bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential application of grape derived polyphenols in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Wang Jun , Pfleger Cathie , Friedman Lauren , Vittorino Roselle , Zhao Wei , Qian Xianjuan , Conley Lindsay , Ho Lap , Pasinetti Giulio
Published: October 2010

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with selective neuronal cell death. Abnormal aggregation of huntingtin protein with polyQ expansion has been shown to be causally linked to HD. Grape seed polyphenolic extract (GSPE) is a natural compound that has previously been shown to interfere with aggregations of proteins involved in neurological disorders, such as amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) and Tau protein. In this study we found that GSPE treatment significantly inhibits polyQ aggregation in phaeochromocytoma (PC)-12 cell line containing an ecdysone-inducible protein comprising the first 17 amino acid of huntingtin plus 103 glutamines fused with enhanced GFP. In vivo feasibility studies using the Q93httexon1 drosophila model of HD, we extended our in vitro evidence and found that flies fed with GSPE had a significantly improved lifespan compared to the control flies. Using the R6/2 rodent model of HD, we found that oral administration of 100 mg/kg/day GSPE (equivalent to 500mg per day in human) significantly attenuated the motor skill decay as well as extended the lifespan in the R6/2 mice relative to vehicle-control mice. Collectively, our studies strongly suggest that GSPE might be able to modulate the onset and/or progression of HD.
Early-stage visual processing abnormalities in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authors: Baruth Joshua , Casanova Manuel , Sears Lonnie , Sokhadze Estate
Published: October 2010

It has been reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have abnormal responses to the sensory environment. For these individuals sensory overload can impair functioning, raise physiological stress, and adversely affect social interaction. Early-stage (i.e. within 200 ms of stimulus onset) auditory processing abnormalities have been widely examined in ASD using event-related potentials (ERP), while ERP studies investigating early-stage visual processing in ASD are less frequent. We wanted to test the hypothesis of early-stage visual processing abnormalities in ASD by investigating ERPs elicited in a visual oddball task using illusory figures. Our results indicate that individuals with ASD have abnormally large cortical responses to task irrelevant stimuli over both parieto-occipital and frontal regions-of-interest (ROI) during early stages of visual processing compared to the control group. Furthermore, ASD patients showed signs of an overall disruption in stimulus discrimination, and had a significantly higher rate of motor response errors.
Antimicrobial associated diarrhoea in the horse. Part 2: Which antimicrobials are associated with AAD in the horse?
Authors: McGorum B. C. , Pirie R. S.
Published: October 2010

Almost all oral and parenterally administered antimicrobials have been linked with antimicrobial associated diarrhoea (AAD) in both man and horses, although some antimicrobials clearly pose a higher risk.
Clinical findings and outcomes of ulcerative keratomycosis in 30 horses in the mid‐Atlantic United States (2006–2007)
Authors: Utter M. E. , Wotman K. L. , Armour M. , Bagel J.
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical course and outcome associated with keratomycosis in horses in the mid‐Atlantic USA.

Records of horses diagnosed with keratomycosis at New Bolton Center from November 2006 to November 2007 with positive fungal culture were retrospectively studied. Neither horses with ulcerative keratitis and a negative fungal culture nor those with stromal abscesses were included. Subject details, history, clinical findings, therapy and outcome were recorded.

Thirty horses fitted both inclusion criteria (diagnosis of keratomycosis and positive corneal fungal culture). Fourteen of 30 cases occurred during summer.Aspergilluswas the most commonly cultured fungal genus (17/30, or 57%) followed byAlternaria(4/30). Seventeen horses had positive bacterial and fungal cultures. Fifteen of 30 horses were treated surgically by a keratectomy and amnion (8) or conjunctival (7) graft. Itraconazole was the most common topical anti‐fungal therapy and was utilised in 25/30 horses. Globe survival was 97% (29/30). All surviving globes had a positive menace response and were visual at the last examination.

It was concluded that in the mid‐Atlantic USA, fungal keratitis is common, has the highest incidence in summer, and is usually associated with a positive outcome.Aspergillusmay be a relatively more common corneal pathogen in this region than elsewhere in the USA. Surgical cases were more likely to have fungal hyphae identified on cytology and tended to be hospitalised longer than medical cases. There was no apparent association between surgical disease and all other patient, organism and treatment variables.
Evaluation of Expansive Characteristics of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Virgin Aggregate Used as Base Materials
Authors: Deniz Derya , Tutumluer Erol , Popovics John S.
Published: October 2010

