bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BPP-5a produces a potent and long-lasting NO-dependent antihypertensive effect
Authors: Ianzer Danielle , Xavier Carlos Henrique , Fraga Fabiana Costa , Lautner Roberto Queiroga , Guerreiro Juliano Rodrigo , Machado Leonor Tapias , Mendes Elizabeth Pereira , de Camargo Andônio Carlos Martins , Santos Robson Augusto Souza
Published: October 2011

Background: The bradykinin potentiating peptides (BPPs) are oligopeptides found in different animal venoms. BPPs isolated from Bothrops jararaca venom were the first natural inhibitors described for somatic angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). They were used in the structural modeling for captopril development, a classical ACE inhibitor widely used to treat human hypertension.

Methods: We evaluated the effect of BPP-5a on cardiovascular parameters of conscious Wistar (WTs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Results: In SHR, BPP-5a showed potent cardiovascular effects, at doses ranging from 0.47 to 710 nmol/kg. The maximal changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were found at the dose of 2.37 nmol/kg (Δ MAP: −38 ± 4 mmHg, p < 0.01; Δ HR: −71 ± 17 bpm, p < 0.05). Reductions in MAP and HR occurred throughout 6 hours of post-injection period. In contrast to active site-directed ACE inhibitors, no ACE inhibition, evaluated by the Ang I pressor effect, or bradykinin potentiation was observed during the antihypertensive effect of the pentapeptide. In vitro assays showed no effects of BPP-5a upon argininosuccinate synthetase and B1, B2, AT1, AT2 or Mas receptors. Ex vivo assays showed that BPP-5a induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in isolated aortic rings of SHRs and WTs.

Conclusions: Although the BPP-5a is considered an ACE inhibitor, our results indicate that its antihypertensive effect is exerted via a unique target, a nitric-oxide-dependent mechanism.
Chronic Lower Leg Pain in Athletes
Authors: Brewer Rachel Biber , Gregory Andrew J. M.
Published: October 2011

Context: Chronic lower leg pain in athletes can be a frustrating problem for patients and a difficult diagnosis for clinicians. Myriad approaches have been suggested to evaluate these conditions. With the continued evolution of diagnostic studies, evidence-based guidance for a standard approach is unfortunately sparse.

Evidence Acquisition: PubMed was searched from January 1980 to May 2011 to identify publications regarding chronic lower leg pain in athletes (excluding conditions related to the foot), including differential diagnosis, clinical presentation, physical examination, history, diagnostic workup, and treatment.

Results: Leg pain in athletes can be caused by many conditions, with the most frequent being medial tibial stress syndrome; chronic exertional compartment syndrome, stress fracture, nerve entrapment, and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are also considerations. Conservative management is the mainstay of care for the majority of causes of chronic lower leg pain; however, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Conclusion: Chronic lower extremity pain in athletes includes a wide differential and can pose diagnostic dilemmas for clinicians.
Prognostic and therapeutic implications of minimal residual disease detection in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Buccisano Francesco , Maurillo Luca , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Del Poeta Giovanni , Sconocchia Giuseppe , Lo-Coco Francesco , Arcese William , Amadori Sergio , Venditti Adriano
Published: October 2011

The choice of either induction or postremission therapy for adults with acute myeloid leukemia is still largely based on the “one size fits all” principle. Moreover, pretreatment prognostic parameters, especially chromosome and gene abnormalities, may fail in predicting individual patient outcome. Measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD) is nowadays recognized as a potential critical tool to assess the quality of response after chemotherapy and to plan postremission strategies that are, therefore, driven by the individual risk of relapse. PCR and multiparametric flow cytometry have become the most popular methods to investigate MRD because they have been established as sensitive and specific enough to allow MRD to be studied serially. In the present review, we examine the evidence supporting the appropriateness of incorporating MRD detection into the AML risk assessment process. A comprehensive prognostic algorithm, generated by combining pretreatment cytogenetics/genetics and posttreatment MRD determination, should promote advances in development of personalized therapeutic approaches.
Bioengineered human vascular networks transplanted into secondary mice reconnect with the host vasculature and re-establish perfusion
Authors: Kang Kyu-Tae , Allen Patrick , Bischoff Joyce
Published: October 2011

The ability to form anastomoses with the host circulation is essential for vascular networks incorporated within cell-seeded bioengineered tissues. Here, we tested whether and how rapidly human endothelial colony forming cell (ECFC)/mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC)–derived bioengineered vessels, originally perfused in one mouse, could become reperfused in a secondary mouse. Using in vivo labeling with a systemically injected mixture of human- and murine-specific lectins, we demonstrate that ECFC/MPC blood vessels reconnect and are perfused at day 3 after transplantation. Furthermore, we quantified the longitudinal change in perfusion volume in the same implants before and after transplantation using contrast-enhanced micro-ultrasonic imaging. Perfusion was restored at day 3 after transplantation and increased with time, suggesting an important new feature of ECFC/MPC blood vessels: the bioengineered vessels can reconnect with the vasculature when transplanted to a new site. This feature extends the potential applications of this postnatal progenitor cell-based technology for transplantable large tissue-engineered constructs.
Sputum colour and bacteria in chronic bronchitis exacerbations: a pooled analysis
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Kruesmann Frank , Haverstock Daniel , Perroncel Renee , Choudhri Shurjeel H. , Arvis Pierre
Published: October 2011

We examined the correlation between sputum colour and the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECBs).

