bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of resident peer-to-peer education on compliance with urinary catheter placement indications in the emergency department
Authors: Dyc Nicholas G , Pena Margarita E , Shemes Stephen P , Rey Janice E , Szpunar Susan M , Fakih Mohamad G
Published: October 2011

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effect of resident peer-to-peer education on knowledge of appropriate urinary catheter (UC) placement in the emergency department (ED) and to determine if this translates into further reduction in UC utilisation.

Background

Instituting guidelines for appropriate UC placement reduces UC utilisation in the ED. No study has explored if resident education in a teaching hospital would further reduce UC utilisation.

Methods

An educational intervention implemented in February 2009 consisted of a lecture, distribution of pocket cards and a peer-administered weekly review of institutional UC guidelines. A 12-question multiple-choice test was given to residents prelecture and postlecture, and the 12-question test was repeated 3 months later. Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate UC utilisation before, immediately after and 3 months after the educational intervention.

Results

30 residents completed all three tests. Significant differences were found between the mean test score pre-education and the mean test score immediately after education (9.43±1.17 vs 10.87±1.46, p<0.001) and between the mean test score pre-education and the mean test score 3 months posteducation (9.43±1.17 vs 10.43±1.28, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in UC utilisation or in the proportion of indicated UCs placed by residents within the three study periods.

Conclusions

Resident peer-to-peer education was associated with improvement of knowledge but did not result in decreased UC utilisation. A more active approach must be taken and other factors need to be further explored to reduce unnecessary placement of UC by residents in the ED.
Prevalence of and risk factors for syphilis in Brazilian armed forces conscripts: Table 1
Authors: Ribeiro Denis , Rezende Erika Fazito , Pinto Valdir Monteiro , Mendes Pereira Gerson Fernando , Miranda Angélica Espinosa
Published: October 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of syphilis by geographical region and the frequency of behaviours and symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed with Brazilian conscripts in 2007. They answered a self-administered questionnaire on demographic issues, sexual practices, condom use and STD symptoms. They had a blood sample collected for a syphilis test.

Results

A total of 35 460 conscripts answered the questionnaire and 75.5% reported previous sexual intercourse. Overall syphilis prevalence was 0.53% (95% CI 0.45% to 0.61%). By geographical region: northern (0.85%), northeast (0.82%), midwest (0.49%), southeast (0.34%) and southern region (0.26%). The final logistic regression model showed an association among having had syphilis and being 17 years old (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.73), having up to 8 years of schooling (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.22), living in the northern/northeast region (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.36), being men who have sex with men (OR 4.5; 95% CI 2.59 to 7.81), reporting a previous history of STD (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.03 to 6.99) and genital ulcers (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.59 to 4.26).

Conclusions

Addressing young people at the time of military enlistment may be a good time to consider new strategies for accessing and counselling this population, thus allowing the implementation of a more appropriate healthcare policy.
The Late Cretaceous paleomagnetic field in North America: a South American perspective
Authors: Somoza Rubén
Published: October 2011

Determining the Late Cretaceous paleomagnetic pole for North America has been difficult because of the lack of suitable rocks of that age in cratonic areas to provide the necessary data. As an alternative, different studies have appealed to paleomagnetic data from rocks in western North America. Using paleopoles from stable areas in neighboring continents, it is suggested that the available Late Cretaceous paleomagnetic record in western North America should be analyzed in terms of rigid body deformations rather than be used to represent the cratonic reference field.
ULTRA-HIGH ENERGY NEUTRINO DISPERSION IN PLASMA AND RADIATIVE TRANSITION νL → νR+γ
Authors: KUZNETSOV A. V. , MIKHEEV N. V. , SHITOVA A. M.
Published: October 2011

Qualitative analysis of additional energy of neutrino and antineutrino in plasma is performed. A general expression for the neutrino self-energy operator is obtained in the case of ultra-high energies when the local limit of the weak interaction is not valid. The neutrino and antineutrino additional energy in plasma is calculated using the dependence of the W- and Z-boson propagators on the momentum transferred. The kinematical region for the neutrino radiative transition (the so-called "neutrino spin light") is established for some important astrophysical cases. For high energy neutrino and antineutrino, dominating transition channels in plasma, νe + e+ → W+, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are indicated.
HEISENBERG DOUBLE VERSUS DEFORMED DERIVATIVES
Authors: ŠKODA ZORAN
Published: October 2011

Two approaches to the tangent space of a noncommutative space whose coordinate algebra is the enveloping algebra of a Lie algebra are known: the Heisenberg double construction and the approach via deformed derivatives, usually defined by procedures involving orderings among noncommutative coordinates or equivalently involving realizations via formal differential operators. In an earlier work, we rephrased the deformed derivative approach introducing certain smash product algebra twisting a semicompleted Weyl algebra. We show here that the Heisenberg double in the Lie algebra case, is isomorphic to that product in a nontrivial way, involving a datum ϕ parametrizing the orderings or realizations in other approaches. This way, we show that the two different formalisms, used by different communities, for introducing the noncommutative phase space for the Lie algebra type noncommutative spaces are mathematically equivalent.
ENTROPY CREATION IN RELATIVISTIC HEAVY ION COLLISIONS
Authors: MÜLLER BERNDT , SCHÄFER ANDREAS
Published: October 2011

