bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commutativity Theorems for *-Prime Rings with Differential Identities on Jordan Ideals
Authors: Mamouni A. , Oukhtite L. , Samman M.
Published: December 2012

In this paper we explore commutativity of -prime rings in which derivations satisfy certain differential identities on Jordan ideals. Furthermore, examples are given to demonstrate that our results cannot be extended to semiprime rings.
A Novel Solid Substrate Room Temperature Phosphorimetry for the Determination of Trace Cytochrome C and Forecast of Human Diseases
Authors: Zheng Zhi-Yong , Cui Ma-Lin , Liu Jia-ming , Jiang Shu-Lian , Jiao Li , Zhang Li-Hong , Lin Xuan , Lin Shao-Qin
Published: December 2012

The reaction between fullerenol (F-ol) and cytochrome C (Cyt C) could be carried out to form a nonphosphorescence compound using tween-80 as photosensitizer which causes the sharp quenching of room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of F-ol. Bearing this in mind, a novel solid substrate room temperature phosphorimetry (SSRTP) for the determination of trace Cyt C has been proposed in this study. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of this method is 1.0×10-16
–2.4×10-14  g mL-1, which is directly proportional to ΔIp of Cyt C-F-ol–tween-80 system, and the detection limit (DL) is 3.0×10−17 g mL-1. It has been applied to the determination of Cyt C in human serum and forecast of diseases, and the result matches with the enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the reaction mechanism of SSRTP for the determination of Cyt C and the enhancing effect of tween-80 on RTP of F-ol were also discussed.
Genital Infections of HIV-Infected Women Assisted by a Specialized Service
Authors: Acquaro Caroline , Duarte Marli Teresinha C. , de Souza Lenice do Rosário
Published: December 2012

The present study aimed at analyzing the persistence/recurrence of genital infections and its associated factors in HIV-infected women. Fifty-eight women treated for chlamydial infection, trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV) and who had specimens collected for cure control up to one year after treatment were studied. Diagnoses were performed by the Gram staining method for cases of BV and candidiasis and by T. vaginalis culture and qualitative PCR for C. trachomatis. Antiretroviral therapy was used by 79.3% of patients, and 62.1% showed an undetectable HIV plasma load. The most frequent infection was BV with persistence/recurrence of 52.4%, which was associated with a longer time period between treatment and cure control (), postmenopausal period (), and having a steady partner (). Persistence/recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was observed in 25%, trichomoniasis in 23.1%, and chlamydial infection in 10.5%. The latter was associated with inadequate treatment of the partner (). There was a tendency to higher persistence/recurrence of BV () and trichomoniasis () among patients with low T CD4+ lymphocyte counts. The majority of women in the present study showed good HIV-infection control and a vulnerable sexual behavior, which stress the importance of maintaining gynecological followup.
Description of a methodological approach to verify the outcome-optimization of tailored therapeutic choices and test application to PCI vs. CABG.
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Stefano , Guastaroba Paolo , Fortuna Daniela , De Palma Rossana , Grilli Roberto
Published: December 2012

Background. The decision process between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) is based on inconclusive evidence. Yet, it is generally regarded as capable of optimizing patient outcomes. Objectives. To verify this belief through a statistical approach investigating effect modification by propensity score (PS). Methods The probability of receiving PCI as the revascularisation strategy – PS - was calculated for all the 11750 patients with severe coronary disease who underwent coronary revascularization between 2002 and 2008 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Long-term risks of PCI vs. CABG for death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and stroke were calculated by Cox regression in each decile of PS. The homogeneity of the Hazard Ratios (HR) across deciles was assessed with a likelihood ratio test and by visual inspection. Results. Repeat revascularization was the only outcome that significantly differed across deciles of PS (p=0.05) and whose trend supported a favorable effect of the decision process. Conclusions In agreement with the current scientific uncertainty, but contrary to common opinion, the medical decision process between PCI and CABG based on demographic and clinical factors is marginally capable of optimizing the post-procedural outcomes. The proposed methodology is limited by the assumption that clinicians considered only the variables that entered the PS calculation. Keywords Outcome And Process Assessment (Health Care), Coronary Disease, Coronary Artery Bypass, Angioplasty, Patient Selection, Propensity Score
Contamination of wheelchairs by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hakuno Harumasa , Oie Shigeharu , Furukawa Hiroyuki
Published: December 2012

We investigated Staphylococcus aureus contamination of the hand rims and handles of wheelchairs for common use on hospital wards by wiping with gauze. Examination of the hand rims of a total of 20 wheelchairs revealed methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and/or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) on 17 wheelchairs (85.0%), and MRSA on 11 (55.0%). The mean ± SD (range) density of MRSA contamination was 320.8 ± 812.3 (2-2.8×103) colony-forming units (cfu)/hand rim. Examination of the handles of the 20 wheelchairs showed MRSA on 3 (15.0%). The incidence of S. aureus contamination and its density were higher on hand rims than on handles. After the hand rims were disinfected by wiping with 80vol% ethanol, S. aureus was not detected on any of them. Since S. aureus may potentially be transmitted via shared wheelchairs, their disinfection after every use is recommended.
Recombination and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Coutinho Thamara Carvalho , Da Silva Telles Timóteo , Toledo Gustavo Leal
Published: December 2012

