bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Chromogenic Culture Medium for Isolation of
Clostridium difficile
within 24 Hours
Authors: Perry John D. , Asir Kerry , Halimi Diane , Orenga Sylvain , Dale Joanne , Payne Michelle , Carlton Ruth , Evans Jim , Gould F. Kate
Published: August 2010

Rapid and effective methods for the isolation of
Clostridium difficile
from stool samples are desirable to obtain isolates for typing or to facilitate accurate diagnosis of
C. difficile
-associated diarrhea. We report on the evaluation of a prototype chromogenic medium (ID
C. difficile
prototype [IDCd]) for isolation of
C. difficile
. The chromogenic medium was compared using (i) 368 untreated stool samples that were also inoculated onto CLO medium, (ii) 339 stool samples that were subjected to alcohol shock and also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars, and (iii) standardized suspensions of 10
C. difficile
ribotypes (untreated and alcohol treated) that were also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars. Two hundred thirty-six isolates of
C. difficile
were recovered from 368 untreated stool samples, and all but 1 of these strains (99.6%) were recovered on IDCd within 24 h, whereas 74.6% of isolates were recovered on CLO medium after 48 h. Of 339 alcohol-treated stool samples cultured onto IDCd and five other selective agars,
C. difficile
was recovered from 218 samples using a combination of all media. The use of IDCd allowed recovery of 96.3% of isolates within 24 h, whereas 51 to 83% of isolates were recovered within 24 h using the five other media. Finally, when they were challenged with pure cultures, all 10 ribotypes of
C. difficile
generated higher colony counts on IDCd irrespective of alcohol pretreatment or duration of incubation. We conclude that IDCd is an effective medium for isolation of
C. difficile
from stool samples within 24 h.
NFX1 Plays a Role in Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Activation of NFκB Activity
Authors: Xu Mei , Katzenellenbogen Rachel A. , Grandori Carla , Galloway Denise A.
Published: August 2010

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) requires differentiating epithelial cells to continue to divide in order to replicate the viral DNA. To achieve this, HPV perturbs several regulatory pathways, including cellular apoptosis and senescence signals. HPV E6 has been identified as a regulator of the NFκB signaling pathway, a pathway important in many cellular processes, as well as regulation of virus-host cell interactions. We report here that NFX1-91, an endogenously expressed transcriptional regulator of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) that is targeted by HPV type 16 (HPV16) E6/E6-associated protein (E6AP) for degradation, is also critical for regulation of the NFκB pathway by HPV16 E6. Microarray analysis revealed induction of NFκB-responsive genes and reduction of NFκB inhibitors with knockdown of NFX1-91. Knockdown of NFX1-91 induced downregulation of p105, an NFκB inhibitor in both primary human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) and HCT116 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further confirmed that NFX1-91 bound to the p105 promoter and upregulated its expression. Similarly, in HPV16 E6-positive cells, reduction of p105 expression was observed, paralleling knockdown of NFX1-91 expression. Overall, our data suggest a mechanism for HPV16 E6 activation of the NFκB pathway through NFX1-91. Also, it provides evidence that NFX1-91 can function as a dual regulator, not only a transcriptional repressor, but also a transcriptional activator, when bound to DNA.
NS Reassortment of an H7-Type Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Affects Its Propagation by Altering the Regulation of Viral RNA Production and Antiviral Host Response
Authors: Wang Zhongfang , Robb Nicole C. , Lenz Eva , Wolff Thorsten , Fodor Ervin , Pleschka Stephan
Published: August 2010

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) with reassorted NS segments from H5- and H7-type avian virus strains placed in the genetic background of the A/FPV/Rostock/34 HPAIV (FPV; H7N1) were generated by reverse genetics. Virological characterizations demonstrated that the growth kinetics of the reassortant viruses differed from that of wild-type (wt) FPV and depended on whether cells were of mammalian or avian origin. Surprisingly, molecular analysis revealed that the different reassortant NS segments were not only responsible for alterations in the antiviral host response but also affected viral genome replication and transcription as well as nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RNP) export. RNP reconstitution experiments demonstrated that the effects on accumulation levels of viral RNA species were dependent on the specific NS segment as well as on the genetic background of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Beta interferon (IFN-β) expression and the induction of apoptosis were found to be inversely correlated with the magnitude of viral growth, while the NS allele, virus subtype, and nonstructural protein NS1 expression levels showed no correlation. Thus, these results demonstrate that the origin of the NS segment can have a dramatic effect on the replication efficiency and host range of HPAIV. Overall, our data suggest that the propagation of NS reassortant influenza viruses is affected at multiple steps of the viral life cycle as a result of the different effects of the NS1 protein on multiple viral and host functions.
Tracking the Evolution of MultipleIn VitroHepatitis C Virus Replicon Variants under Protease Inhibitor Selection Pressure by 454 Deep Sequencing
Authors: Verbinnen Thierry , Van Marck Herwig , Vandenbroucke Ina , Vijgen Leen , Claes Marijke , Lin Tse-I , Simmen Kenneth , Neyts Johan , Fanning Gregory , Lenz Oliver
Published: August 2010

