bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of 3J(1H3′31P) couplings in a DNA oligomer with enhanced sensitivity employing a constant‐time TOCSY difference experiment
Authors: Reith Lorenz M. , Schlagnitweit Judith , Smrecki Vilko , Knör Günther , Müller Norbert , Schoefberger Wolfgang
Published: February 2011

A constant‐time TOCSY difference experiment for the determination of 3J(1H3′31P) coupling constants in non‐isotope‐labelled DNA oligonucleotides is presented. The method is tested on a DNA octamer and compared with the established constant‐time NOESY difference method. Each 3J(1H3′31P) coupling constant is determined from amplitude changes caused by phosphorous decoupling, which are observable on multiple cross‐peaks, thus leading to a high accuracy of the value of the 3J(1H3′31P) coupling constant. The new experiment delivers up to three times the sensitivity compared with previously reported methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unique presentation of Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome in relation to platelet size
Authors: Patel Payal D. , Samanich Joy M. , Mitchell William B. , Manwani Deepa
Published: February 2011

Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is a triad of immunodeficiency, eczema, and thrombocytopenia. Despite the heterogeneity of genetic and clinical findings, a correlation with small platelet size is routinely observed. Herein we describe a case with a unique phenotype that links normal mean platelet volume with the classic characteristics of this disease. The diagnosis was verified by genetic analysis showing a novel and de novo mutation. Our case illustrates that a high index of suspicion of WAS is warranted even in the setting of normal sized platelets. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1127–1129. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Origin and characteristics of massive ground ice on Herschel Island (western Canadian Arctic) as revealed by stable water isotope and Hydrochemical signatures
Authors: Fritz Michael , Wetterich Sebastian , Meyer Hanno , Schirrmeister Lutz , Lantuit Hugues , Pollard Wayne H.
Published: February 2011

Herschel Island in the southern Beaufort Sea is a push moraine at the northwestern‐most limit of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Stable water isotope (δ18O, δD) and hydrochemical studies were applied to two tabular massive ground ice bodies to unravel their genetic origin. Buried glacier ice or basal regelation ice was encountered beneath an ice‐rich diamicton with strong glaciotectonic deformation structures. The massive ice isotopic composition was highly depleted in heavy isotopes (mean δ18O: −33‰; mean δD: −258‰), suggesting full‐glacial conditions during ice formation. Other massive ice of unknown origin with a very large δ18O range (from −39 to −21‰) was found adjacent to large, striated boulders. A clear freezing slope was present with progressive depletion in heavy isotopes towards the centre of the ice body. Fractionation must have taken place during closed‐system freezing, possibly of a glacial meltwater pond. Both massive ground ice bodies exhibited a mixed ion composition suggestive of terrestrial waters with a marine influence. Hydrochemical signatures resemble the Herschel Island sediments that are derived from near‐shore marine deposits upthrust by the Laurentide ice. A prolonged contact between water feeding the ice bodies and the surrounding sediment is therefore inferred. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution structure and fluctuation of the Mg2+‐bound form of calmodulin C‐terminal domain
Authors: Ohashi Wakana , Hirota Hiroshi , Yamazaki Toshio
Published: February 2011

Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca2+‐binding protein that functions as a ubiquitous Ca2+‐signaling molecule, through conformational changes from the “closed” apo conformation to the “open” Ca2+‐bound conformation. Mg2+ also binds to CaM and stabilizes its folded structure, but the NMR signals are broadened by slow conformational fluctuations. Using the E104D/E140D mutant, designed to decrease the signal broadening in the presence of Mg2+ with minimal perturbations of the overall structure, the solution structure of the Mg2+‐bound form of the CaM C‐terminal domain was determined by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The Mg2+‐induced conformational change mainly occurred in EF hand IV, while EF‐hand III retained the apo structure. The helix G and helix H sides of the binding sequence undergo conformational changes needed for the Mg2+ coordination, and thus the helices tilt slightly. The aromatic rings on helix H move to form a new cluster of aromatic rings in the hydrophobic core. Although helix G tilts slightly to the open orientation, the closed conformation is maintained. The fact that the Mg2+‐induced conformational changes in EF‐hand IV and the hydrophobic core are also seen upon Ca2+ binding suggests that the Ca2+‐induced conformational changes can be divided into two categories, those specific to Ca2+ and those common to Ca2+ and Mg2+.
A study of the electronic, optical and thermal properties for ZnAl2Se4 using the FP‐LAPW method
Authors: Verma Udai Pratap , Singh Poonam , Jensen Per
Published: February 2011

