bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web spies
Authors: Bernal Paul
Published: June 2011

Does it matter that companies are collecting data? More than you might imagine, warns Paul Bernal
The cloak
Authors: al Koni Ibrahim
Published: June 2011

In the first chapter of his new novel, celebrated writer Ibrahim al Koni draws on the rich heritage of Arabic political allegory to explore totalitarianism
D’Artagnan's tune
Authors: Lehrer Natasha
Published: June 2011

France’s culture of privacy is being challenged in an unprecedented stand-off. Natasha Lehrer reports
Balancing acts
Authors: Eady David , Rozenberg Joshua
Published: June 2011

The British press loves to hate high court judge Sir David Eady for his judgments in privacy cases. He talks to Joshua Rozenberg about balancing rights
Strictly personal
Authors: Rotenberg Marc
Published: June 2011

What does a corporation have in common with a person? Marc Rotenberg examines a test case for transparency in the US
Age of insecurity
Authors: Hosein Gus , King Eric
Published: June 2011

We may have lost the first battle to protect our data, say Gus Hosein and Eric King, but there’s a chance to put things right if we’re ready to have the debate
Friends, users, citizens
Authors: Jónsdóttir's Birgitta
Published: June 2011

When the US government came for Icelandic MP Birgitta Jónsdóttir’s private information, she grew concerned about the lack of protection for rights online
Strange fruit
Authors: Iyengar Prashant
Published: June 2011

The Indian government’s pursuit of BlackBerry reveals inconsistencies in its policy on privacy and security. Prashant Iyengar reports
Visual Consciousness Revisited
Authors: Tapia Evelina , Breitmeyer Bruno G.
Published: June 2011

Current theoretical approaches to consciousness and vision associate the dorsal cortical pathway, in which magnocellular (M) input is dominant, with nonconscious visual processing and the ventral cortical pathway, in which parvocellular (P) input is dominant, with conscious visual processing. We explored the known differences between M and P contrast-response functions to investigate the roles of these channels in vision. Simulations of contrast-dependent priming revealed that priming effects obtained with unmasked, visible primes were best modeled by equations characteristic of M channel responses, whereas priming effects obtained with masked, invisible primes were best modeled by equations characteristic of P channel responses. In the context of current theoretical approaches to conscious and nonconscious processing, our results indicate a surprisingly significant role of M channels in conscious vision. In a broader discussion of the role of M channels in vision, we propose a neurophysiologically plausible interpretation of the present results: M channels indirectly contribute to conscious object vision via top-down modulation of reentrant activity in the ventral object-recognition stream.
Item Banks for Measuring Emotional Distress From the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®): Depression, Anxiety, and Anger
Authors: Pilkonis Paul A. , Choi Seung W. , Reise Steven P. , Stover Angela M. , Riley William T. , Cella David ,   PROMIS Cooperative Group
Published: June 2011

The authors report on the development and calibration of item banks for depression, anxiety, and anger as part of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®). Comprehensive literature searches yielded an initial bank of 1,404 items from 305 instruments. After qualitative item analysis (including focus groups and cognitive interviewing), 168 items (56 for each construct) were written in a first person, past tense format with a 7-day time frame and five response options reflecting frequency. The calibration sample included nearly 15,000 respondents. Final banks of 28, 29, and 29 items were calibrated for depression, anxiety, and anger, respectively, using item response theory. Test information curves showed that the PROMIS item banks provided more information than conventional measures in a range of severity from approximately −1 to +3 standard deviations (with higher scores indicating greater distress). Short forms consisting of seven to eight items provided information comparable to legacy measures containing more items.
Ticagrelor Inhibits Adenosine Uptake In Vitro and Enhances Adenosine-Mediated Hyperemia Responses in a Canine Model
Authors: van Giezen J. J. J. , Sidaway James , Glaves Philip , Kirk Ian , Björkman Jan-Arne
Published: June 2011

Aims: A routine secondary pharmacology screen indicated that reversibly binding oral P2Y12 receptor antagonist ticagrelor could inhibit adenosine uptake in human erythrocytes, suggesting that ticagrelor may potentiate adenosine-mediated responses in vivo. The aim of this study was to further characterize the adenosine uptake inhibition in vitro and study possible physiological consequences of adenosine uptake inhibition by ticagrelor in an anesthetized dog model of coronary blood flow compared to dipyridamole. Methods and Results: We measured [2-3H]adenosine uptake in purified human erythrocytes and several cell lines in the presence of ticagrelor or the known uptake inhibitor dipyridamole as a comparator. Using an open-chest dog model (beagles), we measured the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery blood flow during reactive hyperemia after 1 minute occlusion or intracoronary infusion of adenosine before and after administration of vehicle, ticagrelor, or dipyridamole (each n = 8). Ticagrelor concentration-dependently inhibited adenosine uptake in human erythrocytes and in cell lines of rat, canine, or human origin. In the dog model, ticagrelor and dipyridamole dose-dependently augmented reactive hyperemia after LAD occlusion, as assessed by percentage repayment of flow debt relative to control (both Ps < .05). Ticagrelor and dipyridamole also dose-dependently augmented intracoronary adenosine-induced increases in LAD blood flow relative to control (both Ps < .05). Conclusion: Ticagrelor inhibits adenosine uptake in vitro and subsequently augments cardiac blood flow in a canine model of reactive hypoxia- or adenosine-induced blood flow increases. These findings suggest that ticagrelor may have additional benefits in patients with acute coronary syndrome beyond inhibition of platelet aggregation.
How emotion shapes religious cultures: A synthesis of cognitive theories of religion and emotion theory
Authors: Dulin John
Published: June 2011

