bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptidomic Analysis of the Brain and Corpora Cardiaca-Corpora Allata Complex in the Bombyx mori
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Ning Xia , Zhang Yan , Chen Wenfeng , Zhao Zhangwu , Zhang Qingwen
Published: December 2012

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, is an important economic insect for silk production. However, many of the mature peptides relevant to its various life stages remain unknown. Using RP-HPLC, MALDI-TOF MS, and previously identified peptides from B. mori and other insects in the transcriptome database, we created peptide profiles showing a total of 6 ion masses that could be assigned to peptides in eggs, including one previously unidentified peptide. A further 49 peptides were assigned to larval brains. 17 new mature peptides were identified in isolated masses. 39 peptides were found in pupal brains with 8 unidentified peptides. 48 were found in adult brains with 12 unidentified peptides. These new unidentified peptides showed highly significant matches in all MS analysis. These matches were then searched against the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database to provide new annotations for these mature peptides. In total, 59 mature peptides in 19 categories were found in the brains of silkworms at the larval, pupal, and adult stages. These results demonstrate that peptidomic variation across different developmental stages can be dramatic. Moreover, the corpora cardiaca-corpora allata (CC-CA) complex was examined during the fifth larval instar. A total of 41 ion masses were assigned to peptides.
Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ciećko-Michalska Irena , Szczepanek Małgorzata , Słowik Agnieszka , Mach Tomasz
Published: December 2012

Hepatic encephalopathy can be a serious complication of acute liver failure and chronic liver diseases, predominantly liver cirrhosis. Hyperammonemia plays the most important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. The brain-blood barrier disturbances, changes in neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, GABA-ergic or benzodiazepine pathway abnormalities, manganese neurotoxicity, brain energetic disturbances, and brain blood flow abnormalities are considered to be involved in the development of hepatic encephalopathy. The influence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) on the induction of minimal hepatic encephalopathy is recently emphasized. The aim of this paper is to present the current views on the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.
Analysis and Minimization of the Oscillatory Currents in Multibranch Thyristor-Switched Capacitors
Authors: Saied Mohamed M.
Published: December 2012

This paper addresses the switching transients in multibranch thyristor-switched capacitors (TSCs). The current transients following the addition of a branch to a group of already connected ones are analyzed. Expressions for both its fundamental and its oscillatory components are given in terms of the power network voltage, frequency, short-circuit level, and the switching angle. The relations include also the compensator parameters such as its total reactive power rating, total number of branches, the number of already connected branches, and the initial voltage on the capacitor involved in the switching transient. An expression for the distortion of the supply current is also given. A minimization procedure is presented for identifying the optimal switching angle leading to the least magnitude of the oscillatory current. Switching when the instantaneous supply voltage is equal to the initial voltage will result in the least oscillatory current only in the two special cases of a single-branch compensator, or in the switching of the first branch of a multi-branch TSC. The effect of both the total number of branches and the branch switching steps on the oscillatory current and on the optimal switching angle is also discussed. The advantage of the suggested procedure is demonstrated by investigating several case studies.
Integrating STATCOM and Battery Energy Storage System for Power System Transient Stability: A Review and Application
Authors: Chakraborty Arindam , Musunuri Shravana K. , Srivastava Anurag K. , Kondabathini Anil K.
Published: December 2012

Integration of STATCOM with energy storage devices plays an imperative role in improving the power system operation and control. Significant research has been done in this area for practical realization of benefits of the integration. This paper, however, pays particular importance to the performance improvement for the transients as is achievable by STATCOM with battery-powered storage systems. Application of STATCOM with storage in regard to intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind power generation is also discussed in the paper. At the beginning of this paper, an overall review of the STATCOM and energy storage systems are elaborated. A brief overview of the advantages of using STATCOM in conjunction to energy storage systems in achieving power system stability is presented. In the second part of the paper, a typical transient stability model of a STATCOM is presented. The dynamics of real and reactive power responses of the integrated system to transients is studied. The study is aimed at showing that the combination of STATCOM and battery energy storage significantly improves the performance of the system. The final results show that the STATCOM reactive power/voltage control helps in transient stability enhancement.
Training Self-Regulated Learning in the Classroom: Development and Evaluation of Learning Materials to Train Self-Regulated Learning during Regular Mathematics Lessons at Primary School
Authors: Leidinger Manuela , Perels Franziska
Published: December 2012

