bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar-localized surface plasmon resonance device by block-copolymer and nanoimprint lithography fabrication methods
Authors: Peter Yang C. Y. , Yang Elaine L. , Steinhaus Chip A. , Liu Chi-Chun , Nealey Paul F. , Skinner Jack L.
Published: February 2012

The authors report on the integration of delocalized surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) on a single device. The submicron SPR device was fabricated with nanoimprint lithography (NIL). Gold nanoparticles for LSPR generation were created and deposited via three methods and analyzed with rhodamine 6 G and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Compared to drop-cast and thin film annealing methods, gold nanoparticles fabricated from a diblock-copolymer NIL template produced the most significant effect on the charge-transfer component of the SERS enhancement mechanism due to near-field interactions at the 10 nm inter-particle separation region. The authors also report a 26% enhancement of optical resonance with an integrated SPR-LSPR plasmonic device consisting of a two-dimensional submicron aluminum grating fully coupled with gold nanoparticles measuring 20.4 nm in diameter in a water medium. If the 2D aluminum grating were coupled to an optimized nanoparticle SERS device fabricated from a DBCP NIL template, the coupled nanoparticle-grating device could exhibit an even higher enhancement and optical resonance performance.
Modulation cues influence binaural masking-level difference in masking-pattern experiments
Authors: Nitschmann Marc , Verhey Jesko L.
Published: February 2012

Binaural masking patterns show a steep decrease in the binaural masking-level difference (BMLD) when masker and signal have no frequency component in common. Experimental threshold data are presented together with model simulations for a diotic masker centered at 250 or 500 Hz and a bandwidth of 10 or 100 Hz masking a sinusoid interaurally in phase (S0) or in antiphase (Sπ). Simulations with a binaural model, including a modulation filterbank for the monaural analysis, indicate that a large portion of the decrease in the BMLD in remote-masking conditions may be due to an additional modulation cue available for monaural detection.
Comment on “Phonemic Diversity Supports a Serial Founder Effect Model of Language Expansion from Africa”
Authors: Wang Chuan-Chao , Ding Qi-Liang , Tao Huan , Li Hui
Published: February 2012

Atkinson (Reports, 15 April 2011, p. 346) reported a declined trend of phonemic diversity from Africa that indicated the African exodus of modern languages. However, his claim was only supported when the phonemic diversities were binned into three or five levels. Analyses using raw data without simplification suggest a decline from central Asia rather than from Africa.
Simultaneous Targeting of Toll- and Nod-Like Receptors Induces Effective Tumor-Specific Immune Responses
Authors: Garaude Johan , Kent Andrew , van Rooijen Nico , Blander J. Magarian
Published: February 2012

A cancer vaccine of irradiated tumor cells expressing flagellin primes effective NLRC4/NAIP5- and TLR5-dependent antitumor immune responses.
Science Translational Medicine
Podcast: 8 February 2012
Authors: Engelman Jeffrey , Smith Orla
Published: February 2012

A conversation with Jeffrey Engelman about teasing apart the different molecular mechanisms that result in drug resistance in lung cancer patients.
Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation Get Personal
Authors: Damani Samir
Published: February 2012

A pharmacogenomics study identifies a patient population that responds more favorably to heart rate–control medication.
Eye-Opening Experience
Authors: Skelly Christopher
Published: February 2012

Gene therapy preserves the structure and function of photoreceptors in the eyes of dogs that model a human genetic eye disease that leads to incurable blindness.
Killed but Metabolically Active Leishmania infantum as a Novel Whole-Cell Vaccine for Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Bruhn Kevin W. , Birnbaum Ron , Haskell Jacquelyn , Vanchinathan Veena , Greger Stephanie , Narayan Rupa , Chang Pei-Lin , Tran Thu Anh , Hickerson Suzanne M. , Beverley Stephen M. , Wilson Mary E. , Craft Noah
Published: February 2012

There are currently no effective vaccines for visceral leishmaniasis, the second most deadly parasitic infection in the world. Here, we describe a novel whole-cell vaccine approach usingLeishmania infantum chagasipromastigotes treated with the psoralen compound amotosalen (S-59) and low doses of UV A radiation. This treatment generates permanent, covalent DNA cross-links within parasites and results inLeishmaniaorganisms termed killed but metabolically active (KBMA). In this report, we characterize thein vitrogrowth characteristics of both KBMAL. majorand KBMAL. infantum chagasi. Concentrations of S-59 that generate optimally attenuated parasites were identified. Like liveL. infantum chagasi, KBMAL. infantum chagasiparasites were able to initially enter liver cellsin vivoafter intravenous infection. However, whereas liveL. infantum chagasiinfection leads to hepatosplenomegaly in mice after 6 months, KBMAL. infantum chagasiparasites were undetectable in the organs of mice at this time point.In vitro, KBMAL. infantum chagasiretained the ability to enter macrophages and induce nitric oxide production. These characteristics of KBMAL. infantum chagasicorrelated with the ability to prophylactically protect mice via subcutaneous vaccination at levels similar to vaccination with live, virulent organisms. Splenocytes from mice vaccinated with either liveL. infantum chagasior KBMAL. infantum chagasidisplayed similar cytokine patternsin vitro. These results suggest that KBMA technology is a potentially safe and effective novel vaccine strategy against the intracellular protozoanL. infantum chagasi. This approach may represent a new method for whole-cell vaccination against other complex intracellular pathogens.
Diagnostic Performance of a Multiple Real-Time PCR Assay in Patients with Suspected Sepsis Hospitalized in an Internal Medicine Ward
Authors: Pasqualini Leonella , Mencacci Antonella , Leli Christian , Montagna Paolo , Cardaccia Angela , Cenci Elio , Montecarlo Ines , Pirro Matteo , di Filippo Francesco , Cistaro Emma , Schillaci Giuseppe , Bistoni Francesco , Mannarino Elmo
Published: February 2012

