bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collusion in a One-Period Insurance Market with Adverse Selection
Authors: Willington Manuel , Alegría Alexander
Published: April 2012

We show that collusive-seeming outcomes may occur in equilibrium in a one-period competitive insurance market characterized by adverse selection. We build on the Inderst and Wambach (2001) model and assume that insurance is compulsory and involves a minimum premium and minimum coverage; these are common features in many health systems. In this setup we show that there is a range of equilibria, from the zero profit one where low-risks implicitly subsidize high risks, to one where firms obtain profits with both types of consumers. Moreover, we show that rents only partially dissipate if we assume free entry. Along these equilibria, high risks always obtain full insurance, while the low risks' coverage decreases as the firms' profits increase.
Discovering Biofilms: Inquiry-Based Activities for the Classroom
Authors: Redelman Carly V. , Marrs Kathleen , Anderson Gregory G.
Published: April 2012

In nature, bacteria exist in and adapt to different environments by forming microbial communities called “biofilms.” We propose simple, inquiry-based laboratory exercises utilizing a biofilm formation assay, which allows controlled biofilm growth. Students will be able to qualitatively assess biofilm growth via staining. Recently, we developed a biofilm assay exercise for a high school biology class and found success in increasing students’ interest in biology and explaining ecological concepts. Because of this success, we feel that biofilm assay laboratory exercises would be an excellent addition to any science teacher’s curriculum.
Altered placental expression of kisspeptin and its receptor in pre-eclampsia
Authors: Cartwright Judith E , Williams Paula Juliet
Published: April 2012

Kisspeptin, originally identified as metastatin, important in preventing cancer metastasis, has more recently been shown to be important in pregnancy. Roles indicated for kisspeptin in pregnancy include regulating trophoblast invasion and migration during placentation. The pregnancy-specific disorder pre-eclampsia (PE) is now accepted to begin with inadequate trophoblast invasion and the current study therefore sets out to characterise placental expression of both kisspeptin (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) throughout pregnancy and in PE. Placental tissue was obtained from women undergoing elective surgical termination of early pregnancy (n=10) and from women following Caesarean section at term in normal pregnancy (n=10) and with PE (n=10). Immunohistochemistry of paraffin embedded sections and western immunoblotting were performed to assess protein localisation and expression. Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to evaluate mRNA expression of both KISS1 and KISS1R. Protein and mRNA expression was found to mirror each other with KISS1 expression found to be reduced in PE compared with that in normal term pregnancy. Interestingly, KISS1R expression at both the mRNA and protein levels was found to be increased in PE compared with that in normal term pregnancy. The current findings of increased KISS1R expression may represent a mechanism by which functional activity of KISS1 is higher in PE than in normal pregnancy. Higher levels of activity of KISS1R may be involved in inhibition of trophoblast invasion and angiogenesis, which are associated with PE.
Profound Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Lactic Acidosis Caused by Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy
Authors: Mercimek-Mahmutoglu Saadet , Horvath Gabriella A. , Coulter-Mackie Marion , Nelson Tanya , Waters Paula J. , Sargent Michael , Struys Eduard , Jakobs Cornelis , Stockler-Ipsiroglu Sylvia , Connolly Mary B.
Published: April 2012

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) was first described in 1954. The ALDH7A1 gene mutations resulting in α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency as a cause of PDE was identified only in 2005. Neonatal epileptic encephalopathy is the presenting feature in >50% of patients with classic PDE. We report the case of a 13-month-old girl with profound neonatal hypoglycemia (0.6 mmol/L; reference range >2.4), lactic acidosis (11 mmol/L; reference range <2), and bilateral symmetrical temporal lobe hemorrhages and thalamic changes on cranial MRI. She developed multifocal and myoclonic seizures refractory to multiple antiepileptic drugs that responded to pyridoxine. The diagnosis of α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency was confirmed based on the elevated urinary α-aminoadipic semialdehyde excretion, compound heterozygosity for a known splice mutation c.834G>A (p.Val278Val), and a novel putative pathogenic missense mutation c.1192G>C (p.Gly398Arg) in the ALDH7A1 gene. She has been seizure-free since 1.5 months of age on treatment with pyridoxine alone. She has motor delay and central hypotonia but normal language and social development at the age of 13 months. This case is the first description of a patient with PDE due to mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene who presented with profound neonatal hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis masquerading as a neonatal-onset gluconeogenesis defect. PDE should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis in addition to medically refractory neonatal seizures.
Child and Adult Outcomes of Chronic Child Maltreatment
Authors: Jonson-Reid Melissa , Kohl Patricia L. , Drake Brett
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To describe how child maltreatment chronicity is related to negative outcomes in later childhood and early adulthood.

