bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A volatile interaction between peacebuilding priorities: road infrastructure (re)construction and land rights in Afghanistan
Authors: Unruh Jon , Shalaby Mourad
Published: February 2012

The current approach to peacebuilding is to focus on the specific building blocks of the process. However, such attention and building blocks are to date largely isolated from each other in their planning, analysis, implementation and measures for success with regard to contributing to overall peace. While two of these, land rights and road infrastructure, are regarded separately as crucial to post-war recovery, their interaction has not yet been examined. This article looks at these two priorities for Afghanistan, and finds in their interaction a large and acute problem of land seizures which the government and the international community in-country are unable to manage. This land grabbing is a direct result of a context of pervasive corruption, ongoing conflict, a mistaken understanding of the nature of the benefits of road reconstruction, large-scale dislocation and widespread use of explosive devices. Such a pervasive problem sets back recovery, detracts from durable peace and fuels the insurgency.
International human trafficking: An agenda-building analysis of the US and British press
Authors: Marchionni Doreen Marie
Published: February 2012

Many consider international human trafficking, or the transportation of children and adults across national borders for forced labor and services, 21st-century slavery. Academics, lawmakers and international bodies have developed a rich body of literature around trafficking in recent years, while documentarians, screenwriters and artists have placed it squarely in popular discourse. But little is known about how the press translates that knowledge to a lay audience. This study sets out to explore that question, asking how the world’s elite press framed trafficking and with whose or what agenda. The findings offer strong evidence for the US government’s role in framing the issue in the press largely as a sexual phenomenon.
Effect of surfactants on performance of electroless plating baths for nickel–ceramic composite membrane fabrication
Authors: Kumar Bulasara V , Mahesh Babu Ch S N , Uppaluri R
Published: February 2012

Nickel–ceramic microfiltration membranes were prepared by electroless deposition of nickel on the activated ceramic membrane substrates having a nominal pore size of 275 nm. Two different surfactants, namely sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), were studied for their ability to alter the performance characteristics of plating baths as well as composite membranes. Parameters evaluated include the bath conversion, plating efficiency, metal film thickness, average pore size of the composite membranes and per cent pore densification. The overall plating rate was found to increase up to 32% with the addition of SDS and 45% with the addition of CTAB. Addition of surfactants not only resulted in increased film thickness (4–5 μm) but also accounted for considerable reduction in average pore size of the composite membrane. CTAB was found to be more effective and efficient than SDS for nickel membrane fabrication.
Metallurgical model of in situ synthesised TiB2/Fe composite coatings during PTA process
Authors: Wang X B , D L  , Zhang P P , Xiao C , Cai L J
Published: February 2012

The in situ synthesised TiB2/Fe composite coatings were deposited by plasma transferred arc powder surfacing process. The distribution of TiB2 in the TiB2/Fe composite coatings was investigated in this paper. It is found that there is more TiB2 distributed on the top than at the bottom of the coatings in general. In addition, it is also found that heat input plays an important role in the distribution of TiB2 in the coatings. A small quantity of TiB2 whiskers are obtained in the coating with high energy density. While sufficient TiB2 is produced with appropriate energy density, TiB2 lumps will be obtained with small total energy input, and the concentration gradient of TiB2 will appear with a large total energy input. Finally, the metallurgical model of in situ synthesised TiB2/Fe composite coatings by plasma transferred arc process is extracted.
Study on preparation of NiFeP films by pulse electrodeposition
Authors: Yu Y D , Wei G Y , Guo H F , Lou J W , Ge H L
Published: February 2012

Ultrasonic was introduced during pulse plating process to prepare NiFeP alloy films. Effects of different duty ratios and ultrasonic powers on composition, microstructure and magnetic properties of films were investigated. With the rise in duty ratios, the amount of nickel increased gradually. Higher ultrasonic power could result in larger contents of iron in NiFeP alloy films. That was because nickel reduction was potential controlled while iron reduction was diffusion controlled during the pulse plating process. Almost all the deposited films were crystalline and formed peaks of FeNi3 (111), FeNi3 (200) and FeNi3 (220). With the increase in duty ratios, the intensity of all three peaks started to decline, which led to worse crystalline and bigger grain sizes. Dissimilar surface morphology could be detected by the condition of different duty ratios and ultrasonic powers. NiFeP films with smaller grain size and smooth surface could be obtained when a higher power of ultrasonic was introduced during the pulse plating process. However, the films with rough and agglomerate nodular structures would be observed with higher duty ratios. Vibration sample magnetometer results showed that the coercivity of NiFeP films ranged from 30 to 150 Oe.
Preparation of NiFe films by magnetic electroplating
Authors: Yu Y D , Wei G Y , Lou J W , Sun L X , Jiang L , Ge H L
Published: February 2012

