bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postdiagnosis C-Reactive Protein and Breast Cancer Survivorship: Findings from the WHEL Study
Authors: Villaseñor Adriana , Flatt Shirley W. , Marinac Catherine , Natarajan Loki , Pierce John P. , Patterson Ruth E.
Published: November 2013

Background: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of acute inflammatory response and has been associated with health outcomes in some studies. Inflammation and immune response may have potential prognostic implications for breast cancer survivors.

Methods: The Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study includes 2,919 early-stage breast cancer survivors with serum collected 2 years postdiagnosis and follow-up for clinical outcomes over approximately 7 years. CRP concentrations were measured using high-sensitivity electrochemiluminescence assay. Outcomes, including all-cause mortality, breast cancer–specific mortality, and additional breast cancer events were oncologist verified from medical records and death certificates. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted with adjustment for potential confounding factors to generate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: CRP concentrations in women diagnosed with breast cancer were associated with death due to any cause, death due to breast cancer, and additional breast cancer events, after adjustment for sociodemographic and cancer characteristics (lnCRP: P < 0.05 for all three outcomes). The HR for women with (vs. without) acute inflammation suggests a threshold effect on overall survival, rather than a dose–response relationship (≥10.0 mg/L vs. <1 mg/L: HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.22–3.13). Associations were similar for breast cancer–specific mortality (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.13–3.23) and any additional breast cancer–related event (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17–2.43).

Conclusions: Acute inflammation status (CRP ≥ 10 mg/L) may be an important independent biomarker for long-term survival in breast cancer survivors.

Impact: Interventions to decrease circulating CRP concentrations in breast cancer survivors with acute inflammation may improve prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 189–99. ©2013 AACR.
Adventitial Nab-Rapamycin Injection Reduces Porcine Femoral Artery Luminal Stenosis Induced by Balloon Angioplasty via Inhibition of Medial Proliferation and Adventitial Inflammation
Authors: Gasper Warren J. , Jimenez Cynthia A. , Walker Joy , Conte Michael S. , Seward Kirk , Owens Christopher D.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Endovascular interventions on peripheral arteries are limited by high rates of restenosis. Our hypothesis was that adventitial injection of rapamycin nanoparticles would be safe and reduce luminal stenosis in a porcine femoral artery balloon angioplasty model.

Methods and Results—

Eighteen juvenile male crossbred swine were included. Single-injury (40%–60% femoral artery balloon overstretch injury; n=2) and double-injury models (endothelial denudation injury 2 weeks before a 20%–30% overstretch injury; n=2) were compared. The double-injury model produced significantly more luminal stenosis at 28 days,
P
=0.002, and no difference in medial fibrosis or inflammation. Four pigs were randomized to the double-injury model and adventitial injection of saline (n=2) or 500 μg of nanoparticle albumin-bound rapamycin (nab-rapamycin; n=2) with an endovascular microinfusion catheter. There was 100% procedural success and no difference in endothelial regeneration. At 28 days, nab-rapamycin led to significant reductions in luminal stenosis, 17% (interquartile range, 12%–35%) versus 10% (interquartile range, 8.3%–14%),
P
=0.001, medial cell proliferation,
P
<0.001, and fibrosis,
P
<0.001. There were significantly fewer adventitial leukocytes at 3 days,
P
<0.001, but no difference at 28 days. Pharmacokinetic analysis (single-injury model) found rapamycin concentrations 1500× higher in perivascular tissues than in blood at 1 hour. Perivascular rapamycin persisted ≥8 days and was not detectable at 28 days.

Conclusions—

Adventitial nab-rapamycin injection was safe and significantly reduced luminal stenosis in a porcine femoral artery balloon angioplasty model. Observed reductions in early adventitial leukocyte infiltration and late medial cell proliferation and fibrosis suggest an immunosuppressive and antiproliferative mechanism. An intraluminal microinfusion catheter for adventitial injection represents an alternative to stent- or balloon-based local drug delivery.
Objective Identification of the Intertropical Convergence Zone: Climatology and Trends from the ERA-Interim
Authors: Berry Gareth , Reeder Michael J.
Published: November 2013

An objective method for the identification of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in gridded numerical weather prediction datasets is presented. This technique uses layer- and time-averaged winds in the lower troposphere to automatically detect the location of the ITCZ and is designed for use with datasets including operational forecasts and climate model output. The method is used to create a climatology of ITCZ properties from the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) dataset for the period 1979–2009 to serve as an indicator of the technique's ability and a benchmark for future comparisons. The automatically generated objective climatology closely matches the results from subjective studies, showing a seasonal cycle in which the oceanic ITCZ migrates meridionally and the land-based ITCZ features are predominantly summertime phenomena. Composites based on the phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation index show a major shift in the mean position and changes in intensity of the ITCZ in all ocean basins as the index varies. Under La Niña conditions, the ITCZ intensifies over the Maritime Continent and eastern Pacific, where the ITCZ weakens over the central and equatorial eastern Pacific. An analysis of changes in the ITCZ and its divergence during the period 1979–2009 indicates that the mean position of the ITCZ shifts southward in the western Pacific and a broad global intensification of the convergence into ITCZ regions. The relationship between tropical cyclogenesis and the ITCZ is also examined, finding that more than 50% of all tropical cyclones form within 600 km of the ITCZ.
Century-Scale Intensity Modulation of Large-Scale Variability in Long Historical Temperature Records
Authors: Yuan Naiming , Fu Zuntao
Published: November 2013