METHODS:

The study included 5994 low-income children from St Louis, including 3521 with child maltreatment reports, who were followed from 1993–1994 through 2009. Children were 1.5 to 11 years of age at sampling. Data include administrative and treatment records indicating substance abuse, mental health treatment, brain injury, sexually transmitted disease, suicide attempts, and violent delinquency before age 18 and child maltreatment perpetration, mental health treatment, or substance abuse in adulthood. Multivariate analysis controlled for potential confounders.

RESULTS:

Child maltreatment chronicity predicted negative childhood outcomes in a linear fashion (eg, percentage with at least 1 negative outcome: no maltreatment = 29.7%, 1 report = 39.5%, 4 reports = 67.1%). Suicide attempts before age 18 showed the largest proportionate increase with repeated maltreatment (no report versus 4+ reports = +625%, P < .0001). The dose-response relationship was reduced once controls for other adverse child outcomes were added in multivariate models of child maltreatment perpetration and mental health issues. The relationship between adult substance abuse and maltreatment report history disappeared after controlling for adverse child outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Child maltreatment chronicity as measured by official reports is a robust indicator of future negative outcomes across a range of systems, but this relationship may desist for certain adult outcomes once childhood adverse events are controlled. Although primary and secondary prevention remain important approaches, this study suggests that enhanced tertiary prevention may pay high dividends across a range of medical and behavioral domains.
Hydrogen Donors in ZnO
Authors: McCluskey M.D. , Jokela S.J. , Oo W.M. Hlaing
Published: April 2012

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has shown great promise as a wide-bandgap semiconductor with a range of optical, electronic, and mechanical applications. The presence of compensating donors, however, is a major roadblock to achieving p-type conductivity. Recent first-principles calculations and experimental studies have shown that hydrogen acts as a shallow donor in ZnO, in contrast to hydrogen's usual role as a passivating impurity. Given the omnipresence of hydrogen during growth and processing, it is important to determine the structure and stability of hydrogen donors in ZnO.

To address these issues, we performed vibrational spectroscopy on bulk, single-crystal ZnO samples annealed in hydrogen (H2) or deuterium (D2) gas. Using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, we observed O-H and O-D stretch modes at 3326.3 cm-1 and 2470.3 cm-1 respectively, at a sample temperature of 10 K. These frequencies indicate that hydrogen forms a bond with a host oxygen atom, consistent with either an antibonding or bond-centered model. In the antibonding configuration, hydrogen attaches to a host oxygen and points away from the Zn-O bond. In the bond-centered configuration, hydrogen sits between the Zn and O. To discriminate between these two models, we measured the shift of the stretch-mode frequency as a function of hydrostatic pressure. By comparing with first-principles calculations, we conclude that the antibonding model is the correct one.

Surprisingly, we found that the O-H complex is unstable at room temperature. After a few weeks, the peak intensity decreases substantially. It is possible that the hydrogen forms H2 molecules, which have essentially no IR signature. Electrical measurements show a corresponding decrease in electron concentration, which is consistent with the formation of neutral H2 molecules. The correlation between the electrical and spectroscopic measurements, however, is not perfect. We therefore speculate that there may be a second “hidden” hydrogen donor. One candidate for such a donor is a hydrogen-decorated oxygen vacancy.
Antioxidant activity of Galium mollugo L. extracts obtained by different recovery techniques
Authors: Milic Petar , Stanojevic Ljiljana , Rajkovic Katarina , Milic Slavica , Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Ljubisa , Veljkovic Vlada
Published: April 2012

The yield of extractive substances, antioxidant activity, as well as total
phenolic and total flavonoid contents of aqueous-ethanolic extracts obtained
from aerial parts of Galium mollugo L. by different extraction techniques
(maceration, reflux and ultrasonic extraction) were reported. The antioxidant
activity of extracts was tested by measuring their ability to scavenge a
stable DPPH free radical, while the total phenolic and total flavonoid
contents were determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and a
colorimetric method, respectively. The Duncan?s multiple range tests were
used to evaluate if there were significant differences among yields of
extractive substances, total phenolics, total flavonoids and EC50 values for
the extracts obtained by different extraction techniques. The extracts
obtained by the reflux extraction contained higher amounts of extractive
substances, as well as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and showed a better
antioxidant activity than those obtained by the two other recovering
techniques.
Lanthanum triflate triggered synthesis of tetrahydroquinazolinone derivatives of N-allyl quinolone and their biological assessment
Authors: Jardosh Hardik , Patel Manish
Published: April 2012

A series of 24 derivatives of tetrahydroquinazolinone has been synthesized by
one-pot cyclocondensation reaction of N-allyl quinolones, cyclic ?-diketones
and (thio)urea/N-phenylthiourea in presence of lanthanum triflate catalyst.
This methodology allowed us to achieve the products in excellent yield by
stirring at room temperature. All the synthesized compounds were investigated
against a representative panel of pathogenic strains using broth
microdilution MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) method for their in
vitro antimicrobial activity. Amongst these sets of heterocyclic compounds
5h, 6b, 6h, 5f, 5l, 5n and 6g found to have admirable activity.
Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of some norcantharidin and bridged perhydroisoindole derivatives
Authors: Peksel Aysegul , Celik Cumali , Ocal Nuket , Yanardag Refiye
Published: April 2012

