bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tibiofemoral Angle and Its Relation to Ankle Sprain Occurrence
Authors: Pefanis Nikolaos , Karagounis Panagiotis , Tsiganos Georgios , Armenis Elias , Baltopoulos Panagiotis
Published: October 2009

The lack of a normal joint orientation generates translational or shear forces across the joint. These forces can put abnormally high strain on the cartilage and the surrounding capsuloligamentous tissues. Ankle joint structure can affect or be affected by bony malformations of the surrounding areas, including the knee and hip. The aim of the current study is to examine the possible relationship between the tibiofemoral (TFA) angle and other factors (anthropometric characteristics, medical history, and age) on the occurrence of ankle sprains because its value provides useful information for the anatomical alignment of the lower extremity. The study sample consisted of 45 high-level athletes, evenly distributed among 3 sports (basketball, soccer, and volleyball). TFA measurements were made on radiographs. The study lasted 2 years. A logistic regression was used to determine the importance of each factor on the probability in question. A significance level of P = .1 was used. The factors contributing more to an ankle sprain were a previous injury of the same type followed by body mass index (BMI) and age. On the contrary, TFA was proven to be statistically nonsignificant. When the BMI variable was substituted with body inertia propensity, a derived variable, the TFA remained statistically nonsignificant. TFA magnitude does not seem to be a determinant factor that could increase the probability of spraining an ankle.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Achilles Tendon Ruptures in the National Football League
Authors: Parekh Selene G. , Wray Walter H. , Brimmo Olubusola , Sennett Brian J. , Wapner Keith L.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study is to document the epidemiology of Achilles tendon ruptures in the National Football League (NFL) and to quantify the impact of these injuries on player performance. A retrospective review of several online NFL player registries identified 31 Achilles tendon ruptures in NFL players between 1997 and 2002. Nineteen percent of injuries occurred during preseason play, while another 18% occurred during the first month of the official season. There was a postinjury reduction of 88%, 83%, and 78% in power ratings for wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, respectively, over a 3-year period. There was a 95%, 87%, and 64% postinjury reduction in power ratings for linebackers, cornerbacks, and defensive tackles over a 3-year period. On average, players experienced a greater than 50% reduction in their power ratings following such an injury. Thirty-two percent (n = 10) of NFL players who sustained an Achilles tendon rupture did not return to play in the NFL.
Polyploid evolution in Oryza officinalis complex of the genus Oryza
Authors: Wang Baosheng , Ding Zhuoya , Liu Wei , Pan Jin , Li Changbao , Ge Song , Zhang Daming
Published: October 2009

Background

Polyploidization is a prominent process in plant evolution, whereas the mechanism and tempo-spatial process remained poorly understood. Oryza officinalis complex, a polyploid complex in the genus Oryza, could exemplify the issues not only for it covering a variety of ploidy levels, but also for the pantropical geographic pattern of its polyploids in Asia, Africa, Australia and Americas, in which a pivotal genome, the C-genome, witnessed all the polyploidization process.

Results

Tracing the C-genome evolutionary history in Oryza officinalis complex, this study revealed the genomic relationships, polyploid forming and diverging times, and diploidization process, based on phylogeny, molecular-clock analyses and fluorescent in situ hybridization using genome-specific probes. Results showed that C-genome split with B-genome at ca. 4.8 Mya, followed by a series of speciation of C-genome diploids (ca. 1.8-0.9 Mya), which then partook in successive polyploidization events, forming CCDD tetraploids in ca. 0.9 Mya, and stepwise forming BBCC tetraploids between ca. 0.3-0.6 Mya. Inter-genomic translocations between B- and C-genomes were identified in BBCC tetraploid, O. punctata. Distinct FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) patterns among three CCDD species were visualized by C-genome-specific probes. B-genome was modified before forming the BBCC tetraploid, O. malampuzhaensis.

Conclusion

C-genome, shared by all polyploid species in the complex, had experienced different evolutionary history particularly after polyploidization, e.g., inter-genomic exchange in BBCC and genomic invasion in CCDD tetraploids. It diverged from B-genome at 4.8 Mya, then participated in the tetraploid formation spanning from 0.9 to 0.3 Mya, and spread into tropics of the disjunct continents by transcontinentally long-distance dispersal, instead of vicariance, as proposed by this study, given that the continental splitting was much earlier than the C-genome species radiation. We also find reliable evidence indicated that an extinct BB diploid species in Asia was presumptively the direct genomic donor of their sympatric tetraploids.
A comparative analysis of DNA barcode microarray feature size
Authors: Ammar Ron , Smith Andrew M , Heisler Lawrence E , Giaever Guri , Nislow Corey
Published: October 2009

Background

Microarrays are an invaluable tool in many modern genomic studies. It is generally perceived that decreasing the size of microarray features leads to arrays with higher resolution (due to greater feature density), but this increase in resolution can compromise sensitivity.