This paper proposes that the transmission of common religious concepts—such as witches, hostile spirits, benevolent gods, and ancestors—is facilitated by the trajectory of the human emotional response. Because these religious concepts become associated with existentially relevant components of emotional themes they are likely to be internalized, recalled, transmitted, and institutionalized. Emotion is here treated as an evolved, and universally inherited, social heuristic that modulates interpersonal perception and action. Benevolent and malevolent religious entities and associated practices are posited as supernatural extensions of an imagined social world that is partially predicated on, and made meaningful by, the interpretive and motivational functions of emotion. While cultural psychology tends to focus on how culture shapes psychology, this paper begins to construct a theoretical framework that views culture and psychology as mutually constitutive.
Emergent organization in the dialogical self: Evolution of a ‘‘both’’ ethnic identity position
Authors: Bell Nancy J , Das Anindita
Published: June 2011

Dialogical self theory, based on principles of self-organizing systems, provides a framework within which diverse views regarding identity creation can be reconciled. The framework encompasses the relatively stable and coherent identity story as well as the more variable, contextually specific identity positionings. We illustrate how these dialogical self processes work together in the identity narration of a young woman who is second-generation Asian Indian, in particular: (a) the context (frame of reference) specificity of system emergence and constraint; (b) the use of macro organizers for both system stability and flexibility; (c) system variability surrounding emergence of a new identity position, I-as-both; (d) the abruptness of emergences; and (e) the developing organization of the new position through causal linking of previously oppositional positions.
Encountering being, identity, and otherness: Reconsidering Guimarães’s ‘‘Amerindian anthropology and cultural psychology’’ and Amerindian perspectivism, with insights from anthropology of religion, African humanities, and collaborative ethnography
Authors: Rasmussen Susan
Published: June 2011

Images of self and other are best understood not as static categories, but as fluid and dynamic negotiations in cultural encounters and transformations. In numerous cultural expressive contexts, such as animism, totemism, cosmology/philosophy, myth, and symbol, motifs represent what it means to exist, of ‘‘being’’ in this world, in likeness and difference, and encounters with other worlds: for example, human/animal relationships, time and space travel, and shape-shifting. How do anthropologists and local residents find epistemological and ontological common ground for mutual understanding? The challenge is to elicit local intellectual perspectives without imposing the researcher’s own categories. This commentary introduces comparative ethnographic findings in humanistic anthropology, with a special focus on African humanities, to open up perspectives on Amerindian perspectivism, the topic of Guimarães’s (2011) essay.
Do Spanish politicians keep their promises?
Authors: Artés Joaquín
Published: June 2011

In this article we analyse the fulfilment of economic pledges contained in the electoral manifestoes of the two main Spanish parties, PP and PSOE during the four electoral cycles that took place between 1989 and 2004. Consistent with previous research on programme fulfilment, we find that most promises are fulfilled by the party in government. In addition we find much lower fulfilment rates for the parties in opposition. Surprisingly, we find no significant differences in fulfilment when the governing party enjoys absolute majority compared to minority governments. This is unexpected because coalition and minority governments constrain the capacity of the winning parties compared to absolute majority governments.
Design and application of a system of evaluation indicators for municipal cultural policies
Authors: Planas Lladó Anna , Soler Masó Pere
Published: June 2011

The publication of Agenda 21 for Culture in 2004, gave rise to significant growth in the area of evaluating public cultural policies. Despite these efforts, however, many challenges still remain on the long road to consolidating municipal cultural policies. We put forward a system of evaluation indicators aimed at managers and policy makers interested in evaluating local cultural policies within the paradigm of empowerment. This article provides an overview of the development of such a system of evaluation indicators. It begins with a review of the existing literature of indicator-based evaluation experience, in particular in the cultural sector. This was the basis of our own design which was validated by experts and tested in a case study. The article concludes with some reflections on evaluating local cultural policies.
Auditors’ understanding of evidence: A performance audit of an urban development programme
Authors: Reichborn-Kjennerud Kristin , Johnsen Åge
Published: June 2011

This article uses a case study to analyse two main dilemmas that performance auditors face when auditing complex interventions in governance. The first dilemma, concerning the performance auditors’ roles as improvement agents and independent controllers, is that the improvement agenda often implies interacting closely with the auditees whereas controlling requires independence. The second dilemma pertains to the auditors’ choice of pre-planned audit criteria which limit what evidence the auditors can document. This choice affects the auditors’ role of holding a government to account. It also affects the type of information divulged to stakeholders concerning the social intervention that is evaluated.
Self-identity and Social Norms in Destination Choice by Young Australian Travellers
Authors: Lewis Clifford , Kerr Greg , Pomering Alan
Published: June 2011