A series of norcantharidin and bridged perhydroisoindole derivatives were
evaluated for their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Different
in vitro methodologies such as total reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-
picrylhydrazil (DPPH?) free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical
scavenging and metal chelating activities were used. Among 11 compounds
tested, 7 compounds showed potent reducing power activity and 8 compounds
showed potent superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. All the tested
compounds exhibited potent free radical scavenging ability. The results
showed that the synthesized compounds had effective antioxidant power.
Clinical development of novel therapeutics for castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Galsky Matthew D. , Small Alexander C. , Tsao Che‐kai , Oh William K.
Published: April 2012

There have been more drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer in the past 3 years than in the prior 3 decades, with additional drugs on the verge of approval based on the results of recently reported randomized trials. While an improvement in the understanding of the pathogenesis of castration‐resistant prostate cancer has undeniably accelerated the transition of novel approaches from “bench to bedside,” the recent successes in the treatment of prostate cancer are also a result of the efforts of clinical investigators to redefine the framework in which drugs for castration‐resistant disease are evaluated. This review will explore the shifting paradigm in drug development for castration‐resistant prostate cancer over the past several decades, and highlight how new definitions, trial designs, and endpoints have facilitated the emergence of new therapies for this challenging disease. CA Cancer J Clin 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Filamentous Bacteriophage Fd as an Antigen Delivery System in Vaccination
Authors: Prisco Antonella , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe
Published: April 2012

Peptides displayed on the surface of filamentous bacteriophage fd are able to induce humoral as well as cell-mediated immune responses, which makes phage particles an attractive antigen delivery system to design new vaccines. The immune response induced by phage-displayed peptides can be enhanced by targeting phage particles to the professional antigen presenting cells, utilizing a single-chain antibody fragment that binds dendritic cell receptor DEC-205. Here, we review recent advances in the use of filamentous phage fd as a platform for peptide vaccines, with a special focus on the use of phage fd as an antigen delivery platform for peptide vaccines in Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer.
Localization of Axonal Motor Molecules Machinery in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Florenzano Fulvio
Published: April 2012

Axonal transport and neuronal survival depend critically on active transport and axon integrity both for supplying materials and communication to different domains of the cell body. All these actions are executed through cytoskeleton, transport and regulatory elements that appear to be disrupted in neurodegenerative diseases. Motor-driven transport both supplies and clears distal cellular portions with proteins and organelles. This transport is especially relevant in projection and motor neurons, which have long axons to reach the farthest nerve endings. Thus, any disturbance of axonal transport may have severe consequences for neuronal function and survival. A growing body of literature indicates the presence of alterations to the motor molecules machinery, not only in expression levels and phosphorylation, but also in their subcellular distribution within populations of neurons, which are selectively affected in the course of neurodegenerative diseases. The implications of this altered subcellular localization and how this affects axon survival and neuronal death still remain poorly understood, although several hypotheses have been suggested. Furthermore, cytoskeleton and transport element localization can be selectively disrupted in some disorders suggesting that specific loss of the axonal functionality could be a primary hallmark of the disorder. This can lead to axon degeneration and neuronal death either directly, through the functional absence of essential axonal proteins, or indirectly, through failures in communication among different cellular domains. This review compares the localization of cytoskeleton and transport elements in some neurodegenerative disorders to ask what aspects may be essential for axon survival and neuronal death.
Enhanced Production of a Novel Cyclic Hexapeptide Antibiotic (NW-G01) by Streptomyces alboflavus 313 Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Guo Zhengyan , Shen Ling , Ji Zhiqin , Wu Wenjun
Published: April 2012

NW-G01, produced by Streptomyces alboflavus 313, is a novel cyclic hexapeptide antibiotic with many potential applications, including antimicrobial activity and antitumor agents. This study developed a system for optimizing medium components in order to enhance NW-G01 production. In this study, Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was used to find the key ingredients of medium components, and then response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to determine their optimal concentrations. The results of PBD revealed that the crucial ingredients related to the production of NW-G01 were (NH4)2SO4, peptone and CaCO3. A prediction model has been built in the experiments of central composite design and response surface methodology, and its validation has been further verified. The optimal medium composition was determined (g/L): corn starch 15, glucose 15, peptone 3.80, (NH4)2SO4 0.06, NaCl 1.5, CaCO3 1.30, MgSO4·7H2O 0.015, K2HPO4·3H2O 0.015, MnCl2·4H2O 0.015, FeSO4·7H2O 0.015, and ZnSO4·7H2O 0.015. Compared with NW-G01 production (5.707 mg/L) in non-optimized fermentation medium, the production of NW-G01 (15.564 mg/L) in optimized fermentation medium had a 2.73-fold increase.
Sol-Gel-Derived Hydroxyapatite-Carbon Nanotube/Titania Coatings on Titanium Substrates
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Lou Weiwei , Wang Qi , Ma Jianfeng , Xu Haihong , Bai Qing , Liu Chuantong , Liu Jinsong
Published: April 2012

