bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of yessotoxin in calcium and cAMP‐crosstalks in primary and K‐562 human lymphocytes: The effect is mediated by Anchor kinase a mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Tobío Araceli , Fernández‐Araujo Andrea , Alfonso Amparo , Botana Luis M.
Published: July 2012

Yessotoxin (YTX) is a marine polyether toxin previously described as a phosphodiesterase (PDE) activator in fresh human lymphocytes. This toxin induces a decrease of adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels in fresh human lymphocytes in a medium with calcium (Ca2+), whereas the contrary effect has been observed in a Ca2+‐free medium. In the present article, the effect of YTX in K‐562 lymphocytes cell line has been analysed. Surprisingly, results obtained in K‐562 cell line are completely opposite than in fresh human lymphocytes, since in K‐562 cells YTX induces an increase of cAMP levels. YTX cytotoxicity was also studied in both K‐562 cell line and fresh human lymphocytes. Results demonstrate that YTX does not modify fresh human lymphocytes viability, whereas in K‐562 cells, YTX has a highly cytotoxic effect. It has been described in a previous study that YTX induces a small cytosolic Ca2+ increase in fresh human lymphocytes but no effect was observed on Ca2+ pools depletion in these cells. However, our results show that, in K‐562 cells, YTX has no effect on cytosolic Ca2+ levels in a medium with Ca2+ and induces an increase on Ca2+ pools depletion followed by a Ca2+ influx. As far as Ca2+ modulation is concerned these results demonstrate that YTX has a clear opposite effect in tumoural and fresh human lymphocytes. In addition, intracellular Ca2+ reservoirs affected by YTX are different than thapsigargin‐sensible pools. Furthermore, YTX‐dependent Ca2+ pools depletion was abolished by cAMP analogue (dibutyryl cAMP), phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitor (rolipram), protein kinase A inhibitor (H89) and oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p‐(trifluoromethoxy) (FCCP) treatments. This evidences the crosstalks between Ca2+, YTX and cAMP pathways. Also, results obtain demonstrate that YTX‐dependent Ca2+ influx was only abolished by FCCP pre‐treatment, which indicates a link between YTX and mitochondria in K‐562 cell line. Cytosolic expression of A‐kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs), the proteins which integrates phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and PKA to the mitochondria, was determined in both cell models. On the one hand, in human fresh lymphocytes, YTX increases AKAP149 cytosolic expression. This fact is accompanied with a decrease in cAMP levels, and therefore PDEs activation, which finally leads to cell survival. On the other hand, in tumoural lymphocytes, YTX has an opposite effect since decreases AKAP149 cytosolic expression and increase cAMP levels which leads to cell death. This is the first time that YTX and mitochondrial AKAPs proteins relationship is characterised. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3752–3761, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative proteome analysis of ovarian cancer tissues using a iTRAQ approach
Authors: Wang Li‐Na , Tong Shi‐Wen , Hu Huai‐Dong , Ye Feng , Li Sang‐Lin , Ren Hong , Zhang Da‐Zhi , Xiang Rong , Yang Yi‐Xuan
Published: July 2012

Quantitative proteomics can be used as a screening tool for identification of differentially expressed proteins as potential biomarkers for cancers. Here, we comparatively analyzed the proteome profiles of ovarian cancer tissues and normal ovarian epithelial tissues. Using the high‐throughput proteomic technology of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)‐coupled with two‐dimensional‐liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, 1,259 unique proteins were identified. Of those, 205 were potentially differentially expressed between ovarian cancer and normal ovarian tissues. Several of the potentially differentially expressed proteins were validated by Western blotting and real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analyses. Furthermore, up‐regulation of KRT8, PPA1, IDH2, and S100A11 were validated in ovarian tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. Silencing of S100A11 expression suppressed the migration and invasion properties of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Our study represents the successful application of iTRAQ technology to an investigation of ovarian cancer. Many of the potentially differentially expressed proteins identified had not been linked to ovarian cancer before, and provide valuable novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis in human ovarian cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3762–3772, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caveolin‐1 regulates proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Baker Natasha , Zhang Guofeng , You Yang , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: July 2012

