bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy-Mediated Dendritic Cell Activation Is Essential for Innate Cytokine Production and APC Function with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Responses
Authors: Morris Susan , Swanson Michele S. , Lieberman Andrew , Reed Michelle , Yue Zhenyu , Lindell Dennis M. , Lukacs Nicholas W.
Published: September 2011

The regulation of innate immune responses during viral infection is a crucial step to promote antiviral reactions. Recent studies have drawn attention to a strong relationship of pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognition with autophagy for activation of APC function. Our initial observations indicated that autophagosomes formed in response to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of dendritic cells (DC). To further investigate whether RSV-induced DC activation and innate cytokine production were associated with autophagy, we used several methods to block autophagosome formation. Using 3-MA, small interfering RNA inhibition of LC3, or Beclin+/− mouse-derived DC, studies established a relationship between RSV-induced autophagy and enhanced type I IFN, TNF, IL-6, and IL-12p40 expression. Moreover, autophagosome formation induced by starvation also promoted innate cytokine expression in DC. The induction of starvation-induced autophagy in combination with RSV infection synergistically enhanced DC cytokine expression that was blocked by an autophagy inhibitor. The latter synergistic responses were differentially altered in DC from MyD88−/− and TRIF−/− mice, supporting the concept of autophagy-mediated TLR signaling. In addition, blockade of autophagy in RSV-infected DC inhibited the maturation of DC as assessed by MHC class II and costimulatory molecule expression. Subsequently, we demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy in DC used to stimulate primary OVA-induced and secondary RSV-infected responses significantly attenuated cytokine production by CD4+ T cells. Thus, these studies have outlined that autophagy in DC after RSV infection is a crucial mechanism for driving innate cytokine production, leading to altered acquired immune responses.
B Cell-Derived IL-15 Enhances CD8 T Cell Cytotoxicity and Is Increased in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Schneider Raphael , Mohebiany Alma Nazlie , Ifergan Igal , Beauseigle Diane , Duquette Pierre , Prat Alexandre , Arbour Nathalie
Published: September 2011

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that CD8 T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the sources and involvement of cytokines such as IL-15 in activating these cells is still unresolved. To investigate the role of IL-15 in enhancing the activation of CD8 T cells in the context of MS, we determined cell types expressing the bioactive surface IL-15 in the peripheral blood of patients and evaluated the impact of this cytokine on CD8 T cell cytotoxicity and migration. Flow cytometric analysis showed a significantly greater proportion of B cells and monocytes from MS patients expressing IL-15 relative to controls. We established that CD40L activation of B cells from healthy donors increased their IL-15 levels, reaching those of MS patients. We also demonstrated an enhanced cytotoxic profile in CD8 T cells from MS patients upon stimulation with IL-15. Furthermore, we showed that IL-15 expressed by B cells and monocytes is sufficient and functional, enhancing granzyme B production by CD8 T cells upon coculture. Exposure of CD8 T cells to this cytokine enhanced their ability to kill glial cells as well as to migrate across an in vitro inflamed human blood–brain barrier. The elevated levels of IL-15 in patients relative to controls, the greater susceptibility of CD8 T cells from patients to IL-15, in addition to the enhanced cytotoxic responses by IL-15–exposed CD8 T cells, stresses the potential of therapeutic strategies to reduce peripheral sources of IL-15 in MS.
Nanostructuring of Azomolecules in Silica Artificial Opals for Enhanced Photoalignment
Authors: Gallego‐Gómez Francisco , Blanco Alvaro , Golmayo Dolores , López Cefe
Published: September 2011

Many modern systems are based on photoresponsive materials, in which properties such as the refractive index need to be effectively controlled. An extensively used means of achieving this is to photoinduce birefringence by alignment of anisotropic azochromophores via light‐induced isomerization. However, the refractive index changes are typically small (<10−2), slow (seconds or minutes) and not spontaneously reversible, which excludes use of this approach in a variety of optical systems. The drawbacks are generally attributed to hindered photoalignment due to the molecular environment, which suggests that optimizing the arrangement of the functional moieties to minimize the mobility restrictions could decisively improve the photoresponse. Here, a simple solution‐processing approach is reported for favorable distribution at the molecular level of neat azochromophore into a three‐dimensionally nanostructured hybrid system exhibiting an extremely enhanced photoresponse. The standard azoderivative Disperse Red 1 is adsorbed on silica colloidal crystals that are chosen as 3D‐templates because their photonic bandgap, which is sensitive to refractive index changes, provides a direct tool to study photostimulated processes in the chromophore. The system is thoroughly investigated with different techniques to identify molecular out‐of‐plane photoalignment as the main phenomenon responsible for the optical response, and to discern the key factors leading to improved performance. It is found that the dye molecules are spontaneously adsorbed on the silica spheres, building a highly photoreactive surface multilayer. A low amount of azochromophore allows for outstanding material response upon cw‐irradiation, as a result of very large and fast refractive index changes in the chromophore ensemble (up to 0.36 – birefringence of 1.1 – in 15 ms at 0.09 J cm−2) that, in addition, is fully reversible by thermalization. Finally, as proof‐of‐principle for real applications, long‐duty cycle photoswitching at 100 Hz (for over 2 million cycles) is demonstrated in this system.
The Same but Different? Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents and Adults
Authors: Winston Anthony P. , Paul Moli , Juanola‐Borrat Yolanda
Published: September 2011

