explores a eudaimonic approach (a focus on human flourishing) for its value in enriching marital quality theory. Spouses' marital satisfaction is reinterpreted as the match between their actual marriage and their marital goals. Goal pursuit is proposed as a primary area of assessment and research in marital quality. Two dimensions of goal pursuit are highlighted. First is a continuum ranging from individually attainable goals to shared goals, which are always collective achievements. Second is a range of goals in which the means and ends are separable (instrumental) to goals in which the means and ends are inseparable (constitutive). These dimensions systematically encompass many currently disconnected areas of marital research, which indicates significant heuristic value in a eudaimonic theory of marital quality.
Performance of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Operating Close to Room Temperature
Authors: Oliveira V. B. , Rangel C. M. , Pinto A. M. F. R.
Published: November 2010

The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a promising power source for micro- and various portable electronic devices (mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, and multimedia equipment) with the advantages of easy fuel storage, no need for humidification, and simple design. However, a number of issues need to be resolved before DMFC commercialization, such as the methanol crossover and water crossover, which must be minimized in portable DMFCs. In the present work, a detailed experimental study on the performance of an “in-house” developed DMFC with 25 cm2 of active membrane area, working near the ambient conditions is described. The influence on the DMFC performance of the methanol concentration in the fuel feed solution and of both anode and cathode flowrates was studied. Tailored membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were designed in order to select optimal working conditions. Different structures and combinations of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were tested. Under the operating conditions studied it was shown that, as expected, the cell performance significantly increases with the introduction of gas diffusion layers and that carbon cloth is more efficient than carbon paper both for the anode and cathode GDLs. The results reported allow the setup of tailored MEAs enabling the cell operation at high methanol concentrations (high power densities) without sacrificing performance (i.e., achieving low methanol crossover values). The influence of the different parameters on the cell performance is explained under the light of the predictions from a previously developed one-dimensional model, coupling heat and mass transfer effects. The main gain of this work is to report DMFC detailed experimental data at near ambient temperature which are insufficient in literature. This operating condition is of special interest in portable applications.
Numerical Analysis of the Time-Dependent Energy and Momentum Transfers in a Rarefied Gas Between Two Parallel Planes Based on the Linearized Boltzmann Equation
Authors: Doi Toshiyuki
Published: November 2010

Periodic time-dependent behavior of a rarefied gas between two parallel planes caused by an oscillatory heating of one plane is numerically studied based on the linearized Boltzmann equation. Detailed numerical data of the energy transfer from the heated plane to the unheated plane and the forces of the gas acting on the boundaries are provided for a wide range of the gas rarefaction degree and the oscillation frequency. The flow is characterized by a coupling of heat conduction and sound waves caused by repetitive expansion and contraction of the gas. For a small gas rarefaction degree, the energy transfer is mainly conducted by sound waves, except for very low frequencies, and is strongly affected by the resonance of the waves. For a large gas rarefaction degree, the resonance effects become insignificant and the energy transferred to the unheated plane decreases nearly monotonically as the frequency increases. The force of the gas acting on the heated boundary shows a remarkable minimum with respect to the frequency even in the free molecular limit.
Enhanced Specific Heat of Silica Nanofluid
Authors: Shin Donghyun , Banerjee Debjyoti
Published: November 2010

Silica nanoparticles (1% by weight) were dispersed in a eutectic of lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate (62:38 ratio) to obtain high temperature nanofluids. A differential scanning calorimeter instrument was used to measure the specific heat of the neat molten salt eutectic and after addition of nanoparticles. The specific heat of the nanofluid was enhanced by 19–24%. The measurement uncertainty for the specific heat values in the experiments is estimated to be in the range of 1–5%. These experimental data contradict earlier experimental results reported in the literature. (Notably, the stability of the nanofluid samples was not verified in these studies.) In the present study, the dispersion and stability of the nanoparticles were confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Percolation networks were observed in the SEM image of the nanofluid. Furthermore, no agglomeration of the nanoparticles was observed, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The observed enhancements are suggested to be due to the high specific surface energies that are associated with the high surface area of the nanoparticles per unit volume (or per unit mass).
Development of Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection and Quantification ofBacillus cereusGroup Species: Differentiation ofB. weihenstephanensisand RhizoidB. pseudomycoidesIsolates from Milk
Authors: Oliwa-Stasiak Kamila , Kolaj-Robin Olga , Adley Catherine C.
Published: November 2010