Results

We demonstrate that barcode microarrays with smaller features are equally capable of detecting variation in DNA barcode intensity when compared to larger feature sizes within a specific microarray platform. The barcodes used in this study are the well-characterized set derived from the Yeast KnockOut (YKO) collection used for screens of pooled yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) deletion mutants. We treated these pools with the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin as a test compound. Three generations of barcode microarrays at 30, 8 and 5 μm features sizes independently identified the primary target of tunicamycin to be ALG7.

Conclusion

We show that the data obtained with 5 μm feature size is of comparable quality to the 30 μm size and propose that further shrinking of features could yield barcode microarrays with equal or greater resolving power and, more importantly, higher density.
A novel inhibitor of Chlamydophila pneumoniae protein kinase D (PknD) inhibits phosphorylation of CdsD and suppresses bacterial replication
Authors: Johnson Dustin L , Stone Chris B , Bulir David C , Coombes Brian K , Mahony James B
Published: October 2009

Background

We have shown previously thatChlamydophila pneumoniaecontains a dual-specific Ser/Thr protein kinase that phosphorylates CdsD, a structural component of the type III secretion apparatus. To further study the role of PknD in growth and development we sought to identify a PknD inhibitor to determine whether PknD activity is required for replication.

Results

Using anin vitrokinase assay we screened 80 known eukaryotic protein kinase inhibitors for activity against PknD and identified a 3'-pyridyl oxindole compound that inhibited PknD autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of CdsD. The PknD inhibitor significantly retarded the growth rate ofC. pneumoniaeas evidenced by the presence of very small inclusions with a reduced number of bacteria as seen by electron microscopy. These inclusions contained the normal replicative forms including elementary bodies (EB), intermediate bodies (IB) and reticulate bodies (RB), but lacked persistent bodies (PB), indicating that induction of persistence was not the cause of reduced chlamydial growth. Blind passage ofC. pneumoniaegrown in the presence of this PknD inhibitor for 72 or 84 hr failed to produce inclusions, suggesting this compound blocks an essential step in the production of infectious chlamydial EB. The compound was not toxic to HeLa cells, did not block activation of the MEK/ERK pathway required for chlamydial invasion and did not block intracellular replication of eitherChlamydia trachomatisserovar D orSalmonella entericasv. Typhimurium suggesting that the inhibitory effect of the compound is specific forC. pneumoniae.

Conclusion

We have identified a 3'-pyridyl oxindole compound that inhibits thein vitrokinase activity ofC. pneumoniaePknD and inhibits the growth and production of infectiousC. pneumoniaeprogeny in HeLa cells. Together, these results suggest that PknD may play a key role in the developmental cycle ofC. pneumoniae.
Inhibition of HIV-1 gene expression by Ciclopirox and Deferiprone, drugs that prevent hypusination of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A
Authors: Hoque Mainul , Hanauske-Abel Hartmut M , Palumbo Paul , Saxena Deepti , D'Alliessi Gandolfi Darlene , Park Myung Hee , Pe'ery Tsafi , Mathews Michael B
Published: October 2009

Background

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF5A has been implicated in HIV-1 replication. This protein contains the apparently unique amino acid hypusine that is formed by the post-translational modification of a lysine residue catalyzed by deoxyhypusine synthase and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). DOHH activity is inhibited by two clinically used drugs, the topical fungicide ciclopirox and the systemic medicinal iron chelator deferiprone. Deferiprone has been reported to inhibit HIV-1 replication in tissue culture.

Results

Ciclopirox and deferiprone blocked HIV-1 replication in PBMCs. To examine the underlying mechanisms, we investigated the action of the drugs on eIF5A modification and HIV-1 gene expression in model systems. At early times after drug exposure, both drugs inhibited substrate binding to DOHH and prevented the formation of mature eIF5A. Viral gene expression from HIV-1 molecular clones was suppressed at the RNA level independently of all viral genes. The inhibition was specific for the viral promoter and occurred at the level of HIV-1 transcription initiation. Partial knockdown of eIF5A-1 by siRNA led to inhibition of HIV-1 gene expression that was non-additive with drug action. These data support the importance of eIF5A and hypusine formation in HIV-1 gene expression.

Conclusion

At clinically relevant concentrations, two widely used drugs blocked HIV-1 replication ex vivo. They specifically inhibited expression from the HIV-1 promoter at the level of transcription initiation. Both drugs interfered with the hydroxylation step in the hypusine modification of eIF5A. These results have profound implications for the potential therapeutic use of these drugs as antiretrovirals and for the development of optimized analogs.
Pancreatic ampullary carcinoma with neck metastases: a case report
Authors: Aksoy Murat , Sumer Aziz , Sari Serkan , Mete Ozgur , Salmaslioglu Artur , Erbil Yesim
Published: October 2009

Background

An 18-year-old Turkish woman was referred with a 6-week history of rapidly enlarging cervical mass at the left side.

