bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sky-View Factor as a Relief Visualization Technique
Authors: Zakšek Klemen , Oštir Kristof , Kokalj Žiga
Published: February 2011

Remote sensing has become the most important data source for the digital elevation model (DEM) generation. DEM analyses can be applied in various fields and many of them require appropriate DEM visualization support. Analytical hill-shading is the most frequently used relief visualization technique. Although widely accepted, this method has two major drawbacks: identifying details in deep shades and inability to properly represent linear features lying parallel to the light beam. Several authors have tried to overcome these limitations by changing the position of the light source or by filtering. This paper proposes a new relief visualization technique based on diffuse, rather than direct, illumination. It utilizes the sky-view factor—a parameter corresponding to the portion of visible sky limited by relief. Sky-view factor can be used as a general relief visualization technique to show relief characteristics. In particular, we show that this visualization is a very useful tool in archaeology as it improves the recognition of small scale features from high resolution DEMs.
Enjeux intellectuels de la diversité culturelle
Authors: Mattelart Tristan
Published: February 2011

Résumé Inscrite au fondement de la déclaration universelle de l’Unesco en 2001 puis reprise dans l’agenda européen, la diversité culturelle est une notion apparue dès la fin des années 1960, avec la reconnaissance des cultures indigènes des nations décolonisées. La présente contribution propose un parcours critique chronologique de la notion depuis son apparition dans la littérature académique économique et des sciences de la communication. Elle montre notamment comment, selon le contexte, l’argument de la diversité culturelle peut servir à la défense politique du protectionnisme culturel ou trouver sa force dans les bienfaits du libre-échange culturel.
Le dialogue tonico-émotionnel et ses développements
Authors: Bachollet Marie-Sophie , Marcelli Daniel
Published: February 2011

Résumé Le bébé est un émetteur d’émotions. L’adulte qui lui fait face les reconnaît, les nomme et les transfère à ce bébé, c’est ce qu’on appelle la trans-subjectivité. Le dialogue tonico-émotionnel participe à cette transmission des émotions entre parents et bébé. Le bébé prenant peu à peu conscience de toute la gamme émotionnelle possible. Mais quand ce partenaire est entravé lui-même par des émotions en relation avec sa propre problématique, et qu’il n’arrive pas à en dégager un sens, cela peut entraîner des discordances dans la relation parent-bébé. Quelques exemples cliniques seront exposés pour illustrer cette transmission pathologique des émotions.
Excitations, affects et expression somatique chez le bébé
Authors: Belot Rose-Angélique
Published: February 2011

Résumé Si l’affect occupe, en lien avec la représentation, une large place dans la littérature psychanalytique et réalise, toujours avec la représentation, les fondements du travail psychique, quelles sont sa place et sa dimension dans le développement somato-psychique du bébé et particulièrement dans l’éclosion de l’expression somatique précoce ? Après un bref survol des données essentielles liées au développement du bébé, à la notion d’affect, d’excitation et de pare-excitation, la présentation d’une situation clinique détaillée nous permet de mesurer la place de l’affect et ses vicissitudes dans les interactions du bébé avec ses partenaires privilégiés.
Adolescence et émotion, une affaire de corps
Authors: Marty François
Published: February 2011

Résumé Parler de l’adolescence et de ses émotions, c’est assurément envisager les rapports que l’adolescent entretient avec son corps changeant et avec celui de l’autre. La violence de ce qu’il ressent (amour, haine, ennui, colère, peur, tristesse, honte, culpabilité, stupeur) témoigne de la violence des transformations qu’il subit. Signes de la profondeur de la métamorphose pubertaire, ces éprouvés montrent l’intensité de sa sensibilité. À l’adolescence, plus qu’à tout autre âge de la vie, l’émotion nécessite d’être élaborée, intégrée à la subjectivité pour donner sens à ce qui est vécu, et pour l’intégrer à l’histoire subjective.
L'automutilation : un rituel à même la peau ?
Authors: Brossard Baptiste
Published: February 2011

Résumé Cet article prend appui sur une enquête sociologique menée par entretiens approfondis avec des adolescents. Il se propose d’analyser la pratique des blessures auto-infligées en liant trois éléments : l’histoire personnelle des enquêtés, les modalités concrètes de leurs blessures et le système émotionnel qui leur donne sens. Cette démarche aboutit à l’idée suivante : l’automutilation est une pratique visant à maintenir ou rétablir un ordre émotionnel et symbolique donné.
Autour d'un enfant, dialogue difficile entre professionnels
Authors: Tessarech Sarah
Published: February 2011

Résumé Cet article présente la prise en charge orthophonique d’un enfant diagnostiqué psychotique, ainsi qu’une approche des rapports complexes avec sa mère et les institutions recevant cet enfant ; ou comment la pathologie mentale rend difficiles les relations transférentielles et contre-transférentielles, même pour les professionnels. L’auteur propose une place possible pour l’intervenant travaillant en libéral et cherche à montrer l’importance du travail cognitif et médiatisé, notamment en ce qui concerne les émotions.
« les mauvais jours finiront »
Authors: Boutan Pierre
Published: February 2011

