bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CELL‐ASSOCIATED IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN HUMAN NON‐HODGKIN LYMPHOMAS
Authors: LANDAAS(†) TONE ØSTBERG , GODAL TORE , MARTON PER F. , KVALØY STEIN , LANGHOLM RUTH , LINDMO TORE , JØRGENSEN OLE G. , HØST HERMAN
Published: August 2010

Eighty‐three non‐Hodgkin lymphomas classified according to the Kiel classification have been studied with regard to surface immunoglobulin (slg) on cells in suspension and cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (clg) by the peroxidase anti‐peroxidase method (PAP) on formaline‐fixed tissue sections. Fifty‐six out of 66 examined (i.e. 85%) revealed a monoclonal staining pattern for slg, whereas 37/70 (53%) gave a monoclonal staining pattern for clg by PAP. The methods combined gave a monoclonal staining pattern in 73/83, i.e. in 88%, of the biopsies tested. The discrepancies between the two methods were largest in centroblastic/centrocytic and lymphocytic lymphomas. With regard to the light chain staining patterns, complete agreement between the two methods was obtained in the 20 cases that allowed such analysis to be made. This suggests that the specificity of PAP, as carried out in this study with reagents purified by immunoabsorbent techniques, is satisfactory. On a basis of heavy chain isotypes centroblastic/centrocytic, lymphoplasmacytoid, and immunoblastic lymphomas could be divided into distinct immunological subgroups. In four biopsies the slg heavy chains were μ+δ, whereas μ+γ chains were detected by PAP. This finding may be relevant to the μγ switch known to occur during normal B‐cell differentiation. Immunoglobulin inclusions were found in 8 cases ‐ 3 belonging to the immunoblastic group, and 5 to the lymphoplasmacytoid group.
DISTRIBUTION OF INTRAPULMONARY MEGAKARYOCYTES
Authors: BENDIX‐HANSEN KNUD , AABO KRISTIAN
Published: August 2010

The distribution of intrapulmonary megakaryocytes is equal in healthy persons, but altered in diseased persons, the highest counts being found in superior lobes (p = 0.0027). This may be explained by the altered blood supply to the lungs of diseased persons lying in bed. We recommend that lung sections should be taken from central areas of the superior lobes in order to standardize the sections and to compaire results of future investigations on intrapulmonary megakaryocytes.
RENAL PATHOLOGY OF FETUSES WITH CONGENITAL NEPHROTIC SYNDROME OF THE FINNISH TYPE
Authors: AUTIO‐HARMAINEN HELENA
Published: August 2010

A qualitative and quantitative transmission electron microscopic study was performed on kidneys of fetuses with congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) and controls obtained from elective pregnancy terminations. The gestational age of the fetuses ranged from 16–22 weeks. A consistent qualitative change of CNF glomeruli was the nearly total loss of epithelial cell foot processes, with smudging of epithelial cytoplasm as broad masses on the glomerular basement membrane. Adjacent to the basement membrane there were increased amounts of fibrillar material in the epithelial cytoplasm. The number of pinocytic droplets was increased both in epithelial and endothelial cytoplasm and some of the capillary loops showed swelling of endothelial cells with poor fenestrations in cases of CNF. Mesangial hyperplasia was focally evident in the most mature CNF glomeruli with an increase of the mesangial matrix. A striking qualitative feature in CNF, only rarely seen in controls, was the occurrence of electron lucent vacuoles and heteromorphic residual bodies in the mesangial cell cytoplasm. The total thickness of the glomerular basement membrane was comparable in CNF and controls but the width of the lamina densa was significantly smaller in CNF than controls. Lamina rara interna of the basement membrane showed irregular widening with accumulation of coarse granular material. Reabsorption droplets of proximal tubular cytoplasm were significantly increased in CNF. With the dilatation of the tubule the droplets almost totally disappeared. Based on the results of the study it is suggested that the basic pathogenetic defect in CNF lies in faulty development of the lamina densa of the glomerular basement membrane and, secondary to this, various glomerular and tubular changes occur. In addition to evidence of extensive foot process fusion, mesangial cell cytoplasmic vacuoles represent a diagnostically important qualitative change in the glomeruli of fetal CNF.
THE ELUSIVE PURSUIT OF SOLOMON: FALTERING STEPS TOWARD THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Authors: Moloney Lawrence
Published: August 2010

This article provides a brief critique of presumptions about parenting and children seen through the lens of family law. It argues that, historically, decisions largely followed gender‐based and/or moral presumptions of the day and that sometimes these were in tension with each other. Sometimes, too, as in the biblical story of Solomon's judgment, biological parenthood was contested and/or gender did not provide a ready answer. The article argues that, as children's rights and the best interests of the child increasingly came to dominate the decision‐making rhetoric, a Solomon‐like belief has nonetheless persisted, that judicial ingenuity and sophisticated investigative resources can determine the underlying truth of a dispute and lead to the correct outcome. The evidence, however, points in the direction of significant predictive limitations to the legal, social, and psychological knowledge bases supporting most postseparation parenting decisions. It is argued that what is needed is a formal shift in emphasis from a somewhat idealized commitment to discovering the truth in most contested cases to a focus on good decision‐makingprocesses. It is suggested that most transitional families are best served by an emphasis on good, respectful processes associated with good‐enough decisions that formally acknowledge the limitations of our capacity to predict. Good processes and good‐enough decisions are in turn best supported by a clear emphasis on children as individual agents, who, though dependent on adults, are entitled to the full panoply of human rights.
FINDING THE BALANCE: ETHICAL CHALLENGES AND BEST PRACTICES FOR LAWYERS REPRESENTING PARENTS WHEN THE INTERESTS OF CHILDREN ARE AT STAKE
Authors: Howe William J. , McIsaac Hugh
Published: August 2010