In this paper we present a spatial stochastic model for genetic recombination, that answers if diversity is preserved in an infinite population of recombinating individuals distributed spatially. We show that, for finite times, recombination may maintain all the various potential different types, but when time grows infinitely, the diversity of individuals extinguishes off. So under the model premisses, recombination and spatial localization alone are not enough to explain diversity in a population. Further we discuss an application of the model to a controversy regarding the diversity of "Major Histocompatibility Complex" (MHC).
Committee Report: Getting Information to small systems: Information dissemination survey of engineers and regulators
Authors:   Small Systems Research Committee
Published: December 2012

In a survey of consulting engineers and state regulators who provide services to small public drinking water systems, printed materials, such as books and journals delivered by conventional mail, were the most used and most preferred, followed closely by Internet search.
The Future of Water Infrastructure Asset Management, Part 1: Organizing a Centralized Cost Database
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: December 2012

The United States has a decentralized water network of nearly 170,000 public drinking water systems, with 54,000 community water systems serving more than 264 million people and the remaining 114,000 noncommunity water systems serving facilities like campgrounds and schools. There are more than 14,700 wastewater treatment facilities and 19,700 sewer collection systems, which are also decentralized. This decentralized system creates a number of stumbling blocks when individual utilities need to conduct benchmarking activities, develop performance measures, standardize data processes, or compare costs in order to determine whether the current infrastructure asset management practices are truly cost‐effective.
Which Cooperative Ownership Model Performs Better? A Financial‐Decision Aid Approach
Authors: Kalogeras Nikos , Pennings Joost M.E. , Benos Theo , Doumpos Michael
Published: December 2012

In this article the financial/ownership structures of agribusiness cooperatives are analyzed to examine whether new cooperative models perform better than the more traditional ones. The assessment procedure introduces a new financial decision‐aid approach, which is based on data‐analysis techniques in combination with a preference ranking organization method of enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE II). The application of this multicriteria decision‐aid approach allows the rank ordering of cooperatives based on the most prominent financial ratios. The financial ratios were selected using principal component analysis. This analytical procedure reduces the dimensionality of large numbers of interrelated financial performance measures. We assess the financial success of Dutch agribusiness cooperatives for the period 1999–2010. Results show that there is no clear‐cut evidence that cooperative models used to attract extra members’ investments and/or outside equity perform better than the more traditional models. This suggests that ownership structure of cooperatives is not always a decisive factor for their financial success. [EconLit citations: Q130, G320, C440].
Room temperature polymerization of vinylic monomers by azo initiator
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Adhikary Pubali , Krishnamoorthi S.
Published: December 2012

The azo initiator, sodium‐{4‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenylazo)‐benzenesulfonate (SHPBS)}, has been synthesized by coupling reaction with sodium‐(p‐sulfonate benzene diazonium chloride) and phenol. Unsymmetrical azo group leading to weak azo bond in case of SHPBS resulted in dissociation at lower temperature (25°C) to produce free radicals. Its versatile solubility (soluble in aqueous and organic solvents), generation of free radicals at 25°C, and its application without mechanical stirring are the added greater advantage over commercially available azo initiators (AIBN, etc.). The SHPBS has been characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopies, and thermal analysis. It has been observed that various monomers such as AM, AA, IPAM, and AMPS which have been polymerized with SHPBS have led to high molecular weight polymers at shorter reaction time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A water‐soluble acrylamide hydrophobically associating polymer: Synthesis, characterization, and properties as EOR chemical
Authors: Lai Nanjun , Dong Wan , Ye Zhongbin , Dong Jun , Qin Xiaoping , Chen Weili , Chen Ke
Published: December 2012

A water‐soluble acrylamide hydrophobically associating terpolymer for polymer flooding was successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and N,N‐divinylnonadeca‐1,10‐dien‐2‐amine (DNDA) as raw materials. The terpolymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy and fluorescence spectra. Compared with partially hydrolyzed polyacryamide (HPAM), the terpolymer showed a stronger link and better dimensional network structure under the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The results of rheology indicated that the terpolymer (AM‐NaAA‐DNDA) showed an excellent shear‐resistance in high shear rate (1000 s−1) and remarkable temperature‐tolerance (above 110°C). The salt‐resisting experiment revealed that this terpolymer had a better anti‐salt ability. According to the core flooding test, it could be obtained that oil recovery was enhanced more than 15% under conditions of 2000 mg/L terpolymer in the mineralization of 8000 mg/L at 60°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Expansion of Autoreactive Unresponsive CD21−/low B Cells in Sjögren's Syndrome–Associated Lymphoproliferation
Authors: Saadoun D. , Terrier B. , Bannock J. , Vazquez T. , Massad C. , Kang I. , Joly F. , Rosenzwajg M. , Sene D. , Benech P. , Musset L. , Klatzmann D. , Meffre E. , Cacoub P.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease associated with a high risk of developing non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. This study was undertaken to determine the nature of B cells driving lymphoproliferation in primary SS.

