bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Lipoprotein (a) in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Receiving Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ding Shifang , Peng Yi , Chen Zhinan , Jiang Juquan , Gong Zhigang , Li Zhigang , Lu Qing , Wang Renxue
Published: December 2011

Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Lipoprotein (a) in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Receiving Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

In order to study the prognostic value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in patients receiving emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we retrospectively reviewed 118 patients who received emergency PCI following AMI from January 2007 to April 2010. The plasma levels of hsCRP and Lp(a) were determined. The incidence of cardiovascular events was compared between patients with an elevated hsCRP level and those with a normal hsCRP level and between patients with an elevated Lp(a) level and those with a normal Lp(a) level. Results showed that the incidence of cardiovascular events was 52.9% in the hsCRP-elevated group and 18.2% in the hsCRP-normal group displaying a significant difference (P=0.011). However, the incidence of cardiovascular events was 35.3% in the Lp(a)-elevated group and 46.4% in the Lp(a)-normal group and statistical analysis revealed no significant difference (P=0.733). HsCRP, but not Lp(a), can serve as a prognostic factor for patients receiving emergency PCI following AMI.
TNF-α, HGF and TGF-β1 are Involved in Liver Regeneration Following Partial Hepatectomy Using Portal Vein Arterializations
Authors: Niu JianXiang , Dong ChaoXuan , Zhang JunJing , Meng XingKai
Published: December 2011

TNF-α, HGF and TGF-β1 are Involved in Liver Regeneration Following Partial Hepatectomy Using Portal Vein Arterializations

Experiments on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy have shown that TNF-α, HGF and TGF-β1 and other cytokines play important roles in the different stages of liver regeneration, however, the effect of portal vein arterialization (PVA) on the expressions of these cytokines during liver regeneration is not clear. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the PVA group and control groups, and blood was collected for the detection of ALT using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The expressions of TNF-α, HGF and TGF-β1 in liver tissues were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. The ALT levels in both groups in the early period after surgery were significantly higher than those before operation, and gradually returned to normal at 7 days after surgery. At 12 h and 24 h after operation, the TNF-α expression in the PVA group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), but no significant difference at 7 days after surgery was observed between the two groups. At 12 h, the HGF expression in the PVA group was similar to that in the control group, but significantly higher than in the control group at 24 h (P<0.05). At 24 h, the TGF-β1 expression in the PVA group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P <0.05), but no significant difference was found at 48 h after surgery between the two groups. The promotive effects on the portal vein arterialization at the early stage of liver regeneration were associated with the changes in the expressions of TNF-α, HGF and TGF-β1.
Towards a case-based computational model for the creative design of electromagnetic devices
Authors: Ouyang Jun , Lowther David
Published: December 2011

Towards a case-based computational model for the creative design of electromagnetic devices

In order to explore creativity in design, a computational model based on Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) (an approach to employing old experiences to solve new problems) and other soft computing techniques from machine learning, is proposed in this paper. The new model is able to address the four challenging issues: generation of a design prototype from incomplete requirements, judgment and improvement of system performance given a sparse initial case base library, extraction of critical features from a given feature space, adaptation of retrieved previous solutions to similar problems for deriving a solution to a given design task. The core principle within this model is that different knowledge from various level cases can be explicitly explored and integrated into a practical design process. In order to demonstrate the practical significance of our presented computational model, a case-based design system for EM devices, which is capable of deriving a new design prototype from a real-world device case base with high dimensionality, has been developed.
Influence of annealing on the mechanical anisotropy of hot pack rolled Ti-6Al-4V sheets
Authors: Satheesh Kumar S. S. , Raghu T.
Published: December 2011

The effect of annealing on the mechanical anisotropy of hot pack rolled Ti-6Al-4V thin sheets was studied. Partial recrystallization/globularization of the deformed microstructure was observed during high temperature annealing of rolled sheets. The room temperature tensile properties obtained along different orientations from rolling direction to transverse direction are used to evaluate the % In Plane Anisotropy (%IPA), and Anisotropic Index (δ). A significant decrease in anisotropy with the increase in annealing temperature was observed. The Knoop hardness based plane stress yield loci were evaluated for the sheets in as-rolled and annealed conditions and the variation in the shape and size of yield loci divulged the decrease in mechanical anisotropy with annealing. The X-ray diffraction scans also revealed the weakening of basal texture qualitatively.
Influence of ammonia concentration on the formation of hollow silica microspheres via polystyrene beads templating
Authors: Qiu Qin , Diao Zhenyu , Van Oers Cynthia J. , Kwong Fung Luen , Cool Pegie , Liu Shiquan
Published: December 2011