Early identification of causative pathogen in sepsis patients is pivotal to improve clinical outcome. SeptiFast (SF), a commercially available system for molecular diagnosis of sepsis based on PCR, has been mostly used in patients hospitalized in hematology and intensive care units. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of SF, compared to blood culture (BC), in 391 patients with suspected sepsis, hospitalized in a department of internal medicine. A causative pathogen was identified in 85 patients (22%). Sixty pathogens were detected by SF and 57 by BC. No significant differences were found between the two methods in the rates of pathogen detection (
P
= 0.74), even after excluding 9 pathogens which were isolated by BC and were not included in the SF master list (
P
= 0.096). The combination of SF and BC significantly improved the diagnostic yield in comparison to BC alone (
P
< 0.001). Compared to BC, SF showed a significantly lower contamination rate (0 versus 19 cases;
P
< 0.001) with a higher specificity for pathogen identification (1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.99 to 1.00, versus 0.94, 95% CI of 0.90 to 0.96;
P
= 0.005) and a higher positive predictive value (1.00, 95% CI of 1.00 to 0.92%, versus 0.75, 95% CI of 0.63 to 0.83;
P
= 0.005). In the subgroup of patients (
n
= 191) who had been receiving antibiotic treatment for ≥24 h, SF identified more pathogens (16 versus 6;
P
= 0.049) compared to BC. These results suggest that, in patients with suspected sepsis, hospitalized in an internal medicine ward, SF could be a highly valuable adjunct to conventional BC, particularly in patients under antibiotic treatment.
Immunodominant “Asymptomatic” Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 Protein Antigens Identified by Probing Whole-ORFome Microarrays with Serum Antibodies from Seropositive Asymptomatic versus Symptomatic Individuals
Authors: Dasgupta Gargi , Chentoufi Aziz A. , Kalantari Mina , Falatoonzadeh Payam , Chun Sookhee , Lim Chang Hyun , Felgner Philip L. , Davies D. Huw , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: February 2012

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 are medically significant pathogens. The development of an effective HSV vaccine remains a global public health priority. HSV-1 and HSV-2 immunodominant “asymptomatic” antigens (ID-A-Ags), which are strongly recognized by B and T cells from seropositive healthy asymptomatic individuals, may be critical to be included in an effective immunotherapeutic HSV vaccine. In contrast, immunodominant “symptomatic” antigens (ID-S-Ags) may exacerbate herpetic disease and therefore must be excluded from any HSV vaccine. In the present study, proteome microarrays of 88 HSV-1 and 84 HSV-2 open reading frames(ORFs) (ORFomes) were constructed and probed with sera from 32 HSV-1-, 6 HSV-2-, and 5 HSV-1/HSV-2-seropositive individuals and 47 seronegative healthy individuals (negative controls). The proteins detected in both HSV-1 and HSV-2 proteome microarrays were further classified according to their recognition by sera from HSV-seropositive clinically defined symptomatic (n= 10) and asymptomatic (n= 10) individuals. We found that (i) serum antibodies recognized an average of 6 ORFs per seropositive individual; (ii) the antibody responses to HSV antigens were diverse among HSV-1- and HSV-2-seropositive individuals; (iii) panels of 21 and 30 immunodominant antigens (ID-Ags) were identified from the HSV-1 and HSV-2 ORFomes, respectively, as being highly and frequently recognized by serum antibodies from seropositive individuals; and (iv) interestingly, four HSV-1 and HSV-2 cross-reactive asymptomatic ID-A-Ags, US4, US11, UL30, and UL42, were strongly and frequently recognized by sera from 10 of 10 asymptomatic patients but not by sera from 10 of 10 symptomatic patients (P< 0.001). In contrast, sera from symptomatic patients preferentially recognized the US10 ID-S-Ag (P< 0.001). We have identified previously unreported immunodominant HSV antigens, among which were 4 ID-A-Ags and 1 ID-S-Ag. These newly identified ID-A-Ags could lead to the development of an efficient “asymptomatic” vaccine against ocular, orofacial, and genital herpes.
Clinical decision making in a high-risk primary care environment: a qualitative study in the UK
Authors: Balla John , Heneghan Carl , Thompson Matthew , Balla Margaret
Published: February 2012

Objective

Examine clinical reasoning and decision making in an out of hours (OOH) primary care setting to gain insights into how general practitioners (GPs) make clinical decisions and manage risk in this environment.

