bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic selection of screening participants by risk score in a chlamydia screening programme is feasible and effective
Authors: van den Broek Ingrid V F , Brouwers Elfi E H G , Götz Hannelore M , van Bergen Jan E A M , Op de Coul Eline L M , Fennema Johannes S A , Koekenbier Rik H , Pars Lydia L , van Ravesteijn Sander M , Hoebe Christian J P A
Published: January 2012

Objectives

Systematic screening forChlamydia trachomatisby individual invitation can be optimised by filtering participants on risk profile, excluding people at no or low risk. The authors investigated this technique in a large-scale chlamydia screening programme in the Netherlands in one rural region where relatively low prevalence was expected (<2%).

Methods

Invitees were alerted by personal letter to log in tohttp://www.chlamydiatest.nland fill in an 8-item questionnaire. Only invitees with sufficient score could proceed to request a test kit. The authors investigated the effect of selection on participation, positivity and acceptability in three screening rounds and on the number needed to invite and the number needed to screen.

Results

The selection led to exclusion of 36% of potential participants and a positivity rate of 4.8% among participants, achieving similar number needed to screen values in the rural and urban areas. Higher scores were clearly related to higher positivity rates. Persons who were excluded from participation did not have a lower response in the next round. The acceptability study revealed disappointment about exclusion of 30% of excluded participants but most approved of the screening set-up.

Conclusions

Systematic selection of screening participants by risk score is feasible and successful in realising higher positivity rates. A somewhat stricter selection could be applied in the rural and urban areas of the screening programme. Multiple-item selection with a cut-off total score may work better than, more commonly used, selection by single criteria, especially in low-risk populations. Acceptability of selection is high but could still be improved by better communication on expectations.
EFFECTS OF RIGHT-TURN VEHICLES ON TRAFFIC FLOW
Authors: SHANG HUA-YAN , HUANG HAI-JUN , WU WEN-XIANG
Published: January 2012

In real traffic, the right-turn vehicles at intersections are not controlled by signal lights and their effects are neglected. In this paper, we develop a cellular automaton model to formulate the complicated turning behaviors of vehicles at intersections. Simulation results are quite in accord with the observation on the Beijing's 4th ring road. It is found that the right-turn vehicles may produce queue near the intersection, a short lane designed for right-turn has prominent effect in improving traffic flow, but, a too long lane for right-turn cannot further decrease the stop ratio as expected. These findings deepen our understanding on the effects of right-turn vehicles and may help the design and management of intersections.
DOUBLE SPECIAL RELATIVITY WITH A MINIMUM SPEED AND THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
Authors: NASSIF CLÁUDIO
Published: January 2012

The present work aims to search for an implementation of a new symmetry in the spacetime by introducing the idea of an invariant minimum speed scale (V). Such a lowest limit V, being unattainable by the particles, represents a fundamental and preferred reference frame connected to a universal background field (a vacuum energy) that breaks Lorentz symmetry. So there emerges a new principle of symmetry in the spacetime at the subatomic level for very low energies close to the background frame (v ≈ V), providing a fundamental understanding for the uncertainty principle, i.e. the uncertainty relations should emerge from the spacetime with an invariant minimum speed.
GENERAL RELATIVITY AS AN ÆTHER THEORY
Authors: DUPRÉ MAURICE J. , TIPLER FRANK J.
Published: January 2012

Most early twentieth century relativists — Lorentz, Einstein, Eddington, for examples — claimed that general relativity was merely a theory of the æther. We shall confirm this claim by deriving the Einstein equations using æther theory. We shall use a combination of Lorentz's and Kelvin's conception of the æther. Our derivation of the Einstein equations will not use the vanishing of the covariant divergence of the stress–energy tensor, but instead equate the Ricci tensor to the sum of the usual stress–energy tensor and a stress–energy tensor for the æther, a tensor based on Kelvin's æther theory. A crucial first step is generalizing the Cartan formalism of Newtonian gravity to allow spatial curvature, as conjectured by Gauss and Riemann. In essence, we shall show that the Einstein equations are a special case of Newtonian gravity coupled to a particular type of luminiferous æther. Our derivation of general relativity is simple, and it emphasizes how inevitable general relativity is, given the truth of Newtonian gravity and the Maxwell equations.
MODIFIED GRAVITY THEORY DUE TO POSITIVE AS WELL AS NEGATIVE CURVATURE INDUCED ACCELERATION
Authors: MAJUMDAR PRIYADARSHI
Published: January 2012

We formulate a modified gravity theory that eliminates the need for dark energy and is stable for a Lagrangian containing R, R2 as well as 1/R terms (i.e. nonlinear contributions of the Ricci curvature with a non-analytic model of f(R) at R = 0) without considering any matter-dominated era. The terms with positive powers (1, 2) of the curvature support the inflationary epoch while the terms with negative power (-1) serves as effective dark energy, supporting current cosmic acceleration. We present a few analytical solutions of evolution equation for the deceleration parameter q as a function of Hubble parameter H and time t; specially in one solution, the universe evolves continuously from q = 1 (a radiation-dominated epoch) to q = -1/2 (dark-energy-dominated late-time accelerating phase) when the universe is sufficiently old. The solution is supported by numerical results. The transition from the decelerated (q > 0) to the accelerated phase (q < 0) of expansion takes place smoothly without having to resort to a study of asymptotic behavior.
DIAMETER-CONSTRAINED STEINER TREES
Authors: DING WEI , LIN GUOHUI , XUE GUOLIANG
Published: January 2012

