bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of 8q24 for seven cancers reveals a locus between NOV and ENPP2 associated with cancer development
Authors: Brisbin Abra G , Asmann Yan W , Song Honglin , Tsai Ya-Yu , Aakre Jeremiah A , Yang Ping , Jenkins Robert B , Pharoah Paul , Schumacher Fredrick , Conti David V , Duggan David J , Jenkins Mark , Hopper John , Gallinger Steven , Newcomb Polly , Casey Graham , Sellers Thomas A , Fridley Brooke L
Published: December 2011

Background

Human chromosomal region 8q24 contains several genes which could be functionally related to cancer, including the proto-oncogene c-MYC. However, the abundance of associations around 128 Mb on chromosome 8 could mask the appearance of a weaker, but important, association elsewhere on 8q24.

Methods

In this study, we completed a meta-analysis of results from nine genome-wide association studies for seven types of solid-tumor cancers (breast, prostate, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, colon, and glioma) to identify additional associations that were not apparent in any individual study.

Results

Fifteen SNPs in the 8q24 region had meta-analysis p-values < 1E-04. In particular, the region consisting of 120,576,000-120,627,000 bp contained 7 SNPs with p-values < 1.0E-4, including rs6993464 (p = 1.25E-07). This association lies in the region between two genes, NOV and ENPP2, which have been shown to play a role in tumor development and motility. An additional region consisting of 5 markers from 128,478,000 bp - 128,524,000 (around gene POU5F1B) had p-values < 1E-04, including rs6983267, which had the smallest p-value (p = 6.34E-08). This result replicates previous reports of association between rs6983267 and prostate and colon cancer.

Conclusions

Further research in this area is warranted as these results demonstrate that the chromosomal region 8q24 may contain a locus that influences general cancer susceptibility between 120,576 and 120,630 kb.
International practice patterns and factors associated with non-conventional hemodialysis utilization
Authors: Allen Nathan , Schwartz Daniel , Komenda Paul , Pauly Robert P , Zimmerman Deborah , Tanna Gemini , Schiff Jeffery , Rigatto Claudio , Sood Manish M
Published: December 2011

Background

The purpose of our study was to determine characteristics that influence the utilization of non-conventional hemodialysis (NCHD) therapies and its subtypes (nocturnal (NHD), short daily (SDHD), long conventional (LCHD) and conventional hemodialysis (CHD) as well as provider attitudes regarding the evidence for NCHD use.

Methods

An international cohort of subscribers of a nephrology education website http://www.nephrologynow.com was invited to participate in an online survey. Non-conventional hemodialysis was defined as any forms of hemodialysis delivered > 3 treatments per week and/or > 4 hours per session. NHD and SDHD included both home and in-centre. Respondents were categorized as CHD if their centre only offered conventional thrice weekly hemodialysis. Variables associated with NCHD and its subtypes were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The survey assessed multiple domains regarding NCHD including reasons for initiating and discontinuing, for not offering and attitudes regarding evidence.

Results

544 surveys were completed leading to a 15.6% response rate. The final cohort was limited to 311 physicians. Dialysis modalities utilized among the respondents were as follows: NCHD194 (62.4%), NHD 83 (26.7%), SDHD 107 (34.4%), LCHD 81 (26%) and CHD 117 (37.6%). The geographic regions of participants were as follows: 11.9% Canada, 26.7% USA, 21.5% Europe, 6.1% Australia/New Zealand, 10% Africa/Middle East, 10.9% Asia and 12.9% South America. Variables associated with NCHD utilization included NCHD training (OR 2.47 CI 1.25-4.16), government physician reimbursement (OR 2.66, CI 1.11-6.40), practicing at an academic centre (OR 2.28 CI 1.25-4.16), higher national health care expenditure and number of ESRD patients per centre. Hemodialysis providers with patients on NCHD were significantly more likely to agree with the statements that NCHD improves quality of life, improves nutritional status, reduces EPO requirements and is cost effective. The most common reasons to initiate NCHD were driven by patient preference and the desire to improve volume control and global health outcomes.

Conclusion

Physician attitudes toward the evidence for NCHD differ significantly between NCHD providers and conventional HD providers. Interventions and health policy targeting these areas along with increased physician education and training in NCHD modalities may be effective in increasing its utilization.
Design and study protocol of the maternal smoking cessation during pregnancy study, (M-SCOPE)
Authors: Loukopoulou Andriani N , Vardavas Constantine I , Farmakides George , Rossolymos Christos , Chrelias Charalambos , Tzatzarakis Manolis N , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Lymberi Maria , Connolly Gregory N , Behrakis Panagiotis K
Published: December 2011

Background

Maternal smoking is the most significant cause of preventable complications during pregnancy, with smoking cessation during pregnancy shown to increase birth weight and reduce preterm birth among pregnant women who quit smoking. Taking into account the fact that the number of women who smoke in Greece has increased steadily throughout the previous decade and that the prevalence of smoking among Greek females is one of the highest in the world, smoking cessation should be a top priority among Greek health care professionals.