Data were pooled from six multicentre studies comparing moxifloxacin with other antimicrobials in patients with an AECB. Sputum was collected before antimicrobial therapy, and bacteria were identified by culture and Gram staining. Association between sputum colour and bacteria was determined using logistic regression.

Of 4,089 sputum samples, a colour was reported in 4,003; 1,898 (46.4%) were culture-positive. Green or yellow sputum samples were most likely to yield bacteria (58.9% and 45.5% of samples, respectively), compared with 18% of clear and 39% of rust-coloured samples positive for potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Factors predicting a positive culture were sputum colour (the strongest predictor), sputum purulence, increased dyspnoea, male sex and absence of fever. Green or yellowversuswhite sputum colour was associated with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 15% for the presence of bacteria.

Sputum colour, particularly green and yellow, was a stronger predictor of potentially pathogenic bacteria than sputum purulence and increased dyspnoea in AECB patients. However, it does not necessarily predict the need for antibiotic treatment in all patients with AECB.
Maternal use of folic acid supplements during pregnancy, and childhood respiratory health and atopy
Authors: Bekkers Marga B.M. , Elstgeest Liset E.M. , Scholtens Salome , Haveman-Nies Annemien , de Jongste Johan C. , Kerkhof Marjan , Koppelman Gerard H. , Gehring Ulrike , Smit Henriëtte A. , Wijga Alet H.
Published: October 2011

Previous studies have suggested possible adverse side-effects of maternal use of folic acid-containing supplements (FACSs) during pregnancy on wheeze and asthma in early childhood. We investigated the association between maternal use of FACSs and childhood respiratory health and atopy in the first 8 yrs of life.

Data on maternal use of FACSs, collected during pregnancy, were available for 3,786 children participating in the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study. Questionnaire data on children’s respiratory and allergic symptoms were collected annually and allergic sensitisation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were measured at 8 yrs of age.

No overall (from 1 to 8 yrs of age) associations were observed between maternal use of FACSs and (frequent) asthma symptoms, wheeze, lower respiratory tract infection, frequent respiratory tract infection and eczema. Maternal folic acid use was associated with wheeze at 1 yr of age (prevalence ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.39), but not with wheeze at later ages. Pre-natal exposure to FACSs was not associated with sensitisation and BHR.

Apart from a small increased risk of early wheeze, we observed no adverse respiratory or allergic outcomes associated with pre-natal FACSs exposure in our study population.
Effects of receptor modification and temperature on dynamics of sensory complexes in Escherichia colichemotaxis
Authors: Schulmeister Sonja , Grosse Karin , Sourjik Victor
Published: October 2011

Background

Extracellular stimuli in chemotaxis of Escherichia coli and other bacteria are processed by large clusters of sensory complexes. The stable core of these clusters is formed by transmembrane receptors, a kinase CheA, and an adaptor CheW, whereas adaptation enzymes CheR and CheB dynamically associate with the clusters via interactions with receptors and/or CheA. Several biochemical studies have indicated the dependence of the sensory complex stability on the adaptive modification state of receptors and/or on temperature, which may potentially allow environment-dependent tuning of its signalling properties. However, the extent of such regulation in vivo and its significance for chemotaxis remained unclear.

Results

Here we used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to confirm in vivo that the exchange of CheA and CheW shows a modest dependency on the level of receptor modification/activity. An even more dramatic effect was observed for the exchange kinetics of CheR and CheB, indicating that their association with clusters may depend on the ability to bind substrate sites on receptors and on the regulatory phosphorylation of CheB. In contrast, environmental temperature did not have a discernible effect on stability of the cluster core. Strain-specific loss of E. coli chemotaxis at high temperature could instead be explained by a heat-induced reduction in the chemotaxis protein levels. Nevertheless, high basal levels of chemotaxis and flagellar proteins in common wild type strains MG1655 and W3110 enabled these strains to maintain their chemotactic ability up to 42°C.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that clusters formed by less modified receptors are more dynamic, which can explain the previously observed adjustment of the chemotaxis response sensitivity according to the level of background stimulation. We further propose that the dependency of CheR exchange on the availability of unmethylated sites on receptors is important to improve the overall chemotaxis efficiency by suppressing molecular noise under conditions of high ligand concentrations. Moreover, the observed stability of the cluster core at high temperature is in line with the overall thermal robustness of the chemotaxis pathway and allows maintenance of chemotaxis up to 42°C in the common wild type strains of E. coli.
Noise and crosstalk in two quorum-sensing inputs of Vibrio fischeri
Authors: Pérez Pablo D , Weiss Joel T , Hagen Stephen J
Published: October 2011

Background

One of the puzzles in bacterial quorum sensing is understanding how an organism integrates the information gained from multiple input signals. The marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri regulates its bioluminescence through a quorum sensing mechanism that receives input from three pheromone signals, including two acyl homoserine lactone (HSL) signals. While the role of the 3-oxo-C6 homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL) signal in activating the lux genes has been extensively studied and modeled, the role of the C8 homoserine lactone (C8HSL) is less obvious, as it can either activate luminescence or block its activation. It remains unclear how crosstalk between C8HSL and 3OC6HSL affects the information that the bacterium obtains through quorum sensing.

