bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary cytoreduction surgery improves prognosis in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Xu Xia , Chen Xiaoxiang , Dai Zhiqin , Deng Fei , Qu Junwei , Ni Jing
Published: September 2013

Background

There is no consensus regarding the secondary cytoreduction surgery (CRS) in recurrent ovarian cancer patients. The present study aims to determine the value of secondary CRS and the eligible subgroup for this procedure.

Methods

96 platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer patients were recruited from Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research between 1992 and 2011. Follow-up was conducted based on the surveillance protocol of MD Anderson Cancer Center. Cox proportional hazards model and log-rank test were used to assess the associations between the survival durations and covariates. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore optimal secondary CRS related factors.

Results

Optimal secondary CRS was associated with time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) in patients (p < 0.01 both). Optimal secondary CRS and asymptomatic recurrent were similarly associated with longer OS (median: 79.2vs.53.9 and 76.1vs.56.0 months with p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively) and TTP (median: 13.9vs.10.5 and 19.3vs.9.0 months with p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively) than counterparts. Optimal initial CRS (p = 0.01), asymptomatic recurrent (p = 0.02) and longer progression-free survival duration (p = 0.02) were the independent indicators of optimal secondary CRS.

Conclusions

Optimal secondary CRS had survival benefit for platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer. Asymptomatic recurrent was one of the recruited factors for this procedure.
Differences in chemosensory response between eyed and eyeless Astyanax mexicanus of the Rio Subterráneo cave
Authors: Bibliowicz Jonathan , Alié Alexandre , Espinasa Luis , Yoshizawa Masato , Blin Maryline , Hinaux Hélène , Legendre Laurent , Père Stéphane , Rétaux Sylvie
Published: September 2013

Background

In blind cave-dwelling populations of Astyanax mexicanus, several morphological and behavioral shifts occurred during evolution in caves characterized by total and permanent darkness. Previous studies have shown that sensory systems such as the lateral line (mechanosensory) and taste buds (chemosensory) are modified in cavefish. It has long been hypothesized that another chemosensory modality, the olfactory system, might have evolved as well to provide an additional mechanism for food-searching in troglomorphic Astyanax populations.

Findings

During a March 2013 cave expedition to the Sierra de El Abra region of San Luís Potosi, Mexico, we tested chemosensory capabilities of the Astyanax mexicanus of the Rio Subterráneo cave. This cave hosts a hybrid population presenting a wide range of troglomorphic and epigean mixed phenotypes. During a behavioral test performed in situ in the cave, a striking correlation was observed between the absence of eyes and an increased attraction to food extract. In addition, eyeless troglomorphic fish possessed significantly larger naris size than their eyed, nontroglomorphic counterparts.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that chemosensory capabilities might have evolved in cave-dwelling Astyanax mexicanus and that modulation of naris size might at least partially underlie this likely adaptive change.
Synergistic effect of Indian hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene transfer to increase the osteogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Reichert Johannes C , Schmalzl Jonas , Prager Patrick , Gilbert Fabian , Quent Verena MC , Steinert Andre F , Rudert Maximilian , Nöth Ulrich
Published: September 2013

Introduction

To stimulate healing of large bone defects research has concentrated on the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Methods

In the present study, we induced the overexpression of the growth factors bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and/or Indian hedgehog (IHH) in human MSCs by adenoviral transduction to increase their osteogenic potential. GFP and nontransduced MSCs served as controls. The influence of the respective genetic modification on cell metabolic activity, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization in cell culture, and osteogenic marker gene expression was investigated.

Results

Transduction had no negative influence on cell metabolic activity or proliferation. ALP activity showed a typical rise-and-fall pattern with a maximal activity at day 14 and 21 after osteogenic induction. Enzyme activity was significantly higher in groups cultured with osteogenic media. The overexpression of BMP-2 and especially IHH + BMP-2 resulted in a significantly higher mineralization after 28 days. This was in line with obtained quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses, which showed a significant increase in osteopontin and osteocalcin expression for osteogenically induced BMP-2 and IHH + BMP-2 transduced cells when compared with the other groups. Moreover, an increase in runx2 expression was observed in all osteogenic groups toward day 21. It was again more pronounced for BMP-2 and IHH + BMP-2 transduced cells cultured in osteogenic media.