Caveolin‐1 is a scaffolding protein of cholesterol‐rich caveolae lipid rafts in the plasma membrane. In addition to regulating cholesterol transport, caveolin‐1 has the ability to bind a diverse array of cell signaling molecules and regulate cell signal transduction in caveolae. Currently, there is little known about the role of caveolin‐1 in stem cells. It has been reported that the caveolin‐1 null mouse has an expanded population of cells expressing stem cell markers in the gut, mammary gland, and brain, suggestive of a role for caveolin‐1 in stem cell regulation. The caveolin‐1 null mouse also has increased bone mass and an increased bone formation rate, and its bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have enhanced osteogenic potential. However, the role of caveolin‐1 in human MSC osteogenic differentiation remains unexplored. In this study, we have characterized the expression of caveolin‐1 in human bone marrow derived MSCs. We show that caveolin‐1 protein is enriched in density gradient‐fractionated MSC plasma membrane, consisting of ∼100 nm diameter membrane‐bound vesicles, and is distributed in a punctate pattern by immunofluoresence localization. Expression of caveolin‐1 increases in MSCs induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation, and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of caveolin‐1 expression enhances MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, these findings suggest that caveolin‐1 normally acts to regulate the differentiation and renewal of MSCs, and increased caveolin‐1 expression during MSC osteogenesis likely acts as a negative feedback to stabilize the cell phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3773–3787, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTD‐hFOXP3 protein acts as an immune regulator to convert human CD4+CD25−T cells to regulatory T‐like cells
Authors: Liu Xia , Xu Xun , Lin Xin , Tian Yuxiang , Ji Baoju , Xia Sheng , Xu Sanrong , Yin Qing , Zhang Miaomiao , Jiao Zhijun , Wang Shengjun , Xu Huaxi , Shao Qixiang
Published: July 2012

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for maintaining self‐tolerance and homeostasis, and have potential application in clinical disease therapy, such as autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection, but their numbers are limited. FOXP3 is a key transcription factor controlling Tregs development and function. Although transfection of CD4+CD25−lymphocytes with the FOXP3 gene can convert them to Treg‐like cells, there is the risk of insertional mutagenesis and thus an alternative to genetic intervention is sought. The protein transduction domain (PTD) from the HIV transactivator of transcription is a useful tool to deliver protein to the cytoplasm and nucleus. In this study, we generated a fusion protein linking the human FOXP3 to PTD (PTD‐hFOXP3), and explored its function in T cells. The results showed that the PTD rapidly and effectively delivered the hFOXP3 protein into cells where it localized not only in the cytoplasm, but also to the nucleus. PTD‐hFOXP3‐transduced Jurkat cells (human T lymphoma cell line) and CD4+CD25−T cells failed to proliferate and produce IL‐2 and IFN‐γ, but produced large amounts of the cytokines IL‐4, IL‐10, and TGF‐β, in response to TCR stimulation in vitro. PTD‐hFOXP3‐transduced CD4+CD25−T cells also expressed high levels of CTLA‐4 and low levels of CD25 after stimulation. Most importantly, PTD‐hFOXP3‐transduced T cells inhibited the proliferation of activated CD4+CD25−T cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that PTD‐hFOXP3 can bind with the IL‐2 gene promoter and repress the expression of IL‐2. These results indicate that PTD‐hFOXP3 has the capability to convert conventional T cells to Treg‐like cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3797–3809, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vascular risk in women with a history of severe preeclampsia
Authors: Goynumer Gokhan , Yucel Nese , Adali Ertan , Tan Temel , Baskent Erdem , Karadag Cihan
Published: July 2012

Background.

To assess markers of vascular dysfunction and risk in postpartum women with a history of severe preeclampsia.

Methods.

Carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) measured by ultrasonography, and lipid profile and insulin resistance evaluated by biochemical assays were compared between 34 women with a history of severe preeclampsia and 42 women with a prior normal pregnancy at least 12–24 months postpartum.

Results.

CIMT was higher and FMD lower in the preeclamptic than in the control group. We found a significant inverse correlation between CIMT and FMD in the preeclamptic group, but no difference in lipid profiles and insulin resistance between the groups.

Conclusions.

Women with a history of severe preeclampsia exhibit early structural and functional preatherosclerotic vascular impairment, which might explain their higher risk of future cardiovascular disease. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Seasonal spermatogenic cycle and morphology of germ cells in the viviparous lizard Mabuya brachypoda (Squamata, Scincidae)
Authors: Hernández‐Franyutti Arlette , Uribe Mari Carmen
Published: July 2012

We describe seasonal variations of the histology of the seminiferous tubules and efferent ducts of the tropical, viviparous skink, Mabuya brachypoda, throughout the year. The specimens were collected monthly, in Nacajuca, Tabasco state, Mexico. The results revealed strong annual variations in testicular volume, stages of the germ cells, and diameter and height of the epithelia of seminiferous tubules and efferent ducts. Recrudescence was detected from November to December, when initial mitotic activity of spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules were observed, coinciding with the decrease of temperature, photoperiod and rainy season. From January to February, early spermatogenesis continued and early primary and secondary spermatocytes were developing within the seminiferous epithelium. From March through April, numerous spermatids in metamorphosis were observed. Spermiogenesis was completed from May through July, which coincided with an increase in temperature, photoperiod, and rainfall. Regression occurred from August through September when testicular volume and spermatogenic activity decreased. During this time, the seminiferous epithelium decreased in thickness, and germ cell recruitment ceased, only Sertoli cells and spermatogonia were present in the epithelium. Throughout testicular regression spermatocytes and spermatids disappeared and the presence of cellular debris, and scattered spermatozoa were observed in the lumen. The regressed testes presented the total suspension of spermatogenesis. During October, the seminiferous tubules contained only spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, and the size of the lumen was reduced, giving the appearance that it was occluded. In concert with testis development, the efferent ducts were packed with spermatozoa from May through August. The epididymis was devoid of spermatozoa by September. M. brachypoda exhibited a prenuptial pattern, in which spermatogenesis preceded the mating season. The seasonal cycle variations of spermatogenesis in M. brachypoda are the result of a single extended spermiation event, which is characteristic of reptilian species. J. Morphol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uncertainties in daily rainfall over Africa: assessment of gridded observation products and evaluation of a regional climate model simulation
Authors: Sylla M. B. , Giorgi F. , Coppola E. , Mariotti L.
Published: July 2012

