bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Complexity Move UK Policy beyond ‘Evidence-Based Policy Making’ and the ‘Audit Culture’? Applying a ‘Complexity Cascade’ to Education and Health Policy
Authors: Geyer Robert
Published: November 2011

For much of the twentieth century UK public policy has been based on a strong centralist, rationalist and managerialist framework. This orientation was significantly amplified by New Labour in the 1990s and 2000s, leading to the development of ‘evidence-based policy making’ (EBPM) and the ‘audit culture’ – a trend that looks set to continue under the current government. Substantial criticisms have been raised against the targeting/audit strategies of the audit culture and other forms of EBPM, particularly in complex policy areas. This article accepts these criticisms and argues that in order to move beyond these problems one must not only look at the basic foundation of policy strategies, but also develop practical alternatives to those strategies. To that end, the article examines one of the most basic and common tools of the targeting/audit culture, the aggregate linear X-Y graph, and shows that when it has been applied to UK education policy, it leads to: (1) an extrapolation tendency; (2) a fluctuating ‘crisis–success' policy response process; and (3) an intensifying targeting/auditing trend. To move beyond these problems, one needs a visual metaphor which combines an ability to see the direction of policy travel with an aspect of continual openness that undermines the extrapolation tendency, crisis–success policy response and targeting/auditing trend. Using a general complexity approach, and building on the work of Geyer and Rihani, this article will attempt to show that a ‘complexity cascade’ tool can be used to overcome these weaknesses and avoid their negative effects in both education and health policy in the UK.
The Puzzle of Democratic Authorization
Authors: Volmert Andrew
Published: November 2011

Most of the dominant versions of democratic theory conceive of political decisions as authorized by citizens, either directly or indirectly through their representatives, yet theorists rarely attend directly to the meaning of the concept of authorization itself. Theorists frequently debate the character of democratic authorization, yet they rarely ask the prior question of whether the concept of authorization can properly be applied to democratic citizens' conduct in the first place. After submitting the concept to critical scrutiny, the article reaches the surprising conclusion that, contrary to expectations, contemporary democratic practice cannot, strictly speaking, be properly characterized as a practice of citizen authorization at all. Although incorrect, there is an element of truth in the characterization of democratic decision making as a practice of citizen authorization. Understanding what is true and false in this characterization illuminates the distinctive character of modern democratic politics.
Convergence and divergence of numeracy: the development of age heaping in Latin America from the seventeenth to the twentieth century1
Authors: MANZEL KERSTIN , BATEN JOERG , STOLZ YVONNE
Published: November 2011

This study makes the first systematic attempt to trace the long‐term development of Latin American numeracy, a phenomenon of great interest to economic historians in that it serves as an accurate gauge of human capital development. In order to approximate basic numeracy we use age‐heaping techniques. We find that Latin America was on a path of convergence with western Europe during the early eighteenth century. During the early nineteenth century, not only did numeracy development stagnate in some Latin American countries but differences among some of them actually increased. While numeracy rates in Argentina, Uruguay, and to a lesser extent Brazil, along with Europe, underwent a significant increase in the late nineteenth century, they declined in Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia. By performing a regression analysis, we find that, even when we control for investment in education, mass immigration contributed to human capital formation.
Late presentation of HIV infection among adults in New Zealand: 2005–2010
Authors: Dickson NP , McAllister S , Sharples K , Paul C
Published: November 2011

Background

Early diagnosis of HIV infection is important for the individual and for disease control. A consensus was recently reached among European countries on definitions of timing of presentation for care: ‘Late presentation’ refers to entering care with a CD4 count <350 cells/μL or an AIDS‐defining event, regardless of the CD4 count. Presentation with ‘advanced HIV disease’ is a subset having a CD4 count <200 cells/μL and also includes all who have an AIDS‐defining event regardless of CD4 count. This study examines timing of presentation in New Zealand from 2005 to 2010.

Methods

Since 2005, information on the initial CD4 cell count has been requested on all people newly diagnosed with HIV infection through antibody testing in New Zealand. Excluded in this analysis were those previously diagnosed overseas or for an immigration medical.

Results

A CD4 cell count was provided for 606 (80.3%) of the 755 newly diagnosed adults. Overall, 50.0% were ‘late presenters’ and 32.0% had ‘advanced HIV disease’. Compared with men who have sex with men (MSM), people heterosexually infected were more likely to present late. ‘Late presentation’ and presentation with ‘advanced HIV disease’ were significantly more common among older MSM. Māori and Pacific MSM were more likely to present with ‘advanced HIV disease’. Compared with European MSM, the age‐adjusted relative risks for Māori and Pacific MSM were 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.2] and 2.5 (95% CI 1.2–5.0), respectively.