Conclusions

In summary, viral transduction did not negatively influence cell metabolic activity and proliferation. The overexpression of BMP-2 in combination with or without IHH resulted in an increased deposition of mineralized extracellular matrix, and expression of osteogenic marker genes. Viral transduction therefore represents a promising means to increase the osteogenic potential of MSCs and the combination of different transgenes may result in synergistic effects.
A physical basis for the Cole-Cole description of electrical conductivity of mineralized porous media
Authors: Flekkøy Eirik G.
Published: September 2013

We found a physical interpretation of the Cole-Cole relation for the conductivity of fluid-saturated, mineralized rocks. The first step was to rederive a diffusive version of the Cole-Cole relation from a pore-scale description that couples diffusion and electrochemistry in a simplified way. We wanted to give the parameters of the Cole-Cole relation, the chargeability and relaxation time, a microscopic interpretation. In this treatment, the exponent known as the frequency dependence was fixed to either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] depending on the ratio of the diffusion length and effective pore length. However, many field observations give [Formula: see text]. The second step was to calculate the conductivity of a network in which the individual bonds are described by the Cole-Cole conductivity function with [Formula: see text]. These network simulations, which did not rely on effective medium approximations, turned out to exhibit Cole-Cole behavior as well with [Formula: see text] taking on a continuous range of values, provided the pore-scale parameters are picked from sufficiently wide distributions. These network results agreed with observations based on field data inversion.
Portfolio-based learning in medical education
Authors: Ingrassia Antonina
Published: September 2013

The use of portfolios has rapidly expanded in recent years and is now relevant to a number of different aspects of professional practice in medicine in general and psychiatry in particular, including training, appraisal and revalidation as well as continuing professional development. In this article I will examine the background of important changes and new trends in medical education on which the increasing use of portfolios is based, their potential value as learning and assessment tools, and some of the challenges and dilemmas associated with their use.
Talking about madness and melancholy: Boswell'sLife of Samuel Johnson
Authors: Beveridge Allan
Published: September 2013

This article examines James Boswell'sLife of Samuel Johnson, his celebrated biography of his friend, the great 18th-century literary figure, Samuel Johnson. The book records their many conversations, much of which was concerned with madness and melancholy. This is not surprising as both men experienced recurrent bouts of low spirits. They also lived in an era which has been called ‘The Age of Nerves’. This article will consider how they conceived of ‘nervous disease’ and how they tried to remedy it. It will also look at Johnson's role as a therapeutic mentor to Boswell.
Adjunctive pharmacotherapy for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: meta-analytical investigation of efficacy
Authors: Choi Kee-Hong , Wykes Til , Kurtz Matthew M.
Published: September 2013

Background

A growing number of studies have investigated the efficacy of novel, adjunctive pharmacotherapies for treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia with conflicting results.

Aims

To investigate the comparative efficacy of these agents on cognition and symptoms in schizophrenia, and to identify promising cognitive domains and candidate medications that can be incorporated in treatment trials combined with cognitive remediation to maximise treatment effects.

Method

A total of 26 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigating medications targeted at cholinergic, glutamatergic or serotonergic receptor classes and with participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were identified.

Results

Medications targeted at the cholinergic receptor class produced marginal improvements in verbal learning and memory (d= 0.23,P= 0.06), and donepezil, a specific type of cholinergic agonist, produced a moderate effect (d= 0.58) on spatial learning and memory. Cholinergic and glutamatergic agents produced moderate effect-size improvements on negative symptoms (d= 0.54 andd= 0.62 respectively), and small effect-size improvements on general symptoms (d= 0.46 andd= 0.41 respectively). Serotonergic agents produced small effect-size improvements in positive symptoms (d= 0.33).

Conclusions

Cholinergic medications produced marginal improvement in verbal learning and memory and moderate improvements on spatial learning and memory, although there was no evidence to support the use of glutamatergic or serotonergic medications as a stand-alone treatment for improving cognitive function. Cholinergic and glutamatergic agents improved negative and general symptoms, whereas serotenergic medications improved positive symptoms.
Agomelatine efficacy and acceptability revisited: systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished randomised trials
Authors: Koesters Markus , Guaiana Giuseppe , Cipriani Andrea , Becker Thomas , Barbui Corrado
Published: September 2013

Background

Agomelatine is a novel antidepressant drug with narrative, non-systematic reviews making claims of efficacy.

Aims

The present study systematically reviewed published and unpublished evidence of the acute and long-term efficacy and acceptability of agomelatine compared with placebo in the treatment of major depression.

Method

Randomised controlled trials comparing agomelatine with placebo in the treatment of unipolar major depression were systematically reviewed. Primary outcomes were (a) Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score at the end of treatment (short-term studies) and (b) number of relapses (long-term studies).

Results

Meta-analyses included 10 acute-phase and 3 relapse prevention studies. Seven of the included studies were unpublished. Acute treatment with agomelatine was associated with a statistically significant superiority over placebo of −1.51 HRSD points (99% Cl −2.29 to −0.73, nine studies). Data extracted from three relapse prevention studies failed to show significant effects of agomelatine over placebo (relative risk 0.78, 99% Cl 0.41−1.48). Secondary efficacy analyses showed a significant advantage of agomelatine over placebo in terms of response (with no effect for remission). None of the negative trials were published and conflicting results between published and unpublished studies were observed.

