bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Holzinger Ulrike , Warszawska Joanna , Kitzberger Reinhard , Wewalka Marlene , Miehsler Wolfgang , Herkner Harald , Madl Christian
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia in critically ill patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total 124 patients receiving mechanical ventilation were randomly assigned to the real-time CGM group (n = 63; glucose values given every 5 min) or to the control group (n = 61; selective arterial glucose measurements according to an algorithm; simultaneously blinded CGM) for 72 h. Insulin infusion rates were guided according to the same algorithm in both groups. The primary end point was percentage of time at a glucose level <110 mg/dl. Secondary end points were mean glucose levels and rate of severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dl).

RESULTS

Percentage of time at a glucose level <110 mg/dl (59.0 ± 20 vs. 55.0 ± 18% in the control group, P = 0.245) and the mean glucose level (106 ± 18 vs. 111 ± 10 mg/dl in the control group, P = 0.076) could not be improved using real-time CGM. The rate of severe hypoglycemia was lower in the real-time CGM group (1.6 vs. 11.5% in the control group, P = 0.031). CGM reduced the absolute risk of severe hypoglycemia by 9.9% (95% CI 1.2–18.6) with a number needed to treat of 10.1 (95% CI 5.4–83.3).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, real-time CGM reduces hypoglycemic events but does not improve glycemic control compared with intensive insulin therapy guided by an algorithm.
Dietary Patterns and Risk for Diabetes
Authors: Erber Eva , Hopping Beth N. , Grandinetti Andrew , Park Song-Yi , Kolonel Laurence N. , Maskarinec Gertraud
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

The high diabetes incidence among Japanese Americans and Native Hawaiians cannot be explained by BMI. Therefore, we examined the influence of three dietary patterns of “fat and meat,” “vegetables,” and “fruit and milk” on diabetes risk in the Hawaii component of the Multiethnic Cohort with 29,759 Caucasians, 35,244 Japanese Americans, and 10,509 Native Hawaiians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects aged 45–75 years completed a baseline food frequency questionnaire. After 14 years of follow-up, 8,587 subjects with incident diabetes were identified through self-reports or health plan linkages. Risk was assessed using Cox regression stratified by age and adjusted for ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, education, total energy, smoking, alcohol intake, marital status, and hypertension.

RESULTS

Fat and meat was significantly associated with diabetes risk in men (hazard ratio 1.40 [95% CI 1.23–1.60], Ptrend < 0.0001) and women (1.22 [1.06–1.40], Ptrend = 0.004) when extreme quintiles were compared. Except in Hawaiian women, the magnitude of the risk was similar across ethnic groups although not always significant. After stratification by BMI, fat and meat remained a predictor of disease primarily among overweight men and among overweight Japanese women. Vegetables lowered diabetes risk in men (0.86 [0.77–0.95], Ptrend = 0.004) but not in women, whereas fruit and milk seemed to be more beneficial in women (0.85 [0.76–0.96], Ptrend = 0.005) than in men (0.92 [0.83–1.02], Ptrend = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Foods high in meat and fat appear to confer a higher diabetes risk in all ethnic groups, whereas the effects of other dietary patterns vary by sex and ethnicity.
Association of the TNF-α-C-857T Polymorphism With Resistance to the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Takahashi Kazuma , Yamashina Mitsuhiro , Maesawa Chihaya , Kajiwara Takashi , Taneichi Haruhito , Takebe Noriko , Kaneko Yoshihito , Masuda Tomoyuki , Satoh Jo
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

An association of the C-857T polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene promoter region with LDL cholesterol levels has been reported. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the TNF-α-C-857T polymorphism and LDL cholesterol levels according to statin treatment in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

DNA was obtained from 322 Japanese subjects (160 male and 162 female) with type 2 diabetes, and TNF-α-C-857T polymorphisms were determined by direct sequencing. Serum LDL cholesterol was measured by a direct method.

RESULTS

Although serum LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the T carriers (C/T + T/T) than in the non–T carriers (C/C) (3.14 ± 0.86 vs. 2.89 ± 0.75 mmol/l, P < 0.05), there was no difference in LDL cholesterol levels between the non–T carriers and the T carriers in statin-untreated subjects (2.87 ± 0.73 vs. 2.89 ± 0.76 mmol/l, NS), whereas in statin-treated subjects, LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the T carriers than in the non–T carriers (3.43 ± 0.89 vs. 2.90 ± 0.78 mmol/l, P = 0.0007). There were no differences in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels between the non–T carriers and the T carriers in both statin-treated and -untreated subjects. The percent decrease in LDL cholesterol levels after administration of statins was significantly smaller in the T carriers compared with the non–T carriers (27.6 vs. 36.4%, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

The mutant allele of the C-857T promoter polymorphism of the TNF-α gene may predispose to resistance to the LDL cholesterol–lowering effect of statins and could be one of the markers used to predict the efficacy of statins.
Relative MV-algebras and relative homomorphisms
Authors: Nola Antonio , Lettieri Ada
Published: December 2009

In this paper we define the notion of relative subalgebra of an MV-algebra A. A particular case of this notion is the notion of interval subalgebra of A; this has been already studied in the literature.