Demand for domestic tourism in Australia is in decline, particularly for young Australian travellers (YATs) who prefer to travel overseas. Although models exist to explain destination choice, many of these have limitations, including the assumption of a rational consumer and a focus on the functional attributes of travel and tourism. Further, there has been a tendency to replicate studies, albeit in different contexts, rather than search for new insights into destination choice. With the aim of better explaining the decision of destination choice by YATs, focus groups comprising representatives from the population of interest were conducted. The approach was to examine tourism from a sociological perspective, drawing on theories of ritual, ritual inversion and fashion. The results reveal the importance of self-identity and social norms in destination selection. It is concluded that destinations that contribute to enhancing one’s self-identity, particularly when they are consistent with one’s existing or aspirational social group, are more likely to be visited by YATs.
Hydrodynamic analysis models for the design of Darrieus-type vertical-axis marine current turbines
Authors: Dai Y M , Gardiner N , Sutton R , Dyson P K
Published: June 2011

This work reviews hydrodynamic analysis models developed for the design of Darrieus-type vertical axis marine current turbines, with particular emphasis on the prediction of hydrodynamic rotor performance, as well as their suitability for aiding the optimization process, either directly, or as a fast filter of potential blade profiles.

In order to improve the performance of a marine current turbine it is necessary accurately to model the flow passing the turbine’s blades. Several types of models exist for Darrieus-type turbines, from momentum-based streamtube models to complex computational fluids dynamics (CFD) simulations. With continuously varying large angles of attack on the blades, the main issue is accurate prediction of the flow field around the rotor and thus its loads and torque. This is further complicated by the significant inherent unsteady hydrodynamic characteristics and potential for dynamic stall. Comparisons of the analytical results with experimental data are presented to compare these different models and thus illustrate their areas of suitability in this context. In conclusion, vertical axis machines have the potential of high power capture compared with that of their horizontal counterparts but this will depend on blade profile and design configuration, solidity, and tip speed ratio. None of the existing theoretical methods really captures the actual performance of the machines except for detailed CFD simulations, which are inevitably computational time intensive.
Bis[3-(2-Allylphenoxy) Phthalimides]: A New Class of Comonomers for Bismaleimides
Authors: Stenzenberger H.D. , König P.
Published: June 2011

A series of new bis[3-(2-allylphenoxy) phthalimides] has been synthe sized from bis(3-nitrophthalimides) and o-allylphenol-Na involving a nucleophilic nitrodisplacement reaction. H-NMR spectra indicate that under the mild reaction conditions used (55°C), only 4-5% of the allylphenoxy groups are isomerized to propenylphenoxy groups. The new bis(allylphenoxyphthalimides) are useful comonomers for bismaleimides. Blends of bis (allylphenoxyphthalimides) and bismaleimides thermally copolymerize to tough, high Tg copolymer networks.
Imidization Reactions in PMR-15 Polyimide
Authors: Hay J.N. , Boyle J.D. , James P.G. , Walton J.R. , Bare K.J. , Konarski M. , Wilson D.
Published: June 2011

The NASA-developed polyimide, PMR-15 is the frontrunner in the race to develop a matrix resin for composites intended for high temperature applications. The properties of PMR-15 depend on the polymer structure. Variations in the structure such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and crosslink density, will affect the ultimate mechanical and thermal properties of the material. The polymerization of PMR-15 is complex. Competing reactions in the initial imidization stage, e.g. anhydride formation, can lead to variations in the structure of the oligomers which will affect processing characteristics. This study examines the structure of the prepolymers produced by the thermal imidization of the monomer mixture under different time/temperature conditions. Techniques used include NMR, FTIR, GPC, mass spectrometry and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy. The polymer structures are complex with imide, amide, anhydride, ester, amine and salt all being detected in varying amounts depending on the thermal treatment. Differences in prepolymer molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are also observed. Variations are also seen in prepolymer viscosity and also in volatile evolution at elevated temperatures. Such differences could have a profound effect on processing characteristics.
Ecoaesthetics: Green Arts at the Intersection of Education and Social Transformation
Authors: Finley Susan
Published: June 2011

This article explores several dimensions of the role of arts education in processes of social change: It addresses the power of art as a voice of dissent at the core of a critical revolutionary pedagogy that is deeply relevant and transformative toward a socially just, democratic, and existentially responsible educational aesthetic. Of particular interest are the possibilities for creating an emancipatory pedagogy that scaffolds actively transformative teaching and learning and deepens understanding of education as an aesthetic experience based in social responsibility. Green art as an expression of ecojustice is explored as a potential space for a profound and revolutionary educational aesthetic. While focused on the potential for an educational aesthetic that is transformative and productive in terms of ecojustice, it is simultaneously an exploration of an aesthetics of discovery of the qualities of love and joy to be experienced in nature.
Mattis Dementia Rating Scale 2
Authors: Matteau Evelyne , Dupré Nicolas , Langlois Mélanie , Jean Léonie , Thivierge Stéphanie , Provencher Pierre , Simard Martine
Published: June 2011

