bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detectable minimal residual disease before hematopoietic cell transplantation is prognostic but does not preclude cure for children with very-high-risk leukemia
Authors: Leung Wing , Pui Ching-Hon , Coustan-Smith Elaine , Yang Jie , Pei Deqing , Gan Kwan , Srinivasan Ashok , Hartford Christine , Triplett Brandon M. , Dallas Mari , Pillai Asha , Shook David , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Sandlund John T. , Jeha Sima , Inaba Hiroto , Ribeiro Raul C. , Handgretinger Rupert , Laver Joseph H. , Campana Dario
Published: April 2012

In patients with acute leukemia, detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) correlates with risk of relapse. However, the level of MRD that is most likely to preclude cure by HCT is unclear, and the benefit of further chemotherapy to reduce MRD before HCT is unknown. In 122 children with very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n = 64) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n = 58), higher MRD levels at the time of HCT predicted a poorer survival after HCT (P = .0019); MRD was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis (P = .0035). However, the increase in risk of death associated with a similar increment of MRD was greater in ALL than in AML, suggesting that a pretransplantation reduction of leukemia burden would have a higher impact in ALL. At any given MRD level, survival rates were higher for patients treated in recent protocols: the 5-year overall survival for patients with ALL was 49% if MRD was detectable and 88% if it was not and the corresponding rates for patients with AML were 67% and 80%, respectively. Although MRD before HCT is a strong prognostic factor, its impact has diminished and should not be regarded as a contraindication for HCT.
O-linked glycosylation of von Willebrand factor modulates the interaction with platelet receptor glycoprotein Ib under static and shear stress conditions
Authors: Nowak Agata A. , Canis Kevin , Riddell Anne , Laffan Michael A. , McKinnon Thomas A. J.
Published: April 2012

We have examined the effect of the O-linked glycan (OLG) structures of VWF on its interaction with the platelet receptor glycoprotein Ibα. The 10 OLGs were mutated individually and as clusters (Clus) on either and both sides of the A1 domain: Clus1 (N-terminal side), Clus2 (C-terminal side), and double cluster (DC), in both full-length-VWF and in a VWF construct spanning D′ to A3 domains. Mutations did not alter VWF secretion by HEK293T cells, multimeric structure, or static collagen binding. The T1255A, Clus1, and DC variants caused increased ristocetin-mediated GPIbα binding to VWF. Platelet translocation rate on OLG mutants was increased because of reduced numbers of GPIbα binding sites but without effect on bond lifetime. In contrast, OLG mutants mediated increased platelet capture on collagen under high shear stress that was associated with increased adhesion of these variants to the collagen under flow. These findings suggest that removal of OLGs increases the flexibility of the hinge linker region between the D3 and A1 domain, facilitating VWF unfolding by shear stress, thereby enhancing its ability to bind collagen and capture platelets. These data demonstrate an important functional role of VWF OLGs under shear stress conditions.
A switch in infected erythrocyte deformability at the maturation and blood circulation of Plasmodium falciparum transmission stages
Authors: Tibúrcio Marta , Niang Makhtar , Deplaine Guillaume , Perrot Sylvie , Bischoff Emmanuel , Ndour Papa Alioune , Silvestrini Francesco , Khattab Ayman , Milon Geneviève , David Peter H. , Hardeman Max , Vernick Kenneth D. , Sauerwein Robert W. , Preiser Peter R. , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Buffet Pierre , Alano Pietro , Lavazec Catherine
Published: April 2012

Achievement of malaria elimination requires development of novel strategies interfering with parasite transmission, including targeting the parasite sexual stages (gametocytes). The formation of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in the human host takes several days during which immature gametocyte-infected erythrocytes (GIEs) sequester in host tissues. Only mature stage GIEs circulate in the peripheral blood, available to uptake by the Anopheles vector. Mechanisms underlying GIE sequestration and release in circulation are virtually unknown. We show here that mature GIEs are more deformable than immature stages using ektacytometry and microsphiltration methods, and that a switch in cellular deformability in the transition from immature to mature gametocytes is accompanied by the deassociation of parasite-derived STEVOR proteins from the infected erythrocyte membrane. We hypothesize that mechanical retention contributes to sequestration of immature GIEs and that regained deformability of mature gametocytes is associated with their release in the bloodstream and ability to circulate. These processes are proposed to play a key role in P falciparum gametocyte development in the host and to represent novel and unconventional targets for interfering with parasite transmission.
Heritability of cortisol response to confinement stress in European sea bass dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Volckaert Filip AM , Hellemans Bart , Batargias Costas , Louro Bruno , Massault Cécile , Van Houdt Jeroen K J , Haley Chris , de Koning Dirk-Jan , Canario Adelino VM
Published: April 2012

Background

In fish, the most studied production traits in terms of heritability are body weight or growth, stress or disease resistance, while heritability of cortisol levels, widely used as a measure of response to stress, is less studied. In this study, we have estimated heritabilities of two growth traits (body weight and length) and of cortisol response to confinement stress in the European sea bass.