Large-scale variability in long historical temperature records around the North Atlantic Ocean is analyzed by means of power spectral density (PSD) analysis and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). It is found that the intensity of large-scale variability is changeable with time, and long memory analysis can be used to detect this possible intensity variation quantitatively. By estimating long-term memory (LTM) in subrecords of different time intervals, a century-scale variation of LTM is revealed, which further indicates a century-scale intensity modulation of the large-scale temperature variability. At the beginning of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the large-scale variability is more apparent, whereas in the second half of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the large-scale variability becomes less significant. Considering the importance of large-scale variability, the findings herein suggest a new perspective on the understanding of climatic change.
The accuracy of surrogate decision makers: informed consent in hypothetical acute stroke scenarios
Authors: Bryant Jessica , Skolarus Lesli E , Smith Barbara , Adelman Eric E , Meurer William J
Published: November 2013

Background

Over one third of stroke patients have cognitive or language deficits such that they require surrogate consent for acute stroke treatment or enrollment into acute stroke trials. Little is known about the agreement of stroke patients and surrogates in this time-sensitive decision-making process. We sought to determine patient and surrogate agreement in 4 hypothetical acute stroke scenarios.

Methods

We performed face to face interviews with ED patients at an academic teaching hospital from June to August 2011. Patients and the surrogates they designated were asked to make decisions regarding 4 hypothetical stroke scenarios: 2 were treatment decisions; 2 involved enrollment into a clinical trial. Percent agreement was calculated as measures of surrogate predictive ability.

Results

A total of 200 patient/surrogate pairs were interviewed. Overall patient/surrogate percent agreement was 76.5%. Agreement for clinical scenarios ranged from 87% to 96% but dropped to 49%-74% for research scenarios.

Conclusions

Surrogates accurately predict patient preferences for standard acute stroke treatments. However, the accuracy decreases when predicting research participation suggesting that the degree of surrogate agreement is dependent on the type of decision being made. Further research is needed to more thoroughly characterize surrogate decision-making in acute stroke situations.
Validation of doubled haploid plants by enzymatic mismatch cleavage
Authors: Hofinger Bernhard J , Huynh Owen A , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Müller Andrea , Otto Ingrid , Kumlehn Jochen , Till Bradley J
Published: November 2013

Background

Doubled haploidy is a fundamental tool in plant breeding as it provides the fastest way to generate populations of meiotic recombinants in a genetically fixed state. A wide range of methods has been developed to produce doubled haploid (DH) plants and recent advances promise efficient DH production in otherwise recalcitrant species. Since the cellular origin of the plants produced is not always certain, rapid screening techniques are needed to validate that the produced individuals are indeed homozygous and genetically distinct from each other. Ideal methods are easily implemented across species and in crops where whole genome sequence and marker resources are limited.

Results

We have adapted enzymatic mismatch cleavage techniques commonly used for TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes) for the evaluation of heterozygosity in parental, F1 and putative DH plants. We used barley as a model crop and tested 26 amplicons previously developed for TILLING. Experiments were performed using self-extracted single-strand-specific nuclease and standard native agarose gels. Eleven of the twenty-six tested primers allowed unambiguous assignment of heterozygosity in material from F1 crosses and loss of heterozygosity in the DH plants. Through parallel testing of previously developed Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, we show that 3/32 SSR markers were suitable for screening. This suggests that enzymatic mismatch cleavage approaches can be more efficient than SSR based screening, even in species with well-developed markers.

Conclusions

Enzymatic mismatch cleavage has been applied for mutation discovery in many plant species, including those with little or no available genomic DNA sequence information. Here, we show that the same methods provide an efficient system to screen for the production of DH material without the need of specialized equipment. This gene target based approach further allows discovery of novel nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes in the parental lines.
Fabrication and Properties of Microcapacitors with a One-nanometer-thick Single Ti0.87O2 Nanosheet
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Akatsuka Kosho , Fukumura Tomoteru , Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: November 2013

The dielectric and insulating properties of a single Ti0.87O2 nanosheet were investigated by fabricating an Au/single Ti0.87O2 nanosheet/Au planar microcapacitor structure. Capacitance and electric measurements of the nanosheet microcapacitor showed reproducibly good performance as a gate insulator: almost frequency-independent capacitance up to 1 MHz and extremely high electric field endurance of ≥ 20 MV cm−1.
Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Based on 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidene Derivatives: Substituent and π-Spacer Effects on the Efficiency
Authors: Wada Atsushi , Nishida Jun-ichi , M. Maitani Masato , Wada Yuji , Yamashita Yoshiro
Published: November 2013

Four novel 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene dyes BDY-1, BDY-2, BDY-3, and BDY-4 were developed for dye-sensitized solar cells. Among these dyes, BDY-4 containing a 9,9-dibutyl-9H-fluorene spacer and a phenyl group at the vinyl position showed the highest efficiency (3.26%), indicating the importance of the phenyl substituent and the fluorene unit in improving the efficiency.
False Privacy and Information Games
Authors: O’Callaghan Patrick
Published: November 2013

