bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caprin-1 is a target of the deafness genePou4f3and is recruited to stress granules in cochlear hair cells in response to ototoxic damage
Authors: Towers Emily R. , Kelly John J. , Sud Richa , Gale Jonathan E. , Dawson Sally J.
Published: March 2011

The POU4 family of transcription factors are required for survival of specific cell types in different sensory systems. Pou4f3 is essential for the survival of auditory sensory hair cells and several mutations in human POU4F3 cause hearing loss. Thus, genes regulated by Pou4f3 are likely to be essential for hair cell survival. We performed a subtractive hybridisation screen in an inner-ear-derived cell line to find genes with differential expression in response to changes in Pou4f3 levels. The screen identified the stress-granule-associated protein Caprin-1 as being downregulated by Pou4f3. We demonstrated that this regulation occurs through the direct interaction of Pou4f3 with binding sites in the Caprin-1 5′ flanking sequence, and describe the expression pattern of Caprin-1 mRNA and protein in the cochlea. Moreover, we found Caprin-1-containing stress granules are induced in cochlear hair cells following aminoglycoside-induced damage. This is the first report of stress granule formation in mammalian hair cells and suggests that the formation of Caprin-1-containing stress granules is a key damage response to a clinically relevant ototoxic agent. Our results have implications for the understanding of aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss and provide further evidence that stress granule formation is a fundamental cellular stress response.
Drosophila Ajuba is not an Aurora-A activator but is required to maintain Aurora-A at the centrosome
Authors: Sabino Dora , Brown Nicholas H. , Basto Renata
Published: March 2011

The LIM-domain protein Ajuba localizes at sites of epithelial cell–cell adhesion and has also been implicated in the activation of Aurora-A (Aur-A). Despite the expected importance of Ajuba, Ajuba-deficient mice are viable, which has been attributed to functional redundancy with the related LIM-domain protein LIMD1. To gain insights into the function of Ajuba, we investigated its role in Drosophila, where a single gene (jub) encodes a protein closely related to Ajuba and LIMD1. We identified a key function in neural stem cells, where Jub localizes to the centrosome. In these cells, mutation in jub leads to centrosome separation defects and aberrant mitotic spindles, which is a phenotype similar to that of aur-A mutants. We show that in jub mutants Aur-A activity is not perturbed, but that Aur-A recruitment and maintenance at the centrosome is affected. As a consequence the active kinase is displaced from the centrosome. On the basis of our studies in Drosophila neuroblasts, we propose that a key function of Ajuba, in these cells, is to maintain active Aur-A at the centrosome during mitosis.
‘White wave’ analysis of epithelial scratch wound healing reveals how cells mobilise back from the leading edge in a myosin-II-dependent fashion
Authors: Matsubayashi Yutaka , Razzell William , Martin Paul
Published: March 2011

Collective cell migration is absolutely essential for a wide variety of physiological episodes including the re-epithelialisation component of tissue repair. However, the investigation of such processes has been frustrated by difficulties in quantitatively analysing the behaviours of a large body of cells within a migrating epithelial sheet, which previously required manually tracking a large number of individual cells, or using advanced computational techniques. Here, we describe a novel and simpler image subtraction method with which we can visualise and quantify collective cell mobilisation as a ‘white wave’ that propagates back from the leading edge of a scratch-wounded monolayer of cultured epithelial cells. Using this technique, we show that actomyosin constriction negatively regulates cell mobilisation and that the advancement of cell sheets and the mobilisation of rows of cells behind their leading edges are independently regulated. We also show that there is a finite limit to the number of rows of cells mobilised after wounding. Moreover, our data suggest that enhancing cell mobilisation, by release from myosin II contractility, accelerates the healing of large wounds in the long term, thus raising the possibility that the cell mobilisation ‘wave’ we reveal here might be a therapeutic target for improving wound healing.
Mitotic spindle misorientation in cancer – out of alignment and into the fire
Authors: Pease Jillian C. , Tirnauer Jennifer S.
Published: March 2011

Mitotic spindle orientation can influence tissue organization and vice versa. Cells orient their spindles by rotating them parallel or perpendicular to the cell – and hence the tissue – axis. Spindle orientation in turn controls the placement of daughter cells within a tissue, influencing tissue morphology. Recent findings implicating tumor suppressor proteins in spindle orientation bring to the forefront a connection between spindle misorientation and cancer. In this Commentary, we focus on the role of three major human tumor suppressors – adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), E-cadherin and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) – in spindle orientation. We discuss how, in addition to their better-known functions, these proteins affect microtubule stability and cell polarity, and how their loss of function causes spindles to become misoriented. We also consider how other cancer-associated features, such as oncogene mutations, centrosome amplification and the tumor microenvironment, might influence spindle orientation. Finally, we speculate on the role of spindle misorientation in cancer development and progression. We conclude that spindle misorientation alone is unlikely to be tumorigenic, but it has the potential to synergize with cancer-associated changes to facilitate genomic instability, tissue disorganization, metastasis and expansion of cancer stem cell compartments.
A Systematic Analysis of Aromatic Heterocyclic Rings in Solvatochromic Fluorophores
Authors: Son Sang-Hyun , Abe Yuko , Yuasa Maiko , Yamagishi Yutaka , Sakai Naoki , Ayabe Tokiyoshi , Yamada Koji
Published: March 2011

