bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low dose acetylsalicylic acid and shedding of microparticles in vivo in humans
Authors: Lubsczyk Barbara , Kollars Marietta , Hron Gregor , Kyrle Paul A , Weltermann Ansgar , Gartner Verena
Published: April 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 477–482

Background  Microparticles (MPs) have procoagulant properties as shown in vitro and in animal models. Their role in haemostatic system activation at the site of a vascular injury in vivo in humans has not been studied.

Material and methods  In a prospective randomized crossover study, 13 healthy volunteers were given 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid or placebo daily for 7 days. Number and cellular origin, expression of tissue factor (TF) and phosphatidylserine on MPs, and platelet and coagulation activation markers [β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG), prothrombin fragment f1·2 (f1·2)] were measured in venous blood and in blood from a vascular injury (shed blood) by flow cytometry and immunoassays, respectively.

Results  The number of MPs was significantly higher in shed blood than in venous blood. The majority of MPs were platelet derived. The expression of TF on MPs was low, but higher in shed blood than in venous blood. TF positive MPs were significantly higher in shed blood, which was due to an increase of MPs from platelets (PMPs). In shed blood, the number of TF expressing platelet‐derived MPs correlated with β‐TG, but not with f1·2. Low dose acetylsalicylic acid did not affect shedding of PMPs, neither in venous blood nor in shed blood.

Conclusions  The release of PMPs locally at the site of platelet plug formation in humans indicates a possible role of MPs for haemostatic system activation in vivo. Low dose acetylsalicylic acid might not be strong enough to suppress shedding of PMPs in the microcirculation.
Transgenic overexpression of Abcb11 enhances biliary bile salt outputs, but does not affect cholesterol cholelithogenesis in mice
Authors: Wang Helen H. , Lammert Frank , Schmitz Anne , Wang David Q.‐H.
Published: April 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (6): 541–551

Background  Cholesterol gallstone disease is a complex genetic trait and induced by multiple but as yet unknown genes. A major Lith gene, Lith1 was first identified on chromosome 2 in gallstone‐susceptible C57L mice compared with resistant AKR mice. Abcb11, encoding the canalicular bile salt export pump in the hepatocyte, co‐localizes with the Lith1 QTL region and its hepatic expression is significantly higher in C57L mice than in AKR mice.

Material and methods  To investigate whether Abcb11 influences cholesterol gallstone formation, we created an Abcb11 transgenic strain on the AKR genetic background and fed these mice with a lithogenic diet for 56 days.

Result  We excluded functionally relevant polymorphisms of the Abcb11 gene and its promoter region between C57L and AKR mice. Overexpression of Abcb11 significantly promoted biliary bile salt secretion and increased circulating bile salt pool size and bile salt‐dependent bile flow rate. However, biliary cholesterol and phospholipid secretion, as well as gallbladder size and contractility were comparable in transgenic and wild‐type mice. At 56 days on the lithogenic diet, cholesterol saturation indexes of gallbladder biles and gallstone prevalence rates were essentially similar in these two groups of mice.

Conclusion  Overexpression of Abcb11 augments biliary bile salt secretion, but does not affect cholelithogenesis in mice.
Quality of histopathological reporting on melanoma and influence of use of a synoptic template
Authors: Haydu Lauren E , Holt Phoebe E , Karim Rooshdiya Z , Madronio Christine M , Thompson John F , Armstrong Bruce K , Scolyer Richard A
Published: April 2010

Haydu L E, Holt P E, Karim R Z, Madronio C M, Thompson J F, Armstrong B K & Scolyer R A (2010) Histopathology56, 768–774 Quality of histopathological reporting on melanoma and influence of use of a synoptic template

Aims:  To evaluate the quality of histopathological reporting for melanoma in a whole population, to assess the influence on quality of the use of a synoptic template and thus to provide an evidence base to guide improvement in reporting melanoma pathology.

Methods and results:  Histopathology reports of all primary invasive melanomas notified to the New South Wales Central Cancer Registry between October 2006 and October 2007 (n = 3784) were reviewed. A detailed audit of histopathology reports for consecutively diagnosed primary invasive melanoma over 6 months (n = 2082) was performed to assess the quality of each report based on compliance with the 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand. Only half of the initial excision specimen reports included the essential components necessary to stage a melanoma patient according to the 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer melanoma staging system. Report format was strongly correlated with completeness and validity of reporting: reports in a synoptic format, with or without a descriptive component, achieved the highest quality levels.

Conclusions:  Even in a population with a high incidence of melanoma, concordance of pathology reports with current guidelines was comparatively low. Wider adoption of synoptic reporting is likely to increase report quality.
Identification of the nasal mucosa as a new target for leptin action
Authors: Taildeman Jasmien , Demetter Pieter , Rottiers Isabelle , Holtappels Gabriele , Bachert Claus , Cuvelier Claude A , Pérez‐Novo Claudina A
Published: April 2010

Taildeman J, Demetter P, Rottiers I, Holtappels G, Bachert C, Cuvelier C A & Pérez‐Novo C A (2010) Histopathology 56, 789–798 Identification of the nasal mucosa as a new target for leptin action

Aims:  Leptin is a key molecule in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Furthermore, several studies indicate that leptin also plays a pivotal role in immune and inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to examine systemic and local nasal leptin and leptin receptor expression in patients with nasal polyposis and healthy controls.