Case report

She was diagnosed of ampullary carcinoma for which pancreatoduodenectomy was performed 14 months ago. In our patient with a history of malignancy, a rapidly enlarging neck mass was considered a metastasis to the neck. Tumor resection was performed. Histopathological examination revealed the metastasis of the precedent ampullary adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Surgery does not improve survival for advanced metastatic ampullary cancer however, it can be mandatory in specific conditions as our patient.
Wide-area imaging from OBS multiples
Authors: Dash Ranjan , Spence George , Hyndman Roy , Grion Sergio , Wang Yi , Ronen Shuki
Published: October 2009

The subseafloor structure offshore western Canada was imaged using first-order water-layer multiples from ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) data and the results were compared to conventional imaging using primary reflections. This multiple-migration (mirror-imaging) method uses the downgoing pressure wavefield just above the seafloor, which is devoid of any primary reflections but consists of receiver-side ghosts of these primary reflections. The mirror-imaging method employs a primaries-only Kirchhoff prestack depth migration algorithm to image the receiver ghosts. The additional travel path of the multiples through the water layer is accounted for by a simple manipulation of the velocity model and processing datum: the receivers lie not on the seabed but on a sea surface twice as high as the true water column. Migration results show that the multiple-migrated image provides a much broader illumination of the subsurface than is possible for conventional imaging using the primaries, especially for the very shallow reflections and sparse OBS spacing. The resulting image from mirror imaging has illumination comparable to the vertical incidence surface streamer (single-channel) reflection data.
Daunorubicin Versus Mitoxantrone Versus Idarubicin As Induction and Consolidation Chemotherapy for Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The EORTC and GIMEMA Groups Study AML-10
Authors: Mandelli Franco , Vignetti Marco , Suciu Stefan , Stasi Roberto , Petti Maria-Concetta , Meloni Giovanna , Muus Petra , Marmont Filippo , Marie Jean-Pierre , Labar Boris , Thomas Xavier , Di Raimondo Francesco , Willemze Roel , Liso Vincenzo , Ferrara Felicetto , Baila Liliana , Fazi Paola , Zittoun Robert , Amadori Sergio , de Witte Theo
Published: October 2009

Purpose

To compare the antitumor efficacy of three different anthracyclines in combination with cytarabine and etoposide in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Patients and Methods

We randomly assigned 2,157 patients (age range, 15 to 60 years) to receive intensive induction-consolidation chemotherapy containing either daunorubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone. After achieving complete remission (CR), patients were assigned to undergo either allogeneic or autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT), depending on the availability of a sibling donor.

Results

The overall CR rate (69%) was similar in the three groups. Autologous SCT was performed in 37% of cases in the daunorubicin arm versus only 29% and 31% in mitoxantrone and idarubicin, respectively (P < .001). However, the disease-free survival (DFS) and survival from CR were significantly shorter in the daunorubicin arm: the 5-year DFS was 29% versus 37% and 37% in mitoxantrone and idarubicin, respectively. The proportion of patients who underwent allogeneic SCT (22%) was equivalent in the three treatment groups, and the outcome was similar as well: the 5-year overall survival rates were 34%, 34%, and 31%, respectively.

Conclusion

In adult patients with AML who do not receive an allogeneic SCT, the use of mitoxantrone or idarubicin instead of daunorubicin enhances the long-term efficacy of chemotherapy.
Local Excision Alone Without Irradiation for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast: A Trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Hughes Lorie L. , Wang Molin , Page David L. , Gray Robert , Solin Lawrence J. , Davidson Nancy E. , Lowen Mary Ann , Ingle James N. , Recht Abram , Wood William C.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

To determine the risk of ipsilateral breast events in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated with local excision without irradiation.

Patients and Methods

Patients with either low- or intermediate-grade DCIS measuring 2.5 cm or smaller, or high-grade DCIS measuring 1 cm or smaller who had microscopic margin widths of 3 mm or wider and no residual calcifications on postoperative mammograms were eligible for a prospective trial conducted from 1997 to 2002 by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and North Central Cancer Treatment Group. Patients entered in 2000 and later could take tamoxifen if they wished. Median age at last surgery for the entire population was 60 years (range, 28 to 88 years), and median tumor sizes in the two strata were 6 mm and 5 mm, respectively.

Results

With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, the 5-year rate of ipsilateral breast events in the 565 eligible patients in the low/intermediate grade stratum was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1% to 8.2%). With a median follow-up of 6.7 years, this incidence for the 105 eligible patients in the high-grade stratum was 15.3% (95% CI, 8.2% to 22.5%).

Conclusion

Rigorously evaluated and selected patients with low- to intermediate-grade DCIS with margins 3 mm or wider had an acceptably low rate of ipsilateral breast events at 5 years after excision without irradiation. Patients with high-grade lesions had a much higher rate, suggesting that excision alone is inadequate treatment. Further follow-up is necessary to document long-term results.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lane Andrew A. , Chabner Bruce A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Epigenetic processes are implicated in cancer causation and progression. The acetylation status of histones regulates access of transcription factors to DNA and influences levels of gene expression. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity diminishes acetylation of histones, causing compaction of the DNA/histone complex. This compaction blocks gene transcription and inhibits differentiation, providing a rationale for developing HDAC inhibitors.