Resistance to hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitors targeting viral enzymes has been observed inin vitroreplicon studies and during clinical trials. The factors determining the emergence of resistance and the changes in the viral quasispecies population under selective pressure are not fully understood. To assess the dynamics of variants emergingin vitrounder various selective pressures with TMC380765, a potent macrocyclic HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor, HCV genotype 1b replicon-containing cells were cultured in the presence of a low, high, or stepwise-increasing TMC380765 concentration(s). HCV replicon RNA from representative samples thus obtained was analyzed using (i) population, (ii) clonal, and (iii) 454 deep sequencing technologies. Depending on the concentration of TMC380765, distinct mutational patterns emerged. In particular, culturing with low concentrations resulted in the selection of low-level resistance mutations (F43S and A156G), whereas high concentrations resulted in the selection of high-level resistance mutations (A156V, D168V, and D168A). Clonal and 454 deep sequencing analysis of the replicon RNA allowed the identification of low-frequency preexisting mutations possibly contributing to the mutational pattern that emerged. Stepwise-increasing TMC380765 concentrations resulted in the emergence and disappearance of multiple replicon variants in response to the changing selection pressure. Moreover, two different codons for the wild-type amino acids were observed at certain NS3 positions within one population of replicons, which may contribute to the emerging mutational patterns. Deep sequencing technologies enabled the study of minority variants present in the HCV quasispecies population present at baseline and during antiviral drug pressure, giving new insights into the dynamics of resistance acquisition by HCV.
Palliation of compression fractures in cancer patients by vertebral augmentation: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Jha Ruchira M , Hirsch Ariel E , Yoo Albert J , Ozonoff Al , Growney Marion , Hirsch Joshua A
Published: August 2010

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of vertebral augmentation (VA) in cancer patients.

Materials and methods

From a retrospectively compiled database, 147 cancer cases (236 levels) were treated with VA. Mean age was 71±12 years and 56.5% were female. Variables evaluated include age, sex, procedure type, vertebral level treated, number of levels treated per procedure and technical approach. Outcomes were assessed by a previously described method retrospectively applied from medical records: a binary system of ‘responders’ versus ‘non-responders’ and further subcategorization with a four level pain scale. Two patient groups were analyzed: (1) 147 cancer patients with either osteoporotic or malignant vertebral compression fractures (all compression fractures (ACFs)) and (2) 102 cases with documented metastatic compression fractures (MCFs). Univariate and multivariate analyses determined outcomes.

Results

93% of MCFs and 88.5% of ACFs showed response to treatment (pain improvement or resolution): 30% of ACFs and 31% of MCFs experienced pain resolution. MCFs showed increasing age to be a predictor of response to treatment in univariate (OR=1.79, p=0.04) and multivariate (OR=2.05, p=0.03) analysis. In ACFs, bipedicular needle approach decreased the odds of pain resolution (OR=0.28, p=0.01). In MCFs, lung cancer (OR=0.06, p=0.03) and multiple myeloma (OR=0.10, p=0.01) decreased the odds of pain resolution.

Conclusions

VA provides pain relief for a majority of ACFs and MCFs. Increasing age may be predictive of pain relief outcomes in MCFs. There are special planning, imaging and technical considerations (eg, needle placement) in using VA to treat cancer patients.
Occupational health hazards in the interventional laboratory: progress report of the Multispecialty Occupational Health Group
Authors: Miller Donald L , Klein Lloyd W , Balter Stephen , Norbash Alexander , Haines David , Fairobent Lynne , Goldstein James A ,   members of the Multispecialty Occupational Health Group
Published: August 2010

The Multispecialty Occupational Health Group (MSOHG), formed in 2005, is an informal coalition of societies representing professionals who work in or are concerned with interventional fluoroscopy. The group's long term goals are to improve occupational health and operator and staff safety in the interventional laboratory while maintaining quality patient care and optimal use of the laboratory. MSOHG has conducted a dialog with equipment manufacturers and has developed a list of specific objectives for research and development. The group has also represented the member societies in educating regulators, in educating interventionalists and in fostering and collaborating on research into occupational health issues affecting interventionalists. Not least of the group's accomplishments, as a result of their collaboration in MSOHG, the group's members have developed a mutual respect that can serve as a basis for joint efforts in the future among interventionalists of different medical specialties.
VEHICLE ORIENTATION ANALYSIS USING EIGEN COLOR, EDGE MAP, AND NORMALIZED CUT CLUSTERING
Authors: WU JUI-CHEN , HSIEH JUN-WEI , CHEN SIN-YU , TU CHENG-MIN , CHEN YUNG-SHENG
Published: August 2010

