bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorometric High-Throughput Assay for Measuring Chlamydial Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: Southern Timothy , Bess Leah , Harmon Jillian , Taylor Lacey , Caldwell Harlan
Published: September 2012

Chlamydia trachomatis
is an obligate intracellular mucosotropic pathogen that causes human infections of global importance.
C. trachomatis
causes trachoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, and is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease. Although oculogenital infections are treatable with antibiotics, a vaccine is needed to control
C. trachomatis
infection. Ideally, a vaccine would provide coverage against most, if not all, naturally occurring antigenically distinct serovariants. The development of a subunit vaccine to prevent oculogenital disease could be advanced by identifying chlamydial antigens that elicit pan-neutralizing antibodies, particularly among infected human populations of known risk factors. There is currently no objective high-throughput
in vitro
assay to screen human sera for neutralization to aid in identification of these antigens. This report describes an objective, high-throughput
in vitro
assay that measures
C. trachomatis
-neutralizing antibodies. Antibody-mediated neutralization of chlamydial infection was performed in a 96-well microtiter format, and neutralization was quantified by immunostaining fixed cells followed by automated fluorometric analysis. This report shows that fluorometric analysis of
C. trachomatis
infection directly correlates to labor-intensive manual inclusion counts. Furthermore, this report shows that fluorometry can be used to identify
C. trachomati
s serovar- and serocomplex-specific neutralization. This objective, high-throughput analysis of serum neutralization is amenable to epidemiological studies of human chlamydial infection, human clinical vaccine trials, and preclinical animal model experiments of
Chlamydia
infection.
Evaluation and Characterization of Fasciola hepatica Tegument Protein Extract for Serodiagnosis of Human Fascioliasis
Authors: Morales Adelaida , Espino Ana M.
Published: September 2012

Tegument protein extract fromFasciola hepaticaadult flukes (FhTA) was obtained and assessed for its potential as a diagnostic agent for the serological detection of human fascioliasis using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In an analysis of sera from 45 patients infected withF. hepatica, sera from 41 patients with other parasitic infections, and sera from 33 healthy controls, the FhTA-ELISA showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 91.1%, 97.3%, and 95%, respectively. Specific IgG1 and IgG4 were the antibody isotypes mainly detected in sera from patients with fascioliasis. Polypeptides of 52, 38, 24 to 26, and 12 to 14 kDa were identified by Western blotting as the most immunoreactive components of the FhTA. A proteomic approach led us to identify enolase, aldolase, glutathioneS-transferase, and fatty acid binding protein as the major immunoreactive components of the FhTA.
Novel Two-Round Phenotypic Assay for Protease Inhibitor Susceptibility Testing of Recombinant and Primary HIV-1 Isolates
Authors: Puertas Maria C. , Buzón Maria J. , Ballestero Mònica , Van Den Eede Peter , Clotet Bonaventura , Prado Julia G. , Martinez-Picado Javier
Published: September 2012

Antiretroviral drug susceptibility tests facilitate therapeutic management of HIV-1-infected patients. Although genotyping systems are affordable, inaccuracy in the interpretation of complex mutational patterns may limit their usefulness. Currently available HIV-1 phenotypic assays are based on the generation of recombinant viruses in which the specific viral gene of interest, derived from a patient plasma sample, is cloned into a susceptible genetic viral backbone prior toin vitrodrug susceptibility evaluation. Nevertheless, in the case of protease inhibitors, not only are mutations in the HIV-1 protease-coding region involved in resistance, but the role of Gag in drug susceptibility has also recently been reported. In order to avoid the inherent limitations resulting from partial cloning of the viral genome, we designed and evaluated a new experimental strategy to test thein vitrosusceptibility of primary viral isolates to protease inhibitors. Our protocol, which is based on a two-round infection protocol using the reporter TZM-bl cell line, showed a good correlation with genotypic resistance prediction and with the Antivirogram phenotypic assay, in both protease-recombinant viruses and primary viral isolates. The protocol is suitable for any HIV-1 subtype and enables rapid in-house measurement of protease inhibitor susceptibility, thus making it possible to evaluate the concomitant effects of both patient-derivedgagand protease-coding regions.
Two Techniques for Simultaneous Identification of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri by Use of the Small-Subunit rRNA Gene
Authors: Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Stadler Marie-Therese , Buczolich Katharina , Bloeschl Ingrid , Noedl Harald
Published: September 2012

The primers traditionally used to detect
Plasmodium ovale
infections are known for not binding all
P. ovale
parasites within the small-subunit rRNA gene when used alone. We describe a simple, cost- and time-efficient multiplex nested PCR and a nested PCR using a novel set of primers for the simultaneous detection of
P. ovale curtisi
and
P. ovale wallikeri
.
Genomic and Phylogenetic Characterization of Brazilian Yellow Fever Virus Strains
Authors: Nunes Marcio R. T. , Palacios Gustavo , Cardoso Jedson F. , Martins Livia C. , Sousa Edivaldo C. , de Lima Clayton P. S. , Medeiros Daniele B. A. , Savji Nazir , Desai Aaloki , Rodrigues Sueli G. , Carvalho Valeria L. , Lipkin W. Ian , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C.
Published: September 2012