Conclusions

We found evidence suggesting that a clinically important difference between agomelatine and placebo in patients with unipolar major depression is unlikely. There was evidence of substantial publication bias.
Differing perspectives on what is important in media reporting of suicide
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Machlin Anna
Published: September 2013

There is a substantial literature which demonstrates that irresponsible reporting of suicide can lead to copycat acts and, as a result, many countries have developed guidelines for media professionals. Some of the recommendations in these guidelines draw directly on the evidence and describe how reporting can be done in a measured fashion that minimises any likely negative influence. Other recommendations relate more to good journalistic practice and are about showing respect for the bereaved in their time of grieving. The study by Chapple et al, in this issue, indicates that there may sometimes be tensions between what media guidelines recommend and what those bereaved by suicide believe is important. We would argue that in such cases common ground can be reached.
A human right to be detained? Mental healthcare after ‘Savage’ and ‘Rabone'
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Shaiyan , Wolferstan Nadya
Published: September 2013

The UK courts have recently considered the management of suicidal patients in the cases of Savage and Rabone. As a result of these judgments, the case law has extended significantly the responsibilities of mental healthcare providers. In this article we discuss the repercussions of these landmark decisions which are likely to have significant consequences for mental health service providers in the UK.
Impact of the European Working Time Directive on trainees and trainers 3 years post-implementation
Authors: Shaddel Farshad , Banerjee Subimal
Published: September 2013

Aims and method

To assess the views of trainees and trainers of the impact of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). The study was conducted in two stages. First, a qualitative survey of trainees and trainers in the Oxford Deanery was carried out on the positive and negative aspects of the EWTD to identify key areas. Second, a self-completed questionnaire was developed separately for trainees and trainers and the results collated. Twenty trainers and nineteen trainees took part in the study.

Results

About 70% of trainees and trainers were aware of the EWTD objectives. Ninety per cent of trainers and 30% of trainees believed that the introduction of the EWTD was a negative development. Compared with 42% of trainees, 80% of trainers believed that the EWTD had not improved the quality of care and instead had a negative effect on doctor–patient alliance and continuity of care. Although 53% of trainees believed that the quality of training was not compromised by the introduction of the EWTD, 84% of trainers thought otherwise. Less hands-on experience and some doctors' roles being given to other professionals were the most stated negative impacts of the EWTD on the quality of doctors' training. Positive effects of the EWTD from both trainees' and trainers' points of view were a better work-life balance and less burnout for junior doctors.

Clinical implications

The EWTD may not have been successful in achieving all of its intended objectives. Further studies on different sample groups would help clarify the wider impact of the EWTD.
Jinn and mental health: looking at jinn possession in modern psychiatric practice
Authors: Dein Simon , Illaiee Abdool Samad
Published: September 2013

This article focuses on jinn possession and mental illness in Islam. After discussing spirit possession generally and its classification in DSM-5, we present an overview of several studies examining the role of jinn in mental distress in Muslims in the UK. A case study which exemplifies jinn possession is presented and the clinical implications of the findings are discussed. We argue for collaborative working relationships between Islamic religious professionals and mental health professionals. Finally, we discuss potential areas for future research.
‘Rabone’ and four unresolved problems in mental health law
Authors: Szmukler George , Richardson Genevra , Owen Gareth
Published: September 2013

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the UK ruled that the state has a special operational duty to protect the right to life in informal psychiatric in-patients (‘Rabone case'), in sharp distinction to general medical or surgical patients. We will argue that the significance of this case is general, not just local, and that it exposes four important unresolved problems in mental health law: the place of decision-making capacity; the meaning of ‘informal’ admission; parity between mental and physical health; and the accuracy of risk assessment.
Cabozantinib in Progressive Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Elisei Rossella , Schlumberger Martin J. , Müller Stefan P. , Schöffski Patrick , Brose Marcia S. , Shah Manisha H. , Licitra Lisa , Jarzab Barbara , Medvedev Viktor , Kreissl Michael C. , Niederle Bruno , Cohen Ezra E.W. , Wirth Lori J. , Ali Haythem , Hessel Colin , Yaron Yifah , Ball Douglas , Nelkin Barry , Sherman Steven I.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Cabozantinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and rearranged during transfection (RET), demonstrated clinical activity in patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in phase I.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a double-blind, phase III trial comparing cabozantinib with placebo in 330 patients with documented radiographic progression of metastatic MTC. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to cabozantinib (140 mg per day) or placebo. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Additional outcome measures included tumor response rate, overall survival, and safety.