Results

We have used microfluidic methods to measure the response of individual V.fischeri cells to combinations of C8HSL and 3OC6HSL. By measuring the fluorescence of individual V.fischeri cells containing a chromosomal gfp-reporter for the lux genes, we study how combinations of exogenous HSLs affect both the population average and the cell-to-cell variability of lux activation levels. At the level of a population average, the crosstalk between the C8HSL and 3OC6HSL inputs is well-described by a competitive inhibition model. At the level of individual cells, the heterogeneity in the lux response depends only on the average degree of activation, so that the noise in the output is not reduced by the presence of the second HSL signal. Overall we find that the mutual information between the signal inputs and the lux output is less than one bit. A nonlinear correlation between fluorescence and bioluminescence outputs from lux leads to different noise properties for these reporters.

Conclusions

The lux genes in V.fischeri do not appear to distinguish between the two HSL inputs, and even with two signal inputs the regulation of lux is extremely noisy. Hence the role of crosstalk from the C8HSL input may not be to improve sensing precision, but rather to suppress the sensitivity of the switch for as long as possible during colony growth.
Persisting right-sided chylothorax in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Scholz Godehard A , Sirbu Horia , Semrau Sabine , Anders Katharina , Mackensen Andreas , Spriewald Bernd M
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Chylothorax caused by chronic lymphocytic leukemia is very rare and the best therapeutic approach, especially the role of modern immunochemotherapy, is not yet defined.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 65-year-old male Caucasian patient with right-sided chylothorax caused by a concomitantly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. As first-line treatment four cycles of an immunochemotherapy, consisting of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab were administered. In addition, our patient received total parenteral nutrition for the first two weeks of treatment. Despite the very good clinical response of the lymphoma to treatment, the chylothorax persisted and percutaneous radiotherapy of the thoracic duct was applied. However, eight weeks after the radiotherapy the chylothorax still persisted and our patient agreed to a surgical intervention. A ligation of the thoracic duct via a muscle sparing thoracotomy was performed, resulting in a complete cessation of the pleural effusion. Apart from the first two weeks our patient was treated on an out-patient basis for nearly six months.

Conclusion

In this case of chylothorax caused by chronic lymphocytic leukemia, immunochemotherapy in combination with conservative treatment, and even consecutive radiotherapy, were not able to stop pleural effusion, despite the very good clinical response of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia to treatment.

Out-patient management using repetitive thoracocenteses can be safe as bridging until definitive surgical ligation of the thoracic duct.
Clinical examination of the knee: know your tools for diagnosis of knee injuries
Authors: Rossi Roberto , Dettoni Federico , Bruzzone Matteo , Cottino Umberto , D'Elicio Davide G , Bonasia Davide E
Published: October 2011

The clinical evaluation of the knee is a fundamental tool to correctly address diagnosis and treatment, and should never be replaced by the findings retrieved by the imaging studies carried on the patient.

Every surgeon has his own series of exams with whom he is more confident and on whom he relies on for diagnosis. Usually, three sets of series are used: one for patello-femoral/extensor mechanism pathologies; one for meniscal and chondral (articular) lesions; and one for instability evaluation.

This review analyses the most commonly used tests and signs for knee examination, outlining the correct way to perform the test, the correct interpretation of a positive test and the best management for evaluating an injured knee both in the acute and delayed timing.
Mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue which have been differentiated into chondrocytes in three-dimensional culture express lubricin
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Lo Furno Debora , Loreto Carla , Giuffrida Rosario , Caggia Silvia , Leonardi Rosalia , Cardile Venera
Published: October 2011

