bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of parametric spectral ratio methods in detection and recognition of whispered speech
Authors: Mathur Arpit , Reddy Shankar M , Hegde Rajesh M
Published: July 2012

In this article the significance of a new parametric spectral ratio method that can be used to detect whispered speech segments within normally phonated speech is described. Adaptation methods based on the maximum likelihood linear regression (MLLR) are then used to realize a mismatched train-test style speech recognition system. This proposed parametric spectral ratio method computes a ratio spectrum of the linear prediction (LP) and the minimum variance distortion-less response (MVDR) methods. The smoothed ratio spectrum is then used to detect whispered segments of speech within neutral speech segments effectively. The proposed LP-MVDR ratio method exhibits robustness at different SNRs as indicated by the whisper diarization experiments conducted on the CHAINS and the cell phone whispered speech corpus. The proposed method also performs reasonably better than the conventional methods for whisper detection. In order to integrate the proposed whisper detection method into a conventional speech recognition engine with minimal changes, adaptation methods based on the MLLR are used herein. The hidden Markov models corresponding to neutral mode speech are adapted to the whispered mode speech data in the whispered regions as detected by the proposed ratio method. The performance of this method is first evaluated on whispered speech data from the CHAINS corpus. The second set of experiments are conducted on the cell phone corpus of whispered speech. This corpus is collected using a set up that is used commercially for handling public transactions. The proposed whisper speech recognition system exhibits reasonably better performance when compared to several conventional methods. The results shown indicate the possibility of a whispered speech recognition system for cell phone based transactions.
The persistent release of HMGB1 contributes to tactile hyperalgesia in a rodent model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Feldman Polina , Due Michael R , Ripsch Matthew S , Khanna Rajesh , White Fletcher A
Published: July 2012

Background

High-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that regulates gene expression throughout the body. It can also become cytoplasmic and function as a neuromodulatory cytokine after tissue damage or injury. The manner in which HMGB1 influences the peripheral nervous system following nerve injury is unclear. The present study investigated the degree to which HMGB1 signaling contributes to the maintenance of neuropathic pain behavior in the rodent.

Results

Redistribution of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm occurred in both sensory neurons derived from a tibial nerve injured (TNI) rat and in a sensory neuron-like cell line following exposure to a depolarizing stimulus. We also observe that exogenous administration of HMGB1 to acutely dissociated sensory neurons derived from naïve or TNI rodents elicit increased excitability. Furthermore systemic injection of glycyrrhizin (50 mg/kg; i.p.), a known inhibitor of HMGB1, reversed TNI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia at fourteen days and three months following nerve injury.

Conclusions

We have identified that a persistent endogenous release of HMGB1 by sensory neurons may be a potent, physiologically relevant modulator of neuronal excitability. More importantly, the use of the anti-inflammatory compound and known inhibitor of HMGB1, glycyrrhizin, has the ability to diminish persistent pain behavior in a model of peripheral neuropathy, presumably through its ability to neutralize the cyotkine. The identification of HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target may contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms associated with chronic pain syndromes.
Anti-Müllerian hormone plasma concentration in prepubertal ewe lambs as a predictor of their fertility at a young age
Authors: Lahoz Belén , Alabart José L , Monniaux Danielle , Mermillod Pascal , Folch José
Published: July 2012

Background

In mammals, the ovarian follicular reserve is highly variable between individuals and impacts strongly on ovarian function and fertility. Nowadays, the best endocrine marker of this reserve in human, mouse and cattle is the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The objectives of this work were to determine whether AMH could be detected in the plasma of prepubertal ewe lambs and to assess its relationship with their fertility at a young age.

Results

Plasma was taken from 76 Rasa Aragonesa ewe lambs at 3.6 months of age for AMH determination. Simultaneously, 600 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered and the number of ovulations recorded 6 days later. AMH was detected in 93% of the lambs, and the concentrations were about 3–4-fold higher in ovulating than in non-ovulating lambs (P < 0.004). Ewes aged around 10 months were mated, giving an overall fertility of 29%, and those failing to conceive were mated again 4 months later. Fertility at first mating was significantly correlated with plasma AMH concentration at 3.6 months (Spearman’s ρ = 0.34;P < 0.01). To use plasma AMH concentration as a screening test, a value of 97 pg/mL was determined as the optimum cutoff value to predict fertility at first mating (sensitivity = 68.2%; specificity = 72.2%). Fertility at first mating was 34.8 percentage points higher in ewe lambs with an AMH ≥ 97 pg/mL than in those with lower AMH concentrations (50% vs. 15%;P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Plasma AMH concentration might be a reliable marker of the ovarian status of prepubertal ewe lambs, reflecting their ability to respond to eCG stimulation. A single AMH measurement performed on ewe lambs early in age could be useful to select for replacement ewes with a higher predicted fertility at first mating.
Phase I study of photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium and diode laser for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Yano Tomonori , Muto Manabu , Yoshimura Kenichi , Niimi Miyuki , Ezoe Yasumasa , Yoda Yusuke , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Nishisaki Hogara , Higashino Koji , Iishi Hiroyasu
Published: July 2012

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a less invasive and effective salvage treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer, however it causes a high rate of skin phototoxicity and requires a long sun shade period. Talaporfin sodium is a rapidly cleared photosensitizer that is expected to have less phototoxicity. This study was undertaken to clarify the optimum laser fluence rate of PDT using talaporfin sodium and a diode laser for patients with local failure after CRT or radiotherapy (RT) for esophageal cancer.