Methods and results:  Serum leptin and soluble leptin receptor levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA was investigated using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and tissue leptin and leptin receptor protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and ELISA.

Serum levels of biologically active leptin were significantly elevated in patients with nasal polyps compared with control subjects. These serum leptin levels were strongly correlated with the levels found in tissue in both study groups, although leptin was not significantly elevated in nasal polyp tissue. Using RT‐PCR, we showed that both leptin and its receptors were produced in nasal mucosa. Finally, immunohistochemistry showed that leptin and leptin receptor protein were expressed in several cells of the normal and inflamed nasal mucosa.

Conclusions:  Leptin receptors and their biological ligand leptin are expressed in the nasal mucosa, suggesting a possible role in upper airway immunology.
Body size of insular carnivores: evidence from the fossil record
Authors: Lyras George A. , van der Geer Alexandra A. E. , Rook Lorenzo
Published: April 2010

Aim  Our goals here are to: (1) assess the generality of one aspect of the island rule – the progressive trend towards decrease in size in larger species – for fossil carnivores on islands; (2) offer causal explanations for this pattern and deviations from it – as far as fossil carnivores are concerned; and (3) estimate the speed of this trend.

Location  Oceanic and oceanic‐like islands world‐wide.

Methods  Body size estimates of fossil insular carnivores and of their phylogenetically closest mainland relative were obtained from our own data and the published literature. Our dataset consisted of 18 species from nine islands world‐wide. These data were used to test whether the body size of fossil insular carnivores varies as a function of body size of the mainland species in combination with characteristics of the island ecosystem.

Results  Dwarfism was observed in two canid species. Moderate decrease in body mass was observed in one hyena species. Gigantism was observed in one otter species. Moderate body mass increase was observed in two otter species, one galictine mustelid and perhaps one canid. Negligible or no change in body mass at all was observed in five otter species, three galictine mustelids and one genet. Size changes in teeth do not lag behind in comparison to skeletal elements in the dwarfed canids. The evolutionary speed of dwarfism in a canid lineage is low.

Main conclusions  Size change in fossil terrestrial insular carnivores was constrained by certain ecological conditions, especially the availability of prey of appropriate body size. When such alternative prey was not available, the carnivores retained their mainland size. The impact of competitive carnivores seems negligible. The case of (semi‐)aquatic carnivores is much less clear. The species that maintained their ancestral body mass may have changed their diet, as is evidenced by their dentition. Among the otters, one case of significant size increase was observed, perhaps best explained as being due to it entering the niche of an obligate aquatic otter. Dwarfism was not observed in otters. The island rule seems to apply to fossil carnivores, but with exceptions. The dependency of the island rule on resource availability is emphasized by the present study.
Characterization of two members of the cryptochrome/photolyase family from Ostreococcus tauri provides insights into the origin and evolution of cryptochromes
Authors: HEIJDE MARC , ZABULON GÉRALD , CORELLOU FLORENCE , ISHIKAWA TOMOKO , BRAZARD JOHANNA , USMAN ANWAR , SANCHEZ FRÉDÉRIC , PLAZA PASCAL , MARTIN MONIQUE , FALCIATORE ANGELA , TODO TAKESHI , BOUGET FRANÇOIS‐YVES , BOWLER CHRIS
Published: April 2010

Cryptochromes (Crys) are blue light receptors believed to have evolved from the DNA photolyase protein family, implying that light control and light protection share a common ancient origin. In this paper, we report the identification of five genes of the Cry/photolyase family (CPF) in two green algae of the Ostreococcus genus. Phylogenetic analyses were used to confidently assign three of these sequences to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyases, one of them to a DASH‐type Cry, and a third CPF gene has high homology with the recently described diatom CPF1 that displays a bifunctional activity. Both purified OtCPF1 and OtCPF2 proteins show non‐covalent binding to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and additionally to 5,10‐methenyl‐tetrahydrofolate (MTHF) for OtCPF2. Expression analyses revealed that all five CPF members of Ostreococcus tauri are regulated by light. Furthermore, we show that OtCPF1 and OtCPF2 display photolyase activity and that OtCPF1 is able to interact with the CLOCK:BMAL heterodimer, transcription factors regulating circadian clock function in other organisms. Finally, we provide evidence for the involvement of OtCPF1 in the maintenance of the Ostreococcus circadian clock. This work improves our understanding of the evolutionary transition between photolyases and Crys.
Increasing Antiviral Activity of Surfactant Protein D Trimers by Introducing Residues from Bovine Serum Collectins: Dissociation of Mannan‐Binding and Antiviral Activity
Authors: Hartshorn K. L. , White M. R. , Smith K. , Sorensen G. , Kuroki Y. , Holmskov U. , Head J. , Crouch E. C.
Published: April 2010