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is reprocessed hot-mix asphalt pavement material that contains asphalt and aggregates. A viable solution for disposing of large quantities of RAP is to incorporate it into base and subbase applications for highway construction. This paper compares the expansive properties of RAP materials, especially the ones including recycled steel slag aggregates, with those of the virgin aggregates to evaluate their potential use as pavement base materials. Seventeen RAP materials and virgin aggregates collected in Illinois were tested for their expansive characteristics in the laboratory, following the ASTM D4792 test method. The specimens in California bearing ratio test molds were submerged into a high-alkali cement–water solution and kept soaked at 70°C to accelerate hydration reactions. Some steel slag aggregates showed considerably high expansion potential, up to 6.2% swell, when compared with other virgin aggregates, such as siliceous gravel and crushed dolomite, which had minor or almost no expansion. The RAP materials, which often had lower densities, exhibited more of an initial settlement or contraction before any expansion with time. Two RAP materials—surface RAP, with 92% steel slag aggregates, and steel slag RAP—gave the maximum expansion amounts of 1.69% and 1.46%, respectively. Although the RAP materials had much lower tendencies to expand than did the virgin steel slag aggregates, the use of RAP materials containing high percentages of steel slag aggregates may have to be avoided in the pavement substructure layers, depending on the level of expansion.
Mechanistic Laboratory Evaluation and Field Construction of Recycled Concrete Materials for Use in Road Substructures
Authors: Berthelot Curtis , Haichert Rielle , Podborochynski Diana , Wandzura Colin , Taylor Brian , Guenther Duane
Published: October 2010

Given the renewal of urban infrastructure and the increased costs of landfilling concrete rubble materials, opportunities exist to optimize the reclamation and recycling of portland cement concrete (PCC) and hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) rubble through their innovative use in road rehabilitation. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the ability to reclaim, process, and recycle stockpiled concrete materials to provide improved structural mechanistic–climatic material properties and to meet or exceed the mechanical properties of conventional granular road materials. This research was based on advancements made in 2009 as part of the Green Streets Infrastructure Program in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. A second objective of this research was to pilot the field application of reclaimed and recycled HMAC and PCC rubble in typical urban road reconstruction applications. Recycled HMAC and PCC materials were used in the pilot reconstruction of a road that was exhibiting substructure moisture problems and structural failure. This study showed that recycled HMAC and PCC rubble materials could be processed to achieve mechanistic laboratory properties that exceeded those of conventional granular-based materials. This study also demonstrated efficient constructability and high end-product structural asset value of a typical rehabilitated urban road structure test section in the city of Saskatoon by using recycled HMAC and PCC rubble. On the basis on these findings, the use of quality processed HMAC and PCC rubble materials for road reconstruction was found to be a technical and environmentally sustainable solution.
Quantifying Effects of Particle Shape and Type and Amount of Fines on Unbound Aggregate Performance through Controlled Gradation
Authors: Mishra Debakanta , Tutumluer Erol , Butt Abbas A.
Published: October 2010

Construction of a pavement working platform often is needed on soft, unstable soils to provide sufficient stability and adequate, immediate support for equipment mobility and paving operations without excessive rutting. Standard specifications may allow the use of a wide range of aggregate materials for subgrade applications regardless of aggregate properties. The aggregate type and quality are important factors in determining the required treatment and replacement thicknesses. This paper describes laboratory findings from an ongoing research study at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign to evaluate aggregate cover thickness requirements on soft subgrade. Evaluation was accomplished by characterizing strength and deformation behavior of crushed limestone and dolomite and uncrushed gravel, commonly used in Illinois for subgrade replacement and subbase. The initial laboratory phase consisted of moisture–density, unsoaked California bearing ratio, imaging-based aggregate shape characterization, and shear strength tests. These were based on a comprehensive experimental test matrix, which considered both plastic and nonplastic fines (passing No. 200 sieve or 0.075 mm) blended in the engineered gradations at 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% target fines contents. From the test results, the most important property at low fines contents (less than 8%) was the aggregate type governed by the angularity (i.e., crushed or uncrushed) and the amount of voids in the aggregate matrix. The uncrushed gravel more quickly filled the voids at lower fines percentages, thus making gravel less tolerable to negative effects of increasing fines. When plastic fines (with a plasticity index of 10 or higher) were included, the amount of fines had a drastic effect on aggregate performance.
Thermodynamics and Fluctuations Far From Equilibrium
Authors: Ross John , Villaverde Alejandro Fernández
Published: October 2010

We review a coherent mesoscopic presentation of thermodynamics and fluctuations far from and near equilibrium, applicable to chemical reactions, energy transfer and transport processes, and electrochemical systems. Both uniform and spatially dependent systems are considered. The focus is on processes leading to and in non‑equilibrium stationary states; on systems with multiple stationary states; and on issues of relative stability of such states. We establish thermodynamic state functions, dependent on the irreversible processes, with simple physical interpretations that yield the work available from these processes and the fluctuations. A variety of experiments are cited that substantiate the theory. The following topics are included: one-variable systems, linear and nonlinear; connection of thermodynamic theory with stochastic theory; multivariable systems; relative stability of different phases; coupled transport processes; experimental determination of thermodynamic and stochastic potentials; dissipation in irreversible processes and nonexistence of extremum theorems; efficiency of oscillatory reactions, including biochemical systems; and fluctuation-dissipation relations.
The Insider-Outsider Model Reexamined
Authors: Billand Pascal , Bravard Christophe , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: October 2010

In this note we introduce different levels of decay in the Goyal, Galeotti and Kamphorst (GGK) insider-outsider model of network formation. First, we deal with situations where the amount of decay is sufficiently low to avoid superfluous connections in strict Nash networks and we examine the architectures of strict Nash networks. We show that centrality and small diameter are robust features of strict Nash networks. Then, we study the Nash and efficient networks when the decay vanishes.
Standard Dyes for Total Protein Staining in Gel-Based Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Chevalier François
Published: October 2010