Conclusions

The high proportion of people presenting late reflects inadequate levels of HIV testing. The lower proportion of late presentations among MSM compared with those heterosexually infected may be explained by a higher proportion of recent locally acquired infections together with different testing patterns.
The influence of sex, age and BMI on the degeneration of the lumbar spine
Authors: Zukowski Lisa A. , Falsetti Anthony B. , Tillman Mark D.
Published: November 2011

Previous research on lumbar spine osteophyte formation has focused on patterned development and the relation of age and sex to degeneration within the vertebral bodies. The inclusion of osteophytes originating on the laminae and body mass index (BMI) may result in a more complete evaluation. This study investigates lumbar osteophyte development on the laminae and vertebral bodies to determine whether osteophyte development: (i) is related bilaterally, at different lumbar levels, and superior and inferior margins; (ii) on the laminae and vertebral bodies are reciprocally dependent responses; (iii) is correlated with sex, age and/or BMI. Seventy‐six individuals (39 females, 37 males) were randomly selected from a modern skeletal collection (Bass Donated Collection). Osteophyte development was scored in eight regions on each vertebra at all five lumbar levels. A factor analysis considered all 40 scoring regions and Pearson’s correlation analyses assessed the relatedness of age and BMI with the consequent factors. The factor analysis separated the variables into two similar factors for males and females defined as: (i) superior and inferior vertebral body scores and (ii) superior laminar scores at higher lumbar levels. The factor analysis also determined a third factor for females defined as: (iii) inferior laminar scores at lower lumbar levels. The severity of vertebral body osteophytes increased with age for both sexes. Additionally for females, as BMI increased, osteophyte severity increased for both the superior laminar margins higher in the column and the vertebral bodies. Dissimilarities between the factors in males and females and the correlation of BMI to osteophyte severity exclusively in females provide evidence for different biomechanical processes influencing osteophyte development.
Histological study of the extratympanic portion of the discomallear ligament in adult humans: a functional hypothesis
Authors: Mérida‐Velasco J. R. , de la Cuadra‐Blanco C. , Pozo Kreilinger J. J. , Mérida‐Velasco J. A.
Published: November 2011

This study was carried out on histological aspects of the extratympanic portion of the discomallear ligament (DL) in adult humans. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was dissected bilaterally in 20 cadavers; in 15 cases the articular disc (AD) and the retroarticular tissue were extirpated. The extratympanic portion of the DL had the shape of a base‐down triangle, in relation to the AD, and an upper vertex, in relation to the petrotympanic fissure. In five cases, the base, measured bilaterally, had an average length of 6.4 mm, while the distance from the base to the upper vertex averaged 9.3 mm in length. The extratypanic portion of the DL is an intrinsic ligament of the TMJ, composed of collagen fibres and abundant elastic fibres. We propose that this ligament could act as a tensor of the synovial membrane in movements of the TMJ.
Design and methodology of POWER, an open‐label observation of the effect of primary care interventions on total cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension
Authors: De Backer Guy , Petrella Robert J. , Goudev Assen R. , Radaideh Ghazi A. , Rynkiewicz Andrzej , Pathak Atul
Published: November 2011

This article describes the design and methodology of the POWER study (Physicians’ Observational Work on Patient Education According to their Vascular Risk). POWER is an open‐label multinational postmarketing study of the angiotensin II‐receptor blocker eprosartan. The Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model has been used to estimate total cardiovascular risk and changes in total cardiovascular risk status during treatment for patients recruited in all countries other than Canada. Framingham Heart Study equations have been used to estimate risk in the Canadian contingent of POWER. Observations from POWER will provide insights into how clinicians try to achieve blood pressure goals within the framework of total cardiovascular risk management and how they integrate their treatment of blood pressure with other interventions. Experience during the POWER study may also help to affirm the utility, practicability and perhaps limitations of the SCORE system for estimating total cardiovascular risk and identify ways to improve the acceptance and implementation of risk estimation methods in cardiovascular primary prevention.
TESTING THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED PCO2 ON COCCOLITHOPHORES (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE): COMPARISON BETWEEN HAPLOID AND DIPLOID LIFE STAGES1
Authors: Fiorini Sarah , Middelburg Jack J. , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2011

The response of Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay et H. Mohler, Calcidiscus leptoporus (G. Murray et V. H. Blackman) J. Schiller, and Syracosphaera pulchra Lohmann to elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) was investigated in batch cultures. We reported on the response of both haploid and diploid life stages of these three species. Growth rate, cell size, particulate inorganic carbon (PIC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) of both life stages were measured at two different pCO2 (400 and 760 parts per million [ppm]), and their organic and inorganic carbon production were calculated. The two life stages within the same species generally exhibited a similar response to elevated pCO2, the response of the haploid stage being often more pronounced than that of the diploid stage. The growth rate was consistently higher at elevated pCO2, but the response of other processes varied among species. Calcification rate of C. leptoporus and of S. pulchra did not change at elevated pCO2, whereas it increased in E. huxleyi. POC production and cell size of both life stages of S. pulchra and of the haploid stage of E. huxleyi markedly decreased at elevated pCO2. It remained unaltered in the diploid stage of E. huxleyi and C. leptoporus and increased in the haploid stage of the latter. The PIC:POC ratio increased in E. huxleyi and was constant in C. leptoporus and S. pulchra. Elevated pCO2 has a significant effect on these three coccolithophore species, the haploid stage being more sensitive. This effect must be taken into account when predicting the fate of coccolithophores in the future ocean.
Lead–Zirconate–Titanate Thick Films by Electrophoretic Deposition for High‐Frequency Ultrasound Transducers
Authors: Kuscer Danjela , Levassort Franck , Lethiecq Marc , Abellard Andre‐Pierre , Kosec Marija
Published: November 2011

Lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) thick films for high‐frequency ultrasound applications were fabricated using an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The PZT powder was synthesized from constituent oxides at close‐to‐room temperature by mechanochemical activation followed by calcination at 700°C. Homogeneous PZT thick films with a thickness of ~30 μm and a density of ~80% were produced from ethanol‐based colloidal suspensions containing PZT and PbO particles that were deposited using a constant‐current mode on a platinized alumina substrate and were sintered in the presence of a liquid phase at temperatures compatible with thick‐film technology. The dielectric, mechanical, and piezoelectric parameters of the PZT thick films with a porosity of ~20% were measured and a thickness‐coupling factor of 48% was obtained. Considering that a PZT thick film is a composite structure consisting of PZT and pores, there are several methods that can be applied to calculate the effective parameters where the composite is considered as a piezoelectric homogeneous material. For this study, a matrix method based on a generalization of 2‐2 connectivity was used to deduce the parameters of a completely dense configuration. Our results confirmed that the EPD process is suitable for the fabrication of efficient, high‐frequency transducers operating at frequencies above 40 MHz.
Modification of Molybdenum Structural Environment in Borosilicate Glasses with Increasing Content of Boron and Calcium Oxide by 95Mo MAS NMR
Authors: Magnin Magali , Schuller Sophie , Mercier Cyrille , Trébosc Julien , Caurant Daniel , Majérus Odile , Angéli Frédéric , Charpentier Thibault
Published: November 2011

In nuclear borosilicate glasses, when molybdenum is in too high concentration and when it combines with other elements such as alkali and alkaline‐earth elements it may form crystalline molybdates, including sodium molybdate, Na2MoO4, during melt cooling. In a nuclear vitrification context, the origin of this phenomenon must be understood to control and to avoid the appearance of this water‐soluble crystalline phase. The solubility limit of MoO3 was found to be 2.5 mol% in a simplified SiO2–B2O3–Na2O–CaO nuclear glass at about 1300°C. Higher MoO3 concentrations induced liquid phase separation followed by crystallization of Na2MoO4 and CaMoO4. This study assessed the impact of increasing the CaO and B2O3 content on the tendency of the melts to crystallize and the impact on the glass network structure. Structural analysis (95Mo MAS NMR and 11B MAS NMR) of several glass series and standard SiO2–Na2O–MoO3 or SiO2–CaO–MoO3 glass showed that the nature of the crystallized phases that may appear during cooling of the melt can be controlled by correlation of the proportion of Na+ cations remaining free in the glass network with the soda/lime environment of tetrahedral MoO42− entities.
The association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis among Jordanians: a case–control study
Authors: Habashneh R. A. , Khader Y. S. , Alhumouz M. K. , Jadallah K. , Ajlouni Y.
Published: November 2011

Habashneh RA, Khader YS, Alhumouz MK, Jadallah K, Ajlouni Y. The association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis among Jordanians: a case–control study. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 293–298. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is hypothesized to involve immuno‐inflammatory alterations, and the condition has been related to increased susceptibility to oral challenges. The objective of the study was to determine the association between the prevalence, severity and extent of periodontitis and both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Material and Methods:  A case–control study was conducted among patients who attended outpatient clinics at King Hussein Medical City in Jordan during the study period. All participants completed the questionnaire and underwent thorough oral and periodontal examinations. Periodontitis was defined as presence of four or more teeth with one or more sites with probing pocket depth ≥ 4mm and clinical attachment level ≥ 3mm. The general linear model multivariate procedure and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Results:  This case–control study included 260 Jordanian adults (101 with UC, 59 with CD and 100 with no IBD) with a mean (SD) age of 39.4 (0.7) years. The prevalence of periodontitis was much higher among patients with CD and those with UC compared with subjects having no IBD in the age groups < 36 and 36–45 years old only. After adjusting for age and number of missing teeth, patients with CD (odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 1.8–13.2) and patients with UC (odds ratio 7.00, 95% confidence interval 2.8–17.5) had significantly higher odds of periodontitis than subjects with no IBD. In multivariate analysis, the severity of periodontitis was significantly higher among patients with CD and patients with UC when compared with subjects having no IBD. Ulcerative colitis patients but not CD patients had significantly higher prevalence of deep ulcers in oral soft tissues than the non‐IBD group (p = 0.004).

