bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia sensing in the fetal chicken femoral artery is mediated by the mitochondrial electron transport chain
Authors: Zoer Bea , Cogolludo Angel L. , Perez-Vizcaino Francisco , De Mey Jo G. R. , Blanco Carlos E. , Villamor Eduardo
Published: January 2010

Vascular hypoxia sensing is transduced into vasoconstriction in the pulmonary circulation, whereas systemic arteries dilate. Mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC), reactive O2species (ROS), and K+channels have been implicated in the sensing/signaling mechanisms of hypoxic relaxation in mammalian systemic arteries. We aimed to investigate their putative roles in hypoxia-induced relaxation in fetal chicken (19 days of incubation) femoral arteries mounted in a wire myograph. Acute hypoxia (Po2∼2.5 kPa) relaxed the contraction induced by norepinephrine (1 μM). Hypoxia-induced relaxation was abolished or significantly reduced by the mETC inhibitors rotenone (complex I), myxothiazol and antimycin A (complex III), and NaN3(complex IV). The complex II inhibitor 3-nitroproprionic acid enhanced the hypoxic relaxation. In contrast, the relaxations mediated by acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, or forskolin were not affected by the mETC blockers. Hypoxia induced a slight increase in ROS production (as measured by 2,7-dichlorofluorescein-fluorescence), but hypoxia-induced relaxation was not affected by scavenging of superoxide (polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase) or H2O2(polyethylene glycol-catalase) or by NADPH-oxidase inhibition (apocynin). Also, the K+channel inhibitors tetraethylammonium (nonselective), diphenyl phosphine oxide-1 (voltage-gated K+channel 1.5), glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K+channel), iberiotoxin (large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel), and BaCl2(inward-rectifying K+channel), as well as ouabain (Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor) did not affect hypoxia-induced relaxation. The relaxation was enhanced in the presence of the voltage-gated K+channel blocker 4-aminopyridine. In conclusion, our experiments suggest that the mETC plays a critical role in O2sensing in fetal chicken femoral arteries. In contrast, hypoxia-induced relaxation appears not to be mediated by ROS or K+channels.
The direct molecular effects of fatigue and myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation on the actomyosin contractile apparatus
Authors: Greenberg Michael J. , Mealy Tanya R. , Jones Michelle , Szczesna-Cordary Danuta , Moore Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2010

Skeletal muscle, during periods of exertion, experiences several different fatigue-based changes in contractility, including reductions in force, velocity, power output, and energy usage. The fatigue-induced changes in contractility stem from many different factors, including alterations in the levels of metabolites, oxidative damage, and phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC). Here, we measured the direct molecular effects of fatigue-like conditions on actomyosin's unloaded sliding velocity using the in vitro motility assay. We examined how changes in ATP, ADP, Pi, and pH affect the ability of the myosin to translocate actin and whether the effects of each individual molecular species are additive. We found that the primary causes of the reduction in unloaded sliding velocity are increased [ADP] and lowered pH and that the combined effects of the molecular species are nonadditive. Furthermore, since an increase in RLC phosphorylation is often associated with fatigue, we examined the differential effects of myosin RLC phosphorylation and fatigue on actin filament velocity. We found that phosphorylation of the RLC causes a 22% depression in sliding velocity. On the other hand, RLC phosphorylation ameliorates the slowing of velocity under fatigue-like conditions. We also found that phosphorylation of the myosin RLC increases actomyosin affinity for ADP, suggesting a kinetic role for RLC phosphorylation. Furthermore, we showed that ADP binding to skeletal muscle is load dependent, consistent with the existence of a load-dependent isomerization of the ADP bound state.
Abnormal Volitional Hip Torque Phasing and Hip Impairments in Gait Post Stroke
Authors: Hyngstrom Allison , Onushko Tanya , Chua Matthew , Schmit Brian D.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to quantify how volitional control of hip torque relates to walking function poststroke. Volitional phasing of hip flexion and extension torques was assessed using a load-cell-instrumented servomotor drive system in 11 chronic stroke subjects and 5 age-matched controls. Hips were oscillated from ∼40° of hip flexion to 10° of hip extension at a frequency of 0.50 Hz during three movement conditions [hips in phase (IP), 180° out of phase (OP), and unilateral hip movement (UN)] while the knees and ankles were held stationary. The magnitude and phasing of hip, knee, and ankle torques were measured during each movement condition. Surface electromyography was measured throughout the legs. Over ground gait analysis was done for all stroke subjects. During robotic-assisted movement conditions, the paretic limb produced peak hip torques when agonist hip musculature was stretched instead of midway through the movement as seen in the nonparetic and control limbs ( P < 0.012). However, mean torque magnitudes of the paretic and nonparetic limbs were not significantly different. Abnormalities of paretic hip torque phasing were more pronounced during bilateral movement conditions and were associated with quadriceps overactivity. The magnitude of flexion torque produced during maximal hip extension was correlated with the Fugl Meyer Score, self-selected walking speed, and maximal hip extension during over ground walking. These results suggest that hyperexcitable stretch reflexes in the paretic limb impair coordinated hip torque phasing and likely interfere with walking function post stroke.
Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptors Mediate Glutamatergic Signaling in Neural Precursor Cells of the Postnatal Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Darcy Daniel P. , Isaacson Jeffry S.
Published: January 2010