Design

Semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions.

Setting

A 2-month qualitative interview study conducted in Oxfordshire, UK.

Participants

21 GPs working in OOH primary care.

Results

The most powerful themes to emerge related to dealing with urgent potentially high-risk cases, keeping patients safe and responding to their needs, while trying to keep patients out of hospital and the concept of ‘fire fighting’. There were a number of well-defined characteristics that GPs reported making presentations easy or difficult to deal with. Severely ill patients were straightforward, while the older people, with complex multisystem diseases, were often difficult. GPs stopped collecting clinical information and came to clinical decisions when high-risk disease and severe illness requiring hospital attention has been excluded; they had responded directly to the patient's needs and there was a reliable safety net in place. Learning points that GPs identified as important for trainees in the OOH setting included the importance of developing rapport in spite of time pressures, learning to deal with uncertainty and learning about common presentations with a focus on critical cues to exclude severe illness.

Conclusions

The findings support suggestions that improvements in primary care OOH could be achieved by including automated and regular timely feedback system for GPs and individual peer and expert clinician support for GPs with regular meetings to discuss recent cases. In addition, trainee support and mentoring to focus on clinical skills, knowledge and risk management issues specific to OOH is currently required. Investigating the stopping rules used for diagnostic closure may provide new insights into the root causes of clinical error in such a high-risk setting.
Change in physical activity and weight in relation to retirement: the French GAZEL Cohort Study
Authors: Sjösten Noora , Kivimäki Mika , Singh-Manoux Archana , Ferrie Jane E , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Pentti Jaana , Westerlund Hugo , Vahtera Jussi
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To examine the trajectories of physical activity from preretirement to postretirement and to further clarify whether the changes in physical activity are associated with changes in body weight.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

French national gas and electricity company (GAZEL cohort).

Participants

From the original sample of 20 625 employees, only those retiring between 2001 and 2008 on a statutory basis were selected for the analyses (analysis 1: n=2711, 63% men; analysis 2: n=3812, 75% men). Persons with data on at least one preretirement and postretirement measurement of the outcome were selected.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

All outcome data were gathered by questionnaires. In analysis 1, the annual prevalence of higher physical activity (walking ≥5 km/week) 4 years before and after retirement was analysed. In analysis 2, changes in leisure-time sport activities (engagement, frequency and manner) from preretirement to postretirement were analysed with simultaneous changes in body weight (kilogram).

Results

In analysis 1 (n=2711), prevalence estimates for 4 years before and 4 years after retirement showed that higher leisure-time physical activity (walking at least 5 km/week) increased by 36% in men and 61% in women during the transition to retirement. This increase was also observed among people at a higher risk of physical inactivity, such as smokers and those with elevated depressive symptoms. In a separate sample (analysis 2, n=3812), change in weight as a function of preretirement and postretirement physical activity was analysed. Weight gain preretirement to postretirement was 0.85 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.21) to 1.35 (0.79 to 1.90) kg greater among physically inactive persons (decrease in activity or inactive) compared with those physically active (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Retirement transition may be associated with beneficial changes in lifestyle and may thus be a good starting point to preventive interventions in various groups of individuals in order to maintain long-term changes.
Incomplete mechanical recanalization of middle cerebral artery occlusions facilitates endogenous recanalization within 5 h
Authors: Loh Yince , Shi Zhongsong , Liebeskind David , Jahan Reza , Gonzalez Nestor , Vespa Paul M , Starkman Sidney , Saver Jeffrey L , Tateshima Satoshi , Vinuela Fernando , Duckwiler Gary
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose

Successful revascularization can often improve functional outcome after large intracranial arterial occlusions. However, incomplete or unsuccessful recanalization is often the end result after attempted mechanical thrombectomy. A study was undertaken to determine whether partial recanalization of proximal isolated middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions facilitates endogenous thrombolysis and spontaneous recanalization.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy using the Merci Retriever System for occlusions involving any portion of the M1 segment of the MCA. Only those patients with a residual obstruction of the proximal MCA segments were included. The rates of facilitated endogenous recanalization (FER5) by imaging within the 5 h following intervention were compared in patients with partial proximal recanalization and those in whom recanalization was unsuccessful.

Results

Forty-two patients were included in the analysis. Twenty-six patients had good recanalization of the proximal aspect of the target lesion with an arterial occlusive lesion score of 2 or 3 but a residual partial or total occlusion of the MCA, while 16 patients failed to recanalize any portion of the target occlusion. Twelve patients (46%) in the first group and only one (5.9%) in the second group had facilitated endogenous recanalization on interval imaging 5 h after intervention (OR 12.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 112.2). Nine patients with proximal recanalization had good clinical outcomes at discharge (mRS ≤2) compared with none without recanalization (p=0.01), but FER did not have a relationship with clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Despite initially incomplete proximal mechanical thrombectomy, nearly half of all patients with residual M1 occlusions will undergo further endogenous recanalization within the subsequent 5 h.
Impacts of mycobacteriosis on the growth of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Latour Robert J. , Gauthier David T. , Gartland James , Bonzek Christopher F. , McNamee Kathleen A. , Vogelbein Wolfgang K.
Published: February 2012

The striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is an economically and ecologically valuable finfish species that inhabits nearshore and estuarine waters of many states along the US Atlantic coast. Chesapeake Bay provides extensive nursery and foraging habitats for striped bass, yet fish in the bay exhibit high prevalence of disease caused by bacteria in the genus Mycobacterium. Detection of population-level impacts associated with mycobacteriosis has been difficult because the disease is chronic and synoptic biological and disease data have been limited. Here, we present modeling analyses of growth data for disease-positive and -negative striped bass in Chesapeake Bay. Three growth relationships were considered, and for each, a single model was parameterized to include several covariates, most notably disease status and severity. Our results indicate that disease-positive and -negative fish have differing growth patterns and that the estimated asymptotic sizes of disease-positive fish are considerably lower than those of disease-negative fish. Compromised growth along with documentation that striped bass in Chesapeake Bay are experiencing disease-associated mortality suggests that disease may be reducing the productivity of this species.
EIGENVALUES OF THE LAPLACIAN ON RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS
Authors: CHENG QING-MING , QI XUERONG
Published: February 2012

For a bounded domain Ω with a piecewise smooth boundary in a complete Riemannian manifold M, we study eigenvalues of the Dirichlet eigenvalue problem of the Laplacian. By making use of a fact that eigenfunctions form an orthonormal basis of L2(Ω) in place of the Rayleigh–Ritz formula, we obtain inequalities for eigenvalues of the Laplacian. In particular, for lower order eigenvalues, our results extend the results of Chen and Cheng [D. Chen and Q.-M. Cheng, Extrinsic estimates for eigenvalues of the Laplace operator, J. Math. Soc. Japan 60 (2008) 325–339].
Repression of PDGF-R-α after cellular injury involves TNF-α, formation of a c-Fos-YY1 complex, and negative regulation by HDAC
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chan Cecilia W. S. , Sanchez-Guerrero Estella , Khachigian Levon M.
Published: February 2012

Wound healing is a complex dynamic process involving a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts that express and respond to cytokines and growth factors in the local microenvironment. The mechanisms controlling gene expression after injury at a transcriptional level are poorly understood. Here we show that decreased expression of a key receptor, PDGF-receptor (R)-α, after fibroblast injury is due to the release and paracrine activity of TNF-α. TNF-α inhibits PDGF-R-α expression and this involves formation of a c-Fos-Yin Yang 1 (YY1) complex and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. c-Fos, induced by TNF-α, negatively regulates PDGF-R-α transcription. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting c-Fos or the zinc finger transcription factor YY1 inhibits TNF-α suppression of PDGF-R-α expression. Coimmunoprecipitation studies show that TNF-α stimulates the formation of a complex between c-Fos with YY1. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis reveals the enrichment of c-Fos, YY1, and HDAC-1 at the PDGF-R-α promoter in cells exposed to TNF-α. With suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and HDAC-1 siRNA, we demonstrate that HDAC mediates TNF-α repression of PDGF-R-α. These findings demonstrate that transcriptional repression of PDGF-R-α after fibroblast injury involves paracrine activity of endogenous TNF-α, the formation of a c-Fos-YY1 complex, and negative regulatory activity by HDAC.
Neural mechanisms of rhythmic masking release in monkey primary auditory cortex: implications for models of auditory scene analysis
Authors: Fishman Yonatan I. , Micheyl Christophe , Steinschneider Mitchell
Published: February 2012

The ability to detect and track relevant acoustic signals embedded in a background of other sounds is crucial for hearing in complex acoustic environments. This ability is exemplified by a perceptual phenomenon known as “rhythmic masking release” (RMR). To demonstrate RMR, a sequence of tones forming a target rhythm is intermingled with physically identical “Distracter” sounds that perceptually mask the rhythm. The rhythm can be “released from masking” by adding “Flanker” tones in adjacent frequency channels that are synchronous with the Distracters. RMR represents a special case of auditory stream segregation, whereby the target rhythm is perceptually segregated from the background of Distracters when they are accompanied by the synchronous Flankers. The neural basis of RMR is unknown. Previous studies suggest the involvement of primary auditory cortex (A1) in the perceptual organization of sound patterns. Here, we recorded neural responses to RMR sequences in A1 of awake monkeys in order to identify neural correlates and potential mechanisms of RMR. We also tested whether two current models of stream segregation, when applied to these responses, could account for the perceptual organization of RMR sequences. Results suggest a key role for suppression of Distracter-evoked responses by the simultaneous Flankers in the perceptual restoration of the target rhythm in RMR. Furthermore, predictions of stream segregation models paralleled the psychoacoustics of RMR in humans. These findings reinforce the view that preattentive or “primitive” aspects of auditory scene analysis may be explained by relatively basic neural mechanisms at the cortical level.
Permeation properties of the hair cell mechanotransducer channel provide insight into its molecular structure
Authors: Pan B. , Waguespack J. , Schnee M. E. , LeBlanc C. , Ricci A. J.
Published: February 2012