Methods

In this review, we explore the biology of the HDAC enzymes, summarize the pharmacologic properties of HDAC inhibitors, and examine results of selected clinical trials. We consider the potential of these inhibitors in combination therapy with targeted drugs and with cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Results

HDAC inhibitors promote growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis of tumor cells, with minimal effects on normal tissue. In addition to decompaction of the histone/DNA complex, HDAC inhibition also affects acetylation status and function of nonhistone proteins. HDAC inhibitors have demonstrated antitumor activity in clinical trials, and one drug of this class, vorinostat, is US Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Other inhibitors in advanced stages of clinical development, including depsipeptide and MGCD0103, differ from vorinostat in structure and isoenzyme specificity, and have shown activity against lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumors. Promising preclinical activity in combination with cytotoxics, inhibitors of heat shock protein 90, and inhibitors of proteasome function have led to combination therapy trials.

Conclusion

HDAC inhibitors are an important emerging therapy with single-agent activity against multiple cancers, and have significant potential in combination use.
Phase II Study of Flavopiridol in Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Demonstrating High Response Rates in Genetically High-Risk Disease
Authors: Lin Thomas S. , Ruppert Amy S. , Johnson Amy J. , Fischer Beth , Heerema Nyla A. , Andritsos Leslie A. , Blum Kristie A. , Flynn Joseph M. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Hu Weihong , Moran Mollie E. , Mitchell Sarah M. , Smith Lisa L. , Wagner Amy J. , Raymond Chelsey A. , Schaaf Larry J. , Phelps Mitch A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Grever Michael R. , Byrd John C.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk genomic features achieve poor outcomes with traditional therapies. A phase I study of a pharmacokinetically derived schedule of flavopiridol suggested promising activity in CLL, irrespective of high-risk features. Given the relevance of these findings to treating genetically high-risk CLL, a prospective confirmatory study was initiated.

Patients and Methods

Patients with relapsed CLL were treated with single-agent flavopiridol, with subsequent addition of dexamethasone to suppress cytokine release syndrome (CRS). High-risk genomic features were prospectively assessed for response to therapy.

Results

Sixty-four patients were enrolled. Median age was 60 years, median number of prior therapies was four, and all patients had received prior purine analog therapy. If patients tolerated treatment during week 1, dose escalation occurred during week 2. Dose escalation did not occur in four patients, as a result of severe tumor lysis syndrome; three of these patients required hemodialysis. Thirty-four patients (53%) achieved response, including 30 partial responses (PRs; 47%), three nodular PRs (5%), and one complete response (1.6%). A majority of high-risk patients responded; 12 (57%) of 21 patients with del(17p13.1) and 14 (50%) of 28 patients with del(11q22.3) responded irrespective of lymph node size. Median progression-free survival among responders was 10 to 12 months across all cytogenetic risk groups. Reducing the number of weekly treatments per cycle from four to three and adding prophylactic dexamethasone, which abrogated interleukin-6 release and CRS (P ≤ .01), resulted in improved tolerability and treatment delivery.

Conclusion

Flavopiridol achieves significant clinical activity in patients with relapsed CLL, including those with high-risk genomic features and bulky lymphadenopathy. Subsequent clinical trials should use the amended treatment schedule developed herein and prophylactic corticosteroids.
Prognostic Acceptance and the Well-Being of Patients Receiving Palliative Care for Cancer
Authors: Thompson Genevieve N. , Chochinov Harvey M. , Wilson Keith G. , McPherson Christine J. , Chary Srini , O'Shea Fiona M. , Kuhl David R. , Fainsinger Robin L. , Gagnon Pierre R. , Macmillan Karen A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

To identify the impact of prognostic acceptance/nonacceptance on the physical, psychological, and existential well-being of patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and Methods

A Canadian multicenter prospective national survey was conducted of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer with an estimated survival duration of 6 months or less (n = 381) receiving palliative care services.

Results

Of the total number of participants, 74% reported accepting their situation and 8.6% reported accepting with “moderate” to “extreme” difficulty. More participants with acceptance difficulties than without acceptance difficulties met diagnostic criteria for a depressive or anxiety disorder (χ2 = 8.67; P < .01). Nonacceptors were younger (t = 4.13; P < .000), had more than high school education (χ2 = 4.69; P < .05), and had smaller social networks (t = 2.53; P < .05) than Acceptors. Of the Nonacceptors, 42% described their experience as one of “moderate” to “extreme” suffering compared with 24.1% of Acceptors (χ2 = 5.28; P < .05). More than one third (37.5%) of Nonacceptors reported feeling hopeless compared with 8.6% who had no difficulty accepting (χ2 = 24.76; P < .000). Qualitatively, participants described active and passive coping strategies that helped them accept what was happening to them, as well as barriers that made it difficult to come to terms with their current situation.