This paper is a critique of false privacy, the proposition that privacy’s protective remit should extend to information that is entirely false. It argues that there are conceptual as well as doctrinal problems associated with such an action in tort law. First, drawing on the work of the American sociologist, Erving Goffman, the paper challenges the idea that the authentic self can be recognised in law. Second, the paper argues that false privacy sits uneasily with tort law’s doctrinal framework. While the paper focuses on English tort law, it pursues its lines of argument in a comparative context, exploring how German and US law give expression to false privacy.
Uncoupling of EphA/ephrinA Signaling and Spontaneous Activity in Neural Circuit Wiring
Authors: Benjumeda Isabel , Escalante Augusto , Law Chris , Morales Daniel , Chauvin Geraud , Muça Gerald , Coca Yaiza , Márquez Joaquín , López-Bendito Guillermina , Kania Artur , Martínez Luis , Herrera Eloísa
Published: November 2013

Classic studies have proposed that genetically encoded programs and spontaneous activity play complementary but independent roles in the development of neural circuits. Recent evidence, however, suggests that these two mechanisms could interact extensively, with spontaneous activity affecting the expression and function of guidance molecules at early developmental stages. Here, using the developing chick spinal cord and the mouse visual system to ectopically express the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.1 in individual embryonic neurons, we demonstrate that cell-intrinsic blockade of spontaneous activityin vivodoes not affect neuronal identity specification, axon pathfinding, or EphA/ephrinA signaling during the development of topographic maps. However, intrinsic spontaneous activity is critical for axon branching and pruning once axonal growth cones reach their correct topographic position in the target tissues. Our experiments argue for the dissociation of spontaneous activity from hard-wired developmental programs in early phases of neural circuit formation.
Meditation als angewandte Neurowissenschaft
Authors: Ott Ulrich
Published: November 2013

Die neurowissenschaftliche Forschung beschäftigt sich in den letzten Jahren verstärkt mit Methoden der Achtsamkeitsmeditation, die in zahlreiche klinische Behandlungsprogramme integriert wurden. Nach einer kurzen Vorstellung der Magnetresonanztomographie und der Programme mit der weitesten Verbreitung (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction und Mindfulness- based Cognitive Therapy) werden vier Mechanismen erläutert, die vermutlich deren therapeutischer Wirksamkeit zugrunde liegen: Regulation der Aufmerksamkeit, Gewahrsein des Körpers, Emotionsregulation und veränderte Selbstwahrnehmung. Anhand einer exemplarischen Studie mit Angstpatienten wird gezeigt, wie durch Achtsamkeit die Symptome reduziert und parallel dazu spezifische neuronale Regelkreise modifiziert werden. Im Ausblick wird diskutiert, wie maßgeschneiderte Interventionen entwickelt werden können und welche Kontraindikationen zu beachten sind.
Meditation, Interkonfessionalität und geistliche Lyrik im Barock (Angelo Grillo und Johann Rist)
Authors: Föcking Marc
Published: November 2013

Die christliche Meditationsliteratur der Frühen Neuzeit arbeitet zu einem großen Teil mit Themen und Strukturen, die interkonfessionelle Gültigkeiten zumindest für Katholizismus und Luthertum des 17. Jahrhunderts haben, weil sie auf der gemeinsamen Basis der hochund spätmittelalterlichen Meditation ruht. Für die geistliche Lyrik des 17. Jahrhunderts stellt diese Meditationsliteratur besonders in der Passionsthematik Modelle bereit, die ihrerseits katholischen wie lutheranischen Gedichtsammlungen der ersten Jahrhunderthälfte - Angelo Grillos Pietosi affetti und Johann Rists Passionssalven - ein vergleichbares, die Grenzen der Konfessionen vielfach überschreitendes Profil verleihen.
Bild, Meditation und ästhetische Erfahrung: Max Ernst: L’ange du foyer ou Le triomphe du surréalisme
Authors: Kasten Ingrid
Published: November 2013

Von der Frömmigkeitspraxis des Mittelalters ausgehend, in der bildliche Darstellungen (etwa der Passion Christi) als Mittel der Meditation eine Rolle spielen konnten, vertritt der Beitrag mit Blick auf ein Gemälde von Max Ernst die These, dass auch in der säkularisierten Moderne Bilder den Betrachter dazu führen können, nachdenkend in sie einzudringen. Diese Art der Meditation zielt zwar nicht auf die Transzendierung der Grenze zwischen Gott und Mensch; sie eröffnet jedoch einen Raum der ästhetischen Erfahrung, der auch ein transzendierendes Moment eigen ist.
Briefing: Wrapt – software for analysing UKCP09 weather generator output
Authors: Tomlinson James E. , McSweeney Robert T. , Darch Geoff J. C. , Kilsby Christopher G.
Published: November 2013

Wrapt (Weather generator rainfall analysis processing tool) is a software tool created as part of a UK Water Industry Research project on the impact of climate change on sewer networks. It allows users to generate design storm change factors and select timeseries from output of the UKCP09 (UK climate projections 2009) weather generator without the need for manual processing or detailed knowledge of weather generators. Wrapt has been developed to assess changes in extremes of short-duration rainfall events – relevant to assessing the performance of sewer networks – but also has potential for applications elsewhere (e.g. water quality modelling).
Numerical simulation of the mixing and flow characteristics in lobed mixers
Authors: Zhi-Wu Wang , Kun Zhang , Longxi Zheng , Xing-Gu Chen , Ping Li , Xiang-Yi Nan
Published: November 2013

