bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vestibuloocular reflex of tadpoles (Xenopus laevis) after knock-down of the isthmus related transcription factor XTcf-4
Authors: Horn Eberhard R. , El-Yamany Nabil A. , Gradl Dietmar
Published: October 2012

Development of the amphibian vestibular organ is regulated by molecular and neuronal mechanisms and by environmental input. The molecular component includes inductive signals derived from neural tissue of the hindbrain and from the surrounding mesoderm. The integrity of hindbrain patterning, on the other hand, depends on instructive signals from the isthmus organizer of the midbrain including the transcription factor XTcf-4. If the development of the vestibular system depends on the integrity of the isthmus as organizing centre, suppression of isthmus maintenance should modify vestibular morphology and function. We tested this hypothesis by down-regulation of the transcription factor XTcf-4. 10 pMol XTcf-4-specific antisense morpholino oligonucleotide were injected in one blastomere of 2-cell stage embryos of Xenopus laevis. For reconstitution experiments, 500 pg mRNA of the repressing XTcf-4A isoform or the activating XTcf-4C isoform were co-injected. Over-expression experiments were included using the same isoforms. Otoconia formation and vestibular controlled behaviour such as the roll-induced vestibuloocular reflex (rVOR) and swimming were recorded two weeks later. In 50% of tadpoles, down-regulation of XTcf-4 induced (1) a depression of otoconia formation accompanied by a reduction of the rVOR, (2) abnormal tail development, and (3) loop swimming behaviour. (4) All effects were rescued by co-injection of XTcf-4C but not or only partially by XTcf-4A. (5) Over-expression of XTcf-4A caused similar morphological and rVOR modifications as XTcf-4 depletion while over-expression of XTcf-4C had no effect. Because XTcf-4C has been described as essential factor for isthmus development, we postulate that the isthmus is strongly involved in vestibular development.
Long live the thing! Temporal ubiquity in a smart vintage wardrobe
Authors: Middleton Jonnet
Published: October 2012

This visual essay presents ‘Wearlog’, a disruptive innovation in smart wardrobes which logs wearing, washing and mending to promote longer lasting clothes. Wearlog doubles as a critical research tool to investigate the agency of things and to ask how human and nonhuman can
conspire together to prolong nonhuman life. Spanning worlds of different durations, Wearlog exposes the tensions between finite matter, infinite data, human lifespans and planned technological obsolescence. The paper asks how ubiquitous systems could flow through time given the entropy endemic
within the network and speculates on the long term prospects for things.
Shaking grounds, unearthing palimpsests: Semiotic anthropology of disaster
Authors: Morimoto, Ryo
Published: October 2012

This article will engage with the current disasters in Japan from the perspective of semiotic anthropology. Disaster seems to produce two moments of the sign: signa naturalia and signa data. The translation of the sign mirrors the architectonic of the signified of disaster, which is mediated by a token-level instantiation of signifiers that initially appears either absent or in excess. The conceptualization of disaster as a zero sign, that is, unlimited possibility, allows an investigation of “a struggle of interpretants” in stipulating the interpretative grounds of the signified amid regenerative processes of social regularity. It is this very exact moment of translation that the sustained continuity reveals its culture-specific “deep social grammar.” Disaster or “shaking grounds” has the presenting effect of cultural palimpsests. These unearthed palimpsests enable a heightened metasemiotic awareness of institutional and ideological regimentations, on the one hand, and token-level recontexualizations, assimilations, and hybridizations of the depository of signs in society in the post-disaster contexts, on the other. The article concludes with an attempt to synthesize Peircean semeiotics and Saussurean semiology by assessing the two distinct modes of semiosis, culture and trauma, upon a sudden threat of the experience of discontinuity.
Phosphorylation of Adenylyl Cyclase III at Serine1076Does Not Attenuate Olfactory Response in Mice
Authors: Cygnar Katherine D. , Collins Sarah Ellen , Ferguson Christopher H. , Bodkin-Clarke Chantal , Zhao Haiqing
Published: October 2012

Feedback inhibition of adenylyl cyclase III (ACIII) via Ca2+-induced phosphorylation has long been hypothesized to contribute to response termination and adaptation of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). To directly determine the functional significance of this feedback mechanism for olfactionin vivo, we genetically mutated serine1076of ACIII, the only residue responsible for Ca2+-induced phosphorylation and inhibition of ACIII (Wei et al., 1996, 1998), to alanine in mice. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that the mutation affects neither the cilial localization nor the expression level of ACIII in OSNs. Electroolfactogram analysis showed no differences in the responses between wild-type and mutant mice to single-pulse odorant stimulations or in several stimulation paradigms for adaptation. These results suggest that phosphorylation of ACIII on serine1076plays a far less important role in olfactory response attenuation than previously thought.
Default Network Connectivity in Medial Temporal Lobe Amnesia
Authors: Hayes Scott M. , Salat David H. , Verfaellie Mieke
Published: October 2012