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) offers an alternative method for the detection of bacterial contamination in food. This method provides the quantitation and determination of the number of gene copies. In our study, we established an RT-PCR assay using the LightCycler system to detect and quantify theBacillus cereusgroup species, which includesB. cereus,B. anthracis,B. thuringiensis,B. weihenstephanensis,B. mycoides, andB. pseudomycoides. A TaqMan assay was designed to detect a 285-bp fragment of themotBgene encoding the flagellar motor protein, which was specific for the detection of theB. cereusgroup species, excludingB. pseudomycoides, and the detection of a 217-bp gene fragment of a hypothetical protein specific only forB. pseudomycoidesstrains. Based on three hydrolysis probes (MotB-FAM-1, MotB-FAM-2, and Bpm-FAM-1), it was possible to differentiateB. weihenstephanensisfrom theB. cereusgroup species with nonrhizoid growth andB. pseudomycoidesfrom the wholeB. cereusgroup. The specificity of the assay was confirmed with 119 strains belonging to theBacillus cereusgroup species and was performed against 27 otherBacillusand non-Bacillusbacteria. A detection limit was determined for each assay. The assays performed well not only with purified DNA but also with DNA extracted from milk samples artificially contaminated with bacteria that belong to theB. cereusgroup species. This technique represents an alternative approach to traditional culture methods for the differentiation ofB. cereusgroup species and differentiatesB. weihenstephanensisandB. pseudomycoidesin one reaction.
Increased deposition of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycan and upregulation of β1,3-glucuronosyltransferase I in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Venkatesan Narayanan , Ouzzine Mohamed , Kolb Martin , Netter Patrick , Ludwig Mara S.
Published: November 2010

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by increased deposition of proteoglycans (PGs), in particular core proteins. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are key players in tissue repair and fibrosis, and we investigated whether PF is associated with changes in the expression and structure of GAGs as well as in the expression of β1,3-glucuronosyltransferase I (GlcAT-I), a rate-limiting enzyme in GAG synthesis. Lung biopsies from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and lung tissue from a rat model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF were immunostained for chondroitin sulfated-GAGs and GlcAT-I expression. Alterations in disaccharide composition and sulfation of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) were evaluated by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) in BLM rats. Lung fibroblasts isolated from control (saline-instilled) or BLM rat lungs were assessed for GAG structure and GlcAT-I expression. Disaccharide analysis showed that 4- and 6-sulfated disaccharides were increased in the lungs and lung fibroblasts obtained from fibrotic rats compared with controls. Fibrotic lung fibroblasts and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-treated normal lung fibroblasts expressed increased amounts of hyaluronan and 4- and 6-sulfated chondroitin, and neutralizing anti-TGF-β1antibody diminished the same. TGF-β1upregulated GlcAT-I and versican expression in lung fibroblasts, and signaling through TGF-β type I receptor/p38 MAPK was required for TGF-β1-mediated GlcAT-I and CS-GAG expression in fibroblasts. Our data show for the first time increased expression of CS-GAGs and GlcAT-I in IPF, fibrotic rat lungs, and fibrotic lung fibroblasts. These data suggest that alterations of sulfation isomers of CS/DS and upregulation of GlcAT-I contribute to the pathological PG-GAG accumulation in PF.
Lie Group Analysis of Mixed Convection Flow with Mass Transfer over a Stretching Surface with Suction or Injection
Authors: Jalil Mudassar , Asghar Saleem , Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: November 2010