A significant number of patients with anorexia nervosa have to be transferred from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult services. CAMHS and adult services differ in terms of therapeutic approach and the availability of specialist treatment. CAMHS treatment is often based around family interventions, which aim to help parents take control of their child's eating, and patients are often encouraged to ‘externalise’ the illness. Adult treatment tends to be based around individual therapy, and the patient is encouraged to take personal responsibility for change. The place of inpatient treatment is generally accepted for adults but there is uncertainty about its effectiveness for adolescents. Young people may find it difficult to negotiate the transition between services, and CAMHS and adult services need to work more closely together. Transitions should be carefully planned, with thorough preparation of both patients and their families. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Protection against titanium particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis by cyclooxygenase‐2 selective inhibitor
Authors: Geng D. C. , Zhu X. S. , Mao H. Q. , Meng B. , Chen L. , Yang H. L. , Xu Y. Z.
Published: September 2011

Wear particle‐induced osteoclastogenesis is the most common cause of aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty. Although cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, an inducible regulator of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, is known to be involved in osteoclast differentiation, its effect on osteoclastogenesis in response to wear particles remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of COX‐2 in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation in the osteoclast precursor cell line RAW264.7 stimulated with titanium (Ti) particles. The results showed COX‐2 expression in the early stages of RAW264.7 differentiation when stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and Ti particles. Blockade of COX‐2 by celecoxib, a COX‐2 selective inhibitor, effectively reduced the expression of PGE2 and inhibited differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive (TRAP+) osteoclastic cells. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed that celecoxib inhibited mRNA expression of RANK, cathepsin K (CPK), TRAP, and the nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by Ti particles and RANKL. Moreover, exogenous PGE2 reversed the inhibitory effects of celecoxib. These results provide direct evidence that COX‐2 dependent PGE2 induced by RANKL and Ti particles is required for osteoclastogenesis and suggests that reduced production of PGE2 by inactivation of COX‐2 would provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of osteoclastogenesis induced by wear particles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2011.
Liquid‐Chromatography Quantitative Analysis of 20 Amino Acids after Derivatization with FMOC‐Cl and Its Application to Different Origin Radix isatidis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhanga Xiao‐Yan , Duana Geng‐Li
Published: September 2011

We developed a simple, rapid and reliable method for determination of 20 common amino acids based on derivatization with 9‐fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC‐Cl) and RP‐LC/UV, this method was first introduced into quantitative analysis of amino acids. The amino groups of amino acids were trapped with FMOC‐Cl to form amino acid‐FMOC‐Cl adducts which can be suitable for LC‐UV. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a mobile phase gradient consisting of acetonitrile and sodium acetate solution. This method was shown to be sensitive for 20 common amino acids. In the intra‐day precisions assay, the range of RSDs was 3.21‐7.67% with accuracies of 92.34‐102.51%; for the inter‐day precisions assay, the range of RSDs was 5.82‐9.19% with accuracies of 90.25‐100.63%. The results also indicated that solutions of amino acids‐FMOC‐Cl can be kept at room temperature for at least 24 h without showing significant losses in the quantified values. The validated method was successfully applied to the determination of major four kinds of amino acids in R. isatidis samples (Arg, Pro, Met and Val). The total content of amino acids in different origin R. isatidis was 13.32‐19.16 mg/g. The differences between R. isatidis samples were large using HCA.
Healthy and unhealthy body fat
Authors: Stanley John
Published: September 2011

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing co‐morbidities such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, not all obese subjects have an increased risk of developing these co‐morbidities. It has been suggested that triacylglycerols stored in subcutaneous adipose tissue protect the body against the accumulation of triacylglycerols in other tissues such as heart, skeletal muscle, liver and the β‐cells of the endocrine pancreas which would impair their function. This phenomenon of lipotoxicity probably explains the defects in insulin action and insulin secretion seen in type 2 diabetes and perhaps impaired diastolic function of the heart. A distinction needs to be drawn between this ‘unhealthy’ ectopic body fat which is detrimental to human health and ‘healthy’ subcutaneous body fat which may protect it.
Organ Weaving: Woven Threads and Sheets As a Step Towards a New Strategy for Artificial Organ Development
Authors: Liberski Albert R. , Delaney Joseph T. , Schäfer Hendrik , Perelaer Jolke , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2011

The concept of “organ weaving” is presented, a fabrication technique that can be an attractive option for the development of artificial tissues and organs. “Living threads” are created by immersing threads that are soaked in a CaCl2 solution into a sodium‐alginate‐loaded cell suspension bath, encapsulating the cells and creating a bio‐friendly, easily manageable starting material for building up larger scaffold structures. Such living threads have the advantage of being a particularly mild culturing medium for mammalian cells, protecting the cells during subsequent processing steps from dehydration and other rapid changes in the chemistry of the surrounding environment. Connecting different types of threads into 3D objects gives unique opportunities to address tissue engineering challenges.