This article explores ethical and practical issues facing attorneys in representing parents in a contested custody matter. The article traces the history of the way this matter has been handled historically and presents the latest thinking reflected by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in their most recent publication of ethical guidelines for attorneys. The article also presents perspectives from several jurisdictions including Australia and Oregon.
Experimental Physiology –Research Paper: Sex differences in the effects of physical training on sweat gland responses during a graded exercise
Authors: Ichinose‐Kuwahara Tomoko , Inoue Yoshimitsu , Iseki Yoshiko , Hara Sachi , Ogura Yukio , Kondo Narihiko
Published: August 2010

We assessed sex differences in the sweat gland response to changes in exercise intensity with respect to subjects’ physical training status. In total, 37 subjects participated (10 trained and 10 untrained females, and 8 trained and 9 untrained males). Each subject cycled continuously at 35, 50 and 65% of their maximal O2 uptake (
) for 60 min at an ambient temperature of 30°C and a relative humidity of 45%. The mean local sweating rate (SR) on the forehead, chest, back, forearm and thigh was significantly greater in the trained subjects than in the untrained subjects of both sexes. The degree of the increase in SR with physical training was greater in males than in females at higher levels of exercise intensity. This increase in SR depended primarily on an increase in the sweat output per gland (SGO) in both sexes. However, control of the SR increase with increasing exercise intensity was altered by training in females, i.e. the increase in SR from exercise at 50 to 65%
depended only on an increase in SGO in trained females and males and untrained males, but it depended on increases in activated sweat glands and the SGO in untrained females. It was concluded that training improved the sweating response, and a sex difference was observed in the degree of improvement in the sweating response due to physical training. This sex difference became more pronounced with increasing exercise intensity. A sex difference was observed in the control of sweating rate to an increase in exercise intensity, i.e. the maximal activated sweat gland responses of untrained females required a higher body temperature or work intensity than the other groups.
Nonlinear Wave Forces on a Pair of Vertical Cylinders
Authors: Masuda K. , Nagai T.
Published: August 2010

The present paper is concerned with development of a powerful scheme for calculating nonlinear wave forces on a pair of vertical cylinders with arbitrary cross sections. The Laguerre integration method is applied and its convergence is confirmed in the cases of a single vertical cylinder and a twin circular cylinder. Further, the present method is compared with the method given by Eatock-Taylor and Hung [9], and then the computational times and those properties for a numerical calculation are investigated. The numerical results for maximum wave forces on the vertical cylinders obtained by the present method are compared with the experimental results, so that the usefulness is clarified.
Crane Ship Response to Wave Groups
Authors: Schellin T. E. , Jiang T. , Sharma S. D.
Published: August 2010

The motion response of a shear-leg crane ship lifting a heavy load in wave groups was investigated. The 9-DOF dynamic model incorporated hull motions coupled with nonlinear large-angle load swing and elastic stretch of the hoisting rope assembly. Hydrodynamic response forces and wave excitation forces were taken to be frequency dependent, and nonlinear mooring system restoring forces were allowed for. Closed-form linearized results about the system equilibrium state verified our nonlinear simulation algorithm; simulation results in comparison with scale model test measurements, our mathematical model. Wave groups were idealized in two different ways: 1) as continuous wave groups produced by pairs of beating waves of equal amplitude and slightly different periods, and 2) as isolated wave packets generated by superimposing a large number of regular wave components derived from a Gauss-modulated amplitude spectrum. Simulations show that hook load response, strongly coupled with ship motions, was mainly influenced by first-order wave-exciting forces. Low-frequency horizontal ship motions caused by second-order wave (drift) forces did not generally affect hook load response, i.e., first-order and second-order responses were independent.
The synthesis of robust broadband beamformers for equally-spaced linear arrays
Authors: Crocco Marco , Trucco Andrea
Published: August 2010

Broadband beamforming applied to superdirective arrays is known to be highly sensitive to transducers characteristics errors. Recently, an effective method to synthesize a robust, broadband, data-independent, filter-and-sum beamformer, which considers the probability distributions of errors, has been proposed. It considers an array with arbitrary lay-out and provides a spatial directivity pattern close to the desired one. Unfortunately, the evaluation of the cost function requires a computational load and an amount of memory that increases very quickly with the transducers and the filter coefficients. As the synthesis process requires an iterative minimization, it may become unacceptably long. In this paper, an alternative procedure for evaluating the same cost function is presented, drastically reducing such problems and without introducing any approximation. The only additional constraint is on the antenna which must be an equally-spaced linear array. This procedure makes it much easier to apply the above-mentioned synthesis method to a wide panorama of practical situations.
Simulations of cochlear-implant speech perception in modulated and unmodulated noise
Authors: Ihlefeld Antje , Deeks John M. , Axon Patrick R. , Carlyon Robert P.
Published: August 2010