Given an edge-weighted undirected graph G = (V, E, c, w), where each edge e ∈ E has a non-negative cost c(e) and a non-negative weight w(e), a set S ⊆ V of terminals and a positive constant D0, we seek a minimum cost Steiner tree in which all terminals appear as leaves and the tree diameter is bounded by D0. Here the tree diameter is the maximum weight of the paths connecting two different leaves in the tree. Such a problem is called the minimum cost diameter-constrained Steiner tree problem. The problem is NP-hard even when the topology of the Steiner tree is fixed. In present paper we focus on this fixed topology restricted version and present a fully polynomial time approximation scheme for computing a minimum cost diameter-constrained Steiner tree.
A Characterization of Some Function Classes
Authors: Karaev M. T.
Published: January 2012

We give in terms of Berezin symbols a characterization of Hardy and Besov classes with a variable exponent.
Pointwise Approximation of Functions from by Linear Operators of Their Fourier Series
Authors: Łenski Włodzimierz , Szal Bogdan
Published: January 2012

We show the results, corresponding to theorem of Lal (2009), on the rate of pointwise approximation of functions from the pointwise integral Lipschitz classes by matrix summability means of their Fourier series as well as the theorems on norm approximations.
Desmoplakin as a Potential Candidate for Cerebrospinal Fluid Marker to Rule Out 14-3-3 False Positive Rates in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Gawinecka Joanna , Ciesielczyk Barbara , Sanchez-Juan Pascual , Schmitz Matthias , Heinemann Uta , Zerr Inga
Published: January 2012

Background: The detection of a 14-3-3 elevated level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a part of the diagnostic criteria for probable sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), as defined by the WHO. However, some pathological conditions associated with acute neuronal damage may result in a positive 14-3-3 test and thereby reduce test specificity in sCJD. Objective: Desmoplakin has been previously identified as up-regulated CSF protein in sCJD and these studies aimed to investigate its diagnostic utility and compare it with two known CSF markers, 14-3-3 and tau. Methods and Results: We tested CSF levels of 14-3-3, tau and desmoplakin in 58 sCJD patients and 81 control patients including 45 cases with an elevated 14-3-3 level due to other disease than sCJD. We detected an elevated CSF level of desmoplakin in 78% of the sCJD patients, while 14-3-3 (88%) and tau (91%) showed a higher positive rate. However, the false positive rate of newly tested desmoplakin was significantly lower in comparison to 14-3-3 and tau, and it accounted for only 11% versus 56% and 35%, respectively. Further reduction of false positive rates was achieved by combination of elevated tau level with a positive desmoplakin test. Moreover, in the non-sCJD group, desmoplakin level did not correlate with the level of both above-mentioned CSF markers, whereas a clear correlation was observed in the sCJD group. Conclusion: Desmoplakin showed a low positive rate accompanied by a very low false positive rate. Thus, we conclude that desmoplakin is a promising candidate for supportive CSF marker to rule out 14-3-3 false positive cases in sCJD differential diagnosis.
Trojan Horse Strategies Used by Pathogens to Influence the Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier (SUMO) System of Host Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Békés Miklós , Drag Marcin
Published: January 2012

A remarkable feature of pathogenic organisms is their ability to utilize the cellular machinery of host cells to their advantage in facilitating their survival and propagation. Posttranslational modification of proteins offers a quick way to achieve changes in the localization, binding partners or functions of a target protein. It is no surprise then that pathogens have evolved multiple ways to interfere with host posttranslational modifications and hijack them for their own purposes. Recently, modification of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier has emerged as an important posttranslational modification regulating transcription, DNA repair and cell division, and literature has started to emerge documenting how it could be utilized by pathogenic bacteria and viruses during infection. In this brief review, we focus on the host small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) system and how disease causing agents influence SUMO conjugation and deconjugation, highlighting the common theme of global hypoSUMOylation upon infection by pathogens.
Prokr2-Deficient Mice Display Vascular Dysmorphology of the Fetal Testes: Potential Implications for Kallmann Syndrome Aetiology
Authors: Svingen T. , McClelland K.S. , Masumoto K. , Sujino M. , Nagano M. , Shigeyoshi Y. , Koopman P.
Published: January 2012

