bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture-Dependent and -Independent Investigations of Microbial Diversity on Urinary Catheters
Authors: Xu Yijuan , Moser Claus , Al-Soud Waleed Abu , Sørensen Søren , Høiby Niels , Nielsen Per Halkjær , Thomsen Trine Rolighed
Published: September 2012

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, which ascend the catheter along its external or internal surface to the bladder and subsequently develop into biofilms on the catheter and uroepithelium. Antibiotic-treated bacteria and bacteria residing in biofilm can be difficult to culture. In this study we used culture-based and 16S rRNA gene-based culture-independent methods (fingerprinting, cloning, and pyrosequencing) to determine the microbial diversity of biofilms on 24 urinary catheters. Most of the patients were catheterized for <30 days and had undergone recent antibiotic treatment. In addition, the corresponding urine samples for 16 patients were cultured. We found that gene analyses of the catheters were consistent with cultures of the corresponding urine samples for the presence of bacteria but sometimes discordant for the identity of the species. Cultures of catheter tips detected bacteria more frequently than urine cultures and gene analyses; coagulase-negative staphylococci were, in particular, cultured much more often from catheter tips, indicating potential contamination of the catheter tips during sampling. The external and internal surfaces of 19 catheters were separately analyzed by molecular methods, and discordant results were found in six catheters, suggesting that bacterial colonization intra- and extraluminally may be different. Molecular analyses showed that most of the species identified in this study were known uropathogens, and infected catheters were generally colonized by one to two species, probably due to antibiotic usage and short-term catheterization. In conclusion, our data showed that culture-independent molecular methods did not detect bacteria from urinary catheters more frequently than culture-based methods.
Dry Storage and Transport of a Cervicovaginal Self-Sample by Use of the Evalyn Brush, Providing Reliable Human Papillomavirus Detection Combined with Comfort for Women
Authors: van Baars Romy , Bosgraaf Remko P. , ter Harmsel Bram W. A. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Quint Wim G. V. , Bekkers Ruud L. M.
Published: September 2012

Primary screening using high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) detection has been suggested as a way of improving cervical cancer prevention. Women currently not attending screening (nonresponders) are more likely to participate when given the opportunity of self-sampling for hrHPV testing. The Evalyn Brush is a new cervicovaginal self-sampling device, developed specifically to meet women's demands, which is user-friendly and easy to use. The aims of this study were to investigate agreement of hrHPV detection by two PCR methods between the Evalyn Brush and physician-obtained samples and to study women's acceptance of this self-sampling device. Each of 134 women visiting the gynecology outpatient clinic collected a self-obtained sample (self-sample) and completed a questionnaire. The brush was stored dry. After self-sampling, a trained physician obtained a conventional cervical cytology specimen in ThinPrep medium. HrHPV detection was performed using the SPF
10
-DEIA-LiPA
25
and GP5+/6+-LQ-test. The overall agreement for hrHPV detection using SPF
10
-DEIA-LiPA
25
between the self-sample and the physician-taken sample was 85.8% (kappa value, 0.715; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.597 to 0.843;
P
= 1.000). The overall agreement for hrHPV detection using GP5+/6+-LQ between the self-sample and the physician-taken sample was 86.6% (kappa value, 0.725; 95% CI, 0.607 to 0.843;
P
= 0.815). Ninety-eight percent of the women rated their experience as good to excellent. Moreover, 95% of women preferred self-sampling to physician sampling. Self-sampling using the dry Evalyn Brush system is as good as a physician-taken sample for hrHPV detection and is highly acceptable to women. To validate this self-sampling device for clinical use, a large screening cohort should be studied.
The Rise of Tropheryma whipplei: a 12-Year Retrospective Study of PCR Diagnoses in Our Reference Center
Authors: Edouard Sophie , Fenollar Florence , Raoult Didier
Published: September 2012

Tropheryma whipplei
is the causative agent of classic Whipple's disease (WD) and other clinical entities, such as localized infection. Asymptomatic carriers have also been reported, mainly based on the testing of fecal samples. Our objective was to undertake a retrospective analysis of molecular biology usage for the diagnosis of WD over a 12-year period in our reference center. We tested 27,923 samples from 15,473 patients. The number of patients tested and the number of patients with a positive PCR result for
T. whipplei
have increased significantly over the last 12 years (
P
< 0.0001). Overall,
T. whipplei
was more frequently recovered from stools (43%), saliva (15%), duodenal biopsy samples (12.5%), blood (5%), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (6%) and less commonly from cardiac valves (3%), urine (0.5%), skin biopsy samples (1%), lymph nodes (2.5%), aqueous humor (0.5%), and intra-articular fluid (1%). Among all the positive samples, we observed that stool samples and skin biopsy samples exhibited a higher prevalence of positivity by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) at 10.07% and 15.4%, respectively. The number of patients with a positive PCR result for
T. whipplei
has increased significantly over the last 12 years, although the positive ratio has not changed. Improvements in diagnostic tools have contributed greatly toward greater knowledge of WD and, consequently, the interest of physicians in this condition. In addition, we propose here an update of the diagnostic strategy for WD when qPCR is being used.
Human Parechovirus in Respiratory Specimens from Children in Kansas City, Missouri
Authors: Sharp Justin , Bell Jeremiah , Harrison Christopher J. , Nix W. Allan , Oberste M. Steven , Selvarangan Rangaraj
Published: September 2012

