bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disciplinary disjunctures in the transition from secondary school to higher education study of modern foreign languages
Authors: Gallagher-Brett Angela , Canning John
Published: April 2011

Discussions of student transition from the study of languages in UK high schools to the study of languages at university usually focus on the vertical transition, comparing the differences in curricula and approach to languages taken in each sector. Whilst acknowledging that this aspect of the student transition is important, this article explores the transition in a broader disciplinary context by raising questions about how other subjects students have studied before entering higher education may help or hinder the transition. As well as drawing on relevant literature in the Arts and Humanities field, we also discuss the findings of a case study, which investigated the views of students and teachers in one English university and one English high school.
Filter Placement for Duplicated Cava
Authors: Malgor Rafael D. , Oropallo Alisha , Wood Emily , Natan Kristina , Labropoulos Nicos
Published: April 2011

Anatomic variations of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are found in 3-5% of the population. IVC duplication is a well-known anatomic variation that is important when relevant procedures are being planed. Therefore, the identification of IVC anomalies should be checked prior to pertinent interventions. We report two cases of dual IVC filter placement for duplicated cava including a missing left inferior vena cava and subsequent pulmonary embolism. The rationale of one versus two filters and the current literature are discussed.
Ascending-to-Descending Aortic Bypass and Aortic Valve Replacement for Concomitant Severe Aortic Coarctation and Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Chu Michael W. A. , Adams Corey , Torres Pedro
Published: April 2011

We present a 33-year-old male with severe, symptomatic aortic coarctation and aortic stenosis assessed on a humanitarian medical mission to a developing country. Contemplating limited time and available resources, we performed a simultaneous single-stage approach with ascending-to-descending aortic bypass with a reinforced gortex graft and concomitant aortic valve replacement through a median sternotomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative convalescence and was discharged on postoperative day 5. At 1-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic and doing well with good blood pressure control and complete equalization of upper and lower limb blood pressure measurements. Computed tomography and transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated a widely patent ascending-to-descending aortic bypass graft and a normally functioning prosthetic aortic valve, respectively. In developing countries where health care resources are limited, a combined approach with an extra-anatomic, thoracic aortic bypass, and aortic valve replacement resulted in good early and 1-year outcomes. This procedure may represent the most effective surgical option for patients with concomitant aortic coarctation and aortic stenosis.
Media and foreign policy in central and eastern Europe post 9/11: in from the cold?
Authors: Balabanova Ekaterina
Published: April 2011

Most work on foreign policy and media influence focuses on Western media but the increasing prominence of central and eastern European countries in global politics (as members of the EU and NATO) means that the media—foreign policy relationship in these countries is assuming greater importance. This article addresses this gap by revisiting the question of media influence on foreign policy and the CNN effect debate from a non-US/UK, eastern European perspective, using some evidence from the Iraq War. The author builds on previous work on Kosovo where the media were shown to play a rather small role in foreign policy formation in these countries. However, the US-led invasion of Iraq is notable for the number of post-communist countries getting involved, and the widespread unpopularity of the campaign. This article re-examines the debate in light of the new foreign policy environment and asks to what extent the post-9/11 era has seen a transformation of the media—foreign policy relationship in eastern Europe.
Dual tuning
Authors: George Jennifer M.
Published: April 2011

While research on affect in organizations has flourished, affect has tended to be approached in a piecemeal or asymmetrical fashion. Traditionally, researchers have focused on potential benefits of positive affect or potential downsides of negative affect. This paper suggests that both positive and negative affect are functional and adaptive and should be considered in tandem or from a dual-tuning perspective (George & Zhou, 2007). Positive and negative emotions are automatically and adaptively triggered in response to stimuli that have implications for well-being. Evolutionary psychology, the social-functionalist perspective, the nature of organizing, antecedents of emotions, emotional ambivalence, and the positivity offset and negativity bias all suggest that positive and negative emotions should be considered from a dual-tuning perspective. The effects of positive and negative mood on cognitive processes, motivation, and effort support a dual-tuning approach to mood. Implications of a dual-tuning approach for understanding affect in organizations are discussed.
Infantile Hemangioendothelioma of the Parotid Gland: A Sonographic Diagnosis
Authors: Tandon Anupama , Jain Bosky , Tandon Rajesh , Grover Chander , Pandhi Deepika , Bhatt Shuchi
Published: April 2011

Infantile hemangioendothelioma is the most common parotid gland tumor of infancy. It typically presents between two and four months of age as a rapidly growing mass. It is a benign condition that undergoes spontaneous regression and does not warrant intervention. Imaging plays a vital role in making an accurate diagnosis, thus helping to avoid biopsies in these young patients. In the appropriate clinical setting, sonography alone can assist in making a confident diagnosis, and magnetic resonance imaging is often reserved for atypical and/or complicated cases. The following case of hemangioendothelioma of the parotid gland was made based on characteristic sonographic features. No biopsy was performed, and it showed spontaneous regression during a one-year follow-up.
Integrin β7-mediated regulation of multiple myeloma cell adhesion, migration, and invasion
Authors: Neri Paola , Ren Li , Azab Abdel Kareem , Brentnall Matthew , Gratton Kathy , Klimowicz Alexander C. , Lin Charles , Duggan Peter , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Mansoor Adnan , Stewart Douglas A. , Boise Lawrence H. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Bahlis Nizar J.
Published: April 2011