25 ans après les lois Ferry, Ferdinand Buisson posait la question de savoir si l’école primaire était en voie de progrès : c’est dire que la perception des changements, même les plus importants, peut subir bien des avatars. Un siècle plus tard, et dans un contexte historique encore plus bouleversé, ne serait-ce que par le vertigineux accroissement des connaissances et de leur diffusion, la question se pose encore, après des dizaines d’années d’efforts marquées par le « Plan de Rénovation de l’enseignement du français à l’école primaire de 1970 », le travail de l’Association des enseignants de français, la création des IUFM : comment faire franchir les limites visibles de la démocratisation d’accès aux études longues, où la maitrise de la langue joue un rôle essentiel ? Et sans céder à la vague réactionnaire niant que tout cela relève du rationnel.
De la « critique d'humeur » à l'analyse critique
Authors: Bruno Pierre
Published: February 2011

La crise des approches militantes de l’enseignement du français s’explique par des logiques qui lui sont propres mais aussi par des variables extérieures à cette discipline défavorables au courant « progressiste » incarné par l’AFEF. Alors que les fictions cinématographiques et littéraires se structurent autour d’une fausse alternative (« sécuritaires » / « humanistes ») qui laisse peu de place à toute autre perspective, les représentations progressistes de l’enseignement du français se heurtent aussi à la diffusion d’une doxa médiatique qui leur est souvent hostile et à l’évolution des paradigmes scientifiques dominants. Par ailleurs, accompagnant la révision idéologique de la gauche dite « de gouvernement », certaines revendications (comme l’élargissement des corpus à la littérature pour la jeunesse) ont pu aboutir avec des objectifs et au nom de principes très différents de ceux qui les sous-tendaient à l’origine.
L'AFEF, quelques témoignages
Authors: Youx Viviane
Published: February 2011

À travers les témoignages de quelques-uns des anciens responsables de l’AFEF, nous parcourons quarante années de la vie de l’association, depuis sa genèse comme AFPF dans les 1960 jusqu’à la crise des années 2000. L’enthousiasme toujours présent témoigne de la profondeur de leur engagement ainsi que de leur fidélité aux valeurs énoncées dans le Manifeste de Charbonnières, et jamais démenties depuis. Ils répondent d’abord sur le rôle qu’a joué l’AFEF dans leur parcours personnel et professionnel, puis ils s’interrogent sur la place qu’elle peut encore tenir aujourd’hui. Sans nier les difficultés actuelles, ils proposent quelques pistes pour éclairer l’avenir. Par juxtaposition et tissage, ce texte, s’il ne livre pas l’intégralité des réponses, tente de faire apparaitre la dynamique interne de chaque intervention.
Les « risques psychosociaux » : entre rémanence et méconnaissance
Authors: Lhuilier Dominique
Published: February 2011

Résumé À partir d’une revue de la littérature sur l’émergence de différentes catégories désignant les « maux » du travail, telles que l’usure, le stress, la violence et le harcèlement, nous tentons de repérer à la fois les rémanences dans les modalités de saisie de la problématique santé et travail et la méconnaissance qui les accompagne. La nouvelle catégorie des « risques psychosociaux » s’inscrit dans cet héritage. Elle reproduit et renouvelle partiellement les enjeux associés à ces constructions socio-historiques. En effet, le lien entre la santé et le travail est toujours saisi à travers le prisme des effets délétères de ce dernier : la question de la santé des « sans-travail » et le travail comme source de santé sont occultés. Les jeux d’imputation causale se prolongent opposant les tenants de « l’exposition aux risques » et ceux de la « prédisposition des fragiles ». Face à l’individualisation des questions de santé et à l’amplification des tendances eugénistes, l’omerta sur les difficultés et problèmes de santé « personnels » se développe. Mais ce pourrait être là une forme de résistance contre-productive car elle contribue à l’usure et à la solitude de chacun face à l’expérience inéluctable d’une fragilité qui n’est pas personnelle mais humaine, ontologique.
La fabrication du risque psychosocial ou la neutralisation de la conflictualité
Authors: Giust-Desprairies Florence , Giust-Ollivier Annie-Charlotte
Published: February 2011

Résumé Les transformations qui touchent aujourd’hui l’ensemble des organisations prennent leur fondement dans la mutation d’un régime économique qui pousse celles-ci à mesurer l’efficacité du salarié dans son seul rapport à la rentabilité financière. Ce régime se traduit par une montée inquiétante des phénomènes destructeurs et autodestructeurs. C’est dans ce contexte de signification que vient s’inscrire l’essor de la catégorisation des risques psychosociaux dont on peut se demander si elle n’est pas une nouvelle construction pour désamorcer les conflits sociaux qui pourraient surgir de cette augmentation explosive du malaise dans les organisations. Le risque à prévenir ne serait pas tant celui pris par les salariés que celui que ces salariés feraient courir à la rentabilité attendue de l’organisation.
Souffrance, défenses, reconnaissance. Le point de vue du travail
Authors: Molinier Pascale
Published: February 2011