Methods/Design

The Maternal Smoking Cessation during Pregnancy Study (M-SCOPE), is a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) that aims to test whether offering Greek pregnant smokers a high intensity intervention increases smoking cessation during the third trimester of pregnancy, when compared to a low intensity intervention. Prospective participants will be pregnant smokers of more than 5 cigarettes per week, recruited up to the second trimester of pregnancy. Urine samples for biomarker analysis of cotinine will be collected at three time points: at baseline, at around the 32nd week of gestation and at six months post partum. The control group/low intensity intervention will include: brief advice for 5 minutes and a short leaflet, while the experimental group/intensive intervention will include: 30 minutes of individualized cognitive-behavioural intervention provided by a trained health professional and a self-help manual especially tailored for smoking cessation during pregnancy, while counselling will be based on the ''5 As.'' After childbirth, the infants' birth weight, gestational age and any other health related complications during pregnancy will be recorded. A six months post-partum a follow up will be performed in order to re-assess the quitters smoking status.

Discussion

If offering pregnant smokers a high intensity intervention for smoking cessation increases the rate of smoking cessation in comparison to a usual care low intensity intervention in Greek pregnant smokers, such a scheme if beneficial could be implemented successfully within clinical practice in Greece.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01210118
Construction and characterisation of a recombinant fowlpox virus that expresses the human papilloma virus L1 protein
Authors: Zanotto Carlo , Pozzi Eleana , Pacchioni Sole , Bissa Massimiliano , De Giuli Morghen Carlo , Radaelli Antonia
Published: December 2011

Background

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 is the most prevalent high-risk mucosal genotype. Virus-like-particle (VLP)-based immunogens developed recently have proven to be successful as prophylactic HPV vaccines, but are still too expensive for developing countries. Although vaccinia viruses expressing the HPV-16 L1 protein (HPV-L1) have been studied, fowlpox-based recombinants represent efficient and safer vectors for immunocompromised hosts due to their ability to elicit a complete immune response and their natural host-range restriction to avian species.

Methods

A new fowlpox virus recombinant encoding HPV-L1 (FPL1) was engineered and evaluated for the correct expression of HPV-L1 in vitro, using RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR assays.

Results

The FPL1 recombinant correctly expresses HPV-L1 in mammalian cells, which are non-permissive for the replication of this vector.

Conclusion

This FPL1 recombinant represents an appropriate immunogen for expression of HPV-L1 in human cells. The final aim is to develop a safe, immunogenic, and less expensive prophylactic vaccine against HPV.
Structural and physical properties of antibacterial Ag-doped nano-hydroxyapatite synthesized at 100°C
Authors: Ciobanu Carmen Steluta , Massuyeau Florian , Constantin Liliana Violeta , Predoi Daniela
Published: December 2011

Synthesis of nanosized particle of Ag-doped hydroxyapatite with antibacterial properties is in the great interest in the development of new biomedical applications. In this article, we propose a method for synthesized the Ag-doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. A silver-doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite was synthesized at 100°C in deionized water. Other phase or impurities were not observed. Silver-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Ag:HAp) were performed by setting the atomic ratio of Ag/[Ag + Ca] at 20% and [Ca + Ag]/P as 1.67. The X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate that powders made by co-precipitation at 100°C exhibit the apatite characteristics with good crystal structure and no new phase or impurity is found. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations suggest that these materials present a little different morphology, which reveals a homogeneous aspect of the synthesized particles for all samples. The presence of calcium (Ca), phosphor (P), oxygen (O), and silver (Ag) in the Ag:HAp is confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopies revealed that the presence of the various vibrational modes corresponds to phosphates and hydroxyl groups. The strain of Staphylococcus aureus was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the Ca10-x
Ag
x
(PO4)6(OH)2 (x = 0 and 0.2). In vitro bacterial adhesion study indicated a significant difference between HAp (x = 0) and Ag:HAp (x = 0.2). The Ag:Hap nanopowder showed higher inhibition.
Fixed point and endpoint theorems for set-valued fuzzy contraction maps in fuzzy metric spaces
Authors: Kiany Fatemeh , Amini-Harandi Alireza
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we first present a fixed point theorem for set-valued fuzzy contraction type maps in complete fuzzy metric spaces which extends and improves some well-know results in literature. Then by presenting an endpoint result we initiate endpoint theory for fuzzy contraction maps in fuzzy metric spaces.

02000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H10, 54H25.
Convergence theorem for an iterative algorithm of λ-strict pseudocontraction
Authors: Chai XinKuan , Song Yisheng
Published: December 2011

In this article, we prove strong convergence of sequence generated by the following iteration sequence for a class of Lipschitzian pseudocontractive mapping T:

x

n
+
1

=

β

n

u
+

(

1
-

β

n

)

[

α

n

T

x

n

+

(

1
-

α

n

)

x

n

]

whenever {α
n
} and {β
n
} satisfy the appropriate conditions.