Applying these notions, two new categories denoted as r
and int
are introduced. In both cases the objects are MV-algebras, but the homomorphisms are defined by means of relative subalgebras or by interval subalgebras, respectively. The relations occurring between these categories and the category of all MV-algebras with usual homomorphisms are investigated. The main results of the paper deal with one-generated free MV-algebras in the variety generated by the finite chains S
i, i ⩽ p (p varying over the set of all positive integers) and their relations to certain relative subalgebras of the cyclic free MV-algebra.
Algebras of polynomials on locally convex spaces of ultradifferentiable functions and generalized derivation
Authors: Grasela Katarzyna
Published: December 2009

We consider the space of ultradifferentiable functions with compact supports and the space of polynomials on . Description of the polynomials algebra as a locally convex direct sum is given. Derivation in and automorphisms of this algebra are considered.
The Grammatical Status of The Same
Authors: Dixon R.
Published: December 2009

The Grammatical Status of The Same

The same, consisting of two words (or of clinic-plus-word), functions as a single grammatical item. Basically, it belongs to the determiner slot in phrase structure (together with articles, demonstratives and possessors). Like demonstratives, it may function as a substitution anaphor. But the same also shares some properties with adjectives — it can make up a complete copula complement, it may be the first element of a reduced relative clause, it may be followed by a preposition plus NP, and it has limited function as an adverb.
Stance Marking and Register in Middle English Charms
Authors: Alonso-Almeida Francisco
Published: December 2009

Stance Marking and Register in Middle English Charms

This paper explores the expression of stance in a corpus of Middle English charms of the fifteenth century. All the charms have a healing function, and they are used whenever standard herbal remedies are ineffective. The sources from where the texts have been taken are various, all of them from edited printed material. The study of language use and the expression of personal attitude and evaluation have been studied earlier, both synchronically (Chafe 1986; Hunston 1994) and diachronically (Kytö 1991; Salager-Meyer - Defyves 1998). However, to my knowledge, the medieval English charm has not been the object of any previous account. This study of stance in charms has implications for language register, and shows both the relationship of the authors and their texts, and the authors and their audience.
Reconsidering the Role of Syntactic "Heaviness" in Old English Split Coordination
Authors: Lorido Rodrigo
Published: December 2009

Reconsidering the Role of Syntactic "Heaviness" in Old English Split Coordination

The splitting of coordinate structures in Old English has traditionally been attributed to structural size or "heaviness", assuming that long, complex coordinate constructions required increased parsing and processing effort. In addition to this, most texts on Old English syntax take for granted that the split elements always appear in clause-final position. The conclusions in this paper - drawn from the analysis of a large corpus of Old English texts - imply a radical revision of these assumptions. They suggest that the role of syntactic heaviness should be reconsidered, and its importance minimised in favour of other considerations of a pragmatic and discoursive nature. The analysis of the position of the split elements confirms that they appear in non-final position much more often than has been assumed, producing syntactic discontinuity.
"Of Medicineз Sedatyueз": Some Notes on Adjective Position and Oral Register in Middle English Medical Texts
Authors: Moskowich Isabel
Published: December 2009

"Of Medicineз Sedatyueз": Some Notes on Adjective Position and Oral Register in Middle English Medical Texts

The position of adjectives in the English Noun Phrase is regarded as something quite fixed and pertaining to the level of syntax rather than to any other. In previous studies (Moskowich 2002; Moskowich - Crespo 2002; Lareo - Moskowich 2009), it has been shown, however, that there seem to be some other extra-syntactic variables at stake determining word-order patterns.

This paper aims at analysing the word-order patterns of adjectives in the emerging scientific writing in the Middle Ages, particularly in medical texts written in English. To this end, several texts contained in MEMT (Middle English Medical Texts) will be analysed. As a first approach, samples belonging to the three different traditions included in the Corpus will be considered. This examination of samples from a surgical text, a specialised one and a remedy book will also help obtain some conclusions regarding the evolution in the use of the so called French-type adjectives in the language.
The Grammaticalization of Down
Authors: Sądej Kinga
Published: December 2009

The Grammaticalization of Down

The present paper discusses the grammaticalization of down, focusing on when the process began and how it developed. The ultimate origin of down, both the adverb and the preposition, should be traced back to OE dūn ‘hill, mountain’, whose frequency of occurrence in Old English is comparable to those of beorg and munt. By means of grammaticalization the noun dūn came to function as an adverb meaning ‘in a descending direction; from above, or towards that which is below; from a higher to lower place or position’ already in Late Old English. The adverbial meaning of dūn is derived from OE of dūne ‘off the hill or height’ (glossing L de monte). The expression of dūne gave rise to the adverb adūne which was aphetized to dūn (doun, down) at the beginning of the twelfth century. By analysing the textual evidence, the present investigation is an attempt at verifying this date.
Heaven, Hell and Middangeard: The Presentation of the Universe in the Old English Genesis A
Authors: Olesiejko Jacek
Published: December 2009

Heaven, Hell and Middangeard: The Presentation of the Universe in the Old English Genesis A