Résumé Souffrance, stratégies collectives de défense, reconnaissance sont trois concepts clés de la psychodynamique du travail. L’auteure examine comment les usages sociaux de ces concepts sont reconfigurés dans le contexte de la « montée des risques psychosociaux au travail » et de la médiatisation des suicides liés au travail dans les grandes entreprises françaises en 2007 et 2009. Les approches cliniques du travail montrent que la prévention des atteintes à la santé en milieu professionnel dépend pour l’essentiel de la vitalité du débat sur le travail. Or, il apparaît actuellement que la souffrance et la reconnaissance sont évoquées dans le débat public la plupart du temps déconnectées de la référence au travail concret et aux défenses. Ce nouveau discours est caractéristique d’une transformation des défenses collectives contre le point de vue du travail : celles-ci se sont transformées et empruntent désormais au vocabulaire de la souffrance.
Les risques psychosociaux saisis par le droit
Authors: Miné Michel
Published: February 2011

Résumé La santé des salariés sur les lieux de travail est sérieusement dégradée dans nombre d’entreprises par des risques appelés psychosociaux, liés à des organisations du travail et à des méthodes de gestion. Il s’agit ici de mettre en lumière les ressources du droit, à travers ses différentes sources (directives européennes, jurisprudence, accords collectifs…) et les attributions confiées aux acteurs (information et consultation, alerte, expertise…), pour identifier les causes de ces situations et agir afin de sauvegarder la santé des salariés. Le droit français, grâce notamment aux apports du droit de l’Union européenne, offre des ressources pour évaluer ces risques et leurs causes déterminantes, assurer une prévention efficace, en appliquant les principes de prévention souvent innovants, et, à défaut, permettre la réparation, au moins partielle, des préjudices, et, aussi, sanctionner les comportements illégaux.
Le développement du métier : une autre voie de prévention… des risques psychosociaux ? L'exemple d'une coopération entre médecins et psychologues du travail
Authors: Miossec Yvon , Donnay Carole , Pelletier Marguerite , Zittoun Mylène
Published: February 2011

Résumé Cet article rend compte d’une collaboration durable entre un service autonome de santé au travail et une équipe de recherche en psychologie du travail. Le but de ce travail commun est d’explorer les rapports entre promotion de la santé et développement du métier en expérimentant de nouvelles modalités de prévention des risques psychosociaux. Ainsi, nous installons des dispositifs d’intervention qui soutiennent les capacités des salariés à développer leur pouvoir d’agir sur la situation de travail et sur eux-mêmes. Il s’agit de promouvoir la santé au travail en centrant nos actions sur le travail. Les résultats obtenus lors d’interventions avec des ouvriers, des techniciens et des managers de proximité montrent la capacité des professionnels à recréer des ressources psychologiques et sociales quand ils peuvent disposer de temps et de lieux d’élaboration collective des épreuves du travail.
Dynamics of the Vaginal Ecosystem—Hormonal Influences
Authors: Farage Miranda A. , Miller Kenneth W. , Sobel Jack D.
Published: February 2011

The vagina is a dynamic and finely tuned ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between a human female and her resident microorganisms, an ecosystem that can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although a functional equilibrium provides stability to the ecosystem considered crucial to maintaining vaginal health, “normal flora” is a concept currently being redefined. New methodologies enable molecular analyses of the vaginal microbiota which have widened the definition of “normal” from a single specific microbiological profile to a range of functional microbial equilibria dependent upon pertinent host and microbial factors. One of the strongest influences on the vaginal microbiota is the hormonal changes that define the reproductive phases of a woman's life. The vaginal environment is particularly responsive to estrogen, a hormone that creates distinctive changes in the vaginal microbiota. This review summarizes the components of a healthy vaginal ecosystem during the reproductive years, including the characteristics of a healthy equilibrium and factors that can disturb a functional balance. It also summarizes what is known about the vaginal microbiota in childhood and after menopause. Healthful ecosystems at any stage of a female's reproductive life will be characterized by a microbiota that both maintains physiological function and though changeable, adapts to normal perturbation without succumbing to disease.
Relationship between Celiac Disease Markers and Gastrointestinal Disease in Children with Autism
Authors: Russo A.J.
Published: February 2011

Aim

This study was designed to determine if there is a relationship between celiac disease (CD) and the presence of gastrointestinal disease (GI) disease in children with autism.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred twenty-two children were tested for IgG and IgA anti-transglutaminase autoantibodies (55 autistic children with GI disease, 28 non autistic children with no GI disease, 30 autistic children with no GI disease, and 9 non autistic children with GI Disease). We also compared the presence/level of these autoantibodies to presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT).

Results

We did not find a significant difference in the level of anti-transglutaminase IgG or IgA in autistic children with GI disease compared to controls. However, we found a significant relationship between the presence of ANCA and low-level IgG anti-transglutaminase IgG in children with autism and GI disease.