NiFe alloy films were prepared by magnetic electrodeposition method to replace conventional sputtering on a copper substrate. The effects of different magnetic intensities on current efficiency, throwing power and magnetic properties were investigated. Magnetic intensity played a significant role in current efficiency. When the magnetic intensity ranged from 0 to 1·0 T, the current efficiency increased from 68 to 87%. The magnetic field applied during the NiFe electroplating process would destroy the hydration state of ions in aqueous solution to increase the bath conductivity, which induced optimal throwing power. Almost all the deposited films were crystalline and formed peaks of FeNi3 (111), FeNi3 (200) and FeNi3 (220). With the rise on magnetic intensity, the intensity of all three FeNi3 peaks started to increase gradually, which induced greater crystalline. High magnetic intensity could help to obtain a smooth surface of NiFe films with small and dense particles. When the magnetic intensity ranged from 0 to 1 T, the saturation magnetisation of NiFe increased from 76 to 106 A m2 kg−1. However, the largest coercivity (7722 A m−1) could be achieved when the magnetic intensity is equal to 0·4 T.
Public Libraries Reading in Quebec: A History of Censorship Freedom
Authors: Lajeunesse Marcel
Published: February 2012

Quebec public libraries have had a complex and eventful history. It was only a half century ago, in 1960, that a public library policy was set up. Between 1760 and 1840, Quebec had a subscription library founded by English- speaking residents, and, after 1840, a parish library for the French-speaking residents. Under the control of the Catholic Church, the parish library was a major phenomenon in the history of public literacy in Quebec. Parish libraries and the public libraries belong to two different ideologies, two different world visions. They were polar opposites. At the beginning of the 1960s, the public library chased out the parish library. The modernization of institutions during what is called the ‘Quiet Revolution’ in the early 1960s radically changed, among other things, public reading policy. The public library has since affirmed its place and influence across the province of Quebec, both in cities and rural areas. Performance indicators for libraries, reinforced by the huge success of the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal, clearly show that public libraries are now lively and dynamic institutions in Quebec.
Integrins are required for cardioblast polarisation in Drosophila
Authors: Vanderploeg Jessica , Vazquez Paz L Lourdes , MacMullin Allison , Jacobs J Roger
Published: February 2012

Background

The formation of a tubular organ, such as the heart, requires the communication of positional and polarity signals between migratory cells. Key to this process is the establishment of a new luminal domain on the cell surface, generally from the apical domain of a migratory cell. This domain will also acquire basal properties, as it will produce a luminal extracellular matrix. Integrin receptors are the primary means of cell adhesion and adhesion signaling with the extracellular matrix. Here we characterise the requirement of Integrins in a genetic model of vasculogenesis, the formation of the heart in Drosophila.

Results

As with vertebrates, the Drosophila heart arises from lateral mesoderm that migrates medially to meet their contralateral partners, to then assemble a midline vessel. During migration, Integrins are among the first proteins restricted to the presumptive luminal domain of cardioblasts. Integrins are required for normal levels of leading edge membrane motility. Apical accumulation of Integrins is enhanced by Robo, and reciprocally, apicalisation of luminal factors like Slit and Robo requires Integrin function. Integrins may provide a template for the formation of a lumen by stabilising lumen factors like Robo. Subsequent to migration, Integrin is required for normal cardioblast alignment and lumen formation. This phenotype is most readily modified by other mutations that affect adhesion, such as Talin and extracellular matrix ligands.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal an instructive role for Integrins in communicating polarising information to cells during migration, and during transition to an epithelial tube structure.
Fetal exposure to bisphenol A as a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma: an animal model study
Authors: Nakajima Yoichi , Goldblum Randall M , Midoro-Horiuti Terumi
Published: February 2012

Background

The prevalence of asthma in industrialized countries has been increasing dramatically and asthma is now the most common chronic disease of children in the United States. The rapidity of the increase strongly suggests that changes in environmental exposures are the likely cause of this epidemic. Further, the early onset of allergic manifestations suggests that these exposures may act on the prenatal development of the immune system. We have focused on the potential effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical pollutant with one of the largest productions, on the development of childhood asthma. We have reported that perinatal BPA exposure promotes the development of allergic asthma in a mouse model. The current study was designed to identify a critical period of BPA exposure and to begin elucidating the mechanisms for this susceptibility.

Methods

Female BALB/c mice received 10 micro g/ml BPA in their drinking water from one week before pregnancy until the end of the study. Some of the pups were transferred in the first 48 h of life from their BPA-loaded mother to an unexposed mother, or vice versa. Half of the pups were sensitized with a low dose of the experimental allergen ovalbumin (OVA), the rest received PBS as an unsensitized controls. On day 22, the pups were challenged by inhalations of ovalbumin or PBS followed by quantification of eosinophils in and hyperreactivity of their airways, major indicators of experimental asthma in this classical mouse model. Hepatic expression of two isoforms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Ugt) was quantified by quantitative RT-PCR at various ages.

Results

Pups exposed to BPA in utero and through breast milk, or in utero only, displayed an asthma phenotype in response to their "suboptimal" allergic sensitization, whereas, pups only exposed to BPA postnatally from breast milk, did not. The expression of Ugt2b1, an isoform related to BPA clearance in rats, was not detectable in mouse fetuses and newborn pups, but increased by day 5 and approached adult levels by day 25.