Methods

This phase I, laser dose escalation study used a fixed dose (40 mg/m2) of intravenous talaporfin sodium administered 4 to 6 hours before irradiation in patients with local failure limited to T2 after CRT or RT (≥ 50 Gy). The primary endpoint was to assess the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of PDT, and the secondary endpoints were to evaluate the adverse events and toxicity related to PDT. The starting fluence of the 664 nm diode laser was 50 J/cm2, with an escalation plan to 75 J/cm2 and 100 J/cm2.

Results

9 patients with local failure after CRT or RT for ESCC were enrolled and treated in groups of 3 individuals to the third fluence level. No DLT was observed at any fluence level. Phototoxicity was not observed, but one subject had grade 1 fever, three had grade 1 esophageal pain, and 1 had grade 1 dysphagia. Five of 9 patients (55.6%) achieved a complete response after PDT.

Conclusions

PDT using talaporfin sodium and a diode laser was safe for local failure after RT in patients with esophageal cancer. The recommended fluence for the following phase II study is 100 J/cm2.
Neonatal survival interventions in humanitarian emergencies: a survey of current practices and programs
Authors: Lam Jennifer O , Amsalu Ribka , Kerber Kate , Lawn Joy E , Tomczyk Basia , Cornier Nadine , Adler Alma , Golaz Anne , Moss William J
Published: July 2012

Background

Neonatal deaths account for over 40% of all deaths in children younger than five years of age and neonatal mortality rates are highest in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies. Of the ten countries with the highest neonatal mortality rates globally, six are currently or recently affected by a humanitarian emergency. Yet, little is known about newborn care in crisis settings. Understanding current policies and practices for the care of newborns used by humanitarian aid organizations will inform efforts to improve care in these challenging settings.

Methods

Between August 18 and September 25, 2009, 56 respondents that work in humanitarian emergencies completed a web-based survey either in English or French. A snow ball sampling technique was used to identify organizations that provide health services during humanitarian emergencies to gather information on current practices for maternal and newborn care in these settings. Information was collected about continuum-of-care services for maternal, newborn and child health, referral services, training and capacity development, health information systems, policies and guidelines, and organizational priorities. Data were entered into MS Excel and frequencies and percentages were calculated.

Results

The majority of responding organizations reported implementing components of neonatal and maternal health interventions. However, multiple barriers exist in providing comprehensive care, including: funding shortages (63.3%), gaps in training (51.0%) and staff shortages and turnover (44.9%).

Conclusions

Neonatal care is provided by most of the responding humanitarian organizations; however, the quality, breadth and consistency of this care are limited.
Feasibility of filamentous fungi for biofuel production using hydrolysate from dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of wheat straw
Authors: Zheng Yubin , Yu Xiaochen , Zeng Jijiao , Chen Shulin
Published: July 2012

Background

Lipids produced from filamentous fungi show great promise for biofuel production, but a major limiting factor is the high production cost attributed to feedstock. Lignocellulosic biomass is a suitable feedstock for biofuel production due to its abundance and low value. However, very limited study has been performed on lipid production by culturing oleaginous fungi with lignocellulosic materials. Thus, identification of filamentous fungal strains capable of utilizing lignocellulosic hydrolysates for lipid accumulation is critical to improve the process and reduce the production cost.

Results

The growth performances of eleven filamentous fungi were investigated when cultured on glucose and xylose. Their dry cell weights, lipid contents and fatty acid profiles were determined. Six fungal strains with high lipid contents were selected to culture with the hydrolysate from dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of wheat straw. The results showed that all the selected fungal strains were able to grow on both detoxified liquid hydrolysate (DLH) and non-detoxified liquid hydrolysate (NDLH). The highest lipid content of 39.4% was obtained by Mortierella isabellina on NDLH. In addition, NDLH with some precipitate could help M. isabellina form pellets with an average diameter of 0.11 mm.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the possibility of fungal lipid production from lignocellulosic biomass. M. isabellina was the best lipid producer grown on lignocellulosic hydrolysates among the tested filamentous fungi, because it could not only accumulate oils with a high content by directly utilizing NDLH to simplify the fermentation process, but also form proper pellets to benefit the downstream harvesting. Considering the yield and cost, fungal lipids from lignocellulosic biomass are promising alternative sources for biodiesel production.
Evaluation of qPCR reference genes in two genotypes of Populus for use in photoperiod and low-temperature studies
Authors: Pettengill Emily A , Parmentier-Line Cécile , Coleman Gary D
Published: July 2012

Background

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a widely used technique for gene expression analysis. A common normalization method for accurate qPCR data analysis involves stable reference genes to determine relative gene expression. Despite extensive research in the forest tree species Populus, there is not a resource for reference genes that meet the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) standards for qPCR techniques and analysis. Since Populus is a woody perennial species, studies of seasonal changes in gene expression are important towards advancing knowledge of this important developmental and physiological trait. The objective of this study was to evaluate reference gene expression stability in various tissues and growth conditions in two important Populus genotypes (P. trichocarpa “Nisqually 1” and P. tremula x P. alba 717 1-B4) following MIQE guidelines.