Kallmann syndrome is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism also associated with the loss of smell. It is a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, with mutations in several known causative genes now accounting for approximately 30% of cases. The prevalence for the disease is also much higher in males than in females, a phenomenon that remains to be fully explained. Here, we show that loss of Prokr2, which is linked to autosomal recessive Kallmann syndrome type 3 (KAL3; OMIM 244200), affects fetal testis differentiation in mice. We find that Prokr2 is specifically expressed in the XY gonads during sex determination and fetal sexual differentiation, and knockout mice display a variable degree of compromised vasculature in the fetal testes. This phenotype offers potential insight into the clinical heterogeneity observed within familial cases, and may contribute to the gender bias in Kallmann syndrome patients.
Ureteral Stents Placed at the Time of Urinary Diversion Decreases Postoperative Morbidity
Authors: Mullins Jeffrey K. , Guzzo Thomas J. , Ball Mark W. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Eifler John , Jarrett Thomas W. , Schoenberg Mark P. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: January 2012

Objective: To determine the impact of stenting ureteroenteric anastomoses on postoperative stricture rate and gastrointestinal recovery in continent and noncontinent urinary diversions (UDs). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathologic data on 192 consecutive patients who underwent a radical cystectomy and UD. Patients received either a continent or noncontinent UD with or without stent placement through the ureteroenteric anastomoses. Stricture rate, gastrointestinal recovery, length of hospital stay, and stricture characteristics were analyzed. Study endpoints were compared between four groups – stented and nonstented continent and stented and nonstented noncontinent UDs. Results: 36% of patients were stented and 64% were nonstented at the time of UD. Total ureteral stricture rate was 9.9%. There was no statistically significant difference in stricture rate (p = 0.11) or length of hospital stay (p = 0.081) in stented compared to nonstented patients. There was a significantly (p = 0.014) greater rate of ileus in patients who were nonstented in both continent and noncontinent UDs. Conclusion: Stenting of ureteroenteric anastomoses in both continent and noncontinent UD has no effect on postoperative stricture rate, but is associated with lower rates of postoperative ileus.
Glycemic Responses of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes to Individual Carbohydrate-Rich Foods and Mixed Meals
Authors: Robert S. Daniel , Ismail Aziz Al-Safi
Published: January 2012

Aims: Our purpose was to determine whether the glycemic index (GI) of individual foods applies to mixed meals. Methods: The glycemic responses elicited by portions of 4 individual foods with 25 g of available carbohydrate when served alone (rice, lacy pancake, flatbread and noodles) and when made into typical Malaysian mixed meals (coconut milk rice, lacy pancake with chicken curry, flatbread with dhal curry and fried noodles) were measured in 10 subjects with type 2 diabetes. To allow calculation of the GI of the foods and the relative glycemic responses of the mixed meals, each subject also tested 25 g of glucose 3 times. Capillary blood glucose was measured at 30-min intervals for 180 min after consuming each test meal. Results: The mean ± SEM incremental area under the curve (AUC) after flatbread (345 ± 26 mmol × min/l) was significantly greater than after rice (238 ± 35) and lacy pancake (235 ± 31, p < 0.05), with noodles being intermediate (294 ± 35). The AUC after the flatbread with dhal curry (341 ± 49), coconut milk rice (238 ± 39) and fried noodle (272 ± 42) mixed meals were similar to those after the individual foods, but the AUC after the lacy pancake with chicken curry mixed meal (388 ± 52) was significantly greater than after the individual food item (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results support the utility of the GI of individual foods such as rice, flatbread and noodles when applied to mixed meals. The reason for the higher response after the lacy pancake mixed meal compared to the individual food is not clear and may warrant further research.
Prediction of Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy Using Peritumoral Lymphatic Vessel Density in Biopsy Specimens in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Horiguchi Akio , Asano Takako , Tasaki Shinsuke , Yoshii Hidehiko , Sato Akinori , Asakuma Junichi , Ito Keiichi , Seguchi Kenji , Sumitomo Makoto , Asano Tomohiko
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Lymphatic invasion has been associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR), and many patients with postoperative elevation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) develop distant metastases within several years. We previously found peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (PTLD) in biopsy cores to be an independent predictor of lymphatic invasion in radical prostatectomy specimens, so we speculate that PTLD parameters in biopsy specimens could also be independent predictors of BCR after surgery. Patients and Methods: We obtained positive biopsy cores from 110 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution. Biopsy cores were immunostained with the D2-40 monoclonal antibody, which specifically and selectively detects lymphatic endothelium. We evaluated differences between the BCR-free survival rates and used univariate and multivariate analyses to detect independent predictors of BCR. Results: The results of a Cox proportional hazards model showed that lymphatic invasion in prostatectomy specimens was one of the independent postoperative prognostic factors for BCR (p = 0.0338). An additional model showed that one PTLD parameter, maximal PTLD, was among the independent preoperative predictors of lower BCR-free survival rates (p = 0.0200). Conclusions: Information about PTLD in prostate biopsy specimens could be helpful for selecting patients as radical prostatectomy candidates, and patients with high PTLD values should be carefully monitored after surgery.
Determinants of Vitamin D Status among Overweight and Obese Puerto Rican Adults
Authors: Palacios Cristina , Gil Karen , Pérez Cynthia M. , Joshipura Kaumudi
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Low vitamin D status is highly prevalent worldwide, and the major determinants are sun exposure and vitamin D intake. We aimed to measure vitamin D status in a sample of overweight/obese adults in Puerto Rico, an area with plenty of sun exposure, and relate it to vitamin D intake, sun exposure and body composition. Methods: Serum 25(OH)D levels (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), body weight and fat (bioimpedance), vitamin D intake and sun exposure (questionnaires) were assessed. Analysis included age-adjusted correlations and multivariate regression. Results: In 98 subjects (66% females; 40–65 years), median serum 25(OH)D levels were 30.7 ng/ml (25–75th percentile 25.0–37.3); 55% had levels >30 ng/ml, 31% had levels between 20 and 30 ng/ml and 14% had levels <20 ng/ml. Total vitamin D intake was 180 IU/day (45–615), and the sun exposure score was 22 (17–27). After adjusting for gender, 25(OH)D levels were significantly correlated with vitamin D intake (r = 0.24, p = 0.018), the sum of sun exposure and vitamin D intake indices (r = 0.34, p = 0.001) and percent body fat (r = –0.25, p = 0.01). After adjusting for age, gender and percent body fat, the sum of sun exposure and vitamin D intake indices remained statistically associated with 25(OH)D levels (β = 1.5, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In this group of overweight and obese individuals, 25(OH)D was significantly related to vitamin D intake, sun exposure and vitamin D intake indices and percent body fat.
Exercise Training Prevents the Microvascular Rarefaction in Hypertension Balancing Angiogenic and Apoptotic Factors
Authors: Fernandes Tiago , Magalhães Flávio C. , Roque Fernanda R. , Phillips M. Ian , Oliveira Edilamar M.
Published: January 2012