We review current ideas on entropy production during the different stages of a relativistic nuclear collision. This includes recent results on decoherence entropy and the entropy produced during the hydrodynamic phase by viscous effects. We start by a discussion of decoherence caused by gluon bremsstrahlung in the very first interactions of gluons from the colliding nuclei. We then present a general framework, based on the Husimi distribution function, for the calculation of entropy growth in quantum field theories, which is applicable to the early ("glasma") phase of the collision during which most of the entropy is generated. The entropy calculated from the Husimi distribution exhibits linear growth when the quantum field contains unstable modes and the growth rate is asymptotically equal to the Kolmogorov–Sinaï entropy. We outline how the approach can be used to investigate the problem of entropy production in a relativistic heavy ion reaction from first principles. We show that the same result can be obtained in the framework of a completely different approach called eigenstate thermalization hypothesis. Finally we discuss some recent results on entropy production in the strong coupling limit, as obtained from AdS/CFT duality.
NONEXISTENCE OF PSEUDO-CANONICAL LIFTINGS
Authors: FINOTTI LUÍS R. A.
Published: October 2011

In this paper we show that pseudo-canonical liftings do not exist, by showing that if j0 ↦ (j0, J1(j0), J2(j0),…) is the map that gives canonical liftings for ordinary j0, then J2 has a pole at j0 = 1728 if p ≡ 3 ( mod 4) and J3 has a pole at j0 = 0 if p ≡ 5 ( mod 6). Moreover, precise descriptions of J2 and J3 are given.
THE ITERATED INTEGRALS OF ln(1 + xn)
Authors: AMDEBERHAN TEWODROS , KOUTSCHAN CHRISTOPH , MOLL VICTOR H. , ROWLAND ERIC S.
Published: October 2011

For a polynomial P, we consider the sequence of iterated integrals of ln P(x). This sequence is expressed in terms of the zeros of P(x). In the special case of ln (1 + x2), arithmetic properties of certain coefficients arising are described. Similar observations are made for ln (1 + x3).
TWO CONGRUENCES FOR APPELL–LERCH SUMS
Authors: CHAN SONG HENG , MAO RENRONG
Published: October 2011

Two congruences are proved for an infinite family of Appell–Lerch sums. As corollaries, special cases imply congruences for some of the mock theta functions of order two, six and eight.
ASYMPTOTICS OF THE WEIGHTED DELANNOY NUMBERS
Authors: NOBLE ROB
Published: October 2011

The weighted Delannoy numbers give a weighted count of lattice paths starting at the origin and using only minimal east, north and northeast steps. Full asymptotic expansions exist for various diagonals of the weighted Delannoy numbers. In the particular case of the central weighted Delannoy numbers, certain weights give rise to asymptotic coefficients that lie in a number field. In this paper we apply a generalization of a method of Stoll and Haible to obtain divisibility properties for the asymptotic coefficients in this case. We also provide a similar result for a special case of the diagonal with slope 2.
IDENTITIES AND CONGRUENCES FOR A NEW SEQUENCE
Authors: SUN ZHI-HONG
Published: October 2011

Let [x] be the greatest integer not exceeding x. In the paper we introduce the sequence {Un} given by U0 = 1 and [Formula: see text], and establish many recursive formulas and congruences involving {Un}.
Systemic administration of anti-NGF increases A-type potassium currents and decreases pancreatic nociceptor excitability in a rat model of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Zhu Yaohui , Mehta Kshama , Li Cuiping , Xu Guang-Yin , Liu Liansheng , Colak Tugba , Shenoy Mohan , Pasricha Pankaj Jay
Published: October 2011

We have previously shown that pancreatic sensory neurons in rats with chronic pancreatitis (CP) display increased excitability associated with a decrease in transient inactivating potassium currents ( IA), thus accounting in part for the hyperalgesia associated with this condition. Because of its well known role in somatic hyperalgesia, we hypothesized a role for the nerve growth factor (NGF) in driving these changes. CP was induced by intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. After 3 wk, anti-NGF antibody or control serum was injected intra-peritoneally daily for 1 wk. This protocol was repeated in another set of experiments in control rats (receiving intraductal PBS instead of TNBS). Pancreatic nociceptors labeled with the dye Dil were identified, and patch-clamp recordings were made from acutely dissociated DRG neurons. Sensory neurons from anti-NGF-treated rats displayed a lower resting membrane potential, increased rheobase, decreased burst discharges in response to stimulatory current, and decreased input resistance compared with those treated with control serum. Under voltage-clamp condition, neuronal IAdensity was increased in anti-NGF-treated rats compared with rats treated with control serum. However, anti-NGF treatment had no effect on electrophysiological parameters in neurons from control rats. The expression of Kv-associated channel or ancillary genes Kv1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and DPP6, DPP10, and KCHIPs 1–4 in pancreas-specific nociceptors was examined by laser-capture microdissection and real-time PCR quantification of mRNA levels. No significant differences were seen among those. These findings emphasize a key role for NGF in maintaining neuronal excitability in CP specifically via downregulation of IAby as yet unknown mechanisms.
Curcumin inhibits interferon-γ signaling in colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Midura-Kiela Monica T. , Radhakrishnan Vijayababu M. , Larmonier Claire B. , Laubitz Daniel , Ghishan Fayez K. , Kiela Pawel R.
Published: October 2011