Collectins contribute to host defence through interactions with glycoconjugates on pathogen surfaces. We have prepared recombinant trimeric neck and carbohydrate recognition domains (NCRD) of collectins, and we now show that the NCRD of bovine conglutinin and CL‐46 (like that of CL‐43) have greater intrinsic antiviral activity for influenza A virus (IAV) than the human SP‐D NCRD (hSP‐D‐NCRD). The three serum collectins differ from SP‐D by having insertions adjacent to amino acid 325 and substitution of hydrophobic residues for arginine 343. We previously showed that a three amino acid (RAK) insertion, as found in CL‐43, increases antiviral activity and mannan‐binding activity of the hSP‐D‐NCRD, while the substitution of valine at 343, as in conglutinin, more strongly increased these activities. Mannan‐binding activity of collectins has been considered to predict for ability to bind to high mannose glycans on viruses or other pathogens. We now show, however, that combined mutants containing the RAK insertion and R343V or R343I substitutions have greatly increased mannan‐binding ability, but lower IAV binding or inhibiting activity than mutants containing R343V or R343I substitutions only. These findings indicate differences in the recognition of glycan structures of mannan and IAV by the NCRD and emphasize the importance of the flanking sequences in determining the differing interactions of human SP‐D and bovine serum collectins with mannose‐rich glycoconjugates on IAV and other pathogens. Of interest, we show conservation of some monoclonal antibody‐binding epitopes between bovine collectin NCRD and hSP‐D, suggesting shared structural motifs.
Hepatic encephalopathy as a complication of liver cirrhosis: An Asian perspective
Authors: Moriwaki Hisataka , Shiraki Makoto , Iwasa Junpei , Terakura Yoichi
Published: April 2010

Hepatic encephalopathy is one of the most important clinical manifestations in decompensated liver cirrhosis. Accepted concepts regarding the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy are that the endogenous neurotoxic substances, including ammonia: (i) escape from catabolism by the liver due both to the impaired function of the cirrhotic liver and also to the presence of portal systemic shunting; (ii) circulate at elevated concentrations in the systemic blood flow; (iii) reach the brain through the blood‐brain barrier; and (iv) impair cerebral function leading to disturbances of consciousness. The majority of these toxic substances are produced in the intestine by the bacterial flora, and are absorbed into the portal venous flow. The epidemiology of liver cirrhosis depends particularly on its etiology, and shows a marked geographic difference worldwide between Western, and Asian countries. Hepatic encephalopathy developed at an annual rate of 8% in cirrhotics in Far Eastern studies. In Eastern and Far East countries, therapeutic options are similar to those in the western hemisphere, but pronounced application of dietary restriction, antimicrobial agents, disaccharides, shunt obliteration and branched chain amino acids is noted. In spite of improved therapeutic options for encephalopathy, the long‐term survival is still low. Thus, hepatic encephalopathy remains a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Establishment of truly effective prevention modalities and broader application of liver transplantation will help rescue patients suffering from this complication of liver cirrhosis in the near future.
Hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy: Diagnosis and management
Authors: Lubel John S , Angus Peter W
Published: April 2010

Nearly one third of the world's population have been infected with hepatitis B and the virus is endemic in many Asian countries. With increasing life expectancy and the expected global increase in cancer, chemotherapy induced reactivation of hepatitis B is likely to become an increasing problem. Patients with significant levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum prior to chemotherapy and patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for hematological malignancies appear particularly at risk. Most patients who suffer reactivation of hepatitis B are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to chemotherapy and are therefore easily identifiable by routine screening. In addition, the very large population of patients who have been exposed to the virus and have apparently cleared the virus as assessed by serological testing (HBsAg negative/hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb] positive) may also be at risk of reactivation. These patients should be monitored and in some cases receive prophylaxis during chemotherapy. Published experience with antiviral prophylaxis has largely been limited to the nucleoside analogue, lamivudine. The commencement of antiviral prophylaxis prior to chemotherapy and its continuation until restitution of normal host immunity is the cornerstone to effective prevention of hepatitis B reactivation. This review summarizes the important issues related to HBV reactivation and suggests an algorithm for managing these patients in the clinical setting.
Difference in response to botulinum toxin type A treatment between patients with benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm
Authors: Cannon Paul S , MacKenzie Kenneth R , Cook Anne E , Leatherbarrow Brian
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background:  Botulinum toxin (BTX) is the first‐line treatment in managing benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS). We wished to assess the difference in duration of effect and the number of BTX treatments required to treat patients with BEB and HFS.