Results

The estimated median PFS was 11.2 months for cabozantinib versus 4.0 months for placebo (hazard ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.40; P < .001). Prolonged PFS with cabozantinib was observed across all subgroups including by age, prior TKI treatment, and RET mutation status (hereditary or sporadic). Response rate was 28% for cabozantinib and 0% for placebo; responses were seen regardless of RET mutation status. Kaplan-Meier estimates of patients alive and progression-free at 1 year are 47.3% for cabozantinib and 7.2% for placebo. Common cabozantinib-associated adverse events included diarrhea, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, decreased weight and appetite, nausea, and fatigue and resulted in dose reductions in 79% and holds in 65% of patients. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 16% of cabozantinib-treated patients and in 8% of placebo-treated patients.

Conclusion

Cabozantinib (140 mg per day) achieved a statistically significant improvement of PFS in patients with progressive metastatic MTC and represents an important new treatment option for patients with this rare disease. This dose of cabozantinib was associated with significant but manageable toxicity.
Single-Agent Lenalidomide in Patients With Mantle-Cell Lymphoma Who Relapsed or Progressed After or Were Refractory to Bortezomib: Phase II MCL-001 (EMERGE) Study
Authors: Goy Andre , Sinha Rajni , Williams Michael E. , Kalayoglu Besisik Sevgi , Drach Johannes , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Zhang Lei , Cicero Sherri , Fu Tommy , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Although dose-intensive strategies or high-dose therapy induction followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation have improved the outcome for patients with mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), most eventually relapse and subsequently respond poorly to additional therapy. Bortezomib (in the United States) and temsirolimus (in Europe) are currently the only two treatments approved for relapsed disease. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with proven tumoricidal and antiproliferative activity in MCL. The MCL-001 (EMERGE) trial is a global, multicenter phase II study examining the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide in patients who had relapsed or were refractory to bortezomib.

Patients and Methods

Lenalidomide 25 mg orally was administered on days 1 through 21 every 28 days until disease progression or intolerance. Primary end points were overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR); secondary end points included complete response (CR) rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

In all, 134 patients were enrolled with a median age of 67 years and a median of four prior therapies (range, two to 10 prior therapies). The ORR was 28% (7.5% CR/CR unconfirmed) with rapid time to response (median, 2.2 months) and a median DOR of 16.6 months (95% CI, 7.7 to 26.7 months). Median PFS was 4.0 months (95% CI, 3.6 to 5.6 months), and median OS was 19.0 months (95% CI, 12.5 to 23.9 months). The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse events were neutropenia (43%), thrombocytopenia (28%), anemia (11%), pneumonia (8%), and fatigue (7%).

Conclusion

The MCL-001 study demonstrated durable efficacy of lenalidomide with a predictable safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with MCL who had all relapsed or progressed after or were refractory to bortezomib.
Oxytocin Receptor in the Hypothalamus Is Sufficient to Rescue Normal Thermoregulatory Function in Male Oxytocin Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Kasahara Yoshiyuki , Sato Keisuke , Takayanagi Yuki , Mizukami Hiroaki , Ozawa Keiya , Hidema Shizu , So Kyoung-Ha , Kawada Teruo , Inoue Nao , Ikeda Ikuo , Roh Sang-Gun , Itoi Keiichi , Nishimori Katsuhiko
Published: September 2013

Oxytocin (OXT) and OXT receptor (OXTR) have been implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. We recently showed late-onset obesity and impaired cold-induced thermogenesis in male OXTR knockout (Oxtr−/−) mice. Here we demonstrate that the OXTR in the hypothalamus has important functions in thermoregulation. Male Oxtr−/− mice failed to maintain their body temperatures during exposure to a cold environment. Oxtr−/− mice also showed decreased neuronal activation in the thermoregulatory hypothalamic region during cold exposure. Normal cold-induced thermogenesis was recovered in Oxtr−/− mice by restoring OXTR to the hypothalamus with an adeno-associated virus-Oxtr vector. In addition, brown adipose tissue (BAT) in Oxtr−/− mice contained larger lipid droplets in both 10- and 20-week-old compared with BAT from age-matched Oxtr+/+ control mice. In BAT, the expression level of β3-adrenergic receptor at normal temperature was lower in Oxtr−/− mice than that in control mice. In contrast, α2A-adrenergic receptor expression level was higher in BAT from Oxtr−/− mice in both normal and cold temperatures. Because β3- and α2A-adrenergic receptors are known to have opposite effects on the thermoregulation, the imbalance of adrenergic receptors is suspected to affect this dysfunction in the thermoregulation. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the central OXT/OXTR system plays important roles in the regulation of body temperature homeostasis.
Rates of Bone Loss Among Women Initiating Antidepressant Medication Use in Midlife
Authors: Diem Susan J. , Ruppert Kristine , Cauley Jane A. , Lian YinJuan , Bromberger Joyce T. , Finkelstein Joel S. , Greendale Gail A. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: September 2013

Context:

Concern has been raised that medications that block serotonin reuptake may affect bone metabolism, resulting in bone loss.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to compare annual bone mineral density (BMD) changes among new users of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), new users of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and nonusers of antidepressant medications.