Aerobic exercise training (ET) lowers hypertension and improves patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms of these effects are largely unknown. We hypothesized that ET modulates microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in vascularization. miRNA-16 regulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. miRNA-21 targets Bcl-2. miRNA-126 functions by repressing regulators of the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. We investigated whether miRNA-16, -21 and -126 are modulated in hypertension and by ET. Twelve-week–old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; n=14) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY; n=14) rats were assigned to 4 groups: SHRs, trained SHRs (SHR-T), Wistar Kyoto rats, and trained Wistar Kyoto rats. ET consisted of 10 weeks of swimming. ET reduced blood pressure and heart rate in SHR-Ts. ET repaired the slow-to-fast fiber type transition in soleus muscle and the capillary rarefaction in SHR-Ts. Soleus miRNA-16 and -21 levels increased in SHRs paralleled with a decrease of 48% and 25% in vascular endothelial growth factor and Bcl-2 protein levels, respectively. Hypertension increased Bad and decreased Bcl-x and endothelial NO synthase levels and lowered p-Bad
ser112
:Bad ratio. ET in SHR-Ts reduced miRNA-16 and -21 levels and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor and Bcl-2 levels. ET restored soleus endothelial NO synthase levels plus proapoptotic and antiapoptotic mediators in SHR-Ts, indicating that the balance between angiogenic and apoptotic factors may prevent microvascular abnormalities in hypertension. miRNA-126 levels were reduced in SHRs with an increase of 51% in phosphoinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 expression but normalized in SHR-Ts. Our data show that ET promoted peripheral revascularization in hypertension, which could be associated with regulation of select miRNAs, suggesting a mechanism for its potential therapeutic application in vascular diseases.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION IN A NEW KEY - RESPONDING TO HUMAN NEEDS AND CULTURES
Authors: Verstraelen F.J.
Published: January 2012

The Churches in the West and the Churches in the non-Christian countries will do well to cooperate very closely on the problem of communication, and they can learn much from each other. (Hendrik Kraemer, 1957, 50)
When Aggressive Individuals See the World More Accurately
Authors: Wilkowski Benjamin M. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Previous research has suggested that aggressive individuals exhibit a bias to perceive nonangry expressions as angry. Another line of thinking, however, posits that aggression is a learned response to hostile environments and should be linked to social-cognitive skills suited to such environments. If so, aggressive individuals may exhibit greater perceptual sensitivity to subtle facial cues of anger. Three studies were conducted to test this proposal. In them, participants’ ability to discriminate between subtly different intensities of facial anger was tested. Aggressive participants generally displayed greater perceptual sensitivity to subtle cues of facial anger. This pattern could not be explained in terms of response bias and was specific to angry expressions. The results thus support the idea that aggression is associated with social-cognitive skills rather than bias and ineptitude.
Differentiation of Rodent Immune and Hematopoietic System Reactive Lesions from Neoplasias
Authors: Ward Jerrold M. , Rehg Jerold E. , Morse Herbert C.
Published: January 2012

The immune and hematopoietic systems play an important role in the normal homeostasis of blood and blood cells and for immune responses to endogenous and exogenous processes and insults. In order to interpret histopathologic changes in the immune and hematopoietic systems, it is important to understand the normal anatomy and histology of the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other tissues. The thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes can be categorized by anatomical compartments, each of which contributes to specific immune functions. Lesions may be diagnosed by interpretive or descriptive (semiquantitative) methods. The interpretation of these tissues by lesion in anatomical compartments should allow for better understanding of these reactions and more definitive pathologic findings. Proliferative lesions may be difficult to differentiate from lymphomas and leukemias. The use of immunohistochemistry, compartmental pathology, and methods for the evaluation of clonality will make interpretation easier.
Bronchial and Bronchiolar Fibrosis in Rats Exposed to 2,3-Pentanedione Vapors: Implications for Bronchiolitis Obliterans in Humans
Authors: Morgan Daniel L. , Jokinen Micheal P. , Price Herman C. , Gwinn William M. , Palmer Scott M. , Flake Gordon P.
Published: January 2012

