bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant, Extended-Spectrum- β-Lactamase-Producing Vibrio cholerae O1 Outbreak Strains, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 2008
Authors: Ismail Husna , Smith Anthony M. , Sooka Arvinda , Keddy Karen H.
Published: June 2011

Thirty-one antimicrobial-resistant, extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing strains of
Vibrio cholerae
O1 serotype Ogawa associated with an outbreak of cholera in South Africa (2008) were investigated. Ten selected cholera strains were PCR positive for the SXT element, harbored mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of GyrA (Ser83-Ile) and ParC (Ser85-Leu), and produced TEM-63 β-lactamase.
New Diagnostic Microarray (Check-KPC ESBL) for Detection and Identification of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases in Highly Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Willemsen Ina , Overdevest Ilse , al Naiemi Nashwan , Rijnsburger Martine , Savelkoul Paul , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina , Kluytmans Jan ,   on behalf of the TRIANGLe Study Group
Published: June 2011

The performance of a microarray for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases was determined on a collection of 638 highly resistant members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
collected from patients in 18 hospitals in The Netherlands. The microarray had a significantly higher specificity than the phenotypic assays. It also detects carbapenemases and characterizes the resistance genes, providing epidemiological insight.
Amyloid Histology Stain for Rapid Bacterial Endospore Imaging
Authors: Xia Bing , Upadhyayula Srigokul , Nuñez Vicente , Landsman Pavel , Lam Samuel , Malik Harbani , Gupta Sharad , Sarshar Mohammad , Hu Jingqiu , Anvari Bahman , Jones Guilford , Vullev Valentine I.
Published: June 2011

Bacterial endospores are some of the most resilient forms of life known to us, with their persistent survival capability resulting from a complex and effective structural organization. The outer membrane of endospores is surrounded by the densely packed endospore coat and exosporium, containing amyloid or amyloid-like proteins. In fact, it is the impenetrable composition of the endospore coat and the exosporium that makes staining methodologies for endospore detection complex and challenging. Therefore, a plausible strategy for facile and expedient staining would be to target components of the protective surface layers of the endospores. Instead of targeting endogenous markers encapsulated in the spores, here we demonstrated staining of these dormant life entities that targets the amyloid domains, i.e., the very surface components that make the coats of these species impenetrable. Using an amyloid staining dye, thioflavin T (ThT), we examined this strategy. A short incubation of bacillus endospore suspensions with ThT, under ambient conditions, resulted in (i) an enhancement of the fluorescence of ThT and (ii) the accumulation of ThT in the endospores, affording fluorescence images with excellent contrast ratios. Fluorescence images revealed that ThT tends to accumulate in the surface regions of the endospores. The observed fluorescence enhancement and dye accumulation, coupled with the sensitivity of emission techniques, provide an effective and rapid means of staining endospores without the inconvenience of pre- or posttreatment of samples.
Infection of Primary Neurons Mediated by Nipah Virus Envelope Proteins: Role of Host Target Cells in Antiviral Action
Authors: Talekar Aparna , Pessi Antonello , Porotto Matteo
Published: June 2011

We have previously described heterotypic peptides from parainfluenza virus that potently inhibit Nipah virus
in vitro
but are not efficacious
in vivo
. In contrast, our second-generation inhibitors, featuring a cholesterol moiety, are also efficacious
in vivo
. The difference between
in vitro
and
in vivo
results led us to investigate the basis for this discrepancy. Here, we compare the activities of the compounds in standard laboratory cells and in cells relevant to the natural tropism of Nipah virus, i.e., primary neurons, and show that while our first-generation inhibitors are poorly active in primary neurons, the cholesterol-conjugated compounds are highly potent. These results highlight the advantage of evaluating antiviral potency in cells relevant to natural host target tissue.
Acupuncture for Hot Flushes in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Randomised, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Dong Il , Jeong Jae Cheol , Kim Kun Hyung , Rho Jin Ju , Choi Min Sun , Yoon Sang Ho , Choi Sun-Mi , Kang Kyung Won , Ahn Hong Yup , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: June 2011

Objectives

To determine the effect of acupuncture in treating hot flushes in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women.

Methods

The study was a randomised single-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with moderate or severe hot flushes were randomised to receive real or sham acupuncture. Both groups underwent a 4-week run-in period before the treatment. The real acupuncture group received 11 acupuncture treatments for 7 weeks, and the control group underwent sham acupuncture on non-acupuncture points during the same period. Both groups were followed for 8 weeks after the end of treatment period. Changes from baseline in the hot flush scores at week 7, measured by multiplying the hot flush frequency and severity, were the primary outcome. Hot flush frequency, severity and menopause-related symptoms measured with the Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaire were regarded as secondary outcomes.

Results

54 participants were randomised into the real acupuncture group (n=27) and the sham acupuncture group (n=27). The mean change in hot flush scores was −6.4±5.2 in the real acupuncture group and −5.6±9.2 in the sham group at week 7 from values at the start of the acupuncture treatment (10.0±8.1 vs 11.7±12.6), respectively (p=0.0810). No serious adverse events were observed during the whole study period.