Integrin-β7 (ITGB7) mRNA is detected in multiple myeloma (MM) cells and its presence is correlated with MAF gene activation. Although the involvement of several integrin family members in MM-stoma cell interaction is well documented, the specific biologic functions regulated by integrin-β7 in MM are largely unknown. Clinically, we have correlated integrin-β7 expression in MM with poor survival outcomes post autologous stem cell transplantation and postsalvage therapy with bortezomib. Functionally, we have found that shRNA-mediated silencing of ITGB7 reduces MM-cell adhesion to extra-cellular matrix elements (fibronectin, E-cadherin) and reverses cell-adhesion–mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) sensitizing them to bortezomib and melphalan. In addition, ITGB7 silencing abrogated MM-cell transwell migration in response to SDF1α gradients, reduced vessel density in xenografted tumors, and altered MM cells in vivo homing into the BM. Mechanistically, ITGB7 knockdown inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src phosphorylation, Rac1 activation, and SUMOylation, reduced VEGF production in MM–BM stem cell cocultures and attenuated p65-NF-κB activity. Our findings support a role for integrin-β7 in MM-cell adhesion, migration, and BM homing, and pave the way for a novel therapeutic approach targeting this molecule.
NFIL3/E4BP4 is a key transcription factor for CD8α+ dendritic cell development
Authors: Kashiwada Masaki , Pham Nhat-Long L. , Pewe Lecia L. , Harty John T. , Rothman Paul B.
Published: April 2011

Antigen presentation by mature dendritic cells (DCs) is the first step for initiating adaptive immune responses. DCs are composed of heterogeneous functional subsets; however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate differentiation of specific DC subsets are not understood. Here, we report that the basic leucine zipper transcription factor NFIL3/E4BP4 is essential for the development of CD8α+ conventional DCs (cDCs). Nfil3−/− mice specifically lack CD8α+ cDCs but not CD8α− cDCs or plasmacytoid DCs in lymphoid tissues. Flt3 ligand–dependent generation of CD8α+ cDCs in lymphoid tissues and CD8α+-equivalent cDCs from Nfil3−/− bone marrow cells was also impaired. NFIL3 regulates CD8α+ cDC development in part through Batf3 expression. Importantly, Nfil3−/− mice exhibited impaired cross-priming of CD8+ T cells against cell-associated antigen, a process normally performed by CD8α+ cDCs, and failed to produce IL-12 after TLR3 stimulation. Thus, NFIL3 plays an essential role in the development of CD8α+ cDCs.
Regulation of membrane-cytoskeletal interactions by tyrosine phosphorylation of erythrocyte band 3
Authors: Ferru Emanuela , Giger Katie , Pantaleo Antonella , Campanella Estela , Grey Jesse , Ritchie Ken , Vono Rosa , Turrini Francesco , Low Philip S.
Published: April 2011

The cytoplasmic domain of band 3 serves as a center of erythrocyte membrane organization and constitutes the major substrate of erythrocyte tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 is induced by several physiologic stimuli, including malaria parasite invasion, cell shrinkage, normal cell aging, and oxidant stress (thalassemias, sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, etc). In an effort to characterize the biologic sequelae of band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation, we looked for changes in the polypeptide's function that accompany its phosphorylation. We report that tyrosine phosphorylation promotes dissociation of band 3 from the spectrin-actin skeleton as evidenced by: (1) a decrease in ankyrin affinity in direct binding studies, (2) an increase in detergent extractability of band 3 from ghosts, (3) a rise in band 3 cross-linkability by bis-sulfosuccinimidyl-suberate, (4) significant changes in erythrocyte morphology, and (5) elevation of the rate of band 3 diffusion in intact cells. Because release of band 3 from its ankyrin and adducin linkages to the cytoskeleton can facilitate changes in multiple membrane properties, tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3 is argued to enable adaptive changes in erythrocyte biology that permit the cell to respond to the above stresses.
Adrenomedullin in inflammatory process associated with experimental pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Di Paola Rosanna , Talero Elena , Galuppo Maria , Mazzon Emanuela , Bramanti Placido , Motilva Virginia , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: April 2011

Background

Adrenomedullin (AM), a 52-amino acid ringed-structure peptide with C-terminal amidation, was originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma. AM are widely distributed in various tissues and acts as a local vasoactive hormone in various conditions.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of AM on the animal model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury. Mice were subjected to intratracheal administration of BLM and were assigned to receive AM daily by an intraperitoneal injection of 200 ngr/kg.