Identifying patients at higher risk of developing dementia is important. The usefulness of the Mattis Dementia Rating scale-Second Edition (MDRS-2) to detect and differentiate between patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (A-MCI), Parkinson’s disease and MCI (PD-MCI), PD with dementia (PDD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was investigated. In all, 22 healthy controls (HC), 22 A-MCI, 22 PD-MCI, 16 PDD, and 22 AD patients were evaluated using an extensive neuropsychological battery, including the MDRS-2. The MDRS-2 total standardized score detected all groups of patients. The dementia groups performed worse than HC on the 5 MDRS-2 subscales. Alzheimer’s disease patients scored higher than PDD on MDRS-2 conceptualization and lower on memory. Healthy controls were better than PD-MCI on MDRS-2 initiation/perseveration and memory and better than A-MCI on memory. No difference was found between the MCI groups. The MDRS-2 is a suitable short scale for MCI and dementia screening but is not specific enough to differentiate between A-MCI and PD-MCI.
Explanations of AD in Ethnic Minority Participants Undergoing Cognitive Screening
Authors: Tappen Ruth M. , Gibson Sandra E. , Williams Christine L.
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare explanations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) of African American, Afro-Caribbean, and European American older adults undergoing cognitive screening. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions regarding what they knew about AD and if they were experiencing memory problems. Responses were coded and quantized for analysis. Forty percent reported experiencing memory problems. Afro-Caribbeans made significantly more incorrect statements about AD and were less likely to identify memory loss as a symptom. Half the participants said they would seek their physician’s advice if the screening was positive; none mentioned a memory disorder center. Misconceptions about AD included the effect of aluminum, brain collapse, relaxed brain, shaking, tremors, and physical illness. More Afro-Caribbeans, all of whom were first generation, had misconceptions about AD. Campaigns to educate the public about AD need to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate information to ethnic minority populations.
Hindlimb Immobilization in a Wheelchair Alters Functional Recovery Following Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in the Adult Rat
Authors: Caudle Krista L. , Brown Edward H. , Shum-Siu Alice , Burke Darlene A. , Magnuson Trystan S. G. , Voor Michael J. , Magnuson David S. K.
Published: June 2011

Background. Locomotor training of rats with thoracic contusion spinal cord injuries can induce task-specific changes in stepping but rarely results in improved overground locomotion, possibly due to a ceiling effect. Thus, the authors hypothesize that incompletely injured rats maximally retrain themselves while moving about in their cages over the first few weeks postinjury. Objective. To test the hypothesis using hindlimb immobilization after mild thoracic contusion spinal cord injury in adult female rats. A passive stretch protocol was included as an independent treatment. Methods. Wheelchairs were used to hold the hindlimbs stationary in an extended position leaving the forelimbs free. The wheelchairs were used for 15 to 18 hours per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks, beginning at 4 days postinjury. A 20-minute passive hindlimb stretch therapy was applied to half of the animals. Results. Hindlimb locomotor function of the wheelchair group was not different from controls at 1 week postinjury but declined significantly over the next 4 weeks. Passive stretch had no influence on wheelchair animals but limited functional recovery of normally housed animals, preventing them from regaining forelimb–hindlimb coordination. Following 8 weeks of wheelchair immobilization and stretch therapy, only the wheelchair group displayed an improvement in function when returned to normal housing but retained significant deficits in stepping and coordination out to 16 weeks. Conclusion. Hindlimb immobilization and passive stretch may hinder or conceal the normal course of functional recovery of spinal cord injured rats. These observations have implications for the management of acute clinical spinal cord injuries.
Correlates of Receiving Reproductive Health Care Services Among U.S. Men Aged 15 to 44 Years
Authors: Chabot Marina J. , Lewis Carrie , Thiel de Bocanegra Heike , Darney Philip
Published: June 2011

Men have a significant role in reproductive health decision making and behavior, including family planning and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).Yet studies on reproductive health care of men are scarce. The National Survey of Family Growth 2006-2008 provided data that allowed assessment of the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with men’s receipt of reproductive health services in the United States. Although more than half (54%) of U.S. men received at least one health care service in the 12 months prior to the survey, far fewer had received birth control counseling/methods, including condoms (12%) and STD/HIV testing/STD treatment (12%). Men with publicly funded health insurance and men who received physical exam were more likely to receive reproductive health services when compared with men with private health insurance and men who did not receive a physical exam. Men who reported religion was somewhat important were significantly more likely to receive birth control counseling/ methods than men who stated religion was very important. The pseudo- R2 (54%), a measure of model fit improvement, suggested that enabling factors accounted for the strongest association with receiving either birth control counseling/ methods or STD/HIV testing/STD treatment.
Exercise training improves neurovascular control and functional capacity in heart failure patients regardless of age
Authors: Antunes-Correa Ligia M , Kanamura Bianca Y , Melo Ruth C , Nobre Thais S , Ueno Linda M , Franco Fabio GM , Roveda Fabiana , Braga Ana Maria , Rondon Maria UPB , Brum Patricia C , Barretto Antonio CP , Middlekauff Holly R , Negrao Carlos E
Published: June 2011