The influence of ammonia concentration on the formation of hollow silica microspheres via polystyrene beads templating was investigated. Hollow silica microspheres could only be templated in water – ethanol – ammonia – tetraethyl orthosilicate media with low concentrations of ammonia. It is shown that in template-free media, the aggregation of silica particles decreases with ammonia concentrations. Thus, the aggregation degree of formed silica particles may imply whether a silica forming media is suitable for preparing hollow silica microspheres via polystyrene beads templating. The increase in ammonia promotes spontaneous nucleation and condensation of silica oligomers to form silica particles. The repulsive forces between the particles as well as those between them and templates are relatively large, hindering the assembly of silica primary particles on the templates to form silica shells.
Study of single-walled carbon nanotube dielectrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Bo , Qi Hongxia , Xu Dong , Zhang Yafei
Published: December 2011

Dielectrophoresis was used to align single-walled carbon nanotubes between microelectrodes in deionized water. The influences of solvent concentration, alternating current voltage amplitude and frequency, and direct current electric field on the alignment of nanotube were studied. The results show that the number of deposited carbon nanotubes could be adjusted via the solution concentration and voltage amplitude. Alternating current frequency affects the orientation of the nanotubes. At higher frequency, nanotubes are well assembled between the electrodes. When applying a composite electric field, the direct current component would generate vortex flux at the vicinity of nanotubes, which changes the nanotube alignment.
Dural sinus stent placement for idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Kumpe David A. , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Seinfeld Joshua , Pelak Victoria S. , Chawla Ashish , Tierney Mary
Published: December 2011

Object

The use of unilateral dural sinus stent placement in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) has been described by multiple investigators. To date there is a paucity of information on the angiographic and hemodynamic outcome of these procedures. The object of this study was to define the clinical, angiographic, and hemodynamic outcome of placement of unilateral dural sinus stents to treat intracranial venous hypertension in a subgroup of patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for IIH.

Methods

Eighteen consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of IIH were treated with unilateral stent placement in the transverse-sigmoid junction region. All patients had papilledema. All 12 female patients had headaches; 1 of 6 males had headaches previously that disappeared after weight loss. Seventeen patients had elevated opening pressures at lumbar puncture. Twelve patients had opening pressures of 33–55 cm H2O. All patients underwent diagnostic cerebral arteriography that showed venous outflow compromise by filling defects in the transverse-sigmoid junction region. All patients underwent intracranial selective venous pressure measurements across the filling defects. Follow-up arteriography was performed in 16 patients and follow-up venography/venous pressure measurements were performed in 15 patients.

Results

Initial pressure gradients across the filling defects ranged from 10.5 to 39 mm Hg. Nineteen stent procedures were performed in 18 patients. One patient underwent repeat stent placement for hemodynamic failure. Pressure gradients were reduced in every instance and ranged from 0 to 7 mm Hg after stenting. Fifteen of 16 patients in whom ophthalmological follow-up was performed experienced disappearance of papilledema. Follow-up arteriography in 16 patients at 5–99 months (mean 25.3 months, median 18.5 months) showed patency of all stents without in-stent restenosis. Two patients had filling defects immediately above the stent. Four other patients developed transverse sinus narrowing above the stent without filling defects. One of these patients underwent repeat stent placement because of hemodynamic deterioration. Two of the other 3 patients had hemodynamic deterioration with recurrent pressure gradients of 10.5 and 18 mm Hg.

Conclusions

All stents remained patent without restenosis. Stent placement is durable and successfully eliminates papilledema in appropriately selected patients. Continuing hemodynamic success in this series was 80%, and was 87% with repeat stent placement in 1 patient.
Nano-Scale Au Supported on Carbon Materials for the Low Temperature Water Gas Shift (WGS) Reaction
Authors: Gil Sonia , Romero Amaya , Lucas Antonio de , Sánchez Paula , Dorado Fernando , Osa Ana Raquel de la , García-Vargas Jesús Manuel , Valverde Jose Luis
Published: December 2011

Au-based catalysts supported on carbon materials with different structures such as graphite (G) and fishbone type carbon nanofibers (CNF-F) were prepared using two different methods (impregnation and gold-sol) to be tested in the water gas shift (WGS) reaction. Atomic absorption spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, elemental analyses (CNH), N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and temperature-programmed decomposition were employed to characterize both the supports and catalysts. Both the crystalline nature of the carbon supports and the method of gold incorporation had a strong influence on the way in which Au particles were deposited on the carbon surface. The higher crystallinity and the smaller and well dispersed Au particle size were, the higher activity of the catalysts in the WGS reaction was noted. Finally, catalytic activity showed an important dependence on the reaction temperature and steam-to-CO molar ratio.
Flow-Mediated Vasodilatation and Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Coexisting Heart Failure and Diabetes Receiving Medical Therapy
Authors: Andersen Lisbeth Vestergaard , Wiinberg Niels , Tuxen Christian , Kjær Andreas
Published: December 2011