Staining of two-dimensional gels is a primary concern in proteomic studies using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with respect to the number of proteins analyzed, the accuracy of spot quantification and reproducibility. In this review article, the efficiency of the most widely used dyes was investigated. Visible dyes (Coomassie blue and silver nitrate), fluorescent dyes (Sypro Ruby, Deep Purple) and cyanine labeled methods were compared.
Protecting Groups in Carbohydrate Chemistry: Influence on Stereoselectivity of Glycosylations
Authors: Guo Jian , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: October 2010

Saccharides are polyhydroxy compounds, and their synthesis requires complex protecting group manipulations. Protecting groups are usually used to temporarily mask a functional group which may interfere with a certain reaction, but protecting groups in carbohydrate chemistry do more than protecting groups usually do. Particularly, protecting groups can participate in reactions directly or indirectly, thus affecting the stereochemical outcomes, which is important for synthesis of oligosaccharides. Herein we present an overview of recent advances in protecting groups influencing stereoselectivity in glycosylation reactions, including participating protecting groups, and conformation-constraining protecting groups in general.
Antioxidant-Prooxidant Properties of a New Organoselenium Compound Library
Authors: Plano Daniel , Baquedano Ylenia , Ibáñez Elena , Jiménez Iosu , Palop Juan Antonio , Spallholz Julian E. , Sanmartín Carmen
Published: October 2010

The present study describes the biological evaluation of a library of 59 organo-selenium compounds as superoxide (O2─) generators and cytotoxic agents in human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) and in breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). In order to corroborate that the biological activity for selenium compounds depends on the chemical form, a broad structural variety is presented. These structures include selenocyanates, diselenides, selenoalkyl functional moieties and eight newly synthesized symmetrically substituted dithioselenites and selenylureas. Eleven of the derivatives tested showed high levels of superoxide generation in vitro via oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) and nine of them were more catalytic than the reference compound, diselenodipropionic acid. Eighteen of the library compounds inhibited cell growth more than or similar to reference chemotherapeutic drugs in PC-3 and eleven were more potent cytotoxic agents than etoposide in the MCF-7 cell line. Considering both parameters (superoxide generation and cell cytotoxicity) compounds B1, C6 and C9 displayed the best therapeutic profiles. Considering that many diselenide compounds can generate superoxide (O2─) in vitro via oxidation of GSH and other thiols, the analogue B1, that contains a diselenide moiety, was selected for a preliminary mechanistic investigation, which . revealed that B1 has apoptogenic effects similar to camptothecin mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lymphocytic leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) and affected the MCF-7 cell-cycle in G2/M and S-phases.
The Pharmacological Effects of Morroniside and Loganin Isolated from Liuweidihuang Wan, on MC3T3-E1 Cells
Authors: Li Manyu , Wang Wei , Wang Ping , Yang Kun , Sun Hui , Wang Xijun
Published: October 2010

Liuweidihuang Wan (LW), initially a well-known formula for curing “wu chi wu ruan”, is commonly used nowadays for clinical treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PO), but the identity of the effective substance(s) remains unclear. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of morroniside and loganin isolated from LW on the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, as well as the possible mechanism of action. Morroniside and loganin had no effects on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, but both susbtances could improve the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and increase the contents of collagen type I and osteocalcin. Simultaneously, the mRNA expression of caspase-3, capase-9, RANKL was down-regulated and that of bcl-2 was up-regulated, which partially explains the anti-osteoporosis mechanism in MC3T3-E1 cells. In conclusion, morroniside and loganin may directly promote the differentiation and inhibit the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, and accordingly indirectly reduce bone resorption, which makes them promising natural drugs leads for treating PO in the near future.
Residential Water Scarcity in Cyprus: Impact of Climate Change and Policy Options
Authors: Zachariadis Theodoros
Published: October 2010

This paper presents an assessment of the cost of water scarcity in Cyprus, today and in the next 20 years, taking into account the effect of projected climate change in the region. It focuses on the residential sector, accounting also for tourism and industry. Using a simple demand function, total scarcity costs in Cyprus are computed for the period 2010–2030, and three scenarios of future water demand are presented. The central estimate shows that the present value of total costs due to water shortages will amount to 72 million Euros (at 2009 prices), and, if future water demand increases a little faster, these costs may reach 200 million Euros. Using forecasts of regional climate models, costs are found to be about 20% higher in a “climate change” scenario. Compared to the loss of consumer surplus due to water shortages, desalination is found to be a costly solution, even if environmental damage costs from the operation of desalination plants are not accounted for. Finally, dynamic constrained optimization is employed and shows that efficient residential water prices should include a scarcity price of about 40 Eurocents per cubic meter at 2009 prices; this would constitute a 30–100% increase in current prices faced by residential consumers. Reductions in rainfall due to climate change would raise this price by another 2-3 Eurocents. Such a pricing policy would provide a clear long-term signal to consumers and firms and could substantially contribute to a sustainable use of water resources in the island.
Redox-active tetrathiafulvalene and dithiolene compounds derived from allylic 1,4-diol rearrangement products of disubstituted 1,3-dithiole derivatives
Authors: Vilela Filipe , Skabara Peter J , Mason Christopher R , Westgate Thomas D J , Luquin Asun , Coles Simon J , Hursthouse Michael B
Published: October 2010