We intercompare three gridded observed daily rainfall datasets over Africa (FEWS (Famine Early Warning System), GPCP (Global Precipitation Climatology Project) and TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission)) in order to assess uncertainties in observation products towards the evaluation of the performance of a Regional Climate Model (RegCM3) in simulating daily precipitation characteristics over a domain encompassing the whole African continent. We find that different observation products exhibit substantial systematic differences in mean rainfall, but especially in higher order daily precipitation statistics, such as frequency of wet days, precipitation intensity and extremes as well as maximum length of wet and dry spells. For example, FEWS shows mostly higher frequency and lower intensity events than TRMM and GPCP. Thus, the different datasets provide quite different representations of daily precipitation behavior. As a result, although RegCM3 captures pretty well the monsoon rainband evolution and exhibits a representation of daily precipitation statistics within the range of the observations, it performs differently with respect to the various products. For instance, it simulates more intense but less frequent events over East and Southern Africa than in FEWS and vice versa compared to TRMM. We thus highlight the uncertainty in observations as a key factor preventing a rigorous and unambiguous evaluation of climate models over Africa. Improving the quality and consistency of observation products is thus paramount for a better understanding of the response of African climate to global warming. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Temporal–spatial distribution of the predictability limit of monthly sea surface temperature in the global oceans
Authors: Li Jianping , Ding Ruiqiang
Published: July 2012

To examine atmospheric and oceanic predictability based on nonlinear error growth dynamics, the authors introduced recently a new method using the nonlinear local Lyapunov exponent (NLLE). In this study, the NLLE method is employed to investigate the temporal–spatial distribution of the limit of sea surface temperature (SST) predictability, based on reanalysis monthly SST data. The results show that the annual mean limit of SST predictability is the greatest in the tropical central–eastern Pacific (>8 months). Relatively high values were also obtained for the tropical Indian and Atlantic Oceans (5–8 months). In the northern and southern mid‐high latitude oceans, the limit of SST predictability is less than 6 months, with a minimum value of only 2–3 months. The limit of SST predictability in different oceanic regions shows significant seasonal variations, related to the persistence barriers that occur during particular seasons. In addition to the well‐known spring persistence barrier (SPB) in the tropical central–eastern Pacific, persistence barriers also occur in other ocean areas during seasons other than spring. A winter persistence barrier (WPB) exists in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean and the northern tropical Atlantic. In the North Pacific and North Atlantic, a persistence barrier exists around July–September. These seasonal persistence barriers cause a relatively low limit of SST predictability when predictions are made across the season in which the barriers occur. In contrast, when predictions are made initiated from the season with a persistence barrier, the SST errors show rapid initial growth but slow growth in the following seasons, resulting in a relatively high limit in predictability. Analyses also indicate that the possibility of really eliminating the effects of persistence barriers on SST errors by improving ocean–atmosphere coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) or the data assimilation procedure is very low. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Mexican journalists: An investigation of their emotional health
Authors: Feinstein Anthony
Published: July 2012

Mexican journalists are frequently the victims of violence, often drug related. The purpose of the study was to assess their mental well‐being. Of 104 journalists recruited from 3 news organizations, those who had stopped working on drug‐related stories because of intimidation from the criminal drug cartels (n = 26) had significantly greater social dysfunction (p = .024); and more depressive (p = .001) and higher intrusive (p = .027), avoidance (p = .005), and arousal (p = .033) symptoms than journalists living and working under threat in regions of drug violence (n = 61). They also had more arousal (p = .05) and depressive (p = .027) symptoms than journalists (n = 17) never threatened before and living in regions without a drug problem. These findings provide preliminary data on the deleterious effects of drug‐related violence on the Mexican media, amplifying the concerns expressed by journalist watchdog organizations monitoring the state of the press in the country.
Spectral functions of products of selfadjoint operators
Authors: Ya. Azizov T. , Denisov M. , Philipp F.
Published: July 2012

Given two possibly unbounded selfadjoint operators A and G such that the resolvent sets of AG and GA are non‐empty, it is shown that the operator AG has a spectral function on \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb R$\end{document} with singularities if there exists a polynomial p ≠ 0 such that the symmetric operator Gp(AG) is non‐negative. This result generalizes a well‐known theorem for definitizable operators in Krein spaces.
Solution behavior of two novel anionic polyacrylamide copolymers hydrophobically modified with n‐benzyl‐n‐octylacrylamide
Authors: Kang Wanli , Wang Xianzhong , Wu Xiaoyan , Meng Lingwei , Liu Shuren , Xu Bin , Shan Xiuhua
Published: July 2012

