bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Engineered Cementitious Composites Lining and Foundation Subsurface Drain
Authors: Panganayi Cleopatra , Ogata Hidehiko , Hattori Kunio , Tom Teckshawer
Published: November 2011

The effect of cyclic loads on the surface profiles of ECC linings cast on foundations comprising crushed stone and compacted soil was investigated. A geotextile was embedded between the crushed stone and ECC lining for some of the samples. After 28 days of water curing, the hardened surfaces were loaded and monitored for roughness and crack development by measuring surface levels and crack widths, respectively. Neither cracking nor significant variations in the lateral profiles were observed on all the samples for all the loads applied. However, significant variations which depended on the foundation types were observed in the vertical profiles. It was concluded that while ECC can resist cracking due to its high strain capacity, its flexibility causes ECC linings to assume the shape of the foundation material, which can increase the surface roughness at certain loading configurations.
Abdominal Pain after Gastric Bypass: Labor, Uterine Rupture, or Obstruction and Internal Hernia
Authors: Cross Sarah N. , Nayeri Unzila , Duffy Andrew , Pettker Christian M.
Published: November 2011

Background. Although gastric bypass may reduce obesity-related complications of subsequent pregnancies, surgical complications requiring antenatal and postpartum interventions are not uncommon.Case. A 26-year-old G4P1112 status post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass required multiple urgent antenatal evaluations due to frequent episodes of abdominal pain. At 35 + 4 weeks, she presented with severe abdominal pain; initial evaluation was negative for gastrointestinal pathology. The patient was found to be in preterm labor and underwent a repeat cesarean section. The postoperative course was complicated by bowel obstruction due to internal hernia resulting in an emergent laparotomy and a prolonged hospital course.Conclusion. As more reproductive-aged women opt for surgical treatment of obesity, it is essential that obstetricians recognize complications to be able to counsel and appropriately care for these patients.
Mathematical Models of the Simplest Fuzzy Two‐Term (PI/PD) Controllers Using Algebraic Product Inference
Authors: Bosukonda Murali , Kelothu Naresh
Published: November 2011

This paper reveals mathematical models of the simplest Mamdani PI/PD controllers which employ two fuzzy sets (N: negative and P: positive) on the universe of discourse (UoD) of each of two input variables (displacement and velocity) and three fuzzy sets (N: negative, Z: zero, and P: positive) on the UoD of output variable (control output in the case of PD, and incremental control output in the case of PI). The basic constituents of these models are algebraic product/minimum AND, bounded sum/algebraic sum/maximum OR, algebraic product inference, three linear fuzzy control rules, and Center of Sums (CoS) defuzzification. Properties of all these models are investigated. It is shown that all these controllers are different nonlinear PI/PD controllers with their proportional and derivative gains changing with the inputs. The proposed models are significant and useful to control community as they are completely new and qualitatively different from those reported in the literature.
An Increase of the Character Function of Self-Directedness Is Centrally Involved in Symptom Reduction during Remission from Major Depression
Authors: Goekoop Jaap G. , De Winter Remco F. P. , Goekoop Rutger
Published: November 2011

Background. Studies with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in depressive disorders have shown changes (Δ) of the character of Self-Directedness (SD) and the temperament of Harm Avoidance (HA). The central question of this study is which of these two changes is most proximally related to the production of depressive symptoms.Methods. The start and endpoint data from a two-year followup of 58 depressed patients were reanalyzed. We used the ΔHA and ΔSD scores as well as the Δ scores on three dimensions of psychopathology, called Emotional Dysregulation (ED), Retardation (RET), and Anxiety (ANX). The presence of the main relation between personality and psychopathology was tested in all patients and in four subcategories. The data were analyzed by MANCOVA and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).Results. ΔHA and ΔSD correlated negatively, and only ΔSD was related (negatively) to ΔED. This pattern was found in all subcategories. SEM showed ΔHA and ΔSD had an ambiguous causal interrelationship, while ΔSD, ΔRET, and ΔANX had unidirectional effects on ΔED.Conclusion. The results correspond with a central pathogenetic role for a state-related deficit at the character level in depression. This may have important consequences for investigations of endophenotypes and clinical treatment.
Kinetic and Reaction Pathway Analysis in the Application of Botulinum Toxin A for Wound Healing
Authors: Lebeda Frank J. , Dembek Zygmunt F. , Adler Michael
Published: November 2011

A relatively new approach in the treatment of specific wounds in animal models and in patients with type A botulinum toxin is the focus of this paper. The indications or conditions include traumatic wounds (experimental and clinical), surgical (incision) wounds, and wounds such as fissures and ulcers that are signs/symptoms of disease or other processes. An objective was to conduct systematic literature searches and take note of the reactions involved in the healing process and identify corresponding pharmacokinetic data. From several case reports, we developed a qualitative model of how botulinum toxin disrupts the vicious cycle of muscle spasm, pain, inflammation, decreased blood flow, and ischemia. We transformed this model into a minimal kinetic scheme for healing chronic wounds. The model helped us to estimate the rate of decline of this toxin's therapeutic effect by calculating the rate of recurrence of clinical symptoms after a wound-healing treatment with this neurotoxin.
An Approach to the Child with Acute Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Welch Thomas R.
Published: November 2011

Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) is a common condition in childhood. Many children with AGN can be managed in the primary care setting. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of urinary findings, especially the presence of red blood cell casts. One of the most important initial investigations is determining the complement C3 level; hypocomplementemia is most characteristic of post streptococcal AGN, while normocomplementemia is most often seen with IgA nephropathy. Children whose AGN is accompanied by significant hypertension or renal insufficiency should be assessed by a specialist immediately. The presence of serious extrarenal signs or symptoms also merits urgent referral. Otherwise, serial followup in the primary care office is appropriate.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in the Elderly
Authors: Morillo L. E.
Published: November 2011

The incidence of epilepsy has bimodal distribution peaking at the extremes of life. Incidence is greater in younger and older age groups (Hauser et al., 1993, Sidenvall et al., 1993, Forsgren et al., 1996, and Olafsson et al., 2005). As the world population ages more elders with epilepsy will be identified. In the high-income countries with longer life expectancy, the number of elders with epilepsy will be even higher. CPSs account for 40% of all seizure types in the elderly (Hauser et al., 1992); however, the proportion with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is uncertain.
Modeling of Biological Intelligence for SCM System Optimization
Authors: Chen Shengyong , Zheng Yujun , Cattani Carlo , Wang Wanliang
Published: November 2011

This article summarizes some methods from biological intelligence for modeling and optimization of supply chain management (SCM) systems, including genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, differential evolution, swarm intelligence, artificial immune, and other biological intelligence related methods. An SCM system is adaptive, dynamic, open self-organizing, which is maintained by flows of information, materials, goods, funds, and energy. Traditional methods for modeling and optimizing complex SCM systems require huge amounts of computing resources, and biological intelligence-based solutions can often provide valuable alternatives for efficiently solving problems. The paper summarizes the recent related methods for the design and optimization of SCM systems, which covers the most widely used genetic algorithms and other evolutionary algorithms.
Factor VII–Activating Protease Promotes the Proteolysis and Inhibition of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor
Authors: Kanse Sandip M. , Declerck Paul J. , Ruf Wolfram , Broze George , Etscheid Michael
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Factor VII–activating protease (FSAP) activates both factor VII and pro-urokinase and inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-BB, thus regulating hemostasis- and remodeling-associated processes in the vasculature. A genetic variant of FSAP (Marburg I polymorphism) results in low enzymatic activity and is associated with an enhanced risk of carotid stenosis and stroke. We postulate that there are additional substrates for FSAP that will help to explain its role in vascular biology and have searched for such a substrate.

Methods and Results—

Using screening procedures to determine the influence of FSAP on various hemostasis-related processes on endothelial cells, we discovered that FSAP inhibited tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a major anticoagulant secreted by these cells. Proteolytic degradation of TFPI by FSAP could also be demonstrated by Western blotting, and the exact cleavage sites were determined by N-terminal sequencing. The Marburg I variant of FSAP had a diminished ability to inhibit TFPI. A monoclonal antibody to FSAP that specifically inhibited FSAP binding to TFPI reversed the inhibitory effect of FSAP on TFPI.

Conclusion—

The identification of TFPI as a sensitive substrate for FSAP increases our understanding of its role in regulating hemostasis and proliferative remodeling events in the vasculature.
Defibrotide Interferes With Several Steps of the Coagulation-Inflammation Cycle and Exhibits Therapeutic Potential to Treat Severe Malaria
Authors: Francischetti Ivo M.B. , Oliveira Carlo J. , Ostera Graciela R. , Yager Stephanie B. , Debierre-Grockiego Françoise , Carregaro Vanessa , Jaramillo-Gutierrez Giovanna , Hume Jen C.C. , Jiang Lubin , Moretz Samuel E. , Lin Christina K. , Ribeiro José M.C. , Long Carole A. , Vickers Brandi K. , Schwarz Ralph T. , Seydel Karl B. , Iacobelli Massimo , Ackerman Hans C. , Srinivasan Prakash , Gomes Regis B. , Wang Xunde , Monteiro Robson Q. , Kotsyfakis Michail , Sá-Nunes Anderson , Waisberg Michael
Published: November 2011

Objective—

The coagulation-inflammation cycle has been implicated as a critical component in malaria pathogenesis. Defibrotide (DF), a mixture of DNA aptamers, displays anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial cell (EC)-protective activities and has been successfully used to treat comatose children with veno-occlusive disease. DF was investigated here as a drug to treat cerebral malaria.