Globally, yellow fever virus infects nearly 200,000 people, leading to 30,000 deaths annually. Although the virus is endemic to Latin America, only a single genome from this region has been sequenced. Here, we report 12 Brazilian yellow fever virus complete genomes, their genetic traits, phylogenetic characterization, and phylogeographic dynamics. Variable 3′ noncoding region (3′NCR) patterns and specific mutations throughout the open reading frame altered predicted secondary structures. Our findings suggest that whereas the introduction of yellow fever virus in Brazil led to genotype I-predominant dispersal throughout South and Central Americas, genotype II remained confined to Bolivia, Peru, and the western Brazilian Amazon.
Implication of Bemisia tabaci Heat Shock Protein 70 in Begomovirus-Whitefly Interactions
Authors: Götz Monika , Popovski Smadar , Kollenberg Mario , Gorovits Rena , Brown Judith K. , Cicero Joseph M. , Czosnek Henryk , Winter Stephan , Ghanim Murad
Published: September 2012

The whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Gennadius) is a major cosmopolitan pest capable of feeding on hundreds of plant species and transmits several major plant viruses. The most important and widespread viruses vectored byB. tabaciare in the genusBegomovirus, an unusual group of plant viruses owing to their small, single-stranded DNA genome and geminate particle morphology.B. tabacitransmits begomoviruses in a persistent circulative nonpropagative manner. Evidence suggests that the whitefly vector encounters deleterious effects followingTomato yellow leaf curl virus(TYLCV) ingestion and retention. However, little is known about the molecular and cellular basis underlying these coevolved begomovirus-whitefly interactions. To elucidate these interactions, we undertook a study usingB. tabacimicroarrays to specifically describe the responses of the transcriptomes of whole insects and dissected midguts following TYLCV acquisition and retention. Microarray, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses indicated thatB. tabaciheat shock protein 70 (HSP70) specifically responded to the presence of the monopartite TYLCV and the bipartiteSquash leaf curl virus. Immunocapture PCR, protein coimmunoprecipitation, and virus overlay protein binding assays showedin vitrointeraction between TYLCV and HSP70. Fluorescencein situhybridization and immunolocalization showed colocalization of TYLCV and the bipartiteWatermelon chlorotic stunt virusvirions and HSP70 within midgut epithelial cells. Finally, membrane feeding of whiteflies with anti-HSP70 antibodies and TYLCV virions showed an increase in TYLCV transmission, suggesting an inhibitory role for HSP70 in virus transmission, a role that might be related to protection against begomoviruses while translocating in the whitefly.
Vaccine-Elicited CD8
+
T Cells Protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain A2-Line19F-Induced Pathogenesis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Lee Sujin , Stokes Kate L. , Currier Michael G. , Sakamoto Kaori , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Celis Esteban , Moore Martin L.
Published: September 2012

CD8
+
T cells may contribute to vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Compared to CD8
+
T cells responding to RSV infection, vaccine-elicited anti-RSV CD8
+
T cells are less well defined. We used a peptide vaccine to test the hypothesis that vaccine-elicited RSV-specific CD8
+
T cells are protective against RSV pathogenesis. BALB/c mice were treated with a mixture (previously termed TriVax) of an M2
82-90
peptide representing an immunodominant CD8 epitope, the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist poly(I·C), and a costimulatory anti-CD40 antibody. TriVax vaccination induced potent effector anti-RSV CD8
+
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Mice were challenged with RSV strain A2-line19F, a model of RSV pathogenesis leading to airway mucin expression. Mice were protected against RSV infection and against RSV-induced airway mucin expression and cellular lung inflammation when challenged 6 days after vaccination. Compared to A2-line19F infection alone, TriVax vaccination followed by challenge resulted in effector CD8
+
T cells with greater cytokine expression and the more rapid appearance of RSV-specific CD8
+
T cells in the lung. When challenged 42 days after TriVax vaccination, memory CD8
+
T cells were elicited with RSV-specific tetramer responses equivalent to TriVax-induced effector CD8
+
T cells. These memory CD8
+
T cells had lower cytokine expression than effector CD8
+
T cells, and protection against A2-line19F was partial during the memory phase. We found that vaccine-elicited effector anti-RSV CD8
+
T cells protected mice against RSV infection and pathogenesis, and waning protection correlated with reduced CD8
+
T cell cytokine expression.
Residents’ experiences in dealing with abuse in emergency department: a survey in Iran hospitals
Authors: Alimohammadi Hossein , Zolfaghari Sadrabad Akram , Bidarizerehpoosh Farahnaz , Derakhshanfar Hojjat , Shahrami Ali , Farahmand rad Reza
Published: September 2012

Background

Abuse in Emergency Department (ED) as a widespread phenomenon, has negative effects on ED residents. This issue pertains to Western as well as Asian countries.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess how Iranian ED residents deal with abuse. Awareness, educational programmes, reports, causes of abuse and ways to reduce this were considered in this survey.

Method

In 2011, a cross-section survey was conducted at seven ED residencies of central hospitals in Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz and Tabriz. ED residents were asked about their age, sex, abuse time, awareness of abuse, educational programmes, reporting abuse, causes of reluctance to report, and how to reduce abuse. The data were analysed by SPSS V.20.