We have calculated the structural parameters, electronic band structures, density of state plot, optical spectra, and thermal properties of ZnAl2Se4 using the full potential linear augmented wave method. The exchange and correlation potentials were calculated using the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE‐GGA) and the GGA modified by Engel–Vosko (EV‐GGA). The results thus obtained are compared with each other and with available experimental data. It has been found that ZnAl2Se4 is a direct wide bandgap semiconductor at ambient conditions (P = 0, T = 0). With the decreasing volume of the unit cell, both the direct (Γ–Γ) and indirect (Γ–H) energy gaps increase and at a = 10.1 Bohr, they coincide. The energy gaps start decreasing with a further decrease of unit‐cell volume with a change in the nature of the energy bandgap from direct to indirect. The optical properties show a considerable anisotropy, which makes this compound very useful for various linear–nonlinear optical devices. We find in the present work that the effects of temperature and pressure on different thermal parameters are significant and very useful for optimizing crystal growth.
Calculations of structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of trigonal CdI2
Authors: Liu Qi‐Jun , Liu Zheng‐Tang , Feng Li‐Ping
Published: February 2011

We have performed ab‐initio total‐energy calculations using the plane‐wave ultrasoft pseudopotential technique based on the first‐principles density‐functional theory (DFT) to study structural parameters, elastic, electronic, chemical bonding, and optical properties of trigonal CdI2. The calculated lattice parameters and independent elastic constants are in good agreement with previous experimental works. The bulk, shear, and Young's moduli, Poisson coefficients are obtained using Voigt–Reuss–Hill method. According to the calculations of band structure, density of states and charge densities, electronic, and chemical‐bonding properties have been studied. The complex dielectric functions, refractive index, and extinction coefficient are calculated and analyzed.
Thickness determination of thin anodic titanium oxide films—a comparison between coulometry and reflectometry
Authors: Schneider M. , Langklotz U. , Michaelis A.
Published: February 2011

The determination of oxide film properties as the relative permittivity εr requires knowledge of the film thickness. Coulometry, as well as visible reflectometry, are fast and simple methods for determining the thickness of thin anodic oxide films on Titanium (99.9%) and a titanium alloy (TiAlV6‐4). A comparison of the results shows the specific disadvantages and limitations of each method. On the one hand, the reflectometry yields a too‐small film thickness and the authors therefore developed a simple correction algorithm for the reflectometric data. On the other hand, coulometry is not suitable as a thickness determination in the case of side reactions such as oxygen evolution. However, the complementary approach to the thickness determination, by using both reflectometry and coulometry, brings reliable thickness values of visible reflectometry down to ≥ 5 nm. Furthermore, the comparison between coulometry and reflectometry allows the estimation of the current efficiency when the oxide formation is attended by side reactions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the patent premium: Evidence from the Australian Inventor Survey
Authors: Jensen Paul H. , Thomson Russell , Yong Jongsay
Published: February 2011

In this paper we use novel survey data on 1,790 Australian inventions to estimate the average patent premium, which provides an important benchmark for technology managers and IP professionals. Our data are drawn from the Australian Inventor Survey, which was sent to all Australian applicants who submitted a patent application to the Australian Patent Office from 1986 to 2005. Since some patent applications were unsuccessful, we have information about the private value of both patented and unpatented inventions. Our results suggest that the presence of a patent increases the returns to an invention by around 40 to 50 percent regardless of how we define ‘value.’ Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimally Stable Nanoparticle‐Based Colorimetric Assay for Simple, Rapid, and Sensitive Antibody Structure and Activity Evaluation
Authors: Woo Jung‐Reem , Lim Dong‐Kwon , Nam Jwa‐Min
Published: February 2011

A gold nanoparticle‐based colorimetric antibody structure and activity evaluation method is developed without using complicated and expensive instrumentation. In this assay, a minimum number of antibodies to stabilize nanoparticles are conjugated to gold nanoparticles to prepare minimally stable nanoparticle probes, and the addition of salt rapidly induced particle aggregation and a color change of the solution from red to blue (25‐min assay time). It is found that the solution color change is affected by the degree of structural denaturation of antibodies, and the conformational change of antibodies affects the modification of antibodies to nanoparticles and particle stability. Importantly, the colorimetric method can be applied to different types of antibodies (IgG, IgA, and IgM) and it shows comparable or better structural sensitivity than conventional circular dichroism spectroscopy. Moreover, immunoassay results show that these structural changes of antibodies are highly correlated with their antigen‐binding activities. Rapid particle aggregation and high structural sensitivity are achieved in this assay because particles are modified with a minimum number of antibodies to stabilize particles in solution. This nanoparticle‐based colorimetric method could be useful in evaluating the structural and activity changes of an array of antibodies in an easy, rapid, and sensitive manner.
Mechanisms of endonuclease‐mediated mRNA decay
Authors: Schoenberg Daniel R.
Published: February 2011

Endonuclease cleavage was one of the first identified mechanisms of mRNA decay but until recently it was thought to play a minor role to the better‐known processes of deadenylation, decapping, and exonuclease‐catalyzed decay. Most of the early examples of endonuclease decay came from studies of a particular mRNA whose turnover changed in response to hormone, cytokine, developmental, or nutritional stimuli. Only a few of these examples of endonuclease‐mediated mRNA decay progressed to the point where the enzyme responsible for the initiating event was identified and studied in detail. The discovery of microRNAs and RISC‐catalyzed endonuclease cleavage followed by the identification of PIN (pilT N‐terminal) domains that impart endonuclease activity to a number of the proteins involved in mRNA decay has led to a resurgence of interest in endonuclease‐mediated mRNA decay. PIN domains show no substrate selectivity and their involvement in a number of decay pathways highlights a recurring theme that the context in which an endonuclease function is a primary factor in determining whether any given mRNA will be targeted for decay by this or the default exonuclease‐mediated decay processes. WIREs RNA 2011 2 582–600 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.78