We detected a 3% prevalence rate for human parechovirus (HPeV) in 720 respiratory specimens collected from 637 children seen in our hospital in 2009. Fifteen of 20 were HPeV-3 and two were HPeV-1. Only nonspecific, modest respiratory symptoms were evident in patients with detectable HPeV in respiratory specimens. Seven patients had concurrent respiratory and central nervous system (CNS) HPeV-3 infection, suggesting a possible respiratory route of acquisition.
Post-Prostate Biopsy Infection with Escherichia coli ST131 Leading to Epididymo-Orchitis and Meningitis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Assimacopoulos Aris , Johnston Brian , Clabots Connie , Johnson James R.
Published: September 2012

A 57-year-old man who had recently undergone a transrectal prostate biopsy for a rising prostate-specific antigen level developed postbiopsy necrotizing epididymo-orchitis (requiring orchiectomy) and then Gram-negative meningitis, despite fluoroquinolone administration for periprocedural prophylaxis and subsequent therapy. The causative organism proved to be a fluoroquinolone-resistantEscherichia colistrain from sequence type ST131.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus Enters Rat Neuroblastoma Cells via a pH-Dependent, Dynamin and Caveola-Mediated Endocytosis Pathway
Authors: Zhu Yong-Zhe , Xu Qing-Qiang , Wu Da-Ge , Ren Hao , Zhao Ping , Lao Wen-Guang , Wang Yan , Tao Qing-Yuan , Qian Xi-Jing , Wei You-Heng , Cao Ming-Mei , Qi Zhong-Tian
Published: September 2012

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and one of the most common agents of viral encephalitis. The infectious entry process of JEV into host cells remains largely unknown. Here, we present a systemic study concerning the cellular entry mechanism of JEV to B104 rat neuroblastoma cells. It was observed that JEV internalization was inhibited by chloroquine and ammonium chloride, both of which can elevate the pH of acidic organelles. However, JEV entry was not affected by chlorpromazine, overexpression of a dominant-negative form of EPS 15 protein, or silencing of the clathrin heavy chain by small interfering RNA (siRNA). These results suggested that JEV entry depended on the acidic intracellular pH but was independent of clathrin. We found that endocytosis of JEV was dependent on membrane cholesterol and was inhibited by inactivation of caveolin-1 with siRNA or dominant-negative mutants. It was also shown, by using the inhibitor dynasore, the K44A mutant, and specific siRNA, that dynamin was required for JEV entry. Phagocytosis or macropinocytosis did not play a role in JEV internalization. In addition, we showed that JEV entry into the neuroblastoma cells is not virus strain specific by assessing the effect of the pharmacological inhibitors on the internalization of JEV belonging to different genotypes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that JEV enters B104 cells through a dynamin-dependent caveola-mediated uptake with a pH-dependent step, which is distinct from the clathrin-mediated endocytosis used by most flaviviruses.
Role of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Structure in the Induction of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Benjelloun F. , Lawrence P. , Verrier B. , Genin C. , Paul S.
Published: September 2012

Very soon after the discovery of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) toward human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, it became apparent that characterization of these NAbs would be an important step in finding a cure for or a vaccine to eradicate HIV-1. Since the initial description of broadly cross-clade NAbs naturally produced in HIV-1 patients, numerous studies have described new viral targets for these antibodies. More recently, studies concerning new groups of patients able to control their viremia, such as long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) or elite controllers, have described the generation of numerous envelope-targeted NAbs. Recent studies have marked a new stage in research on NAbs with the description of antibodies obtained from a worldwide screening of HIV-positive patients. These studies have permitted the discovery of NAb families with great potential for both neutralization and neutralization breadth, such as PG, PGT, CH, and highly active agonistic anti-CD4 binding site antibodies (HAADs), of which VRC01 and its variants are members. These antibodies are able to neutralize more than 80% of circulating strains without any autoreactivity and can be rapidly integrated into clinical trials in order to test their protective potential. In this review, we will focus on new insights into HIV-1 envelope structure and their implications for the generation of potent NAbs.
Two Closely Related Novel Picornaviruses in Cattle and Sheep in Hungary from 2008 to 2009, Proposed as Members of a New Genus in the Family Picornaviridae
Authors: Reuter Gábor , Pankovics Péter , Knowles Nick J. , Boros Ákos
Published: September 2012