2,3-Pentanedione (PD) is a component of artificial butter flavorings. The use of PD is increasing since diacetyl, a major butter flavorant, was associated with bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) in workers and has been removed from many products. Because the toxicity of inhaled PD is unknown, these studies were conducted to characterize the toxicity of inhaled PD across a range of concentrations in rodents. Male and female Wistar-Han rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 50, 100, or 200 ppm PD 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for up to 2 wk. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected after 1, 3, 5, and 10 exposures, and histopathology was evaluated after 12 exposures. MCP-1, MCP-3, CRP, FGF-9, fibrinogen, and OSM were increased 2- to 9-fold in BALF of rats exposed for 5 and 10 days to 200 ppm. In mice, only fibrinogen was increased after 5 exposures to 200 ppm. The epithelium lining the respiratory tract was the site of toxicity in all mice and rats exposed to 200 ppm. Significantly, PD also caused both intraluminal and intramural fibrotic airway lesions in rats. The histopathological and biological changes observed in rats raise concerns that PD inhalation may cause BO in exposed humans.
Chronic Low-Level Arsenite Exposure through Drinking Water Increases Blood Pressure and Promotes Concentric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Female Mice
Authors: Sanchez-Soria Pablo , Broka Derrick , Monks Sarah L. , Camenisch Todd D.
Published: January 2012

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. High incidence of cardiovascular diseases has been linked to populations with elevated arsenic content in their drinking water. Although this correlation has been established in many epidemiological studies, a lack of experimental models to study mechanisms of arsenic-related cardiovascular pathogenesis has limited our understanding of how arsenic exposure predisposes for development of hypertension and increased cardiovascular mortality. Our studies show that mice chronically exposed to drinking water containing 100 parts per billion (ppb) sodium arsenite for 22 weeks show an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Echocardiographic analyses as well as histological assessment show concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, a primary cardiac manifestation of chronic hypertension. Live imaging by echocardiography shows a 43% increase in left ventricular mass in arsenic-treated animals. Relative wall thickness (RWT) was calculated showing that all the arsenic-exposed animals show an RWT greater than 0.45, indicating concentric hypertrophy. Importantly, left ventricular hypertrophy, although often associated with chronic hypertension, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular-related mortalities. These results suggest that chronic low-level arsenite exposure promotes the development of hypertension and the comorbidity of concentric hypertrophy.
Pathobiology of Aging Mice and GEM
Authors: Brayton C. F. , Treuting P. M. , Ward J. M.
Published: January 2012

The use of induced and spontaneous mutant mice and genetically engineered mice (and combinations thereof) to study cancers and other aging phenotypes to advance improved functional human life spans will involve studies of aging mice. Genetic background contributes to pathology phenotypes and to causes of death as well as to longevity. Increased recognition of expected phenotypes, experimental variables that influence phenotypes and research outcomes, and experimental design options and rationales can maximize the utility of genetically engineered mice (GEM) models to translational research on aging. This review aims to provide resources to enhance the design and practice of chronic and longevity studies involving GEM. C57BL6, 129, and FVB/N strains are emphasized because of their widespread use in the generation of knockout, transgenic, and conditional mutant GEM. Resources are included also for pathology of other inbred strain families, including A, AKR, BALB/c, C3H, C57L, C58, CBA, DBA, GR, NOD.scid, SAMP, and SJL/J, and non-inbred mice, including 4WC, AB6F1, Ames dwarf, B6, 129, B6C3F1, BALB/c,129, Het3, nude, SENCAR, and several Swiss stocks. Experimental strategies for long-term cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to assess causes of or contributors to death, disease burden, spectrum of pathology phenotypes, longevity, and functional healthy life spans (health spans) are compared and discussed.
65+: Engaging underserved patrons - a success story!
Authors: Ninkov Jasmina , Vuksan Vesna
Published: January 2012