Two novel hydrophobically modified anionic polyacrylamides (HM‐PAMs), p(AM/NaA/NaAMC12S/BOAM) and p(AM/NaA/OP‐10‐AC/BOAM) have been prepared by an aqueous micellar copolymerization technique from acrylamide, sodium acrylate (NaA), sodium 2‐(acrylamido)dodecane‐1‐sulfonate (NaAMC12S), octylphenol polyoxyethylene acrylate (OP‐10‐AC), and small amounts of N‐benzyl‐N‐octylacrylamide, respectively, with the objective of investigating the copolymers' rheological behaviors and surface activities under various conditions such as polymer concentration, shear rate, temperature, and salinity. As expected, the copolymers exhibit improved thickening properties due to intermolecular hydrophobic associations as the solution viscosity of the copolymers increases sharply with increasing polymer concentration. A decrease in viscosity is observed with increasing temperature, and the solution viscosity of the copolymers decreases with increasing NaCl concentration. Furthermore, the block copolymers exhibit high air–liquid surface activities as the surface tensions (STs) decrease with increasing polymer concentration. This behavior is yet another evidence of polymolecular micelles formation of the copolymers in aqueous solution, and thus the high tendency to adsorb at an interface. The ST exhibited by the copolymers was found to be relatively insensitive to the concentration of salt (NaCl). Scanning electron micrographs showed large aggregates in solutions, which is formed by the association from the hydrophobic groups of the polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development, optimization, and evaluation of emulsion‐gelled floating beads using natural polysaccharide‐blend for controlled drug release
Authors: Nayak Amit Kumar , Pal Dilipkumar , Malakar Jadupati
Published: July 2012

This article describes the development, optimization, and evaluation of groundnut oil‐entrapped tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP)‐alginate floating beads containing diclofenac sodium by emulsion‐gelation method for gastroretentive delivery. The effect of polymer to drug ratio, groundnut oil to water ratio, and sodium alginate to TSP ratio on drug entrapment, density, and drug release of floating beads was optimized using three‐factor and two‐level factorial design. The optimized floating beads showed drug entrapment efficiency of 82.48% ± 2.34%, density of 0.88 ± 0.07 g/cm3, cumulative drug release of 41.02% ± 0.86% after 8 h and floated well over 8 h in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) with 8.25 min floating lag‐time. The in vitro drug release from these floating beads containing diclofenac sodium was followed controlled‐release pattern (zero‐order kinetics) with case‐II transport mechanism. The average bead size was ranged from 1.07 ± 0.03 to 1.94 ± 0.09 mm. The floating beads were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and 1H NMR. The optimized floating beads showed excellent anti‐inflammatory activity in carrageenan‐induced rats over prolonged period after oral administration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of the resistance of transgenic potato plants expressing various levels of Cry3A against the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineataSay) in the laboratory and field
Authors: Zhou Zhaoxu , Pang Jinhuan , Guo Wenchao , Zhong Naiqin , Tian Yingchuan , Xia Guixian , Wu Jiahe
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:The Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptinotarsa decemlineataSay, is a destructive pest. The CPB is a quarantine pest in China, but has now invaded the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and is continuing to spread eastwards. To control the damage and overspreading, transgenic potato plants expressing Cry3A toxin were developed, and their resistance to CPB was evaluated by bioassays in the laboratory and field in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

RESULTS:The insect resistance of the high‐dose (HD) transgenic lines was significantly greater than the middle‐dose (MD) and low‐dose (LD) transgenic lines regarding leaf consumption, biomass accumulation and mortality. The HD and MD transgenic lines showed 100% mortality when inoculated with first‐ and second‐instar larvae; however, the LD transgenic lines showed about 50% mortality. The HD transgenic lines exhibited a significantly higher yield than the MD and LD transgenic lines owing to their high CPB resistance.

CONCLUSION:Commercially available transgenic potato plants with above 0.1% Cry3A of total soluble protein and NT control refugia could control damage, delay adaptation and halt dispersion eastwards. The two HD transgenic lines developed in this study, PAH1 and PAH2, are ideal for use as cultivars or germplasm to breed new cultivars. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of science learning: Living in interesting times
Authors: Pellegrino James W.
Published: July 2012

Beginning with a reference to living in a time of both uncertainty and opportunity, this article presents a discussion of key areas where shared understanding is needed if we are to successfully realize the design and use of high quality, valid assessments of science. The key areas discussed are: (1) assessment purpose and use, (2) the nature of assessment and the importance of research on learning, (3) assessment design processes, (4) validity arguments, (5) measurement and statistical inference, (6) affordances of technology, and (7) systems of assessment. After introducing each vital area, the article discusses how each of the five articles in the special issue is connected to the areas. Concluding comments emphasize the reminder that despite the large amount of work to be done, we are well positioned to realize the high quality, valid science education assessments that we need for K‐16 science education. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 831–841, 2012
The Influence of interconnection capacity on the market value of wind power
Authors: Obersteiner Carlo
Published: July 2012