Methods and Results—

DF blocks tissue factor expression by ECs incubated with parasitized red blood cells and attenuates prothrombinase activity, platelet aggregation, and complement activation. In contrast, it does not affect nitric oxide bioavailability. We also demonstrated that Plasmodium falciparum glycosylphosphatidylinositol (
Pf
-GPI) induces tissue factor expression in ECs and cytokine production by dendritic cells. Notably, dendritic cells, known to modulate coagulation and inflammation systemically, were identified as a novel target for DF. Accordingly, DF inhibits Toll-like receptor ligand-dependent dendritic cells activation by a mechanism that is blocked by adenosine receptor antagonist (8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline) but not reproduced by synthetic poly-A, -C, -T, and -G. These results imply that aptameric sequences and adenosine receptor mediate dendritic cells responses to the drug. DF also prevents rosetting formation, red blood cells invasion by P. falciparum and abolishes oocysts development in Anopheles gambiae. In a murine model of cerebral malaria, DF affected parasitemia, decreased IFN-γ levels, and ameliorated clinical score (day 5) with a trend for increased survival.

Conclusion—

Therapeutic use of DF in malaria is proposed.
Fatty Acid-Induced Nuclear Translocation of Heparanase Uncouples Glucose Metabolism in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Ying , Zhang Dahai , Puthanveetil Prasanth , Johnson James D. , Rodrigues Brian
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Heparanase is an endoglycosidase that specifically cleaves carbohydrate chains of heparan sulfate. We have recently reported that high fatty acid increased the nuclear content of endothelial heparanase. Here, we examined the mechanism and the consequences behind this nuclear translocation of heparanase.

Methods and Results—

Bovine coronary artery endothelial cells were grown to confluence and incubated with palmitic acid. Palmitic acid induced rapid nuclear accumulation of heparanase that was dependent on Bax activation and lysosome permeabilization. Heat shock protein 90 was an important mediator of palmitic acid-induced shuttling of heparanase to the nucleus. Nuclear heparanase promoted cleavage of heparan sulfate, a potent inhibitor of histone acetyltransferase activity and gene transcription. A TaqMan gene expression assay revealed an increase in genes related to glucose metabolism and inflammation. In addition, glycolysis was uncoupled from glucose oxidation, resulting in accumulation of lactate.

Conclusion—

The results presented in this study demonstrate that fatty acid can provoke lysosomal release of heparanase, its nuclear translocation, activation of genes controlling glucose metabolism, and accumulation of lactate. Given that lactate and inflammation have been implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis, our data may serve to reduce the associated cardiovascular complications seen during diabetes.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Predicts Functional Outcome in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Rost Natalia S. , Biffi Alessandro , Cloonan Lisa , Chorba John , Kelly Peter , Greer David , Ellinor Patrick , Furie Karen L.
Published: November 2011

Background and Purpose—

Elevated serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been associated with cardioembolic stroke and increased poststroke mortality. We sought to determine whether BNP levels were associated with functional outcome after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We measured BNP in consecutive patients aged ≥18 years admitted to our stroke unit between 2002 to 2005. BNP quintiles were used for analysis. Stroke subtypes were assigned using Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. Outcomes were measured as 6-month modified Rankin Scale score (“good outcome”=0–2 versus “poor”) as well as mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association between the quintiles of BNP and outcomes. Predictive performance of BNP as compared with clinical model alone was assessed by comparing receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results—

Of 569 patients with ischemic stroke, 46% were female; mean age was 67.9±15 years. In age- and gender-adjusted analysis, elevated BNP was associated with lower ejection fraction (
P
<0.0001) and left atrial dilatation (
P
<0.001). In multivariate analysis, elevated BNP decreased the odds of good functional outcome (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–0.98) and increased the odds of death (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.36–2.24) in these patients. Addition of BNP to multivariate models increased their predictive performance for functional outcome (
P
=0.013) and mortality (
P
<0.03) after cardioembolic stroke.

Conclusions—

Serum BNP levels are strongly associated with cardioembolic stroke and functional outcome at 6 months after ischemic stroke. Inclusion of BNP improved prediction of mortality in patients with cardioembolic stroke.
Computers and School Nurses in a Financially Stressed School System
Authors: Cummings Scott
Published: November 2011

This article describes the incorporation of computer technology into the professional lives of school nurses. St. Louis, Missouri, a major urban school system, is the site is the study. The research describes several major impacts computer technology has on the professional responsibilities of school nurses. Computer technology not only affects the professional responsibilities of school nurses but also has numerous influences on the administrative operations of the school system itself.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas? Organizing Christmas in women’s magazines past and present
Authors: Brewis Joanna , Warren Samantha
Published: November 2011