Conclusions

Compared to sham acupuncture, acupuncture failed to show significantly different effects on the hot flush scores but showed partial benefits on the hot flush severity. Further consideration is needed to develop appropriate strategies for distinguishing non-specific effects from observed overall effectiveness of acupuncture for hot flushes. Whether acupuncture has point-specific effects for hot flushes should be also considered in designing future researches.
LINEAR GENERALIZED CHAOTIC SYNCHRONIZATION VIA SINGLE CHANNEL
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , WANG MING-JUN
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the drive system and the response system can be in a state of linear generalized synchronization via transmitting single signal. By means of a transitional system, the response system is obtained by variable replacement method. Chen system and hyperchaotic Chen system are used as examples in numerical simulations. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.
LOCV CALCULATIONS FOR POLARIZED LIQUID 3He: THE EFFECT OF THREE-BODY CLUSTER ENERGY
Authors: BORDBAR G. H. , MOHSENIPOUR S. , KARIMI M. J.
Published: June 2011

We have used the lowest order constrained variational (LOCV) method to calculate some of the ground state properties of the polarized liquid 3 He by inclusion of the three-body cluster energy contribution. It is shown that the contribution of the three-body cluster term for the ground state energy of this system is substantial, especially at high densities. It is also shown that the inclusion of the three-body energy contribution improves our result for the binding energy of the liquid 3 He . It is seen that the magnitude of the three-body cluster energy decreases by increasing the polarization. The magnetic susceptibility of the liquid 3 He has also been computed, showing no spontaneous ferromagnetic phase transition.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF MULTIPLE CHAOTIC SYSTEMS COUPLED IN A RING STRUCTURE
Authors: CHEN HSIEN-KENG , LIN TSUNG-NAN
Published: June 2011

Synchronization of multiple identical chaotic systems, coupled in a ring structure, was studied in this paper. Ueda attractor was used as an example to perform the synchronization of several chaotic systems. The bound of the Ueda attractor was also estimated by numerical simulation. The above results were also adopted to design a controller to synchronize chaotic systems. The stability of the synchronization of multiple identical chaotic systems was investigated using Lyapunov's direct method. Some sufficient conditions of asymptotical synchronization were attained from rigorous mathematical theory. Further, numerical results were also demonstrated in order to validate the proposed synchronization approach.
ENTANGLING TWO MULTIATOM CLUSTERS VIA A SINGLE-MODE THERMAL FIELD
Authors: PATRICK S. R. J. , YANG YANG , YIN ZHANG-QI , LI FU-LI
Published: June 2011

We consider a system consisting of two multiple two-level-atom clusters simultaneously interacting with a single-mode cavity field. Entanglement of the two clusters is investigated by use of the negativity measure. We find that the entanglement can be not only induced by a thermal field but also enhanced by increasing the mean thermal photon number.
EFFECT OF STRONTIUM DOPING ON NANOSTRUCTURE AND CHROMATICITY OF Y2O3:Eu COMPOUNDS
Authors: MOHAMMADI ALI , GANJKHANLOU YADOLAH , KAZEMZAD MAHMOOD , MOGHADDAM ABDOLMAJID BAYANDORI , HESSARI FEREIDOUN ALIKHANI , DINARVAND RASSOUL
Published: June 2011

In this work, various nano-sized samples of Y 2 O 3, Y 2 O 3 :Eu and Y 2 O 3 :Eu , Sr were prepared by urea solution combustion method. Then the resultant nanopowders were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photo-luminescence emission spectra. Furthermore, the CIE color coordinate of samples were calculated from photoluminescence emission spectra. Results showed that by doping of strontium, the photoluminescence intensity and chromaticity of Y 2 O 3: Eu phosphor was enhanced while crystallite size was decreased.
THE EMERGENCE OF AFTER-SALES SPARE PARTS SUPPLY CHAIN VARIABILITY IN A TELECOM FIRM — A COMPLEX SYSTEM APPROACH
Authors: FLORES-CADENA MAURICIO , MORALES-MATAMOROS OSWALDO , TEJEIDA-PADILLA RICARDO , BADILLO-PIÑA ISAÍAS , MEJÍA-TÉLLEZ JUAN DE LA CRUZ
Published: June 2011

Telecommunication service providers, also called operators or carriers, must maintain 99.999% of their telecom network availability. To avoid or mitigate the effects of an outage in the network, carriers perform different activities to restore service. Spare parts management plays an important role in meeting the required service. Unfortunately, the closed-loop supply chain that supports the availability of spare parts experiences variability in its processes as a result of endogenous and exogenous variables that make matching the recovery process with the demand process difficult. Understanding the effect of the variables on the variability outcome and the emergence of the variability can help to guide the development of future mathematical models for the management of spare parts. In this article, a complex system approach to analyze the variability behavior is presented.
A BASIC THEORY OF INTELLIGENT FINANCE
Authors: Pan Heping
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a basic theory of intelligent finance as a new paradigm of financial investment. It is assumed that the financial market is always in a state of swing between efficient and inefficient modes on multiple levels of time scale; it is possible to go beyond the efficient market theory to study the dynamic evolving process of the market between equilibrium and far-from-equilibrium; there are robust dynamic patterns in this evolving process, which may be exploitable via intelligent trading systems. On the foundation of the four principles — comprehensive, predictive, dynamic and strategic, the basic theory takes the information sources into the loop as the starting points for all the market analysis, introducing the scale space of time into the pricing process analysis in order to detect and capture trends, cycles and seasonality on multiple intrinsic levels of time scale which are then used as the dynamic basis for constructing and managing portfolios. In stock markets, the theory exhibits itself in the form of an Intelligent Dynamic Portfolio Theory, which integrates predictive modeling of a bull-bear market cycle, sector rotation, and portfolio optimization with a reactive trend following trading strategy.
PREDICTING PRICES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS: FROM CLASSICAL ECONOMICS TO INTELLIGENT FINANCE
Authors: HAYWARD SERGE
Published: June 2011

