bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Podoplanin and E-cadherin Expression in Preoperative Incisional Biopsies of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Related to Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Foschini Maria P. , Leonardi Elisa , Eusebi Leonardo Henry , Farnedi Anna , Poli Tito , Tarsitano Achille , Cocchi Roberto , Marchetti Claudio , Gentile Luciano , Sesenna Enrico , Marucci Gianluca , Montebugnoli Lucio
Published: January 2013

Metastases to cervical lymph nodes (LNs) are an important independent adverse indicator in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An accurate evaluation of molecular patterns favoring the metastatic process can be helpful in predicting cases of OSCC with elevated probability of early or late metastases and, moreover, in planning the proper therapeutic procedures before surgery. To this end, immunohistochemical expressions of both E-cadherin and podoplanin were evaluated on preoperative incisional biopsies of OSCC from 102 patients. The probability to have or develop metastases was very low when high E-cadherin expression was found in a preoperative sample or when a low podoplanin expression was found. Therefore, because of the strong association with LN metastases, high E-cadherin/low podoplanin immunohistochemical expression should also be assessed on preoperative incisional biopsies as a useful tool for evaluating the probability of early or late LN metastases of OSCCs.
Dilated High Endothelial Venules in Lymph Nodes Simulating Metastatic Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Estevez Samanta , Bosisio Francesca Maria
Published: January 2013

When examining microscopically lymph nodes removed as part of the surgical therapy for thyroid carcinoma, one should be aware of the fact that high endothelial venules, when dilated and near the capsule, can lead to a wrong diagnosis of metastasis. We present a case in which such a situation arose.
Value creation processes and value outcomes in marketing theory
Authors: Gummerus Johanna
Published: January 2013

The present article alleviates the often-cited ambiguity of the value concept by proposing that value research consists of two main streams: value creation processes and value outcomes. The prior considers the parties, activities, and resources involved in value creation, whereas the latter explains the value outcomes customers perceive. Furthermore, the article investigates the value approach offered by the Service-Dominant logic, which proposes that value is co-created by firms and customers, and that beneficiaries determine the value [outcomes] (Vargo and Lusch, 2008). Finally, the article discusses how value creation processes and value outcomes might be interlinked, and creates a number of propositions to this end. It is in particular proposed that experiences offer a shared platform for investigating value creation processes and value outcomes.
Understanding the sleep problems of people with dementia and their family caregivers
Authors: Gibson Rosemary H , Gander Philippa H , Jones Linda M
Published: January 2013

Sleep disturbances are common with dementia and can adversely affect waking function. However, the perspectives of people with dementia and their family caregivers concerning their sleep are under-researched. We conducted three focus groups with 12 community-dwelling pairs (a person with dementia and their family caregiver). Discussions addressed sleep disturbances, coping strategies, and beliefs and attitudes surrounding sleep. Thematic analysis indicated that dementia-related sleep disturbances were common, including confused awakenings and dementia-related behaviors at night, changes to sleep timing, and nightmares. Common issues for caregivers included being woken at night, having problems getting back to sleep, trips to the bathroom, and daytime sleepiness. Participants often normalized their sleeping problems and had developed a number of coping strategies. These findings highlight the impact that sleep disturbances can have on people living with dementia. Their experiences and beliefs need to be considered for developing effective interventions to improve sleep, waking function, and wellbeing.
Intermediate and Long-Term Outcomes of the Suture Bridge Technique for the Management of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Authors: Greenhagen Robert M. , Shinabarger Andrew B. , Pearson Kyle T. , Burns Patrick R.
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a problem frequently encountered by the foot and ankle surgeon. Conservative care yields mixed results, and this condition is often treated surgically. Our hypothesis is that the suture bridge technique through a central posterior incision allows adequate visualization for thorough debridement and exostectomy and provides a stable tendon-to-bone interface for healing. Material and Methods. The medical records of 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy with the suture bridge technique, by a single surgeon, between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot instruments as well as a subjective questionnaire were utilized. Results. In all, 30 individuals who met the inclusion criteria for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 28.93 ± 16.99 months. We included 10 men and 20 women, with a mean age of 49.1 ± 9.2 years. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 56.6 ± 14.0. The average postoperative AOFAS score significantly increased to 91.7 ± 10.4 (P < .0001). One participant required revisional surgery, consisting of a flexor hallucis longus transfer performed by another physician. There were no wound complications or infections. Overall, there was a 97% (28/29) satisfaction rate. Conclusion. The central incision with complete detachment of the Achilles tendon and reattachment with the suture bridge technique for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy provides an effective treatment with good to excellent clinical outcomes in 97% of patients, with a mean follow-up of 29 months.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Retrospective case series
Action in the Event Tent! Medical-Legal Issues Facing the Volunteer Event Physician
Authors: Ross David S. , Ferguson Alishia , Herbert David L.
Published: January 2013

Context:

Physicians need to consider medical-legal issues when volunteering their time to assist with community mass-participation and athletic events. This article also reviews medical-legal aspects of the volunteer physician’s out-of-state practice. Seven cases illustrate the importance of expertise and planning to avoid legal issues for the volunteer event physician.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant studies, expert opinion, medical-legal legislation, and medical-legal cases were reviewed.