Mechanoelectric transducer (MET) channels, located near stereocilia tips, are opened by deflecting the hair bundle of sensory hair cells. Defects in this process result in deafness. Despite this critical function, the molecular identity of MET channels remains a mystery. Inherent channel properties, particularly those associated with permeation, provide the backbone for the molecular identification of ion channels. Here, a novel channel rectification mechanism is identified, resulting in a reduced pore size at positive potentials. The apparent difference in pore dimensions results from Ca2+ binding within the pore, occluding permeation. Driving force for permeation at hyperpolarized potentials is increased because Ca2+ can more easily be removed from binding within the pore due to the presence of an electronegative external vestibule that dehydrates and concentrates permeating ions. Alterations in Ca2+ binding may underlie tonotopic and Ca2+-dependent variations in channel conductance. This Ca2+-dependent rectification provides targets for identifying the molecular components of the MET channel.
Differences in metabolomic profiles of male db/db and s/s, leptin receptor mutant mice
Authors: Saadat Nadia , IglayReger Heidi B. , Myers Martin G. , Bodary Peter , Gupta Smiti V.
Published: February 2012

Leptin, a protein hormone secreted by adipose tissue, plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism and the immune response. Despite similar extremes of adiposity, mutant mouse models, db/db, carrying spontaneous deletion of the active form of the leptin receptor (LEPR-B) intracellular signaling domain, and the s/s, carrying a specific point mutation leading to a dysfunctional LEPR-B-STAT3 signaling pathway, have been shown to have robust differences in glucose homeostasis. This suggests specific effects of leptin, mediated by non-STAT3 LEPR-B pathways. Differences in the LEPR-B signaling pathways in these two LEPR-B mutant mice models are expected to lead to differences in metabolism. In the current study, the hypothesized differences in metabolism were investigated using the metabolomics approach. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR) was conducted on 24 h urine samples in deuterium oxide using a 500 MHz instrument at 25°C. Principle Component Analysis showed clear separation of urine NMR spectra between the groups ( P < 0.05). The CHENOMX metabolite database was used to identify several metabolites that differed between the two mouse models. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in metabolites associated with the glycine, serine, and homocysteine metabolism were observed. The results demonstrate that the metabolomic profile of db/db and s/s mice are fundamentally different and provide insight into the unique metabolic effects of leptin exerted through non-STAT3 LEPR-B pathways.
Activation of IKK/NF-κB provokes renal inflammatory responses in guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene-knockout mice
Authors: Das Subhankar , Periyasamy Ramu , Pandey Kailash N.
Published: February 2012

The present study was aimed at determining the consequences of the disruption of guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPRA) gene ( Npr1) on proinflammatory responses of nuclear factor kappa B, inhibitory kappa B kinase, and inhibitory kappa B alpha (NF-κB, IKK, IκBα) in the kidneys of mutant mice. The results showed that the disruption of Npr1 enhanced the renal NF-κB binding activity by 3.8-fold in 0-copy (−/−) mice compared with 2-copy (+/+) mice. In parallel, IKK activity and IκBα protein phosphorylation were increased by 8- and 11-fold, respectively, in the kidneys of 0-copy mice compared with wild-type mice. Interestingly, IκBα was reduced by 80% and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and renal fibrosis were significantly enhanced in 0-copy mice than 2-copy mice. Treatment of 0-copy mice with NF-κB inhibitors andrographolide, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and etanercept showed a substantial reduction in renal fibrosis, attenuation of proinflammatory cytokines gene expression, and significantly reduced IKK activity and IkBα phosphorylation. These findings indicate that the systemic disruption of Npr1 activates the renal NF-κB pathways in 0-copy mice, which transactivates the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines to initiate renal remodeling; however, inhibition of NF-κB pathway repairs the abnormal renal pathology in mutant mice.
Post-Communist Health Transitions in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Safaei Jalil
Published: February 2012

The countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have gone through immense political and socioeconomic restructuring after the collapse of communism around 1990. Such transition has affected the lives of populations in these countries in many significant respects. A key aspect of life and wellbeing in any society is that of population health. This paper traces the transitions in population health—life expectancies and mortality rates for both males and females—in seven of the CEE countries during the two decades after the fall of communism. We estimate a series of panel data models to identify some of the common factors that would explain health transitions in these countries, while allowing for country-specific variability. Our findings indicate that the health transitions are strongly country specific. Moreover, income per capita and trade openness are statistically significant common contributors to health transitions.
Inhibitory Effect ofNelumbo nucifera(Gaertn.) on the Development of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice
Authors: Karki Rajendra , Jung Myung-A , Kim Keuk-Jun , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: February 2012

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which has a complex etiology that encompasses immunologic responses. The study was carried out to examine the effect ofNelumbo nucifera(Gaertn.) leaf (NL) on the AD-like skin lesion induced by repeated epicutaneous application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice. Three different doses of NL (5, 25, and 50 mg/mice/day) were administered orally from the day of sensitization with DNCB for 4 weeks. The efficacy of NL was judged by histopathological examination, blood IgE level, measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), scratching behavior, and skin severity score. NL resulted in the suppression of clinical severity score, TEWL, scratching behavior, and blood IgE level. Histopathologic analyses revealed that thickening of the epidermis and mast cell degranulation was significantly reduced in NL group. These results suggest that NL may be a useful natural resource for the management of AD.
Exfoliation Corrosion and Pitting Corrosion and Their Role in Fatigue Predictive Modeling: State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Hoeppner David W. , Arriscorreta Carlos A.
Published: February 2012

