bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-016 Intracranial endoluminal waveform analysis to understand the underlying pathophysiology and quantify treatment effect: case illustration involving venous sinus stenosis
Authors: Spiotta A , Rasmussen P , Moskowitz S
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Extracranial waveform analysis of both arterial and venous intravascular compartments is common. Any catheter with a fluid-filled lumen that is of sufficient inner diameter to support transducing a pressure waveform can provide information from the intravascular compartment from which it is derived. This methodology, when applied to the intracranial vasculature, may provide useful insights into a patient's specific pathophysiology. Additionally, such waveform analysis could provide feedback to assess the efficacy of a targeted intervention. We present our preliminary experience with a strategy of assessing the intracranial, endoluminal waveforms during a neurointervention.

Methodology

A 21-year-old female presented with rapid neurological decline progressing to obtundation secondary to intracranial hypertension. Angiography demonstrated left transverse sinus (TS) occlusion with stenosis of the contralateral TS. Under roadmap visualization, an Echelon microcatheter was crossed over a microwire proximal (“upstream”) to the stenosis involving the right TS. Waveform analysis was performed at this starting point and as it was pulled back to a location distal to the stenosis (“downstream”). Waveforms were captured with the Bedmaster software package (Excel Medical Solutions) which we have customized to integrate data acquisition from the angiography suite.

Results

ICP was monitored with an intraparenchymal monitor (Camino, Integra Neurosciences, Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA) and measured 54–59 mm Hg, while mean arterial pressure (MAP) measured by an arterial line in the radial artery measured 93–94 mm Hg. Proximal to the stenosis, pressure readings of 68 mm Hg with a waveform that mirrored an attenuated ICP waveform. Distal to the stenosis, the waveform dampened and mirrored the central venous pressure measured at 3 mm Hg. Angioplasty alone did not result in a sustained improvement, at which point a balloon mounted stent was used at the stenosis. Following treatment of the lesion the waveform analysis was repeated at the same locations along the TS which had been previously monitored. Treatment of the lesion resulted in a decrease in ICP to 36–37 mm Hg. The pressure along the TS was now 44 mm Hg along the treated TS with resolution of the pressure gradient.

Conclusion

A significant pressure gradient was identified across the stenotic lesion in the TS, verifying the pathophysiologic process to be venous hypertension from venous outlet obstruction. ICP significant improved following treatment of the lesion and elimination of the pressure gradient across the lesion, again verifying venous outlet obstruction to be the underlying etiology.

Abstract E-016 Figure 1
E-018 Intracranial stenting of a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery in a patient presenting with acute bilateral posterior circulation infarcts
Authors: Polo M , Chiu D , Klucznik R , Diaz-Daza O
Published: July 2011

Purpose

We discuss the endovascular technique used in treating a critical stenosis of a persistent hypoglossal artery with angioplasty and stenting, as well as the anatomy of this rare variant using CT, MRA, biplanar and 3D DSA, and DynaCT.

Case Report

A 63-year-old Hispanic male presented to the E.R. with a chief complaint of blurred vision and dizziness for 2 days. Past medical history was significant for hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

Imaging Findings

CT and MRI showed multiple areas of acute ischemia involving both occipital lobes and the right cerebellar hemisphere. The CT also showed an enlarged right hypoglossal canal. MRA and DSA revealed an anomalous vessel, arising extracranially from the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery, entering the intracranial compartment through the hypoglossal canal and supplying the basilar artery. The distal portion of this vessel, just below the basilar junction, had a critical stenosis. This critical stenosis was treated endovascularly with angioplasty and stenting, using a 3×15 mm Gateway balloon and a 4×15 mm Wingspan stent.

A persistent hypoglossal artery is one of four primitive embryologic connections between the internal carotid artery and the vertebrobasilar circulation. Atherosclerotic disease of the common or the proximal internal carotid artery, or of the hypoglossal artery itself, may present with symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, or lead to infarction in the posterior circulation. To our knowledge, this represents the first case report of intracranial stenting through a persistent hypoglossal artery. The technical aspects of the endovascular treatment are addressed. We also discuss the anatomy of the persistent hypoglossal artery, using CT, MRI, MRA, biplanar and 3D DSA, and Dyna CT correlation.