magnified image
Induction of a regenerative microenvironment in skeletal muscle is sufficient to induce embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in p53‐deficient mice
Authors: Camboni Marybeth , Hammond Sue , Martin Laura T , Martin Paul T
Published: September 2011

We have previously reported that mice with muscular dystrophy, including mdx mice, develop embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS) with a low incidence after 1 year of age and that almost all such tumours contain cancer‐associated p53 mutations. To further demonstrate the relevance of p53 inactivation, we created p53‐deficient mdx mice. Here we demonstrate that loss of one or both p53 (Trp53) alleles accelerates eRMS incidence in the mdx background, such that almost all Trp53−/− mdx animals develop eRMS by 5 months of age. To ascertain whether increased tumour incidence was due to the regenerative microenvironment found in dystrophic skeletal muscles, we induced muscle regeneration in Trp53+/+ and Trp53−/− animals using cardiotoxin (Ctx). Wild‐type (Trp53+/+) animals treated with Ctx, either once every 7 days or once every 14 days from 1 month of age onwards, developed no eRMS; however, all similarly Ctx‐treated Trp53−/− animals developed eRMS by 5 months of age at the site of injection. Most of these tumours displayed markers of human eRMS, including over‐expression of Igf2 and phosphorylated Akt. These data demonstrate that the presence of a regenerative microenvironment in skeletal muscle, coupled with Trp53 deficiency, is sufficient to robustly induce eRMS in young mice. These studies further suggest that consideration should be given to the potential of the muscle microenvironment to support tumourigenesis in regenerative therapies for myopathies. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Laparoscopic Redo Fundoplication
Authors: Bathla Lokesh , Legner Andras , Tsuboi Kazuto , Mittal Sumeet
Published: September 2011

Background

Nearly 15% of patients who undergo anti‐reflux surgery report recurrent symptoms on long‐term follow‐up and may be candidates for redo anti‐reflux surgery (redo‐ARS). In the last 10 years, several studies have evaluated the feasibility and short‐term results of redo‐ARS. The purpose of the present study was to critically review our experience with 102 redo fundoplications with short‐ to medium‐term follow‐up and special emphasis on subjective outcomes for redo‐ARS.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis was done on consecutive 102 redo fundoplications performed between December 2003 and March 2008. The patients were divided into two groups, the open group (group A) and the laparoscopic (group B). Subjective symptom analysis was performed on an annual basis using a standard questionnaire.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean age, body mass index (BMI), or time since first surgery between the two groups. Significant differences were noted between operative time, estimated blood loss, and median hospital stay between the two groups. A total of 16 patients were found to have short esophagus and underwent Collis gastroplasty. Complications included 11 hollow viscus injuries seen in group A and 13 such injuries in group B. There was significant improvement in all symptom scores in the two groups, along with a significant decrease in the use of acid suppression therapy. In the open group 58% of patients rated their satisfaction as excellent compared to 90% in the laparoscopic group.

Conclusions

This study clearly establishes the safety and efficacy of redo laparoscopic anti‐reflux surgery with excellent outcomes after short‐ to medium‐term follow‐up.
A unified alignment algorithm for bilingual data
Authors: TILLMANN CHRISTOPH , HEWAVITHARANA SANJIKA
Published: September 2011

The paper presents a novel unified algorithm for aligning sentences with their translations in bilingual data. With the help of ideas from a stack-based dynamic programming decoder for speech recognition (Ney 1984), the search is parametrized in a novel way such that the unified algorithm can be used on various types of data that have been previously handled by separate implementations: the extracted text chunk pairs can be either sub-sentential pairs, one-to-one, or many-to-many sentence-level pairs. The one-stage search algorithm is carried out in a single run over the data. Its memory requirements are independent of the length of the source document, and it is applicable to sentence-level parallel as well as comparable data. With the help of a unified beam-search candidate pruning, the algorithm is very efficient: it avoids any document-level pre-filtering and uses less restrictive sentence-level filtering. Results are presented on a Russian–English, a Spanish–English, and an Arabic–English extraction task. Based on simple word-based scoring features, text chunk pairs are extracted out of several trillion candidates, where the search is carried out on 300 processors in parallel.
Anomalous photo-induced spectral changes in CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Shcherbatyuk G. V. , Inman R. H. , Ghosh S.
Published: September 2011

We study photo-induced static and dynamic spectral changes in self-assembled CdSe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) thin films with varying QD concentrations under ambient conditions. Using spatially resolved scanning photoluminescence microscopy in conjunction with spectrally resolved time-correlated photon counting, we measure the variations in spectral intensity, emission wavelength, and recombination lifetimes as functions of photo-exposure time. We find that at low concentrations photo-darkening and photo-oxidation rates slow down with increasing QD density, but in the high concentration limit these rates are strongly enhanced. Our measurements lead us to conclude that the interplay of photo-induced surface trap discharging with preferential photo-oxidation of smaller QDs is further modulated by resonant energy transfer driven by strong inter-dot interactions in highly concentrated samples. Our results would imply that the efficiency and longevity of semiconducting nanoparticle based opto-electronic devices will be limited by the concentration of the active material
Electronic band structures and electron spins of InAs/GaAs quantum dots induced by wetting-layer fluctuation
Authors: Ning J. Q. , Xu S. J. , Ruan X. Z. , Ji Yang , Zheng H. Z. , Sheng W. D. , Liu H. C.
Published: September 2011

