bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver X receptor activation downregulates organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in the renal proximal tubule
Authors: Kittayaruksakul Suticha , Soodvilai Sunhapas , Asavapanumas Nithi , Muanprasat Chatchai , Chatsudthipong Varanuj
Published: December 2011

Liver X receptors (LXRs) play an important role in the regulation of cholesterol by regulating several transporters. In this study, we investigated the role of LXRs in the regulation of human organic anion transporter 1 (hOAT1), a major transporter localized in the basolateral membrane of the renal proximal tubule. Exposure of renal S2 cells expressing hOAT1 to LXR agonists (TO901317 and GW3965) and their endogenous ligand [22(R)-hydroxycholesterol] led to the inhibition of hOAT1-mediated [14C]PAH uptake. This inhibition was abolished by coincubation of the above agonists with 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol, an LXR antagonist. Moreover, it was found that the effect of LXR agonists was not mediated by changes in intracellular cholesterol levels. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of LXRs was enhanced in the presence of 9- cis retinoic acid, a retinoic X receptor agonist. Kinetic analysis revealed that LXR activation decreased the maximum rate of PAH transport ( Jmax) but had no effect on the affinity of the transporter ( Kt). This result correlated well with data from Western blot analysis, which showed the decrease in hOAT1 expression following LXR activation. Similarly, TO901317 inhibited [14C]PAH uptake by the renal cortical slices as well as decreasing mOAT1 protein expression in mouse kidney. Our findings indicated for the first time that hOAT1 was downregulated by LXR activation in the renal proximal tubule.
Long-term IL-1β exposure causes subpopulation-dependent alterations in rat dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability
Authors: Stemkowski Patrick L. , Smith Peter A.
Published: December 2011

The effect of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the electrical properties of sensory neurons was assessed at levels and exposure times comparable to those found in animal models of neuropathic pain. Experiments involved whole cell current-clamp recordings from rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in defined-medium, neuron-enriched cultures. Five- to six-day exposure to 100 pM IL-1β produced subpopulation-dependent effects on DRG neurons. These included an increase in the excitability of medium-diameter and small-diameter isolectin B4(IB4)-positive neurons that was comparable to that found after peripheral nerve injury. By contrast, a reduction in excitability was observed in large-diameter neurons, while no effect was found in small-diameter IB4-negative neurons. Further characterization of changes in medium and small IB4-positive neurons revealed that some, but not all, effects of IL-1β were mediated through its receptor, IL-1RI. Although the acute actions of IL-1β on sensory neurons have been well studied and related to acute and/or inflammatory pain, the present study shows how sensory neurons respond to long-term cytokine exposure. Such effects are relevant to understanding processes that contribute to the onset of neuropathic pain.
A system for recording neural activity chronically and simultaneously from multiple cortical and subcortical regions in nonhuman primates
Authors: Feingold Joseph , Desrochers Theresa M. , Fujii Naotaka , Harlan Ray , Tierney Patrick L. , Shimazu Hideki , Amemori Ken-ichi , Graybiel Ann M.
Published: December 2011

A major goal of neuroscience is to understand the functions of networks of neurons in cognition and behavior. Recent work has focused on implanting arrays of ∼100 immovable electrodes or smaller numbers of individually adjustable electrodes, designed to target a few cortical areas. We have developed a recording system that allows the independent movement of hundreds of electrodes chronically implanted in several cortical and subcortical structures. We have tested this system in macaque monkeys, recording simultaneously from up to 127 electrodes in 14 brain regions for up to one year at a time. A key advantage of the system is that it can be used to sample different combinations of sites over prolonged periods, generating multiple snapshots of network activity from a single implant. Used in conjunction with microstimulation and injection methods, this versatile system represents a powerful tool for studying neural network activity in the primate brain.
Gustatory neural responses to umami stimuli in the parabrachial nucleus of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Tokita Kenichi , Yamamoto Takashi , Boughter John D.
Published: December 2011

Umami is considered to be the fifth basic taste quality and is elicited by glutamate. The mouse is an ideal rodent model for the study of this taste quality because of evidence that suggests that this species, like humans, may sense umami-tasting compounds as unique from other basic taste qualities. We performed single-unit recording of taste responses in the parabrachial nucleus (PbN) of anesthetized C57BL/6J mice to investigate the central representation of umami taste. A total of 52 taste-responsive neurons (22 sucrose-best, 19 NaCl-best, 5 citric acid-best, and 6 quinine-best) were recorded from stimulation period with a large panel of basic and umami-tasting stimuli. No neuron responded best to monopotassium glutamate (MPG) or inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), suggesting convergence of input in the central nervous system. Synergism induced by an MPG-IMP mixture was observed in all sucrose-best and some NaCl-best neurons that possessed strong sensitivity to sucrose. In more than half of sucrose-best neurons, the MPG-IMP mixture evoked stronger responses than those elicited by their best stimulus. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis and multidimensional analysis indicated close similarity between sucrose and the MPG-IMP mixture. These results strongly suggest the mixture tastes sweet to mice, a conclusion consistent with previous findings that show bidirectional generalization of conditioned taste aversion between sucrose and umami mixtures, and suppression of taste responses to both sucrose and mixtures by the antisweet polypeptide gurmarin in the chorda tympani nerve. The distribution pattern of reconstructed recording sites of specific neuron types suggested chemotopic organization in the PbN.
More on Three‐Dimensional Systems of Rational Difference Equations
Authors: Keying Liu , Zhongjian Zhao , Xiaorui Li , Peng Li
Published: December 2011