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) in the mammalian olfactory bulb give rise to local inhibitory neurons that integrate into existing circuitry throughout adult life. However, the functional properties of neurotransmitter receptors expressed by NPCs are not well understood. In this study, we use patch-clamp recording and calcium imaging to explore the properties of glutamate receptors expressed by NPCs in the olfactory bulb subependymal layer. We find that calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are the major receptor type underlying glutamatergic signaling in olfactory bulb NPCs. We also show that when transmitter uptake is reduced, glutamate spillover from distant nerve terminals in the olfactory bulb can activate nonsynaptic NPC AMPARs and generate increases in intracellular calcium. Together, these results suggest that Ca2+influx via AMPARs may contribute to calcium-dependent processes that govern NPC differentiation and maturation.
Regionally Localized Recurrent Excitation in the Dentate Gyrus of a Cortical Contusion Model of Posttraumatic Epilepsy
Authors: Hunt Robert F. , Scheff Stephen W. , Smith Bret N.
Published: January 2010

Posttraumatic epilepsy is a frequent consequence of brain trauma, but relatively little is known about how neuronal circuits are chronically altered after closed head injury. We examined whether local recurrent excitatory synaptic connections form between dentate granule cells in mice 8–12 wk after cortical contusion injury. Mice were monitored for behavioral seizures shortly after brain injury and ≤10 wk postinjury. Injury-induced seizures were observed in 15% of mice, and spontaneous seizures were observed weeks later in 40% of mice. Timm's staining revealed mossy fiber sprouting into the inner molecular layer of the dorsal dentate gyrus ipsilateral to the injury in 95% of mice but not contralateral to the injury or in uninjured controls. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made from granule cells in isolated hippocampal brain slices. Cells in slices with posttraumatic mossy fiber sprouting had an increased excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) frequency compared with cells in slices without sprouting from injured and control animals ( P < 0.001). When perfused with Mg2+-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing 100 μM picrotoxin, these cells had spontaneous bursts of EPSCs and action potentials. Focal glutamate photostimulation of the granule cell layer evoked a burst of EPSCs and action potentials indicative of recurrent excitatory connections in granule cells of slices with mossy fiber sprouting. In granule cells of slices without sprouting from injured animals and controls, spontaneous or photostimulation-evoked epileptiform activity was never observed. These results suggest that a new regionally localized excitatory network forms between dentate granule cells near the injury site within weeks after cortical contusion head injury.
Low‐Noise Dynamic Reconstruction for X‐Ray Tomographic Perfusion Studies Using Low Sampling Rates
Authors: Montes Pau , Lauritsch Günter
Published: January 2010

Functional imaging based on tomographic X‐ray imaging relies on the reconstruction of a temporal sequence of images which accurately reproduces the time attenuation curves of the tissue. The main constraints of these techniques are temporal resolution and dose. Using current techniques the data acquisition has to be performed fast so that the dynamic attenuation values can be regarded as static during the scan. Due to the relatively high number of repeated scans the dose per single scan has to be low yielding a poor signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in the reconstructed images. In a previous publication a temporal interpolation scheme in the projection data space was relaxing the temporal resolution constraint. The aim of this contribution is the improvement of the SNR. A temporal smoothing term is introduced in the temporal interpolation scheme such that only the physiologic relevant bandwidth is considered. A significant increase of the SNR is achieved. The obtained level of noise only depends on the total dose applied and
is independent of the number of scans and the SNR of a single reconstructed image. The
approach might be the first step towards using slowly rotating CT systems for perfusion imaging like C‐arm or small animal CT scanners.
Benefits of Exergy‐Based Analysis for Aerospace Engineering Applications—Part I
Authors: Doty John H. , Camberos José A. , Moorhouse David J.
Published: January 2010

This paper compares the analysis of systems from two different perspectives: an energy‐based focus and an exergy‐based focus. A complex system was simply modeled as interacting thermodynamic systems to illustrate the differences in analysis methodologies and results. The energy‐based analysis had combinations of calculated states that are infeasible. On the other hand, the exergy‐based analyses only allow feasible states. More importantly, the exergy‐based analyses provide clearer insight to the combination of operating conditions for optimum system‐level performance. The results strongly suggest changing the analysis/design paradigm used in aerospace engineering from energy‐based to exergy‐based. This methodology shift is even more critical in exploratory research and development where previous experience may not be available to provide guidance. Although the models used herein may appear simplistic, the message is very powerful and extensible to higher‐fidelity models: the 1st Law is only a necessary condition for design, whereas the 1st and 2nd Laws provide the sufficiency condition.
Simultaneous and Gradient IPN of Polyurethane/Vinyl Ester Resin: Morphology and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Tang Dongyan , Zhang Xiaohong , Liu Lili , Qiang Liangsheng
Published: January 2010