One key prerequisite for reaching high wind shares in Europe is an expansion of the existing transmission grid. So far, grid studies focus on welfare effects and technical aspects of grid planning. In this paper, a stylized two‐system model is used to analyze principal effects of transmission grid expansions on the market value of wind power. When two markets with similar supply characteristics and wind shares but not perfectly correlated wind power generations are interconnected, the market value of wind power increases. For a more general case of an importing and exporting market, this is still true for overall wind power generation but not necessarily for generations in both markets. The reduction in generation cost due to the interconnection of markets with significant wind shares is highly sensitive to the correlation of wind power generations. These results have two major implications: (i) Wind power generators can manage the risk associated with market value changes due to interconnection capacity by distributing their portfolio across markets and (ii) when evaluating the economics of an interconnector proper modeling of wind power generation is crucial.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Design of fuel‐cell micro‐cogeneration systems through modeling and optimization
Authors: Ang Sheila Mae C. , Brett Daniel J. L. , Staffell Iain , Hawkes Adam D. , Fraga Eric S. , Samsatli Nouri J. , Brandon Nigel P.
Published: July 2012

Micro‐cogeneration is a promising technology that has the potential to lower energy costs and CO2 emissions in the residential housing sector. Among the different micro‐cogeneration technologies, fuel cells offer the potential benefits of the highest electrical efficiency, lowest emissions, and a heat‐to‐power ratio that is well suited for residential applications. The design of fuel‐cell micro‐cogeneration systems involves decision making in which trade‐offs are made between conflicting objectives. This paper illustrates the use of modeling and optimization in informing system design by generating different design alternatives that contain these trade‐offs, thus allowing the design engineers to make decisions in a quantitative and rational way.

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Systems and Infrastructure
Communication and Social Deficits in Relatives of Individuals with SLI and Relatives of Individuals with ASD
Authors: Pickles Andrew , St Clair Michelle C. , Conti-Ramsden Gina
Published: July 2012

We investigate two aspects of the autism triad, communication and social difficulties, in relatives of specific language impairment (SLI) probands (with and without additional autistic symptomatology) as compared to relatives of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down’s syndrome (DS) probands. Findings involving 726 first degree relatives of 85 SLI, 99 ASD and 36 DS probands revealed a higher rate of communication difficulties in relatives of both subgroups of SLI probands compared to ASD and DS relatives. Similar levels of social deficits were found in relatives of SLI + ASD and ASD probands. There was a higher than would be expected rate (4.3 %) of ASD, particularly in siblings of SLI + ASD probands. Communication and social deficits appear to breed true in SLI and ASD.
Synthesis, Surface Active and Thermodynamic Parameters of Novel Quaternary Ammonium Salts
Authors: Asadov Ziyafaddin H. , Rahimov Ravan A. , Ahmadova Gulnara A. , Mammadova Khuraman A.
Published: July 2012

Reactions of octanol, nonanol, decanol, and dodecanol with epichlorohydrin were carried out in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The synthesized non‐ionic surfactants were modified with triethanolamine. Surface activity at the water‐air interface and electrical conductivity of the resulting surfactants at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C were determined and thermodynamic parameters of micellization and adsorption were calculated. It was established that the synthesized quaternary ammonium salts have the ability to localize thin crude oil films on the water surface formed due to spill.
La contraception masculine « verte »: mythe ou réalité ?
Authors: Debry J. -M.
Published: July 2012

Le refus des solutions « chimiques », souvent jugées suspectes, mène un nombre croissant de contemporains à rechercher une alternative naturelle chaque fois qu’elle existe. Le domaine médical — et en particulier celui qui concerne la reproduction — échappe d’autant moins à cette aspiration qu’il s’y trouve des bases historiques multimillénaires. Il a également des justifications économiques dans tous les pays où l’accès aux médicaments est problématique, sinon illusoire. La contraception masculine n’est pas oubliée dans ce contexte; en particulier dans les pays émergents où la natalité élevée pose un problème de société. Des principes actifs extraits de plantes ont fait — et font encore-l’objet de recherches très circonstanciées. Il existe de bonnes raisons de penser que des solutions existent dans ce registre. Des tests menés in vivo chez l’animal (surtout), mais aussi in vitro sur des spermatozoïdes isolés concluent à l’existence d’effets centraux, périphériques ou spermicides significatifs. Les vertus thérapeutiques souvent multiples des plantes concernées mènent toutefois à rester vigilants pour ne pas associer, en cas d’utilisation systémique, un effet secondaire indésirable à l’effet contraceptif recherché.
Vulnerability Through Resilience?
Authors: Schmidt Tobias
Published: July 2012