Conclusion:  Patients with IBD have higher prevalence, severity and extent of periodontitis compared with those having no IBD.
Effect of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on root resorption after reimplantation of partially denuded tooth in dog
Authors: Noda Katsuya , Seshima Fumi , Okubo Nobuki , Ishii Yoshihito , Ota Mikio , Yamada Satroru , Saito Atsushi
Published: November 2011

Abstract –  The prognosis for a reimplanted tooth depends largely on the condition of the root. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB has been shown to regenerate periodontal tissue in animal and human clinical studies. However, information regarding the effect of PDGF‐BB on tooth reimplantation is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PDGF‐BB on root resorption after reimplantation of a partially denuded tooth in dog. A total of 15 healthy female beagle dogs were used. Mandibular third and fourth premolars were endodontically treated and then extracted as atraumatically as possible. The coronal portion of each root was carefully scaled and planed. The roots on the right side of the mandible were treated with PDGF‐BB and reimplanted, while the roots on the left side served as controls. After 2, 4, or 8 weeks, specimens were collected and processed for histopathological examination. By the 4th week after reimplantation, new periodontal ligament (PDL)‐like tissue had formed around the PDGF‐BB‐treated root surfaces and new bone. By the 8th week, healing of the PDGF‐BB‐treated roots was characterized by newly formed PDL with inserting attachment formation. In contrast, control roots showed multiple areas of replacement resorption. Immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) performed at 2 weeks after reimplantation showed that the number of PCNA‐positive cells in the connective tissue area was statistically significantly greater in the PDGF‐BB‐treated group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The application of PDGF‐BB resulted in a significantly lower occurrence and extent of root resorption and ankylosis. These results suggest that the use of PDGF‐BB reduces occurrence of ankylosis and root resorption in tooth reimplantation.
Ganoderma lucidum protects liver mitochondrial oxidative stress and improves the activity of electron transport chain in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats
Authors: Sudheesh Narayana Panicker , Ajith Thekuttuparambil Ananthanarayanan , Mathew John , Nima Nalin , Janardhanan Kainoor Krishnankutty
Published: November 2011

Aim:  Liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) cause mitochondrial stress and disruption of membrane potential resulting in apoptosis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum against CCl4 (1:5 v/v in paraffin oil, 1.5 mL/kg, i.p) induced deterioration of the activities of mitochondrial enzymes and electron transport chain complexes in the liver mitochondria.

Methods:  Ganoderma lucidum (100 and 250 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 15 days prior to the CCl4 administration. α‐Tocopherol (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard. Hepatic damage was assessed by determining the activities of serum transaminases (SGPT and SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 24 h after CCl4 injection. The activities of mitochondrial dehydrogenases as well as mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV were evaluated.

Results:  Activities of SGPT, SGOT and ALP were significantly (P < 0.01) elevated whereas, the activities of mitochondrial enzymes were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by the CCl4 challenge. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level was enhanced and mitochondrial membrane potential was declined significantly. Administration of G. lucidum significantly and dose independently protected liver mitochondria.

Conclusion:  The findings suggest that protective effect of G. lucidum against hepatic damage could be mediated by ameliorating the oxidative stress; restoring the mitochondrial enzyme activities and membrane potential.
Microneedles: an emerging transdermal drug delivery system
Authors: Bariya Shital H , Gohel Mukesh C , Mehta Tejal A , Sharma Om Prakash
Published: November 2011

Objectives

One of the thrust areas in drug delivery research is transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) due to their characteristic advantages over oral and parenteral drug delivery systems. Researchers have focused their attention on the use of microneedles to overcome the barrier of the stratum corneum. Microneedles deliver the drug into the epidermis without disruption of nerve endings. Recent advances in the development of microneedles are discussed in this review for the benefit of young scientists and to promote research in the area.

Key findings

Microneedles are fabricated using a microelectromechanical system employing silicon, metals, polymers or polysaccharides. Solid coated microneedles can be used to pierce the superficial skin layer followed by delivery of the drug. Advances in microneedle research led to development of dissolvable/degradable and hollow microneedles to deliver drugs at a higher dose and to engineer drug release. Iontophoresis, sonophoresis and electrophoresis can be used to modify drug delivery when used in concern with hollow microneedles. Microneedles can be used to deliver macromolecules such as insulin, growth hormones, immunobiologicals, proteins and peptides. Microneedles containing ‘cosmeceuticals’ are currently available to treat acne, pigmentation, scars and wrinkles, as well as for skin tone improvement.

Literature survey and patents filled revealed that microneedle-based drug delivery system can be explored as a potential tool for the delivery of a variety of macromolecules that are not effectively delivered by conventional transdermal techniques.
A case study exploring the impact of an oxygen barrier coating on formulation stability, in-vitro dissolution and bioperformance
Authors: Mann James C , Mitra Amitava , Pygall Samuel R
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The impact of a carmellose sodium (sodium carboxymethycellulose)-based coat (Opaglos 2) on the stability of an oxygen-sensitive compound A and in-vitro dissolution and bioperformance of compound B has been investigated.