Results:

Physicians typically make 4 common assumptions regarding these types of events: Good Samaritan legislation, event liability insurance, personal liability insurance, and waivers. We discuss the intent of these assumptions and the reality of how, or how not, they provide any protection to the volunteer event physician.

Conclusion:

The intent of this article is to make physicians aware of medial-legal issues when volunteering their time for community and athletic events.
Association of thymidylate synthase gene 3'-untranslated region polymorphism with sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer to pemetrexed treatment: TS gene polymorphism and pemetrexed sensitivity in NSCLC
Authors: Wang Xia , Wang Yadi , Wang Yue , Cheng Jian , Wang Yanyun , Ha Minwen
Published: January 2013

Background

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme responsible for DNA synthesis and repair. Altered expression of TS protein or TS gene polymorphisms has been associated with cancer progression and treatment response. This study investigated the expressions of TS and its gene SNPs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and then its association with sensitivity to pemetrexed treatment. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed on 160 resected NSCLC specimens and corresponding normal tissues to assess the expressions of TS protein and TS mRNA, and for associations with clinicopathological data. Blood samples of 106 lung adenocarcinoma patients were examined for polymorphisms of the TS gene 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp, which was then investigated for associations with responses of the patients to pemetrexed treatment and survival.

Results

Expression of both TS protein and its mRNA was elevated in NSCLC tissues compared with matched normal tissues, and significantly higher in lung squamous cell carcinoma than in lung adenocarcinoma. TS expression was associated with poor tumor differentiation. Furthermore, the genotyping data showed that 56% of lung adenocarcinoma patients had the TS gene 3’-UTR 1494 bp (−6 bp/-6 bp) genotype and the rest had TS gene 3’-UTR 1494 bp (−6 bp/+6 bp). There was no TS 3’-UTR 1494 bp (+6 bp/+6 bp) genotype in any patients. Statistical analysis revealed that gender, tumor stage, and TS 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp polymorphism were significant prognostic factors after short-term pemetrexed treatment. Log-rank analysis revealed that patients with the (−6 bp/-6 bp) genotype had significantly better progression-free and overall survival than patients with (−6 bp/+6 bp).

Conclusions

This study showed that TS protein is highly expressed in NSCLC and that polymorphisms of TS 3’-UTR 1494del 6 bp are associated with sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma patients to pemetrexed treatment. This suggests that TS gene polymorphisms should be further evaluated as prognostic markers for personalized therapy in lung adenocarcinoma.
Enhanced cognitive function and antidepressant-like effects after krill oil supplementation in rats
Authors: Wibrand Karin , Berge Kjetil , Messaoudi Michaël , Duffaud Anaïs , Panja Debabrata , Bramham Clive R , Burri Lena
Published: January 2013

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of krill oil (KO) on cognition and depression-like behaviour in rats.

Methods

Cognition was assessed using the Aversive Light Stimulus Avoidance Test (ALSAT). The Unavoidable Aversive Light Stimulus (UALST) and the Forced Swimming Test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of KO. Imipramine (IMIP) was used as the antidepressant reference substance.

Results

After 7 weeks of KO intake, both males and females treated with KO were significantly better in discriminating between the active and the inactive levers in the ALSAT from day 1 of training (p<0.01). Both KO and IMIP prevented resignation/depression on the third day in the UALST. Similarly, a shorter immobility time was observed for the KO and IMIP groups compared to the control in the FST (p<0.001). These data support a robust antidepressant-like potential and beneficial cognitive effect of KO. Changes in expression of synaptic plasticity-related genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were also investigated. mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) was specifically upregulated in the hippocampus of female rats receiving 7 weeks of KO supplementation (p=0.04) and a similar trend was observed in males (p=0.08). Males also exhibited an increase in prefrontal cortex expression ofArcmRNA, a key protein in long-term synaptic plasticity (p=0.05). IMIP induced clear effects on several plasticity related genes includingBdnfandArc.

Conclusions

These results indicate that active components (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and astaxanthin) in KO facilitate learning processes and provide antidepressant-like effects. Our findings also suggest that KO might work through different physiological mechanisms than IMIP.
Ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) prevents oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Zhu Yanyun , Yang Junlan , Jiao Shunchang , Ji Tiefeng
Published: January 2013

Background

Oxaliplatin, an effective antineoplastic agent againstgastrointestinal tumors, can cause severe peripheral neurotoxicity, which seriously limits its clinical application. To date, there are no effective treatments for this complication. Ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) has been shown to protect neurons against injuries and degeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GM1 on preventing oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Methods

In this study, 120 patients with gastrointestinal tumors were enrolled, andthey received the treatment of XELOX (oxaliplatin and capecitabine) and FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin, leukovolin and 5-fluorouracil). The patients were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group and control group, with60 patients ineach. On the day chemotherapy was initiated, the experimental group received GM1 intravenously (100 mg once daily) for 3 days, while no neuroprotective agents were applied in the control group. The incidence rates and classification of neurotoxicity in the two groups were evaluated and the differences between the two groups were examined. Furthermore, whether GM1 affected the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy was also examined.