The present study focused on the isolation, cultivation and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue and on their differentiation into chondrocytes through the NH ChondroDiff medium. The main aim was to investigate some markers of biomechanical quality of cartilage, such as lubricin, and collagen type I and II. Little is known, in fact, about the ability of chondrocytes from human MSCs of adipose tissue to generate lubricin in three-dimensional (3D) culture. Lubricin, a 227.5-kDa mucinous glycoprotein, is known to play an important role in articular joint physiology, and the loss of accumulation of lubricin is thought to play a role in the pathology of osteoarthritis. Adipose tissue is an alternative source for the isolation of multipotent MSCs, which allows them to be obtained by a less invasive method and in larger quantities than from other sources. These cells can be isolated from cosmetic liposuctions in large numbers and easily grown under standard tissue culture conditions. 3D chondrocytes were assessed by histology (hematoxylin and eosin) and histochemistry (Alcian blue and Safranin-O/fast green staining). Collagen type I, II and lubricin expression was determined through immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that, compared with control cartilage and monolayer chondrocytes showing just collagen type I, chondrocytes from MSCs (CD44-, CD90- and CD105- positive; CD45-, CD14- and CD34-negative) of adipose tissue grown in nodules were able to express lubricin, and collagen type I and II, indicative of hyaline cartilage formation. Based on the function of lubricin in the joint cavity and disease and as a potential therapeutic agent, our results suggest that MSCs from adipose tissue are a promising cell source for tissue engineering of cartilage. Our results suggest that chondrocyte nodules producing lubricin could be a novel biotherapeutic approach for the treatment of cartilage abnormalities.
Coping with parvovirus infections in mice: health surveillance and control
Authors: Janus Lydia M , Bleich Andre
Published: October 2011

Parvoviruses of mice, minute virus of mice (MVM) and mouse parvovirus (MPV), are challenging pathogens to eradicate from laboratory animal facilities. Due to the impediment on rodent-based research, recent studies have focused on the assessment of re-derivation techniques and parvoviral potential to induce persistent infections. Summarizing recent data, this review gives an overview on studies associated with parvoviral impact on research, diagnostic methods, parvoviral persistence and re-derivation techniques, demonstrating the complex nature of parvovirus infection in mice and unfolding the challenge of controlling parvovirus infections in laboratory animal facilities.
Emergency department as a ‘place of safety’: reviewing the use of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in England
Authors: Apakama Dorothy C
Published: October 2011

Section 136 provides the lawful authority for the removal, by the police, of the person to whom the provision applies, from a place to which the public have access. There has been a longstanding debate as to the most appropriate place of safety for these patients. The aim of this article is to review the literature and determine the ideal place for the detention and assessment of these patients and clarify the responsibilities of the staff of the agencies involved in the detention. It concludes that there is no single most appropriate place of safety for all groups of patients. Rather, there should be a range of options to enable the assessment in the most suitable environment for individual cases according to their needs at the time.
Successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in patient with Ehler-Danlos syndrome type 2
Authors: Maraj Hemant , Mohajer Michelle , Bhattacharjee Deepannita
Published: October 2011

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman with Ehler-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type 2. She had a previous caesarean section and went on to have an uncomplicated vaginal birth in her last pregnancy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in a patient with EDS. EDS is a multisystem disorder involving a genetic defect in collagen and connective-tissue synthesis and structure. It is a heterogeneous group of 11 different inherited disorders. Obstetric complications in these patients include miscarriages, stillbirths, premature rupture of the membranes, preterm labour, uterine prolapse, uterine rupture and severe postpartum haemorrhage. There has been much controversy over the appropriate mode of delivery. Abdominal deliveries are complicated by delayed wound healing and increased perioperative blood loss. Vaginal deliveries may be complicated by tissue friability causing extensive perineal tears, pelvic floor and bladder lesions. Our case highlights that in specific, controlled situations it is possible to have a vaginal delivery even after previous caesarean section in patients with EDS.
Preoperative determination of anatomic variations of the small saphenous vein for varicose vein surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography
Authors: Kim S-Y , Park E-A , Shin Y-C , Min S-I , Lee W , Ha J , Kim S J , Min S-K
Published: October 2011

Objective

To define the anatomical variations of small saphenous vein (SSV) for varicose vein (VV) surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography (3D-CTV) and to analyse the impact of this preoperative evaluation on surgical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 120 consecutive limbs with SSV insufficiency having undergone VV surgery from January 2005 until December 2007 were enrolled. The medical records and images were analysed retrospectively.

Results

The relationship between SSV and gastrocnemial vein (GNV) were categorized into two: (a) SSV and GNV drained to popliteal vein (PV) separately (100 limbs, 87%) and (b) SSV and GNV made common channel which drained to PV (15 limbs, 13%). Saphenopopliteal junction morphology was normal (75 limbs), severe tortuosity near PV (19 limbs), ampullary ectasia (4 limbs) and duplicated drainage to PV (2 limbs). No recurrence of VV was noted.