This paper focused on the mixer optimization by numerical simulation. The
mixing and flow characteristics inside two different lobed mixers
with/without centrum were obtained by three-dimensional CFD simulation. The
core flow was the hot rich-methane/O2?l?burnt gas, while the cold air flew
by the by-pass. The air/burnt gas flow ratio was improved from 7 to 9 in
order to confirm the effect of air/burnt gas ratio on the mixing and flow
characteristics. The simulation results indicated that no matter which mixer
was used, there were a pair of symmetrical recirculation regions in the
mixers, and the total temperature and species distribution turned to be more
uniform at the increased mixing length. The mixing performance in the lobed
mixer with centrum was slightly better than that of the lobed mixer without
centrum, and the length of recirculation region in the lobed mixer with
centrum was slightly shorter than that of the lobed mixer without centrum.
The air/burnt gas ratio had considerable effect on the mixing and flow
characteristics. The mixing performance with air/burnt gas ratio of 9 was
much better than that of air/burnt gas ratio 7. Similar mixing performance
would attain in the case of air/burnt gas ratio 9 with only half of the
mixing length in the case ofair/burnt gas ratio 7. The recirculation region
in the case of air/burnt gas ratio 9 occurred ahead of that of air/burnt gas
ratio 7, and the former was longer than the latter.
Determination of detonation products equation of state from cylinder test: Analytical model and numerical analysis
Authors: Elek Predrag , Dzingalasevic Vesna , Jaramaz Slobodan , Mickovic Dejan
Published: November 2013

Contemporary research in the field of explosive applications implies
utilization of hydrocode simulations. Validity of these simulations strongly
depends on parameters used in the equation of state for high explosives
considered. A new analytical model for determination of Jones-Wilkins-Lee
(JWL) equation of state parameters based on the cylinder test is proposed.
The model relies on analysis of the metal cylinder expansion by detonation
products. Available cylinder test data for five high explosives are used for
the calculation of JWL parameters. Good agreement between results of the
model and the literature data is observed, justifying the suggested
analytical approach. Numerical finite element model of the cylinder test is
created in Abaqus in order to validate the proposed model. Using the
analytical model results as the input, it was shown that numerical simulation
of the cylinder test accurately reproduces experimental results for all
considered high explosives. Therefore, both the analytical method for
calculation of JWL equation of state parameters and numerical Abaqus model of
the cylinder test are validated.
Thermal and electrical energy yield analysis of a directly water cooled photovoltaic module
Authors: Mtunzi Busiso , Meyer Edson , Michael Simon
Published: November 2013

Electrical energy of photovoltaic modules drops by 0.5% for each degree
increase in temperature. Direct water cooling of photovoltaic modules was
found to give improved electrical and thermal yield. A prototype was put in
place to analyse the field data for a period of a year. The results showed an
initial high performance ratio and electrical power output. The monthly
energy saving efficiency of the directly water cooled module was found to be
approximately 61%. The solar utilisation of the naturally cooled photovoltaic
module was found to be 8.79% and for the directly water cooled module its
solar utilisation was 47.93%. Implementation of such systems on households
may reduce the load from the utility company, bring about huge savings on
electricity bills and help in reducing carbon emissions.

 This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction 10.2298/TSCI160407082E
Diffusion models of heat and momentum with weakly singular kernels in the fading memories: How the integral-balance method can be applied?
Authors: Hristov Jordan
Published: November 2013

This work presents an attempt to apply the heat-balance integral approach to
diffusion models with fading memories with weakly singular kernels resulting
in closed-form solutions. The main steps are exemplified by solutions where
the fading memory is represented by Volterra integrals and by a
time-fractional Riemann-Liouville derivative. The examples address sole
elastic (damping) effects and cases where the viscous diffusivity should be
taken into account. As examples polynomial approximation is applied,
demonstrating how to avoid problems in determination of the exponent of the
general parabolic profile, but without freedom to optimize the final
closed-form solution. In general, this is a new implementation of an old idea
and related methods to new models and we hope the demonstrated technique
could be useful in solutions of practical problems.
Circulating Inflammatory Markers and the Risk of Vascular Complications and Mortality in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease or Risk Factors: The ADVANCE Study
Authors: Lowe Gordon , Woodward Mark , Hillis Graham , Rumley Ann , Li Qiang , Harrap Stephen , Marre Michel , Hamet Pavel , Patel Anushka , Poulter Neil , Chalmers John
Published: November 2013