Results

We evaluated gene expression stability in shoot tips, young leaves, mature leaves and bark tissues from P. trichocarpa and P. tremula. x P. alba grown under long-day (LD), short-day (SD) or SD plus low-temperatures conditions. Gene expression data were analyzed for stable reference genes among 18S rRNA, ACT2, CDC2, CYC063, TIP4-like, UBQ7, PT1 and ANT using two software packages, geNormPLUS and BestKeeper. GeNormPLUS ranked TIP4-like and PT1 among the most stable genes in most genotype/tissue combinations while BestKeeper ranked CDC2 and ACT2 among the most stable genes.

Conclusions

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of reference genes in two important Populus genotypes and the only study in Populus that meets MIQE standards. Both analysis programs identified stable reference genes in both genotypes and all tissues grown under different photoperiods. This set of reference genes was found to be suitable for either genotype considered here and may potentially be suitable for other Populus species and genotypes. These results provide a valuable resource for the Populus research community.
ACPYPE - AnteChamber PYthon Parser interfacE
Authors: Sousa da Silva Alan W , Vranken Wim F
Published: July 2012

Background

ACPYPE (or AnteChamber PYthon Parser interfacE) is a wrapper script around the ANTECHAMBER software that simplifies the generation of small molecule topologies and parameters for a variety of molecular dynamics programmes like GROMACS, CHARMM and CNS. It is written in the Python programming language and was developed as a tool for interfacing with other Python based applications such as the CCPN software suite (for NMR data analysis) and ARIA (for structure calculations from NMR data). ACPYPE is open source code, under GNU GPL v3, and is available as a stand-alone application athttp://www.ccpn.ac.uk/acpypeand as a web portal application athttp://webapps.ccpn.ac.uk/acpype.

Findings

We verified the topologies generated by ACPYPE in three ways: by comparing with default AMBER topologies for standard amino acids; by generating and verifying topologies for a large set of ligands from the PDB; and by recalculating the structures for 5 protein–ligand complexes from the PDB.

Conclusions

ACPYPE is a tool that simplifies the automatic generation of topology and parameters indifferent formatsfordifferentmolecular mechanics programmes, includingcalculation of partial charges, while beingobject orientedfor integration with other applications.
Consultation performance of general practitioners when supported by an asthma/COPDC-service
Authors: Annelies Lucas EM , Emmy Derckx WCC , Marianne Meulepas A , Ivo Smeele JM , Frank Smeenk WJM , Onno van Schayck P
Published: July 2012

Background

General practitioners (GPs) can refer patients to an asthma/COPD service (AC-service) for diagnostic assessment of spirometry and medical history and for asthma or COPD monitoring. The AC-service reports diagnostic results and additional information about disease burden (BORG-score for complaints, MRC-dyspnoea score, exacerbation rate), life style, medication and compliance, to the patient’s GP. This study explores how GPs use this additional information when discussing the patient’s disease burden and how this influences GPs’ information and education provision during consultations with asthma/COPD patients.

Method

Patients with (a suspicion of) asthma or COPD were referred to an AC-service and consulted their GPs after they had received a report from the AC-service. Retrospectively patients answered questions about their GPs’ performance during these consultations. Performances were compared with performances of the same GPs during consultations without support of the AC-service (usual care), earlier that year.

Results

Of consultations not initiated by an AC-service check-up, 91% focussed on complaints, the initial reason for the consultation. In AC-service supported follow-up consultations, GPs explored disease burden when the (BORG-)score for complaints was high - as reported by the AC-service - even when patients themselves thought it was irrelevant. GPs put significantly less effort in exploring disease burden when the Borg-score was low (BORG 3–4: 69%; BORG1-2: 51%, p = 0,01). GPs mostly ignored MRC-dyspnoea scores: attention to dyspnoea was 18% for MRC-score <3 and 25% for MRC-score ≥3 (p = 0,63). GPs encouraged physical fitness in 13% of patients. Smoking behaviour was discussed with 66% of the actual smokers but only 14% remembered a stop smoking advice. Furthermore, pharmacotherapeutic management education in AC-service supported consultations did not differ from performance in usual care according to patient evaluations.