This paper proposes a novel approach for estimating vehicles' orientations from still images using "eigen color" and edge map through a clustering framework. To extract the eigen color, a novel color transform model is used for roughly segmenting a vehicle from its background. The model is invariant to various situations like contrast changes, background, and lighting. It does not need to be re-estimated for any new vehicles. In this eigen color space, different vehicle regions can be easily identified. However, since the problem of object segmentation is still ill-posed, only with this model, the shape of a vehicle cannot be well extracted from its background and thus affects the accuracy of orientation estimation. In order to solve this problem, the distributions of vehicle edges and colors are then integrated together to form a powerful but high-dimensional feature space. Since the feature dimension is high, the normalized cut spectral clustering (Ncut) is then used for feature reduction and orientation clustering. The criterion in Ncut tries to minimize the ratio of the total dissimilarity between groups to the total similarity within the groups. Then, the vehicle orientation can be analyzed using the eigenvectors derived from the Ncut result. The proposed framework needs only one still image and is thus very different to traditional methods which need motion features to determine vehicle orientations. Experimental results reveal the superior performances in vehicle orientation analysis.
RECOGNITION OF HANDWRITTEN DEVANAGARI SCRIPT
Authors: MALIK LATESH , DESHPANDE P. S.
Published: August 2010

Segmentation of handwritten text into lines, words and characters is one of the important steps in the handwritten text recognition process. In this paper, we propose a float fill algorithm for segmentation of unconstrained Devanagari text into words. Here, a text image is directly segmented into individual words. Rectangular boundaries are drawn around the words and horizontal lines are detected with template matching. A mask is designed for detecting the horizontal line and is applied to each word from left to right and top to bottom of the document. Header lines are removed for character separation. A new segment code features are extracted for each character. In this paper, we present the results of multiple classifier combination for offline handwritten Devanagari characters. The use of regular expressions in handwritten characters is a novel concept and they are defined in a manner so that they can become more robust to noise.

We have achieved an accuracy of 94% for word level segmentation, 95% for coarse classification and 85% for fine classification of character recognition. On experimentation with a dataset of 5000 samples of characters, the overall recognition rate observed is 95% as we considered top five choice results. The proposed combined classifier can be applied to handwritten character recognition of any other language like English, Chinese, Arabic, etc. and can recognize the characters with same accuracy.18 For printed characters we have achieved accuracy of 100%, only by applying the regular expression classifier.17
LEARNING FROM SUCCESSES
Authors: JABBOUR SAÏD
Published: August 2010

In this paper a new learning scheme for SAT is proposed. The originality of our approach arises from its ability to achieve clause learning even if no conflict occurs. This kind of learning from successes clearly contrasts with all the traditional learning approaches which generally refer to conflict analysis. To make such learning possible, relevant clauses, taken from the satisfied part of the formula are conjointly used with the classical implication graph to derive new and more powerful reasons for the implication of a given literal. Based on this extension a first learning scheme called Learning for Dynamic Assignments Reordering (LDAR) is proposed. It exploits the new derived reasons to dynamically reorder partial assignments. Experimental results show that the integration of LDAR within a state-of-the-art SAT solver achieves interesting improvements particularly on satisfiable instances.
A KNOWLEDGE-BASED METHOD FOR GENERATING SUMMARIES OF SPATIAL MOVEMENT IN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Authors: MOLINA MARTIN , STENT AMANDA
Published: August 2010

In this article we describe a method for automatically generating text summaries of data corresponding to traces of spatial movement in geographical areas. The method can help humans to understand large data streams, such as the amounts of GPS data recorded by a variety of sensors in mobile phones, cars, etc. We describe the knowledge representations we designed for our method and the main components of our method for generating the summaries: a discourse planner, an abstraction module and a text generator. We also present evaluation results that show the ability of our method to generate certain types of geospatial and temporal descriptions.
PROBABILISTIC SMART TERRAIN
Authors: SULLINS JOHN R.
Published: August 2010

"Smart Terrain" is an efficient algorithm used in many games, in which objects that meet needs transmit signals to non-player characters with those needs, influencing the character to move towards those objects. We describe how probabilistic reasoning can be added to this algorithm, enabling an object to broadcast that it "may" meet a need with a given probability. These probabilities are used to estimate an expected distance to an object that meets a need, allowing non-player characters to make plausible decisions about which direction to move towards in an uncertain environment. We also show how the algorithm can factor in learned knowledge of whether an object actually does meet a need, as well as how to revert to the original probabilities for objects not recently explored. We also describe a hierarchical system for realistic exploration of a complex world.
ENERGY CONDITIONS CONSTRAINTS ON A CLASS OF f(R)-GRAVITY
Authors: SANTOS J. , REBOUÇAS M. J. , ALCANIZ J. S.
Published: August 2010

We present and discuss the bounds from the energy conditions on a general f(R) functional form in the framework of metric variational approach. As a concrete application of the energy conditions to locally homogeneous and isotropic f(R)-cosmology, the recent estimated values of the deceleration and jerk parameters are used to examine the bounds from the weak energy condition on the free parameter of the family of [Formula: see text] gravity theory.
INTRODUCING TYPE-2 FUZZY SETS FOR IMAGE TEXTURE MODELING
Authors: CHAMORRO-MARTÍNEZ JESÚS , MARTÍNEZ-JIMÉNEZ PEDRO , SÁNCHEZ DANIEL
Published: August 2010

