bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical Modeling and Simulation of Four‐Switch Hybrid Power Filter Working with Sixfold Switching Symmetry
Authors: Tlustý Josef , Škramlík Jiří , Švec Jan , Valouch Viktor
Published: September 2012

Shunt active power filters are nowadays used for mitigation of harmonic currents from nonlinear loads. Current and voltage harmonics have negative effects on the operation of the electric power system. Thus, a great attention is focused on harmonic generation and control. Several standards have introduced limits on current harmonics injected into the power system and on voltage harmonics at the system busbars. The paper proposes a switching strategy for a four‐switch converter as used in conventional six‐switch converters. The voltage source converter is controlled by a unique space‐vector modulation strategy proposed. Here is presented an analytical solution for a proposed active power filter topology, simulation, and experiments results proving the proposed strategy correctness and its characteristics.
Some Factors That Influence Seasonal Precipitation in Argentinean Chaco
Authors: González Marcela Hebe , Cariaga María Laura , Skansi María de los Milagros
Published: September 2012

The Chaco plain region in Argentina is located in the north of the country and east of Los Andes where the main activity is the agriculture. As such activity is highly affected by interannual rainfall variability, the influence of some of the principal atmospheric and oceanic forcing is investigated in this paper. Results show that the factors which affect precipitation highly depend on the season and the subregion. The position of the South Atlantic Height and the sea surface temperature in the coast of southern Brazil and Buenos Aires seem to be the factors that affect rainfall, all over the year. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon affects summer and spring rainfall and the Southern Annular Mode involves spring precipitation but both only in the east of the study region. Furthermore, enhanced convection in Central Brazil, mainly influences autumn and spring rainfall.
Simulation and Modeling Application in Agricultural Mechanization
Authors: Hudzari R. M. , Ssomad M. A. H. A. , Syazili R. , Fauzan M. Z. M.
Published: September 2012

This experiment was conducted to determine the equations relating the Hue digital values of the fruits surface of the oil palm with maturity stage of the fruit in plantation. The FFB images were zoomed and captured using Nikon digital camera, and the calculation of Hue was determined using the highest frequency of the value forR,G, andBcolor components from histogram analysis software. New procedure in monitoring the image pixel value for oil palm fruit color surface in real-time growth maturity was developed. The estimation of day harvesting prediction was calculated based on developed model of relationships for Hue values with mesocarp oil content. The simulation model is regressed and predicts the day of harvesting or a number of days before harvest of FFB. The result from experimenting on mesocarp oil content can be used for real-time oil content determination of MPOB color meter. The graph to determine the day of harvesting the FFB was presented in this research. The oil was found to start developing in mesocarp fruit at 65 days before fruit at ripe maturity stage of 75% oil to dry mesocarp.
A Simulation‐Based Dynamic Stochastic Route Choice Model for Evacuation
Authors: Zhao Xing , Ren Gang , Fan Chao , Ding Chen-Zi
Published: September 2012

This paper establishes a dynamic stochastic route choice model for evacuation to simulate the propagation process of traffic flow and estimate the stochastic route choice under evacuation situations. The model contains a lane‐group‐based cell transmission model (CTM) which sets different traffic capacities for links with different turning movements to flow out in an evacuation situation, an actual impedance model which is to obtain the impedance of each route in time units at each time interval and a stochastic route choice model according to the probit‐based stochastic user equilibrium. In this model, vehicles loading at each origin at each time interval are assumed to choose an evacuation route under determinate road network, signal design, and OD demand. As a case study, the proposed model is validated on the network nearby Nanjing Olympic Center after the opening ceremony of the 10th National Games of the People′s Republic of China. The traffic volumes and clearing time at five exit points of the evacuation zone are calculated by the model to compare with survey data. The results show that this model can appropriately simulate the dynamic route choice and evolution process of the traffic flow on the network in an evacuation situation.
Large Format Histology May Aid in the Detection of Unsuspected Pathologic Findings of Potential Clinical Significance: A Prospective Multiyear Single Institution Study
Authors: Foster Matthew R. , Harris Lauren , Biesemier Karl W.
Published: September 2012

Large format histology offers several unique advantages over traditional tissue processing. Over 12 years of experience with this technique provide insight into its limitations and benefits. We conducted a prospective multiyear analysis of the potential advantages of large format histology. 656 cases were examined prospectively over an eight-year period. In 172 cases the sign-out pathologist documented an unexpected finding of potential clinical significance as present only on the large format sections and not present on the accompanying standard format slides. These include closer margins, a change in size or extent of disease, and previously undocumented invasive and/or in situ carcinoma. Based on over a decade of experience and eight years of data, our results demonstrate that a quarter of cases had an unexpected finding of potential clinical significance that may not have been fully realized without the use of the large format technique.
Role of Dietary Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Infant Allergies and Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Shek Lynette P. , Chong Mary Foong-Fong , Lim Jia Yi , Soh Shu-E , Chong Yap-Seng
Published: September 2012