Results

A total of 215 questionnaires were completed. Abuse was reported to have occurred most frequently during night shifts (n=89, 41.4%),  and most of the residents were abused by men rather than women (n=132, 61% vs n=22, 10%, p<0.05). About half the residents (n=107, 49.8%) were not aware of any abuse. Only 22% (n=46) had formal or informal education in abuse, and 74% (n=158) of them had not gone through any learning programmes. Most residents (n=175, 81%) did not know how to report abuse, and among respondents, most of the residents did not report the abuse (n=86, 40%), and the cause was mostly the uncertainty towards officials being able to solve the problem of abuse (n=67, 38%). Residents most often reported not to admit patients more than the hospital's capacity as the main solution to reduce abuse (n=61, 32%).

Conclusions

Being abused during residency is a universal problem, and there is a lack of awareness and the knowledge of how to deal with abuse, and reporting it among ED residents in Iranian hospitals.
ACCRETION OF NONMINIMALLY COUPLED GENERALIZED CHAPLYGIN GAS INTO BLACK HOLES
Authors: RODRIGUES M. G. , BERNARDINI A. E.
Published: September 2012

The mass evolution of Schwarzschild black holes by the absorption of scalar fields is investigated in the scenario of the generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG). The GCG works as a unification picture of dark matter plus dark energy that naturally accelerates the expansion of the Universe. Through elements of the quasi-stationary approach, we consider the mass evolution of Schwarzschild black holes accreted by nonminimally coupled cosmological scalar fields reproducing the dynamics of the GCG. As a scalar field nonminimally coupled to the metrics, such an exotic content has been interconnected with accreting black holes. The black hole increasing masses by the absorption of the gas reflects some consistence of the accretion mechanism with the hypothesis of the primordial origin of supermassive black holes. Our results effectively show that the nonminimal coupling with the GCG dark sector accelerates the increasing of black hole masses. Meanwhile some exotic features can also be depicted for specific ranges of the nonminimal coupling in which the GCG dynamics is substantially modified.
THE PHYSICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE GEOMETRIC STRUCTURE OF RELATIVISTIC THEORIES OF GRAVITATION: FROM GENERAL RELATIVITY TO EXTENDED THEORIES OF GRAVITY THROUGH EHLERS–PIRANI–SCHILD APPROACH
Authors: CAPOZZIELLO S. , DE LAURENTIS M. , FATIBENE L. , FRANCAVIGLIA M.
Published: September 2012

We discuss in a critical way the physical foundations of geometric structure of relativistic theories of gravity by the so-called Ehlers–Pirani–Schild formalism. This approach provides a natural interpretation of the observables showing how relate them to General Relativity and to a large class of Extended Theories of Gravity. In particular we show that, in such a formalism, geodesic and causal structures of space-time can be safely disentangled allowing a correct analysis in view of observations and experiment. As specific case, we take into account the case of f(R)-gravity.
GRID CONTINUUM DESCRIPTION: A NOVEL APPROACH IN TWO-SCALE HYPERELASTICITY
Authors: VYCHYTIL J. , HOLEČEK M.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, a generalization of the standard continuum theory is proposed in order to describe materials with a more complex microstructure. The key idea consists in dividing the studied body onto a set of small but finite disjunct cells whose boundaries form what is called the grid. The state of the grid is described by macroscopically smooth functions. The interior of each cell, on the other hand, is described by an additional field that may be discontinuous or highly oscillating. Such an approach allows us to include non-trivial effects of the microstructure in resulting material models of macroscopic bodies. The theory is illustrated on two examples of two-scale hyperelastic models. The first one represents a crystalline material with a failure of the Cauchy-Born rule. The second one, motivated by an arrangement of soft tissues, includes prestress at the reference state as well as non-trivial response caused by a collapse of micro-constituents. Transparent physical meaning of several material parameters of the latter model provides for their direct identification instead of the least-squares fitting.
ON MAGNETIC LEAF-WISE INTERSECTIONS
Authors: BAE YOUNGJIN
Published: September 2012

In this paper we study leaf-wise intersections in a setting where the Hamiltonian perturbation has magnetic effects. In particular, we establish their existence under certain topological assumptions on the ambient manifold.
Plasticity-related gene-1 inhibits lysophosphatidic acid-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation and prevents neointima formation
Authors: Gaaya Amira , Poirier Odette , Mougenot Nathalie , Hery Tiphaine , Atassi Fabrice , Marchand Alexandre , Saulnier-Blache Jean-Sébastien , Amour Julien , Vogt Johannes , Lompré Anne-Marie , Soubrier Florent , Nadaud Sophie
Published: September 2012

Plasticity-related gene-1 (PRG-1) protects neuronal cells from lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) effects. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), LPA was shown to induce phenotypic modulation in vitro and vascular remodeling in vivo. Thus we explored the role of PRG-1 in modulating VSMC response to LPA. PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence experiments showed that PRG-1 is expressed in rat and human vascular media. PRG-1 expression was strongly inhibited in proliferating compared with quiescent VSMCs both in vitro and in vivo (medial vs. neointimal VSMCs), suggesting that PRG-1 expression is dependent on the cell phenotype. In vitro, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PRG-1 specifically inhibited LPA-induced rat VSMC proliferation and migration but not platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation. This effect was abolished by mutation of a conserved histidine in the lipid phosphate phosphatase family that is essential for interaction with lipid phosphates. In vivo, balloon-induced neointimal formation in rat carotid was significantly decreased in vessels infected with PRG-1 adenovirus compared with β-galactosidase adenovirus (−71%; P < 0.05). PRG-1 overexpression abolished the activation of the p42/p44 signaling pathway in LPA-stimulated rat VSMCs in culture and in balloon-injured rat carotids. Taken together, these findings provide the first evidence of a protective role of PRG-1 in the vascular media under pathophysiological conditions.
Mitochondrial function, fatty acid metabolism, and immune system are relevant features of pig adipose tissue development
Authors: Vincent Annie , Louveau Isabelle , Gondret Florence , Lebret Bénédicte , Damon Marie
Published: September 2012

The molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic control of fat development in humans and livestock species still require characterization. To gain insights on gene expression patterns associated with genetic propensity for adiposity, we compared subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) transcriptomics profiles from two contrasted pig breeds for body fatness. Samples were obtained from Large White (LW; lean phenotype) and Basque pigs (B; low growth and high fat content) at 35 kg ( n = 5 per breed) or 145 kg body weight ( n = 10 per breed). Using a custom adipose tissue microarray, we found 271 genes to be differentially expressed between the two breeds at both stages, out of which 123 were highly expressed in LW pigs and 148 genes were highly expressed in B pigs. Functional enrichment analysis based on gene ontology (GO) terms highlighted gene groups corresponding to the mitochondrial energy metabolism in LW pigs, whereas immune response was found significantly enriched in B pigs. Genes associated with lipid metabolism, such as ELOVL6, a gene involved in fatty acid elongation, had a lower expression in B compared with LW pigs. Furthermore, despite enlarged adipocyte diameters and higher plasma leptin concentration, B pigs displayed reduced lipogenic enzyme activities compared with LW pigs at 145 kg. Altogether, our results suggest that the development of adiposity was associated with a progressive worsening of the metabolic status, leading to a low-grade inflammatory state, and may thus be of significant interest for both livestock production and human health.
Parallel and Cyclic Algorithms for Quasi‐Nonexpansives in Hilbert Space
Authors: Deng Bin-Chao , Chen Tong , Xin Baogui
Published: September 2012

Let be N quasi‐nonexpansive mappings defined on a closed
convex subset C of a real Hilbert space H. Consider the problem of finding a
common fixed point of these mappings and introduce the parallel and cyclic
algorithms for solving this problem. We will prove the strong convergence of
these algorithms.
A Two‐Grid Method for Finite Element Solutions of Nonlinear Parabolic Equations
Authors: Chen Chuanjun , Liu Wei
Published: September 2012

A two‐grid method is presented and discussed for a finite element approximation to a nonlinear parabolic equation in two space dimensions. Piecewise linear trial functions are used. In this two‐grid scheme, the full nonlinear problem is solved only on a coarse grid with grid size H. The nonlinearities are expanded about the coarse grid solution on a fine gird of size h, and the resulting linear system is solved on the fine grid. A priori error estimates are derived with the H1‐norm O(h + H2) which shows that the two‐grid method achieves asymptotically optimal approximation as long as the mesh sizes satisfy h = O(H2). An example is also given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Scaffold Library for Tissue Engineering: A Geometric Evaluation
Authors: Chantarapanich Nattapon , Puttawibul Puttisak , Sucharitpwatskul Sedthawatt , Jeamwatthanachai Pongnarin , Inglam Samroeng , Sitthiseripratip Kriskrai
Published: September 2012

Tissue engineering scaffold is a biological substitute that aims to restore, to maintain, or to improve tissue functions. Currently available manufacturing technology, that is, additive manufacturing is essentially applied to fabricate the scaffold according to the predefined computer aided design (CAD) model. To develop scaffold CAD libraries, the polyhedrons could be used in the scaffold libraries development. In this present study, one hundred and nineteen polyhedron models were evaluated according to the established criteria. The proposed criteria included considerations on geometry, manufacturing feasibility, and mechanical strength of these polyhedrons. CAD and finite element (FE) method were employed as tools in evaluation. The result of evaluation revealed that the close-cellular scaffold included truncated octahedron, rhombicuboctahedron, and rhombitruncated cuboctahedron. In addition, the suitable polyhedrons for using as open-cellular scaffold libraries included hexahedron, truncated octahedron, truncated hexahedron, cuboctahedron, rhombicuboctahedron, and rhombitruncated cuboctahedron. However, not all pore size to beam thickness ratios (PO : BT) were good for making the open-cellular scaffold. The PO : BT ratio of each library, generating the enclosed pore inside the scaffold, was excluded to avoid the impossibility of material removal after the fabrication. The close-cellular libraries presented the constant porosity which is irrespective to the different pore sizes. The relationship between PO : BT ratio and porosity of open-cellular scaffold libraries was displayed in the form of Logistic Power function. The possibility of merging two different types of libraries to produce the composite structure was geometrically evaluated in terms of the intersection index and was mechanically evaluated by means of FE analysis to observe the stress level. The couples of polyhedrons presenting low intersection index and high stress level were excluded. Good couples for producing the reinforced scaffold were hexahedron-truncated hexahedron and cuboctahedron-rhombitruncated cuboctahedron.
A Galerkin Solution for Burgers′ Equation Using Cubic B‐Spline Finite Elements
Authors: Soliman A. A.
Published: September 2012