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling was found to be effective for the modification of aromatic heterocyclic rings in solvatochromic fluorophores, thereby providing quantitative evaluation of the ring effects on photophysical properties. The effect of heteroatom, a β-substituent, and the number of rings in the aromatic moiety were investigated systematically.
High-yield Production of cis,cis-Muconic Acid from Catechol in Aqueous Solution by Biocatalyst
Authors: Kaneko Aya , Ishii Yoshitaka , Kirimura Kohtaro
Published: March 2011

A fed-batch process was used to produce cis,cis-muconic acid from catechol by recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing the catA gene, which encodes the Pseudomonas putida mt-2 catechol 1,2-dioxygenase responsible for catalyzing ortho-cleavage of catechol, as biocatalysts. We succeeded in producing 415 mM (59.0 g L−1) cis,cis-muconic acid in aqueous solution without generation of by-products in 12 h under the optimal conditions with successive addition of 10 mM catechol. The molar conversion yield based on the amount of consumed catechol was the theoretical value of 100% (mol mol−1).
Enantioselective Pervaporation through Membranes from Poly(1,3-phenyleneethynylene)-based One-handed Helical Foldamer and Unfoldamer
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Teraguchi Masahiro , Aoki Toshiki , Namikoshi Takeshi , Marwanta Edy , Kaneko Takashi
Published: March 2011

We synthesized two kinds of poly(1,3-phenyleneethynylenes), one has (+)-menthoxycarbonyl groups at all repeating units and the other has (+)-menthoxycarbonyl groups and n-dodecyloxy groups alternately. Self-supporting membranes could be obtained easily by solvent casting. Enantioselective permeations of the polymers were investigated by pervaporation of 2-butanol. Enantioselective permeabilities of the membrane consisting of one-handed helical foldamer and unfoldamer were clarified.
Improved Adsorption of Basic Protein on Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Lamellar Template of Sodium Dodecylphosphate
Authors: Nakagawa Keizo , Umezaki Yosuke , Kitamura Kaori , Sotowa Ken-Ichiro , Sugiyama Shigeru
Published: March 2011

We synthesized hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles using a lamellar phase, which was formed using a phosphorous surfactant, sodium dodecylphosphate (SDP). The HAp nanoparticles synthesized using SDP, after calcination, adsorbed more egg white lysozyme compared to that synthesized without SDP.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Co-doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Luping , Yang Yang , Bing Naici
Published: March 2011

Pure and Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The structure, morphology, and properties of as-prepared samples have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis) as well as by photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry. The results showed that the diameter of the well-dispersed Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles is about 5 nm and that dopant Co2+ ions substitute Zn2+ ions sites in ZnO nanocrystals without forming any secondary phase. The optical measurements show that the Co doping can effectively tune energy band structure and enrich surface states in both UV and VL regions, which lead to novel PL properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Compared to the undoped sample, a new emission caused by transitions between localized Co2+ d levels appears at 624 nm.
Switching Reaction Pathways of Benzo[b]thiophen-3-yllithium and Benzo[b]furan-3-yllithium Based on High-resolution Residence-time and Temperature Control in a Flow Microreactor
Authors: Asai Tatsuro , Takata Atsushi , Ushiogi Yousuke , Iinuma Yoshiharu , Nagaki Aiichiro , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: March 2011

Reaction-pathway control of benzo[b]thiophen-3-yllithium and benzo[b]furan-3-yllithium was accomplished in flow microreactor systems. We could switch between the reaction with an electrophile before ring-opening and that after ring-opening at will by choosing an appropriate residence-time and temperature.
Nickel-catalyzed Dehydrobrominative Polycondensation for the Practical Preparation of Regioregular Poly(3-substituted thiophene)s
Authors: Tamba Shunsuke , Tanaka Shota , Okubo Youhei , Meguro Hikaru , Okamoto Shuji , Mori Atsunori
Published: March 2011

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized by the polycondensation of 2-bromo-3-hexylthiophene with a nickel catalyst and (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)magnesium. The polymerization proceeded at room temperature in a highly regioregular manner.
Effect of NT-proBNP testing on diagnostic certainty in patients admitted to the emergency department with possible heart failure
Authors: Robaei Daniel , Koe Lisa , Bais Renze , Gould Irene , Stewart Tanya , Tofler Geoffrey H
Published: March 2011

Background

Difficulty in distinguishing congestive heart failure (HF) from other causes of dyspnoea in the emergency department (ED) may result in delay in appropriate treatment and referral. Although the diagnostic value of serum amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is well documented, the impact on diagnostic certainty of providing these results to ED physicians is not well studied. We sought to determine the effect of providing NT-proBNP results on diagnostic certainty of physicians managing patients presenting to the ED with suspected HF.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted in 68 patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea. ED clinicians initially rated the probability of HF as the cause of dyspnoea without the knowledge of the result. A scale of 1–7 was used, with 1 representing a high degree of certainty of a diagnosis other than HF and 7 representing a high degree of certainty of HF being the cause of dyspnoea. In 38 patients, the ED physician then reassessed the probability of HF as the cause of dyspnoea after receiving the NT-proBNP result. A cardiologist blinded to the NT-proBNP result determined the final diagnosis after review of medical records and investigations.