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
Complete solution to elastic field around an elliptic punch
Authors: Roy A. , Basu U.
Published: February 2011

The problem of a rigid flat indentor resting on a transversely isotropic medium under external forces is reexamined. The contacting surface is an elliptic region. Both normal and tangential indentation are considered. Unlike the usual approach, we do not use ellipsoidal co‐ordinate system. The integral equations for prescribed normal and tangential indentation are first solved in cartesian co‐ordinate system for the unknown stress on the contact plane. A series of transformation and known results of integrals involving Bessel functions are then used to derive exact and complete solutions to the displacement and stress inside the half space. The result is exact in the sense that it involves a finite integration which must be evaluated numerically. Such a complete solution to the elliptic punch problem in cartesian co‐ordinate has not been obtained before. We also obtain the asymptotic form of the field near the border of the contact region. The corresponding result for an isotropic medium is obtained by a limiting process.
Defining Surgical Role Models and Their Influence on Career Choice
Authors: Ravindra P. , Fitzgerald J. E. F.
Published: February 2011

Background

Positive encounters with surgeons have previously been shown to influence perceptions of surgical careers. Despite this, negative perceptions persist. We investigated whether identifying role models in surgery influences career choice and defined the ideal qualities of a surgical role model as perceived by newly qualified doctors.

Methods

A 36‐item questionnaire was distributed to newly qualified graduates from a large UK medical school. Results were analysed using GraphPad Prism 5.00.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 208 of 320 graduates (65%). Median age was 24 years (range = 23–51); 63% female, 37% male; 71% standard undergraduate course, 28% graduate‐entry course. Overall, 131 respondents (63%) felt they were able to identify a surgical role model; there were no statistically significant differences between gender or course type. There was a significant difference between identification of a surgical role model and interest in pursuing surgical careers (P = 0.0006), with 41% of those who identified a role model interested compared with 17% of those who did not. Overall, 564 key qualities for a surgical role model were suggested by respondents. These were grouped by theme, with common attributes including good teacher, enthusiastic, and approachable.

Conclusions

Junior doctors were twice as likely to express interest in pursuing a surgical career if they identified a positive surgical role model. Changes in medical school demographics are occurring, with increasing proportions of female and graduate‐entry doctors. These groups are less likely to choose a surgical career, so promoting interest in surgery will become increasingly important to maintain high‐quality applicants. Defining and promoting perceptions of surgical role models to the wider surgical community may be one way of addressing this.
Effect of Fatty Acid Composition of Monoglycerides and Shear on the Polymorph Behavior in Water‐in‐Palm Oil‐Based Blend
Authors: Shiota M. , Iwasawa A. , Kotera M. , Konno M. , Isogai T. , Tanaka L.
Published: February 2011

Effect of the fatty acid composition of monoglycerides and shear on the polymorphic behavior in a water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion semi‐solid fats blend was investigated. The bulk fat blend and the W/O emulsion fat blend with added either unsaturated or saturated monoglycerides were prepared using a rapid cooling heat exchanger, and the polymorphic transitions from β′ to β‐form during storage were compared by X‐ray diffraction. The peak intensity of the β‐polymorph of the samples with added saturated monoglycerides was stronger than that of unsaturated monoglycerides, and the peak intensity of the β‐polymorph of the W/O fat blend emulsions was stronger than that of the bulk fat blends. The polymorphic transition to the β‐form during storage of the W/O emulsion fat blend was promoted by the applied shear. In contrast, that of the bulk fat blend was retarded by shear. These results suggested that fatty acids, which combined to monoglycerides on the surface of water droplets, influenced the polymorph transformation of the fat crystal network in a continuous semi‐solid fat phase because of the acyl–acyl interactions between the fatty acid residues of the monoglycerides and triacylglycerols in the fat crystal network.
A STUDY USING DEMOGRAPHIC DATA OF GENETIC DRIFT AND NATURAL SELECTION IN AN ISOLATED MEDITERRANEAN COMMUNITY: BAYÁRCAL (LA ALPUJARRA, SOUTH-EAST SPAIN)
Authors: LUNA F. , TARELHO A. R. , CAMARGO A. M. , ALONSO V.
Published: February 2011