We present a series of compounds by exploiting the unusual 1,4-aryl shift observed for electron-rich 1,3-dithiole-2-thione and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives in the presence of perchloric acid. The mechanistic features of this rearrangement are discussed since this synthetic strategy provides an alternative route for the synthesis and functionalisation of sulfur rich compounds including redox active compounds of TTFs, and a Ni dithiolene.
Platelets Contribute to Allograft Rejection through Glutamate Receptor Signaling
Authors: Swaim AnneMarie F. , Field David J. , Fox-Talbot Karen , Baldwin William M. , Morrell Craig N.
Published: October 2010

Platelets recruit leukocytes and mediate interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. Platelets have been long described as markers of transplant rejection, but the contribution of platelets to transplant rejection has not been critically examined. We demonstrate in this study that following T cell initiation of allograft rejection, platelets contribute to T cell recruitment and increased plasma inflammatory mediators and accelerate T cell-meditated skin graft rejection. Prior work from our laboratory has shown that platelets secrete glutamate when activated, which then induces platelet thromboxane production by signaling through platelet-expressed ionotropic glutamate receptors. Glutamate receptor antagonists therefore represent, to our knowledge, novel inhibitors of platelet-accelerated inflammation. We have found that plasma glutamate is increased in mice that receive skin grafts and that mice treated with glutamate receptor antagonists have improved graft survival and decreased plasma thromboxane, platelet factor 4 (CXCL4), and IFN-γ. Taken together, our work now demonstrates that subsequent to T cell initiation of skin graft rejection, platelets contribute to further T cell recruitment and that by blunting glutamate-mediated platelet activation, graft survival is improved.
On How Monospecific Memory-Like Autoregulatory CD8+ T Cells Can Blunt Diabetogenic Autoimmunity: A Computational Approach
Authors: Khadra Anmar , Tsai Sue , Santamaria Pere , Edelstein-Keshet Leah
Published: October 2010

We have recently shown that during progression to autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice, memory autoreactive regulatory CD8+ T cells arising from low-avidity precursors can be expanded to therapeutic levels using nanoparticles coated with disease-relevant peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs). Here we examine the dynamics of memory autoregulatory CD8+ T cells specific for islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein206–214, a prevalent β cell autoantigen; their high-avidity counterparts (dominant effectors); and all other autoreactive non-islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein206–214-specific CD8+ T cell specificities (subdominant effectors) in response to pMHC-coated nanoparticle (pMHC-nanoparticle) therapy. We combine experimental data with mathematical modeling to investigate the clonal competition dynamics of these T cell pools. To mimic the response diversity observed in NOD mice, we simulated many individual mice, using a wide range of parameters, and averaged the results as done experimentally. We find that under certain circumstances, pMHC-nanoparticle–induced expansion of autoregulatory CD8+ T cells can effectively suppress the expansion of dominant and subdominant effectors simultaneously but, in some few cases, can lead to the substitution (or switching) of one effector population by another. The model supports the idea that disease suppression is based on the elimination of autoantigen-loaded APCs by the expanded autoregulatory CD8+ T cells. The model also predicts that treatment strategies that operate by selectively inhibiting autoantigen-loaded APCs, such as the pMHC-nanoparticle approach, have the highest promise to blunt polyclonal, multiantigen-specific autoimmune responses in vivo without impairing systemic immunity.
Targeted Complement Inhibitors Protect against Posttransplant Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury and Reveal an Important Role for the Alternative Pathway of Complement Activation
Authors: Atkinson Carl , He Songqing , Morris Keeley , Qiao Fei , Casey Sarah , Goddard Martin , Tomlinson Stephen
Published: October 2010

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable event during solid organ transplantation and is a major contributor to early graft dysfunction and subsequent graft immunogenicity. In a therapeutic paradigm using targeted complement inhibitors, we investigated the role of complement, and specifically the alternative pathway of complement, in IRI to heart isografts. Mouse heterotopic isograft heart transplants were performed in C57BL/6 mice treated with a single injection of either CR2-Crry (inhibits all complement pathways) or CR2-fH (inhibits alternative complement pathway) immediately posttransplantation. Transplanted hearts were harvested at 12 and 48 h for analysis. Both inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction in myocardial IRI, as measured by histology and serum cardiac troponin I levels. Furthermore, compared with untreated controls, both inhibitors reduced graft complement deposition, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, adhesion molecule expression (P-selectin, E-selectin, and I-CAM-1), and proinflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, KC, and MCP-1). The reduction in myocardial damage and cellular infiltration was not significantly different between CR2-Crry– and CR2-fH–treated mice, although adhesion molecule and cytokine levels were significantly lower in CR2-Crry–treated mice compared with CR2-fH–treated mice. In conclusion, the alternative complement pathway plays a major contributing role in myocardial IRI after heart transplantation, and local (targeted) complement inhibition has the potential to provide an effective and safe therapeutic strategy to reduce graft injury. Although total complement blockade may be somewhat more efficacious in terms of reducing inflammation, specific blockade of the alternative pathway is likely to be less immunosuppressive in an already immunocompromised recipient.
Cutting Edge: The Adapters EAT-2A and -2B Are Positive Regulators of CD244- and CD84-Dependent NK Cell Functions in the C57BL/6 Mouse
Authors: Wang Ninghai , Calpe Silvia , Westcott Jill , Castro Wilson , Ma Chunyan , Engel Pablo , Schatzle John D. , Terhorst Cox
Published: October 2010