Discussion

Although there appears to be no relationship between these celiac disease markers and the presence of GI disease in autistic children, these results suggest a possible association between sub diagnostic levels of anti-transglutaminase IgG and the presence of ANCA, and therefore, supports the hypothesis that there is a generalized autoimmune dysfunction in autistic children with GI disease.
Chronic Periodontitis as a Risk Marker for Systemic Diseases with Reference to Cardiometabolic Disorders: Common Pathways in their Progression
Authors: Soory Mena
Published: February 2011

Periodontitis, an inflammatory condition of the supporting structures of teeth resulting from dental plaque biofilm attached to tooth surfaces is potentially an important nidus of systemic inflammation and its sequelae. Relevant risk markers common to periodontitis co-existing with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus play an important role in their pathogeneses and abate in response to treatment. An over-exuberant host-response to periodontal pathogen- mediated inflammation, triggers a cycle of events which is not dissimilar to an autoimmune response in a cohort of susceptible individuals. Some variation in documented findings regarding correlations with co-morbidities and periodontitis could be explained by the lack of uniformity in studies with regard to stipulation of periodontal inflammatory status in the context of risk factors examined. There are several genetic and environmental factors which influence the progression of inflammatory periodontitis in response to plaque biofilm, also relevant to associated cardiometabolic disorders in the same subject. Some common mechanisms in the pathogeneses of periodontitis and cardiometabolic disorders based on regulation of inflammation are addressed in this review. There is some evidence of an improved systemic inflammatory profile in response to periodontal treatment which emphasizes the importance of periodontal management for systemic health in relevant cases.
Built Environment Factors, Psychosocial Factors and Diabetes Mellitus: A South Indian Study
Authors: Sridhar Gumpeny R , Kumar Pasala Sudhir , Venkata Putcha , Allam Appa Rao , Durai Vijay Kishore , Kosuri Madhu , Rao Manda R Narasinga , Kumar V.K. , Jiang Zibin , Lakshmi Gumpeny
Published: February 2011

We assessed the contribution of selected built environment factors to body weight in a pilot study in urban Visakhapatnam, South India. Participants were 123 men and 60 women (age 16 to 69 years; BMI 17.3–30.5) who had lived in the area for at least 3 years. Individuals with lower BMI tended to be (a) working people (non-home based–-working away from home), (b) non-vegetarians, (c) physically active (activity mostly related to work), and (d) taking afternoon siestas. Psychological stress, quality of life and wellbeing data were used from an earlier study of individuals with diabetes mellitus. The measures included were depression, anxiety, energy, positive wellbeing, satisfaction, impact, and social worry and diabetes worry (Diabetes quality of life). Guttman's Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) suggested the relationships among the psychosocial measures can be accounted for by one facet with three axial sets of variables (a) positive wellbeing and energy, (b) satisfaction, impact, and social worry and diabetes worry, and (c) anxiety and depression. SSAs on male participants suggested that fasting blood glucose and weight were most closely associated with anxiety and energy levels. In female participants, weight and fasting glucose were most closely associated with energy and to a somewhat lesser extent with anxiety. In both sexes, age was closely associated with positive wellbeing. Also in both sexes, age, weight, and fasting glucose levels were closely associated with each other. The results support the importance of understanding the impact of built environment and psychosocial factors on body weight in diabetic individuals for designing prevention strategies.
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Presenting as Isolated Facial Nerve Palsy from Metastasis to Temporal Bone: A Report Discussing Unique Presentation and Evolution with Diagnostic and Management Dilemmas
Authors: Tiwana Manpreet Singh , Rathod Shrinivas , Gupta Tejpal , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: February 2011

We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a three month history of right sided facial nerve palsy reporting to our clinic for evaluation of a recently seen suspicious mass in the right lung. Subsequently he was diagnosed with advanced NSCLC right lung and started on palliative chemotherapy. Furthermore, temporal bone metastasis was discovered on radiological imaging while investigating symptoms of acute mastoiditis and persisting facial neuralgia, a symptom completely overlooked at first as Idiopathic Bell's palsy. This presentation is exceptionally unique, although temporal bone metastasis arising from established primary lung or other malignancies is itself rare, and predilect to a later onset in the natural history of the disease, as reported in the literature. None of the published literature report neither addresses the optimal management course nor its subsequent impact on quality of life of patients with temporal bone metastasis.
Computational Identification and Characterization of Putative miRNAs in Nasonia Species
Authors: Sathyamurthy Ganesh , Swamy N. Ramachandra
Published: February 2011

MicroRNAs are important at post transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes. Nasonia genus is becoming increasingly popular model in present days due to genetic advantages it possesses over Drosophila. Nasonia species are found distributed throughout the world, expect for N. longicornis, and N. giraulti. In this study, we use the sequential method of blasting all known invertebrate miRNA genes against the Nasonia vitripennis, Nasonia longicornis, and Nasonia giraulti genomes. We identify 40, 31 and 29 putative pre-miRNAs and mature sequences in N. vitripennis, N. giraulti and N. longicornis respectively. A cross species comparison of putative miRNA sequences and their statistical characteristics reveals that there are no huge differences between the species, except for few miRNAs which are reported. We also find that the minimal folding energy index for three Nasonia species pre-miRNA's average is around -0.85 ± 0.11. Further, we report that U is predominant at the 5‘ end of mature sequence, which being a typical characteristic of plant miRNAs. Using MiRanda, we predict nearly 471 potential sites in the N. vitripennis genome. Thus concluding our study to be the beginning of understanding the Nasonia's non coding RNAs and may play an important role in effective pest management in near future.
Accelerated Tryptophan Degradation Predicts Poor Survival in Trauma and Sepsis Patients
Authors: Ploder Martin , Spittler Andreas , Kurz Katharina , Neurauter Gabriele , Pelinka Linda E. , Roth Erich , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: February 2011