Results

The grade of neurotoxicity in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05, Mann–Whitney U test). The probability of occurrence of low-grade neurotoxicity (grade 0 and 1) in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (logistic ordinal regression); whereas the probability of occurrence of high-grade neurotoxicity (grade 2 and 3) in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (logistic ordinal regression).

Conclusion

The data suggested that GM1 could reduce the grade of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity and was an effective neuroprotective agent against oxaliplatin-induced high-grade neurotoxicity in patients with gastrointestinal tumors.
Health effects of exposure to nano-TiO2: a meta-analysis of experimental studies
Authors: Chang Xuhong , Zhang Yu , Tang Meng , Wang Bei
Published: January 2013

The paper is aimed to investigate the toxicity of nano-TiO2 and its potential harmful impact on human health using meta-analysis of in vitro and short-time animal studies. Data were retrieved according to included and excluded criteria from 1994 to 2011. The combined toxic effects of nano-TiO2 were calculated by the different endpoints by cell and animal models. From analysis of the experimental studies, more than 50% showed positive statistical significance except the apoptosis group, and the cytotoxicity was in a dose-dependent but was not clear in size-dependent manner. Nano-TiO2 was detained in several important organs including the liver, spleen, kidney, and brain after entering the blood through different exposure routes, but the coefficient of the target organs was altered slightly from animal models. It is possible that nano-TiO2 can induce cell damage related to exposure size and dose. Further studies will be needed to demonstrate that nanoparticles have toxic effects on human body, especially in epidemiological studies.
The role of high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 expression in the differential diagnosis of hepatic actinomycosis: a case report
Authors: Wu Chuan-Xin , Guo Hui , Gong Jian-Ping , Liu Qi , Sun Hang
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Primary hepatic actinomycosis is a rare disease, but is important in the differential diagnosis of hepatoma in endemic areas. As high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, we postulate that high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 may have a possible pathogenic role in hepatic actinomycosis. To the best of our knowledge, our report is the first to detect an association between highly elevated high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 expression and hepatic actinomycosis.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital with a three-month history of epigastric pain, anorexia, and subjective weight loss. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the patient’s abdomen confirmed a hypodense mass measuring seven cm in diameter in the left lateral segment of his liver. A hepatic tumor was suspected and surgical resection was scheduled. Histopathologic examination revealed that the overall features of the hepatic tissues were consistent with hepatic actinomycosis. Whole blood and hepatic tissue samples of the patient, of patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma and of healthy donors were collected. Serum high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 concentration in actinomycosis was 8.5ng/mL, which was higher than the hepatocellular carcinoma level of 5.2ng/mL and the normal level of <three ng/mL. High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 messenger ribonucleic acid levels and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 protein content in the affected tissues of this patient with hepatic actinomycosis were higher than those of the control and hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The results of immunohistochemistry showed the following: in the control tissues, high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 was distributed mainly in the cytoplasm; in the hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 was distributed primarily in the nucleus; and in the actinomycosis tissues, high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 was increased in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.

Conclusion

High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 may have a potent biological effect on the pathogenesis of hepatic actinomycosis as a novel cytokine and may be a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of hepatic actinomycosis.
Thermal tolerance breadths among groundwater crustaceans living in a thermally constant environment
Authors: Mermillod-Blondin Florian , Lefour Clélia , Lalouette Lisa , Renault David , Malard Florian , Simon Laurent , Douady Christophe
Published: January 2013

Abstract: The climate variability hypothesis assumes that the thermal tolerance breadth of a species is primarily determined by temperature variations experienced in its environment. If so, aquatic invertebrates living in thermally-buffered environments would be expected to exhibit narrow thermal tolerance breadths (stenothermy). We tested this prediction by studying the thermal physiology of 3 isopods (Asellidae, Proasellus) colonizing groundwater habitats characterized by annual amplitude of temperature less than 1°C. The species responses to temperature variation were assessed in the laboratory using five physiological variables: survival, locomotor activity, aerobic respiration, immune defense and concentrations of total free amino acids and sugars. The three species exhibited contrasted thermal physiologies although all variables were not equally informative. In accordance with the climate variability hypothesis, two species were extremely sensitive even to moderate changes in temperature (2°C) below and above their habitat temperature. In contrast, the third species exhibited a surprisingly high thermal tolerance breadth (11°C). Differences in response to temperature variation among Proasellus species indicated that their thermal physiology was not solely shaped by the current temperature seasonality in their natural habitats. More particularly, recent gene flow among populations living in thermally constant yet contrasted habitats might explain the occurrence of eurytherm species in thermally buffered environments.
Ethyl Imidazole-1-carboxylate (EImC) as a Carbonylating Agent: Efficient Synthesis of Oxazolidin-2-ones from Amino Alcohols
Authors: Veeraswamy S , Reddy K Indrasena , Ragavan R Venkat , Yennam Satyanarayana , Jayashree A
Published: January 2013