The mixed convection flow with mass transfer over a stretching surface with suction or injection is examined. By using Lie group analysis, the symmetries of the equations are calculated. A four‐finite parameter and one infinite parameter Lie group transformations are obtained. Two different cases are discussed, one for the scaling symmetry and the other for spiral symmetry. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using these symmetries. It has been noted that the similarity variables and functions available in the literature become special cases of the similarity variables and functions discussed in this paper.
Cardiac Auscultatory Skills of Academic Family Physicians: Strength of Association with an Academic Pediatric Cardiologist
Authors: Discigil Guzel , Aydogdu Ayvaz , Gemalmaz Ayfer , Gurel F. Serdar , Basak Okay
Published: November 2010

Aim. Heart murmur is common in children, and it is one of the main reasons for referral among children in primary care. The aim of this study is to evaluate agreement and consistency of normal, innocent, and pathologic murmur decision between academic family physicians and academic pediatric cardiologist.Methods. Seven hundred fifteen primary school children were examined by family physicians and paediatric cardiologist. Auscultatory examination was performed. Intensity, frequency, duration, quality, location, and radiation of the murmur were described if present. Agreement of normal, innocent, and pathologic murmur classification decision between family physician and paediatric cardiologist was analyzed by using kappa statistic.Results. Normal, innocent and pathologic murmurs were reported for 419, 228, and 54 children in family physicians' reports, respectively. Paediatric cardiologist agreed on 383 (91.4%) children as normal, 191 (83.7%) children having innocent murmur, and 19 (35.2%) children having pathologic murmur among family physician's reports. There was good consistency between family physicians and paediatric cardiologist ( value , 95% CI 0.630–0.727, ). They agreed on the majority of normal and innocent murmur decisions. However family physicians reported pathologic murmur more frequently.Conclusion. Cardiac auscultatory skills of academic family physicians may be concordant with paediatric cardiologist.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: An Independent Risk Factor for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients with Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Shi Beili , Ni Zhaohui , Cai Hong , Zhang Minfang , Mou Shan , Wang Qin , Cao Liou , Yu Zanzhe , Yan Yucheng , Qian Jiaqi
Published: November 2010

Objective. To determine the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and its associated risk factors in lupus nephritis (LN) patients.Methods. 287 LN patients (age: 38.54 13.31, 262 female) were recruited. Echocardiography and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. Their relationship was evaluated by univariate correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis.Results. The prevalence of LVH in this cohort was 21.25% (). Serum hs-CRP level was significantly elevated in patients with LVH compared to those without (8.03 (3.22–30.95) versus 3.93 (1.48–9.48) mg/L, , and correlated with left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (, ). Multivariate regression analysis further confirmed that hs-CRP was an independent risk factor (, ) for LVH in patients with LN.Conclusions. Our findings demonstrated that serum hs-CRP level is independently correlated with LVMI and suggested that measurement of hs-CRP may provide important clinical information to investigate LVH in LN patients.
Torsion of Testis in an Infant with Unilateral UDT
Authors: Moslemi Mohammad Kazem , Abedinzadeh Mehdi , Al-Mousawi Shabir
Published: November 2010

Torsion of an undescended testis is uncommon. Torsion of a cryptorchid testicle presents a nonspecific symptomatology. Clinical suspicion indicates emergent surgical exploration, irrespective of Doppler ultrasound with its inherent false negative results. Management of the contralateral testis is controversial. We emphasize the need of a complete physical examination of the child who goes to the emergency room with nonspecific symptoms of abdominal pain and ipsilateral empty hemiscrotum to rule out torsion of a cryptorchid testicle. Herein, we report a one-year-old infant with missed torsion of undescended left testis.
Subcarrier Resource Optimization for Cooperated Multipoint Transmission
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Xiaodong , Li Jingya , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: November 2010