Two novel picornaviruses were serendipitously identified in apparently healthy young domestic animals—cattle (
Bos taurus
) and, subsequently, sheep (
Ovis aries
)—in Hungary during 2008 and 2009. Complete genome sequencing and comparative analysis showed that the two viruses are related to each other and have identical genome organizations, VPg + 5′ UTR
IRES-II
[L/1A-1B-1C-1D-2A
NPG↓P
/2B-2C/3A-3B
VPg
-3C
pro
-3D
pol
] 3′ UTR-poly(A). We suggest that they form two novel viral genotypes/serotypes, bovine hungarovirus 1 (BHuV-1; GenBank accession number
JQ941880
) and ovine hungarovirus 1 (OHuV-1; GenBank accession number
HM153767
), which may belong to a potential novel picornavirus genus in the family
Picornaviridae
. The genome lengths of BHuV-1 and OHuV-1 are 7,583 and 7,588 nucleotides, each comprising a single open reading frame encoding 2,243 and 2,252 amino acids, respectively. In the 5′ untranslated regions (5′ UTRs), both hungaroviruses are predicted to have a type II internal ribosome entry site (IRES). The nucleotide sequence and the secondary RNA structure of the hungarovirus IRES core domains H-I-J-K-L are highly similar to that of human parechovirus (HPeV) (genus
Parechovirus
), especially HPeV-3. However, in the polyprotein coding region, the amino acid sequences are more closely related to those of porcine teschoviruses (genus
Teschovirus
). Hungaroviruses were detected in 15% (4/26) and 25% (4/16) of the fecal samples from cattle and sheep, respectively. This report describes the discovery of two novel picornaviruses in farm animals, cattle and sheep. The mosaic genetic pattern raises the possibility that hungaroviruses, human parechoviruses, and porcine teschoviruses may be linked to each other by modular recombination of functional noncoding RNA elements.
Design of Escherichia coli-Expressed Stalk Domain Immunogens of H1N1 Hemagglutinin That Protect Mice from Lethal Challenge
Authors: Bommakanti Gayathri , Lu Xianghan , Citron Michael P. , Najar Tariq Ahmad , Heidecker Gwendolyn J. , ter Meulen Jan , Varadarajan Raghavan , Liang Xiaoping
Published: September 2012

The hemagglutinin protein (HA) on the surface of influenza virus is essential for viral entry into the host cells. The HA1 subunit of HA is also the primary target for neutralizing antibodies. The HA2 subunit is less exposed on the virion surface and more conserved than HA1. We have previously designed an HA2-based immunogen derived from the sequence of the H3N2 A/HK/68 virus. In the present study, we report the design of an HA2-based immunogen from the H1N1 subtype (PR/8/34). This immunogen (H1HA0HA6) and its circular permutant (H1HA6) were well folded and provided complete protection against homologous viral challenge. Antisera of immunized mice showed cross-reactivity with HA proteins of different strains and subtypes. Although no neutralization was observable in a conventional neutralization assay, sera of immunized guinea pigs competed with a broadly neutralizing antibody, CR6261, for binding to recombinant Viet/04 HA protein, suggesting that CR6261-like antibodies were elicited by the immunogens. Stem domain immunogens from a seasonal H1N1 strain (A/NC/20/99) and a recent pandemic strain (A/Cal/07/09) provided cross-protection against A/PR/8/34 viral challenge. HA2-containing stem domain immunogens therefore have the potential to provide subtype-specific protection.
Differential Activation of Cellular DNA Damage Responses by Replication-Defective and Replication-Competent Adenovirus Mutants
Authors: Prakash Anand , Jayaram Sumithra , Bridge Eileen
Published: September 2012

Adenovirus (Ad) mutants that lack early region 4 (E4) activate the phosphorylation of cellular DNA damage response proteins. In wild-type Ad type 5 (Ad5) infections, E1b and E4 proteins target the cellular DNA repair protein Mre11 for redistribution and degradation, thereby interfering with its ability to activate phosphorylation cascades important during DNA repair. The characteristics of Ad infection that activate cellular DNA repair processes are not yet well understood. We investigated the activation of DNA damage responses by a replication-defective Ad vector (AdRSVβgal) that lacks E1 and fails to produce the immediate-early E1a protein. E1a is important for activating early gene expression from the other viral early transcription units, including E4. AdRSVβgal can deliver its genome to the cell, but it is subsequently deficient for viral early gene expression and DNA replication. We studied the ability of AdRSVβgal-infected cells to induce cellular DNA damage responses. AdRSVβgal infection does activate formation of foci containing the Mdc1 protein. However, AdRSVβgal fails to activate phosphorylation of the damage response proteins Nbs1 and Chk1. We found that viral DNA replication is important for Nbs1 phosphorylation, suggesting that this step in the viral life cycle may provide an important trigger for activating at least some DNA repair proteins.
The Cellular Ataxia Telangiectasia-Mutated Kinase Promotes Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Reactivation in Response to Multiple Different Types of Lytic Reactivation-Inducing Stimuli
Authors: Hagemeier Stacy R. , Barlow Elizabeth A. , Meng Qiao , Kenney Shannon C.
Published: September 2012