Findings

The F1 progeny analysed (n = 922) belonged to a small effective breeding population with contributions from an unbalanced family structure of just 10 males and 2 females. Heritability values ranged from 0.54 (±0.21) for body weight to 0.65 (±0.22) for standard body length and were low for cortisol response i.e. 0.08 (±0.06). Genetic correlations were positive (0.94) between standard body length and body weight and negative between cortisol and body weight and between cortisol and standard body length (−0.60 and −0.55, respectively).

Conclusion

This study confirms that in European sea bass, heritability of growth-related traits is high and that selection on such traits has potential. However, heritability of cortisol response to stress is low in European sea bass and since it is known to vary greatly among species, further studies are necessary to understand the reasons for these differences.
BB0324 and BB0028 are constituents of the Borrelia burgdorferi β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) complex
Authors: Lenhart Tiffany R , Kenedy Melisha R , Yang Xiuli , Pal Utpal , Akins Darrin R
Published: April 2012

Background

Similar to Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane (OM) of the pathogenic spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, contains integral OM-spanning proteins (OMPs), as well as membrane-anchored lipoproteins. Although the mechanism of OMP biogenesis is still not well-understood, recent studies have indicated that a heterooligomeric OM protein complex, known as BAM (β-barrel assembly machine) is required for proper assembly of OMPs into the bacterial OM. We previously identified and characterized the essential β-barrel OMP component of this complex in B. burgdorferi, which we determined to be a functional BamA ortholog.

Results

In the current study, we report on the identification of two additional protein components of the B. burgdorferi BAM complex, which were identified as putative lipoproteins encoded by ORFs BB0324 and BB0028. Biochemical assays with a BamA-depleted B. burgdorferi strain indicate that BB0324 and BB0028 do not readily interact with the BAM complex without the presence of BamA, suggesting that the individual B. burgdorferi BAM components may associate only when forming a functional BAM complex. Cellular localization assays indicate that BB0324 and BB0028 are OM-associated subsurface lipoproteins, and in silico analyses indicate that BB0324 is a putative BamD ortholog.

Conclusions

The combined data suggest that the BAM complex of B. burgdorferi contains unique protein constituents which differ from those found in other proteobacterial BAM complexes. The novel findings now allow for the B. burgdorferi BAM complex to be further studied as a model system to better our understanding of spirochetal OM biogenesis in general.
Impact of drug price adjustments on utilization of and expenditures on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shiou-Huei , Hsu Chien-Ning , Yu Shu-Hui , Cham Thau-Ming
Published: April 2012

Background

A previous study has suggested that drug price adjustments allow physicians in Taiwan to gain greater profit by prescribing generic drugs. To better understand the effect of price adjustments on physician choice, this study used renin-angiotensin drugs (including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs] and angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]) to examine the impact of price adjustments on utilization of and expenditures on patented and off-patent drugs with the same therapeutic indication.

Methods

Using the Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (2005), we identified 147,157 patients received ACEIs and/or ARBs between 1997 and 2008. The annual incident and prevalent users of ACEIs, ARBs and overall renin-angiotensin drugs were examined. Box-Tiao intervention analysis was applied to assess the impact of price adjustments on monthly utilization of and expenditures on these drugs. ACEIs were divided into patented and off-patent drugs, off-patent ACEIs were further divided into original brands and generics, and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

The number of incident renin-angiotensin drug users decreased over the study period. The number of prevalent ARB users increased and exceeded the cumulative number of first-time renin-angiotensin drug users starting on ARBs, implying that some patients switched from ACEIs to ARBs. After price adjustments, long term trend increases in utilization were observed for patented ACEIs and ARBs; a long-term trend decrease was observed for off-patent ACEIs; long-term trend change was not significant for overall renin-angiotensin drugs. Significant long-term trend increases in expenditures were observed for patented ACEIs after price adjustment in 2007 (200.9%, p = 0.0088) and in ARBs after price adjustments in 2001 (173.4%, p < 0.0001) and 2007 (146.3%, p < 0.0001). A significant long-term trend decrease in expenditures was observed for off-patent ACEIs after 2004 price adjustment (−156.9%, p < 0.0001). Expenditures on overall renin-angiotensin drugs showed long-term trend increases after price adjustments in 2001 (72.2%, p < 0.0001) and 2007 (133.4%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Price adjustments did not achieve long-term cost savings for overall renin-angiotensin drugs. Possible switching from ACEIs to ARBs within individuals is evident. Policy makers should reconsider the appropriateness of the current adjustment strategies applied to patented and off-patent drugs.
In vitro antiplasmodial, antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of selected medicinal plants used in the traditional Arabian Peninsular region
Authors: Al-Musayeib Nawal M , Mothana Ramzi A , Matheeussen An , Cos Paul , Maes Louis
Published: April 2012

Background

Worldwide particularly in developing countries, a large proportion of the population is at risk for tropical parasitic diseases. Several medicinal plants are still used traditionally against protozoal infections in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Thus the present study investigated the in vitro antiprotozoal activity of twenty-five plants collected from the Arabian Peninsula.