The aim of the intervention based on the self-regulation theory by Zimmerman (2000) was to promote a powerful learning environment for supporting self-regulated learning by using learning materials. In the study, primary school teachers were asked to implement specific learning materials into their regular mathematics lessons in grade four. These learning materials focused on particular (meta)cognitive and motivational components of self-regulated learning and were subdivided into six units, with which the students of the experimental group were asked to deal with on a weekly basis. The evaluation was based on a quasiexperimental pre-/postcontrol-group design combined with a time series design. Altogether, 135 fourth graders participated in the study. The intervention was evaluated by a self-regulated learning questionnaire, mathematics test, and process data gathered through structured learning diaries for a period of six weeks. The results revealed that students with the self-regulated learning training maintained their level of self-reported self-regulated learning activities from pre- to posttest, whereas a significant decline was observed for the control students. Regarding students’ mathematical achievement, a slightly greater improvement was found for the students with self-regulated learning training.
Delay‐Dependent Fuzzy Hyperbolic Model Based on Data‐Driven Guaranteed Cost Control for a Class of Nonlinear Continuous‐Time Systems with Uncertainties
Authors: Wang Gang , Yang Dongsheng , Zhao Qingqi
Published: December 2012

This paper develops the fuzzy hyperbolic model with time‐varying delays guaranteed cost controller design via state‐feedback for a class of nonlinear continuous‐time systems with parameter uncertainties. A nonlinear quadratic cost function is developed as a performance measurement of the closed‐loop fuzzy system based on fuzzy hyperbolic model with time‐varying delays. Some sufficient conditions for the existence of such a fuzzy hyperbolic model based on data‐driven guaranteed cost controller via state feedback are presented by a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Clinical Challenges in the Management of Leishmania/HIV Coinfection in a Nonendemic Area: A Case Report
Authors: Grabmeier-Pfistershammer K. , Poeppl W. , Brunner P. M. , Rappersberger K. , Rieger A.
Published: December 2012

We report on a 37-year-old male HIV-positive patient with generalized cutaneous leishmaniasis undiagnosed for several years. Upon presentation, visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed in addition to cutaneous manifestation of the disease. Over a period of three years, several different treatment regimens including liposomal amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B with miltefosine, liposomal amphotericin B with interferon, and pentamidine combined fluconazole and allopurinol were applied until Leishmania PCR from blood turned negative. This case supports the necessity of multidrug combinational and sequential therapy over a very prolonged period of time in severely immunosuppressed patients infected with Leishmania and highlights the tremendous individual but also economic burden of this disease.
Impact of Exercise and Metabolic Disorders on Heat Shock Proteins and Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Noble Earl G. , Shen Garry X.
Published: December 2012

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) play critical roles in the body’s self-defense under a variety of stresses, including heat shock, oxidative stress, radiation, and wounds, through the regulation of folding and functions of relevant cellular proteins. Exercise increases the levels of Hsp through elevated temperature, hormones, calcium fluxes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), or mechanical deformation of tissues. Isotonic contractions and endurance- type activities tend to increase Hsp60 and Hsp70. Eccentric muscle contractions lead to phosphorylation and translocation of Hsp25/27. Exercise-induced transient increases of Hsp inhibit the generation of inflammatory mediators and vascular inflammation. Metabolic disorders (hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia) are associated with type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune disease), type 2 diabetes (the common type of diabetes usually associated with obesity), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Metabolic disorders activate HSF/Hsp pathway, which was associated with oxidative stress, increased generation of inflammatory mediators, vascular inflammation, and cell injury. Knock down of heat shock factor-1 (HSF1) reduced the activation of key inflammatory mediators in vascular cells. Accumulating lines of evidence suggest that the activation of HSF/Hsp induced by exercise or metabolic disorders may play a dual role in inflammation. The benefits of exercise on inflammation and metabolism depend on the type, intensity, and duration of physical activity.
Enabling Semantic Technology Empowered Smart Spaces
Authors: Kiljander Jussi , Ylisaukko-oja Arto , Takalo-Mattila Janne , Eteläperä Matti , Soininen Juha-Pekka
Published: December 2012

It has been proposed that Semantic Web technologies would be key enablers in achieving context-aware computing in our everyday environments. In our vision of semantic technology empowered smart spaces, the whole interaction model is based on the sharing of semantic data via common blackboards. This approach allows smart space applications to take full advantage of semantic technologies. Because of its novelty, there is, however, a lack of solutions and methods for developing semantic smart space applications according to this vision. In this paper, we present solutions to the most relevant challenges we have faced when developing context-aware computing in smart spaces. In particular the paper describes (1) methods for utilizing semantic technologies with resource restricted-devices, (2) a solution for identifying real world objects in semantic technology empowered smart spaces, (3) a method for users to modify the behavior of context-aware smart space applications, and (4) an approach for content sharing between autonomous smart space agents. The proposed solutions include ontologies, system models, and guidelines for building smart spaces with the M3 semantic information sharing platform. To validate and demonstrate the approaches in practice, we have implemented various prototype smart space applications and tools.
PERCEPT Indoor Navigation System for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Architecture and Experimentation
Authors: Ganz Aura , Schafer James , Gandhi Siddhesh , Puleo Elaine , Wilson Carole , Robertson Meg
Published: December 2012