C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death in general populations. However, studies of these factors in type 2 diabetes are limited. We studied their associations with the risk of major macrovascular events, microvascular complications, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) Study. Plasma CRP, fibrinogen, and IL-6 levels were determined in a case-cohort study (n = 3,865) nested within the 11,140 men and women with type 2 diabetes and baseline CVD or risk factors in the ADVANCE Study. All three biomarkers of inflammation were associated with an increased risk of macrovascular events and death in analyses adjusted for age, sex, and treatment groups. After further adjustment, only IL-6 was an independent predictor of macrovascular events (hazard ratio per SD increase 1.37 [95% CI 1.24–1.51]) and death (1.35 [1.23–1.49]). IL-6 significantly improved the prediction of macrovascular events and death. After adjustment, none of the markers predicted microvascular complications. We conclude that IL-6 levels, but not CRP or fibrinogen levels, add significantly to the prediction of macrovascular events and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have baseline CVD or risk factors.
Chemical composition of the leaves of Reynoutria japonica Houtt. and soil features in polluted areas
Authors: Rahmonov Oimahmad , Czylok Andrzej , Orczewska Anna , Majgier Leszek , Parusel Tomasz
Published: November 2013

The study was conducted on six sites that are dominated by Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and that vary in the level of industrialization and habitat transformation by humans. The aim of the research was to investigate the chemical-physical features of soil under a closed and dense canopy of R. japonica, the chemical composition of the R. japonica leaves, and to compare the content of certain elements in the soil-plant-soil system. The soil organic carbon (Corg) content varied from 1.38±0.004% to 8.2±0.047% and the maximum in leaves was 49.11±0.090%. The lowest levels of total nitrogen (Ntot) in soil were recorded on the heavily disturbed sites (till 0.227±0.021%). Soil pH varied greatly, ranging from acidic (pH=4.0) to neutral (pH=7.7). Heavy metal content differed significantly among the study sites. At all of the sites, both in the case of soil and plant leaves, Zn was a dominant element and its concentration ranged from 41.5 to 501.2 mg·kg−1 in soils and from 38.6 to 541.7 mg·kg−1 in leaves. Maximum accumulations of P (2103.3±15.3 mg·kg−1) and S (2571.7±17.6 mg·kg−1) were observed on the site that had been influenced by agricultural practices. The results obtained showed that R. japonica is able to accumulate high levels of heavy metals.
Bilberries exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect in lipid-loaded macrophages
Authors: Niculescu Loredan , Sanda Gabriela , Simionescu Natalia , Sima Anca
Published: November 2013

We hypothesized that the mechanism responsible for the anti-atherosclerotic action of bilberry extract (BE) is linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, and investigated its direct effect on the regulation of apolipoprotein E (apoE) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages. Human THP-1 macrophages were loaded with lipids by incubation with human copper-oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and then exposed to different concentrations of BE (1–5 µg mL−1) obtained from bilberries (mechanically homogenized and solubilized in ethanol). Cellular and secreted proteins, the phosphorylation level of NF-κB and protein kinase A (PKA) were quantified by Western blot and gene expression was evaluated by Real-time PCR. The results showed that BE induced in lipid-loaded macrophages has: (i) an antioxidant effect by reducing the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits, p22phox, p47phox and NOX4, (ii) an anti-inflammatory effect by diminishing the secretion of CRP, MCP-1 and IL-1β and (iii) cholesterol efflux by increasing the secretion of apoE and CETP and by reducing cellular cholesterol content. BE exerted these effects by inhibition of NF-κB and activation of PKA signaling pathways. Our study supports BE therapeutic administration to decrease oxidative and inflammatory stress by a molecular mechanism regulated by NF-κB and PKA signaling pathways in lipid-loaded macrophages.
The NO/ONOO-Cycle as the Central Cause of Heart Failure
Authors: Pall Martin
Published: November 2013

The NO/ONOO-cycle is a primarily local, biochemical vicious cycle mechanism, centered on elevated peroxynitrite and oxidative stress, but also involving 10 additional elements: NF-κB, inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide, mitochondrial dysfunction (lowered energy charge, ATP), NMDA activity, intracellular Ca2+, TRP receptors and tetrahydrobiopterin depletion. All 12 of these elements have causal roles in heart failure (HF) and each is linked through a total of 87 studies to specific correlates of HF. Two apparent causal factors of HF, RhoA and endothelin-1, each act as tissue-limited cycle elements. Nineteen stressors that initiate cases of HF, each act to raise multiple cycle elements, potentially initiating the cycle in this way. Different types of HF, left vs. right ventricular HF, with or without arrhythmia, etc., may differ from one another in the regions of the myocardium most impacted by the cycle. None of the elements of the cycle or the mechanisms linking them are original, but they collectively produce the robust nature of the NO/ONOO-cycle which creates a major challenge for treatment of HF or other proposed NO/ONOO-cycle diseases. Elevated peroxynitrite/NO ratio and consequent oxidative stress are essential to both HF and the NO/ONOO-cycle.
Collaborative construction of a project as a methodology for acquiring digital competences
Authors: Pérez-Mateo-Subirà María , Romero-Carbonell Marc , Romeu-Fontanillas Teresa
Published: November 2013

As a result of the emergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) we are currently experiencing a period of major changes. Higher education plays a key role in helping students to acquire the competences which enable them to be autonomous in both academic and professional environments, where ICT literacy and collaborative processes are considered crucial. This study analyzes students’ perceptions about how the collaborative construction of an online project facilitates the acquisition of digital competences. It examines the methodological approach, within the context of the Open University of Catalonia, of the subject: «ICT Competences». This subject is conducted fully online at the UOC, and learners are required to engage in a collaborative project organized in 4 phases: starting, structuring, developing and concluding. Based on an evaluation research approach, quantitative and qualitative data from a survey have been triangulated. The results support the pedagogical methodology which forms the basis of this subject and indicates that collaborative projects facilitate the acquisition of digital competences, highlighting those linked to digital teamwork and digital attitude. The conclusions reinforce the importance of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) processes, the need to put forward pedagogical proposals for the acquisition of both digital and collaborative competences and the relevant role of the teacher in this process.