Electronic band structures and spin states of the InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) induced by the wetting-layer fluctuation were investigated by employing the technique of time-resolved Kerr rotation (TRKR) with and without magnetic field. Sign change of the Kerr rotation signal was unambiguously observed when only the wavelength of the pump/probe light was scanned. By carefully examining the dependence of TRKR signal on the excitation wavelength and magnetic field as well as photoluminescence and reflectance spectra, the physical origin causing the sign change of the Kerr signal is uncovered. It is due to the resonant excitations of electrons with opposite spin orientations at heavy- (hh) and light-hole (lh) subbands, respectively, since there is a large enough energy separation in QDs for the excitation laser pulses. This measurement also leads to a precise determination of the energy separation between the hh and lh subbands near k = 0 point in the dots.
Radiobiological effects of nitrogen ion implantation on upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) pollen grains
Authors: Yue Jie-Yu , Wu Li-Jun , Wu Yue-Jin , Tang Can-Ming
Published: September 2011

To study the radiobiological effects of low-energy nitrogen ions on plant cells, nitrogen ions of various energies (10, 20 and 30 keV) were implanted into pollen grains of the upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar ‘Lumian 21’. The effects of irradiation on the pollen grains were assessed in terms of the ultrastructural changes in the exine and interior walls of the pollen grains, the germination rate, the number of pollen tubes in styles after pollination, the extent of the tip-focussed Ca2+ gradient and ultrastructural changes in F-actin in pollen tubes that developed from the treated pollen grains germinated in liquid medium. Nitrogen ions passed through the pollen grains by etching, penetrated the exine and interior walls, and destroyed cell structures in pollen grains. As the ion implantation energy increased, more pollen grains were destroyed, and the pollen grain germination rate and the number and length of pollen tubes decreased. Damaging effects were also observed with respect to the tip-focussed Ca2+ gradient and F-actin in pollen tubes. Treatment with 20- and 30-keV nitrogen ions caused the disappearance of the tip-focussed Ca2+ gradient in pollen tubes and affected the entire length of the tube. The function and structure of pollen tubes with respect to pollination and fertilisation may be affected by the changes in the ultrastructure of the pollen grains and the gene expression profile of pollen tubes after pollen grains are irradiated by nitrogen ions.
Targeted translational regulation using the PUF protein family scaffold
Authors: Cooke Amy , Prigge Andrew , Opperman Laura , Wickens Marvin
Published: September 2011

Regulatory complexes formed on mRNAs control translation, stability, and localization. These complexes possess two activities: one that binds RNA and another—the effector—that elicits a biological function. The Pumilio and FBF (PUF) protein family of RNA binding proteins provides a versatile scaffold to design and select proteins with new specificities. Here, the PUF scaffold is used to target translational activation and repression of specific mRNAs, and to induce specific poly(A) addition and removal. To do so, we linked PUF scaffold proteins to a translational activator, GLD2, or a translational repressor, CAF1. The chimeric proteins activate or repress the targeted mRNAs in
Xenopus
oocytes, and elicit poly(A) addition or removal. The magnitude of translational control relates directly to the affinity of the RNA-protein complex over a 100-fold range of
K
d
. The chimeric proteins act on both reporter and endogenous mRNAs: an mRNA that normally is deadenylated during oocyte maturation instead receives poly(A) in the presence of an appropriate chimera. The PUF-effector strategy enables the design of proteins that affect translation and stability of specific mRNAs in vivo.
Isolation in habitat refugia promotes rapid diversification in a montane tropical salamander
Authors: Parra‐Olea Gabriela , Windfield Juan Carlos , Velo‐Antón Guillermo , Zamudio Kelly R.
Published: September 2011

Aim  Our goal was to reconstruct the phylogenetic history and historical demography of highly divergent populations of the endemic plethodontid salamander Pseudoeurycea leprosa, to elucidate the timing and mechanisms of divergence in the Trans‐Volcanic Belt of Mexico.

Location  The Trans‐Volcanic Belt (TVB) of central Mexico, including the states of Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala and Veracruz.

Methods  We sequenced the cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene for 281 individuals from 26 populations and nine mountain ranges in the TVB, and used Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction and Markov chain Monte Carlo coalescent methods to infer historical demographic parameters and divergences among populations in each mountain system.

Results  We found deep genetic divergences between eastern and central TVB mountain systems despite their recent volcanic origin. Populations of P. leprosa show a pattern of refugial populations in the north‐eastern and eastern limits of the species’ distribution, and genetic evidence of rapid population expansion in mountain ranges of the central TVB. The oldest divergences among populations date to c. 3.8 Ma, and the most recent divergences in the central TVB are Pleistocene in age (c. 0.7 Ma).