There is substantial overlap between the brain regions supporting episodic memory and the default network. However, in humans, the impact of bilateral medial temporal lobe (MTL) damage on a large-scale neural network such as the default mode network is unknown. To examine this issue, resting fMRI was performed with amnesic patients and control participants. Seed-based functional connectivity analyses revealed robust default network connectivity in amnesia in cortical default network regions such as medial prefrontal cortex, posterior medial cortex, and lateral parietal cortex, as well as evidence of connectivity to residual MTL tissue. Relative to control participants, decreased posterior cingulate cortex connectivity to MTL and increased connectivity to cortical default network regions including lateral parietal and medial prefrontal cortex were observed in amnesic patients. In contrast, somatomotor network connectivity was intact in amnesic patients, indicating that bilateral MTL lesions may selectively impact the default network. Changes in default network connectivity in amnesia were largely restricted to the MTL subsystem, providing preliminary support from MTL amnesic patients that the default network can be fractionated into functionally and structurally distinct components. To our knowledge, this is the first examination of the default network in amnesia.
Microtubule Plus-End Tracking Proteins SLAIN1/2 and ch-TOG Promote Axonal Development
Authors: van der Vaart Babet , Franker Mariella A. M. , Kuijpers Marijn , Hua Shasha , Bouchet Benjamin P. , Jiang Kai , Grigoriev Ilya , Hoogenraad Casper C. , Akhmanova Anna
Published: October 2012

Development, polarization, structural integrity, and plasticity of neuronal cells critically depend on the microtubule network and its dynamic properties. SLAIN1 and SLAIN2 are microtubule plus-end tracking proteins that have been recently identified as regulators of microtubule dynamics. SLAINs are targeted to microtubule tips through an interaction with the core components of microtubule plus-end tracking protein network, End Binding family members. SLAINs promote persistent microtubule growth by recruiting the microtubule polymerase ch-TOG to microtubule plus-ends. Here, we show that SLAIN1/2 and ch-TOG-proteins are highly enriched in brain and are expressed throughout mouse brain development. Disruption of the SLAIN-ch-TOG complex in cultured primary rat hippocampal neurons by RNA interference-mediated knockdown and a dominant-negative approach perturbs microtubule growth by increasing catastrophe frequency and inhibits axon extension during neuronal development. Our study shows that proper control of microtubule dynamics is important for axon elongation in developing neurons.
Pacemaker Rate and Depolarization Block in Nigral Dopamine Neurons: A Somatic Sodium Channel Balancing Act
Authors: Tucker Kristal R. , Huertas Marco A. , Horn John P. , Canavier Carmen C. , Levitan Edwin S.
Published: October 2012

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are slow intrinsic pacemakers that undergo depolarization (DP) block upon moderate stimulation. Understanding DP block is important because it has been correlated with the clinical efficacy of chronic antipsychotic drug treatment. Here we describe how voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels regulate DP block and pacemaker activity in DA neurons of the substantia nigra using rat brain slices. The distribution, density, and gating of NaVcurrents were manipulated by blocking native channels with tetrodotoxin and by creating virtual channels and anti-channels with dynamic clamp. Although action potentials initiate in the axon initial segment and NaVchannels are distributed in multiple dendrites, selective reduction of NaVchannel activity in the soma was sufficient to decrease pacemaker frequency and increase susceptibility to DP block. Conversely, increasing somatic NaVcurrent density raised pacemaker frequency and lowered susceptibility to DP block. Finally, when NaVcurrents were restricted to the soma, pacemaker activity occurred at abnormally high rates due to excessive local subthreshold NaVcurrent. Together with computational simulations, these data show that both the slow pacemaker rate and the sensitivity to DP block that characterizes DA neurons result from the low density of somatic NaVchannels. More generally, we conclude that the somatodendritic distribution of NaVchannels is a major determinant of repetitive spiking frequency.
Inflammatory Mediators Alter the Astrocyte Transcriptome and Calcium Signaling Elicited by Multiple G-Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Hamby Mary E. , Coppola Giovanni , Ao Yan , Geschwind Daniel H. , Khakh Baljit S. , Sofroniew Michael V.
Published: October 2012

