bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the Splenic Innate-like CD19+CD45Rlo Cell Population from Adult Mice in Homeostatic and Activated Conditions
Authors: de Andrés Belén , Prado Carmen , Palacios Beatriz , Alía Mario , Jagtap Sharmili , Serrano Natalia , Cortegano Isabel , Marcos Miguel Angel R. , Gaspar Maria Luisa
Published: July 2012

In the adult spleen, CD19+CD45R−/lo (19+45Rlo) lymphocytes of embryonic origin exist as a distinct population to that of the conventional B cell lineage. These cells display a plasmablast phenotype, and they spontaneously secrete IgG1 and IgA, whereas the bone marrow population of 19+45Rlo cells contains B1 progenitors. In this study, we show that 19+45Rlo cells are also present in Peyer’s patches and in the spleen throughout the life span of wild-type mice, beginning at postnatal day 7. Although this population is heterogeneous, the surface phenotype of most of these cells distinguishes them from follicular, transitional, marginal zone, and B1 cells. In CBA/CaHN mice, few 19+45Rlo cells were detected at postnatal day 7, and none was observed in the adult spleen. Splenic 19+45Rlo cells exhibited homeostatic BrdU uptake in vivo and actively transcribed cell cycle genes. When transferred to immunodeficient RAG2−/−γchain−/− recipient mice, 19+45Rlo cells survived and differentiated into IgG1– and IgA–plasma cells. Moreover, in vitro stimulation of splenic 19+45Rlo cells with LPS, CpG, BAFF/IL4, and CD40/IL4 induced cell proliferation, IgG1/IgA secretion and the release of IL-10, suggesting a potential immunoregulatory role for this subset of innate-like B cells.
A GpC-Rich Oligonucleotide Acts on Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells To Promote Immune Suppression
Authors: Volpi Claudia , Fallarino Francesca , Bianchi Roberta , Orabona Ciriana , De Luca Antonella , Vacca Carmine , Romani Luigina , Gran Bruno , Grohmann Ursula , Puccetti Paolo , Belladonna Maria L.
Published: July 2012

Short synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) rich in CpG or GpG motifs have been considered as potential modulators of immunity in clinical settings. In this study, we show that a synthetic GpC-ODN conferred highly suppressive activity on mouse splenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells, demonstrable in vivo in a skin test assay. The underlying mechanism involved signaling by noncanonical NF-κB family members and TGF-β–dependent expression of the immunoregulatory enzyme IDO. Unlike CpG-ODNs, the effects of GpC-ODN required TLR7/TRIF-mediated but not TLR9/MyD88-mediated events, as do sensing of viral ssRNA and the drug imiquimod. Induction of IDO by a GpC-containing ODN could also be demonstrated in human dendritic cells, allowing those cells to assist FOXP3+ T cell generation in vitro. Among potentially therapeutic ODNs, this study identifies GpC-rich sequences as novel activators of TLR7-mediated, IDO-dependent regulatory responses.
Type I Alveolar Epithelial Cells Mount Innate Immune Responses during Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuko , Ferrari Joseph D. , Cao Yuxia , Ramirez Maria I. , Jones Matthew R. , Quinton Lee J. , Mizgerd Joseph P.
Published: July 2012

Pneumonia results from bacteria in the alveoli. The alveolar epithelium consists of type II cells, which secrete surfactant and associated proteins, and type I cells, which constitute 95% of the surface area and meet anatomic and structural needs. Other than constitutively expressed surfactant proteins, it is unknown whether alveolar epithelial cells have distinct roles in innate immunity. Because innate immunity gene induction depends on NF-κB RelA (also known as p65) during pneumonia, we generated a murine model of RelA mutated throughout the alveolar epithelium. In response to LPS, only 2 of 84 cytokine transcripts (CCL20 and CXCL5) were blunted in lungs of mutants, suggesting that a very limited subset of immune mediators is selectively elaborated by the alveolar epithelium. Lung CCL20 induction required epithelial RelA regardless of stimulus, whereas lung CXCL5 expression depended on RelA after instillation of LPS but not pneumococcus. RelA knockdown in vitro suggested that CXCL5 induction required RelA in type II cells but not type I cells. Sorted cell populations from mouse lungs revealed that CXCL5 was induced during pneumonia in type I cells, which did not require RelA. TLR2 and STING were also induced in type I cells, with RelA essential for TLR2 but not STING. To our knowledge, these data are the first direct demonstration that type I cells, which constitute the majority of the alveolar surface, mount innate immune responses during bacterial infection. These are also, to our knowledge, the first evidence for entirely RelA-independent pathways of innate immunity gene induction in any cell during pneumonia.
GB Virus C Envelope Protein E2 Inhibits TCR-Induced IL-2 Production and Alters IL-2–Signaling Pathways
Authors: Bhattarai Nirjal , McLinden James H. , Xiang Jinhua , Kaufman Thomas M. , Stapleton Jack T.
Published: July 2012