Maternal nutrition has critical effects on the developing structures and functions of the fetus. Malnutrition during pregnancy can result in low birth weight and small for gestational age babies, increase risk for infection, and impact the immune system. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to have immunomodulatory effects. Decreased consumption of omega-6 PUFAs, in favor of more anti-inflammatory omega-3 PUFAs in modern diets, has demonstrated the potential protective role of omega-3 PUFAs in allergic and respiratory diseases. In this paper, we examine the role of PUFAs consumption during pregnancy and early childhood and its influence on allergy and respiratory diseases. PUFAs act via several mechanisms to modulate immune function. Omega-3 PUFAs may alter the T helper (Th) cell balance by inhibiting cytokine production which in turn inhibits immunoglobulin E synthesis and Th type 2 cell differentiation. PUFAs may further modify cellular membrane, induce eicosanoid metabolism, and alter gene expression. These studies indicate the benefits of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation. Nevertheless, further investigations are warranted to assess the long-term effects of omega-3 PUFAs in preventing other immune-mediated diseases, as well as its effects on the later immunodefense and health status during early growth and development.
Optimum Design of Novel UWB Multilayer Microstrip Hairpin Filters with Harmonic Suppression and Impedance Matching
Authors: Oraizi Homayoon , Azadi-Tinat Nima
Published: September 2012

Optimum design of a novel ultra-wideband multilayer microstrip hairpin filter is presented, providing for harmonic suppression and impedance matching between source and load impedances. The theory of N-coupled transmission lines is employed to obtain an equivalent circuit for development of a design procedure based on the method of least squares. A prototype model of proposed two-layer filter of order 5 is fabricated for 3.1–10.6 GHz. The dimensions of designed filter are 23 mm × 7 mm. The insertion loss in the passband varies from 0.3 dB to 3 dB (in the worst case at the edge of passband) and in the stopband is about 30 dB up to 20 GHz. Its group delay in the UWB region is about 0.5 ns. Close agreement among the filter frequency responses as obtained by the proposed method, full-wave computer simulation softwares, and measurement data verify the effectiveness of the proposed filter structure and design methods.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Tribromoacetates and Their Alkali Metal Derivatives
Authors: Puri Jugal Kishore , Chhoker Rajni
Published: September 2012

Complexes of composition Fe2Cl2(O2CCBr3)4, Fe2Cl(O2CCBr3)5, Fe (O2CCBr3)3, [(Me4N)2][Fe (O2CCBr3)4], K[Fe (O2CCBr3)4], Rb[Fe (O2CCBr3)4], Cs[Fe (O2CCBr3)4], [(Me4N)2][Co(O2CCBr3)4], [(Me4N)2][Mn(O2CCBr3)4], [(Me4N)2][Cu(O2CCBr3)4], and [(Me4N)2][Ni(O2CCBr3)4] have been prepared by metathetical reactions using nitromethane as solvent. All these compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared, reflectance and thermogravimetric studies.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Induced Adrenomedullin Mediates Cigarette Smoke Carcinogenicity in Humans and Mice
Authors: Portal-Nuñez Sergio , Shankavaram Uma T. , Rao Mahadev , Datrice Nicole , Atay Scott , Aparicio Marta , Camphausen Kevin A. , Fernández-Salguero Pedro M. , Chang Han , Lin Pinpin , Schrump David S. , Garantziotis Stavros , Cuttitta Frank , Zudaire Enrique
Published: September 2012

Cigarette smoking (CS) is a leading cause of death worldwide. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is partially responsible for tobacco-induced carcinogenesis although the underlying mechanisms involving early effector genes have yet to be determined. Here, we report that adrenomedullin (ADM) significantly contributes to the carcinogenicity of tobacco-activated AHR. CS and AHR activating ligands induced ADM in vitro and in vivo but not in AHR-deficient fibroblasts and mice. Ectopic transfection of AHR rescued ADM expression in AHR−/− fibroblasts whereas AHR blockage with siRNA in wild type cells significantly decreased ADM expression. AHR regulates ADM expression through two intronic xenobiotic response elements located close to the start codon in the ADM gene. Using tissue microarrays we showed that ADM and AHR were coupregulated in lung tumor biopsies from smoker patients. Microarray meta-analysis of 304 independent microarray experiments showed that ADM is elevated in smokers and smokers with cancer. In addition, ADM coassociated with a subset of AHR responsive genes and efficiently differentiated patients with lung cancer from nonsmokers. In a novel preclinical model of CS-induced tumor progression, host exposure to CS extracts significantly elevated tumor ADM although systemic treatment with the ADM antagonist NSC16311 efficiently blocked tobacco-induced tumor growth. In conclusion, ADM significantly contributes the carcinogenic effect of AHR and tobacco combustion products. We suggest that therapeutics targeting the AHR/ADM axis may be of clinical relevance in the treatment of tobacco-induced pulmonary malignancies. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5790–800. ©2012 AACR.
A Novel Exonic GHR Splicing Mutation (c.784G>C) in a Patient with Classical Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndrome
Authors: Akıncı Ayşehan , Rosenfeld Ron G. , Hwa Vivian
Published: September 2012