Various substituted oxazolidin-2-ones were synthesized from the corresponding amino alcohols using ethyl imidazole-1-carboxylate (EImC). Highly substituted and sterically hindered amino alcohols and amino alcohols having a free hydroxy group were cyclized to oxazolidin-2-ones efficiently. This method is simple and produces oxazolidin-2-ones in very good yield.
Localized Sn2+ Emission Center Independent of the Optical Basicity of Zinc Phosphate Glass
Authors: Masai Hirokazu , Tanimoto Toshiro , Fujiwara Takumi , Matsumoto Syuji , Tokuda Yomei , Yoko Toshinobu
Published: January 2013

We report the emission and optical properties of RO-substituted (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) 2.5SnO–57.5ZnO–40P2O5 glasses. Although the optical basicity of the host glass is changed by substitution of RO for ZnO, the optical band edge and the peak positions of the photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) spectra show no significant changes. Considering the characteristics of ns2-type emission centers, the properties of which are strongly affected by the coordination field, it can be concluded that the localized Sn2+ state affects both the optical absorption edge and the emission.
(3-Fluoro-4-methoxyanilinium)+([18]Crown-6) Supramolecular Cation Salt of Ferromagnetic [MnIICrIII(oxalate)3]−
Authors: Endo Toru , Kubo Kazuya , Yoshitake Masashi , Noro Shin-ichiro , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: January 2013

A single crystal of (3-fluoro-4-methoxyanilinium)+([18]crown-6)[MnIICrIII(oxalate)3]−(CH3OH)2 had the space group Cc owing to the arrangement of the 3-fluoro-4-methoxyanilinium+ cation with C1 symmetry and, therefore, was pyroelectric. A ferromagnetic transition at 5.5 K was observed, which originated from the two-dimensional honeycomb structure of the [MnIICrIII(oxalate)3]− anion.
Amino acids as metabolic substrates during cardiac ischemia
Authors: Drake Kenneth J , Sidorov Veniamin Y , Mcguinness Owen P , Wasserman David H , Wikswo John P
Published: January 2013

The heart is well known as a metabolic omnivore in that it is capable of consuming fatty acids, glucose, ketone bodies, pyruvate, lactate, amino acids and even its own constituent proteins, in order of decreasing preference. The energy from these substrates supports not only mechanical contraction, but also the various transmembrane pumps and transporters required for ionic homeostasis, electrical activity, metabolism and catabolism. Cardiac ischemia - for example, due to compromise of the coronary vasculature or end-stage heart failure - will alter both electrical and metabolic activity. While the effects of myocardial ischemia on electrical propagation and stability have been studied in depth, the effects of ischemia on metabolic substrate preference has not been fully appreciated: oxygen deprivation during ischemia will significantly alter the relative ability of the heart to utilize each of these substrates. Although changes in cardiac metabolism are understood to be an underlying component in almost all cardiac myopathies, the potential contribution of amino acids in maintaining cardiac electrical conductance and stability during ischemia is underappreciated. Despite clear evidence that amino acids exert cardioprotective effects in ischemia and other cardiac disorders, their role in the metabolism of the ischemic heart has yet to be fully elucidated. This review synthesizes the current literature of the metabolic contribution of amino acids during ischemia by analyzing relevant historical and recent research.
Evaluation of the pulmonary effects of short-term nose-only cigarette smoke exposure in mice
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Raza Haider , Subramaniyan Deepa , John Annie , Elwasila Mohamed , Ali Badreldin H , Adeghate Ernest
Published: January 2013

Much is known about the chronic effects of cigarette smoke (CS) on lung function and inflammation and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms related to the short-term exposure to CS are not fully understood. Here, we assessed the effect of CS generated by nine consecutive cigarettes per day for four days in a nose-only exposure system on airway resistance measured using forced oscillation technique, lung inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. Control mice were exposed to air. Mice exposed to CS showed a significant increase of neutrophils and lymphocytes numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The total protein and endothelin levels in BAL fluid were significantly augmented suggesting an increase of alveolar-capillary barrier permeability. Similarly, airway resistance was significantly increased in the CS group compared with controls. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels in lung tissue were significantly increased. The antioxidant activities of reduced glutathione, glutathione S transferase and superoxide dismutase were all significantly increased following CS exposure, indicating that CS could trigger adaptive responses that counterbalance the potentially damaging activity of oxygen radicals induced by CS exposure. In conclusion, our data indicate that short-term nose-only exposure to CS causes lung inflammation and increase of airway resistance mediated at least partly through the oxidative stress.
Expansion of a Clonal CD8+CD57+ Large Granular Lymphocyte Population After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Wolniak Kristy L. , Goolsby Charles L. , Chen Yi-Hua , Chenn Anjen , Singhal Seema , Mehta Jayesh , Peterson LoAnn C.
Published: January 2013