Natural selection and genetic drift are two evolutionary mechanisms that can be analysed in human populations using their fertility and mortality patterns, and their reproductive size and isolation, respectively. This paper analyses the models of natural selection and genetic drift in Bayárcal, south-east Spain, and compares them with the observed models in the rest of the Alpujarran region. Demographic data were obtained from a sample of 77 families (48.45% of the population, with 547 inhabitants). The genetic drift and natural selection action was evaluated with the Coefficient of Breeding Isolation (CBI of Lasker and Kaplan) and Crow's index, respectively. The CBI (23.23/12.61) suggests that genetic drift is near to acting, and Crow's index (I=0.58) is slightly higher than that observed in the rest of La Alpujarra. Although the reproductive isolation of Bayárcal is not effective enough for genetic drift to act, it is near when marital migrants inside the Bayárcal valley are considered as a native population. The natural selection pattern is not different from that of the rest of La Alpujarra, but it tends towards the model of developing communities, where the demographic transition has not yet begun.
China in World War II, 1937–1945: Experience, Memory, and Legacy
Authors: MITTER RANA , MOORE AARON WILLIAM
Published: February 2011

China's long war against Japan from 1937 to 1945 has remained in the shadows of historiography until recently, both in China and abroad. In recent years, the opening of archives and a widening of the opportunity to discuss the more controversial aspects of the wartime period in China itself have restored World War II in China (‘the War of Resistance to Japan’) to a much more central place in historical interpretation. Among the areas that this issue covers are the new socio-political history of the war that seeks to restore rationality to the policies of the Guomindang (Nationalist) party, as well as a new understanding in post-war China of the meaning of the war against Japan in shaping Cold War and post-Cold War politics in China. In doing so, it seeks to make more explicit the link between themes that shaped the experience of World War II in China to the war's legacy in later politics and the uses of memory of the conflict in contemporary Chinese society.
Writing about Atrocity: Wartime Accounts and their Contemporary Uses
Authors: COBLE PARKS M.
Published: February 2011

In today's China, public memory of the War of Resistance against Japan, 1937–1945, is more visible than ever. Museums, movies, television programmes, and commemorations focus heavily on the victimization of the Chinese people at the hands of the Japanese invaders. Japanese atrocities, particularly the Nanjing Massacre, are at the centre of much of this remembering. But what of the wartime period? How did journalists and writers discuss Japanese atrocities? This paper finds that most wartime writing stressed the theme of ‘heroic resistance’ by the Chinese rather than China's victimization at the hands of Japanese. Exceptions to this approach included efforts to publicize Japan's action to Western audiences in the hope of gaining support for China's cause, and a related focus on the bombing of the civilian population by the Japanese. This paper suggests major differences between the current approach to remembering the war and to writing during the war itself.
The Latin American Left's Mandate: Free-Market Policies and Issue Voting in New Democracies
Authors: Baker Andy , Greene Kenneth F.
Published: February 2011

The rise of the left across Latin America is one of the most striking electoral events to occur in new democracies during the last decade. Current work argues either that the left's electoral success stems from a thoroughgoing rejection of free-market policies by voters or that electorates have sought to punish poorly performing right-wing incumbents. Whether the new left has a policy or performance mandate has implications for the type of policies it may pursue in power and the voting behavior of Latin American electorates. Using a new measure of voter ideology called vote-revealed leftism (VRL) and a time-series cross-sectional analysis of aggregate public opinion indicators generated from mass surveys of eighteen countries over thirteen years, the authors show that the left has a clear economic policy mandate but that this mandate is much more moderate than many observers might expect. In contrast to the generalized view that new democracies are of low quality, the authors reach the more optimistic conclusion that wellreasoned voting on economic policy issues and electoral mandates are now relevant features of politics in Latin America.
Applying full conserving dielectric function to the energy loss straggling
Authors: Barriga-Carrasco Manuel D.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this paper is to calculate proton energy loss straggling using a full conserving dielectric function (FCDF) for plasmas at any degeneracy. This dielectric function takes into account plasma electron-electron collision considering density, momentum, and energy conservation. When only momentum conservation law is accomplished, the FCDF reproduces the well known Mermin dielectric function, when none of the conservations laws are obeyed, the random phase approximation (RPA) is recovered. Then, the FCDF is applied for the first time to the determination of the energy loss straggling. Differences among diverse dielectric functions to determine straggling follow the same behavior for all kind of plasmas then, they do not depend on the plasma degeneracy but essentially do on the value of the collision frequency. These discrepancies can rise up to 5% between FCDF values and the Mermin ones, and 2% between the FCDF ones and RPA ones for plasma with high enough collision frequency. The similarity between FCDF and RPA results is not surprising, as all conservation laws are also considered in RPA dielectric function. The fact that FCDF and RPA give similar results and the fact that FCDF considers electron-electron collisions and RPA does not, means that latter collisions are not significant for energy loss straggling calculations.
Forms and techniques: Le Corbusier, the spiral plan and diagram architecture
Authors: Moulis Antony
Published: February 2011