In this paper, the texture property "coarseness" is modeled by means of type-2 fuzzy sets, relating representative coarseness measures (our reference set) with the human perception of this texture property. The type-2 approach allows to face both the imprecision in the interpretation of the measure value and the uncertainty about the coarseness degree associated with a measure value. In our study, a wide variety of measures is analyzed, and assessments about coarseness perception are collected from pools. This information is used to obtain type-2 fuzzy sets where the secondary fuzzy sets are modeled by means of triangular membership functions fitted to the collected data.
FUZZY-BASED ANALYSIS OF MICROSCOPIC COLOR CERVICAL PAP SMEAR IMAGES: NUCLEI DETECTION
Authors: SOBREVILLA PILAR , MONTSENY EDUARD , VASCHETTO FABIO , LERMA ENRIQUE
Published: August 2010

The Pap Smear test, or cervico-vaginal cytology, is globally the most used and suitable method for screening cervical cancer precursor lesions, with a significant impact in reducing the incidence and mortality rates. However, Pap test suffers from subjective variability and no specificity, being the most controversial point the persistence of false negatives; i.e., normal cytological report for a woman with existing dysplasia, pre-malignant, or malignant lesions of the cervix. This is due in large part to the vast number of cells that must be reviewed by a technician for determining the possible existence of a small number of malignant or pre-malignant cells.

Automated systems that include technician knowledge and interpretation could not only reduce sample examination time but also avoid misclassification of samples because of human errors.

Here we present part of our ongoing work toward automation of cervical screening process. Specifically, since in cytological studies nuclei are considered the most informative regions, and an accurate segmentation is needed for extracting meaningful cell features, we propose an automated nuclei detection algorithm that integrates color information, cytopathologists knowledge, and fuzzy systems. Results have shown that besides a high performance and efficiency, the speed of the algorithm is very high.
SPRAY PYROLYSIS OF MANGANESE DOPED ZINC SILICATE PHOSPHOR PARTICLES
Authors: NAM SANG-HUN , KIM MYOUNG-HWA , LEE JUN-YONG , LEE SANG DUCK , BOO JIN-HYO
Published: August 2010

Spherical-shape Zn 2 SiO 4: Mn phosphor particles with the mean particle size from submicron to micron sizes were prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. A droplet separator was introduced to control the size distribution of the phosphor particles with spherical shape. The Zn 2 SiO 4: Mn phosphor particles with 2 mol% doping concentration of manganese have decay time and have photoluminescence intensities comparable with those of the latest commercial product prepared by the solid state reaction method. The size of the phosphor particles was decreased from 1000 to 200 nm as the inorganic salt solution concentration was changed from 0 to 5 M. The phosphor particles prepared from the solutions above 0.5 M have photoluminescence intensities comparable with that of the latest commercial product.
Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels regulate firing properties and excitability in parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Lin Min , Hatcher Jeff T. , Chen Qin-Hui , Wurster Robert D. , Cheng Zixi (Jack)
Published: August 2010

Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK) regulate action potential (AP) firing properties and excitability in many central neurons. However, the functional roles of SK channels of parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons (PCMNs) in the nucleus ambiguus have not yet been well characterized. In this study, the tracer X-rhodamine-5 (and 6)-isothiocyanate (XRITC) was injected into the pericardial sac to retrogradely label PCMNs in FVB mice at postnatal days 7–9. Two days later, XRITC-labeled PCMNs in brain stem slices were identified. With the use of whole cell current clamp, single APs and spike trains of different frequencies were evoked by current injections. We found that 1) PCMNs have two different firing patterns: the majority of PCMNs (90%) exhibited spike frequency adaptation (SFA) and the rest (10%) showed less or no adaptation; 2) application of the specific SK channel blocker apamin significantly increased spike half-width in single APs and trains and reduced the spike frequency-dependent AP broadening in trains; 3) SK channel blockade suppressed afterhyperpolarization (AHP) amplitude following single APs and trains and abolished spike-frequency dependence of AHP in trains; and 4) SK channel blockade increased the spike frequency but did not alter the pattern of SFA. Using whole cell voltage clamp, we measured outward currents and afterhyperpolarization current ( IAHP). SK channel blockade revealed that SK-mediated outward currents had both transient and persistent components. After bath application of apamin and Ca2+-free solution, we found that apamin-sensitive and Ca2+-sensitive IAHP were comparable, confirming that SK channels may contribute to a major portion of Ca2+-activated K+ channel-mediated IAHP. These results suggest that PCMNs have SK channels that significantly regulate AP repolarization, AHP, and spike frequency but do not affect SFA. We conclude that activation of SK channels underlies one of the mechanisms for negative control of PCMN excitability.
Transmembrane helices 1 and 6 of the human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): identification of polar residues important for drug transport
Authors: Ni Zhanglin , Bikadi Zsolt , Cai Xiaokun , Rosenberg Mark F. , Mao Qingcheng
Published: August 2010