Conclusions

Prenatal exposures that produce environmentally relevant burdens of BPA, followed by postnatal allergic sensitization and challenges, promote the development of experimental allergic asthma. Delayed expression of BPA-metabolizing enzymes may explain, at least in part, the enhanced fetal susceptibility to this common environmental contaminant.
Nanoscale elastic modulus of single horizontal ZnO nanorod using nanoindentation experiment
Authors: Soomro Muhammad Yousuf , Hussain Ijaz , Bano Nargis , Broitman Esteban , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus
Published: February 2012

We measure the elastic modulus of a single horizontal ZnO nanorod [NR] grown by a low-temperature hydrothermal chemical process on silicon substrates by performing room-temperature, direct load-controlled nanoindentation measurements. The configuration of the experiment for the single ZnO NR was achieved using a focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope dual-beam instrument. The single ZnO NR was positioned horizontally over a hole on a silicon wafer using a nanomanipulator, and both ends were bonded with platinum, defining a three-point bending configuration. The elastic modulus of the ZnO NR, extracted from the unloading curve using the well-known Oliver-Pharr method, resulted in a value of approximately 800 GPa. Also, we discuss the NR creep mechanism observed under indentation. The mechanical behavior reported in this paper will be a useful reference for the design and applications of future nanodevices.
Selective crystallization with preferred lithium-ion storage capability of inorganic materials
Authors: Liu Fei , Song Shuyan , Xue Dongfeng , Zhang Hongjie
Published: February 2012

Lithium-ion batteries are supposed to be a key method to make a more efficient use of energy. In the past decade, nanostructured electrode materials have been extensively studied and have presented the opportunity to achieve superior performance for the next-generation batteries which require higher energy and power densities and longer cycle life. In this article, we reviewed recent research activities on selective crystallization of inorganic materials into nanostructured electrodes for lithium-ion batteries and discuss how selective crystallization can improve the electrode performance of materials; for example, selective exposure of surfaces normal to the ionic diffusion paths can greatly enhance the ion conductivity of insertion-type materials; crystallization of alloying-type materials into nanowire arrays has proven to be a good solution to the electrode pulverization problem; and constructing conversion-type materials into hollow structures is an effective approach to buffer the volume variation during cycling. The major goal of this review is to demonstrate the importance of crystallization in energy storage applications.
Multifocus image fusion scheme based on feature contrast in the lifting stationary wavelet domain
Authors: Li Huafeng , Wei Shanbi , Chai Yi
Published: February 2012

For fusion of multifocus images, a novel image fusion method based on multiscale products in lifting stationary wavelet (LSWT) domain is proposed in this article. In order to avoid the influence of noise and select the coefficients of the fused image properly, different subband coefficients employ different selection principles. For choosing the low frequency subband coefficients, a new modified energy of Laplacian (EOL) is proposed and used as the focus measure to select the coefficients from the clear parts of the low frequency subband images; when choosing the high frequency subband coefficients, a novel feature contrast measurement of the multiscale products is proposed, which is proved to be more suitable for fusion of multifocus images than the traditional contrast measurement, and used to select coefficients from the sharpness parts of the high frequency subbands. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fusion approach outperforms the traditional discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based, LSWT-based and LSWT-traditional-contrast-(LSWT-Tra-Con)-based image fusion methods, even though the source images are corrupted by a Gaussian noise, in terms of both visual quality and objective evaluation.
Long-term high-fat-diet feeding induces skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis in rats in a sex-dependent and muscle-type specific manner
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Yolanda , Capllonch-Amer Gabriela , Gianotti Magdalena , Lladó Isabel , Proenza Ana M
Published: February 2012

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to play a crucial role in the etiology of insulin resistance, in which skeletal muscle is the main tissue contributor. Sex differences in skeletal muscle insulin and antioxidant responses to high-fat-diet (HFD) feeding have been described. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether there is a sex dimorphism in the effects of HFD feeding on skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and on the adiponectin signaling pathway, as well as the influence of the muscle type (oxidative or glycolytic).

Methods

Gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of male and female Wistar rats of 2 months of age fed with a high-fat-diet (HFD) or a low fat diet for 26 weeks were used. Mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative damage markers, oxidative capacity and antioxidant defences were analyzed. Serum insulin sensitivity parameters and the levels of proteins involved in adiponectin signaling pathway were also determined.

Results

HFD feeding induced mitochondrial biogenesis in both sexes, but to a higher degree in male rats. Although HFD female rats showed greater antioxidant protection and maintained a better insulin sensitivity profile than their male counterparts, both sexes showed an impaired response to adiponectin, which was more evident in gastrocnemius muscle.

Conclusions

We conclude that HFD rats may induce skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis as an attempt to compensate the deleterious consequences of adiponectin and insulin resistance on oxidative metabolism, and that the effects of HFD feeding are sex-dependent and muscle-type specific.
The human parasite Loa loa in cytokine and cytokine receptor gene knock out BALB/c mice: survival, development and localization
Authors: Tendongfor Nicholas , Wanji Samuel , Ngwa Julius C , Esum Mathias E , Specht Sabine , Enyong Peter , Matthaei Klaus I , Hoerauf Achim
Published: February 2012

Background

Immunological mechanisms involved in the survival and development of human filarial species in the vertebrate host are poorly known due to the lack of suitable experimental models. In order to understand the role of cytokines in the survival and development of filarial larvae in the vertebrate host, we infected different strains of BALB/c mice deficient in a number of cytokine or cytokine receptor genes withLoa loa. The survival and development of larvae were monitored.