Actualmente presenciamos una etapa de importantes cambios como consecuencia de la emergencia de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). La educación superior ejerce un papel clave para ayudar a los estudiantes a adquirir las competencias que les permitan desenvolverse en los entornos académico y profesional. Entre éstas, las vinculadas a las TIC y los procesos de colaboración se consideran claves. La finalidad del presente estudio es analizar la percepción de los estudiantes a fin de evidenciar cómo la construcción colaborativa de un proyecto digital facilita la adquisición de las competencias digitales. Para ello, se aborda el planteamiento metodológico de la asignatura «Competencias TIC» de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, la cual se desarrolla a través de un proyecto colaborativo en red organizado en cuatro fases: inicio, estructuración, desarrollo y conclusión y cierre. Mediante una investigación evaluativa se triangulan datos de naturaleza cuantitativa y cualitativa provenientes de un cuestionario. Los resultados muestran la evolución en la propuesta metodológica de la asignatura a la vez que ponen de manifiesto cómo el proyecto digital en equipo facilita la adquisición de las competencias digitales, destacando concretamente las vinculadas al trabajo en equipo en red y la actitud digital. Las conclusiones refuerzan la importancia de los procesos CSCL, la necesidad de trabajar propuestas pedagógicas para la adquisición de competencias digitales.
Exploring student and teacher perception of E-textbooks in a Primary School
Authors: Minelli-de-Oliveira Janaina , Camacho-i-Martí Mar , Gisbert-Cervera Mercè
Published: November 2013

The potential of technology in digital society offers multiple possibilities for learning. E-books constitute one of the technologies to which great attention has to be paid. This article presents a case study on the perceptions held by a teacher and his students on the use of e-textbooks in a Primary education classroom. It examines students’ meaning-making practices and the perceptions that teachers and students have towards their engagement in learning activities in this context. In the analysis of the data generated, the classroom is considered a multimodal learning space, where virtual, physical and cognitive environments overlap, allowing students to negotiate meaning across multiple contexts and reflect upon it. Results show that e-textbook users’ perceptions greatly depend on the institutional culture in which they are embedded. While the adoption of e-textbooks does not necessarily mean a transition from traditional textbooks to e-textbooks, students and teachers may develop a more demanding range of criteria which must be met by e-textbook providers. By doing this, e-books become a real alternative to free internet resources. Although e-textbooks favor a communicatively active style of learning, there are still real challenges to be overcome by publishers so that e-textbooks do not become the next forgotten fad.

El potencial que posee la tecnología en el marco de una sociedad digitalizada supone también múltiples oportunidades para el aprendizaje. Los libros electrónicos constituyen una de esas tecnologías a las que hay que prestar especial atención. En este artículo se presenta un estudio de caso sobre la percepción de un profesor y sus estudiantes sobre el uso de un libro de texto electrónico en un aula de Educación Primaria. Se examinan prácticas de construcción de significado y actitudes mientras se realizan actividades con un libro de texto electrónico. El aula se considera como un espacio de aprendizaje multimodal en el que se solapan entornos como el virtual, el físico y el cognitivo. Los estudiantes negocian significados en múltiples contextos, reflexionando durante el proceso. Los resultados demuestran que la percepción de los usuarios de los libros de texto electrónicos depende de la cultura institucional en la que están inmersos. Cuando su adopción no significa una transición de los libros de texto tradicionales a los libros de texto electrónicos, existe una gama más exigente de criterios a fin de que puedan convertirse en una alternativa real a los recursos disponibles en Internet. Pese a que los libros de texto electrónicos favorecen un estilo activo y comunicativo de aprendizaje, aún existen desafíos reales que las editoriales deben superar para que el libro de texto electrónico no se convierta en una moda pasajera.
Competition Regulation and Recombinant Drugs in India
Authors: Bhardwaj Ravikant , Manchikanti Padmavati , Raju K.D.
Published: November 2013

The recombinant drug industry is growing at almost 20% rate in India. The long term growth of this sector depends upon the innovation as well as competition and market. The structure, conduct and performance of firms in market plays a very important role in predicting the future of innovation and competition in market. The present paper analyses the structure-conduct-performance paradigm in the context of recombinant drug sector in India. The analysis reveals that R&D, distribution chains and advertisement has significant effect on the profits of firms in the recombinant drug sector.
An Agile, Cross-Discipline Model for Developing Bio-Enterprise Professionals
Authors: Gunn Moira A. , Dever Jennifer , Tzagarakis-Foster Christina , Lorton, Jr. Paul , Kane Kathleen , Masterson Nola
Published: November 2013