Determining the circumstances under which it is possible to make any sort of prediction is a fundamental question in financial research. The presence of complex and robust statistical characteristics, exhibited by most financial time series, raise doubts on the simple relationship between information and price changes, as implied by the efficient market hypothesis. In this paper, we consider the main competing economic hypotheses and examine different approaches for learning the price behaviour in financial markets. Our analysis reveals the need to approach the problem from a new perspective. In financial markets, traders are not only adapting, but also determine and form the economic mechanism essentially by their actions. In these settings, financial markets are evolutionary structures of competing trading strategies; prices in such markets are driven endogenously by the induced expectations. A combination of economics, computer and cognitive science in cross-disciplinary study of intelligent finance, which aims to explore information about financial markets from multiple perspectives, is expected to expand the boundary of pure economic analysis.
Effects of losartan, in monotherapy or in association with hydrochlorothiazide, in chronic nephropathy resulting from losartan treatment during lactation
Authors: Fanelli C. , Fernandes B. H. V. , Machado F. G. , Okabe C. , Malheiros D. M. A. C. , Fujihara C. K. , Zatz R.
Published: June 2011

We recently standardized a model (LLact) of severe chronic kidney disease based on impaired nephrogenesis by suppression of angiotensin II activity during lactation (Machado FG, Poppi EP, Fanelli C, Malheiros DM, Zatz R, Fujihara CK. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 294: F1345–F1353, 2008). In this new study of the LLactmodel, we sought to gain further insight into renal injury mechanisms associated with this model and to verify whether the renoprotection obtained with the association of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan (L) and hydrochlorothiazide (H), which arrested renal injury in the remnant kidney model, would provide similar renoprotection. Twenty Munich-Wistar dams, each nursing six pups, were divided into control, untreated, and LLactgroups, given losartan (L; 250 mg·kg−1·day−1) until weaning. The male LLactoffspring remained untreated until 7 mo of age, when renal functional and structural parameters were studied in 17 of them, used as pretreatment control (LLactPre), and followed no further. The remaining rats were then divided among groups LLact+V, untreated; LLact+L, given L (50 mg·kg−1·day−1) now as a therapy; LLact+H, given H (6 mg·kg−1·day−1); and LLact+LH, given L and H. All parameters were reassessed 3 mo later in these groups and in age-matched controls. At this time, LLactrats exhibited hypertension, severe albuminuria, glomerular damage, marked interstitial expansion/inflammation, enhanced cell proliferation, myofibroblast infiltration, and creatinine retention. L monotherapy normalized albuminuria and prevented hypertension and the progression of renal injury, inflammation, and myofibroblast infiltration. In contrast to the remnant model, the LH combination promoted only slight additional renoprotection, perhaps because of a limited tendency to retain sodium in LLactrats.
Sound frequency representation in primary auditory cortex is level tolerant for moderately loud, complex sounds
Authors: Pienkowski Martin , Eggermont Jos J.
Published: June 2011

The distribution of neuronal characteristic frequencies over the area of primary auditory cortex (AI) roughly reflects the tonotopic organization of the cochlea. However, because the area of AI activated by any given sound frequency increases erratically with sound level, it has generally been proposed that frequency is represented in AI not with a rate-place code but with some more complex, distributed code. Here, on the basis of both spike and local field potential (LFP) recordings in the anesthetized cat, we show that the tonotopic representation in AI is much more level tolerant when mapped with spectrotemporally dense tone pip ensembles rather than with individually presented tone pips. That is, we show that the tuning properties of individual unit and LFP responses are less variable with sound level under dense compared with sparse stimulation, and that the spatial frequency resolution achieved by the AI neural population at moderate stimulus levels (65 dB SPL) is better with densely than with sparsely presented sounds. This implies that nonlinear processing in the central auditory system can compensate (in part) for the level-dependent coding of sound frequency in the cochlea, and suggests that there may be a functional role for the cortical tonotopic map in the representation of complex sounds.
Differential activity patterns of putaminal neurons with inputs from the primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area in behaving monkeys
Authors: Takara Sayuki , Hatanaka Nobuhiko , Takada Masahiko , Nambu Atsushi
Published: June 2011