Conclusion

Other than taking into account the severity of complaints, there was no difference between GPs’ performance in AC-service supported and in usual care consultations. AC-service reports are thus not effective by themselves. GPs should be encouraged to use the information better and systematically check all relevant aspects that characterize the disease burden of their patients.
Lack of association between the rs2294008 polymorphism in the prostate stem cell antigen gene and colorectal neoplasia: a case-control and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Smith Christopher , Lochhead Paul , Basavaraju Umesh , Hold Georgina L , Fyfe Nicky , Murray Graeme I , El-Omar Emad M
Published: July 2012

Background

Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several solid tumours, either due to changes in protein expression, or through association with the rs2294008 polymorphism in the PSCA gene. To our knowledge, the role of PSCA in the development of colorectal neoplasia has not been explored. We performed a genotyping study to assess for associations between the rs2294008 polymorphism and risk of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer. DNA samples were available from 388 individuals with colorectal neoplasia and 496 controls, all of whom had undergone screening colonoscopy. In addition, we performed immunohistochemical staining for PSCA in colonic tissue representing all stages of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Results

No genotypic associations were found between the rs2294008 polymorphism and the risk of colorectal adenomata or cancer. Immunohistochemical staining did not reveal any alteration in PSCA expression accompanying the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Conclusion

From these data it seems unlikely that PSCA has a role in the initiation or progression of colorectal neoplasia.
A study of a population of Nyssomyia trapidoi (Diptera: Psychodidae) caught on the Pacific coast of Ecuador
Authors: S Zapata , L Mejía , F Le Pont , R León , B Pesson , C Ravel , L Bichaud , R Charrel , C Cruaud , G Trueba , J Depaquit
Published: July 2012

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic to the Pacific coast of Ecuador, and Nyssomyia trapidoi is considered to be its main vector. Dujardin et al. [1] recorded some differences in body pigmentation and isoenzymatic profiles in sympatric populations of Ny. trapidoi from the Pacific coast of Ecuador and suggested the existence of two cryptic species.

Methods

Entomological collections were performed in November 2008 and March 2011 in the locality of Paraíso Escondido using CDC miniature light traps and human bait. Morphological, isoenzymatical and molecular (sequencing of cytochome b and cytochrome c oxidase 1 of the mitochondrial DNA) analyses, such as detection of Leishmania DNA and phlebovirus RNA in some females, were performed.

Results

Neighbor-joining trees from mitochondrial sequences grouped all of Ecuadorian Ny. trapidoi (including the two color variants) in one cluster, except for two specimens which clustered separately in both genes. Isoenzymatic characterization confirmed that the color variants belong to the same population. Additionally, 11.5% of females were found by PCR to contain Endotrypanum monterogeii kinetoplastid DNA. All pools of Ny. trapidoi were negative for phlebovirus RNA.

Conclusion

Analysis of mitochondrial gene sequences and isoenzymes was unable to support the existence of two sibling species within Ny. trapidoi, which is a probable vector of Endotrypanum monterogeii.
Electrocardiographic and enzymatic correlations with outcome in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Agrawal Jyoti , Shah Gauri S , Poudel Prakash , Baral Nirmal , Agrawal Ajay , Mishra Om P
Published: July 2012

Background

Perinatal asphyxia leading to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common problem causing multi organ dysfunction including myocardial involvement which can affect the outcome.

Objective

To evaluate the myocardial dysfunction in neonates having HIE by electrocardiographic(ECG) and cardiac enzymes (CK Total, CK-MB and Troponin I) and find out the relationship with HIE and outcome.

Design/Methods

This was a hospital based prospective study. Sixty term neonates who had suffered perinatal asphyxia and developed HIE were enrolled. Myocardial involvement was assessed by clinical, ECG, and CK Total, CK-MB and Troponin I measurements.

Results

Of 60 cases, 13(21.7%) were in mild, 27(45%) in moderate and 20(33.3%) belonged to severe,HIE. ECG was abnormal in 46 (76.7%); of these 19 (41.3%) had grade I, 13 (28.2%) grades II and III each and 1 (2.1%) with grade IV changes. Serum levels of CK Total, CK- MB and Troponin I were raised in 54 (90%), 52 (86.6%) and 48 (80%) neonates, respectively. ECG changes and enzymatic levels showed increasing abnormalities with severity of HIE, and the differences among different grades were significant (p = 0.002, 0.02, <0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Nineteen (32%) cases died during hospital stay. The non- survivors had high proportion of abnormal ECG (p = 0.024), raised levels of CK-MB (p = 0.018) and Troponin I (p = 0.008) in comparison to survivors.

Conclusions

Abnormal ECG and cardiac enzymes levels are found in HIE and can lead to poor outcome due to myocardial damage Early detection can help in better management and survival of these neonates.
The effect of smoking and alcohol consumption on markers of systemic inflammation, immunoglobulin levels and immune response following pneumococcal vaccination in patients with arthritis
Authors: Roseman Carmen , Truedsson Lennart , Kapetanovic Meliha Crnkic
Published: July 2012

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to study the influence of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on immune response to heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, immunoglobulin levels (Ig) and markers of systemic inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondylarthropathy (SpA).