EWS/FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2)A and EAT-2B are single SH2-domain proteins, which bind to phosphorylated tyrosines of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family receptors in murine NK cells. While EAT-2 is a positive regulator in human cells, a negative regulatory role was attributed to the adapter in NK cells derived from EAT-2A–deficient 129Sv mice. To evaluate whether the genetic background or the presence of a selection marker in the mutant mice could influence the regulatory mode of these adapters, we generated EAT-2A–, EAT-2B–, and EAT-2A/B–deficient mice using C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells. We found that NK cells from EAT-2A– and EAT-2A/B–deficient mice were unable to kill tumor cells in a CD244- or CD84-dependent manner. Furthermore, EAT-2A/B positively regulate phosphorylation of Vav-1, which is known to be implicated in NK cell killing. Thus, as in humans, the EAT-2 adapters act as positive regulators of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family receptor-specific NK cell functions in C57BL/6 mice.
Molecular Mechanisms of the Whole DNA Repair System: A Comparison of Bacterial and Eukaryotic Systems
Authors: Morita Rihito , Nakane Shuhei , Shimada Atsuhiro , Inoue Masao , Iino Hitoshi , Wakamatsu Taisuke , Fukui Kenji , Nakagawa Noriko , Masui Ryoji , Kuramitsu Seiki
Published: October 2010

DNA is subjected to many endogenous and exogenous damages. All organisms have developed a complex network of DNA repair mechanisms. A variety of different DNA repair pathways have been reported: direct reversal, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, and recombination repair pathways. Recent studies of the fundamental mechanisms for DNA repair processes have revealed a complexity beyond that initially expected, with inter‐ and intrapathway complementation as well as functional interactions between proteins involved in repair pathways. In this paper we give a broad overview of the whole DNA repair system and focus on the molecular basis of the repair machineries, particularly in Thermus thermophilus HB8.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers for Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Monteith Rachael , Perry Elaine K.
Published: October 2010

More than 750,000 of the UK population suffer from some form of cognitive impairment and dementia. Of these, 5–20% will have Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Clinico-pathological studies have shown that it is the low frequency of DLB clinical core features that makes the DLB diagnosis hardly recognisable during life, and easily misdiagnosed for other forms of dementia. This has an impact on the treatment and long-term care of the affected subjects. Having a biochemical test, based on quantification of a specific DLB biomarker within Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) could be an effective diagnostic method to improve the differential diagnosis. Although some of the investigated DLB CSF biomarkers are well within the clinical criteria for sensitivity and specificity (90%), they all seem to be confounded by the contradictory data for each of the major groups of biomarkers (-synuclein, tau and amyloid proteins). However, a combination of CSF measures appear to emerge, that may well be able to differentiate DLB from other dementias: -synuclein reduction in early DLB, a correlation between CSF -synuclein and A42 measures (characteristic for DLB only), and t-tau and p-tau181 profile (differentiating AD from DLB).
Expression of O6‐Alkylguanine‐DNA Alkyltransferase in Normal and Malignant Bladder Tissue of Egyptian Patients
Authors: Saad Abir A. , Kassem Heba Sh. , Povey Andrew C. , Margison Geoffrey P.
Published: October 2010

Bladder tumour tissues and corresponding uninvolved mucosa (normal
tissue) of Egyptian bladder cancer patients were assessed for
O6‐alkylguanine‐DNA‐alkyltransferase
(MGMT) activity by functional
assay of tissue extracts (36 paired samples), and distribution by
immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy of fixed material (24 paired
samples). MGMT varied widely from 42–253 fmoles/mg
protein and from 3.2–40 fmoles/μg DNA in normal and 58–468 fmoles/mg
protein and 2.5–49.5 fmoles/mg protein, in
the tumour tissues; only one tumour had undetectable activity.
Pairwise comparison of MGMT activity in tumour and adjacent normal
tissue showed no significant difference based on DNA content but
was 1.75‐fold higher in tumour (P < .01) based on protein. There was
no effect of gender or bilharzia infection status. IF showed that
in tumours, both the mean percentage of positive nuclei (57.3
± 20.3%) and mean integrated IF (5.47 ± 3.66) were
significantly higher than those in uninvolved tissues (42.8
± 13.5%   P = .04) and (1.89 ± 1.42; P < .01), respectively. These observations
suggest that, overall, MGMT levels are increased during human
bladder carcinogenesis and that MGMT downregulation is not a
common feature of bladder cancers. Based on this, bladder cancers
would be expected to be relatively resistant to chemotherapy which
involved O6‐guanine alkylating antitumour agents.
The Impact of Demographic Characteristics and Lifestyle in the Distribution of Cystatin C Values in a Healthy Greek Adult Population
Authors: Evangelopoulos Angelos A. , Vallianou Natalia G. , Bountziouka Vassiliki P. , Giotopoulou Amalia N. , Bonou Maria S. , Barbetseas John , Avgerinos Peter C. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: October 2010