Conclusion

The challenge of coming to terms with a terminal prognosis is a complex interplay between one's basic personality, the availability of social support, and one's spiritual and existential views on life. Nonacceptance appears to be highly associated with feelings of hopelessness, a sense of suffering, depression, and anxiety, along with difficulties in terms of social–relational concerns.
Physician Referral for Fertility Preservation in Oncology Patients: A National Study of Practice Behaviors
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Lee Ji-Hyun , Jacobsen Paul B. , Bepler Gerold , Lancaster Johnathan , Keefe David L. , Albrecht Terrance L.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Cancer survival rates are improving, and the focus is moving toward quality survival. Fertility is a key aspect of quality of life for cancer patients of childbearing age. Although cancer treatment may impair fertility, some patients may benefit from referral to a specialist before treatment. However, the majority of studies examining patient recall of discussion and referral for fertility preservation (FP) show that less than half receive this information. This study examined the referral practices of oncologists in the United States.

Methods

This study examined oncologists' referral practice patterns for FP among US physicians using the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile database. A 53-item survey was administered via mail and Internet to a stratified random sample of US physicians.

Results

Forty-seven percent of respondents routinely refer cancer patients of childbearing age to a reproductive endocrinologist. Referrals were more likely among female physicians (P = .004), those with favorable attitudes (P = .043), and those whose patients routinely ask about FP (odds ratio = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.33).

Conclusion

Less than half of US physicians are following the guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which suggest that all patients of childbearing age should be informed about FP.
Ultimate Fate of Oncology Drugs Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration Without a Randomized Trial
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia-Maria , Braiteh Fadi , Stewart David J. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: October 2009

Purpose

To approve a new anticancer drug, the US Food and Drug Administration often requires randomized trials. However, several oncology drugs have been approved on the basis of objective end points without a randomized trial. We reviewed the long-term safety and efficacy of such agents.

Methods

We searched the Web site of the US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and MEDLINE for initial applications of investigational anticancer drugs from 1973 through 2006.

Results

Overall, 68 oncology drugs, excluding hormone therapy and supportive care, were approved, including 31 without a randomized trial. For these 31 drugs, a median of two clinical trials (range, one to seven) and 79 patients (range, 40 to 413) were used per approval. Objective response was the most common end point used for approval; median response rate was 33% (range, 11% to 90%). Thirty drugs are still fully approved. United States marketing authorization for one drug, gefitinib (an epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] inhibitor), was rescinded after a randomized trial showed no survival improvement; however, this trial was performed in unselected patients, and it was subsequently demonstrated that patients with EGFR mutation are more likely to respond. Nineteen of the 31 drugs have additional uses (per National Comprehensive Cancer Network or National Cancer Institute Physician Data Query guidelines), and subsequent formal US Food and Drug Administration approvals were obtained for 11 of these (range, one to 18 new indications). No drug has demonstrated safety concerns.

Conclusion

Nonrandomized clinical trials with definitive end points can yield US Food and Drug Administration approvals, and these drugs have a reassuring record of long-term safety and efficacy.
Differential VASP phosphorylation controls remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Benz Peter M. , Blume Constanze , Seifert Stefanie , Wilhelm Sabine , Waschke Jens , Schuh Kai , Gertler Frank , Münzel Thomas , Renné Thomas
Published: October 2009

Proteins of the Enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) family link signal transduction pathways to actin cytoskeleton dynamics. VASP is substrate of cAMP-dependent, cGMP-dependent and AMP-activated protein kinases that primarily phosphorylate the sites S157, S239 and T278, respectively. Here, we systematically analyzed functions of VASP phosphorylation patterns for actin assembly and subcellular targeting in vivo and compared the phosphorylation effects of Ena/VASP family members. Methods used were the reconstitution of VASP-null cells with `locked' phosphomimetic VASP mutants, actin polymerization of VASP mutants in vitro and in living cells, site-specific kinase-mediated VASP phosphorylation, and analysis of the endogenous protein with phosphorylation-status-specific antibodies. Phosphorylation at S157 influenced VASP localization, but had a minor impact on F-actin assembly. Phosphorylation of the S157-equivalent site in the Ena/VASP family members Mena and EVL had no effect on the ratio of cellular F-actin to G-actin. By contrast, VASP phosphorylation at S239 (and the equivalent site in Mena) or T278 impaired VASP-driven actin filament formation. The data show that VASP functions are precisely regulated by differential phosphorylation and provide new insights into cytoskeletal control by serine/threonine kinase-dependent signaling pathways.
Prediction of Coal Grindability Based on Petrography, Proximate and Ultimate Analysis Using Neural Networks and Particle Swarm Optimization Technique
Authors: Modarres Hamid Reza , Kor Mohammad , Abkhoshk Emad , Alfi Alireza , Hower James C.
Published: October 2009