Since the times of Antiquity, people have looked up to the sky and developed various conceptions of Heaven and Hell. Already in the ancient Egypt people developed the tripartite conception of universe with earth placed between the Heaven inhabited by gods above and Hell below. The Old English poetic text of Genesis (MS Junius 11; compilation dated to the 10th century) presents the earthly paradise, Hell and Middangeard (or the middle earth). Both Genesis A and B that comprise the poem indeed show a single and consistent descriptions of cosmos. The overt consistency may well seem as interesting as the tradition that the poem draws upon as well as distorts. The universe found in the poem is a fusion of the Christian religious learning as well as Germanic tradition. The idea that marries Heaven, earth and Hell in the poetic sequence of OE Genesis is the concept of hall and anti-hall, city and anti-city. The aim of the following paper is to investigate the modes of this presentation of these parts of the universe by the analysis of the clusters of meaning that are associated with hall and city.
[Un]Succesful "Metabolization" of the Northern Irish War: The Post-Troubles Trauma in Glenn Patterson's Writing
Authors: Bartnik Ryszard
Published: December 2009

[Un]Succesful "Metabolization" of the Northern Irish War: The Post-Troubles Trauma in Glenn Patterson's Writing

Northern Irish literature of the last decade illustrates an arduous effort of the Ulster men to break down the walls of political and cultural partition. Yet, even though the Northern Irish community tends to present itself in terms of a variety of images, the ultimate impression is that the recent novelistic and critical productions resonate with past antagonisms and the post-Troubles trauma. It is so since the North, as many a scholar indicates, is as if fated to continually recompose its past. This paper then, set against the background of the civil war experiences, discusses Glenn Patterson's excavation of individual and collective memories which prove that the dead are constantly materializing in today's Northern Irish reality. Hence, Glenn Patterson's accumulation of voices by means of which the author ponders over the politics of memory and imparts knowledge of the characters who, on a long journey out of the darkness into the space of light, find some vestiges of the old conflicts still echoing and rather difficult to hush up.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Distal Tibial Fractures with Locking and Non-Locking Plates
Authors: Ozkaya Ufuk , Parmaksizoglu Atilla S. , Gul Murat , Sokucu Sami , Kabukcuoglu Yavuz
Published: December 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performances of stainless steel nonlocking plates and titanium locking plates in minimally invasive medial plating of extra-articular metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2006, 43 patients who sustained closed fractures of the distal tibia metaphysis were managed with either a stainless steel nonlocking plate (Group 1, n = 21) or a titanium locking plate (Group 2, n = 22). Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Function was assessed with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot instrument. The average followup period was 25 months. Results: The average AOFAS foot and ankle scores in Group 1 and Group 2 at final followup were 85 and 81, respectively. Fracture reduction was anatomical or nearly anatomical without angular displacement in all cases except one patient in Group 2. ( p > 0.05) The average time to full, unprotected weightbearing in Group 1 and Group 2 were 15 weeks and 18 weeks, respectively ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Minimally invasive medial plating with titanium locking plates resulted in prolonged secondary healing both in comminuted and simple fracture patterns compared to conventional stainless steel nonlocking plates. We believe that in biological fixation of distal tibial fractures, similarly good results may be obtained with both materials as the locking technology had a greater effect on stability.

Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study
Sciatic Nerve Blockade: A Survey of Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialists in North America and the United Kingdom
Authors: Hamilton Paul D. , Pearce Christopher J. , Pinney Stephen J. , Calder James DF
Published: December 2009

Background: Sciatic nerve blocks are used to reduce postoperative pain and allow early discharge for patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery. This study aimed to identify the utilization of this procedure in the US and UK and to establish the standard of care with respect to the level of anesthesia that the patient is under and use of ultrasound localization when performing sciatic nerve blocks. Materials and Methods: A survey of current committee members of AOFAS and members of BOFAS. Results: Two hundred sixty-three surgeons were contacted with a response rate of 44%. Eighty-two percent commonly used a sciatic nerve blockade. Sixty-nine percent never or only sometimes used ultrasonography and variable levels of nerve stimulation were used. Forty-two percent where happy to have the block performed under full anesthesia. There were significant differences between British and American practices regarding the level of nerve stimulation and the level of anesthesia used. The most common complication cited was prolonged anesthesia of which the vast majority spontaneously resolved. Performing blocks awake or sedated did not seem to alter number of complications seen. Conclusion: This study represents a current practice review of sciatic nerve blocks performed amongst senior foot and ankle surgeons. Although no absolute consensus has been reached as to the use of ultrasound or whether the patient needs to be awake for the procedure, it is clear that the standard of care does not mandate either of these. The differences between US and UK practice are probably cultural and do not appear to affect the number of complications encountered.
Tendon Transfer Fixation in the Foot and Ankle: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Núñez-Pereira Susana , Pacha-Vicente Daniel , Llusá-Pérez Manuel , Nardi-Vilardaga Joan
Published: December 2009