Methods

Tablets containing compounds A and B were coated with various weight gains of Opaglos 2 and a comparative elegance coating (poly(vinyl alcohol)-based Opadry II). Film-coated tablets were assessed for oxidative degradation under accelerated stability conditions (30°C/65% RH and 40°C/75% RH).

Key findings

An apparent rank order of restriction of oxygen (O2) permeability afforded by the coatings was observed, with only higher Opaglos 2 coating weight gains (6 and 8% w/w) providing adequate oxidative degradation stability for up to 52 weeks. Improved stability at the higher coating weight gains was attributed to incomplete polymeric film formation at lower coating weight gains. The 6% and 8% w/w Opaglos 2 formulations showed dissolution retardation compared with elegance-coated formulations in USP dissolution apparatus II, predicting significant impact on formulation bioperformance. However, pharmacokinetic studies in Beagle dogs showed similar bioperformance for all formulations.

Conclusions

The Opaglos 2 coating system evaluated in these studies afforded adequate protection from oxidative degradation with no negative impact on bioperformance as compared to elegance coating. However, further studies are needed using several compounds to assess the broader applicability of these coatings.
Rater training revisited: An updated meta‐analytic review of frame‐of‐reference training
Authors: Roch Sylvia G. , Woehr David J. , Mishra Vipanchi , Kieszczynska Urszula
Published: November 2011

The present study updates Woehr and Huffcutt's (1994) rater training meta‐analysis and demonstrates that frame‐of‐reference (FOR) training is an effective method of improving rating accuracy. The current meta‐analysis includes over four times as many studies as included in the Woehr and Huffcutt meta‐analysis and also provides a snapshot of current rater training studies. The present meta‐analysis also extends the previous meta‐analysis by showing that not all operationalizations of accuracy are equally improved by FOR training; Borman's differential accuracy appears to be the most improved by FOR training, along with behavioural accuracy, which provides a snapshot into the cognitive processes of the raters. We also investigate the extent to which FOR training protocols differ, the implications of protocol differences, and if the criteria of interest to FOR researchers have changed over time.
Measurement of Six Degrees of Freedom Head Kinematics in Impact Conditions Employing Six Accelerometers and Three Angular Rate Sensors (6aω Configuration)
Authors: Kang Yun-Seok , Moorhouse Kevin , Bolte John H.
Published: November 2011

The ability to measure six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) head kinematics in motor vehicle crash conditions is important for assessing head-neck loads as well as brain injuries. A method for obtaining accurate 6 DOF head kinematics in short duration impact conditions is proposed and validated in this study. The proposed methodology utilizes six accelerometers and three angular rate sensors (6aω configuration) such that an algebraic equation is used to determine angular acceleration with respect to the body-fixed coordinate system, and angular velocity is measured directly rather than numerically integrating the angular acceleration. Head impact tests to validate the method were conducted using the internal nine accelerometer head of the Hybrid III dummy and the proposed 6aω scheme in both low (2.3 m/s) and high (4.0 m/s) speed impact conditions. The 6aω method was compared with a nine accelerometer array sensor package (NAP) as well as a configuration of three accelerometers and three angular rate sensors (3aω), both of which have been commonly used to measure 6 DOF kinematics of the head for assessment of brain and neck injuries. The ability of each of the three methods (6aω, 3aω, and NAP) to accurately measure 6 DOF head kinematics was quantified by calculating the normalized root mean squared deviation (NRMSD), which provides an average percent error over time. Results from the head impact tests indicate that the proposed 6aω scheme is capable of producing angular accelerations and linear accelerations transformed to a remote location that are comparable to that determined from the NAP scheme in both low and high speed impact conditions. The 3aω scheme was found to be unable to provide accurate angular accelerations or linear accelerations transformed to a remote location in the high speed head impact condition due to the required numerical differentiation. Both the 6aω and 3aω schemes were capable of measuring accurate angular displacement while the NAP instrumentation was unable to produce accurate angular displacement due to double numerical integration. The proposed 6aω scheme appears to be capable of measuring accurate 6 DOF kinematics of the head in any severity of impact conditions.
Crystal Structure of the Eukaryotic 60
S
Ribosomal Subunit in Complex with Initiation Factor 6
Authors: Klinge Sebastian , Voigts-Hoffmann Felix , Leibundgut Marc , Arpagaus Sofia , Ban Nenad
Published: November 2011

The 3.5 angstrom–resolution structure provides insights into the architecture of the eukaryotic ribosome and its regulation.
Dynamic soil parameters and Case damping for high-capacity long H-piles
Authors: So Arthur K.O. , Ng Charles W.W.
Published: November 2011