Objective: Intensive medical treatment of heart failure (HF) patients with diabetes may reduce the endothelial dysfunction and the accelerated atherosclerotic process seen in these patients. To study this, we investigated the endothelial function and the presence of atherosclerosis as measured by flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) in intensively treated patients with coexisting HF and diabetes. Research Design and Method: FMD of the brachial artery and IMT of the common carotid arteries were determined in 26 patients with systolic HF and diabetes who were in intensive medical therapy, as well as in 19 healthy controls. The two groups were matched according to age and sex. In all subjects left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. Biochemical parameters including serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL, triglyceride, glucose, hemoglobin/hemoglobin-A1C (HbA1C), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP were also assessed. Results: Mean FMD and IMT did not differ significantly between patients and controls. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in patients compared to controls (P < 0.001). The patients had a higher mean BNP, NT pro-BNP, triglyceride, HbA1C and glucose in comparison to controls. Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were lower in patients compared to controls. Conclusions: Intensively treated patients with coexisting systolic HF and diabetes seem to have normal endothelial function as measured by FMD and they have no sign of accelerated atherosclerosis as measured by IMT. This suggests a positive effect of medication on the cardiovascular alterations in this group of patients.
The Central Italy Electromagnetic Network and the 2009 L'Aquila Earthquake: Observed Electric Activity
Authors: Fidani Cristiano
Published: December 2011

A network of low frequency electromagnetic detectors has been operating in Central Italy for more than three years, consisting of identical instruments that continuously record the electrical components of the electromagnetic field, ranging from a few Hz to tens of kHz. These signals are analyzed in real time and their power spectrum contents and time/frequency data are available online. To date, specific interest has been devoted to searching for any possible electromagnetic features which correlate with seismic activity in the same region. In this study, spectral analysis has evidenced very distinct power spectrum signatures that increased in intensity when strong seismic activity occurred near the stations of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake. These signatures have revealed horizontally oriented electric fields, between 20 Hz to 400 Hz, lasting from several minutes to up to two hours. Their power intensities have been found to be about 1 μV/m. Moreover, a large number of man-made signals and meteorologic electric perturbations were recorded. Anthropogenic signatures have come from power line disturbances at 50 Hz and higher harmonics up to several kHz, while radio transmissions have influenced the higher kHz spectrum. Reception from low frequency transmitters is also provided in relation to seismic activity. Meteorologic signatures cover the lower frequency band through phenomena such as spherics, Schumann resonances and rain electrical perturbations. All of these phenomena are useful teaching tools for introducing students to this invisible electromagnetic world.
Related Factors of Insulin Resistance in Korean Children: Adiposity and Maternal Insulin Resistance
Authors: Cho Young-Gyu , Kang Jae-Heon , Hur Yang-Im , Song Jihyun , Lee Kang-Sook
Published: December 2011

Increased adiposity and unhealthy lifestyle augment the risk for type 2 diabetes in children with familial predisposition. Insulin resistance (IR) is an excellent clinical marker for identifying children at high risk for type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate parental, physiological, behavioral and socio-economic factors related to IR in Korean children. This study is a cross-sectional study using data from 111 children aged 7 years and their parents. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using fasting glucose and insulin level as a marker of IR. All children’s adiposity indices (r = 0.309–0.318, all P-value = 0.001) and maternal levels of fasting insulin (r = 0.285, P-value = 0.003) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.290, P-value = 0.002) were positively correlated with children’s HOMA-IR level. There was no statistical difference of children’s HOMA-IR level according to children’s lifestyle habits and socioeconomic status of families. An increase of 1 percentage point in body fat was related to 2.7% increase in children’s HOMA-IR (P-value < 0.001) and an increase of 1% of maternal level of HOMA-IR was related to 0.2% increase in children’s HOMA-IR (P-value = 0.002). This study shows that children’s adiposity and maternal IR are positively associated with children’s IR.
Wild and Hatchery Populations of Korean Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus) Compared Using Microsatellite DNA Markers
Authors: An Hye Suck , Byun Soon Gyu , Kim Yi Cheong , Lee Jang Wook , Myeong Jeong-In
Published: December 2011

Starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) is an important sport and food fish found around the margins of the North Pacific. Aquaculture production of this species in Korea has increased because of its commercial value. Microsatellite DNA markers are a useful DNA-based tool for monitoring the genetic variation of starry flounder populations. In this study, 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers were identified from a partial genomic starry flounder DNA library enriched in CA repeats, and used to compare allelic variation between wild and hatchery starry flounder populations in Korea. All loci were readily amplified and demonstrated high allelic diversity, with the number of alleles ranging from 6 to 18 in the wild population and from 2 to 12 in the farmed population. A total of 136 alleles were detected at the 12 microsatellite loci in the two populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.62 and 0.68, respectively, in the hatchery samples and 0.67 and 0.75, respectively, in the wild samples. These results indicate lower genetic variability in the hatchery population as compared to the wild population. Significant shifts in allelic frequencies were detected at eight loci, which resulted in a small but significant genetic differences between the wild and hatchery populations (FST = 0.043, P < 0.05). Further studies with additional starry flounder sample collections are needed for comprehensive determinations of the genetic varieties between the wild and hatchery populations. These microsatellite loci may be valuable for future population genetic studies, monitoring the genetic variation for successful aquaculture management and the preservation of aquatic biodiversity.
Adopting Bacteria in Order to Adapt to Water—How Reed Beetles Colonized the Wetlands (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Donaciinae)
Authors: Kleinschmidt Birgit , Kölsch Gregor
Published: December 2011