Results and Discussion

Myeloperoxidase activity, lung histology, immunohistochemical analyses for cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were performed one week after fibrosis induction. Lung histology and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were performed 14 and 21 days after treatments. After bleomycin administration, AM-treated mice exhibited a reduced degree of lung damage and inflammation compared with BLM-treated mice, as shown by the reduction of (1) myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), (2) cytokines and adhesion molecules expression, (3) nitric oxide synthase expression, (4) the nitration of tyrosine residues, (5) poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) formation, a product of the nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) (6) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) (7)and the degree of lung injury.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that AM administration is able to prevent bleomycin induced lung injury through the down regulation of proinflammatory factors.
Alterations in PTEN and PIK3CA in colorectal cancers in the EPIC Norfolk study: associations with clinicopathological and dietary factors
Authors: Naguib Adam , Cooke James C , Happerfield Lisa , Kerr Lucy , Gay Laura J , Luben Robert N , Ball Richard Y , Mitrou Panagiota N , McTaggart Alison , Arends Mark J
Published: April 2011

Background

The PTEN tumour suppressor gene and PIK3CA proto-oncogene encode proteins which contribute to regulation and propagation of signal transduction through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. This study investigates the prevalence of loss of PTEN expression and mutations in both PTEN and PIK3CA in colorectal cancers (CRC) and their associations with tumour clinicopathological features, lifestyle factors and dietary consumptions.

Methods

186 adenocarcinomas and 16 adenomas from the EPIC Norfolk study were tested for PTEN and PIK3CA mutations by DNA sequencing and PTEN expression changes by immunohistochemistry. Dietary and lifestyle data were collected prospectively using seven day food diaries and lifestyle questionnaires.

Results

Mutations in exons 7 and 8 of PTEN were observed in 2.2% of CRC and PTEN loss of expression was identified in 34.9% CRC. Negative PTEN expression was associated with lower blood low-density lipoprotein concentrations (p = 0.05). PIK3CA mutations were observed in 7% of cancers and were more frequent in CRCs in females (p = 0.04). Analysis of dietary intakes demonstrated no link between PTEN expression status and any specific dietary factor. PTEN expression negative, proximal CRC were of more advanced Dukes' stage (p = 0.02) and poor differentiation (p < 0.01). Testing of the prevalence of PIK3CA mutations and loss of PTEN expression demonstrated that these two events were independent (p = 0.55).

Conclusion

These data demonstrated the frequent occurrence (34.9%) of PTEN loss of expression in colorectal cancers, for which gene mutations do not appear to be the main cause. Furthermore, dietary factors are not associated with loss of PTEN expression. PTEN expression negative CRC were not homogenous, as proximal cancers were associated with a more advanced Dukes' stage and poor differentiation, whereas distal cancers were associated with earlier Dukes' stage.
Altering α-dystroglycan receptor affinity of LCMV pseudotyped lentivirus yields unique cell and tissue tropism
Authors: Dylla Douglas E , Xie Litao , Michele Daniel E , Kunz Stefan , McCray Paul B
Published: April 2011

Background

The envelope glycoprotein of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) can efficiently pseudotype lentiviral vectors. Some strains of LCMV exploit high affinity interactions with α-dystroglycan (α-DG) to bind to cell surfaces and subsequently fuse in low pH endosomes. LCMV strains with low α-DG affinity utilize an unknown receptor and display unique tissue tropisms. We pseudotyped non-primate feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vectors using LCMV derived glycoproteins with high or low affinity to α-DG and evaluated their properties in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We pseudotyped FIV with the LCMV WE54 strain envelope glycoprotein and also engineered a point mutation in the WE54 envelope glycoprotein (L260F) to diminish α-DG affinity and direct binding to alternate receptors. We hypothesized that this change would alter in vivo tissue tropism and enhance gene transfer to neonatal animals.

Results

In mice, hepatic α- and β-DG expression was greatest at the late gestational and neonatal time points. When displayed on the surface of the FIV lentivirus the WE54 L260F mutant glycoprotein bound weakly to immobilized α-DG. Additionally, LCMV WE54 pseudotyped FIV vector transduction was neutralized by pre-incubation with soluble α-DG, while the mutant glycoprotein pseudotyped vector was not. In vivo gene transfer in adult mice with either envelope yielded low transduction efficiencies in hepatocytes following intravenous delivery. In marked contrast, neonatal gene transfer with the LCMV envelopes, and notably with the FIV-L260F vector, conferred abundant liver and lower level cardiomyocyte transduction as detected by luciferase assays, bioluminescent imaging, and β-galactosidase staining.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a developmentally regulated receptor for LCMV is expressed abundantly in neonatal mice. LCMV pseudotyped vectors may have applications for neonatal gene transfer.

Abbreviations

Armstrong 53b (Arm53b); baculovirus Autographa californica GP64 (GP64); charge-coupled device (CCD); dystroglycan (DG); feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV); glycoprotein precursor (GP-C); firefly luciferase (Luc); lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV); nuclear targeted β-galactosidase (ntLacZ); optical density (OD); PBS/0.1% (w/v) Tween-20 (PBST); relative light units (RLU); Rous sarcoma virus (RSV); transducing units per milliliter (TU/ml); vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G); wheat germ agglutinin (WGA); 50% reduction in binding (C50).
Valence band offset of InN/BaTiO3 heterojunction measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Jia Caihong , Chen Yonghai , Guo Yan , Liu Xianglin , Yang Shaoyan , Zhang Weifeng , Wang Zhanguo
Published: April 2011

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to measure the valence band offset of the InN/BaTiO3 heterojunction. It is found that a type-I band alignment forms at the interface. The valence band offset (VBO) and conduction band offset (CBO) are determined to be 2.25 ± 0.09 and 0.15 ± 0.09 eV, respectively. The experimental VBO data is well consistent with the value that comes from transitivity rule. The accurate determination of VBO and CBO is important for use of semiconductor/ferrroelectric heterojunction multifunctional devices.
Wettability of amorphous and nanocrystalline Fe78B13Si9 substrates by molten Sn and Bi
Authors: Shen Ping , Sun JianXin , Yang Jun , Qi Yan , Jiang QiChuan
Published: April 2011