Uncertainty exists in signal-matching techniques. The quake and damping obtained may not be the actual response of the soil. In this paper, the final sets, strain gauge readings, pile driving analyzer, and Case pile wave analysis program of 12 high-capacity long H-piles at the end of initial driving as well as two of them at restrike are studied. Measured and deduced data show that the soil response underneath the pile toes has limited movement and yielding despite the piles being set using very heavy hammer rams and large ram drops. The quake and damping decrease with increased shearing strain and shearing stress, but are influenced by pile whipping, rebounded stress wave, and load-transfer mechanism. The lumped Case damping factor decreases with increased side resistance to total resistance ratio. This factor can decrease or increase with time due to changes in the load-transfer mechanism after set-up, thus affecting the proportion of viscous damping of soil along the pile shaft and at the pile toe. A Case damping model is proposed that approximates the lumped Case damping factor as the sum of hysteretic damping of the pile and viscous damping of the surrounding soil. The effects of variation in load distribution and set-up along the pile shaft in layered soils and incomplete mobilization of soil at the pile toe on the Case damping factors are explained.
Geotechnical resistance factors for ultimate limit state design of deep foundations in cohesive soils
Authors: Naghibi Mehrangiz , Fenton Gordon A.
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the ultimate limit state load and resistance factor design (LRFD) of deep foundations founded within purely cohesive soils. The geotechnical resistance factors required to produce deep foundation designs having a maximum acceptable failure probability are estimated as a function of site understanding and failure consequence. The probability theory developed in this paper, used to determine the resistance factors, is verified by a two-dimensional random field Monte Carlo simulation of a spatially variable cohesive soil. The agreement between theory and simulation is found to be very good, and the theory is then used to derive the required geotechnical resistance factors. The results presented in this paper can be used to complement current ultimate limit state design code calibration efforts for deep foundations in cohesive soils.
Diagnosis of embankment dam distresses using Bayesian networks. Part I. Global-level characteristics based on a dam distress database
Authors: Zhang L.M. , Xu Y. , Jia J.S. , Zhao C.
Published: November 2011

Dam safety has drawn increasing attention from the public. To ensure dam safety, it is essential to diagnose any dam distresses and their causes properly. The main objective of this paper is to develop a robust probability-based tool using Bayesian networks for the diagnosis of embankment dam distresses at the global level based on past dam distress data. A database of 993 distressed in-service embankment dams in China has been compiled, including general information on the dams, distresses, and causes. Based on the database, general characteristics of embankment dam distresses are studied using Bayesian networks, which can tackle not only the multiplicity of dam distresses and causes, but also the complex interrelations among them. Common patterns and causes of distresses are identified. The interrelations among the dam distresses and their causes are quantified using conditional probabilities determined based on the historical frequencies from the dam distress database. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to identify and rank the most important factors that cause the distresses. With the prior information of common characteristics extracted from the database, Bayesian networks are further used to diagnose a specific distressed dam at the local level by combining global-level performance records and project-specific evidence in a systematic structure, which is presented in a companion paper.
Diagnosis of embankment dam distresses using Bayesian networks. Part II. Diagnosis of a specific distressed dam
Authors: Xu Y. , Zhang L.M. , Jia J.S.
Published: November 2011

Based on prior information on common characteristics of dam distresses extracted from the dam distress database described in a companion paper, this paper attempts to extend the technique of Bayesian networks to the diagnosis of a specific distressed dam. The diagnosis is conducted by combining two sources of information, i.e., global-level knowledge from the database and project-specific evidence. Based on results of the diagnosis, key distress factors for a specific dam can be identified and suitable remedial measures can be suggested. Further, the Bayesian network analysis is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted remedial measures. A case study on the diagnosis of a distressed embankment dam, Chenbihe Dam, with seepage problems is presented to illustrate the methodology. In this case study, the observed leakage rates, seepage exit locations, and boundary conditions of the embankment are used as project-specific evidence.
A systematic method to quantify the presence of cross-talk in stimulus-evoked EMG responses: Implications for TMS studies
Authors: Selvanayagam Victor S. , Riek Stephan , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: November 2011

Surface electromyography (EMG) responses to noninvasive nerve and brain stimulation are routinely used to provide insight into neural function in humans. However, this could lead to erroneous conclusions if evoked EMG responses contain significant contributions from neighboring muscles (i.e., due to “cross-talk”). We addressed this issue with a simple nerve stimulation method to provide quantitative information regarding the size of EMG cross-talk between muscles of the forearm and hand. Peak to peak amplitude of EMG responses to electrical stimulation of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves (i.e., M-waves) were plotted against stimulation intensity for four wrist muscles and two hand muscles ( n = 12). Since electrical stimulation can selectively activate specific groups of muscles, the method can differentiate between evoked EMG arising from target muscles and EMG cross-talk arising from nontarget muscles. Intramuscular EMG responses to nerve stimulation and root mean square EMG produced during maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of the wrist were recorded for comparison. Cross-talk was present in evoked surface EMG responses recorded from all nontarget wrist (5.05–39.38% Mmax) and hand muscles (1.50–24.25% Mmax) and to a lesser degree in intramuscular EMG signals (∼3.7% Mmax). The degree of cross-talk was comparable for stimulus-evoked responses and voluntary activity recorded during MVC. Since cross-talk can make a considerable contribution to EMG responses in forearm and hand muscles, care is required to avoid misinterpretation of EMG data. The multiple nerve stimulation method described here can be used to quantify the potential contribution of EMG cross-talk in transcranial magnetic stimulation and reflex studies.
Autocrine CSF-1 and CSF-1 Receptor Coexpression Promotes Renal Cell Carcinoma Growth
Authors: Menke Julia , Kriegsmann Jörg , Schimanski Carl Christoph , Schwartz Melvin M. , Schwarting Andreas , Kelley Vicki R.
Published: November 2011