Numerical solutions for Burgers’ equation based on the Galerkins’ method using cubic B‐splines as both weight and interpolation functions are set up. It is shown that this method is capable of solving Burgers’ equation accurately for values of viscosity ranging from very small to large. Three standard problems are used to validate the proposed algorithm. A linear stability analysis shows that a numerical scheme based on a Cranck‐Nicolson approximation in time is unconditionally stable.
Mutual Coupling Effects for Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a Series-Fed Dipole Antenna Array
Authors: Sneha H. L. , Singh Hema , Jha R. M.
Published: September 2012

The estimation of RCS of a phased array depends on various parameters, namely, array geometry, operational frequency, feed network, mutual coupling between the antenna elements and so fourth. This paper presents the estimation of RCS of linear dipole array with series-feed network by tracing the signal path from the antenna aperture into the feed network. The effect of mutual coupling exhibited by the dipole antenna is considered for three configurations namely, side by side, collinear, and parallel in echelon. It is shown that the mutual coupling affects the antenna pattern (and hence RCS) significantly for larger scan angles. Further it is inferred that the RCS of phased array can be optimized by (i) reducing the length of the dipole, (ii) termination of the isolation port of the coupler with a suitable load, and (iii) using suitable amplitude distribution.
Fixed Point of Strong Duality Pseudocontractive Mappings and Applications
Authors: Liu Baowei
Published: September 2012

Let E be a smooth Banach space with the dual E∗, an operator T : E → E∗ is said to be α‐strong duality pseudocontractive if 〈x − y,  Tx − Ty〉 ≤ 〈x − y,  Jx − Jy〉 − α∥Jx − Jy − (Tx − Ty)∥2, for all x, y ∈ E, where α is a nonnegative constant. An element x ∈ E is called a duality fixed point of T if Tx = Jx. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the definition of α‐strong duality pseudocontractive mappings and to study its fixed point problem and applications for operator equation and variational inequality problems.
Aggregate Queries in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Jeong-Joon , Shin In-Su , Zhang Yan-Sheng , Kim Dong-Oh , Han Ki-Joon
Published: September 2012

Recently as efficient processing of aggregate queries for fetching desired data from sensors has been recognized as a crucial part, in-network aggregate query processing techniques are studied intensively in wireless sensor networks. Existing representative in-network aggregate query processing techniques propose routing algorithms and data structures for processing aggregate queries. However, these aggregate query processing techniques have problems such as high energy consumption in sensor nodes, low accuracy of query processing results, and long query processing time. In order to solve these problems and to enhance the efficiency of aggregate query processing in wireless sensor networks, this paper proposes Bucket-based Parallel Aggregation (BPA). BPA divides a query region into several cells according to the distribution of sensor nodes and builds a quadtree, and then processes aggregate queries in parallel for each cell region according to routing. It sends data in duplicate by removing redundant data, which, in turn, enhances the accuracy of query processing results. Also, BPA uses a bucket-based data structure in aggregate query processing, and divides and conquers the bucket data structure adaptively according to the number of data in the bucket. In addition, BPA compresses data in order to reduce the size of data in the bucket and performs data transmission filtering when each sensor node sends data. Finally, in this paper, we prove its superiority through various experiments using sensor data.
Delayed Stochastic Linear‐Quadratic Control Problem and Related Applications
Authors: Chen Li , Wu Zhen , Yu Zhiyong
Published: September 2012

We discuss a quadratic criterion optimal control problem for stochastic linear system with delay in both state and control variables. This problem will lead to a kind of generalized forward‐backward
stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) with Itô’s stochastic delay equations as forward equations and anticipated backward stochastic differential equations as backward equations. Especially, we present the optimal feedback regulator for the time delay system via a new type of Riccati equations and also apply to a population optimal control problem.
Separation and Preconcentration of Trace Amounts of Manganese and Nickel from Natural Water Samples by a Diimine Derivative Schiff Base‐Coated Silica‐Gel Minicolumn
Authors: Rahnama Reyhaneh , Jamali Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2012