The concept of Cooperated Multipoint (CoMP) transmission is proposed for LTE-Advanced, which is in a form of distributed networks. In this background, a novel CoMP architecture is proposed in this paper, based on Group Cell concept in China FuTURE 4G TDD systems. Moreover, four actual scenarios are also concluded in CoMP, which, respectively, are single user in intracell, multiple users in intracell, single user in intercell and slide handover in intercell. In addition, a joint subcarrier optimization method is proposed to mitigate the intercell interference and improve performance under CoMP architecture; the method includes two aspects, which, respectively, are subcarrier allocation with maximum gain to interference plus noise ratio (GINR) and power allocation based on balanced signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). On this basis, three combined schemes are presented in simulation. Compared with traditional scheme, the proposed scheme improves throughputs and reduces blocking probability. Moreover, the average data rates in cell edge are also raised.
Hemolysin, Protease, and EPS Producing PathogenicAeromonas hydrophilaStrain An4 Shows Antibacterial Activity against Marine Bacterial Fish Pathogens
Authors: Pandey Anju , Naik Milind , Dubey Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2010

A pathogenicAeromonas hydrophilastrain An4 was isolated from marine catfish and characterized with reference to its proteolytic and hemolytic activity along with SDS-PAGE profile (sodium dodecyl sulphate-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of ECPs (extracellular proteins) showing hemolysin (approximately 50 kDa). Agar well diffusion assay using crude cell extract of the bacterial isolate clearly demonstrated antibacterial activity against indicator pathogenic bacteria,Staphylococcus arlettaestrain An1,Acinetobactersp. strain An2,Vibrio parahaemolyticusstrain An3, andAlteromonas aurentiaSE3 showing inhibitory zone >10 mm well comparable to common antibiotics. Further GC-MS analysis of crude cell extract revealed several metabolites, namely, phenolics, pyrrolo-pyrazines, pyrrolo-pyridine, and butylated hydroxytoluene (well-known antimicrobials). Characterization of EPS using FTIR indicated presence of several protein-related amine and amide groups along with peaks corresponding to carboxylic and phenyl rings which may be attributed to its virulent and antibacterial properties, respectively. Besides hemolysin, EPS, and protease,Aeromonas hydrophilastrain An4 also produced several antibacterial metabolites.
Robust Filtering for State and Fault Estimation of Linear Stochastic Systems with Unknown Disturbance
Authors: Ben Hmida Fayçal , Khémiri Karim , Ragot José , Gossa Moncef
Published: November 2010

This paper presents a new robust filter structure to solve the simultaneous state and fault estimation problem of linear
stochastic discrete‐time systems with unknown disturbance. The method is based on the assumption that the fault and the
unknown disturbance affect both the system state and the output, and no prior knowledge about their dynamical evolution is
available. By making use of an optimal three‐stage Kalman filtering method, an augmented fault and unknown disturbance
models, an augmented robust three‐stage Kalman filter (ARThSKF) is developed. The unbiasedness conditions and minimum‐variance
property of the proposed filter are provided. An illustrative example is given to apply this filter and to compare it
with the existing literature results.
Prostaglandin-Induced Cystoid Macular Edema Following Routine Cataract Extraction
Authors: Agange Negin , Mosaed Sameh
Published: November 2010

To our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of a 59-year-old man who developed recurrent CME with three separate trials of three different prostaglandin class drugs following uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Despite multiple reports of individual prostaglandin (PG) analogues being suggested as the cause of CME, there are no recommendations regarding withholding these medications in the perioperative period. Our patient first developed CME OD 4-months post uncomplicated cataract extraction. XALATAN (Latanoprost) had been restarted after surgery and discontinued at onset of CME. While off XALATAN (Latanoprost), the patient's CME resolved, but his IOP rose. The patient was started on LUMIGAN (Bimatoprost) to control the IOP, but within weeks his CME recurred. The patient's CME was again treated and his IOP remained acceptable, but then progressively increased. TRAVATAN (Travoprost) was attempted, but he presented with a third round of CME. Definitive conclusions about causal relationships cannot be made without well-designed, prospective clinical trials addressing this issue.
Adaptable Security in Wireless Sensor Networks by Using Reconfigurable ECC Hardware Coprocessors
Authors: Portilla J. , Otero A. , de la Torre E. , Riesgo T. , Stecklina O. , Peter S. , Langendörfer P.
Published: November 2010