Methods

BALB/c mice genetically deficient in IL-4R, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-5, IL-5, and IL-4R/IL-5 cytokine or cytokine receptor genes were infected with a human strain ofL. loaand necropsies were performed at different time intervals up to 70 days post infection to monitor the survival and development ofL. loalarvae. The larvae were teased out of the skin, muscles, peritoneal and pleural cavities, heart and lung tissues. The length and width of the recovered larvae were measured to assess their growth.

Results

In mice deficient for IL-4R, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-5, IL-5 and IL-4R/IL-5, the larvae survived up to 5, 20, 40, 50 and 70 days respectively. Worms recovered 70 days post infection in IL-4R/IL-5 DKO mice were young adults and measured 10.12 mm in length and 0.1 mm in width. Overall, 47% of larvae were recovered from subcutaneous tissues, 40% from muscles, 6% from the peritoneal cavity and 4% from the pleural cavity, lungs and heart.

Conclusion

L. loaexhibits a differential survival and development in different strains of cytokine or cytokine receptor gene knockout mice with IL-4R and IL-5 playing critical roles in the host resistance toL. loainfection. The knock out BALB/c mouse therefore represents a useful tool to explore the key effectors of adaptive immunity involved in the killing of theL. loaparasite in a mammal host.
A Web-based archive of systematic review data
Authors: Ip Stanley , Hadar Nira , Keefe Sarah , Parkin Christopher , Iovin Ramon , Balk Ethan M , Lau Joseph
Published: February 2012

Systematic reviews have become increasingly critical to informing healthcare policy; however, they remain a time-consuming and labor-intensive activity. The extraction of data from constituent studies comprises a significant portion of this effort, an activity which is often needlessly duplicated, such as when attempting to update a previously conducted review or in reviews of overlapping topics.

In order to address these inefficiencies, and to improve the speed and quality of healthcare policy- and decision-making, we have initiated the development of the Systematic Review Data Repository, an open collaborative Web-based repository of systematic review data. As envisioned, this resource would serve as both a central archive and data extraction tool, shared among and freely accessible to organizations producing systematic reviews worldwide. A suite of easy-to-use software tools with a Web frontend would enable researchers to seamlessly search for and incorporate previously deposited data into their own reviews, as well as contribute their own.

In developing this resource, we identified a number of technical and non-technical challenges, as well as devised a number of potential solutions, including proposals for systems and software tools to assure data quality, stratify and control user access effectively and flexibly accommodate all manner of study data, as well as means by which to govern and foster adoption of this new resource.

Herein we provide an account of the rationale and development of the Systematic Review Data Repository thus far, as well as outline its future trajectory.
Honokiol activates AMP-activated protein kinase in breast cancer cells via an LKB1-dependent pathway and inhibits breast carcinogenesis
Authors: Nagalingam Arumugam , Arbiser Jack L , Bonner Michael Y , Saxena Neeraj K , Sharma Dipali
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Honokiol, a small-molecule polyphenol isolated from magnolia species, is widely known for its therapeutic potential as an antiinflammatory, antithrombosis, and antioxidant agent, and more recently, for its protective function in the pathogenesis of carcinogenesis. In the present study, we sought to examine the effectiveness of honokiol in inhibiting migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Clonogenicity and three-dimensional colony-formation assays were used to examine breast cancer cell growth with honokiol treatment. The effect of honokiol on invasion and migration of breast cancer cells was evaluated by using Matrigel invasion, scratch-migration, spheroid-migration, and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS)-based migration assays. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis were used to examine activation of the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) axis. Isogenic LKB1-knockdown breast cancer cell line pairs were developed. Functional importance of AMPK activation and LKB1 overexpression in the biologic effects of honokiol was examined by using AMPK-null and AMPK-wild type (WT) immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and isogenic LKB1-knockdown cell line pairs. Finally, mouse xenografts, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of tumors were used.

Results

Analysis of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that honokiol treatment increases AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and activity, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of the downstream target of AMPK, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and inhibition of phosphorylation of p70S6kinase (pS6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1). By using AMPK-null and AMPK-WT (MEFs), we found that AMPK is required for honokiol-mediated modulation of pACC-pS6K. Intriguingly, we discovered that honokiol treatment increased the expression and cytoplasmic translocation of tumor-suppressor LKB1 in breast cancer cells. LKB1 knockdown inhibited honokiol-mediated activation of AMPK and, more important, inhibition of migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, honokiol treatment resulted in inhibition of breast tumorigenesis in vivo. Analysis of tumors showed significant increases in the levels of cytoplasmic LKB1 and phospho-AMPK in honokiol-treated tumors.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data provide the first in vitro and in vivo evidence of the integral role of the LKB1-AMPK axis in honokiol-mediated inhibition of the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. In conclusion, honokiol treatment could potentially be a rational therapeutic strategy for breast carcinoma.
Decoupled equations for reverse time migration in tilted transversely isotropic media
Authors: Zhan Ge , Pestana Reynam C. , Stoffa Paul L.
Published: February 2012