This article investigates the organization of Christmas in 15 women’s magazines from the 1930s and 2009, using an analytical strategy of close reading to explore the discursive imperatives these texts seem to (re)create around female ‘festive labour’. We arrive at two conclusions: (1) a critique of popular perceptions of the ‘problem of gift giving’ as a contemporary phenomenon; and (2) a shift from the ‘domestic goddess’ discourse of the 1930s to a construction of women’s role in performing Christmas that rests on a somewhat contradictory rendering of managerialism. Our rather pessimistic endpoint is that the pressure on women to pull off the perfect Christmas has intensified—at least in these popular cultural texts—over the last 70-plus years, but at the same time there is a sense here that even the most intensive endeavours are doomed never to entirely succeed.
Beyond the centre: The third phase of modernity in a globally compared perspective
Authors: Domingues José Maurício
Published: November 2011

This article develops an argument about what it defines as the ‘third phase of modernity’ and tackles, in a comparative manner, the cases of Latin America (especially Brazil), South Asia (especially India) and China. It tries to identify specific modernizing moves which imply individualizing comparisons as well as encompassing comparisons in relation to these areas and countries. It builds its argument from a few theoretical assumptions and moves in an inductive manner in order to dislocate the discussion of modernity from its strong referents in the West and the conceptual definitions that stem from this. The article tries also to connect the discussion of modernity to debates about development. It proposes a multidimensional approach and analyzes the main dimensions of contemporary modernity and modernizing moves in those regions and countries.
Cytoprotective signaling by activated protein C requires protease-activated receptor-3 in podocytes
Authors: Madhusudhan Thati , Wang Hongjie , Straub Beate K. , Gröne Elisabeth , Zhou Qianxing , Shahzad Khurrum , Müller-Krebs Sandra , Schwenger Vedat , Gerlitz Bruce , Grinnell Brian W. , Griffin John H. , Reiser Jochen , Gröne Hermann-Josef , Esmon Charles T. , Nawroth Peter P. , Isermann Berend
Published: November 2011

The cytoprotective effects of activated protein C (aPC) are well established. In contrast, the receptors and signaling mechanism through which aPC conveys cytoprotection in various cell types remain incompletely defined. Thus, within the renal glomeruli, aPC preserves endothelial cells via a protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and endothelial protein C receptor-dependent mechanism. Conversely, the signaling mechanism through which aPC protects podocytes remains unknown. While exploring the latter, we identified a novel aPC/PAR-dependent cytoprotective signaling mechanism. In podocytes, aPC inhibits apoptosis through proteolytic activation of PAR-3 independent of endothelial protein C receptor. PAR-3 is not signaling competent itself as it requires aPCinduced heterodimerization with PAR-2 (human podocytes) or PAR-1 (mouse podocytes). This cytoprotective signaling mechanism depends on caveolin-1 dephosphorylation. In vivo aPC protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced podocyte injury and proteinuria. Genetic deletion of PAR-3 impairs the nephroprotective effect of aPC, demonstrating the crucial role of PAR-3 for aPC-dependent podocyte protection. This novel, aPC-mediated interaction of PARs demonstrates the plasticity and cell-specificity of cytoprotective aPC signaling. The evidence of specific, dynamic signaling complexes underlying aPC-mediated cytoprotection may allow the design of cell type specific targeted therapies.
The effect of walking on falls in older people: the 'Easy Steps to Health' randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Voukelatos Alexander , Merom Dafna , Rissel Chris , Sherrington Cathie , Watson Wendy , Waller Karen
Published: November 2011

Background

Falls in older people continue to be a major public health issue in industrialized countries. Extensive research into falls prevention has identified exercise as a proven fall prevention strategy. However, despite over a decade of promoting physical activity, hospitalisation rates due to falls injuries in older people are still increasing. This could be because efforts to increase physical activity amongst older people have been unsuccessful, or the physical activity that older people engage in is insufficient and/or inappropriate. The majority of older people choose walking as their predominant form of exercise. While walking has been shown to lower the risk of many chronic diseases its role in falls prevention remains unclear. This paper outlines the methodology of a study whose aims are to determine: if a home-based walking intervention will reduce the falls rate among healthy but inactive community-dwelling older adults (65 + years) compared to no intervention (usual activity) and; whether such an intervention can improve risk factors for falls, such as balance, strength and reaction time.

Methods/Design

This study uses a randomised controlled trial design.

A total of 484 older people exercising less than 120 minutes per week will be recruited through the community and health care referrals throughout Sydney and neighboring regions. All participants are randomised into either the self-managed walking program group or the health-education waiting list group using a block randomization scheme.

Outcome measures include prospective falls and falls injuries, quality of life, and physical activity levels. A subset of participants (n = 194) will also receive physical performance assessments comprising of tests of dynamic balance, strength, reaction time and lower limb functional status.