Conclusions

CTV can provide thorough preoperative anatomic information of the SSV variations and reduce the recurrence of VV.
Plea for greater use of spinal anaesthesia in developing countries
Authors: Mgbakor Anthony C , Adou Bruno E
Published: October 2011

When it is indicated for surgical procedures below the umbilicus in our low-resource countries, spinal anaesthesia has many advantages: it is simple, cheap, safe and easy to learn and carry out. It reduces nursing load and the risk of aspiration pneumonitis as well as overall postoperative mortality and morbidity. We prospectively carried out a study of 419 patients operated under spinal anaesthesia during our normal surgical activities. Despite the materials and conditions that were not always those recommended in the published literature, we had very satisfactory results with: (1) a high patient acceptance rate (93.9%); (2) relatively rare adverse effects – the most frequent being hypotension and vomiting each observed in seven (1.67%) patients. We had two cases (0.48%) of the rare cauda equina syndrome. In poor-resource countries, the culture of spinal anaesthesia should be better developed and encouraged by the training institutions.
In vivo effects on intron retention and exon skipping by the U2AF large subunit and SF1/BBP in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ma Long , Tan Zhiping , Teng Yanling , Hoersch Sebastian , Horvitz H. Robert
Published: October 2011

The in vivo analysis of the roles of splicing factors in regulating alternative splicing in animals remains a challenge. Using a microarray-based screen, we identified a Caenorhabditis elegans gene, tos-1, that exhibited three of the four major types of alternative splicing: intron retention, exon skipping, and, in the presence of U2AF large subunit mutations, the use of alternative 3′ splice sites. Mutations in the splicing factors U2AF large subunit and SF1/BBP altered the splicing of tos-1. 3′ splice sites of the retained intron or before the skipped exon regulate the splicing pattern of tos-1. Our study provides in vivo evidence that intron retention and exon skipping can be regulated largely by the identities of 3′ splice sites.
Chloroplast RNase J compensates for inefficient transcription termination by removal of antisense RNA
Authors: Sharwood Robert E. , Halpert Michal , Luro Scott , Schuster Gadi , Stern David B.
Published: October 2011

Ribonuclease J is an essential enzyme, and the Bacillus subtilis ortholog possesses both endoribonuclease and 5′ → 3′ exoribonuclease activities. Chloroplasts also contain RNase J, which has been postulated to participate, as both an exo- and endonuclease, in the maturation of polycistronic mRNAs. Here we have examined recombinant Arabidopsis RNase J and found both 5′ → 3′ exoribonuclease and endonucleolytic activities. Virus-induced gene silencing was used to reduce RNase J expression in Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana, leading to chlorosis but surprisingly few disruptions in the cleavage of polycistronic rRNA and mRNA precursors. In contrast, antisense RNAs accumulated massively, suggesting that the failure of chloroplast RNA polymerase to terminate effectively leads to extensive symmetric transcription products that are normally eliminated by RNase J. Mung bean nuclease digestion and polysome analysis revealed that this antisense RNA forms duplexes with sense strand transcripts and prevents their translation. We conclude that a major role of chloroplast RNase J is RNA surveillance to prevent overaccumulation of antisense RNA, which would otherwise exert deleterious effects on chloroplast gene expression.
Do Bayesians Learn Their Way Out of Ambiguity?
Authors: Zimper Alexander
Published: October 2011

In standard models of Bayesian learning, agents reduce their uncertainty about an event's true probability because their consistent estimator concentrates almost surely around this probability's true value as the number of observations becomes large. This paper takes the empirically observed violations of Savage's (Savage, L. J. 1954. The Foundations of Statistics. John Wiley & Sons, New York) sure thing principle seriously and asks whether Bayesian learners with ambiguity attitudes will reduce their ambiguity when sample information becomes large. To address this question, I develop closed-form models of Bayesian learning in which beliefs are described as Choquet estimators with respect to neoadditive capacities (Chateauneuf, A., J. Eichberger, S. Grant. 2007. Choice under uncertainty with the best and worst in mind: Neo-additive capacities. J. Econom. Theory 137(1) 538–567). Under the optimistic, the pessimistic, and the full Bayesian update rules, a Bayesian learner's ambiguity will increase rather than decrease to the effect that these agents will express ambiguity attitudes regardless of whether they have access to large sample information or not. Although consistent Bayesian learning occurs under the Sarin and Wakker (Sarin, R., P. P. Wakker. 1998b. Revealed likelihood and Knightian uncertainty. J. Risk Uncertainty 16(3) 223–250) update rule, this result comes with the descriptive drawback that it does not apply to agents who still express ambiguity attitudes after one round of updating.
Target-Hardening Decisions Based on Uncertain Multiattribute Terrorist Utility
Authors: Wang Chen , Bier Vicki M.
Published: October 2011

We present a game-theoretic model to explore how uncertainty about terrorist preferences can affect optimal resource allocations for infrastructure protection. We consider a dynamic game with incomplete information, in which the defender chooses how to allocate her defensive resources, and then an attacker chooses which target to attack according to a multiattribute utility function. Our model constructs a prior distribution representing both defender uncertainty about the attacker weights on the various attributes in the attacker utility function and also defender ignorance about unobserved attributes that may be important to the attacker but have not been identified by the defender. The incorporation of unobserved attributes is a novel feature of our model and allows every target to have a positive prior probability of being attacked when the defender is sufficiently uncertain about the attacker preferences. In a dynamic environment, the defender then has an opportunity to jointly update her knowledge about both the attribute weights and unobserved attributes in a Bayesian manner, based on actual (or attempted) attacks observed in a previous period of the game. In general, defender uncertainty has a greater impact on defensive resource allocations in our model than in much of the previous work.
Multiechelon Procurement and Distribution Policies for Traded Commodities
Authors: Goel Ankur , Gutierrez Genaro J.
Published: October 2011