Context: Undetectable circulating growth hormone-binding protein (GHBP) can be indicative of a GH receptor (GHR) defect and cause GH insensitivity (GHI) syndrome. Case Report: The proband, severely growth retarded from birth, had a height of 73 cm (–6 SDS) and weight of 10.5 kg (–2.5 SDS) at the age of 3.25 years; her consanguineous parents were normal statured. Basal serum GH measurement was high, >40 ng/ml, while serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I; 8.5 ng/ml; normal, 13–100), IGF-binding protein 3 (126 ng/ml; normal, 365–1,294), acid labile subunit (0.59 mg/l; normal, 5.6–16), and GHBP (120 pmol/l; normal, 431–1,892) concentrations were all markedly low. Recombinant IGF-I therapy improved height to –4.4 SDS after 2.5 years of treatment. Results:GHR gene analysis revealed a homozygous c.784G>C transversion, the last nucleotide of exon 7; the parents were heterozygous for the mutation. Evaluation of GHR mRNA indicated c.784G>C was not a missense mutation but induced exon 7 excision, leading to a frame shift and predicted early protein termination. Conclusion: A novel homozygous GHRc.784G>C mutation, identified in a GHI patient, induced functional loss of the native intron 7 donor splice site, demonstrating, for the first time, the importance of exonic nucleotides at exon-intron junctions for normal GHR splicing.
Profiling of Ileal Carcinoids
Authors: Nilsson Ola
Published: September 2012

Identification of common molecular mechanisms is needed to facilitate the development of new treatment options for patients with ileal carcinoids. Purpose of Review: Recent profiling studies on ileal carcinoids were examined to obtain a comprehensive view of risk factors, genetic aberrations, and transcriptional alterations. Special attention was paid to mechanisms that could provide novel targets for therapy. Results: Genome-wide association studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at IL12A and DAD1 are associated with an increased risk of ileal carcinoids. Genomic profiling revealed distinct patterns of copy-number alterations in ileal carcinoids. Two groups of carcinoids could be identified by hierarchical clustering. A major group of tumors was characterized by loss on chromosome 18 followed by additional losses on chromosomes 3p, 11q, and 13. Three minimal common regions of deletions were identified at 18q21.1–q21.31, 18q22.1–q22.2, and 18q22.3–q23. A minor group of tumors was characterized by clustered gains on chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 14, and 20. Expression profiling identified three groups of ileal carcinoids by principal component analysis. Tumor progression was associated with changes in gene expression including downregulation of MIR133A. Candidate genes for targeted therapy included ERBB2/HER2, DAD1, PRKCA, RYBP, CASP1, CASP4, CASP5, VMAT1, RET, APLP1, OR51E1, GPR112, SPOCK1, RUNX1, and MIR133A.Conclusion: Profiling of ileal carcinoids has revealed recurrent genetic alterations and distinct patterns of gene expression. Frequent alterations in cellular pathways and genes were identified, suggesting novel targets for therapy. Translational studies are needed to validate suggested molecular targets.
Microphysical Processes Evident in Aerosol Forcing of Tropical Deep Convective Clouds
Authors: Storer Rachel L. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: September 2012

This study investigates the effects of aerosols on tropical deep convective clouds (DCCs). A series of large-scale, two-dimensional cloud-resolving model simulations was completed, differing only in the concentration of aerosols available to act as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Polluted simulations contained more DCCs, wider storms, higher cloud tops, and more convective precipitation domainwide. Differences in warm cloud microphysics were largely consistent with the first and second aerosol indirect effects. The average surface precipitation produced in each DCC column decreased with increasing aerosol concentration. A detailed microphysical budget analysis showed that the reduction in collision and coalescence largely dominated the trend in average precipitation. The production of rain from ice, though it also decreased, became a more important contribution to precipitation as the aerosol concentration increased. The DCCs in polluted simulations contained more frequent extreme values of vertical velocity, but the average updraft speed decreased with increasing aerosols in DCCs above 6 km. An examination of the buoyancy term of the vertical velocity equation demonstrates that the drag associated with condensate loading is an important factor in determining the average updraft strength. The largest contributions to latent heating in DCCs were cloud nucleation and vapor deposition onto water and ice, but changes in latent heating were, on average, an order of magnitude smaller than those in the condensate loading term. The average updraft speed was largely affected by increased drag from condensate loading in more mature updrafts, while early storm updrafts experienced convective invigoration from increased latent heating.
Three-Dimensional UAV-Based Atmospheric Tomography
Authors: Rogers Kevin , Finn Anthony
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a method for tomographically reconstructing spatially varying three-dimensional atmospheric temperature profiles and wind velocity fields based on passive acoustic travel time measurements between a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground-based microphones. A series of simulations are presented to provide an indication of the performance of the technique. The parametric fields are modeled as the weighted sum of radial basis functions (RBFs) or Fourier series, which also allow local meteorological measurements made at the UAV and ground receivers to supplement any time delay observations. The technique has potential for practical applications such as boundary layer meteorology and theories of atmospheric turbulence and wave propagation through a turbulent atmosphere.
Elected Neighbourhood Officers in a Turkish City (Izmir): Gendered Local Participation in Governance
Authors: Şenol Fatma
Published: September 2012