Design and Setting:

We conducted a prospective cohort study at five clinical centers in the United States.

Participants:

The study included 1972 community-dwelling women, aged 42 years and older, enrolled in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

Exposure:

The use of antidepressant medications was assessed by interview and verified from medication containers at annual visits. Subjects were categorized as nonusers (no SSRI or TCA use at any examination), SSRI users (initiated SSRI use after the baseline SWAN visit), or TCA users (initiated TCA use after the baseline visit), using a computerized dictionary to categorize type of medication.

Main Outcome Measures:

BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at annual visits.

Results:

BMD was compared among 311 new users of SSRIs, 71 new users of TCAs, and 1590 nonusers. After adjustment for potential confounders, including age, race, body mass index, menopausal status, and hormone therapy use, mean lumbar spine BMD decreased on average 0.68% per year in nonusers, 0.63% per year in SSRI users (P = .37 for comparison to nonusers), and 0.40% per year in TCA users (P = .16 for comparison to nonusers). At the total hip and femoral neck, there was also no evidence that SSRI or TCA users had an increased rate of bone loss compared with nonusers. Results were similar in subgroups of women stratified by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (<16 vs ≥16).

Conclusions:

In this cohort of middle-aged women, use of SSRIs and TCAs was not associated with an increased rate of bone loss at the spine, total hip, or femoral neck.
Predictors of Subsequent Overdrainage and Clinical Outcomes After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Meier Ullrich , Stengel Dirk , Müller Cornelia , Fritsch Michael J. , Kehler Uwe , Langer Niels , Kiefer Michael , Eymann Regina , Schuhmann Martin U. , Speil Andreas , Weber Friedrich , Remenez Victor , Rohde Veit , Ludwig Hans-Christoph , Lemcke Johannes
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about variables associated with overdrainage complications and neurofunctional and health-related quality of life outcomes in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients after shunt surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify candidate demographic and disease-specific predictors of overdrainage and patient-related outcomes, allowing for more personalized care of patients with iNPH.

METHODS:

This was a secondary analysis of the dataset of the SVASONA study, a multicenter randomized trial comparing gravitational and conventional gravitational valves for treating iNPH. We evaluated the association between baseline items and the incidence of overdrainage, using different endpoint definitions.

RESULTS:

We identified only a few variables associated with a possible increased risk of overdrainage. Apart from using conventional rather than gravitational valves, longer duration of surgery and female sex were associated with a higher risk of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of overdrainage (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.04 and 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.81-4.16). The occurrence of clinical symptoms of overdrainage, and the need for exchanging a programmable by a gravitational valve may adversely affect disease-specific outcomes like the Kiefer score.

CONCLUSION:

Few, if any, baseline and treatment characteristics may be helpful in estimating the individual risk of complications and clinical outcomes after shunt surgery for iNPH. Patients should be informed that longer surgery for any reason may increase the risk of later overdrainage. Also, women should be counseled about a sex-associated increased risk of the development of clinical symptoms of overdrainage, although the latter cannot be distinguished from a generally higher prevalence of headaches in the female population.
Modeling human endothelial cell transformation in vascular neoplasias
Authors: Wen Victoria W. , MacKenzie Karen L.
Published: September 2013

Endothelial cell (EC)-derived neoplasias range from benign hemangioma to aggressive metastatic angiosarcoma, which responds poorly to current treatments and has a very high mortality rate. The development of treatments that are more effective for these disorders will be expedited by insight into the processes that promote abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of human ECs. The study of primary endothelial malignancy has been limited by the rarity of the disease; however, there is potential for carefully characterized EC lines and animal models to play a central role in the discovery, development and testing of molecular targeted therapies for vascular neoplasias. This review describes molecular alterations that have been identified in EC-derived neoplasias, as well as the processes that underpin the immortalization and tumorigenic conversion of ECs. Human EC lines, established through the introduction of defined genetic elements or by culture of primary tumor tissue, are catalogued and discussed in relation to their relevance as models of vascular neoplasia.
The eel heart: multilevel insights into functional organ plasticity
Authors: Imbrogno Sandra
Published: September 2013

The remarkable functional homogeneity of the heart as an organ requires a well-coordinated myocardial heterogeneity. An example is represented by the selective sensitivity of the different cardiac cells to physical (i.e. shear stress and/or stretch) or chemical stimuli (e.g. catecholamines, angiotensin II, natriuretic peptides, etc.), and the cell-specific synthesis and release of these substances. The biological significance of the cardiac heterogeneity has recently received great attention in attempts to dissect the complexity of the mechanisms that control the cardiac form and function. A useful approach in this regard is to identify natural models of cardiac plasticity. Among fishes, eels (genus Anguilla), for their adaptive and acclimatory abilities, represent a group of animals so far largely used to explore the structural and ultrastructural myoarchitecture organization, as well as the complex molecular networks involved in the modulation of the heart function, such as those converting environmental signals into physiological responses. However, an overview on the existing current knowledge of eel cardiac form and function is not yet available. In this context, this review will illustrate major features of eel cardiac organization and pumping performance. Aspects of autocrine–paracrine modulation and the influence of factors such as body growth, exercise, hypoxia and temperature will highlight the power of the eel heart as an experimental model useful to decipher how the cardiac morpho-functional heterogeneities may support the uniformity of the whole-organ mechanics.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorohydrogenate Ionic Liquids Based on Azoniaspiro-type Cations
Authors: Taniki Ryosuke , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: September 2013