Conventional modeling and migration for tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media may suffer from numerical instabilities and shear wave artifacts due to the coupling of the P-wave and SV-wave modes in the TTI coupled equations. Starting with the separated P- and SV-phase velocity expressions for vertical transversely isotropic (VTI) media, we extend these decoupled equations for modeling and reverse time migration (RTM) in acoustic TTI media. Compared with the TTI coupled equations published in the geophysical literature, the new TTI decoupled equations provide a more stable solution due to the complete separation of the P-wave and SV-wave modes. The pseudospectral method is the most convenient method to implement these equations due to the form of wavenumber expressions and has the added benefit of being highly accurate and thus avoiding numerical dispersion. The rapid expansion method (REM) in time is employed to produce a broad band numerically stable time evolution of the wavefields. Synthetic results validate the proposed TTI decoupled equations and show that modeling and RTM in TTI media with the decoupled equations remain numerically stable even for models with strong anisotropy and sharp contrasts.
CTCF: insights into insulator function during development
Authors: Herold Martin , Bartkuhn Marek , Renkawitz Rainer
Published: February 2012

The genome of higher eukaryotes exhibits a patchwork of inactive and active genes. The nuclear protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) when bound to insulator sequences can prevent undesirable crosstalk between active and inactive genomic regions, and it can also shield particular genes from enhancer function, a role that has many applications in development. Exciting recent work has demonstrated roles for CTCF in, for example, embryonic, neuronal and haematopoietic development. Here, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of developmentally regulated CTCF-dependent transcription in relation to model genes, and highlight genome-wide results indicating that CTCF might play a master role in regulating both activating and repressive transcription events at sites throughout the genome.
Lysosome fusion to the cell membrane is mediated by the dysferlin C2A domain in coronary arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Han Wei-Qing , Xia Min , Xu Ming , Boini Krishna M. , Ritter Joseph K. , Li Ning-Jun , Li Pin-Lan
Published: February 2012

Dysferlin has recently been reported to participate in cell membrane repair in muscle and other cells through lysosome fusion. Given that lysosome fusion is a crucial mechanism that leads to membrane raft clustering, the present study attempted to determine whether dysferlin is involved in this process and its related signalling, and explores the mechanism underlying dysferlin-mediated lysosome fusion in bovine coronary arterial endothelial cells (CAECs). We found that dysferlin is clustered in membrane raft macrodomains after Fas Ligand (FasL) stimulation as detected by confocal microscopy and membrane fraction flotation. Small-interfering RNA targeted to dysferlin prevented membrane raft clustering. Furthermore, the translocation of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) to membrane raft clusters, whereby local ASMase activation and ceramide production – an important step that mediates membrane raft clustering – was attenuated. Functionally, silencing of the dysferlin gene reversed FasL-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in isolated small coronary arteries. By monitoring fluorescence quenching or dequenching, silencing of the dysferlin gene was found to almost completely block lysosome fusion to plasma membrane upon FasL stimulation. Further studies to block C2A binding and silencing of AHNAK (a dysferlin C2A domain binding partner), showed that the dysferlin C2A domain is required for FasL-induced lysosome fusion to the cell membrane, ASMase translocation and membrane raft clustering. We conclude that dysferlin determines lysosome fusion to the plasma membrane through its C2A domain and it is therefore implicated in membrane-raft-mediated signaling and regulation of endothelial function in coronary circulation.
Association of syntenin-1 with M-RIP polarizes Rac-1 activation during chemotaxis and immune interactions
Authors: Sala-Valdés Mónica , Gordón-Alonso Mónica , Tejera Emilio , Ibáñez Anna , Cabrero J. Román , Ursa Angeles , Mittelbrunn María , Lozano Francisco , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Yáñez-Mó María
Published: February 2012

In this study, we describe that the PDZ protein syntenin-1 is a crucial element for the generation of signaling asymmetry during the cellular response to polarized extracellular cues. We analyze the role of syntenin-1 in the control of asymmetry in two independent models of T cell polarization – the migratory response to chemoattractants and the establishment of cognate interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). A combination of mutant, biochemical and siRNA approaches demonstrate that syntenin-1 is vital for the generation of polarized actin structures such as the leading edge and the contact zone with APCs. We found that the mechanism by which syntenin-1 controls actin polymerization relies on its mandatory role for activation of the small GTPase Rac. Syntenin-1 controls Rac through a specific association with the myosin phosphatase Rho interacting protein (M-RIP), which occurs in response to phosphorylation of syntenin-1 by Src at Tyr4. Our data indicate the key role of syntenin-1 in the generation of functional asymmetry in T cells and provide a novel mechanistic link between receptor activation and actin polymerization and accumulation in response to extracellular stimulation.
Differential regulation of myosin X movements by its cargos, DCC and neogenin
Authors: Liu Yu , Peng Yun , Dai Peng-Gao , Du Quan-Sheng , Mei Lin , Xiong Wen-Cheng
Published: February 2012