GB virus type C (GBV-C) viremia is associated with reduced CD4+ T cell expansion following IL-2 therapy and with a reduction in T cell activation in HIV-infected individuals. The mechanism(s) by which GBV-C might alter T cell activation or IL-2 signaling have not been studied. In this study, we assess IL-2 release, IL-2R expression, IL-2 signaling, and cell proliferation in tet-off Jurkat cells expressing the GBV-C envelope glycoprotein (E2) following activation through the TCR. TCR activation was induced by incubation in anti-CD3/CD28 Abs. IL-2 release was measured by ELISA, STAT5 phosphorylation was assessed by immunoblot, and IL-2Rα (CD25) expression and cell proliferation were determined by flow cytometry. IL-2 and IL-2Rα steady-state mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. GBV-C E2 expression significantly inhibited IL-2 release, CD25 expression, STAT5 phosphorylation, and cellular proliferation in Jurkat cells following activation through the TCR compared with control cell lines. Reducing E2 expression by doxycycline reversed the inhibitory effects observed in the E2-expressing cells. The N-terminal 219 aa of E2 was sufficient to inhibit IL-2 signaling. Addition of purified recombinant GBV-C E2 protein to primary human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells inhibited TCR activation-induced IL-2 release and upregulation of IL-2Rα expression. These data provide evidence that the GBV-C E2 protein may contribute to the block in CD4+ T cell expansion following IL-2 therapy in HIV-infected individuals. Furthermore, the effects of GBV-C on IL-2 and IL-2–signaling pathways may contribute to the reduction in chronic immune activation observed in GBV-C/HIV–coinfected individuals.
Preliminary assessment of the impact of long-term fire treatments on in situ soil hydrology in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Riddell Edward S. , Khan Ahmed , Mauck Benjamin , Ngcobo Simphiwe , Pasi Jonathan , Pickles Andrew , Pickles Jennifer , Sithole Zinhle , Lorentz Simon A. , Govender Navashni
Published: July 2012

There has been significant attention focused on the impacts of fire frequency and season of burn on ecological processes in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Whilst there has been some examination of these fire effects on soil properties, the explicit linkages of these effects to the hydrology of soils in burnt areas has remained a gap in our understanding. During August 2010, a field scoping campaign was undertaken to assess the impacts, if any, of long-term fire treatments on the hydrology of soils on the experimental burn plots (EBPs) in the KNP. Using various hydrometric and soil physical characterisation instruments soil, hydraulic conductivity and soil strength variations were determined across the extreme fire treatment on the EBPs, the annual August (high fire frequency) plots and the control (no burn) plots, on both the granite and basalt geologies of Pretoriuskop and Satara, respectively. It was found that there were soil hydrological and structural differences to fire treatments on the basalt burn plots, but that these were not as clear on the granite burn plots. In particular, hot, frequent fires appeared to reduce the variation in soil hydraulic conductivity on the annual burn plots on the basalts and led to reduced cohesive soil strength at the surface.Conservation implications: The KNP burn plots are one of the longest running and well studied fire experiments on African savannahs. However, the impacts of fire management on hydrological processes in these water-limited ecosystems remains a gap in our understanding and needs to be considered within the context of climate and land-use changes in the savannah biome.
The impact of lifestyle diseases on the health care system in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rugakingira Anzibert A
Published: July 2012

Introduction Sub Saharan Africa(SSA) is facing a rapidly growing number of people with chronic non-communicable diseases while at the same time experiencing continual high death rates from infectious diseases e.g. HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Although this region comprises just over 10% of the world’s population, it carries the highest burden of disease in the world. It is well known that some infections increase the risk of certain chronic diseases and vice versa. With an increasing dual burden of disease in SSA, the associations between diseases and our understanding of them will become of increased public health importance. The aim was to explore the relationships reported between HIV, its treatment and metabolic risk. Methodology This article is based on review of detailed literature published in MEDLINE and EMBASE since 1997, potentially relevant reports, bulletins and guidelines from the UN, WHO and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Findings Introduction of AntiRetroviral Therapy(ART) in SSA having high prevalence of HIV has been recognized as a public health priority through reduction of its price, raised donor funding and enhanced political commitment e.g. WHO ‘3 by 5’ initiative. This has been associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. HIV has been linked with an increased risk of developing both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes prevalence and incidence is increasing in SSA compared to the industrialized world due to increased use of ART. Conclusion The impact of these co-morbidities in SSA is likely to be large. Roll out of ART coverage within the region is an essential response to the HIV epidemic. However, it is likely to lead to a growing number of individuals suffering from adverse metabolic consequences. HIV disease requires life-long treatment, meticulous adherence to ART and intensive clinical and laboratory monitoring. Therefore, robust and sustainable healthcare systems are needed to provide adequately trained staff, laboratory facilities and a reliable supply of effective drugs with fewer side effects. Research is also needed to develop effective approaches to reducing the frequency and health impact of the co-morbidities described here. Correspondence: Anzibert A. Rugakingira, e-mail: ranzibert@yahoo.com
Streamflow allocation in arid watersheds: a case study in Northwestern China
Authors: He C. , Zhang L. , Fu L. , Luo Y. , Li L. , DeMarchi C.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. This paper proposes a framework for allocating water resources among the upper, middle, and lower reaches of arid watersheds to meet the multiple demands for water, including rehabilitation of downstream ecosystem. The framework includes: (1) hydrologic simulation of distribution of water resources in the study watershed; (2) development of water allocation criteria; and (3) implementation of the water allocation plan. The advantages of the proposed framework are: (1) spatial integration; (2) multiple objectives; (3) incorporation of local needs through participatory decision making; and (4) dynamic evaluation. The framework was applied to the Heihe watershed, a large inland (terminal lake) watershed with a drainage area of over 128 000 km2 in Northwestern China. Simulation of the daily river flows for the period of 1990–2000 by the Distributed Large Basin Runoff Model shows that Qilian Mountain in the upper reach produced most of the runoff in the watershed, and the increased withdrawals of water for agricultural irrigation, industrial development, and municipal supplies at the middles reach oasis reduced the annual mean discharge by approximately 0.18 × 109 m3 over the simulation period, making the middle reach unable to deliver the mandated amount of 0.95 × 109 m3 water downstream by the State Council, under normal climatic conditions. Changes in land use practices need to be implemented to achieve the mandated water allocation plan. The paper suggests that a participatory watershed planning approach involving multiple stakeholders in the water allocation process be undertaken to address key questions regularly, including how much water should be allocated to what uses and for whom and at what price?
Clinical and MRI Findings in Three Dogs with Polycystic Meningiomas
Authors: James Fiona M. K. , da Costa Ronaldo C. , Fauber Amy , Peregrine Andrew S. , McEwen Beverly , Parent Joane M. , Bergman Robert
Published: July 2012