Methods

Plant materials were extracted with methanol and screened in vitro against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxic activity was determined against MRC-5 cells to assess selectivity. The criterion for activity was an IC50 < 10 μg/ml (<5 μg/ml for T. brucei) and selectivity index of >4.

Results

Antiplasmodial activity was found in the extracts of Chrozophora oblongifolia, Ficus ingens, Lavandula dentata and Plectranthus barbatus. Amastigotes of T. cruzi were affected by Grewia erythraea, L. dentata, Tagetes minuta and Vernonia leopoldii. Activity against T. brucei was obtained in G. erythraea, L. dentata, P. barbatus and T. minuta. No relevant activity was found against L. infantum. High levels of cytotoxicity (MRC-5 IC50 < 10 μg/ml) and hence non-specific activities were noted in Cupressus sempervirens, Kanahia laniflora and Kniphofia sumarae.

Conclusion

The results endorse that medicinal plants can be promising sources of natural products with antiprotozoal activity potential. The results support to some extent the traditional uses of some plants for the treatment of parasitic protozoal diseases.
Intraduodenal sarcoma recurrence of retroperitoneal origin: an unusual cause for a duodenal obstruction
Authors: Bao Jean J , Mansour John C , Timmerman Robert D , Kirane Amanda , Ewing Gene E , Schwarz Roderich E
Published: April 2012

Soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon tumors, and intraduodenal soft tissue sarcoma manifestation is even more rare. Only three cases of intraduodenal sarcomas have been reported in the literature thus far. Here, we report a case of an intraduodenal recurrence of a retroperitoneal sarcoma causing bowel obstruction. This unusual recurrence pattern likely relates to the patient’s previous resection and radiation treatment, and highlights the benefits, limitations and follow-up strategies after multimodality treatment.
A review of wearable sensors and systems with application in rehabilitation
Authors: Patel Shyamal , Park Hyung , Bonato Paolo , Chan Leighton , Rodgers Mary
Published: April 2012

The aim of this review paper is to summarize recent developments in the field of wearable sensors and systems that are relevant to the field of rehabilitation. The growing body of work focused on the application of wearable technology to monitor older adults and subjects with chronic conditions in the home and community settings justifies the emphasis of this review paper on summarizing clinical applications of wearable technology currently undergoing assessment rather than describing the development of new wearable sensors and systems. A short description of key enabling technologies (i.e. sensor technology, communication technology, and data analysis techniques) that have allowed researchers to implement wearable systems is followed by a detailed description of major areas of application of wearable technology. Applications described in this review paper include those that focus on health and wellness, safety, home rehabilitation, assessment of treatment efficacy, and early detection of disorders. The integration of wearable and ambient sensors is discussed in the context of achieving home monitoring of older adults and subjects with chronic conditions. Future work required to advance the field toward clinical deployment of wearable sensors and systems is discussed.
The Effect of Minocycline on the Masticatory Movements following the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Transection in Freely Moving Rats
Authors: Mostafeezur Rahman Md , Zakir Hossain Md , Yamada Yoshiaki , Yamamura Kensuke , Iwata Koichi , Sessle Barry J , Kitagawa Junichi
Published: April 2012

Background:

To determine the effects of inferior alveolar nerve transection (IAN-X) on masticatory movements in freely moving rats and to test if microglial cells in the trigeminal principal sensory nucleus (prV) or motor nucleus (motV) may be involved in modulation of mastication, the effects of microglial cell inhibitor minocycline (MC) on masticatory jaw movements, microglia (Iba1) immunohistochemistry and the masticatory jaw movements and related masticatory muscle EMG activities were studied in IAN-X rats.

Results:

The number of Iba1-immunoreactive (IR) cells both in prV and motV was significantly larger in IAN-X rats compared with sham rats on day 3 after IAN-X. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of MC caused a significant reduction of the number of Iba1-IR cells both in prV and motV that was evident on day 14 after IAN-X. Furthermore, a significant reduction of the number of Iba1-IR cells could be observed in motV but not in prV after microinjection (m.i.) of MC into the motV of IAN-X rats. The rats also exhibited a significant decrease in the head-withdrawal threshold on the side ipsilateral to the IAN-X compared to the threshold before IAN-X and it lasted to day 14. In addition, IAN-X markedly affected the ability to rat to carry out mastication. The number of complete masticatory sequences was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the total masticatory sequence time and food preparatory (PP) period duration was significantly elongated in compared to sham rats. Although IAN-X significantly affected the total number of chewing cycles within the RC period of a masticatory sequence, it had no effect on the duration of the chewing cycles. On the other hand, systemic administration of MC (both i.p. and m.i.) in IAN-X rats significantly improved decreased head-withdrawal threshold and the impaired masticatory jaw movements.