Background: Exercise training is a non-pharmacological strategy for treatment of heart failure. Exercise training improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients. Moreover, exercise training reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and peripheral vasoconstriction. However, most of these studies have been conducted in middle-aged patients. Thus, the effects of exercise training in older patients are much less understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether exercise training improves functional capacity, muscular sympathetic activation and muscular blood flow in older heart failure patients, as it does in middle-aged heart failure patients.

Design: Fifty-two consecutive outpatients with heart failure from the database of the Unit of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Physiology Exercise were divided by age (middle-aged, defined as 45–59 years, and older, defined as 60–75 years) and exercise status (trained and untrained).

Methods: MSNA was recorded directly from the peroneal nerve using the microneurography technique. Forearm Blood Flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Functional capacity was evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test.

Results: Exercise training significantly and similarly increased FBF and peak VO2 in middle-aged and older heart failure patients. In addition, exercise training significantly and similarly reduced MSNA and forearm vascular resistance in these patients. No significant changes were found in untrained patients.

Conclusion: Exercise training improves neurovascular control and functional capacity in heart failure patients regardless of age.
Treating HIV-1 infection: what might the future hold?
Authors: Lichterfeld Mathias , Zachary Kimon C.
Published: June 2011

Advances in antiretroviral combination therapy lasting the past two decades have transformed HIV-1 infection from a fatal disease into a chronic medical condition that in many cases does not compromise life quality. There are 25 different antiretroviral agents available currently, allowing for patient-centered, individualized management of HIV-1 infection, and ongoing progress in HIV-1 virology and antiretroviral pharmacology is likely to expand treatment options further in the future. Nevertheless, antiretroviral therapy continues to have limitations, including insufficient immunological reconstitution, selection of drug resistance, ongoing abnormal immune activation despite effective suppression of HIV-1 viremia, and the inability to target latently infected cells that are responsible for long-term viral persistence. Owing to these shortcomings, the theoretical ability of antiretroviral therapy to extend life expectancy to normal levels is not realized in many cases. Strategies to address these limitations are a matter of active ongoing research and will be summarized in this article.
New generation antiepileptic drugs: what do they offer in terms of improved tolerability and safety?
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , Gazzola Deana M.
Published: June 2011

Over the last two decades a total of 11 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been introduced to the US market. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials have yielded information about each drug’s efficacy, tolerability, and safety profile; however, few studies have compared the newer generation AEDs directly with the older generation. Comparative studies are not always straightforward in their interpretation, as many characteristics of drugs, both favorable and unfavorable, may not be highlighted by such studies. In general, findings from the literature suggest that the newer generation AEDs (including vigabatrin, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, tiagabine, topiramate, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide, pregabalin, rufinamide, and lacosamide) enjoy both improved tolerability and safety compared with older agents such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate. This is partially supported by some of the findings of the QSS and the TTA Committee of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), whose review of four AEDs (gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, and tiagabine) is discussed. Briefly, when compared with carbamazepine, lamotrigine was better tolerated; topiramate adverse events (AEs) were fairly comparable to carbamazepine and valproate; and tiagabine compared with placebo was associated with a higher discontinuation rate due to AEs. The findings of the SANAD trial are also presented; when administered to patients with partial epilepsy, carbamazepine was most likely to fail due to AEs, and lamotrigine and gabapentin were least likely to fail due to AEs. When administered to patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, topiramate was most frequently associated with AE-related discontinuation, followed by valproate; and while valproate was the most efficacious drug in this arm of the study, lamotrigine was more tolerable. What makes the SANAD study valuable and somewhat unique is its head-to-head comparison of one drug with another. Such comparative trials are overall lacking for new AEDs, although some conclusions can be drawn from the available data. In the end, however, AED selection must be based on individual patient and drug characteristics.
Identification of a truncated form of methionine sulfoxide reductase a expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Jia Pingping , Zhang Chi , Jia Yuanyuan , Webster Keith A , Huang Xupei , Kochegarov Andrei A , Lemanski Sharon L , Lemanski Larry F
Published: June 2011

Background

Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A (MsrA), an enzyme in the Msr gene family, is important in the cellular anti-oxidative stress defense mechanism. It acts by reducing the oxidized methionine sulfoxide in proteins back to sulfide and by reducing the cellular level of reactive oxygen species. MsrA, the only enzyme in the Msr gene family that can reduce the S-form epimers of methionine sulfoxide, has been located in different cellular compartments including mitochondria, cytosol and nuclei of various cell lines.

Methods

In the present study, we have isolated a truncated form of the MsrA transcript from cultured mouse embryonic stem cells and performed eGFP fusion protein expression, confocal microscopy and real time RT-PCR studies.