One spayed female Labrador retriever and two castrated male golden retrievers were evaluated for chronic (i.e., ranging from 3 wk to 24 wk) neurologic signs localizable to the prosencephalon. Signs included seizures, circling, and behavior changes. MRI demonstrated extra-axial, contrast-enhancing, multiloculated, fluid-filled, cyst-like lesions with a mass effect, causing compression and displacement of brain parenchyma. Differential diagnoses included cystic neoplasm, abscess or other infectious cyst (e.g., alveolar hydatid cyst), or fluid-filled anomaly (e.g., arachnoid cyst). The cyst-like lesions were attached to the rostral falx cerebri in all cases. In addition, case 2 had a second polycystic mass at the caudal diencephalon. Surgical biopsy (case 3 with a single, rostral tumor via transfrontal craniectomy) and postmortem histology (in cases 1 and 2) confirmed polycystic meningiomas. Tumor types were transitional (cases 1 and 3) and fibrous (case 2), with positive immunohistochemical staining for vimentin. Case 3 was also positive for E-cadherin, s100, and CD34. In all cases, staining was predominantly negative for glial fibrillary acid protein and pancytokeratins, supporting a diagnosis of meningioma. This report describes the first cases of polycystic meningiomas in dogs. Polycystic meningiomas are a rare, but important, addition to the differential diagnoses for intracranial cyst-like lesions, significantly affecting planning for surgical resection and other therapeutic interventions.
MRI of a Split Cord Malformation in a German Shepherd Dog
Authors: Allett Brian , Broome Michael R. , Hager David
Published: July 2012

A 9 yr old spayed female German shepherd dog was referred for MRI of the thoracic and lumbar spine because she had clinical signs of chronic neurogenic bladder dysfunction of an unknown cause. Transverse T2-weighted images identified a type II split cord malformation (i.e., diastematomyelia) in the thoracic spine. Split cord malformations are forms of spinal dysraphism where the abnormal development of spinal cord results in sagittal splitting of a portion of the cord into two hemicords. The location of the lesion in the thoracic spine was consistent with the dog’s clinical signs of an upper motor neuron bladder. Split cord malformations that occur in humans have similar MRI characteristics and can result in similar clinical signs as those identified in the dog described in this report.
Pathophysiological Evaluation of Cerecyte Coil Embolization for Experimental Broad Neck Aneurysms
Authors: Iwamoto Kazuhisa , Kurata Akira , Suzuki Sachio , Ohmomo Taketomo , Nakayama Shigenobu , Maruyama Shigeyoshi , Takagi Mamoru , Konno Shingo , Nakahara Kuniaki , Fujii Kiyotaka , Yasui Yoshie , Iwabuchi Keiichi
Published: July 2012

Cerecyte second-generation coils feature inner surfaces coated with an absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) polymer. Their use is expected to accelerate aneurysm organization, but time course data are limited. The present experimental study was therefore conducted to clarify the processes by pathological examination. Methods. Two types of experimental aneurysms were initially generated in adult mongrel dogs, one bifurcation and another of lateral wall type. Long-term persistence of each was defined by follow-up angiography for more than 1 year. Embolization of the aneurysms was then performed using only cerecyte coils, and follow-up angiography was conducted after 2 and 4 weeks followed by pathological examination. Results. Organization of both types of broad neck aneurysm was apparent 4 weeks after embolization, which is earlier as compared with already reported data for bare coils.
The Dwarf Saltwort (Salicornia bigeloviiTorr.): Evaluation of Breeding Populations
Authors: Jaradat Abdullah A. , Shahid Mohammed
Published: July 2012