In dealing with perceived threats and hazards by coordinating and bundling diverse actors’ efforts, governance approaches potentially face a problem. Perceptions of threats as well as adequate action strategies aiming to build up resilience are both based on processes of social construction. Therefore, what at first sight seem to be promising strategies for building resilience for all actors can conversely be considered as new threats and vulnerabilities by particular actors due to their differing perceptions. Within the context of a governance that intends to increase resilience this can potentially cause counterproductive effects. This paper demonstrates this possibility by means of a social constructivist notion of vulnerability and resilience. Socio-spatial identity building processes between the “International Building Exhibition” (“Internationale Bauausstellung”: IBA) and actors in the local area of Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg are used as an empirical example. This paper illustrates that historically developed social knowledge in the form of socio-spatial identities and local discourses can play an important role because it influences the specific perceptions of local actors.
A robustness testing approach for SOAP Web services
Authors: Laranjeiro Nuno , Vieira Marco , Madeira Henrique
Published: July 2012

The use of Web services in enterprise applications is quickly increasing. In a Web services environment, providers supply a set of services for consumers. However, although Web services are being used in business-critical environments, there are no practical means to test or compare their robustness to invalid and malicious inputs. In fact, client applications are typically developed with the assumption that the services being used are robust, which is not always the case. Robustness failures in such environments are particularly dangerous, as they may originate vulnerabilities that can be maliciously exploited, with severe consequences for the systems under attack. This paper addresses the problem of robustness testing in Web services environments. The proposed approach is based on a set of robustness tests (including both malicious and non-malicious invalid call parameters) that is used to discover programming and design errors. This approach, useful for both service providers and consumers, is demonstrated by two sets of experiments, showing, respectively, the use of Web services Robustness testing from the consumer and the provider points of view. The experiments comprise the robustness testing of 1,204 Web service operations publicly available in the Internet and of 29 home-implemented services, including two different implementations of the Web services specified by the standard TPC-App performance benchmark. Results show that many Web services are deployed with critical robustness problems and that robustness testing is an effective approach to improve services quality.
Measurement and analysis of the cognitive‐behavioral model of generalized problematic Internet use among Mexican adolescents
Authors: Gámez‐Guadix Manuel , Villa‐George Fabiola I. , Calvete Esther
Published: July 2012

The objectives of this study were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) and to examine the cognitive‐behavioral theoretical model of problematic Internet use in a sample of 1491 Mexican adolescents (47.6% female, mean age = 14.51). Results showed that the GPIUS2 has adequate construct and convergent validity and internal consistency. Consistent with the hypotheses put forth by the cognitive‐behavioral model, the findings indicate that preference for online social interaction and the use of the Internet for mood regulation increased the probability of reporting deficient self‐regulation (i.e., compulsive Internet use and cognitive preoccupations with Internet use), which, in turn, was significantly associated with negative life outcomes. The fit of the model was adequate both for males and females, and there were no significant differences between them. Lastly, we discuss the contributions of this research to this field of study.
A cyanobacterium that contains chlorophyll f – a red‐absorbing photopigment
Authors: Chen Min , Li Yaqiong , Birch Debra , Willows Robert D
Published: July 2012

A Chl f‐containing filamentous cyanobacterium was purified from stromatolites and named as Halomicronema hongdechloris gen., sp. nov. after its phylogenetic classification and the morphological characteristics. Hongdechloris contains four main carotenoids and two chlorophylls, a and f. The ratio of Chl f to Chl a is reversibly changed from 1:8 under red light to an undetectable level of Chl f under white‐light culture conditions. Phycobiliproteins were induced under white light growth conditions. A fluorescence emission peak of 748 nm was identified as due to Chl f. The results suggest that Chl f is a red‐light inducible chlorophyll.
Preoperative music intervention for patients undergoing cesarean delivery
Authors: Li Yang , Dong Youjing
Published: July 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effects of music played preoperatively in women undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

Methods

Sixty women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomized to a study group or a control group. Those in the study group listened to music for 30 minutes before surgery. All women underwent heart rate variability analysis and scored their anxiety and pain levels using the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and a visual analog pain scale.

Results

In the study group the mean HRV, as measured by the low frequency power (LF) value and the LF to high frequency power (LF/HF) ratio during Holter assessment, was significantly less after the music intervention but was not significantly changed in the control group. Moreover, the mean HF value was significantly increased and the mean anxiety score was significantly decreased after the music intervention but not in the control group. Finally, the mean pain score obtained 6 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the study than in the control group.