Immune system activation and inflammation accompanies immune dysfunction in trauma and sepsis patients. Immunodeficiency may develop in such patients as one consequence of an activated chronic pro-inflammatory response. According to recent data, degradation of L-tryptophan (TRP) via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway by the cytokine-inducible enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) could represent an important contributor to the deficient responsiveness of immunocompetent cells. Compared to healthy controls, patients post trauma or with sepsis had increasing KYN concentrations and KYN to TRP ratios (KYN/TRP) whereas TRP concentrations decreased. Likewise, concentrations of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and of immune activation marker neopterin increased in patients (all p < 0.001). Furthermore in patients KYN/TRP, KYN and neopterin concentrations were further increasing (all p < 0.001), whereas the changes of TRP, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were not significant. Compared to the survivors, the non-survivors had a higher concentration of KYN, neopterin, TNF-α and IL-6 as well as a higher KYN/TRP ratio. KYN/TRP correlated with neopterin (p < 0.001) and also with TNF-α (p < 0.01) and IL-6 concentrations (p < 0.05) and inversely with the in vitro response of stimulated monocytes. We conclude that increased TRP degradation in patients post trauma is closely associated with immune activation. Cytokines released during the pro-inflammatory response may induce the activity of IDO and thus accelerate TRP degradation. Thus, increased IDO activity most likely represents a result of host response to pro-inflammation in patients. Data support a possible role of inflammation-induced IDO in the diminished immunoresponsiveness in patients.
Understanding the Roles of the Kynurenine Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis Progression
Authors: Lim Chai K. , Brew Bruce J. , Sundaram Gayathri , Guillemin Gilles J.
Published: February 2011

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major degradative pathway of tryptophan ultimately leading to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is also one of the major regulatory mechanisms of the immune response. The KP is known to be involved in several neuroinflammatory disorders including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, AIDS dementia complex, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease and brain tumours. However, the KP remains a relatively new topic for the field of multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the last 2–3 years, some evidence has progressively emerged suggesting that the KP is likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases especially MS. Some KP modulators are already in clinical trials for other inflammatory diseases and would potentially provide a new and important therapeutic strategy for MS patients. This review summarizes the known relationships between the KP and MS.
Q-VE-OPh, a Negative Control for O-Phenoxy-Conjugated Caspase Inhibitors
Authors: Southerland Benjamin , Kulkarni-Datar Kashmira , Keoni Chanel , Bricker Rebecca , Grunwald William C. , Ketcha Daniel M. , Hern Eugene , Cool David R. , Brown Thomas L.
Published: February 2011

The broad-spectrum apoptosis (caspase) inhibitor, Q-VD-OPh, has been shown to have no side effects and is effective at a much lower concentration than other FMK-type caspase inhibitors. However, an appropriate negative control to use with this inhibitor has not been available. In this study, we developed and analyzed a new compound, based on the Q-VD-OPh backbone, which acts as a cognate negative control. To create the negative control, we substituted a glutamate residue for the aspartate residue to create Q-VE-OPh, thereby retaining the identical charge and molecular properties with only the addition of an extra -CH2 group. The purity and quality were assessed by ion trap mass spectrometry and verified by nuclear magnetic resonance. We determined the effectiveness of Q-VE-OPh, in comparison to Q-VD-OPh, to prevent DNA fragmentation in human Jurkat T leukemia cells that were induced to undergo apoptosis. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis for the presence of DNA laddering, the hallmark indicator of apoptosis. Our results indicate that apoptosis was potently inhibited by Q-VD-OPh. In stark contrast, Q-VE-OPh did not inhibit apoptosis at a similar dose but required at least 20 times greater concentration than Q-VD-OPh to have any inhibitory effect. Western blot analysis showed that Q-VE-OPh was similarly less effective at inhibiting the activation of the extrinsic (caspase 8) and intrinsic (caspase 9) initiator caspases. Cell proliferation and viability studies further demonstrate that Q-VE-OPh is non-toxic, even at high concentration. Our data indicate that the specificity, effectiveness, and absence of toxicity of Q-VE-OPh provides the appropriate and superior negative control for in vitro and in vivo studies when analyzing the effects of o-phenoxy caspase inhibitors.
Caspase Activation of p21-Activated Kinase 2 Occurs during Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis of SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells and in SH-SY5Y Cell Culture Models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Marlin Jerry W. , Chang Yu-Wen E. , Jakobi Rolf
Published: February 2011