The present paper reviews the biology of reed beetles (Donaciinae), presents experimental data on the role of specific symbiotic bacteria, and describes a molecular method for the detection of those bacteria. Reed beetles are herbivores living on wetland plants, each species being mono- or oligo-phagous. They lay their eggs on the host plant and the larvae live underwater in the sediment attached to its roots. The larvae pupate there in a water-tight cocoon, which they build using a secretion that is produced by symbiotic bacteria. The bacteria are located in four blind sacs at the foregut of the larvae; in (female) adults they colonize two out of the six Malpighian tubules. Tetracycline treatment of larvae reduced their pupation rate, although the bacteria could not be fully eliminated. When the small amount of bacterial mass attached to eggs was experimentally removed before hatching, symbiont free larvae resulted, showing the external transmission of the bacteria to the offspring. Specific primers were designed to detect the bacteria, and to confirm their absence in manipulated larvae. The pupation underwater enabled the reed beetles to permanently colonize the wetlands and to diversify in this habitat underexploited by herbivorous insects (adaptive radiation).
Optimizing Location of Bulk Metallic Minerals Processing Based on Greenhouse Gas Avoidance
Authors: McLellan Benjamin C.
Published: December 2011

The bulk minerals iron ore and bauxite cause significant greenhouse emissions in their processing to steel and aluminum respectively. The level of these emissions is highly dependent on the source of electrical and thermal energy. However, they also cause significant greenhouse gas emissions from their transportation across the globe for processing. This study examines these minerals from the perspective of greenhouse gas avoidance, examining the location of processing as an option for reducing transportation-based and process-based emissions. The analysis proposes a “radius of reduction” to define the potential for transporting ore to reduce emissions by offshore processing. Overall scenarios for localized steel production indicate potential for 85% reduction of transport emissions in the steel industry and 14% of overall industry emissions. Local high-carbon electricity grids and inefficient production mean that the benefit of reduced transportation is partially counteracted by increased processing emissions. The transportation of all global bauxite to Norway and other nations with low-emissions electricity for production of aluminum could result in an overall reduction of industry emissions of up to 44%.
Heterogeneous Collaborative Sensor Network for Electrical Management of an Automated House with PV Energy
Authors: Castillo-Cagigal Manuel , Matallanas Eduardo , Gutiérrez Álvaro , Monasterio-Huelin Félix , Caamaño-Martín Estefaná , Masa-Bote Daniel , Jiménez-Leube Javier
Published: December 2011

In this paper we present a heterogeneous collaborative sensor network for electrical management in the residential sector. Improving demand-side management is very important in distributed energy generation applications. Sensing and control are the foundations of the “Smart Grid” which is the future of large-scale energy management. The system presented in this paper has been developed on a self-sufficient solar house called “MagicBox” equipped with grid connection, PV generation, lead-acid batteries, controllable appliances and smart metering. Therefore, there is a large number of energy variables to be monitored that allow us to precisely manage the energy performance of the house by means of collaborative sensors. The experimental results, performed on a real house, demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed collaborative system to reduce the consumption of electrical power and to increase energy efficiency.
Formation et dissolution des familles dans la Slovaquie de la transition
Authors: Seys François-Olivier
Published: December 2011

En Slovaquie, la fin du régime socialiste, la transition vers l'économie de marché et l'indépendance ont eu non seulement des conséquences sur la société mais aussi sur les dynamiques démographiques et plus particulièrement sur les indicateurs transversaux de formation et de dissolution de la famille. Ainsi, on observe une accélération de la chute de fécondité et de nuptialité, une augmentation de la divortialité. De même, en matière de calendrier, la précocité des événements démographiques héritée d'avant 1989 commence à se retarder avec une augmentation encore timide de l'âge moyen au premier mariage ou à la première maternité. Sur un plan spatial, cela se traduit par un accroissement des disparités internes avec une distinction fondamentale entre l'ouest et l'est du pays. A l'ouest, l'occidentalisation des comportements démographiques est plus précoce et se diffuse actuellement des villes importantes comme Bratislava et Nitra vers les campagnes. A l'est du pays, on observe une résistance beaucoup plus forte du régime démographique hérité de la période socialiste.