Discussion

Certain types of physical activity can reduce the risk of falls. As walking is already the most popular physical activity amongst older people, if walking is shown to reduce falls the public health implications could be enormous. Conversely, if walking does not reduce falls in older people, or even puts older people at greater risk, then health resources targeting falls prevention need to be invested elsewhere.

Trial Registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000380099
The redundancy of NMR restraints can be used to accelerate the unfolding behavior of an SH3 domain during molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Duclert-Savatier Nathalie , Martínez Leandro , Nilges Michael , Malliavin Thérèse E
Published: November 2011

1 Abstract

Background

The simulation of protein unfolding usually requires recording long molecular dynamics trajectories. The present work aims to figure out whether NMR restraints data can be used to probe protein conformations in order to accelerate the unfolding simulation. The SH3 domain of nephrocystine (nph SH3) was shown by NMR to be destabilized by point mutations, and was thus chosen to illustrate the proposed method.

Results

The NMR restraints observed on the WT nph SH3 domain were sorted from the least redundant to the most redundant ones. Protein NMR conformations were then calculated with: (i) the set full including all NMR restraints measured on nph SH3, (ii) the set reduced where the least redundant restraints with respect to the set full were removed, (iii) the sets random where randomly picked-up restraints were removed. From each set of conformations, we recorded series of 5-ns MD trajectories. The β barrel architecture of nph SH3 in the trajectories starting from sets (i) and (iii) appears to be stable. On the contrary, on trajectories based on the set (ii), a displacement of the hydrophobic core residues and a variation of the β barrel inner cavity profile were observed. The overall nph SH3 destabilization agrees with previous experimental and simulation observations made on other SH3 domains. The destabilizing effect of mutations was also found to be enhanced by the removal of the least redundant restraints.

Conclusions

We conclude that the NMR restraint redundancy is connected to the instability of the SH3 nph domain. This restraint redundancy generalizes the contact order parameter, which is calculated from the contact map of a folded protein and was shown in the literature to be correlated to the protein folding rate. The relationship between the NMR restraint redundancy and the protein folding is also reminiscent of the previous use of the Gaussian Network Model to predict protein folding parameters.
Main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma of the pancreas
Authors: Takuma Kensuke , Kamisawa Terumi , Tabata Taku , Kurata Masanao , Honda Goro , Horiguchi Shin-ichiro
Published: November 2011

Background

The prevalence of carcinoma in main-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is high, and surgical resection is recommended for all patients with a main-duct IPMN.

Results

A main-duct IPMN with typical imagings including protruding lesions in the dilated main pancreatic duct was resected, but the histology was intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma of the pancreas.

Discussion

It has been reported that the presence of mural nodules and dilatation of MPD are significantly higher in malignant IPMNs. The presented case had protruding lesions in the dilated main pancreatic duct on endoscopic ultrasonography, but the histology was adenoma.

Conclusion

Preoperative distinction between benign and malignant IPMNs is difficult.
Fulminant myocarditis managed with pulsatile extracorporeal life support; use of Twin Pulse Life support (T-PLS®)
Authors: Cho Eun Jeung , Hong Joonhwa , Kang Hyun , Choe Ju Won , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: November 2011

Fulminant myocarditis frequently results in severe hemodynamic deterioration. High-dose vasopressors or sometimes mechanical circulatory support are required. We report on two cases of fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with pulsatile extracorporeal life support (T-PLS®, Twin Pulse Life support, New heart bio.BHK, Seoul, Korea). With T-PLS, we were able to provide mechanical support to patients until they recovered completely.
Suppression of GSK-3β activation by M-cadherin protects myoblasts against mitochondria-associated apoptosis during myogenic differentiation
Authors: Wang Yan , Hao Yanlei , Alway Stephen E.
Published: November 2011

Apoptosis occurs concurrently with differentiation of muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) before they fuse to form myotubes. Dysregulated apoptosis in MPCs contributes to the low regeneration capability in aged muscle and decreases the survival rate of donor cells in stem cell-based therapies for muscular dystrophies. This study investigated the role of the M-cadherin/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway in regulating apoptosis during differentiation of MPCs. Disruption of M-cadherin-dependent cell–cell adhesion by M-cadherin RNA interference in confluent C2C12 myoblasts sensitized the cells to mitochondria-associated intrinsic apoptosis induced by cell confluence or serum starvation. Further investigation of this pathway revealed that M-cadherin-mediated signaling suppressed GSK-3β activation by enhancing the PI3K/AKT-dependent inhibitory phosphorylation of Ser9 in GSK-3β. Overexpression of wild-type GSK-3β in confluent C2C12 myoblasts exacerbated the apoptosis, whereas chemical inhibition of GSK-3β using TDZD-8, or forced expression of constitutively active Akt (myrAkt), or a kinase-deficient GSK-3β mutant [GSK-3β(K85R)], attenuated apoptosis and rescued the impaired myogenic differentiation that is caused by M-cadherin RNA interference. These data suggest that M-cadherin-mediated signaling prevents acceleration of mitochondria-associated intrinsic apoptosis in MPCs by suppressing GSK-3β activation during myogenic differentiation.
América Latina a inicios de la segunda década del siglo XXI: entre el regionalismo estratégico y la regionalización fragmentada
Authors: Bizzozero Lincoln
Published: November 2011