Methods

B cell subsets and function were analyzed in peripheral blood from 66 adult patients with primary SS (including 14 patients with B cell lymphoproliferative disease [LPD]) and 30 healthy donors, using flow cytometry, calcium mobilization, and gene array analysis. The reactivity of recombinant antibodies isolated from single B cells from patients with primary SS and LPD was tested using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We observed an expansion of an unusual CD21−/low B cell population that correlated with lymphoproliferation in patients with primary SS. A majority of CD21−/low B cells from patients with primary SS expressed autoreactive antibodies, which recognized nuclear and cytoplasmic structures. These B cells belonged to the memory compartment, since their Ig genes were mutated. They were unable to induce calcium flux, become activated, or proliferate in response to B cell receptor and/or CD40 triggering, suggesting that these autoreactive B cells may be anergic. However, CD21−/low B cells from patients with primary SS remained responsive to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Molecules specifically expressed in CD21−/low B cells that are likely to induce their unresponsive stage were detected in gene array analyses.

Conclusion

Patients with primary SS who display high frequencies of autoreactive and unresponsive CD21−/low B cells are susceptible to developing lymphoproliferation. These cells remain in peripheral blood controlled by functional anergy instead of being eliminated, and chronic antigenic stimulation through TLR stimulation may create a favorable environment for breaking tolerance and activating these cells.
Simultaneous Stabilization and Constant Reference Tracking of LTI, MIMO Systems
Authors: Gündeş A. N. , Nanjangud A.
Published: December 2012

It is shown that any finite number of plants that belong to certain classes of multi‐input multi‐output systems with no zeros in the region of instability can be simultaneously stabilized using linear, time‐invariant integral‐action controllers. These plants may be stable or unstable and their poles are not restricted; they may also have any number of zeros in the stable region of the complex plane. The classes of systems under consideration include plants with blocking or transmission zeros at infinity. The common controller achieves asymptotic tracking of step‐input references with zero steady‐state error and has a low order transfer‐function. Systematic synthesis methods are presented, and a parametrization of all simultaneously stabilizing controllers with integral‐action is also provided.
Robust Stabilization and Tracking Control for a Class of Switched Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Niu Ben , Zhao Jun
Published: December 2012

This paper addresses the problem of robust stabilization and tracking control for a class of switched nonlinear systems via the multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs) approach. First, a state feedback controller and a state dependent switching law are designed to globally asymptotically stabilize the switched system via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The main objective of this paper is to develop a tracking control approach that assures global asymptotic output and state tracking with zero tracking error in the steady state. Then, the tracking control is formulated such that the robust H∞ tracking performance is achieved. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the main method.
Risk analysis in bioequivalence and biowaiver decisions
Authors: Kubbinga Marlies , Langguth Peter , Barends Dirk
Published: December 2012

This article evaluates the current biowaiver guidance documents published by the FDA, EU and WHO from a risk based perspective. The authors introduce the use of a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) risk calculation tool to show that current regulatory documents implicitly limit the risk for bioinequivalence after granting a biowaiver by reduction of the incidence, improving the detection and limiting the severity of any unforeseen bioinequivalent product. In addition, the authors use the risk calculation to expose yet unexplored options for future extension of comparative in vitro tools for biowaivers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between reported venlafaxine use in early pregnancy and birth defects, national birth defects prevention study, 1997–2007
Authors: Polen Kara N. D. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Riehle‐Colarusso Tiffany , Reefhuis Jennita ,   and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Few epidemiologic studies have investigated the use of venlafaxine (Effexor XR capsules, Product Monograph, Wyeth, Montreal, Canada), an antidepressant used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders in adults, during pregnancy. Our objective was to determine whether use of venlafaxine during pregnancy is associated with specific birth defects.

METHODS

We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a population‐based, case‐control study in the United States. Our analysis included mothers with pregnancies affected by one of 30 selected birth defects (cases) and babies without birth defects (controls) with estimated dates of delivery between 1997 and 2007. Exposure was any reported use of venlafaxine from 1 month preconception through the third month of pregnancy. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% Fisher Exact confidence intervals (CIs) for 24 birth defect groups for which at least 400 case mothers were interviewed. Our adjusted analyses controlled for maternal age and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