Belgrade City Library (BCL) is the largest public library system in southeastern Europe with 275 employees, covering over 70 locations throughout the City of Belgrade. The idea to conduct research was initially born as a result of BCL’s desire to identify groups that are not using the library and determine the reasons. On the other hand, the inspiration came from the City of Belgrade public sector’s best practices. At the end of 2009, BCL conducted market research with the following objectives: identify non-user groups; engage the largest underserved group; develop services to meet their needs. Conducting applied research in library environment is a lot of work. Starting with clear goals and a good plan vastly increases the probability that the assessment will go smoothly and yield genuinely useful information. As we have had a chance to see, the accurate information obtained through research leads to enormous benefits. We believe that active communication with our patrons and potential members through different channels including applied research and effective data collection will help build a library network that can, in turn, build a better community.
Prescriber Monitoring for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Within a Family Medicine Clinic
Authors: Sherman Justin J. , Welch Ron W. , Hill T. Matthew , McEwen Corey
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare prescriber monitoring for safety and efficacy of medication classes used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with BPH who were prescribed medications within a family medicine clinic between January 2008 and August 2010. Patients were divided into those receiving nonselective and uroselective alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), and combination therapy. A chart review was performed with regard to predetermined criteria to monitor how efficacy and adverse effects were assessed by providers in the clinic. Results: A general genitourinary assessment was documented most frequently for patients receiving 5-ARIs and least frequently in patients receiving nonselective alpha-blockers. A digital rectal examination was documented in 11% of patients. Prostate-specific antigen concentrations were assessed evenly across all medication classes and documented in 47% of eligible patients.  However, the American Urological Association Symptom Index and quality-of-life questions were not performed on any patients, and assessments of adverse effects were not documented. Conclusion:  Although prescribers in a family medicine clinic recorded a general genitourinary assessment for patients receiving BPH medications, a more standardized approach is needed.
Cell type specificity of female lung cancer associated with sulfur dioxide from air pollutants in Taiwan: An ecological study
Authors: Tseng Ching-Yu , Huang Yi-Chia , Su Shih-Yung , Huang Jing-Yang , Lai Cheng-Hsiu , Lung Chia-Chi , Ho Chien-Chang , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: January 2012

Background

Many studies have examined the association between air pollutants (including sulfur dioxide [SO2], carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], nitric oxide [NO], ozone [O3], and particulate matter < 10 μm [PM10]) and lung cancer. However, data from previous studies on pathological cell types were limited, especially for SO2 exposure. We aimed to explore the association between SO2 exposure from outdoor air pollutants and female lung cancer incidence by cell type specificity.

Methods

We conducted an ecological study and calculated annual average concentration of 6 air pollutants (SO2, CO, NO2, NO, O3, and PM10) using data from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration air quality monitoring stations. The Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between SO2 and age-standardized incidence rate of female lung cancer by two major pathological types (adenocarcinoma [AC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]). In order to understand whether there is a dose-response relationship between SO2 and two major pathological types, we analyzed 4 levels of exposure based on quartiles of concentration of SO2.

Results

The Poisson regression results showed that with the first quartile of SO2 concentration as the baseline, the relative risks for AC/SCC type cancer among females were 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.37)/1.39 (95% CI, 0.96-2.01) for the second, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.04-1.43)/1.58 (95% CI, 1.06-2.37) for the third, and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.52)/1.80 (95% CI, 1.15-2.84) for the fourth quartile of SO2 concentration. The tests for trend were statistically significant for both AC and SCC at P = 0.0272 and 0.0145, respectively.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that SO2 exposure as an air pollutant may increase female lung cancer incidence and the associations with female lung cancer is much stronger for SCC than for AC. The findings of this study warrant further investigation on the role of SO2 in the etiology of SCC.
Peripheral blood gene expression: it all boils down to the RNA collection tubes
Authors: Menke Andreas , Rex-Haffner Monika , Klengel Torsten , Binder Elisabeth B , Mehta Divya
Published: January 2012

Background

Gene expression profiling from peripheral blood is a valuable tool for biomarker discovery in clinical studies. Different whole blood RNA collection and processing methods are highly variable and might confound comparisons of results across studies. The main aim of the study was to compare genome-wide gene expression profiles obtained from the two widely used commercially available whole blood RNA collection systems - PAXgene™ and Tempus™ tubes. Comparisons of present call rates, variances, correlations and influence of globin reduction across the two collection systems was performed using in vivo glucocorticoid stimulation in 24 peripheral blood samples from three individuals.

Results

RNA quality, yield and numbers of detected transcripts from the two RNA collection systems was comparable, with no significant differences between the tube types. Globin reduction resulted in a significant increase in present call rates (p = 8.17 × 10-5 and p = 1.95 × 10-3 in PAXgene™ and Tempus™ tubes respectively) and significant decrease in gene expression variance in both RNA collection tubes (p = 0.0025 and p = 0.041 in PAXgene™ and Tempus™ tubes respectively). Comparisons of glucocorticoid receptor-stimulated gene expression profiles between the two collection tube systems revealed an overlap of only 17 to 54%, depending on the stringency level of the statistical thresholds. This overlap increased by 1-8% when the RNA samples were processed to remove the globin mRNA.

Conclusion

RNA obtained from PAXgene™ and Tempus™ tubes was comparable in terms of quality and yield, however, detectable gene expression changes after glucocorticoid receptor stimulation were distinct, with an overlap of only up to 46% between the two collection systems. This overlap increased to 54% when the samples were depleted of globin mRNA and drastically reduced to 17-18% when only gene expression differences with a fold change greater than 2.0 were assessed. These results indicate that gene expression profiles obtained from PAXgene™ and Tempus™ differ drastically and should not be analyzed together. These data suggest that researchers must exert caution while interpreting expression profiles obtained through different RNA collection tubes.
Alterations in vasomotor systems and mechanics of resistance-sized mesenteric arteries from SHR and WKY male rats following in vivo testosterone manipulation
Authors: Toot Jonathan D , Reho John J , Ramirez Rolando J , Novak Jacqueline , Ely Daniel L
Published: January 2012

Background

Testosterone (T) and the sympathetic nervous system each contribute to the pathology of hypertension. Altered blood vessel reactivity is also associated with the pathology of high blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of T manipulation in the regulation of resistance-sized blood vessel reactivity.