While Le Corbusier's spiral plan projects have long been debated for their symbolic and rhetorical meaning - dealing with initiation, procession, ritual, generative nature, unlimited growth and so on - little attention is paid to their actual production as designs. If we look for the emergence of the spiral plan as a production of Le Corbusier's studio then we might begin with a sketch design for the Villa La Roche made in 1923 and not with the project for the Mundaneum (1928) generally credited as the point at which the architect 'invents' the spiral type [1]. Taking the Villa La Roche spiral experiment as a tentative beginning marks a much longer history of the spiral plan type in Le Corbusier's work that links the architect's early domestic projects to later major public building proposals such as the Venice Hospital (1964).
Anaemia, lead poisoning and vitamin D deficiency in low-income children: do current screening recommendations match the burden of illness?
Authors: Kersey Margaret , Chi Ming , B Cutts Diana
Published: February 2011

Objective

Low-income children are routinely screened for anaemia and elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) but not for vitamin D deficiency. We sought to determine the relative prevalence of and the relationship among vitamin D deficiency, anaemia and EBLL among healthy low-income paediatric clinic patients.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Paediatric outpatient clinic in an urban safety net hospital in a northern US state.

Subjects

Healthy toddlers and children under 6 years of age (n 127) who were seen for a routine well child check-up (WCC).

Results

The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) < 30 ng/ml) was 62 %; the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml) was 29 %. These rates were far higher than those for anaemia (Hb < 11·0 g/dl) at 10 %, EBLL (Pb > 9 μg/dl) at 1 % or even mildly EBLL (Pb 5–9 μg/dl) at 4 % (range: 1–11). There was no relationship among any of the following: vitamin D status, anaemia or EBLL. The vast majority of children with vitamin D deficiency had both normal Hb (86 %) and Pb level (100 %). After controlling for child's age, gender and race/ethnicity, there was no association between Hb (continuous, g/dl) and vitamin D deficiency (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0·97, 95 % CI 0·64, 1·47; P = 0·88). The only significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency was increasing age in years (aOR = 1·39, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·86; P = 0·03). None of these associations changed materially when deficiency was defined as <15 ng/ml.

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency was far more common than anaemia or EBLL, and Hb and Pb status were not predictors of vitamin D status.
Differences in Mortality Rate between Abrupt and Progressive Carotid Ligation in the Gerbil: Role of Endogenous Angiotensin II
Authors: Kaliszewski Christine , Fernandez Leonardo A. , Wicke J. D.
Published: February 2011

Studies have shown that in comparison to rapid occlusion of a vessel, gradual occlusion produces less severe tissue ischemia due to a more effective development of collateral circulation. As other studies have shown that collateral circulation can be enhanced by stimulation of the endogenous renin–angiotensin II system, it was hypothesized that this system is involved in the mechanism of protection against ischemia that obtains during gradual vascular occlusion. To test this hypothesis, mortality rates were evaluated in gerbils subjected to gradual vascular occlusion by means of progressive carotid ligation while simultaneously infused with inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin II cascade—enalaprilat or saralasin. Groups of animals with either abrupt or progressive carotid ligation infused with saline served as controls. Results showed that (1) in saline-infused animals, there was a significant decrease in the mortality rate of progressive-ligated animals when compared to abrupt-ligated animals, and (2) administration of either enalaprilat or saralasin to progressive-ligated animals resulted in mortality rates that were indistinguishable from those of saline-infused abrupt-ligated animals. These results suggest that the endogenous renin-angiotensin system is indeed involved in an adaptive mechanism that occurs during progressive ligation of the carotid artery, and more specifically, that the relatively benign effect of progressive carotid ligation may be due to the action of angiotensin II to stimulate the development of collateral circulation and reduce the severity of focal brain ischemia.
O2 Dependence of in vivo Brain Cytochrome Redox Responses and Energy Metabolism in Bloodless Rats
Authors: Sylvia Avis L. , Piantadosi Claude A.
Published: February 2011

Oxygen-dependent changes in brain cytochrome redox state and cerebrocortical energy metabolism were evaluated in fluorocarbon-circulated rats at hematocrits of <1%. Redox levels of three respiratory chain cytochrome complexes, b, c, and a,a3 (cytochrome c oxidase), were continuously measured directly through the intact skulls of animals using reflectance spectrophotometry. The in vivo redox status of cytochromes at different Fio2 was directly compared with in vitro measured changes in cortical metabolites known to reflect energy production, i.e., glucose, pyruvate, lactate, phosphocreatine (PCr), ADP, and ATP. Lowering the Fio2 to <1.0 caused the cytochromes to become increasingly more reduced. This was associated with increased tissue accumulation of pyruvate and lactate and a concomitant increase in the lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio. At Fio2 = 0.6, cytochromes b, c, and a,a3 were 57, 53, and 46% reduced, respectively. There was no apparent cerebral energy deficit since changes in cortical PCr, ADP, and ATP concentrations were not statistically significant. Bloodless animals did not survive below Fio2 = 0.5. At this Fio2, the inability of the animals to sustain arterial pressure correlated ( r = 0.87) with depletion of PCr and further increases in the L/P ratio ( r = 0.66). Yet, the cortical ATP content was reduced by only 9% of control value. These data provide direct evidence that fluorocarbon emulsion (FC-43) sustains brain oxygenation and energy metabolism at high partial pressures of molecular o2. At lower Fio2, however, mitochondrial o2 uptake becomes limited as a function of decreasing perfusion pressure.
Effects of Nifedipine and Felodipine on Adenosine and Inosine Release from the Hypoxemic Rat Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Phillis John W. , O'Regan Michael H. , Walter Gary A.
Published: February 2011