Methods

In total, 505 patients were vaccinated. Six pre-specified groups were enrolled: RA on methotrexate (MTX) treatment in some cases other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (I); RA on anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) as monotherapy (II); RA on anti-TNF+MTX+ possibly other DMARDs (III); SpA on anti-TNF as monotherapy (IV); SpA on anti-TNF+MTX+ possibly other DMARDs (V); and SpA on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or analgesics (VI). Smoking (pack-years) and alcohol consumption (g/week) were calculated from patient questionnaires. Ig, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined at vaccination. IgG antibodies against serotypes 23F and 6B were measured at vaccination and after four to six weeks using standard ELISA. Immune response (ratio between post- and pre-vaccination antibodies; immune response (IR)) and positive immune response (≥2-fold increase in pre-vaccination antibodies; posIR) were calculated.

Results

Eighty-eight patients (17.4%) were current smokers. Smokers had higher CRP and ESR, lower IgG and lower IR for both serotypes (P between 0.012 and 0.045). RA patients on MTX who smoked ≥1pack-year had lower posIR for both serotypes (P = 0.021; OR 0.29; CI 0.1 to 0.7) compared to never-smokers. Alcohol consumption was associated with lower CRP (P = 0.05) and ESR (P = 0.003) but did not influence IR or Ig levels.

Conclusion

Smoking predicted impaired immune response to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in RA patients on MTX. Smokers with arthritis had higher inflammatory markers and lower IgG regardless of diagnosis and treatment. Low to moderate alcohol consumption was related to lower levels of inflammation markers but had no impact on immune response.

Trial registration

EudraCT EU 2007-006539-29 and NCT00828997
Analysis of IgG4 class switch-related molecules in IgG4-related disease
Authors: Tsuboi Hiroto , Matsuo Naomi , Iizuka Mana , Tsuzuki Sayaka , Kondo Yuya , Tanaka Akihiko , Moriyama Masafumi , Matsumoto Isao , Nakamura Seiji , Sumida Takayuki
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a new disease entity characterized by high serum IgG4 levels, IgG4-positive plasmacytic infiltration, and fibrosis in various organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of upregulation of IgG4 class switch recombination in IgG4-RD.

Methods

We extracted RNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with IgG4-RD (n = 6), Sjögren syndrome (SS) (n = 6), and healthy controls (n = 8), from CD3-positive T cells and CD20-positive B cells sorted from PBMCs of patients with IgG4-RD (n = 3), SS (n = 4), and healthy controls (n = 4), as well as from labial salivary glands (LSGs) of patients with IgG4-RD (n = 11), SS (n = 13), and healthy controls (n = 3). The mRNA expression levels of IgG4-specific class switch-related molecules, such as Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13), Treg cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), and transcriptional factors (GATA3 and Foxp3) were examined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IgG4-nonspecific class switch-related molecules, such as CD40, CD154, BAFF, APRIL, IRF4, and AID, were also examined.

Results

The expression levels of Treg cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) and AID were significantly higher in LSGs of IgG4-RD than in SS and the controls (P < 0.05, each). In contrast, those of CD40 and CD154 were significantly lower in PBMCs of IgG4-RD than in SS (P < 0.05, each), whereas CD40 in CD20-positive B cells and CD154 in CD3-positive T cells were comparable in the three groups.

Conclusion

Overexpression of IL-10, TGF-β, and AID in LSGs might play important roles in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD, such as IgG4-specific class-switch recombination and fibrosis. IgG4 class-switch recombination seems to be mainly upregulated in affected organs.
Plasma suPAR levels are associated with mortality, admission time, and Charlson Comorbidity Index in the acutely admitted medical patient: a prospective observational study
Authors: Haupt Thomas Huneck , Petersen Janne , Ellekilde Gertrude , Klausen Henrik Hedegaard , Thorball Christian Wandall , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Andersen Ove
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is the soluble form of the membrane-bound receptor (uPAR) expressed predominantly on various immune cells. Elevated plasma suPAR concentration is associated with increased mortality in various patient groups, and it is speculated that suPAR is a low-grade inflammation marker reflecting on disease severity. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine if the plasma concentration of suPAR is associated with admission time, re-admission, disease severity/Charlson Comorbidity Index Score, and mortality.

Methods

We included 543 patients with various diseases from a Danish Acute Medical Unit during a two month period. A triage unit ensured that only medical patients were admitted to the Acute Medical Unit. SuPAR was measured on plasma samples drawn upon admission. Patients were followed-up for three months after inclusion by their unique civil registry number and using Danish registries to determine admission times, readmissions, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) diagnoses, and mortality. Statistical analysis was used to determine suPAR's association with these endpoints.

Results

Increased suPAR was significantly associated with 90-day mortality (4.87 ng/ml in survivors versus 7.29 ng/ml in non-survivors, P < 0.0001), higher Charlson Score (P < 0.0001), and longer admission time (P < 0.0001), but not with readmissions. The association with mortality remained when adjusting for age, sex, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Charlson Score. Furthermore, among the various Charlson Score disease groups, suPAR was significantly higher in those with diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease compared to those without comorbidities.