Dans l'ensemble, ces disparités correspondent à des disparités sociales, économiques et culturelles comme, par exemple, l'avancée de la transition économique, une opposition entre populations protestantes et catholiques et l'importance des populations tsiganes ayant un comportement démographique original.
Migration agricole et insécurité foncière en pays bwa du Burkina Faso
Authors: Drabo Issa
Published: December 2011

Agricultural migration and land insecurity in the Bwaba territory of Burkina Faso

The Bwaba territory which has remained under-populated for a long time started to experience a prodigious population growth in the 70s with migratory overflows. The immigrants, mostly Moose peasants from the central and northern parts of Burkina Faso, were attracted by the rich natural potentialities (good rainfall and fertile soils) and by the region being under-populated. The growth of the population, cotton planting and the mechanization of agriculture will increase the need for farming lands to an extent such that access to land has become a major issue in some areas.

The evolution of that issue in the Bwaba territory has now led to land insecurity for the immigrants. This situation which deteriorates the social relationship between the immigrants and the indigenous populations is likely to have an impact on the agricultural productivity which chiefly depends on the immigrants.

The study of the land issue focuses on the social dimension related to land resources. The present study which has been conducted at both regional and local levels shows the global nature of the problem. Demographic and sociological factors, as well as the farming methods and legal matters ought to be taken into consideration in its analysis. The resolution of land insecurity must be included in a regional management policy which takes all the productive capacity of the space into account.
Éléments et propositions pour une géographie du VIH/Sida en Inde
Authors: Eliot Emmanuel
Published: December 2011

Elements and Proposals for a Geography of HIV/AIDS in India.

Developing countries are the most affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic at the dawn of the twenty first century. However, knowledge regarding "high-risk" spaces and processes of diffusion in these countries is quite poor, although it could be very useful to develop an efficient public health policy. Lacks in the health systems create difficulties in the access to the serological data bases which could give an image of the epidemic. This article, based on an Indian survey, tries to propose methodological biases and tools to give keys to understand at several scales the spatial dynamic of the epidemic.
La maladie du sommeil en Côte d'Ivoire : à la recherche d'indicateurs de risque
Authors: Hervouët Jean-Pierre , Laffly Dominique , Cardon Laetitia
Published: December 2011

La maladie du sommeil, ou Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine (T.H.A.), est une maladie parasitaire à transmission vectorielle mortelle. Elle est, aujourd'hui, qualifiée de « reviviscente ». Les structures de soins ne semblent plus, actuellement, aptes à contrôler cette maladie sans signes d'appel spécifiques. La question principale qui se pose, alors, aux programmes nationaux de lutte est de savoir où agir en priorité, en l'absence d'informations médicales ou entomolo- giques fiables. Cette maladie possède cependant des caractères environnementaux affirmés. Des indicateurs éco-démographiques de celle-ci, toujours complexes, peuvent être dégagés afin de retracer ses racines géographiques.
Surmonter le doute statistique : le cas de l'émigration urbaine en Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Beauchemin Cris
Published: December 2011

En 1995 étaient publiés les premiers résultats d'une enquête démographique réalisée en Côte d'Ivoire sur les migrations et l'urbanisation : d'après cette enquête, entre 1988 et 1993, les campagnes enregistraient un solde migratoire positif aux dépens des villes. Le résultat était si improbable qu'il suscita de la méfiance : ce devait être une erreur de mesure, l'enquête ne devait pas être fiable. Précisément, nous voulons montrer que la mise en avant de l'émigration urbaine (migration ville-campagne) dans les échanges entre milieux urbain et rural est un fait démographique réel. La méthode consiste à identifier tous les biais qui pourraient expliquer par eux-mêmes l'inversion des flux entre milieux urbain et rural. Il ne s'agit pas de les évacuer en les niant mais plutôt d'en évaluer la réelle portée sur les résultats afin d'introduire éventuellement des facteurs correctifs. En la matière, les biais liés à l'appréhension de l'espace font l'objet d'une attention particulière. En définitive, nous voulons montrer que la méfiance dont "l'enquête ivoirienne sur les migrations et l'urbanisation" (EIMU) a fait l'objet est en réalité le produit d'un aveuglement suscité par l'obsession de la croissance urbaine et de « l'exode rural ».
Tourism, Diaspora and the Mediation of Vacationscapes : Some Lessons from Enticing Jewish- Americans to Germany
Authors: Coles Tim
Published: December 2011

This paper attempts to inject a new impetus to research into the relationship between tourism and diaspora communities. A review of the discourses and ideas underpinning the concept of diaspora suggest that the tourism-diaspora interface has been both undertheorized and only partially revealed. While some revalorisation of this relationship is suggested in some recent work, this paper identifies four types of travel flows, destination spaces and experiences distinctive to diasporas. In so doing it suggests that, rather than by adopting the usual tourist- centred approach, a supply-side reading of the attempts to present Germany to Jewish- Americans reveals that the vacationscapes, products, events and the experiences are like the groups they seek to access: namely, hybridised. In effect, 'hybrid holidays' for produced for 'hybrid people'. Some of the conceptual and management implications of this observation are discussed.
Efficient Derivation and Concise Gene Expression Profiling of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitors (EMPs)
Authors: Yen Men-Luh , Hou Chun-Han , Peng Kai-Yen , Tseng Pei-Chi , Jiang Shih-Sheng , Shun Chia-Tung , Chen Yao-Chang , Kuo Min-Liang
Published: December 2011