Breeding populations of the dwarf saltwort (Salicornia   bigeloviiTorr. (Chenopodiaceae)) have been evaluated under high seawater salinity (45 dS m−1) for phenotypic, morphometric, biomass and seed traits to select and develop genotypes for biomass, seed, and vegetable production using sea and brackish water and marginal land resources. The largest variation between populations was found for harvest index and the smallest for number of spikes per plant; however, a more complex structure of variance was found when fixed and random factors were considered. Multivariate relationships between and within architectural and fitness-related traits suggest that biomass and seed yield gains can be achieved by manipulating plant architecture. Discriminant analyses between populations resulted in populations being correctly (mean 83%) classified. Prediction () and validation () coefficients in the partial least squares regression modeling, using three phenotypic markers, 12 morphometric traits, nine populations and 24 families(populations), were 0.86 and 0.78; respectively () for plant dry weight and 0.89 and 0.83, respectively () for seed yield per plant. We developed a procedure to identify populations and families within populations with favorable combinations of phenotypic and morphometric traits that are suitable for the development of Salicornia varieties for biomass, seed, or green vegetable production.
Frontal Plane Motion of the Pelvis and Hip during Gait Stance Discriminates Children with Diplegia Levels I and II of the GMFCS
Authors: Kirkwood Renata Noce , Franco Rosa de Lourdes Lima Dias , Furtado Sheyla Cavalcanti , Barela Ana Maria Forti , Deluzio Kevin John , Mancini Marisa Cotta
Published: July 2012

Objective. To determine if gait waveform could discriminate children with diplegic cerebral palsy of the GMFCS levels I and II.Patients. Twenty-two children with diplegia, 11 classified as level I and 11 as level II of the GMFCS, aged 7 to 12 years.Methods. Gait kinematics included angular displacement of the pelvis and lower limb joints during the stance phase. Principal components (PCs) analyses followed by discriminant analysis were conducted.Results. PC1s of the pelvis and hip in the frontal plane differ significantly between groups and captured 80.5% and 86.1% of the variance, respectively. PC1s captured the magnitude of the pelvic obliquity and hip adduction angle during the stance phase. Children GMFCS level II walked with reduced pelvic obliquity and hip adduction angles, and these variables could discriminate the groups with a cross-validation of 95.5%.Conclusion. Reduced pelvic obliquity and hip adduction were observed between children GMFCS level II compared to level I. These results could help the classification process of mild-to-moderate children with diplegia. In addition, it highlights the importance of rehabilitation programs designed to improve pelvic and hip mobility in the frontal plane of diplegic cerebral palsy children level II of the GMFCS.
The Physical Modification of a Natural Rubber-Polypropylene Thermoplastic Elastomer Blend by Azobisformamide Blowing Agent
Authors: Merabet Safia , Riahi Farid , Douibi Abdelmalek
Published: July 2012

The decomposition of azobisformamide (ABFA) blowing agent and its expansion in a soft grade of thermoplastic natural rubber composed of a 70/30 natural rubber (NR)/polypropylene (PP) was monitored using a Haake plasticorder. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of the blowing agent and to investigate its eventual interactions with a sulfur-based curing system that was used for the dynamic vulcanization. The plastograms allowed to detect variations in the initial mixing torque as well as the level of the final equilibrium torque for both unvulcanized and dynamically vulcanized blends. The plastograms of the dynamically vulcanized blends were characterized by the appearance of a second peak that corresponds to the crosslinking reaction which followed the blowing agent decomposition reaction. Since changing the order of the addition of the curatives with respect to the blowing agent did not cause any major effect on the general trend of the plastograms, it was concluded that the azobisformamide blowing agent did not alter the chemical action of the curatives and vice versa. The effects on the plastograms caused by variations in the blowing agent concentration were also reflected through the density measurements.
Three-Dimensional Filamentation Analysis of SDSS DR5 Survey
Authors: Wu Yongfeng , Batuski David J. , Khalil Andre
Published: July 2012

We introduce a new method to calculate the multiscale 3D filamentation of SDSS DR5 galaxy clusters and also applied it to N-body simulations. We compared the filamentation of the observed versus mock samples in metric space on scales from 8 Mpc to 30 Mpc. Mock samples are closer to the observed sample than random samples, and one of the mock samples behaves better than another one. We also find that the observed sample has a large filamentation value at a scale of 10 Mpc, which is not found from either mock samples or random samples.
Wavelet Kernel Principal Component Analysis in Noisy Multiscale Data Classification
Authors: Xie Shengkun , Lawniczak Anna T. , Krishnan Sridhar , Lio Pietro
Published: July 2012

We introduce multiscale wavelet kernels to kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) to narrow down the search of parameters required in the calculation of a kernel matrix. This new methodology
incorporates multiscale methods into KPCA for transforming multiscale data. In order to illustrate application of our proposed method and to investigate the robustness of the wavelet kernel in KPCA under different levels of the signal to noise ratio and different types of wavelet kernel, we study a set of two-class clustered simulation data. We show that WKPCA is an effective feature extraction method for transforming a variety of multidimensional
clustered data into data with a higher level of linearity among the data attributes. That brings an improvement in the accuracy of simple linear classifiers. Based on the analysis of the simulation data sets, we observe that multiscale translation invariant wavelet kernels for KPCA has an enhanced performance in feature extraction. The application of the proposed method to real data is also addressed.
Spin Relaxation in Germanium Nanowires
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Akram M. W. , Ghosh Bahniman
Published: July 2012