Main conclusions  Given the timing and order of population diversification in P. leprosa, we conclude that early isolation in multiple habitat refuges in north‐eastern and eastern mountain ranges played an important role in structuring population diversity in the TVB, followed by population expansion and genetic divergence of the central range populations. The dynamic climatic and volcanic changes in this landscape generally coincide with the history of intra‐specific diversification in P. leprosa. Climate‐driven changes in habitat distribution in an actively changing volcanic landscape have shaped divergences in the TVB and very likely contributed to the high levels of speciation and endemism in this biodiverse region.
Less expression of prohibitin is associated with increased Caspase‐3 expression and cell apoptosis in renal interstitial fibrosis rats
Authors: ZHOU TIAN‐BIAO , QIN YUAN‐HAN , ZHOU CHUN , LEI FENG‐YING , ZHAO YAN‐JUN , CHEN JING , SU LI‐NA , HUANG WEI‐FANG
Published: September 2011

Aims:  Prohibitin (PHB), a ubiquitous protein, is involved in a variety of molecular functions. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a hallmark of common progressive chronic diseases that lead to renal failure. This study was performed to investigate whether PHB was associated with Caspase‐3 expression/cell apoptosis in RIF rats.

Methods:  Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sham operation group (SHO) and model group subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (GU), n = 12, respectively. The model was established by left ureteral ligation. Renal tissues were collected at 14 days and 28 days after surgery. RIF index, cell apoptosis index, protein expression of PHB, transforming growth factor‐βl (TGF‐β1), collagen‐IV (Col‐IV), fibronectin (FN) or Caspase‐3 in renal interstitium, and mRNA expression of PHB in renal tissue were detected.

Results:  Compared with that in the SHO group, the PHB expression (mRNA and protein) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Protein expressions of TGF‐β1, Col‐IV, FN and Caspase‐3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index in GU group were markedly elevated compared with those in SHO group (all P < 0.01). The protein expression of PHB had a negative correlation with the protein expression of TGF‐β1, Col‐IV, FN or Caspase‐3, and RIF index or cell apoptosis index (each P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Less expression of PHB is associated with increased Caspase‐3 expression/cell apoptosis in RIF rats. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of PHB on Caspase‐3 expression/cell apoptosis and to determine the potential of PHB as a therapeutic target.
Long Term Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Non‐Ambulatory NYHA IV Heart Failure Patients
Authors: THEODORAKIS GEORGE , KATSIKIS ATHANASIOS , LIVANIS EFTHIMIOS , KOSTOPOULOU ANNA , ADAMOPOULOS STAMATIS , TSIAPRAS DIMITRIOS , VOUDRIS VASSILIS
Published: September 2011

Background:

We aimed at evaluating the long‐term effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in nonambulatory New York Heart Association (NYHA) IV heart failure patients (NAIVHFP).

Methods:

Eighteen patients, 15 men and three women, eight with ischemic and 10 with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, who underwent biventricular pacemaker implantation while they were in nonambulatory NYHA IV class, were studied. Patients’ age was 58 ± 9 years and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 18 ± 3 %. Follow‐up data were obtained through review of follow‐up visits notes, stored echocardiographic studies, device interrogation data, and death certificates.

Results:

After a mean duration of 1223 ± 846 days, 11 patients were alive, including five patients who underwent heart transplantation (OCT) and seven dead. Three of 11 patients who received a CRT‐defibrillator, experienced at least one appropriate discharge, but eventually they either died or received an OCT during follow‐up. Sustained improvements in NYHA class (Z = 2.4, P = 0.015) and 6‐minute walk distance (0 vs 212 ± 95 m, P ≪ 0.001) were documented after a median duration of 855 days postimplantation. Cumulative proportion of death or OCT at 18 months—when full follow‐up data were available—was 18%, which compared favorably with historical controls. Full echocardiographic and clinical follow‐up data at 12‐months postimplantation were available for 10 patients, documenting a significant reduction in end‐systolic volume (248 ± 82 vs 269 ± 97 mL, P = 0.039).

Conclusions:

CRT can be safely applied in this subset of extreme severity heart failure patients, achieving encouraging survival rates and reverse remodeling effects. These observations can form an evidence‐based rationale for including NAIVHFP in randomized CRT trials. (PACE 2011; 34:1553–1560)
In Vivo Evaluation of Virtual Electrode Mapping and Ablation Utilizing a Direct Endocardial Visualization Ablation Catheter
Authors: CHIK WILLIAM W.B. , BARRY M. A. , MALCHANO ZACH , WYLIE BRYAN , POULIOPOULOS JIM , HUANG KAIMIN , LU JUNTANG , THAVAPALACHANDRAN SUJITHA , ROBINSON DAVID , SAADAT VAHID , THOMAS STUART P. , ROSS DAVID L. , KOVOOR PRAMESH , THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA
Published: September 2011

Visualization Catheter with Virtual Electrode Ablation. Background: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation utilizing direct endocardial visualization (DEV) requires a “virtual electrode” to deliver RF energy while preserving visualization. This study aimed to: (1) examine the virtual electrode RF ablation efficacy; (2) determine the optimal power and duration settings; and (3) evaluate the utility of virtual electrode unipolar electrograms.

Methods and Results:
The DEV catheter lesions were compared to lesions formed using a 3.5 mm open irrigated tip catheter within the right atria of 12 sheep. Generator power settings for DEV were titrated from 12W, 14W and 16W for 20, 30 and 40 seconds duration with 25 mL/min saline irrigation. Standard irrigated tip catheter settings of 30W, 50°C for 30 seconds and 30 mL/min were used.