We are concerned with a kind of three‐dimensional system of rational difference equations, given by Kurbanli (2011). A new expression of solution of the system is presented, and the asymptotical behavior is described. At the same time, we also consider a different system and obtain some results, which expand the study of such a kind of difference equations and the method can be applied to other systems.
Cardiac Angiosarcoma
Authors: Cardoso Monique Esteves , Canale Leonardo Secchin , Ramos Rosana Grandelle , Salvador Junior Edson da Silva , Lachtermacher Stephan
Published: December 2011

Despite cardiac metastases are found in about 20% of cancer deaths, the presence of primary cardiac tumors is rare. Most primary tumors are benign, and malignant tumors comprise about 15%. We report a 21-year-old man with fever, dyspnea, and hemoptysis that was diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the right atrium and pulmonary metastasis. Patient was submitted to surgical tumor resection without adjuvant therapy and died four months after diagnosis.
A Case with Significant Proteinuria Caused by Secreted Protein from Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Sakakima Masanori , Fujigaki Yoshihide , Yasuda Hideo , Togawa Akashi , Fujikura Tomoyuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Ozono Seiichiro , Hishida Akira
Published: December 2011

58-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining isolated proteinuria of 1.7 g/day. Abdominal echography showed right-sided unilateral hydronephrosis, and computed tomography pointed out a tumor of the right renal pelvis, suggesting cancer of renal pelvis. The right nephroureterectomy was carried out. Pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma. Renal tissue revealed no apparent glomerulopathy with tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and mildly-to-moderately interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence study showed no deposition of immunoreactanct, and electron microscopy showed almost normal glomerulus without electron dense deposit. Proteinuria disappeared within 6 days after the operation. Moderate amount of proteinuria in our patient was probably caused by secreted protein from urothelial carcinoma. This condition is rare but should be taken into account in patients with even moderate amount of proteinuria.
Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol Use among Adolescents and Young Adults with Asthma
Authors: Dowdell Elizabeth Burgess , Posner Michael A. , Hutchinson M. Katherine
Published: December 2011

Asthma is one of the most common, serious chronic diseases in pediatric and young adult populations. Health-risk behaviors, including cigarette smoking and alcohol use, may exacerbate chronic diseases and complicate their management. The aim of this study was to longitudinally analyze rates of cigarette smoking and alcohol use in adolescents and young adults who have asthma and those who do not have asthma. A secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health was undertaken. Individuals with asthma were found to exhibit increasing rates of cigarette smoking and alcohol use as they aged. When an adolescent with a chronic health issue begins health-risk-taking behaviors, behavior change interventions must be planned. Pediatric nurses, practitioners, and clinicians are uniquely positioned to assess for health-risk behaviors in youth with asthma and to intervene with plans of care that are tailored for the needs of this vulnerable population.
Advances in Drug Design of Radiometal-Based Imaging Agents for Bone Disorders
Authors: Ogawa Kazuma , Saji Hideo
Published: December 2011

Nuclear medicine bone imaging has been the optimum diagnosis for the detection of bone disorders because the lesion could be detectable before the appearance of symptomatic and radiographic changes. Over the past three decades, 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP have been used as bone scintigraphic agents because of their superior biodistribution characteristics, although they are far from optimal from a chemical and pharmaceutical point of view. Recently, a more logical drug design has been proposed as a concept of bifunctional radiopharmaceuticals in which the carrier molecules (bisphosphonates) and radiometal chelating groups are separated within a molecule, specifically, 99mTc-mononuclear complex-conjugated bisphosphonate. Some of the 99mTc-mononuclear complex-conjugated bisphosphonate compounds showed superior biodistribution in preclinical studies. Moreover, the drug design concept could be applied to 68Ga PET bone imaging agents. These studies would provide useful information for the development of radiometal-based imaging and therapeutic agents for bone disorders such as bone metastases.
Bell's Inequalities, Superquantum Correlations, and String Theory
Authors: Chang Lay Nam , Lewis Zachary , Minic Djordje , Takeuchi Tatsu , Tze Chia-Hsiung
Published: December 2011

We offer an interpretation of superquantum correlations in terms of a “doubly” quantum theory. We argue that string theory, viewed as a quantum theory with two deformation parameters, the string tensionα', and the string coupling constantgs, is such a superquantum theory that transgresses the usual quantum violations of Bell's inequalities. We also discuss theℏ→∞limit of quantum mechanics in this context. As a superquantum theory, string theory should display distinct experimentally observable supercorrelations of entangled stringy states.
Decreased Anti-Inflammatory Responses to Vitamin D in Neonatal Neutrophils
Authors: Hirsch Daniel , Archer Faith E. , Joshi-Kale Meera , Vetrano Anna M. , Weinberger Barry
Published: December 2011