Background: Tendon transfers are often used in foot and ankle surgery. Different fixation devices and techniques have been described. The most recently developed ones are bone anchors and interference screws. Materials and Methods: A biomechanical study was designed to compare tendon transfer fixation, using Corkscrew bone anchors 5 × 15.5 mm and Biointerference screws (8 × 23 mm). Fifteen fresh cadaver specimens underwent both fixation techniques for split anterior tibial tendon transfer at the cuboid bone. All the specimens underwent standardized X-rays in order to evaluate mineral bone density using a standardized measurement system. All were tested until maximal load to failure. Results: The ultimate load to failure of the tendon secured to the cuboid using anchors was 103 N (SD, 52), compared with 150 N (SD, 68) for tendons secured to the bone with interference screws ( p = 0.003). No difference was found between the techniques that could be related to bone density. Conclusion: Interference screws provided greater strength than bone anchors. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrated increased strength in securing bone to tendon in vitro for SPLATT tendon transfer with interference screws as compared to suture anchors.
Percutaneous Bone Biopsy to Distinguish Osteomyelitis from Charcot Osteoarthropathy: Two Case Reports
Authors: Campanaro Natalie R. , Gurr Joel M. , Murray Ronan J.
Published: December 2009

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Tibial Shaft Fracture with Concomitant Syndesmotic Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Regan Conor , Ianuzzi Nick , Parekh Selene G.
Published: December 2009

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Periprosthetic Fracture After Total Ankle Replacement: Surgical Technique
Authors: Haendlmayer Kurt T. , Fazly Fazel M. , Harris Nick J.
Published: December 2009

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
A thermal gel depot for local delivery of paclitaxel to treat experimental brain tumors in rats
Authors: Tyler Betty , Fowers Kirk D. , Li Khan W. , Recinos Violette Renard , Caplan Justin M. , Hdeib Alia , Grossman Rachel , Basaldella Luca , Bekelis Kimon , Pradilla Gustavo , Legnani Federico , Brem Henry
Published: December 2009

Object

Paclitaxel, a cellular proliferation inhibitor/radiation sensitizer, while effective against gliomas in vitro, has poor CNS penetration and dose-limiting toxicities when administered systemically. OncoGel (paclitaxel in Re-Gel) provides controlled local paclitaxel release when placed into the CNS. The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of OncoGel in rats with intracranial 9L gliosarcoma.

Methods

Safety studies included intracranial delivery of increasing volumes of ReGel and OncoGel containing 1.5 (OncoGel 1.5) or 6.3 (OncoGel 6.3) mg/ml paclitaxel. An in vivo radiolabeled biodistribution study was performed in 18 Fischer-344 rats to determine intracerebral distribution. Efficacy studies compared overall survival for controls, ReGel only, radiation therapy only, OncoGel 6.3, or OncoGel 6.3 in combination with radiation therapy. ReGel and OncoGel 6.3 were delivered either simultaneously with tumor implantation (Day 0) or 5 days later (Day 5). Radiation therapy was given on Day 5.

Results

Control and ReGel animals died of tumor within 17 days. Survival significantly increased in the Onco-Gel 6.3 group on Day 0 (median 31 days; p = 0.0001), in the OncoGel 6.3 group on Day 5 (median 17 days; p = 0.02), and in the radiation therapy–only group (median 26 days; p = 0.0001) compared with controls. Animals receiving both OncoGel and radiation therapy had the longest median survival: 83 days in the group with radiation therapy combined with OncoGel 6.3 on Day 0, and 32 days in the group combined with OncoGel 6.3 on Day 5 (p = 0.0001 vs controls). After 120 days, 37.5% of the animals in the OncoGel Day 0 group, 37.5% of animals in the OncoGel 6.3 Day 0 in combination with radiation therapy group, and 12.5% of the animals in the OncoGel 6.3 on Day 5 in combination with radiation therapy group were alive. In the biodistribution study, measurable radioactivity was observed throughout the ipsilateral hemisphere up to 3 weeks after the OncoGel injection, with the most radioactivity detected 3 hours after injection. The highest dose of radioactivity observed in the contralateral hemisphere was at the Day 3 time point.

Conclusions

OncoGel containing 6.3 mg/ml of paclitaxel is safe for intracranial injection in rats and effective when administered on Day 0. When combined with radiation therapy, the combination was more effective than either therapy alone and should be studied clinically for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system after ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Satow Takeshi , Yamada Shigeki , Yagi Miyuki , Saiki Masaaki
Published: December 2009

The authors report a case of superficial siderosis of the CNS that developed after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

A 65-year-old woman had undergone VP shunt insertion for normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Her gait disturbance, memory disturbance, and urinary incontinence all improved after the procedure. Two years later, however, her gait became ataxic and her appetite became poor. Brain MR imaging revealed a rim of hypointensity on T2-weighted sequences, enveloping the surface of the cortical fissure, cerebellum, and brainstem. Superficial siderosis of the CNS was diagnosed. Steroid administration improved her symptoms.

The authors know of only one case of superficial siderosis developing after VP shunt surgery in the English-language literature. Superficial siderosis should be acknowledged as a possible complication of VP shunt.
A case-comparison study of the subdural evacuating port system in treating chronic subdural hematomas
Authors: Rughani Anand I. , Lin Chih , Dumont Travis M. , Penar Paul L. , Horgan Michael A. , Tranmer Bruce I.
Published: December 2009

Object

The Subdural Evacuating Port System (SEPS) was recently introduced as a novel method of treating chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs). This system is a variation of the existing twist-drill craniostomy methods for treating chronic SDH. Compared with craniotomy or bur hole treatment of chronic SDH, this system offers the possibility of treatment at bedside without general anesthesia. In comparison with existing twist-drill methods, the system theoretically offers the advantage of a hermetically closed system that can evacuate a hematoma without an intracranial catheter.