El artículo analiza la evolución del regionalismo en América Latina desde los años noventa. Expone las opciones que se plantean a los países en sus políticas exteriores frente a las iniciativas de Estados Unidos y los cambios en el sistema internacional. Se expone la importancia funcional de las potencias emergentes (PEMS) y las regiones en la fase actual del capitalismo. Finalmente el artículo analiza las perspectivas del regionalismo en América Latina tanto en el sistema internacional como en la construcción de un modelo de gobernanza regional.
A União Europeia como potência global? As alterações do Tratado de Lisboa na política externa e de defesa
Authors: Soares Antonio Goucha
Published: November 2011

Este artigo aborda as alterações que o Tratado de Lisboa introduziu na política externa e de defesa, tendo em conta a gradual alteração do conceito estratégico da União Europeia que pretende transformá-la numa potência global. Começa por enquadrar a intervenção da União Europeia na política internacional, com a adoção de uma política externa e de segurança pelo Tratado de Maastricht. Em seguida, refere as inovações do Tratado de Lisboa nessa política, analisando os aspectos de maior relevo.
A política externa mexicana de direitos humanos durante o governo fox (2000-2006): as estratégias de lock-in e sinalização
Authors: Bernardi Bruno Boti
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as relações entre a democratização do México e a sua política externa de direitos humanos durante o governo Fox, explorando o impacto da transição democrática na adoção de uma plataforma inédita de política externa que transformou os direitos humanos em um tema central das relações exteriores do país. O argumento defendido é o de que as alterações observadas no comportamento internacional do Estado podem ser explicadas por cálculos endógenos ao próprio governo que com elas buscava ancorar a transição democrática no exterior e sinalizar a credibilidade e seriedade de suas credenciais democráticas.
Micro‐Mobilization, Social Media and Coping Strategies: Some Dutch Experiences
Authors: Bekkers Victor , Moody Rebecca , Edwards Arthur
Published: November 2011

New social network technology provides individuals and small groups with powerful resources for rapid political mobilization. Such mobilization can create strategic surprises for policy‐makers. Two cases of Web 2.0 driven micro‐mobilization processes and one case of Web 1.0 driven micro‐mobilization process are considered. In these cases policy‐makers were taken by surprise because their repertoires of action were focused primarily on official arrangements of consultation and on the news coverage by traditional media. As a result, micro‐mobilization may confront traditional intermediary organizations and policy‐makers with rather ‘uncontrolled’ demands for change. These demands may act as ‘focusing events’ that challenge the legitimacy of public organizations, policy programmes and existing consultation and negotiation patterns. Governments need to respond to these focusing events and the paper ends by discussing some coping strategies governments may need to deploy.
Coping with the Cornucopia: Can Text Mining Help Handle the Data Deluge in Public Policy Analysis?
Authors: Bicquelet Aude , Weale Albert
Published: November 2011

Information and communication technologies such as the Internet have created a plethora of opportunities for the participation of citizens in policymaking. In the United Kingdom, for instance, this trend has emerged at national and local levels, in domains as diverse as Education, the Environment and Health Care. Given a general renewal of interest in incorporating public opinion into policymaking, devices such as online consultations and electronic surveys have rendered the appeal to ‘the people’ seemingly easier. But an important problem arising from involving the public in decision‐making exercises through large‐scale electronic participatory devices is the amount of textual data generated. Although there is now a large body of literature devoted to commentating and analysing ways in which politicians ought to be involved in listening and responding to public participation in decision‐making, issues pertaining to the implementation of such exercises in the light of the volume of information that they produce have largely remained unexplored. In this paper, we assess the potential benefits and shortcomings of using Text Mining methods for the analysis of large‐scale consultations submitted via Internet. To this end, the paper reports on the application of computer‐aided text analysis to a public consultation organised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2008 on ‘End of Life Medicines’.
A Characterization of Entropy in Terms of Information Loss
Authors: Baez John C. , Fritz Tobias , Leinster Tom
Published: November 2011

There are numerous characterizations of Shannon entropy and Tsallis entropy as measures of information obeying certain properties. Using work by Faddeev and Furuichi, we derive a very simple characterization. Instead of focusing on the entropy of a probability measure on a finite set, this characterization focuses on the “information loss”, or change in entropy, associated with a measure-preserving function. Information loss is a special case of conditional entropy: namely, it is the entropy of a random variable conditioned on some function of that variable. We show that Shannon entropy gives the only concept of information loss that is functorial, convex-linear and continuous. This characterization naturally generalizes to Tsallis entropy as well.
Long-Term Reversibility of Renal Dysfunction Associated to Light Chain Deposition Disease with Bortezomib and Dexamethasone and High Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: González-López Tomás J. , Vázquez Lourdes , Flores Teresa , San Miguel Jesus Fernando , García-Sanz Ramon
Published: November 2011