The DEV lesions were significantly greater in surface area and both major and minor axes compared to irrigated tip lesions (surface area 19.43 ± 9.09 vs 10.88 ± 4.72 mm, P<0.01) with no difference in transmurality (93/94 vs 46/47) or depth (1.86 ± 0.75 vs 1.85 ± 0.57 mm). Absolute electrogram amplitude reduction was greater for DEV lesions (1.89 ± 1.31 vs 1.49 ± 0.78 mV, P = 0.04), but no difference in percentage reduction. Pre‐ablation pacing thresholds were not different between DEV (0.79 ± 0.36 mA) and irrigated tip (0.73 ± 0.25 mA) lesions. There were no complications noted during ablation with either catheter.

Conclusions:
Virtual electrode ablation consistently created wider lesions at lower power compared to irrigated tip ablation. Virtual electrode electrograms showed a comparable pacing and sensing efficacy in detecting local myocardial electrophysiological changes. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 88‐95, January 2012)
Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moreau, the Brazilian Vaccine Strain against Tuberculosis
Authors: Gomes Leonardo H. F. , Otto Thomas D. , Vasconcellos Érico A. , Ferrão Patrícia M. , Maia Renata M. , Moreira Aline S. , Ferreira Marcelo A. , Castello-Branco Luiz R. R. , Degrave Wim M. , Mendonça-Lima Leila
Published: September 2011

Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only vaccine available against tuberculosis, and the strains used worldwide represent a family of daughter strains with distinct genotypic characteristics. Here we report the complete genome sequence of
M. bovis
BCG Moreau, the strain in continuous use in Brazil for vaccine production since the 1920s.
Complete Genome Sequence of Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, an Emerging Tick-Transmitted Human Pathogen
Authors: Duan Changsong , Tong Yigang , Huang Yong , Wang Xile , Xiong Xiaolu , Wen Bohai
Published: September 2011

Rickettsia heilongjiangensis
is an emerging tick-transmitted human pathogen causing far-Eastern spotted fever. Here we report the complete sequence and the main features of the genome of
R. heilongjiangensis
(strain 054).
Pregnancy Outcomes in Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Toleikyte Ieva , Retterstøl Kjetil , Leren Trond Paul , Iversen Per Ole
Published: September 2011

Background—

Women with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are prone to early cardiovascular disease and death. It is unknown whether FH adversely affects pregnant women and birth outcomes. We determined whether heterozygous FH women are at higher risk of premature birth (<37 gestational weeks), delivering children with low birth weight (<2500 g) and/or with congenital malformations compared to women in general.

Methods and Results—

We linked information from the Medical Genetics Laboratory with that of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We included 1869 FH women (≥14 years) from the Medical Genetics Laboratory and about 2 million (general population) from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway during the period 1967 to 2006. The registry match resulted in analysis of 2319 births of 1093 women with heterozygous FH. The mean (SD) prepregnancy total cholesterol concentration was 9.59 (2.06) mmol/L (370 [80 mg/dL]), whereas the concentration of total cholesterol was not available during pregnancy. The frequencies of prematurity, low birth weight, and congenital malformations for the 40-year period in the FH population were 6.8, 5.0, and 3.3, respectively. The corresponding values for the general population were 6.2, 5.2, and 3.2. The corresponding odds ratios were 1.11 (95 confidence interval 0.94–1.31;
P
=0.23), 0.96 (0.79–1.15;
P
=0.64), and 1.09 (0.87–1.37;
P
=0.45).

Conclusions—

Women with FH do not appear to have a higher risk of preterm delivery or of having infants with low birth weight or congenital malformations than women in general, but, although this is unlikely, some undetected bias may obscure the real differences.
Ascending in Space Dimensions: Digital Crafting of M.C. Escher's Graphic Art
Authors: Pasko Galina , Pasko Alexander , Vilbrandt Turlif , Filho Arnaldo Luis Lixandrão , da Silva Jorge Vicente Lopes
Published: September 2011

M.C. Escher's artwork has inspired and arguably even informed computer science, as well as geometric and shape modeling. Even today, much of his work poses challenges to conventional digital shape modeling systems. The authors introduce several interesting problems presented by Escher's graphic artworks and describe their use of a novel approach, based on implicit surfaces and their extension (Function Representation), to produce 2D, 2.5D and 3D computer models. They also discuss several physical objects or sculptures based on these models, crafted using digital fabrication processes.
From Imaginal to Digital: Mental Imagery and the Computer Image Space
Authors: Lambert Nick
Published: September 2011

The author suggests that the intangible characteristics of computer graphics bear some resemblance to the brain's ability to construct mental images, as outlined by veteran researcher Stephen M. Kosslyn. An analogy might also be drawn with the “Imaginal World” of the Sufis, as described by Henri Corbin, which exists in a space of its own. As computer graphics have emerged as an artistic medium, one may consider how this internalized ability influences the artist's response to the computer, especially as new display technologies emerge.
Cluster headache in children and adolescents: Ten years of follow-up in three pediatric cases
Authors: Arruda Marco A , Bonamico Lucas , Stella Cleiber , Bordini Carlos A , Bigal Marcelo E
Published: September 2011

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is a rare cause of headache in children. Onset before 12 years of age is unusual, and long-term follow-up of pediatric cases has been not reported.