We use semiclassical Monte Carlo approach along with spin density matrix calculations to model spin polarized electron transport. The model is applied to germanium nanowires and germanium two-dimensional channels to study and compare spin relaxation between them. Spin dephasing in germanium occurs because of Rashba Spin Orbit Interaction (structural inversion asymmetry) which gives rise to the D’yakonov-Perel (DP) relaxation. In germanium spin flip scattering due to the Elliot-Yafet (EY) mechanism also leads to spin relaxation. The spin relaxation tests for both 1D and 2D channels are carried out at different values of temperature and driving electric field, and the variation in spin relaxation length is recorded. Spin relaxation length in a nanowire is found to be much higher than that in a 2D channel due to suppression of DP relaxation in a nanowire. At lower temperatures the spin relaxation length increases. This suggests that spin relaxation in germanium occurs slowly in a 1D channel (nanowires) and at lower temperatures. The electric field dependence of spin relaxation length was found to be very weak.
Correlates of Morbidity and Mortality in Severe Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Pal K. M. , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Tayyeb Mohammad , Mosharraf S. M. Faisal , Fatmi Zafar
Published: July 2012

Acute severe pancreatitis is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and frequently is accompanied by underlying pancreatic parenchymal necrosis. Patients with pancreatic necrosis must be identified, because the morbidity and mortality rate in this subgroup is much higher. Our objective was to compare the clinical outcomes of these patients based on the degree of pancreatic necrosis. A total of 35 patients were noted to have pancreatic necrosis. These were divided into 2 groups based on extent of necrosis: group A had less than 50% necrosis and group B had more than 50% necrosis. The rate of mortality (5% versus 40%) was significantly higher in group B. The rate of organ dysfunction also rose along with the rates of other morbidities and variables that were related to a patient’s hospital stay. Only APACHE II significantly correlated with the degree of necrosis, wherein the chances of substantial necrosis rose by 20% with each unit increase of APACHE II score. APACHE II Score could be employed and studied further prospectively to help identify patients with pancreatic necrosis.
Fatigue Damage Estimation in Existing Railway Steel Bridges by Detailed Loading History Analysis
Authors: Pipinato Alessio , Pellegrino Carlo , Modena Claudio
Published: July 2012

Fatigue life estimation of metal historical bridges is a key issue for managing cost-effective decisions regarding rehabilitation or replacement of existing infrastructure. Because of increasing service loads and speeds, this type of assessment method is becoming relevant. Hence there is a need to estimate how long these structures could remain in service. In this paper a method to estimate fatigue damage in existing steel railway bridges by detailed loading history analysis is presented. The procedure is based on the assumption that failure probability is a function of the number of predicted future trains and the probability of failure is related to the probability of reaching the critical crack length.
The Correlation between Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Histopathological Evaluation of 356 Prostate Biopsy Sites in Patients with Prostatic Diseases
Authors: Kilinç R. , Doluoglu O. G. , Sakman B. , Ciliz D. S. , Yüksel E. , Adsan O. , Cetinkaya M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose. The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability of diffusion MRI for detection of cancer foci by comparing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) results and pathology results of prostate biopsy sites. Methods. Of the patients who applied with lower urinary tract symptoms, 36 patients who had suspected DRE and/or PSA ≥2.5 ng/mL were included in the study. Patients underwent DWI prior to 10 cores-prostate biopsy. 356 biopsy cores were obtained from the patients. Foci from the patients with prostate cancer were labeled as malignant or benign foci, likewise foci from the patients with benign pathology were grouped as BPH and inflammation foci. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of biopsy groups were compared with each other in order to measure the reliability of DWI in detection of PCa foci. Results. When ADC values of adenocarcinoma foci and BPH foci were compared, a statistically significant difference was found (P<0.001). When ADC values obtained from adenocarcinoma foci and chronic inflammation foci are compared, the difference between two groups is statistically significant, too (P<0.001). Conclusions. Biopsies focused on suspected regions after formation of ADC maps by means of DWI would provide to start definitive treatment immediately as well as being beneficial to prevent morbidity related to repeated prostate biopsies.
How the Most Trusted Venues for Health-Related Information Influence Physician Referrals to Smoking Cessation Services
Authors: Kruger Judy , Trosclair Angela , Bruce Crystal , Beistle Diane
Published: July 2012

Public health programs seek to educate physicians by using a variety of venues. Therefore, it is important to understand which health information sources physicians are using and how these sources affect referrals. We explored how venues for health-related information affect physicians' referral practices to smoking cessation services. The 2008 DocStyles survey asked physicians to rank a list of their most trusted sources of health-related information. The analysis was restricted to 1,617 physicians who responded to all variables of interest. In this sample, the most trusted sources of health-related information cited by physicians were medical journals (95.9%), government health agencies (82.2%), other physicians (76.4%), professional medical societies (75.2%), and medical Web sites or podcasts (65.9%). Medical providers were more likely to refer tobacco users to cessation services if they used professional medical societies as a source to obtain patient health-related information, compared with medical providers not using this source (multivariate odds ratio = 1.31; 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.66). Physicians use many health information sources. Therefore, to reach physicians effectively, a broad dissemination of guidelines and best practices in tobacco control is needed and should include information for medical societies.
Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Authors: Radhi Mohamed , Carpenter Shannon L.
Published: July 2012