Experiment 1 replicated the finding that normal-hearing listeners identify speech better in modulated than in unmodulated noise. This modulated-unmodulated difference (“MUD”) has been previously shown to be reduced or absent for cochlear-implant listeners and for normal-hearing listeners presented with noise-vocoded speech. Experiments 2–3 presented normal-hearing listeners with noise-vocoded speech in unmodulated or 16-Hz-square-wave modulated noise, and investigated whether the introduction of simple binaural differences between target and masker could restore the masking release. Stimuli were presented over headphones. When the target and masker were presented to one ear, adding a copy of the masker to the other ear (“diotic configuration”) aided performance but did so to a similar degree for modulated and unmodulated maskers, thereby failing to improve the modulation masking release. Presenting an uncorrelated noise to the opposite ear (“dichotic configuration”) had no effect, either for modulated or unmodulated maskers, consistent with the improved performance in the diotic configuration being due to interaural decorrelation processing. For noise-vocoded speech, the provision of simple spatial differences did not allow listeners to take greater advantage of the dips present in a modulated masker.
An electromechanical low frequency panel sound absorber
Authors: Chang Daoqing , Liu Bilong , Li Xiaodong
Published: August 2010

The sound absorbing properties of a thin micro-perforated plate (MPP) coated with piezoelectric material with shunt damping technology is investigated. First a theoretical model is presented to predict the sound absorption coefficients of a thin plate attached with a piezoelectric patch and electrical circuits. Then the model is extended to analyze the sound absorption for a thin plate with micro perforations and piezoelectric material. Measurements are also carried out in an impedance tube and found to be in good agreements with the theoretical model. The sound absorption of the constructions can be much improved by tuning the electrical circuits.
Limiting Lesions
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2010

Depletion of mature B cells is protective against atherosclerosis in mouse models.
Overexpression of Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division Pump AdeFGH Confers Multidrug Resistance in
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Coyne Sébastien , Rosenfeld Nicolas , Lambert Thierry , Courvalin Patrice , Périchon Bruno
Published: August 2010

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a major nosocomial pathogen which frequently develops multidrug resistance by acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes and overexpression of intrinsic efflux systems, such as the RND efflux pumps AdeABC and AdeIJK. A third RND system was characterized by studying spontaneous mutants BM4663 and BM4664, which were selected in the presence of chloramphenicol and norfloxacin, respectively, from the AdeABC- and AdeIJK-defective derivative
A. baumannii
BM4652. They exhibited enhanced resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracycline-tigecycline, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and dyes such as ethidium bromide, safranin O, and acridine orange. Comparison of transcriptomes of mutants with that of their parental strain, using a microarray technology, demonstrated the overexpression of three genes that encoded an RND efflux system, named AdeFGH. Inactivation of AdeFGH in BM4664 restored an antibiotic susceptibility profile identical to that of BM4652, indicating that AdeFGH was cryptic in BM4652 and responsible for multidrug resistance in its mutants. RNA analysis demonstrated that the three genes were cotranscribed. The
adeFGH
operon was found in 36 out of 40
A. baumannii
clinical isolates, but none of the 22 isolates tested overexpressed the pump genes. Spontaneous MDR mutant BM4684, overexpressing
adeFGH
, was obtained from clinical isolate BM4587, indicating that
adeFGH
can be overexpressed in a strain harboring
adeABC-adeIJK
. An open reading frame, coding a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, named
adeL
, was located upstream from the
adeFGH
operon and transcribed in the opposite direction. Mutations in
adeL
were found in the three
adeFGH
-overexpressing mutants, suggesting that they were responsible for overexpression of AdeFGH.
The Staphylococcus-Specific Gene
rsr
Represses
agr
and Virulence in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tamber Sandeep , Reyes Dindo , Donegan Niles P. , Schwartzman Joseph D. , Cheung Ambrose L. , Memmi Guido
Published: August 2010

The expression of virulence factors in
Staphylococcus aureus
is tightly coordinated by a vast network of regulatory molecules. In this report, we characterize a genetic locus unique to staphylococci called
rsr
that has a role in repressing two key virulence regulators,
sarR
and
agr
. Using strain SH1000, we showed that the transcription of virulence effectors, such as
hla
,
sspA
, and
spa
, is altered in an
rsr
mutant in a way consistent with
agr
upregulation. Analysis of RNAIII expression of the
agr
locus in
rsr
and
rsr-sarR
mutants indicated that
rsr
likely contributes to
agr
expression independently of SarR. We also provide evidence using a murine model of
S. aureu
s skin infection that the effects mediated by
rsr
reduce disease progression.
ThefslEHomolog,FTL_0439(fupA/B), Mediates Siderophore-Dependent Iron Uptake inFrancisella tularensisLVS
Authors: Sen Bhaswati , Meeker Alexis , Ramakrishnan Girija
Published: August 2010