Neutrophil activity is prolonged in newborns, suggesting decreased exposure and/or responses to immunosuppressive modulators, such as 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3(1,25-vit D3). We hypothesized that 1,25-vit D3suppresses neutrophil activation and that this response is impaired in newborns. Consistent with this, 1,25-vit D3decreased LPS-induced expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1βand VEGF in adult, but not neonatal, neutrophils. Expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase was reduced in neonatal, relative to adult neutrophils. Moreover, 1,25-vit D3induced VDR gene expression in activated adult, but not neonatal, neutrophils. 1,25-vit D3also suppressed expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and induced expression of 5-lipoxygenase in LPS-exposed adult neutrophils, while neonatal cells were not affected. 1,25-vit D3had no effect on respiratory burst in either adult or neonatal cells. Anti-inflammatory activity of vitamin D is impaired in neonatal neutrophils, and this may be due to decreased expression of VDR and 1α-hydroxylase. Insensitivity to 1,25-vit D3may contribute to chronic inflammation in neonates.
Depression, Strokes and Dementia: New Biological Insights into an Unfortunate Pathway
Authors: Hakim Antoine M.
Published: December 2011

The literature emphasizes the risk of depression after a stroke. Less well known is the fact that depression may be as big a risk factor for strokes as hypertension, particularly in the older age group. This article reviews the risk for stroke and cognitive impairment consequent to depression, and describes the cardiovascular and immunological mechanisms that would appear to link depression to its cerebrovascular consequences. As well, the article refers to the brain imaging signatures that may allow prediction of impending brain injury. Finally, some questions that might be explored by future research are suggested, and some practical means to identify and help those at risk for the development of depression-associated vascular disease of the brain are suggested.
2D Model Study of CO2Plumes in Saline Reservoirs by Borehole Resistivity Tomography
Authors: al Hagrey Said A.
Published: December 2011

The performance of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in boreholes is studied numerically regarding changes induced by CO2sequestration in deep saline reservoirs. The new optimization approach is applied to generate an optimized data set of only 4% of the comprehensive set but of almost similar best possible resolution. Diverse electrode configurations (mainly tripotentialαandβ) are investigated with current flows and potential measurements in different directions. An extensive 2.5D modeling (>100,000 models) is conducted systematically as a function of multiparameters related to hydrogeology, CO2plume, data acquisition and methodology. ERT techniques generally are capable to resolve storage targets (CO2plume, saline host reservoir, and impermeable cap rock), however with the common smearing effects and artefacts. Reconstructed tomograms show that the optimized and multiply oriented configurations have a better-spatial resolution than the lateral arrays with splitting of potential and current electrode pairs between boreholes. The later arrays are also more susceptible to telluric noise but have a lower level of measurement errors. The resolution advance of optimized and multiply oriented configurations is confirmed by lower values for ROI (region of index) and residual (relative model difference). The technique acceptably resolves targets with an aspect ratio down to 0.5.
Modern Aspects of Phototherapy for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Grundmann Sonja Alexandra , Beissert Stefan
Published: December 2011

Phototherapy has still great importance in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, though costs, compliance, and long-term risks narrow its relevance. In spite of its long history, up to now, the therapeutic regimes are mostly empirical. Narrowband UVB und UVA1 are the most frequently applied regimens in atopic dermatitis with proven efficacy. However, even for these modalities randomized prospective and controlled studies are still pending. Advances in photoimmunology and molecular biology had demonstrated that phototherapy targets inflammatory cells, alters cytokine production, and has a significant antimicrobial effect within atopic skin. This paper summarizes the current literature on the different regimes of phototherapy and also discusses therapeutic modalities like photochemotherapy and extracorporeal photopheresis. These more complex regimes should be restricted to severe cases of atopic dermatitis, which are refractory to topical treatment.
Remarks on Consistent Development of Plant Nodalizations: An Example of Application to the ROSA Integral Test Facility
Authors: Freixa J. , Manera A.
Published: December 2011