Results

Providing the NT-proBNP result reduced diagnostic uncertainty, defined as a test score of 3–5, from 66% of cases to 18% of cases ( P < 0.0001) and improved diagnostic accuracy from 53% to 71% ( P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Measurement of NT-proBNP concentrations reduces diagnostic uncertainty and improves diagnostic accuracy in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnoea and possible HF.
Centrifugation protocols: tests to determine optimal lithium heparin and citrate plasma sample quality
Authors: Dimeski Goce , Solano Connie , Petroff Mark K , Hynd Matthew
Published: March 2011

Background

Currently, no clear guidelines exist for the most appropriate tests to determine sample quality from centrifugation protocols for plasma sample types with both lithium heparin in gel barrier tubes for biochemistry testing and citrate tubes for coagulation testing.

Methods

Blood was collected from 14 participants in four lithium heparin and one serum tube with gel barrier. The plasma tubes were centrifuged at four different centrifuge settings and analysed for potassium (K+), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), glucose and phosphorus (Pi) at zero time, poststorage at six hours at 21 °C and six days at 2–8°C. At the same time, three citrate tubes were collected and centrifuged at three different centrifuge settings and analysed immediately for prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, derived fibrinogen and surface-activated clotting time (SACT).

Results

The biochemistry analytes indicate plasma is less stable than serum. Plasma sample quality is higher with longer centrifugation time, and much higher g force. Blood cells present in the plasma lyse with time or are damaged when transferred in the reaction vessels, causing an increase in the K+, LD and Pi above outlined limits. The cells remain active and consume glucose even in cold storage. The SACT is the only coagulation parameter that was affected by platelets >10 × 109/L in the citrate plasma.

Conclusion

In addition to the platelet count, a limited but sensitive number of assays (K+, LD, glucose and Pi for biochemistry, and SACT for coagulation) can be used to determine appropriate centrifuge settings to consistently obtain the highest quality lithium heparin and citrate plasma samples. The findings will aid laboratories to balance the need to provide the most accurate results in the best turnaround time.
P-body components, Dhh1 and Pat1, are involved in tRNA nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics
Authors: Hurto Rebecca L. , Hopper Anita K.
Published: March 2011

The nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution of tRNA depends on the balance between tRNA nuclear export/re-export and retrograde tRNA nuclear import in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The distribution of tRNA is sensitive to nutrient availability as cells deprived of various nutrients exhibit tRNA nuclear accumulation. Starvation induces numerous events that result in translational repression and P-body formation. This study investigated the possible coordination of these responses with tRNA nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution. Dhh1 and Pat1 function in parallel to promote translation repression and P-body formation in response to starvation. Loss of both, Dhh1 and Pat1, results in a failure to repress translation and to induce P-body formation in response to glucose starvation. This study reports that nutrient deprived dhh1 pat1 cells also fail to accumulate tRNA within nuclei. Conversely, inhibition of translation initiation and induction of P-body formation by overproduction of Dhh1 or Pat1 cause tRNA nuclear accumulation in nutrient-replete conditions. Also, loss of the mRNA decapping activator, Lsm1, causes tRNA nuclear accumulation. However, the coordination between P-body formation, translation repression, and tRNA distribution is limited to the early part of the P-body formation/translation repression pathway as loss of mRNA decapping or 5′ to 3′ degradation does not influence tRNA nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics. The data provide the first link between P-body formation/translation initiation and tRNA nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics. The current model is that Dhh1 and Pat1 function in parallel to promote starvation-induced tRNA nuclear accumulation.
Pseudogenes: Pseudo-functional or key regulators in health and disease?
Authors: Pink Ryan Charles , Wicks Kate , Caley Daniel Paul , Punch Emma Kathleen , Jacobs Laura , Francisco Carter David Raul
Published: March 2011

Pseudogenes have long been labeled as “junk” DNA, failed copies of genes that arise during the evolution of genomes. However, recent results are challenging this moniker; indeed, some pseudogenes appear to harbor the potential to regulate their protein-coding cousins. Far from being silent relics, many pseudogenes are transcribed into RNA, some exhibiting a tissue-specific pattern of activation. Pseudogene transcripts can be processed into short interfering RNAs that regulate coding genes through the RNAi pathway. In another remarkable discovery, it has been shown that pseudogenes are capable of regulating tumor suppressors and oncogenes by acting as microRNA decoys. The finding that pseudogenes are often deregulated during cancer progression warrants further investigation into the true extent of pseudogene function. In this review, we describe the ways in which pseudogenes exert their effect on coding genes and explore the role of pseudogenes in the increasingly complex web of noncoding RNA that contributes to normal cellular regulation.
Partial-Kelly Strategies and Expected Utility: Small-Edge Asymptotics
Authors: Kadane Joseph B.
Published: March 2011