Thrombotic microangiopathy results from thrombotic occlusion of the microvasculature leading to fragmentation of red blood cells, profound thrombocytopenia, and a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with elevation of lactate dehydrogenase and negative direct Coomb’s test. This constellation of clinical and laboratory findings is not due to one disease entity; rather, it represents a variety of underlying diagnoses. Among the major disease entities are TTP/HUS, which can be congenital or acquired, bacterial infections, medications, vascular or endothelial pathology like Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, and stem cell transplantation. In this paper, we offer a review of some of the major causes of thrombotic microangiopathy.
The Near-Surface Small-Scale Spatial and Temporal Variability of Sensible and Latent Heat Exchange in the Svalbard Region: A Case Study
Authors: Jocher Georg , Karner Florian , Ritter Christoph , Neuber Roland , Dethloff Klaus , Obleitner Friedrich , Reuder Joachim , Foken Thomas
Published: July 2012

We present data from two eddy covariance systems for determining the sensible and latent heat flux and the shear stress near the earth's surface. One measures continuously since September 2010 close to the village Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, the other one was located on Kongsvegen glacier for a short period in April 2011. Two examples for small-scale variability are discussed: near surface external gravity waves associated with katabatic wind from the Broggerbreen glacier located a few kilometres southwestern of Ny-Ålesund, and an episode when the two eddy systems at the different measurement sites captured very different conditions at the same time. In case of gravity wave motion the eddy covariance method results in fictitious positive fluxes due to the strong correlation between temperature and vertical wind, which has to be considered carefully. The comparison between the two sites showed that generally the dynamical processes near the Earth’s surface for Ny-Ålesund and the Kongsvegen glacier are different and local. But there are also cases of synchronization due to synoptic influences, and then the same processes are visible at the two measurement sites. Both examples show that the boundary layer in Ny-Ålesund is not only affected by the main glaciers in the east of the village, but also by other orographical characteristics and synoptic issues. Therefore, the only meaningful way to deal with point measurements is to consider them in context with the surrounding orography and the general meteorological conditions.
Chemical Stability of Chromium Carbide and Chromium Nitride Powders Compared with Chromium Metal in Synthetic Biological Solutions
Authors: Jiang Tao , Odnevall Wallinder Inger , Herting Gunilla
Published: July 2012

Chromium carbide (Cr-C) and chromium nitride (Cr-N) powders were compared with a chromium metal powder (Cr-metal) to evaluate their chemical stability in solution. All three powders were exposed in five different synthetic biological solutions of varying pH and chemical composition simulating selected human exposure conditions. Characterisation of the powders, using GI-XRD, revealed that the predominant bulk crystalline phases were Cr7C3 and Cr2N for Cr-C and Cr-N respectively. The outermost surface of Cr-C, determined by XPS, contained Cr7C3 and Cr2O3 and the corresponding measurement on Cr-N revealed Cr2N and CrN apart from Cr2O3. The presence of Cr2O3 was verified by XPS investigations of the Cr-metal powder. The mean particle size was similar for Cr-metal and Cr-N but slightly smaller for Cr-C. All three powders were poorly soluble and released very low amounts of chromium (<0.00015 μg Cr/μg loaded particles) independent on test solution. Slightly higher chromium concentrations were determined in the more acidic media (pH 1.7 and 4.5) compared with the near-neutral solutions (pH 7.2 and 7.4). Cr-C released the lowest amount of Cr despite having the largest surface area a feature attributed to the strong covalent bonds within the matrix.
Gemcitabine Plus Carboplatin in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results of a Phase II Study
Authors: Azmy Aly M. , Nasr Khalid E. , Gobran Nagy S. , Yassin M.
Published: July 2012

Objectives. Assessment of gemcitabine/carboplatin combination in patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a phase II trial for safety and efficacy. Methods. Forty patients with previously untreated advanced-stage HCC were prospectively enrolled and subjected to gemcitabine/carboplatin regimen which consisted of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and carboplatin AUC 6 on day 1. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression or limiting toxicity. Results. Forty patients were assessable for efficacy and toxicity. In all, 276 treatment cycles were administered. No toxic deaths occurred. Hematological grade 3-4 toxicity consisted of thrombocytopenia (27% of patients) and neutropenia (24%), including 2 febrile neutropenia and anemia (9%). Grade 3 carboplatin-induced neurotoxicity was observed in 3 (9%) patients. ORR was 23% (95% CI, 0.10–0.29) with 9 partial responses and disease stabilization was observed in 46% (95% CI, 0.22–0.42) of patients, giving a disease control rate of 69%. Median progression-free and overall survival times were, respectively, 5 months (95% CI: 3–8 months) and 8 months (95% CI: 6–18 months). Conclusion. The gemcitabine/carboplatin regimen seems to be effective, well tolerated, and active in advanced HCC.
Beyond Dopamine: Glutamate as a Target for Future Antipsychotics
Authors: Sendt Kyra-Verena , Giaroli Giovanni , Tracy Derek K.
Published: July 2012