A series of polyurethane (PU) and vinyl ester resin (VER) simultaneous and gradient interpenetrating polymer networks (represented as s‐IPN and g‐IPN, resp.) curing at room temperature were prepared by changing the component ratios of PU or VER in s‐IPN, time intervals, and component ratio sequences of s‐IPN in g‐IPN. The microstructures of s‐IPN and g‐IPN were detected by atomic force microscope (AFM), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and surface constitution scanning of nitrogen element of energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum (EDX), respectively. The mechanical properties of s‐IPN and g‐IPN were studied by values in strain‐stress curves detected by electronic multipurpose tester. The results indicated that the morphology and mechanical properties are both affected by PU/VER component ratios in s‐IPN, gradient time intervals, and gradient component ratio sequences. Furthermore, the morphology detection by EDX and mechanical properties study both proved the formation of gradient structures in transition regions of g‐IPN.
Autoantibodies to Tumor-Associated Antigens in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Piura Benjamin , Piura Ettie
Published: January 2010

This review will focus on recent knowledge related to circulating autoantibodies (AAbs) to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. So far, the following TAAs have been identified to elicit circulating AAbs in epithelial ovarian carcinoma: p53, homeobox proteins (HOXA7, HOXB7), heat shock proteins (HSP-27, HSP-90), cathepsin D, cancer-testis antigens (NY-ESO-1/LAGE-1), MUC1, GIPC-1, IL-8, Ep-CAM, and S100A7. Since AAbs to TAAs have been identified in the circulation of patients with early-stage cancer, it has been speculated that the assessment of a panel of AAbs specific for epithelial ovarian carcinoma TAAs might hold great potential as a novel tool for early diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Architectures and Arithmetic for Low Static Power Consumption in Nanoscale CMOS
Authors: Nilsson Peter
Published: January 2010

This paper focuses on leakage reduction at architecture and arithmetic level. A methodology for considerable reduction of the static power consumption is shown. Simulations are done in a typical 130 nm CMOS technology. Based on the simulation results, the static power consumption is estimated and compared for different filter architectures. Substantial power reductions are shown in both FIR-filters and IIR-filters. Three different types of architectures, namely, bit-parallel, digit-serial, and bit-serial structures are used to demonstrate the methodology. The paper also shows that the relative power ratio is strongly dependent on the used word length; that is, the gain in power ratio is larger for longer word lengths. A static power ratio at 0.48 is shown for the bit-serial FIR-filter and a power ratio at 0.11 is shown in the arithmetic part of the FIR-filter. The static power ratio in the IIR-filter is 0.36 in the bit-serial filter and 0.06 in the arithmetic part of the filter. It is also shown that the use of storage, such as registers, relatively the arithmetic part, affects the power ratio. The relatively lower power consumption in the IIR-filter compared to the FIR-filter is due to the lower use of registers.
Synthesis of Nb2O5 Nanorods by a Soft Chemical Process
Authors: Luo Haiyan , Wei Mingdeng , Wei Kemei
Published: January 2010

Single crystalline Nb2O5 nanorods have been successfully synthesized by a soft chemical process, in which only metal Nb powder and water were used as the starting materials. The synthesized Nb2O5 nanorods are highly crystalline and their growth is along [001] direction. The diameter of the nanorods is found to be ca. 50 nm and their lengths up to several micrometers. Based on the experimental results of XRD, SEM, and TEM measurements, the possible mechanism for the formation of Nb2O5 nanorods was discussed.
Quality of TEC Estimated with Mod_Ion Using GPS and GLONASS Data
Authors: Camargo Paulo de Oliveira
Published: January 2010

One of the largest sources of error in positioning and navigation with GNSS is the ionosphere, and the associated error is directly proportional to the TEC and inversely proportional to the square of the signal frequency that propagates through the ionosphere. The equatorial region, especially in Brazil, is where the highest spatial and temporal value variations of the TEC are seen, and where these various features of the ionosphere, such as the equatorial anomaly and scintillation, can be found. Thus, the development and assessments of ionospheric models are important. In this paper, the quality of the TEC was evaluated, as well as the systematic error in the L1 carrier and the inter‐frequency biases of satellites and receivers estimated with the Mod_Ion, observable from GPS and integration with the GLONASS, collected with dual frequency receivers.
Decomposition of S‐Nitrosothiols Induced by UV and Sunlight
Authors: Veleeparampil Manoj M. , Aravind Usha K. , Aravindakumar C. T.
Published: January 2010