The human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) mediates efflux of drugs and xenobiotics. In this study, we investigated the role of polar residues within or near the predicted transmembrane α-helices 1 and 6 of BCRP in drug transport. We substituted Asn387, Gln398, Asn629, and Thr642 with Ala, Thr402 with Ala and Arg, and Tyr645 with Phe, and the mutants were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney-293 or Flp-In-293 cells. Immunoblotting and confocal microscopy analysis revealed that all of the mutants were well expressed and predominantly targeted to the plasma membrane. While T402A and T402R showed a significant global reduction in the efflux of mitoxantrone, Hoechst 33342, and BODIPY-prazosin, N629A exhibited significantly increased efflux activities for all of the substrates. N387A and Q398A displayed significantly impaired efflux for mitoxantrone and Hoechst 33342, but not for BODIPY-prazosin. In contrast, T642A and Y645F showed a moderate reduction in Hoechst 33342 efflux only. Drug resistance profiles of human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing the mutants generally correlated with the efflux data. Furthermore, N629A was associated with a marked increase, and N387A and T402A with a significant reduction, in BCRP ATPase activity. Mutations of some of the polar residues may cause conformational changes, as manifested by the altered binding of the 5D3 antibody to BCRP in the presence of prazosin. The inward-facing homology model of BCRP indicated that Thr402 within transmembrane 1 may be important for helical interactions, and Asn629 may be involved in BCRP-substrate interaction. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the functional importance of some of these polar residues in BCRP activity.
Rapid downregulation of the rat glutamine transporter SNAT3 by a caveolin-dependent trafficking mechanism in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Balkrishna Sarojini , Bröer Angelika , Kingsland Alice , Bröer Stefan
Published: August 2010

The glutamine transporter SNAT3 is involved in the uptake and release of glutamine in the brain, liver, and kidney. Substrate transport is accompanied by Na+ cotransport and H+ antiport. In this study, treatment of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing rat SNAT3 with the phorbol ester PMA resulted in a rapid downregulation of glutamine uptake in less than 20 min. PMA treatment of oocytes coexpressing SNAT3 and the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 reduced SNAT3 activity only, demonstrating the specificity of the regulatory mechanism. Single or combined mutations of seven putative phosphorylation sites in the SNAT3 sequence did not affect the regulation of SNAT3 by PMA. Expression of an EGFP-SNAT3 fusion protein in oocytes established that the downregulation was caused by the retrieval of the transporter from the plasma membrane. Coexpression of SNAT3 with dominant-negative mutants of dynamin or caveolin revealed that SNAT3 trafficking occurs in a dynamin-independent manner and is influenced by caveolin. Although system N activity was not affected by PMA in cultured astrocytes, a downregulation was observed in HepG2 cells.
NF-κB activity in muscle from obese and type 2 diabetic subjects under basal and exercise-stimulated conditions
Authors: Tantiwong Puntip , Shanmugasundaram Karthigayan , Monroy Adriana , Ghosh Sangeeta , Li Mengyao , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Cersosimo Eugenio , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee , Mohan Sumathy , Musi Nicolas
Published: August 2010

NF-κB is a transcription factor that controls the gene expression of several proinflammatory proteins. Cell culture and animal studies have implicated increased NF-κB activity in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and muscle atrophy. However, it is unclear whether insulin-resistant human subjects have abnormal NF-κB activity in muscle. The effect that exercise has on NF-κB activity/signaling also is not clear. We measured NF-κB DNA-binding activity and the mRNA level of putative NF-κB-regulated myokines interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in muscle samples from T2DM, obese, and lean subjects immediately before, during (40 min), and after (210 min) a bout of moderate-intensity cycle exercise. At baseline, NF-κB activity was elevated 2.1- and 2.7-fold in obese nondiabetic and T2DM subjects, respectively. NF-κB activity was increased significantly at 210 min following exercise in lean (1.9-fold) and obese (2.6-fold) subjects, but NF-κB activity did not change in T2DM. Exercise increased MCP-1 mRNA levels significantly in the three groups, whereas IL-6 gene expression increased significantly only in lean and obese subjects. MCP-1 and IL-6 gene expression peaked at the 40-min exercise time point. We conclude that insulin-resistant subjects have increased basal NF-κB activity in muscle. Acute exercise stimulates NF-κB in muscle from nondiabetic subjects. In T2DM subjects, exercise had no effect on NF-κB activity, which could be explained by the already elevated NF-κB activity at baseline. Exercise-induced MCP-1 and IL-6 gene expression precedes increases in NF-κB activity, suggesting that other factors promote gene expression of these cytokines during exercise.
Drinking and arterial blood pressure responses to ANG II in young and old rats
Authors: Thunhorst Robert L. , Beltz Terry G. , Johnson Alan Kim
Published: August 2010

We investigated water drinking and arterial blood pressure responses to intravenous infusions of ANG II in young (4 mo), middle-aged adult (12 mo), and old (29 mo) male Brown Norway rats. Infusions of ANG II began with arterial blood pressure either at control levels or at reduced levels following injection of the vasodilator minoxidil. Under control conditions, mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to ANG II rose to the same level for all groups, and middle-aged and old rats drank as much or more water in response to ANG II compared with young rats, depending on whether intakes were analyzed using absolute or body weight-adjusted values. When arterial blood pressure first was reduced with minoxidil, MAP in response to ANG II stabilized at significantly lower levels compared with control conditions for all groups. Young rats drank significantly more water under reduced pressure conditions compared with control conditions, while middle-aged and old rats did not. Urine volume in response to ANG II was lower, while water balance was higher, under conditions of reduced pressure compared with control conditions. Baroreflex control of heart rate was substantially reduced in old rats compared with young and middle-aged animals. In summary, young rats appear to be more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of increased arterial blood pressure on water drinking than are older animals.
Unnecessary Workup of Asymptomatic Neonates in the Era of Group B Streptococcus Prophylaxis
Authors: Buckler Brad , Bell Jason , Sams Ralph , Cagle William , Bell Sue Anne , Allen Carla , Sutherland Don , Bhatia Jatinder
Published: August 2010