Conclusion

A preoperative music intervention can reduce anxiety and pain in women undergoing cesarean delivery.
How category advertising norms and consumer counter‐conformity influence comparative advertising effectiveness
Authors: Barone Michael J. , Jewell Robert D.
Published: July 2012

Surprisingly little research examines whether and how category advertising norms influence the effectiveness of comparative advertising. To address this void, the present research investigates if the persuasiveness of a particular comparative advertisement depends on whether or not it is viewed as a typical tactic that conforms to category advertising norms. Results from experiments 1 and 2 indicate that a comparative advertisement used in violation of category norms results in a persuasion penalty that is evidenced by a reduction in the ad's impact on brand attitudes. This effect of category norms on persuasion is shown to be mediated by evaluations of the comparative advertisement's appropriateness in the product category. A final experiment confirms this persuasion penalty with respect to consumers holding conformity‐based motives. However, this penalty is found to be reversed for individuals seeking counter‐conformity in the marketplace, who respond more favorably to a comparative advertisement when it violates rather than conforms to category norms.
Genetic and clinical characterization of 45 acute leukemia patients with MLL gene rearrangements from a single institution
Authors: Cerveira Nuno , Lisboa Susana , Correia Cecília , Bizarro Susana , Santos Joana , Torres Lurdes , Vieira Joana , Barros-Silva João D. , Pereira Dulcineia , Moreira Cláudia , Meyer Claus , Oliva Tereza , Moreira Ilídia , Martins Ângelo , Viterbo Luísa , Costa Vítor , Marschalek Rolf , Pinto Armando , Mariz José M. , Teixeira Manuel R.
Published: July 2012

Chromosomal rearrangements affecting the MLL gene are associated with high‐risk pediatric, adult and therapy‐associated acute leukemia. In this study, conventional cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and molecular genetic studies were used to characterize the type and frequency of MLL rearrangements in a consecutive series of 45 Portuguese patients with MLL‐related leukemia treated in a single institution between 1998 and 2011. In the group of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and an identified MLL fusion partner, 47% showed the presence of an MLL–AFF1 fusion, as a result of a t(4;11). In the remaining cases, a MLL–MLLT3 (27%), a MLL–MLLT1 (20%), or MLL–MLLT4 (7%) rearrangement was found. The most frequent rearrangement found in patients with acute myeloid leukemia was the MLL–MLLT3 fusion (42%), followed by MLL–MLLT10 (23%), MLL–MLLT1 (8%), MLL–ELL (8%), MLL–MLLT4 (4%), and MLL–MLLT11 (4%). In three patients, fusions involving MLL and a septin family gene (SEPT2, SEPT6, and SEPT9), were identified. The most frequently identified chromosomal rearrangements were reciprocal translocations, but insertions and deletions, some cryptic, were also observed. In our series, patients with MLL rearrangements were shown to have a poor prognosis, regardless of leukemia subtype. Interestingly, children with 1 year or less showed a statistically significant better overall survival when compared with both older children and adults. The use of a combined strategy in the initial genetic evaluation of acute leukemia patients allowed us to characterize the pattern of MLL rearrangements in our institution, including our previous discovery of two novel MLL fusion partners, the SEPT2 and CT45A2 genes, and a very rare MLL–MLLT4 fusion variant.
Outcomes and Weight‐bearing Status During Rehabilitation After Arthroplasty for Hip Fractures
Authors: Siebens Hilary C. , Sharkey Phoebe , Aronow Harriet U. , Horn Susan D. , Munin Michael C. , DeJong Gerben , Smout Randall J. , Radnay Craig S.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To examine the association of weight‐bearing status with patient‐related variables and outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation after hip arthroplasty for acute hip fracture.

Design

A multi‐site prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Eighteen skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Subjects

Patients with hip fractures (N = 224) treated with hip arthroplasty and admitted to either skilled nursing or inpatient rehabilitation facilities; a subset (N = 84) with telephone follow‐up outcomes 8 months after rehabilitation discharge.

Methods

Measurements included demographic variables, medical severity using the Comprehensive Severity Index, and functional levels using the Functional Independence Measure.

Main Outcomes Measurement

Cognitive, motor, and total Functional Independence Measure scores at rehabilitation discharge and at 8‐month follow‐up; living location at discharge and follow‐up.

Results

Patients on average (standard deviation) were 76.8 ± 11.4 years old, mainly women (78%), and mainly white (87%). In unadjusted analysis, weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) was associated with less osteoarthritis (P = .025) and lower admission medical severity (ACSI) (P = .014). One participating facility had a significant preponderance of restricted weight‐bearing cases. WBAT had no bivariate association with cognitive or motor function at discharge. Therapists cited restricted weight bearing as a barrier to therapy in 11% of cases. In logistic regressions, lower medical admission severity, older age, and one specified site significantly predicted WBAT (c statistic = 0.714). Significant predictors for home discharge included lower maximum severity (P < .001), younger age (P < .001), higher cognition (P = .037), and WBAT (P = .051) (c statistic = 0.863).