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent-to-lytic switch is mediated by the viral proteins BZLF1 (Z), BRLF1 (R), and BRRF1 (Na). Since we previously showed that DNA-damaging agents (including chemotherapy and irradiation) can induce EBV lytic reactivation and recently demonstrated that wild-type p53 contributes to lytic reactivation, we investigated the role of the ATM kinase during EBV reactivation. ATM phosphorylates and activates p53, as well as numerous other substrates involved in the cellular DNA damage response. Using an ATM inhibitor (KU55933), we found that ATM activity is required for efficient induction of EBV lytic gene expression by a variety of different stimuli, including a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) cytokine, a demethylating agent (5-azacytidine), B cell receptor engagement with anti-IgG antibody, hydrogen peroxide, and the proteosome inhibitor bortezomib. In EBV-infected AGS (gastric) cells, knockdown of ATM, or p53, expression inhibits EBV reactivation. Conversely, treatment of these cells with nutlin-3 (which activates p53 and ATM) robustly induces lytic reactivation in a p53- and ATM-dependent manner. The ability of the EBV R and Na proteins to induce lytic reactivation in EBV-infected AGS cells is ATM dependent. However, overexpression of Z induces lytic gene expression in the presence or absence of ATM activity. Our results suggest that ATM enhances Z promoter activity in the context of the intact EBV genome and that p53 contributes to the ATM effect. Nevertheless, since we found that ATM inhibitors also reduce lytic reactivation in Burkitt lymphoma cells that have no p53, additional ATM substrates must also contribute to the ATM effect.
Comprehensive Analysis of Host Cellular Interactions with Human Papillomavirus E6 Proteins Identifies New E6 Binding Partners and Reflects Viral Diversity
Authors: White Elizabeth A. , Kramer Rebecca E. , Tan Min Jie Alvin , Hayes Sebastian D. , Harper J. Wade , Howley Peter M.
Published: September 2012

We have begun to define the human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated proteome for a subset of the more than 120 HPV types that have been identified to date. Our approach uses a mass spectrometry-based platform for the systematic identification of interactions between human papillomavirus and host cellular proteins, and here we report a proteomic analysis of the E6 proteins from 16 different HPV types. The viruses included represent high-risk, low-risk, and non-cancer-associated types from genus alpha as well as viruses from four different species in genus beta. The E6 interaction data set consists of 153 cellular proteins, including several previously reported HPV E6 interactors such as p53, E6AP, MAML1, and p300/CBP and proteins containing PDZ domains. We report the genus-specific binding of E6s to either E6AP or MAML1, define the specific HPV E6s that bind to p300, and demonstrate several new features of interactions involving beta HPV E6s. In particular, we report that several beta HPV E6s bind to proteins containing PDZ domains and that at least two beta HPV E6s bind to p53. Finally, we report the newly discovered interaction of proteins of E6 of beta genus, species 2, with the Ccr4-Not complex, the first report of a viral protein binding to this complex. This data set represents a comprehensive survey of E6 binding partners that provides a resource for the HPV field and will allow continued studies on the diverse biology of the human papillomaviruses.
Mental health effects from urban bed bug infestation (Cimex lectulariusL.): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Susser Stephanie Rebecca , Perron Stéphane , Fournier Michel , Jacques Louis , Denis Geoffroy , Tessier François , Roberge Pasquale
Published: September 2012

Objective

To assess whether bed bug infestation was linked to sleep disturbances and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Design

Exploratory cross-sectional study.

Setting

Convenience sample of tenants recruited in apartment complexes from Montreal, Canada.

Participants

39 bed bug-exposed tenants were compared with 52 unexposed tenants.

Main outcome measures

The effect of bed bug-exposed tenants on sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression symptoms measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 5th subscale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale and Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item, respectively.

Results

In adjusted models, bed bug infestation was strongly associated with measured anxiety symptoms (OR (95% CI)=4.8 (1.5 to 14.7)) and sleep disturbance (OR (95% CI)=5.0 (1.3–18.8)). There was a trend to report more symptoms of depression in the bed bug-infested group, although this finding was not statistically significant ((OR (95% CI)=2.5(0.8 to 7.3)).

Conclusions

These results suggest that individuals exposed to bed bug infestations are at risk of experiencing sleep disturbance and of developing symptoms of anxiety and possibly depression. Greater clinical awareness of this problem is needed in order for patients to receive appropriate mental healthcare. These findings highlight the need for undertaking of deeper inquiry, as well as greater collaboration between medical professionals, public health and community stakeholders.
Method for developing national quality indicators based on manual data extraction from medical records
Authors: Couralet Melanie , Leleu Henri , Capuano Frederic , Marcotte Leah , Nitenberg Gérard , Sicotte Claude , Minvielle Etienne
Published: September 2012

Developing quality indicators (QI) for national purposes (eg, public disclosure, paying-for-performance) highlights the need to find accessible and reliable data sources for collecting standardised data. The most accurate and reliable data source for collecting clinical and organisational information still remains the medical record. Data collection from electronic medical records (EMR) would be far less burdensome than from paper medical records (PMR). However, the development of EMRs is costly and has suffered from low rates of adoption and barriers of usability even in developed countries. Currently, methods for producing national QIs based on the medical record rely on manual extraction from PMRs.