The wettability of amorphous and annealing-induced nanocrystalline Fe78B13Si9 ribbons by molten Sn and Bi at 600 K was measured using an improved sessile drop method. The results demonstrate that the structural relaxation and crystallization in the amorphous substrates do not substantially change the wettability with molten Bi because of their invariable physical interaction, but remarkably deteriorate the wettability and interfacial bonding with molten Sn as a result of changing a chemical interaction to a physical one for the atoms at the interface.
Sequence analysis for the complete proviral genome of subgroup J Avian Leukosis virus associated with hemangioma: a special 11 bp deletion was observed in U3 region of 3'UTR
Authors: Shi Min , Tian Mingxing , Liu Cheng , Zhao Yang , Lin Yan , Zou Nianli , Liu Ping , Huang Yong
Published: April 2011

Background

Avian Leukosis virus (ALV) of subgroup J (ALV-J) belong to retroviruses, which could induce tumors in domestic and wild birds. Myelocytomatosis was the most common neoplasma observed in infected flocks; however, few cases of hemangioma caused by ALV-J were reported in recent year.

Results

An ALV-J strain SCDY1 associated with hemangioma was isolated and its proviral genomic sequences were determined. The full proviral sequence of SCDY1 was 7489 nt long. Homology analysis of the env, pol and gag gene between SCDY1 and other strains in GenBank were 90.3-94.2%, 96.6-97.6%, and 94.3-96.5% at nucleotide level, respectively; while 85.1-90.7%, 97.4-98.7%, and 96.2-98.4% at amino acid level, respectively. Alignment analysis of the genomic sequence of ALV-J strains by using HPRS-103 as reference showed that a special 11 bp deletion was observed in U3 region of 3'UTR of SCDY1 and another ALV-J strain NHH isolated from case of hemangioma, and the non-functional TM and E element were absent in the genome of SCDY1, but the transcriptional regulatory elements including C/EBP, E2BP, NFAP-1, CArG box and Y box were highly conserved. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all analyzed ALV-J strains could be separated into four groups, and SCDY1 as well as another strain NHH were included in the same cluster.

Conclusion

The variation in envelope glycoprotein was higher than other genes. The genome sequence of SCDY1 has a close relationship with that of another ALV-J strain NHH isolated from case of hemangioma. A 11 bp deletion observed in U3 region of 3'UTR of genome of ALV-J isolated from case of hemangioma is interesting, which may be associated with the occurrence of hemangioma.
Anaphase B spindle dynamics in Drosophila S2 cells: Comparison with embryo spindles
Authors: de Lartigue Jane , Brust-Mascher Ingrid , Scholey Jonathan M
Published: April 2011

Background

In the Drosophila melanogaster syncytial blastoderm stage embryo anaphase B is initiated by a cell cycle switch in which the suppression of microtubule minus end depolymerization and spatial reorganization of the plus ends of outwardly sliding interpolar microtubules triggers spindle elongation. RNA interference in Drosophila cultured S2 cells may present a useful tool for identifying novel components of this switch, but given the diversity of spindle design, it is important to first determine the extent of conservation of the mechanism of anaphase B in the two systems.

Results

The basic mechanism, involving an inverse correlation between poleward flux and spindle elongation is qualitatively similar in these systems, but quantitative differences exist. In S2 cells, poleward flux is only partially suppressed and the rate of anaphase B spindle elongation increases with the extent of suppression. Also, EB1-labelled microtubule plus ends redistribute away from the poles and towards the interpolar microtubule overlap zone, but this is less pronounced in S2 cells than in embryos. Finally, as in embryos, tubulin FRAP experiments revealed a reduction in the percentage recovery after photobleaching at regions proximal to the pole.

Conclusions

The basic features of the anaphase B switch, involving the suppression of poleward flux and reorganization of growing microtubule plus ends, is conserved in these systems. Thus S2 cells may be useful for rapidly identifying novel components of this switch. The quantitative differences likely reflect the adaptation of embryonic spindles for rapid, streamlined mitoses.
An integrated groundwater study for Chasnigua, Honduras: Measurements and thoughts
Authors: Weaver Adrian , Muñoz David , Skokan Catherine
Published: April 2011

This paper is an update on a project initiated last year with a grant from SEG's Geoscientists Without Borders program. The project benefited from prior established relationships with water and sanitation administrators in the Municipality of Villanueva and with faculty and students from the Universidad Autonoma de Honduras, campus Valle Sula. The project rationale was the substantial need for a clean, reliable source of potable water for people living in the village of Chasnigua and the interesting geophysical challenges of an area complicated with volcanic/limestone terrain. Because of the geological complexity of this region, a suite of magnetic, magnetic gradient, direct current (dc)resistivity, and frequency-domain electromagnetic studies were performed. Soil and water sampling and testing, and topographic mapping of the terrain augmented this geophysical study. Through this effort, a site was identified that holds substantial promise for a sustainable subterranean water source. However, challenges have now moved from the technical to the social context as the person responsible for land on which most of our geophysical studies have focused, is now reluctant to allow water well drilling and completion on that land. In addition to the technical aspects of this project, this paper includes a discussion of approaches that may provide a more successful outcome with regard to social contextual challenges in which these type projects are inevitably immersed.
Hydrogeophysical investigation for groundwater at the Dayspring Children's Village, South Africa
Authors: Webb Susan J. , Ngobeni David , Jones Michael , Abiye Tamiru , Devkurran Nirocca , Goba Racheal , Ashwal Lewis D. , Lee Madeline , Burrows Darren , Pellerin Louise
Published: April 2011