In this paper, hydroxyapatite-carbon nanotube/titania (HA-CNT/TiO2) double layer coatings were successfully developed on titanium (Ti) substrates intended for biomedical applications. A TiO2 coating was firstly developed by anodization to improve bonding between HA and Ti, and then the layer of HA and CNTs was coated on the surface by the sol-gel process to improve the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of Ti. The surfaces of double layer coatings were uniform and crack-free with a thickness of about 7 μm. The bonding strength of the HA-CNT/TiO2 coating was higher than that of the pure HA and HA-CNT coatings. Additionally, in vitro cell experiments showed that CNTs promoted the adhesion of preosteoblasts on the HA-CNT/TiO2 double layer coatings. These unique surfaces combined with the osteoconductive properties of HA exhibited the excellent mechanical properties of CNTs. Therefore, the developed HA-CNT/TiO2 coatings on Ti substrates might be a promising material for bone replacement.
False Gods and the Two Intelligent Questions of Metapsychiatry
Authors: Kerievsky Bruce S.
Published: April 2012

This paper explains how the spiritual teaching known as Metapsychiatry, developed by psychiatrist Thomas Hora, employs two questions as its focal educational method. Those questions facilitate phenomenological discernment of the source (i.e. the meaning) of our problems in living and help students and patients to understand the real nature of God. Perceiving our existentially invalid attachments and the inevitable suffering they produce encourages us to seek inspiration from God.
Resources: An Open Access Journal of Natural Resources and Their Management
Authors: Kazmierczak Richard F.
Published: April 2012

Resources is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal that publishes original manuscripts, communications, review articles, and policy discussions about all aspects of natural resources and their management. The journal seeks to expand, in a rapid and rigorous way, our understanding of natural endowments, their management, and how they interact with the most personal of resources, the human community. [...]
Influence of Mycotoxins and a Mycotoxin Adsorbing Agent on the Oral Bioavailability of Commonly Used Antibiotics in Pigs
Authors: Goossens Joline , Vandenbroucke Virginie , Pasmans Frank , De Baere Siegrid , Devreese Mathias , Osselaere Ann , Verbrugghe Elin , Haesebrouck Freddy , De Saeger Sarah , Eeckhout Mia , Audenaert Kris , Haesaert Geert , De Backer Patrick , Croubels Siska
Published: April 2012

It is recognized that mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects in animals, including altered gastrointestinal barrier function. It is the aim of the present study to determine whether mycotoxin-contaminated diets can alter the oral bioavailability of the antibiotics doxycycline and paromomycin in pigs, and whether a mycotoxin adsorbing agent included into diets interacts with those antibiotics. Experiments were conducted with pigs utilizing diets that contained blank feed, mycotoxin-contaminated feed (T-2 toxin or deoxynivalenol), mycotoxin-contaminated feed supplemented with a glucomannan mycotoxin binder, or blank feed supplemented with mycotoxin binder. Diets with T-2 toxin and binder or deoxynivalenol and binder induced increased plasma concentrations of doxycycline administered as single bolus in pigs compared to diets containing blank feed. These results suggest that complex interactions may occur between mycotoxins, mycotoxin binders, and antibiotics which could alter antibiotic bioavailability. This could have consequences for animal toxicity, withdrawal time for oral antibiotics, or public health.
Preincubation with Sn-complexes causes intensive intracellular retention of 99mTc in thyroid cells in vitro
Authors: Wendisch M. , Aurich D. , Runge R. , Freudenberg R. , Kotzerke J. , Wunderlich G.
Published: April 2012

Technetium radiopharmaceuticals are well established in nuclear medicine. Besides its well-known gamma radiation, 99mTc emits an average of five Auger and internal conversion electrons per decay. The biological toxicity of these low-energy, high-LET (linear energy transfer) emissions is a controversial subject. One aim of this study was to estimate in a cell model how much 99mTc can be present in exposed cells and which radiobiological effects could be estimated in 99mTc-overloaded cells. Methods: Sodium iodine symporter (NIS)- positive thyroid cells were used. 99mTc-uptake studies were performed after preincubation with a non-radioactive (cold) stannous pyro - phosphate kit solution or as a standard 99mTc pyrophosphate kit preparation or with pure pertechnetate solution. Survival curves were analyzed from colony-forming assays. Results: Preincubation with stannous complexes causes irreversible intracellular radioactivity retention of 99mTc and is followed by further pertechnetate influx to an unexpectedly high 99mTc level. The uptake of 99mTc pertechnetate in NIS-positive cells can be modified using stannous pyrophosphate from 3–5% to >80%. The maximum possible cellular uptake of 99mTc was 90 Bq/cell. Compared with nearly pure extracellular irradiation from routine 99mTc complexes, cell survival was reduced by 3–4 orders of magnitude after preincubation with stannous pyrophosphate. Conclusions: Intra cellular 99mTc retention is related to reduced survival, which is most likely mediated by the emission of low-energy electrons. Our findings show that the described experiments constitute a simple and useful in vitro model for radiobiological investigations in a cell model.
Tumor Rejection Effects of Allorestricted Tumor Peptide-Specific CD4+T Cells on Human Cervical Cancer Cell Xenograft in Nude Mice
Authors: Song Yinhong , Sun Wei , Weng Xiufang , Liang Zhihui , Yu Qian , Wang Zhigang , Ouyang Lichen , Chen Jun , Wu Xiaolin , Shen Guanxin , Wu Xiongwen
Published: April 2012