Abstract E-018 Figure 1
NANO/MICROSCALE TECHNOLOGIES FOR DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: LI HAIRUI , KOCHHAR JASPREET SINGH , PAN JING , CHAN SUI YUNG , KANG LIFENG
Published: July 2011

Nano- and microscale technologies have made a marked impact on the development of drug delivery systems. The loading efficiency and particle size of nano/micro particles can be better controlled with these new technologies than conventional methods. Moreover, drug delivery systems are moving from simple particles to smart particles and devices with programmable functions. These technologies are also contributing to in vitro and in vivo drug testing, which are important to evaluate drug delivery systems. For in vitro tests, lab-on-a-chip models are potentially useful as alternatives to animal models. For in vivo test, nano/micro-biosensors are developed for testing chemicals and biologics with high sensitivity and selectivity. Here, we review the recent development of nanoscale and microscale technologies in drug delivery including drug delivery systems, in vitro and in vivo tests.
Short-term oral α-lipoic acid does not prevent lipid-induced dysregulation of glucose homeostasis in obese and overweight nondiabetic men
Authors: Xiao Changting , Giacca Adria , Lewis Gary F.
Published: July 2011

Prolonged elevation of plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) induces insulin resistance and impairs pancreatic β-cell adaptation to insulin resistance. The mechanisms whereby lipid induces these impairments are not fully defined but may involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. α-Lipoic acid (ALA), a commonly used health supplement with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and AMPK-activating properties, has been shown to have therapeutic value in type 2 diabetes and its complications. Here we examined the effects of ALA on insulin sensitivity and secretion in humans under the conditions of 24-h iv lipid infusion to elevate plasma FFAs. Eight overweight and obese male subjects underwent four randomized studies each, 4–6 wk apart: 1) SAL, 2-wk oral placebo followed by 24-h iv infusion of saline; 2) IH, 2-wk placebo followed by 24-h iv infusion of intralipid plus heparin to raise plasma FFAs approximately twofold; 3) IH + ALA, 2-wk ALA (1,800 mg/day) followed by 24-h infusion of intralipid plus heparin; and 4) ALA, 2-wk ALA followed by 24-h infusion of saline. Insulin secretion rates (ISR) and insulin sensitivity were assessed with a 2-h, 20-mmol/l hyperglycemic clamp and a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, respectively. ISR was not significantly different between treatments. Lipid infusion impaired insulin sensitivity with and without ALA pretreatment. These results indicate that ALA, administered orally at this dose for 2 wk, does not protect against lipid-induced insulin resistance in overweight and obese humans.
Effects of hypoxia on muscle protein synthesis and anabolic signaling at rest and in response to acute resistance exercise
Authors: Etheridge Timothy , Atherton Philip J. , Wilkinson Daniel , Selby Anna , Rankin Debbie , Webborn Nick , Smith Kenneth , Watt Peter W.
Published: July 2011

Chronic reductions in tissue O2 tension (hypoxia) are associated with muscle atrophy and blunted hypertrophic responses to resistance exercise (RE) training. However, the effect of hypoxia on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) at rest and after RE is unknown. In a crossover study, seven healthy men (21.4 ± 0.7 yr) performed unilateral leg RE (6 × 8 repetitions at 70% 1-repetition maximum) under normoxic (20.9% inspired O2) and normobaric hypoxic (12% inspired O2 for 3.5 h) postabsorptive conditions. Immediately after RE the rested leg was biopsied, and a primed continuous infusion of [1,2-13C2]leucine was maintained for 2.5 h before final biopsies from both legs to measure tracer incorporation and signaling responses (i.e., ribosomal S6 kinase 1). After 3.5 h of hypoxia, MPS was not different from normoxia in the rested leg (normoxia 0.033 ± 0.016 vs. hypoxia 0.043 ± 0.016%/h). MPS increased significantly from baseline 2.5 h after RE in normoxia (0.033 ± 0.016 vs. 0.104 ± 0.038%/h) but not hypoxia (0.043 ± 0.016 vs. 0.060 ± 0.063%/h). A significant linear relationship existed between MPS 2.5 h after RE in hypoxia and mean arterial blood O2 saturation during hypoxia ( r2 = 0.49, P = 0.04). Phosphorylation of p70S6KThr389 remained unchanged in hypoxia at rest but increased after RE in both normoxia and hypoxia (2.6 ± 1.2-fold and 3.4 ± 1.1-fold, respectively). Concentrations of the hypoxia-responsive mTOR inhibitor regulated in development and DNA damage-1 were unaltered by hypoxia or RE. We conclude that normobaric hypoxia does not reduce MPS over 3.5 h at rest but blunts the increased MPS response to acute RE to a degree dependent on extant SpO2.
Emergency Caesarean Section: Influences on the Decision-to-Delivery Interval
Authors: Cerbinskaite Aiste , Malone Sarah , McDermott Jennifer , Loughney Andrew D.
Published: July 2011