Myosin X (Myo X), also known as MYO10, is an unconventional actin-based motor protein that plays an important role in filopodium formation. Its intra-filopodia movement, an event tightly associated with the function of Myo X, has been extensively studied. However, how the motor activity of Myo X and the direction of its movements are regulated remains largely unknown. In our previous study, we demonstrated that DCC (for ‘deleted in colorectal carcinoma’) and neogenin (neogenin 1, NEO1 or NGN), a family of immunoglobin-domain-containing transmembrane receptors for netrins, interact with Myo X and that DCC is a cargo of Myo X to be delivered to the neurites of cultured neurons. Here, we provide evidence for DCC and neogenin as regulators of Myo X. DCC promotes movement of Myo X along basal actin filaments and enhances Myo-X-mediated basal filopodium elongation. By contrast, neogenin appears to suppress Myo X movement on the basal side, but increases its movement towards the apical and dorsal side of a cell, promoting dorsal filopodium formation and growth. Further studies have demonstrated that DCC, but not neogenin, enhances integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and basal F-actin reorganization, providing a cellular mechanism underlying their distinct effects on Myo X. These results thus demonstrate differential regulatory roles on Myo X activity by its cargo proteins, DCC and neogenin, revealing different cellular functions of DCC and neogenin.
The clinical biochemistry of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Winston Anthony P
Published: February 2012

In anorexia nervosa, under-nutrition and weight regulatory behaviours such as vomiting and laxative abuse can lead to a range of biochemical problems. Hypokalaemia is the most common electrolyte abnormality. Metabolic alkalosis occurs in patients who vomit or abuse diuretics and acidosis in those misusing laxatives. Hyponatraemia is often due to excessive water ingestion, but may also occur in chronic energy deprivation or diuretic misuse. Urea and creatinine are generally low and normal concentrations may mask dehydration or renal dysfunction. Abnormalities of liver enzymes are predominantly characterized by elevation of aminotransferases, which may occur before or during refeeding. The serum albumin is usually normal, even in severely malnourished patients. Amenorrhoea is due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Reduced concentrations of free T4 and free T3 are frequently reported and T4 is preferentially converted to reverse T3. Cortisol is elevated but the response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone is normal. Hypoglycaemia is common. Hypercholesterolaemia is a common finding but its significance for cardiovascular risk is uncertain. A number of micronutrient deficiencies can occur. Other abnormalities include hyperamylasaemia, hypercarotenaemia and elevated creatine kinase. There is an increased prevalence of eating disorders in type 1 diabetes and the intentional omission of insulin is associated with impaired metabolic control. Refeeding may produce electrolyte abnormalities, hyper- and hypoglycaemia, acute thiamin depletion and fluid balance disturbance; careful biochemical monitoring and thiamin replacement are therefore essential during refeeding. Future research should address the management of electrolyte problems, the role of leptin and micronutrients, and the possible use of biochemical markers in risk stratification.
Do lamotrigine and levetiracetam solve the problem of using sodium valproate in women with epilepsy?
Authors: Craig John J
Published: February 2012

Women with epilepsy, especially those of child-bearing age, are faced with difficult choices when it comes to choosing the most suitable antiepileptic drug (AED). This is particularly so for those with idiopathic generalized epilepsies, or those for whom seizure syndrome is not immediately apparent, where sodium valproate is still considered the drug of choice. While with treatment most might expect to become seizure free, without any adverse effects, other considerations for women mean that valproate is usually initially avoided, with other AEDs such as lamotrigine or levetiracetam being chosen in preference. Based on current information, this article attempts to provide an overview on whether or not the availability of these and other broad-spectrum AEDs have solved the difficulties of using valproate in women of child-bearing age.
Bild und Geschlecht in den drei „Religionen des Buches”: Judentum, Christentum, Islam
Authors: von Braun Christina
Published: February 2012

Trotz vieler Gemeinsamkeiten kam und kommt es oft zu Konflikten zwischen den drei „Religionen des Buches” – Judentum, Christentum und Islam. Viele von ihnen machen sich an der Geschlechterordnung fest. Diese ist zwar symbolischer Art, wird aber von allen Seiten nicht nur als gottgegeben, sondern auch als „natürlich” betrachtet. Der Aufsatz versucht, den strukturellen Unterschieden zwischen den symbolischen Geschlechterordnungen in den drei Religionen des Buches nachzugehen und zeigt auf, dass das Verhältnis von Mann und Frau in jeder der drei Religionen nach ganz ähnlichen Muster konstruiert ist wie das jeweilige Verhältnis von Gott und Mensch. Diese Verhältnisse, so wird dargestellt, setzen sich fort im nicht-religiösen Leben und prägen das Verständnis von „Welt”.
Die Emotionen im arabischen Kontext. Analogien und Widersprüche
Authors: Seif Antoine
Published: February 2012

Die aus der Antike tradierte philosophische Geringschätzung der Emotionen wird in ihrem Niederschlag in Theologie und Philosophie der arabisch-islamischen Kultur seit ihren Anfängen untersucht. Das wird kontrastiert mit heutigen Auffassungen von Emotion als eher kulturell geprägt und flexibel statt als körperlich bedingt und fest und leitet über zu aktuellen wechselseitigen Emotionen der Feindseligkeit im Verhältnis von Orient und Okzident und ihrer Geschichte, denen ein Plädoyer für den interkulturellen Dialog gegenübergestellt wird.
Islamität: Emotion und Glaube
Authors: Triki Fathi
Published: February 2012