Activity patterns of projection neurons in the putamen were investigated in behaving monkeys. Stimulating electrodes were implanted chronically into the proximal (MIproximal) and distal (MIdistal) forelimb regions of the primary motor cortex (MI) and the forelimb region of the supplementary motor area (SMA). Cortical inputs to putaminal neurons were identified by excitatory orthodromic responses to stimulation of these motor cortices. Then, neuronal activity was recorded during the performance of a goal-directed reaching task with delay. Putaminal neurons with inputs from the MI and SMA showed different activity patterns, i.e., movement- and delay-related activity, during task performance. MI-recipient neurons increased activity in response to arm-reach movements, whereas SMA-recipient neurons increased activity during delay periods, as well as during movements. The activity pattern of MI + SMA-recipient neurons was of an intermediate type between those of MI- and SMA-recipient neurons. Approximately one-half of MIproximal-, SMA-, and MI + SMA-recipient neurons changed activities before the onset of movements, whereas a smaller number of MIdistal- and MIproximal + distal-recipient neurons did. Movement-related activity of MI-recipient neurons was modulated by target directions, whereas SMA- and MI + SMA-recipient neurons had a lower directional selectivity. MI-recipient neurons were located mainly in the ventrolateral part of the caudal aspect of the putamen, whereas SMA-recipient neurons were located in the dorsomedial part. MI + SMA-recipient neurons were found in between. The present results suggest that a subpopulation of putaminal neurons displays specific activity patterns depending on motor cortical inputs. Each subpopulation receives convergent or nonconvergent inputs from the MI and SMA, retains specific motor information, and sends it to the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra through the direct and indirect pathways of the basal ganglia.
Impact of cortical plasticity on information signaled by populations of neurons in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Pita-Almenar Juan Diego , Ranganathan Gayathri Nattar , Koester Helmut Joachim
Published: June 2011

The performance of neural codes to represent attributes of sensory signals has been evaluated in the vertebrate peripheral and central nervous system. Here, we determine how information signaled by populations of neurons is modified by plasticity. Suprathreshold neuronal responses from a large number of neurons were recorded in the juvenile mouse barrel cortex using dithered random-access scanning. Pairing of one input with another resulted in a long-lasting, input-specific modification of the cortical responses. Mutual information analysis indicated that cortical plasticity efficiently changed information signaled by populations of neurons. The contribution of neural correlations to the change in mutual information was negative. The largest factor limiting fidelity of mutual information after pairing was a low reliability of the modified cortical responses.
Sensitivity of human visual cortical area V6 to stereoscopic depth gradients associated with self-motion
Authors: Cardin Velia , Smith Andrew T.
Published: June 2011

The principal visual cue to self-motion (egomotion) is optic flow, which is specified in terms of local 2D velocities in the retinal image without reference to depth cues. However, in general, points near the center of expansion of natural flow fields are distant, whereas those in the periphery are closer, creating gradients of horizontal binocular disparity. To assess whether the brain combines disparity gradients with optic flow when encoding egomotion, stereoscopic gradients were applied to expanding dot patterns presented to observers during functional MRI scanning. The gradients were radially symmetrical, disparity changing as a function of eccentricity. The depth cues were either consistent with egomotion (peripheral dots perceived as near and central dots perceived as far) or inconsistent (the reverse gradient, central dots near, peripheral dots far). The BOLD activity generated by these stimuli was compared in a range of predefined visual regions in 13 participants with good stereoacuity. Visual area V6, in the parieto-occipital sulcus, showed a unique pattern of results, responding well to all optic flow patterns but much more strongly when they were paired with consistent rather than inconsistent or zero-disparity gradients. Of the other areas examined, a region of the precuneus and parietoinsular vestibular cortex also differentiate between consistent and inconsistent gradients, but with weak or suppressive responses. V3A, V7, MT, and ventral intraparietal area responded more strongly in the presence of a depth gradient but were indifferent to its depth-flow congruence. The results suggest that depth and flow cues are integrated in V6 to improve estimation of egomotion.
Promoter Methylation of p16INK4A, hMLH1, and MGMT in Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology Samples Compared with Clinicopathological Findings and HPV Presence
Authors: Spathis Aris , Aga Evaggelia , Alepaki Maria , Chranioti Aikaterini , Meristoudis Christos , Panayiotides Ioannis , Kassanos Dimitrios , Karakitsos Petros
Published: June 2011

Cervical cancer is a common cancer inflicting women worldwide. Even though, persistent infection with oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types is considered the most important risk factor for cervical cancer development, less than 5% of women with HPV will eventually develop cervical cancer supporting that other molecular events, like methylation-dependent inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, may cocontribute in cervical carcinogenesis. We analyzed promoter methylation of three candidate genes (p16, MGMT, and hMLH1) in 403 liquid-based cytology samples. Methylation was commonly identified in both benign and pathologic samples and correlated with higher lesion grade determined by cytological, colposcopical, or histological findings, with HPV DNA and mRNA positivity of specific HPV types and p16INK4Aprotein expression. Overall accuracy of methylation is much lower than traditional diagnostic tests ranking it as an ancillary technique with more data needed to identify the exact value of methylation status in cervical carcinogenesis.
Comparison of Clinical and Immunological Effects of Intravenous and Intradermal Administration of α-GalactosylCeramide (KRN7000)-Pulsed Dendritic Cells
Authors: Nicol Andrew J. , Tazbirkova Andrea , Nieda Mie
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Human Vα24+Vβ11+ natural killer T-cells (NKT cells) have antitumor activity via direct cytotoxicity and by induction of antitumor actions of T and NK cells. Activation of NKT cells is crucial for their antitumor activity and is induced by α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer, KRN7000) presented by CD1d on dendritic cells (DC). We conducted a phase I clinical trial of therapy with α-GalCer-pulsed DC to determine safety, tolerability, immune effects and an optimal dose, and administration route.