RCOG/NICE guidelines recommend that, for fetal compromise in labour, delivery should be accomplished ideally within 30 minutes. In this study, we investigated the factors which affect the decision-to-delivery (DD) intervals for emergency caesareans. To achieve this, prospective data were collected for all grade 1 and 2 caesareans performed on a busy labour ward over 12 months. We found that the ratio of labouring women to midwives had a significant effect on the DD intervals, which were significantly prolonged when 1 : 1 care was not provided (). The observed effect resulted exclusively from a prolonged transfer time to theatre. General anesthesia use shortened the DD interval for grade 1 caesareans () and was more likely to be used during the day shift (). We conclude that midwifery staffing levels and the form of anaesthesia employed influence on DD intervals for the most urgent caesarean sections.
The Islamic Headscarf Problem before Secular Legal Systems: Factual and Legal Developments in Turkish, French and European Human Rights Laws
Authors: Ulusoy Ali
Published: July 2011

The Islamic headscarf problem is bound to form a risk of clash of civilizations between Western and Muslim cultures. In Turkey, the Islamic headscarf constitutes a significant symbol or cause of battle between a powerful ultra-secularist Kemalist bureaucracy and moderate but also opportunist Islamist politics. In France, despite previous judicial solution, the legal headscarves ban in (merely public) schools seems to be a political message to the conservative and nationalist electorate in the name of Republicanism. The European Court of Human Rights' legalization of headscarves bans tends to be a legal coup de main for the contenders against Islamist radicalism. Dealing with this problem responsibly following rational legal standard – as described and proposed in this article – could surprisingly demonstrate that a consensus is possible concerning such a big problem between two cultures.
Methods to Identify and Compare Parenteral Nutrition Administered From Hospital‐Compounded and Premixed Multichamber Bags in a Retrospective Hospital Claims Database
Authors: Mercaldi Catherine J. , Reynolds Matthew W. , Turpin Robin S.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: Use of parenteral nutrition (PN) is indicated for patients who are unable to meet their needs enterally. PN may be administered via custom‐compounded mix or commercially available ready‐to‐use multichamber bags (MCB), but little is known about potential differences in clinical outcomes between these delivery systems. This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of comparing custom‐compounded and MCB PN in a large hospital claims database. Methods: Hospital claims data from the Premier Perspective Comparative Hospital Database (PCD) reported from 2005 through 2007 were analyzed. The authors searched the data for patients who received any PN products, including compounded PN and MCB PN. Coding algorithms for identifying patient characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of interest were explored. Results: Using hospital billing claims, the authors identified patients in the database treated with premixed PN from multichamber bags (“MCB only,” n = 4699) and patients treated with custom‐compounded PN solution (“compounded PN,” n = 64,315). Methods of identifying PN administration groups, patient characteristics and risk factors, outcomes of interest, and data limitations are described. Conclusions: Exploratory analysis suggests that comparisons of PN administered via compounding and MCB are possible using the Premier data. The ability to control for many identifiable risk factors allows data to be presented for the use of PN and related outcomes in both a clinically sensible and relevant manner, albeit with some limitations.
Forms of Inattentiveness: The Production of Blindness in the Development of a Technology for the Observation of Quality in Health Services
Authors: Knudsen Morten
Published: July 2011