Photochemical release of nitric oxide (NO) from the S‐nitroso derivatives of glutathione, L‐cysteine, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, L‐cysteinemethylester, D,L‐penicillamine, N‐acetyl‐D,L‐penicillamine, and N‐acetylcysteamine has been investigated at neutral and acidic pH. The release of NO from RSNO is one of the key reactions that could be utilized in photodynamic therapy. The UV‐VIS and HPLC analyses have shown that under argon saturated conditions, disulfide (RSSR) is the major product of UV as well as sunlight induced decomposition. While in aerated conditions, nitirite—the end product of the oxidation of NO—was also observed along with disulfide. The formation of thiyl radical as the intermediate was reconfirmed by laser flash photolysis. The initial rate of formation of NO was on the order of 10−5 dm3 mol−1 s−1. The quantum yields of these reactions were in the range of 0.2–0.8. The high quantum yields observed in the photo induced release of NO from RSNO using both UV and sunlight demonstrate the potential application of these reactions in photodynamic therapy.
Modeling and Fuzzy PDC Control and Its Application to an Oscillatory TLP Structure
Authors: Chen Cheng-Wu
Published: January 2010

An analytical solution is derived to describe the wave‐induced flow field and surge motion of a deformable platform structure controlled with fuzzy controllers in an oceanic environment. In the controller design procedure, a parallel distributed compensation (PDC) scheme is utilized to construct a global fuzzy logic controller by blending all local state feedback controllers. The Lyapunov method is used to carry out stability analysis of a real system structure. The corresponding boundary value problems are then incorporated into scattering and radiation problems. These are analytically solved, based on the separation of variables, to obtain a series of solutions showing the harmonic incident wave motion and surge motion. The dependence of the wave‐induced flow field and its resonant frequency on wave characteristics and structural properties including platform width, thickness and mass can thus be drawn with a parametric approach. The wave‐induced displacement of the surge motion is determined from these mathematical models. The vibration of the floating structure and mechanical motion caused by the wave force are also discussed analytically based on fuzzy logic theory and the mathematical framework to find the decay in amplitude of the surge motion in the tension leg platform (TLP) system. The expected effects of the damping in amplitude of the surge motion due to the control force on the structural response are obvious.
Kinetostatic and Inertial Conditioning of the McGill Schönflies-Motion Generator
Authors: Cammarata Alessandro , Angeles Jorge , Sinatra Rosario
Published: January 2010

This paper focuses on the optimization of the McGill Schönflies Motion Generator. Recent trends on optimum design of parallel robots led us to investigate the advantages and disadvantages derived from an optimization based on performance indices. Particularly, we optimize here two different indices: the kinematic conditioning and the inertial conditioning, pertaining to the condition number of the Jacobian matrix and to that of the generalized inertia matrix of the robot, respectively. The problem of finding the characteristic length for the robot is first investigated by means of a constrained optimization problem; then plots of the kinetostatic and the inertial conditioning indices are provided for a particular trajectory to be tracked by the moving platform of the SMG. Deep connections appear between the two indices, reflecting a correlation between kinematics and dynamics.
EmoHeart: Conveying Emotions in Second Life Based on Affect Sensing from Text
Authors: Neviarouskaya Alena , Prendinger Helmut , Ishizuka Mitsuru
Published: January 2010

The 3D virtual world of “Second Life” imitates a form of real life by providing a space for rich interactions and social events. Second Life encourages people to establish or strengthen interpersonal relations, to share ideas, to gain new experiences, and to feel genuine emotions accompanying all adventures of virtual reality. Undoubtedly, emotions play a powerful role in communication. However, to trigger visual display of user's affective state in a virtual world, user has to manually assign appropriate facial expression or gesture to own avatar. Affect sensing from text, which enables automatic expression of emotions in the virtual environment, is a method to avoid manual control by the user and to enrich remote communications effortlessly. In this paper, we describe a lexical rule-based approach to recognition of emotions from text and an application of the developed Affect Analysis Model in Second Life. Based on the result of the Affect Analysis Model, the developed EmoHeart (“object” in Second Life) triggers animations of avatar facial expressions and visualizes emotion by heart-shaped textures.
The Decreased Growth Hormone Response to Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone in Obesity Is Associated to Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Cordido Fernando , Garcia-Buela Jesús , Sangiao-Alvarellos Susana , Martinez Teresa , Vidal Ovidio
Published: January 2010

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between GHRH-induced GH secretion in obese premenopausal women and cardiovascular risk markers or insulin resistance. Premenopausal obese women, aged 35–52 years, were studied. GH secretion, IGF-I, serum cardiovascular risk markers, insulin, leptin, mid-waist and hip circumference, total body fat, and truncal fat were measured. Subjects were classified as meeting the criteria for GH deficiency (GHD) when peak GH after stimulation with GHRH was≤3 μg/L. Mean total and LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR were all higher, in subjects who would have been classified as GH-deficient compared with GH-sufficient. Peak GH secretion after stimulation was inversely associated with fasting insulin (R=−0.650,P=.012), HOMA-IR (R=−0.846,P=.001), total cholesterol (R=−0.532,P=.034), and LDL cholesterol (R=−0.692,P=.006) and positively associated with HDL cholesterol (R=0.561,P=.037). These data strongly suggest a role for insulin resistance in the decreased GH secretion of obesity and that the blunted GH secretion of central obesity could be the pituitary expression of the metabolic syndrome.
Multiloop Parallelisation Using Unrolling and Fission
Authors: Lam Yuet Ming , Coutinho José Gabriel F. , Ho Chun Hok , Leong Philip Heng Wai , Luk Wayne
Published: January 2010