Methods

The authors performed a case-control study of all chronic SDHs treated at a single institution over a 5-year period and compared the efficacy and safety of the SEPS to bur hole evacuation. Patients were matched for age, injury mechanism, medical comorbidities, use of anticoagulation, and radiographic appearance of the SDH. The primary outcome of interest was the recurrence rate in each group, which was evaluated by radiographic evidence as well as the number of patients requiring a second procedure. Secondary outcomes examined were mortality, infection, acute hematoma formation, seizure, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and discharge location.

Results

The authors found that there were no appreciable differences in symptoms on presentation, existing comorbidities, home medications, or laboratory values between the treatment groups. The average Hounsfield units of preoperative CT scanning was similar in both groups. Radiographic recurrence was statistically similar between the SEPS group (25.9%) and the bur hole group (18.5%; p = 0.37). Although there was a trend toward higher reoperation rates in the SEPS group, the need for a subsequent procedure was also statistically similar between the SEPS group (25.9%) and the bur hole group (14.8%; p = 0.25). The mortality rate was not significantly different between the SEPS group (9.5%) and the bur hole group (4.8%; p = 0.50). The SEPS procedure provided a mean reduction in SDH thickness of 27.3% compared with 37.9% with bur hole (p = 0.05) when comparing the preoperative CT scan with the first postoperative CT scan. The percentage of reduction in SDH thickness when comparing the preoperative CT scan with the most recent postoperative CT scan was 40.5% in the SEPS group and 45.4% in the bur hole group (p = 0.31).

Conclusions

The SEPS offers an alternative type of twist-drill craniostomy for the treatment of chronic SDH with a trend toward higher recurrence in our experience. The efficacy and safety of SEPS is similar to that of other twist-drill methods reported in the literature. In the authors' experience, the efficacy of this treatment as measured by radiographic worsening or the need for a subsequent procedure is statistically similar to that of bur hole treatment. There was no difference in mortality or other adverse outcomes associated with SEPS.
The effect of a PP2A inhibitor on the nuclear receptor corepressor pathway in glioma
Authors: Lu Jie , Zhuang Zhengping , Song Debbie K. , Mehta Gautam U. , Ikejiri Barbara , Mushlin Harry , Park Deric M. , Lonser Russell R.
Published: December 2009

Object

Nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) forms a complex that maintains neural stem cells in an undifferentiated state through transcriptional repression. Recently, it has been shown that N-CoR is overexpressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor stem cells and has a putative role in maintaining these cells in an undifferentiated immortal state. To determine the effects of disruption of N-CoR complex function by serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition on GBM tumor cell differentiation and proliferation, the authors developed and investigated a competitive small molecule inhibitor (LB1) of PP2A in GBM.

Methods

The authors investigated the effects of LB1 on GBM proliferation and molecular differentiation pathways using in vitro and in vivo studies.

Results

The LB1 inhibited PP2A, leading to increased levels of phosphorylated Akt kinase and decreased NCoR expression, as well as dose-dependent antiproliferative activity in cultured U87 and U251 malignant glioma cells (dose range 1–10 μM). Systemic LB1 treatment (1.5 mg/kg/day for 21 days) had significant tumor antiproliferative effects in mice harboring U87 glioma xenografts (73% mean reduction in tumor volume compared with controls; p < 0.001). Moreover, a reduction in PP2A expression and activity after LB1 treatment in vivo correlated with increased Akt phosphorylation, reduced nuclear N-CoR expression and N-CoR cytoplasmic translocation, and increased accumulation of acetylated core histones, which coincided with the appearance of glial fibrillary acidic protein–expressing tumor cells.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that PP2A inhibition effectively disrupts N-CoR complex function/expression and leads to cytoplasmic translocation of N-CoR with subsequent tumor cell differentiation and/or death. Therapeutic paradigms that target N-CoR function in the cancer stem cell component of malignant gliomas may have treatment utility.
Evaluating Amphibian Declines with Site Revisits and Occupancy Models: Status of Montane Anurans in the Pacific Northwest USA
Authors: Pearl Christopher  A. , Adams Michael  J. , Bury R. Bruce , Wente Wendy  H. , McCreary Brome
Published: December 2009

Amphibian declines have been reported in mountainous areas around the western USA. Few data quantify the extent of population losses in the Pacific Northwest, a region in which amphibian declines have received much attention. From 2001–2004, we resurveyed historical breeding sites of two species of conservation concern, the Western Toad (Bufo [=Anaxyrus] boreas) and Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae). We detected B. boreas breeding at 75.9% and R. cascadae breeding at 66.6% of historical sites. When we analyzed the data using occupancy models that accounted for detection probability, we estimated the current use of historically occupied sites in our study area was 84.9% (SE = 4.9) for B. boreas and 72.4% (SE = 6.6) for R. cascadae. Our ability to detect B. boreas at sites where they were present was lower in the first year of surveys (a low snowpack year) and higher at sites with introduced fish. Our ability to detect R. cascadae was lower at sites with fish. The probability that B. boreas still uses a historical site for breeding was related to the easting of the site (+) and the age of record (-). None of the variables we analyzed was strongly related to R. cascadae occupancy. Both species had increased odds of occupancy with higher latitude, but model support for this variable was modest. Our analysis suggests that while local losses are possible, these two amphibians have not experienced recent, broad population losses in the Oregon Cascades. Historical site revisitation studies such as ours cannot distinguish between population losses and site switching, and do not account for colonization of new habitats, so our analysis may overestimate declines in occupancy within our study area.
Explaining Change in Language: A Cybersemiotic Perspective
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: December 2009