The cerebral cortical cup technique has been used to study the effects of nifedipine and felodipine on adenosine and inosine release from the rat brain. After basal and hypoxia (8% 02)-evoked control levels of purine release had been established, these 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists were administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg). Both agents depressed basal levels of purine efflux and suppressed the hypoxia-evoked release of adenosine and inosine. An inhibition of the transporter that mediates purine efflux from brain cells is likely to account for the suppression of release from the cerebral cortex. A reduced release of adenosine into the interstitial space also explains the ability of both agents to block the increase in CBF evoked by hypoxic challenges.
Tracer 2-Deoxyglucose Kinetics in Brain Regions of Rats Given Kainic Acid
Authors: Cremer Jill E. , Seville Malcom P. , Cunningham Vincent J.
Published: February 2011

The initial distribution of tracer amounts of 2-deoxyglucose between plasma and brain tissue, relative to native glucose, and the rate of accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate were determined in brain regions of rats given kainic acid intravenously. Regional plasma flow was measured in a comparable group of animals. A previously described compartmental model was used to obtain estimates of rates of glucose transport and of glucose phosphorylation. Both rates were significantly increased in entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and septal nucleus. From measured brain tissue and plasma glucose concentrations, glucose fluxes were also calculated in terms of either irreversible or reversible Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In all brain regions of control rats and in six of the ten regions studied in rats given kainic acid, rates of glucose transport calculated in terms of the Michaelis-Menten models were consistent with those estimated by the tracer 2-deoxyglucose procedure. However, in the four regions in which glucose metabolism was stimulated, rates of glucose transport calculated from the behaviour of tracer 2-deoxyglucose were considerably higher than rates calculated from measured concentrations of glucose in plasma and brain tissue using Michaelis-Menten models. The possibility is considered that in those regions that are metabolically stimulated by kainate, there is an increasing asymmetry between the luminal and abluminal membranes of the capillary endothelium in the permeability to glucose and its analogs. An alternative proposal is that in the model used to analyse the tracer 2-deoxyglucose data, the assumption of a rapid mixing of tracer throughout the endogenous pool of tissue glucose prior to phosphorylation becomes invalid. The discrepancies between tracer and native glucose in these particular regions of rats given kainate are consistent with an apparent metabolic compartmentation. The influence of kainate on plasma flow was found to differ regionally, with flow in entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala being unchanged. There is some evidence for increased rates of glycolysis relative to oxidative metabolism in these regions.
The Comparison of a Technology‐Based System and an In‐Person Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Pellegrini Christine A. , Verba Steven D. , Otto Amy D. , Helsel Diane L. , Davis Kelliann K. , Jakicic John M.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare a technology‐based system, an in‐person behavioral weight loss intervention, and a combination of both over a 6‐month period in overweight adults. Fifty‐one subjects (age: 44.2 ± 8.7 years, BMI: 33.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2) participated in a 6‐month behavioral weight loss program and were randomized to one of three groups: standard behavioral weight loss (SBWL), SBWL plus technology‐based system (SBWL+TECH), or technology‐based system only (TECH). All groups reduced caloric intake and progressively increased moderate intensity physical activity. SBWL and SBWL+TECH attended weekly meetings. SBWL+TECH also received a TECH that included an energy monitoring armband and website to monitor energy intake and expenditure. TECH used the technology system and received monthly telephone calls. Body weight and physical activity were assessed at 0 and 6 months. Retention at 6 months was significantly different (P = 0.005) between groups (SBWL: 53%, SBWL+TECH: 100%, and TECH: 77%). Intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis revealed significant weight losses at 6 months in SBWL+TECH (−8.8 ± 5.0 kg, −8.7 ± 4.7%), SBWL (−3.7 ± 5.7 kg, −4.1 ± 6.3%), and TECH (−5.8 ± 6.6 kg, −6.3 ± 7.1%) (P < 0.001). Self‐report physical activity increased significantly in SBWL (473.9 ± 800.7 kcal/week), SBWL+TECH (713.9 ± 1,278.8 kcal/week), and TECH (1,066.2 ± 1,371 kcal/week) (P < 0.001), with no differences between groups (P = 0.25). The TECH used in conjunction with monthly telephone calls, produced similar, if not greater weight losses and changes in physical activity than the standard in‐person behavioral program at 6 months. The use of this technology may provide an effective short‐term clinical alternative to standard in‐person behavioral weight loss interventions, with the longer term effects warranting investigation.
High Allelic Burden of Four Obesity SNPs Is Associated With Poorer Weight Loss Outcomes Following Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Still Christopher D. , Wood G. Craig , Chu Xin , Erdman Robert , Manney Christina H. , Benotti Peter N. , Petrick Anthony T. , Strodel William E. , Mirshahi Uyenlinh L. , Mirshahi Tooraj , Carey David J. , Gerhard Glenn S.
Published: February 2011