A 63-year-old woman presented with progressive renal insufficiency, until a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 12 mL/min. A renal biopsy demonstrated glomerular deposition of immunoglobulin k light chain. The presence of a small population of monoclonal plasmacytes producing an only light k monoclonal component was demonstrated and Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (BD) was provided as initial therapy. After seven courses of therapy, renal function improved without dialysis requirements up to a GFR 31 mL/min. Under hematological complete response (HCR) the patient underwent high dose of melphalan (HDM) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Fifty-four months later the patient remains in HCR and the GFR has progressively improved up to 48 mL/min. This report describes a notably renal function improvement in a patient with Light Chain Deposition Disease after therapy with BD followed by HDM, which can support this treatment as a future option for these patients.
Adult stem cells - Biology and methods of analysis
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

I do not like the use of the term adult referred to the somatic stem cells but it is now-a-days impossible to call the cells we are speaking of somatic, it sounds like an incongruous aristocratic attitude, since both laypeople and scientists know very well that we are speaking of those cells able to self renew and to maintain our body efficiently working. Nowadays we find out adult stem cells in every organ we look at and the present day efforts in this area are mainly devoted to work it out new methods to validate the true stemness nature of the cell line we are able to establish. Thus, the three parts that makes up this volume, the first dealing with the basic biology, the second with the characterization of the adult stem cells phenotype and the third with the regulation of the life span of these cells, are all targeted to the critical evaluation of the techniques we use to distinguish adult stem cell-renewal from cell survival. These techniques are mainly focused on the quantification of the replicative life span, the adult stem cell capacity to grow at clonal density, to express pluripotency-related genes .....
Mesenchymal stem cell assays and applications
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

Among the many types of adult, or better, somatic, stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (marrow-derived stromal cells, MSC) are those more versatile in changing their phenotype during differentiation: from smooth muscle, adipocyte, bone and cartilage cells to name a few. In addition, they are present in large number in adults and relatively easy to isolate and colture. All these features simply explain the already large number of application that their use allow in rigenerative medicine, not to tell about researches in which they play a crucial role in understanding the meaning of stemness and stem cell niche and the other several conceptual paradigms framing the fascinating field of stem cell biology. Having clear in mind this situation.....
Atomic force microscopy in biomedical research - Methods and protocols
Authors: Redi CarloAlberto
Published: November 2011

Pier Carlo Braga and Davide Ricci are old friends not only for those researchers familiar with Atomic force microscopy (AFM) but also for those beginners (like the undersigned) that already enthusiastically welcomed their 2004 edition (for the same Humana press printing types) of Atomic force microscopy: Biomedical methods and applications, eventhough I never had used the AFM. That book was much intended to overview the possible AFM applications for a wide range of readers so that they can be in some way stimulated toward the AFM use. In fact, the great majority of scientists is afraid both of the technology behind AFM (that is naturally thought highly demanding in term of concepts not so familiar to biologists and physicians) and of the financial costs: both these two factors are conceived unapproachable by the medium range granted scientist usually not educated in terms of biophysics and electronic background....
Africa’s Quest for Long-Term Development: Does NEPAD Provide the Necessary Policy Framework?
Authors: John Akokpari
Published: November 2011

The evasive nature which characterizes Africa’s development is something familiar to all. Various ambitious development strategies, implemented since the 1970s, have brought little hope for the reversal of Africa’s developmental malaise. The formulation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in 2001 and its adoption by the African Union (AU) as the continent’s blueprint policy document for development engendered a lot of optimism. This optimism resulted partly from the willingness of African governments to voluntarily undertake what the continent’s development partners - the G8 - perceived as ‘credible policies’ for resuscitating the ailing economies of the continent, and partly from the promise of assistance in the form of accruing ADE and IDE, debt forgiveness and access to western markets. There is a growing consensus among development experts that the provision of such opportunities would alleviate many of the structural constraints in Africa, consequently catalyzing long-term development. While NEPAD’s emphasis on promoting peace, security, democracy, and good governance is commendable, it is however argued that its propensity to geardevelopment solely along neo-liberal lines is problematic in a continent that is grappling with the disappointments of the market-based structural adjustment programmes (SAP). The paper advocates the adoption of viable regional integration schemes that nurture Africa’s fragile industries, diversify its predominantly primary production-based economies, promote self-reliance and minimise dependence on external agents. This, it is argued, is a better framework for Africa’s longterm development.
Africa in 2108: A Strategic Plan
Authors: Mueni wa Muiu
Published: November 2011