Objectives: To report three cases of CH with onset at childhood and at least ten years of follow-up.

Methods: Case report.

Results: The first case is that of a 12-year-old boy with episodic CH with unilateral pain and striking, bilateral autonomic manifestations, remitted for over eight years. The second case is unique in that it reports a case of chronic CH in a 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome. The third case is that of a 9-year-old girl with episodic CH with remissions of 2 and 5 years. All cases had prominent autonomic features. The frequency and duration of the attacks were similar to those that have been reported in adults. Good response to indomethacin was obtained in two cases, although tolerability issues occurred in one.

Conclusion: Sustained, long-term, medical and/or spontaneous remission occurs in CH of early onset. The phenotype and response to therapy in children, at least in these case examples, are similar to equivalent observations in adult patients with CH.
Influence of calcium and silicon supplementation into Pleurotus ostreatus substrates on quality of fresh and canned mushrooms
Authors: Thongsook T. , Kongbangkerd T.
Published: September 2011

Supplements of gypsum (calcium source), pumice (silicon source) and pumice sulfate (silicon and calcium source) into substrates for oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) were searched for their effects on production as well as qualities of fresh and canned mushrooms. The addition of pumice up to 30% had no effect on total yield, size distribution and cap diameters. The supplementation of gypsum at 10% decreased the total yield; and although gypsum at 5% did not affect total yield, the treatment increased the proportion of large-sized caps. High content (>10%) of pumice sulfate resulted in the lower yield. Calcium and silicon contents in the fruit bodies were not influenced by supplementations. The centrifugal drip loss values and solid content of fresh mushrooms, and the percentage of weight gained and firmness of canned mushrooms, cultivated in substrates supplemented with gypsum, pumice and pumice sulfate were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those of the control. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the more compacted hyphae of mushroom stalks supplemented with silicon and/or calcium after heat treatment, compared to the control. Supplementation of P. ostreatus substrates with 20% pumice was the most practical treatment because it showed no effect on yield and the most cost-effective.
On Being Anti-Imperial: Consensus Building, Anarchism, and ADR
Authors: Cohen Amy J.
Published: September 2011

This article examines the reach and possible limits of “imperial legality” by comparing two kinds of practices intended to enable actors to resolve conflicts and make collective decisions without the force of sovereign impositions: contemporary anarchism, which has become an influential part of the anti-neoliberal globalization movement, on the one hand, and professional consensus building, which is rapidly emerging as part of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) movement, on the other hand. Although both sets of practices are intensely focused on generating consensus, this comparison highlights the different conceptions of process that they employ. Professional consensus building’s capacity to render itself “merely” procedure – a means to further another set of ends – makes it remarkably easy to scale up to imperial proportions. By contrast, anarchism’s vision of process aspires to collapse distinctions between means and ends, refuses to constrain anyone who does not participate, and seeks transformation deep in the minutia of selves, social practices, and political relations. As a result, it is much more recalcitrant – and, perhaps more to the point, much less desirable – than ADR to redirect for imperial ends. The article thus explores how consensual processes offer their subjects an ideal of legality that is alternatively amenable or hostile to imperial ambitions.
Oncogenic functions of hMDMX in in vitro transformation of primary human fibroblasts and embryonic retinoblasts
Authors: Lenos Kristiaan , de Lange Job , Teunisse Amina FAS , Lodder Kirsten , Verlaan-de Vries Matty , Wiercinska Eliza , van der Burg Marja JM , Szuhai Karoly , Jochemsen Aart G
Published: September 2011

Background

In around 50% of all human cancers the tumor suppressor p53 is mutated. It is generally assumed that in the remaining tumors the wild-type p53 protein is functionally impaired. The two main inhibitors of p53, hMDM2 (MDM2) and hMDMX (MDMX/MDM4) are frequently overexpressed in wild-type p53 tumors. Whereas the main activity of hMDM2 is to degrade p53 protein, its close homolog hMDMX does not degrade p53, but it represses its transcriptional activity. Here we study the role of hMDMX in the neoplastic transformation of human fibroblasts and embryonic retinoblasts, since a high number of retinoblastomas contain elevated hMDMX levels.

Methods

We made use of an in vitro transformation model using a retroviral system of RNA interference and gene overexpression in primary human fibroblasts and embryonic retinoblasts. Consecutive knockdown of RB and p53, overexpression of SV40-small t, oncogenic HRasV12 and HA-hMDMX resulted in a number of stable cell lines representing different stages of the transformation process, enabling a comparison between loss of p53 and hMDMX overexpression. The cell lines were tested in various assays to assess their oncogenic potential.

Results

Both p53-knockdown and hMDMX overexpression accelerated proliferation and prevented growth suppression induced by introduction of oncogenic Ras, which was required for anchorage-independent growth and the ability to form tumors in vivo. Furthermore, we found that hMDMX overexpression represses basal p53 activity to some extent. Transformed fibroblasts with very high levels of hMDMX became largely resistant to the p53 reactivating drug Nutlin-3. The Nutlin-3 response of hMDMX transformed retinoblasts was intact and resembled that of retinoblastoma cell lines.