Genome‐wide association and linkage studies have identified multiple susceptibility loci for obesity. We hypothesized that such loci may affect weight loss outcomes following dietary or surgical weight loss interventions. A total of 1,001 white individuals with extreme obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2) who underwent a preoperative diet/behavioral weight loss intervention and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery were genotyped for single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO), insulin induced gene 2 (INSIG2), melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) obesity genes. Association analysis was performed using recessive and additive models with pre‐ and postoperative weight loss data. An increasing number of obesity SNP alleles or homozygous SNP genotypes was associated with increased BMI (P < 0.0006) and excess body weight (P < 0.0004). No association between the amounts of weight lost from a short‐term dietary intervention and any individual obesity SNP or cumulative number of obesity SNP alleles or homozygous SNP genotypes was observed. Linear mixed regression analysis revealed significant differences in postoperative weight loss trajectories across groups with low, intermediate, and high numbers of obesity SNP alleles or numbers of homozygous SNP genotypes (P < 0.0001). Initial BMI interacted with genotype to influence weight loss with initial BMI <50 kg/m2, with evidence of a dosage effect, which was not present in individuals with initial BMI ≥50 kg/m2. Differences in metabolic rate, binge eating behavior, and other clinical parameters were not associated with genotype. These data suggest that response to a surgical weight loss intervention is influenced by genetic susceptibility and BMI.
Histochemistry and ultrastructure of Campuloclinium chlorolepis (Asteraceae) tuberous roots accumulating fructan: evidences of functions other than reserve carbohydrate
Authors: Vilhalva Divina A. A. , Cortelazzo Angelo L. , Carvalho A. L. Maria Angela M. , Figueiredo-Ribeiro Rita de Cássia L.
Published: February 2011

Campuloclinium chlorolepis (Baker), an herbaceous species of the Cerrado, accumulates inulin-type fructans in the tuberous roots. Plants were collected in the Cerrado and the roots analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The presence of fructans was assessed by specific stain reactions and by high performance anion exchange chromatography. Here, we report the localisation of protein, phenols and neutral polysaccharides in the tuberous roots after staining with different dyes generally used in cytochemical analyses. Results showed the presence of fructans inside and outside cells from all tissues of tuberous roots with the exception of the epidermis. When visualised by scanning electron microscopy, globular bodies consistent with typical inulin spherocrystals were clearly detected under polarised light. These globular bodies varied in size according to location, being smaller in the cortical tissue and larger in the central cylinder. The localisation of fructans outside the cell in several tissues of the tuberous roots clearly shown by histochemical and ultrastructural analyses lead to the hypothesis of interaction of fructose polymers with cell membrane and possibly their role in membrane stabilisation in plants subjected to stressing environmental conditions.
Frustration, specific sequence dependence, and nonlinearity in large-amplitude fluctuations of allosteric proteins
Authors: Li Wenfei , Wolynes Peter G. , Takada Shoji
Published: February 2011

Proteins have often evolved sequences so as to acquire the ability for regulation via allosteric conformational change. Here we investigate how allosteric dynamics is designed through sequences with nonlinear interaction features. First, for 71 allosteric proteins of which two, open and closed, structures are available, a statistical survey of interactions using an all-atom model with effective solvation shows that those residue contact interactions specific to one of the two states are significantly weaker than are the contact interactions shared by the two states. This interaction feature indicates there is underlying sequence design to facilitate conformational change. Second, based on the energy landscape theory, we implement these interaction features into a new atomic-interaction-based coarse-grained model via a multiscale simulation protocol (AICG). The AICG model outperforms standard coarse-grained models for predictions of the native-state mean fluctuations and of the conformational change direction. Third, using the new model for adenylate kinase, we show that intrinsic fluctuations in one state contain rare and large-amplitude motions nearly reaching the other state. Such large-amplitude motions are realized partly by sequence specificity and partly by the nonlinear nature of contact interactions, leading to cracking. Both features enhance conformational transition rates.
Comparison of paper‐pencil and online performances of students with learning disabilities
Authors: Taherbhai Husein , Seo Daeryong , Bowman Trinell
Published: February 2011

Literature in the United States provides many examples of no difference in student achievement when measured against the mode of test administration i.e., paper‐pencil and online versions of the test. However, most of these researches centre on ‘regular’ students who do not require differential teaching methods or different evaluation processes and techniques. This research provides evidence that students who have learning disabilities, like their counterparts in the regular educational programme, do not lag behind in computer adaptation and use. The study, using differential item functioning analysis with an ‘external’ variable and an analysis of covariance, shows that items and tests can be created to have no practical differences in the mode of administration for this special group of students, and as such, is in keeping with the trend for using online testing with its many advantages (cost savings, flexibility in administration, etc.) in lieu of the paper and pencil version of the test.
The White British‐Black Caribbean achievement gap: Tests, tiers and teacher expectations
Authors: Strand Steve
Published: February 2011