Over the past 30 years, the water available in boreholes at the Dayspring Children's Village has slowly diminished to the point where the school's viability is threatened. In this same time period, a large stand of eucalyptus and yellow wattle trees has become well established. These trees are known to consume large quantities of water and we are investigating the effect of these trees on the local groundwater hydrology. Many types of geophysical and hydrological data—including gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic (EM) and seismic—are being acquired to understand the regional geology, seasonal changes and ultimately the impact of the trees on the local hydrology. Electrical resistivity data collected at the end of the dry season and at the end of the rainy season are used to define seasonal changes of a near-surface aquifer. By quantifying the effect of these trees on the hydrology, predictive recommendations on the benefits of tree removal can be made to government.
A case study of f-k demultiple on 2D offshore seismic data
Authors: Wu Mei , Wang Shungen
Published: April 2011

The identification and attenuation of multiples has been and continues to be one of the most complex seismic noise problems facing exploration geophysicists. Effective separation of multiples from primary reflections is a key step in multiple attenuation, and this paper examines a robust f-k multiple suppression technique that can successfully be applied to offshore 2D data sets that violate the assumptions of alternative multiple suppression technologies.
Federal Spending Power in Three Federations: Australia, Canada and the United States
Authors: Gray Anthony
Published: April 2011

This paper will consider and compare the federal spending power in three ‘mature’ federations, Australia, Canada and the United States. One of the issues to be considered will be whether the federal spending power, as interpreted by the relevant courts, is sufficiently broad to deal with the obligations of a central government in current circumstances. In doing so, recurring important issues in fiscal federalism, including the allocation of responsibilities within federal systems and vertical fiscal imbalance, will be noted. The constitutional context in which this issue arises, including the fact that the constitution of each of the countries studied was conceived in times very different from those we face today, and the fact that the role and size of government has similarly radically changed since those times, is important. It is argued that a broad interpretation of the federal government's spending power is needed to provide the necessary constitutional flexibility that would otherwise be forbidden by the formal rigidity of the constitutions and the difficulty in making amendments, particularly in Australia and Canada.
Continuum of Police Crime: An Empirical Study of Court Cases
Authors: Dean Geoff , Gottschalk Petter
Published: April 2011

The great majority of police officers are committed to honourable and competent public service and consistently demonstrate integrity and accountability in carrying out the often difficult, complex and sometimes dangerous activities involved in policing by consent. However, in every police agency there exists an element of dishonesty, lack of professionalism and criminal behaviour. This article is based on archival research of criminal behaviour in the Norwegian police force. A total of 60 police employees were prosecuted in court because of misconduct and crime from 2005 to 2010. Court cases were coded as two potential predictors of court sentence in terms of imprisonment days, ie, type of deviance and level of deviance. Categories of police crime and levels were organised according to a conceptual framework developed for assessing and managing police deviance. Empirical findings support the hypothesis that as the seriousness of police crime increases in breadth and depth so also does the severity of the court sentence as measured by time in prison.
IUPAC-IUGS common definition and convention on the use of the year as a derived unit of time (IUPAC Recommendations 2011)
Authors: Holden Norman E. , Bonardi Mauro L. , De Bièvre Paul , Renne Paul R. , Villa Igor M.
Published: April 2011

The units of time (both absolute time and duration) most practical to use when dealing with very long times, for example, in nuclear chemistry and earth and planetary sciences, are multiples of the year, or annus (a). Its proposed definition in terms of the SI base unit for time, the second (s), for the epoch 2000.0 is 1 a = 3.1556925445 × 107 s. Adoption of this definition, and abandonment of the use of distinct units for time differences, will bring the earth and planetary sciences into compliance with quantity calculus for SI and non-SI units of time.
Differentiation of Self and the Process of Forgiveness: A Clinical Perspective for Couple and Family Therapy
Authors: Hill E. Wayne , Hasty Cathy , Moore Carol J.
Published: April 2011

In this article we explore the role of differentiation of self in facilitating forgiveness in the context of couple and family relationships. Differentiation is defined from the Bowen perspective as the ability to connect with others without being excessively emotionally reactive to the ebb and flow inherent in all significant relationships (being able to connect to others yet also being able to self‐regulate). Forgiveness is described as the releasing of an emotional injury via a complex psychological and relational process that is less an act of will than a discovery or possibility through understanding and empathy. Differentiation of self is related to emotional intelligence and empathy. The developmental and relational benefits of such are illustrated and discussed. A rationale for viewing differentiation and forgiveness in a contextual, historical, and relational attachment paradigm is suggested. Relevant clinical cases illustrate the dynamics of differentiation and forgiveness as discovery in the context of an understanding and empathic relational environment.
Systemic Hypothesising for Challenging Behaviour in Intellectual Disabilities: A Reflecting Team Approach
Authors: Rhodes Paul , Whatson Lesley , Mora Lucinda , Hansson Anders , Brearley Kate , Dikian Jack , Drucker Peter F.
Published: April 2011