We consider a firm that procures and distributes a commodity from spot and forward markets under randomly fluctuating prices; the commodity is distributed downstream to a set of nonhomogeneous retailers to satisfy random demand. We formulate a model that allows one to compute approximate, but near optimal, procurement and distribution policies for this system, and we explore the value of the commodity's market in providing managers with (a) additional flexibility in procurement and (b) information on price dynamics generated through the trading of futures contracts. Our results indicate that the presence of the commodity market and the information that it conveys may lead to significant reductions in inventory-related costs; however, to obtain these benefits, both the spot procurement flexibility and the term structure of prices generated by the commodity market must be incorporated in the formulation of the operating policy. Managerial insights on the procurement strategy as a function of variability in prices and demand are also discussed.

This paper was accepted by John Birge, focused issue editor.
Fighting City Hall: Entry Deterrence and Technology Upgrades in Cable TV Markets
Authors: Seamans Robert C.
Published: October 2011

This article investigates how private firms respond to potential entry from public firms. This paper uses a data set of over 3,000 U.S. cable TV systems to present evidence consistent with entry deterrence. Incumbent cable TV firms upgrade faster when located in markets with a potential municipal entrant. However, the same systems are then slower to offer new products enabled by the upgrade, suggesting upgrades in these markets occur for strategic reasons. Incumbent cable systems also upgrade faster in response to municipal entry threats than to private entry threats. Understanding how private firms respond to potential entry from public firms is especially important in light of recent U.S. government entry into several industries.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Optimal Forecasting Groups
Authors: Lamberson P. J. , Page Scott E.
Published: October 2011

This paper characterizes the optimal composition of a group for making a combined forecast. In the model, individual forecasters have types defined according to a statistical criterion we call type coherence. Members of the same type have identical expected accuracy, and forecasters within a type have higher covariance than forecasters of different types. We derive the optimal group composition as a function of predictive accuracy, between- and within-type covariance, and group size. Group size plays a critical role in determining the optimal group: in small groups the most accurate type should be in the majority, whereas in large groups the type with the least within-type covariance should dominate.

This paper was accepted by Peter Wakker, decision analysis.
On Evaluation Costs in Strategic Factor Markets: The Implications for Competition and Organizational Design
Authors: Ross David Gaddis
Published: October 2011

This paper uses a formal model to study how evaluation costs affect competition for resources in strategic factor markets. It finds that relative scarcity may not always benefit resource sellers. Rather, when competition among resource investors passes a certain threshold intensity, miscoordination among investors increases to the point that sellers' expected profits decline. This paper extends the model to consider how investors organize to overcome managerial agency in resource evaluation. Two organizational designs are considered: (a) incentivization, wherein a lower-level manager is motivated by an incentive contract to evaluate resources for an investor, and (b) supervision, wherein evaluation is either handled directly or closely monitored by headquarters. The model suggests that competition among investors will be associated with a greater use of supervision and that investors using supervision will tend to make lower offers. This paper also finds that supervision will be more common when valuable resources are rare.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Robust Inventory Routing Under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Solyalı Oğuz , Cordeau Jean-François , Laporte Gilbert
Published: October 2011

This paper introduces a robust inventory routing problem where a supplier distributes a single product to multiple customers facing dynamic uncertain demands over a finite discrete time horizon. The probability distribution of the uncertain demand at each customer is not fully specified. The only available information is that these demands are independent and symmetric random variables that can take some value from their support interval. The supplier is responsible for the inventory management of its customers, has sufficient inventory to replenish the customers, and distributes the product using a capacitated vehicle. Backlogging of the demand at customers is allowed. The problem is to determine the delivery quantities as well as the times and routes to the customers, while ensuring feasibility regardless of the realized demands, and minimizing the total cost composed of transportation, inventory holding, and shortage costs. Using a robust optimization approach, we propose two robust mixed integer programming (MIP) formulations for the problem. We also propose a new MIP formulation for the deterministic (nominal) case of the problem. We implement these formulations within a branch-and-cut algorithm and report results on a set of instances adapted from the literature.
Die HEp-2-Zelle als Target für multiparametrische Autoantikörperanalytik – Automatisierung und Standardisierung/The HEp-2 cell as target for multiparametric autoantibody analyses: automation and standardisation
Authors: Hiemann Rico , Roggenbuck Dirk , Sack Ulrich , Anderer Ursula , Conrad Karsten
Published: October 2011