p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK-2) appears to have a dual function in the regulation of cell survival and cell death. Activation of full-length PAK-2 by the p21 G-proteins Rac or Cdc42 stimulates cell survival. However, PAK-2 is unique among the PAK family because it is also activated through proteolytic cleavage by caspase 3 or similar caspases to generate the constitutively active PAK-2p34 fragment. Caspase activation of PAK-2 correlates with the induction of apoptosis in response to many stimuli and recombinant expression of PAK-2p34 has been shown to stimulate apoptosis in several human cell lines. Here, we show that caspase activation of PAK-2 also occurs during cisplatin-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as well as in SH-SY5Y cell culture models for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I or of ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated protein degradation, which both appear to be involved in Parkinson's disease, induce apoptosis and caspase activation of PAK-2 in SH-SY5Y cells. Overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein, which results in accumulation and aggregation of β-amyloid peptide, the main component of β-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, also induces apoptosis and caspase activation of PAK-2 in SH-SY5Y cells. Expression of the PAK-2 regulatory domain inhibits caspase-activated PAK-2p34 and prevents apoptosis in 293T human embryonic kidney cells, indicating that caspase activation of PAK-2 is directly involved in the apoptotic response. This is the first evidence that caspase activation of PAK-2 correlates with apoptosis in cell culture models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and that selective inhibition of caspase-activated PAK-2p34 could prevent apoptosis.
Species-Specific Actions of Incretin: From the Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Kawasaki Yukiko , Hamamoto Yoshiyuki , Koshiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2011

Two modes of incretin-based therapy, incretin mimetics (ie, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists) and incretin enhancers (ie, inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV)), have recently been introduced into the clinical use. From the viewpoint of evolutionary endocrinology of GLP-1 and their receptors, the incretin action of GLP-1 seems to be relatively recent. Exendin-3 and exendin-4 are paralogs of GLP-1 from the lizards, and the synthetic exendin-4, exenatide, is a paralog of GLP-1. It has recently been indicated that GLP-1 and its receptor are expressed in the taste buds of the tongue, suggesting their possible function in the taste sensing signal pathway. In order to elucidate unknown functions of GLP-1 and its agonists and enhancers, ie, other than incretin actions in humans, it is possibly useful to consider GLP-1 from the viewpoint of integrated systems biology and evolutionary endocrinology.
The Safety and Efficacy of Methylphenidate and Dexmethylphenidate in Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sopko Michael A. , Caberwal Harjeet , Chavez Benjamin
Published: February 2011

Objective

To review the literature on the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate, OROS-methylphenidate, methylphenidate ER, and dexmethylphenidate in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To analyze the effects of different doses of methylphenidate, it's various formulations, and methylphenidate on efficacy and safety in this population.

Data Sources

Literature retrieval was performed through Pubmed/MEDLINE (Up to May 2010) using the terms methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials, as well as crossover and open-label trials found using the search criteria listed above were included for review. Case reports were not included in this review.

Data Synthesis

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric condition that is commonly seen in children and adolescents, that persists into adulthood for about 50% of patients. Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are often prescribed to treat the symptoms associated with ADHD. The literature validating the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD is substantial. However, the literature specifically addressing the safety and efficacy of these medications in the adult population is less extensive and prescribing is often anecdotal based on child and adolescent data. Understanding the literature regarding methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate and its effects in adults can enhance evidence-based medicine (EBM) and improve treatment outcomes

Conclusion

Methylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate are safe and effective medications to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. Based on the literature, increased doses are associated with better treatment response with moderate safety concerns. The different dosage forms available enable individualization of treatment.
Viability of Bifidobacterium Pseudocatenulatum G4 after Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying
Authors: Wong Stephenie , Kabeir Barka Mohammed , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Hussin Anis Shobirin Meor , Manap Mohd Yazid
Published: February 2011

Viability of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 following spray-drying and freeze-drying in skim milk was evaluated. After spray-drying, the strain experienced over 99% loss in viability regardless of the air outlet temperature (75 and 85 °C) and the heat-adaptation temperature (45 and 65 °C, 30 min). The use of heat-adaptation treatment to improve the thermotolerance of this strain was ineffective. On the other hand, the strain showed a superior survival at 71.65%–82.07% after freeze-drying. Viable populations of 9.319–9.487 log10 cfu/g were obtained when different combinations of skim milk and sugar were used as cryoprotectant. However, the addition of sugars did not result in increased survival during the freeze-drying process. Hence, 10% (w/v) skim milk alone is recommended as a suitable protectant and drying medium for this strain. The residual moisture content obtained was 4.41% ± 0.44%.
Increased Human Wildtype Tau Attenuates Axonal Transport Deficits Caused by Loss of App in Mouse Models
Authors: Smith Karen D.B. , Peethumnongsin Erica , Lin Han , Zheng Hui , Pautler Robia G.
Published: February 2011

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is implicated in axonal elongation, synaptic plasticity, and axonal transport. However, the role of APP on axonal transport in conjunction with the microtubule associated protein tau continues to be debated. Here we measured in vivo axonal transport in APP knockout mice with Manganese Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) to determine whether APP is necessary for maintaining normal axonal transport. We also tested how overexpression and mutations of tau affect axonal transport in the presence or absence of APP. In vivo axonal transport reduced significantly in the absence of functional APP. Overexpression of human wildtype tau maintained normal axonal transport and resulted in a transient compensation of axonal transport deficits in the absence of APP. Mutant R406Wtau in combination with the absence of APP compounded axonal transport deficits and these deficits persisted with age. These results indicate that APP is necessary for axonal transport, and overexpression of human wildtype tau can compensate for the absence of APP at an early age.
Effect of the DASH Diet on Pre- and Stage 1 Hypertensive Individuals in a Free-Living Environment
Authors: Malloy-McFall Joan , Barkley Jacob E. , Gordon Karen Lowry , Burzminski Nancy , Glickman Ellen L.
Published: February 2011

Background

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) has been shown to successfully reduce systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) when evaluated in clinically controlled environments but there is a lack of information regarding the efficacy of the original DASH diet when it is applied in a free-living environment.