Vor dem Hintergrund der gegenwärtigen Umwälzungen in einigen arabischen Ländern befasst sich der Beitrag mit dem Spannungsfeld, in dem die Freiheit des Individuums (gegenüber der Freiheit als Gattungseigenschaft oder Merkmal einer Gruppenzugehörigkeit) zu seinem unabdingbaren Leben in Gemeinschaft steht. Die Frage, wie Muslime ihre individuelle Freiheit mit ihrer Zugehörigkeit zur umma in Einklang bringen, führt zur These, dass der Islam dem Prinzip nach als Religion der Individualität betrachtet werden kann.
Trust in Humanity. Reason and Emotions in Wartime
Authors: Costea Miriam
Published: February 2012

This paper attempts to shed light on the intricate mechanisms of preserving trust in humanity in the face of the persecution of Jews in the Second World War. Three non-Jew confessional leaders attempted to communicate to a Jewish notary public in their village their fear that the latter, as a Jew of Hungarian part of Transylvania, may not survive the war. But their attempt proved to be ineffective; it seemed to be totally disregarded by the person whom they tried to save from deportation. Several theories and ideas about trust are examined in order to explain his decision. Drawing on Levinas (1969), we propose the concept of “perpetual faith” in order to explain the attitudes of some social roles in crisis situations. It may explain the decision taken by the Jewish notary acting as a “perpetual trustor”, referring to a more important trustee – humanity.
Mimesis und die Zirkulation von Emotionen in Ritualen. Das Bestattungsritual Michael Jacksons
Authors: Wulf Christoph
Published: February 2012

Mimetische und performative Prozesse spielen für die Erzeugung und Verbreitung von Emotionen in Ritualen eine zentrale Rolle. Nach der Klärung einiger Grundbegriffe wird am Beispiel von Michael Jacksons Beerdigung gezeigt, wie Rituale Emotionen in mimetischen und performativen Prozessen hervorbringen und erinnerbar machen. Anhand dieses Beispiels wird verdeutlicht, dass Rituale für die Erzeugung und Verbreitung von Emotionen von zentraler Bedeutung sind. Entsprechendes gilt für religiöse Rituale, Zeremonien und Feste sowie für Übergangs- und Alltagsrituale, die dem Leben der Menschen Orientierung und Sinn geben. Viele in alltäglichen Ritualen entstehende Emotionen werden uns nicht bewusst. Sie sind Teil unseres Gedächtnisses, stehen jedoch unserer Erinnerung nur eingeschränkt zur Verfügung. Für die Entwicklung einer individuellen und kollektiven Identität sind sie von zentraler Bedeutung. Sie tragen dazu bei, Fähigkeiten hervorzubringen, deren Entstehung in rituellen Lernprozessen wir vergessen haben.
Ästhetische Erfahrung und Emotion: Das künstlerische Schaffen als Probe
Authors: Triki Rachida
Published: February 2012

Die emotionale und sinnliche (aisthetische) Dimension wird als unerlässlich für die rationale Beurteilung von Kunst bzw. Kunstwerken aufgezeigt, im Schaffensprozess ebenso wie in der Betrachtung des Werkes. Damit verbindet sich auch die Rolle von Kunst als Gegengewicht zur verwalteten Welt.
Expression of cell adhesion molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors involved in leukocyte traffic in rats undergoing autoimmune orchitis
Authors: Guazzone V A , Jacobo P , Denduchis B , Lustig L
Published: February 2012

The testis is considered an immunologically privileged site where germ cell antigens are protected from autoimmune attack. Yet in response to infections, inflammatory diseases, or trauma, there is an influx of leukocytes to testicular interstitium. Interactions between endothelial cells (EC) and circulating leukocytes are implicated in the initiation and evolution of inflammatory processes. Chemokines are a family of chemoattractant cytokines characterized by their ability to both recruit and activate cells. Thus, we investigated the expression of CCL3, its receptors, and adhesion molecules CD31 and CD106 in an in vivo model of experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO). In EAO, the highest content of CCL3 in testicular fluid coincides with onset of the disease. However, CCL3 released in vitro by testicular macrophages is higher during the immunization period. The specific chemokine receptors, CCR1 and CCR5, were expressed by testicular monocytes/macrophages and an increased number of CCR5+ cells was associated with the degree of testicular lesion. EC also play an essential role by facilitating leukocyte recruitment via their ability to express cell surface adhesion molecules that mediate interactions with leukocytes in the bloodstream. Rats with EAO showed a significant increase in the percentage of CD31+ EC that upregulate the expression of CD106. The percentage of leukocytes isolated from peripheral blood and lymph nodes expressing CD49d (CD106 ligand) also increases during orchitis. These data suggest that cell adhesion molecules, in conjunction with chemokines, contribute to the formation of a chemotactic gradient within the testis, causing the leukocyte infiltration characteristic of EAO histopathology.
Community Asthma Initiative: Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Program for Comprehensive Asthma Care
Authors: Woods Elizabeth R. , Bhaumik Urmi , Sommer Susan J. , Ziniel Sonja I. , Kessler Alaina J. , Chan Elaine , Wilkinson Ronald B. , Sesma Maria N. , Burack Amy B. , Klements Elizabeth M. , Queenin Lisa M. , Dickerson Deborah U. , Nethersole Shari
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a quality improvement (QI) program in reducing asthma emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, limitation of physical activity, patient missed school, and parent missed work.