An efficient method for preconcentration of trace amounts of Mn (II) and Ni (II) ions by using a minicolumn (10 mm × 30 mm i.d.) filled with a diimine derivative Schiff base on silica‐gel has been reported. The retained analytes on the column were recovered with 5 mL of mixture of nitric acid 5 mol L−1 and methanol (1 : 1) and were determined by a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Different factors including pH of sample solution, sample volume, amount of sorbent, eluent volume, and interference of other ions have been studied and the optimized conditions developed were utilized for the trace determination of Mn (II) and Ni (II) in natural water samples. The recoveries for the analytes under the optimum working conditions were higher than 98%. The relative standard deviations of the determinations (10 replicate analyses) at 25 μg L−1 of Mn (II) and Ni (II) were 2.5% and 2.3%, respectively. The limit of the detection (3s, n = 10) for analytes were found to be 0.20 μg L−1 for Mn (II) and 0.15 μg L−1 for Ni (II). The proposed method was applied to the analysis of natural water samples with satisfactory results.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Mammary Myofibroblastoma: A Report of Six Cases
Authors: Álvarez-Rodriguez Federico , Gimeno-Aranguez Margarita , López-Varela Carmen , González-Peramato Pilar , Tortoledo-Bruni Alejandra , Rodríguez-Costa Julio , Perna Cristian , Jiménez-Heffernan José A.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To evaluate cytologic features of mammary myofibroblastoma in order to establish the possibility of precise preoperative recognition. Study Design: This was a multi-institutional study of 6 patients with myofibroblastoma (5 men and 1 woman) in which preoperatively fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed. Four cases showed classical histologic features, 1 corresponded to the cellular variant and the remaining 1 to the fibrous form. Results: Except for 1 case, smears were cellular and distributed as irregular aggregates and single cells. Most groups showed a small amount of metachromatic stroma and capillaries. Cells retained cytoplasm and showed a spindle-to-plump oval morphology with moderate pleomorphism. Nuclear pleomorphism was present and was relevant in 1 case. Intranuclear pseudoinclusions and mast cells were present in 3 cases. No epithelial clusters were seen. Due to hypercellularity and pleomorphism 1 case was considered as suspicious for malignancy. The remaining 5 were diagnosed as low-grade mesenchymal lesions, and myofibroblastoma was suggested in 3. Conclusion: Cytologic features of myofibroblastoma reflect what is seen on histology. When such findings are correlated with image studies, preoperative recognition can be possible. This is especially true for male patients in whom the tumor is relatively frequent.
Genetic Analysis of NR0B1 in Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia Patients: Identification of a Rare Regulatory Variant Resulting in Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia and Hypogonadal Hypogonadism without Testicular Carcinoma in situ
Authors: Walker A.P. , Fowkes R.C. , Saleh F. , Kim S.-H. , Wilkinson P. , Cabrera-Sharp V. , Talmud P.J. , Humphries S.E. , Looijenga L.H.J. , Bouloux P.M.G.
Published: September 2012

There have been few testicular histology reports of adult patients with congenital adrenal hypoplasia/hypogonadal hypogonadism (AHC/HH), but Leydig cell hyperplasia has been observed, an indicator of the possibility of malignant transformation. We aimed to define the basis of AHC/HH in 4 pedigrees of different ethnic backgrounds. One patient was elected to have testicular biopsy which was examined for evidence of carcinoma in situ (CIS). NR0B1 mutation analysis was performed by sequence analysis. NR0B1 expression was investigated by RT-PCR. Testicular biopsy sections were stained with HE or immunostained for OCT3/4, an established marker of CIS. We identified NR0B1 variants in the 4 AHC pedigrees: pedigree 1 (United Arab Emirates), c.1130A>G predicting p.(Glu377Gly); pedigree 2 (English Caucasian), c.327C>A predicting p.(Cys109*); pedigree 3 (Oman), a 6-bp deletion of a direct repeat, c.857_862delTGGTGC predicting p.(Leu286_Val287del); pedigree 4 (English Caucasian), c.1168+1G>A, a regulatory variant within the NR0B1 splice donor site. This last male patient, aged 30 years, presented with evidence of HH but incomplete gonadotrophin deficiency, following an earlier diagnosis of Addison’s disease at 3 years. Hormonal therapy induced virilisation. Testicular biopsy was performed. The c.1168+1G>A variant abrogated normal splicing of testicular mRNA. Histological examination showed poorly organised testicular architecture and absence of spermatozoa. Morphological analyses and the absence of immunohistochemical staining for OCT3/4 excluded the presence of malignant germ cell cancer and its precursor lesion, CIS. These studies add to the knowledge of the types and ethnic diversity of NR0B1 mutations and their associated phenotypes, and provide insight into the assessment and interpretation of testicular histology in AHC and HH.
Previous Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Aggravates Experimental Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Alves Sueli A. , Carlos Carla P. , Mendes Glória E.F. , Oliveira Sandra M. , Luz Marcus A.M. , Souza Rafael P.S. , Matimoto Rael L. , Coimbra Terezila M. , Burdmann Emmanuel A.
Published: September 2012

Background/Aims: The effects of cigarette smoke (CS) on cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity are poorly studied. This study aims to assess the effects of previous exposure to CS on CsA nephrotoxicity. Methods: Rats were either exposed to CS or sham (S) procedures for 10 min twice a day for 20 weeks. From the 16th to the 20th week, they received a low-salt diet. Beginning with the 17th week, they were given 2.5 mg/day CsA or vehicle (VH) for 3 weeks. The final groups were VH/CS, CsA/CS, VH/S, and CsA/S. On day 141, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and CsA blood levels were measured and immunohistochemistry was analyzed for renal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), nitrotyrosine, and vimentin. Results: CsA decrease in GFR was enhanced by CS exposure. CsA associated with CS induced higher periglomerular α-SMA and renal nitrotyrosine expression. CsA decreased RBF, but increased RVR, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and α-SMA and renal vimentin expression. These changes and the CsA blood levels were not affected by CS exposure. Conclusion: CS aggravated the CsA-induced impairment of GFR and CS associated with CsA caused the development of periglomerular structural lesions and oxidative stress in a rat model of CsA nephrotoxicity.
Significance of Acellular Smears in Conjunctival Impression Cytology
Authors: Chaparala Padmini , Prayaga Aruna Kumari , Digumarti Raghunadha Rao
Published: September 2012