We introduce PERCEPT system, an indoor navigation system for the blind and visually impaired. PERCEPT will improve the quality of life and health of the visually impaired community by enabling independent living. Using PERCEPT, blind users will have independent access to public health facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers. Access to healthcare facilities is crucial for this population due to the multiple health conditions that they face such as diabetes and its complications. PERCEPT system trials with 24 blind and visually impaired users in a multistory building show PERCEPT system effectiveness in providing appropriate navigation instructions to these users. The uniqueness of our system is that it is affordable and that its design follows orientation and mobility principles. We hope that PERCEPT will become a standard deployed in all indoor public spaces, especially in healthcare and wellness facilities.
Optical, Spectroscopic, and Doppler Evaluation of “Normal” and “Abnormal” Reflexology Areas in Lumbar Vertebral Pathology: A Case Study
Authors: Dalal Krishna , Elanchezhiyan D. , Maran V. B. , Das Raunak Kumar , Kumar Piyush , Singh S. P. , Murali Krishna C. , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy
Published: December 2012

Scientific validation of reflexology requires an in-depth and noninvasive evaluation of “reflexology/reflex areas” in health and disease. The present paper reports the differential properties of “normal” and “abnormal” reflexology areas related to the lumbar vertebrae in a subject suffering from low back pain. The pathology is supported by radiological evidence. The reflexology target regions were clinically assessed with respect to colour and tenderness in response to finger pressure. Grey scale luminosity and pain intensity, as assessed by visual analogue scale scores, differentiated “normal” from “abnormal” skin. Skin swept source-optical coherence tomography recorded their structural differences. Infrared thermography revealed temperature variations. A laser Doppler study using a combined microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring system indicated alterations in blood flow and oxygen perfusion. Raman spectroscopy showed differences in chemical signatures between these areas. The present findings may indicate a potential correlation between the reflexology areas and subsurface pathological changes, showing an association with the healthy or unhealthy status of the lumbar vertebrae.
Singular Initial Value Problem for a System of Integro‐Differential Equations
Authors: Šmarda Zdeněk , Khan Yasir
Published: December 2012

Analytical properties like existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic behavior of solutions are studied for the following singular initial value problem: ,  
yi(0+) = 0,  
t ∈ (0, t0], where y = (y1, …, yn),  
ai > 0,  
i = 1, …, n are constants and t0 > 0. An approach which combines topological method of T. Ważewski and Schauder′s fixed point theorem is used. Particular attention is paid to construction of asymptotic expansions of solutions for certain classes of systems of integrodifferential equations in a right‐hand neighbourhood of a singular point.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for the Generalized Overlapping Domain Decomposition Methods
Authors: Benlarbi Hakima , Chibi Ahmed-Salah
Published: December 2012

A posteriori error estimates for the generalized overlapping domain decomposition method (GODDM) (i.e., with Robin boundary conditions on the interfaces), for second order boundary value problems,
are derived. We show that the error estimate in the continuous case depends on the differences of the traces of the subdomain solutions on the interfaces. After discretization of the domain by finite elements we use the techniques of the residual a posteriori error analysis to get an a posteriori error estimate for the discrete solutions on subdomains. The results of some numerical experiments are presented to support the theory.
Experimental Visualization of the Flow Structure for Jet in Crossflow with a Curved Hole Passage
Authors: Liang Jun Yu , Kang Shun
Published: December 2012

The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of a hole curvature on the flow structure and characteristics downstream of JICF (jet in cross-Flow) by means of smoke visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiment was performed in a low speed wind tunnel with Reynolds numbers of about 480 and 1000, based on the hole diameter and main flow speed. Two geometries were tested: a circular hole with 90° curvature and a circular straight hole for comparison, under blowing ratios 0.5 and 1.0. The measurements were done in the symmetric plane and four cross-sections. The results show that the curved hole could decrease the mixing behavior of jet flow with the main flow as the hole leading edge also increases the chance of transportingthecoolant to the wall surface and the transverse coverage. The curved hole shows a high potential to increase the cooling effectiveness once it is applied to the turbine blades.
Emotional Understanding and Color-Emotion Associations in Children Aged 7-8 Years
Authors: Pope Debbie J. , Butler Hannah , Qualter Pamela
Published: December 2012

An understanding of the development of emotional knowledge can help us determine how children perceive and interpret their surroundings and color-emotion associations are one measure of the expression of a child’s emotional interpretations. Emotional understanding and color-emotion associations were examined in a sample of UK school children, aged 7-8 years. Forty primary school children (mean age = 7.38;
SD = 0.49) were administered color assessment and emotional understanding tasks, and an expressive vocabulary test. Results identified significant gender differences with girls providing more appropriate and higher quality expressions of emotional understanding than boys. Children were more able to link color to positive rather than negative emotions and significant gender differences in specific color preferences were observed. The implications of adult misinterpretations of color-emotion associations in young children are discussed.
A Preliminary Study of Functional Brain Activation among Marijuana Users during Performance of a Virtual Water Maze Task
Authors: Sneider Jennifer Tropp , Gruber Staci A. , Rogowska Jadwiga , Silveri Marisa M. , Yurgelun-Todd Deborah A.
Published: December 2012