Conclusions:

The present findings reveal that the strong modulation of masticatory jaw movements occurs following microglial cell activation after IAN-X, and the modulation recovers after inhibition of the microglial cell activation by MC, suggesting that microglial cell activation in the motV as well as in the prV has a pivotal role in modulating mastication following trigeminal nerve injury associated with orofacial neuropathic pain.
Effect of sequential treatment with syndrome differentiation on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and "AECOPD Risk-Window": study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Haifeng Wang , Jiansheng Li , Suyun Li , Xueqing Yu , Hailong Zhang , Zhiwan Wang , Qiyi Wu , Pankui Zhang , Zhongchao Wang , Fenglei Li , Haihong Yan
Published: April 2012

Background

Frequent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is a major cause of hospital admission and mortality. It has been reported that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may relieve COPD symptoms and reduce the incidence of COPD exacerbations, thus improving life quality of COPD patients. The acute exacerbation of COPD risk-window (AECOPD-RW) is the period after an exacerbation and before the patient returns to baseline. In the AECOPD-RW, patients are usually at increased risk of a second exacerbation, which may lead to hospital admission and high mortality. It may be beneficial for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients to receive interventions during AECOPD-RW. During exacerbations the treatment principle is to eliminate exogenous pathogens, whereas the AECOPD-RW treatment principle focuses on enhancing body resistance.

Methods/Design

A prospective, multi-center, single-blinded, double-dummy and randomized controlled clinical trial is being conducted to test the therapeutic effects of a sequential two stage treatment, which includes eliminating pathogen and strengthening vital qi with syndrome differentiation. A total of 364 patients will be enrolled in this study with 182 in each treatment group (TCM and control). Patients received medication (or control) according to their assigned group. TCM for AECOPD were administered twice daily to patients with AECOPD over 7 to 21 days, followed by TCM for AECOPD-RW over 28 days. All patients were followed for six months. The clinical symptoms, the modified medical research council dyspnea (MMRC) scale and exacerbations were used as the primary outcome measures. Pulmonary function, quality of life and mortality rate were used as secondary outcome measures.

Discussion

It is hypothesized that sequentially eliminating pathogens and strengthening vital qi treatments with syndrome differentiation will have beneficial effects on reducing the frequency and duration of acute exacerbation, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for COPD patients.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR-TRC-11001460.
Intravenous magnesium prevents atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting: a meta-analysis of 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials
Authors: Gu Wan-Jie , Wu Zhen-Jie , Wang Peng-Fei , Aung Lynn Htet Htet , Yin Rui-Xing
Published: April 2012

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The preventive effect of magnesium on POAF is not well known. This meta-analysis was undertaken to assess the efficacy of intravenous magnesium on the prevention of POAF after CABG.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of POAF. The meta-analysis was performed with the fixed-effect model or random-effect model according to heterogeneity.

Results

Seven double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials met the inclusion criteria including 1,028 participants. The pooled results showed that intravenous magnesium reduced the incidence of POAF by 36% (RR 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.83; P = 0.001; with no heterogeneity between trials (heterogeneity P = 0.8, I
2 = 0%)).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that intravenous magnesium significantly reduces the incidence of POAF after CABG. This finding encourages the use of intravenous magnesium as an alternative to prevent POAF after CABG. But more high quality randomized clinical trials are still need to confirm the safety.
Epididymis rhabdomyoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Han Yang , Qiu Xue-shan , Li Qing-chang , Han Yu-chen , Lin Xu-yong , Zhang Qing-fu , Wang Jian , Wang En-hua , Li Ze-liang
Published: April 2012

Genital rhabdomyoma is very rare tumor that usually occurs in the vulvar of young women. Epididymis rhabdomyoma in a young man is extremely uncommon and has rarely been reported. Here, we report a case of epididymis rhabdomyoma of a 17-year-old man and review the literatures.

Virtual slide

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1177628224692794
Teaching human parasitology in China
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , He Shenyi , Chen Lin , Shi Na , Bai Yang , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: April 2012

China has approximately one-fifth of the world’s population. Despite the recent success in controlling major parasitic diseases, parasitic diseases remain a significant human health problem in China. Hence, the discipline of human parasitology is considered as a core subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the medical sciences. We consider the teaching of human parasitology to be fundamental to the training of medical students, to the continued research on parasitic diseases, and to the prevention and control of human parasitic diseases. Here, we have summarized the distribution of educational institutions in China, particularly those that teach parasitology. In addition, we have described some existing parasitology courses in detail as well as the teaching methods used for different types of medical students. Finally, we have discussed the current problems in and reforms to human parasitology education. Our study indicates that 304 regular higher education institutions in China offer medical or related education. More than 70 universities have an independent department of parasitology that offers approximately 10 different parasitology courses. In addition, six universities in China have established excellence-building courses in human parasitology.
Early neurovascular uncoupling in the brain during community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Rosengarten Bernhard , Krekel Dennis , Kuhnert Stefan , Schulz Richard
Published: April 2012

Introduction

Sepsis leads to microcirculatory dysfunction and therefore a disturbed neurovascular coupling in the brain. To investigate if the dysfunction is also present in less severe inflammatory diseases we studied the neurovascular coupling in patients suffering from community acquired pneumonia.

Methods

Patients were investigated in the acute phase of pneumonia and after recovery. The neurovascular coupling was investigated with a simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG)-Doppler technique applying a visual stimulation paradigm. Resting EEG frequencies, visual evoked potentials as well as resting and stimulated hemodynamic responses were obtained. Disease severity was characterized by laboratory and cognitive parameters as well as related scoring systems. Data were compared to a control group.