Among the 27,045 NBDPS participants who met inclusion criteria, 0.17% (14/8002) of control mothers and 0.40% (77/19,043) of case mothers reported any use of venlafaxine from 1 month preconception through the third month of pregnancy. Statistically significant associations were found for anencephaly, atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum, or ASD not otherwise specified, coarctation of the aorta, cleft palate, and gastroschisis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest associations between periconceptional use of venlafaxine and some birth defects. However, sample sizes were small, CIs were wide, and additional studies are needed to confirm these results. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetric regression models with limited responses with an application to antibody response to vaccine
Authors: Martínez‐Flórez Guillermo , Bolfarine Heleno , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: December 2012

We develop regression models for limited and censored data based on the mixture between the log‐power‐normal and Bernoulli‐type distributions. A likelihood‐based approach is implemented for parameter estimation and a small‐scale simulation study is conducted to evaluate parameter recovery, with emphasis on bias estimation. The main conclusion is that the approach is very much satisfactory for moderate and large sample sizes. A real data example, the safety and immunogenecity study of measles vaccine in Haiti, is presented to illustrate how different models can be used to fit this type of data. As shown, the asymmetric models considered seem to present the best fit for the data set under study, revealing significance of the explanatory variable sex, which is not found significant with the log‐normal model.
Objective quantification of aortic valvular structures by cardiac computed tomography angiography in patients considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Korosoglou Grigorios , Gitsioudis Gitsios , Waechter‐Stehle Irina , Weese Juergen , Krumsdorf Ulrike , Chorianopoulos Emmanuel , Hosch Waldemar , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Katus Hugo A. , Bekeredjian Raffi
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To test the ability of a model‐based segmentation of the aortic root for consistent assessment of aortic valve structures in patients considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who underwent 256‐slice cardiac computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 49) with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis considered for TAVI and patients without aortic stenosis (n = 17) underwent cardiac CT. Images were evaluated by two independent observers who measured the diameter of the aortic annulus and its distance to both coronary ostia (1) manually and (2) software‐assisted. All acquired measures were compared with each other and to (3) fully automatic quantification.

Results

High correlations were observed for 3D measures of the aortic annulus conducted on multiple oblique planes (r = 0.87 and 0.84 between observers and model‐based measures, and r = 0.81 between observers). Reproducibility was further improved by software‐assisted versus manual assessment for all the acquired variables (r = 0.98 versus 0.81 for annulus diameter, r = 0.94 versus 0.85 for distance to the left coronary ostium, P < 0.01 for both). Thus, using software‐assisted measurements very low limits of agreement were observed for the annulus diameter (95%CI of −1.2 to 0.6 mm) and within very low time‐spent (0.6 ± 0.1 min for software‐assisted versus 1.6 ± 0.3 min per patient for manual assessment, P < 0.001). Assessment of the aortic annulus using the 3D model‐based instead of manual 2D‐coronal measurements would have modified the implantation strategy in 12 of 49 patients (25%) with aortic stenosis. Four of 12 patients with potentially modified implantation strategy yielded postprocedural moderate paravalvular regurgitation, which may have been avoided by implantation of a larger prosthesis, as suggested by automatic 3D measures.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the usefulness of software‐assisted preprocedural assessment of the aortic annulus in patients considered for TAVI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Activity Behavior Two to Six Years Following Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Socioecological Analysis
Authors: Bentley Danielle , Khan Shazareen , Oh Paul , Grace Sherry , Thomas Scott
Published: December 2012

Background:

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) promotes long‐term positive health behaviours, such as physical activity (PA), in patients following a cardiovascular event. We have limited knowledge of long‐term PA and its correlates. Therefore, this research examined both PA behaviour and socioecological correlates among elderly graduates 2‐6 years following CR.

Hypothesis:

CR graduates will have a moderate PA level in the long term. Greater PA will be associated with various multilevel correlates.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study which quantified PA using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and collected information about socioecological correlates at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and health service levels. Both univariate and multivariate analyses assessed PA and PA correlates.

Results:

The majority of the 584 participants were older (69.8 ± 9.8), male (80.3%), and well educated (75.4% ≥ some post‐secondary). Average time since CR graduation was 41.5 ± 11.5 months. Seventy five percent of CR graduates reported current weekly PA levels that met, or exceeded, Canadian PA guidelines (>150 minutes of moderate‐vigorous PA). Univariate analyses identified 13 PASE score correlates. Multivariate analyses identified age, PA enjoyment, current work status, CR staff support, location of primary residence, and perceived health as significantly associated with higher PASE scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Three and a half years post‐CR graduates had high PA levels. Greater PA was associated with several modifiable multilevel correlates at all levels of influence. Understanding correlates of long‐term PA behaviour among CR graduates will help identify groups at risk for nonadherence and assist with continued program development.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Conserved structural motifs in the central pair complex of eukaryotic flagella
Authors: Carbajal‐González Blanca I. , Heuser Thomas , Fu Xiaofeng , Lin Jianfeng , Smith Brandon W. , Mitchell David R. , Nicastro Daniela
Published: December 2012