Background. The aim of the present study was to examine sources of variation for serum cystatin C in a healthy Greek population.Methods. Cystatin C together with basic clinical chemistry tests was measured in a total of 490 adults (46±16 yrs, 40% males) who underwent an annual health check. Demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics were recorded.Results. Higher values of cystatin C were observed among males (P=.04), participants aged over 65 years (P<.001), current smokers (P=.001) and overweight/obese participants (P=.03). On the contrary, alcohol consumption and physical activity seemed to have no influence on cystatin C levels (P=.61;P=.95, resp.).Conclusions. In interpreting serum cystatin C values in a healthy adult population, age, gender, Body Mass Index, and cigarette smoking need to be considered, and determination of reference ranges among distinct subpopulations seem to be prudent.
Noninvasive Detection of Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction by Acoustic Cardiography in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Dillier Roger , Kobza Richard , Erne Susanne , Zuber Michel , Arand Patricia , Erne Paul
Published: October 2010

Objectives. Assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with atrial fibrillation can be difficult. Acoustic cardiography provides several parameters for quantifying LV systolic function. We evaluated the ability of acoustic cardiography to detect LV systolic dysfunction in patients with and without atrial fibrillation.Design. We studied 194 patients who underwent acoustic cardiography and cardiac catheterization including measurement of angiographic ejection fraction (EF) and maximum LV dP/dt. LV systolic dysfunction was defined as LV maximum dP/dt<1600 mmHg/s. Acoustic cardiographic parameters included electromechanical activation time (EMAT) and the systolic dysfunction index (SDI).Results. Acoustic cardiography detected systolic dysfunction with high specificity and moderate sensitivity with similar performance to EF (sensitivity/specificity without afib: EMAT 30/96, SDI 40/90, EF at 35% 30/96; sensitivity/specificity with afib: EMAT 64/82, SDI 59/100, EF at 35% 45/82).Conclusions. Acoustic cardiography can be used for diagnosis of LV systolic dysfunction in atrial fibrillation.
Image Quality of Digital Direct Flat-Panel Mammography Versus an Indirect Small-Field CCD Technique Using a High-Contrast Phantom
Authors: Krug Kathrin Barbara , Stützer Hartmut , Frommolt Peter , Boecker Julia , Bovenschulte Henning , Sendler Volker , Lackner Klaus
Published: October 2010

Objective. To compare the detection of microcalcifications on mammograms of an anthropomorphic breast phantom acquired by a direct digital flat-panel detector mammography system (FPM) versus a stereotactic breast biopsy system utilizing CCD (charge-coupled device) technology with either a 1024 or 512 acquisition matrix (1024 CCD and 512 CCD).Materials and Methods. Randomly distributed silica beads (diameter 100–1400 m) and anthropomorphic scatter bodies were applied to 48 transparent films. The test specimens were radiographed on a direct digital FPM and by the indirect 1024 CCD and 512 CCD techniques. Four radiologists rated the monitor-displayed images independently of each other in random order.Results. The rate of correct positive readings for the “number of detectable microcalcifications” for silica beads of 100–199 m in diameter was 54.2%, 50.0% and 45.8% by FPM, 1024 CCD and 512 CCD, respectively. The inter-rater variability was most pronounced for silica beads of 100–199 m in diameter. The greatest agreement with the gold standard was observed for beads 400 m in diameter across all methods.Conclusion. Stereotactic spot images taken by 1024 matrix CCD technique are diagnostically equivalent to direct digital flat-panel mammograms for visualizing simulated microcalcifications 400 m in diameter.
Analysis of Nucleotide Variations in Genes of Iron Management in Patients of Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders
Authors: Castiglioni Emanuela , Finazzi Dario , Goldwurm Stefano , Pezzoli Gianni , Forni Gianluca , Girelli Domenico , Maccarinelli Federica , Poli Maura , Ferrari Maurizio , Cremonesi Laura , Arosio Paolo
Published: October 2010

The capacity to act as an electron donor and acceptor makes iron an essential cofactor of many vital processes. Its balance in the body has to be tightly regulated since its excess can be harmful by favouring oxidative damage, while its deficiency can impair fundamental activities like erythropoiesis. In the brain, an accumulation of iron or an increase in its availability has been associated with the development and/or progression of different degenerative processes, including Parkinson's disease, while iron paucity seems to be associated with cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction, and restless legs syndrome. In the search of DNA sequence variations affecting the individual predisposition to develop movement disorders, we scanned by DHPLC the exons and intronic boundary regions of ceruloplasmin, iron regulatory protein 2, hemopexin, hepcidin and hemojuvelin genes in cohorts of subjects affected by Parkinson's disease and idiopathic neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Both novel and known sequence variations were identified in most of the genes, but none of them seemed to be significantly associated to the movement diseases of interest.
Switching control
Authors: Zuazua Enrique
Published: October 2010