2000 AMS Subject Classification: 47H06; 47J05; 47J25; 47H10; 47H17.
On externally complete subsets and common fixed points in partially ordered sets
Authors: Abu-Sbeih Mohammad Z , Khamsi Mohamed A
Published: December 2011

In this study, we introduce the concept of externally complete ordered sets. We discuss the properties of such sets and characterize them in ordered trees. We also prove some common fixed point results for order preserving mappings. In particular, we introduce for the first time the concept of Banach Operator pairs in partially ordered sets and prove a common fixed point result which generalizes the classical De Marr's common fixed point theorem.

2000 MSC: primary 06F30; 46B20; 47E10.
Noise-robust speech feature processing with empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Wu Kuo-Hau , Chen Chia-Ping , Yeh Bing-Feng
Published: December 2011

In this article, a novel technique based on the empirical mode decomposition methodology for processing speech features is proposed and investigated. The empirical mode decomposition generalizes the Fourier analysis. It decomposes a signal as the sum of intrinsic mode functions. In this study, we implement an iterative algorithm to find the intrinsic mode functions for any given signal. We design a novel speech feature post-processing method based on the extracted intrinsic mode functions to achieve noise-robustness for automatic speech recognition. Evaluation results on the noisy-digit Aurora 2.0 database show that our method leads to significant performance improvement. The relative improvement over the baseline features increases from 24.0 to 41.1% when the proposed post-processing method is applied on mean-variance normalized speech features. The proposed method also improves over the performance achieved by a very noise-robust frontend when the test speech data are highly mismatched.
Lateral fluid percussion injury of the brain induces CCL20 inflammatory chemokine expression in rats
Authors: Das Mahasweta , Leonardo Christopher C , Rangooni Saniya , Pennypacker Keith R , Mohapatra Subhra , Mohapatra Shyam S
Published: December 2011

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) evokes a systemic immune response including leukocyte migration into the brain and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; however, the mechanisms underlying TBI pathogenesis and protection are poorly understood. Due to the high incidence of head trauma in the sports field, battlefield and automobile accidents identification of the molecular signals involved in TBI progression is critical for the development of novel therapeutics.

Methods

In this report, we used a rat lateral fluid percussion impact (LFPI) model of TBI to characterize neurodegeneration, apoptosis and alterations in pro-inflammatory mediators at two time points within the secondary injury phase. Brain histopathology was evaluated by fluoro-jade (FJ) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate the CCL20 gene expression in different tissues.

Results

Histological analysis of neurodegeneration by FJ staining showed mild injury in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. TUNEL staining confirmed the presence of apoptotic cells and CD11b+microglia indicated initiation of an inflammatory reaction leading to secondary damage in these areas. Analysis of spleen mRNA by PCR microarray of an inflammation panel led to the identification of CCL20 as an important pro-inflammatory signal upregulated 24 h after TBI. Although, CCL20 expression was observed in spleen and thymus after 24h of TBI, it was not expressed in degenerating cortex or hippocampal neurons until 48 h after insult. Splenectomy partially but significantly decreased the CCL20 expression in brain tissues.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the systemic inflammatory reaction to TBI starts earlier than the local brain response and suggest that spleen- and/ or thymus-derived CCL20 might play a role in promoting neuronal injury and central nervous system inflammation in response to mild TBI.
Inhibition of HIV-1 endocytosis allows lipid mixing at the plasma membrane, but not complete fusion
Authors: de la Vega Michelle , Marin Mariana , Kondo Naoyuki , Miyauchi Kosuke , Kim Yuri , Epand Raquel F , Epand Richard M , Melikyan Gregory B
Published: December 2011

Background

We recently provided evidence that HIV-1 enters HeLa-derived TZM-bl and lymphoid CEMss cells by fusing with endosomes, whereas its fusion with the plasma membrane does not proceed beyond the lipid mixing step. The mechanism of restriction of HIV-1 fusion at the cell surface and/or the factors that aid the virus entry from endosomes remain unclear.

Results

We examined HIV-1 fusion with a panel of target cells lines and with primary CD4+ T cells. Kinetic measurements of fusion combined with time-resolved imaging of single viruses further reinforced the notion that HIV-1 enters the cells via endocytosis and fusion with endosomes. Furthermore, we attempted to deliberately redirect virus fusion to the plasma membrane, using two experimental strategies. First, the fusion reaction was synchronized by pre-incubating the viruses with cells at reduced temperature to allow CD4 and coreceptors engagement, but not the virus uptake or fusion. Subsequent shift to a physiological temperature triggered accelerated virus uptake followed by entry from endosomes, but did not permit fusion at the cell surface. Second, blocking HIV-1 endocytosis by a small-molecule dynamin inhibitor, dynasore, resulted in transfer of viral lipids to the plasma membrane without any detectable release of the viral content into the cytosol. We also found that a higher concentration of dynasore is required to block the HIV-endosome fusion compared to virus internalization.