Partial-Kelly strategies, proposed because full-Kelly strategies that use log of fortune as utility were found to be too risky, are examined from the perspective of maximizing expected utility. The results are as follows: (1) there is no utility function that is independent of the risks it confronts and that exactly has partial-Kelly strategies as the optimal strategy; and (2) constant relative risk aversion utility, with the constant relative risk parameter equal to the reciprocal of the partial-Kelly parameter, is a good approximation to such a utility function, particularly when the investor's edge is small.
Analysis of National Strategies to Counter a Country's Nuclear Weapons Program
Authors: Caswell David J. , Howard Ronald A. , Paté-Cornell M. Elisabeth
Published: March 2011

Finding the best national strategy to prevent or delay a country from acquiring nuclear weapons continues to be a critical issue for U.S. policy makers. In this paper, we build on previous work to develop a model that addresses this question. This model identifies the strategy that minimizes the disutility of the overall cost of the strategy and the cost of the consequences resulting from the strategy. We illustrate the insights that the model provides with a case study of Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Investment and Defense Strategies, Heuristics, and Games: From the Editor …
Authors: Keller L. Robin
Published: March 2011

In our first article, Joseph B. Kadane discusses “Partial-Kelly Strategies and Expected Utility: Small-Edge Asymptotics.” The next article is by Konstantinos V. Katsikopoulos, on “Psychological Heuristics for Making Inferences: Definition, Performance, and the Emerging Theory and Practice.” We then move to papers analyzing strategic national defense. In our third article, David J. Caswell, Ronald A. Howard, and M. Elisabeth Paté-Cornell present “Analysis of National Strategies to Counter a Country's Nuclear Weapons Program.” Next, Kjell Hausken and Jun Zhuang examine “Governments' and Terrorists' Defense and Attack in a T-Period Game.” Finally, Jeryl L. Mumpower analyzes strategy in the sport of squash in “Playing Squash Against Ralph Keeney: Should Weaker Players Always Prefer Shorter Games?” In conclusion, we announce our upcoming special issue on “Games and Decisions in Reliability and Risk.”
Category Reinterpretation and Defection: Modernism and Tradition in Italian Winemaking
Authors: Negro Giacomo , Hannan Michael T. , Rao Hayagreeva
Published: March 2011

When two groups of market actors differ in how to interpret a common label, each can make claims over the label. One categorical interpretation and the group that supports it risk disappearance if the rival interpretation gains ground. We argue that when members of the endangered category become partial defectors that span categories, their history presents challenges to the identity of nondefectors that will inhibit further change. Our empirical analysis of “traditionalism” and “modernism” in the making of Barolo and Barbaresco wines supports this argument.
Making solar fuels by artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Song Wenjing , Chen Zuofeng , Brennaman M. Kyle , Concepcion Javier J. , Patrocinio Antonio Otávio T. , Murakami Iha Neyde Y. , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: March 2011

In order for solar energy to serve as a primary energy source, it must be paired with energy storage on a massive scale. At this scale, solar fuels and energy storage in chemical bonds is the only practical approach. Solar fuels are produced in massive amounts by photosynthesis with the reduction of CO2 by water to give carbohydrates but efficiencies are low. In photosystem II (PSII), the oxygen-producing site for photosynthesis, light absorption and sensitization trigger a cascade of coupled electron-proton transfer events with time scales ranging from picoseconds to microseconds. Oxidative equivalents are built up at the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) for water oxidation by the Kok cycle. A systematic approach to artificial photo-synthesis is available based on a “modular approach” in which the separate functions of a final device are studied separately, maximized for rates and stability, and used as modules in constructing integrated devices based on molecular assemblies, nanoscale arrays, self-assembled monolayers, etc. Considerable simplification is available by adopting a “dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell” (DSPEC) approach inspired by dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Water oxidation catalysis is a key feature, and significant progress has been made in developing a single-site solution and surface catalysts based on polypyridyl complexes of Ru. In this series, ligand variations can be used to tune redox potentials and reactivity over a wide range. Water oxidation electrocatalysis has been extended to chromophore-catalyst assemblies for both water oxidation and DSPEC applications.
Circulating Inflammatory and Endothelial Markers and Risk of Hypertension in White and Black Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wang Lu , Manson JoAnn E , Gaziano J Michael , Liu Simin , Cochrane Barbara , Cook Nancy R , Ridker Paul M , Rifai Nader , Sesso Howard D
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation and endothelial activation are implicated in the development of hypertension. However, epidemiologic studies have yet to compare multiple corresponding biomarkers in relation to risk of hypertension, particularly in multiethnic populations.