One of the greatest conundrums in semiotics and linguistics is explaining why change occurs in communication systems. The descriptive apparatus of how change occurs has been developed in great detail since at least the nineteenth century, but a viable explanatory framework of why it occurs in the first place still seems to be clouded in vagueness. So far, only the so-called Principle of Least Effort has come forward to provide a suggestive psychobiological framework for understanding change in communication codes such as language. Extensive work in using this model has shown many fascinating things about language structure and how it evolves. However, the many findings need an integrative framework for shedding light on any generalities implicit in them. This paper argues that a new approach to the study of codes, called cybersemiotics, can be used to great advantage for assessing theoretical frameworks and notions such as the Principle of Least Effort. Amalgamating cybernetic and biosemiotic notions, this new science provides analysts with valuable insights on the raison d’être of phenomena such as linguistic change.
Externalities from Alcohol Consumption in the 2005 US National Alcohol Survey: Implications for Policy
Authors: Greenfield Thomas K. , Ye Yu , Kerr William , Bond Jason , Rehm Jürgen , Giesbrecht Norman
Published: December 2009

A subsample (n = 2,550) of the 2005 US National Alcohol Survey of adults was used to estimate prevalence and correlates of six externalities from alcohol abuse—family problems, assaults, accompanying intoxicated driver, vehicular accident, financial problems and vandalized property—all from another‘s drinking. On a lifetime basis, 60% reported externalities, with a lower 12-month rate (9%). Women reported more family/marital and financial impacts and men more assaults, accompanying drunk drivers, and accidents. Being unmarried, older, white and ever having monthly heavy drinking or alcohol problems was associated with more alcohol externalities. Publicizing external costs of drinking could elevate political will for effective alcohol controls.
Sensors for 3D Imaging: Metric Evaluation and Calibration of a CCD/CMOS Time-of-Flight Camera
Authors: Chiabrando Filiberto , Chiabrando Roberto , Piatti Dario , Rinaudo Fulvio
Published: December 2009

3D imaging with Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras is a promising recent technique which allows 3D point clouds to be acquired at video frame rates. However, the distance measurements of these devices are often affected by some systematic errors which decrease the quality of the acquired data. In order to evaluate these errors, some experimental tests on a CCD/CMOS ToF camera sensor, the SwissRanger (SR)-4000 camera, were performed and reported in this paper. In particular, two main aspects are treated: the calibration of the distance measurements of the SR-4000 camera, which deals with evaluation of the camera warm up time period, the distance measurement error evaluation and a study of the influence on distance measurements of the camera orientation with respect to the observed object; the second aspect concerns the photogrammetric calibration of the amplitude images delivered by the camera using a purpose-built multi-resolution field made of high contrast targets.
Emerging and Innovative Techniques for Arsenic Removal Applied to a Small Water Supply System
Authors: Duarte António A. L. S. , Cardoso Sílvia J. A. , Alçada António J.
Published: December 2009

The impact of arsenic on human health has led its drinking water MCL to be drastically reduced from 50 to 10 ppb. Consequently, arsenic levels in many water supply sources have become critical. This has resulted in technical and operational impacts on many drinking water treatment plants that have required onerous upgrading to meet the new standard. This becomes a very sensitive issue in the context of water scarcity and climate change, given the expected increasing demand on groundwater sources. This work presents a case study that describes the development of low-cost techniques for efficient arsenic control in drinking water. The results obtained at the Manteigas WTP (Portugal) demonstrate the successful implementation of an effective and flexible process of reactive filtration using iron oxide. At real-scale, very high removal efficiencies of over 95% were obtained.
Polyhedral Phenylacetylenes: The Interplay of Aromaticity and Antiaromaticity in Convex Graphyne Substructures
Authors: Sebastiani Daniel , Parker Matt  A.
Published: December 2009

We have studied a series of bridged phenylacetylene macrocycles with topologies based on Platonic and Archimedean polyhedra, using density functional calculations to determine both their molecular structure and their electronic response to external magnetic fields (NICS maps). We are able to elucidate the interplay of aromaticity and anti-aromaticity as a function of structural parameters, in particular the symmetry properties of the intramolecular bond connectivities, in these compounds.
Multiple spatial scale patterns of genetic diversity in riparian populations ofAinsliaea faurieana(Asteraceae) on Yakushima Island, Japan
Authors: Mitsui Yuki , Isagi Yuji , Setoguchi Hiroaki
Published: December 2009