Experimental results obtained at integral test facilities (ITFs) are used in the validation process of system codes for the transient analyses of light water reactors (LWRs). The expertise and guidelines derived from this work are later applied to transient analyses of nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, the boundary conditions at the NPPs will always differ from those at the ITF, and hence, the soundness of the ITF model needs to be maximized. An unaltered ITF nodalization should prove to be able to simulate as many tests as possible, before any conclusion is derived to NPP analyses. The STARS group at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) actively participates in several international programs, where ITFs are being used (e.g., ROSA, PKL). Several tests carried out at the ROSA large-scale test facility operated by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) have been simulated in recent years by using the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US-NRC) system code TRACE. In this paper, 5 different posttest analyses are presented, along with the evolution of the employed TRACE nodalization and the process followed to track the consistency of the nodalization modifications. The ROSA TRACE nodalization provided results in a reasonable agreement with all 5 experiments.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis for the Otolaryngologist
Authors: Karkos Petros D. , Srivastava R. , Kaptanis S. , Vaughan C.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. This paper focuses on current diagnostic and treatment options for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE).Study Design. literature review.Results. EE can be suspected on history and endoscopy although definitive diagnosis is strictly based on histopathology. It is a relatively new entity and is often misdiagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal mucosa is responsible for esophageal symptoms which can range from mild to debilitating dysphagia and food impaction, when untreated. In fact recurrent foreign body and food impaction can often be blamed for undiagnosed EE. There seems to be a strong familial component and association with allergy. The introduction of transnasal esophagoscopy in adult laryngology has enabled otolaryngologists to readily diagnose EE and promoted awareness of this often difficult to recognize entity.Conclusions. Despite higher awareness, the literature suggests that EE remains a commonly misdiagnosed condition especially in the otolaryngology community. Genetic studies are required to unfold the true familial and genetic component of this fascinating entity.
Localization Algorithm Based on Maximum a Posteriori in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lu Kezhong , Xiang Xiaohua , Zhang Dian , Mao Rui , Feng Yuhong
Published: December 2011

Many applications and protocols in wireless sensor networks need to know the locations of sensor nodes. A low-cost method to localize sensor nodes is to use received signal strength indication (RSSI) ranging technique together with the least-squares trilateration. However, the average localization error of this method is large due to the large ranging error of RSSI ranging technique. To reduce the average localization error, we propose a localization algorithm based on maximum a posteriori. This algorithm uses the Baye's formula to deduce the probability density of each sensor node's distribution in the target region from RSSI values. Then, each sensor node takes the point with the maximum probability density as its estimated location. Through simulation studies, we show that this algorithm outperforms the least-squares trilateration with respect to the average localization error.
Some Convexity Properties of Certain General Integral Operators
Authors: Macarie Vasile Marius , Breaz Daniel
Published: December 2011

The main object of the present paper is to discuss some extensions of certain integral operators and to obtain their order of convexity. Several other closely related results are also considered.
Pseudovaluations on WFI Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Kang Min Su , Roh Eun Hwan
Published: December 2011

Using Buşneag's model, the notion of pseudovaluations (valuations) on a WFI algebra is introduced, and a pseudometric is induced by a pseudovaluation on WFI algebras. Given a valuation with additional condition, we show that the binary operation in WFI algebras is uniformly continuous.
General-Purpose Genotype or How Epigenetics Extend the Flexibility of a Genotype
Authors: Massicotte Rachel , Angers Bernard
Published: December 2011

This project aims at investigating the link between individual epigenetic variability (not related to genetic variability) and the variation of natural environmental conditions. We studied DNA methylation polymorphisms of individuals belonging to a single genetic lineage of the clonal diploid fish Chrosomus eos-neogaeus sampled in seven geographically distant lakes. In spite of a low number of informative fragments obtained from an MSAP analysis, individuals of a given lake are epigenetically similar, and methylation profiles allow the clustering of individuals in two distinct groups of populations among lakes. More importantly, we observed a significant pH variation that is consistent with the two epigenetic groups. It thus seems that the genotype studied has the potential to respond differentially via epigenetic modifications under variable environmental conditions, making epigenetic processes a relevant molecular mechanism contributing to phenotypic plasticity over variable environments in accordance with the GPG model.
The “Special”crystal-StellateSystem inDrosophila melanogasterReveals Mechanisms Underlying piRNA Pathway-Mediated Canalization
Authors: Bozzetti Maria Pia , Fanti Laura , Di Tommaso Silvia , Piacentini Lucia , Berloco Maria , Tritto Patrizia , Specchia Valeria
Published: December 2011

The Stellate-made crystals formation in spermatocytes is the phenotypic manifestation of a disruptedcrystal-Stellateinteraction in testes ofDrosophila melanogaster. Stellatesilencing is achieved by the piRNA pathway, but many features still remain unknown. Here we outline the important role of thecrystal-Stellatemodifiers. These have shed light on the piRNA pathways that defend genome integrity against transposons and other repetitive elements in the gonads. In particular, we illustrate the finding that HSP90 participates in the molecular pathways of piRNA production. This observation has relevance for the mechanisms underlying the evolutionary canalization process.
A Tandem BMAP/G/1 → •/M/N/0 Queue with Group Occupation of Servers at the Second Station
Authors: Kim Chesoong , Dudin Alexander , Klimenok Valentina , Taramin Olga
Published: December 2011