The Gram-negative pathogenFrancisella tularensissecretes a siderophore to obtain essential iron by a TonB-independent mechanism. ThefslABCDElocus, encoding siderophore-related functions, is conserved among differentFrancisellastrains. In the virulent strain Schu S4,fslEis essential for siderophore utilization and for growth under conditions of iron limitation. In contrast, we found that deletion offslEdid not affect siderophore utilization by the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS). We found that one of thefslEparalogs encoded in the LVS genome,FTL_0439(fupA/B), was able to partially complement a Schu S4 ΔfslEmutant for siderophore utilization. We generated a deletion offupA/Bin LVS and in the LVS ΔfslEbackground. The ΔfupA/Bmutant showed reduced growth under conditions of iron limitation. It was able to secrete but was unable to utilize siderophore. Mutation of bothfupA/BandfslEresulted in a growth defect of greater severity. The ΔfupA/Bmutants showed a replication defect in J774.1A cells and decreased virulence following intraperitoneal infection in mice. Complementation of the ΔfupA/Bmutation incisrestored the ability to utilize siderophore and concomitantly restored virulence. Our results indicate thatfupA/Bplays a significant role in the siderophore-mediated iron uptake mechanism of LVS whereasfslEappears to play a secondary role. Variation in iron acquisition mechanisms may contribute to virulence differences between the strains.
Survival Defects of
Cryptococcus neoformans
Mutants Exposed to Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Result in Attenuated Virulence in an Experimental Model of Meningitis
Authors: Lee Anthony , Toffaletti Dena L. , Tenor Jennifer , Soderblom Erik J. , Thompson J. Will , Moseley M. Arthur , Price Michael , Perfect John R.
Published: August 2010

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a fungal pathogen that encounters various microenvironments during growth in the mammalian host, including intracellular vacuoles, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Because the CSF is isolated by the blood-brain barrier, we hypothesize that CSF presents unique stresses that
C. neoformans
must overcome to establish an infection. We assayed 1,201 mutants for survival defects in growth media, saline, and human CSF. We assessed CSF-specific mutants for (i) mutant survival in both human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and fetal bovine serum (FBS), (ii) survival in macrophages, and (iii) virulence using both
Caenorhabditis
elegans
and rabbit models of cryptococcosis. Thirteen mutants exhibited significant survival defects unique to CSF. The mutations of three of these mutants were recreated in the clinical serotype A strain H99: deletions of the genes for a cation ATPase transporter (
ena1
Δ), a putative NEDD8 ubiquitin-like protein (
rub1
Δ), and a phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (
pik1
Δ). Mutant survival rates in yeast media, saline, and BAL fluid were similar to those of the wild type; however, survival in FBS was reduced but not to the levels in CSF. These mutant strains also exhibited decreased intracellular survival in macrophages, various degrees of virulence in nematodes, and severe attenuation of survival in a rabbit meningitis model. We analyzed the CSF by mass spectrometry for candidate compounds responsible for the survival defect. Our findings indicate that the genes required for
C. neoformans
survival in CSF
ex vivo
are necessary for survival and infection in this unique host environment.
ON THE RELATION BETWEEN PERIODICITY AND UNBORDERED FACTORS OF FINITE WORDS
Authors: HOLUB ŠTĚPÁN , NOWOTKA DIRK
Published: August 2010

Finite words and their overlap properties are considered in this paper. Let w be a finite word of length n with period p and where the maximal length of its unbordered factors equals k. A word is called unbordered if it possesses no nonempty proper prefix which is also a suffix of that word. Suppose k < p in w. It is known that n ≤ 2k - 2 if w has an unbordered prefix u of length k. We show that if n = 2k - 2, then u ends in abi, with two different letters a and b and i ≥ 1, and bi occurs exactly once in w. This answers a conjecture by Harju and the second author of this paper about a structural property of maximal Duval extensions. Moreover, we show here that i < k/3, which in turn leads us to the solution of a special case of a problem raised by Ehrenfeucht and Silberger in 1979.
IMPROVED RADIOSENSITIVE MICROCAPSULES USING H2O2
Authors: HARADA SATOSHI , EHARA SHIGERU , ISHII K. , YAMAZAKI H. , MATSUYAMA S. , KAMIYA T. , SAKAI T. , ARAKAWA K. , SATOH T. , OIKAWA M.
Published: August 2010

The radiation-induced releasing of the liquid-core of the microcapsules was improved using H 2 O 2, which produced O 2 generation of H 2 O 2 after irradiation. Further, we tested whether these microcapsules enhanced the antitumor effects and decreased the adverse effects in vivo in C3He / J mice. The capsules were produced by spraying a mixture of 3.0% hyaluronic acid, 2.0% alginate, 3.0% H 2 O 2, and 0.3 mmol of carboplatin on a mixture of 0.3 mol FeCl 2 and 0.15 mol CaCl 2. The microcapsules were subcutaneously injected into MM46 tumors that had been inoculated in the left hind legs of C3He / J mice. The radiotherapy comprised tumor irradiation with 10 Gy or 20 Gy 60 Co . The antitumor effect of the microcapsules was tested by measuring tumor size and monitoring tumor growth. Three types of adverse effects were considered: fuzzy hair, loss of body weight, and death. The size of the capsule size was 23 ± 2.4 µ m ɸ and that of the liquid core, 20.2 ± 2.2 µ m ɸ. The injected microcapsules localized drugs around the tumor. The production of O 2 by radiation increased the release of carboplatin from the microcapsules. The antitumor effects of radiation, carboplatin, and released oxygen were synergistic. Localization of the carboplatin decreased its adverse effects. However, the H 2 O 2 caused ulceration of the skin in the treated area. The use of our microcapsules enhanced the antitumor effects and decreased the adverse effects of carboplatin. However, the skin-ulceration caused by H 2 O 2 must be considered before these microcapsules can be used clinically.
MASS HIERARCHY DETERMINATION FOR θ13=0 AND ATMOSPHERIC NEUTRINOS
Authors: GANDHI RAJ , GHOSHAL POMITA , GOSWAMI SRUBABATI , SANKAR S. UMA
Published: August 2010