Results

Whereas visually evoked potentials (VEP) remained stable a significant slowing and therefore uncoupling of the hemodynamic responses were found in the acute phase of pneumonia (Rate time: control group: 3.6 ± 2.5 vs. acute pneumonia: 1.6 ± 2.4 s; P < 0.0005). In the initial investigation, patients who deteriorated showed a decreased hemodynamic response as compared with those who recovered (gain: recovered: 15% ± 4% vs. deteriorated: 9% ± 3%, P < 0.05; control: 14% ± 5%). After recovery the coupling normalized.

Conclusions

Our study underlines the role of an early microcirculatory dysfunction in inflammatory syndromes that become evident in pre-septic conditions with a gradual decline according to disease severity.
Measurement of thermal properties of select intact and weathered granulites and their relationship to rock properties
Authors: Ramakrishnan D. , Bharti Rishikesh , Nithya M. , Kusuma K. N. , Singh K. D.
Published: April 2012

Understanding the thermal properties of granulites, a group of high-grade metamorphic rocks representing composition of lower crust of the Earth, is necessary to arrive at effective crustal heat flow modeling. However, the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of intact and weathered granulites and parameters that influence them are poorly known. The above properties for a few felsic, mafic, and intermediate granulites and associated soils from the Southern Granulite Terrain, India were investigated using a cost-effective, self-fabricated setup. The results generated by this technique were precise, reproducible, and comparable with other published procedures and values. Because the samples analyzed were of intact in situ specimens, the thermal conductivity and diffusivity could be directly used in practical applications. Among several parameters, it was observed that [Formula: see text] ratio, grain size, and bulk density were the principal factors to influence the conductivity and diffusivity of fresh felsic- and mafic-granulites. For weathered rocks/soils, moisture content, coefficient of uniformity, and fine fractions controlled the thermal properties.
High-resolution bootstrapped differential semblance
Authors: Abbad Brahim , Ursin Bjørn
Published: April 2012

We formulated two coherency measures, based on the bootstrapped differential semblance (BDS) estimator, that offered higher resolution in parameter tracking than did standard normalized differential semblance. Bootstrapping is a statistical resampling procedure used to infer estimates of standard errors and confidence intervals from data samples for which the statistical properties are unattainable via simple means, or when the probability density function is unkown or difficult to estimate. The first proposed estimator was based on a deterministic sorting of original offset traces by alternating near and far offsets to achieve maximized time shifts between adjacent traces. The near offsets were indexed with odd integers, while the even integers were used to index far offsets that were located at a constant index increment from the previous trace. The second was the product of several BDS terms, with the first term being the deterministic BDS defined above. The other terms were generated by random sorting of traces that alternated near and far offsets in an unpredictible manner. The proposed estimators could be applied in building velocity (and anellipticity) spectra for time-domain velocity analysis, depth-domain residual velocity update, or to any parameter-fitting algorithm involving discrete multichannel data. The gain in resolution provided by the suggested estimators over the differential semblance coefficient was illustrated on a number of synthetic and field data examples.
Noise reduction in TEM: Presenting a bandwidth- and sensitivity-optimized parallel recording setup and methods for adaptive synchronous detection
Authors: Nyboe Nicklas Skovgaard , Sørensen Kurt
Published: April 2012

The transient electromagnetic method (TEM) is a recognized tool for determining the subsurface resistivity structure over a wide depth interval. A key requirement for an accurate characterization of the shallow part of this interval is a sufficiently wideband receiver system. The maximum depth of investigation, on the other hand, is determined by the late-time signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). It has been demonstrated that the use of compact wideband receiver coils tends to deteriorate the late-time S/N due to their inherent low sensitivity to time-varying magnetic fields. To overcome this problem, we used a bandwidth- and sensitivity-optimized parallel recording setup using two separated receiver coils optimized for measuring the early- and late-time part of the transient signal, respectively. Using this setup, we experienced substantial improvements in the achievable depth of investigation while retaining shallow resolution. Further noise reduction may be obtained by adapting the applied synchronous detection measuring scheme to the local noise conditions. This is especially important when TEM are carried out in culturally developed areas, which is often the case for environmental investigations. Such soundings frequently suffer from inferior signal quality due to EM noise from local cultural sources. Comparing the frequency-domain filtering effect of the applied synchronous detection measuring scheme with the actual noise frequency content allowed us to evaluate the relative importance of the many sources of noise encountered in the field. Further improvements could be obtained by tailoring the applied synchronous detection to better reject specific noise frequencies through modification of the properties of time-gate integration and gate stacking.
Retinoic acid suppresses intestinal mucus production and exacerbates experimental enterocolitis
Authors: Oehlers Stefan H. , Flores Maria Vega , Hall Christopher J. , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S.
Published: April 2012