Methods

Adult spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) male rats at 8 weeks of age were used. The rats were divided into groups consisting of gonadally intact controls (CONT), castrate with sham implant (CAST) and castrate with T implant (CAST + T) (n = 6 to 12 per group). Following a short-term period of T treatment (approximately 4 weeks), plasma norepinephrine (NE) and plasma T were assessed by performing high-performance liquid chromatography and RIA, respectively. Resistance-sized mesenteric artery reactivity was assessed on a pressurized arteriograph for myogenic reactivity (MYO), phenylephrine (PE) responsiveness and passive structural mechanics.

Results

SHR and WKY males exhibited similar physiological trends in T manipulation, with castration significantly lowering plasma T and NE and T replacement significantly increasing plasma T and NE. T manipulation in general resulted in significant alterations in MYO of second-order mesenteric arteries, with T replacement decreasing MYO in SHR (P < 0.05) compared to CONT, T replacement increasing MYO, and CAST decreasing MYO in WKY rats (P < 0.001) compared to CONT rats. Additionally, PE-induced constriction was significantly altered in both strains following T treatment, with the effective concentration of PE to constrict the vessel to 50% of the total diameter significantly increased in the CAST + T SHR compared to CONT (P < 0.05). Comparisons of passive structural mechanics between SHR and WKY treatment groups indicated in SHR a significantly increased wall-to-lumen ratio and decreased circumferential wall stress compared to WKY treatment groups.

Conclusions

These data suggest that T and NE are involved in a complex interaction with both myogenic reactivity and structural alterations of resistance-sized blood vessels and that these factors likely contribute to the development and maintenance of hypertension.
Window constrained inversion of gravity gradient tensor data using dike and contact models
Authors: Beiki Majid , Pedersen Laust B.
Published: January 2012

We have developed a constrained inversion technique for interpretation of gravity gradient tensor data. For dike and contact models striking in the [Formula: see text]-direction, the measured [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] components can be jointly inverted for estimating the model parameters horizontal position, depth to the top, thickness, dip angle, and density contrast. For a given measurement point, the strike direction of the gravity gradient tensor caused by a quasi 2D structure can be estimated from the eigenvector corresponding to the smallest eigenvalue. Then, the measured components can be transformed into the strike coordinate system. It is assumed that the maximum of [Formula: see text] is approximately located above the causative body. In the case of gridded data, all measurement points enclosed by a square window centered at the maximum of [Formula: see text] are used to estimate the source parameters. The number of data points used for estimating source parameters is increased by increasing the size of the window. Solutions with the smallest data-fit error were selected as the most reliable solutions from any set of solutions. The gravity gradient tensor data are deconvolved using both dike and contact models within a set of square windows. Then, the model with the smallest data-fit error is chosen as the best model. We studied the effect of random noise and interfering sources using synthetic examples. The method is applied to a gravity gradient tensor data set from the Vredefort impact structure in South Africa. In this particular case, the dike model provides solutions with smaller data-fit errors than the contact model. This supports the idea that in the central dome area there is a predominance of vertical structures related to the formation of the transient crater and subsequent central uplift of the lower and middle crustal material.
Making Sense of Clinical Trial Data: Is Inverse Probability of Censoring Weighted Analysis the Answer to Crossover Bias?
Authors: Rimawi Mothaffar , Hilsenbeck Susan G.
Published: January 2012

Ideally, therapeutic interventions are evaluated through randomized clinical trials. These trials are commonly analyzed with an intent-to-treat (ITT) approach, whereby patients are analyzed in their assigned treatment group regardless of actual treatment received. If an interim analysis of such trials demonstrates compelling evidence of a difference in benefit, ethical considerations often dictate that the trial be unblinded and participants be provided access to the more efficacious agent. Because interim analysis may not address longer-term outcomes of interest, important clinical questions such as overall survival benefit—the ultimate test of efficacy to many—may remain unanswered. The ensuing crossover disturbs randomization and may lead to biased longer-term analysis, compromising the utility of clinical data. This has been especially apparent in recent adjuvant and prevention breast cancer trials. We consider four such trials: HERA (Herceptin Adjuvant), NSABP P-1 (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Breast Cancer Prevention P-1), MA.17, and BIG 1-98 (Breast International Group 1-98), the long-term outcomes of which were complicated by unblinding and selective crossover. We also discuss the biases associated with ITT analysis and, alternatively, censoring of follow-up data (ie, dropping out) after selective crossover. Moreover, we discuss how the statistical procedure of inverse probability of censoring weighted (IPCW) analysis may be used to account for selective crossover as an alternative to ITT or censoring analysis, as was recently done for the BIG 1-98 trial. Notably, IPCW analysis may be particularly suited for detecting overall survival benefits that otherwise would not be detected with an ITT approach, as reported for the BIG 1-98 trial.
Shakespeare, The Castle of Otranto, and the Problem of the Corpse on the Eighteenth-Century Stage
Authors: Shapira Yael
Published: January 2012