Numerous studies have reported neurocognitive impairments associated with chronic marijuana use. Given that the hippocampus contains a high density of cannabinoid receptors, hippocampal-mediated cognitive functions, including visuospatial memory, may have increased vulnerability to chronic marijuana use. Thus, the current study examined brain activation during the performance of a virtual analogue of the classic Morris water maze task in 10 chronic marijuana (MJ) users compared to 18 nonusing (NU) comparison subjects. Imaging data were acquired using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI at 3.0 Tesla during retrieval (hidden platform) and motor control (visible platform) conditions. While task performance on learning trials was similar between groups, MJ users demonstrated a deficit in memory retrieval. For BOLD fMRI data, NU subjects exhibited greater activation in the right parahippocampal gyrus and cingulate gyrus compared to the MJ group for the Retrieval-Motor Control contrast (NU > MJ). These findings suggest that hypoactivation in MJ users may be due to differences in the efficient utilization of neuronal resources during the retrieval of memory. Given the paucity of data on visuospatial memory function in MJ users, these findings may help elucidate the neurobiological effects of marijuana on brain activation during memory retrieval.
CD4+CD161+ T Lymphocytes Infiltrate Crohn’s Disease-Associated Perianal Fistulas and Are Reduced by Anti-TNF-α Local Therapy
Authors: Maggi Laura , Capone Manuela , Giudici Francesco , Santarlasci Veronica , Querci Valentina , Liotta Francesco , Ficari Ferdinando , Maggi Enrico , Tonelli Francesco , Annunziato Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo
Published: December 2012

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the pathogenesis of which both Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes have been described as being involved. The NK-associated molecule CD161 has recently been described as a marker of IL-17-producing lymphocytes. In this work we assessed the presence and the functional features of CD161 T helper lymphocytes infiltrating CD-associated perianal fistulas, both before and after inoculation of anti-TNF-α mAbs along the fistula. Methods: In a group of 9 CD patients with fistulizing perianal disease, we evaluated phenotypic and functional features of T cells recovered from the fistula, comparing them with peripheral blood (PB) T lymphocytes. Moreover, the effects anti-TNF-α mAbs injections along the fistula in terms of ability to reduce the inflammatory infiltrate and to determine fistula disappearance were assessed. Results: In CD patients with fistulizing disease there is an accumulation of CD161+ T helper lymphocytes, with higher frequencies of Th1, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells in the fistula than in PB. Local anti-TNF-α administration is associated with fistula resolution in the majority of patients with disappearance of infiltrating T lymphocytes, without any systemic effect in circulating effector T cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CD4+CD161+ T cells with Th17, Th17/Th1 and Th1 phenotype accumulate in CD perianal fistulas, and indicate local anti-TNF-α mAbs administration along the fistula as a promising tool for the treatment of these patients.
A Novel Type of Selective Immunoglobulin M Deficiency in a Patient with Autoimmune Liver Cirrhosis with Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Arahata Masahisa , Tajiri Kazuto , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Minami Shinji , Shimizu Yukihiro
Published: December 2012

A 64-year-old female with advanced liver cirrhosis who had never experienced severe infections presented in 2004 with general malaise. At the time, her serum showed low levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) M (11 mg/dl) with high levels of both IgG (2,942 mg/dl) and IgA (808 mg/dl). Because serum levels of IgG and IgA in previous cases of selective IgM deficiency were normal, this case could have a novel immunological mechanism. By 2006, serum IgM was undetectable (<5 mg/dl). Liver biopsy showed liver cirrhosis from autoimmune hepatitis. She had no other autoimmune diseases or hematological malignancies. She developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) several times and died of liver failure. Immunological analyses performed before the first diagnosis of HCC showed polyclonal γ-globulin elevation, normal chromosome and normal gene rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain Cµ. Peripheral blood showed low count B cells with few surface IgM-positive B lymphocytes, but the percentages of T cell subsets were normal. Expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which plays a critical role in immunoglobin class switching, was found to be overexpressed in the HCC tissue and B cells in bone marrow. This phenomenon could account for the clinical and immunological features of this case. In conclusion, we propose a novel type of selective IgM deficiency in association with the overexpression of AID.
Degarelix versus Goserelin (+ Antiandrogen Flare Protection) in the Relief of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Prostate Cancer: Results from a Phase IIIb Study (NCT00831233)
Authors: Anderson John , Al-Ali Ghandi , Wirth Manfred , Gual Joan Benejam , Gomez Veiga Francisco , Colli Enrico , van der Meulen Egbert , Persson Bo-Eric
Published: December 2012