Trotz Einführung von Multiplex-Assays ist die Bestimmung von Autoantikörpern (AAK) mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz (IIF) nach wie vor ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Autoimmundiagnostik. Das Screening auf nichtorganspezifische AAK wird in der Routinediagnostik von autoimmunen rheumatischen Erkrankungen mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz an HEp-2-Zellen durchgeführt. Leider differieren die mit diesem Test erhaltenen Befunde z. T. recht erheblich auf Grund von objektiven (z. B. HEp-2-Zellfixierung) und subjektiven (z. B. Erfahrungswerte) Faktoren. Die Intra- und Interlaborvarianzen sind daher relativ hoch. Erste Ergebnisse von Evaluierungsstudien eines neu entwickelten Systems zur automatischen Bildanalyse (AKLIDES®) zeigen einen Weg in Richtung Standardisierung (bzw. Harmonisierung) des HEp-2-Zell-Assays auf, in dem zunächst subjektive Fehlinterpretationen vermieden werden können. Eine weitere Harmonisierung erfordert die Weiterentwicklung der Software-Algorithmen zur Mustererkennung sowie neue Kalibrationssysteme.
Wie verlässlich ist die Bestimmung von Procalcitonin als Entzündungsmarker auf Intensivstation?/How reliable is procalcitonin as an inflammatory marker?
Authors: Biller Katharina , Fae Peter , Germann Reinhard , Walli Autar K. , Fraunberger Peter
Published: October 2011

Die Rolle von Procalcitonin (PCT)-Plasmaspiegel bei kritisch kranken Patienten wurde in den vergangenen Jahren intensiv untersucht. Insbesondere zur Erkennung von Infektionen erwiesen sich PCT-Plasmaspiegel in vielen Fällen anderen klinischen und biochemischen Markern überlegen. Neuere Untersuchungen zeigen, dass mit Hilfe der PCT-Spiegel bei bestimmten Erkrankungen die antibiotische Therapie gesteuert und damit der Antibiotika-Verbrauches reduziert werden kann. Für die Beurteilung der Prognose von kritisch kranken Intensivpatienten scheint der Parameter jedoch nur eingeschränkt verwertbar zu sein. Darüber hinaus können in seltenen Fällen falsch positive und falsch negative Werte auftreten. Trotz dieser Einschränkungen werden heutzutage PCT-Plasmaspiegel bereits vielfältig auf Intensivstationen eingesetzt. Die möglichen klinischen Anwendungen dieses Labormarkers als diagnostisches Werkzeug zur Beurteilung kritisch kranker Patienten sollen im Folgenden dargestellt werden.
An Application of Laser Speckle-Based Coating Thickness Measurement
Authors: Lettner J. , Zagar Bernhard
Published: October 2011

A non-contacting method based on laser speckles for determining thin liquid layers on optically rough surfaces is presented. The optical system allows large stand-off distances between the specimen and the sensor so the system can also be used in harsh environments and industrial applications. The thickness of organic residues or polar liquids to be measured can be in the typical range of about the same as the roughness of the surface. The distribution of the oil on the rough surface is dependent on the adhesion and cohesion forces, the temperature and mainly of the surface topography itself. The speckle generating effect is thus dependent on the surface roughness as well as the film thickness (and also its optical properties).These two effects change the structure of the so-called laser speckles due to laser light illumination on any dielectric coating on metallic surfaces. The speckle patterns viewed at by a video camera are evaluated and their rather strong dependence on liquid film properties are presented in this paper.
Study of the Toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphisms in diseases presenting with subclinical and chronic inflammation
Authors: Reismann Péter
Published: October 2011

Toll-like receptor 4, a central mediator of the innate immune response has been shown to play an important role not only in the defense mechanism against microorganism, but also other non-infectious inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. The Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, which are common co-segregation polymorphisms of the Toll-like receptor 4 gene have been shown to be associated with increased susceptibility for Gram-negative infections, but with a lower risk of carotid atherosclerosis and a reduced level of certain proinflammatory cytokines. Aim: The role of these polymorphisms in diabetes mellitus with its late microvascular complications, in ischemic stroke, and in chronic periodontitis was investigated in three independent studies. Methods: In all studies the alleles of both polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent cleavage by restriction endonucleases followed by gel electrophoresis. Results: In patients with type 2 diabetes, heterozygote carriers of the Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms of the Toll-like receptor 4 gene had a significantly reduced prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, while there was no association with any other diabetic microvascular complication, or with cerebral ischemia or with chronic periodontitis. Conclusions: Toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphisms are not enough sensitive genetic markers for risk stratification either in diabetes mellitus or in cerebral ischemia or in chronic periodontitis. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1855–1858.
Characterization and statistical modeling of the precipitation kinetics in the commercial aluminum alloy AA5182
Authors: Liu Zhenshan , Mohles Volker , Engler Olaf , Gottstein Günter
Published: October 2011