In meeting bio-enterprise needs, university education often revolves around introducing students in the sciences to business, managerial and other professional expertise. This paper introduces the Bio-Enterprise Innovation Expertise Model, an alternative driver for bio-enterprise-relevant education that includes science-focused students, but also draws students from non-scientific fields, which are essential to the success of any bio-enterprise. Students are grounded in the global biotechnology industry and the dynamic of expertise required throughout the innovation process â€“ from science to product. Against a backdrop of current approaches, the experience of the Business of Biotechnology (BoB) Program at the University of San Francisco (USF) is described. It utilizes the model to cohesively integrate multiple degree programs (business, law, information systems and biotechnology.) With a complement of three lecture courses and four study tours to differing global bioclusters, 95 graduate students from four degree programs undertook 170 BoB courses over five semesters. In terms of extensibility, previously unpublished Council of Graduate Schools research data is presented that shows master's focused institutions out-performing doctoral institutions at the master's level, establishing relevance of the model to all universities. The experience further demonstrates how such programs can evolve incrementally with strategic use of the model, opening numerous options for implementation, and increasing the potential to better serve bio-enterprise.Â
Ore reserve estimation using radial basis functions
Authors: Yamamoto Jorge Kazuo
Published: November 2013

Este trabalho apresenta uma aplicação das equações multiquádricas para o cálculo de reservas minerais. Esse método é comparado com os estimadores tradicionais usados na indústria mineral: inverso da distância e krigagem ordinária. A função de base radial com um termo de precisão constante tem uma forma absolutamente equivalente à krigagem ordinária. Nesse sentido, as funções de base radial podem ser potencialmente empregadas para avaliação de reservas minerais. Além disso, as funções de base radial podem ser adaptadas facilmente para avaliação de blocos tal como a krigagem.É mostrado também que as funções de base radial são dependentes das unidades das coordenadas e, dessa forma, as funções base devem ser cuidadosamente escolhidas. Usando os dados exploratórios do Depósito de Cobre de Chapada, demonstra-se que a transformação logarítmica das funções base proporciona os melhores resultados quando comparados aos da krigagem ordinária. Assim, as funções de base radial podem ser aplicadas para estimativa de reservas minerais, tornando-se uma alternativa confiável para essa finalidade.
Differential post‐transcriptional regulation of IL‐10 by TLR2 and TLR4‐activated macrophages
Authors: Teixeira‐Coelho Maria , Guedes Joana , Ferreirinha Pedro , Howes Ashleigh , Pedrosa Jorge , Rodrigues Fernando , Lai Wi S. , Blackshear Perry J. , O'Garra Anne , Castro António G. , Saraiva Margarida
Published: November 2013

The activation of TLRs by microbial molecules triggers intracellular‐signaling cascades and the expression of cytokines such as IL‐10. Il10 expression is tightly controlled to ensure effective immune responses, while preventing pathology. Maximal TLR‐induction of Il10 transcription in macrophages requires signaling through the MAPKs, ERK, and p38. Signals via p38 downstream of TLR4 activation also regulate IL‐10 at the post‐transcriptional level, but whether this mechanism operates downstream of other TLRs is not clear. We compared the regulation of IL‐10 production in TLR2 and TLR4‐stimulated BM‐derived macrophages and found different stability profiles for the Il10 mRNA. TLR2 signals promoted a rapid induction and degradation of Il10 mRNA, whereas TLR4 signals protected Il10 mRNA from rapid degradation, due to the activation of Toll/IL‐1 receptor domain‐containing adaptor inducing IFN‐β (TRIF) and enhanced p38 signaling. This differential post‐transcriptional mechanism contributes to a stronger induction of IL‐10 secretion via TLR4. Our study provides a molecular mechanism for the differential IL‐10 production by TLR2‐ or TLR4‐stimulated BMMs, showing that p38‐induced stability is not common to all TLR‐signaling pathways. This mechanism is also observed upon bacterial activation of TLR2 or TLR4 in BMMs, contributing to IL‐10 modulation in these cells in an infection setting.
Reproducibility of the quantification of arterial and tissue contributions in multiple postlabeling delay arterial spin labeling
Authors: Sousa Inês , Vilela Pedro , Figueiredo Patrícia
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the reproducibility of estimation of cerebral blood flow (CBF), bolus arrival time (BAT), and arterial blood volume (aBV) from arterial spin labeling (ASL) data acquired at multiple postlabeling delays (PLDs).

Materials and Methods

CBF, BAT, and aBV parameters were estimated from flow‐suppressed and nonflow‐suppressed multiple‐PDL PICORE‐Q2TIPS ASL using model‐based Bayesian and least‐squares fitting frameworks, and aBV was also obtained from a model‐free approach. Reproducibility of these parameters was assessed by computing the within‐ and between‐subject coefficients of variability (CVw and CVb).

Results

CVw and CVb were comparable across model‐based approaches, but were greater for the aBV from the model‐free approach. Overall, the Bayesian model estimation procedure was found to provide the best compromise between reliability and reproducibility, yielding CVw/CVb values of 21/21, 3/4, and 24/26% for CBF, BAT, and aBV, respectively. Although a CBF range of 45 mL/100g/min to 59 mL/100g/min was found on average and a BAT of 0.7–1.0 seconds across methods, the corresponding maps were comparable in terms of the parameters' spatial distributions, and in particular in the identification of macrovascular locations, as assessed through comparison with time‐of‐flight images.