This paper explores how gender differences and the local scale influence individuals’ conditions (i.e. motivations/issues, resources and styles) for inclusion in formal politics as electoral candidates and then as officers. The experiences of women and men muhtars—elected resident-officers of neighbourhoods—in Izmir (Turkey) in 2008 provided the data. It appeared that political participation via neighbourhood offices is shaped by (in)formal mechanisms of power relations that have been historically male-dominated with patriarchal rule(r)s at the neighbourhood level and with clientelist and statist ones at multiple scales. Men were supported greatly by their gendered neighbourhood-based networks. Women with male backing, including of incumbent muhtars, had better chances. All of the muhtars aimed at guiding residents through the governmental system, experiencing that the centralised state undermined muhtars’ representative roles. By following certain tactics a few, mostly women, muhtars were persistent enough to participate in the governmental system that operated through patron–client relationships.
Representing Absences in the Postdictatorial Documentary Cinema of Patricio Guzmán
Authors: Blaine Patrick
Published: September 2012

For nearly 40 years, Patricio Guzmán has explored the complex relationships between time, memory, and absence in postdictatorial Chile while infusing his documentaries with personal narrative and devices more commonly seen in literary fiction. His films have redefined the genre from the advent of the New Latin American Cinema through the 2010s and are characterized by marked subjectivity and the representation of absence in the postdictatorial context. His filmmaking, beginning in the early 1970s and ending with his latest film, Nostalgia de la luz (2010), constitutes the most complete attempt in any medium to document Chilean national life before, during, and after the Pinochet dictatorship (1973–1990).

Por casi 40 años, Patricio Guzmán ha explorado la compleja relación entre el tiempo, la memoria, y la ausencia en el Chile de la posdictadura, mientras infundía sus documentales con narrativas personales y recursos mas bien vistos comúnmente en la ficción literaria. Sus películas han vuelto a definir el ge’nero desde el avenimiento del nuevo cine latinoamericano en su transcurso hasta los 2010, y se destacan por una subjetividad marcada y la representación de la ausencia en el contexto de la posdictadura. Su obra cinematográfica, comenzando con los principios de la década 1970 y acabando con su film mas reciente, Nostalgia de la luz (2010), constituye el esfuerzo mas completo en cualquier medio para documentar la vida nacional chilena antes, durante, y luego de la dictadura de Pinochet (1973–1990).
Age Differences in Daily Social Activities
Authors: Marcum Christopher Steven
Published: September 2012

The extent to which older and younger people do different activities when they are with others and when they are alone is examined in this article. I leverage interpersonal data in combination with information on activities from the American Time Use Survey to shed light on the long held finding that older people have less social contact than younger people. The results show that, net of intervening factors, age is associated with declines in time spent with others for virtually all types of time use. However, the variety of activities that older and younger people do also differs. Using leisure activities to probe this finding reveals that, when older people spend time with others it tends to be during activities that are sui generis social activities —such as attending parties—but that this is not necessarily the case for younger people. The literature on time use and aging is discussed in light of these findings and a new hypothesis on agency in the life course is proposed.
Acute effects of caffeine on attention: a comparison of non-consumers and withdrawn consumers
Authors: Smith Andrew P , Christopher Gary , Sutherland David
Published: September 2012

Despite the large number of studies on caffeine and attention, interpretation is often difficult because of methodological weaknesses. In the present study, use of a small battery of tests with four key outcome measures, combined with an appropriate sample size, addresses many of these problems. This methodology was used to examine whether effects of caffeine (a dose of 2 mg/kg) could be explained in terms of reversal of the effects of caffeine withdrawal. This was achieved by examining effects in non-consumers ( N = 35), who could not be withdrawn, and also in a group of consumers ( N = 35) who had undergone withdrawal for a week and no longer reported symptoms of withdrawal. The results showed no effect of short-term withdrawal on the performance measures, even though subjective reports showed an increase in symptoms after withdrawal. In contrast, the caffeine challenge carried out on Day 8 showed that ingestion of caffeine was associated with faster simple reaction time, fewer long responses, greater detection of targets in the cognitive vigilance task, and faster encoding of new information. These results suggest that it is important to continue to investigate mechanisms underlying these effects of caffeine and to further evaluate the practical implications of such effects.
Intensive Play Therapy Training for Rural Mental Health Counselors
Authors: Carnes-Holt Kara , Weatherford Jennifer
Published: September 2012