Precipitation kinetics in the wrought alloy AA5182 during homogenization was investigated by various experimental methods. The constituents generated during casting were identified with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Their volume fraction was measured with optical microscopy. The size evolution of dispersoids during the heat treatment was studied in TEM. The EDS analysis shows that the dispersoids were mainly Al6Mn and α-Al(MnFe)Si. The dispersoids number was counted from a large number of electron back scatter images to yield good statistics. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed to study precipitation indirectly via the solute content. With the above experimental information, the thermodynamics based precipitation model ClaNG was calibrated for the alloy AA5182. Unknown parameters like interface energies of precipitates were adjusted accordingly. ClaNG is capable of describing the simultaneous nucleation, growth and coarsening of all important precipitates in multi-component systems for arbitrary heat treatments. After the unknown parameters were determined, the model was able to predict the volume and size distribution of dispersoids and the matrix composition for varied heat treatments. The predictions were used to design and optimize the heating process with respect to the microstructure of the homogenized ingot.
Origin of Passerine Migratory Waves: Evidence from the Blackcap at a Stopover Site
Authors: Shneor Ophir , Perlman Gidon , Balaban Amir , Yom-Tov Yoram
Published: October 2011

Hundreds of millions birds migrate through Israel every spring, usually in several waves during which a large number of birds are seen flying over Israel for several days, followed by periods in which only a small number are spotted. The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether the spring migration of the blackcap demonstrates a wave pattern, (2) determine the effect of weather conditions en route on the number of blackcaps arriving and forming each wave, and (3) use morphological characteristics and stable isotope composition of the feathers to examine the hypothesis that early arriving blackcaps represent populations breeding in low latitudes while later ones represent northern populations.

We found that (1) our first hypothesis was fully supported, and blackcaps arrive to Israel in "waves"; (2) weather conditions, and in particular wind speed and direction, were significantly related to the number of blackcaps captured; and (3) our morphological and δ C-13 data suggest that birds from the early season originated from more southern latitudes and/or more western longitudes within the breeding range of blackcaps.
Dementia in Parkinson's disease: a Brazilian sample
Authors: Baldivia Beatriz , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi , Batistela Silmara , Esper Juliana Carvalho , Augusto Cristiano Duarte , Rocha Maria Sheila Guimarães
Published: October 2011

To determine the prevalence of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PD-D) in a Brazilian sample adopting clinical and diagnostic procedures recommended by the Movement Disorders Society (MDS). Sixty-seven patients were consecutively submitted to neurological, neuropsychological and functional examinations. PD-D was established according to MDS clinical criteria (Level II) and clinical procedures for PD-D (Level I) and prevalence rate was compared between the levels adopted. Ten patients (14.9%) were diagnosed as demented by Level I criteria whereas sixteen (23.8%) were diagnosed based on Level II criteria. Level I criteria had low sensitivity in detecting PD-D (31.25%), but greater specificity (90.19). The PD-D group had significantly worse performance on all neuropsychological tests, were older (p<0.001), had an older age of onset ofdisease (p<0.01), had lower educational level (p<0.02) and had higher scores on functional scales. Current age (p=0.046) and Hoehn & Yahr score (p=0.048) were predictors for developing PD-D.
Botulinum toxin type A and cervical dystonia: a seven-year follow-up
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique F. , Teive Hélio Afonso G. , Becker Nilson , Munhoz Renato P. , Werneck Lineu César
Published: October 2011

Most cases of cervical dystonia (CD) are idiopathic, and focal injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) are the treatment of choice. The objective of our study was to document the effects of long-term BoNT/A treatment in idiopathic CD patients. Fifty-eight patients with idiopathic CD were recruited from March 2001 to May 2002. Twenty-eight of the subjects were available for reassessment after seven years. During this period, all had received regular treatment with BoNT/A injections. Clinical information about patients and the severity of CD (TWSTRS and VAPS) at baseline assessment (2001-2002) and follow-up (2008-2009) was compared. Significant motor improvement was detected based on TWSTRS scale scores, which were used to analyze clinical severity (19.6±6.6 and 17.7±4.8; p<0.05). There was no improvement in the severity of cervical pain (p=0.43). In conclusion, BoNT/A was a safe and effective long-term therapy for CD.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Authors: Moscovich Mariana , Nóvak Felipe T.M. , Fernandes Artur F. , Bruch Tatiana , Tomelin Tabita , Nóvak Edison M. , Munhoz Renato P. , Teive Hélio A.G.
Published: October 2011

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal adverse event associated with the use of antipsychotics (AP). The objective of this study was to investigate the profile of cases of NMS and to compare our findings with those published in similar settings. A series of 18 consecutive patients with an established diagnosis of NMS was analyzed, gathering data on demography, symptoms and signs. Two thirds of all cases involved woman with a past medical history of psychiatric disorder receiving relatively high doses of AP. The signs and symptoms of NMS episodes were similar to those reported in other series and only one case had a fatal outcome, the remaining presenting complete recovery. As expected, more than two thirds of our cases were using classic AP (68%), however the clinical profile of these in comparison with those taking newer agent was similar. Newer AP also carry the potential for NMS.
Lees' syndrome: a case series
Authors: Becker Nilson , Munhoz Renato P. , Teive Hélio A.G.
Published: October 2011

We report a case series of dopamine dysregulation syndrome, previously known as hedonistic homeostatic dysregulation in patients with Parkinson's disease on dopamine replacement therapies, now designated as Lees' syndrome.