Introduction: No studies to date have assessed the efficacy/tolerability of degarelix in the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to prostate cancer (PrCa). Methods: Patients were randomised to degarelix 240/80 mg or goserelin 3.6 mg + bicalutamide flare protection (G+B); both treatments were administered for 3 months. The primary endpoint was change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at week 12 compared with baseline. Results: This study was stopped early due to recruitment difficulties. 40 patients received treatment (degarelix n = 27; G+B n = 13); most had locally advanced disease and were highly symptomatic. Degarelix was non-inferior to G+B in reducing IPSS at week 12 in the full analysis set (p = 0.20); the significantly larger IPSS reduction in the per-protocol analysis (p = 0.04) was suggestive of superior reductions with degarelix. Significantly more degarelix patients had improved quality of life (IPSS question) at week 12 (85 vs. 46%; p = 0.01). Mean prostate size reductions at week 12 were 42 versus 25% for patients receiving degarelix versus G+B, respectively (p = 0.04; post hoc analysis). Most adverse events were mild/moderate; more degarelix patients experienced injection site reactions whereas more G+B patients had urinary tract infections/cystitis. Conclusion: In 40 men with predominantly locally advanced PrCa and highly symptomatic LUTS, degarelix was at least non-inferior to G+B in reducing IPSS at week 12.
Body Mass Index Predicts Failure of Surgical Management in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Willder Jennifer M. , Walker Victoria C. , Halbert Gwen L. , Dick Craig P.C. , Orange Clare , Qayyum Tahir , Horgan Paul G. , Underwood Mark A. , Edwards Joanne
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Inflammation is postulated to link obesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The role of inflammation and the prognostic significance of body mass index (BMI) was investigated in BPH patients. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive patients with histological BPH were identified from 1996 to 2005. Systemic inflammation was assessed by modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) and local inflammation by Klintrup-Makinen criteria. Results: In 392 patients, BMI was associated with cardiovascular disease (p = 0.033), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 4.45 × 10-8), aspirin usage (p = 0.018) and failure of surgical treatment (p = 0.001). mGPS and Klintrup-Makinen scores were not associated with clinical variables or outcome measures. On multivariate analysis BMI was an independent predictor of time to failure of surgical management of BPH, HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.11-2.19), p = 0.010. Conclusions: The mGPS and Klintrup-Makinen scores were not associated with BMI in BPH patients. High BMI is associated with failure of surgical management of BPH. Preoperative weight loss should be strongly encouraged in these patients.
Think Global – Act Local: Intravitreal Drug Delivery Systems in Chronic Noninfectious Uveitis
Authors: Hazirolan Dicle , Pleyer Uwe
Published: December 2012

The eye is probably the most attractive site of the body for treatment using locally delivered therapeutic agents. An ideal indication for such an approach is noninfectious posterior uveitis. Since intraocular structures of the posterior segment are difficult to reach and are otherwise accessible only by systemic treatment, current interest is focused on the pros and cons of intravitreal drug delivery. Because of its chronic and recurrent nature, the long-term release of anti-inflammatory agents is a major treatment goal. Intravitreal injections, intravitreal implants and biodegradable devices are the most commonly used and approved approaches to deliver various agents to the vitreous. Because of their broad and potent effects, corticosteroids (CS) have been the first-line candidates for intraocular delivery. An increasing spectrum of CS preparations including nondegradable and biodegradable devices is currently available. Since repeated and long-term applications bear the risk of steroid-related complications such as increased intraocular pressure and cataract, alternative agents are currently being tested. Intravitreal injection of methotrexate, anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), anti-TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α) and sirolimus have also been applied in patients with conflicting results. Intravitreal treatment has significantly reduced the incidence of adverse effects compared to systemic application, but due to greater ocular side effects there are still some limitations.
Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection before Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Neovascular Glaucoma
Authors: Sevim Mehmet Sahin , Buttanri Ibrahim Bulent , Kugu Suleyman , Serin Didem , Sevim Semra
Published: December 2012