We consider a two‐stage tandem queue with single‐server first station and multiserver second station. Customers arrive to Station 1 according to a batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP). A batch may consist of heterogeneous customers. The type of a customer is determined upon completion of a service at Station 1. The customer′s type is classified based on the number of servers required to process the request of the customer at Station 2. If the required number of servers is not available, the customer may leave
the system forever or block Station 1 by waiting for the required number of servers. We determine the
stationary distribution of the system states at embedded epochs and derive the Laplace‐Stieltjes transform
of the sojourn time distribution. Some key performance measures are calculated, and illustrative numerical
results are presented.
Application of Periapse Maps for the Design of Trajectories Near the Smaller Primary in Multi‐Body Regimes
Authors: Howell Kathleen C. , Davis Diane C. , Haapala Amanda F.
Published: December 2011

The success of the Genesis spacecraft, as well as the current Artemis mission, continue to generate interest in expanding the trajectory options for future science and exploration goals throughout the solar system. Incorporating multi‐body dynamics into the preliminary design can potentially offer flexibility and influence the maneuver costs to achieve certain objectives. In the current analysis, attention is focused on the development and application of design tools to facilitate preliminary trajectory design in a multi‐body environment. Within the context of the circular restricted three‐body problem, the evolution of a trajectory in the vicinity of the smaller primary is investigated. Introduced previously, periapse Poincaré maps have emerged as a valuable resource to predict both short‐ and long‐term trajectory behaviors. By characterizing the trajectories in terms of radius and periapse orientation relative to the P1‐P2 line, useful trajectories with a particular set of desired characteristics can be identified and computed.
The Split Common Fixed Point Problem for Total Asymptotically Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Chang S. S. , Wang L. , Tang Y. K. , Yang L.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this paper is to propose an algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problems for total asymptotically strictly pseudocontractive mappings in infinite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces. The results presented in the paper improve and extend some recent results of Moudafi (2011 and 2010), Xu (2010 and 2006), Censor and Segal (2009), Censor et al. (2005), Masad and Reich (2007), Censor et al. (2007), Yang (2004), and others.
Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Dysregulation in Defining Aggressiveness of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kulapaditharom Boonchu , Boonkitticharoen Vipa , Sritara Chanika
Published: December 2011

Background. High circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels tend to reflect tumor aggressiveness for being associated with tumor progression and prognosis. Measurement of soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) may improve diagnostic power of VEGF assay.Methods. This study investigated regulation of plasma VEGF by sVEGFR-1 in 82 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma compared with 32 healthy subjects to obtain information for assay characterization.Results. Normality or abnormality of VEGF/sVEGFR-1secretion patterns was rated into five diagnostic levels from definitely abnormal (likelihood ratios) (LRs = 4–∞) to definitely normal (LRs = 0–0.17). Because of ineffective VEGF regulation, high grade tumor had a greater chance (62.5%) than low grade tumor (20%) in expressing a definitely abnormal pattern and a lower chance to express the normal pattern (P=0.007). VEGF alone had much lower diagnostic power in differentiating between normal (LRs = 0.3–0.9) and abnormal secretion patterns (LRs = 2.2–2.4).Conclusions. VEGF dysregulation is suggestive of tumor aggressiveness for causing persistent plasma VEGF elevation. sVEGFR-1 improves diagnostic power of VEGF assay particularly in identifying subset of low grade tumor with underlying aggressive disease and ruling out aggressiveness in subset of high grade tumor.
Study of the Fractal and Multifractal Scaling Intervening in the Description of Fracture Experimental Data Reported by the Classical Work: Nature 308, 721–722(1984)
Authors: Constantin Liliana Violeta , Iordache Dan Alexandru
Published: December 2011

Starting from the experimental data referring to the main parameters of the fracture surfaces of some 300‐grade maraging steel reported by the classical work published in Nature 308, 721–722(1984), this work studied (a) the multifractal scaling by the main parameters of the slit islands of fracture surfaces produced by a uniaxial tensile loading and (b) the dependence of the impact energy to fracture and of the fractal dimensional increment on the temperature of the studied steels heat treatment, for the fracture surfaces produced by Charpy impact. The obtained results were analyzed, pointing out the spectral (size) distribution of the found slit islands in the frame of some specific clusters (fractal components of the multifractal scaling) of representative points of the logarithms of the slit islands areas and perimeters, respectively.
Rapid Molecular Detection Methods for Arboviruses of Livestock of Importance to Northern Europe
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Voller Katja , Phipps L. Paul , Mansfield Karen , Fooks Anthony R.
Published: December 2011

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) have been responsible for some of the most explosive epidemics of emerging infectious diseases over the past decade. Their impact on both human and livestock populations has been dramatic. The early detection either through surveillance or diagnosis of virus will be a critical feature in responding and resolving the emergence of such epidemics in the future. Although some of the most important emerging arboviruses are human pathogens, this paper aims to highlight those diseases that primarily affect livestock, although many are zoonotic and some occasionally cause human mortality. This paper also highlights the molecular detection methods specific to each virus and identifies those emerging diseases for which a rapid detection methods are not yet developed.
New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mehta Mona , Adem Abdu , Sabbagh Marwan
Published: December 2011