Specific features of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) like the open accessibility to nodes, or the easy observability of radio communications, lead to severe security challenges. The application of traditional security schemes on sensor nodes is limited due to the restricted computation capability, low-power availability, and the inherent low data rate. In order to avoid dependencies on a compromised level of security, a WSN node with a microcontroller and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is used along this work to implement a state-of-the art solution based on ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography). In this paper it is described how the reconfiguration possibilities of the system can be used to adapt ECC parameters in order to increase or reduce the security level depending on the application scenario or the energy budget. Two setups have been created to compare the software- and hardware-supported approaches. According to the results, the FPGA-based ECC implementation requires three orders of magnitude less energy, compared with a low power microcontroller implementation, even considering the power consumption overhead introduced by the hardware reconfiguration.
Hemophagocytic Syndrome Associated with Hodgkin's Lymphoma First Presenting as Fever and Pancytopenia
Authors: de Mello Ramon Andrade Bezerra , Fonseca Elsa , Brochado Manuela , Quinaz João Manuel
Published: November 2010

Background. Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is characterized by a hyperinflammatory reaction followed by alteration in cytotoxic function of Th1 lymphocytes and natural killer cells. We report a rare case of a patient that presented with fever and pancytopenia due to HPS associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).Case Report. A 69-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted presenting with complaints of fever, seizures, and low back pain that had lasted for two weeks. Laboratorial data showed pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed infiltration by Reed-Sternberg cells and hemophagocytosis signs. Imaging studies showed mediastinal lymph nodes (stage IV B). She had been treated with ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) followed by a good response.Conclusion. HPS associated with HL is a very rare and lethal disease, with mortality rates of about 15% to 60%. The prompt diagnosis of the underlying lymphoma may be an important strategy for optimizing the clinical approach and outcome.
Eosinophilic Cholangitis and Cholangiopathy: A Sheep in Wolves Clothing
Authors: Nashed Catherine , Sakpal Sujit Vijay , Shusharina Victoria , Chamberlain Ronald Scott
Published: November 2010

Background. Eosinophilic cholangitis (EC) is a rare benign disorder of the biliary tract which can cause biliary obstruction. Similar to other disease processes involving the bile ducts, this disorder can pose a difficult diagnostic challenge as it can mimic cholangiocarcinoma. Methods. A systematic search of the scientific literature was carried out using PubMed to access all publications related to EC. Search keywords that were utilized included “eosinophilic cholangitis,” “etiology,” “treatment,” and “obstructive jaundice.” Results. Twenty-three cases of EC have been reported. Nineteen patients (82.6%) who presented with EC remain disease-free; 15 of these 19 patients (78.9%) with followup time remain disease-free at a mean of 9.7 months (range, 2–24 months). Conclusion. EC is a rare form of biliary obstruction which can masquerade as a malignancy. Unlike cholangiocarcinoma, EC occurs more commonly in younger patients and in men. Most patients will require surgical treatment.
Thermal and Electric Field-Dependent Evolution of Domain Structures in PolycrystallineBaTiO3Using the 3D-XRD Technique
Authors: Varlioglu Mesut , Lienert Ulrich , Park Jun-Sang , Jones Jacob L. , Üstündag Ersan
Published: November 2010