Conclusions

Our results further support the notion that HIV-1 enters disparate cell types through fusion with endosomes. The block of HIV-1 fusion with the plasma membrane at a post-lipid mixing stage shows that this membrane is not conducive to fusion pore formation and/or enlargement. The ability of dynasore to interfere with the virus-endosome fusion suggests that dynamin could be involved in two distinct steps of HIV-1 entry - endocytosis and fusion within intracellular compartments.
Morbidity-mortality and performance evaluation of Brahman calves from in vitro embryo production
Authors: Pimenta-Oliveira Andreza , Oliveira-Filho José P , Dias Adriano , Gonçalves Roberto C
Published: December 2011

Background

The use of bovinein vitroembryo production (IVP) increases the reproductive potential of genetically superior cows, enabling a larger scale of embryo production when compared with other biotechnologies. However, deleterious effects such as abnormal fetal growth, longer gestation period, increased birth weight, abortion, preterm birth and higher rates of neonatal mortality have been attributed to IVP. The aim of this study was to compare the influence ofin vitroembryo production and artificial insemination (AI) on gestation length, complications with birth, birth weight, method of feeding colostrum, passive transfer of immunity, morbidity-mortality, and performance in Brahman calves.

Results

Whilst gestation length and birth weight were significantly increased in IVP-derived calves, no difference in weaning weight was observed between groups. The passive transfer of immunity (PT), was assessed in IVP (n = 80) and AI (n = 20) groups 24 hours after birth by determination of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and gammaglobulin activity as well as by quantification of the concentration of total protein in serum. No differences in passive transfer or incidences of dystocia and diseases at weaning were observed between groups. Birth weight, method of feeding colostrum and dystocia were not correlated with PT in either group.

Conclusions

In this study,in vitroembryo production did not affect the health status, development, or passive transfer of immunity in Brahman calves.
Inferring pleiotropy by network analysis: linked diseases in the human PPI network
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Phuong , Liu Wei-chung , Jordán Ferenc
Published: December 2011

Background

Earlier, we identified proteins connecting different disease proteins in the human protein-protein interaction network and quantified their mediator role. An analysis of the networks of these mediators shows that proteins connecting heart disease and diabetes largely overlap with the ones connecting heart disease and obesity.

Results

We quantified their overlap, and based on the identified topological patterns, we inferred the structural disease-relatedness of several proteins. Literature data provide a functional look of them, well supporting our findings. For example, the inferred structurally important role of the PDZ domain-containing protein GIPC1 in diabetes is supported despite the lack of this information in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. Several key mediator proteins identified here clearly has pleiotropic effects, supported by ample evidence for their general but always of only secondary importance.

Conclusions

We suggest that studying central nodes in mediator networks may contribute to better understanding and quantifying pleiotropy. Network analysis provides potentially useful tools here, as well as helps in improving databases.
Growth, seed development and genetic analysis in wild type and Def mutant of Pisum sativum L
Authors: Ayeh Kwadwo Owusu , Lee YeonKyeong , Ambrose Mike J , Hvoslef-Eide Anne Kathrine
Published: December 2011

Background

Thedefmutant pea (Pisum sativumL) showed non-abscission of seeds from the funicule. Here we present data on seed development and growth pattern and their relationship in predicting this particular trait in wild type and mutant lines as well as the inheritance pattern of thedefallele in F2and F3populations.

Findings

Pod length and seed fresh weight increase with fruit maturity and this may affect the abscission event in pea seeds. However, the seed position in either the distal and proximal ends of the pod did not show any difference. The growth factors of seed fresh weight (FW), width of funicles (WFN), seed width (SW) and seed height (SH) were highly correlated and their relationships were determined in both wild type anddefmutant peas. The coefficient of determinationR2values for the relationship between WFN and FW, SW and SH and their various interactions were higher for thedefdwarf type. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that variation of WFN was associated with SH and SW. Pearson's chi square analysis revealed that the inheritance and segregation of theDeflocus in 3:1 ratio was significant in two F2populations. Structural analysis of the F3 population was used to confirm the inheritance status of theDeflocus in F2heterozygote plants.

Conclusions

This study investigated the inheritance of the presence or absence of theDefallele, controlling the presence of an abscission zone (AZ) or an abscission-less zone (ALZ) forming in wild type and mutant lines respectively. The single major gene (Def) controlling this phenotype was monogenic anddefmutants were characterized and controlled by the homozygous recessivedefallele that showed no palisade layers in the hilum region of the seed coat.
Patient expectations of podiatric surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wilkinson Antony N , Maher Anthony J
Published: December 2011

Background

Patient expectations can be difficult to conceptualise and are liable to change with time, health and environmental factors. Patient expectation is known to influence satisfaction, however little is known about the expectations of patients attending for podiatric surgery. This paper will explore the expectations of a large cohort of patients undergoing elective foot surgery.

Methods

The UK based podiatric audit of surgery and clinical outcome measurement (PASCOM) audit system was applied to a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective podiatric surgery in Doncaster, South Yorkshire between 2004 and 2010. Data was collected relating to the surgical episode and patient expectations. A patient questionnaire was administered at 6 months post intervention.

Results

A total of 2910 unique surgical admissions were completed and satisfaction questionnaires were returned by 1869 patients. A total of 1430 patients answered question 1 which relates to patient expectations. Pain relief was the most frequent expectation with 1191 counts (52.3%), while footwear and mobility accounted for 16.6% and 16.4% respectively. Cosmesis counts occurred less commonly; 12.2%. 709 patients (49.6%) stated only a single expectation, 599 patients (41.9%) stated two expectations, 114 patients (8%) stated three expectations and 7 patients (0.5%) stated 4 expectations. Pain relief was the dominant expectation accounting for 515 counts (72.6%) of patients who provided only one response.