Generation of tumor specific alloreactive CD4+T cells is important to circumvent tumor tolerance. Here, we generate allorestricted peptide-specific CD4+T cells by coculture of lymphocytes and autologous monocytes bearing allogeneic HLA-DR15 molecule associated with its restricted peptide. Binding of a dimeric HLA-DR15/IgG1-Fc fusion protein (the dimer) to HLA-DR15 negative (HLA-DR15-ve) monocytes made the monocytes coated with the allogeneic epitope. An increased proliferation of CD4+T cells and induction of Th1 cells appeared after coculturing of HLA-DR15-ve lymphocytes and the autologous monocytes loaded with the dimer. The cocultural bulks showed an increased frequency of the specific dimer-stained CD4+T cells and the expanded CD4+T cells exhibited an elevated IFN-γ production in response to specific TCR ligand. Tumor rejection effects of the allorestricted E7-specific CD4+T cells raised by the coculture were observed in nude mice challenged with human cervical cancer cell SiHa expressing both HLA-DR15 and E7 antigens, as the tumor avoidance and life span of the mice were improved after adoptive transfer of the CD4+T cells. This study may help to develop strategies to separate graft-versus-leukemia or graft-versus-tumor reaction from graft-versus-host disease, and add to the pool of human high-avidity TCRs specific for tumor or virus antigens.
Long-Lived Bone Marrow Plasma Cells Are Induced Early in Response to T Cell-Independent or T Cell-Dependent Antigens
Authors: Bortnick Alexandra , Chernova Irene , Quinn William J. , Mugnier Monica , Cancro Michael P. , Allman David
Published: April 2012

The signals required to generate long-lived plasma cells remain unresolved. One widely cited model posits that long-lived plasma cells derive from germinal centers (GCs) in response to T cell-dependent (TD) Ags. Thus, T cell-independent (TI) Ags, which fail to sustain GCs, are considered ineffective at generating long-lived plasma cells. However, we show that long-lived hapten-specific plasma cells are readily induced without formation of GCs. Long-lived plasma cells developed in T cell-deficient mice after a single immunization with haptenated LPS, a widely used TI Ag. Long-lived plasma cells also formed in response to TD Ag when the GC response was experimentally prevented. These observations establish that long-lived plasma cells are induced in both TI and TD responses, and can arise independently of B cell maturation in GCs.
Stathmin Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Microtubule Organizing Center Polarization in Activated T Cells
Authors: Filbert Erin L. , Le Borgne Marie , Lin Joseph , Heuser John E. , Shaw Andrey S.
Published: April 2012

Polarization of T cells involves reorientation of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). Because activated ERK is localized at the immunological synapse, we investigated its role by showing that ERK activation is important for MTOC polarization. Suspecting that ERK phosphorylates a regulator of microtubules, we next focused on stathmin, a known ERK substrate. Our work indicates that during T cell activation, ERK is recruited to the synapse, allowing it to phosphorylate stathmin molecules near the immunological synapse. Supporting an important role of stathmin phosphorylation in T cell activation, we showed that T cell activation results in increased microtubule growth rate dependent on the presence of stathmin. The significance of this finding was demonstrated by results showing that CTLs from stathmin−/− mice displayed defective MTOC polarization and defective target cell cytolysis. These data implicate stathmin as a regulator of the microtubule network during T cell activation.
Abdominal Fat Distribution, Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Profiles in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Sultana Reshma , Marakani Lakshmi Rathna , Gundabattula Sirisha Rao
Published: April 2012