The evolution of ferroelectric domain structures inside a single grain embedded in a polycrystalline BaTiO3 ceramic was investigated under temperature and electric field using the three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3D-XRD) method. The orientation of domains within the grain was studied during the phase transformation from the cubic to tetragonal crystal structure. The peak widths broadened from0.10 ± 0.01∘to0.29±0.08∘along the azimuthal direction during cooling. Four individual tetragonal domain structures were developed from the cubic grain. A twinning model based on{101}habit planes is discussed. While the twinning model predicts89.47∘misorientation between90∘domains and1.049∘misorientation between domain variants, the measured misorientations neither support the twinning model nor are the domain structures mutually orthogonal. The average misorientation of the domain structures at room temperature with respect to the cubic grain was about0.3∘. Upon application of an electric field, the volume fractions of the domain structures changed systematically favoring growth of domain structures with small polarization angle with respect to applied field direction. No rotation of domain structures was observed upon application of an electric field which is consistent with domain boundary migration.
Estimation of Longest Stability Interval for a Kind of Explicit Linear Multistep Methods
Authors: Xu Y. , Zhao J. J.
Published: November 2010

The new explicit linear three‐order four‐step methods with longest interval of absolute stability are proposed. Some numerical experiments are made for comparing different kinds of linear multistep methods. It is shown that the stability intervals of proposed methods can be longer than that of known explicit linear multistep methods.
Regulation of Phosphatidic Acid Metabolism by Sphingolipids in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Pasquaré Susana J. , Gaveglio Virginia L. , Giusto Norma M.
Published: November 2010

This paper explores the way ceramide, sphingosine, ceramide 1-phosphate, and sphingosine 1-phosphate modulate the generation of second lipid messengers from phosphatidic acid in two experimental models of the central nervous system: in vertebrate rod outer segments prepared from dark-adapted retinas as well as in rod outer segments prepared from light-adapted retinas and in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes under physiological aging conditions. Particular attention is paid to lipid phosphate phosphatase, diacylglycerol lipase, and monoacylglycerol lipase. Based on the findings reported in this paper, it can be concluded that proteins related to phototransduction phenomena are involved in the effects derived from sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine or ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide and that age-related changes occur in the metabolism of phosphatidic acid from cerebral cortex synaptosomes in the presence of either sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine or ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide. The present paper demonstrates, in two different models of central nervous system, how sphingolipids influence phosphatidic acid metabolism under different physiological conditions such as light and aging.
Regulation of Posttranscriptional Modification as a Possible Therapeutic Approach for Retinal Neuroprotection
Authors: Ozawa Yoko , Kurihara Toshihide , Tsubota Kazuo , Okano Hideyuki
Published: November 2010

Understanding pathogenesis at the molecular level is the first step toward developing new therapeutic approaches. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of visual dysfunction in two common diseases, innate chorioretinal inflammation and diabetic retinopathy, and the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in both processes. In innate chorioretinal inflammation, interleukin-6 family ligands induce STAT3 activation in photoreceptors, which causes UPS-mediated excessive degradation of the visual substance, rhodopsin. In diabetic retinopathy, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling activates ERK in the inner layers of the retina, causing UPS-mediated excessive degradation of the synaptic vesicle protein, synaptophysin. This latter effect may decrease synaptic activity, in turn adversely affecting neuronal survival. Both mechanisms involve increased UPS activity and the subsequent excessive degradation of a protein required for visual function. Finally, we review the therapeutic potential of regulating the UPS to protect tissue function, citing examples from clinical applications in other medical fields.
Density-Dependent Phase Polyphenism in Nonmodel Locusts: A Minireview
Authors: Song Hojun
Published: November 2010

Although the specific mechanisms of locust phase transformation are wellunderstood for model locust species such as the desert locustSchistocerca gregariaand the migratory locustLocusta migratoria, the expressions of density-dependent phase polyphenism in other nonmodel locust species are not wellknown. The present paper is an attempt to review and synthesize what we know about these nonmodel locusts. Based on all available data, I find that locust phase polyphenism is expressed in many different ways in different locust species and identify a pattern that locust species often belong to large taxonomic groups which contain mostly nonswarming grasshopper species. Although locust phase polyphenism has evolved multiple times within Acrididae, I argue that its evolution should be studied from a phylogenetic perspective because I find similar density-dependent phenotypic plasticity among closely related species. Finally, I emphasize the importance of comparative analyses in understanding the evolution of locust phase and propose a phylogeny-based research framework.