METHODS

We identified 800 individuals with incident hypertension and 800 matched controls, each group with equal numbers of white and black women, in a nested case-control study within the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. We measured markers of inflammation [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-r2)] and endothelial activation [soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)] in baseline blood samples.

RESULTS

Before adjustment for measures of adiposity, higher hsCRP and IL-6 concentrations were associated with increased risk of hypertension in both white and black women, higher TNF-r2 was associated with increased risk of hypertension in black women only, and IL-1β and sICAM-1 were not associated with risk of hypertension. All the positive associations were attenuated after adjustment for body mass index. The resulting multivariable-adjusted relative risks (95% CI) of hypertension comparing the highest vs lowest quartile were 1.52 (0.94–2.48) and 1.23 (0.76–1.97) for hsCRP and IL-6 in white women and 1.30 (0.81–2.07), 1.58 (0.96–2.59), and 1.49 (0.94–2.36) for hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-r2 in black women. The results after adjustment for waist circumference were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment for measures of adiposity, there was no significant association of hsCRP, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-r2, or sICAM-1 with incident hypertension in either white or black women. The interrelationships between inflammation and adiposity in development of hypertension need further investigation.
Composition of the heartwood essential oil of incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens Torr.)
Authors: Veluthoor Sheeba , Kelsey Rick G. , González-Hernández M.P. , Panella Nicholas , Dolan Marc , Karchesy Joe
Published: March 2011

No abstract available
Estimating mechanical properties and specific gravity for five-year-old Eucalyptus tereticornis having broad moisture content range by NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Kothiyal Vimal , Raturi Aasheesh
Published: March 2011

Near infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate data analysis has been used to predict the specific gravity, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and fiber stress at elastic limit in bending tests on radial and tangential strip wood samples obtained from five-year-old Eucalyptus tereticornis. Moisture content of samples was 6–21% for bending test and 7–16% for specific gravity. Partial least squares regression calibrations were developed for each wood property. Calibrations had good relationships between values measured in laboratory and NIR predicted values obtained from small clear samples. The coefficient of determination (R2) for calibration ranged from 0.76 to 0.83 and for prediction (Rp
2) it was between 0.58 and 0.77. Both radial and tangential faces are equally suited for calibration (for radial face R2 was 0.77–0.83 and for tangential it was 0.76–0.83). Standard errors of predictions were slightly higher compared to standard error of calibration.
Note from the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Faix Oskar
Published: March 2011

No abstract available
MgSO4 vs. Mg(OH)2 as a cellulose protector in oxygen delignification
Authors: Bouchard Jean , Wang Jie , Berry Richard
Published: March 2011

It has been proposed that magnesium hydroxide can replace magnesium sulfate as a lower cost cellulose protector. This claim has been evaluated based on four commercial unbleached softwood kraft pulps. The selectivity was improved in the presence of soluble MgSO4, but little or no selectivity improvement was obtained when insoluble Mg(OH)2 was applied. It was further observed that in-situ iron concentration in unbleached pulp affects selectivity of oxygen delignification, while in-situ calcium concentration affects efficiency of magnesium protection. The results favor the hypothesis of formation of a Mg-carbohydrate complex as the major mechanism of cellulose protection by magnesium. The application of a soluble magnesium compound is recommended to improve selectivity in oxygen delignification.
Paper-Centric User Interfaces for Integrating Printed and Digital Documents
Authors: Steimle Jürgen
Published: March 2011

Traditional paper is still widely used in knowledge work due to its specific advantages. The dissertation aims at bridging the gap between paper and digital documents by advancing paper-centric user interfaces. It contributes the first theoretical model of pen-and-paper interfaces, guiding both their analysis and design. Moreover, it contributes novel interaction techniques for annotating, linking, and tagging printed and digital documents. Evaluation studies show that these techniques integrate both types of documents more closely and significantly increase efficiency and user satisfaction.
Growth hormone treatment before the age of 4 years prevents short stature in young girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Linglart A , Cabrol S , Berlier P , Stuckens C , Wagner K , de Kerdanet M , Limoni C , Carel J-C , Chaussain J-L , _ _
Published: March 2011

Objective

Adult height deficit seen in Turner syndrome (TS) originates, in part, from growth retardation in utero and throughout the first 3 years of life. Earlier diagnosis enables earlier therapeutic intervention, such as with recombinant human GH (r-hGH), which may help to prevent growth retardation. In this open-label, multicentre phase III study, we investigated efficacy and safety in r-hGH treatment in young girls with TS.

Subjects and methods

Girls (n=61) aged <4 years with TS receiving 0.035–0.05 mg/kg per day r-hGH for 4 years were compared with an historical control group (n=51) comprising untreated, age- and height-matched girls with TS. The main outcome measure was change in height SDS (H-SDS). Other measures included changes in height velocity SDS, IGF1 levels and glucose metabolism.