Cilia and flagella are conserved hair‐like appendages of eukaryotic cells that function as sensing and motility generating organelles. Motility is driven by thousands of axonemal dyneins that require precise regulation. One essential motility regulator is the central pair complex (CPC) and many CPC defects cause paralysis of cilia/flagella. Several human diseases, such as immotile cilia syndrome, show CPC abnormalities, but little is known about the detailed three‐dimensional (3D) structure and function of the CPC. The CPC is located in the center of typical [9+2] cilia/flagella and is composed of two singlet microtubules (MTs), each with a set of associated projections that extend toward the surrounding nine doublet MTs. Using cryo‐electron tomography coupled with subtomogram averaging, we visualized and compared the 3D structures of the CPC in both the green alga Chlamydomonas and the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus at the highest resolution published to date. Despite the evolutionary distance between these species, their CPCs exhibit remarkable structural conservation. We identified several new projections, including those that form the elusive sheath, and show that the bridge has a more complex architecture than previously thought. Organism‐specific differences include the presence of MT inner proteins in Chlamydomonas, but not Strongylocentrotus, and different overall outlines of the highly connected projection network, which forms a round‐shaped cylinder in algae, but is more oval in sea urchin. These differences could be adaptations to the mechanical requirements of the rotating CPC in Chlamydomonas, compared to the Strongylocentrotus CPC which has a fixed orientation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Population‐based 10‐year oncologic outcomes after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for low‐risk and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Morris W. James , Keyes Mira , Spadinger Ingrid , Kwan Winkle , Liu Mitchell , McKenzie Michael , Pai Howard , Pickles Tom , Tyldesley Scott
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND.

The objective of this study was to report the rates of disease‐free survival (DFS), cause‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival after low‐dose‐rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (PB).

METHODS.

Data from 1006 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who received LDR‐PB and underwent implantation on or before October 23, 2003 were extracted from a prospective database on November 11, 2011. The selected patients had low‐risk (58%) or intermediate‐risk (42%) disease according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. The Phoenix threshold was used to define biochemical relapse. Sixty‐five percent of patients received 3 months of neoadjuvant androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) and 3 months of concomitant ADT. Univariate and multivariate analyses are reported in relation to patient, tumor, and treatment variables.

RESULTS.

The median follow‐up was 7.5 years. By using Fine and Gray competing risks analysis, the 5‐year and 10‐year actuarial DFS rates were 96.7% (95% confidence interval, 95.2%‐97.7%) and 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 92%‐95.6%), respectively. When applied to the whole cohort, none of the usual prognostic variables, including dose metrics, were correlated with DFS. However, in both univariate and multivariate models, increasing dose was the only covariate that correlated with improved DFS for the subset of men (N = 348) who did not receive ADT (P = .043). The actuarial 10‐year CSS rate was 99.1% (95% confidence interval, 97.3%‐99.7%). The overall survival rate was 93.8% at 5 years (95% confidence interval, 92%‐95.1%) and 83.5% at 10 years (95% confidence interval, 79.8%‐86.6%). Only age at implantation (P = .0001) was correlated with overall survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

In a consecutive cohort of 1006 men with National Comprehensive Cancer Network low‐risk and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer, the actuarial rate of recurrent disease after LDR‐PB was approximately 3% at 5 years and 6% at 10 years. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Monte Carlo simulation of PET images for injection dose optimization
Authors: Boldyš Jiří , Dvořák Jiří , Skopalová Magdaléna , Bělohlávek Otakar
Published: December 2012

When a patient is examined by positron emission tomography (PET), radiotracer dose amount (activity) has to be determined. However, the rules for activity correction according to patients’ weight used nowadays do not correspond with practical experience. Very high image quality is achieved for slim patients, whereas noisy images are produced for obese patients. There is opportunity to modify the correction rule with the aim to equalize image quality within the broad spectrum of patients and to diminish radiation risk to slim patients, with special importance for children.

We have built a model of a particular PET scanner and approximated human trunk, which is our region of interest, by a cylindrical model with segments of liver, outer adipose tissue, and the rest. We have performed Monte Carlo simulations of PET imaging using the GATE simulation package. Under reasonably simplifying assumptions and for special parameters, we have developed curves that recommend amount of injected activity based on body parameters to give PET images of constant quality, the quality being expressed in terms of noise equivalent counts. The dependence qualitatively differs from the rules used in clinical practice nowadays, and the results indicate potential for improvement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐specific modelling of bone and bone‐implant systems: the challenges
Authors: Pankaj Pankaj
Published: December 2012