The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia remains the primary theoretical framework for the pharmacological treatment of the disorder. Despite various lines of evidence of dopaminergic abnormalities and reasonable efficacy of current antipsychotic medication, a significant proportion of patients show suboptimal treatment responses, poor tolerability, and a subsequent lack of treatment concordance. In recent decades, intriguing evidence for the critical involvement of other neurotransmitter systems in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has emerged, most notably of dysfunctions within the glutamate pathways. Consequently, the glutamate synapse has arisen as a promising target for urgently needed novel antipsychotic compounds—particularly in regards to debilitating negative and cognitive symptoms poorly controlled by currently available drugs. In this paper, recent findings integrating glutamatergic and dopaminergic abnormalities in schizophrenia and their implications for novel pharmacological targets are discussed. An overview of compounds in various stages of development is given: drugs enhancing NMDA receptor function as well as metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) are emphasised. Together with other agents more indirectly affecting glutamatergic neurotransmission, their potential future role in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia is critically evaluated.
Floral Phenology of Upper Amazon Cocoa Trees: Implications for Reproduction and Productivity of Cocoa
Authors: Adjaloo M. K. , Oduro W. , Banful B. K.
Published: July 2012

A study of the floral phenology of cocoa trees was carried out between 2006 and 2008 at Kubease in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, using one hundred cocoa trees from ten farm plots. The objective was to assess the contribution of floral phenology to the productivity of cocoa. Cocoa like all tropical tree species exhibited seasonally-related phenological patterns involving overlapping cycles under both intrinsic and extrinsic controls. However, unlike most tropical plants, flowering was in the rainy season. The production of new pods or cherelles increased during the major rainy season (June, July, and August), but was evenly distributed from the minor to the dry season. Production of small and medium pods peaked in August whereas production of large pods peaked in October. There was a positive correlation between new pod production and pods abortion (r = 0.69; n = 100; P < 0.05). Temperature, light intensity, and rainfall positively affected production of floral buds and production of open flowers. However, rainfall had the greatest influence on the phenological cycle of the cocoa plant. The floral phenological pattern also coincided with the activity of the main pollinators of cocoa which resulted in enhanced reproductive capacity for increased production of cocoa.
Correcting for Hubris in Project Appraisal
Authors: Schnabel Jacques A.
Published: July 2012

Behavioral finance research stresses the prevalence of overconfidence in capital budgeting practices. To remedy this shortcoming, specifically the upward bias in cash flow forecasts, the extant literature emphasizes the reduction of such forecasts. This paper considers the conditions under which a different adjustment is warranted, namely, an upward correction in the hurdle rate employed to evaluate the project. It is argued here that if adverse events can have a long-term, versus a merely transitory, deleterious effect on the project's cash flows, the second adjustment is appropriate.
Implication of NADPH Oxidases in the Early Inflammation Process Generated by Cystic Fibrosis Cells
Authors: Pongnimitprasert Nushjira , Hurtado Margarita , Lamari Foudil , El Benna Jamel , Dupuy Corinne , Fay Michèle , Foglietti Marie-José , Bernard Maguy , Gougerot-Pocidalo Marie-Anne , Braut-Boucher Françoise
Published: July 2012

In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, pulmonary inflammation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to further investigate whether oxidative stress could be involved in the early inflammatory process associated with CF pathogenesis. We used a model of CFTR defective epithelial cell line (IB3-1) and its reconstituted CFTR control (S9) cell line cultured in various ionic conditions. This study showed that IB3-1 and S9 cells expressed the NADPH oxidases (NOXs) DUOX1/2 and NOX2 at the same level. Nevertheless, several parameters participating in oxidative stress (increased ROS production and apoptosis, decreased total thiol content) were observed in IB3-1 cells cultured in hypertonic environment as compared to S9 cells and were inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a well-known inhibitor of NOXs; besides, increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by IB3-1 cells was also inhibited by DPI as compared to S9 cells. Furthermore, calcium ionophore (A23187), which upregulates DUOX and NOX2 activities, strongly induced oxidative stress and IL-8 and IL-6 overexpression in IB3-1 cells. All these events were suppressed by DPI, supporting the involvement of NOXs in the oxidative stress, which can upregulate proinflammatory cytokine production by the airway CFTR-deficient cells and trigger early pulmonary inflammation in CF patients.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency and Hyperparathyroidism in HIV-Infected Patients Treated in Barcelona
Authors: Lerma Elisabet , Molas M. Ema , Montero M. Milagro , Guelar Ana , González Alicia , Villar Judith , Diez Adolf , Knobel Hernando
Published: July 2012