In recent years, use of artificial neural networks have increased for estimation of Hardgrove grindability index (HGI) of coals. For training of the neural networks, gradient descent methods such as Backpropagaition (BP) method are used frequently. However they originally showed good performance in some non-linearly separable problems, but have a very slow convergence and can get stuck in local minima. In this paper, to overcome the lack of gradient descent methods, a novel particle swarm optimization and artificial neural network was employed for predicting the HGI of Kentucky coals by featuring eight coal parameters. The proposed approach also compared with two kinds of artificial neural network (generalized regression neural network and back propagation neural network). Results indicate that the neural networks – particle swarm optimization method gave the most accurate HGI prediction.
Services in Digital Design: New Visions for AEC-Field Collaboration
Authors: Penttilä Hannu
Published: October 2009

The objective of this paper is to describe contemporary digital building design from a service provider aspect. The constrained framework of this work is digital architectural design practice. When design is seen in the context of the AEC field, a process oriented approach is commonly used in describing collaboration and evolutionary progress of the design work as a project. Design projects are scheduled chains of activities which result in design delivery or actual physical buildings as the end products of the project. Recently developments in building information modelling (BIM) have presented fundamentally new ways for collecting, exploring, and sharing design information. This study develops the novel digital approach: BIM as design services. The key finding of the study is that parts of the design domain can be described as services in the changing digital environment. The scientific contribution of this paper is in describing contemporary digital design practice with an alternative service approach. A framework for such services is also presented. This work will expand the authors' contribution to research on preliminary architectural design using building information models.
The Tensor Production of Block Matrix and its Parallel Computing
Authors: Guolü Tan
Published: October 2009

First, the result was proved that two matrices tensor product can be exchanged in the sense of permutation similar and this explants that the tensor product of block matrixes can be block calculated in the sense of permutation similar. Second, the convenient constructing method for the permutation matrix is given. Third, the parallel computing models of matrix tensor product are proposed. Final, the thought and process of the algorithm are showed by an example.
An Artificial Immune Network for Image Segmentation to the RAPD Fingerprint of Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus-Baumannii
Authors: Cheng Li-Han , Zhou Shao-Dan , Ding Yong-Juan
Published: October 2009

A novel optimal multilevel thresholding algorithm for image segmentation is presented to deal with RAPD Fingerprint of acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii. The proposed algorithm is an artificial immune network used to optimize multilevel thresholds of image segmentation. In addition, a fast fuzzy clustering technique is used to improve efficiency of the algorithm. Experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively extract fingerprint from the images to facilitate genotyping analysis of RAPD fingerprinting of acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii.
Eigenanalysis of Two-Dimensional Acoustic Cavities Using Transfinite Interpolation
Authors: Provatidis Christopher G.
Published: October 2009

This paper discusses the efficient extraction of eigenfrequencies in two-dimensional acoustic cavities using higher order finite elements, called “Coons-patch macroelements”. The acoustic pressure is approximated within the entire domain using the bivariate transfinite (Coons-Gordon) interpolation formula. Basically, the proposed macroelements constitute a generalization of the well-known Serendipity and Lagrangian type elements. The paper investigates the performance of the proposed methodology in several examples and definitely correlates the necessity of using internal nodes or domain decomposition with the percentage of open boundaries over the entire boundary as well as their relative position. It was found that for simple shapes, the entire acoustic cavity can be considered as a single quadrilateral patch, i.e. as one Coons-patch macroelement, while for complex shapes the cavity should be divided into a small number of subregions.
Meeting New Challenges in the Management of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Collaborative Care with Pharmacists
Authors: Bacchus Shaffeeulah , O'mara Neeta , Manley Harold , Fishbane Steven
Published: October 2009

Objective:

To evaluate chronic kidney disease (CKD)–associated anemia management challenges and limitations and discuss strategies to improve treatment rates and patient response to therapy, monitoring of patient response to therapy, and education of prescribing providers and patients.

Data Sources:

Multiple MEDLINE searches were performed using a comprehensive search term list to identify studies for inclusion, including, but not limited to, anemia, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), epoetin, darbepoetin, CERA, hemoglobin, CKD, dialysis, end-stage renal disease, quality of life, and pharmacist. Annual data reports and clinical practice guidelines published by the National Kidney Foundation and US Renal Data System were included. Information provided within product package inserts for recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa; Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) were also included.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Only articles that were published in English and were relevant for this review were included.

Data Synthesis:

Anemia is a common complication of CKD, with significant impact on patients' quality of life. Anemia of CKD represents a significant burden on the healthcare system, with ESA use resulting in substantial financial costs. As new therapies, formularies, and dosing regimens evolve, the collaborative role of the clinical pharmacist is integral to a multidisciplinary treatment strategy, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings, such as hospitals or dialysis centers, respectively. This review focuses on initial and target hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, as well as patient characteristics, treatment preferences, and dosing schedules, which are important considerations in managing CKD-associated anemia. To ensure effective therapeutic strategies, a patient-centered approach is required. Pharmacists are ideally positioned to help select ESA therapy, influence formulary use, educate healthcare professionals and patients, develop and implement dosing and monitoring protocols, and possibly promote quality improvement.