Methods:  A prospective study of patients attending the BTX clinic in Manchester Royal Eye Hospital over 6 months. All treatments were administered by a single experienced ophthalmologist. A questionnaire was completed for each patient. In patients with BEB where the BTX was injected bilaterally, one side was randomized to compare with HFS patients. Patient demographics, cumulative dose of BTX, duration of BTX effect with patient satisfaction and the number of previous BTX injections were recorded.

Results:  Sixty‐four patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.8 years. Among them, 30 patients had BEB and 34 had HFS. Patients with HFS received a lower mean dose of BTX than patients with BEB (12.23 units vs. 16.2 units). The patients with HFS had a longer duration of effect than patients with BEB, with fewer BTX treatments. Of all patients, 90% with HFS and BEB were satisfied with the effect of their last BTX injection. Three unsatisfied patients in the BEB group were referred on for surgical management of their disorder.

Conclusions:  We have shown that patients with BEB have a shorter duration of effect with BTX and require more frequent BTX treatments than patients with HFS, highlighting that facial dystonias in patients with BEB is more challenging to manage.
Make, Buy or Ally? Theoretical Perspectives on Knowledge Process Outsourcing through Alliances
Authors: Mudambi Susan M. , Tallman Stephen
Published: April 2010

abstract

Outsourcing knowledge and innovation activities offer cost savings and superior performance, but can also put a firm's unique resources and capabilities at risk. Characterizations of outsourcing as a make‐or‐buy decision do not fit well with decisions on knowledge process outsourcing (KPO). KPO is a make‐or‐ally decision, as firms seek a governance structure that will both protect and leverage their strategic knowledge assets, with the final decision often coming down to a choice between different alliance forms. Our new conceptualization provides an integrated perspective on resource integration and transaction specificity in the knowledge governance decision. The model illustrates the dynamics and learning involved in knowledge outsourcing by identifying two distinct paths to KPO alliances.
Reconceptualizing the Firm in a World of Outsourcing and Offshoring: The Organizational and Geographical Relocation of High‐Value Company Functions
Authors: Contractor Farok J. , Kumar Vikas , Kundu Sumit K. , Pedersen Torben
Published: April 2010

abstract

In the largest sense, global strategy amounts to (1) the optimal disaggregation or slicing of the firm's value chain into as many constituent pieces as organizationally and economically feasible, followed by (2) decisions as how each slice should be allocated geographically (‘offshoring’) and organizationally (‘outsourcing’). Offshoring and outsourcing are treated as strategies that need to be simultaneously analysed, where just ‘core’ segments of the value chain are retained in‐house, while others are optimally dispersed geographically, as well as dispersed over allies and contractors. This amounts to a reconsideration of the nature of the firm that captures the dynamic changes in global configuration and a reconsideration of what constitutes ‘core’ activities that need to be retained internally. The article proposes a new research agenda that searches for each firm's optimal degree of disaggregation and global dispersion given that further scattering of value chain activities entail benefits as well as increased complexity and costs.
Factors Determining Offshore Location Choice for R&D Projects: A Comparative Study of Developed and Emerging Regions
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Glaister Keith W.
Published: April 2010

abstract

This paper examines empirically the determinants of offshore location choice between country clusters. Based on a dataset of 1722 R&D projects by MNEs located in developed and emerging countries, we examine the impact of home and host country, industry, and firm level variables on choice of location. We draw on the extended OLI paradigm to develop our hypotheses. Using the EU15 as a base group, a multinomial logit model is estimated between the regions of USA&Canada, Eastern Europe&Russia, emerging countries of Asia, and India&China. At the regional level, findings show that the R&D wage difference and knowledge infrastructure difference between home and host countries, the science and engineering talent pool size, and political risk level of host countries are important determining factors. At the firm level, experience of overseas R&D projects and prior experience of research in the host country are found to be important location determinants. A distinguishing feature of the paper is that we examine regions in relation to a base region, and then further examine the impact of a marginal change in independent variables on the likelihood of the choice of a region for new offshore R&D projects.
Churches and aristocracies in seventh‐century Spain: some thoughts on the debate on Visigothic churches
Authors: Arnau Alexandra Chavarría
Published: April 2010

After a decade of intense debate on the chronology of the so‐called Visigothic churches in Spain the divergent opinions have made little progress owing to the lack of reliable chronologies and the limits of a very stylistic approach. This article aims to present an analysis of the social and economic conditions of the seventh century (particularly the second half) as a background to understanding and defending the existence of church building in late Visigothic Spain. Their physical type (monumental but not enormous), the quality of their construction techniques and decoration, their function (absence of baptisteries and, often, presence of privileged burials) suggest aristocratic patronage of these buildings, an identification widely supported by textual and epigraphical evidence.
The Peace of God, the ‘weakness’ of Robert the Pious and the struggle for the German throne, 1023–5
Authors: Riches Theo
Published: April 2010