We propose and illustrate such a method. These QIs display feasibility, reliability and discriminative power, and can be used to compare hospitals. They have been implemented nationwide in France since 2006. The method used to develop these QIs could be adapted for use in large-scale programmes of hospital regulation in other, including developing, countries.
Who would use PrEP? Factors associated with intention to use among MSM in London: a community survey
Authors: Aghaizu Adamma , Mercey Danielle , Copas Andrew , Johnson Anne M , Hart Graham , Nardone Anthony
Published: September 2012

Objective

To assess current and intended future use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and characterise those attending sexual health clinics, the anticipated PrEP delivery setting.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Self-administered survey of 842 HIV negative MSM recruited from social venues in London in 2011.

Results

One in 10 (10.2%, 83/814, 95% CI 8.2% to 12.5%) and one in 50 (2.1%, 17/809, 95% CI 1.2% to 3.3%) reported having ever used post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and PrEP respectively. Half reported they would be likely to use PrEP if it became available as a daily pill (50.3%, 386/786, 95% CI 46.7% to 53.9%). MSM were more likely to consider future PrEP use if they were <35 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.57, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.14), had unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners (AOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.56), and had previously used PEP (AOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.24). Over half of MSM (54.8% 457/834 95% CI 51.3 to 58.2) attended a sexual health clinic the previous year. Independent factors associated with attendance were age <35 (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.13), and ≥10 anal sex partners in the last year (AOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.77 to 3.52).

Conclusions

The concept of PrEP for HIV prevention in the form of a daily pill is acceptable to half of sexually active MSM in London. MSM reporting higher risk behaviours attend sexual health clinics suggesting this is a suitable setting for PrEP delivery.
Evaluation of methods for measuring coverage and representativeness of an early‐warning disease surveillance system
Authors: Ely E. R. , Nicholson R. E. , Snow L. C. , Strugnell B. W. , Williamson S. M. , Milnes A. S. , Watson E. N. , Hoinville L. J.
Published: September 2012

Early‐warning surveillance provides an essential component of the evidence required to protect animal health. Assessing the proportion of the population included in surveillance systems (coverage) provides a measure of the effectiveness of early‐warning surveillance, and contributes to ensuring that these systems are efficient. This paper describes an investigation of methods used for assessing the coverage and representativeness of the ‘FarmFile’ early‐warning surveillance system. This system uses information collected with samples submitted to diagnostic laboratories by private veterinary practitioners in England and Wales. Available data on pig holdings and veterinary practices in four English counties, selected to represent a range of diverse population characteristics, were supplemented using surveys of veterinary practices. Coverage assessments were based on submissions made to FarmFile in 2009. The proportion of holdings covered varied from 5–62 per cent in Devon and Cumbria, and 16–97 per cent in Norfolk and East Riding of Yorkshire. The results suggest that while the proportion of individual pigs covered by the current early‐warning surveillance system is high, small and breeding‐only holdings in some regions may be poorly covered. Coverage assessments vary depending on the methods used for their assessment, and multiple assessment methods can provide a ‘range’ within which coverage lies.
STANDARD MODEL HIGGS SEARCHES AT THE TEVATRON
Authors:   For the CDF and D0 Collaborations, YAO WEIMING
Published: September 2012

We present the results of direct searches for the Standard Model Higgs boson at the Tevatron. Results are derived from the complete Tevatron Run II dataset, with a measured integrated luminosity of 10 fb-1 of proton–antiproton data. The searches are performed for assumed Higgs masses between 90 and 200 GeV /c2. We observe an excess of events in the data compared with the background predictions, which is most significant in the mass range between 115 and 135 GeV /c2, consistent with the Higgs-like particle recently observed by ATLAS and CMS. The largest local significance is 2.7 standard deviations, corresponding to a global significance of 2.2 standard deviations. We also combine separate searches for [Formula: see text] and H→W+W-, and find that the excess is concentrated in the [Formula: see text] channel, although the results in the H→W+W- channel are still consistent with the possible presence of a low-mass Higgs boson.
THE REAL ANATOMY OF COMPLEX LINEAR SUPERFIELDS
Authors: GATES S. JAMES , HALLETT JARED , HÜBSCH TRISTAN , STIFFLER KORY
Published: September 2012

Recent work on classification of off-shell representations of N-extended worldline supersymmetry without central charges has uncovered an unexpectedly vast number — trillions of even just (chromo)topology types — of so-called adinkraic supermultiplets. Herein, we show by explicit analysis that a long-known but rarely used representation, the complex linear supermultiplet, is not adinkraic, cannot be decomposed locally, but may be reduced by means of a Wess–Zumino type gauge. This then indicates that the already unexpectedly vast number of adinkraic off-shell supersymmetry representations is but the proverbial tip of the iceberg.
MODELING THE IMPACT OF REHABILITATION, AMELIORATION AND RELAPSE ON THE PREVALENCE OF DRUG EPIDEMICS
Authors: NJAGARAH HATSON JOHN BOSCOH , NYABADZA FARAI
Published: September 2012