Intergranular attack (IG) and exfoliation corrosion (EC) have a detrimental impact on the structural integrity of aircraft structures of all types. Understanding the mechanisms and methods for dealing with these processes and with corrosion in general has been and is critical to the safety of critical components of aircraft. Discussion of cases where IG attack and exfoliation caused issues in structural integrity in aircraft in operational fleets is presented herein along with a much more detailed presentation of the issues involved in dealing with corrosion of aircraft. Issues of corrosion and fatigue related to the structural integrity of aging aircraft are introduced herein. Mechanisms of pitting nucleation are discussed which include adsorption-induced, ion migration-penetration, and chemicomechanical film breakdown theories. In addition, pitting corrosion (PC) fatigue models are presented as well as a critical assessment of their application to aircraft structures and materials. Finally environmental effects on short crack behavior of materials are discussed, and a compilation of definitions related to corrosion and fatigue are presented.
A Finite Element Study of Micropipette Aspiration of Single Cells: Effect of Compressibility
Authors: Jafari Bidhendi Amirhossein , Korhonen Rami K.
Published: February 2012

Micropipette aspiration (MA) technique has been widely used to measure the viscoelastic properties of different cell types. Cells experience nonlinear large deformations during the aspiration procedure. Neo-Hookean viscohyperelastic (NHVH) incompressible and compressible models were used to simulate the creep behavior of cells in MA, particularly accounting for the effect of compressibility, bulk relaxation, and hardening phenomena under large strain. In order to find optimal material parameters, the models were fitted to the experimental data available for mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, through Neo-Hookean porohyperelastic (NHPH) material model for the cell, the influence of fluid flow on the aspiration length of the cell was studied. Based on the results, we suggest that the compressibility and bulk relaxation/fluid flow play a significant role in the deformation behavior of single cells and should be taken into account in the analysis of the mechanics of cells.
Higher-Order Spectrum in Understanding Nonlinearity in EEG Rhythms
Authors: Pradhan Cauchy , Jena Susant K. , Nadar Sreenivasan R. , Pradhan N.
Published: February 2012

The fundamental nature of the brain's electrical activities recorded as electroencephalogram (EEG) remains unknown. Linear stochastic models and spectral estimates are the most common methods for the analysis of EEG because of their robustness, simplicity of interpretation, and apparent association with rhythmic behavioral patterns in nature. In this paper, we extend the use of higher-order spectrum in order to indicate the hidden characteristics of EEG signals that simply do not arise from random processes. The higher-order spectrum is an extension Fourier spectrum that uses higher moments for spectral estimates. This essentially nullifies all Gaussian random effects, therefore, can reveal non-Gaussian and nonlinear characteristics in the complex patterns of EEG time series. The paper demonstrates the distinguishing features of bispectral analysis for chaotic systems, filtered noises, and normal background EEG activity. The bispectrum analysis detects nonlinear interactions; however, it does not quantify the coupling strength. The squared bicoherence in the nonredundant region has been estimated to demonstrate nonlinear coupling. The bicoherence values are minimal for white Gaussian noises (WGNs) and filtered noises. Higher bicoherence values in chaotic time series and normal background EEG activities are indicative of nonlinear coupling in these systems. The paper shows utility of bispectral methods as an analytical tool in understanding neural process underlying human EEG patterns.
Posttraumatic Cholesteatoma Complicated by a Facial Paralysis: A Case Report
Authors: Chihani M. , Aljalil A. , Touati M. , Bouaity B. , Ammar H.
Published: February 2012

The posttraumatic cholesteatoma is a rare complication of different types of the temporal bone damage. Its diagnosis is often done after several years of evolution, sometimes even at the stage of complications. A case of posttraumatic cholesteatoma is presented that was revealed by a facial nerve paralysis 23 years after a crash of the external auditory canal underlining the importance of the otoscopic and radiological regular monitoring of the patients with a traumatism of the temporal bone.
Aqueous Extract ofPaeonia suffruticosaInhibits Migration and Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells via Suppressing VEGFR-3 Pathway
Authors: Wang Shih-Chin , Tang Sai-Wen , Lam Sio-Hong , Wang Chung-Chieh , Liu Yu-Huei , Lin Hsuan-Yuan , Lee Shoei-Sheng , Lin Jung-Yaw
Published: February 2012