Curcumin (diferulolylmethane) is an anti-inflammatory phenolic compound found effective in preclinical models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and in ulcerative colitis patients. Pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its poor systemic bioavailability suggest that it targets preferentially intestinal epithelial cells. The intestinal epithelium, an essential component of the gut innate defense mechanisms, is profoundly affected by IFN-γ, which can disrupt the epithelial barrier function, prevent epithelial cell migration and wound healing, and prime epithelial cells to express major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules and to serve as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells. In this report we demonstrate that curcumin inhibits IFN-γ signaling in human and mouse colonocytes. Curcumin inhibited IFN-γ-induced gene transcription, including CII-TA, MHC-II genes (HLA-DRα, HLA-DPα1, HLA-DRβ1), and T cell chemokines (CXCL9, 10, and 11). Acutely, curcumin inhibited Stat1 binding to the GAS cis-element, prevented Stat1 nuclear translocation, and reduced Jak1 phosphorylation and phosphorylation of Stat1 at Tyr701. Longer exposure to curcumin led to endocytic internalization of IFNγRα followed by lysosomal fusion and degradation. In summary, curcumin acts as an IFN-γ signaling inhibitor in colonocytes with biphasic mechanisms of action, a phenomenon that may partially account for the beneficial effects of curcumin in experimental colitis and in human IBD.
SIRT1 inhibits the mouse intestinal motility and epithelial proliferation
Authors: Wang Yi , Shi Xuemei , Qi Jian , Li Xiaojie , Uray Karen , Guan Xinfu
Published: October 2011

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, is involved in a wide array of cellular processes including glucose homeostasis, energy metabolism, proliferation and apoptosis, and immune response. However, it is unknown whether SIRT1 plays any physiological role in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis and motility. Thus the aim was to define SIRT1 expression and function in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract under physiological conditions. Forty 12–14-wk-old SIRT1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fasted 21 h and/or refed 3 h. Fasted mice were injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (120 mg/kg body wt) 2 h before euthanasia. SIRT1 protein was localized to gastric and intestinal epithelial nuclei and was responsive to the nutritional status. SIRT1 was required for intestinal epithelial homeostasis. The SIRT1 KO mice showed enhanced crypt proliferation and suppressed villous apoptosis, resulting in increased intestinal villous height. In the SIRT1 KO intestine, the abundance of Forkhead box protein O1 and p53 protein decreased, whereas the subcellular localization of β-catenin protein accumulated mainly in the crypts. The SIRT1 KO mice showed accelerated gastric emptying rate with increased abundance of ghrelin mRNA and protein in the stomach. Moreover, the SIRT1 KO mouse intestine showed enhanced ex vivo spontaneous contraction. We concluded that, SIRT1 plays a critical role in the control of intestinal homeostasis (by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation) and gastrointestinal motility (by reducing gastric emptying and intestinal contractile activity), implicating a novel role for SIRT1.
Optical mapping of cryoinjured rat myocardium grafted with mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Costa Andrea R. , Panda Nikhil C. , Yong Sandro , Mayorga Maritza E. , Pawlowski Gary P. , Fan KeKe , Penn Marc S. , Laurita Kenneth R.
Published: October 2011

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve cardiac electrophysiology when administered in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. However, the electrophysiological phenotype of MSCs in situ is not clear. We hypothesize that MSCs delivered intramyocardially to cryoinjured myocardium can engraft, but will not actively generate, action potentials. Cryoinjury-induced scar was created on the left ventricular epicardial surface of adult rat hearts. Within 30 min, hearts were injected with saline (sham, n = 11) or bone marrow-derived MSCs (2 × 106) labeled with 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine percholate (DiI; n = 16). At 3 wk, optical mapping and cell isolation were used to measure optical action potentials and calcium transients, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed subepicardial scar thickness and the presence of DiI-positive cells that express connexin-43. Optical action potential amplitude within the scar at MSC-positive sites (53.8 ± 14.3%) was larger compared with sites devoid of MSCs (35.3 ± 14.2%, P < 0.05) and sites within the scar of shams (33.5 ± 6.9%, P < 0.05). Evidence of simultaneous action potential upstroke, the loss of action potential activity following ablation of adjacent viable myocardium, and no rapid calcium transient response in isolated DiI+ cells suggest that the electrophysiological influence of engrafted MSCs is electrotonic. MSCs can engraft when directly injected into a cryoinjury and are associated with evidence of action potential activity. However, our results suggest that this activity is not due to generation of action potentials, but rather passive influence coupled from neighboring viable myocardium.
Effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition on cardiovascular function in a hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic ischemia
Authors: Chu Louis M. , Robich Michael P. , Bianchi Cesario , Feng Jun , Liu Yuhong , Xu Shu-Hua , Burgess Thomas , Sellke Frank W.
Published: October 2011