Results

After 4 years, a gain in mean H-SDS of 1.0 SDS (from −2.33±0.73 to −1.35±0.86 SDS) was observed with r-hGH treatment, in contrast to the decrease in mean H-SDS of 0.3 SDS in the control group (from −2.09±0.81 to −2.44±0.73 SDS; P<0.0001). r-hGH treatment was the main predictor of H-SDS gain and accounted for 52% of variability (multivariate analysis). r-hGH was well tolerated. As expected, IGF1 levels rose with treatment. A case of transient glucose intolerance resolved after dietary adaptation.

Conclusion

Early treatment with r-hGH helps to prevent natural evolution towards short stature in most girls with TS. IGF1 levels and glucose metabolism should be monitored routinely during r-hGH therapy.
Bereaved Parents' Perceptions of the Autopsy Examination of Their Child
Authors: Sullivan Jane , Monagle Paul
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:

In this study we explored parental views of their child's autopsy, their experiences with autopsy-related processes, and the impact of the examination on their grief.

METHODS:

A survey design with a mailed questionnaire was used. The inclusion criteria were that an autopsy had been performed on the child and it was at least 3 months since his or her death. The questionnaire consisted of nonidentifying demographic details about the child, a standardized grief measure (parts A and B of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief), and 28 questions with response sets and opportunities for comment. Fifty-three parents participated.

RESULTS:

Our findings suggest a complexity of perceptions associated with pediatric autopsy examination. A distinction was identified between the informational and altruistic benefits of autopsy and its supportive qualities. Ninety percent of parents valued autopsy as a means of finding out why their child died, and 77% appreciated its contribution to medical knowledge. The general unequivocal helpfulness for bereaved parents commonly ascribed to autopsy examinations was not found. Parents expressed uncertainty about their perceptions of autopsy. Forty-one percent of the parents felt that it helped them live with their loss and 30% found it a comfort, whereas 42% of the parents felt that their child's autopsy examination added to their grief. The results underscore the necessity for open discussion with parents about the realities of what autopsy can offer them.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results add to the knowledge about the meaning of autopsy for grieving parents and challenge some current beliefs.
Apparent Life-Threatening Events in Presumably Healthy Newborns During Early Skin-to-Skin Contact
Authors: Andres Virginie , Garcia Patricia , Rimet Yves , Nicaise Claire , Simeoni Umberto
Published: March 2011

The death or near death of a presumably healthy newborn in the delivery room is uncommon. We report here 6 cases of apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) in the delivery room during the first 2 hours of life. In each case, the incident occurred in a healthy infant who was in a prone position on his or her mother's abdomen during early skin-to-skin contact. In most cases, the mother was primiparous, and in all cases the mother and infant were not observed during the initiation of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. There are many benefits of early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in the delivery room. However, in view of the risk of a rare but significant ALTE, we suggest that surveillance of newborns is needed. Although many ALTEs are apparently caused by obstruction, we suggest that a standardized investigational workup be performed after an ALTE.
Assessment of water retention behaviour in compacted fills
Authors: Zielinski Marcin , Sánchez Marcelo , Romero Enrique , Sentenac Philippe
Published: March 2011

This paper presents the water retention behaviour of a fill used to build a flood protection embankment in Scotland. The water retention curve was obtained in the laboratory using three different techniques: high-range psychrometer, contact filter paper, and by interpreting mercury intrusion porosimetry data, to cover a relatively wide suction range. The behaviour of the fill has been studied further in a physical model embankment constructed in the laboratory inside an environmental chamber that allowed full control of the environmental conditions. The well-instrumented scaled embankment was subjected to controlled cycles of wetting and drying, and the evolution of the main variables of the problem (i.e. water content and soil suction) was monitored. The assessment of the water retention behaviour of the fill in ‘as-constructed' state under variable environmental conditions has been made possible by means of tensiometers and ThetaProbe water content probes strategically located in the compacted soil. A good agreement was found between the ‘as-compacted' water retention behaviour obtained in the laboratory and that of the ‘as-constructed' in the environmental chamber.
On the relationship between molecular spectroscopy and statistical mechanics: Calculation of partition functions for triatomic molecules undergoing large-amplitude bending vibrations
Authors: Sencanski Milan , Radic-Peric Jelena , Peric Miljenko
Published: March 2011

The evaluation of partition functions for triatomic molecules undergoing
large-amplitude bending vibrations is discussed. It was supposed that the
needed molecular structure data were obtained by means of ab initio
calculations. Special attention is paid to the coupling between the bending
and stretching modes and the interplay between bending motions and rotations.
An appropriate scheme for variational computation of the energy levels is
developed.
Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Dressing – Another Promising Tool to Reduce Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Hadaway Lynn
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This article provides a description of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), its current uses and clinical outcomes, and potential uses.

Review of Relevant Literature

PHMB is an antiseptic agent from the cationic biocide family, which also includes chlorhexidine. In vitro testing has found it to be effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, fungi and viruses. Its action is directed toward disruption of the cell wall, a mechanism not known for developing resistance. PHMB is currently used for many other products and industries for more than 50 years. Dressings impregnated with PHMB are now successfully being used to prevent surgical site infections.