Vitamin D deficiency is an important problem in patients with chronic conditions including those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism in HIV patients attended in Barcelona. Cholecalciferol (25OH vitamin D3) and PTH levels were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as 25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL and deficiency as <12 ng/mL. Hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH levels >65 pg/mL. Cases with chronic kidney failure, liver disease, treatments or conditions potentially affecting bone metabolism were excluded. Among the 566 patients included, 56.4% were exposed to tenofovir. Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 71.2% and 39.6% of those had deficiency. PTH was measured in 228 subjects, and 86 of them (37.7%) showed high levels. Adjusted predictors of vitamin D deficiency were nonwhite race and psychiatric comorbidity, while lipoatrophy was a protective factor. Independent risk factors of hyperparathyroidism were vitamin D < 12 ng/mL (OR: 2.14, CI 95%: 1.19–3.82, P: 0.01) and tenofovir exposure (OR: 3.55, CI 95%: 1.62–7.7, P: 0.002). High prevalence of vitamin deficiency and hyperparathyroidism was found in an area with high annual solar exposure.
Yield Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and Maize (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Time of Planting Maize in Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Ijoyah M. O. , Dzer D. M.
Published: July 2012

Field experiments were conducted from June to October during 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons at the Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the yield performance of okra-maize mixture as affected by time of planting maize. The experiment consisted of three maize planting dates (maize planted at the same time as okra in mid-June, maize planted 2 and 4 weeks later, respectively, in late June and early July) to okra plots. Monocropped okra and maize constituted the control plots. The five treatments were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. The results obtained showed that the greatest intercrop yield of okra was obtained when maize was planted 4 weeks later (in early July), while the greatest intercrop yield of maize was produced when planted at the same time as okra in mid-June. Planting okra and maize at the same time in mid-June not only recorded the lowest competitive pressure, but also gave the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.78 and 1.75, respectively, in years 2010 and 2011, indicating that greater productivity per unit area was achieved by growing the two crops together than by growing them separately. With these LER values, 43.8% and 42.9% of land were saved, respectively, in 2010 and 2011. Both crops were found most suitable in mixture when planting was done at the same time in mid-June. This should be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.
The Intrinsic Autonomic Nervous System in Atrial Fibrillation: A Review
Authors: He Bo , Scherlag Benjamin J. , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Lazzara Ralph , Po Sunny S.
Published: July 2012

The procedure of catheter ablation for the treatment of drug resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved but still relies on lesion sets intended to isolate areas of focal firing, mainly the myocardial sleeves of the pulmonary veins (PVs), from the rest of the atria. However the success rates for this procedure have varied inversely with the type of AF. At best success rates have been 20 to 30% below that of other catheter ablation procedures for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular junctional re-entrant tachycardia and atrial flutter. Basic and clinical evidence has emerged suggesting a critical role of the ganglionated plexi (GP) at the PV-atrial junctions in the initiation and maintenance of the focal form of AF. At present the highest success rates have been obtained with the combination of PV isolation and GP ablation both as catheter ablation or minimally invasive surgical procedures. Various lines of evidence from earlier and more recent reports provide that both neurally based and myocardially based forms of AF can separately dominate or coexist within the context of atrial remodeling. Future studies are focusing on non-pharmacological, non-ablative approaches for the prevention and treatment of AF in order to avoid the substantive complications of both these regimens.
High-Pressure Hydrogen Adsorption in the Zeolites: A Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Liu Xiuying , He Jie , Li Rui
Published: July 2012

The adsorption of hydrogen molecules on different zeolites at near room temperature and extremely high pressures has been simulated employing Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method. Some important physical amounts under different temperatures and pressures, such as adsorption isotherms, adsorption amounts, and isosteric heats were studied. We predict the storage capacity of hydrogen in ZON and CHA zeolites at different conditions. The results show that the hydrogen storage capacity of CHA is superior to that of ZON. The different hydrogen adsorption behavior between them is explained by the isosteric heats of adsorption at different temperatures. These results may help us to understand different hydrogen adsorption properties of these two zeolites, thus facilitate exploring new hydrogen storage candidates experimentally.
Osmotic Drug Delivery System as a Part of Modified Release Dosage Form
Authors: Keraliya Rajesh A. , Patel Chirag , Patel Pranav , Keraliya Vipul , Soni Tejal G. , Patel Rajnikant C. , Patel M. M.
Published: July 2012

Conventional drug delivery systems are known to provide an immediate release of drug, in which one can not control the release of the drug and can not maintain effective concentration at the target site for longer time. Controlled drug delivery systems offer spatial control over the drug release. Osmotic pumps are most promising systems for controlled drug delivery. These systems are used for both oral administration and implantation. Osmotic pumps consist of an inner core containing drug and osmogens, coated with a semipermeable membrane. As the core absorbs water, it expands in volume, which pushes the drug solution out through the delivery ports. Osmotic pumps release drug at a rate that is independent of the pH and hydrodynamics of the dissolution medium. The historical development of osmotic systems includes development of the Rose-Nelson pump, the Higuchi-Leeper pumps, the Alzet and Osmet systems, the elementary osmotic pump, and the push-pull system. Recent advances include development of the controlled porosity osmotic pump, and systems based on asymmetric membranes. This paper highlights the principle of osmosis, materials used for fabrication of pumps, types of pumps, advantages, disadvantages, and marketed products of this system.