Conclusions

SuPAR is a marker of disease severity, admission time, and risk of mortality in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with a variety of diseases. The independent value of suPAR suggests it could be of value in prognostic algorithms.
Regulation of alternative splicing by the circadian clock and food related cues
Authors: McGlincy Nicholas J , Valomon Amandine , Chesham Johanna E , Maywood Elizabeth S , Hastings Michael H , Ule Jernej
Published: July 2012

Background

The circadian clock orchestrates daily rhythms in metabolism, physiology and behaviour that allow organisms to anticipate regular changes in their environment, increasing their adaptation. Such circadian phenotypes are underpinned by daily rhythms in gene expression. Little is known, however, about the contribution of post-transcriptional processes, particularly alternative splicing.

Results

Using Affymetrix mouse exon-arrays, we identified exons with circadian alternative splicing in the liver. Validated circadian exons were regulated in a tissue-dependent manner and were present in genes with circadian transcript abundance. Furthermore, an analysis of circadian mutant Vipr2
-/-
mice revealed the existence of distinct physiological pathways controlling circadian alternative splicing and RNA binding protein expression, with contrasting dependence on Vipr2-mediated physiological signals. This view was corroborated by the analysis of the effect of fasting on circadian alternative splicing. Feeding is an important circadian stimulus, and we found that fasting both modulates hepatic circadian alternative splicing in an exon-dependent manner and changes the temporal relationship with transcript-level expression.

Conclusions

The circadian clock regulates alternative splicing in a manner that is both tissue-dependent and concurrent with circadian transcript abundance. This adds a novel temporal dimension to the regulation of mammalian alternative splicing. Moreover, our results demonstrate that circadian alternative splicing is regulated by the interaction between distinct physiological cues, and illustrates the capability of single genes to integrate circadian signals at different levels of regulation.
A Sense of the Common
Authors: Haver William
Published: July 2012

Throughout all of Michel Foucault’s work there is an uncompromising, albeit tacit, refusal to posit “society” as an object of knowledge and control. Rather, there emerges in various texts a thought of the common as the object of sense rather than of cognition. This essay attempts to elaborate that sense of the common, to note some of the more obvious consequences for the epistemological claims of the social sciences, and to suggest something of the consequences for political thought and practice.
15M: Something Constituent This Way Comes
Authors: Cedillo Raúl Sánchez
Published: July 2012

What we can reasonably call the uprising that began on May 15, 2011, was the most important political and social event in Spain since the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of the “democratic transition” codified in the 1978 constitution. No other event, movement, or sociopolitical process has been comparable in terms of democratic radicalism and a broad social spectrum of mobilization. Some have rightly said that a “second transition” has begun, this time liberated from the fear inscribed on bodies after forty years of bloody dictatorship. The struggle against the Franco dictatorship—fundamental for the transition process launched after the dictator’s death—was the work of specific minorities, for the most part workers and students (and we should not forget the price paid in lives, prison, and torture). In contrast, 15M was, in different degrees of intensity, the first large experience of the politicization of millions of anybodies or whatever people [personas cualesquiera]. That does not mean that the social or labor composition (and within it, what we might call the technical composition) did not matter or was irrelevant for minimally understanding 15M. Indeed, in this essay, we shall see how they were decisive for understanding how something like this was possible.
Habit Formation from Correlation Aversion
Authors: Lichtendahl Kenneth C. , Chao Raul O. , Bodily Samuel E.
Published: July 2012

Making plans about how much to consume and how much to invest in risky assets over an uncertain lifetime is a fundamental economic challenge. The leading models of this planning problem use either additive or habit-forming preferences. For the most part, these models assume an individual is either correlation neutral or correlation seeking in consumption, respectively. In this paper, we introduce two habit-forming, correlation-averse preference models. With these preferences, we find closed-form solutions to the classic consumption and portfolio planning problem. Our solutions recommend that a correlation-averse decision maker follow a habit in their consumption plans. While such habits traditionally have been associated with correlation-seeking preferences, our model leads to consumption habits from correlation-averse preferences.
Complexes of sulfuric acid with N,N-dimethylformamide: An ab initio investigation
Authors: Safonova Liubov P. , Kiselev Michail G. , Fedorova Irina V.
Published: July 2012

The (H2SO4)2, H2SO4-DMF, and (H2SO4)2-DMF complexes have been investigated, using the B3LYP functional with cc-pVQZ basis set. The characteristics of structure and energetics for binary complexes of sulfuric acid with dimethylformamide (DMF) have been obtained for the first time. The H-bond formation both between molecules of sulfuric acid as well as sulfuric acid-DMF were studied, on the basis of Weinhold’s natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. It was shown that the H-bond formation between sulfuric acid and DMF molecules is stronger than ones for the acids dimer. The value of charge transfer from lone pair (LP) orbitals of DMF oxygen to the antibonding orbital of acid OH-bond significantly exceeds the criterion of H-bond existance (0.01 e). As follows from energy, among the complexes under investigation the most preferable one was found to be (H2SO4)2-DMF in which sulfuric acid molecules are linked with each other by three H-bonds.
Framing a Deterritorialized, Hybrid Alternative to Nationalist Essentialism in the Postcolonial Era: Tjalie Robinson and the Diasporic Eurasian “Indo” Community
Authors: Dewulf Jeroen
Published: July 2012