Conclusions

WBAT is associated with a greater likelihood of home discharge and had similar functional outcomes compared with restricted weight bearing. These findings add support for allowing WBAT after arthroplasty for hip fracture.
Contact line dynamics and boundary layer flow during reflection of a solitary wave
Authors: Park Yong Sung , Liu Philip L.-F. , Chan I-Chi
Published: July 2012

In this paper we present a set of wave flume experiments for a solitary wave reflecting off a vertical wall. A particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) technique is used to measure free-surface velocity and the velocity field in the vicinity of the moving contact line. We observe that the free surface undergoes the so-called rolling motion as the contact line moves up and down the vertical wall, and fluid particles on the free surface almost always flow toward the wall except at the end of the reflection process. As the contact line descends along the wall, wall boundary layer flows move in a downward direction and therefore the boundary layer acts like a conduit through which the surface-rolling-induced flow escapes from the meniscus. However, during the last phase of the reflection process flow reversal occurs inside the wall boundary layer. An approximate analytical solution is developed to explain the flow reversal feature. Very good agreement between the approximate theory and measured data is obtained. Because of the flow reversal, boundary layer flows collide with the surface-rolling-induced flows. The collision gives rise to a jet ejecting from the meniscus into the water body, which later evolves into a small eddy. It is noticed that the fluid particles in different regions such as the free stream, the free-surface boundary layer and the wall boundary layer, can be transported to other regions by passing through the meniscus.
PERCEPTION OF VULNERABILITY TO HIV INFECTION AMONG OLDER PEOPLE IN NAIROBI, KENYA: A NEED FOR INTERVENTION
Authors: CHEPNGENO-LANGAT GLORIA
Published: July 2012

It is evident that sexual activity tends to decrease with age. Nonetheless, it is still prevalent enough to be considered a risk factor for the spread of HIV among older people. This paper uses quantitative data for 2053 individuals to examine HIV risk perception and correlates of perceived risk among older people aged 50 years and older living in Nairobi slums. It emerged that a majority of older people did not consider themselves at risk of infection. Of those who felt at risk, a greater proportion sensed only a small chance of contracting HIV. Women cited ‘no sexual activity’ while men mentioned ‘having only one and/or a faithful sexual partner’ as the primary reasons for perceiving minimal risk of HIV infection. There were no differences by sex in the basis for perceiving moderate-to-great risk of infection. Religion is a key factor in risk perception with Muslims perceiving higher levels of risk and, conversely, devotees irrespective of faith perceiving lower levels of risk. Older people willing to be tested for HIV had a decreased likelihood of perceived risk compared with those unwilling to be tested. This paper recommends evaluation of older people's perception of risk in order to better inform interventions aimed at minimizing their vulnerability to HIV infection.
Arterial hypertension in school-aged children in western Romania
Authors: Chirita-Emandi Adela , Puiu Maria , Gafencu Mihai , Pienar Corina
Published: July 2012

Aim

To describe the current prevalence of paediatric hypertension and the relationships between body mass index, gender, place of residence, and blood pressure in a population of school-aged children from western Romania.

Material and method

A total of 3626 children from Timisoara and the surrounding regions were examined by medical students from February, 2010 to June, 2011. Children's body mass index was interpreted on the basis of reference guidelines from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood pressure measurements were taken by the auscultation method. For defining elevated blood pressure, we used the standards published in the Fourth Report.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of overweight was 14% and 11.8% for obesity. Boys had a higher prevalence of both overweight and obesity compared with girls. The prevalence of hypertension on our screening was 9.1% higher in boys and urban residence. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 6.5%. With regard to body mass index, 21.1% of obese, 12.8% of overweight, and 7.1% of normal weight children presented hypertension. The strongest determinant of hypertension was body mass index percentile. Significant odds ratio was found for obesity (3.93; confidence interval: 3.11–4.95), urban residence (1.68; confidence interval: 1.35–2.1), and male gender (1.34; confidence interval: 1.12–1.6).

Conclusions

The results confirm a worrisome prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Romania, accompanied by an alarming prevalence of hypertension. Overweight and obesity, male gender, and urban residence were the major contributing factors for the overall high prevalence of hypertension found. Our results point to the urgent need to adopt strategies aimed at preventing hypertension and obesity in children in Romania.
Elevated Baseline Anxiety Among African Americans in Laboratory Research Settings
Authors: Angel Soto José , Roberts Nicole A. , Pole Nnamdi , Levenson Robert W. , Burleson Mary H. , King Arlene R. , Breland-Noble Alfiee
Published: July 2012

We tested the hypothesis that African Americans would show greater anxiety than their European American counterparts when entering laboratory research settings. We examined subjective and physiological anxiety measures obtained both inside and outside the research laboratory from 126 African Americans and 147 European Americans in three separate studies. Consistent with our hypotheses, African Americans reported experiencing significantly more baseline anxiety and showed greater baseline physiological arousal consistent with anxiety than European Americans. These differences were evident when controlling for anxiety observed outside of the research setting as well as baseline differences in overall emotional experience. Our findings highlight the need to consider laboratory-induced anxiety as a potential confound in studies involving African Americans. This may be especially important in race comparison studies in which undetected baseline anxiety could alter the interpretation of subsequent race comparisons.