The author of The Deeds of the Bishops of Cambrai accused Bishops Berold of Soissons and Warin of Beauvais of overstepping the boundaries of episcopal authority and usurping royal rights by promoting the Peace of God and attributed their initiative to the weakness of King Robert the Pious. This paper argues that the author was misrepresenting the situation to hide the vulnerability of the bishop of Cambrai during the succession of Conrad II. Instead, Berold and Warin's peace council was patronized by Robert the Pious and was a symptom of French royal assertiveness in the period 1023–5. The reasons for the Cambrai author's distortions are to be found in the significance of kings in the rallying of support on a local and regional level.
Antenatal interventions for overweight or obese pregnant women: a systematic review of randomised trials
Authors: Dodd JM , Grivell RM , Crowther CA , Robinson JS
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Dodd J, Grivell R, Crowther C, Robinson J. Antenatal interventions for overweight or obese pregnant women: a systematic review of randomised trials. BJOG 2010;117:1316–1326.

Background  Overweight and obesity during pregnancy is an increasing health problem.

Objective  A systematic review to assess the benefits and harms of antenatal dietary or lifestyle interventions for pregnant women who are overweight or obese.

Search strategy  The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) was searched (last search January 2010). Reference lists of retrieved studies were searched by hand. No date or language restrictions were used.

Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials comparing antenatal dietary and/or lifestyle or other interventions with no treatment for overweight or obese women were considered. Studies were evaluated independently for appropriateness for inclusion and methodological quality. The primary outcome was large‐for‐gestational‐age infants.

Data collection and analysis  Nine randomised controlled trials were included involving 743 women who were overweight or obese during pregnancy. Seven trials compared a dietary intervention with standard antenatal care.

Main results  There were no statistically significant differences identified between women who received an antenatal intervention and those who did not for the large‐for‐gestational‐age infant outcome (three studies; 366 women; risk ratio 2.02; 95% CI 0.84, 4.86) or mean gestational weight gain [four studies; 416 women; weighted mean difference −3.10 kg; 95% CI −8.32, 2.13 (random‐effects model)]. There were no statistically significant differences identified for other reported outcomes.

Author’s conclusions  The effect of providing an antenatal dietary intervention for overweight or obese pregnant women on maternal and infant health outcomes remains unclear.
A randomised controlled trial of 300 versus 225 IU recombinant FSH for ovarian stimulation in predicted normal responders by antral follicle count
Authors: Jayaprakasan K , Hopkisson J , Campbell B , Johnson I , Thornton J , Raine‐Fenning N
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Jayaprakasan K, Hopkisson J, Campbell B, Johnson I, Thornton J, Raine‐Fenning N. A randomised controlled trial of 300 versus 225 IU recombinant FSH for ovarian stimulation in predicted normal responders by antral follicle count. BJOG 2010;117:853–862.

Objective  To test the hypothesis that among women predicted to have a normal ovarian response, ovarian stimulation using 300 IU follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) results in the retrieval of more mature oocytes than 225 IU during in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment.

Design  Prospective randomised controlled study.

Setting  University‐based assisted conception unit.

Population  A cohort of 131 women predicted to have a normal ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation, based on antral follicle count.

Methods  Subjects undergoing their first cycle of IVF/ICSI were randomised to receive a fixed daily dose of 300 (experimental arm) or 225 IU (control arm) of recombinant FSH (Gonal‐F).

Main outcome measures  Number of mature oocytes retrieved and live birth rates.

Results  The number (mean ± standard deviation) of mature oocytes retrieved (8.2 ± 5.0 versus 9.0 ± 4.8, for 300 and 225 IU, respectively; P = 0.34) was similar in each group. There were no differences between the 300‐ and 225 IU arms in live birth rates (31 versus 41%, respectively; P = 0.25), cycle cancellations resulting from insufficient ovarian response (0 versus 6.1%, respectively; P = 0.12), and prevalence of moderate (3.1 versus 3.0, respectively; P = 1.0) and severe (0 versus 1.5%, respectively; P = 1.0) ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Conclusions  The use of a higher daily dose of 300 IU of recombinant FSH for ovarian stimulation does not improve the number of mature oocytes retrieved, or live birth rates, among women with a predicted normal response during conventional IVF/ICSI.
Possible involvement of DNA methylation in NKCC1 gene expression during postnatal development and in response to ischemia
Authors: Lee Hae‐Ahm , Hong Su‐Hyung , Kim Jung‐Wan , Jang Il‐Sung
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 520–529.