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) remains a highly viable target for the symptomatic improvement in Alzheimer's disease (AD) because cholinergic deficit is a consistent and early finding in AD. The treatment approach of inhibiting peripheral AchE for myasthenia gravis had effectively proven that AchE inhibition was a reachable therapeutic target. Subsequently tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine were developed and approved for the symptomatic treatment of AD. Since then, multiple cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) continue to be developed. These include newer ChEIs, naturally derived ChEIs, hybrids, and synthetic analogues. In this paper, we summarize the different types of ChEIs in development and their respective mechanisms of actions. This pharmacological approach continues to be active with many promising compounds.
Psychophysical Evaluation of Achromatic and Chromatic Vision of Workers Chronically Exposed to Organic Solvents
Authors: Lacerda Eliza Maria da Costa Brito , Lima Monica Gomes , Rodrigues Anderson Raiol , Teixeira Cláudio Eduardo Correa , de Lima Lauro José Barata , Ventura Dora Fix , Silveira Luiz Carlos de Lima
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate achromatic and chromatic vision of workers chronically exposed to organic solvents through psychophysical methods. Thirty-one gas station workers (31.5 ± 8.4 years old) were evaluated. Psychophysical tests were achromatic tests (Snellen chart, spatial and temporal contrast sensitivity, and visual perimetry) and chromatic tests (Ishihara's test, color discrimination ellipses, and Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test—FM100). Spatial contrast sensitivities of exposed workers were lower than the control at spatial frequencies of 20 and 30 cpd whilst the temporal contrast sensitivity was preserved. Visual field losses were found in 10–30 degrees of eccentricity in the solvent exposed workers. The exposed workers group had higher error values of FM100 and wider color discrimination ellipses area compared to the controls. Workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents had abnormal visual functions, mainly color vision losses and visual field constriction.
A Simple Framework for Face Photo‐Sketch Synthesis
Authors: Li Xuewei , Cao Xiaochun
Published: December 2011

This paper proposes a simple framework for face photo‐sketch synthesis. We first describe the shadow details on faces and extract the prominent facial feature by two‐scale decomposition using bilateral filtering. Then, we enhance the hair and some unapparent facial feature regions by combining the edge map and hair color similarity map. Finally, we obtain the face photo sketch by adding the results of the two processes. Compared with current methods, the proposed framework demands non feature localization, training or iteration process, creating vivid hair in sketch synthesis, and process arbitrary lighting conditions of input images, especially for complex self‐shadows. And more importantly, it can be easily expanded to natural scene. The effectiveness of the presented framework is evaluated on a variety of databases.
Primary Thyroid Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma of the Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Type: Clinical Manifestation and Outcome of a Rare Disease – Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma Study
Authors: Oh Sung Yong , Kim Won Seog , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Seok Jin , Lee Suee , Lee Dae Ho , Kang Hye Jin , Song Moo Kon , Kim Hyo Jung , Kwon Jung Hye , Kwak Jae-Yong , Park Byeong-Bae , Do Young-Rok , Jeong Seong Hyun , Suh Cheolwon
Published: December 2011

Purpose: Primary thyroid marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (pTY-MZL) is an extremely uncommon form of lymphoma. Due to its rarity, the natural history and optimal treatment modality for this disease have yet to be clearly established. Methods: A total of 27 patients with histologically confirmed pTY-MZL were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median age of our subjects was 53 years (range 25–82). This study involved 17 females (63.0%) and 10 males (37.0%). Twenty-four out of 27 patients (88.9%) initially presented with localized disease, defined by Ann Arbor stage I/II. Bone marrow involvement was detected in 8.3% of the patients (2 patients), and 91.7% of the patients (25 of 27) were categorized into the low or low-intermediate risk group, according to the International Prognostic Index criteria. Accompanying Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was detected in 72% of the patients, whereas thyroglobulin antibody levels were elevated in 70% of the patients. Twenty-six patients were treated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and 25 patients achieved complete remission. During the follow-up period, only 2 patients evidenced progression, and no deaths occurred over the course of the study. Conclusion: pTY-MZL tends to be an indolent disease. However, unlike other mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue site MZLs, pTY-MZL was well controlled via several treatment modalities, and the patients’ responses were sustained for a prolonged period.
New Insights Regarding Rationale, Therapeutic Target and Dose of Hemofiltration and Hybrid Therapies in Septic Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Honoré P.M. , Jacobs R. , Boer W. , Joannes-Boyau O. , De Regt J. , De Waele E. , Van Gorp V. , Collin V. , Spapen H.D.
Published: December 2011