Aim

To determine potential associations of abdominal fat distribution with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Cross-sectional study that included detailed clinical examination, body mass indices (BMI), waist-hip ratio, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk scores for 350 women registered between August 2008 and December 2009. Biochemical analysis included fasting blood glucose level, serum insulin level, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Primary outcomes of interest included insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk score.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 25.77 years. Oligoovulation was present in 99% of the women. Eighty-two (23.43%, 95% CI: 19.21%, 28.08%) women were obese and 100 (28.57%, 95% CI: 24.02%, 33.47%) women had android obesity. Insulin resistance was present in 136 (38.86%, 95% CI: 33.85%, 44.05%) women and 107 (30.57%, 95% CI: 25.91%, 35.55%) women had a cardiovascular risk >1. Women with a waist-hip ratio >0.85 were more likely to have insulin resistance (OR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.68, 4.35, p < 0.001) and at increased risk for cardiovascular events (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.97, p = 0.02). Obese women were more likely to have insulin resistance (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.19, p < 0.001) and at increased risk for cardiovascular events (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.63, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Long-term health hazards of PCOS have to be considered as these may be prevented to some extent by early identification and interventions, such as changing the lifestyle of the individual.
Fertility Preservation: A Case Series
Authors: George Korula , Londhe Vaibhav , Muthukumar K
Published: April 2012

Improvement in survival rates of cancer patients has lead to a shift in focus toward fertility issues, especially in young survivors. Male fertility preservation is well established. Embryo cryopreservation remains most successful female fertility preservation option. Other female fertility preservation procedures like oocyte/ovarian tissue cryopreservation either have limited efficacy or in experimental stages. We have highlighted not uncommon clinical scenarios where the fertility preservation option was exercised. There is an urgent need to spread awareness among clinicians and patients regarding the various available fertility preservation measures. Timely referral will help in improving the quality of life of cancer survivors.
Deconvolution effect of near-fault earthquake ground motions on stochastic dynamic response of tunnel-soil deposit interaction systems
Authors: Hacıefendioğlu K.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The deconvolution effect of the near-fault earthquake ground motions on the stochastic dynamic response of tunnel-soil deposit interaction systems are investigated by using the finite element method. Two different earthquake input mechanisms are used to consider the deconvolution effects in the analyses: the standard rigid-base input and the deconvolved-base-rock input model. The Bolu tunnel in Turkey is chosen as a numerical example. As near-fault ground motions, 1999 Kocaeli earthquake ground motion is selected. The interface finite elements are used between tunnel and soil deposit. The mean of maximum values of quasi-static, dynamic and total responses obtained from the two input models are compared with each other.
Auditor’s Perceptions of Financial Reporting Quality: The Case of Greece
Authors: Tasios Stergios , Bekiaris Michalis
Published: April 2012

According to IASB a key prerequisite for quality in financial reporting is the adherence to the objective and the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting information. Qualitative characteristics are the attributes that make financial information useful and consist of relevance, faithful representation, comparability, verifiability, timeliness and understandability. This paper aims to investigate auditor’s perceptions of the quality of financial reports based on the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting information defined by IASB in its conceptual framework. In addition, it aims to identify the key factors that influence and improve the quality of financial reports, as well as the factors that lead to poor quality. Finally, an effort is made to assess the quality of financial reporting of Greek companies according to each qualitative characteristic of financial reporting information. Results indicate that auditors perceive the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting information as important quality elements of financial reports. As far as the quality of financial reports of Greek companies is concerned auditors perceive it to be of moderate quality attributed mainly to earnings management, poor corporate governance, family ownership and deviation from accounting principles.
A Sociological Analysis of Economic Impediments of Development in Education Sector: A Case of Southern Punjab (Pakistan)
Authors: Sattar Tehmina
Published: April 2012

The rate of schooling success in adult population at primary, secondary and higher education has positive relationship with the growth of GNP. The acquisition and application of knowledge by different countries has been governed largely by whether their population has acquired traits and motivations associated with formal schooling. They are dependent heavily on the larger part of economic conditions and ideological influences. Government is encouraging private sector investment in education sector but it more focuses on the urban areas not only denying equitable admittance to basic education for people of backward areas but also perpetuating poor educational status of the people. There are various economic impediments that are hampering the process of development in education sector of Pakistan. These impediments comprise of disparities between region and gender, lack of trained teachers, deficiency of proper teaching materials, poor physical infrastructure of schools and low levels of public investment in primary education sector. A sample size of N1=600 respondents (n1=200 parents, n2=200 students and n3=200 teachers) was taken from n4=50 affiliated schools (from BISE) through multistage sampling technique. Data was collected through interview schedule and then statistical test of ANOVA was used for the purpose of establishing the causal relationship among the dependent and independent variables. Thus the researcher concluded that lack of well designed curriculum, underinvestment in education sector, corruption, inflation, low parental income and cost of schooling deprives the children from getting quality education. Thus increasing the allocation of funds to education sector, provision of administrative autonomy, lessening the direct cost of schooling and improvement in infrastructural facilities are the major remedies for reducing the negative impacts of these economic impediments on education sector of Southern Punjab (Pakistan).
Stochastic Simulation of Machine Breakdown
Authors: Abogrean Elbahlul Musa
Published: April 2012