Asymptomatic term neonates born to mothers who are Group B Streptococcus (GBS) unknown or GBS positive but “inadequately” treated prior to delivery do not require invasive laboratory evaluation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of mother/baby dyads born from January 1, 2005 until September 30, 2007 at the Medical College of Georgia. Their current protocol is to obtain a Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with D), Blood Culture (BC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) after birth. Mother/baby dyads () that met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Of these 242 babies 25 (10%) were started on antibiotics after the initial lab values were known. None of the blood cultures were positive and the CRP's were normal. The 2002 GBS guidelines call for laboratory evaluation of “at-risk” neonates, but the workup of these babies is not only costly, it does not provide any advantage over old fashioned clinical observation for the evaluation and treatment of early onset GBS sepsis.
Existence and Global Exponential Stability of Equilibrium Solution to Reaction‐Diffusion Recurrent Neural Networks on Time Scales
Authors: Zhao Kaihong , Li Yongkun
Published: August 2010

The existence of equilibrium solutions to reaction‐diffusion recurrent neural networks with Dirichlet boundary conditions on time scales is proved by the topological degree theory and M‐matrix method. Under some sufficient conditions, we obtain the uniqueness and global exponential stability of equilibrium solution to reaction‐diffusion recurrent neural networks with Dirichlet boundary conditions on time scales by constructing suitable Lyapunov functional and inequality skills. One example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Prospects for the Use of Artificial Chromosomes and Minichromosome-Like Episomes in Gene Therapy
Authors: Pérez-Luz Sara , Díaz-Nido Javier
Published: August 2010

Artificial chromosomes and minichromosome-like episomes are large DNA molecules capable of containing whole genomic loci, and be maintained as nonintegrating, replicating molecules in proliferating human somatic cells. Authentic human artificial chromosomes are very difficult to engineer because of the difficulties associated with centromere structure, so they are not widely used for gene-therapy applications. However, OriP/EBNA1-based episomes, which they lack true centromeres, can be maintained stably in dividing cells as they bind to mitotic chromosomes and segregate into daughter cells. These episomes are more easily engineered than true human artificial chromosomes and can carry entire genes along with all their regulatory sequences. Thus, these constructs may facilitate the long-term persistence and physiological regulation of the expression of therapeutic genes, which is crucial for some gene therapy applications. In particular, they are promising vectors for gene therapy in inherited diseases that are caused by recessive mutations, for example haemophilia A and Friedreich's ataxia. Interestingly, the episome carrying the frataxin gene (deficient in Friedreich's ataxia) has been demonstrated to rescue the susceptibility to oxidative stress which is typical of fibroblasts from Friedreich's ataxia patients. This provides evidence of their potential to treat genetic diseases linked to recessive mutations through gene therapy.
Applications of an Extended (G′/G)‐Expansion Method to Find Exact Solutions of Nonlinear PDEs in Mathematical Physics
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , Al-Joudi Shorog
Published: August 2010

We construct the traveling wave solutions of the (1+1)‐dimensional modified Benjamin‐Bona‐Mahony equation, the (2+1)‐dimensional typical breaking soliton equation, the (1+1)‐dimensional classical Boussinesq equations, and the (2+1)‐dimensional Broer‐Kaup‐Kuperschmidt equations by using an extended (G′/G)‐expansion method, where G satisfies the second‐order linear ordinary differential equation. By using this method, new exact solutions involving parameters, expressed by three types of functions which are hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational function solutions, are obtained. When the parameters are taken as special values, some solitary wave solutions are derived from the hyperbolic function solutions.
Numerical Simulation of Tower Rotor Interaction for Downwind Wind Turbine
Authors: Janajreh Isam , Talab Ilham , Macpherson Jill
Published: August 2010

Downwind wind turbines have lower upwind rotor misalignment, and thus lower turning moment and self‐steered advantage over the upwind configuration. In this paper, numerical simulation to the downwind turbine is conducted to investigate the interaction between the tower and the blade during the intrinsic passage of the rotor in the wake of the tower. The moving rotor has been accounted for via ALE formulation of the incompressible, unsteady, turbulent Navier‐Stokes equations. The localized CP, CL, and CD are computed and compared to undisturbed flow evaluated by Panel method. The time history of the CP, aerodynamic forces (CL and CD), as well as moments were evaluated for three cross‐sectional tower; asymmetrical airfoil (NACA0012) having four times the rotor′s chord length, and two circular cross‐sections having four and two chords lengths of the rotor′s chord. 5%, 17%, and 57% reductions of the aerodynamic lift forces during the blade passage in the wake of the symmetrical airfoil tower, small circular cross‐section tower and large circular cross‐section tower were observed, respectively. The pronounced reduction, however, is confined to a short time/distance of three rotor chords. A net forward impulsive force is also observed on the tower due to the high speed rotor motion.
Primordial Non‐Gaussianity and Bispectrum Measurements in the Cosmic Microwave Background and Large‐Scale Structure
Authors: Liguori Michele , Sefusatti Emiliano , Fergusson James R. , Shellard E. P. S.
Published: August 2010