METHODS:

Urban, low-income patients with asthma from 4 zip codes were identified through logs of ED visits or hospitalizations, and offered enhanced care including nurse case management and home visits. QI evaluation focused on parent-completed interviews at enrollment, and at 6- and 12-month contacts. Hospital administrative data were used to assess ED visits and hospitalizations at enrollment, and 1 and 2 years after enrollment. Hospital costs of the program were compared with the hospital costs of a neighboring community with similar demographics.

RESULTS:

The program provided services to 283 children. Participants were 55.1% male; 39.6% African American, 52.3% Latino; 72.7% had Medicaid; 70.8% had a household income <$25 000. Twelve-month data show a significant decrease in any (≥1) asthma ED visits (68.0%) and hospitalizations (84.8%), and any days of limitation of physical activity (42.6%), patient missed school (41.0%), and parent missed work (49.7%) (all P < .0001). Patients with greatest functional impairment from ED visits, limitation of activity, and missed school were more likely to have any nurse home visit and greater number of home visits. There was a significant reduction in hospital costs compared with the comparison community (P < .0001), and a return on investment of 1.46.

CONCLUSIONS:

The program showed improved health outcomes and cost-effectiveness and generated information to guide advocacy efforts to finance comprehensive asthma care.
A Multicenter Collaborative Approach to Reducing Pediatric Codes Outside the ICU
Authors: Hayes Leslie W. , Dobyns Emily L. , DiGiovine Bruno , Brown Ann-Marie , Jacobson Sharon , Randall Kelly H. , Wathen Beth , Schwab Carolyn , Duncan Kathy D. , Thrasher Jodi , Logsdon Tina R. , Hall Matthew , Markovitz Barry
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

The Child Health Corporation of America formed a multicenter collaborative to decrease the rate of pediatric codes outside the ICU by 50%, double the days between these events, and improve the patient safety culture scores by 5 percentage points.

METHODS:

A multidisciplinary pediatric advisory panel developed a comprehensive change package of process improvement strategies and measures for tracking progress. Learning sessions, conference calls, and data submission facilitated collaborative group learning and implementation. Twenty Child Health Corporation of America hospitals participated in this 12-month improvement project. Each hospital identified at least 1 noncritical care target unit in which to implement selected elements of the change package. Strategies to improve prevention, detection, and correction of the deteriorating patient ranged from relatively simple, foundational changes to more complex, advanced changes. Each hospital selected a broad range of change package elements for implementation using rapid-cycle methodologies. The primary outcome measure was reduction in codes per 1000 patient days. Secondary outcomes were days between codes and change in patient safety culture scores.

RESULTS:

Code rate for the collaborative did not decrease significantly (3% decrease). Twelve hospitals reported additional data after the collaborative and saw significant improvement in code rates (24% decrease). Patient safety culture scores improved by 4.5% to 8.5%.

CONCLUSIONS:

A complex process, such as patient deterioration, requires sufficient time and effort to achieve improved outcomes and create a deeply embedded culture of patient safety. The collaborative model can accelerate improvements achieved by individual institutions.
Prevention of Tracheostomy-related Pressure Ulcers in Children
Authors: Boesch R. Paul , Myers Christine , Garrett Tonia , Nie AnnMarie , Thomas Natalie , Chima Amrita , McPhail Gary L. , Ednick Mathew , Rutter Michael J. , Dressman Kathy
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pressure ulcers are commonly acquired in pediatric institutions, and they are a key indicator of the standard and effectiveness of care. We recognized a high rate of tracheostomy-related pressure ulcers (TRPUs) in our ventilator unit and instituted a quality improvement program to develop and test potential interventions for TRPU prevention, condensed them into a clinical bundle, and then implemented the bundle into our standard practice.

METHODS:

The intervention model used a rapid-cycle, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), framework for improvement research. All tracheostomy-dependent patients admitted to our 18-bed ventilator unit from July 2008 through December 2010 were included. TRPU stage and description, number of days each TRPU persisted, and bundle compliance were recorded in real time. All TRPUs were staged by a wound-care expert within 24 hours. The interventions incorporated into the TRPU-prevention bundle included frequent skin and device assessments, moisture-reducing device interface, and pressure-free device interface.

RESULTS:

There was a significant decrease in the rate of patients who developed a TRPU from 8.1% during the preintervention period, to 2.6% during bundle development, to 0.3% after bundle implementation. There was a marked difference between standard and extended tracheostomy tubes in TRPU occurrence (3.4% vs 0%, P = .007) and days affected by a TRPU (5.2% vs 0.1%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Education and ongoing assessment of skin integrity and the use of devices that minimize pressure at the tracheostomy–skin interface effectively reduce TRPU even among a population of children at high risk. These interventions can be integrated into daily workflow and result in sustained effect.