Inflammation features in CNS disorders such as stroke, trauma, neurodegeneration, infection, and autoimmunity in which astrocytes play critical roles. To elucidate how inflammatory mediators alter astrocyte functions, we examined effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), alone and in combination, on purified, mouse primary cortical astrocyte cultures. We used microarrays to conduct whole-genome expression profiling, and measured calcium signaling, which is implicated in mediating dynamic astrocyte functions. Combinatorial exposure to TGF-β1, LPS, and IFNγ significantly modulated astrocyte expression of >6800 gene probes, including >380 synergistic changes not predicted by summing individual treatment effects. Bioinformatic analyses revealed significantly and markedly upregulated molecular networks and pathways associated in particular with immune signaling and regulation of cell injury, death, growth, and proliferation. Highly regulated genes included chemokines, growth factors, enzymes, channels, transporters, and intercellular and intracellular signal transducers. Notably, numerous genes for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G-protein effectors involved in calcium signaling were significantly regulated, mostly down (for example,Cxcr4,Adra2a,Ednra,P2ry1,Gnao1,Gng7), but some up (for example,P2ry14,P2ry6,Ccrl2,Gnb4). We tested selected cases and found that changes in GPCR gene expression were accompanied by significant, parallel changes in astrocyte calcium signaling evoked by corresponding GPCR-specific ligands. These findings identify pronounced changes in the astrocyte transcriptome induced by TGF-β1, LPS, and IFNγ, and show that these inflammatory stimuli upregulate astrocyte molecular networks associated with immune- and injury-related functions and significantly alter astrocyte calcium signaling stimulated by multiple GPCRs.
Intrinsic Amygdala–Cortical Functional Connectivity Predicts Social Network Size in Humans
Authors: Bickart Kevin C. , Hollenbeck Mark C. , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Dickerson Bradford C.
Published: October 2012

Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from two independent samples of healthy adults, we parsed the amygdala's intrinsic connectivity into three partially distinct large-scale networks that strongly resemble the known anatomical organization of amygdala connectivity in rodents and monkeys. Moreover, in a third independent sample, we discovered that people who fostered and maintained larger and more complex social networks not only had larger amygdala volumes, but also amygdalae with stronger intrinsic connectivity within two of these networks: one putatively subserving perceptual abilities and one subserving affiliative behaviors. Our findings were anatomically specific to amygdalar circuitry in that individual differences in social network size and complexity could not be explained by the strength of intrinsic connectivity between nodes within two networks that do not typically involve the amygdala (i.e., the mentalizing and mirror networks), and were behaviorally specific in that amygdala connectivity did not correlate with other self-report measures of sociality.
Dynamic Reorganization of Digit Representations in Somatosensory Cortex of Nonhuman Primates after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Li Min , Qi Hui-Xin , Kaas Jon H.
Published: October 2012

Somatosensory cortices of adult primates reactivate over time after sensory loss. The time course and the neural mechanisms underlying the cortical reactivation are not well understood. Here we report that longitudinal high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies on anesthetized squirrel monkeys revealed dynamic reorganizations of digit activations in area 3b, within 2 months after severely disrupting afferent inputs by dorsal column section. We found that digit regions in which inputs were severely disrupted exhibited fMRI tactile responses. Reorganization was characterized by an early moving away phase and a late returning phase, as indicated by spatial shifts of individual digit activation centers in relation to the pre-lesion activation sites. Subsequent optical imaging studies confirmed fMRI activations, and dense microelectrode penetrations identified weak neuronal activity at the reactivated sites. Activation zones detected by fMRI and optical imaging were significantly larger in input-deprived than normal input single-digit regions and were larger than regions defined by neuronal spiking activity. This study captures the dynamic reorganization of digit representations after dorsal column lesions and reveals differences between functional imaging and microelectrode recording maps. Our observations suggest that subthreshold activity plays an important role in the reactivation of deafferented cortex and could promote behavioral recovery.
NADPH Oxidase 1 Mediates α-Synucleinopathy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cristóvão Ana Clara , Guhathakurta Subhrangshu , Bok Eugene , Je Goun , Yoo Seung Don , Choi Dong-Hee , Kim Yoon-Seong
Published: October 2012

Accumulation of misfolded α-synuclein is the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanism contributing to α-synuclein aggregation and its further toxicity to dopaminergic neurons. Since oxidative stress can increase the expression and aggregation levels of α-synuclein, NADPH oxidases (Noxs), which are responsible for reactive oxygen species generation, could be major players in α-synucleinopathy. Previously, we demonstrated that Nox1 is expressed in dopaminergic neurons of the PD animal models as well as postmortem brain tissue of PD patients, and is responsible for oxidative stress and subsequent neuronal degeneration. Here, using paraquat (PQ)-basedin vitroandin vivoPD models, we show that Nox1 has a crucial role in modulating the behavior of α-synuclein expression and aggregation in dopaminergic neurons.