The most direct probe of non‐Gaussian initial conditions has come from bispectrum measurements of temperature fluctuations in the Cosmic Microwave Background and of the matter and galaxy distribution at large scales. Such bispectrum estimators are expected to continue to provide the best constraints on the non‐Gaussian parameters in future observations. We review and compare the theoretical and observational problems, current results, and future prospects for the detection of a nonvanishing primordial component in the bispectrum of the Cosmic Microwave Background and large‐scale structure, and the relation to specific predictions from different inflationary models.
A TM-Pass/TE-Stop Polarizer Based on a Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Wakabayashi Yuu , Yamauchi Junji , Nakano Hisamatsu
Published: August 2010

A TM-pass/TE-stop polarizer consisting of a
metal film sandwiched between dielectric gratings is investigated
using the finite-difference time-domain method. At
normal incidence with respect to the grating plane, a transmissivity
of more than 94% and a reflectivity of more than
98% are obtained at  m for the TM and TE waves,
respectively. The extinction ratio is more than 17 dB over
a wavelength range of 1.50 m to 1.75 m. A high extinction
ratio is maintained at oblique incidence, although the
wavelength range shifts towards longer wavelengths. The
TM-pass/TE-stop operation is also achieved with a modified
structure, in which a dielectric grating is sandwiched
between metal films.
Subtle Deficits in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Subtypes of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Teng Edmond , Becker Brian W. , Woo Ellen , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Lu Po H.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Greater cognitive and functional deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are associated with higher rates of dementia. We explored the relationship between these factors by comparing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among cognitive subtypes of MCI and examining associations between IADL and neuropsychological indices. Methods: We analyzed data from 1,108 MCI and 3,036 normal control subjects included in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set who were assessed with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ). Results: IADL deficits were greater in amnestic than nonamnestic MCI, but within these subgroups, did not differ between those with single or multiple domains of cognitive impairment. FAQ indices correlated significantly with memory and processing speed/executive function. Conclusions: IADL deficits are present in both amnestic MCI and nonamnestic MCI but are not related to the number of impaired cognitive domains. These cross-sectional findings support previous longitudinal reports suggesting that cognitive and functional impairments in MCI may be independently associated with dementia risk.
Secondary Erythrocytosis Caused by Hemoglobin Tak/(δβ)⁰-Thalassemia Syndrome
Authors: Prakobkaew Nattaphol , Singsanan Sanita , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Surapot Satja , Fucharoen Supan
Published: August 2010

Secondary erythrocytosis may arise from several causes, but an association with oxygen transport is rare. We describe for the first time a form of secondary erythrocytosis caused by compound heterozygosity for hemoglobin (Hb) Tak and (δβ)⁰-thalassemia found in an adult Thai individual. The patient had marked erythrocytosis and microcytosis with increased Hb and hematocrit values. Hb analyses using the Hb Gold Analyzer showed Hb A2 (72.5%) and Hb F (30.0%) without Hb A while the capillary electrophoresis revealed 2.3% Hb A2 and a major peak of Hb F (91.2%). Further molecular investigation identified that he was in fact a compound heterozygote for Hb Tak and deletional (δβ)⁰-thalassemia. Hematological parameters of the patient were compared with those observed for a Thai boy who demonstrated features of erythrocytosis and microcytosis caused by homozygous Hb Tak with α+-thalassemia and with those of pure carriers of Hb Tak and (δβ)⁰-thalassemia in our series. This report confirms the importance of both Hb and molecular investigations for the assessment of genotype/phenotype correlation and the appropriate management of the patients.
Biotin Starvation with Adequate Glucose Provision Causes Paradoxical Changes in Fuel Metabolism Gene Expression Similar in Rat (Rattus norvegicus), Nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Authors: Ortega-Cuellar D. , Hernandez-Mendoza A. , Moreno-Arriola E. , Carvajal-Aguilera K. , Perez-Vazquez V. , Gonzalez-Alvarez R. , Velazquez-Arellano A.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aim: Biotin affects the genetic expression of several glucose metabolism enzymes, besides being a cofactor of carboxylases. To explore how extensively biotin affects the expression of carbon metabolism genes, we studied the effects of biotin starvation and replenishment in 3 distantly related eukaryotes: yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and rat Rattus norvegicus. Methods: Biotin starvation was produced in Wistar rats, in C. elegans N2 and S. cerevisiae W303A fed with abundant glucose. High-density oligonucleotide microarrays were used to find gene expression changes. Glucose consumption, lactate and ethanol were measured by conventional tests. Results: In spite of abundant glucose provision, the expression of fatty oxidation and gluconeogenic genes was augmented, and the transcripts for glucose utilization and lipogenesis were diminished in biotin starvation. These results were associated with diminished glucose consumption and glycolysis products (lactate and ethanol in yeast), which was consistent across 3 very different eukaryotes. Conclusion: The results point toward a strongly selected role of biotin in the control of carbon metabolism, and in adaptations to variable availability of carbon, conceivably mediated by signal transduction including soluble guanylate cyclase, cGMP and a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and/or biotin-dependent processes.
Plasma Homocysteine and Cognition in Elderly Patients with Dementia or Other Psychogeriatric Diseases
Authors: Nilsson Karin , Gustafson Lars , Hultberg Björn
Published: August 2010