What will Africa look like in 2108? Following the present trend, four developments may be in place. First, given the rate of AIDS, conflict and starvation, the population (which is already very small) might be exterminated. Second, extermination of the African population will make room for other people to settle on the continent thus fulfilling Leonard Barnes’, Stanislave Andresky’s and Stephen Smith’s predictions. Third, resources will be exhausted which might mean the end of conflict. Fourth, ‘tribal clashes’ which result in genocide of threatening ethnic groups may become the norm. This paper argues that these four developments will not occur. Instead, neo-liberal policies which are forcing Africans to live in inhumane conditions will be so dehumanizing that in the end they will provoke Africans to search for genuine development alternatives, regardless of the cost (a process that is already in place). Similar to the days of slavery when conscious citizens throughout the world fought against it, in the age of technology these citizens will not sit by and allow any institutions to implement policies that relegate Africa to a ‘4th world’ where conflict, disease, starvation and undevelopment (loss of earlier economic development achievements, for example, education and healthcare as well as the rise of inequality, and moral decay) become the norm. While current trends tend to marginalize institutions, especially the state in development, we argue that for Africans to overcome the destiny carved for them by globalization – as labourers and bystanders in their own development – they have to reconstitute their institutions based on their cultureand history. Only a united Africa can harness its resources for development and fair trade in an age of endemic exploitation and corruption. This paper argues that Africa’s future will depend on a revision of state borders, increasein population and the creation of a Federation of African States based on five states. In this article a strategic plan is presented by way of ‘Fundi wa Africa: Toward a New Paradigm of the African state’.
Islamism: What is New, What is Not? Lessons from West Africa
Authors: Ousmane Kane
Published: November 2011

In the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution in Iran of 1979, a marked scholarly interest in Islam driven by policy concerns developed in Western countries. Hitherto the monopoly of a few Orientalists, Islamic studies soon became a multidisciplinary field, attracting experts across the spectrum of the social sciences and the humanities, and indeed beyond academia, and many studies were carried out on Islamism. This article, which focuses on West Africa, questions some of the widely held assumptions on Islamism. The author’s main argument is that Islamism is not a new phenomenon. A second point made here is that ‘Islamist’ movements are not primarily Salafi. A third point is that ‘Islamists’ are not inherently violent. What is new, according to the author, is the perception of Islamism as a threat in the West.
NEPAD and the Challenge of Africa’s Development:
Authors: Jìmí O. Adésínà
Published: November 2011

Abstract:The critical necessity of development for Africa in the 21ˢᵗ century is an issue around which there is considerable consensus. There is, however, little agreement on the nature of the crisis, the required development framework, and the ‘desired state’. In the context of the debate, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has been promoted by its authors and sponsors as Africa’s development blueprint for meeting its development challenges. Much of the criticism of NEPAD has focused, procedurally, on the lack of consultation in its drafting, and, paradigmatically, on its neo- liberal content, the same set of policy instruments that have damaged Africa over the last 20 years. The latter underscores the sense of betrayal that comes through civil society resistance to NEPAD. The question though is this: Why would a group of African leaders, who seem genuine in their concerns, take responsibility for such policy framework? The paper seeks an explanation in the complex interaction between a set of developments since 1980: the neo-liberal hegemony at the level of state policymaking, internal policy atrophy, coercive power of compliance, but equally the new constituencies (class forces) that have been thrown up in the last two decades – within the state, economy, and importantly the civil society in sub-Saharan Africa. Much of the latter is premised on the ‘death of the emancipatory project’ and the dominant politics of the petty bourgeois class in Africa. It is in this sense that we understanding NEPAD as a class project, hence, its import.Introduction
International Foundations, Agenda Setting and the Non-Profit Sector in South Africa
Authors: Bhekinkosi Moyo
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The Politics of International Terrorism in the Security Complexes in the Greater Horn of Africa: An Overview from Uganda under the Movementocracy
Authors: Aaron K.K. Mukwaya
Published: November 2011

The article attempts to analyse the phenomenon of international terrorism in the Greater Horn Security Complexes, with the emphasis on the role of Uganda’s Movementocratic government. The article is premised on the thesis that ‘InternationalTerrorism’, apart from its local, national, regional and global causes, has become one of the key determinants of foreign policy and regional relations in the Greater Horn of Africa, and even more so for Uganda. It asserts that given the uniqueness of the Movementocracy and the global appraisal of this governance, Uganda is at the moment standing up to be counted by western countries as one of the vanguards in the fight against international terrorism in the Greater Horn of Africa. It also considers the causes and consequences of international terrorism and the methodologies and strategies for addressing this political scourge at the local, national, regional, continental and global levels. Here we shall examine unilateral, bilateral and multilateral approaches in dealing with international terrorism through states and non-states arrangements and methodologies.