This paper explores the value of stochastic simulation as a tool for predicting current or future reliability of machinery or component parts, it helps to enhance and certify more realistic results by increasing the confidence levels by carrying out replications and seeing the changes that occur. A simulation model has been constructed based on theoretical fundamentals has been developed which support the creation of the main elements for building and implementing stochastic models accurately. It represents the processes of a machine that has three parameters; namely those are drill head, dusting and lubrication. The consumption of these parameters results in the development of a probability of failure for the machine that can be validated by the Hugin software.
Decentralization Reforms in Pakistan During Ayub and Zia Era
Authors: Musarrat Razia , Salman Azhar Muhammad
Published: April 2012

Since independence federal central administrative setup i.e. concept of centralized power of administration had been the theme for Pakistan. This system was neither responsive nor participative to the people of Pakistan. As a result the resentment for this system increased with the passage of time. To address the issue, many “new” ideas were experienced both at federal and local levels, but the grudges of the public could not be minimized. The system of local government was neglected in the first decade after independence mainly because of the political instability. General Ayub Khan’s Basic Democracies system was the first step that was taken towards decentralization. This system ended with the regime itself. In Zia regime, the Local Government Ordinance of 1979 was introduced. General Ayub Khan’s Basic Democracies system was revived and implemented with a new structure. Military leadership for the sake to gain political legitimacy, planned, encouraged and institutionalized local government institution. Keeping all this in view this article presents detailed historic analysis of decentralization from the political history of Pakistan. The two major eras i.e. General Ayub Khan and General Zia-ul-Haq are analysed in the context of the decentralization and devolution reforms and their implications over the political system of Pakistan.
Money-Bag Politics, Rent-Seeking And Flawed Elections In Nigeria: A Theoretical Statement
Authors: Ologbenla Derin , Adisa Waziri Babatunde
Published: April 2012

The history of Nigerian politics is replete with money-bag politics. Although, there is hardly any country in the world where instances of bribery or political corruption are not present in their national politics, researches on Africa’s postcolonial history, have however shown that, in Africa, corruption is an institutionalized and a systemic practice affecting not only the postcolonial state  itself, but also the majority of the citizenry. Using Nigeria, as a case study, this paper argues that since the 1964/1965 Western Region elections to the 2007 general elections, there has hardly been any election conducted in Nigeria without associated cases of corrupt practices such as vote buying, ballot snatching, election rigging, election violence, political and legislative lobbying etc. The aftermath of this or its cumulative effective, is better seen when the number of years spent by Nigeria under the military is weighed against the number of years it spent under civilian administration. Using the peripheral political economy approach, this paper opines that the problem of flawed elections in Nigeria should be traced more to the nature and character of the Nigerian colonial state, prebendal politics among Nigerian politicians, imperial capitalism, primitive accumulation of capital  as well as the nature and character of  class contestations among various interest groups in contemporary Nigeria . The paper adds that the fierce struggle for state powers and the accompanying prosecution of elections with illicit money, is an indication of the peripheral nature of Nigerian politics.
Low‐frequency pulsed ultrasound in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: a feasibility and distribution study
Authors: Patel Zara M. , Hwang Peter H. , Chernomorsky Ary , Bravo Dawn T. , Nguyen Bryan L. , Nesterova Klementina , Nayak Jayakar V.
Published: April 2012

Background:

Bacterial biofilms have been implicated in refractory rhinosinusitis. Biofilms have been shown to respond to treatment with low‐frequency ultrasound (LFU) therapy in vitro, and exposure to LFU has shown efficacy in wound repair and topical drug delivery in other fields. This preliminary study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of LFU for use in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Methods:

This was an experimental observational study. Six cadaver heads were used to deliver a mixture of Renografin and methylene blue solvent to the paranasal sinuses via LFU both before and after resident endoscopic sinus dissection. Sinus computed tomography (CT) scans of the cadaver heads were performed before and after mixture delivery, and blinded assessments were made for distribution to individual sinuses. Mucosa was harvested from 2 subsites to evaluate LFU‐treated cadaver tissue.

Results:

Predissection, LFU delivered solution to 12 of 12 inferior and middle turbinates, 6 of 12 of the superior turbinates and ethmoid sinuses, and 1 of 12 maxillary sinuses as shown by contrast radiography. Postdissection, all heads showed delivery to the maxillary and sphenoid sinuses, with 8 of 12 sinus cavities showing delivery to the ethmoid region, and 4 of 11 to the frontal recess. Using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of tissue frozen sections, harvested tissue demonstrated no architectural damage to the mucosal layer from LFU exposure.