In the past three decades, finite element (FE) modelling has provided considerable understanding to the area of musculoskeletal biomechanics. However, most of this understanding has been generated using generic, standardised or idealised models. Patient‐specific modelling (PSM) is almost never used for making clinical decisions. Imaging technologies have made it possible to create patient‐specific geometries and FE meshes for modelling. While these have brought us closer to PSM, several challenges associated with the definition of material properties, loads, boundary conditions and interaction between components still need to be overcome. This study reviews the current status of PSM with respect to defining material behaviour and prescribing boundary conditions and interactions. With regard to the constitutive modelling of bone, it is seen that imaging is being increasingly used to define elastic properties (isotropic as well as anisotropic). However, the post‐elastic and time‐dependent behaviour, important for several modelling situations, is mostly obtained from in vitro experiments. Strain‐based plasticity, not commonly available in FE codes, appears to have the potential of reducing an element of patient‐specificity in modelling the yielding behaviour of bone. PSM of real boundary conditions that include muscles and ligaments continues to remain a challenge; many clinically relevant questions can be, however, answered without their inclusion. Simulation techniques to undertake PSM of interactions between bone and uncemented implants are available. Interference fit employed in both joint replacement fracture treatments induces considerable preload whose inclusion in models is important for the prediction of interface behaviour. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation and performance analysis of efficient index structures for DNA search algorithms in parallel platforms
Authors: Sebastião Nuno , Encarnação Gustavo , Roma Nuno
Published: December 2012

Because of the large datasets that are usually involved in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence alignment, the use of optimal local alignment algorithms (e.g., Smith–Waterman) is often unfeasible in practical applications. As such, more efficient solutions that rely on indexed search procedures are often preferred to significantly reduce the time to obtain such alignments. Some data structures that are usually adopted to build such indexes are suffix trees, suffix arrays, and the hash tables of q‐mers.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of highly optimized parallel implementations of index‐based search algorithms using these three distinct data structures, considering two different parallel platforms: a homogeneous multi‐core central processing unit (CPU) and a NVidia Fermi graphics processing unit (GPU). Contrasting to what happens with CPU implementations, the obtained experimental results reveal that GPU implementations clearly favor the suffix arrays, because of the achieved performance in terms of memory accesses. Furthermore, the results also reveal that both the suffix trees and suffix arrays outperform the hash tables of q‐mers when dealing with the largest datasets.

When compared with a quad‐core CPU, the results demonstrate the possibility to achieve speedups as high as 65 with the GPU when considering a suffix‐array index, thus making it an adequate choice for high‐performance bioinfomatics applications.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein dynamics: Complex by itself
Authors: Palese Luigi Leonardo
Published: December 2012

Biological functions are intimately rooted in biopolymer dynamics. It is commonly accepted that proteins can be considered as complex systems, but the origin of such complexity is still not fully understood. Moreover, it is still not really clear if proteins are true complex systems or complicated ones. Here, molecular dynamics simulations on a two helix bundle protein have been performed, and protein trajectories have been analyzed by using correlation functions in the frequency domain. We show that even a simple protein exhibits the hallmarks of complex systems. Moreover, the molecular bases of this complex behavior are possessed completely by the protein itself, because such complexity emerges without considering the solvent explicitly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012
The extended leukocyte differential count using the Cytodiff flow cytometric system reveals that higher CD16+ cytotoxic NK+T lymphocyte levels predict superior survival outcomes in patients with metastatic carcinoma
Authors: Park Borae G. , Park Chan‐Jeoung , Yoon Chan‐Hee , Jang Seongsoo , Chi Hyun‐Sook , Ryu Min‐Hee , Kim Sang‐We
Published: December 2012

The recently developed Cytodiff flow cytometric system (Beckman Coulter, Miami, FL) enables leukocyte analysis using a single immunophenotyping panel tube composed of six markers and five colors and that can detect 16 leukocyte subpopulations. We performed a preliminary investigation of whether changes in any of 16 leukocyte differentials were associated with survival and treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic carcinoma or not.

We measured 16 leukocyte differential counts using the Cytodiff flow cytometric system in peripheral blood samples from 40 patients with metastatic malignancy (27 stomach cancer and 13 lung cancer) before chemotherapy and at 15 day intervals after chemotherapy for 2 months.

A higher percentage of CD16+ cytotoxic NK+T lymphocytes was found to be the only significant prognostic factor among by Cox regression analysis and a higher percentage of CD16+ cytotoxic NK+T lymphocytes (>5.0%) showed significantly longer survival outcomes by Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.003).

The Cytodiff system enables 16 leukocyte subpopulations in a one tube assay and also can operate with only small amounts of sample, although it cannot differentiate NK cells from T lymphocytes. Hence, the monitoring of all leukocyte subpopulations using Cytodiff flow cytometry may be a helpful prognostic tool for patients with metastatic carcinoma. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Generation of transgenic mice expressing EGFP protein fused to NP68 MHC class I epitope using lentivirus vectors
Authors: Tomkowiak Martine , Ghittoni Raffaella , Teixeira Marie , Blanquier Bariza , Szécsi Judit , Nègre Didier , Aubert Denise , Coupet Charles‐Antoine , Brunner Molly , Verhoeyen Els , Thoumas Jean‐Louis , Cosset François‐Loïc , Leverrier Yann , Marvel Jacqueline
Published: December 2012