New fluorohydrogenate salts based on azoniaspiro-type cations (AS[x.y]+, x and y denote the number of methylene carbon atoms in each cyclic group) have been synthesized and characterized. Effects of the number of rings and carbon number on physical and structural properties are discussed. Introduction of oxygen atoms in the ring structure is also conducted.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis and Sensing Properties of CuO Microspheres
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Hongbo , Yang Shilei , Wang Bingbing , Wang Jian
Published: September 2013

A facile microwave-assisted synthetic route has been successfully developed to prepare CuO microspheres in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of microwave irradiation time and surfactant on the morphologies of the resulting products were investigated. Gas-sensing tests demonstrated that the sensors based on the CuO microspheres show higher responses to ethanol and methanol.
Predicting Ball Flight in Cricket from an Umpire's Perspective
Authors: Chalkley Daniel , MacMahon Clare , Ball Kevin
Published: September 2013

This study examined accuracy of ball flight predictions and error source for judging leg-before-wicket (LBW) in cricket using a video-based decision making task. Twenty-six club-elite umpires, 33 club-intermediate umpires, and 12 control participants viewed videos which depicted the typical view of an Umpire's perspective. Participants were asked to predict the final ball position at the stumps after the video was temporally occluded, using a computer cursor. Videos were occluded at two points, ball bounce and two frames post-bounce. Performance was measured using the horizontal and vertical error in pixels. The club-elite and club-intermediate umpires were more accurate than the control group. All groups made less horizontal error compared to vertical error, particularly in the post-bounce condition. Umpires were more certain of their decisions than control participants. The results indicate that umpires possess a domain-specific skill which enables them to more accurately predict ball path, a critical component of LBW judgements. The results also indicate that vertical judgements were poorer overall. This finding implies a specific potential training area for umpires.
Insights from the Application of an Agent-Based Computer Simulation as a Coaching Tool for Top-Level Rugby Union
Authors: Lauren Michael K. , Quarrie Kenneth L. , Galligan David P.
Published: September 2013

We discuss an attempt to use a computer simulation as a method to allow coaches to develop and test tactics in the sport of rugby union. Such approaches are common in military science, and appear promising as a method in sport. An agent-based modelling methodology is used, where agents are software entities which represent players and are capable of making decisions for themselves. We discuss how such an approach allows a coach to estimate the potential success of a planned move, by creating a simulation in which the defence responds in a realistic and unscripted manner, which ultimately may help to identify ideal attacking or defensive patterns for a given circumstance. This in turn reduces the need for extended experimentation with new moves during training sessions. We give a description of how the model was employed by a top international rugby team, the All Blacks, and what lessons were learned.
Coaches' Beliefs and Knowledge: Training Programs Used by French Professional Coaches to Increase Ball-throwing Velocity in Elite Handball Players
Authors: Debanne Thierry , Laffaye Guillaume
Published: September 2013

The goal of this study is to understand through a questionnaire survey how professional French handball coaches build their training programs (TP) to increase ball velocity. Nineteen surveys (representing 67.86% of all coaches in the country) were received and then analyzed. The questionnaire was composed of three parts: coach characteristics; general strength; and handball-specific strength program for upper limbs and trunk. The questions were formulated for an analog Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree; never; very low) to 6 (strongly agree; very often, very high). The results show that i) coaches preferentially use concentric and plyometric muscle contractions in order to increase player power and velocity output; ii) to increase ball velocity, coaches focus on shoulder internal rotation, elbow extension and abdominal oblique muscles; and iii) there is a difference of choice in the TP based on the coaches' level of academic degree (AD) and age: young coaches with high AD build their TP more in accordance with recent scientific knowledge, while older ones with low AD build TP based on either older knowledge or on beliefs.
Wpływ Internetu na polską gospodarkę – wybrane aspekty
Authors: Szmagier Marta
Published: September 2013

Internet impact on the economy and the Polish cause – selected issues

The Internet changes our lives every day and we cannot deny that it has influence on the economy. But not all countries had the same opportunities. The United States of America, Sweden and the Republic of Korea gained access to the Internet earlier than Poland or the Czech Republic. This article shows differences in various areas of the internet economy between these states and emphasizes how important are innovations and new technologies in its evolution. It also points out that society plays a decisive role in economic changes.
Reformy służb specjalnych III RP
Authors: Gałka Mateusz
Published: September 2013