We examine the possibility of determining the neutrino mass hierarchy in the limit θ13=0 using atmospheric neutrinos as the source. In this limit, in which θ13 driven matter effects are absent, independent measurements of Δ31 and Δ32 can, in principle, lead to hierarchy determination. Since the difference between these two is Δ21, one needs an experimental arrangement where Δ21 L/E ≳1 can be achieved. This condition can be satisfied by atmospheric neutrinos since they have a large range of energies and baselines. In spite of this, we find that hierarchy determination in the θ13=0 limit with atmospheric neutrinos is not a realistic possibility, even in conjunction with an apparently synergistic beam experiment like T2K or NOνA. We discuss the reasons for this, and also in the process clarify the conditions that must be satisfied in general for hierarchy determination if θ13=0.
The Role of Endocannabinoid Signaling in Motor Control
Authors: El Manira A. , Kyriakatos A.
Published: August 2010

Cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid signaling are distributed throughout the rostrocaudal neuraxis. Retrograde signaling via endocannabinoid mediates synaptic plasticity in many regions in the central nervous system. Here, we review the role of endocannabinoid signaling in different parts of the vertebrate motor system from networks responsible for the execution of movement to planning centers in the basal ganglia and cortex. The ubiquity of endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity suggests that it plays an important role in producing motion from defined circuitries and also for reconfiguring networks to learn new motor skills. The long-term plasticity induced by endocannabinoids may provide a long-term buffer that stabilizes the organization of motor circuits and their activity.
Pathways for Cytokine Secretion
Authors: Stanley Amanda C. , Lacy Paige
Published: August 2010

Cytokine secretion is a widely studied process, although little is known regarding the specific mechanisms that regulate cytokine release. Recent findings have shed light on some of the precise molecular pathways that regulate the packaging of newly synthesized cytokines from immune cells. These findings begin to elucidate pathways and mechanisms that underpin cytokine release in all cells. In this article, we review the highlights of some of these novel discoveries.
Laparoscopic Repair of Postoperative Perineal Hernia
Authors: Ryan Stephen , Kavanagh Dara O. , Neary Paul C.
Published: August 2010

Perineal hernias are infrequent complications following abdominoperineal operations. Various approaches have been described for repair of perineal hernias including open transabdominal, transperineal or combined abdominoperineal repairs. The use of laparoscopic transabdominal repair of perineal hernias is not well-described. We present a case report demonstrating the benefits of laparoscopic repair of perineal hernia following previous laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) using a nonabsorbable mesh to repair the defect. We have demonstrated that the use of laparoscopy with repair of the pelvic floor defect using a non absorbable synthetic mesh offers an excellent alternative with many potential advantages over open transabdominal and transperineal repairs.
The Vascular Microenvironment and Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Frech Tracy , Hatton Nathan , Markewitz Boaz , Scholand Mary Beth , Cawthon Richard , Patel Amit , Sawitzke Allen
Published: August 2010

The role of the vascular microenvironment in the pathogenesis Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is appreciated clinically as Raynaud's syndrome with capillary nail bed change. This manifestation of vasculopathy is used diagnostically in both limited and diffuse cutaneous subsets of SSc, and is thought to precede fibrosis. The degree of subsequent fibrosis may also be determined by the vascular microenvironment. This paper describes why the vascular microenvironment might determine the degree of end-organ damage that occurs in SSc, with a focus on vascular cell senescence, endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) including multipotential mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), pericytes, and angiogenic monocytes. An explanation of the role of EPC, pericytes, and angiogenic monocytes is important to an understanding of SSc pathogenesis. An evolving understanding of the vascular microenvironment in SSc may allow directed treatment.
Robust Control of Continuous Bioprocesses
Authors: Xu Gongxian
Published: August 2010

This paper deals with robust control of continuous bioprocesses. According to the material balance equations of continuous bioprocesses, a uniform framework for mathematical modeling of this class of processes is first presented. Then a robust controller is designed by using the H∞ mixed sensitivity method for the biotechnology processes. The corresponding control objective is described as the development of a robust reference‐tracking control structure with the best possible disturbance compensation, able to cope with variations in key process parameters. Finally, the proposed robust control strategy is applied to bio‐dissimilation process of glycerol to 1, 3‐propanediol. Simulation results are given which show that the designed robust controller makes the system have a favourable robust tracking performance.
Evidence for Resistance Training as a Treatment Therapy in Obesity
Authors: Strasser Barbara , Schobersberger Wolfgang
Published: August 2010