We analyze the problem of switching controls for control systems endowed with different actuators. The goal is to control the dynamics of the system by switching from an actuator to the other in a systematic way so that, in each instant of time, only one actuator is active. We first address a finite-dimensional model and show that, under suitable rank conditions, switching control strategies exist and can be built in a systematic way. To do this we introduce a new variational principle building a new functional based on the adjoint system whose minimizers yield the switching controls. When the above rank condition fails the same variational strategy applies but the controls obtained this way fail to be of switching form since they may be, for some instants of time, convex combinations of both controllers. We then address the same issue for the

1-d

heat equation endowed by two pointwise controls. We show that, due to the time-analyticity of solutions, under suitable conditions on the location of the controllers, switching control strategies exist. We also show that the controls we obtain are optimal in the sense that, for instance, for two scalar valued controls, they are of minimal

L^2(0, T; ℝ^2)

-norm, the space

ℝ^2

being endowed with the

ℓ^1

-norm. We also discuss some possible extensions to multi-dimensional heat equations which require a premilinary analysis of generic properties of the spectrum that, as far as we know, are not yet well understood.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions to Schrödinger equations near an isolated singularity of the electromagnetic potential
Authors: Felli Veronica , Ferrero Alberto , Terracini Susanna
Published: October 2010

Asymptotics of solutions to Schrödinger equations with singular magnetic and electric potentials is investigated. By using a Almgren type monotonicity formula, separation of variables, and an iterative Brezis–Kato type procedure, we describe the exact behavior near the singularity of solutions to linear and semilinear (critical and subcritical) elliptic equations with an inverse square electric potential and a singular magnetic potential with a homogeneity of order −1.
The skein module of torus knots
Authors: Marché Julien
Published: October 2010

We compute the Kauffman skein module of the complements of torus knots in

S^3

. Precisely, we show that these modules are isomorphic to the algebra of

\mathrm{SL}(2,ℂ)

-characters tensored with the ring of Laurent polynomials
$A_2$-planar algebras I
Authors: Evans David E. , Pugh Mathew
Published: October 2010

We give a diagrammatic presentation of the A2-Temperley–Lieb algebra. Generalizing Jones’ notion of a planar algebra, we formulate an A2-planar algebra motivated by Kuperberg’s A2-spider. This A2-planar algebra contains a subfamily of vector spaces which will capture the double complex structure pertaining to the subfactor for a finite SU(3) ADE graph with a flat cell system, including both the periodicity three coming from the A2-Temperley–Lieb algebra as well as the periodicity two coming from the subfactor basic construction. We use an A2-planar algebra to obtain a description of the (Jones) planar algebra for the Wenzl subfactor in terms of generators and relations.
On link homology theories from extended cobordisms
Authors: Beliakova Anna , Wagner Emmanuel
Published: October 2010

This paper is devoted to the study of algebraic structures leading to link homology theories. The originally used structures of Frobenius algebra and/or TQFT are modified in two directions. First, we refine 2-dimensional cobordisms by taking into account their embedding into

ℝ^3

. Secondly, we extend the underlying cobordism category to a 2-category, where the usual relations hold up to 2-isomorphisms. The corresponding abelian 2-functor is called an extended quantum field theory (EQFT). We show that the Khovanov homology, the nested Khovanov homology, extracted by Stroppel and Webster from Seidel–Smith construction, and the odd Khovanov homology fit into this setting. Moreover, we prove that any (strict) EQFT based on a

ℤ_2

-extension of the embedded cobordism category that coincides with Khovanov homology after reducing the coefficients modulo

2

gives rise to a link invariant homology theory isomorphic to that of Khovanov.
Denitrification in sediments as a major nitrogen sink in the Baltic Sea: an extrapolation using sediment characteristics
Authors: Deutsch B. , Forster S. , Wilhelm M. , Dippner J. W. , Voss M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Rates of denitrification in sediments were measured with the isotope pairing technique at different sites in the southern and central Baltic Sea. The rates varied between 0.5 μmol N m−2 h−1 in sands and 28.7 μmol N m−2 h−1 in muddy sediments and showed a good correlation to the organic carbon contents of the surface sediments. N-removal rates via sedimentary denitrification were estimated for the entire Baltic Sea calculating sediment specific denitrification rates and interpolating them to the whole Baltic Sea area. Another approach was carried out by using the relationship between the organic carbon content and the rate of denitrification. The N-removal by denitrification in sediments varied between 426–652 kt N a−1, which is around 48–73% of the external N inputs delivered via rivers, coastal point sources, and atmospheric deposition. Moreover, an expansion of the anoxic bottom areas was considered under the assumption of a rising oxycline from 100 to 80 m water depth. This leads to an increase of the area with anoxic conditions and an overall decrease in sedimentary denitrification by 14%. Overall, we show here that this type of data extrapolation is a powerful tool to estimate the nitrogen losses for a whole coastal sea and may be applicable to other coastal regions and enclosed seas.
Experimental Labs for Start-ups: The Role of the ‘Venture-Sitter’
Authors: Matricano Diego , Pietrobon Alberto
Published: October 2010