Exposure to retinoids for the treatment of acne has been linked to the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The intestinal mucus layer is an important structural barrier that is disrupted in IBD. Retinoid-induced alteration of mucus physiology has been postulated as a mechanism linking retinoid treatment to IBD; however, there is little direct evidence for this interaction. The zebrafish larva is an emerging model system for investigating the pathogenesis of IBD. Importantly, this system allows components of the innate immune system, including mucus physiology, to be studied in isolation from the adaptive immune system. This study reports the characterization of a novel zebrafish larval model of IBD-like enterocolitis induced by exposure to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). The DSS-induced enterocolitis model was found to recapitulate several aspects of the zebrafish trinitrobenzene-sulfonic-acid (TNBS)-induced enterocolitis model, including neutrophilic inflammation that was microbiota-dependent and responsive to pharmacological intervention. Furthermore, the DSS-induced enterocolitis model was found to be a tractable model of stress-induced mucus production and was subsequently used to identify a role for retinoic acid (RA) in suppressing both physiological and pathological intestinal mucin production. Suppression of mucin production by RA increased the susceptibility of zebrafish larvae to enterocolitis when challenged with enterocolitic agents. This study illustrates a direct effect of retinoid administration on intestinal mucus physiology and, subsequently, on the progression of intestinal inflammation.
Anatomical description and morphometry of the skeleton of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Casteleyn C , Bakker J , Breugelmans S , Kondova I , Saunders J , Langermans J A M , Cornillie P , Van den Broeck W , Van Loo D , Van Hoorebeke L , Bosseler L , Chiers K , Decostere A
Published: April 2012

Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) is regularly used in biomedical research, including for studies involving the skeleton. To support these studies, skeletons of healthy animals that had been euthanized for reasons not interfering with skeletal anatomy were prepared. The marmoset dental formula 2I-1C-3P-2M of each oral quadrant is atypical for New World monkeys which commonly possess a third molar. Seven cervical, 12–13 thoracic, 7–6 lumbar, 2–3 sacral and 26–29 caudal vertebrae are present, the thoracolumbar region always comprising 19 vertebrae. A sigmoid clavicle connects the scapula with the manubrium of the sternum. Depending on the number of thoracic vertebrae, 4–5 sternebrae are located between the manubrium and xiphoid process. Wide interosseous spaces separate the radius from the ulna, and the tibia from the fibula. A small sesamoid bone is inserted in the m. abductor digiti primi longus at the medial border of the carpus, a pair of ovoid sesamoid bones is located at the palmar/plantar sides of the trochleae of each metapodial bone, and round fabellae articulate with the proximal surfaces of the femoral condyles. Male marmosets possess a small penile bone. Both the front and hind feet have five digits. The hallux possesses a flat nail, whereas all other digits present curved claws. Interestingly, a central bone is present in both the carpus and tarsus. This study provides a description and detailed illustrations of the skeleton of the common marmoset as an anatomical guide for further biomedical research.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Associated With Transcription Factor E3 Expression and Xp11.2 Translocation
Authors: Klatte Tobias , Streubel Berthold , Wrba Friedrich , Remzi Mesut , Krammer Barbara , de Martino Michela , Waldert Matthias , Marberger Michael , Susani Martin , Haitel Andrea
Published: April 2012

We studied the characteristics and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with Xp11.2 translocation and transcription factor E3 (TFE3) expression and determined the need for genetic analysis in routine diagnostics. Of 848 consecutive cases, 75 showed microscopic features suggestive of Xp11.2 translocation RCC or occurred in patients 40 years or younger. Of these cases, 17 (23%) showed strong nuclear TFE3 immunostaining, which was associated with more advanced tumors and inverse prognosis in univariate (P = .032) but not multivariate (P = .404) analysis. With fluorescence in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction, only 2 cases showed alterations of the X chromosome and the ASPL-TFE3 gene fusion, respectively. In our laboratory, the predictive value of TFE3 expression for the Xp11.2 translocation was 12%. Strong nuclear TFE3 expression is associated with metastatic spread and a poor prognosis. In our laboratory, TFE3 is not diagnostic for Xp11.2 translocation RCC. Diagnosis of Xp11.2 translocation RCC may be made only genetically.
Efeitos de fitoreguladores no desenvolvimento da soja (Glycine max cv. Davis)
Authors: Castro Paulo R.C. , Moraes Roberto S.
Published: April 2012

Verificou-se, em condições de casa de vegetação, o efeito de fitoreguladores no desenvolvimento da soja (Glycine max cv. Davis). Aplicou-se por pulverização, 21 dias após a semeadura, cloreto (2-cloroetil) trimetilamônio (CCC) 2000 ppm ácido succínico-2,2-dimetilhidrazida (SADH) 4000 ppm, ácido giberélico (GA) 100 ppm, ácido indolilacético (IAA) 100 ppm, além do controle. Realizaram-se determinações semanais da altura da planta, número total de folhas, número de folhas na haste principal, número de folhas nas hastes secundárias e diâmetro do caule. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 6 repetições e procedeu-se a comparação de médias pelo teste Tukey (5%). Plantas tratadas com GA mostraram
Tolerância de cultivares de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) ao alumínio e ao manganês: V. influência do alumínio e do manganês e do grau de tolerância a cada elemento na absorção de cálcio
Authors: Brauner J.L. , Sarruge J.R.
Published: April 2012