The cardiovascular effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition remain controversial, especially in the setting of cardiovascular comorbidities. We examined the effects of nonselective and selective COX inhibition on cardiovascular function in a hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic ischemia. Twenty-four intact male Yorkshire swine underwent left circumflex ameroid constrictor placement and were subsequently given either no drug (HCC; n = 8), a nonselective COX inhibitor (440 mg/day naproxen; HCNS; n = 8), or a selective COX-2 inhibitor (200 mg/day celecoxib; HCCX; n = 8). After 7 wk, myocardial functional was measured and myocardium from the nonischemic ventricle and ischemic area-at-risk (AAR) were analyzed. Regional function as measured by segmental shortening was improved in the AAR of HCCX compared with HCC. There was no significant difference in perfusion to the nonischemic ventricle between groups, but myocardial perfusion in the AAR was significantly improved in the HCCX group compared with controls at rest and during pacing. Endothelium-dependent microvessel relaxation was diminished by ischemia in HCC animals, but both naproxen and celecoxib improved vessel relaxation in the AAR compared with controls, and also decreased the vasoconstrictive response to serotonin. Thromboxane levels in the AAR were decreased in both HCNS and HCCX compared with HCC, whereas prostacyclin levels were decreased only in HCNS, corresponding to a decrease in prostacyclin synthase expression. Chronic ischemia increased apoptosis in Troponin T negative cells and intramyocardial fibrosis, both of which were reduced by celecoxib administration in the AAR. Capillary density was decreased in both the HCNS and HCCX groups. Protein oxidative stress was decreased in both HCNS and HCCX, whereas lipid oxidative stress was decreased only in the HCCX group. Thus nonselective and especially selective COX inhibition may have beneficial myocardial effects in the setting of hypercholesterolemia and chronic ischemia. Whether these effects modulate cardiovascular risk in patients taking these drugs remains to be seen, but evidence to date suggests that they do not.
Calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells is altered in type 2 diabetes by Bcl-2 protein modulation of InsP3R calcium release channels
Authors: Velmurugan Gopal V. , White Carl
Published: October 2011

This study examines the extent to which the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xLcontribute to diabetic Ca2+dysregulation and vessel contractility in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through their interaction with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) intracellular Ca2+release channels. Measurements of intracellular ([Ca2+]i) and sarcoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]SR) calcium concentrations were made in primary cells isolated from diabetic ( db/db) and nondiabetic ( db/m) mice. In addition, [Ca2+]iand constriction were recorded simultaneously in isolated intact arteries. Protein expression levels of Bcl-xLbut not Bcl-2 were elevated in VSMCs isolated from db/db compared with db/m age-matched controls. In single cells, InsP3-evoked [Ca2+]isignaling was enhanced in VSMCs from db/db mice compared with db/m. This was attributed to alterations in the intrinsic properties of the InsP3R itself because there were no differences between db/db and db/m in the steady-state [Ca2+]SRor InsP3R expression levels. Moreover, in permeabilized cells the rate of InsP3R-dependent SR Ca2+release was increased in db/db compared with db/m VSMCs. The enhanced InsP3-dependent SR Ca2+release was attenuated by the Bcl-2 protein inhibitor ABT-737 only in diabetic cells. Application of ABT-737 similarly attenuated enhanced agonist-induced [Ca2+]isignaling only in intact aortic and mesenteric db/db vessels. In contrast, ABT-737 had no effect on agonist-evoked contractility in either db/db or db/m vessels. Taken together, the data suggest that in type 2 diabetes the mechanism for [Ca2+]idysregulation in VSMCs involves Bcl-2 protein-dependent increases in InsP3R excitability and that dysregulated [Ca2+]isignaling does not appear to contribute to increased vessel reactivity.
Isolation, bulk cultivation, and characterization of coronary microvascular pericytes: the second most frequent myocardial cell type in vitro
Authors: Nees Stephan , Weiss Dominik R. , Senftl Anton , Knott Maria , Förch Stefan , Schnurr Maximilian , Weyrich Peter , Juchem Gerd
Published: October 2011

Densely arranged pericytes engird the endothelial tube of all coronary microvessels. Since the experimental access to these abundant cells in situ is difficult, a prerequisite for broader investigation is the availability of sufficient numbers of fully differentiated pericytes in homogenous culture. To reach this goal, we applied strictly standardized cell isolation techniques, optimized culture methods and specific histological staining. Approximately 1,000-fold enriched pericytes were proteolytically detached from highly purified coronary microvascular networks (density gradient centrifugation) of eight mammalian species including human. Addition of species-autologous fetal or neonatal serum (10–20% vol/vol) was a precondition for longer term survival of homogenous pericyte cultures. This ensured optimal growth (doubling time <14 h) and full expression of pericyte-specific markers. In 3-mo, 1010pericytes (15 g) could be cultivated from 1 bovine heart. Pericytes could be stored in liquid N2, recultured, and passaged repeatedly without loss of typical features. In cocultures with EC or vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes transferred fluorescent calcein to each other and to EC via their antler-like extensions, organized angiogenetic sprouting of vessels, and rapidly activated coagulation factors X and II via tissue factor and prothrombinase. The interconnected pericytes of the coronary system are functionally closely correlated with the vascular endothelium and may play key roles in the adjustment of local blood flow, the regulation of angiogenic processes, and the induction of procoagulatory processes. Their successful bulk cultivation enables direct experimental access under defined in vitro conditions and the isolation of pericyte specific antigens for the production of specific antibodies.
p21-activated kinase improves cardiac contractility during ischemia-reperfusion concomitant with changes in troponin-T and myosin light chain 2 phosphorylation
Authors: Monasky Michelle M. , Taglieri Domenico M. , Patel Bindiya G. , Chernoff Jonathan , Wolska Beata M. , Ke Yunbo , Solaro R. John
Published: October 2011