Experimental Design: Twelve subjects (3 cohorts) with metastatic malignancy received 4 treatments of α-GalCer-pulsed DC, 2 treatments intravenously (IV), and 2 treatments intradermally (ID). Each successive cohort received a log higher cell dose. Clinical and immunological outcomes were evaluated, including secondary effects on NK and T cells.

Results: Substantial effects on peripheral blood NKT cells were observed but were greater following IV treatment. Secondary immune effects including activation of T and NK cells, increases in T- and NK-cell cytoplasmic interferon-γ, and increases in serum interferon-γ levels were seen after IV but not after ID treatment. Therapy was well tolerated, but 9 of 12 subjects had tumor flares with clinical findings consistent with transient tumor inflammation. Disease response (minor) or stabilization of disease progressing up to enrollment was observed in 6 of the 12 subjects. Stabilization of previously progressive disease lasted for at least one year in three subjects.

Conclusion: We conclude that therapy with α-GalCer-pulsed DC induced clinically beneficial immune responses that are highly dependent on cell dose and administration route. Clin Cancer Res; 17(15); 5140–51. ©2011 AACR.
Population Analysis of Erlotinib in Adults and Children Reveals Pharmacokinetic Characteristics as the Main Factor Explaining Tolerance Particularities in Children
Authors: White-Koning Melanie , Civade Elodie , Geoerger Birgit , Thomas Fabienne , Le Deley Marie-Cécile , Hennebelle Isabelle , Delord Jean-Pierre , Chatelut Etienne , Vassal Gilles
Published: June 2011

Purpose: The aim of this pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) analysis was to evaluate the pharmacologic characteristics of erlotinib and its main metabolite (OSI-420) in pediatric patients compared with those in adult patients.

Experimental Design: Plasma concentrations of erlotinib and OSI-420 of 46 children with malignant brain tumors included in a phase I study and 42 adults with head and neck carcinoma were analyzed by a population-pharmacokinetic method (NONMEM). The effect of several covariates and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in ABCB1, ABCG2, and CYP3A5 on pharmacokinetic parameters was evaluated. PK/PD relationships between plasma drug exposure Area Under the Curve (AUC) at day 1 and skin toxicity were studied in children and compared with the relationship observed in adults.

Results: A significant difference in erlotinib clearance (P = 0.0001), when expressed in L·h−1·kg−1, was observed between children and adults with mean values of 0.146 and 0.095, respectively (mean difference = 0.051 L·h−1·kg−1, SD = 0.0594). However, a common covariate model was obtained describing erlotinib clearance according to body weight, alanine aminotransferase, ABCB1, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms (2677G > T/A and 6986G > A) for both children and adult patients. The PK–PD relationship was very consistent between the children and adult groups with risk of skin toxicity rising with increasing erlotinib AUC.

Conclusions: The nonlinear population approach applied to pharmacokinetic data combined with a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analysis revealed that the higher recommended dose in children (125 mg/m2/day) compared with adults (90 mg/m2/day) is mainly due to pharmacokinetic rather than pharmacodynamic particularities. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4862–71. ©2011 AACR.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lukic Snezana , Nikolic Aleksandra , Alempijevic Tamara , Popovic Dragan , Sokic Milutinovic Aleksandra , Ugljesic Milenko , Knezevic Srbislav , Milicic Biljana , Dinic Dragica , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and to investigate its role as a potential risk factor in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Deletion polymorphism of the 287-bp fragment of intron 16 of the ACE gene results in higher levels of circulating enzyme and therefore may represent a risk factor for disease development. The study included 55 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 45 patients with pancreatic cancer and 128 healthy subjects. The presence of I and D variants in the ACE gene was analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Distribution of ACE ID genotypes was analyzed by means of logistic regression. When chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer groups were compared in the univariate analysis, the following factors were identified as statistically significant predictors of pancreatic disease: age, gender, smoking, fat intake, ACE II genotype and ACE DD genotype. However, in the multivariate analysis, only age, gender and smoking were singled out as predictors for the occurrence of pancreatic disease. Our findings indicate that the ACE I/D polymorphism could play a role in the development of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through interaction with other genetic and environmental factors.
The Impact of Prestige Orientation on Shadow Education in South Korea
Authors: Lee Soojeong , Shouse Roger C.
Published: June 2011