Conclusions

This paper demonstrates the expectations of a large cohort of podiatric surgery patients. For the most part patients expect pain relief, improved mobility and improved shoe fitting, while a small number of patients also expect a cosmetic improvement. Further research is required to determine the relationship between patient expectation and health related quality of life, and to determine whether podiatric surgery is successful in addressing the expectations of patients.
Breast Cancer Prognosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: An International Prospective Breast Cancer Family Registry Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Goodwin Pamela J. , Phillips Kelly-Anne , West Dee W. , Ennis Marguerite , Hopper John L. , John Esther M. , O'Malley Frances P. , Milne Roger L. , Andrulis Irene L. , Friedlander Michael L. , Southey Melissa C. , Apicella Carmel , Giles Graham G. , Longacre Teri A.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To compare breast cancer prognosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with that in patients with sporadic disease.

Patients and Methods

An international population-based cohort study was conducted in Canada, the United States, and Australia of 3,220 women with incident breast cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 and observed prospectively. Ninety-three had BRCA1 mutations; 71, BRCA2 mutations; one, both mutations; 1,550, sporadic breast cancer; and 1,505, familial breast cancer (without known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation). Distant recurrence and death were analyzed.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 45.3 years; mean follow-up was 7.9 years. Risks of distant recurrence and death did not differ significantly between BRCA1 mutation carriers and those with sporadic disease in univariable and multivariable analyses. Risk of distant recurrence was higher for BRCA2 mutation carriers compared with those with sporadic disease in univariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.60; P = .04). Risk of death was also higher in BRCA2 carriers in univariable analysis (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.86; P = .01). After adjustment for age, tumor stage and grade, nodal status, hormone receptors, and year of diagnosis, no differences were observed for distant recurrence (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.61; P = 1.00) or death (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.79; P = .64).

Conclusion

Outcomes of BRCA1 mutation carriers were similar to those of patients with sporadic breast cancer. Worse outcomes in BRCA2 mutation carriers in univariable analysis seem to reflect the presence of more adverse tumor characteristics in these carriers. Similar outcomes were identified in BRCA2 carriers and those with sporadic disease in multivariable analyses.
Poeticizing Revolution: Žižek's Misreading of Mao and China
Authors: Kang Liu
Published: December 2011

Slavoj Žižek has recently written quite extensively on Mao and China. This article is a commentary on his writings. Tracing the genealogy of Western Marxism from Gramsci, Athusser, and Badiou to Žižek, I argue that Žižek's misreading of the Chinese Revolution, especially Mao's theory and practice, as well as his comments on contemporary China reveal his Eurocentric biases and a habit of aestheticizing or poeticizing revolutionary practice. Žižek's misreading of Mao and China is largely based on abstract theorization, divorced from concrete specificity and historicity. His ultimate pessimism, camouflaged by radical hubris and theatricality, can neither help us further our understanding of China's struggles to modernity, particularly Mao's endeavors for alternatives, nor inspire us for the renewed searches for social change. Žižek's poeticized version of the Chinese Revolution is thus a theatrical parody-travesty of the true revolution, an imaginary rhapsody of “revolution without a revolution.” Žižek's biases further reflect a proclivity among the Western Left to substitute historical and political critique with aesthetic theories and discourse.
Revolutionary Terror from Robespierre to Mao
Authors: Žižek Slavoj
Published: December 2011

The essay analyzes revolutionary terror apropos of two exemplary cases: the Jacobin phase of the French Revolution and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. In both cases, terror should be dismissed not as a mass crime but as a failed articulation of the radical emancipatory will. Our task is to imagine how this radical emancipatory will can be given a new expression in the forthcoming crisis of global capitalism.
Sinicizing Žižek? The Ideology of Inherent Self-Negation in Contemporary China
Authors: Lo Kwai-Cheung
Published: December 2011

This essay attempts to connect China with Žižek's theoretical ideas by discussing the multiple meanings of sinicization that brings forth self-negating contradictions. Arguing that contemporary postsocialist China's rapid and ruthless capitalization urgently calls for the realization of socialism more than ever, the essay also points out how China's problems precisely pose a challenge to Žižek's emancipatory politics and even become the radical externalization of his theory.
The muscle pattern of the Drosophila abdomen depends on a subdivision of the anterior compartment of each segment
Authors: Krzemień Joanna , Fabre Caroline C. G. , Casal José , Lawrence Peter A.
Published: December 2011