Com base nos parâmetros Vm e Km obtidos de ensaios de cinética de absorção verificou-se a influência do Al e do Mn e do grau de tolerância de cultivares de trigo a cada um desses elementos sobre a absorção de Ca. Utilizaram-se raízes destacadas de plantas com 7 dias de idade de 3 cultivares com tolerância diferencial ao Al (Sonora 63C - suscetível; Yecora - intermediária e IAS 63 - tolerante) e de 3 cultivares com tolerância diferencial ao Mn (CNTl - suscetível; Sonora 63C - intermediária e IAS 55 - tolerante). Foram empregadas 10 soluções experimentais cujas concentrações de CaCl variaram de 5xl0-6M até 2,56xl0-3M, marcadas com 45Ca. Nos ensaios efetuados na presença de Al ou Mn, usaram-se concentrações de 10-4M de AlCl3 ou MnCl2. Os resultados propiciaram as seguintes -conclusões: a) a absorção de Ca se realiza através de 2 mecanismos, um operativo na faixa 1 de concentração de Ca (5x10-6M - 8 x 10-5M) e outro na faixa 2 de concentração (1,6x10-4M - 2,56 x 10-3M); b) na faixa 1 de concentração de Ca a Al e o Mn inibem a absorção do Ca e na faixa 2 inibem ou estimulam a absorção dependendo do cultivar; c) na ausência de Al ou de Mn existem diferenças genéticas na absorção de Ca somente na faixa 2 de concentração de Ca e estas não estão relacionadas com o grau de tolerância ao Al e ao Mn; d) na presença de Al não existem diferenças genéticas na absorção do Ca na faixa 1 de concentração de Ca, porém existem relacionadas ao grau de tolerância ao Al na faixa 2; e) na presença de Mn existem diferenças genéticas na absorção de Ca em ambas as faixas, porém somente na faixa 1 relacionadas ao grau de tolerância ao Mn.
Effect of rolling with shear technology on structure, properties, and plasticity of low-carbon steel
Authors: Pashinska Elena , Varyukhin Victor , Zavdoveev Anatoliy , Stolyarov Vladimir
Published: April 2012

In this study, the authors have proposed and developed a new forming process—rolling with shear (RS-technology) characterized by volume stressed state with severe plastic deformation. A hereditary effect of the rod structure on the physical–mechanical properties and structure of wire made by RS-technology has been investigated and compared with the standard technology used at OJSC ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih. It has been shown that RS-technology allows us to improve the quality of the wires and reduce power consumption. It is possible because of increased plasticity, after deformation, by RS-technology instead of standard rolling processes.
Phase diagram of bicomponent mixtures of liquid crystals: Cholesteryl myristate and decyloxybenzoic acid
Authors: Chaturvedi Navneet , Chaturvedi Shraddha , Tiwari Sugriva N. , Singh Nakshatra B.
Published: April 2012

Mixtures of two different liquid crystals (LCs) have been used to formulate a technologically viable LC operating at room temperature. Cholesteryl myristate (ChM) and decyloxybenzoic acid (DOBA) have been mixed in different molar ratios. Pure DOBA exhibits smectic C (SmC) and nematic (N) mesophases while pure ChM shows smectic A (SmA) and cholesteric (N*) mesophases. Transition temperatures have been determined using differential scanning calorimetry. Phase identification has been done using optical polarizing microscopy. Phase diagram shows the eutectic composition of ChM-DOBA system in the ratio 70:30 mole %. In this system, as the addition of DOBA is increased, stability of SmA phase of ChM increases up to 56 mole % of DOBA but as the addition of DOBA increases from 56 mole %, stability of SmA phase of ChM decreases and completely vanishes at about 80 mole % of DOBA. Range of SmC phase of DOBA (approximately 23°C) decreases rapidly with the addition of ChM and disappears at about 15 mole % of ChM. The maximum range of cholesteric (N*) phase in the binary system as observed in the heating cycle is about 24°C.
Superior photocatalytic activity of bimetallic Cd-Ag-ZnO for the degradation of azo dyes under UV light
Authors: Balachandran S. , Swaminathan M.
Published: April 2012

Development of bimetallic semiconductor oxides with synergistic functions makes a significant advancement in catalytic technologies. This study addresses the preparation of a codoped bimetallic Cd-Ag-ZnO photocatalyst by solvothermal process and its characterization by x-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). XRD and EDS reveal the presence of Cd and Ag in the catalyst. HR-SEM images show plate-like structure of ZnO and the clusters of Cd and Ag on the surface ZnO. Cd-Ag-ZnO has increased absorption in the UV region. This bimetalic photocatalyst shows higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Acid Black 1 (AB 1) and Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) under UV light (365 nm) than pure ZnO and commercial TiO2-P25. Cd-Ag-ZnO was found to be stable and reusable without appreciable loss of catalytic activity up to three runs.
New Gymnamoebae Species (Gymnamoebia) in the Fauna of Ukraine
Authors: Patsyuk M.
Published: April 2012