p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) is a serine/threonine kinase that activates protein phosphatase 2a, resulting in the dephosphorylation of cardiac proteins and increased myofilament Ca2+sensitivity. Emerging evidence indirectly indicates a role for Pak1 in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), but direct evidence is lacking. We hypothesize that activation of the Pak1 signaling pathway is a cardioprotective mechanism that prevents or reverses the detrimental effects of ischemic injury by inducing posttranslational modifications in myofilament proteins that ultimately improve cardiac contractility following ischemic insult. In the present study, we subjected ex vivo hearts from wild-type (WT) and Pak1-knockout (KO) mice to 20 min of global cardiac ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. In the absence of Pak1, there was an exacerbation of the increased end-diastolic pressure and reduced left ventricular developed pressure occurring after I/R injury. ProQ analysis revealed an increase in troponin-T phosphorylation at baseline in Pak1-KO hearts compared with WT. Significantly decreased myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) phosphorylation in Pak1-KO hearts compared with WT after I/R injury was confirmed by Western immunoblotting. These data indicate that Pak1-KO hearts have reduced recovery of myocardial performance after global I/R injury concomitant with changes in troponin-T and MLC2 phosphorylation. Finally, a protein-protein association between Pak1 and MLC2, and Pak1 and troponin-T, was determined by coimmunoprecipitation. Thus, results of our study provide a basis for targeting a novel pathway, including Pak1, in the therapies for patients with ischemic events.
Regional skeletal muscle remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction in right ventricular heart failure
Authors: Wüst Rob C. I. , Myers David S. , Stones Rachel , Benoist David , Robinson Philip A. , Boyle John P. , Peers Chris , White Ed , Rossiter Harry B.
Published: October 2011

Exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom of right ventricular heart failure (RV HF) and skeletal muscle adaptations play a role in this limitation. We determined regional remodeling of muscle structure and mitochondrial function in a rat model of RV HF induced by monocrotaline injection (MCT; 60 mg·kg−1; n = 11). Serial sections of the plantaris were stained for fiber type, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity and capillaries. Mitochondrial function was assessed in permeabilized fibers using respirometry, and isolated complex activity by blue native gel electrophoresis (BN PAGE). All measurements were compared with saline-injected control animals (CON; n = 12). Overall fiber cross-sectional area was smaller in MCT than CON: 1,843 ± 114 vs. 2,322 ± 120 μm2 ( P = 0.009). Capillary-to-fiber ratio was lower in MCT in the oxidative plantaris region (1.65 ± 0.09 vs. 1.93 ± 0.07; P = 0.03), but not in the glycolytic region. SDH activity ( P = 0.048) and maximal respiratory rate ( P = 0.012) were each ∼15% lower in all fibers in MCT. ADP sensitivity was reduced in both skeletal muscle regions in MCT ( P = 0.032), but normalized by rotenone. A 20% lower complex I/IV activity in MCT was confirmed by BN PAGE. MCT-treatment was associated with lower mitochondrial volume density (lower SDH activity), quality (lower complex I activity), and fewer capillaries per fiber area in oxidative skeletal muscle. These features are consistent with structural and functional remodeling of the determinants of oxygen supply potential and utilization that may contribute to exercise intolerance and reduced quality of life in patients with RV HF.
The story so far: post-translational regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors by ubiquitination and SUMOylation
Authors: Wadosky Kristine M. , Willis Monte S.
Published: October 2011

Many studies have implicated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family of nuclear receptor transcription factors in regulating cardiac substrate metabolism and ATP generation. Recently, evidence from a variety of cell culture and organ systems has implicated ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) conjugation as post-translational modifications that regulate the activity of PPAR transcription factors and their coreceptors/coactivators. Here we introduce the ubiquitin and SUMO conjugation systems and extensively review how they have been shown to regulate all three PPAR isoforms (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) in addition to the retinoid X receptor and PPARγ coactivator-1α subunits of the larger PPAR transcription factor complex. We then present how the specific ubiquitin (E3) ligases have been implicated and review emerging evidence that post-translational modifications of PPARs with ubiquitin and/or SUMO may play a role in cardiac disease. Because PPAR activity is perturbed in a variety of forms of heart disease and specific proteins regulate this process (E3 ligases), this may be a fruitful area of investigation with respect to finding new therapeutic targets.
Phosphodiesterases and subcellular compartmentalized cAMP signaling in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Stangherlin Alessandra , Zaccolo Manuela
Published: October 2011

Phosphodiesterases are key enzymes in the cAMP signaling cascade. They convert cAMP in its inactive form 5′-AMP and critically regulate the intensity and the duration of cAMP-mediated signals. Multiple isoforms exist that possess different intracellular distributions, different affinities for cAMP, and different catalytic and regulatory properties. This complex repertoire of enzymes provides a multiplicity of ways to modulate cAMP levels, to integrate more signaling pathways, and to respond to the specific needs of the cell within distinct subcellular domains. In this review we summarize key findings on phosphodiesterase compartmentalization in the cardiovascular system.
Distribution and surfactant association of carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 6 in human lung
Authors: Chapin Cheryl , Bailey Nicole A. , Gonzales Linda W. , Lee Jae-Woo , Gonzalez Robert F. , Ballard Philip L.
Published: October 2011

Carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a glycosylated, glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored protein expressed in epithelial cells of various primate tissues. It binds gram-negative bacteria and is overexpressed in human cancers. CEACAM6 is associated with lamellar bodies of cultured type II cells of human fetal lung and protects surfactant function in vitro. In this study, we characterized CEACAM6 expression in vivo in human lung. CEACAM6 was present in lung lavage of premature infants at birth and increased progressively in intubated infants with lung disease. Of surfactant-associated CEACAM6, ∼80% was the fully glycosylated, 90-kDa form that contains the glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, and the concentration (3.9% of phospholipid for adult lung) was comparable to that for surfactant proteins (SP)-A/B/C. We examined the affinity of CEACAM6 by purification of surfactant on density gradient centrifugation; concentrations of CEACAM6 and SP-B per phospholipid were unchanged, whereas levels of total protein and SP-A decreased by 60%. CEACAM6 mRNA content decreased progressively from upper trachea to peripheral fetal lung, whereas protein levels were similar in all regions of adult lung, suggesting proximal-to-distal developmental expression in lung epithelium. In adult lung, most type I cells and ∼50% of type II cells were immunopositive. We conclude that CEACAM6 is expressed by alveolar and airway epithelial cells of human lung and is secreted into lung-lining fluid, where fully glycosylated protein binds to surfactant. Production appears to be upregulated during neonatal lung disease, perhaps related to roles of CEACAM6 in surfactant function, cell proliferation, and innate immune defense.
On Generalized Transitive Matrices
Authors: Jiang Jing , Shu Lan , Tian Xinan
Published: October 2011

Transitivity of generalized fuzzy matrices over a special type of semiring is considered.
The semiring is called incline algebra which generalizes Boolean algebra, fuzzy algebra, and
distributive lattice. This paper studies the transitive incline matrices in detail. The transitive closure of an incline matrix is studied, and the convergence for powers of transitive
incline matrices is considered. Some properties of compositions of incline matrices are also
given, and a new transitive incline matrix is constructed from given incline matrices. Finally,
the issue of the canonical form of a transitive incline matrix is discussed. The results obtained here generalize the corresponding ones on fuzzy matrices and lattice matrices shown
in the references.
A 225 kW Direct Driven PM Generator Adapted to a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Eriksson S. , Bernhoff H. , Leijon M.
Published: October 2011

A unique direct driven permanent magnet synchronous generator has been designed and constructed. Results from simulations as well as from the first experimental tests are presented. The generator has been specifically designed to be directly driven by a vertical axis wind turbine and has an unusually low reactance. Generators for wind turbines with full variable speed should maintain a high efficiency for the whole operational regime. Furthermore, for this application, requirements are placed on high generator torque capability for the whole operational regime. These issues are elaborated in the paper and studied through simulations. It is shown that the generator fulfils the expectations. An electrical control can effectively substitute a mechanical pitch control. Furthermore, results from measurements of magnetic flux density in the airgap and no load voltage coincide with simulations. The electromagnetic simulations of the generator are performed by using an electromagnetic model solved in a finite element environment.
Using Artificial Neural Network for Predicting Impurity Concentration in Solid Diffusion Process under Insufficient Input Parameters
Authors: Muslih Iyad M. , Mansour Mohammad A. , Ramadan Saleem Z.
Published: October 2011

An ANN model is proposed to predict the impurity concentration in solid diffusion process when the diffusion coefficient is not known using back-propagation learning technique based on insufficient data for analytical solution. The proposed model was very competitive against the analytical method as the results showed high-performance results with minimal amount of error comparing to the analytical method. Moreover, the proposed ANN model can be used where the analytical methods cannot as in some situations wherethe diffusion coefficient is not available
Efficacy, Tolerability, and Acceptability of Iron Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex versus Ferrous Sulfate: A Randomized Trial in Pediatric Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Yasa Beril , Agaoglu Leyla , Unuvar Emin
Published: October 2011

Iron polymaltose complex (IPC) offers similar efficacy with superior tolerability to ferrous sulfate in adults, but randomized trials in children are rare. In a prospective, open-label, 4-month study, 103 children aged >6 months with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were randomized to IPC once daily or ferrous sulfate twice daily, (both 5 mg iron/kg/day). Mean increases in Hb to months 1 and 4 with IPC were1.2±0.9 g/dL and2.3±1.3 g/dL, respectively, (bothP=0.001versus baseline) and1.8±1.7 g/dL and3.0±2.3 g/dL with ferrous sulfate (bothP=0.001versus baseline) (n.s. between groups). Gastrointestinal adverse events occurred in 26.9% and 50.9% of IPC and ferrous sulfate patients, respectively (P=0.012). Mean acceptability score at month 4 was superior with IPC versus ferrous sulfate (1.63±0.56versus2.14±0.75,P=0.001). Efficacy was comparable with IPC and ferrous sulfate over a four-month period in children with IDA, but IPC was associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events and better treatment acceptability.
Influence of Cathode Diameter on the Operation of a Planar Diode with an Explosive Emission Cathode
Authors: Isakova Yulia I. , Kholodnaya Galina E. , Pushkarev Alexander I.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations into the current-voltage characteristics of a planar diode with an explosive emission cathode made from graphite. Studies were performed using a TEU-500 pulsed electron accelerator (350–500 keV, 100 ns, 250 J per pulse). Duration of diode operation, in a mode when electron current is limited by the emissive ability of the graphite cathode, is 15–20 ns. The contribution of the cathode periphery to total electron current appears only as an increase in the emissive surface area due to an expansion of explosive plasma. Investigations of an ion diode with a graphite cathode (plane and focusing geometry) were also carried out. Experiments were performed using a TEMP-4M ion accelerator, which forms two nanosecond pulses: the first negative pulse (150–200 kV, 300–600 ns) followed by the second positive (250–300 kV, 150 ns). Total diode current in the first pulse is well described by the Child-Langmuir law for electron current at a constant rate of plasma expansion, equal to 1.3 cm/μs. It is shown that for an area of flat cathode over 25 cm2, the influence of edge contribution does not exceed measurement error of total diode electron current (10%).
Sum-Frequency Generation of High-Energy and High-Beam-Quality Ultraviolet Pulses
Authors: Farsund Oystein , Rustad Gunnar
Published: October 2011