Background: Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) concentration is elevated in elderly patients with mental illness, and patients with vascular disease have higher plasma tHcy concentrations than patients without vascular disease. Increasing evidence indicates that vascular risk factors play a role in the development of cognitive impairment. Method: We have investigated the relation between plasma tHcy, its determinants and cognition, measured as MMSE, in 448 consecutively enrolled patients with dementia or other psychogeriatric diseases. Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that plasma tHcy was related to cognitive function in all patients as well as in demented and non-demented patients. The apparent close relationship between plasma tHcy and cognition was mainly dependent on its determinant age, whereas the other determinants of plasma tHcy exhibited a limited influence on the relation between plasma tHcy and cognition. Plasma tHcy has its own, albeit modest, relationship to cognitive function (predictive value about 5%). Conclusion: Plasma tHcy itself seems to play a minor role in cognitive impairment in patients with dementia or other psychogeriatric diseases. When investigating the relation between plasma tHcy and cognition, it is important to consider the distribution of the main determinants of plasma tHcy and to correct plasma tHcy for these variables.
Sudden Death in Hemodialysis: An Update
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Afsar Baris , Goldsmith David , Covic Adrian
Published: August 2010

Cardiovascular disease including sudden death, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, malignant arrhythmias and other cardiac causes is the major cause of death accounting for 43% of all-cause mortality among hemodialysis patients. In addition to increased traditional risk factors, hemodialysis patients also have a number of nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, which may play a prominent role in the development of sudden death such as left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, rapid electrolyte shifts, QT dispersion, sympathetic overactivity, calcium-phosphate deposition. The purpose of the present review was to critically review the current literature to summarize the following aspects: (1) the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for sudden death in hemodialysis patients, and (2) the prevention and management of sudden death in hemodialysis patients.
A Multicenter Phase II Trial with Irinotecan plus Oxaliplatin as First-Line Treatment for Inoperable/Metastatic Cancer of the Biliary Tract
Authors: Karachaliou Niki , Polyzos Aris , Kentepozidis Nikolaos , Kakolyris Stylianos , Ziras Nikolaos , Vardakis Nikolaos , Kalykaki Antonia , Milaki Georgia , Georgoulias Vassilis , Androulakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11) as first-line treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed nonresectable biliary adenocarcinoma were treated with oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2) and irinotecan (200 mg/m2) every 3 weeks.Results: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled between May 2005 and March 2009. The overall objective response rate was 17.9% with an additional 21.4% of patients with stable disease (disease control rate 39.3%). The median overall survival time was 9.2 months (95% CI 5.8–12.5) and the median progression-free survival time 2.7 months (95% CI 2.2–3.2). Grades 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in 1 (3.6%) and 4 (14.3%) patients, respectively, and febrile neutropenia in 3 (10.7%). Grade 3–4 diarrhea was observed in 2 (7.1%) patients and grade 3 asthenia in 1 (6%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion: The combination of oxaliplatin and irinotecan has a modest antitumor activity with manageable toxicity as first-line treatment in metastatic cancer of the biliary tract and therefore it cannot be recommended as front-line treatment for unresectable biliary tract cancer.
Novel Nonmajor Histocompatibility Complex–Linked Loci From Mouse Chromosome 17 Confer Susceptibility to Viral-Mediated Chronic Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: Poffenberger Maya C. , Shanina Iryna , Aw Connie , El Wharry Nahida , Straka Nadine , Fang Dianne , Baskin-Hill Annie E. , Spiezio Sabrina H. , Nadeau Joseph H. , Horwitz Marc S.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Development of viral-induced chronic myocarditis is thought to involve both environmental and genetic factors. However, to date, no susceptibility genes have been identified.

Methods and Results—

We sought to identify loci that confer susceptibility to viral-induced chronic myocarditis with the use of chromosome substitution strain mice that are composed of 1 chromosome from the disease susceptible A/J strain on an otherwise resistant C57BL/6 background. By this method, we identified chromosome 17 to confer susceptibility. To further isolate the region of susceptibility, 8 strains of mice congenic for different portions of chromosome 17 were generated. Characterization of these strains identified at least 4 susceptibility loci on the chromosome. Three of these loci are located in the proximal 22.8 cM, whereas the fourth locus is located in the portion of the chromosome distal to 34.3 cM.

Conclusions—

We have identified 4 loci that confer susceptibility of viral-induced chronic myocarditis. Of these loci, 3 were distinct from the major histocompatibility complex locus and thus represent novel susceptibility loci. The close proximately of the 2 novel loci with susceptibility loci for other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and chronic experimental autoimmune thyroiditis suggests the presence of global autoimmune susceptibility genes.