New Gymnamoebae Species (Gymnamoebia) in the Fauna of Ukraine

Information is given on new in the fauna of Ukraine gymnamoebae species: Saccamoeba stagnicola Page, 1974; Mayorella sp.; Korotnevella sp.; Paradermamoeba levis Smirnov et Goodkov, 1994; Paradermamoeba valamo Smirnov et Goodkov, 1993 and Stenamoeba stenopodia Smirnov, Nassonova, Chao et Cavalier-Smith, 2007.
New and Formerly Unknown Ormyridae Species from the United Arab Emirates (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Zerova M. , Seryogina L. , Van Harten A.
Published: April 2012

New and Formerly Unknown Ormyridae Species from the United Arab Emirates (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

Three new species (Ormyrus qurrayahi Zerova, sp. n., O. punctellus Zerova, sp. n. and O. novus Zerova, sp. n.) are described. Two first species belong to diffinis species group (female gaster without dorsal median keel). O. novus sp. n. belongs to orientalis species group (female gaster with dorsal median keel). In addition, two Palaearctic species of the genus Ormyrus are recorded from the United Arab Emirates for the first time. A key to Palaearctic Ormyrus species is provided.
First Record of the Boreal-Arctic Marine Leech Mysidobdella Borealis (Hirudinida, Piscicolidae) from the Southern Bay of Biscay
Authors: Utevsky S. , Sorbe J.
Published: April 2012

First Record of the Boreal-Arctic Marine LeechMysidobdella Borealis(Hirudinida, Piscicolidae) from the Southern Bay of Biscay

Four individuals of the marine fish leechMysidobdella borealis(Johansson, 1898) were sampled from the mysidsSchistomysis parkeriNorman, 1892 from the swash zone of Hendaye beach, France. This is the only known so far boreal-arctic piscicolid species occurring from the southern Bay of Biscay to the Kara Sea.
Reassesment of the Spider Genus Clubiona (Aranei, Clubionidae)
Authors: Mikhailov K.
Published: April 2012

Reassesment of the Spider Genus Clubiona (Aranei, Clubionidae)

The spider genus Clubiona Latreille, 1804 is reestablished in its traditional scope. Taxonomical characters of infrageneric groupings are discussed. Tribes within the Clubioninae sensu Wunderlich (2011) are not accepted. Diagnosis and short description of Clubiona s. l., as well as a provisional key to clubionid genera, are provided. The following synonymies are established: Epiclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Euryclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Gauroclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Heteroclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Hyloclubiona Lohmander, 1945 syn. n.; Microclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Porrhoclubiona Lohmander, 1945, syn. n.; Anaclubiona Ono, 2010, syn. n.; Breviclubiona Wunderlich, 2011, syn. n.; Marmorclubiona Wunderlich, 2011, syn. n. = Clubiona Latreille, 1804, s. l.
"Individual and social determinants of human development. The positive psychology perspective"
Authors: Czerwińska-Jasiewicz Maria , Wojciechowska Ludwika
Published: April 2012

"Individual and social determinants of human development. The positive psychology perspective"
Basic Hope And Generativity In Middle Adulthood
Authors: Wojciechowska Ludwika
Published: April 2012

Basic Hope And Generativity In Middle Adulthood

The aim of the presented research was to investigate the relationship between the level of basic hope and the level and type of generativity in persons in middle adulthood. Hypotheses were posited and a positive correlation relationship was expected between basic hope and generativity, as well as a stronger relationship between those variables in the group of women than in the group of men, as well as a stronger relationship in the group of persons with a higher level of education than in the group of persons with a lower level of education. A sample of 120 persons was studied, of which 70 were women and 50 constituted men aged between 40-65 years. Two measurement instruments were used - one to diagnose generativity (author's own instrument), and the second to measure basic hope devised by Trzebiński and Zięba. The results of the conducted research have confirmed the posited hypotheses.
The Significance Of Adolescent's Value System In Creating Concept About Their Own Life
Authors: Czerwińska-Jasiewicz Maria
Published: April 2012

The Significance Of Adolescent's Value System In Creating Concept About Their Own Life

This paper presents a study on the significance of adolescent's value system in creating concept about their own life in the process of planning their own future. A hypothetical model of this concept is analysed, which identifies such main components as: preferred life style, life goals and plans, and decisions concerning their own future. This model acknowledges values as the main criterion in creating this concept as they form the base for defining a person's preferred life style, their formulation of life goals and plans and the undertaking of important decisions concerning their future (Czerwińska-Jasiewicz, 2005). The propounded author's own model of adolescents' concepts about their own future has been based on the notion of J. Piaget (Inhelder, Piaget, 1970), concerning adolescents creating a "programme" of their own life, as a specific developmental task during adolescence. The statement that the "programme" of adolescents' own lives is based on a given value scale on which certain ideals and goals can be placed above others seems particularly significant in this concept. The discussion presented herein is based on the above statement. The creation by me of the above model was further inspired by the theoretical concepts and the research programmes concerning the future orientation of adolescents, their goals and life plans and values (Nuttin, 1980; Niemczyński, 1980, 1988; Nurmi, 1991; Matusewicz, 1975; Mądrzycki, 1996; Zaleski, 1991; Trempała, 1996, 2000).