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) before Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Methods: This retrospective, comparative and consecutive case series study included 41 eyes from 41 patients who underwent AGV implantation for treatment of NVG. The study group was composed of 19 patients (19 eyes) to whom IVB was administered before surgery, while the control group was composed of 22 patients (22 eyes) to whom IVB was not administered before AGV implantation. Findings such as intraocular pressures measured before and after surgery, surgical success rates, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences in preoperative data between groups. The surgical success rate in the study group (79%) was better than in the control group (64%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.28). Early postoperative complications such as fibrinous reaction in the anterior chamber as well as hyphema were less frequently observed in the study group. Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab is a useful preparatory step to safely and effectively implant an aqueous shunting tube in eyes with severe NVG and intractable intraocular pressure.
Conformation-Dependent Oligomers in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Presymptomatic Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Mutation Carriers
Authors: Ringman John M. , Tomic Jennifer L. , Coppola Giovanni , Elashoff David , Gylys Karen H. , Glabe Charles G.
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: Oligomerization of amyloid beta (Aβ) is a hypothesized step in the formation of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but has been difficult to demonstrate in vivo in humans. As persons destined to develop familial AD (FAD) due to fully penetrant autosomal dominant mutations are essentially certain to develop the disease, they provide the opportunity to identify oligomers during the presymptomatic stage of the disease. Methods: We measured levels of Aβ42 using a conventional immunoassay and prefibrillar, fibrillar, and annular protofibrillar oligomers using polyclonal conformation-dependent antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 7 persons at risk for inheriting FAD mutations. Levels of oligomers were compared between FAD mutation carriers and noncarriers. Results: Compared to 2 noncarriers, annular protofibrillar oligomers were elevated, prefibrillar and fibrillar oligomers trended towards elevation and Aβ42 monomer trended towards being decreased in 5 FAD mutation carriers. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence for an identifiable elevation of CSF oligomers during the presymptomatic phase of FAD.
Caregiver Burden and Psychoeducational Interventions in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review
Authors: Beinart N. , Weinman J. , Wade D. , Brady R.
Published: December 2012

Background: Caring for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with poor quality of life and deteriorating health for the caregiver. Methods: This comprehensive review was performed to investigate the current literature on caregiver burden, factors affecting caregiver burden and the effectiveness of different types of intervention. Results: Successful psychoeducational interventions for caregivers have included provision of information about AD, care planning, advice about patient management and the importance of self-care, skills training to aid patient management, stress management training, and problem-solving and decision-making guidance. Conclusion: Interventions that are individually tailored to the caregiver are particularly effective at reducing caregiver burden and should be further investigated. The use of effective pharmacological treatment for the improvement and/or stabilisation of AD symptoms in the patient is also likely to improve caregiver burden.
Insula-Specific 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Reactions in Heavy Smokers under Acute Nicotine Withdrawal and after Oral Nicotine Substitution
Authors: Gutzeit Andreas , Froehlich Johannes M. , Hergan Klaus , Graf Nicole , Binkert Christoph A. , Meier Dieter , Brügger Mike , Reischauer Carolin , Sutter Reto , Herdener Marcus , Schubert Tillmann , Kos Sebastian , Grosshans Martin , Straka Matus , Mutschler Jochen
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to clarify whether addiction-specific neurometabolic reaction patterns occur in the insular cortex during acute nicotine withdrawal in tobacco smokers in comparison to nonsmokers. Fourteen male smokers and 10 male nonsmokers were included. Neurometabolites of the right and the left insular cortices were quantified by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) on a 3-Tesla scanner. Three separate MRS measurements were performed in each subject: among the smokers, the first measurement was done during normal smoking behavior, the second measurement during acute withdrawal (after 24 h of smoking abstinence), and the third shortly after administration of an oral nicotine substitute. Simultaneously, craving, withdrawal symptoms, and CO levels in exhaled air were determined during the three phases. The participants in the control group underwent the same MR protocol. In the smokers, during withdrawal, the insular cortex showed a significant increase in glutamine (Gln; p = 0.023) as well as a slight increase not reaching significance for glutamine/glutamate (Glx; p = 0.085) and a nonsignificant drop in myoinositol (mI; p = 0.381). These values tended to normalize after oral nicotine substitution treatment, even though differences were not significant: Gln (p = 0.225), Glx (p = 0.107) and mI (p = 0.810). Overall, the nonsmokers (control group) did not show any metabolic changes over all three phases (p > 0.05). In smokers, acute nicotine withdrawal produces a neurometabolic reaction pattern that is partly reversed by the administration of an oral nicotine substitute. The results are consistent with the expression of an addiction-specific neurometabolic shift in the brain and confirm the fact that the insular cortex seems to play a possible role in nicotine dependence.
Perceived Discrimination Is Associated with Binge Eating in a Community Sample of Non-Overweight, Overweight, and Obese Adults
Authors: Durso Laura E. , Latner Janet D. , Hayashi Kentaro
Published: December 2012

Objective: The present study examined the relationship between experiences of discrimination and occurrence of binge eating among overweight and obese persons, a population which has previously shown elevated rates of binge eating. Methods: Internet-based questionnaires were used to measure frequency and impact of discrimination, binge eating frequency, and emotional eating. Results: Pearson correlation analyses demonstrated significant positive relationships between the measures of discrimination and measures of eating behaviors (r = 0.12–0.37). Regression models significantly predicted between 17 and 33% of the variance of emotional eating scores and frequency of binge eating; discrimination measures contributed significantly and independently to the variance in emotional eating and binge eating. Weight bias internalization was found to be a partial mediator of the relationship between discrimination and eating disturbance. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the relationship of discrimination to binge eating. Weight bias internalization may be an important mechanism for this relationship and a potential treatment target.
Bereavement in Early Life and Later Childhood Overweight
Authors: Li Jiong , Olsen Jørn , Vestergaard Mogens , Obel Carsten , Baker Jennifer L. , Sørensen Thorkild I.A.
Published: December 2012