Clonal expansions of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) have been identified in patients following stem cell transplants and may represent posttransplant LGL leukemias or reactive immune responses. To differentiate between these 2 possibilities, we assessed peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant. All patients examined shortly after autologous stem cell transplant had significant increases in the LGLs in the peripheral blood and bone marrow (71% of lymphocytes) as compared with controls (39%). This increase was detectable years after transplant. The LGLs had a reproducible immunophenotype of CD8+CD57+ T cells without phenotypic abnormalities in 19 of 20 patients. Sixty-five percent of the post-autologous stem cell transplant patients had clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in the bone marrow, yet no patients had neutropenia or splenomegaly. Although the LGL expansions were clonal and persistent, the lack of clinical sequelae suggests the clonal LGL expansion is a reactive, potentially beneficial, immune response to autologous stem cell transplant.
Facilitating the Laboratory Diagnosis of α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Greene Dina N. , Elliott-Jelf M.C. , Straseski Joely A. , Grenache David G.
Published: January 2013

α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency leads to deterioration of the lungs that can be prevented with diagnosis and treatment. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis is the current biochemical gold standard for detecting AAT deficiency variants but involves complex interpretation. Variant AAT samples were collected over a 2-year period. Stability of AAT for phenotype determination was assessed in whole blood, dried blood spots, and dried serum spots. A compendium displaying 13 common and 5 rare AAT phenotypes was created, and a detailed methodology describing how to recognize AAT banding patterns and interpret a rare phenotype accompanied these visual data. AAT was stable for IEF phenotype analysis for at least 1 week in whole blood and for 24 hours on dried serum spots. In conclusion, a reference compendium of known AAT phenotypes was established that can serve as a resource for interpreting AAT phenotypes.
Elastin biology and tissue engineering with adult cells
Authors: Saitow Cassandra B. , Wise Steven G. , Weiss Anthony S. , Castellot John J. , Kaplan David L.
Published: January 2013

The inability of adult cells to produce well-organized, robust elastic fibers has long been a barrier to the successful engineering of certain tissues. In this review, we focus primarily on elastin with respect to tissue-engineered vascular substitutes. To understand elastin regulation during normal development, we describe the role of various elastic fiber accessory proteins. Biochemical pathways regulating expression of the elastin gene are addressed, with particular focus on tissue-engineering research using adult-derived cells.
How linguistic structure influences and helps to predict metaphoric meaning
Authors: Dunn Jonathan
Published: January 2013

This paper argues that two properties of the linguistic structure of an utterance influence and partially determine whether the utterance has a metaphoric meaning that results in a stable interpretation: (i) degree of metaphoricity and (ii) degree of metaphoric saturation. A majority of metaphoric utterances in a corpus study (66%) were unsaturated, low metaphoricity utterances that behave as expected by Max Black and the cognitive linguistics paradigm. However, a significant minority (34%) of the metaphoric utterances were saturated or high metaphoricity utterances that behave partially as expected by Donald Davidson and others working in his tradition. This suggests that the direct and indirect interpretation views of metaphor are not incompatible but apply to different sub-groups of metaphoric utterances. The paper then constructs a model of metaphoric meaning that makes falsifiable predictions about the interpretations of metaphoric utterances in order to provide further evidence that unsaturated, low metaphoricity utterances have stable interpretations. This research provides both converging evidence for the cognitive linguistic view of metaphor and also a framework for limiting its scope to most, but not all, metaphoric utterances.
Independent cross-cultural data reveal linguistic effects on basic numerical cognition
Authors: Everett Caleb
Published: January 2013

The role of numeric language in basic numerical cognition is explored via the consideration of results obtained in two recent independent studies, one with Nicaraguan homesigners and one with speakers of Pirahã. Attention is drawn to remarkable parallels between the relevant findings, parallels that provide compelling evidence that adults without access to numeric language face difficulties when simply attempting to differentiate quantities greater than three.
Flexible diskret-kontinuierliche Überwachung und Regelung humanoider Roboter
Authors: Milighetti Giulio , Bauer Christian , Mikut Ralf , Kuntze Helge-Björn
Published: January 2013