A technique for parallelising multiple loops in a heterogeneous computing system is presented. Loops are first unrolled and then broken up into multiple tasks which are mapped to reconfigurable hardware. A performance-driven optimisation is applied to find the best unrolling factor for each loop under hardware size constraints. The approach is demonstrated using three applications: speech recognition, image processing, and the N-Body problem. Experimental results show that a maximum speedup of 34 is achieved on a 274 MHz FPGA for the N-Body over a 2.6 GHz microprocessor, which is 4.1 times higher than that of an approach without unrolling.
A Wavelet Interpolation Galerkin Method for the Simulation of MEMS Devices under the Effect of Squeeze Film Damping
Authors: Li Pu , Fang Yuming
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a new wavelet interpolation Galerkin method for the numerical simulation of MEMS devices under the effect of squeeze film damping. Both trial and weight functions are a class of interpolating functions generated by autocorrelation of the usual compactly supported Daubechies scaling functions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that wavelets have been used as basis functions for solving the PDEs of MEMS devices. As opposed to the previous wavelet‐based methods that are all limited in one energy domain, the MEMS devices in the paper involve two coupled energy domains. Two typical electrically actuated micro devices with squeeze film damping effect are examined respectively to illustrate the new wavelet interpolation Galerkin method. Simulation results show that the results of the wavelet interpolation Galerkin method match the experimental data better than that of the finite difference method by about 10%.
An Experimental Approach for the Identification of Conserved Secreted Proteins in Trypanosomatids
Authors: Corrales Rosa M. , Mathieu-Daudé Françoise , Garcia Déborah , Brenière Simone F. , Sereno Denis
Published: January 2010

Extracellular factors produced byLeishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi,andTrypanosoma bruceiare important in the host-parasite relationship. Here, we describe a genome-based approach to identify putative extracellular proteins conserved among trypanosomatids that are likely involved in the classical secretory pathway. Potentially secreted proteins were identified by bioinformatic analysis of theT. cruzigenome. A subset of thirteen genes encoding unknown proteins with orthologs containing a signal peptide sequence inL. infantum, L. major,andT. bruceiwere transfected intoL. infantum. Tagged proteins detected in the extracellular medium confirmed computer predictions in about 25% of the hits. Secretion was confirmed for twoL. infantumorthologs proteins using the same experimental system. Infectivity studies of transgenicLeishmaniaparasites suggest that one of the secreted proteins increases parasite replication inside macrophages. This methodology can identify conserved secreted proteins involved in the classical secretory pathway, and they may represent potential virulence factors in trypanosomatids.
Linking ER Stress to Autophagy: Potential Implications for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Verfaillie Tom , Salazar Maria , Velasco Guillermo , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: January 2010

Different physiological and pathological conditions can perturb protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a condition known as ER stress. ER stress activates a complex intracellular signal transduction pathway, called unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is tailored essentially to reestablish ER homeostasis also through adaptive mechanisms involving the stimulation of autophagy. However, when persistent, ER stress can switch the cytoprotective functions of UPR and autophagy into cell death promoting mechanisms. Recently, a variety of anticancer therapies have been linked to the induction of ER stress in cancer cells, suggesting that strategies devised to stimulate its prodeath function or block its prosurvival function, could be envisaged to improve their tumoricidial action. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that determine the final outcome of UPR and autophagy activation by chemotherapeutic agents, will offer new opportunities to improve existing cancer therapies as well as unravel novel targets for cancer treatment.
A Tester-Assisted Methodology for Test Redundancy Detection
Authors: Koochakzadeh Negar , Garousi Vahid
Published: January 2010

Test redundancy detection reduces test maintenance costs and also ensures the integrity of test suites. One of the most widely used approaches for this purpose is based on coverage information. In a recent work, we have shown that although this information can be useful in detecting redundant tests, it may suffer from large number of false-positive errors, that is, a test case being identified as redundant while it is really not. In this paper, we propose a semiautomated methodology to derive a reduced test suite from a given test suite, while keeping the fault detection effectiveness unchanged. To evaluate the methodology, we apply the mutation analysis technique to measure the fault detection effectiveness of the reduced test suite of a real Java project. The results confirm that the proposed manual interactive inspection process leads to a reduced test suite with the same fault detection ability as the original test suite.
Enhancement the Thermal Stability and the Mechanical Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymer by Grafting Antioxidant
Authors: Al-Ghonamy Abdulaziz Ibrahim , El-Wakil A. A. , Ramadan M.
Published: January 2010