In the past, segments were defined by landmarks such as muscle attachments, notably by Snodgrass, the king of insect anatomists. Here, we show how an objective definition of a segment, based on developmental compartments, can help explain the dorsal abdomen of adult Drosophila. The anterior (A) compartment of each segment is subdivided into two domains of cells, each responding differently to Hedgehog. The anterior of these domains is non-neurogenic and clones lacking Notch develop normally; this domain can express stripe and form muscle attachments. The posterior domain is neurogenic and clones lacking Notch do not form cuticle; this domain is unable to express stripe or form muscle attachments. The posterior (P) compartment does not form muscle attachments. Our in vivo films indicate that early in the pupa the anterior domain of the A compartment expresses stripe in a narrowing zone that attracts the extending myotubes and resolves into the attachment sites for the dorsal abdominal muscles. We map the tendon cells precisely and show that all are confined to the anterior domain of A. It follows that the dorsal abdominal muscles are intersegmental, spanning from one anterior domain to the next. This view is tested and supported by clones that change cell identity or express stripe ectopically. It seems that growing myotubes originate in posterior A and extend forwards and backwards until they encounter and attach to anterior A cells. The dorsal adult muscles are polarised in the anteroposterior axis: we disprove the hypothesis that muscle orientation depends on genes that define planar cell polarity in the epidermis.
Two New Cembranes from a Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia facile
Authors: Chen Bo-Wei , Su Jui-Hsin , Dai Chang-Feng , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wu Yang-Chang , Lin Ying-Ting , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: December 2011

Two new hydroxycembranes 1 and 2 and two known epoxycembrane 3 and isocembrol 4 have been isolated from a Formosan soft coral Sinularia facile. The structures of new metabolites were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and cytotoxic activity of 1–4 against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines was measured.
Fabrication of Photochromic Tungsten Oxide Based Composite Film Using Peroxoisopolytungstic Acid
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Baba Yuki , Inada Masaya , Nose Atsushi , Suzuki Hisao , Ota Toshitaka
Published: December 2011

Tungsten-based photochromic composite films were fabricated using peroxoisopolytungstic acid aqueous solution and transparent urethane resin. UV–visible irradiation of the resulting composite films showed photochromic properties, indicating broad absorption with peaks at 650 and 900 nm. The coloring time was about 40 min. The colored composite films were transformed to clear film in a dark room in 90 h.
Teleconsultation: changes in technology and costs over a 12-year period
Authors: Lamminen Johanna , Forsvik Heikki , Vopio Ville , Ruohonen Keijo
Published: December 2011

In our previous study, in 1997, we evaluated the cost of teleconsultations in a primary care centre compared with the cost of the conventional alternative, travelling to the hospital. The results showed that teleconsultations were cheaper than patient travel when the annual workload was more than 110 patients in ophthalmology and 115 patients in dermatology. Using the same method of analysis for 2009 data showed that cost savings would occur if the annual workload was 20 patients in ophthalmology and 17 patients in dermatology. The main differences between the two studies are the reduced cost of the technology (which was based on PCs in 2009) and the increased cost of staff. Both studies show that teleconsultations can be cost-effective in a relatively small health centre. The cost of technology continues to decrease, although the other costs in our break-even analysis continue to increase. However, the usability of technology continues to improve, and this will make telemedicine a more attractive alternative in the future.
The epidemiology of homicide in Italy by season, day of the week and time of day
Authors: Sisti Davide , Rocchi Marco B L , Macciò Annalisa , Preti Antonio
Published: December 2011

Circadian and seasonal rhythms have an impact on the risk of violent death in humans, with more evidence available in suicide than in homicide. This study set out to investigate the pattern of deaths by homicide in Italy, taking into account the month, the day of the week and the time of day when the homicidal incident happened. Data based on official statistics on deaths by homicide ( n = 3894) from 2003 to 2008 were analysed by spectral analysis and circular statistics techniques based on the Rayleigh test. Homicides showed seasonal distribution with a bimodal pattern, with summer (July and August) and winter (December and January) peaks over the other seasons. Homicides also peaked on Sundays and Mondays and were at their highest at night-time (00:00 to 5:59 hours). These rhythms in homicide victimization could be accounted for by social factors – within the framework of the routine activity theory – by psychological factors, including those leading to domestic violence, and by biological factors, including those impacting on impulse dyscontrol. The identification of risk or protective factors involved in the victim's surviving or succumbing to an assault might be important for the prevention of the worst outcome of injury at large, suicides and accidents included.
Boiling Heat Transfer: An Overview of Longstanding and New Challenges
Authors: Shekriladze I.G.
Published: December 2011

The review on boiling heat transfer addresses many critically important problems including the disregard of the pumping effect of growing bubbles (PEGB), the so-called “model of the theatre of director” (MTD), and the universal MTD-based correlation. In this review, with respect to PEGB, MTD, and the MTD-based correlation, emphasis is placed on the critical consideration of the traditional model of the theatre of actors (MTA). The universality of the MTD-based correlation once again is demonstrated, including forced-boiling heat transfer in microsystems. The MTD, in combination with so-called multi-factoring concept, represents a unified framework for the investigation of the diversity of boiling heat transfer curves, including boiling hysteresis and the specific boiling regimes characteristic for microsystems.
Modeling of Surface Crack Advance in Round Wires Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Toribio J. , Matos J. C. , González B. , Escuadra J.
Published: December 2011