Discussion

Elimination of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is now the achievable goal for all healthcare settings. The use of PHMB provides another engineering tool targeting the skin as the source of these infections. Successful use with prevention of surgical site infections is now being reported. These wounds can become infected with the same organisms as those found in CRBSI.

Implications for Clinical Practice

This agent should be considered for clinical studies to determine the rates of CRBSI reduction resulting from its use.
The Effects of Focused Nursing Education on 3F Groshong™ PICC Occlusion Rates: The Experience of One Tertiary Pediatric Care Facility.
Authors: Holt Dayna M , Lewis Cindy , Klimpel Kathy , Sloan Christine , Aguda Claire
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this project is to reduce the incidence of 3 Fr. Groshong™ PICC occlusions through focused nursing education. BACKGROUND: The use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) has become an essential tool in the care of pediatric patients. The small lumen and long length of PICCs requires specialized skill and knowledge in proper care, maintenance and flushing in order to prevent catheter occlusion and other complications. Occluded catheters compromise patient care and increase costs. Reducing the incidence of catheter occlusion, will have a significant impact on the quality of patient care; patient, family and nursing satisfaction, patient outcomes, and costs. METHODS: A pre-test/post-test design using a convenience sample of all the core staff nurses working on the medical/surgical unit at a Southern California Children's Hospital was utilized. Objective measures included a written assessment of nursing knowledge, direct observations of nurses' flushing technique, and retrospective chart review to determine the rate of total catheter occlusion. RESULTS: Mean written test scores improved from 0.78 to 0.93 (p=0.00) Mean observation scores improved from 0.88 to 0.95, (p=0.004). The pre-test occlusion rate was 21.11/1000 catheter days. The post test occlusion rate was 15.49/1000 catheter days (p=0.057). CONCLUSION: Focused nursing education contributed to reducing 3F Groshong™ PICC occlusions and the associated costs due to PICC occlusions.
Surgical removal of an anal cyst caused by a protozoan parasite (Thelohanellus kitauei) from a koi (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Shin Sang Phil , Jee Hyang , Han Jee Eun , Kim Ji Hyung , Choresca Casiano H. , Jun Jin Woo , Kim Dae Yong , Park Se Chang
Published: March 2011

Case Description—An 8-month-old koi (Cyprinus carpio) fish was examined at the animal hospital at Seoul National University for anal obstruction.

Clinical Findings—The affected fish was lethargic and anorexic, appeared depressed, and had a nodular obstruction at the anus. A biopsy specimen from the anal mass was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed a number of protozoa. On the basis of the morphological characteristics of the spores and the location of the plasmodia (ie, vegetative form of the parasite), a diagnosis of a cyst containing Thelohanellus kitauei was made. Thelohanellus kitauei is a protozoan parasite that affects freshwater fish by producing cyst-like tumors that may cause intestinal obstruction. Thelohanellus kitauei infection with cystic disease has been reported to affect Cyprinus spp worldwide.

Treatment and Outcome—The cyst was removed surgically. After surgery, low-concentration tricaine methanesulfonate immersion was used for sedation and antimicrobial treatment was administered. The surgical wound healed completely, and the fish was clinically normal 14 months after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—The successful outcome in this fish suggested that surgical removal may be a viable option for treatment of T kitauei infection in koi fish. The results of morphological analyses provided basic information on the relationships between tissue tropism and Thelohanellus spp.
Knowledge of Tuberculosis Treatment - A Survey Among Tuberculosis Patients in (DOTS) Program in Nepal
Authors: Bhatt CP , Bhatt AB , Shrestha B
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) has a long history. Its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, may have killed more persons than any other microbial pathogen. Objective: To find out patients knowledge about tuberculosis treatment. Method: The study was carried out among the tuberculosis patients attended DOTS program in Nepal. Open ended self administered questionnaires based on the knowledge about Tuberculosis treatment were given to the survey population, literate group were asked to fill up the questionnaire and illiterate group were interviewed by a trained interviewer. Results: This prospective study included 300 diagnosed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. The age of the respondents varied from 11-70 years. Males were outnumbered than females. Perception about the tuberculosis has been changed positively with the intervention of chemotherapy, 83% of the respondents knew that tuberculosis is a curable disease. Majority of the tuberculosis patients were found to be conscious about duration of treatment 8 months or more than 8 months (82%). Regarding the method of treatment, majority of them suggested consultation with doctor (75%). Knowledge for consequences of incomplete treatment, 25% of respondents answered disease may attack again and only 7.3% of the patients were aware that incomplete treatment will develop drug resistant tuberculosis. Conclusion: This survey showed that majority of patients knew that TB is a curable disease with regular treatment, duration of treatment and method of treatment. This will psychologically encourage them to abide by their treatment instructions. Patients’ knowledge about consequences of incomplete treatment was poor. This study suggests that more emphasis should be given on teaching patients about consequences of incomplete treatment. Key words: DOTS; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Chemotherapy; Multi-drug resistant  DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i2.4399SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(2) 10-14
Role of Low-Leve Nitrogen Laser Therapy in Tubercular Cold Abscess Not Responding to Surgery & Chemotherapy
Authors: Jain NK , Bajpai A , Avashia S , Gupta PK
Published: March 2011