We observed in differentiated human dopaminergic cells that Nox1 and α-synuclein expressions are increased under PQ exposure. Nox1 knockdown significantly reduced both α-synuclein expression and aggregation, supporting the role of Nox1 in this process. Furthermore, in rats exposed to PQ, the selective knockdown of Nox1 in the substantia nigra, using adeno-associated virus encoding Nox1-specific shRNA, largely attenuated the PQ-mediated increase of α-synuclein and ubiquitin expression levels as well as α-synuclein aggregates (proteinase K resistant) and A11 oligomers. Significant reductions in oxidative stress level and dopaminergic neuronal loss were also observed. Our data reveal a new mechanism by which α-synuclein becomes a neuropathologic protein through Nox1-mediated oxidative stress. This finding may be used to generate new therapeutic interventions that slower the rate of α-synuclein aggregation and the progression of PD pathogenesis.
That's Near My Hand! Parietal and Premotor Coding of Hand-Centered Space Contributes to Localization and Self-Attribution of the Hand
Authors: Brozzoli Claudio , Gentile Giovanni , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: October 2012

The ability to identify and localize our own limbs is crucial for survival. Indeed, the majority of our interactions with objects occur within the space surrounding the hands. In non-human primates, neurons in the posterior parietal and premotor cortices dynamically represent the space near the upper limbs in hand-centered coordinates. Neuronal populations selective for the space near the hand also exist in humans. It is unclear whether these remap the peri-hand representation as the arm is moved in space. Furthermore, no combined neuronal and behavioral data are available about the possible involvement of peri-hand neurons in the perception of the upper limbs in any species. We used fMRI adaptation to demonstrate dynamic hand-centered encoding of space by reporting response suppression in human premotor and posterior parietal cortices to repeated presentations of an object near the hand for different arm postures. Furthermore, we show that such spatial representation is related to changes in body perception, being remapped onto a prosthetic hand if perceived as one's own during an illusion. Interestingly, our results further suggest that peri-hand space remapping in the premotor cortex is most tightly linked to the subjective feeling of ownership of the seen limb, whereas remapping in the posterior parietal cortex closely reflects changes in the position sense of the arm. These findings identify the neural bases for dynamic hand-centered encoding of peripersonal space in humans and provide hitherto missing evidence for the link between the peri-hand representation of space and the perceived self-attribution and position of the upper limb.
Subsecond Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Predicts Conditioned Punishment and Its Successful Avoidance
Authors: Oleson Erik B. , Gentry Ronny N. , Chioma Vivian C. , Cheer Joseph F.
Published: October 2012

The mesolimbic dopamine system is believed to be a pathway that processes rewarding information. While previous studies have also implicated a general role for dopamine in punishment and its avoidance, the precise nature of subsecond dopamine release during these phenomena remains unknown. Here, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to investigate whether subsecond dopamine release events in the nucleus accumbens encode cues predicting the avoidance of punishment during behavior maintained in a signaled footshock avoidance procedure. In this task, rats could initiate an avoidance response by pressing a lever within a warning period, preventing footshock. Alternatively, once footshocks commenced, animals could initiate an escape response by pressing the lever, terminating footshock. This design allowed us to assess subsecond dopamine release events during the presentation of a warning signal, safety periods, and two distinct behavioral responses. We found that release consistently increased upon presentation of the warning signal in a manner that reliably predicted successful punishment avoidance. We also observed subsecond dopamine release during the safety period, as occurs following the receipt of reward. Conversely, we observed a decrease in release at the warning signal during escape responses. Because of this finding, we next assessed dopamine release in a conditioned fear model. As seen during escape responses, we observed a time-locked decrease in dopamine release upon presentation of a cue conditioned to inescapable footshock. Together, these data show that subsecond fluctuations in mesolimbic dopamine release predict when rats will successfully avoid punishment and differentially encode cues related to aversive outcomes.
Activity-Dependent Local Translation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Dziembowska Magdalena , Milek Jacek , Janusz Aleksandra , Rejmak Emilia , Romanowska Ewelina , Gorkiewicz Tomasz , Tiron Adrian , Bramham Clive R. , Kaczmarek Leszek
Published: October 2012

Local, synaptic synthesis of new proteins in response to neuronal stimulation plays a key role in the regulation of synaptic morphogenesis. Recent studies indicate that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase that regulates the pericellular environment through cleavage of its protein components, plays a critical role in regulation of spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. Here, we sought to determine whether MMP-9 mRNA is transported to dendrites for local translation and protein release. First, dendritic transport of MMP-9 mRNA was seen in primary hippocampal neuronal cultures treated with glutamate and in dentate gyrus granule cells in adult anesthetized rats after induction of long-term potentiation. Second, rapid, activity-dependent polyadenylation of MMP-9 mRNA; association of the mRNA with actively translating polysomes; andde novoMMP-9 protein synthesis were obtained in synaptoneurosomes isolated from rat hippocampus. Third, glutamate stimulation of cultured hippocampal neurons evoked a rapid (in minutes) increase in MMP-9 activity, as measured by cleavage of its native substrate, β-dystroglycan. This activity was reduced by the polyadenylation inhibitor, thus linking MMP-9 translation with protein function. In aggregate, our findings show that MMP-9 mRNA is transported to dendrites and locally translated and that the protein is released in an activity-dependent manner. Acting in concert with other dendritically synthesized proteins, locally secreted MMP-9 may contribute to the structural and functional plasticity of the activated synapses.
Mortal Love: Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the Practice of Joint Burial
Authors: Targoff Ramie
Published: October 2012