Immune tolerance to self‐antigens is a complex process that utilizes multiple mechanisms working in concert to maintain homeostasis and prevent autoimmunity. Considerable progress in deciphering the mechanisms controlling the activation or deletion of T cells has been made by using T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice. One such model is the F5 model in which CD8 T cells express a TCR specific for an epitope derived from the influenza NP68 protein. Our aim was to create transgenic mouse models expressing constitutively the NP68 epitope fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in order to assess unambiguously the relative levels of NP68 epitope expressed by single cells. We used a lentiviral‐based approach to generate two independent transgenic mouse strains expressing the fusion protein EGFP‐NP68 under the control of CAG (CMV immediate early enhancer and the chicken β‐actin promoter) or spleen focus‐forming virus (SFFV) promoters. Analysis of the pattern of EGFP expression in the hematopoietic compartment showed that CAG and SFFV promoters are differentially regulated during T cell development. However, both promoters drove high EGFP‐NP68 expression in dendritic cells (pDCs, CD8α+ cDCs, and CD8α− cDCs) from spleen or generated in vitro following differentiation from bone‐marrow progenitors. NP68 epitope was properly processed and successfully presented by dendritic cells (DCs) by direct presentation and cross‐presentation to F5 CD8 T cells. The models presented here arevaluable tools to investigate the priming of F5 CD8 T cells by different subsets of DCs. genesis 51:193–200, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plant quality and local adaptation undermine relocation in a bog specialist butterfly
Authors: Turlure Camille , Radchuk Viktoriia , Baguette Michel , Meijrink Mark , van den Burg Arnold , De Vries Michiel Wallis , van Duinen Gert‐Jan
Published: December 2012

The butterflyBoloria aquilonarisis a specialist of oligotrophic ecosystems. Population viability analysis predicted the species to be stable inBelgium and to collapse in theNetherlands with reduced host plant quality expected to drive species decline in the latter. We tested this hypothesis by rearingB. aquilonariscaterpillars fromBelgian andDutch sites on host plants (the cranberry,Vaccinium oxycoccos). Dutch plant quality was lower thanBelgian one conferring lower caterpillar growth rate and survival. Reintroduction and/or supplementation may be necessary to ensure the viability of the species in theNetherlands, but some traits may have been selected solely inDutch caterpillars to cope with gradual changes in host plant quality. To test this hypothesis, the performance ofBelgian andDutch caterpillars fed with plants from both countries were compared.Dutch caterpillars performed well on both plant qualities, whereasBelgian caterpillars could not switch to lower quality plants. This can be considered as an environmentally induced plastic response of caterpillars and/or a local adaptation to plant quality, which precludes the use ofBelgian individuals as a unique solution for strengtheningDutch populations. More generally, these results stress that the relevance of local adaptation in selecting source populations for relocation may be as important as restoring habitat quality.
Patterns of sexual dimorphism in Mexican alligator lizards, Barisia imbricata
Authors: Dashevsky Daniel , Meik Jesse M. , Mociño‐Deloya Estrella , Setser Kirk , Schaack Sarah
Published: December 2012

We compare morphological characteristics of male and female Barisia imbricata, Mexican alligator lizards, and find that mass, head length, coloration, incidence of scars from conspecifics, tail loss, and frequency of bearing the color/pattern of the opposite sex are all sexually dimorphic traits. Overall size (measured as snout–vent length), on the other hand, is not different between the two sexes. We use data on bite scar frequency and fecundity to evaluate competing hypotheses regarding the selective forces driving these patterns. We contend that sexual selection, acting through male‐male competition, may favor larger mass and head size in males, whereas large females are likely favored by natural selection for greater fecundity. In addition, the frequency of opposite‐sex patterning in males versus females may indicate that the costs of agonistic interactions among males are severe enough to allow for an alternative mating strategy. Finally, we discuss how sexual and natural selective forces may interact to drive or mask the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits.
Donor Th17 cells and IL‐21 may contribute to the development of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic transplantation
Authors: Zhao Xiang‐Yu , Lv Meng , Xu Ling‐Ling , Qian Xin , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: December 2012

The roles of Th17 cells and IL‐21 in the pathogenesis of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) in patients who undergo allogeneic transplantation are still unknown. Here, we examined this question by monitoring eight patients with new‐onset cGVHD for the presence of Th17 cells, Th1 cells, and IL‐21. Allografts from an additional 41 patients were also analyzed for Th17 and Th1 cells. Out of these 41 patients, the last 32 enrolled patients were further analyzed for Th17 cells, Th1 cells, and plasma IL‐21 levels at day 30 post‐transplantation regarding cGVHD. Th17 cells and IL‐21 plasma levels were significantly increased at cGVHD onset and drastically decreased after complete remission. Patients who received a higher number of Th17 cells in their allograft had a higher incidence of cGVHD compared with patients who received a lower number of Th17 cells. Meanwhile, positive plasma IL‐21 levels at day 30 post‐transplantation predicted cGVHD occurrence. These results suggest that Th17 cells and IL‐21 may contribute to the development of cGVHD.
Reversal of chronic to resolved infection by IL‐10 blockade is LCMV strain dependent
Authors: Richter Kirsten , Perriard Guillaume , Oxenius Annette
Published: December 2012