This paper shows the evolution of the surface crack front in round bars constituted of different materials (determined by the exponent m of the Paris law), subjected to fatigue tension loading (with free ends) or fatigue bending loading. To this end, a numerical modeling was developed on the basis of a discretization of the crack front (characterized with elliptical shape) and the crack advance at each point perpendicular to such a front, according to a Paris-Erdogan law, using a three-parameter stress intensity factor (SIF). Each analyzed case was characterized by the evolution of the semielliptical crack front, studying the progress with the relative crack depth a/D of the following three key variables: (i) crack aspect ratio a/b (relation between the semiaxes of the ellipse which defines the crack front); (ii) maximum dimensionless SIF; and (iii) minimum dimensionless SIF.
Copper(I) butyrate: a tetranuclear core revealed
Authors: Hietsoi Oleksandr , Filatov Alexander S. , Petrukhina Marina A.
Published: December 2011

The title complex, [Cu4(O2CCH2CH2CH3)4] (1), has a planar core comprised of four copper atoms bridged by four butyrate ligands alternating above and below the Cu4-plane. The intramolecular Cu···Cu distances within the Cu4-core are very close, being 2.7255(5) and 2.7261(5) Å. In the solid-state, the Cu4-units are engaged in additional intermolecular copper–oxygen interactions to form a 1D polymeric structure with average Cu···O contacts of ca. 2.427(2) Å.
The slower the better: how sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction is modified in the presence of estrogens
Authors: Sebkova Natasa , Cerna Martina , Ded Lukas , Peknicova Jana , Dvorakova-Hortova Katerina
Published: December 2011

In order for mammalian sperm to obtain a fertilizing ability, they must undergo a complex of molecular changes, called capacitation. During capacitation, steroidal compounds can exert a fast nongenomic response in sperm through their interaction with plasma membrane receptors, and activate crucial signaling pathways leading to time-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP). Estrogen receptor beta was detected in epididymal mouse sperm; therefore, the effect of 17B-estradiol, estrone, estriol, and 17A-ethynylestradiol on mouse sperm capacitationin vitrowas investigated. The effect was evaluated by positive TyrP in sperm heads and in the whole sperm lysates. Simultaneously, the state of the acrosome after the calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction was assessed. Generally, estrogens displayed a time and concentration-dependent stimulatory effect on sperm TyrP during capacitation. In contrast, the number of sperm that underwent the acrosome reaction was lower in the experimental groups. It has been demonstrated that both natural and synthetic estrogens can modify the physiological progress of mouse sperm capacitation. The potential risk in the procapacitation effect of estrogens can also be seen in the decreased ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction. In conclusion, the capacitating ability of sperm can be significantly lowered by increasing the level of estrogens in the environment.
Childhood Cumulative Risk and Obesity: The Mediating Role of Self-Regulatory Ability
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Fuller-Rowell Thomas E. , Doan Stacey N.
Published: December 2011

Objectives:

We tested whether early childhood risk exposures are related to weight gain in adolescence and evaluate an underlying mechanism, self-regulatory behavior, for the risk-obesity link.

Methods:

Cumulative risk exposure to 9 sociodemographic (eg, poverty), physical (eg, substandard housing), and psychosocial (eg, family turmoil) stressors was assessed in 244 nine-year-old children. BMI was calculated at age 9 and then 4 years later. At age 9, children’s ability to delay gratification as an index of self-regulatory behavior was assessed. Path analyses were then estimated to evaluate our mediational model (Cumulative risk → Self-regulation → BMI) over a 4-year period in a prospective, longitudinal design.

Results:

Nine-year-old children exposed to a greater accumulation of multiple risk factors show larger gains in adiposity over the next four year period, net of their initial BMI. These gains in BMI during early adolescence are largely accounted for by deteriorated self-regulatory abilities among children facing more cumulative risks.

Conclusions:

Early childhood risk exposure leads to larger gains in BMI in adolescence. Given the importance of childhood adiposity to the development of obesity later in life, understanding the underlying mechanisms that link early experience to weight gain is an essential task. Deficiencies in self-regulation in response to chronic stress appears to be an important agent in the obesity epidemic.
Correlates of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in the United States and Puerto Rico
Authors: Whitmore Suzanne K. , Taylor Allan W. , Espinoza Lorena , Shouse R. Luke , Lampe Margaret A. , Nesheim Steven
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to examine associations between demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables and mother-to-child HIV transmission in 15 US jurisdictions for birth years 2005 through 2008.

METHODS:

The study used Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance system data for HIV-infected women who gave birth to live infants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with mother-to-child transmission.

RESULTS:

Among 8054 births, 179 infants (2.2%) were diagnosed with HIV infection. Half of the births had at least 1 missed prevention opportunity: 74.3% of infected infants, 52.1% of uninfected infants. Among 7757 mother–infant pairs with sufficient data for analysis, the odds of having an HIV-infected infant were higher for women who received late testing or no prenatal antiretroviral medications (odds ratio: 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5–4.0] and 3.5 [95% CI: 2.0–6.4], respectively). The odds for mothers who breastfed were 4.6 times (95% CI: 2.2–9.8) the odds for those who did not breastfeed. The adjusted odds for women with CD4 counts <200 cells per microliter were 2.4 times (95% CI: 1.4–4.2) those for women with CD4 counts ≥500 cells per microliter. The odds for women who abused substances were twice (95% CI: 1.4–2.9) those for women who did not.