Renal cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence but the molecular mechanisms regulating its growth remain elusive. Coexpression of the monocytic growth factor colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1 and its receptor CSF-1R on renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) will promote proliferation and antiapoptosis during regeneration of renal tubules. Here, we show that a CSF-1–dependent autocrine pathway is also responsible for the growth of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CSF-1 and CSF-1R were coexpressed in RCCs and TECs proximally adjacent to RCCs. CSF-1 engagement of CSF-1R promoted RCC survival and proliferation and reduced apoptosis, in support of the likelihood that CSF-1R effector signals mediate RCC growth. In vivo CSF-1R blockade using a CSF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor decreased RCC proliferation and macrophage infiltration in a manner associated with a dramatic reduction in tumor mass. Further mechanistic investigations linked CSF-1 and epidermal growth factor signaling in RCCs. Taken together, our results suggest that budding RCC stimulates the proximal adjacent microenvironment in the kidney to release mediators of CSF-1, CSF-1R, and epidermal growth factor expression in RCCs. Furthermore, our findings imply that targeting CSF-1/CSF-1R signaling may be therapeutically effective in RCCs. Cancer Res; 72(1); 187–200. ©2011 AACR.
Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein Variations Differ in Tumor and Adjacent Nontumor Tissues from Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Yu , Jin Yan , Cai Xiaojin , Bai Xin , Chen Min , Chen Taoyang , Wang Jinbing , Qian Gengsun , Gu Jianren , Li Jinjun , Tu Hong
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To characterize the mutation pattern of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBcAg) derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent nontumor tissues. Methods: HBV core gene fragments (nt. 1901–2365) were amplified from 98 HBV-related HCC tissues and 33 adjacent nontumor tissues. The deduced amino acids (AAs) of the core gene were aligned with the prototype sequences of HBV genotypes B and C. Results: In total, there were 54 positions that showed polymorphism at the deduced AA level. The mutations were predominantly located in three major (codons 83–87, 95–104 and 130–135) and three minor (codons 21–38, 59–63 and 151–155) mutation-clustering regions (MCRs). The substitution rate in MCRs was significantly higher than in mutation-devoid regions (p < 0.001). The most frequently occurring mutations in rank were codon P130T (38.8%), I97L (37.8%) and S87G (23.5%). In addition, there were 7 patients that showed internal deletions in the middle of HBcAg with sizes ranging from 34 to 59 AAs. Unexpectedly, the core genes isolated from tumor tissues had fewer mutations compared with those isolated from adjacent nontumor tissues from the same patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Accumulation of naturally occurring mutations in certain restricted segments of HBcAg may be related to the development of HCC.
Reovirus Inhibits Poliovirus Replication upon Superinfection
Authors: Pirkooh Angila Ataei , Shahrabadi Mahmoud Shamsi , Monavari Hamidreza , Shafiei Abbas
Published: November 2011

Objective: Viral interference has been demonstrated in different systems, such as the effect of enterovirus infection on live-attenuated oral polio vaccine. In this study, the effect of reovirus which could exist in the human intestinal tract on poliovirus vaccine strains was investigated and could be an important factor to consider in oral polio vaccination. Methods: Cells were infected with reovirus, then superinfected with poliovirus. The amount of viral yields was measured by the TCID50 and plaque assay methods. Polioviral RNA synthesis was studied by real-time RT-PCR and the viral RNA load was calculated. Viral protein synthesis was determined using the techniques of immunoflourescent staining and PAGE followed by the immunoblotting experiment. Results: Poliovirus superinfection of reovirus-infected cells resulted in inhibition of poliovirus replication. It was found that the inhibitory effect of reovirus was after establishment of its infection (2 h postinfection). There was no competition between the two viruses for cell attachment but poliovirus RNA and protein synthesis were inhibited. Conclusion: Infection of cells with reovirus could interfere with the growth of poliovirus upon superinfection. This phenomenon could be important to consider when using attenuated poliovirus vaccine.
Immunolocalization of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 as well as Their Endogenous Ligand, Heat Shock Protein 70, in Rat Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zhang Zhiren , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Wu Yuzhang , Schluesener Hermann J.
Published: November 2011