New potential sources of stem cells for clinical application include bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). However, each source is not without its own concerns. While research continues in an effort to overcome these problems, the generation of mesenchymal progenitors from existing hESC lines may circumvent many of these issues. We report here a simple and efficient method of generating hESC-derived mesenchymal progenitors (EMPs) and transcriptome profiling using a concise, custom-designed, oligomnucleotide gene expression microarray. Characterization of EMPs shows that these cells are similar to BMMSCs in terms of differentiation capacity as well as cell surface marker expression. In addition, EMPs express several ESC markers and HLA-G, a nonclassical MHC class I molecule with immunomodulatory properties. Morevoer, EMPs possess significantly enhanced proliferative ability over BMMSCs during which karyotypic stability was maintained. Although derived from hESCs, EMPs do not form any tumors in immunocompromised mice. To efficiently profile gene expression in multiple samples, we designed an oligoarray to probe just over 11,000 genes highly expressed in stem cells. We found that the transcriptome of EMPs is more similar to BMMSCs than hESCs. Both cell types highly express genes involved in processes related to the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, and cell adhesion, but EMPs show higher expression of genes involved in cell proliferation whereas BMMSCs showed higher expression of immune-related genes. Based on our data, EMPs may be an accessible source of mesenchymal progenitor for therapeutic use.
Morphological Changes in the Ovine Carotid Artery Wall Induced by Cold Storage
Authors: Smardencas Arthur , Birchall Ian
Published: December 2011

Blood vessels obtained from cadavers and amputated limbs stored at 4°C (i.e., cold stored) potentially represent an economical and readily sourced alternative to autologous vessels and synthetic prostheses for vascular reconstructive surgery. However, cold-stored vessels would need to have a reduced antigenicity and an antithrombogenic autologous endothelial cell (EC) lining before they could function as patent vascular allografts. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cold storage for 1–16 weeks on the morphology of the ovine carotid artery wall. Ovine carotid arteries ( n = 6) were rinsed and flushed with 0.9% saline, cut into segments, wrapped in 0.9% saline-soaked gauze, and stored at 4°C for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks. Following storage, the segments were sampled and the samples fixed and sectioned for light microscopic, immunohistochemical, or transmission electron microscopic examination. After 1 and 2 weeks the ECs were karyolitic or contained pyknotic nuclei. After 4 weeks the EC layer was depleted, the subendothelial matrix exposed, and the number of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts reduced. The 8- and 16-week samples demonstrated complete loss of the EC lining and only occasional remnants of SMCs or fibroblasts. The subendothelial basement membrane appeared to undergo degradative changes as early as 1 week following cold storage. At each time point examined, the subendothelial connective tissue stroma, the internal elastic lamina (IEL), and the collagenous and elastic extracellular framework were retained. These results demonstrate that the ovine carotid artery wall progressively loses its cells but retains its extracellular components during cold storage for up to 16 weeks. They suggest that cold-stored vessels may function as allografts with a reduced antigenicity for vascular reconstructive surgery. It is conceivable that seeded autologous ECs may be used to restore the antithrombogenic EC lining prior to graft implantation.
Expression of Pro- and Antiapoptotic Molecules of the Bcl-2 Family in Human Islets Postisolation
Authors: Campbell Peter D. , Weinberg Anita , Chee Jonathan , Mariana Lina , Ayala Rochelle , Hawthorne Wayne J. , O'connell Philip J. , Loudovaris Thomas , Cowley Mark J. , Kay Thomas W. , Grey Shane T. , Thomas Helen E.
Published: December 2011

Human islets are subjected to a number of stresses before and during their isolation that may influence their survival and engraftment after transplantation. Apoptosis is likely to be activated in response to these stresses. Apoptosis due to intrinsic stresses is regulated by pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. While the role of the Bcl-2 family in apoptosis of rodent islets is becoming increasingly understood, little is known about which of these molecules are expressed or required for apoptosis of human islets. This study investigated the expression of the Bcl-2 family of molecules in isolated human islets. RNA and protein lysates were extracted from human islets immediately postisolation. At the same time, standard quality control assays including viability staining and β-cell content were performed on each islet preparation. Microarrays, RT-PCR, and Western blotting were performed on islet RNA and protein. The prosurvival molecules Bcl-xl and Mcl-1, but not Bcl-2, were highly expressed. The multidomain proapoptotic effector molecule Bax was expressed at higher levels than Bak. Proapoptotic BH3-only molecules were expressed at low levels, with Bid being the most abundant. The proapoptotic molecules BNIP3, BNIP3L, and Beclin-1 were all highly expressed, indicating exposure of islets to oxygen and nutrient deprivation during isolation. Our data provide a comprehensive analysis of expression levels of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members in isolated human islets. Knowledge of which molecules are expressed will guide future research to understand the apoptotic pathways activated during isolation or after transplantation. This is crucial for the design of methods to achieve improved transplantation outcomes.
Concevoir du matériel sportif à partir d'une approche centrée sur l'activité : une alternative en ergonomie du sport
Authors: Poizat Germain , Haradji Yvon , Seifert Ludovic
Published: December 2011