Chronic viral infections lead to CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion, characterized by impaired cytokine secretion. The immune‐regulatory cytokine IL‐10 promotes chronicity of infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) Clone 13, as absence of IL‐10 or blocking of IL‐10R during early LCMV Clone 13 infection results in viral clearance. Thus, treatment of humans suffering from chronic viral infections with IL‐10 neutralizing or IL‐10R blocking antibodies was proposed to boost virus‐specific T‐cell responses to enhance control or even clear the viral infection. Here we demonstrate that although CD4+ and CD8+ T cells can produce elevated levels of cytokines in IL‐10−/− mice early after infection compared with WT mice, IL‐10−/− mice cannot clear an infection with the quicker replicating LCMV strain Docile, eventually resulting in T‐cell exhaustion. These data suggest that the success of IL‐10 blockade to control chronic viral infections may critically depend on the virulence of the infecting strain.
How do pathogens drive the evolution of paired receptors?
Authors: Akkaya Munir , Barclay A. Neil
Published: December 2012

Paired receptors are families of membrane proteins characterized by similar extracellular regions but different transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions, meaning that some members can give inhibitory signals and others activating signals. Well‐characterized examples include the KIR, SIRP, Ly49, Nkpr, and Siglec families. The difference in the repertoire of these genes in mouse and man indicates that these families have evolved rapidly. For example, KIRs are found in humans and not mice, and Ly49 shows the converse. These genes are often very polymorphic, e.g. KIR and the number of genes can vary as shown for Ly49 in different mouse strains. Paired receptors are expressed mainly on NK and myeloid cells and their evolution is thought to be pathogen driven. In this article, we review various receptor families for which pathogen interactions are known and discuss the possible molecular mechanisms driving their evolution.
B‐cell receptor signal strength influences terminal differentiation
Authors: Lechouane Fabien , Bonaud Amélie , Delpy Laurent , Casola Stefano , Oruc Zeliha , Chemin Guillaume , Cogné Michel , Sirac Christophe
Published: December 2012

B‐cell terminal differentiation into antibody secreting plasma cells (PCs) features a trans‐criptional shift driven by the activation of plasma cell lineage determinants such as Blimp‐1 and Xbp‐1, together with the extinction of Pax5. Little is known about the signals inducing this change in transcriptional networks and the role of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) in terminal differentiation remains especially controversial. Here, we show that tonic BCR signal strength influences PC commitment in vivo. Using immuno‐globulin light chain transgenic mice expressing suboptimal surface BCR levels and latent membrane protein 2A knock‐in animals with defined BCR‐like signal strengths, we show that weak, antigen‐independent constitutive BCR signaling facilitates spontaneous PC differentiation in vivo and in vitro in response to TLR agonists or CD40/IL‐4. Conversely, increasing tonic signaling completely prevents this process that is rescued by lowering surface BCR expression or through the inhibition of Syk phosphorylation. These findings provide new insights into the role of basal BCR signaling in PC differentiation and point to the need to resolve a strong BCR signal in order to guarantee terminal differentiation.
CD1d protein structure determines species‐selective antigenicity of isoglobotrihexosylceramide (iGb3) to invariant NKT cells
Authors: Sanderson Joseph P. , Brennan Patrick J. , Mansour Salah , Matulis Gediminas , Patel Onisha , Lissin Nikolai , Godfrey Dale I. , Kawahara Kazuyoshi , Zähringer Ulrich , Rossjohn Jamie , Brenner Michael B. , Gadola Stephan D.
Published: December 2012

Isoglobotrihexosylceramide (iGb3) has been identified as a potent CD1d‐presented self‐antigen for mouse invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. The role of iGb3 in humans remains unresolved, however, as there have been conflicting reports about iGb3‐dependent human iNKT‐cell activation, and humans lack iGb3 synthase, a key enzyme for iGb3 synthesis. Given the importance of human immune responses, we conducted a human–mouse cross‐species analysis of iNKT‐cell activation by iGb3‐CD1d. Here we show that human and mouse iNKT cells were both able to recognise iGb3 presented by mouse CD1d (mCD1d), but not human CD1d (hCD1d), as iGb3‐hCD1d was unable to support cognate interactions with the iNKT‐cell TCRs tested in this study. The structural basis for this discrepancy was identified as a single amino acid variation between hCD1d and mCD1d, a glycine‐to‐tryptophan modification within the α2‐helix that prevents flattening of the iGb3 headgroup upon TCR ligation. Mutation of the human residue, Trp153, to the mouse ortholog, Gly155, therefore allowed iGb3‐hCD1d to stimulate human iNKT cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that iGb3 is unlikely to be a major antigen in human iNKT‐cell biology.