Conclusions

Our studies show that hMDMX has the essential properties of an oncogene. Its constitutive expression contributes to the oncogenic phenotype of transformed human cells. Its main function appears to be p53 inactivation. Therefore, developing new drugs targeting hMDMX is a valid approach to obtain new treatments for a subset of human tumors expressing wild-type p53.
Forty Years of Public Economics: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Drèze Jacques H
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a personal perspective on the field of public economics with emphasis on the interplay of theory and applications. In the early 1950s, theoretical developments grew out of practical applications. Yet, few economists succeed in creatively linking theory to real problems and our professional organization fails to promote adequately such contributions. The author also discusses briefly the success of public economics, its fragmentation into subfields, and its relation to macroeconomics. The writing of this paper was prompted by the author's participation in editing a volume of selected papers by William Vickrey, whose work is exemplary of the perspective presented here.
Removal of 17β-estradiol (E2) and its chlorination by-products from water and wastewater using non-imprinted polymer (NIP) particles
Authors: Murray Audrey , Örmeci Banu , Lai E. P. C.
Published: September 2011

Endocrine disrupting compounds and their chlorination by-products are two classes of emerging contaminants. Surface water and wastewater treatment technologies have limitations in removing these contaminants. This study evaluated the ability of non-imprinted polymer particles (NIP) to remove the endocrine disruptor 17β-estradiol (E2) and its chlorination by-products from water and wastewater. NIP effectively removed 98% of 10 mg/L E2 from wastewater. NIP were also effective in removing chlorination by-products of E2 by 84.9% after 10 mg/L E2 in water was chlorinated at 5 mg/L. In the presence of 5 mg/L humic acid, NIP were able to achieve removal of 10 mg/L E2 by greater than 99.9%. Furthermore, after chlorination of 10 mg/L E2 and 5 mg/L humic acid at 10 mg/L chlorine, NIP were also able to remove the chlorination by-products formed as well as the remaining E2 by greater than 99.9%. The presence of 5 mg/L humic acid did not adversely affect the adsorption efficiency. The results of this research indicate that NIPs have good potential as a final treatment step for surface water and wastewater treatment.
The Effect of Bleachıng Systems on the Gingiva and the Levels of IL-1β and IL-10 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid
Authors: Firat E , Ercan E , Gurgan S , Cakir F Yalcin , Berker E
Published: September 2011

Clinical Relevance

Home and chemically activated bleaching systems could be considered safer in tooth whitening and maintaining gingival health when compared with a light-activated bleaching system.
Contract Development
Authors: Gottschalk P.
Published: September 2011

According to Graham (2003), one of the games lawyers play in negotiation meetings relating to outsourcing is to bet how long it will be until one party describes the outsourcing as a “partnership.” Nothing could be farther from the truth: the parties’ interests overlap, but they are not congruent, and neither party will put its existence on the line for the other. A relevant approach in contract negotiations is to see the outsourcing as the creation of a long-term, flexible relationship, but one that exists within a framework of rules that support its success while addressing failures practically. The contract, therefore, has a sophisticated role not only as the passive record of the parties’ agreement, but also as the guidebook for the evolving transaction. This chapter considers the structure of the contractual documents and the key issues that need to be reflected in them. Elizur and Wensley (1998) apply game theory in their study of IS outsourcing contracts. They find six typical issues arising in an outsourcing situation: the transfer of IS assets, risk sharing, technology upgrading, contract duration, relationship management, and fee arrangements. In addition, we have added the important topics of due diligence and dispute resolution. We will consider each of these issues separately after our discussion of contract structure.
Costs, Benefits, and Risks
Authors: Gottschalk P.
Published: September 2011

A dominant explanation for companies outsourcing IT is costs. In this chapter, we discuss production and transaction economics, hidden costs and contract termination costs, and we will also examine benefits and risk behavior.
Interactive Genetic Algorithms with Grey Level of Individual Interval Fitness
Authors: Guo Guang Song , Liu Yuan Peng
Published: September 2011

For the problem that interactive genetic algorithms lack a way of measuring uncertainty of comment, a method with grey level for uncertainty of individuals evolutionary is proposed in this paper in which the individual fitness is an interval. Through analyzing these fitness grey level, information reflecting the distribution of an evolutionary population is abstracted. Based on these, the adaptive probabilities of crossover and mutation operation of an evolutionary individual are proposed.
What Is Lynch Syndrome?
Authors: Hornbuckle Kasey , Fritz Cassandra D. L.
Published: June 2024

This JAMA Patient Page describes Lynch syndrome, its risk factors and diagnosis, and its association with colorectal cancer and other specific cancers.
CARE Act reintroduced: Would allocate $125 billion to states over 10 years
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Last month, both houses of Congress reintroduced the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. Led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D‐Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D‐Wisc.), and Representatives Jamie Raskin (D‐Md.), Ann Kuster (D‐N.H.), David Trone (D‐Md.), and Brittany Pettersen (D‐Colo.), 86 lawmakers signed on to reintroduce this legislation which has been rightly called the “most ambitious” ever introduced to confront the substance use disorder (SUD) epidemic. It would include almost $1 billion per year directly to tribal governments and organizations.