In CNS, GABAA receptor‐mediated responses switch from depolarization to hyperpolarization during postnatal development. This switch is mediated by developmental down‐regulation of inwardly directed Na+‐K+‐2Cl− co‐transporter type 1 (NKCC1) and up‐regulation of outwardly directed K+‐Cl− co‐transporter type 2. While several factors have been shown to regulate K+‐Cl− co‐transporter type 2 expression, little is known about the mechanisms by which the expression of NKCC1 is regulated during postnatal development. Here, we report a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying the developmental regulation of NKCC1 gene expression in the rat cerebral cortex. In vitro DNA methylation of the NKCC1 promoter region, which contains a high density of cytosine‐phosphodiester‐guanine islands, significantly decreased the expression of NKCC1 mRNA, and the degree of methylation of the NKCC1 promoter region significantly increased during postnatal development. In addition, treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, a specific DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, elicited an increase in the expression of NKCC1 mRNA and protein in cortical slice cultures. Focal ischemic injury induced by the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery led to the re‐expression of NKCC1 mRNA and protein even in the mature rat cortex. The re‐expression of NKCC1 mRNA and protein in the injured cerebral cortex was related to a decrease in the methylation status of the NKCC1 promoter region. Our results indicate that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, might be involved in the regulation of NKCC1 gene expression during postnatal development as well as under pathological conditions.
Novel Features of Nanoscaled Particles Addition to Alumina–Magnesia Refractory Castables
Authors: Braulio Mariana A. L. , Morbioli Guilherme G. , Bittencourt Luís Rodolfo M. , Pandolfelli Victor C.
Published: April 2010

Previous work by the authors indicated that the addition of nanomagnesia or colloidal alumina to alumina–magnesia (AM) refractory castables resulted in benefits in terms of reducing the overall linear expansion during heat‐up. Considering this aspect, this paper addresses the effects of colloidal alumina sources containing high solid amounts and of an engineered nano‐AM powder mixture on the phase formation and microstructure (quantitative X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM) of castables containing these nanomaterials. Although the solid content increase of the colloidal alumina was observed, no further benefit was detected in terms of reducing the castable's expansion. The XRD analyses pointed out the major role of magnesia on the spinel formation mechanism, leading to a faster reaction and lower expansion level. In addition, the production of the nanoscaled AM mixture attained the expectation, as it resulted in the lowest overall expansion level among all compositions and speeded up the spinel generation, emerging as a suitable raw material for high‐performance AM refractory castables.
Measurement Uncertainty When Estimating the Velocity of an Allegedly Speeding Vehicle from Images
Authors: Hoogeboom Bart , Alberink Ivo
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  Sometimes the question arises whether it is possible to estimate the velocity of a speeding car recorded by closed circuit television cameras. By estimating the travelled distance of the car between two images and the time elapsed, estimation of the velocity is rather straightforward. However, to quantify the corresponding measurement uncertainty, the data analysis becomes more involved. The article describes two approaches as to how to derive the measurement uncertainty. In the first method, distance and timing are estimated separately, and the two uncertainties are combined to derive the measurement uncertainty for the velocity. For this, a frequentist and a Bayesian approach are described. In the second method, the measurement uncertainty for the speed is derived directly using validation recordings of a car driving by at known speed. The choice which method to use depends mainly on the length of the path that the car has travelled.
The Use of Adhesive Tape for Recovery of DNA from Crime Scene Items
Authors: Barash Mark , Reshef Ayeleth , Brauner Paul
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  The selection of the appropriate method of collection of biological material from crime scene items can be crucial to obtaining a DNA profile. The three techniques commonly used for sampling items are: cutting, swabbing, and taping. The tape sampling technique offers an advantage, in that it enables the collection of a potentially highly informative source of DNA, shed epithelial cells, from selected areas on crime scene items (the inside fingers of a glove, for instance). Furthermore, surface collection of biological material by taping reduces co‐sampling of known PCR inhibitors such as clothing dyes. The correct choice of tape for crime scene item sampling is important. Not all tapes are suitable for biological trace evidence collection as well as DNA extraction. We report on one tape that met both these criteria. Three different cases are presented which demonstrate the usefulness of adhesive tape sampling of crime items. Finally, the advantages of the tape collection technique are discussed and guidelines for preferred areas of tape sampling on various casework items are presented.
Arteriovenous fistula of the vertebral artery in a female infant with hypotonia and cephalocorporal disproportion
Authors: Núñez F , Martínez‐Costa C , Soler F , Guijarro‐Martínez R , Castelló ML , Brines J
Published: April 2010

Background:  Congenital arteriovenous fistulas are exceptional in childhood and imply a therapeutic challenge.

Case report: A 9‐month‐old female infant was studied for cephalocorporal disproportion, hypotonia, progressive muscular atrophy and hyperreflexia. Computed tomography of the brain and electroencephalography were normal. Electromyographic patterns suggested proximal myopathic involvement. A continuous murmur with systolic reinforcement was audible in the neck. Angioresonance detected intracranial aneurysmal dilatations behind the bulbo‐medullary junction and cerebral panangiography evidenced a direct vertebrovertebral fistula with extra‐ and intra‐cranial varices and extreme medullary compression. Occlusion of the afferent vessel to the aneurismal sack was successfully achieved with a mixture of Histoacryl and 75% lipiodol via a microcatheter.