Over the last decade, investigators have paid increasing attention to the effects of resistance training (RT) on several metabolic syndrome variables. Evidence suggests that skeletal muscle is responsible for up to 40% of individuals' total body weight and may be influential in modifying metabolic risk factors via muscle mass development. Due to the metabolic consequences of reduced muscle mass, it is understood that normal aging and/or decreased physical activity may lead to a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders. The purpose of this review is to (1) evaluate the potential clinical effectiveness and biological mechanisms of RT in the treatment of obesity and (2) provide up-to-date evidence relating to the impact of RT in reducing major cardiovascular disease risk factors (including dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes). A further aim of this paper is to provide clinicians with recommendations for facilitating the use of RT as therapy in obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Effectiveness of a Home-Based Postal and Telephone Physical Activity and Nutrition Pilot Program for Seniors
Authors: Lee Andy H. , Jancey Jonine , Howat Peter , Burke Linda , Kerr Deborah A. , Shilton Trevor
Published: August 2010

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based postal and telephone physical activity and nutrition pilot program for seniors.Methods. The program was delivered by mailed material and telephone calls. The main intervention consisted of a booklet tailored for seniors containing information on dietary guidelines, recommended physical activity levels, and goal setting. Dietary and walking activity outcomes were collected via a self-administered postal questionnaire pre- and postintervention and analysed using linear mixed regressions. Of the 270 seniors recruited, half were randomly selected for the program while others served as the control group.Results. The program elicited favourable responses. Postintervention walking for exercise/recreation showed an average gain of 27 minutes per week for the participants in contrast to an average drop of 5 minutes for the controls (P<.01). Little change was evident in errand walking for both groups. The intervention group (n=114) demonstrated a significant increase in fibre intake (P<.01) but no reduction in fat intake (P>.05) compared to controls (n=134).Conclusions. The participants became more aware of their health and wellbeing after the pilot program, which was successful in increasing time spent walking for recreation and improving fibre intake.
Elevated Systemic Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Older Women with Persistent Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Kemp Troy J. , Hildesheim Allan , García-Piñeres Alfonso , Williams Marcus C. , Shearer Gene M. , Rodriguez Ana Cecilia , Schiffman Mark , Burk Robert , Freer Enrique , Bonilla Jose , Herrero Rolando , Pinto Ligia A.
Published: August 2010

Background: Defects in lymphoproliferative responses to mitogens/antigens in women >45 years old with a persistent type-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) infection have been reported.

Methods: To determine whether these defects were associated with altered cytokine profiles, plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture supernatants from 50 cases (oversampled for their reduced lymphoproliferative ability) and 50 uninfected controls (oversampled for their robust lymphoproliferative ability) were examined for 24 cytokines using multiplexed bead–based immunoassays and ELISA.

Results: The following plasma cytokines were significantly increased in cases relative to controls (cases versus controls; median pg/mL): interleukin (IL)-6, 393.1 versus 14.5; IL-8, 1,128.5 versus 43.9; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 164.1 versus 9.2; macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), 1,368.9 versus 25.5; granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), 13.8 versus 7.3; IL-1β, 8.3 versus 1.6 (all P < 0.0001); and IL-1α, 218.2 versus 169.5 (P = 0.02). We focused our analysis on the cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MIP-1α due to their high fold change (>10) and highly statistically significant difference between cases and controls. Length of persistence or type of infection (high risk and low risk) did not affect these differences. IL-6, TNF-α, and MIP-1α levels were also increased in unstimulated PBMC culture supernatants from cases compared with controls (P < 0.05), however, the cytokine levels from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated PBMC culture supernatants were significantly lower in the cases (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Persistent HPV infection in older women with evidence of immune deficit is associated with an increase in systemic inflammatory cytokines.

Impact: Future studies are needed to determine whether the inflammatory profile is age dependent and to examine the role that inflammatory cytokines play in HPV-induced progression from infection to cervical cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 1954–9. ©2010 AACR.
Effect of Black-Currant Extract on Negative Lens-Induced Ocular Growth in Chicks
Authors: Iida Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yuko , Matsumoto Hitoshi , Takeuchi Yasuo , Harano Shokichi , Ishihara Mamoru , Katsumi Osamu
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate the effects of orally administered black-currant (BC) extract on the enlargement of globe component dimensions induced in chicks by wearing negative lenses. Methods: Negative lenses (–8 D) were worn on the right eyes by 8-day-old chicks, and their fellow eyes acted as controls. BC extract and distilled water (vehicle control) were orally administered once a day for 3 days. To confirm the effect of BC anthocyanins (BCAs), they were intravenously administered once a day for 3 days. Dimensions of globe components of right eyes and fellow eyes were measured with an A-scan ultrasound instrument on the third day (day 4) after placement of the negative lenses. Results: Orally administered BC extract significantly inhibited enlargement of vitreous-chamber depth, axial and ocular lengths in a dose-dependent manner when compared to controls. Intravenously administered BCAs also inhibited elongation of vitreous-chamber depth and axial length when compared to controls. Conclusions: This is the first evidence that BC extract and BCAs could inhibit enlargement of globe component dimensions in a negative lens-induced chick myopia model.
Results of One-Year Follow-Up Examinations after Intravitreal Bevacizumab Administration for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Inoue Maiko , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Watanabe Yoichiro , Kobayashi Satoshi , Yamane Shin , Arakawa Akira
Published: August 2010