Reforms of Special and Intelligence Services in the Third Republic of Poland

The aim of this article is to show the process of evolution the Polish Security Service after the political transformation of 1989. At first, the author presents the structure of Security Service under the communist regime. Then, he provides an analysis of the reform of the Security Service and its consequences. After a short presentation of every special and intelligence agency, the author focuses on their actual tasks and purposes. The article also presents some information about successes and failures of the Polish Special and Intelligence Services.
Od elitarności do masowości
Authors: Raczyńska Magdalena
Published: September 2013

From elite to mass education. Diagnosis of the Polish higher education system after year 1989

Transformation that took place in 1989 in Poland paved the way for many reforms, including those in educational system. Poland became more open to Western influences, which resulted in a significant growth of the number of students and provided easier access to colleges and universities. However, nowadays (nearly 25 years later) it turns out that quantitative increase does not always entail qualitative increase. The quality of disseminated knowledge is now on a far lower level than it used to be in the 20th century. What is more – benefits derived from having a higher education diploma are less and less perceptible. This study is an attempt to make a diagnosis of the condition of the Polish higher education after the political transformation, so it includes not only the description of positive changes but also points out all the most important imperfections.
Effect of Ascorbic Acid, 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate and Sucrose on the Longevity and Anthocyanin Content of Cut Gerbera Flowers
Authors: Banaee Samaneh , Hadavi Ebrahim , Moradi Pejman
Published: September 2013

The effects of ascorbic acid (AsA), 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) and sucrose (Suc) on cut gerbera was studied. AsA (0, 100 and 150 mg L-1), 8-HQS (0 and 200 mg L-1) and Suc (0 and 30 g L-1) and their combinations were tested as preservative mixtures. Vase life was determined as the days until the flowers started to wilt and then dry weight and anthocyanin content were measured. The following records were analyzed at the 7th day of experiment: mean uptake of preservative solution, dry weight, flower diameter and quality score of cut flowers. The only measure improved by ascorbic acid was the flower diameter. The 8-HQS treatment increased vase life, dry weight, anthocyanin content, fresh weight, flower diameter and mean uptake of preservative solution. Sucrose decreased vase life, anthocyanin content and increased dry weight and flower diameter and mean uptake of preservative solution. The treatment containing the combination of 100 mg L-1 AsA + 200 mg L-1 8-HQS + 30 g L-1 sucrose resulted in the highest vase life but this was not significantly different from the controls. The highest anthocyanin content was noted in the 150 mg L-1 AsA treatment. The combination of 100 mg L-1 AsA + 200 mg L-1 8-HQS + 30 g L-1 Suc resulted the highest flower diameter. We conclude that AsA could improve the anthocyanin content and flower diameter of flowers and its addition to preservative mixtures based on 8-HQS could improve its effect to a limited extent.
Pharmacognostic Characterization and Phytochemical Screening of Achyranthes Aspera Linn
Authors: Dhale D , Bhoi Sonal
Published: September 2013

Achyranthes aspera Linn. is a well-known plant drug in Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathic, Homeopathic, Naturopathic & Home Remedies. The present communication deals with the pharmacognostic evaluation on the different parts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae). Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organ, observations and differential microchemical test has been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Physiochemical values such as the Moisture contents, percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, acid soluble ash, extractive values like petroleum ether-soluble extractives, ethanol-soluble extractives, methanol-soluble extractives and water-soluble extractives were calculated as well as colour reactions of powder and extract with different chemicals were performed. The extracts were subjected to qualitative screening test for various constituents. This revealed the presence protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compound, steroid reducing sugars and saponin glycosides. These observations will help in the Pharmacognostical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form and also to distinguish the drug from its adulteration.
Is Healthy Eating Behaviour Common Among School Adolescents in Mauritius?
Authors: Ranjana Sonoo , Mahomoodally Fawzi , Ramasawmy Deerajen
Published: September 2013

Adolescents eating behaviours have come in the limelight because of the unconventional meals, fast-food intake, and snacking. This study was therefore undertaken to appraise and understand eating behaviours of secondary school adolescents in Mauritius. Data were collected randomly from a representative sample (n=384) of adolescents via a self-administered questionnaire and analysed statistically to examine associations, if any, between socio-demographic factors and eating behaviours. Breakfast was the most frequently (68%) missed meal, attributed mainly to lack of time (79.2%). No significant difference was observed between common socio-demographic variables and breakfast skipping. Adolescents tend to consume healthy food items such as breakfast cereals, fruits and vegetables while fast food consumption was universally present but higher among low income groups. Snacking was highly prevalent (84%) and occurred more often in female teens, urban residents and middle and higher income groups. However, snacking pattern revealed a healthy trend with 76% adolescents reporting drinking water and fruits appeared to be the most popular snack (Popularity Score: 5.57). This study shows that there has been an improvement in the eating behaviour of school adolescents in Mauritius compared to previous local studies.
Designing Social Interventions to Improve Newcomer Adjustment: Insights from the Indian Sex Worker Community
Authors: Umashankar Nita , Srinivasan Raji
Published: September 2013