Results

Results show a different expression response of this truncated transcript to oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation treatments in stem cells, compared to the longer full length form. In addition, a different subcellular localization pattern was noted with most of the eGFP fusion protein detected in the cytosol.

Conclusion

One possibility for the existence of a truncated form of the MsrA transcripts could be that with a smaller protein size, yet retaining a GCWFG action site, this protein might have easier access to oxidize methionine residues on proteins than the longer form of the MsrA protein, thus having an evolutionary selection advantage. This research opens the door for further study on the role and function of the truncated MsrA embryonic mouse stem cells.
Diagnostic utility of C-reactive Protein combined with brain natriuretic peptide in acute pulmonary edema: a cross sectional study
Authors: Komiya Kosaku , Ishii Hiroshi , Teramoto Shinji , Takahashi Osamu , Eshima Nobuoki , Yamaguchi Ou , Ebi Noriyuki , Murakami Junji , Yamamoto Hidehiko , Kadota Jun-ichi
Published: June 2011

Introduction Discriminating acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) using the plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) alone remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of combination measurements of BNP and C-reactive protein (CRP) in critically ill patients with pulmonary edema.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. BNP and CRP data from 147 patients who presented to the emergency department due to acute respiratory failure with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates were analyzed.

Results

There were 53 patients with ALI/ARDS, 71 with CPE, and 23 with mixed edema. Median BNP and CRP levels were 202 (interquartile range 95-439) pg/mL and 119 (62-165) mg/L in ALI/ARDS, and 691 (416-1,194) pg/mL (p < 0.001) and 8 (2-42) mg/L (p < 0.001) in CPE. BNP or CRP alone offered good discriminatory performance (C-statistics 0.831 and 0.887), but the combination offered greater one [C-statistics 0.931 (p < 0.001 versus BNP) (p = 0.030 versus CRP)]. In multiple logistic-regression, BNP and CRP were independent predictors for the diagnosis after adjusting for other variables.

Conclusions

Measurement of CRP is useful as well as that of BNP for distinguishing ALI/ARDS from CPE. Furthermore, a combination of BNP and CRP can provide higher accuracy for the diagnosis.
The enigmatic mitochondrial genome of Rhabdopleura compacta(Pterobranchia) reveals insights into selection of an efficient tRNA system and supports monophyly of Ambulacraria
Authors: Perseke Marleen , Hetmank Joerg , Bernt Matthias , Stadler Peter F , Schlegel Martin , Bernhard Detlef
Published: June 2011

Background

The Hemichordata comprises solitary-living Enteropneusta and colonial-living Pterobranchia, sharing morphological features with both Chordata and Echinodermata. Despite their key role for understanding deuterostome evolution, hemichordate phylogeny is controversial and only few molecular data are available for phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, mitochondrial sequences are completely lacking for pterobranchs. Therefore, we determined and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the pterobranch Rhabdopleura compacta to elucidate deuterostome evolution. Thereby, we also gained important insights in mitochondrial tRNA evolution.

Results

The mitochondrial DNA of Rhabdopleura compacta corresponds in size and gene content to typical mitochondrial genomes of metazoans, but shows the strongest known strand-specific mutational bias in the nucleotide composition among deuterostomes with a very GT-rich main-coding strand. The order of the protein-coding genes in R. compacta is similar to that of the deuterostome ground pattern. However, the protein-coding genes have been highly affected by a strand-specific mutational pressure showing unusual codon frequency and amino acid composition. This composition caused extremely long branches in phylogenetic analyses. The unusual codon frequency points to a selection pressure on the tRNA translation system to codon-anticodon sequences of highest versatility instead of showing adaptations in anticodon sequences to the most frequent codons. Furthermore, an assignment of the codon AGG to Lysine has been detected in the mitochondrial genome of R. compacta, which is otherwise observed only in the mitogenomes of some arthropods. The genomes of these arthropods do not have such a strong strand-specific bias as found in R. compacta but possess an identical mutation in the anticodon sequence of the tRNALys.

Conclusion

A strong reversed asymmetrical mutational constraint in the mitochondrial genome of Rhabdopleura compacta may have arisen by an inversion of the replication direction and adaptation to this bias in the protein sequences leading to an enigmatic mitochondrial genome. Although, phylogenetic analyses of protein coding sequences are hampered, features of the tRNA system of R. compacta support the monophyly of Ambulacraria. The identical reassignment of AGG to Lysine in two distinct groups may have occurred by convergent evolution in the anticodon sequence of the tRNALys.
Multiple platform assessment of the EGF dependent transcriptome by microarray and deep tag sequencing analysis
Authors: Llorens Franc , Hummel Manuela , Pastor Xavier , Ferrer Anna , Pluvinet Raquel , Vivancos Ana , Castillo Ester , Iraola Susana , Mosquera Ana M , González Eva , Lozano Juanjo , Ingham Matthew , Dohm Juliane C , Noguera Marc , Kofler Robert , del Río Jose Antonio , Bayés Mònica , Himmelbauer Heinz , Sumoy Lauro
Published: June 2011

Background

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a key regulatory growth factor activating many processes relevant to normal development and disease, affecting cell proliferation and survival. Here we use a combined approach to study the EGF dependent transcriptome of HeLa cells by using multiple long oligonucleotide based microarray platforms (from Agilent, Operon, and Illumina) in combination with digital gene expression profiling (DGE) with the Illumina Genome Analyzer.