The treatment of challenging behaviour in intellectual disabilities has evolved dramatically since the 1950s, from a reliance on psychopharmacological restraint and operant conditioning to a multifaceted support plan that recognises the communicative intent of the client alongside their need for meaningful community participation. In recent years there has also been an increasing recognition of the critical role of family relationships in the maintenance and amelioration of challenging behaviour, as well as in attempts to integrate the fields of family therapy and applied behaviour analysis. The aim of this article is to describe a model of tertiary consultation that draws on the skills of systemic family therapy to assist clinicians who might be struggling with responding to challenging behaviour in settings characterised by complex and ‘stuck’ mediation problems. This model applies principles of reflective practice to assist such clinicians to develop a sophisticated understanding of the nature of interactions and relationships in the client's life, a critical prerequisite to the application of behavioural intervention. A detailed description of the model and a case study will be provided.
Modification of NiAl Intermetallic Coatings Processed by PTA with Chromium Carbides
Authors: Yano D. H. S. , Brunetti C. , Pintaude G. , D’Oliveira A. S. C. M.
Published: April 2011

Equipment that operates under high-temperatures can be protected with NiAl intermetallic coatings because of their metallurgical stability. This study evaluates the effect of chromium carbides added to Ni–Al intermetallic coatings processed by plasma transferred arc (PTA). Mixtures of Ni and Al powders with and without different Cr23C6 fractions (15, 30, and 45 wt %) were deposited by PTA on an AISI 304 stainless steel plate, using two different currents (100 and 150 A). Coatings were evaluated for the presence of welding defects, and the developed microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Vickers microhardness and semiquantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy chemical composition were also determined. NiAl and Cr7C3 development was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. A combination of NiAl/Cr–Fe–Ni phases was identified. The hardness was strongly related to the formed phases and volume fractions. The present study shows that PTA hardfacing can be used to produce reinforced intermetallic coatings for high-temperature applications, showing significant advances toward the development of coatings that can withstand severe operation conditions.
Functional magnetic resource imaging assessment of altered brain function in hypothyroidism during working memory processing
Authors: He Xiao-Song , Ma Ning , Pan Zhong-Lin , Wang Zhao-Xin , Li Nan , Zhang Xiao-Chu , Zhou Jiang-Ning , Zhu De-Fa , Zhang Da-Ren
Published: April 2011

Context

Hypothyroidism is related to multiple cognitive deficits including working memory dysfunction, of which the underlying neural correlates were rarely studied. In this study, the impact of hypothyroidism on neural circuits involved in working memory processing was explored by functional magnetic resource imaging (fMRI).

Design

Using fMRI, we conducted a longitudinal study investigating alterations of brain function during a working memory task, the four-digit backward recall (BR) and forward recall (FR), in hypothyroid patients and controls.

Methods

fMRI scan was used in 13 female patients at two time points: before and after having been treated with levothyroxine (L-T4) for ∼6 months, and 12 matched euthyroid controls were also scanned. Wechsler Memory Scale–Chinese Revision was used to assess the memory states of each participant.

Results

The hypothyroid patients showed poorer memory states than that in controls. Furthermore, significant differences of task-induced deactivation (TID, task-dependent decreases in neural activity relative to rest) between patients and controls were found in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortices, posterior cingulate cortices, and left inferior partial lobule (P<0.05). These regions were considered as parts of a task-negative network, namely the default mode network (DMN). Concretely, relative to controls, patients showed diminished TID during BR in contrast to FR. After the L-T4 treatment, neither the poor memory states nor the alteration of TID was detectable in patients.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is related to alterations of TID within DMN regions during working memory processing. These exploratory findings may imply potential neural correlates in hypothyroidism-related cognitive deficits and their recoveries.
The Effects of Heat Treatment on the NiO Nanoparticles
Authors: Han Dongyun , Wang Hongyan
Published: April 2011

The microemulsion method is one of the effective methods for preparing nanoparticles in recent years. It has the advantages of simple apparatus, easy operation and controllable particle size. The precursors of NiO nanoparticles were successfully prepared in TritonX-100/n-hexanol/cyclohexane/water W/O microemulsion system using nickel chloride and ammonia water as raw materials. NiO nanoparticles were obtained after heat treatment of the precursors. The effects of heat treatment on the morphology and size distribution of NiO nanoparticles were systematically investigated. The result showed that the size, morphology and dispersion of NiO nanoparticles in the microemulsion state were much better than that in the state after heat treatment. XRD and TEM also showed the size of the NiO nanoparticles increased largely with the increase of heat treatment temperature.
Ischemic cerebral vascular disease an overview
Authors: Fisher Marc
Published: April 2011

The management of patients with cerebrovascular ischemic disease (ICD) is rapidly changing due to newer diagnostic approaches and therapies being developed. In the present article, the author reviews part of his experience in the clinical and basic fields of ICD which is the most common neurologic problem leading to acute hospitalization. Clinico-anatomic categories of ICD as well as prognosis and differential diagnosis are discussed. Data from basic and research are analysed with a main focus on their implications for clinical management.
Análise da assimetria funcional hemisférica de crianças com epilepsia parcial e QI normal pelo desempenho nos subtestes do WISC
Authors: Muszkat Mauro , Vincenzo Neyde Santacchi de , Masuko Alice , Reami Denilce O. , Campos Carlos J. Reis de
Published: April 2011