Play therapy can be an effective, integrative, and best practices intervention for work with children and families. Although play therapy is becoming a significant part of counselor education training programs, many real-world practitioners have not had training and cannot access continuing education. This lack of training access is particularly evident in rural settings. This brief study demonstrates that an intense play therapy workshop for rural mental health workers can have a significant impact on the knowledge and skills of the counseling professionals. Following a 2-day play therapy training session specifically designed for mental health professionals in rural areas, the levels of play therapy knowledge and skills showed statistically significant increases from pretraining to the end of the second day. The findings show that an intense play therapy workshop for rural mental health workers can have a significant impact on the knowledge and skills in play therapy.
Association Between Inherited Thrombophilia and Impaired Right Ventricular Function in Deep Vein Thrombosis Without Symptomatic Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Asgun Halil Fatih , Kirilmaz Bahadir , Saygi Serkan , Ozturk Okan , Silan Fatma , Karatag Ozan , Kosar Sule , Ozdemir Ozturk
Published: September 2012

The aim was to evaluate the right ventricular function in patients with inherited thrombophilia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) without pulmonary embolism. A total of 38 patients with DVT without symptomatic pulmonary embolism and 30 patients with varicose veins were enrolled. Clinical data, echocardiography, and 2 thrombophilic mutations were analyzed. Factor V Leiden (FVL) polymorphism was significantly frequent in the study group ( P = .007). The difference in prothrombin G20210A polymorphism between the study and control groups was at a near-significant level ( P = .058). There was statistically significant decrease in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values in patients with FVL and prothrombin G20210A polymorphism. Combined FVL and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms were more closely related to the decrease in this value ( P = .006). Deep vein thrombosis had no additional adverse effects on right ventricle. Impaired right ventricular systolic function occurs in FVL and prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms.
Ultrasound-guided dorsal approach for femoral nerve blockade in cats: an imaging study
Authors: Haro Paulina , Laredo Francisco , Gil Francisco , Belda Eliseo , Ayala María D , Soler Marta , Agut Amalia
Published: September 2012

This study was conducted to describe and validate a dorsal ultrasound-guided approach to block the femoral nerve (FN) in cats by means of anatomical and computed tomography (CT) studies. The anatomical study was carried out in four fresh feline cadavers to determine the anatomic landmarks to approach this nerve. Then, an ultrasonographic study of the FN was performed in another eight cadavers using a 13 MHz linear transducer. The accuracy of the neurolocation by ultrasonography (US) was determined in four cadavers by the injection of 1 ml blue ink around the FN. The staining of the nerve was evaluated in anatomical studies. The feasibility of this technique was also evaluated by CT after injecting 1 ml of an iodinated contrast medium (150 mgl/ml) around the FN in the other four cadavers. The landmarks to approach the FN were the cranial border of the iliac crest and the dorsal processes of L6 and L7. The FN was visualised as a round hypoechogenic structure surrounded by a hyperechogenic rim located within the iliopsoas muscle on transverse scans. The anatomical and CT studies confirmed the accuracy of the US location of the FN. The dorsal ultrasound-guided approach may allow feasible and accurate access to the FN in cats and it could be useful in producing successful blockade.
Understanding how mothers of adolescent girls obtain information about the human papillomavirus vaccine: Associations between mothers’ health beliefs, information seeking, and vaccination intentions in an ethnically diverse sample
Authors: Baldwin Austin S , Bruce Corinne M , Tiro Jasmin A
Published: September 2012

We examined factors associated with information seeking about the human papillomavirus vaccine among mothers of adolescent girls by testing whether information seeking and vaccination intentions for their daughters are associated with perceived vulnerability, severity, and vaccine benefits in an ethnically diverse sample. Mothers ( N = 256) of unvaccinated girls living in Dallas, Texas, were surveyed (49% Black, 29% Hispanic, and 18% White). Perceived vulnerability to human papillomavirus was associated with talking with others (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.09, 2.66) and talking with a doctor about the vaccine (odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.01, 1.99), and perceived vaccine benefits were associated with vaccination intentions (odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.98, 4.42), but the perceived severity was not associated with any dependent measure. Beliefs about human papillomavirus risk are associated with seeking information from a doctor and interpersonal sources, but ethnic minorities are less likely to talk with others about the vaccine.
Annual variation in Internet keyword searches: Linking dieting interest to obesity and negative health outcomes
Authors: Markey Patrick M , Markey Charlotte N
Published: September 2012

This study investigated the annual variation in Internet searches regarding dieting. Time-series analysis was first used to examine the annual trends of Google keyword searches during the past 7 years for topics related to dieting within the United States. The results indicated that keyword searches for dieting fit a consistent 12-month linear model, peaking in January (following New Year’s Eve) and then linearly decreasing until surging again the following January. Additional state-level analyses revealed that the size of the December–January dieting-related keyword surge was predictive of both obesity and mortality rates due to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Self-perceptions of well-being in professional helpers and volunteers operating in war contexts
Authors: Veronese Guido
Published: September 2012