Nonprofit organizations use social interventions to improve the negative circumstances of marginalized people in subsistence markets. Unfortunately, such intervention efforts are frequently characterized by poor outcomes. Aiming to identify characteristics of effective social interventions, the authors examine the impact of contact intensity and cohort size, in conjunction with external and internal peer influence, on the newcomer adjustment (i.e., socialization) of marginalized people in subsistence markets to social interventions. The authors test the framework using data from members of the sex worker community in India who completed a vocational training program intended to improve their employability outside the sex trade. The findings indicate that the effects of social intervention characteristics, contact intensity, and cohort size on newcomer adjustment to the intervention are positively and negatively affected by the influence of external and internal peers; newcomer adjustment, in turn, influences employment outcomes. The authors conclude with a discussion of the importance of considering social intervention characteristics and social-related factors to help marginalized people in subsistence markets adjust to the interventions' proposed behavioral changes.
Heat distortion temperature of PPS/PC blend, PPS/PC nanocomposite and PPS/PC/GF hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao
Published: September 2013

The polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) blended with polycarbonate (PC), reinforced glass fiber (GF) and nanometer calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) filled PPS ternary composite, as well as the PPS/PC/GF/nano-CaCO3 hybrid composite, were prepared by means of a twin-screw extruder, and the heat distortion temperature (Td) of these materials was measured to identify the influence of the PC and nano-CaCO3 content on the heatproof properties. The Td values for the PPS/PC blend were lower than that of the neat PPS, when the PC weight fraction (φPC) was less than 20%, and increased with increase in φPC. The Td values for the PPS/GF/nano-CaCO3 ternary composite, on which the particle surface was treated with a titanate coupler, were higher than that of the composite with the particle surface treated with a stearate coupler. When the nano-CaCO3 weight fraction (φf) was less than 6%, the Td values for the PPS/PC/GF/nano-CaCO3 hybrid composites increased with increasing φf; at greater than the maximum of 6%, Td decreased. There was a certain synergistic effect of the GF and nano-CaCO3 on the heatproof properties in the PPS/PC composite.
Evaluation of morphological characteristics and mechanical performance of Rockforce mineral fiber- and glass fiber-reinforced polyamide-6 composites
Authors: Unal Huseyin , Mimaroglu A.
Published: September 2013

In this study, the effect of addition of Rockforce mineral and glass fiber fillers on the mechanical properties and morphological characteristics of polyamide-6 composites were evaluated and compared. Reinforcements, single and mixed compounds by various weight ratios between 10 and 30 wt%, were added to polyamide-6 polymer. Uniaxial tensile, Izod impact, and flexural tests were carried out. Tensile strength, elongation at break, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength were obtained. The results showed that the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of polyamide-6 composite increased with the increase in the glass fiber ratio and are slightly influenced by the addition of Rockforce mineral fibers. Moreover, the impact strength follows an increasing and decreasing profile, whereas elongation at break values decreased with the increase in reinforcement ratio. Finally, scanning electron microscopy was used for comparison and evaluation of the fracture surface of the polyamide-6 composite.
Feasibility of Approximating Depth to Shallow Bedrock Directly from the Rayleigh Wave Dispersion Curve
Authors: Tamrakar Prajwol , Luke Barbara
Published: September 2013

A complementary pair of straightforward, data-driven techniques is presented for use in making an initial estimate of the depth to shallow bedrock for a simple profile consisting of homogeneous soil over bedrock, using only the high-frequency portion of the fundamental-mode Rayleigh wave dispersion curve. These techniques constitute tools that can be useful for developing high-quality starting models for the inversion process that is followed to resolve shear wave velocity profiles from Rayleigh wave dispersion curves and for conducting rapid checks on theoretical dispersion calculations. Synthetic studies addressed a suite of one-dimensional shear wave velocity profiles, each representing a homogeneous soft-sediment layer above the bedrock halfspace. The shapes of the dispersion curves and the wave velocities at the high-frequency limits of the curves were considered in order to develop an empirical relationship to estimate the depth to bedrock. A less subjective, but more time-intensive, estimate of the depth to bedrock is obtained by constructing a suite of master curves against which to compare the experimental data. Both tools were tested upon two experimental datasets collected at shallow bedrock sites. The tools accurately yielded the depth to bedrock in the presence of a homogeneous overburden. In the presence of a layered overburden, the tools were less effective.