A recent analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE) indicates a White British–Black Caribbean achievement gap at age 14 which cannot be accounted for by socio‐economic variables or a wide range of contextual factors. This article uses the LSYPE to analyse patterns of entry to the different tiers of national mathematics and science tests at age 14. Each tier gives access to a limited range of outcomes with the highest test outcomes achievable only if students are entered by their teachers to the higher tiers. The results indicate that Black Caribbean students are systematically under‐represented in entry to the higher tiers relative to their White British peers. This gap persists after controls for prior attainment, socio‐economic variables and a wide range of pupil, family, school and neighbourhood factors. Differential entry to test tiers provides a window on teacher expectation effects which may contribute to the achievement gap.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Older Adults in Private Centers
Authors: Rothrauff Tanja C. , Abraham Amanda J. , Bride Brian E. , Roman Paul M.
Published: February 2011

By 2020, an estimated 4.4 million older adults will require substance abuse treatment compared to 1.7 million in 2000–01. This study examined the availability of special services for older adults, adoption of recommended treatment approaches, and organizational characteristics of centers that offer special services. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with administrators and/or clinical directors from a nationally representative sample of 346 private treatment centers participating in the 2006–07 National Treatment Center Study. Results indicated that only 18% provided special services for older adults; age-specific recommendations were generally adopted; more older adult-specialty centers offered prescription drug addiction treatment, primary medical care, and housing assistance. The proportion of patients with Medicare payment predicted availability of special services. As more older adults will seek help with a myriad of substance use disorders (SUDs) over the next decade, treatment centers need to get ready for a plethora of challenges as well as unique opportunities for growth.
Substance Use Attitudes and Behaviors at Three Pharmacy Colleges
Authors: Baldwin Jeffrey N. , Scott David M. , DeSimone Edward M. , Forrester Joy H. , Fankhauser Martha P.
Published: February 2011

The objective of this study was to profile and compare alcohol and other drug (AOD) use attitudes and behaviors in three pharmacy colleges. Student surveys of AOD use attitudes and behaviors were conducted at one southwestern and two midwestern pharmacy colleges. Response was 86.5% (566/654). Reported past-year use included alcohol 82.8%, tobacco 25.4%, and marijuana 6.9%. Past-year AOD-associated events included blackouts 18.2%, class or work under influence 7.8%, patient care under influence 1.4%, lowered grades or job evaluations 5.8%, legal charges 2.7%, and heavy drinking 29.0%. Family histories of alcohol or drug problems were reported by 35.5% and 13.1%, respectively. A number of significant differences in AOD use attitudes and behaviors between the three colleges were identified. Pharmacy students reported a number of risky drug-use attitudes and behaviors in this survey. Student AOD prevention, assistance, and education should be proactively addressed by pharmacy colleges.
Alcoholics Anonymous and the Minnesota Model of Treatment in Iceland
Authors: McMenamin Daniel , Warren Matthew , Tyrfingsson Þórarinn , Hansdóttir Ingunn , Dermatis Helen , Galanter Marc , McMahon Caitlin
Published: February 2011

This study was undertaken to provide an initial characterization of the current status of patients admitted to an alcoholism treatment program in Iceland. Consistent with the Minnesota Model, 12-step facilitation has been a central component of the program since its inception. Of the 94 patients assessed in this study, 67% were male and 40% had attended over 90 AA meetings prior to admission. The mean number of drinking days during the month prior to admission was 15.51 days and the mean length of hospital stay was 12.32 days. At time of hospital discharge, 39% were referred to residential treatment. Significant predictors of referral to residential treatment included having attended less than 90 AA meetings prior to admission and length of stay.
Specialized Training on Addictions for Physicians in the United States
Authors: Tontchev Gramen V. , Housel Timothy R. , Callahan James F. , Kunz Kevin B. , Miller Michael M. , Blondell Richard D.
Published: February 2011

In the United States accredited residency programs in addiction exist only for psychiatrists specializing in addiction psychiatry (ADP); nonpsychiatrists seeking training in addiction medicine (ADM) can train in nonaccredited “fellowships,” or can receive training in some ADP programs, only to not be granted a certificate of completion of accredited training. Information about ADP residency programs has been tabulated, but it is not available for ADM fellowships. The authors conducted a national survey to compile information about the location, structure, curriculum, and other characteristics of active ADM fellowships. Of the 40 accredited ADP residency programs, 7 offered training in addiction to nonpsychiatrists. The authors identified 14 nonaccredited ADM fellowships. In 2009 and 2010, there were approximately 15 nonpsychiatrists in ADP programs and 25 in ADM fellowships. Clinical experiences included inpatient services, outpatient treatment services such as methadone maintenance or buprenorphine maintenance, and providing addiction consult services. The most common academic activities included weekly lectures and the teaching of medical students.