This essay considers Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in the context of early modern attitudes toward love after death. It argues that Shakespeare’s rejection of the idea that Romeo and Juliet would share a heavenly afterlife—an idea that runs throughout his sources for the play—helped him to shape a new mode of tragic power, one that depended upon insisting that love is mortal.
Alteration in localization of steroid hormone receptors and coregulatory proteins in follicles from cows with induced ovarian follicular cysts
Authors: Salvetti Natalia R , Alfaro Natalia S , Velázquez Melisa M L , Amweg Ayelen N , Matiller Valentina , Díaz Pablo U , Ortega Hugo H
Published: October 2012

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in cattle. The altered follicular dynamics and cellular differentiation observed in COD may be mediated through a disruption of the expression of steroid receptors and their associated transcriptional cofactors. The aim of this study was to determine the protein expression profiles of ESR1, ESR2, PGR, AR, NCOA3, NCOR2, and PHB2 (REA) in ovarian follicles in an experimental model of COD induced by the administration of ACTH. Ovaries were collected and follicles were dissected from heifers during the follicular phase (control) or from heifers treated with ACTH to induce the formation of ovarian follicular cysts. Ovaries were fixed, sectioned, and stained immunohistochemically for steroid receptors and the associated transcription factors. The relative expression of ESR1 was similar in follicular cysts and in tertiary follicles from both control and cystic cows and was significantly higher than in secondary follicles. The expression of ESR2 in the granulosa was higher in cystic follicles. No differences were seen for PGR. The expression of androgen receptor was significantly increased in tertiary follicles with lower immunostaining in cysts. The expression of NCOA3 was observed in the granulosa and theca with a significantly increased expression in the theca interna of cystic follicles. The highest levels of NCOR2 expression in granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa were observed in cysts. In granulosa cells, NCOR2 levels increase progressively as follicles mature and the treatment had no effect. In summary, ovaries from animals with induced COD exhibited altered steroid receptor expression compared with normal animals, as well as changes in the expression of their regulators. It is reasonable to suggest that in conditions characterized by altered ovulation and follicular persistence, such as COD, changes in the intra-ovarian expression of these proteins could play a role in their pathogenesis.
Tannin-tolerant bacteria from crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows
Authors: Arcuri Pedro Braga , Odenyo Agnes Awino , Arcuri Edna Froeder , Ribeiro Marlice Teixeira , Guimarães Marta Fonseca Martins , Carneiro Jailton da Costa
Published: October 2012

The objective of this work was to isolate and characterize tannin-tolerant ruminal bacteria from crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows fed a chopped mixture of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), young stems of "angico-vermelho" (Parapiptadenia rigida), and banana tree (Musa sp.) leaves. A total of 117 bacteria strains were isolated from enrichment cultures of rumen microflora in medium containing tannin extracts. Of these, 11 isolates were able to tolerate up to 3 g L-1 of tannins. Classical characterization procedures indicated that different morphological and physiological groups were represented. Restriction fragments profiles using Alu1 and Taq1 of 1,450 bp PCR products from the 16S rRNA gene grouped the 11 isolates into types I to VI. Sequencing of 16S rRNA PCR products was used for identification. From the 11 strains studied, seven were not identifiable by the methods used in this work, two were strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and two of Streptococcus bovis.
Maize Dwarf Mosaic Can Reduce Weed Suppressive Ability of Sweet Corn
Authors: Williams Martin M. , Pataky Jerald K.
Published: October 2012

Maize dwarf mosaic (MDM) stunts corn growth, delays development, and is the most prevalent viral disease of sweet corn grown in many regions of North America and Europe. Although some weeds escape control in most sweet corn fields, the extent to which MDM influences the weed suppressive ability of the crop is unknown. Field studies were conducted over a 3-yr period to characterize the influence of variable MDM incidence in sweet corn on growth, fecundity, and germinability of wild-proso millet, a common weed in the crop. Treatments included five levels of MDM incidence (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of plants infected) in two MDM-susceptible hybrids differing in weed suppressive ability. Previous research showed that hybrid ‘Legacy’ had greater weed suppressive ability than ‘Sugar Buns’. Wild-proso millet biomass and fecundity depended largely on the hybrid in which the weed was growing. Wild-proso millet growing in Sugar Buns weighed 45 to 117% more than wild-proso millet in Legacy. Incidence of MDM in sweet corn affected wild-proso millet biomass and fecundity, but only under high weed population densities. When wild-proso millet was observed at 122 plants m−2, weed biomass increased 9 g m−2 for each additional 10% incidence of MDM of sweet corn. Weed suppressive ability of the competitive and less competitive hybrids were influenced to the same extent by MDM. Coupled with a lack of resistance to MDM in two-thirds of commercial sweet corn hybrids, the disease could be an additional factor perpetuating weed growth and fecundity in sweet corn, particularly in fields with high population densities of wild-proso millet.
Optimising building information modelling and off-site construction for civil engineering
Authors: Vernikos Vasileios
Published: October 2012