Conclusion:  Clinical signs of an arteriovenous fistula may be atypical. Considerable cephalocorporal disproportion and a bruit in the cervical or retromastoidal regions must suggest its existence. Complete obliteration with endovascular embolization permits somatic and neurological recovery.
The Ideological Origins of the Women's College: Religion, Class, and Curriculum in the Educational Visions of Catharine Beecher and Mary Lyon
Authors: Turpin Andrea L.
Published: April 2010

In 1828, as the movement to improve educational opportunities for American women was gaining in prominence, Catharine Beecher approached first Mary Lyon, and a year later Lyon's associate Zilpah Grant, to join her as instructor at Hartford Female Seminary. Consonant with the era of optimistic reform in which she lived, Beecher believed Hartford could change the world, so she wanted the most well-known female educators on board. The key to Hartford's influence was to be the type of students it attracted. Beecher wrote to Grant that a “woman of piety and active benevolence, with wealth which enables her to take the lead in society, can do more good than another of equally exalted character without it.” Lyon and Grant both declined.
The Plight of the “Able Student”: Ruth Wright Hayre and the Struggle for Equality in Philadelphia's Black High Schools, 1955–1965
Authors: Delmont Matthew
Published: April 2010

Within a large city… it would be most unwise to attempt to say what is the correct curriculum or organization of all the high schools under the management of the city school board… I am convinced American secondary education can be made satisfactory without any radical changes in the basic pattern. This can only be done, however, if the citizens in many localities display sufficient interest in their schools and are willing to support them. The improvement must come school by school and be made with due regard for the nature of the community (Dr. James Conant, The American High School Today, 1959).

Educational opportunity must be equal for all young people, regardless of the neighborhood they live in and the school they attend (Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre, Principal, William Penn High School for Girls, 1961).
Educating Adaptable Minds: How Diversified are the Thinking Preferences of Interior Design Students?
Authors: Meneely Jason
Published: April 2010

This study profiled the thinking style preferences of undergraduate interior design students to assess their propensity for employing a wide range of thinking processes. Do interior design students comfortably adapt their thinking across styles or do more entrenched patterns exist within the population? The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument was administered to 81 undergraduate interior design students from two programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Findings indicated that interior design students prefer conceptual, integrative, and expressive modes of thinking but may overlook or avoid analytical, critical, and logical modes. Adaptability between modes of thinking was consistent with normative populations. Educational implications and curricular strategies are discussed.
Understanding Furniture Design Choices Using a 3D Virtual Showroom
Authors: Yoon So–Yeon , Oh Hyunjoo , Cho Ji Young
Published: April 2010

This study is a Web–based investigation that utilizes virtual reality technology to understand the factors considered for residential furniture purchase and furniture style preference. In residential interior design, furniture has significant financial and symbolic meaning. From a broader perspective, residential furniture is important to the domestic furniture industry as well as to woodworking and textile markets.

Despite this importance, little is known about how consumers make residential furniture choices and what designs or styles are preferred. The purpose of this study is to understand the most important factors involved in choosing living room furniture and to identify preferences for furniture style using an online virtual showroom application. In this survey, 301 college participants responded to questions regarding priorities and style preferences when purchasing living room furniture. The participants evaluated 117 living room furniture items representing three style categories: traditional, modern, and casual. The survey results demonstrated significant differences between males and females in their priority considerations, style preferences for furniture, and the number of possibilities they try before making final choices. This empirical study is an effort to provide important information on consumer characteristics and their furniture choices for interior practitioners and furniture industry personnel in a three–dimensional virtual furniture showroom constructed for the study.
Comparison of thrice‐daily lispro 50/50 vs thrice‐daily lispro in combination with sulfonylurea as initial insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yamashiro Keiko , Ikeda Fuki , Fujitani Yoshio , Watada Hirotaka , Kawamori Ryuzo , Hirose Takahisa
Published: April 2010

Aims/Introduction:  Basal–bolus intensive insulin therapy has been believed to achieve best the glycemic control, but is also complicated as a result of the number of injections required and the type of insulin. This study compared the effect of thrice‐daily lispro 50/50 (prandial premixed therapy [PPT]) with thrice daily lispro given in combination with sulfonylureas (prandial bolus therapy with sulfonylurea [PBTS]) as initial insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:  This 24‐week, observational, parallel trial comprised a 12‐week screening period and a 24‐week intervention period for 31 diabetes patients who were poorly controlled with submaximal sulfonylurea. At the start of the intervention period, we commenced thrice‐daily insulin injections and divided the 31 patients into either lispro 50/50 with discontinuation of sulfonylurea (PPT, n = 15) or lispro added to sulfonylurea (PBTS, n = 16). The same dose‐adjustment algorithm was used for analyzing both groups; HbA1c, plasma glucose, insulin daily dose, bodyweight and number of hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated.

Results:  At the end of the study, HbA1c was significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.00001), but no difference was apparent between the groups. The daily doses of PPT were more than those of PBTS, albeit the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.051). There were significantly fewer hypoglycemic episodes encountered with PPT than with PBTS.