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells are characterized by strong drug resistance and high metastatic incidence. In this study, the effects of ten kinds of Chinese herbs on RCC cell migration and proliferation were examined. Aqueous extract ofPaeonia suffruticosa(PS-A) exerted strong inhibitory effects on cancer cell migration, mobility, and invasion. The results of mouse xenograft experiments showed that the treatment of PS-A significantly suppressed tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. We further found that PS-A markedly decreased expression of VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and phosphorylation of FAK in RCC cells. Moreover, the activation of Rac-1, a modulator of cytoskeletal dynamics, was remarkably reduced by PS-A. Additionally, PS-A suppressed polymerization of actin filament as demonstrated by confocal microscopy analysis and decreased the ratio of F-actin to G-actin in RCC cells, suggesting that PS-A inhibits RCC cell migration through modulating VEGFR-3/FAK/Rac-1 pathway to disrupt actin filament polymerization. In conclusion, this research elucidates the effects and molecular mechanism for antimigration of PS-A on RCC cells and suggests PS-A to be a therapeutic or adjuvant strategy for the patients with aggressive RCC.
AnIn SilicoApproach for Evaluating a Fraction-Based, Risk Assessment Method for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Mixtures
Authors: Wang Nina Ching Y. , Rice Glenn E. , Teuschler Linda K. , Colman Joan , Yang Raymond S. H.
Published: February 2012

Both the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) and the Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Criteria Working Group (TPHCWG) developed fraction-based approaches for assessing human health risks posed by total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) mixtures in the environment. Both organizations defined TPH fractions based on their expected environmental fate and by analytical chemical methods. They derived toxicity values for selected compounds within each fraction and used these as surrogates to assess hazard or risk of exposure to the whole fractions. Membership in a TPH fraction is generally defined by the number of carbon atoms in a compound and by a compound's equivalent carbon (EC) number index, which can predict its environmental fate. Here, we systematically and objectively re-evaluate the assignment of TPH to specific fractions using comparative molecular field analysis and hierarchical clustering. The approach is transparent and reproducible, reducing inherent reliance on judgment when toxicity information is limited. Our evaluation of membership in these fractions is highly consistent (̃80% on average across various fractions) with the empirical approach of MADEP and TPHCWG. Furthermore, the results support the general methodology of mixture risk assessment to assess both cancer and noncancer risk values after the application of fractionation.
The CDM-Net Project: The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Broadband-Based Network for Managing Chronic Disease
Authors: Jones Kay , Dunning Trisha , Costa Beth , Fitzgerald Kristine , Adaji Akuh , Chapman Colin , Piterman Leon , Paterson Moira , Schattner Peter , Catford John
Published: February 2012

Background. In Australia most chronic disease management is funded by Medicare Australia through General Practitioner Management Plans (GPMPs) and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). Identified barriers may be reduced effectively using a broadband-based network known as the Chronic Disease Management Service (CDMS). Aims. To measure the uptake and adherence to CDMS, test CDMS, and assess the adherence of health providers and patients to GPMPs and TCAs generated through CDMS. Methods. A single cohort before and after study. Results. GPMPs and TCAs increased. There was no change to prescribed medicines or psychological quality of life. Attendance at allied health professionals increased, but decreased at pharmacies. Overall satisfaction with CDMS was high among GPs, allied health professionals, and patients. Conclusion. This study demonstrates proof of concept, but replication or continuation of the study is desirable to enable the impact of CDMS on diabetes outcomes to be determined.
Wider Action Plan and Multidisciplinar Approach Could Be a Wining Idea in Creation of Friendly Environment
Authors: Gojkovic-Bukvic Natasa , Bukvic Nenad
Published: February 2012

Herein, we proposed planning of wide transdisciplinary actions, which bring a solution for economic activity such as transportation, strongly related to pollution output with possible repercussions on climate change and public health. To solve logistics problem by introduction of common intermodal policy, and creation of more friendly transport solution, it is possible to obtain sustainable development, climate change prevention, government policy, and regulation which are all related to human health and creation of health-supportive environment. This approach permits environmental and biological monitoring same as economic results measurement by key performance indicators. This approach implementing emerging scientific knowledge in environmental health science such as genetic epidemiology aimed at understanding how genomic variation impacts phenotypic expression and how genes interact with the environment at the population level with subsequent translation into practical information for clinicians as well as for public health policy creation.
Weighted Hardy and Potential Operators in Morrey Spaces
Authors: Samko Natasha
Published: February 2012

We study the weightedp→q-boundedness of Hardy-type operators in Morrey spacesℒp,λ(ℝn) (orℒp,λ(ℝ+1) in the one-dimensional case) for a class of almost monotonic weights. The obtained results are applied to a similar weightedp→q-boundedness of the Riesz potential operator. The conditions on weights, both for the Hardy and potential operators, are necessary and sufficient in the case of power weights. In the case of more general weights, we provide separately necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of Matuszewska-Orlicz indices of weights.
Clinical Significance of Langerhans Cells in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx
Authors: Esteban Francisco , Ruiz-Cabello Francisco , Gonzalez-Moles Miguel Angel , Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Funez Rafael , Redondo Maximino
Published: February 2012