Loughborough University and Halcrow are currently investigating how the whole civil engineering sector can benefit from incorporating innovations such as building information modelling and off-site construction. Vasileios Vernikos of Loughborough University explains.
NEC versus Fidic
Authors: Heaphy Ian
Published: October 2012

The paper consists of a high-level comparison between the NEC third edition and the Fidic (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils) 1999 suite of contracts. The paper covers the origins of each suite of contracts and then compares each of the individual contact forms published by the NEC and Fidic. The paper then moves on to focus on the NEC Engineering and Construction Contact and the Fidic 1999 Red and Yellow Books. The key areas of structure and format, contents of a contract document, roles and responsibilities, variations/extension of time/claims and dispute resolution are then compared and contrasted. The paper concludes with a view on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each contract form and consideration as to why each may be selected.
Prevalence and Severity of Periodontitis in Indonesian Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Susanto Hendri , Nesse Willem , Kertia Nyoman , Soeroso Juwono , Huijser van Reenen Yvonne , Hoedemaker Eveliene , Agustina Dewi , Vissink Arjan , Abbas Frank , Dijkstra Pieter U.
Published: October 2012

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have more prevalent and severe periodontitis than healthy controls. Periodontitis may increase the systemic inflammation in RA. The aim of this study is to assess periodontitis prevalence and severity and its potential association with systemic inflammation in Indonesian patients with RA.

Methods: A full‐mouth periodontal examination including probing depth, gingival recession, plaque index, and bleeding on probing was performed in 75 Indonesians with RA and 75 age‐, sex‐, and smoking‐matched Indonesian controls. A validated questionnaire was used to assess smoking, body mass index, education, and medical conditions. In addition, in all participants, the use of drugs was noted, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates and serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), rheumatoid factor, and anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies were measured. Differences in periodontitis prevalence and 12 measures of periodontitis severity between patients with RA and controls were analyzed using univariate analyses.

Results: No significant differences in periodontitis prevalence and 11 measures of periodontitis severity between patients with RA and controls were observed. Conversely, patients with RA had a significantly lower surface area of healthy pocket epithelium versus controls (P = 0.008), and a tendency toward higher hsCRP levels was observed in patients with RA with severe periodontitis compared with patients with RA with no mild or moderate periodontitis (P = 0.063). It has to be noted that all patients with RA were on anti‐inflammatory drugs, whereas none of the controls used such drugs.

Conclusion: Prevalence and severity of periodontitis in Indonesian patients with RA is comparable to controls but with less healthy pocket epithelium than in controls and a tendency toward a higher inflammatory state in patients with RA and severe periodontitis.
Periodontitis and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Non‐Smoking Females
Authors: Chokwiriyachit Anyarat , Dasanayake Ananda P. , Suwannarong Waraporn , Hormdee Doosasee , Sumanonta Gunniga , Prasertchareonsuk Witoon , Wara‐Aswapati Nawarat , Combellick Joan , Pitiphat Waranuch
Published: October 2012

Background: Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Periodontal disease is associated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators and may be a risk factor for GDM. The authors aimed to examine the association between periodontitis and GDM among non‐smoking pregnant females.

Methods: This case‐control study included 50 females who were diagnosed with GDM and 50 age‐ and hospital‐matched females without diabetes in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Full‐mouth periodontal examinations were performed during pregnancy by two calibrated dentists who were unaware of the case‐control status. Periodontitis was defined as ≥1 site with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥2 mm at the same site. Serum samples were collected to measure C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 levels. Analyses were performed using conditional logistic regression.

Results: Fifty percent of the case females had periodontitis compared to 26% of the controls. Females with GDM had significantly higher mean PD and CAL, more sites with bleeding on probing, and increased levels of CRP compared to the controls. Periodontitis was significantly associated with GDM (odds ratio = 3.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.19 to 7.56). The association remained significant with additional adjustment for family history of diabetes, prepregnancy body mass index, and weight gain during pregnancy.

Conclusions: The results suggest that periodontitis is associated with GDM. Therefore, clinicians should assess periodontal conditions of pregnant females.
Formative Process Evaluation for Implementing a Social Marketing Intervention to Increase Walking Among African Americans in the Positive Action for Today’s Health Trial
Authors: Coulon Sandra M. , Wilson Dawn K. , Griffin Sarah , St. George Sara M. , Alia Kassandra A. , Trumpeter Nevelyn N. , Wandersman Abraham K. , Forthofer Melinda , Robinson Shamika , Gadson Barney
Published: October 2012

Objectives. Evaluating programs targeting physical activity may help to reduce disparate rates of obesity among African Americans. We report formative process evaluation methods and implementation dose, fidelity, and reach in the Positive Action for Today’s Health trial.