Research dealing with governmental and managerial ideals and tools for transparency has observed how these tools co-create new types of blindness. It has documented the existence of three different types of blindness: blindness caused by power games, by cognitive limitations and blindness as a side effect of the categories applied. This paper puts forward a fourth type of organizational blindness in addition to the already documented ones, namely self-imposed blindness to potentially destructive information. This paper studies how relevant - but problematic - information is actively ignored and kept out of sight in the decision processes by looking at a specific case study involving the construction of a model intended to control, and render transparent, the quality of health services in Denmark. This paper outlines the forms of inattentiveness which make communication blind to information that could question the quality model. Five forms of inattentiveness are identified that function as answers to the question of how communication avoids actualizing relevant but also potentially destructive information. This study documents a considerable amount of blindness to potentially relevant themes and it points to activities that produce this blindness as they reduce the probability that potentially destructive subjects are actualized. Information is not only something organizations need, but may also be something they protect themselves against. In that case, the forms of inattentiveness may be a function that forms organizational processes.
Post Myocardial Infarction Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Ng Ramford , Yeghiazarians Yerem
Published: July 2011

Cardiogenic shock is often a devastating consequence of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and portends to significant mortality and morbidity. Despite improvements in expediting the time to treatment and enhancements in available medical therapy and reperfusion techniques, cardiogenic shock remains the most common cause of mortality following MI. Post-MI cardiogenic shock most commonly occurs as a consequence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. Right ventricular (RV) MI must also be considered. Mechanical complications including acute mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal rupture, and ventricular free-wall rupture can also lead to cardiogenic shock. Rapid diagnosis of cardiogenic shock and its underlying cause is pivotal to delivering definitive therapy. Intravenous vasoactive agents and mechanical support devices may temporize the patient’s hemodynamic status until definitive therapy by percutaneous or surgical intervention can be performed. Despite prompt management, post-MI cardiogenic shock mortality remains high.
Composite membranes of poly(lactic acid) with zinc-added bioactive glass as a guiding matrix for osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Oh Sun-Ae , Won Jong-Eun , Kim Hae-Won
Published: July 2011

This study aims to produce a degradable and bone-bioactive membrane for guiding bone regeneration by combining a degradable polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), with a bioactive inorganic zinc-containing bioactive glass (ZnBG). The in vitro osteogenic development of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) upon different membrane substrates (pure PLA control, PLA–BG, and PLA–ZnBG) was investigated in terms of bone cell phenotype syntheses and mineralization. Results showed significantly stimulated production of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin at days 14 and 21 in the membranes containing BG and ZnBG, with more in the samples containing ZnBG. The addition of ZnBG in PLA allowed the rBMSCs to express a high level of bone sialoprotein as confirmed by immunostaining. Cellular mineralization of the secreted extracellular matrix showed a significantly higher Ca level on the BG- and ZnBG-added membrane than on the PLA, and the more so in the ZnBG-added one. Based on the in vitro assessments using rBMSCs, the ZnBG-added PLA is considered to be of potential use in guiding active bone regeneration within the periodontal pocket.
Hyaluronic acid as an internal wetting agent in model DMAA/TRIS contact lenses
Authors: Weeks Andrea , Luensmann Doerte , Boone Adrienne , Jones Lyndon , Sheardown Heather
Published: July 2011

Model silicone hydrogel contact lenses, comprised of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane, were fabricated and hyaluronic acid (HA) was incorporated as an internal wetting agent using a dendrimer-based method. HA and dendrimers were loaded into the silicone hydrogels and cross-linked using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide chemistry. The presence and location of HA in the hydrogels was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. The effects of the presence of HA on the silicone hydrogels on hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, transparency, and lysozyme sorption and denaturation were evaluated. The results showed that HA increased the hydrophilicity and the equilibrium water content of the hydrogels without affecting transparency. HA also significantly decreased the amount of lysozyme sorption ( p < 0.002). HA had no effect on lysozyme denaturation in hydrogels containing 0% and 1.7% methacrylic acid (MAA) (by weight) but when the amount of MAA was increased to 5%, the level of lysozyme denaturation was significantly lower compared to control materials. These results suggest that HA has great potential to be used as a wetting agent in silicone hydrogel contact lenses to improve wettability and to decrease lysozyme sorption and denaturation.
University students’ strong experiences of music
Authors: Lamont Alexandra
Published: July 2011