Die Regelung humanoider Roboter stellt nicht nur hohe Anforderungen an den Entwurf der kognitiven Architektur und der Hardwarekomponenten, sondern auch an die Planungs-, Regelungs- und Überwachungskomponenten, die die Lücke zwischen der Kognition und der Hardware schließen. Dieser Beitrag baut auf einer Übersicht über aktuelle Trends bei Industrie- und Servicerobotern auf und präsentiert ein generisches Lösungskonzept in Form eines modularen, multisensoriellen, diskret-kontinuierlichen Regelungs- und Überwachungskonzepts. Hierbei wird insbesondere die Zerlegung komplexer Aktionen in einzelne Grundgeschicklichkeiten mit integrierten Regelungs- und Überwachungslösungen beschrieben.
LKB1 Regulates Lipid Oxidation During Exercise Independently of AMPK
Authors: Jeppesen Jacob , Maarbjerg Stine J. , Jordy Andreas B. , Fritzen Andreas M. , Pehmøller Christian , Sylow Lykke , Serup Annette Karen , Jessen Niels , Thorsen Kasper , Prats Clara , Qvortrup Klaus , Dyck Jason R.B. , Hunter Roger W. , Sakamoto Kei , Thomson David M. , Schjerling Peter , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P. , Richter Erik A. , Kiens Bente
Published: January 2013

Lipid metabolism is important for health and insulin action, yet the fundamental process of regulating lipid metabolism during muscle contraction is incompletely understood. Here, we show that liver kinase B1 (LKB1) muscle-specific knockout (LKB1 MKO) mice display decreased fatty acid (FA) oxidation during treadmill exercise. LKB1 MKO mice also show decreased muscle SIK3 activity, increased histone deacetylase 4 expression, decreased NAD+ concentration and SIRT1 activity, and decreased expression of genes involved in FA oxidation. In AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α2 KO mice, substrate use was similar to that in WT mice, which excluded that decreased FA oxidation in LKB1 MKO mice was due to decreased AMPKα2 activity. Additionally, LKB1 MKO muscle demonstrated decreased FA oxidation in vitro. A markedly decreased phosphorylation of TBC1D1, a proposed regulator of FA transport, and a low CoA content could contribute to the low FA oxidation in LKB1 MKO. LKB1 deficiency did not reduce muscle glucose uptake or oxidation during exercise in vivo, excluding a general impairment of substrate use during exercise in LKB1 MKO mice. Our findings demonstrate that LKB1 is a novel molecular regulator of major importance for FA oxidation but not glucose uptake in muscle during exercise.
Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Kodama Satoru , Tanaka Shiro , Heianza Yoriko , Fujihara Kazuya , Horikawa Chika , Shimano Hitoshi , Saito Kazumi , Yamada Nobuhiro , Ohashi Yasuo , Sone Hirohito
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

The association between habitual physical activity (PA) and lowered risk of all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been suggested in patients with diabetes. This meta-analysis summarizes the risk reduction in relation to PA, focusing on clarifying dose-response associations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Electronic literature searches were conducted for cohort studies that examined relative risk (RR) of ACM or CVD in relation to PA in patients with diabetes. For the qualitative assessment, RR for the highest versus the lowest PA category in each study was pooled with a random-effects model. We added linear and spline regression analyses to assess the quantitative relationship between increases in PA and ACM and CVD risk.

RESULTS

There were 17 eligible studies. Qualitatively, the highest PA category had a lower RR [95% CI] for ACM (0.61 [0.52–0.70]) and CVD (0.71 [0.60–0.84]) than the lowest PA category. The linear regression model indicated a high goodness of fit for the risk of ACM (adjusted R2 = 0.44, P = 0.001) and CVD (adjusted R2 = 0.51, P = 0.001), with the result that a 1 MET-h/day incrementally higher PA was associated with 9.5% (5.0–13.8%) and 7.9% (4.3–11.4%) reductions in ACM and CVD risk, respectively. The spline regression model was not significantly different from the linear model in goodness of fit (P = 0.14 for ACM risk; P = 0.60 for CVD risk).

CONCLUSIONS

More PA was associated with a larger reduction in future ACM and CVD risk in patients with diabetes. Nevertheless, any amount of habitual PA was better than inactivity.
Habitually Higher Dietary Glycemic Index During Puberty Is Prospectively Related to Increased Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes in Younger Adulthood
Authors: Goletzke Janina , Herder Christian , Joslowski Gesa , Bolzenius Katja , Remer Thomas , Wudy Stefan A. , Roden Michael , Rathmann Wolfgang , Buyken Anette E.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Carbohydrate nutrition during periods of physiological insulin resistance such as puberty may affect future risk of type 2 diabetes. This study examined whether the amount or the quality (dietary glycemic index [GI], glycemic load [GL], and added sugar, fiber, and whole-grain intake) of carbohydrates during puberty is associated with risk markers of type 2 diabetes in younger adulthood.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The analysis was based on 226 participants (121 girls and 105 boys) from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study (DONALD) with an average of five 3-day weighed dietary records (range 2–6) during puberty (girls, age 9–14 years; boys, age 10–15 years) and fasting blood samples in younger adulthood (age 18–36 years) (average duration of follow-up 12.6 years). Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the associations between carbohydrate nutrition and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as well as the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (n = 214).