Monomeric antioxidants are widely used as effective antioxidants to protect polymers against thermal oxidation. Low molecular weight antioxidants are easily lost from polymer through migration, evaporation, and extraction. Physical loss of antioxidants is considered to be major concern in the environmental issues and safety regulation as well as long life time of polymers. The grafting copolymerization of natural rubber ando-aminophenol was carried out by using two-roll mill machine. The prepared natural rubber-graft-o-Aminophenol, NR-graft-o-AP, was analysed by using Infrared and1-NMR Spectroscopy techniques. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and ultrasonic attenuation coefficient were evaluated for NBR vulcanizates containing the commercial antioxidant, N-phenyl--naphthylamine (PBN), the prepared grafted antioxidant, NR-graft-o-AP, and the control vulcanizate. Results of the thermal stability showed that the prepared NR-graft-o-AP can protect NBR vulcanizate against thermal treatment much better than the commercial antioxidant, PBN, and control mix, respectively. The prepared grafted antioxidant improves the mechanical properties of NBR vulcanizate.
Optimizing Protection Against Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Reisinger Keith S. , Black Steven , Stoddard Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2010

Neisseria meningitidis is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and septicemia in the United States. Vaccines directed against meningococcal disease must elicit high and persistent titers of bactericidal antibodies against prevalent meningococcal serogroups and be highly efficacious in preventing meningococcal infection. Currently, 2 quadrivalent (A, C, W-135, Y) vaccines—a polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine and a conjugate meningococcal vaccine—are licensed in the United States. Neither is approved for use in infants or toddlers younger than 2 years of age. Results of studies with an investigational quadrivalent (ACWY) meningococcal CRM197 glycoconjugate vaccine in infants demonstrate that this vaccine has potential to protect this age group. The availability of an effective vaccine for routine universal infant immunization is particularly important because the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is greatest in infants for all serogroups and because achievable vaccination rates are much greater for infants and young children than they are for adolescents.
Does Awaiting ‘New Heavens and a New Earth’ (2 Pet 3.13) Mean Abandoning the Environment?
Authors: Adams Edward
Published: January 2010

This article assesses the environmental implications of the hope of a new heaven/s and new earth as we find it expressed in 2 Peter 3.5-13 and Revelation 21.1-22.5. Both texts present the environmentally problematic scenario in which the present creation is dissolved prior to the establishment of the new created order. It is argued, though, that the hope for a new cosmic creation in these passages is not wholly lacking in environmental appeal. ‘Waiting for’ the new heaven/s and earth does not mean abdicating moral responsibility and is not incompaible with pro-environmental action.
Institutional Legitimacy in Singapore’s Market Governance
Authors: Conteh Charles
Published: January 2010

The article examines the mechanisms by which the Singaporean government legitimizes its interventionist governance of the country’s economy — specifically, private sector development. The discussion uses qualitative research methods consisting of archival research and in-depth interviews to look at the properties of governance that characterize the relationship between the State and the market, particularly organized business and labour, as integral stakeholders in the process of economic policy formulation and implementation. Moreover, attention is paid to understanding the implications of changing institutional and political mechanics that surround the rather complex partnership between the public and private sectors.
History as a Strategic Weapon
Authors: Roehrig Terence
Published: January 2010

Interpretations of history have been a source of tension in East Asia but usually involve Japan and the Second World War. Yet, in the past ten years, another controversy has been brewing over history, this time between South Korea and China over claims to ‘ownership’ of an ancient kingdom. This article is a case study that examines how states utilize reinterpretations of history for current and future strategic goals. The result has been a dispute that has resembled a security dilemma where China’s initial actions, deemed to be largely defensive by Beijing, were perceived in Seoul as offensive, provoking a counter-response that has in turn, alarmed China.
Addition of Cilostazol to Aspirin and a Thienopyridine for Prevention of Restenosis After Coronary Artery Stenting: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Jennings Douglas L. , Kalus James S.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and thienopyridine) on rates of restenosis after coronary artery stenting. A meta‐analysis is conducted of randomized, controlled trials comparing 3 drug regimens (cilostazol, thienopyridine, aspirin [triple therapy]) with dual antiplatelet therapy to reduce restenosis after coronary stenting. A total of 5 studies are included for analysis. The analysis reveals that triple therapy is used in 796 patients, whereas dual therapy is used in 801 patients. Approximately 56% of patients receive a drug‐eluting stent. The 6‐month restenosis rates are significantly lower with triple versus dual antiplatelet therapy (12.7% vs 21.9%; odds ratio 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.66; P < .001). This benefit is seen regardless of whether a bare‐metal or drug‐eluting stent is used. Rates of major adverse cardiac events and bleeding are reported for 3 of the 5 studies (n = 1426); analysis of these outcomes shows no difference between treatment groups (P = .21 and .48, respectively). The addition of cilostazol to standard dual antiplatelet therapy reduces angiographic restenosis and increases MLD at 6 months without significantly affecting rates of major adverse cardiac events or bleeding.
Absence of Pharmacokinetic Interference of Moxifloxacin on Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Capone Domenico , Tarantino Giovanni , Polichetti Giuliano , Kadilli Irket , Sabbatini Massimo , Basile Vincenzo , Carrano Rosa , Nappi Riccardo , Federico Stefano
Published: January 2010