Research has begun to explore the nature of strong experiences of music listening, identifying a number of individual components from physiological through to psychological ( Gabrielsson & Lindström Wik, 2003 ), but this has not yet been considered in relation to mainstream theories of happiness. Drawing on positive psychology, Seligman’s (2002) framework for achieving balanced wellbeing includes the components of pleasure, engagement, and meaning. In the current study, 46 university students (median age 21) gave free reports of their strongest, most intense experiences of music listening. Accounts were analysed thematically using an idiographic approach, exploring the relevance of Seligman’s framework. Most strong experiences were positive, and occurred at live events with others. A wide range of mainly familiar music was associated with reported strong experiences, from classical through jazz and folk to old and new pop music, and experiences lasted for varying time periods from seconds to hours. Unexpected musical or non-musical events were sometimes associated with strong experiences. None of the accounts could be characterized by a single route to happiness: in addition to hedonism, engagement and meaning (particularly in terms of identity) were present in every description, and the findings thus emphasize the power of music to evoke a state of authentic happiness. The importance of taking account of the music, the listener, and the situation in order to fully understand these experiences is underlined.
Pneumomediastinum in blunt trauma: A review
Authors: von Bergen Vera , Dissanaike Sharmila , Jurkovich Gregory J
Published: July 2011

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon finding after blunt trauma to the neck or chest. Motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause in adults, while falls are the most common in children. The majority of traumatic PM results from medial tracking of air from a concomitant pneumothorax. The Macklin effect, of air tracking medially along peribronchial sheaths from alveolar rupture, is responsible for most other cases. Chest pain is the most common symptom, and crepitus the most common sign. The majority of PM will resolve spontaneously, and requires no specific intervention. Only 1—6% of cases result from rupture of the larynx, trachea, bronchi or oesophagus. Hoarseness, dyspnea, persistent lung collapse or air leak should increase suspicion for aerodigestive injury. Computed tomography (CT) can help differentiate benign etiology from those that require surgical correction. High suspicion for aerodigestive injury based on clinical and/or CT findings should prompt diagnostic bronchoscopy and/or oesophagram.
A fractal-based flame propagation model for large eddy simulation
Authors: Kosaka H , Nomura Y , Nagaoka M , Inagaki M , Kubota M
Published: July 2011

A novel combustion model for large-eddy simulation (LES) for gasoline engines has been developed. Unlike conventional models based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models, the new model takes a unique approach; it is described by the fractal characteristics of flame front and a universal expression for the subgrid scale (SGS) flame speed. The present fractal combustion model was applied to calculations of a spark ignition engine. Both the 0–10 per cent and 10–90 per cent combustion periods agree well with the experimental data. Because the modelling of the SGS turbulent speed is based on fractal analysis with experimental observations, the SGS combustion model is able to apply a wide range of engine operating conditions. The present model was applied to a multi-cycle simulation of a single-cylinder engine. The fluctuations at the instant when the heat release rate peaked were compared with data that was obtained experimentally. The calculated magnitude of the fluctuations was found to be close to the experimental values. It is thought that the flow variation generated during the intake stroke significantly influences the cyclic variations.
The new work ethics of consumption and the paradox of mundane brand resistance
Authors: Ulver-Sneistrup Sofia , Askegaard Søren , Kristensen Dorthe Brogård
Published: July 2011

In terms of consumer resistance and marketplace ideologies, consumer researchers have called for a more nuanced conceptualization of consumption moralism in order to avoid the simplistic trope of inside/outside the marketplace (e.g. Arnould, 2007; Luedicke et al., 2010; Peñaloza and Price, 1993; Thompson, 2004). With the aim of contributing to this quest, this article brings together two originally separate ethnographic studies on food consumption and brands in Scandinavia in order to provide new insights regarding the increasingly complex arena of consumer morality. Instead of focusing on highly pronounced consumer resistance — such as activist communities or specific brand antagonists or protagonists — we focus on ordinary Scandinavian consumers whose identities are not centered around resisting the marketplace. Through a pluri-methodological combination of field observations, interviews, symbol elicitation, photo diaries and artefact collections, we propose an empirically informed model illustrating the paradox of ordinary consumers’ brand resistance: embracing myths of craftsmanship. We show how ordinary middle-class consumers bridge ‘bad’ with ‘good’ brand consumption in various ways to legitimize the former, and how they make the evaluations according to traditional work ethics rather than (post)modern consumption ethics.
Not going to Starbucks: Boycotts and the out-scouring of politics in the branded world
Authors: Simon Bryant
Published: July 2011