Results

By applying a procedure for cross-platform data meta-analysis based on RankProd and GlobalAncova tests, we establish a well validated gene set with transcript levels altered after EGF treatment. We use this robust gene list to build higher order networks of gene interaction by interconnecting associated networks, supporting and extending the important role of the EGF signaling pathway in cancer. In addition, we find an entirely new set of genes previously unrelated to the currently accepted EGF associated cellular functions.

Conclusions

We propose that the use of global genomic cross-validation derived from high content technologies (microarrays or deep sequencing) can be used to generate more reliable datasets. This approach should help to improve the confidence of downstreamin silicofunctional inference analyses based on high content data.
Iron deposition is independent of cellular inflammation in a cerebral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Williams Rachel , Rohr Aaron M , Wang Wen-Tung , Choi In-Young , Lee Phil , Berman Nancy EJ , Lynch Sharon G , LeVine Steven M
Published: June 2011

Background

Perivenular inflammation is a common early pathological feature in multiple sclerosis (MS). A recent hypothesis stated that CNS inflammation is induced by perivenular iron deposits that occur in response to altered blood flow in MS subjects. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, an animal model was developed, called cerebral experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (cEAE), which presents with CNS perivascular iron deposits. This model was used to investigate the relationship of iron deposition to inflammation.

Methods

In order to generate cEAE, mice were given an encephalitogen injection followed by a stereotactic intracerebral injection of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Control animals received encephalitogen followed by an intracerebral injection of saline, or no encephalitogen plus an intracerebral injection of saline or cytokines. Laser Doppler was used to measure cerebral blood flow. MRI and iron histochemistry were used to localize iron deposits. Additional histological procedures were used to localize inflammatory cell infiltrates, microgliosis and astrogliosis.

Results

Doppler analysis revealed that cEAE mice had a reduction in cerebral blood flow compared to controls. MRI revealed T2 hypointense areas in cEAE animals that spatially correlated with iron deposition around vessels and at some sites of inflammation as detected by iron histochemistry. Vessels with associated iron deposits were distributed across both hemispheres. Mice with cEAE had more iron-labeled vessels compared to controls, but these vessels were not commonly associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates. Some iron-laden vessels had associated microgliosis that was above the background microglial response, and iron deposits were observed within reactive microglia. Vessels with associated astrogliosis were more commonly observed without colocalization of iron deposits.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that iron deposition around vessels can occur independently of inflammation providing evidence against the hypothesis that iron deposits account for inflammatory cell infiltrates observed in MS.
Assessment of anti-inflammatory tumor treatment efficacy by longitudinal monitoring employing sonographic micro morphology in a preclinical mouse model
Authors: Tiwari Sanjay , Egberts Jan H , Korniienko Olena , Köhler Linda , Trauzold Anna , Glüer Claus C , Kalthoff Holger
Published: June 2011

Background

With the development of increasingly sophisticated three-dimensional volumetric imaging methods, tumor volume can serve as a robust and reproducible measurement of drug efficacy. Since the use of molecularly targeted agents in the clinic will almost certainly involve combinations with other therapeutic modalities, the use of volumetric determination can help to identify a dosing schedule of sequential combinations of cytostatic drugs resulting in long term control of tumor growth with minimal toxicity. The aim of this study is to assess high resolution sonography imaging for the in vivo monitoring of efficacy of Infliximab in pancreatic tumor.

Methods

In the first experiment, primary orthotopic pancreatic tumor growth was measured with Infliximab treatment. In the second experiment, orthotopic tumors were resected ten days after inoculation of tumor cells and tumor recurrence was measured following Infliximab treatment. Tumor progression was evaluated using 3D high resolution sonography.

Results

Sonography measurement of tumor volume in vivo showed inhibitory effect of Infliximab on primary tumor growth in both non-resected and resected models. Measurement of the dynamics of tumor growth by sonography revealed that in the primary tumor Infliximab is effective against established tumors while in the resection model, Infliximab is more effective at an early stage following tumor resection. Infliximab treatment is also effective in inhibiting tumor growth growth as a result of tumor cell contamination of the surgical field.

Conclusions

Clinical application of Infliximab is feasible in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Infliximab is also effective in slowing the growth of tumor growth under the peritoneum and may have application in treating peritoneal carcinomatosis. Finally the study demonstrates that high resolution sonography is a sensitive imaging modality for the measurement of pancreatic tumor growth.
Detection of early Alzheimer's disease in MCI patients by the combination of MMSE and an episodic memory test
Authors: Pozueta Ana , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Eloy , Vazquez-Higuera José Luis , Mateo Ignacio , Sánchez-Juan Pascual , González-Perez Soraya , Berciano José , Combarros Onofre
Published: June 2011

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous clinical entity that comprises the prodromal phase of Alzheimer's disease (Pr-AD). New biomarkers are useful in detecting Pr-AD, but they are not universally available. We aimed to investigate baseline clinical and neuropsychological variables that might predict progression from MCI to AD dementia.