Objectives: Conjunctival xerosis is a marker for vitamin A deficiency. Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) is a widely used technique to detect xerosis in field studies. Inadequate and acellular samples are generally considered technical failures and are treated as uninterpretable. The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of acellular smears in the detection of vitamin A deficiency. Study Design: CIC with transfer (CICT) and blood samples were collected from freshly diagnosed cancer patients and healthy controls. CICT smears were classified as cellular or acellular. Serum vitamin A levels were tested by high-performance liquid chromatography. CICT results were compared with vitamin A levels. Results: CICT was collected from 1,694 subjects. There were 118 (7%) acellular smears, i.e. 99 in patients and 19 in controls. Serum vitamin A levels were available in 112 of these subjects. Levels <20 µg/dl were seen in 82.1% of the subjects with acellular smears and in 18.9% of the subjects with cellular smears (p < 0.001). Of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary and hematologic cancers, 15.6% and 10.5% showed acellular smears, respectively. Conclusions: Acellular smears in conjunctival imprint cytology may indicate hypovitaminosis A, provided technical failure to obtain cellularity is ruled out.
Partial Blindness to Submicron Topography in NF1 Haploinsufficient Cultured Fibroblasts Indicates a New Function of Neurofibromin in Regulation of Mechanosensoric
Authors: Kaufmann D. , Hoesch J. , Su Y. , Deeg L. , Mellert K. , Spatz J.P. , Kemkemer R.
Published: September 2012

Cells sense physical properties of their extracellular environment and translate them into biochemical signals. In this study, cell responses to surfaces with submicron topographies were investigated in cultured human NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts. Age-matched fibroblasts from 8 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1+/–) and 9 controls (NF1+/+) were cultured on surfaces with grooves of 200 nm height and lateral distance of 2 µm. As cellular response indicator, the mean cell orientation along microstructured grooves was systematically examined. The tested NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts were significantly less affected by the topography than those from healthy donors. Incubation of the NF1+/– fibroblasts with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI-277 and other inhibitors of the neurofibromin pathway ameliorates significantly the cell orientation. These data indicate that NF1 haploinsufficiency results in an altered response to specific surface topography in fibroblasts. We suggest a new function of neurofibromin in the sensoric mechanism to topographies and a partial mechanosensoric blindness by NF1 haploinsufficiency.
Perceptions of School Nurses in the Care of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Singer Barbara
Published: September 2012

Many children are surviving prematurity and serious childhood illnesses due to advances in technology and medical care. As a result, more children are entering public school systems with complex health care needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities. School nurses are responsible for caring for these children; however, many nurses feel unprepared due to a lack education on disability studies in nursing school, difficulty with effective communication, and a lack of experience. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceptions and challenges of school nurses who worked with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants included eight nurses who worked in a public school setting, and data were collected through personal interviews, observations, and field notes. Results were analyzed categorically, and data showed that school nurses identified that they lacked education in disability studies and encountered challenges with communication, conducting health assessments, and screenings in students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Health improvement for disadvantaged people in Nepal – an evaluation
Authors: Rana Ram B , Ghimire Rabindra , Shah Mahendra B , Kumal Tirtha , Whitley Elise , Baker Ian A
Published: September 2012

Background

An evaluation of progress with participatory approaches for improvement of health knowledge and health experiences of disadvantaged people in eight Districts of Eastern Nepal has been undertaken.

Methods

A random selection of Village Development Committees and households, within the eight Districts where participation and a Rights-based Approach had been promoted specifically by local NGOs were compared with similar villages and households in eight Districts where this approach had not been promoted. Information was sought by structured interview and observation by experienced enumerators from both groups of householders. Health knowledge and experiences were compared between the two sets of households. Adjustments were made for demographic confounders.

Results

Complete data sets were available for 628 of the 640 households. Health knowledge and experiences were low for both sets of households. However, health knowledge and experiences were greater in the participatory households compared with the non-participatory households. These differences remained after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

The study was designed to evaluate progress with participatory processes delivered by non-governmental organisations over a five year period. Improvements in health knowledge and experiences of disadvantaged people were demonstrated in a consistent and robust manner where interventions had taken place.
Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP4F2 and warfarin dosing in chinese valve replacement patients
Authors: Li Jie-Hui , Ma Guo-Guo , Zhu Shu-Qiang , Yan Hao , Wu Yong-Bing , Xu Jian-Jun
Published: September 2012

Background

Individuals with implanted mechanical valve prostheses require lifelong anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. The narrow therapeutic index of warfarin makes it difficult to dose and maintain proper anticoagulation. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting vitamin K or warfarin metabolism have been shown to affect warfarin dosing. Our aim was to study the effect of the CYP4F2 rs2108622-1347 (C > T) variant on warfarin dosing in Chinese patients.

Methods

We studied 352 patients after heart valve replacement surgery. Warfarin dosing for patients was adjusted to achieve 1.8 ≤ INR ≤ 2.5. We determined the presence of SNPs in CYP4F2 in these patients and investigated their association with warfarin dosing.