RESULTS

A higher dietary GI was prospectively related to greater values of HOMA-IR (Ptrend = 0.03), ALT (Ptrend = 0.02), and GGT (Ptrend = 0.04). After adjustment for sex, adult age, baseline BMI, and early life and socioeconomic factors as well as protein and fiber intake, predicted mean HOMA-IR values in energy-adjusted tertiles of GI were 2.37 (95% CI 2.16–2.60), 2.47 (2.26–2.71), and 2.59 (2.35–2.85). The amount of carbohydrates, GL, and added sugar, fiber, and whole-grain intake were not related to the analyzed markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that a habitually higher dietary GI during puberty may adversely affect risk markers of type 2 diabetes in younger adulthood.
How Paradigms Create Politics
Authors: Mehta Jal
Published: January 2013

American educational policy was rapidly transformed between 1980 and 2001. Accountability was introduced into a sphere that had long been loosely coupled, both major political parties reevaluated longstanding positions, and significant institutional control over the schooling shifted to the federal government for the first time in the nation’s history. These changes cannot be explained by conventional theories such as interest groups, rational choice, and historical institutionalism. Drawing on extensive archival research and more than 80 interviews, this article argues that this transformation can be explained by a changed policy paradigm which restructured the political landscape around education reform. More generally, while previous scholars have observed that “policies create politics,” it should also be recognized that “paradigms create politics.”
The failure of preoperative ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization to improve outcomes in arteriovenous malformation management: case series
Authors: Morgan Michael Kerin , Davidson Andrew Stewart , Koustais Stavros , Simons Mary , Ritson Elizabeth Anne
Published: January 2013

Object

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization is increasingly used preoperatively in the resection of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, the case for embolization improving the outcome of resection has not been evaluated. In this paper the authors set out to compare outcomes after surgery for brain AVMs in 2 consecutive periods of practice. In the first period, selective embolization was used without the use of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. In the second period, selective embolization with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer was performed.

Methods

A consecutive case series (prospectively collected data) was retrospectively analyzed. Adverse outcomes were considered to be an outcome modified Rankin Scale score greater than 2 due to embolization or surgery.

Results

A total of 538 surgical cases were included. The percentages of adverse outcomes were as follows: 0.34% for Spetzler-Martin AVMs less than Grade III (1 of 297 cases); 5.23% (95% CI 2.64%–9.78%) for Grade III AVMs (9 of 172 cases); and 17% (95% CI 10%–28%) for AVMs greater than Grade III (12 of 69 cases). There was no improvement in outcomes from the first period to the second period. The adverse outcome for Grade III brain AVMs in the first period was 5.2% (7 of 135 cases) and in the second period (after ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer was introduced) it was 5.4% (2 of 37 cases). For AVMs greater than Grade III, the adverse outcome was 12% (6 of 49 cases) in the first period and 30% (6 of 20 cases) in the second period.

Conclusions

Outcomes for brain AVM surgery were not improved by ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization. Preoperative embolization of high-grade AVMs with an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer did not prevent those hemorrhagic complications which embolization is hypothesized to prevent based on theoretical speculations but not demonstrated in practice.
Elicitors: A Tool for Improving Fruit Phenolic Content
Authors: Ruiz-García Yolanda , Gómez-Plaza Encarna
Published: January 2013

Fruits are one of the most important sources of polyphenols for humans, whether they are consumed fresh or as processed products. To improve the phenolic content of fruits, a novel field of interest is based on results obtained using elicitors, agrochemicals which were primarily designed to improve resistance to plant pathogens. Although elicitors do not kill pathogens, they trigger plant defense mechanisms, one of which is to increase the levels of phenolic compounds. Therefore, their application not only allows us to control plant disease but also to increase the phenolic content of plant foodstuffs. Pre- or post-harvest application of the most commonly used elicitors to several fruits is discussed in this review.
Binding of Sperm to the Zona Pellucida Mediated by Sperm Carbohydrate-Binding Proteins is not Species-Specific in Vitro between Pigs and Cattle
Authors: Takahashi Kazuya , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Uchida Yasuomi , Kanai-Kitayama Saeko , Suzuki Reiichiro , Sato Reiko , Toma Kazunori , Geshi Masaya , Akagi Satoshi , Nakano Minoru , Yonezawa Naoto
Published: January 2013

Carbohydrates are candidates for the basis of species-selective interaction of gametes during mammalian fertilization. In this study, we sought to clarify the roles of sugar residues in the species-selective, sperm–oocyte interaction in pigs and cattle. Acrosome-intact porcine and bovine sperm exhibited their strongest binding affinities for β-Gal and α-Man residues, respectively. Porcine-sperm specificity changed from β-Gal to α-Man after the acrosome reaction, while bovine-sperm specificity did not. Binding of acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm decreased after trypsinization, indicating that the carbohydrate-binding components are proteins. While immature oocytes bound homologous sperm preferentially to heterologous sperm, oocytes matured in vitro bound similar numbers of homologous and heterologous sperm. Lectin staining revealed the aggregation of α-Man residues on the outer surface of the porcine zona during maturation. In both species, zona-free, mature oocytes bound homologous sperm preferentially to heterologous sperm. The lectin-staining patterns of the zona pellucida and zona-free oocytes coincided with the carbohydrate-binding specificities of acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm, respectively, supporting the involvement of carbohydrates in gamete recognition in pigs and cattle. These results also indicate that sperm-zona pellucida and sperm–oolemma bindings are not strictly species-specific in pigs and cattle, and further suggest that sperm penetration into the zona and/or fusion with oolemma may be species-specific between pigs and cattle.
Application of Metabolic 13C Labeling in Conjunction with High-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Comparative Conformational Analysis of High Mannose-Type Oligosaccharides
Authors: Kamiya Yukiko , Yanagi Kotaro , Kitajima Toshihiko , Yamaguchi Takumi , Chiba Yasunori , Kato Koichi
Published: January 2013