Widespread use of “shadow education,” is a major policy issue in East Asia, especially South Korea, where officials view it as harmful to educational and fiscal equity. Although previous research emphasizes functional explanations, this study takes an institutional approach, exploring how students’ desire for prestigious matriculation influences their parents’ spending on shadow education. It is around that that “prestige orientation” (1) significantly predicts parent spending, especially among students of lower socioeconomic status, and (2) yields strong impact among students with the least likelihood of prestigious matriculation. Such findings indicate that Korean shadow education serves purposes that are as much symbolic as instrumental.
Social Class Rank, Threat Vigilance, and Hostile Reactivity
Authors: Kraus Michael W. , Horberg E. J. , Goetz Jennifer L. , Keltner Dacher
Published: June 2011

Lower-class individuals, because of their lower rank in society, are theorized to be more vigilant to social threats relative to their high-ranking upper-class counterparts. This class-related vigilance to threat, the authors predicted, would shape the emotional content of social interactions in systematic ways. In Study 1, participants engaged in a teasing interaction with a close friend. Lower-class participants—measured in terms of social class rank in society and within the friendship—more accurately tracked the hostile emotions of their friend. As a result, lower-class individuals experienced more hostile emotion contagion relative to upper-class participants. In Study 2, lower-class participants manipulated to experience lower subjective socioeconomic rank showed more hostile reactivity to ambiguous social scenarios relative to upper-class participants and to lower-class participants experiencing elevated socioeconomic rank. The results suggest that class affects expectations, perception, and experience of hostile emotion, particularly in situations in which lower-class individuals perceive their subordinate rank.
Two networks, one city: Democracy and governance networks in urban transformation
Authors: Aarsæther Nils , Nyseth Torill , Bjørnå Hilde
Published: June 2011

Governance networks are increasingly important in urban planning, in policy implementation and in service provision, and are often organized to improve efficiency and innovation in the pursuit of some public purpose. We argue that their democratic merits, in addition to their efficiency and output aspects, must be taken into consideration if they are to be understood as legitimate problem solvers on behalf of a local democratic authority. Here we draw on entrepreneurial and deliberative perspectives on urban governance, and work out criteria for assessing network performance. The insights of both perspectives are needed, we argue, to study legitimacy in contemporary urban policies, and we ask whether it is possible to strike a balance between democratic procedural standards and producing the desired outcomes. Empirically we compare the performance of a network with a strong entrepreneurial orientation with that of a network with a deliberative orientation, both located in the same city and operating within the same time frame.
Living Dangerously
Authors: Barnes Collin D. , Brown Ryan P. , Tamborski Michael
Published: June 2011

Two studies examined the hypothesis that the culture of honor would be associated with heightened risk taking, presumably because risky behaviors provide social proof of strength and fearlessness. As hypothesized, Study 1 showed that honor states in the United States exhibited higher rates of accidental deaths among Whites (but not non-Whites) than did nonhonor states, particularly in nonmetropolitan areas. Elevated accidental deaths in honor states appeared for both men and women and remained when the authors controlled for a host of statewide covariates (e.g., economic deprivation, cancer deaths, temperature) and for non-White deaths. Study 2, likewise, showed that people who endorsed honor-related beliefs reported greater risk taking tendencies, independent of age, sex, self-esteem, and the big five.
Application of 6-sigma design system to developing an improvement model for multi-process multi-characteristic product quality
Authors: Wang C-C , Chen K-S , Wang C-H , Chang P-H
Published: June 2011

Rapid developments in advanced manufacturing techniques and information technology have resulted in significant increases in the functionality, precision, and complexity of products. Most products have multiple quality characteristics, which may include multiple unilateral and bilateral specifications. The process capability for any quality characteristic must be satisfied if customers are to accept a product. The production process of complex products generally consists of several stages and processes. The qualities of these processes can be independent or interdependent. This paper develops an integrated assessment model for the manufacture of multi-process, multi-characteristic products based on the process capability index and process yield rate. The proposed method assess six-sigma improvement using the ‘define, measure, analyze, design, verify’ model. This study investigates the manufacturing processes of 12.7 mm ordinary-grade machine gun cartridges in order to increase their shooting precision. The proposed assessment model identifies the critical-to-quality processes that affect the precision, and then applies redesign and experimental design to obtain the optimal combination of process parameters. Finally, a mathematical programming method verifies the results, confirming an improvement in shooting precision. The resulting cartridges meet the customer demand for match quality.
Effectiveness of Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ruiz Andres D , Daniels Kelly R , Barner Jamie C , Carson John J , Frei Christopher R
Published: June 2011