Mediator removal from tissue (capillary blood compartment, CABC) and transport to the central circulation (central blood compartment, CEBC) must be effective. Effectiveness through a passive mechanism seems unlikely as the surface of CEBC (30 m2) is smaller than CABC (300 m2) whereby the former will be a limiting factor in passive transport. According to studies, a high exchange volume can induce an 80-fold increase in lymphatic flow. This results in displacement (active transport) of mediators to CEBC. Recent studies have shown that the delivered dose constitutes the mainstay of continuous renal replacement therapy. However, these results are not likely to change the recommendation: 35 ml/kg/h, adjusted for predilution, in septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Recently, studies were focusing on global intensive care unit AKI. In non-septic AKI, those studies show that 20–25 ml/kg/h was optimal. The DO-RE-MI trial underscored the importance of delivery which could be obtained by targeting doses between 5 and 10 ml/kg/h higher than prescribed. Until the IVOIRE trial becomes available, septic AKI should be treated by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration at 35 ml/kg/h. In non-septic AKI, 25 ml/kg/h remains optimal.
Sarcoid-Like Granulomatosis and Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: The ‘Great Imitator’
Authors: Kaikani Wafaa , Boyle Helen , Chatte Gérard , de la Roche Eric , Errihani Hassan , Droz Jean-Pierre , Fléchon Aude
Published: December 2011

Objectives: Only a few case reports and small case series of patients with sarcoidosis or sarcoid-like reaction and testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) have been reported in the literature. We performed a retrospective study of patients with testicular GCT managed at the Centre Léon-Bérard, who presented granulomatosis. Methods: We performed a computerized search to identify all male patients with both a diagnosis of sarcoidosis or granuloma and testicular tumors seen at the Centre Léon-Bérard between 1992 and 2008. Results: A total of 13 patients were identified among the 1,182 patients with testicular tumors. The median age at diagnosis of testicular GCT was 25.5 years. Six patients had stage I disease, 2 patients had stage IIb and 5 patients had stage III. Sarcoid-like granulomatosis was found in 9 patients at the time of initial diagnosis and in 4 patients during follow-up. Sarcoidosis presented mainly as pulmonary disease without severe organ involvement, with a benign evolution. Conclusion: We advise caution in the interpretation of clinical and histological findings in these patients. Sarcoid-like granulomatosis, a condition that can be combined with testicular cancer, should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of metastatic testicular tumors.
Finasteride Adherence-Associated Factors in Chinese Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients
Authors: Lin Yun-Hua , Jiang Yong-Guang , Wang Jun-Sheng , Luo Yong
Published: December 2011

Objectives: Medication noncompliance is a recognized problem worldwide. This study evaluated the factors associated with compliance, discontinuation and switching of finasteride among Chinese benign prostatic hyperplasia patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 682 outpatients newly diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prescribed with finasteride from January 2008 to December 2009, taken from a database. We evaluated their compliance by medication possession ratios, discontinuation and switching rate after the prescription for an average observation period of 15 months. Multiple association factors were identified and evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The crude compliance level, discontinuation and switching rates were 29.3, 60.6 and 10.1%, respectively. Older age (≧60 years), combination therapy, medical insurance and chronic comorbidities were positively associated with good compliance. Younger age was significantly associated with drug discontinuation or switching. Those patients on finasteride monotherapy and without medical insurance were significantly associated with discontinuation of drugs. Conclusions: Patients <60 years of age, on monotherapy and without medical insurance were less likely to be compliant with their newly initiated finasteride treatment. Consequently, more efforts should be made among this group to increase treatment adherence.
Therapeutic Neuroprotective Effects of XQ-1H in a Rat Model of Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Yang Qichuan , Fang Weirong , Lv Peng , Geng Xiaohan , Li Yunman , Sha Lan
Published: December 2011

Cerebral ischemia is one of the leading causes for death and severe disabilities in the world. XQ-1H exerts neuroprotective effects under various neurotoxic conditions in vitro. In vivo, it reduces brain damage after transient focal cerebral ischemia. The present study evaluated the dose effectiveness and therapeutic time window of neuroprotection of XQ-1H by behavioral and histological measures in rats subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Neurological deficits, TTC stain, brain water content, necrosis neuron counts, and Evans-Blue extravasation were used to quantify brain damage and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Our results demonstrated that postischemic treatment with XQ-1H at a dose of 31.2 mg/kg produced a significant reduction in neurological scores when treatment was initiated within 2 h of pMCAO. A similar improvement was also observed in infarct volume, brain water content, Evans-Blue extravasation, and neuronal necrosis when treatment was initiated within 1 h of pMCAO. Treatment with XQ-1H at the dose of 15.6 mg/kg within 1 h also produced significant improvement in ischemia deficit. In conclusion, the therapeutic time window of XQ-1H extends for up to 1 h after pMCAO, and treatment with XQ-1H exhibits potent neuroprotection that may be of value for the design of stroke therapies.
Punishment Leads to Cooperative Behavior in Structured Societies
Authors: Shutters Shade T.
Published: December 2011