High mannose-type oligosaccharides are enzymatically trimmed in the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in various processing intermediates with exposed glycotopes that are recognized by a series of lectins involved in glycoprotein fate determination in cells. Although recent crystallographic data have provided the structural basis for the carbohydrate recognition of intracellular lectins, atomic information of dynamic oligosaccharide conformations is essential for a quantitative understanding of the energetics of carbohydrate–lectin interactions. Carbohydrate NMR spectroscopy is useful for characterizing such conformational dynamics, but often hampered by poor spectral resolution and lack of recombinant techniques required to produce homogeneous glycoforms. To overcome these difficulties, we have recently developed a methodology for the preparation of a homogeneous high mannose-type oligosaccharide with 13C labeling using a genetically engineered yeast strain. We herein successfully extended this method to result in the overexpression of 13C-labeled Man9GlcNAc2 (M9) with a newly engineered yeast strain with the deletion of four genes involved in N-glycan processing. This enabled high-field NMR analyses of 13C-labeled M9 in comparison with its processing product lacking the terminal mannose residue ManD2. Long-range NOE data indicated that the outer branches interact with the core in both glycoforms, and such foldback conformations are enhanced upon the removal of ManD2. The observed conformational variabilities might be significantly associated with lectins and glycan-trimming enzymes.
Two New Derivatives of 2, 5-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid from the Kernel of Entada phaseoloides
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhang Yong , Ding Gang , Ba Mingyu , Guo Ying , Zou Zhongmei
Published: January 2013

Two new aromatic compounds, butyl 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetate (1) and butyl 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-5-dihydroxyphenylacetate (2), together with three known ones, methyl 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetate (3), ethyl 2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetate (4) and 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-5-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), were isolated from the EtOH extract of the kernel of Entada phaseoloides. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR experiments. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 displayed potent inhibitory activities against HIV-1 replication, with EC50 values of 9.80 μM, 11.70 μM and 9.93 μM, respectively.
An Efficient Microwave-Assisted Suzuki Reaction using a New Pyridine-Pyrazole/Pd(II) Species as Catalyst in Aqueous Media
Authors: Shen Liqun , Huang Suyu , Nie Yuanmei , Lei Fuhou
Published: January 2013

A new pyridine-pyrazole N–N ligand has been conveniently synthesized and characterized by 1H-, 13C-NMR, IR spectroscopies, HRMS and X-ray single-crystal crystallography analyses. The ligand adds to palladium(II) under basic conditions to give high yields of an air-stable and water-soluble complex that was fully characterized by NMR and HRMS. The complex was investigated as a catalyst for the Suzuki reaction in aqueous media under microwave irradiation. The compound proved to be an effective catalyst.
Temperature Grid Sensor for the Measurement of Spatial Temperature Distributions at Object Surfaces
Authors: Schäfer Thomas , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe
Published: January 2013

This paper presents results of the development and application of a new temperature grid sensor based on the wire-mesh sensor principle. The grid sensor consists of a matrix of 256 Pt1000 platinum chip resistors and an associated electronics that measures the grid resistances with a multiplexing scheme at high speed. The individual sensor elements can be spatially distributed on an object surface and measure transient temperature distributions in real time. The advantage compared with other temperature field measurement approaches such as infrared cameras is that the object under investigation can be thermally insulated and the radiation properties of the surface do not affect the measurement accuracy. The sensor principle is therefore suited for various industrial monitoring applications. Its applicability for surface temperature monitoring has been demonstrated through heating and mixing experiments in a vessel.
Exploring Techniques for Vision Based Human Activity Recognition: Methods, Systems, and Evaluation
Authors: Xu Xin , Tang Jinshan , Zhang Xiaolong , Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Hong , Qiu Yimin
Published: January 2013

With the wide applications of vision based intelligent systems, image and video analysis technologies have attracted the attention of researchers in the computer vision field. In image and video analysis, human activity recognition is an important research direction. By interpreting and understanding human activity, we can recognize and predict the occurrence of crimes and help the police or other agencies react immediately. In the past, a large number of papers have been published on human activity recognition in video and image sequences. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the recent development of the techniques, including methods, systems, and quantitative evaluation towards the performance of human activity recognition.