This study investigates the potential pharmacokinetic interactions between an antimicrobial agent, moxifloxacin, and 2 immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporine and tacrolimus, in kidney transplant recipients. Twenty‐two kidney transplant patients needing antibiotic therapy for urinary tract infections are enrolled. Eleven patients are under cyclosporine treatment and the other 11 patients are under tacrolimus treatment. Because the urinary tract infections are caused by gram‐negative aerobes sensitive to moxifloxacin, this antibiotic is administered by oral route at a dose of 400 mg/d for 1 week; in each patient pharmacokinetic studies are carried out before and at the seventh day of therapy. For both immunosuppressors, none of the pharmacokinetic parameters investigated show statistically significant differences between values obtained before and during treatment with moxifloxacin. In fact, the concentration‐time profiles of monoclonal cyclosporine, polyclonal cyclosporine, and tacrolimus are not significantly different before and during the antimicrobial therapy. The results of the present study rule out interference of moxifloxacin with both cyclosporine and tacrolimus kinetics and indicate that the concomitant administration of the fluoroquinolone and cyclosporine or tacrolimus does not require modifications of the dosages of 2 immunosuppressant drugs.
Does Therapeutic Equivalence Follow Bioequivalence? A Randomized Trial to Assess Clinical Effects After Switching From Clozaril to Generic Clozapine (Gen‐Clozapine)
Authors: Oluboka Oloruntoba , Stewart Sandra , Landry Suzette , Adams Susan
Published: January 2010

This study prospectively assessed outcomes in a group of patients who were randomly switched from Clozaril to generic clozapine (Gen‐Clozapine). The authors examined data from rating scales administered before the switch and at points after the switch. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on any baseline measures, including psychiatric status and dose of medication. In the group of patients who were switched to the generic formulation, there was a significant increase in Global Assessment Scale scores by the end of the 6‐month monitoring period. In the group of patients who remained on Clozaril, a significant decrease in the 32‐item Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale scores was found at the end of the monitoring period. The results of this study suggest that clinical equivalence indeed followed bioequivalence when switching from Clozaril to Gen‐Clozapine.
An Evaluation of the Early Pharmacodynamic Response After Simultaneous Initiation of Warfarin and Amiodarone
Authors: Edwin Stephanie B. , Jennings Douglas L. , Kalus James S.
Published: January 2010

Amiodarone inhibits the metabolism of warfarin. Previous studies characterizing this drug interaction have focused on the effect of adding amiodarone to stable doses of warfarin. The objective of this study was to assess whether simultaneous initiation of warfarin and amiodarone results in early alteration of the international normalized ratio (INR) response to warfarin. Patients initiated on warfarin and amiodarone during the same hospitalization were included in the amiodarone (AMIO) group. Patients initiated on warfarin alone (n = 42) were identified for the CONTROL group. The AMIO and CONTROL groups were matched based on age, gender, and ejection fraction <40% using propensity score matching (final n = 18 patients per group). Total and average daily warfarin dose was lower in the AMIO group, yet INR values were similar on each day between the 2 groups. More patients in the AMIO group had an INR greater than 2 during the 5‐day observation period as compared to the CONTROL group. In addition, there were trends toward greater deviation from INR values expected with a 5‐mg daily warfarin dose among AMIO group patients. Simultaneous initiation of warfarin and amiodarone leads to an enhanced pharmacodynamic response to warfarin early in therapy. Although these data should be viewed as hypothesis generating, cautious dosing and monitoring with simultaneous initiation of warfarin and amiodarone may be warranted.
Effect of subzero-balanced ultrafiltration on postoperative outcome of patients after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Tao Zhang  , Gao Chang-qing , Li Jia-chun , Wang Jia-li , Li Li-bing , Xiao Cang-song
Published: January 2010

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a new ultrafiltration technique — subzero-balanced ultrafiltration technique — on early postoperative outcomes of adult patients undergoing cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: A total of 120 patients who required cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery were randomized into two groups, 60 in each group. Patients in the treatment group received subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass, while patients in the control group received routine cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative outcomes, including hospital mortality and morbidity of the two groups, were analyzed. Results: Hospital mortality was 0% (0 of 60) in the treatment group versus 1.8% (1 of 60) in the control group (P=1.000). Total hospital complications was lower in the treated patients (11 of 60 [18.3%] versus 22 of 60 [36.7%], P=0.025). Duration of intubation time was shorter and transfusion volume within 24 hours postoperatively was less in patients having received subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass (14.35 ± 1.66 versus 18.64 ± 1.57 h, P=0.036 and 1.54 ± 1.56 versus 3.64 ± 2.67 U/patient, P=0.032). Length of stay on the intensive care unit, duration of hospital stay, need for infusion of inotropic agent and drainage volumes within 24 h postoperatively between the two groups were comparable. Conclusions: Subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass can effectively decrease the patients’ hospital morbidity and the volume of blood transfusion: it also may promote early postoperative recovery of patients. Routine application of subzero-balanced ultrafiltration during adult cardiac operations should not be necessary, but the technique should be compared to other techniques, e.g. MUF, in further studies.
Lactational exposure to atypical antipsychotic drugs disrupts the pituitary-testicular axis in mice neonates during post-natal development
Authors: Mishra Akash C , Mohanty Banalata
Published: January 2010