Foram avaliadas 26 crianças, sem deficiência mental, com média de idade de 9±2 anos, com epilepsia parcial sem lesão cerebral evidenciável à TCC e com atividade paroxistica no EEG intercrítico localizada apenas em um hemisfério cerebral. Essas crianças foram submetidas à Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para Crianças (WISC) e à análise dos vários subtestes verbais e execução em relação à localização hemisférica da descarga no EEG. Os dados foram comparados ao desempenho no WISC de um grupo de 61 crianças sem epilepsia na mesma faixa etária (Grupo Controle). As crianças epilépticas apresentaram desempenho inferior no QI execução, em três subtestes verbais (Informação, Dígitos e Aritmética) e em três subtestes execução (Cubos, Armar Objetos e Código). Os pacientes com foco eletrencefalográfico no hemisfério direito apresentaram desempenho inferior ao Grupo Controle nos subtestes relacionados à habilidade espacial e atenção não-verbal (Cubos, Armar Objetos e Código), enquanto as crianças com foco no hemisfério esquerdo apresentaram desempenho inferior apenas no subteste de Dígitos (relacionado à memória imediata e atenção verbal). Os autores sugerem que a localização hemisférica do foco no EEG intercrítico tem relação com o tipo de déficit cognitivo associado à epilepsia parcial não-lesional, mesmo em crianças com QI normal.
Hepatolenticular degeneration: analysis of neurological manifestations under treatment in 76 patients
Authors: Barbosa Egberto R. , Scaff Milberto , Canelas Horácio M.
Published: April 2011

A series of 76 patients with hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) followed up at the Hospital of the University of São Paulo Medical School between 1963 and 1988 have been studied focusing the evolution under treatment of neurological features. The assessment of neurological symptoms included 12. specific items, and it was made by a scoring system ranging from 0 to 3 (absent, mild, moderate and severe). Global score varied between 0 to 36. A functional disability scale (0, normal; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe) was also adopted. All patients received D-penicillamine but three of them developed serious renal toxic side-effects, and this drug was replaced by zinc (sulphate or acetate). Fifty-nine patients (77.6%) improved, 8 (10.6%) remained unchanged, and 9 (11.8%) got worse. The main features related to bad results were poor compliance, predominance of dystonic symptoms, and short time treatment (death due hepatic complications). Eight patients (10.5%) developed transient worsening of neurological symptoms during the first weeks of treatment. Three patients who have D-penicillamine replaced by zinc salts presented satisfactory evolution. From them, only one had neurological symptoms. Death due to infectious complications related to severe motor disability occurred in three patients, representing only 10.7% of fatal evolution.
Apresentação neurológica incomum no curso de paracoccidioidomicose relato de um caso
Authors: Corrêa Rosalie Branco , Puccioni-Sohler Marzia , Artemenko Sofia R. T. , Nogueira Susie A. , Mattos James Pitágoras de , Novis Sergio A. P.
Published: April 2011

Apresentação de um caso de paracoccidioidomicose com comprometimento do sistema nervoso central, manifestando-se por movimento involuntário do tipo tremor rubral. São discutidas, ainda, as outras formas de apresentação desta afecção relatadas na literatura.
Eletroneurografia do nervo facial métodos de estimulação e registro
Authors: Medeiros Jovany L. Alves de , Nóbrega J. A. Maciel , Novo Neil Ferreira
Published: April 2011

Neste estudo os autores se propõem a estabelecer os pontos mais adequados para o registro do potencial de ação muscular composto dos músculos frontal, orbicular do olho e músculos do sulco nasolabial, após estimulação do nervo facial. Também, o melhor posicionamento do eletrodo estimulador e a variação entre as amplitudes do primeiro e último potencial de ação muscular composto dos músculos do sulco nasolabial, após 20 estímulos supramáximos sucessivos.
Macroprolactinoma aos 6 anos de idade dificuldades diagnósticas: difficulties in diagnosis
Authors: Oliveira Miriam Da Costa , Abech Denise Dotta , Barbosa-Coutinho Lígia M. , Ferreira Nelson Pires
Published: April 2011

Prolactinoma é raro na infância e adolescência. O diagnóstico mais precoce conhecido na literatura ocorreu aos 8 anos de idade. Aqui é relatado o achado de tumor selar em menina com 6 anos, embora só fosse procurado auxílio médico tardiamente, quando a paciente já apresentava atrofia parcial de papila. Nessa ocasião, foi constatada reserva diminuída de hormônio do crescimento e de cortisol, bem como hiperprolactinemia. Devido à rápida deterioração visual, a paciente foi submetida a craniotomia fronto-temporal com a hipótese diagnóstica de craniofaringioma. O exame imuno-histoquímico do tecido tumoral foi positivo para prolactina. Conclui-se que o prolactinoma deve ser considerado no diagnóstico diferencial de tumores selares na infância, por possibilitar terapêutica menos agressiva.
Carrier detection of duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy using muscle dystrophin immunohistochemistry
Authors: Oliveira Acary S. Bulle , Gabbai Alberto A. , Schmidt Beny , Hitomi Kiyomoto Beatriz , Lima G. Camargo , Minetti Carlo , Bonilla Eduardo
Published: April 2011