This essay considers the limited presence of the dead body in Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto. The near absence of gory death from the novella is striking, given both its intensive borrowing from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and its status as the founding work of the Gothic tradition. The essay argues that Walpole’s selective use of Shakespearean materials is symptomatic of an eighteenth-century ambivalence towards the use of death as spectacle, an ambivalence that manifests itself in the critical dispute over the stage corpse. The analysis of this dispute reveals two contradictory impulses at work: on the one hand, there is a desire to push such images out of sight in hopes of advancing a more refined sensibility; on the other hand, especially in the latter half of the century, there is a gradual emergence of a patriotic wish to embrace the spectacle of death as part of a native literary tradition, with which Shakespeare’s name is rapidly becoming synonymous. The final section of the essay considers The Castle of Otranto’s reworking of Shakespeare’s macabre materials as a complex and ambiguous reflection of these contradictory urges.
Spinel Cobalt Oxide Catalyzed Controlled Hydration of Aromatic Nitriles
Authors: Gangarajula Yuvaraj , Gopal Buvaneswari
Published: January 2012

Selective hydration of aromatic nitriles to their respective amides has been achieved in the presence of spinel cobalt oxide, Co3O4 as a heterogeneous catalyst. Higher yields of the products in shorter duration have been accomplished under hydrothermal condition compared to thermal refluxing.
pH-Responsive Optical Modulation of Chemically Reduced Graphene through Noncovalent Interaction with Poly(acrylic acid)
Authors: Lee Jung Yup , In Insik
Published: January 2012

pH-responsive chemically reduced graphene/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) assembly is simply formulated through noncovalent interaction. Graphene/PAA assembly shows optical absorbance change depending on pH of the solution. Structural rearrangement of graphene/PAA assembly might contribute this optical modulation at different pH through either “hydrophobic interaction dominating” mode in strongly acidic medium or “charge repulsion dominating” mode in strongly basic medium.
Isotope Ratio Analysis of Individual Plutonium and Uranium–Plutonium Mixed Oxide Particles by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry with a Continuous Heating Method
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Saito-Kokubu Yoko , Lee Chi-Gyu , Esaka Fumitaka , Magara Masaaki , Kimura Takaumi
Published: January 2012

Isotope ratio analysis of individual plutonium and uranium–plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) particles was performed using a combination of single particle transfer and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) with a continuous heating method, namely the particles were measured without any chemical treatment. Accurate values were obtained for all isotope ratios of the individual particles prepared from standard solution. As a consequence, it is confirmed that the combination method is useful for isotope ratio analysis of individual plutonium and MOX particles.
Selective Adsorption Properties of a Model Nano-Patterned Surface
Authors: Szabelski Paweł , Guz Agnieszka
Published: January 2012

In this contribution, we have studied the influence of a periodic distribution of active sites on a model heterogeneous surface on the ability of that surface to preferentially adsorb molecules with a pre-defined shape. For this purpose, we used a simple analytical model in which a mixture of linear and bent rigid molecules composed of three identical segments was adsorbed onto a square lattice with different patterns of active sites. For each pattern and each type of molecule, the corresponding adsorption energy distributions (AEDs) were determined and used further for the calculation of the associated selectivities. It was demonstrated, that depending on the pattern formed by the active sites, the selectivity towards the bent molecule can vary quite considerably and that a suitable choice of surface pattern can maximize the selectivity. Apart from the adsorptive separation, we also considered the thermal desorption of the mixture and model one-component and binary desorption spectra from the nano-patterned surfaces. The results of the temperature-programmed desorption modelling were compared with those obtained for equilibrium adsorption. It was shown that the pattern which provides the highest selectivity in equilibrium adsorption does not have to be optimal when used in the separation of molecules by temperature-programmed desorption.
Alumina-on-alumina hip implants
Authors: Affatato S. , Traina F. , De Fine M. , Carmignato S. , Toni A.
Published: January 2012

Alumina–alumina bearings are among the most resistant to wear in total hip replacement. Examination of their surfaces is one way of comparing damage caused by wear of hip joints simulated in vitro to that seen in explanted bearings. The aim of this study was to determine whether second-generation ceramic bearings exhibited a better pattern of wear than those reported in the literature for first-generation bearings. We considered both macro- and microscopic findings.

We found that long-term alumina wear in association with a loose acetabular component could be categorised into three groups. Of 20 specimens, four had ‘low wear’, eight ‘crescent wear’ and eight ‘severe wear’, which was characterised by a change in the physical shape of the bearing and a loss of volume. This suggests that the wear in alumina–alumina bearings in association with a loose acetabular component may be variable in pattern, and may explain, in part, why the wear of a ceramic head in vivo may be greater than that seen after in vitro testing.