We carried out qualitative research with 61 health professionals and volunteer workers to explore their perceptions of their own and their clients’ well-being in a context of political violence. We applied content analysis to identify the themes emerging from 8 focus group and 11 individual interviews. Participants were found to define the concept of well-being in terms of three key areas: security, participation, and development. Palestinian health providers see promotion of economic development and professional growth, involvement in political and social life, and resistance to the occupation as factors required to enhance well-being and quality of life for themselves and their clients.
Infection control in United Kingdom neonatal units: variance in practice and the need for an evidence base
Authors: Francis S , Khan H , Kennea NL
Published: September 2012

Infection prevention is a cornerstone of good neonatal care. There are, however, few research data to support infection control approaches in this population. Through a structured telephone interview we surveyed all neonatal units in the United Kingdom to identify infection control issues, practices and policies. Eighty seven percent of the 198 neonatal units participated. Twenty one units (12.2%) had closed with infection control issues in the last year; 14.1% had current infection control concerns; 81.5% of units decolonised MRSA positive infants, but over 15 regimens were used. Wide variations in hygiene measures were identified; 22.1% of units used theatre scrubs for all staff, 7.6% used aprons and 5.8% required gloves to be worn when entering clinical areas. Only 54% required hand washing and alcohol gel before entry to a patient care area; 11.6% required only the use of alcohol gel.

Although infection control issues are resulting in neonatal unit closures and risks to patients, there are considerable variations in hygiene and screening practices. There is little data to support the safety or efficacy of decolonisation in neonatal populations, but this is widely practised. Research needs to be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of screening practices and decolonisation in order that a consistent evidence-based approach can be applied.
Speech Remediation of Long-Term Stuttering
Authors: McMicken Betty L. , Vento-Wilson Margaret T.
Published: September 2012

This research article describes the remediation of moderate stuttering in an adult client who experienced speech dysfluency for more than 40 years. Treatment took place at an urban residential rehabilitation mission where the client was court sentenced for a history of felonies and current narcotic sales and use. In conjunction with the operant conditioning instruction of the rehabilitation mission, the Ryan Fluency Program was implemented along with the initial use of pause time in response to the complex needs of the client. The article provides an overview of the assessment (Fluency Interviews, Criterion Tests) and treatment program. At present, 2.5 years post-initiation of treatment, the client has reported and been observed to have achieved smooth, forward-flowing, natural sounding speech throughout his work environment, family interaction, and daily life.
Copy Number Amplification of the PIK3CA Gene Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Non-lymph node metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Suda Toshihito , Hama Takanori , Kondo Shu , Yuza Yuki , Yoshikawa Mamoru , Urashima Mitsuyoshi , Kato Takakuni , Moriyama Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

Background

Deregulation of the EGFR signaling pathway is one of the most frequently observed genetic abnormalities that drives cancer development. Although mutations in the downstream components of the EGFR signaling pathway, including KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA, have been reported in numerous cancers, extensive mutation and copy number analysis of these genes in clinical samples has not been performed for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We examined the mutations and copy number alterations of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA in 115 clinical specimens of HNSCC obtained from surgically treated patients.

We used DNA sequencing to detect mutations and the copy number changes were evaluated by qPCR and array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis.

Results

We examined the mutations and copy number alterations of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA in 115 clinical specimens of HNSCC obtained from surgically treated patients. We identified 3 mutations (2.6%) in K-RAS and 3 mutations (2.6%) in PIK3CA. Copy number amplification was found in 37 cases (32.2%) for PIK3CA, 10 cases (8.7%) for K-RAS and 2 cases (1.7%) for BRAF. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that copy-number amplification of PIK3CA was markedly associated with cancer relapse in patients without lymph node metastasis. (Log-rank test, p = 0.026)

Conclusions

Copy number amplification of the PIK3CA gene is associated with poor prognosis in HNSCC patients without lymph node metastasis. The PIK3CA copy number status will serve as a marker of poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC.
The role of basic health insurance on depression: an epidemiological cohort study of a randomized community sample in Northwest China
Authors: Tian Donghua , Qu Zhiyong , Wang Xiaohua , Guo Jing , Xu Fan , Zhang Xiulan , Chan Cecilia Lai-Wan
Published: September 2012

Background

Little research has focused on the relationship between health insurance and mental health in the community. The objective of this study is to determine how the basic health insurance system influences depression in Northwest China.