Purpose

To provide descriptive data as to the changes in blood pressure individuals could expect to achieve when following the DASH diet in a free-living environment for 4-weeks with no additional behavioral modifications.

Methods

Twenty, pre- and stage 1 hypertensive participants were randomly split into 2 groups; DASH (males N = 5, females N = 5, age = 38.5 ± 10.8) and control (males N = 7, females N = 3, age = 38.1 ± 11.1). The DASH group was instructed on how to follow the DASH diet on their own for 4-weeks while the control group continued their normal diet. SBP, DBP, body weight, 3-day food diaries and physical activity recall questionnaire data were collected pre and post intervention using a traditional person-to-person instructional technique.

Results

Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that there was a significant group (DASH, control) by time (pre, post) interaction for SBP ( P = 0.003) and no significant effects for DBP. The interaction was due to a significant reduction ( P < 0.001) in SBP in the DASH group (pre: 141.3 ± 11.3 mmHg vs. post: 130.7 ± 9.1 mmHg) over the course of the intervention with no change in SBP in the control group (pre: 133.5 ± 6.6 mmHg vs. post: 131.9 ± 8.9 mmHg). Pearson's correlation analyses revealed that changes in potential moderators of blood pressure including body weight, BMI, sodium intake and total kilocalories were each not associated with changes in SBP (r ≤ 0.14, P ≥ 0.5) or DBP (r < 0.10, P ≥ 0.6) pre- to post-treatment. Chi-square demonstrated no significant differences in the number of participants per group (n = 4 DASH, n = 1 control) who indicated increasing physical activity during the intervention.

Conclusion

DASH diet followed in a free-living environment significantly reduced SBP but not DBP. However, the changes in SBP and DBP were very similar to those noted in controlled clinical feeding evaluations of the DASH diet. Presently, none of the potential moderators of blood pressure that were assessed were independently associated with the observed changes in blood pressure which may be due to our small sample size or the possibility that it is the combined change in multiple factors that lead to reductions in blood pressure when following the DASH diet.
Anti-inflammatory and Antihistaminic Study of a Unani Eye Drop Formulation
Authors: Abdul Latif , Abdul Razique , Sukul R.R. , Nazish Siddiqui
Published: February 2011

The Unani eye drop is an ophthalmic formulation prepared for its beneficial effects in the inflammatory and allergic conditions of the eyes. In the present study, the Unani eye drop formulation was prepared and investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity, using in vivo and in vitro experimental models respectively. The Unani eye drop formulation exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in turpentine liniment-induced ocular inflammation in rabbits. The preparation also showed antihistaminic activity in isolated guinea-pig ileum. The anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity of eye drop may be due to presence of active ingredients in the formulation. Although there are many drugs in Unani repository which are mentioned in classical books or used in Unani clinical practice effectively in treatment of eye diseases by various Unani physicians. Inspite of the availability of vast literature, there is a dearth of commercial Unani ocular preparations. So, keeping this in mind, the eye drop formulation was prepared and its anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic activity was carried out in animal models. Thus, in view of the importance of alternative anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drugs, it becomes imperative to bring these indigenous drugs to the front foot and evaluate their activities.
Simple Techniques to Manage the Patent Internal Mammary Artery in Redo Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Ali Idris M. , Ali Imtiaz S. , Cookey Jacob
Published: February 2011

The presence of a patent internal mammary artery (IMA) represents a well-known technical challenge in redo cardiac surgery. Dissection of the IMA and controlling its flow during cardioplegic delivery has thus been considered essential steps. This maneuver however, is associated with the risk of damaging the IMA. Herein, we report a technique, which involves no attempts to dissect, or clamp the IMA in 44 consecutive redo cardiac surgery procedures. The results demonstrate that this technique is simple, safe, and reduces the chance of IMA injury.
Multiphysic Two-Phase Flow Lattice Boltzmann: Droplets with Realistic Representation of the Interface
Authors: Dupuy Pablo M. , Fernandino María , Jakobsen Hugo A. , Svendsen Hallvard F.
Published: February 2011

Free energy lattice Boltzmann methods are well suited for the simulation of two phase flow problems. The model for the interface is based on well understood physical grounds. In most cases a numerical interface is used instead of the physical one because of lattice resolution limitations. In this paper we present a framework where we can both follow the droplet behavior in a coarse scale and solve the interface in a fine scale simultaneously. We apply the method for the simulation of a droplet using an interface to diameter size ratio of 1 to 280. In a second simulation, a small droplet coalesces with a 42 times larger droplet producing on it only a small capillary wave that propagates and dissipates.
Three-Dimensional Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Two-Phase Flow Containing a Deformable Body with a Viscoelastic Membrane
Authors: Murayama Toshiro , Yoshino Masato , Hirata Tetsuo
Published: February 2011