To ascertain whether dystrophin immunohistochemistry could improve DMD/ BMD carrier detection, we analyzed 14 muscle biopsies from 13 DMD and one BMD probable and possible carriers. All women were also evaluated using conventional methods, including genetic analysis, clinical and neurological evaluation, serum CK levels, KMG, and muscle biopsy. In 6 cases, there was a mosaic of dystrophin-positive and dystrophin-deficient fibers that allowed to make the diagnosis of a carrier state. Comparing dystrophin immunohistochemistry to the traditional methods, it was noted that this method is less sensitive than serum CK measuremens, but is more sensitive than EMG and muscle biopsy. The use of dystrophin immunohistochemistry in addition to CK, EMG and muscle biopsy improved the accuracy of carrier detection. This method is also helpful to distinguish manifesting DMD carriers from patients with other neuromuscular diseases like limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy.
Neurotoxoplasmosis and aids cerebrospinal, fluid analysis in 96 patients: estudo do líquido cefalorraqueano em 96 pacientes
Authors: Machado L. R. , Livramento J. A. , Spina -França A.
Published: April 2011

The behavior of CSF inflammatory pattern in patients with AIDS and/or toxoplasmosis of the CNS is studied in 176 patients, divided in three groups. In the first group, 96 patients with toxoplasmosis and AIDS are considered; in the second group, 50 patients with toxoplasmosis without AIDS; in the third group, 30 AIDS patients without toxoplasmosis nor any other opportunistic infection. It is possible to conclude that patients with toxoplasmosis associated to AIDS exhibit CSF inflammatory pattern similar to patients with neurotoxoplasmosis without AIDS, except in respect to gamma globulin rates for which a cumulative effect can be detected.
Necrose primária do corpo caloso (doença de marchiafava-bignami) relato de cinco casos
Authors: Falangola Maria de Fátima , Queiroz Aristides Cheto de
Published: April 2011

São relatados 5 casos de doença de Marchiafava-Bignami, estudados em seus aspectos anátomo-patológicos, de correlação clínica e de etiopatogenia. O aspecto anátomo-patológico, de desmielinização na parte central do corpo caloso, comprometendo também outras comissuras, é característico da doença. Os autores chamam a atenção para o papel do alcoolismo e da desnutrição na patogênese da lesão e para a predominância, nesta série, de casos do sexo feminino, ocorrência rara entre os casos descritos na literatura.
Schwannomatosis: report of a new case
Authors: Garretto Nélida S. , Monteverde David , Giócoli Héctor , Ravera Blanca I. , Molina Hugo A. , Garayalde Ana Perurena , León Antonia Ruiz , Sica Roberto E. P.
Published: April 2011

Schwannomatosis is a rare disorder, still not quite well defined, seldom described in the literature. In this paper we report the case of male. Patient, 52 years old, who in the last 30 years developed five subcutaneous tumors within his limbs peripheral nerves, which histologically proved to be schwannomas. A brain computed tomography showed a partially calcified tumor in the left temporal lobe which most likely was a meningioma. A thorough clinical examination was unable to find signs of type I or type II neurofibromatosis. The present condition, probably a form of phacomatosis, has to be distinguished from neurofibromatosis and is considered as an independent clinical entity whose origin still awaits further detailed investigations.
Kleptomania, mood disorder and lithium
Authors: Rocha Fábio Lopes , Rocha Maria Elizabete Guimarães
Published: April 2011

Kleptomania has been found in association with major depression in a fairly large number of reports in recent years. We describe a patient with concurrent DSM-III-R Bipolar Mood Disorder and Kleptomania, whose symptoms remitted completely, apparently in response to lithium therapy, which raised the possibility that pharmacological treatment may benefit kleptomania. Further studies are needed to establish the possible relationship between kleptomania, mood disorders and lithium therapy.
Midazolam daytime residual effect evaluated by the multiple sleep latency test
Authors: Reimão Rubens
Published: April 2011

Daytime sleepiness after ingestion of midazolam as a hypnotic was quantitatively studied employing the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). We evaluated 20 healthy volunteers, 10 of which received a single oral dose of midazolam (15 mg, one tablet) and 10 of which received placebo, in a double-blind design. Tablets were administered at 2200 h, bedtime. On the following day, all subjects were submitted to a clinical evaluation, a subjective checklist and the MSLT. The mean age was 34.7 + 8.9 years in the midazolam and 38.0+10.6 years in the placebo groups (n.s.). Sex and weight distributions were similar in both groups (n.s.). Clinical evaluation and subjective symptom checklist did not make evident significant differences between midazolam and placebo groups (n.s.). The MSTL was performed at 0900, 1100, 1300, 1500 and 1700 h. Mean sleep latencies were 12.0, 12.7, 8.0, 13.5, 17.0 min in the midazolam group; mean sleep latencies were 13.8, 9.0, 6.9, 9.5, 13.6 min in the placebo group (n.s.). In the single dose, double-blind design here evaluated, midazolam did not show differences in relation to placebo on the following day, detectable by the MSLT.