Methods: We applied evaluation methods based on an ecological framework in 2 community-based police-patrolled walking programs targeting access and safety in underserved African American communities. One program also targeted social connectedness and motivation to walk using a social marketing approach. Process data were systematically collected from baseline to 12 months.

Results: Adequate implementation dose was achieved, with fidelity achieved but less stable in both programs. Monthly walkers increased to 424 in the walking-plus-social marketing program, indicating expanding program reach, in contrast to no increase in the walking-only program. Increased reach was correlated with peer-led Pride Strides (r = .92; P < .001), a key social marketing component, and program social interaction was the primary reason for which walkers reported participating.

Conclusions: Formative process evaluation demonstrated that the walking programs were effectively implemented and that social marketing increased walking and perceived social connectedness in African American communities.
The Effect of Local Violence on Children’s Attention and Impulse Control
Authors: Sharkey Patrick T. , Tirado-Strayer Nicole , Papachristos Andrew V. , Raver C. Cybele
Published: October 2012

Objectives. We examined whether the burden of violence in a child’s community environment alters the child’s behavior and functioning in the classroom setting.

Methods. To identify the effects of local violence, we exploited variation in the timing of local homicides, based on data from the Chicago Police Department, relative to the timing of interview assessments conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial conducted with preschoolers in Head Start programs from 2004–2006, the Chicago School Readiness Project. We compared children’s scores when exposed to recent local violence with scores when no recent violence had occurred to identify causal effects.

Results. When children were assessed within a week of a homicide that occurred near their home, they exhibited lower levels of attention and impulse control and lower preacademic skills. The analysis showed strong positive effects of local violence on parental distress, providing suggestive evidence that parental responses may be a likely pathway by which local violence affects young children.

Conclusions. Exposure to homicide generates acute psychological distress among caregivers and impairs children’s self-regulatory behavior and cognitive functioning.
Pregnancy as a Risk Factor for Ambulatory Limitation in Later Life
Authors: Aiken Abigail R. A. , Angel Jacqueline L. , Miles Toni P.
Published: October 2012

Objectives. We investigated the relationship between the number of times a woman has been pregnant and walking difficulty in later life.

Methods. With data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, a representative population-based cohort of Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older residing in 5 Southwestern states, we measured walking difficulty using 2 items from the performance-oriented mobility assessments: the timed walk and seated chair rise.

Results. We observed significantly higher rates of ambulatory limitation among women with 6 or more pregnancies than among women with 4 or fewer pregnancies: 44.9% and 27.0%, respectively, were unable to perform or performed poorly in the seated chair rise and timed walk. Ordinal logistic regression models show that gravidity predicts level of performance in both mobility tasks and that higher gravidity is associated with worse performance, even after adjustment for both age and chronic disease.

Conclusions. Gravidity is a risk factor for ambulatory limitation in old age. A life course approach to reproduction in public health research and practice is warranted.
Geomedicine: Area-Based Socioeconomic Measures for Assessing Risk of Hospital Reutilization Among Children Admitted for Asthma
Authors: Beck Andrew F. , Simmons Jeffrey M. , Huang Bin , Kahn Robert S.
Published: October 2012

Objectives. We assessed whether geographic information available at the time of asthma admission predicts time to reutilization (readmission or emergency department revisit).

Methods. For a prospective cohort of children hospitalized with asthma in 2008 and 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio, we constructed a geographic social risk index from geocoded home addresses linked to census tract extreme poverty and high school graduation rates and median home values. We examined geographic risk associations with reutilization and caregiver report of hardship.

Results. Thirty-nine percent of patients reutilized within 12 months. Compared with those in the lowest geographic risk stratum, those at medium and high risk had 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.9, 1.9) and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4, 2.4) the risk of reutilization, respectively. Caregivers of children at highest geographic risk were 5 times as likely to report more than 2 financial hardships (P < .001) and 3 times as likely to report psychological distress (P = .001).

Conclusions. A geographic social risk index may help identify asthmatic children likely to return to the hospital. Targeting social risk assessments and interventions through geographic information may help to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
Ethnic Density Effects on Physical Morbidity, Mortality, and Health Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bécares Laia , Shaw Richard , Nazroo James , Stafford Mai , Albor Christo , Atkin Karl , Kiernan Kathleen , Wilkinson Richard , Pickett Kate
Published: October 2012

It has been suggested that people in racial/ethnic minority groups are healthier when they live in areas with a higher concentration of people from their own ethnic group, a so-called ethnic density effect. Ethnic density effects are still contested, and the pathways by which ethnic density operates are poorly understood.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature examining the ethnic density effect on physical health, mortality, and health behaviors. Most studies report a null association between ethnic density and health. Protective ethnic density effects are more common than adverse associations, particularly for health behaviors and among Hispanic people.