Methods

All patients underwent a complete clinical and neuropsychological evaluation at baseline and every 6 months during a two-year follow-up period, with 54 out of 109 MCI patients progressing to dementia (50 of them progressed to AD dementia), and 55 remaining as stable MCI (S-MCI).

Results

A combination of MMSE and California Verbal Learning Test Long Delayed Total Recall (CVLT-LDTR) constituted the best predictive model: subjects scoring above 26/30 on MMSE and 4/16 on CVLT-LDTR had a negative predictive value of 93.93% at 2 years, whereas those subjects scoring below both of these cut-off scores had a positive predictive value of 80.95%.

Conclusions

Pr-AD might be distinguished from S-MCI at baseline using the combination of MMSE and CVLT-LDTR. These two neuropsychological predictors are relatively brief and may be readily completed in non-specialist clinical settings.
Relationship between care-givers' misconceptions and non-use of ITNs by under-five Nigerian children
Authors: Arogundade Ekundayo D , Adebayo Samson B , Anyanti Jennifer , Nwokolo Ernest , Ladipo Olaronke , Ankomah Augustine , Meremikwu Martin M
Published: June 2011

Background

Malaria has been a major public health problem in Nigeria and many other sub-Saharan African countries. Insecticide-treated nets have shown to be cost-effective in the prevention of malaria, but the number of people that actually use these nets has remained generally low. Studies that explore the determinants of use of ITN are desirable.

Methods

Structured questionnaires based on thematic areas were administered by trained interviewers to 7,223 care-givers of under-five children selected from all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Bivariate analysis and multinomial logit model were used to identify possible determinants of use of ITN.

Results

Bivariate analysis showed that under-five children whose care-givers had some misconceptions about causes and prevention of malaria were significantly less likely to use ITN even though the household may own a net (p < 0.0001). Education and correct knowledge about modes of prevention of malaria, knowing that malaria is dangerous and malaria can kill were also significantly associated with use of ITN (p < 0.0001). Knowledge of symptoms of malaria did not influence use of ITN. Association of non-use of ITN with misconceptions about prevention of malaria persisted with logistic regression (Odds ratio 0.847; 95% CI 0.747 to 0.960).

Conclusions

Misconceptions about causes and prevention of malaria by caregivers adversely influence the use ITN by under-five children. Appropriate communication strategies should correct these misconceptions.
Vitamin A decreases pre-receptor amplification of glucocorticoids in obesity: study on the effect of vitamin A on 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 activity in liver and visceral fat of WNIN/Ob obese rats
Authors: Sakamuri Vara Prasad SS , Ananthathmakula Prashanth , Veettil Giridharan Nappan , Ayyalasomayajula Vajreswari
Published: June 2011

Background

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of inactive glucocorticoids to active glucocorticoids and its inhibition ameliorates obesity and metabolic syndrome. So far, no studies have reported the effect of dietary vitamin A on 11β-HSD1 activity in visceral fat and liver under normal and obese conditions. Here, we studied the effect of chronic feeding of vitamin A-enriched diet (129 mg/kg diet) on 11β-HSD1 activity in liver and visceral fat of WNIN/Ob lean and obese rats.

Methods

Male, 5-month-old, lean and obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain (n = 16 for each phenotype) were divided into two subgroups consisting of 8 rats of each phenotype. Control groups received stock diet containing 2.6 mg vitamin A/kg diet, where as experimental groups received diet containing 129 mg vitamin A/Kg diet for 20 weeks. Food and water were provided ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, tissues were collected and 11β-HSD1 activity was assayed in liver and visceral fat.

Results

Vitamin A supplementation significantly decreased body weight, visceral fat mass and 11β-HSD1 activity in visceral fat of WNIN/Ob obese rats. Hepatic 11β-HSD1 activity and gene expression were significantly reduced by vitamin A supplementation in both the phenotypes. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), the main transcription factor essential for the expression of 11β-HSD1, decreased in liver of vitamin A fed-obese rats, but not in lean rats. Liver × receptor α (LXRα), a nuclear transcription factor which is known to downregulate 11β-HSD1 gene expression was significantly increased by vitamin A supplementation in both the phenotypes.

Conclusions

This study suggests that chronic consumption of vitamin A-enriched diet decreases 11β-HSD1 activity in liver and visceral fat of WNIN/Ob obese rats. Decreased 11β-HSD1 activity by vitamin A may result in decreased levels of active glucocorticoids in adipose tissue and possibly contribute to visceral fat loss in these obese rats. Studying the role of various nutrients on the regulation of 11β-HSD1 activity and expression will help in the evolving of dietary approaches to treat obesity and insulin resistance.