Langerhans cells (LCs) may be involved in the immunosurveillance against tumors as antigen-presenting cells. Our objective has been to determine the relevance of LC in progression of larynx squamous cell carcinomas and their relationship with different subpopulations of tumor-infiltrating cells. LCs were investigated by immunohistochemical methods using anti-CD1 antibody. LCs were detected in most of the primary tumors studied (44 out of 50) and also in metastases (6 out of 10) and recurrences (2 out of 3), but we did not find any statistical association between number of LCs and clinical-pathological parameters or survival. However, the number of LCs was increased in patients with evident infiltration of lymphocytes, mainly cytotoxic T cells. We can conclude that although LCs did not show clinical utility as prognostic marker, they may play a role in releasing an active immune response in larynx carcinomas, according to their ability to present antigens to sensitized T cells.
Changes in Cytokine Expression after Electroacupuncture in Neuropathic Rats
Authors: Cha Myeoung Hoon , Nam Taick Sang , Kwak Yongho , Lee Hyejung , Lee Bae Hwan
Published: February 2012

The production of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) plays a key role in chronic pain such as neuropathic pain. We investigated changes in cytokine expression in injured peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following electroacupuncture (EA) treatment. Neuropathic pain was induced by peripheral nerve injury to the left hind limb of Sprague-Dawley rats under pentobarbital anesthesia. Two weeks later, the nerve-injured rats were treated by EA for 10 minutes. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-αin peripheral nerves and DRG of neuropathic rats were significantly increased in nerve-injured rats. However, after EA, the cytokine expression levels were noticeably decreased in peripheral nerves and DRG. These results suggest that EA stimulation can reduce the levels of proinflamtory cytokines elevated after nerve injury.
Beneficial Effects of Long-Term Administration of an Oral Formulation of Angiotensin-(1–7) in Infarcted Rats
Authors: Marques Fúlvia D. , Melo Marcos B. , Souza Leandro E. , Irigoyen Maria Claúdia C. , Sinisterra Rúben D. , de Sousa Frederico B. , Savergnini Sílvia Q. , Braga Vinícius B. A. , Ferreira Anderson J. , Santos Robson A. S.
Published: February 2012

In this study was evaluated the chronic cardiac effects of a formulation developed by including angiotensin(Ang)-(1–7) in hydroxypropylβ-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), in infarcted rats. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left coronary artery occlusion. HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) was administered for 60 days (76 μg/Kg/once a day/gavage) starting immediately before infarction. Echocardiography was utilized to evaluate usual cardiac parameters, and radial strain method was used to analyze the velocity and displacement of myocardial fibers at initial time and 15, 30, and 50 days after surgery. Real-time PCR was utilized to evaluate the fibrotic signaling involved in the remodeling process. Once-a-day oral HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) administration improved the cardiac function and reduced the deleterious effects induced by MI on TGF-βand collagen type I expression, as well as on the velocity and displacement of myocardial fibers. These findings confirm cardioprotective effects of Ang-(1–7) and indicate HPβCD/Ang-(1–7) as a feasible formulation for long-term oral administration of this heptapeptide.
Effect of Magnolol on the Function of Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells
Authors: Kwak Eun Jung , Lee Young Soon , Choi Eun Mi
Published: February 2012

Objectives.In the present study, the ability of magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl compound isolated fromMagnolia officinalis, to stimulate osteoblast function and inhibit the release of bone-resorbing mediators was investigated in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.Methods.Osteoblast function was measured by cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization. Glutathione content was also measured in the cells. Bone-resorbing cytokines, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured with an enzyme immunoassay system.Results.Magnolol caused a significant elevation of cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, mineralization, and glutathione content in the cells (P<0.05). Skeletal turnover is orchestrated by a complex network of regulatory factors. Among cytokines, RANKL, TNF-α, and IL-6 were found to be key osteoclastogenetic molecules produced by osteoblasts. Magnolol significantly (P<0.05) decreased the production of osteoclast differentiation inducing factors such as RANKL, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the presence of antimycin A, which inhibits mitochondrial electron transport and has been used as an ROS generator.Conclusion.Magnolol might be a candidate as an agent for the prevention of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
General Bootstrap for Dual ϕ-Divergence Estimates
Authors: Bouzebda Salim , Cherfi Mohamed
Published: February 2012

A general notion of bootstrappedϕ-divergence estimates constructed by exchangeably weighting sample is introduced. Asymptotic properties of these generalized bootstrappedϕ-divergence estimates are obtained, by means of the empirical process theory, which are applied to construct the bootstrap confidence set with asymptotically correct coverage probability. Some of practical problems are discussed, including, in particular, the choice of escort parameter, and several examples of divergences are investigated. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators.
Effects of Cadmium on Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Erica andevalensis
Authors: Márquez-García Belén , Fernández-Recamales M. Ángeles , Córdoba Francisco
Published: February 2012

We evaluated the effects of cadmium on phenolic composition of Erica andevalensis, an endemic protected heather that grows in mine affected soils. Plants cultivated under laboratory-controlled conditions were exposed to acute doses of cadmium to investigate the mechanisms this species possesses to survive in the presence of toxic metals in its natural habitat. Cadmium increased the total levels of phenolics and flavonoids compounds, and the total antioxidant capacity. Cinnamic acid derivatives, epicatechin, and rutin were increased in the presence of cadmium when applied in levels that did not alter the ratio of chlorophylls. Phenolic compounds play an important role in the metabolism of E. andevalensis to survive in heavy metal polluted soils.