Altruistic punishment occurs when an agent incurs a cost to punish another but receives no material benefit for doing so. Despite the seeming irrationality of such behavior, humans in laboratory settings routinely pay to punish others even in anonymous, one-shot settings. Costly punishment is ubiquitous among social organisms in general and is increasingly accepted as a mechanism for the evolution of cooperation. Yet if it is true that punishment explains cooperation, the evolution of altruistic punishment remains a mystery. In a series of computer simulations I give agents the ability to punish one another while playing a continuous prisoner's dilemma. In simulations without social structure, expected behavior evolves—agents do not punish and consequently no cooperation evolves. Likewise, in simulations with social structure but no ability to punish, no cooperation evolves. However, in simulations where agents are both embedded in a social structure and have the option to inflict costly punishment, cooperation evolves quite readily. This suggests a simple and broadly applicable explanation of cooperation for social organisms that have nonrandom social structure and a predisposition to punish one another. Results with scale-free networks further suggest that nodal degree distribution plays an important role in determining whether cooperation will evolve in a structured population.
Optimum Oil Production Planning Using Infeasibility Driven Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Singh Hemant Kumar , Ray Tapabrata , Sarker Ruhul
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we discuss a practical oil production planning optimization problem. For oil wells with insufficient reservoir pressure, gas is usually injected to artificially lift oil, a practice commonly referred to as enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The total gas that can be used for oil extraction is constrained by daily availability limits. The oil extracted from each well is known to be a nonlinear function of the gas injected into the well and varies between wells. The problem is to identify the optimal amount of gas that needs to be injected into each well to maximize the amount of oil extracted subject to the constraint on the total daily gas availability. The problem has long been of practical interest to all major oil exploration companies as it has the potential to derive large financial benefit. In this paper, an infeasibility driven evolutionary algorithm is used to solve a 56 well reservoir problem which demonstrates its efficiency in solving constrained optimization problems. Furthermore, a multi-objective formulation of the problem is posed and solved using a number of algorithms, which eliminates the need for solving the (single objective) problem on a regular basis. Lastly, a modified single objective formulation of the problem is also proposed, which aims to maximize the profit instead of the quantity of oil. It is shown that even with a lesser amount of oil extracted, more economic benefits can be achieved through the modified formulation.
Subgrid Model with Scaling Laws for Atmospheric Simulations
Authors: Kitsios Vassili , Frederiksen Jorgen S. , Zidikheri Meelis J.
Published: December 2011

Subgrid-scale parameterizations with self-similar scaling laws are developed for large-eddy simulations (LESs) of atmospheric flows. The key new contribution is the development of scaling laws that govern how these parameterizations depend on the LES resolution and flow strength. Both stochastic and deterministic representations of the effects of subgrid-scale eddies on the retained scales are considered. The stochastic subgrid model consists of a backscatter noise term and a drain eddy viscosity, while in the deterministic subgrid model the net effect of these two terms is represented by a net eddy viscosity. In both cases the subgrid transfers are calculated self-consistently from the statistics of higher-resolution-reference direct numerical simulations (DNSs). The dependence of the subgrid parameterizations on the resolution of the LESs is determined for DNSs having resolutions up to triangular 504 wavenumber truncations. The subgrid parameterizations are developed for typical large-scale atmospheric flows and for different strengths and spectra of kinetic energy within a quasigeostrophic spectral model. LESs using the stochastic and deterministic subgrid parameterizations are shown to replicate the kinetic energy spectra of the reference DNS at the scales of the LESs. It is found that the maximum strengths of the drain, net, and backscatter viscosities satisfy scaling laws dependent on the LES truncation wavenumber and that the dependence of these eddy viscosities on total wavenumber can also be written as essentially universal functions that depend on flow strength and resolution. The scaling laws make the subgrid-scale parameterizations more generally applicable in LESs and remove the need to generate them from reference DNSs.
Possible Impacts of Climate Change on Wind Gusts under Downscaled Future Climate Conditions over Ontario, Canada
Authors: Cheng Chad Shouquan , Li Guilong , Li Qian , Auld Heather , Fu Chao
Published: December 2011

Hourly/daily wind gust simulation models and regression-based downscaling methods were developed to assess possible impacts of climate change on future hourly/daily wind gust events over the province of Ontario, Canada. Since the climate/weather validation process is critical, a formal model result verification process has been built into the analysis to ascertain whether the methods are suitable for future projections. The percentage of excellent and good simulations among all studied seven wind gust categories ranges from 94% to 100% and from 69% to 95%, respectively, for hourly and daily wind gusts, for both model development and validation.

The modeled results indicate that frequencies of future hourly/daily wind gust events are projected to increase late this century over the study area under a changing climate. For example, across the study area, the annual mean frequency of future hourly wind gust events ≥28, ≥40, and ≥70 km h−1 for the period 2081–2100 derived from the ensemble of downscaled eight-GCM A2 simulations is projected to be about 10%–15%, 10%–20%, and 20%–40% greater than the observed average during the period 1994–2007, respectively. The corresponding percentage increase for future daily wind gust events is projected to be <10%, ~10%, and 15%–25%. Inter-GCM-model and interscenario uncertainties of future wind gust projections were quantitatively assessed. On average, projected percentage increases in frequencies of future hourly/daily wind gust events ≥28 and ≥40 km h−1 are about 90%–100% and 60%–80% greater than inter-GCM-model–interscenario uncertainties, respectively. For wind gust events ≥70 km h−1, the corresponding projected percentage increases are about 25%–35% greater than the interscenario uncertainties and are generally similar to inter-GCM-model uncertainties.