Objective: The rise in the occurrence of childhood obesity during the last decades in many populations indicates an important role of environmental exposures, which may operate very early in life. We aimed to examine the association between bereavement during the first 6 years of life, as a stress indicator, and subsequent risk of overweight in school-aged children. Methods: We followed 46,401 singletons born in Denmark who underwent annual health examinations at 7–13 years of age in school of Copenhagen. A total of 492 children experienced bereavement by death of a parent during the first 6 years of life. We compared BMI levels, changes in BMI, and the prevalence of overweight at 7–13 years of age between bereaved and non-bereaved children. Results: Between bereaved children and non-bereaved children, there were no differences in average BMI levels at any age or changes in BMI at 7–13 years of age. Bereavement during the first 6 years of life was not associated with an increased risk of overweight at 7–13 years of age. Conclusion: This study did not support that stress induced by bereavement during the first 6 years of life has significant influence on overweight in later childhood.
Association of BACE1 Gene Polymorphism with Cerebellar Volume but Not Cognitive Function in Normal Individuals
Authors: Tsai Alex , Huang Chu-Chung , Yang Albert C. , Liu Mu-En , Tu Pei-Chi , Hong Chen-Jee , Liou Ying-Jay , Chen Jin-Fan , Lin Ching-Po , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: December 2012

Aims: β-Site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a biological and positional candidate gene for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies found that BACE1-null mice had impaired performance on cognition and neurodegeneration during the aging process. Additionally, a synonymous polymorphism of BACE1 (rs638405) in exon 5 has been reported to be associated with risk for AD. We hypothesized that this BACE1 gene variant might influence regional brain volumes and cognitive tests in normal individuals. Methods: Participants were 330 normal volunteers between 21 and 92 years of age (mean age 56.3 ± 22.0 years; 191 males, 139 females). Cognitive tests (the Mini-Mental State Examination and Digit Spans), magnetic resonance imaging, and genotyping of BACE1 rs638405 were examined for each subject. The differences in regional gray matter (GM) volumes between G homozygotes and C-allele carriers were tested using optimized voxel-based morphometry. Results: Compared to C-allele carriers, G homozygotes exhibited significantly larger GM volumes in the left cerebellar culmen and right cerebellar lingual area, but no significant differences on cognitive function tests. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the BACE1 rs638405 polymorphism may affect cerebellar morphology, but not cognitive function in healthy humans.
The Hyperactivity/Inattention Subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Predicts Short- and Long-Term Weight Loss in Overweight Children and Adolescents Treated as Outpatients
Authors: van Egmond-Froehlich Andreas , Bullinger Monika , Holl Reinhard W. , Hoffmeister Ulrike , Mann Reinhard , Goldapp Cornelia , Westenhoefer Joachim , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , de Zwaan Martina
Published: December 2012

Objective: The success of treatment for pediatric obesity is variable and often unsatisfactory. This study elucidates the influence of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity on short- and long-term weight loss and maintenance after outpatient treatment. Methods: We included 8- to 16-year-old overweight and obese participants treated in 17 multidisciplinary outpatient treatment centers in a nationwide observational study. All treatment centers that reported long-term (1-year) follow-up weight data of at least 60% of the participants were included. At the beginning and end of treatment and at 1 year follow-up weight and height were measured at the center. Inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were assessed with the hyperactivity/inattention subscale (HI) of the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). General linear models were used with the standard deviation scores of the BMI (BMI-SDS) as dependent variable and HI scores as main independent variable adjusting for age, sex, baseline BMI-SDS, and center. Results: 394 participants were included (57% female, age: 11.7± 2.0 years, baseline BMI-SDS 2.32 ±.46 kg/m2). HI scores were significantly associated with short- and long-term BMI-SDS (p < 0.0005), with higher baseline HI scores predicting less weight loss. Conclusions: Our results indicate that inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are linearly associated with reduced short- and long-term weight loss. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Exploring the Impact of Land Cover and Topography on Rainfall Maxima in the Netherlands
Authors: ter Maat H. W. , Moors E. J. , Hutjes R. W. A. , Holtslag A. A. M. , Dolman A. J.
Published: December 2012