Background

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is believed it to be a safer and equally effective alternative to Conventional Hormone Therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms; however, data are needed to support these claims. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of compounded BHRT provided in six community pharmacies.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of women between the ages of 18-89 who received a compounded BHRT product from January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2010 in six community pharmacies. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, therapeutic outcomes, and hormone therapies. Women self-rated menopausal symptoms as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patient population, BHRT use, and adverse events. Patient symptom severity was compared at baseline and 3 to 6 months follow-up using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Women (n = 296) receiving BHRT at Oakdell Pharmacy had a mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (9) years. The most common BHRT dosage forms utilized were topical (71%) and oral (43%). Compounded BHRT regimens were generally initiated at low doses regardless of route. Women experienced a 25% decrease in emotional lability (p < 0.01), a 25% decrease in irritability (p < 0.01), and a 22% reduction in anxiety (p = 0.01) within 3 to 6 months. These women also experienced a 14% reduction in night sweats (p = 0.09) and a 6% reduction in hot flashes (p = 0.50).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that compounded BHRT improves mood symptoms. Larger studies are needed to examine the impact on vasomotor symptoms, myocardial infarction and breast cancer.
A comparison of estimates of glomerular filtration in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance
Authors: Baptista João Pedro , Udy Andrew A , Sousa Eduardo , Pimentel Jorge , Wang Lisa , Roberts Jason A , Lipman Jeffrey
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Increasingly, derived estimates of glomerular filtration, such as the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula are being employed in the intensive care unit (ICU). To date, these estimates have not been rigorously validated in those with augmented clearances, resulting in potentially inaccurate drug prescription.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in two tertiary level ICU's in Australia and Portugal. Patients with normal serum creatinine concentrations manifesting augmented renal clearance (ARC) (measured creatinine clearance (CLCR) > 130 ml/min/1.73 m2) were identified by chart review. Comparison between measured values and MDRD and CG estimates were then undertaken. Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated to determine goodness of fit, and precision and bias were assessed using Bland-Altman plots.

Results

Eighty-six patients were included in analysis. The median [IQR] measured CLCR was 162 [145-190] ml/min/1.73 m2, as compared to 135 [116-171], 93 [83-110], 124[102-154], and 108 [87-135] ml/min/1.73 m2 estimated by CG, modified CG, 4-variable MDRD and 6-variable MDRD formulae. All of the equations significantly under-estimated the measured value, with CG displaying the smallest bias (39 ml/min/1.73 m2). Although a moderate correlation was noted between CLCR and CG (rs = 0.26, P = 0.017) and 4-variable MDRD (rs = 0.22, P = 0.047), neither had acceptable precision for clinical application in this setting. CG estimates had the highest sensitivity for correctly identifying patients with ARC (62%).

Conclusions

Derived estimates of GFR are inaccurate in the setting of ARC, and should be interpreted with caution by the physician. A measured CLCR should be performed to accurately guide drug dosing.
Neuroblast migration along the anteroposterior axis ofC. elegansis controlled by opposing gradients of Wnts and a secreted Frizzled-related protein
Authors: Harterink Martin , Kim Dong hyun , Middelkoop Teije C. , Doan Thang Dinh , van Oudenaarden Alexander , Korswagen Hendrik C.
Published: June 2011

The migration of neuroblasts along the anteroposterior body axis of C. elegans is controlled by multiple Wnts that act partially redundantly to guide cells to their precisely defined final destinations. How positional information is specified by this system is, however, still largely unknown. Here, we used a novel fluorescent in situ hybridization methods to generate a quantitative spatiotemporal expression map of the C. elegans Wnt genes. We found that the five Wnt genes are expressed in a series of partially overlapping domains along the anteroposterior axis, with a predominant expression in the posterior half of the body. Furthermore, we show that a secreted Frizzled-related protein is expressed at the anterior end of the body axis, where it inhibits Wnt signaling to control neuroblast migration. Our findings reveal that a system of regionalized Wnt gene expression and anterior Wnt inhibition guides the highly stereotypic migration of neuroblasts in C. elegans. Opposing expression of Wnts and Wnt inhibitors has been observed in basal metazoans and in the vertebrate neurectoderm. Our results in C. elegans support the notion that a system of posterior Wnt signaling and anterior Wnt inhibition is an evolutionarily conserved principle of primary body axis specification.
Estudo da germinação de sementes de espécies arbóreas pioneiras: Tibouchina pulchra Cogn. e Tibouchina granulosa Cogn. (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Zaia José Eduardo , Takaki Massanori
Published: June 2011

A influência da luz no processo de germinação de sementes de Tibouchina pulchra e T granulosa foi estudada. Sementes de Tibouchina pulchra e T. granulosa submetidas a diferentes qualidades e quantidades de luz demonstram forte dependência para o processo de germinação. Em condições de escuro e irradiação com vermelho-extremo, as sementes não germinaram, demonstrando o envolvimento do fitócromo no processo, como evidenciado através de curvas de fluencia-respostae de curvas de escape da ação do litocromo. Após 12 meses deestocagem sob baixa temperatura as sementes apresentaram a mesma percentagem de sementes viáveis. A partir destes resultados conclui-se que T. pulchra and T granulosa são espécies pioneiras.
Myxomycetes da Chapada do Araripe (Crato - CE, Brasil)
Authors: Cavalcanti Laise de Holanda , Putzke Jair
Published: June 2011