Substance abuse remains a global menace in spite of recurrent warnings, seizures, social and pharmacological effects associated with addiction to drugs. In this paper, we use a mathematical model which is a combination of the classical SIS and SIR models to investigate the dynamics of substance abuse. Initiation into drug use is based on contact of those at risk (the susceptible population) with drug users at different levels of drug use. We evaluate the threshold number and use it to analyze the model. We show that when this threshold number is less than unity, the drug-free steady state is globally asymptotically stable and when this threshold number is greater than unity the drug-persistent steady state is also globally stable. The impact of amelioration, rehabilitation and re-initiation on drug epidemics is investigated. Amelioration in presence of quitting for light users is observed to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and this is supported by numerical simulations. The results show that both prevention and treatment/rehabilitation are necessary strategies for reduction of drug epidemics. Our recommendation is that preventive strategies should be directed toward reducing the contact rate and treatment should be combined with psychotherapy to accelerate quitting and reduce re-initiation.
SNUB 24-CELL DERIVED FROM THE COXETER–WEYL GROUP W(D4)
Authors: KOCA MEHMET , KOCA NAZIFE OZDES , AL-BARWANI MUATAZ
Published: September 2012

Snub 24-cell is the unique uniform chiral polytope in four dimensions consisting of 24 icosahedral and 120 tetrahedral cells. The vertices of the four-dimensional semiregular polytope snub 24-cell and its symmetry group (W(D4)/C2): S3 of order 576 are obtained from the quaternionic representation of the Coxeter–Weyl group W(D4). The symmetry group is an extension of the proper subgroup of the Coxeter–Weyl group W(D4) by the permutation symmetry of the Coxeter–Dynkin diagram D4. The 96 vertices of the snub 24-cell are obtained as the orbit of the group when it acts on the vector Λ = (τ, 1, τ, τ) or on the vector Λ = (σ, 1, σ, σ) in the Dynkin basis with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The two different sets represent the mirror images of the snub 24-cell. When two mirror images are combined it leads to a quasiregular four-dimensional polytope invariant under the Coxeter–Weyl group W(F4). Each vertex of the new polytope is shared by one cube and three truncated octahedra. Dual of the snub 24-cell is also constructed. Relevance of these structures to the Coxeter groups W(H4) and W(E8) has been pointed out.
GEOMETRIC INTERPRETATIONS OF THE SYMMETRIC PRODUCT IN AFFINE DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: BARBERO-LIÑÁN MARÍA , LEWIS ANDREW D.
Published: September 2012

The symmetric product of vector fields on a manifold arises when one studies the controllability of certain classes of mechanical control systems. A novel geometric description of the symmetric product is provided using parallel transport, along the lines of the flow interpretation of the Lie bracket. This geometric interpretation of the symmetric product yields two different applications. First, an intrinsic proof is provided of the fact that the distributions closed under the symmetric product are exactly those distributions invariant under the geodesic flow. Second, some applications in geometric control theory for mechanical systems are clarified.
REORIENTATION OF FIBRES AND LOCAL MECHANISMS OF DEFORMATION IN A WOOD-INSPIRED COMPOSITE
Authors: SAAVEDRA FLORES E. I. , MURUGAN M. S. , FRISWELL M. I. , DE SOUZA NETO E. A.
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates the reorientation of fibres and local mechanisms of deformation in a composite material inspired by the mechanics and structure of wood cell-walls. The mechanical response of the material is calculated under tensile loading conditions by means of the computational homogenisation of a two-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) of material. Here, the fibres are represented by a periodic alternation of alumina and magnesium alloy fractions, embedded in a soft epoxy matrix. In order to validate the present multi-scale framework, we compare our numerical prediction for the reorientation of fibres in the wood cell-wall composite with experimental data, finding a good agreement for a wide range of strains. Numerical simulations show that the model is able to describe the reorientation of fibres and the different stages of local deformation and failure in the proposed wood-inspired material. Furthermore, we assess a simple expression to calculate the reorientation of fibres and the in-plane Poisson's ratio of the present composite.
Frog urinary bladder epithelial cells express TLR4 and respond to bacterial LPS by increase of iNOS expression andl-arginine uptake
Authors: Nikolaeva Svetlana , Bachteeva Vera , Fock Ekaterina , Herterich Sabine , Lavrova Elena , Borodkina Alexandra , Gambaryan Stepan , Parnova Rimma
Published: September 2012

As in mammals, epithelium of the amphibian urinary bladder forms a barrier to pathogen entry and is a first line of defense against penetrating microorganisms. We investigated the effect of Escherichia coli LPS on generation of nitric oxide (NO), a critically important mediator during infectious processes, by primary cultured frog ( Rana temporaria) urinary bladder epithelial cells (FUBEC). It was found that FUBEC constitutively express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a receptor of LPS, and respond to LPS (10 μg/ml) by stimulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA/protein expression and NOS activity measured by nitrite produced in the culture medium and by citrulline assay. We characterized uptake of l-arginine, a precursor in NO synthesis, by FUBEC and showed that it is mediated mainly by the y+ cationic amino acid transport system. LPS stimulated l-arginine uptake, and this effect was blocked by the iNOS inhibitor 1400W. Arginase II was found to be expressed in FUBEC. Inhibition of arginase activity by (S)-(boronoethyl)-l-cysteine increased generation of NO, suggesting contribution of arginase to NO production via competing with NOS for the substrate. LPS altered neither total arginase activity nor arginase II expression. Among epithelial cells, phagocytic macrophage-like cells were observed, but they did not contribute to LPS-induced NO production. These data demonstrate that amphibian urinary bladder epithelial cells recognize LPS and respond to it by increased generation of NO via stimulation of iNOS expression and l-arginine uptake, which appears to be essential for the regulation of the innate immune response and the inflammation in bladder epithelium.
B7-1 expression regulates the hypoxia-driven cytoskeleton rearrangement in glomerular podocytes
Authors: Chang Jer-Ming , Hwang Daw-Yang , Chen Szu-Chia , Kuo Mei-Chuan , Hung Chi-Chih , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Tsai Jer-Chia , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: September 2012