Habitat and geographical features of river systems strongly influence gene flow and spatial genetic patterning in riparian plant populations. We investigated the patterns of genetic diversity within and among populations ofAinsliaea faurieanarelative to different spatial conditions (along a river, among rivers, and among regions on an island), based on nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite DNA variations. Within an individual river system, we found higher haplotype diversities in downstream populations, and in a Bayesian analysis of recent migration, we detected unidirectional gene movements from upstream to downstream, indicating water‐mediated dispersal along the river. Mantel tests detected no isolation‐by‐distance in genetic variation, suggesting the maintenance of a metapopulation with wide‐range seed dispersal by water. Moreover, the observed high level of genetic differentiation, especially in the cpDNA (FST= 0.539), indicated a metapopulation structure with frequent extinction and colonization. On a larger scale, we found high population differentiation and clear genetic structuring among regions, suggesting that gene flow was restricted by geographical features (mountains separating river systems) for relatively long periods. Our findings of genetic structures based on different spatial conditions elucidated patterns and ranges of historical and contemporary gene movement in a plant species that is persistent in extremely disturbed riparian environments.
Consequences of variation in flowering time within and among individuals of Mertensia fusiformis (Boraginaceae), an early spring wildflower
Authors: Forrest Jessica , Thomson James D.
Published: December 2009

Climate change is causing many plants to flower earlier in spring, exposing them to novel selection pressures, including—potentially—pollinator shortages. Over 2 years that contrasted in timing of flowering onset, we studied reproductive strategies, pollen limitation, and selection on flowering time in Mertensia fusiformis, a self‐incompatible, spring‐flowering perennial. Plants opened most of their flowers early in the flowering period, especially in 2007, the early year; but selection favored early‐flowering individuals only in 2008. However, resource allocation to early vs. late seed production was flexible: In 2008, but not 2007, early flowers on a plant produced more and heavier seeds. Late flowers were capable of equal seed production if fertilization of early ovules was prevented, suggesting that late flowers serve a bet‐hedging function. Evidence for pollen limitation was weak, although there was a tendency for early flowers to be pollen‐limited in 2007 and for late flowers to be pollen‐limited in 2008. Poor reproductive success in 2007 was likely attributable less to pollen limitation than to frost damage to flowers. We suggest that plasticity in floral longevity and resource allocation among flowers will make this species resilient to short‐term pollinator deficits; whether this will help or hinder future adaptation is unclear.
Versatile supramolecular reactivity of zinc-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin in crystalline solids: Polymeric grids with zinc dichloride and hydrogen-bonded networks with mellitic acid
Authors: Lipstman Sophia , Goldberg Israel
Published: December 2009

Crystal engineering studies confirm that the zinc-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin building block reveals versatile supramolecular chemistry. In this work, it was found to be reactive in the assembly of both (a) a 2D polymeric array by a unique combination of self-coordination and coordination through external zinc dichloride linkers and (b) an extended heteromolecular hydrogen-bonded network with mellitic acid sustained by multiple connectivity between the component species.
Control of stilbene conformation and fluorescence in self-assembled capsules
Authors: Ams Mark R , Ajami Dariush , Craig Stephen L , Yang Jye-Shane , Rebek Julius
Published: December 2009

The extensively studied trans-stilbene molecule is known to give only weak fluorescence in solution and inside loosely-fitting synthetic capsules. However, trans-stilbene has been recently studied in the context of antibody interiors, where binding results in strong blue fluorescence. The present research was undertaken to understand the spatial factors that influence stilbene fluorescence. trans-Stilbene was encapsulated in the snug, self-assembled complex 1.1 and exhibited fluorescence quenching due to the distortion of its ground-state geometry. When the complex is elongated by incorporating glycouril spacers, trans-stilbene is allowed to adapt a fully coplanar arrangement and fluorescence returns.
Oxygen‐Generating Gel Systems Induced by Visible Light
Authors: Okeyoshi Kosuke , Yoshida Ryo
Published: December 2009

Toward complete artificial photosynthesis systems to generate hydrogen and oxygen using visible light and water, oxygen‐generating gel systems are designed and fabricated using the electrostatic interactions of ionic functional groups and steric effects of a polymer network. By using a graft polymer chain with Ru(bpy)32+ units as sensitizers to closely arrange RuO2 nanoparticles as catalyst, the functional groups transmit multiple electrons cooperatively to generate oxygen. In this paper, a novel strategy is shown to design a hierarchical network structure using colloidal nanoparticles and macromonomers. Such a soft material to oxidize water inside a hydrogel is useful as a solar‐energy converting system.
Controllable Shifts in Threshold Voltage of Top‐Gate Polymer Field‐Effect Transistors for Applications in Organic Nano Floating Gate Memory
Authors: Baeg Kang‐Jun , Noh Yong‐Young , Sirringhaus Henning , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: December 2009