Conclusion:

LFU appears to be capable of reliably delivering topical solution to the turbinates and ethmoid region preoperatively and to all sinuses, except the frontal, postoperatively. The nasal epithelium does not appear to be disrupted histologically from LFU at this time and distance. This data provides a foundation for a prospective human protocol studying the efficacy of this modality in the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and biofilm formation. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Activation of microglial N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors triggers inflammation and neuronal cell death in the developing and mature brain
Authors: Kaindl Angela M. , Degos Vincent , Peineau Stéphane , Gouadon Elodie , Chhor Vibol , Loron Gauthier , Le Charpentier Tifenn , Josserand Julien , Ali Carine , Vivien Denis , Collingridge Graham L. , Lombet Alain , Issa Lina , Rene Frédérique , Loeffler Jean‐Philippe , Kavelaars Annemieke , Verney Catherine , Mantz Jean , Gressens Pierre
Published: April 2012

Objective:

Activated microglia play a central role in the inflammatory and excitotoxic component of various acute and chronic neurological disorders. However, the mechanisms leading to their activation in the latter context are poorly understood, particularly the involvement of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which are critical for excitotoxicity in neurons. We hypothesized that microglia express functional NMDARs and that their activation would trigger neuronal cell death in the brain by modulating inflammation.

Methods and Results:

We demonstrate that microglia express NMDARs in the murine and human central nervous system and that these receptors are functional in vitro. We show that NMDAR stimulation triggers microglia activation in vitro and secretion of factors that induce cell death of cortical neurons. These damaged neurons are further shown to activate microglial NMDARs and trigger a release of neurotoxic factors from microglia in vitro, indicating that microglia can signal back to neurons and possibly induce, aggravate, and/or maintain neurologic disease. Neuronal cell death was significantly reduced through pharmacological inhibition or genetically induced loss of function of the microglial NMDARs. We generated Nr1 LoxP+/+LysM Cre+/− mice lacking the NMDAR subunit NR1 in cells of the myeloid lineage. In this model, we further demonstrate that a loss of function of the essential NMDAR subunit NR1 protects from excitotoxic neuronal cell death in vivo and from traumatic brain injury.

Interpretation:

Our findings link inflammation and excitotoxicity in a potential vicious circle and indicate that an activation of the microglial NMDARs plays a pivotal role in neuronal cell death in the perinatal and adult brain. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:536–549
Metabolic brain networks in translational neurology: Concepts and applications
Authors: Niethammer Martin , Eidelberg David
Published: April 2012

Over the past 2 decades, functional imaging techniques have become commonplace in the study of brain disease. Nevertheless, very few validated analytical methods have been developed specifically to identify and measure systems‐level abnormalities in living patients. Network approaches are particularly relevant for translational research in the neurodegenerative disorders, which often involve stereotyped abnormalities in brain organization. In recent years, spatial covariance mapping, a multivariate analytical tool applied mainly to metabolic images acquired in the resting state, has provided a useful means of objectively assessing brain disorders at the network level. By quantifying network activity in individual subjects on a scan‐by‐scan basis, this technique makes it possible to objectively assess disease progression and the response to treatment on a system‐wide basis. To illustrate the utility of network imaging in neurological research, we review recent applications of this approach in the study of Parkinson disease and related movement disorders. Novel uses of the technique are discussed, including the prediction of cognitive responses to dopaminergic therapy, evaluation of the effects of placebo treatment on network activity, assessment of preclinical disease progression, and the use of automated pattern‐based algorithms to enhance diagnostic accuracy. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:635–647
Pittsburgh compound B and the postmortem diagnosis of alzheimer disease
Authors: Niedowicz Dana M. , Beckett Tina L. , Matveev Sergey , Weidner Adam M. , Baig Irfan , Kryscio Richard J. , Mendiondo Marta S. , LeVine Harry , Keller Jeffrey N. , Murphy M.Paul
Published: April 2012

Objective:

Deposition of the amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide in neuritic plaques is a requirement for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Although the continued development of in vivo imaging agents such as Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) is promising, the diagnosis of AD is still challenging. This can be partially attributed to our lack of a detailed understanding of the interrelationship between the various pools and species of Aβ and other common indices of AD pathology. We hypothesized that recent advances in our ability to accurately measure Aβ postmortem (for example, using PiB), could form the basis of a simple means to deliver an accurate AD diagnosis.

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the amount of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in increasingly insoluble fractions, oligomeric Aβ, and fibrillar Aβ (as defined by PiB binding), as well as plaques (diffuse and neuritic), and neurofibrillary tangles in autopsy specimens from age‐matched, cognitively normal controls (n = 23) and AD (n = 22) cases, across multiple brain regions.

Results:

Both PiB binding and the amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐soluble Aβ were able to predict disease status; however, SDS‐soluble Aβ was a better measure. Oligomeric Aβ was not a predictor of disease status. PiB binding was strongly related to plaque count, although diffuse plaques were a stronger correlate than neuritic plaques.

Interpretation:

Although postmortem PiB binding was somewhat useful in distinguishing AD from control cases, SDS‐soluble Aβ measured by standard immunoassay was substantially better. These findings have important implications for the development of imaging‐based biomarkers of AD. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:564–570