CONCLUSIONS:

The odds of having an HIV-infected infant were higher among HIV-infected women who were tested late, had no antiretroviral medications, abused substances, breastfed, or had lower CD4 cell counts. Increases in earlier HIV diagnosis, substance abuse treatment, avoidance of breastfeeding, and use of prenatal antiretroviral medications are critical in eliminating perinatal HIV infections in the United States.
Sustained Reduction in Neonatal Nosocomial Infections Through Quality Improvement Efforts
Authors: Payne Nathaniel R. , Barry Jennifer , Berg Wendy , Brasel David E. , Hagen Erik A. , Matthews Debra , McCullough Kristin , Sanger Katherine , Steger Melissa D. ,   for the Stop Transmission of Pathogens (STOP) team of the St. Paul Campus,   the Prevent Infection Team (PIT) of the Minneapolis Campus of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Published: December 2011

Background:

Although reports of reduced nosocomial infections (NI) in very low birth weight infants have been published, the durability of these gains and changes in secondary outcomes, and clinical practices have less often been published.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, observational study of NI reduction in very low birth weight infants at two hospital campuses. The intervention began in 2005 with our renewed quality improvement efforts to reduce NI. We compared outcomes before (2000–2005) and after (2006–2009) the intervention by using univariate and multiple regression analyses.

Results:

We reduced NI by 50% comparing 2000–2005 to 2006–2009 (23.6% vs 11.6%, P < .001). Adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio for NI was 0.33 (confidence interval, 0.26 – 0.42, P < .001) in the more recent era. NI were lower even in infants with birth weight 501-1000 grams (odds ratio = 0.38, confidence interval, 0.29 – 0.51, P < .001). We also reduced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (30.2% vs 25.5%, P = .001), median days to regain birth weight (9 vs 8, P = .04), percutaneously placed central venous catheter use (54.8% vs 43.9%, P = .002), median antibiotic days (8 vs 6, P = .003), median total central line days (16 vs 15, P = .01), and median ventilator days (7 vs 5, P = .01). We sustained improvements for three years.

Conclusions:

Quality improvement efforts were associated with sustained reductions in NI, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, antibiotic use, central line use, and ventilator days.
Antihypertensive Prescribing Patterns for Adolescents With Primary Hypertension
Authors: Yoon Esther Y. , Cohn Lisa , Rocchini Albert , Kershaw David , Freed Gary , Ascione Frank , Clark Sarah
Published: December 2011

Background:

Hypertension is an increasingly common problem in adolescents yet current medical management of primary hypertension in adolescents has not been well-described.

Methods:

We identified adolescents with primary hypertension by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and looked at prescription patterns chronologically for antihypertensive drug class prescribed and the specialty of prescribing physician. We also examined patient demographics and presence of obesity-related comorbidities.

Results:

During 2003–2008, there were 4296 adolescents with primary hypertension (HTN); 66% were boys; 73% were aged 11 to 14 years; 53% were black, 41% white, and 4% Hispanic; and 48% had obesity-related comorbidity. Twenty-three percent (977) received antihypertensive prescription. White subjects (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61; confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–1.88), older adolescents (≥15 years, OR: 2.11; CI: 1.79–2.48), and those with comorbidity (OR: 1.57; CI: 1.36–1.82) were more likely to receive antihypertensive prescriptions controlling for gender and years of Medicaid eligibility in logistic regression. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed monotherapy. Nearly two-thirds of adolescents received prescriptions from adult primary care physicians (PCPs) only. More than one-quarter of adolescents who received a prescription received combination therapy, which was most often prescribed by adult PCPs.

Conclusions:

Adult PCPs were the leading prescribers of antihypertensives for adolescents with primary HTN. Race differences exist in physicians’ prescribing of antihypertensives to adolescents with primary HTN. The choice of antihypertensives by physicians of different specialties warrants additional study to understand the underlying rationale for treatment decisions and to determine treatment effectiveness.
Avaliação dos custos operacionais eficientes das empresas de transmissão do setor elétrico Brasileiro: uma proposta de adaptação do modelo dea adotado pela ANEEL
Authors: Pessanha José Francisco Moreira , Mello Marina Almeida Rego Figueira de , Barros Mônica , Souza Reinaldo Castro
Published: December 2011

No setor elétrico brasileiro, as companhias de transmissão são remuneradas pela disponibilidade da capacidade de seus ativos, independentemente da quantidade de energia elétrica transmitida. Para induzir a operação eficiente das transmissoras, a ANEEL deve revisar periodicamente as receitas permitidas das transmissoras, considerando custos operacionais eficientes. Recentemente, a ANEEL publicou uma resolução em que descreve a metodologia utilizada no cálculo dos custos operacionais eficientes das transmissoras, a qual inclui um modelo de análise envoltória de dados (DEA). Neste trabalho propomos uma adaptação deste modelo DEA e apresentamos uma análise de sensibilidade dos resultados obtidos pelos dois modelos.