Chronic hypoxia has been recognized as a common mechanism driving the progression of many glomerular diseases. Glomerular cells, although susceptible to hypoxic injuries, are less studied to unravel the hypoxia-related influences. In the present study, we showed that both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hypoxia induced B7-1 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression in podocytes. B7-1, an essential player in the regulation of podocyte stress fibers, interacted directly with the NH2-terminal oxygenation domain of HIF-1α protein and, therefore, might interfere with the HIF-related oxidative events. The suggestion was supported by the changes in the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide. The orderly arranged stress fibers in differentiated podocytes were disrupted by either LPS or hypoxic stimulation, and the disruption could be rescued if they were brought back to normal oxygen tension. Cell motility increased with the stimulation by LPS and hypoxia, most probably mediated by the induction of B7-1 and HIF-1α, respectively. We generated a B7-1 knockdown podocyte cell line using the lentiviral small interfering RNA system. The LPS- and hypoxia-induced stress fiber disruption was largely prevented in the B7-1 knockdown podocytes. The increased cell motility by LPS and hypoxia stimulations was also ameliorated in the B7-knockdown podocytes. In summary, we found that both B7-1 and HIF were upregulated by LPS and hypoxic stimulations in podocytes and they interacted with each other. Hypoxia disrupted the abundant stress fibers and increased cell motility. These hypoxia-induced changes were prevented in B7-knockdown podocytes, and they highlighted the importance of B7-1 expression in the hypoxia-related podocyte injuries.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Pretreatment Pathological Diagnosis of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Ito Hiroaki , Inoue Haruhiro , Ryozawa Shomei , Ikeda Haruo , Odaka Noriko , Eleftheriadis Nikolas , Maselli Roberta , Sando Norimasa , Kimura Satoshi , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: September 2012

Background. Although it is possible to visualize gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of the stomach by endoscopy, their pretreatment histological diagnosis is often difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of accurate preoperative pathological diagnosis of gastric GIST.Material and Methods. We retrospectively studied patients with gastric GIST who had undergone pretreatment endoscopic biopsy and surgery, and examined their clinicopathological data.Results. Twenty-three patients were eligible. Thirty-four endoscopic biopsies (mean 2.6, range 1–8) were obtained. Preoperative pathological diagnoses of GIST were made in 18 patients. Precise diagnoses were made in 18 (52.9%) of the 34 biopsies. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) resulted in precise diagnoses in 11 (91.7%) of the 12 biopsy specimens. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy resulted in precise diagnoses in 11 (84.6%) of the 13 biopsy specimens. The accuracy of pathological diagnosis by EUS-guided FNA biopsy was 100%. The procedure of EUS-guided FNA biopsy had no complications or recurrent disease. In a multivariate analysis, only EUS achieved a significantly superior rate of diagnosis (odds ratio, 11.884; 95% confidence interval, 1.204–289.230;P=0.034).Conclusion. EUS-guided FNA biopsy is the most accurate for pretreatment pathological diagnosis of gastric GIST and for prevention of both of early complications and disease recurrence.
Associations of Education Level and Bone Density Tests among Cognitively Intact Elderly White Women in Managed Medicare
Authors: Shi Di , Yin Michael T. , Shi Qiuhu , Hoover Donald R.
Published: September 2012

Objectives. To examine associations between having bone density tests and level of education among white elderly women in managed Medicare.Method. Data from the ninth through twelfth cohort (2006–2009) of the Medicare Health Outcome Survey (HOS) of managed Medicare plans were analyzed; 239331 white elderly women were included. Respondents were grouped by education level and the percentages of respondents who had lifetime bone density testing done among each group were analyzed.Results. 62.7% of respondents with less than a high school education reported previously taking a bone density test. This was lower than the 73.8% for respondents who completed high school and the 81.0% for respondents with more than a high school education. When potential confounding factors such as age, body mass index, marital status, smoking history, year of HOS survey, and region were factored in, the odds ratios of having a bone density test when compared to respondents with less than a high school education were 1.61 and 2.39, respectively, for those with just a high school education and more than a high school education (P<0.001).Conclusion. Higher education was independently associated with greater use of bone density test in these elderly white women.
Correlation between the Morphology and Performance Enhancement of ZnO Hierarchical Flower Photoanodes in Quasi‐Solid Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Chao , Shi Yantao , Cheng Chun , Wang Lin , Fung Kwok Kwong , Wang Ning
Published: September 2012