Limitations of the literature include inadequate adjustment for area deprivation and limited statistical power across ethnic density measures and study samples.
Applications of the finite state automata for counting restricted permutations and variations
Authors: Baltic Vladimir
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we use the finite state automata to count the number of
restricted permutations and the number of restricted variations. For each
type of restricted permutations, we construct a finite state automaton able
to recognize and enumerate them. We, also, discuss how it encompasses the
other known methods for enumerating permutations with restricted position,
and in one case, we establish connections with some other combinatorial
structures, such as subsets and compositions.
Multiple resections for patients with glioblastoma: prolonging survival
Authors: Chaichana Kaisorn L. , Zadnik Patricia , Weingart Jon D. , Olivi Alessandro , Gallia Gary L. , Blakeley Jaishri , Lim Michael , Brem Henry , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: October 2012

Object

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in adults. These tumors recur regardless of intervention. This propensity to recur despite aggressive therapies has made many perceive that repeated resections have little utility. The goal of this study was to evaluate if patients who underwent repeat resections experienced improved survival as compared with patients with fewer numbers of resections, and whether the number of resections was an independent predictor of prolonged survival.

Methods

The records of adult patients who underwent surgery for an intracranial primary glioblastoma at an academic tertiary-care institution between 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate proportionalhazards regression analysis was used to identify an association between glioblastoma resection number and survival after controlling for factors known to be associated with survival, such as age, functional status, periventricular location, extent of resection, and adjuvant therapy. Survival as a function of time was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared using log-rank analysis.

Results

Five hundred seventy-eight patients with primary glioblastoma met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. At last follow-up, 354, 168, 41, and 15 patients underwent 1, 2, 3, or 4 resections, respectively. The median survival for patients who underwent 1, 2, 3, and 4 resections was 6.8, 15.5, 22.4, and 26.6 months (p < 0.05), respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients who underwent only 1 resection experienced shortened survival (relative risk [RR] 3.400, 95% CI 2.423–4.774; p < 0.0001) as compared with patients who underwent 2 (RR 0.688, 95% CI 0.525–0.898; p = 0.0006), 3 (RR 0.614, 95% CI 0.388–0.929; p = 0.02), or 4 (RR 0.600, 95% CI 0.238–0.853; p = 0.01) resections. These results were verified in a case-control evaluation, controlling for age, neurological function, periventricular tumor location, extent of resection, and adjuvant therapy. Patients who underwent 1, 2, or 3 resections had a median survival of 4.5, 16.2, and 24.4 months, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, the risk of infections or iatrogenic deficits did not increase with repeated resections in this patient population (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with glioblastoma will inevitably experience tumor recurrence. The present study shows that patients with recurrent glioblastoma can have improved survival with repeated resections. The findings of this study, however, may be limited by an intrinsic bias associated with patient selection. The authors attempted to minimize these biases by using strict inclusion criteria, multivariate analyses, and case-control evaluation.
Recent Advances towards the Clinical Application of Stem Cells for Retinal Regeneration
Authors: Becker Silke , Jayaram Hari , Limb G. Astrid
Published: October 2012

Retinal degenerative diseases constitute a major cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Stem cell-based therapies offer hope for these patients at risk of or suffering from blindness due to the deterioration of the neural retina. Various sources of stem cells are currently being investigated, ranging from human embryonic stem cells to adult-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as well as human Müller stem cells, with the first clinical trials to investigate the safety and tolerability of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells having recently commenced. This review aims to summarize the latest advances in the development of stem cell strategies for the replacement of retinal neurons and their supportive cells, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) affected by retinal degenerative conditions. Particular emphasis will be given to the advances in stem cell transplantation and the challenges associated with their translation into clinical practice.
Conformal Relativity versus Brans–Dicke and Superstring Theories
Authors: Blaschke David B. , Dąbrowski Mariusz P.
Published: October 2012

We show how conformal relativity is related to Brans–Dicke theory and to low-energy-effective superstring theory. Conformal relativity or the Hoyle–Narlikar theory is invariant with respect to conformal transformations of the metric. We show that the conformal relativity action is equivalent to the transformed Brans–Dicke action for ω = -3/2 (which is the border between standard scalar field and ghost) in contrast to the reduced (graviton-dilaton) low-energy-effective superstring action which corresponds to the Brans–Dicke action with ω = -1. We show that like in ekpyrotic/cyclic models, the transition through the singularity in conformal cosmology in the string frame takes place in the weak coupling regime. We also find interesting self-duality and duality relations for the graviton-dilaton actions.