Organic field‐effect transistor (FET) memory is an emerging technology with the potential to realize light‐weight, low‐cost, flexible charge storage media. Here, solution‐processed poly[9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl]‐co‐(bithiophene)] (F8T2) nano floating gate memory (NFGM) with a top‐gate/bottom‐contact device configuration is reported. A reversible shift in the threshold voltage (VTh) and reliable memory characteristics was achieved by the incorporation of thin Au nanoparticles (NPs) as charge storage sites for negative charges (electrons) at the interface between polystyrene and cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylphenol). The F8T2 NFGM showed relatively high field‐effect mobility (µFET) (0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1) for an amorphous semiconducting polymer with a large memory window (ca. 30 V), a high on/off ratio (more than 104) during writing and erasing with an operation voltage of 80 V of gate bias in a relatively short timescale (less than 1 s), and a retention time of a few hours. This top‐gated polymer NFGM could be used as an organic transistor memory element for organic flash memory.
Nano‐Iron Oxide as a Recyclable Catalyst for Intramolecular CN Cross‐Coupling Reactions under Ligand‐Free Conditions: One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydroquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Jin , Jiang Ran , Wu Bing , Su Xiao‐Ming , Xu Xiao‐Ping , Ji Shun‐Jun
Published: December 2009

The ligand‐free nanoparticle ferroferric oxide catalytic system has been developed to promote the intramolecular CN cross‐coupling reaction. With this protocol, various 1,4‐dihydroquinoline derivatives were synthesized from o‐halobenzaldehydes and β‐enaminones in moderate to good yields.
A Microfluidic Approach to the Rapid Screening of Palladium‐Catalysed Aminocarbonylation Reactions
Authors: Miller Philip W. , Jennings Lucy E. , deMello Andrew J. , Gee Antony D. , Long Nicholas J. , Vilar Ramon
Published: December 2009

The evaluation and selection of the most appropriate catalyst for a chemical transformation is an important process in many areas of synthetic chemistry. Conventional catalyst screening involving batch reactor systems can be both time‐consuming and expensive, resulting in a large number of individual chemical reactions. Continuous flow microfluidic reactors are increasingly viewed as a powerful alternative format for reacting and processing larger numbers of small‐scale reactions in a rapid, more controlled and safer fashion. In this study we demonstrate the use of a planar glass microfluidic reactor for performing the three‐component palladium‐catalysed aminocarbonylation reaction of iodobenzene, benzylamine and carbon monoxide to form N‐benzylbenzamide, and screen a series of palladium catalysts over a range of temperatures. N‐Benzylbenzamide product yields for this reaction were found to be highly dependent on the nature of the catalyst and reaction temperature. The majority of catalysts gave good to high yields under typical flow conditions at high temperatures (150 °C), however the palladium(II) chloride‐Xantphos complex [PdCl2(Xantphos)] proved to be far superior as a catalyst at lower temperatures (75–120 °C). The utilised method was found to be an efficent and reliable way for screening a large number of palladium‐catalysed carbonylation reactions and may prove useful in screening other gas/liquid phase reactions.
Cupric Halide‐Mediated Intramolecular Halocyclization of N‐Electron‐Withdrawing Group‐Substituted 2‐Alkynylanilines for the Synthesis of 3‐Haloindoles
Authors: Shen Zengming , Lu Xiyan
Published: December 2009

A convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of 3‐haloindoles has been developed. Both 3‐chloro‐ and 3‐bromoindole derivatives can be obtained in high yields by the reaction of N‐electron‐withdrawing group‐substituted 2‐alkynylanilines with cupric halide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) within a short period of time. Investigation of the reaction mechanism reveals that two equivalents of cupric halide are necessary.
The Rhodium‐Catalyzed Carbene Cyclization Cycloaddition Cascade Reaction of Vinylsulfonates
Authors: Shi Bairu , Merten Sandra , Wong David K. Y. , Chu John C. K. , Liu Lok Lok , Lam Sze Kui , Jäger Anne , Wong Wing‐Tak , Chiu Pauline , Metz Peter
Published: December 2009

Vinylsulfonates have proved to be excellent dipolarophiles for carbonyl ylides derived from diazoketones in rhodium‐catalyzed intramolecular cycloadditions. Polyfunctional substrates, such as 8 and (+)‐15, were readily available from hydroxy esters, e.g. 1 and the cyclopenta‐1,3‐dione 10, respectively, and the resulting polycyclic sultones were formed under mild reaction conditions in high yields with very good diastereoselectivities. A ruthenium‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation was found to desymmetrize the meso‐cyclopenta‐1,3‐dione 12 efficiently.
Bismuth Triflate‐Catalyzed Addition of Allylsilanes to N‐Alkoxycarbonylamino Sulfones: Convenient Access to 3‐Cbz‐Protected Cyclohexenylamines
Authors: Ollevier Thierry , Li Zhiya
Published: December 2009

Bismuth triflate was found to be an efficient catalyst in the Sakurai reaction of allyltrimethylsilanes with N‐alkoxycarbonylamino sulfones. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a low catalyst loading of Bi(OTf)3⋅4 H2O (2–5 mol%) to afford the corresponding protected homoallylic amines in very good yields (up to 96%). A sequential allylation reaction followed by ring‐closing metathesis delivers 6–8 membered 3‐Cbz‐protected cycloalkenylamines.
A Highly Selective, Polymer‐Supported Organocatalyst for Michael Additions with Enzyme‐Like Behavior
Authors: Alza Esther , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: December 2009

A polymer‐supported α,α‐diarylprolinol silyl ether displays catalytic activity and enantioselectivity comparable to the best homogeneous catalysts in the Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins. Above all, the combination of polymer backbone, triazole linker, and catalytic unit confers to it an unprecedented substrate selectivity in favor of linear, short‐chain aldehydes.