Background: Our purpose was to report the results of 1-year follow-up examinations after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: Five eyes in 5 patients with chronic CSC were intravitreally injected with 1.25 mg/0.05 ml of bevacizumab. The need for retreatment was evaluated if spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed the presence of subretinal fluid at the time of a 1-month follow-up examination. Best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were compared between baseline and 1 year after the first injection. Results: The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.23 ± 0.46 to 0.17 ± 0.47 and the mean central foveal thickness significantly decreased from 323 ± 98 µm to 171 ± 63 µm (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The intravitreal injection of bevacizumab is well tolerated in maintaining vision and reducing serous retinal detachment in patients with chronic CSC, as evaluated at a 1-year follow-up examination.
Radial Optic Neurotomy in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Does Not Influence Ocular Hemodynamics
Authors: Skevas Christos , Wagenfeld Lars , Feucht Matthias , Galambos Peter , Richard Gisbert , Zeitz Oliver
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Radial optic neurotomy (RON) is used for the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion. Its effects on visual acuity differ substantially between patients. Our study aims to evaluate if RON has an impact on ocular microcirculation and if analysis of ocular microcirculation might serve as a predictor for surgical success. Procedures: A complete ophthalmologic examination including color Doppler imaging of the retrobulbar vessels was performed before and 2–4 months after RON in 12 patients. Results: Mean visual acuity was 0.09 ± 0.03 prior to and 0.24 ± 0.12 after RON. Visual acuity improved in 7 (+3.5 ± 0.9 lines), was stable in 3 (±0 lines) and worsened in 2 cases (–6 and –2 lines). Doppler parameters were not affected by RON, and no correlations between visual acuity and perfusion parameters were found. Conclusions: Our data indicate that RON does not influence ocular microcirculation. None of the assessed hemodynamic parameters appears to be a predictor for surgical success.
Chromosome Evolution in African Cichlid Fish: Contributions from the Physical Mapping of Repeated DNAs
Authors: Ferreira I.A. , Poletto A.B. , Kocher T.D. , Mota-Velasco J.C. , Penman D.J. , Martins C.
Published: August 2010

Cichlid fishes have been the subject of increasing scientific interest because of their rapid adaptive radiation that has led to extensive ecological diversity and because of their enormous importance to tropical and subtropical aquaculture. To further understanding of chromosome evolution among cichlid species, we have comparatively mapped the SATA satellite DNA, the transposable element ROn-1, and repeated sequences in the bacterial artificial chromosome clone BAC-C4E09 on the chromosomes of a range of African species of Cichlidae, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The SATA satellite DNA was mapped in almost all the centromeres of all tilapiine and haplochromine species studied. The maintenance and centromeric distribution of the SATA satellite DNA in African cichlids suggest that this sequence plays an important role in the organization and function of the centromere in these species. Furthermore, analysis of SATA element distribution clarifies that chromosome fusions occurred independently in Oreochromis and Tilapia genera, and led to the reduced chromosome number detected in O. karongae and T. mariae. The comparative chromosome mapping of the ROn-1 SINE-like element and BAC-C4E09 shows that the repeated sequences have been maintained among tilapiine, haplochromine and hemichromine fishes and has demonstrated the homology of the largest chromosomes among these groups. Furthermore, the mapping of ROn-1 suggested that different chromosomal rearrangements could have occurred in the origin of the largest chromosome pairs of tilapiines and non-tilapiines.
An Analysis of Histone Modifications in Relation to Sex-Specific Chromatin Organization in the Mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus
Authors: Mathur V. , Mendiratta G. , Ganapathi M. , Kennady P.K. , Dwarkanath B.S. , Pande G. , Brahmachari V.
Published: August 2010

The male-specific heterochromatization of the paternal genome, observed in coccids, is an example of both genomic imprinting and differential regulation of homologous chromosomes. We observed a highly nuclease-resistant chromatin (NRC) organization of a part of the paternal genome in males of Maconellicoccus hirsutus as reported earlier in Planococcus lilacinus. The nuclease resistance of NRC is correlated with nuclear matrix association and is lost when NRC is dissociated from the matrix. We carried out a comparative analysis of epigenetic modifications of histones in matrix associated chromatin of male and female mealybugs by ELISA. We detected H3K27me3, H4K20me3, H3K9me2 and H3K4me3 in both males and females and observed significant enrichment of H3K27me3 in the nuclear matrix of males compared to that of females. To further examine the presence of NRC in the germ line, nuclei were sorted based on chromatin compaction. The analysis of sorted nuclei indicates the presence of NRC in nuclei with different DNA content including the haploid nuclei from males. We discuss these results in the light of the presence of NRC exclusively in male nuclei and the retention of the maternal genome in sperm nuclei of mealybugs.
Epigenetic Regulation of Pericentromeric Heterochromatin during Mammalian Meiosis
Authors: Khalil A.M. , Driscoll D.J.
Published: August 2010