Conclusions:

An approach to CKD-associated anemia management that involves collaboration with pharmacists is essential to achieve patient-specific, cost-effective ESA therapy.
Sliding Scale Versus Tight Glycemic Control in the Noncritically III at a Community Hospital
Authors: Patel Gita Wasan , Roderman Nicki , Lee Karen A , Charles Melissa M , Nguyen Diem , Beougher Paula , Kleja Kacie , Casteneda Evangelina
Published: October 2009

Background:

Development of hyperglycemia during hospitalization is an area of concern in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Tight glycemic control has been debated for critically ill and noncritically III patients with hyperglycemia. Although many studies have been performed in the critically ill, adequate data are not available in the noncritically ill population.

Objective:

To compare traditional sliding scale (SS) with a tight glycemic control (TC) algorithm. The primary endpoint was the percentage of total blood glucose measurements in the target range of 80–150 mg/dL. The secondary endpoint evaluated was safety, defined as percentage of all blood glucose measurements that were 0–60 mg/dL.

Methods:

A 1-year, retrospective analysis from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008, was performed evaluating all inpatients with hyperglycemia within the first 48 hours of admission to the Medical Center of Plano, Plano, TX. A cohort of patients managed with SS (n =121) was compared with those treated with TC (n = 210). Patients on SS insulin received a traditional SS regimen with regular insulin or insulin aspart based on physician preference.

Results:

Demographics and comorbidities were similar between the 2 groups; however, the TC cohort was younger (64.8 ± 14.1 vs 70.8 ± 13.7 y; p< 0.001). There were more persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the TC cohort (81.9%) versus the SS cohort (60.3%; p < 0.001). In the TC cohort, 42.9% of blood glucose measurements were in the target range of 80–150 mg/dL compared with 30.6% of the measurements in the SS cohort (p < 0.001). Regarding safety, 2% of blood glucose measurements of the TC cohort were in the range of 0–60 mg/dL versus 0.3% of the SS cohort (p < 0.001). No clinical sequelae of hypoglycemia were observed. Patients achieved more blood glucose measurements in the target range when treated with TC versus SS insulin, without regard to prior history of diabetes.

Conclusions:

Patients treated with TC experienced more blood glucose measurements in the target range as compared with patients treated with SS with relatively low hypoglycemia rates.
Neonatal Peritoneal Candidiasis Successfully Treated with Anidulafungin Add-On Therapy
Authors: Varisco Brian Michael , Benner Kimberley W , Prabhakaran Priya
Published: October 2009

Objective:

To report the first successful use of anidulafungin and liposomal amphotericin B in an infant with peritoneal candidiasis.

Case Summary:

An 11-day-old term female infant with Hirschsprung enterocolitis and bowel perforation was transferred to our institution on day 4 of hospitalization with septic shock and abdominal compartment syndrome. Initial peritoneal culture at time of colectomy did not grow yeast; however, Candida albicans grew from cultures obtained on abdominal washout 2 days later even while the patient was on treatment with liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg/day. Anidulafungin 1.5 mgkg/day intravenous therapy was instituted, and within 4 days peritoneal cultures were negative. The patient slowly recovered and, after a prolonged hospitalization, she was discharged home on hospital day 68 on partial parenteral nutrition.

Discussion:

Despite the rising incidence of fluconazole-resistant Candida spp., pediatric dosing guidelines, and an adult indication for echinocandin use in candidal peritonitis, there are no reports of echinocandin use for fungal peritonitis in pediatric patients. The echinocandins are rational choices when fluconazole resistance is a concern. Furthermore, the unique clearance profile of anidulafungin makes it an attractive choice in critically ill patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction; the Infectious Diseases Society of America has recommended that an echinocandin be first-line antifungal therapy for moderately or severely ill pediatric or adult patients.

Conclusions:

Peritoneal candidiasis is a common complication of bowel perforation in neonates. Anidulafungin's pharmacokinetic and antifungal properties make it a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of this disease in critically ill infants and children.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectra of Calf Thymus DNA Adsorbed on Concentrated Silver Colloid
Authors: Ke Weizhong , Zhou Dianfeng , Wu Jianzhong , Ji Kang
Published: October 2009

Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of calf thymus DNA were investigated. We have carried out improvements to the silver colloid preparation method of Lee and Meisel in two respects. In one method, the silver sol was boiled with rapid stirring for over two hours. In the second method, the silver sol was concentrated by centrifugation before adding it to the DNA solution. The resulting hydrosol could be stored for 15 months because of its high stabilization. Structural information with respect to the phosphate backbone, deoxyribose, and four bases of DNA could be obtained before and after the DNA solutions were added to the concentrated Ag colloid substrate. The intensities of almost all characteristic bands assigned to various groups of the components of DNA were enhanced to a remarkable degree. The enhancement effect of the DNA solution at neutral pH 7.0 was obviously much better than that at acidic pH 3.4 or at alkaline pH 8.5. Intensity increases of the SERS bands of the DNA solution with time were observed. The SERS signals obtained 16 hours after the interaction of the Ag colloid with the DNA solution were much better than the SERS signals obtained just after the mixed liquid was prepared. This method can be widely used to store the Ag colloid for long times and to obtain the SERS spectra of DNA molecules, and it can further be used to study the adsorption behavior of solute biomacromolecules in different solvents.
Monitoring the Thermal Gelation of Cellulose Ethers in situ Using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Banks Simon R. , Sammon Chris , Melia Colin D. , Timmins Peter
Published: October 2009