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with an elastic model is applied to the simulation of two-phase flows containing a deformable body with a viscoelastic membrane. The numerical method is based on the LBM for incompressible two-phase fluid flows with the same density. The body has an internal fluid covered by a viscoelastic membrane of a finite thickness. An elastic model is introduced to the LBM in order to determine the elastic forces acting on the viscoelastic membrane of the body. In the present method, we take account of changes in surface area of the membrane and in total volume of the body as well as shear deformation of the membrane. By using this method, we calculate two problems, the behavior of an initially spherical body under shear flow and the motion of a body with initially spherical or biconcave discoidal shape in square pipe flow. Calculated deformations of the body (the Taylor shape parameter) for various shear rates are in good agreement with other numerical results. Moreover, tank-treading motion, which is a characteristic motion of viscoelastic bodies in shear flows, is simulated by the present method.
A New Boundary Condition for Three-Dimensional Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of Capillary Filling in Rough Micro-Channels
Authors: De Maio Alessandro , Palpacelli Silvia , Succi Sauro
Published: February 2011

A new boundary condition, aimed at inhibiting near-wall condensation effects in lattice Boltzmann simulations of capillary flows in micro-corrugated channels, is introduced. The new boundary condition is validated against analytical solutions for smooth channels and demonstrated for the case of three-dimensional microflows over randomly corrugated walls.
Cross Correlators and Galilean Invariance in Fluctuating Ideal Gas Lattice Boltzmann Simulations
Authors: Kaehler Goetz , Wagner Alexander
Published: February 2011

We analyze the Lattice Boltzmann method for the simulation of fluctuating hydrodynamics by Adhikari et al. [Europhys. Lett., 71 (2005), 473-479] and find that it shows excellent agreement with theory even for small wavelengths as long as a stationary system is considered. This is in contrast to other finite difference and older lattice Boltzmann implementations that show convergence only in the limit of large wavelengths. In particular cross correlators vanish to less than 0.5%. For larger mean velocities, however, Galilean invariance violations manifest themselves.
Atmospheric acidification of mineral aerosols: a source of bioavailable phosphorus for the oceans
Authors: Nenes A. , Krom M.D. , Mihalopoulos N. , Van Cappellen P. , Shi Z. , Bougiatioti A. , Zarmpas P. , Herut B.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Primary productivity of continental and marine ecosystems is often limited or co-limited by phosphorus. Deposition of atmospheric aerosols provides the major external source of phosphorus to surface waters. However, only a fraction of deposited aerosol phosphorus is water soluble and available for uptake by phytoplankton. We propose that atmospheric acidification of aerosols is a prime mechanism producing soluble phosphorus from soil-derived minerals. Acid mobilization is expected to be pronounced where polluted and dust-laden air masses mix. Our hypothesis is supported by the soluble compositions and reconstructed pH values for atmospheric particulate matter samples collected over a 5-year period at Finokalia, Crete. At least tenfold increase in soluble phosphorus is observed when Saharan soil and dust were acidified in laboratory experiments which simulate atmospheric conditions. Aerosol acidification links bioavailable phosphorus supply to anthropogenic and natural acidic gas emissions, and may be a key regulator of ocean biogeochemistry.
Microwave Limb Sounder observations of biomass-burning products from the Australian bush fires of February 2009
Authors: Pumphrey H. C. , Santee M. L. , Livesey N. J. , Schwartz M. J. , Read W. G.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. The large bush fires which occurred in southeast Australia in February 2009 were unusually destructive. However, they were also unusual in the amounts of various combustion products which were injected directly into the stratosphere. We report the observations by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instrument on the Aura satellite of some of these combustion products. The highest quality observations are of CO; these clearly show a large region of enhanced mixing ratios to the north of New Zealand which remains in that region for about ten days before drifting westwards and finally dissipating over the Atlantic about a month after the fire. Back trajectories run from the points where MLS observes enhanced CO pass close to the site of the fire. The MLS observations of CH3CN and HCN resemble those of CO except for their poorer vertical resolution and more limited vertical range. An apparent enhancement in ClO is also observed by MLS, but detailed analysis of the measured radiances reveals this feature to be a signature of CH3OH, which is not currently retrieved by the MLS data processing system. The fires of February 2009 are the only event of this type and magnitude in the 6-yr MLS record.
Forecasting relativistic electron flux using dynamic multiple regression models
Authors: Wei H.-L. , Billings S. A. , Surjalal Sharma A. , Wing S. , Boynton R. J. , Walker S. N.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. The forecast of high energy electron fluxes in the radiation belts is important because the exposure of modern spacecraft to high energy particles can result in significant damage to onboard systems. A comprehensive physical model of processes related to electron energisation that can be used for such a forecast has not yet been developed. In the present paper a systems identification approach is exploited to deduce a dynamic multiple regression model that can be used to predict the daily maximum of high energy electron fluxes at geosynchronous orbit from data. It is shown that the model developed provides reliable predictions.