Olanzapine (OLNZ) and risperidone (RISP), two widely prescribed drugs for post-partum psychosis, transfer through milk to the neonates. Hence, neonates are susceptible to their adverse side effects. In the present study, the pituitary—testicular axis of lactationally exposed mice neonates (PND 28) was examined to evaluate the reproductive adverse effects. Testicular histopathology, immunocytochemistry and morphometric analysis of pituitary PRL (prolactin) and LH (luteinizing hormone) cells and plasma hormonal (PRL, LH and testosterone) levels were the various end points studied. Significantly regressed testes, reduced seminiferous tubules with disrupted germ-cell alignment, spermatogonial exfoliation into the tubule lumens and sparse sperms in the lumens were observed. PRL-immunointensity and plasma levels were elevated, whereas immunoreactivity and plasma levels of LH were decreased. Plasma testosterone levels were also decreased. The hypogonadism thus observed might be mediated by drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, which further inhibited secretions of LH and testosterone. Age may be the factor which made the neonates vulnerable to the PRL elevation by OLNZ which otherwise causes transient elevation in adults and is considered safe. The adverse impact was persistent until adulthood with higher doses of both of the drugs as evident by the analysis of testicular weight, histology and hormonal profiles of post-pubertal mice (PND 63) lactationally exposed as neonates.
Using Massage to Reduce Use of Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs With Older Adults
Authors: Nelson Rhonda , Coyle Catherine
Published: January 2010

Despite known adverse effects, sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) are widely used in institutional settings serving the elderly. Using a 2 (Intervention, Control) × 3 (Baseline, Intervention, Withdrawal) mixed design with random assignment to the intervention ( n = 15) or control ( n = 13) group, the authors sought to determine if a nonpharmacological sleep intervention (massage at bedtime) could reduce “as-needed” SHD (PRN-SHD) usage. Each phase of this pilot lasted 7 days and PRN-SHD usage was monitored via chart review. Results, indicating a 13% greater reduction in requests for PRN-SHD for the intervention group when it received massage, approached statistical significance for the quadratic planned comparisons ( p = .17) despite limited power (.28) for the observed effect size of .07. While preliminary, results suggest that massage at bedtime may reduce PRN-SHD usage with older adults. Randomized controlled studies with larger samples are needed.
Analytic Reviews: Prevention of Central Venous Catheter Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Walz J. Matthias , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Heard Stephen O.
Published: January 2010

The majority of nosocomial bloodstream infections in critically ill patients originate from an infected central venous catheter (CVC). Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality and increase the cost of care. The most frequent causative organisms for CRBSI are coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNSs), Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, and Candida species. The path to infection frequently includes migration of skin organisms at the insertion site into the cutaneous catheter tract, resulting in microbial colonization of the catheter tip and formation of biofilm. Evidence-based strategies for the prevention of CRBSI include behavioral and educational interventions, effective skin antisepsis coupled with maximum barrier precautions, the use of antiseptic dressings, and the use of antiseptic or antibiotic impregnated catheters. Achieving and maintaining very low rates of CRBSI requires a multidisciplinary approach involving the entire health care team, the use of novel technologies in patients with the highest risk of CRBSI, and frequent reeducation of staff.
Use of a Helium-Oxygen Mixture to Facilitate Ventilation During Bronchoscopy Through a Laryngeal Mask Airway
Authors: Puangsuvan Neesann , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy may be performed in infants and children for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In infants and children, general anesthesia may be used to facilitate the procedure. When general anesthesia is used, a laryngeal mask may be used to control the airway. However, as the passage of the bronchoscope decreases the cross-sectional airway inside the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for gas exchange, increases in respiratory resistance may occur. We present our experience with the use of a helium—oxygen mixture to facilitate bronchoscopy through an LMA during general anesthesia in infants and children. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed changes in tidal volume, respiratory rate, and transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TC-CO2) during 3 phases of general anesthetic care. Phase 1 was pressure support breathing of an air—oxygen mixture through an LMA during sevoflurane anesthesia prior to the start of bronchoscopy, phase 2 was with the bronchoscope inserted through the LMA during pressure support ventilation of sevoflurane in an air—oxygen mixture, and phase 3 was with the bronchoscope inserted through the LMA during pressure support breathing of sevoflurane in a helium—oxygen mixture. Results: The study cohort included 6 patients, ranging in age from 14 to 49 months. There was a statistically significant increase in respiratory rate, increase in TC-CO2, and decrease in tidal volume with the insertion of the bronchoscope through the LMA when compared to baseline values (phase 2 vs phase 1). These values returned to values that were comparable to the baseline values when a helium—oxygen mixture was administered (phase 1 vs phase 3). Conclusions: A helium—oxygen mixture decreases resistance to gas flow during bronchoscopy through an LMA in infants and children receiving general anesthesia with sevoflurane and pressure support ventilation.