Curley and Formica's (2008, 2010) studies of high-expectation entrepreneurship focus on the role of ‘experimental laboratories’ in promoting the start-up and successful development of high-expectation firms. Although it is not difficult to understand the potential usefulness of these experimental labs – business simulators in which skilled partners test high-expectation business ideas proposed by prospective entrepreneurs – some aspects of their implementation need to be clarified. There is a need for such a facility because the demand for knowledge from high-expectation entrepreneurs is currently not being met by the supply of available knowledge from experts. The ‘experimental lab’ process is regarded as coming to an end when the idea has been thoroughly tested and is ready for launch into the marketplace. However, some uncertainties remain about the nature of the proposed process, especially with regard to the precise means adopted to achieve the final aim. This article extends the authors' previous commentaries (Matricano, 2009; Pietrobon, 2009) on Curley and Formica's proposal. It considers the key role of the ‘venture-sitter’ in an experimental business laboratory. Venture-sitters are experts who, mirroring the approach of the baby-sitter, aim to obtain the trust of other experts (the ‘relatives’) and aspiring entrepreneurs (the ‘parents’) while looking after the new entrepreneurial idea (the ‘child’) to ensure that it is nurtured and developed in the best way possible.
Attitudes of Higher Education Students to New Venture Creation
Authors: Teixeira Aurora A.C. , Davey Todd
Published: October 2010

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play an important role in the generation of high-tech ‘entrepreneurial capacity’. As entrepreneurship education gives greater attention to the creation of new ventures, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the attitudes of students, potentially the entrepreneurs of the future. Logit estimates using 4,413 responses from students enrolled in Portuguese HEIs show that students who have business-related competences and live in an environment that fosters and encourages entrepreneurship have a stronger desire to become entrepreneurs. This supports the contention that entrepreneurship is a process that can be learned and that HE establishments, teachers and other institutions and individuals are in a position to encourage entrepreneurial behaviour.
Matching Higher Education with the Labour Market in the Knowledge Economy
Authors: Tavoletti Ernesto
Published: October 2010

It is argued that in the knowledge economy and in the context of the current restrictions on public finance, matching the output of higher education with the needs of the labour market is not simply one of many key issues for policy makers addressing the sustainability of higher education: it is ‘the’ issue. As the sources of funding for universities are almost entirely domestic and, in most countries, primarily governmental, politicians are expected to ensure that increasing public investment in higher education is justified in terms of the benefits accruing to the domestic workforce and investors. In so doing, they must avoid disrupting the international, free community of scholars and students engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and, thus, destroying the historical source of wealth creation that academia represents. This article considers the current debate in Europe and recent research on the interactions between universities and labour markets. The reform of university governance in Italy, regarded as much-needed and overdue, is evaluated in this context; and the assumptions on which such reform might be based, and the potential for aligning higher education more closely to the labour market, are examined.
Broadband Corrugated Square-Shaped Monopole Antenna
Authors: Ahirwar S. D. , Sairam C.
Published: October 2010

Design and development of a corrugated square-shaped monopole antenna is presented with measured results. The operational bandwidth of the antenna is 300 MHz–3000 MHz. The antenna is derived from a square-shaped planar monopole antenna. This basic square-shaped radiating element is corrugated in its lateral dimension. This corrugation reduces the lateral dimension of the antenna by 60%. Electrical performance of this antenna is better than its parent counterpart. This paper presents design and performance characteristics of conventional square-shaped monopole and its derivative, that is, broadband corrugated square-shaped monopole antenna.
Unusual Contents of the Femoral Hernia
Authors: Alzaraa Ahmed
Published: October 2010

Different contents in the femoral hernia have been reported in the literature, but herniation of the fallopian tube in a femoral hernia is very rare due to its normal anatomical position. Case Presentation. A female patient was admitted to the surgical ward for a lump in the right groin. Clinical examination confirmed a right femoral hernia. The patient underwent surgery to repair the hernia. Intraoperatively, the right uterine tube was found in the hernia. The tube was reduced back into the pelvic cavity and the hernia was repaired. After making good recovery, the patient was referred to the gynaecologist for further assessment. Conclusion. This case is educational as it highlights the importance of managing women with femoral masses with care.
Malignancies in the setting of primary immunodeficiency: Implications for hematologists/oncologists
Authors: Shapiro Ralph S.
Published: October 2010

Many primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDD) are associated with elevated risks for different types of cancer. Defective immunosurveillance mechanisms in PIDD and infection with oncogenic viruses (eg, Epstein Barr, herpesvirus 8) seem to have significant contributory roles in many cases. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease are two of the most common PIDD‐associated malignancies. The impact of PIDD‐associated malignancy has increased in recent years in parallel with improved patient with PIDD survival and longevity, due largely to effective immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Epidemiologic data, clinical patterns, and management considerations of the common PIDD‐associated cancers are reviewed. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.