Sum-frequency generation of UV pulses exceeding 25 mJ and with beam quality has been demonstrated by mixing the third harmonic pulses of a flash lamp pumped 1.06 μm Nd:YAG laser with 1.7 μm pulses from an optical parametric oscillator pumped by the same laser in a compact setup.
Retina and Omega-3
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Forte Raimondo , Souied Eric H.
Published: October 2011

Over the last decade, several epidemiological studies based on food frequency questionnaires suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could have a protective role in reducing the onset and progression of retinal diseases. The retina has a high concentration of omega-3, particularly DHA, which optimizes fluidity of photoreceptor membranes, retinal integrity, and visual function. Furthermore, many studies demonstrated that DHA has a protective, for example antiapoptotic, role in the retina. From a nutritional point of view, it is known that western populations, particularly aged individuals, have a higher than optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio and should enrich their diet with more fish consumption or have DHA supplementation. This paper underscores the potential beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids on retinal diseases.
Correlation between Endosonographic and Doppler Ultrasound Features of Portal Hypertension in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Wiechowska-Kozłowska A. , Zasada K. , Milkiewicz M. , Milkiewicz P.
Published: October 2011

Purpose. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) permits the detailed visualization of clinically significant features of portal hypertension; however, it is an invasive procedure that is not widely available. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the features of portal hypertension detected using both Doppler ultrasound and EUS in subjects with liver cirrhosis.Materials and Methods. Analyzed cohort included 42 patients who underwent a detailed Doppler ultrasound focusing on the parameters of blood flow in the portal/splenic vein as well as an endoscopic/EUS procedure that included the assessment of the size and localization of “deep” varices.Results. The size of “deep” oesophageal varices detected with EUS exhibited no correlation with the parameters assessed by Doppler ultrasound. However, the size of the “deep” gastric varices detected using EUS correlated with the time averaged maximum velocity (Tmaxas well asVmin,Vmax) for the portal vein using Doppler ultrasound and exhibited a correlation with theVmaxandTmaxfor the splenic vein. No significant correlation was determined between the diameter of the azygous vein and the thickness of the gastric wall when seen on EUS versus the parameters measured with Doppler ultrasound.Conclusion. EUS provides important information regarding the features of portal hypertension, and in the case of “deep” oesophageal varices exhibits a limited correlation with the parameters detected by Doppler ultrasound. Thus, despite its invasiveness, EUS is a method that provides a reliable and unique assessment of the features of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Effects of Paper-Mill Sludge as a Mulch versus Topsoil Incorporation on Potassium Uptake and the Grain Yield of Rain-Fed Wheat in a High Specific Surface Loess Soil with Illite Dominance in Clay Fraction
Authors: Amini S. , Movahedi Naeini S. A. R. , Mashayekhi K.
Published: October 2011

A field experiment with rain-fed winter wheat investigated the nutritional aspects of paper-mill sludge as a mulch and incorporated into the topsoil. Treatments with chemical fertilizers were also used as controls. Paper-mill sludge used as mulch with high rate (100 MG ha−1) and also the combined N and K mineral fertilizer treatments increased yield when a low potassium otherwise caused potassium deficiency in wheat with high specific surface soil. High soil Ca : K molar ratio by incorporation lowered potassium uptake and yield, with visual symptoms of potassium deficiency. A very high Gapon selectivity coefficient (KG) for K exchange against Ca + Mg (16.58 (L/mole)0.5) produced a nonlinear normalized exchange isotherm in favor of potassium with these soils containing high illite. Ca and K which are released by sludge decomposition are diverged in soil when mobilized by rain infiltration, lowering Ca : K molar ratio. Low soil Ca : K molar ratio may be expected by surface sludge application relative to incorporation, due to greater rain infiltration through upper soil layers and their effluent pore volumes per unit depth. Ca from triple superphosphate by the P, N, and K mineral fertilizers combined also reduced potassium uptake and yield relative to N and K combined.
Host-Parasite Relationship in Cystic Echinococcosis: An Evolving Story
Authors: Siracusano Alessandra , Delunardo Federica , Teggi Antonella , Ortona Elena
Published: October 2011