Conclusions:  Thrice‐daily injections of lispro 50/50 provide an effective and safe regimen as initial insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00025.x, 2010)
Atmospheric oxygen plasma activation of silicon (100) surfaces
Authors: Habib Sara B. , Gonzalez Eleazar , Hicks Robert F.
Published: April 2010

Silicon (100) surfaces were converted to a hydrophilic state with a water contact angle of <5° by treatment with a radio frequency, atmospheric pressure helium, and oxygen plasma. A 2 in. wide plasma beam, operating at 250 W, 1.0 l/min O2, 30 l/min He, and a source-to-sample distance of 3±0.1 mm, was scanned over the sample at 100±2 mm/s. Plasma oxidation of HF-etched silicon caused the dispersive component of the surface energy to decrease from 55.1 to 25.8 dyn/cm, whereas the polar component of the surface energy increased from 0.3 to 42.1 dyn/cm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the treatment generated a monolayer of covalently bonded oxygen on the Si(100) surface 0.15±0.10 nm thick. The surface oxidation kinetics have been measured by monitoring the change in water contact angle with treatment time, and are consistent with a process that is limited by the mass transfer of ground-state oxygen atoms to the silicon surface.
The ChemCollective—Virtual Labs for Introductory Chemistry Courses
Authors: Yaron David , Karabinos Michael , Lange Donovan , Greeno James G. , Leinhardt Gaea
Published: April 2010

A collection of online activities emphasizes the design and interpretation of experiments.
The Road Ahead for Metamaterials
Authors: Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: April 2010

Metamaterials enable us to design our own “atoms” and thus create materials with new properties and functions.
Lateral Transfer of Genes from Fungi Underlies Carotenoid Production in Aphids
Authors: Moran Nancy A. , Jarvik Tyler
Published: April 2010

Pink for Me, Green for You

Aphids come in different colors, a critical issue when fate is a question of pigmentation: Red aphids tend to be consumed by ladybugs and green ones by parasitic wasps. Aphid color is determined by carotenoids, the same group of chemicals that make flamingos pink. But unlike flamingos, which have to eat colored food to stay pink, aphids make their own pigment. Carotenoids are vital to animals, not only because of their decorative possibilities but also for their oxidation-protective qualities as visual pigments and immune-system modulators. On sifting through an aphid genome,
Moran and Jarvik
(p.
624
; see the Perspective by

Fukatsu

) discovered that the machinery for producing carotenoids has been acquired by an ancestral aphid in a lateral transfer event from a fungus. Although a spontaneous yellow mutant aphid was found that still possesses the sequence for biosynthesis of the red carotenoid pigment torulene, the sequence was discovered to have a single point mutation that puts a stop to turning red.
Chimpanzee Technology
Authors: McGrew William C.
Published: April 2010

Chimpanzees are the only nonhuman animal species known to make and use a wide range of complex tools.
Cooperation and Punishment
Authors: Putterman Louis
Published: April 2010

Punishment can support cooperative behavior in a group, but requires coordination.
A Fungal Past to Insect Color
Authors: Fukatsu Takema
Published: April 2010

Gene transfer from a fungus to an ancestral aphid is responsible for the insect's red and green coloration.
Irreverence and Indian Science
Authors: Mashelkar R. A.
Published: April 2010

Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman believed that creative pursuit in science requires irreverence. Sadly, this spirit is missing from Indian science today. As other nations pursue more innovative approaches to solving problems, India must free itself from a traditional attitude that condemns irreverence, so that it too can address local and global challenges and nurture future leaders in science. But how can the spirit of adventurism come to Indian science?
Survey to Reveal True Face of Chinese Society
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: April 2010

This month, scores of interviewers dispersed across China for the start of a study that aims to document everything from emotional stress to family planning. The project should provide abundant fodder for data-starved social scientists hoping to track how China's rapid development is shaping societal values.
Iran Faculty Dismissals Seen as Result of New Policy
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: April 2010

Iran's government has begun to remove academics who oppose the authoritarian regime of President Mahmoud Ahmedinijad, according to human-rights activists in the country.
Redesign Postpones Launch of Long-Delayed Space Station Experiment
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: April 2010

Just as researchers are preparing the $1.5 billion, 7.5-ton Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for liftoff on the last flight of NASA's space shuttle, its developer, Samuel C. C. Ting, a physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has decided to swap out a key piece of hardware.
Uncovering a Rural Chinese Pompeii
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: April 2010

Excavators are peeling back the layers of dirt on the village of Sanyangzhuang, which was buried by a flood on the Yellow River 2000 years ago, to reveal a unique 2000-year-old time capsule of Chinese rural life, they reported at the Society for American Archaeology meeting.
The Long Reach of the Monsoon
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: April 2010

New tree ring data detailing monsoon failures from 1250 C.E. to the present suggest that droughts coincided with political upheaval, presumably by causing crop failure, researchers reported at the Society for American Archaeology meeting.