Methods

Participants were selected from 32 communities in two northwestern Chinese cities through a three-stage random sampling. Three waves of interviews were completed in April 2006, December 2006, and January 2008. The baseline survey was completed by 4,079 participants. Subsequently, 2,220 participants completed the first follow-up, and 1,888 completed the second follow-up. Depression symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

Results

A total of 40.0% of participants had at least one form of health insurance. The percentages of participants with severe depressive symptoms in the three waves were 21.7%, 22.0%, and 17.6%. Depressive symptoms were found to be more severe among participants without health insurance in the follow-up surveys. After adjusting for confounders, participants without health insurance were found to experience a higher risk of developing severe depressive symptoms than participants with health insurance (7 months: OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.82; p = 0.01; 20 months: OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.37-2.61; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A lack of basic health insurance can dramatically increase the risk of depression based on northwestern Chinese community samples.
HIV-1 subtype C superinfected individuals mount low autologous neutralizing antibody responses prior to intrasubtype superinfection
Authors: Basu Debby , Kraft Colleen S , Murphy Megan K , Campbell Patricia J , Yu Tianwei , Hraber Peter T , Irene Carmela , Pinter Abraham , Chomba Elwyn , Mulenga Joseph , Kilembe William , Allen Susan A , Derdeyn Cynthia A , Hunter Eric
Published: September 2012

Background

The potential role of antibodies in protection against intra-subtype HIV-1 superinfection remains to be understood. We compared the early neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in three individuals, who were superinfected within one year of primary infection, to ten matched non-superinfected controls from a Zambian cohort of subtype C transmission cases. Sequence analysis of single genome amplified full-length envs from a previous study showed limited diversification in the individuals who became superinfected with the same HIV-1 subtype within year one post-seroconversion. We hypothesized that this reflected a blunted NAb response, which may have made these individuals more susceptible to superinfection.

Results

Neutralization assays showed that autologous plasma NAb responses to the earliest, and in some cases transmitted/founder, virus were delayed and had low to undetectable titers in all three superinfected individuals prior to superinfection. In contrast, NAbs with a median IC50 titer of 1896 were detected as early as three months post-seroconversion in non-superinfected controls. Early plasma NAbs in all subjects showed limited but variable levels of heterologous neutralization breadth. Superinfected individuals also exhibited a trend toward lower levels of gp120- and V1V2-specific IgG binding antibodies but higher gp120-specific plasma IgA binding antibodies.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the lack of development of IgG antibodies, as reflected in autologous NAbs as well as gp120 and V1V2 binding antibodies to the primary infection virus, combined with potentially competing, non-protective IgA antibodies, may increase susceptibility to superinfection in the context of settings where a single HIV-1 subtype predominates.
Deciphering the differential response of two human fibroblast cell lines following Chikungunya virus infection
Authors: Thon-Hon Vincent G , Denizot Melanie , Li-Pat-Yuen Ghislaine , Giry Claude , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie-Christine , Gasque Philippe
Published: September 2012

Background

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic member of the Alphavirus genus (family Togaviridae) transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. CHIKV is now known to target non hematopoietic cells such as epithelial, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and to less extent monocytes/macrophages. The type I interferon (IFN) response is an early innate immune mechanism that protects cells against viral infection. Cells express different pattern recognition receptors (including TLR7 and RIG-I) to sense viruses and to induce production of type I IFNs which in turn will bind to their receptor. This should result in the phosphorylation and translocation of STAT molecules into the nucleus to promote the transcription of IFN-stimulated antiviral genes (ISGs). We herein tested the capacity of CHIKV clinical isolate to infect two different human fibroblast cell lines HS 633T and HT-1080 and we analyzed the resulting type I IFN innate immune response.

Methods

Indirect immunofluorescence and quantitative RT-PCR were used to test for the susceptibility of both fibroblast cell lines to CHIKV.

Results

Interestingly, the two fibroblast cell lines HS 633T and HT-1080 were differently susceptible to CHIKV infection and the former producing at least 30-fold higher viral load at 48 h post-infection (PI). We found that the expression of antiviral genes (RIG-I, IFN-β, ISG54 and ISG56) was more robust in the more susceptible cell line HS 633T at 48 h PI. Moreover, CHIKV was shown to similarly interfere with the nuclear translocation of pSTAT1 in both cell lines.

Conclusion

Critically, CHIKV can control the IFN response by preventing the nuclear translocation of pSTAT1 in both fibroblast cell lines. Counter-intuitively, the relative resistance of HT-1080 cells to CHIKV infection could not be attributed to more robust innate IFN- and ISG-dependent antiviral responses. These cell lines may prove to be valuable models to screen for novel mechanisms mobilized differentially by fibroblasts to control CHIKV infection, replication and spreading from cell to cell.
A simple protocol for the subcellular fractionation of skeletal muscle cells and tissue
Authors: Dimauro Ivan , Pearson Timothy , Caporossi Daniela , Jackson Malcolm J
Published: September 2012

Background

We describe a method for subcellular fractionation of mouse skeletal muscle, myoblast and myotubes to obtain relatively pure fractions of nuclear, cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments. Fractionation allows the analysis of a protein of interest (or other cellular component) based on its subcellular compartmental distribution and can also generate molecular information about the state of a cell and/or tissue and how the distribution of a protein may differ between different cellular compartments, tissues or cell types, in response to treatments or ageing.

Findings

The described method was specifically developed for skeletal muscle and proliferating/differentiated muscle cells. The purity of the different fractions, representing the cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and nuclear subcellular compartments was validated by western blot analysis of “house-keeper” marker proteins specific for each cellular compartment.