In her study of Transnational South Asians (2008), Susan Koshy highlights the systematic neglect by scholars of the perspectives and activities of such seemingly peripheral actors as diasporic subjects in the macro-narratives of nationalism and globalization. Such neglect was even more pronounced in the case of the “repatriates” from European colonies in Asia and Africa. The epistemological implications of the dislocated, de-territorialized discourse produced by repatriates from former European colonies remain largely overlooked. One of those groups that seem to have slipped between the pages of history is the diasporic Eurasian “Indo” community that has its roots in the former Dutch East Indies. In this article, I focus on Tjalie Robinson, the intellectual leader of this community from the 1950s to the mid-1970s. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in what Homi Bhabha, in The Location of Culture (1994, 38), called “the conceptualization of an international culture, based not on the exoticism of multiculturalism or the diversity of cultures, but on the inscription and articulation of culture’s hybridity.” Long before Bhabha, Robinson had already published substantially on hybrid, transnational identity. As the son of a Dutch father and a British-Javanese mother, Robinson had made a name in Indonesia with his writings. He left Indonesia in 1954, and soon became the leading voice of the diasporic Indo community in the Netherlands and, later, also in the United States. His engagement resulted in the founding of the Indo magazine Tong Tong and the annual Pasar Malam, the world’s biggest Eurasian festival. With his writings, Robinson played an essential role in the cultural awareness and self-pride of the Indo community through the acceptance of their essentially hybrid and transnational identity.
Enhanced Antigen Retrieval of Amyloid β Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kai Hideaki , Shin Ryong-Woon , Ogino Koichi , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Murayama Shigeo , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki
Published: July 2012

Senile plaques, extracellular deposits of amyloid β peptide (Aβ), are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD). As the standard immunohistochemical detection method for Aβ deposits, anti-Aβ immunohistochemistry combined with antigen retrieval (AR) by formic acid (FA) has been generally used. Here, we present a more efficient AR for Aβ antigen. On brain sections of AD and its mouse model, a double combination of either autoclave heating in EDTA buffer or digestion with proteinase K plus FA treatment reinforced Aβ immunoreactivity. A further triple combination of digestion with proteinase K (P), autoclave heating in EDTA buffer (A), and FA treatment (F), when employed in this order, gave a more enhanced immunoreactivity. Our PAF method prominently visualized various forms of Aβ deposits in AD that have not been clearly detected previously and revealed numerous minute-sized plaques both in AD and the mouse model. Quantification of Aβ loads showed that the AR effect by the PAF method was 1.86-fold (in the aged human brain) and 4.64-fold (in the mouse brain) higher than that by the FA method. Thus, the PAF method could have the potential to be the most sensitive tool so far to study Aβ pathology in AD and its mouse model.
Hyaluronan and Hyaluronan Binding Proteins Are Normal Components of Mouse Pancreatic Islets and Are Differentially Expressed by Islet Endocrine Cell Types
Authors: Hull Rebecca L. , Johnson Pamela Y. , Braun Kathleen R. , Day Anthony J. , Wight Thomas N.
Published: July 2012

The pancreatic islet comprises endocrine, vascular, and neuronal cells. Signaling among these cell types is critical for islet function. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key regulator of cell-cell signals, and while some islet ECM components have been identified, much remains unknown regarding its composition. We investigated whether hyaluronan, a common ECM component that may mediate inflammatory events, and molecules that bind hyaluronan such as versican, tumor necrosis factor–stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6), and components of inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (IαI), heavy chains 1 and 2 (ITIH1/ITIH2), and bikunin, are normally produced in the pancreatic islet. Mouse pancreata and isolated islets were obtained for microscopy (with both paraformaldehyde and Carnoy’s fixation) and mRNA. Hyaluronan was present predominantly in the peri-islet ECM, and hyaluronan synthase isoforms 1 and 3 were also expressed in islets. Versican was produced in α cells; TSG-6 in α and β cells; bikunin in α, β, and δ cells; and ITIH1/ITIH2 predominantly in β cells. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronan, versican, TSG-6, and IαI are normal islet components and that different islet endocrine cell types contribute these ECM components. Thus, dysfunction of either α or β cells likely alters islet ECM composition and could thereby further disrupt islet function.
Ultrastructure of a Novel Bacterial Form Located in Staphylococcus aureus In Vitro and In Vivo Catheter-Associated Biofilms
Authors: Hess Donavon J. , Henry-Stanley Michelle J. , Barnes Aaron M.T. , Dunny Gary M. , Wells Carol L.
Published: July 2012