The larval stage ofEchinococcus granulosuscauses cystic echinococcosis, a neglected infectious disease that constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries. Despite being under constant barrage by the immune system,E. granulosusmodulates antiparasite immune responses and persists in the human hosts with detectable humoral and cellular responses against the parasite.In vitroandin vivoimmunological approaches, together with molecular biology and immunoproteomic technologies, provided us exciting insights into the mechanisms involved in the initiation ofE. granulosusinfection and the consequent induction and regulation of the immune response. Although the last decade has clarified many aspects of host-parasite relationship in human cystic echinococcosis, establishing the full mechanisms that cause the disease requires more studies. Here, we review some of the recent developments and discuss new avenues in this evolving story ofE. granulosusinfection in man.
The LMP7-K Allele of the Immunoproteasome Exhibits Reduced Transcript Stability and Predicts High Risk of Colon Cancer
Authors: Fellerhoff Barbara , Gu Songhai , Laumbacher Barbara , Nerlich Andreas G. , Weiss Elisabeth H. , Glas Jürgen , Kopp Reinhard , Johnson Judith P. , Wank Rudolf
Published: October 2011

Destruction of cancer cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes depends on immunogenic tumor peptides generated by proteasomes and presented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Functional differences arising from alleles of immunoproteasome subunits have not been recognized so far. We analyzed the genetic polymorphism of the immunoproteasome subunits LMP2 and LMP7 and of the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP1 and TAP2) in two independently collected panels of colorectal carcinoma patients (N1 = 112, N2 = 62; controls, N = 165). High risk of colon cancer was associated with the LMP7-K/Q genotype (OR = 8.10, P = 1.10 × 10−11) and low risk with the LMP7-Q/Q genotype (OR = 0.10, P = 5.97 × 10−13). The basis for these distinct associations of LMP7 genotypes was functionally assessed by IFN-γ stimulation of colon carcinoma cell lines (N = 10), followed by analyses of mRNA expression of HLA class I, TAP1, TAP2, and LMP7, with real-time PCR. Whereas induction of HLA-B, TAP1, and TAP2 was comparable in all cell lines, transcript amounts of LMP7-Q increased 10-fold, but of LMP7-K only 3.8-fold. This correlated with a reduced transcript stability of LMP7-K (t½ ≈ 7 minutes) compared with LMP7-Q (t½ ≈ 33 minutes). In addition, LMP7-Q/Q colon carcinoma cells increased (the peptide based) HLA class I surface expression significantly after IFN-γ stimulation, whereas LMP7-Q/K and LMP7-K/K carcinoma cells showed minimal (<20%) changes. These results suggest that the presence of LMP7-K can reduce the formation of immunoproteasomes and thus peptide processing, followed by reduced peptide–HLA presentation, a crucial factor in the immune response against cancer. Cancer Res; 71(23); 7145–54. ©2011 AACR.
Thrombospondin-1 Triggers Cell Migration and Development of Advanced Prostate Tumors
Authors: Firlej Virginie , Mathieu Jacques R.R. , Gilbert Cristèle , Lemonnier Loïc , Nakhlé Jessica , Gallou-Kabani Catherine , Guarmit Basma , Morin Aurélie , Prevarskaya Natalia , Delongchamps Nicolas Barry , Cabon Florence
Published: October 2011

The antitumor effects of pharmacologic inhibitors of angiogenesis are hampered in patients by the rapid development of tumor resistance, notably through increased invasiveness and accelerated metastasis. Here, we reevaluated the role of the endogenous antiangiogenic thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) in prostate carcinomas in which angiogenesis is an active process. In xenografted tumors, we observed that TSP1 altogether inhibited angiogenesis and fostered tumor development. Our results show that TSP1 is a potent stimulator of prostate tumor cell migration. This effect required CD36, which also mediates TSP1 antiangiogenic activity, and was mimicked by an antiangiogenic TSP1-derived peptide. As suspected for pharmacologic inhibitors of angiogenesis, the TSP1 capacities to increase hypoxia and to trigger cell migration are thus inherently linked. Importantly, although antiangiogenic TSP1 increases hypoxia in vivo, our data show that, in turn, hypoxia induced TSP1, thus generating a vicious circle in prostate tumors. In radical prostatectomy specimens, we found TSP1 expression significantly associated with invasive tumors and with tumors which eventually recurred. TSP1 may thus help select patients at risk of prostate-specific antigen relapse. Together, the data suggest that intratumor disruption of the hypoxic cycle through TSP1 silencing will limit tumor invasion. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7649–58. ©2011 AACR.
Plasminogen Receptor S100A10 Is Essential for the Migration of Tumor-Promoting Macrophages into Tumor Sites
Authors: Phipps Kyle D. , Surette Alexi P. , O'Connell Paul A. , Waisman David M.
Published: October 2011

Macrophages are critical drivers of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Movement of macrophages into tumors requires the activity of cell surface proteases such as plasmin. In this study, we offer genetic evidence that plasminogen receptor S100A10 is essential for recruitment of macrophages to the tumor site. Growth of murine Lewis lung carcinomas or T241 fibrosarcomas was dramatically reduced in S100A10-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. The tumor growth deficit corresponded with a decrease in macrophage density that could be rescued by intraperitoneal injection of wild-type but not S100A10-deficient macrophages. Notably, macrophages of either genotype could rescue tumor growth if they were injected into the tumor itself, establishing that S100A10 was required specifically for the migratory capability needed for tumor homing. Conversely, selective depletion of macrophages from wild-type mice phenocopied the tumor growth deficit seen in S100A10-deficient mice. Together, our findings show that S100A10 is essential and sufficient for macrophage migration to tumor sites, and they define a novel rate-limiting step in tumor progression. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6676–83. ©2011 AACR.