Conclusion

Reproducible estimates of CBF, BAT, and aBV values can be obtained from non‐macroflow‐suppressed ASL using both least‐squares and Bayesian model‐based methods. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1453–1462. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Theoretical Study, Thermal ­Behavior, and Luminescence Property of A Bromide‐Bridged Silver(I) Complex with 4, 4′‐Bipyridine
Authors: Chen Aihua , Meng Suci , Zhang Jinfang , Zhang Chi
Published: November 2013

The dinuclear silver(I) complex [{(PPh3)Ag(μ2‐Br)}2(μ2‐bpy)]n (1) (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine, bpy = 4, 4′‐bipyridine) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, MS, infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray single crystal analysis, thermogravimetric and fluorescent analysis. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P$\bar{1}$ [a = 9.2012(18) Å, b = 9.6907(19) Å, c = 13.134(3) Å, α = 104.77(3)°, β = 109.41(3)°, γ = 92.57(3)°, V = 1057.2(4) Å3, Z = 2]. The central unit of complex 1 consists of a [Ag2Br2] core and the Ag···Ag distance in the [Ag2Br2] core is 3.102(2) Å, supporting the Ag···Ag interaction. Complex 1 exhibits an interesting one‐dimensional zigzag chain structure. Density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/ LanL2DZ*+6‐31G* level were performed on 1 to rationalize its experimental absorption spectra. Fluorescent analysis reveals that complex 1 exhibits intense luminescence in ethanol solution at room temperature.
Évaluation des bienfaits de l’acupuncture dans la prise en charge des sujets dépendants aux substances à l’aide des Échelles Visuelles Analogiques
Authors: Desbois B. , Lacoste J. , Jan M. , Jehel L. , Lamy S.
Published: November 2013

Objectifs

L’acupuncture est de plus en plus utilisée en addictologie [1,2]. Au CHU de Martinique, les patients présentant des addictions aux substances en bénéficient depuis une quinzaine d’années. Notre étude permet d’évaluer les bienfaits subjectifs de l’acupuncture chez ces patients en utilisant les Échelles Visuelles Analogiques avant et après les séances.

Méthodes

Ces évaluations ont été proposées à l’ensemble des patients venus faire des séances d’acupuncture durant le mois de juillet 2012. Les patients ont côté sur une échelle entre 0 et 10 leurs fatigue, bien-être, stress/anxiété, détente, douleur physique avant et après les séances.

Résultats

Cent six fiches anonymes avant/après ont été analysées. Trente-cinq patients déclarent être abstinents, 53 déclarent être consommateurs réguliers d’une ou plusieurs substances (42 % alcool, 58 % tabac, 20 % crack, 38 % cannabis) et 18 sont données manquantes. L’ensemble des patients ont rapporté une diminution de leurs anxiété/stress (p = 0,0001), sensation de fatigue (p = 0,001) et douleur physique (p = 0,0001). Ils signalent également une amélioration de leur détente (p = 0,001) et de leur bien-être (p = 0,001).

Conclusion

Dans notre population, les séances d’acupuncture semblent améliorer les ressentis des patients dans plusieurs domaines. Il sera intéressant de poursuivre cette étude en étudiant non seulement les biais liés à la relaxation et aux croyances magico-religieuses mais aussi en étudiant différents paramètres objectifs comme la diminution de la consommation et le cardio feedback.
Affect, mémoire et neurogenèse chez l’adulte
Authors: Lledo P.-M.
Published: November 2013

Les avancées récentes en neurobiologie ont quelque peu modifié l’idée d’une relative stabilité des composants structuraux du cerveau mature. Chez les mammifères, on découvre aujourd’hui que des milliers de nouvelles cellules nerveuses apparaissent chaque jour dans le cerveau adulte. Cette neurogenèse, qualifiée de secondaire par opposition à la production neuronale de l’embryon, contribue aux changements structuraux et fonctionnels de certains circuits cérébraux. L’existence de cette forme extrême de neuroplasticité prouve que les capacités d’adaptation du système nerveux ne se limitent pas aux simples variations fonctionnelles des connexions synaptiques ou à la régulation de l’expression de certains gènes. Elle représente un des mécanismes sur lequel les facteurs internes ou environnementaux, notamment émotionnels et passionnels, peuvent aussi laisser leurs empreintes. Historiquement, la découverte de la neurogenèse secondaire émergea avec difficulté, mais la reconnaissance tardive dont elle bénéficia lui assura néanmoins un succès certain dès lors que l’on s’aperçut qu’elle pouvait influencer nos affects, nos émotions et notre mémoire. Durant cette présentation, nous montrerons combien le cerveau reste le produit d’une double action exercée par l’activité génétique et par les modifications permanentes que lui impose l’histoire du sujet au travers de la neurogenèse secondaire. Si la découverte de la neurogenèse secondaire vient enrichir nos connaissances sur les mécanismes et les fonctions fondamentales du système nerveux central, on ne peut manquer d’envisager une exploitation potentielle de cette neurogenèse comme substrat d’une nouvelle pharmacopée ciblant les troubles de l’humeur. Nous discuterons des conséquences, pour la santé mentale, lorsque cette neurogenèse secondaire est altérée. Ces quinze dernières années ont été celles d’un essor considérable des connaissances fondamentales en matière de neurogenèse secondaire. Indéniablement, les années à venir seront témoins d’un rapprochement entre cette recherche fondamentale et son versant clinique.