Conclusion

This low cost method allowed the mitochondrial, cytoplasmic and nuclear subcellular compartments from the same starting muscle samples to be rapidly and simultaneously isolated with good purity and without the use of an ultracentrifuge. This method permits samples to be frozen at −80°C for future analysis and/or additional processing at a later date.
Clinical Heterogeneity in two patients with Noonan-like Syndrome associated with the same SHOC2 mutation
Authors: Capalbo Donatella , Scala Maria Giuseppa , Melis Daniela , Minopoli Giorgia , Improda Nicola , Palamaro Loredana , Pignata Claudio , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: September 2012

Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NS/LAH; OMIM #607721) has been recently related to the invariant c.4A > G missense change in SHOC2. It is characterized by features reminiscent of Noonan syndrome. Ectodermal involvement, short stature associated to growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD), and cognitive deficits are common features. We compare in two patients with molecularly confirmed NS/LAH diagnosis, the clinical phenotype and pathogenetic mechanism underlying short stature. In particular, while both the patients exhibited a severe short stature, GH/IGFI axis functional evaluation revealed a different pathogenetic alteration, suggesting in one patient an upstream alteration (typical GHD) and in the other one a peripheral GH insensitivity.

Since only a few cases of NS/LAH associated to SHOC2 mutations have been so far described, the complex phenotype of the syndrome and the exact mechanism impairing GH/IGFI axis still remain to be elucidated and studies on larger cohort of subjects are needed to better delineate this syndrome.
A novel function for p21Cip1 and acetyltransferase p/CAF as critical transcriptional regulators of TGFβ-mediated breast cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Dai Meiou , Al-Odaini Amal A , Arakelian Ani , Rabbani Shafaat A , Ali Suhad , Lebrun Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2012

Introduction

Tumor cell migration and invasion are critical initiation steps in the process of breast cancer metastasis, the primary cause of breast cancer morbidity and death. Here we investigated the role of p21Cip1 (p21), a member of the core cell cycle machinery, in transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ)-mediated breast cancer cell migration and invasion.

Methods

A mammary fat pad xenograft mouse model was used to assess the mammary tumor growth and local invasion. The triple negative human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB231 and its sub-progenies SCP2 and SCP25, SUM159PT, SUM149PT, SUM229PE and SUM1315MO2 were treated with 5 ng/ml TGFβ and the protein expression levels were measured by Western blot. Cell migration and invasion were examined using the scratch/wound healing and Transwell assay. TGFβ transcriptional activity was measured by a TGFβ/Smad reporter construct (CAGA12-luc) using luciferase assay. q-PCR was used for assessing TGFβ downstream target genes. The interactions among p21, p/CAF and Smad3 were performed by co-immunoprecipitation. In addition, Smad3 on DNA binding ability was measured by DNA immunoprecipitation using biotinylated Smad binding element DNA probes. Finally, the association among active TGFβ/Smad signaling, p21 and p/CAF with lymph node metastasis was examined by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray containing 50 invasive ductal breast tumors, 25 of which are lymph node positive.

Results

We found p21 expression to correlate with poor overall and distant metastasis free survival in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, using xenograft animal models and in vitro studies, we found p21 to be essential for tumor cell invasion. The invasive effects of p21 were found to correlate with Smad3, and p/CAF interaction downstream of TGFβ. p21 and p/CAF regulates TGFβ-mediated transcription of pro-metastatic genes by controlling Smad3 acetylation, DNA binding and transcriptional activity. In addition, we found that active TGFβ/Smad signaling correlates with high p21 and p/CAF expression levels and lymph node involvement using tissue microarrays from breast cancer patients.

Conclusions

Together these results highlight an important role for p21 and p/CAF in promoting breast cancer cell migration and invasion at the transcriptional level and may open new avenues for breast cancer therapy.
Spatial control of flowering by DELLA proteins inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Galvão Vinicius C. , Horrer Daniel , Küttner Frank , Schmid Markus
Published: September 2012

The transition from vegetative to reproductive development is a central event in the plant life cycle. To time the induction of flowering correctly, plants integrate environmental and endogenous signals such as photoperiod, temperature and hormonal status. The hormone gibberellic acid (GA) has long been known to regulate flowering. However, the spatial contribution of GA signaling in flowering time control is poorly understood. Here we have analyzed the effect of tissue-specific misexpression of wild-type and GA-insensitive (dellaΔ17) DELLA proteins on the floral transition in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that under long days, GA affects the floral transition by promoting the expression of flowering time integrator genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TWIN SISTER OF FT (TSF) in leaves independently of CONSTANS (CO) and GIGANTEA (GI). In addition, GA signaling promotes flowering independently of photoperiod through the regulation of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes in both the leaves and at the shoot meristem. Our data suggest that GA regulates flowering by controlling the spatial expression of floral regulatory genes throughout the plant in a day-length-specific manner.