Mammalian meiosis is a process that allows diploid progenitor germ cells to produce haploid gametes after proceeding through 2 rounds of cell divisions. The first division (MI) is unique and results in the separation of homologous chromosomes, while the second division (MII) leads to the separation of sister chromatids similar to a somatic cell division. However, the mechanisms by which meiotic cells regulate their 2 very different cell divisions are not well understood. We postulated a role for epigenetic chromatin modifications in regulating these processes. We found prior to the onset of MI that pericentromeric heterochromatic regions, which are enriched with histone H3K9me2 throughout meiosis, become enriched at late pachytene with H3S10ph and at diplotene with H4K5ace and H4K16ace, but remain underacetylated at other sites examined. RNA polymerase II, which is clearly excluded from pericentromeric heterochromatin at pachytene, becomes exclusively associated with these regions from diplotene to MI. By contrast, pericentromeric heterochromatic regions at MII are not engaged by RNA polymerase II nor enriched with H3S10ph. Furthermore, we found DICER to localize exclusively to pericentromeric heterochromatin at MI, but not MII. These results are significant since they suggest: (1) that distinct chromatin modifications differentiate the 2 meiotic divisions; (2) a role for repetitive DNA elements and RNAi in mammalian meiosis; (3) H3K9me2 is not sufficient to block RNA polymerase II elongation through heterochromatin, and (4) H3S10ph provides a ‘binary switch’ to activate transcription in heterochromatin.
Unexpected Insensitivity of the Cholinergic Motor Responses to Morphine in the Human Small Intestine
Authors: Benko Rita , Molnár Zsuzsanna , Nemes Dániel , Dékány András , Kelemen Dezsö , Illényi Lászlo , Cseke Lászlo , Papp András , Varga Gábor , Bartho Loránd
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Morphine is known to inhibit cholinergic contractions of the guinea pig small intestine. This has been compared to the human small intestinal innervated longitudinal muscle in the current study. Methods: Cholinergic primary contractions of human small intestinal longitudinal strips were evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.5– 5 Hz in the presence of purinergic and nitrergic blockers or 5 Hz without pretreatment) and recorded isotonically in organ bath experiments. Guinea pig small intestinal segments were also studied. Results and Conclusion: Neurogenic cholinergic contractions of human preparations were unaffected by morphine (1, 2 or 10 µmol/l). Longitudinal contractions of the guinea pig ileum were concentration-dependently suppressed by morphine (0.1–10 µmol/l). It is concluded that myenteric neurons supplying the longitudinal muscle of the human small intestine are much less sensitive to morphine than those of the guinea pig.
Drug-Induced Secondary Cataract Prevention: Experimental ex vivo and in vivo Results with Disulfiram, Methotrexate and Actinomycin D
Authors: Sternberg Katrin , Terwee Thom , Stachs Oliver , Guthoff Rudolf , Löbler Marian , Schmitz Klaus-Peter
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: A clinical approach to prevent secondary cataract after lens implantation involves the intraocular application of pharmacological agents. The goals of our study were to develop an ex vivo model to test the drug effectiveness for lens epithelial cell ablation from the basal membrane and to verify the data in rabbit intraocular lens implantation experiments. Methods: Human capsular rhexis specimens were incubated with drugs and the residual cells were differentiated by use of the Live-Dead assay and quantified by staining with Hoechst dye. After phakoemulsification of rabbit eyes and before intraocular lens implantation, capsular bags were filled with drug-loaded hyaluronic acid for 5 min. Results: An ex vivo model was established which allows the testing of drugs on lens epithelial cell ablation. Drug treatment reduced the number of viable cells on the specimens drastically, ranging between 0.44 ± 0.53% (6.0 ± 7.3 cells/mm2) for disulfiram, 0.27 ± 0.50% (3.7 ± 6.9 cells/mm2) for methotrexate and 0.07 ± 0.19% (0.1 ± 0.27 cells/mm2) for actinomycin D. Rabbit eyes treated with a mixture of methotrexate/actinomycin D showed no posterior capsule opacification at 4 months and a low opacification 6 months postoperatively. Without drug treatment low opacification starts 6 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: The drug screening in the described ex vivo model can help to reduce the number of preclinical studies for secondary cataract prevention. The successful ex vivo cell ablation by methotrexate/actinomycin D was confirmed by a delayed in vivo secondary cataract formation.
Ocular Manifestations of Late-Onset Behçet Disease
Authors: Citirik Mehmet , Berker Nilufer , Songur Murat Serkan , Ozkan Seyhan Sonar , Zilelioglu Orhan
Published: August 2010

Purpose: To describe the demographic characteristics and ocular manifestations of patients with late-onset Behçet disease (BD). Patients and Methods: The patients for this retrospective study were selected using the data obtained from the medical records of 16 patients with late-onset BD between January 2000 and May 2008. Results: Twelve (75%) of the cases were male and 4 (25%) were female. The mean age of patients was 53.8 ± 2.9 years (range, 51–60 years). The mean follow-up period was 4.3 ± 1.1 years (range, 3–8 years). Throughout the follow-up period, panuveitis, posterior uveitis, and anterior uveitis were detected in 11 (68.7%), 4 (25%) and 1 (6.2%) of 16 patients, respectively. Conclusion: In our series, the most frequent type of uveitis was panuveitis and male sex seems to be a significant risk factor for developing panuveitis. Late-onset BD showed a marked preponderance of males with a sex ratio of 3:1.