We report an effective method for mass production of ZnO hierarchical flowers (HFs) that are constructed by interlaced single crystalline ZnO nanosheets with dominant surfaces of and . The size of ZnO HFs, thickness and parking density of the nanosheets, and HF inner porosity can be tuned by changing the synthesis conditions. The HFs containing porous inner structures showed an excellent performance as the photoanode material in quasi‐solid (using polymer gel electrolytes) dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) because of their superior optical and electrical properties. The high current density (10.26 mA cm−2) and efficiency (4.93%) of the HF‐based DSCs indicate a great potential for the development of high‐efficient quasi‐solid DSCs.
Analysis and Algorithmic Generation of Hepatic Vascular Systems
Authors: Schwen Lars Ole , Preusser Tobias
Published: September 2012

A proper geometric model of the vascular systems in the liver is crucial for modeling blood flow, the connection between the organ and the rest of the organism. In vivo imaging does not provide sufficient details, so an algorithmic concept for extending measured vascular tree data is needed such that geometrically realistic structures can be generated. We develop a quantification of similarity in terms of different geometric features. This involves topological Strahler ordering of the vascular trees, statistical testing, and averaging. Invariant features are identified in human clinical in vivo CT scans. Results of the existing “Constrained Constructive Optimization” algorithm are compared to real vascular tree data. To improve bifurcation angles in the algorithmic results, we implement a postprocessing step calibrated to the measured features. This framework is finally applied to generate realistic additional details in a patient-specific hepatic vascular tree data set.
[BPy]HSO4 as an Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of α-Aminophosphonates under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Zhou Zhongqiang , Pei Yaru , Wu Lamei
Published: September 2012

[BPy]HSO4 was prepared and used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of α-aminophosphonates at room temperature under solvent-free conditions with good-to-excellent yields. The workup procedure is very simple, and the catalyst can be reused at least four times without any loss in catalytic activity.
Hemolysis and Pulmonary Insufficiency following Right Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Schubert Sarah A. , Soleimani Behzad , Pae Walter E.
Published: September 2012

We report a case of severe hemolysis and pulmonary valve insufficiency (PI) following right ventricular support using a paracorporeal pneumatic pump (Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA). We speculate that the high velocity jet of blood emanating from the outflow cannula caused turbulence above the pulmonary valve, leading to PI and hemolysis. Despite the growing number of implanted ventricular assist devices, we could find no report in the literature describing pulmonary valve insufficiency secondary to right ventricular assist device (RVAD) placement. Fortunately, in this case, right ventricular function recovered sufficiently after seven days of support, allowing explantation of the device and resolution of PI and hemolysis.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Pattern of Endometriosis Patients in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Fang Ruei-Chi , Tsai Yueh-Ting , Lai Jung-Nien , Yeh Chia-Hao , Wu Chien-Tung
Published: September 2012

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), when given for symptom relief, has gained widespread popularity among women with endometriosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the utilization of TCM among women with endometriosis in Taiwan.Methods. The usage, frequency of service, and the Chinese herbal products prescribed for endometriosis, among endometriosis patients, were evaluated using a randomly sampled cohort of 1,000,000 beneficiaries recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database.Results. Overall, 90.8% (N=12,788) of reproductive age women with endometriosis utilized TCM and 25.2% of them sought TCM with the intention of treating their endometriosis-related symptoms. Apart from the usage of either analgesics or more than one type of medical treatment, the odds of using TCM and Western medicine were similar in all types of conventional endometriosis treatment. However, endometriosis patients suffering from symptoms associated with endometriosis were more likely to seek TCM treatment than those with no symptoms. There were 21,056 TCM visits due to endometriosis and its related symptoms, of which more than 98% were treated with Chinese herbal products (CHPs).Conclusion.Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan(Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill) containing sedative and anti-inflammatory agents is the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula mainly for the treatment of endometriosis-related symptomatic discomfort and the effects of these TCMs should be taken into account by healthcare providers.
Fuzzy -Fold BCI-Positive Implicative Ideals in BCI-Algebras
Authors: Tebu S. F. , Lele C. , Nganou J. B.
Published: September 2012

We consider the notion of fuzzy -fold positive implicative ideals in BCI-algebras. We analyse many properties of fuzzy -fold positive implicative ideals. We also establish an extension properties for fuzzyn-fold positive implicative ideals in BCI-algberas. This work generalizes the corresponding results in the crisp case.
123I-MIBG Scintigraphy as a Powerful Tool to Plan an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and to Assess Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Stefanelli Antonella , Treglia Giorgio , Giordano Alessandro
Published: September 2012

Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine technique which describes the functional status of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system. It is well known that an autonomic dysfunction is present in heart failure setting as a neuronal uptake of norepinephrine is impaired in the failing myocardium. Reduction in sympathetic nervous function in the heart, measured by reduced myocardial uptake of 123I-MIBG, is an indicator of poor prognosis for heart failure patients. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in evaluating the need of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients. For this purpose scientific literature data on these topics were reviewed. Based on literature data, 123I-MIBG scintigraphy seems to be a useful tool to assess which patients may benefit most from an ICD implantation to reduce the risk of ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, 123I-MIBG scintigraphy seems to predict which patients will response to CRT with an improvement in left ventricular function.