Résumé En ergonomie du sport, on observe une disproportion entre l’attention apportée à la spécification du matériel et celle portée à l’activité des utilisateurs. Pourtant, concevoir du matériel utile, utilisable et appropriable nécessite une connaissance fine de l’activité réelle des utilisateurs. Cet article vise à présenter une démarche de conception centrée sur l’activité, laquelle constitue une voie alternative pour concevoir du matériel sportif. Afin d’illustrer notre démarche à l’aide d’un exemple concret, nous déclinerons un projet de conception de piolet pour l’escalade sur glace et le dry-tooling mené en collaboration avec des fabricants de matériel technique pour l’escalade, l’escalade sur glace et l’alpinisme.
Short-term Cell Death and Inflammation After Intracorneal Inlay Implantation in Rabbits
Authors: Santhiago Marcony R. , Barbosa Flavia L. , Agrawal Vandana , Binder Perry S. , Christie Bruce , Wilson Steven E.
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE:

To investigate the cell death and inflammatory response to insertion of the KAMRA inlay (AcuFocus Inc) for presbyopia.

METHODS:

Twenty-four rabbits were included in the study. Each rabbit had pockets generated in both corneas with a femtosecond laser. One eye of each rabbit had an inlay inserted into the pocket and the opposite control eye had the pocket dissected. Eight rabbits were studied at 24 hours, 48 hours, or 6 weeks after surgery. Tissue sections were analyzed with TUNEL assay to detect cell death and immunohistochemistry for CD11b to detect monocytes as a marker of inflammation.

RESULTS:

The inlay group had significantly more stromal cell death than the control group at 48 hours after surgery (
P
=.038). At 24 hours and 6 weeks after surgery, no significant difference was noted in stromal cell death between the inlay and control groups. Significantly more CD11b+ cells were noted in the stroma in the inlay group compared to the control group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery (
P
=.025 and
P
=.001, respectively). However, at 6 weeks after surgery, no significant difference in CD11b+ cells was observed between the control and inlay groups (
P
=.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although an early increase in stromal cell death and inflammation occurred in eyes that underwent femtosecond laser pocket creation and KAMRA inlay insertion compared to a control group with the pocket only, no significant difference was noted between the inlay and control groups in stromal cell death or inflammation at 6 weeks after surgery.
Optical Coherence Tomography for Retinal Metastasis With Unknown Primary Tumor
Authors: Coassin Marco , Ebrahimi Katayoon B. , O’Brien Joan M. , Stewart Jay M.
Published: December 2011

The authors describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and the therapeutic approach of a patient with metastatic neoplastic disease of the retina. A patient with a history of brain cancer of undetermined origin underwent imaging and surgery to investigate a suspected metastatic retinal lesion of the right eye. Retinal thinning with cordon-like hyperreflective structures was seen on OCT. Neoplastic cells consistent with small cell carcinoma were identified in the vitreous sample. Those cells were thought to be similar to the previous biopsied cerebellar tumor specimen. OCT imaging, along with vitrectomy and retinal biopsy, may be useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected metastatic lesions of the retina.
Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Bastiaenen Rachel , Behr Elijah R.
Published: December 2011

The Brugada syndrome demonstrates characteristic electrocardiogram features and is a significant cause of sudden death in young adults with overtly normal cardiac structure and function. The genetic basis has not yet been fully elucidated but our understanding of the causative mutations and modifiers of arrhythmic events is advancing rapidly alongside sequencing technologies. We expect that the future will include risk stratification according to genotype and management tailored to the genetic diagnosis.
Eruptive keloids after chickenpox
Authors: Kluger Nicolas , Mahé Antoine , Guillot Bernard
Published: December 2011

Hypertrophic scars and keloids result from abnormal wound healing in predisposed individuals. They occur within months of cutaneous trauma (surgical wounds, piercing, lacerations) or inflammation (acne, folliculitis, vaccination site). They have rarely been reported after chickenpox. Herein we report a dramatic case in a 4-year-old black girl and discuss the issues related to the management of hypertrophic scars and keloids in this peculiar situation.
Unilateral Blaschkoid lichen planus in successive pregnancies
Authors: Kumar Shiva , Okade Rajendra , Abdul Rahman Yasmin
Published: December 2011