Foi efetuado um levantamento dos Myxomyeetes ocorrentes em área de floresta no município do Crato, CE (7º13'53" S; 39º24'28'' W; Alt. 422m), assinalando-se as seguintes famílias e gêneros: Ceratiomyxaceae (Ceratiomyxa, 1 sp.); Cribrariaceae (Cribraria, lsp., Dictydium, 1 sp.); Didymiaceae (Didymium, 2sp.); Enteridiaceae (Dicrydiaethalium, 1sp.); Physaraceae (Badhamia, 2sp., Fuligo, 2sp., Physarum, 5sp.); Steinonitaceae (Comatricha, 3sp., Sfemonitis, 6sp.); Trichiaceae (Arcyria, 3sp., Hemitrichia, 2sp., Periclwena, 1 sp.)- Constatou-se preferência das espécies para frutificar em troncos mortos de dicotiledôneas, seguindo-se restos de palmeiras e folhedo. O levantamento eleva para 30 o número de espécies referidas para o Ceará. Uma família e 19 espécies são novos registros para o Estado e Arcyria magna var. rosea Rex é nova referência para o Brasil. São apresentados comentários, chave de identificação e distribuição geográfica das espécies no Nordeste do Brasil.
Effect of sol-gel preparation method on particle morphology in pure and nanocomposite PZT thin films
Authors: Bruncková Helena , Medvecký Ľubomír , Hvizdoš Pavol
Published: June 2011

Double-scale composite lead zirconate titanate Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films of 360 nm thickness were prepared by a modified composite sol-gel method. PZT films were deposited from both the pure sol and the composite suspension on Pt/Al2O3 substrates by the spin-coating method and were sintered at 650°C. The composite suspension formed after ultrasonic mixing of the PZT nanopowder and PZT sol at the powder/sol mass concentration 0.5 g mL−1. PZT nanopowder (≈ 40–70 nm) was prepared using the conventional sol-gel method and calcination at 500°C. Pure PZT sol was prepared by a modified sol-gel method using a propan-1-ol/propane-1,2-diol mixture as a stabilizing solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the thin films possess a single perovskite phase after their sintering at 650°C. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses confirmed that the roughness of double-scale composite PZT films (≈ 17 nm) was significantly lower than that of PZT films prepared from pure sol (≈ 40 nm). The composite film consisted of nanosized PZT powder uniformly dispersed in the PZT matrix. In the surface micrograph of the film derived from sol, large round perovskite particles (≈ 100 nm) composed of small spherical individual nanoparticles (≈ 60 nm) were observed. The composite PZT film had a higher crystallinity degree and smoother surface morphology with necklace clusters of nanopowder particles in the sol-gel matrix compared to the pure PZT film. Microstructure of the composite PZT film can be characterized by a bimodal particle size distribution containing spherical perovskite particles from added PZT nanopowder and round perovskite particles from the sol-matrix, (≈ 30–50 nm and ≈ 100–120 nm), respectively. Effect of the PZT film preparation method on the morphology of pure and composite PZT thin films deposited on Pt/Al2O3 substrates was evaluated.
Determination of carbon in solidified sodium coolant using new ICP-OES methods
Authors: Vaculovič Tomáš , Otruba Vítězslav , Matal Oldřich , Kanický Viktor
Published: June 2011

New methods for the determination of carbon in sodium using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) and ICP-OES with pneumatic nebulisation (PN-ICP-OES) were developed. The determination was required for the study of the carbon dioxide reaction with molten sodium at high temperatures (300–600°C). After exposition to CO2, the solidified sodium sample was subjected to direct solid analysis by LA-ICP-OES and to solution analysis. For the determination of carbon in the sodium sample surface layer by LA-ICP-OES, three different matrices containing sodium were tested (NaCl, NaF, and Na2B4O7 · 10H2O) as calibration pellets. The calibration dependences were improved using sodium as the internal standard. Average carbon content in the sodium bulk sample was determined by PN-ICP-OES after the sample dissolution by water vapour.
A halogenated coumarin from Ficus krishnae
Authors: Parveen Mehtab , Ali Akhtar , Malla Ali , Silva Pedro , Ramos Silva Manuela
Published: June 2011

Petroleum ether-benzene extract of the leaves of Ficus krishnae afforded a novel halogenated 2H-chromen-2-one named 3-chloro-7-methoxy-4-methyl-chromen-2-one. Its structure was established on basis of chemical and physical evidence (IR, 1H NMR, and MS data) as well as on X-ray crystallographic studies.
Design, Operation and Economic Analysis of Autonomous Hybrid PV-Diesel Power Systems Including Battery Storage
Authors: Papadopoulos Demetrios , Maltas Eleftherios
Published: June 2011

Design, Operation and Economic Analysis of Autonomous Hybrid PV-Diesel Power Systems Including Battery Storage

This paper presents a systematic techno-economic analysis of autonomous PV-Diesel energy system with battery storage. This hybrid type power system was developed and installed on the roof of the Electrical Engineering Laboratory building in the city of Xanthi, Greece, where a weather station is also installed providing necessary meteorological data since 2002. Such system can be generally used to supply electrical loads of isolated remote areas. The actual design of such a system is based on: a pre-defined load pattern to be supplied; the pertinent weather data; the relevant market prices; and the applicable recent economic rates (eg June 2009 for the Greek case). The system is operated on a predictive manner using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which controls the main system parameters for safe and continuous power supply to meet reliably the desired load demand. Three distinct systems of this type and of equal capacity, which combine energy sources and battery storage have been proposed and assessed technically and economically.