Objective: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential to the innate immune system for recognizing not only microbial pathogens but also endogenous ligands from injured cells, suggesting that TLRs are a sensitive detection system to tissue injury and play roles in initiating tissue degeneration/regeneration. In this study, the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on lesional expression of TLR2, TLR4, their most common adaptor molecule myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and their endogenous ligand, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were investigated. Methods: Rat TBI was induced using an open-skull weight-drop model. TLR2, TLR4, MyD88 and HSP70 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Results: TLR2, TLR4, HSP70 and MyD88 were mainly found in lesioned regions and subcortical white matter. While infiltration of TLR2+ cells became significant on day 2, significant accumulation of TLR4+, MyD88+ and HSP70+ cells was already seen on day 1, and the numbers of immunopositive cells increased continuously until day 4. Furthermore, double staining together with morphological classification showed that major cellular sources for TLR2, TLR4 and MyD88 were macrophages/microglia in lesioned areas and astrocytes in subcortical white matter. But for HSP70, the major cellular sources were neurons in perilesion and macrophages/microglia in lesion areas and astrocytes in subcortical white matter. Discussion: In summary, our data reveal distinct patterns of localization of TLR+ resident and infiltrating cells in TBI rat brain. Infiltrating activated monocytic cells are the major source of TLR+ cells. These findings warrant further investigation of the roles of TLRs in controlling immune and degenerative/regenerative processes after TBI.
Melatonin Membrane Receptor Type MT1 Modulates Cell-Mediated Immunity in the Seasonally Breeding Tropical Rodent Funambulus pennanti
Authors: Ahmad Raise , Haldar Chandana , Gupta Sameer
Published: November 2011

Objective: Despite the evidence for melatonin membrane receptors (MT1R and MT2R) on lymphoid tissues in a wide range of seasonal breeders, their specific potency has never been compared and correlated with cell-mediated immunity. Methods: We used luzindole, a nonselective MT2R antagonist, and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT), a selective MT2R antagonist, to assess the potency of the melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in melatonin-induced immunity under both in vivo as well as in vitro conditions. Results: Physiological doses (25 µg/100 g body weight in vivo and 100 and 500 pg/ml in vitro) of melatonin upregulated both MT1R and MT2R expression as well as splenocyte proliferation, while higher doses (100 and 500 µg/100 g body weight in vivo and 1 ng/ml in vitro) downregulated splenocyte proliferation and the expression of both receptors. Luzindole antagonized the expression of both MT1R and MT2R in a dose-dependent manner under in vivo as well as in vitro conditions, while 4P-PDOT blocked the expression of MT2R only during both experimental conditions. Splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 secretion (in vitro) followed the MT1R expression pattern, while the MT2R expression pattern showed no definite relation with either splenocyte proliferation or IL-2 secretion under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Conclusion: Immune function in tropical rodents is directly regulated by melatonin via its high-affinity membrane receptor MT1. MT1R plays a directive role in mediating splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 release, while the MT2R subtype appears not to be required for the immunoenhancing role of melatonin.
Control of Blood Pressure in Chronic Kidney Disease: How Low to Go?
Authors: Faqah Anadil , Jafar Tazeen H.
Published: November 2011

Blood pressure (BP) lowering is an important therapeutic goal in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) for slowing progression and preventing onset of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines for treatment of hypertension in patients with CKD recommend a target BP <130/80 mm Hg, with no clear threshold on the lower limit. However, results of recent randomized controlled trials on CKD indicate that aggressive lowering of BP may not provide additional benefit in the vast majority of patients. This paper will review the literature on the main trials examining the question concerning the optimal level of target BP in patients with CKD and also discuss reasonable target BP levels in light of the evidence, as well as future direction for research in such patients.
Role of Activation of 5′-Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase in Gastric Ulcer Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Baraka Azza M. , Deif Maha M.
Published: November 2011

Background: The potential utility of 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activating agents, such as metformin, in inducing angiogenesis, could be a promising approach to promote healing of gastric ulcers complicated by diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a drug that activates AMPK, namely metformin, in gastric ulcer healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar albino rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal (i.p.) streptozotocin injection and 10 rats were injected i.p. by a single dose of physiological saline. Six weeks following streptozotocin or saline injection, gastric ulcers were induced by serosal application of acetic acid. Three days after acetic acid application, rats were divided into group 1 (nondiabetic control), group 2 (streptozotocin-injected rats), groups 3–5 (streptozotocin-injected rats treated with metformin or metformin and an inhibitor of AMPK, namely compound C or pioglitazone) for 7 days following acetic acid application. Results: Administration of metformin, but not pioglitazone, resulted in a significant decrease in the gastric ulcer area, a significant increase in epithelial regeneration assessed histologically, a significant increase in the number of microvessels in the ulcer margin, a significant increase in gastric vascular endothelial growth factor concentration and gastric von Willebrand factor as well as a significant increase in gastric phospho-AMPK. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, blocked metformin-induced changes in assessed parameters suggesting that the effect of metformin was mediated mainly through activation of AMPK. Conclusion: Our results suggest the feasibility of a novel treatment strategy, namely drugs activating AMPK, for patients in whom impairment of ulcer healing constitutes a secondary complication of diabetes mellitus.