In this work attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to probe the thermal gelation behavior of aqueous solutions of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), specifically thermal gelation and accompanying precipitation. Cloud point measurements are usually evaluated through turbidity in dilute solutions but the method cannot readily be applied to more concentrated or highly viscous solutions. From the ATR-FTIR data, intensity changes of the v(CO) band marked the onset of gelation and information about the temperature of gelation and the effect of the gel structure on the water hydrogen bonding network was elucidated. Changes in the relative intensities of bands associated with the methoxyl groups and hydrogen-bond-forming secondary alcohol groups indicated that hydrophobic polymer chain interactions were involved in the gelation process. The dominance of inter-molecular H bonding over intra-molecular H bonding within the cellulose ether in solution was also observed. The ATR-FTIR data was in good agreement with measurements of turbidity conducted on the same systems. The work indicates significant potential for the use of ATR-FTIR for the investigation of gelation and cloud point measurements in viscous cellulosic formulations.
Maximum Entropy Deconvolution of Infrared Spectra: Use of a Novel Entropy Expression without Sign Restriction
Authors: Lórenz-Fonfría Víctor A. , Padrós Esteve
Published: October 2009

Absorbance and difference infrared spectra are often acquired aiming to characterize protein structure and structural changes of proteins upon ligand binding, as well as for many other chemical and biochemical studies. Their analysis requires as a first step the identification of the component bands (number, position, and area) and as a second step their assignment. The first step of the analysis is challenged by the habitually strong band overlap in infrared spectra. Therefore, it is useful to make use of a mathematical method able to narrow the component bands to the extent to eliminate, or at least reduce, the band overlap. Additionally, to be of general applicability this method should permit negative values for the solution. We present a maximum entropy deconvolution approach for the band-narrowing of absorbance and difference spectra showing the required characteristics, which uses the generalized negative Burg-entropy (Itakura–Saïto discrepancy) generalized for difference spectra. We present results on synthetic noisy absorbance and difference spectra, as well as on experimental infrared spectra from the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin.
Investigation of the State of Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium of a Laser-Produced Aluminum Plasma
Authors: Barthélemy Olivier , Margot Joëlle , Laville Stéphane , Vidal François , Chaker Mohamed , Le Drogoff Boris , Johnston Tudor W. , Sabsabi Mohamad
Published: October 2009

In this work, the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for a laser-induced plasma in ambient air is examined experimentally using two different laser systems, namely an infrared short-pulse Ti:Sapphire laser and an ultraviolet long-pulse XeCl excimer laser. The LTE assumption is investigated by examining the plasma produced at a laser fluence of 10 J/cm2 from aluminum targets containing iron and magnesium impurities. The excitation temperature is deduced from Boltzmann diagrams built from a large number of spatially integrated neutral iron lines distributed from 3.21 to 6.56 eV. It is shown that at any time after the end of the laser pulse, the neutral excited states are in excellent Boltzmann equilibrium. Detailed investigation of Boltzmann equilibrium further validates previous temperature measurements using less accurate diagrams. However, observations of ion lines provide some evidence that the ionized species do not obey Saha equilibrium, thereby indicating departure from LTE. This could be explained by the fact that the plasma cannot be considered as stationary for these species.
Role of the Micro- and Nanostructure in the Performance of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates Assembled from Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Kuncicky Daniel M. , Christesen Steven D. , Velev Orlin D.
Published: October 2009

Highly active and stable substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can be fabricated by using colloidal crystals to template gold nanoparticles into structured porous films. The structure-dependent performance of these SERS substrates was systematically characterized with cyanide in continuous flow microfluidic chambers. A matrix of experiments was designed to isolate the SERS contributions arising from nano- and microscale porosity, long-range ordering of the micropores, and the thickness of the nanoparticle layer. The SERS results were compared to the substrate structure observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy to correlate substrate structure to SERS performance. The Raman peak intensity was consistently highest for nanoporous substrates with three-dimensionally ordered micropores, and decreases if the micropores are not ordered or not templated. Removing the nanoscale porosity by fusion of the nanoparticles (without removing the large micropores) leads to a drastic plunge in substrate performance. The peak intensity does not strongly correlate to the thickness of the nanoparticle films. The results make possible the efficient controlled fabrication of stable, reproducible, and highly active substrates for SERS based chemical sensors with continuous sampling.