The relative contribution of topography and land use on precipitation is analyzed in this paper for a forested area in the Netherlands. This area has an average yearly precipitation sum that can be 75–100 mm higher than the rest of the country. To analyze this contribution, different configurations of land use and topography are fed into a mesoscale model. The authors use the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) coupled with a land surface scheme simulating water vapor, heat, and momentum fluxes [Soil–Water–Atmosphere Plant System–Carbon (SWAPS-C)]. The model simulations are executed for two periods that cover varying large-scale synoptic conditions of summer and winter periods. The output of the experiments leads to the conclusion that the precipitation maximum at the Veluwe is forced by topography and land use. The effect of the forested area on the processes that influence precipitation is smaller in summertime conditions when the precipitation has a convective character. In frontal conditions, the forest has a more pronounced effect on local precipitation through the convergence of moisture. The effect of topography on monthly domain-averaged precipitation around the Veluwe is a 17% increase in the winter and a 10% increase in the summer, which is quite remarkable for topography with a maximum elevation of just above 100 m and moderate steepness. From this study, it appears that the version of RAMS using Mellor–Yamada turbulence parameterization simulates precipitation better in wintertime, but the configuration with the medium-range forecast (MRF) turbulence parameterization improves the simulation of precipitation in convective circumstances.
Managing Method: A Critical Inquiry into Language Policy in a Tertiary Institution in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hunt Neil D.
Published: December 2012

The development of critical sensibilities in English Language Teaching (ELT) in recent years has seen challenges to assumptions and methodologies in the field, placing an explicit focus on the manifestation of structures and relations of power. The critical stance affords a growing acceptance of English Language Teaching as a complex situated social practice, recognizing the issue of power in teacher-learner relationships. As such, the practice of minimizing learners’ first language use in classrooms has been questioned from both pedagogical and political directions. This study critically examines attitudes, practices and policies surrounding the role of Arabic in English Language Teaching at an English medium institution in the United Arab Emirates. Findings reveal that teachers, students and college administration both resist and comply with instructions to minimize Arabic, and that individuals intervene in institutional methodological structure with often contradictory positions emerging. A secondary aspect portrays managerial policing of teachers for methodological rigour with implications for teachers’ professional autonomy and development. I argue that such responses reflect English Language Teaching methodology’s position as an aspect of the global pattern of deployment of cultural and economic power.
Interlanguage Pragmatic Motivation: Its Construct and Impact on Speech Act Production
Authors: Tajeddin Zia , Moghadam Amir Zand
Published: December 2012

The aim of this pioneering study was to define and describe motivation for the acquisition of interlanguage pragmatic competence. Interlanguage pragmatic motivation was investigated from two perspectives: (1) general pragmatic motivation, displaying L2 learners’ motivation to acquire pragmatic strategies, pragmatic routines, politeness strategies, turn-taking patterns, and cultural familiarity; and (2) speech-act-specific motivation, representing learners’ motivation to acquire the pragmalinguistic forms and sociopragmatic norms of performing speech acts. Seventy-five EFL learners were studied using two pragmatic motivation questionnaires and a discourse completion task. The relationships among the general pragmatic motivation, speech-act-specific motivation, and pragmatic production were then investigated. The findings showed that EFL learners are highly motivated to learn English language pragmatic features from both motivational perspectives. Further analyses revealed that the learners fell short of having satisfactory L2 pragmatic production. Regression equations revealed that speech-act-specific motivation has the explanatory power of predicting pragmatic production in EFL learners but general pragmatic motivation does not manifest such an influence on L2 learners’ production. It is concluded that high general pragmatic motivation does not necessarily correlate with better pragmatic production.
Knowledge Sources in EFL Learners’ Lexical Inferencing across Reading Proficiency Levels
Authors: Kaivanpanah Shiva , Soltani Moghaddam Majid
Published: December 2012

Growing concerns have been voiced about strategies employed in L2 reading in general and dealing with unknown words in particular. Among other strategies, lexical inferencing has received attention in the literature. However, more research is needed to further clarify how different levels of L2 reading proficiency may affect the readers’ inferencing behavior with respect to the level of success they achieve as well as the types, combinations, and frequencies of knowledge sources they use when inferring meanings of unknown words. Taking up the legacy left by the pioneering works in lexical inferencing, the present study is an attempt to shed more light on the role of reading proficiency in the Iranian EFL learners’ use of knowledge sources in second language lexical inferencing and their level of success in guessing the meanings of unfamiliar target words. To this end, a total of 86 Persian-speaking EFL learners inferred the meanings of unknown words in three authentic expository texts. The findings adduce the argument that differences in L2 reading proficiency have a profound impact on inferencing success. Further analysis of the protocols demonstrates that the contribution of the knowledge sources used by the participants to inferencing success is partial and restricted.
Civic engagement measured in square metres. Church and civil society in a Dutch suburb
Authors: van der Meulen Marten
Published: December 2012

In a case study on suburban churches the author describes how religious ideas, material resources and relationships of trust together form capital that enables and limits the civic engagement of the churches. The case study is based on ethnographic research in the newly built suburb of Leidsche Rijn in the Netherlands. The author concludes that a focus on the combination of different forms of capital available in congregational networks helps to obtain a better understanding of the often noted positive relationship between religion and civic engagement. The study shows that capital has an ambiguous influence: it enables and limits civic engagement. Researchers should therefore not be overly positive about the effects of social capital. They should also be aware of the ‘essential contestedness’ of civic engagement. The way civic engagement actually works on an empirical level calls into question any easy definition that researchers may devise.