Bacterial biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, industry, and medicine, and understanding their development and cellular structure is critical in controlling the unwanted consequences of biofilm growth. Here, we report the ultrastructure of a novel bacterial form observed by scanning electron microscopy in the luminal vegetations of catheters from patients with active Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. This novel structure had the general appearance of a normal staphylococcal cell but up to 10 to 15 times as large. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that these structures appeared as sacs enclosing multiple normal-sized (~0.6 µm) staphylococcal forms. Using in vitro cultivated biofilms, cytochemical studies using fluorescent reagents revealed that these structures were rich in lipids and appeared within 15 min after S. aureus inoculation onto clinically relevant abiotic surfaces. Because they appeared early in biofilm development, these novel bacterial forms may represent an unappreciated mechanism for biofilm surface adherence, and their prominent lipid expression levels could explain the perplexing increased antimicrobial resistance of biofilm-associated bacteria.
Verbesserung modellbasierter Überschlagserkennung mittels Schätzung relevanter Fahrzeugparameter
Authors: Ertlmeier Rudolf , Mühlfeld Florian , Faisst Holger , Jumar Ulrich , Brandmeier Thomas
Published: July 2012

Passive Rückhaltemittel wie Airbags können Fahrzeuginsassen während eines Überschlags vor Verletzungen schützen. Der Beladungszustand eines Pkws ist jedoch entscheidend für dessen Kippverhalten, wodurch auch die Detektion eines Überschlags beeinflusst wird. Dieser Beitrag zeigt eine Schätzung relevanter Fahrzeugkennwerte und die damit mögliche Optimierung eines modellbasierten Überschlagserkennungssystems.
Transient Behaviour of Synchronised Agents
Authors: Lunze Jan
Published: July 2012

The task of synchronising autonomous agents is solved by a networked controller that steers the agents towards a common trajectory. This paper considers the transient behaviour of completely coupled synchronised agents, which brings the agents from their initial state towards the common synchronous trajectory. An explicit relation of the transient behaviour in terms of the initial agent states is derived, which shows how the time to synchronise the agents depends upon the coupling strength. As an important phenomenon of agents with complete couplings, it is proved that groups of agents, which are initially synchronised among each other, remain synchronised during the transient phase. The results are illustrated by their application to vehicle platooning.
Die Revolutionstheorien und der Marxismus
Authors: Kondylis Panajotis
Published: July 2012

The article proposes a historical model of ideology understood as cyclical. This model is especially designed to the study of Marxism. Ideologies emerge as small systematic formations initially characterized by the delegitimization of the established order and the intent to liberate larger social groups. These formations are subsequently systematized into a comprehensive world view before they are reshaped and adapted by epigones. Finally, ideologies become static and serve as pure means of legitimation.
Entscheidung und Macht. Kondylis als Kritiker des Normativismus
Authors: Zenkert Georg
Published: July 2012

Despite his undeniable erudition Kondylis never made his mark on the contemporary discussions. This is not surprising, because he preferred to stay in opposition to the mainstream of normativistic thinking, as shown in a rereading of his programmatic work on “Macht und Entscheidung”. Yet this isolated position allows the deficits of normativism to be perceived in remarkable lucidity in mirror-image reversal: a restricted perception of political power and the unclear relation between deliberation and decision. Hence the consequence can be drawn that any attempt at a normative conception of life-world must clarify its relationship to a positive concept of power and the meaning of decision-making.
Philosophie Aktuell: Die gesetzliche Neuregelung der Organtransplantation
Authors: Esser Andrea , Birnbacher Dieter , Wiesemann Claudia , Stoecker Ralf , Lübbe Weyma , Quante Michael
Published: July 2012

Under the new heading “Philosophie aktuell” topics which are relevant in terms of public, moral, and political discourse will be discussed from a philosophical vantage point. By way of example, the explanatory capacity of philosophical reflection and critique will be demonstrated. The present issue puts the reform of the Transplantation Law under philosophical investigation. Concepts of life and death, in particular that of cerebral death, will be scrutinized. It will be asked whether these concepts are descriptive in nature or prescriptive, normatively charged ones. Are cerebrally dead persons still alive or already dead?
Drei Sitzungsprotokolle aus den Frankfurter Seminaren Theodor W. Adornos
Authors: Braunstein Dirk
Published: July 2012

From 1949 to 1969, Theodor W. Adorno habitually let students take minutes of his Frankfurt seminars in philosophy und sociology. More than 470 of these minutes have been retained, and three of them shall now for the first time be rendered unabridged.
Der Zweck von Bildung. Über: Kirsten Meyer: Bildung
Authors: Wallimann-Helmer Ivo
Published: July 2012

Kirsten Meyer: Bildung. Walter de Gruyter Verlag, Berlin 2011, 224 S.
Finding one's own linguistic space: views on English, Afrikaans and identity in a semi-urban Australian context
Authors: Hatoss Aniko , Van Rensburg Henriette , Starks Donna
Published: July 2012

The use of the Afrikaans and English in South Africa is well documented in the literature, but little is known about the ideologies attached to these languages in diasporic contexts. In light of the large scale immigration of South Africans into English-speaking countries, this paper aims to explore the dynamics of identity formation of 17 Afrikaans-speaking South African families with respect to both Afrikaans and the South African English accent. Data from semi-structured interviews provide insights into how the two languages compete for space in this Australian English-speaking context. The findings point to links between home language policies, views towards the South African English accent, and identity construction. They also indicate the importance of considering the entire linguistic repertoire of communities, and the diversity of opinion within them.