Background: Tubercular empyema is one of the commonest chronic diseases in the developing countries of the world including India. As the problem of drug resistant strain of tubercular bacilli is increasing, new modalities of treatment that could act against resistant strain are needed. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low- level nitrogen laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant to anti-tubercular treatment in case of tubercular empyema that was not responding to conventional anti-tuberculosis drugs and repeated pus aspiration. Patient: The patient, a 19 year old male was diagnosed with tubercular empyema. He was not improving by conventional treatment and pus aspiration. The patient was administered intralesional nitrogen laser (337 nanometer, average power 5 mW) for 780 seconds at intervals of 72 hours up to 10 weeks. Results: After the fifth laser irradiation session, decrease in chest pain was reported and pus mixed with blood pleural fluid aspirated. After the tenth laser irradiation session, serous pleural fluid was aspirated. After 20 sessions of laser irradiation the empyema was healed completely and the patient also regained almost complete expansion of lung. Conclusion: LLLT was observed to results in the healing of the tubercular empyema and also found to make the empyema free of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, further randomized studies with more patients are needed to prove the efficacy of this method. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; empyema; laser  DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i2.4402SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(2) 26-29
A Rare Case of Breast Tuberculosis - Report and Literature Review
Authors: Banu A , Poornima R
Published: March 2011

Isolated Tuberculosis of Breast is uncommon, even in developing countries where pulmonary and other extrapulmonary manifestations are endemic. The significance of Breast tuberculosis is due to rare occurrence and mistaken identity with breast cancer and pyogenic breast abscess. Breast Tuberculosis has no defined clinical features. Radiological imaging is not diagnostic. The main sign and symptoms of this patient included a painful tender lump in the breast. The diagnosis was confirmed by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology. Anti Tubercular Treatment was the therapeutic main stay. Surgical intervention was reserved for aspiration of cold abscess and excision of residual sinuses and masses.  DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i2.4403SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(2) 30-33
Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series of 100 Patients
Authors: Kishan J , Garg K
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Tuberculosis and Diabetes mellitus are two public health problems which not only often coexist but have serious implications on each other. DM has an impact on symptomatology, radiological presentation, diagnosis and management of TB. TB has a significant impact on DM, causing unmasking of DM and poor control because of stress or because of drug treatment for TB. Present study attempts to assess this coexistence with regard to the age predisposition, sex preponderance, duration and glycemic control of diabetes and the radiological presentations. Materials and Methods: 100 patients presenting to the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, Government Medical College, Patiala, who were suffering from both Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus, were studied. Various parameters considered included age, sex, history of diabetes with regard to the duration and the glycemic control and the radiological presentations. Results: It was found that majority were males (61/100). The age group most commonly involved was the 40-60year group (76/100). Majority had their Diabetes diagnosed before the diagnosis of Tuberculosis (57/100), 23 had diagnosis after TB diagnosis, and 20 simultaneously with TB diagnosis. Out of these 57 diagnosed diabetics, 11 patients had controlled diabetes whereas 46 (87.1%) had uncontrolled diabetes. 32 patients had the typical radiological lesions while 68 had atypical presentations with either lower lobe involvement, multi lobe involvement, cavitations or shadows fanning out from the hilum. Conclusion: TB and DM often coexist together and adversely effect each other. Both need to be managed properly in order to achieve favorable treatment outcome. Key Words: TB; DM DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v7i2.4404SAARC J. TUBER. LUNG DIS. HIV/AIDS 2010 VII(2) 34-38
Hydrothermal deposition of single crystalline germanium nanorods
Authors: Pei L. Z. , Zhao H. S. , Tan W. , Yu H. Y. , Xia X. L. , Wang S. B. , Zhang Q.-F.
Published: March 2011

Single crystalline germanium nanorods have been prepared via a simple hydrothermal deposition process using Ge and GeO2 as the starting materials under the hydrothermal conditions of 400 °C and 7.1 – 8 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations show the diameter of the nanorods ranging from 70 nm to 500 nm and the length greater than 10 μm. X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the nanorods are mainly composed of single crystalline Ge with cubic diamond structure. The growth process has been proposed as the CuGeO3-assisted growth mechanism.
From Multiculturalism to Multinaturalism: What Rules of Method for the New Socio-Scientific Experiments?
Authors: Latour Bruno
Published: March 2011

This article reflects on the traditional distinction between scientific laboratories experimenting on theories and phenomena and a political outside where non-experts make do with human values, opinions, and passions. Since today all people are engaged in emerging collective experiments on matters as varied as climate, food, landscape, health, urban design, and technical communication as consumers, militants, and citizens, they can all be considered co-researchers. Co-researching has consequences for our understanding of nature and demands a renewed attention to “multinaturalist” politics. It also questions the division of labor between experts and nonexperts. The article finishes with a call to “dis-invent” modernity so that we “moderns” can finally become ordinary humans again.