Results

We found the frequency of the CYP4F2 rs2108622 C allele was 79.5% and T-allele frequency was 20.5%. The warfarin dose requirement for CC individuals was significantly lower than that for CT or TT individuals (P < 0.05). TT-homozygous individuals required a 0.56 mg/day higher dose of warfarin than their CC counterparts.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that CYP4F2 rs2108622 significantly affects the warfarin dose requirement to achieve adequate anticoagulant activity in Chinese individuals. Genotyping of this SNP may allow clinicians to determine the initiation dose for patients following valve-replacement surgery in China.
Effect of enzyme therapy and prognostic factors in 69 adults with Pompe disease: an open-label single-center study
Authors: de Vries Juna M , van der Beek Nadine AME , Hop Wim CJ , Karstens Francois PJ , Wokke John H , de Visser Marianne , van Engelen Baziel GM , Kuks Jan BM , van der Kooi Anneke J , Notermans Nicolette C , Faber Catharina G , Verschuuren Jan JGM , Kruijshaar Michelle E , Reuser Arnold JJ , van Doorn Pieter A , van der Ploeg Ans T
Published: September 2012

Background

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adults with Pompe disease, a progressive neuromuscular disorder, is of promising but variable efficacy. We investigated whether it alters the course of disease, and also identified potential prognostic factors.

Methods

Patients in this open-label single-center study were treated biweekly with 20 mg/kg alglucosidase alfa. Muscle strength, muscle function, and pulmonary function were assessed every 3–6 months and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

Sixty-nine patients (median age 52.1 years) were followed for a median of 23 months. Muscle strength increased after start of ERT (manual muscle testing 1.4 percentage points per year (pp/y); hand-held dynamometry 4.0 pp/y; both p < 0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC) remained stable when measured in upright, but declined in supine position (−1.1 pp/y; p = 0.03). Muscle function did not improve in all patients (quick motor function test 0.7 pp/y; p = 0.14), but increased significantly in wheelchair-independent patients and those with mild and moderate muscle weakness.

Relative to the pre-treatment period (49 patients with 14 months pre-ERT and 22 months ERT median follow-up), ERT affected muscle strength positively (manual muscle testing +3.3 pp/y, p < 0.001 and hand-held dynamometry +7.9 pp/y, p < 0.001). Its effect on upright FVC was +1.8 pp/y (p = 0.08) and on supine FVC +0.8 (p = 0.38). Favorable prognostic factors were female gender for muscle strength, and younger age and better clinical status for supine FVC.

Conclusions

We conclude that ERT positively alters the natural course of Pompe disease in adult patients; muscle strength increased and upright FVC stabilized. Functional outcome is probably best when ERT intervention is timely.
Kisspeptin and the Hypothalamic Control of Reproduction: Lessons from the Human
Authors: George Jyothis T. , Seminara Stephanie B.
Published: September 2012

The hypothalamic hormone GnRH is a central driver of pituitary gonadotropin secretion, controlling pulsatile gonadotropin secretion, modulating gonadal steroid feedback, and bringing about full fertility in the adult. Thus, understanding GnRH neuronal regulation is essential to understanding the neurohumoral control of human reproduction. Genetic tools were used in patients with GnRH deficiency (i.e. idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), a clinical syndrome that results from the failure of a normal pattern of pulsatile GnRH, to discover upstream modulators of GnRH secretion (1). In 2003, homozygosity mapping of two consanguineous pedigrees led to the identification of loss of function mutations in KISS1R (a G protein coupled receptor) by two groups (2, 3). In parallel, the Kiss1r−/− mouse was shown to be a phenocopy of the human GnRH-deficient state, demonstrating that the function of KISS1R/Kiss1r is conserved across mammalian species (4). Just before these human genetic discoveries, the ligand for kisspeptin-1 receptor [KISS1R; also known as G protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54)], was discovered to be kisspeptin. Soon thereafter a large array of experimental studies began assembling genetic, expression, physiologic, transgenic, knockdown, and electrophysiological data to characterize the physiology of kisspeptin and its seminal role in modulating GnRH release.
Sink fast and swim harder! Round-trip cost-of-transport for buoyant divers
Authors: Miller Patrick J. O. , Biuw Martin , Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Thompson Dave , Fedak Mike A.
Published: September 2012

Efficient locomotion between prey resources at depth and oxygen at the surface is crucial for breath-hold divers to maximize time spent in the foraging layer, and thereby net energy intake rates. The body density of divers, which changes with body condition, determines the apparent weight (buoyancy) of divers, which may affect round-trip cost-of-transport (COT) between the surface and depth. We evaluated alternative predictions from external-work and actuator-disc theory of how non-neutral buoyancy affects round-trip COT to depth, and the minimum COT speed for steady-state vertical transit. Not surprisingly, the models predict that one-way COT decreases (increases) when buoyancy aids (hinders) one-way transit. At extreme deviations from neutral buoyancy, gliding at terminal velocity is the minimum COT strategy in the direction aided by buoyancy. In the transit direction hindered by buoyancy, the external-work model predicted that minimum COT speeds would not change at greater deviations from neutral buoyancy, but minimum COT speeds were predicted to increase under the actuator disc model. As previously documented for grey seals, we found that vertical transit rates of 36 elephant seals increased in both directions as body density deviated from neutral buoyancy, indicating that actuator disc theory may more closely predict the power requirements of divers affected by gravity than an external work model. For both models, minor deviations from neutral buoyancy did not affect minimum COT speed or round-trip COT itself. However, at body-density extremes, both models predict that savings in the aided direction do not fully offset the increased COT imposed by the greater thrusting required in the hindered direction.