A  number  of  genetic, congenital  and  acquired dermatoses  have  been  known  to  follow  Blaschko’s lines. A  common  disorder  like  lichen  planus  can very  rarely  present  with   pruritic  lesions  in  atypical  patterns  such  as  unilateral  distribution,  painful  eruptions  and  along  Blaschko’s  lines. Various  triggering  factors  varying  from  viral infections  and  vaccinations   to  trauma  have  been  implicated in lichen  planus.  We  describe  a  female  patient  in  the second  trimester  of  her  second  pregnancy  who  developed  unilateral  lichen  planus  along  Blaschko’s  lines  during  both  pregnancies.  No  case  of  lichen planus  along  Blaschko’s  lines  recurring  during  pregnancy  is reported  so far. Could  pregnancy  itself  be  a  contributory  factor   towards  onset  of  lichen  planus  in  this  case?
Impact of Obesity on Childhood Kidney
Authors: Kaneko Kauznari , Kimata Takahisha , Tsuji Shoji , Shiraishi Kazumi , Yamauchi Kuniaki , Murakami Mutsumi , Kitagawa Teruo
Published: December 2011

Obese patients are known to have greater risks to develop hypertension, coronary vascular disease, and insulin resistance, and more attention has been recently paid to the impact of obesity on kidney. This study was conducted to investigate whether obese children have higher risk of renal injury as well as adults. Eighteen hundred and thirty school children aged 6-14 years with abnormal urinary findings on thrice occasions detected by the screening program for renal disease in Japan were enrolled. Of them, 27 children with nephritis or suspected nephritis diagnosed by persistent proteinuria with hematuria were compared to 588 without urinary abnormalities regarding their body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and serum level of total cholesterol. BMI and systolic BP (mmHg) were significantly higher in the former than in the latter. As a result, obesity may be associated with the development of renal injury even in childhood.
Acute Abdomen After Allogenic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Crocoli Alessandro , Pagliara Daria , Locatelli Franco , Inserra Alessandro
Published: December 2011

We report a case of a patient underwent allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation complicated by acute colonic pseudo obstruction who require surgery after failure of conservative therapy.
Merkel cell carcinoma in a 17-year-old boy, report of a highly aggressive fatal case and review of the literature
Authors: Marzban Saeed , Geramizadeh Bita , Farzaneh Mohammad-Reza
Published: December 2011

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare tumor frequently involving the skin with an aggressive behavior and fatal outcome. It occurs mostly in the caucasian race between 60–80 years of age and it is rare in children. Herein we report our experience with a highly aggressive fatal Merkel cell carcinoma in an immunocompetent 17-year-old boy. Its characteristics and treatment modalities will be also discussed.
Schwannoma-like pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid
Authors: Tille Jean-Christophe , Reychler Hervé , Hamoir Marc , Schmitz Sandra , Weynand Birgit
Published: December 2011

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland tumour. It can occur in any salivary gland, but is most frequently found in the parotid gland. Chondroid metaplasia is a frequent finding in pleomorphic adenoma. Other forms of metaplasia have been described, but are encountered less frequently. We report a rare case of unusual pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland with schwannoma-like feature.
Use of Cultural Themes in Promoting Health among Southeast Asian Refugees
Authors: Frye Barbara A.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Hmong refugee populations in the United States face serious physical and psychosocial health issues. Literature on these populations is largely descriptive of illnesses and of cultural beliefs or behavior patterns related to illness. There is minimal literature linking beliefs and behaviors to the underlying cultural themes. The purpose of this paper was to search the literature for cultural themes from which culturally relevant health promotion strategies could be designed.

Search Methods.

Literature was reviewed from the fields of health, social, and political science, history, and Southeast Asian folklore. Search methods included review of 147 writings from library and MEDLINE search and 123 interviews with refugees and key professionals in the field. This manuscript includes 106 selections as well as content from 93 interviews.

Findings and Conclusions.

From the literature emerged two cultural themes common to these populations, kinship solidarity and the search for equilibrium. The use of these cultural themes as carriers of health messages is suggested. Examples of ways to link the message with the cultural theme are presented, including the use of folklore, recognition of cultural illnesses, and use of cultural knowledge in addressing new situations such as inner city urban survival. Cultural themes are a means of conveying health messages addressing such issues as transition in family structure, depression, and substance abuse.
Meeting the Health Promotion Needs of Hispanic Communities
Authors: Delgado Jane L.
Published: December 2011

This paper conducts a review of the demographic and health status data for Hispanic communities and relates them to the role of culture in health care. The author's recommend that promotion programs for Hispanic communities should focus on specific community data (morbidity rather than mortality), understand the impact of culture and language (cultural competency training and staffing), develop strong outreach components (establish community advisory boards, identify credible community spokespersons and incorporate community residents as health educators), and work in partnership (sharing funds and resources) with community-based organizations.