Focusing on boycotts of Starbucks over last decade, this article looks more broadly at the current states of buying and civic engagement in the United States and abroad. Contrary to what Robert Putnam argues, at least in part, in his now classic text, Bowling Alone, this article suggests that, as formal electoral politics have lost their hold on many, citizens have not abandoned trying to change things or making their voices heard. Instead, they have increasingly expressed their ideas about everything from local affairs to foreign relations at the point of purchase — through in this case, not buying a widely recognized product to gain a say in the larger distribution of social power. ‘Open brands,’ ones that are sensitive to consumer desires, have, in turn, responded, producing a kind of ‘rough democracy of buying’ by offering political solutions to win or retain customers. In the end, however, the evidence suggests that while pursuing political power through (not) buying makes sense and reflects broader changes in the neoliberal world, this strategy of engagement, nonetheless, had severe limits. The stories of Starbucks boycotts show that consumer actions are easily co-opted by the marketing prowess and deft moves of multi-national brands and by the notion held by some consumers that (not) buying is enough as a study of these boycotts also points to a new way of seeing buying not so much as politics themselves but a stage in the process of politicalization.
Leaving the milky way! The formation of a consumer counter mythology
Authors: Kristensen Dorthe Brogård , Boye Heidi , Askegaard Søren
Published: July 2011

In this article we present the emergence of a consumer community resisting a national mythology that milk is a central constituent of a healthy life style. This unfolds in a contemporary consumptionscape in which the consumer body and health is the subject of a number of moralisms and counter moralisms. The case is an example of how commercial and official (moral) definitions of health and collective identity are reinterpreted in the establishment of a counter-mythology. This counter-mythology contests an alleged conspiracy between industry and public health authorities. Dairy producers have expropriated the structural mythological ties between milk and the nurturing aspects of family, a process which is underpinned by medical discourses that point to the connection between health and milk consumption. It explores the formation of a counter consumer mythology as it unfolds in the interaction between self-proclaimed experts and consumer-to-consumer communication. We detect four stages in what we suggest is a recursive, for example, non-linear, process of consumer community formation. Finally, the emergent mythologies and moralism from these processes are discussed.
Legitimating community supported agriculture through American pastoralist ideology
Authors: Press Melea , Arnould Eric J.
Published: July 2011

We use a socio-historical lens to look at how Community Supported Agriculture programs (CSAs) have gained legitimacy as a market form. In this article, we question the countercultural conception of CSAs, especially given their rapid growth over the past 25 years. We contend that placing CSA within a larger frame of reference that incorporates American pastoral values and connects CSA to the history of American pastoralism helps account for how CSA has gained legitimacy with mainstream users. We show that American pastoralism provides a link between 19th century agrarian ideals, 1950s suburbia, 1970s counter-cultural communards, and today’s CSAs. In showing the ubiquity and chameleon like character of American pastoralist ideology, we suggest that it is an important example of a cultural imaginary, which is inducing change in food markets in the United States and at the same time masking certain cultural contradictions. We propose that the development of the Internet as a channel of communication has aided in building legitimacy for this market form by promoting both more personal commercial communications and the possibility of de-massification of communications. Thus, CSAs’ web presence reinforces egalitarian principles and the perception of shared community that are central ingredients of pastoralist ideology.
‘We Now Breach More Kids in a Week Than We Used to in a Whole Year’: The Punitive Turn, Enforcement and Custody
Authors: Bateman Tim
Published: July 2011

The high rates of child incarceration that have characterized the youth justice system in England and Wales for almost two decades are frequently attributed to the impact of a punitive turn in the early part of the 1990s. While previous authors have considered the mediating influence of legislative shifts and changing patterns of sentencer decision-making, it has nonetheless been argued that analyses of the mechanisms that link punitivism and youth custody remain underdeveloped. The current article focuses on the role of enforcement as an indicator of changes in youth justice practitioner culture to explore how practice has become less tolerant in the face of a harsher environment towards children in conflict with the law.
Remaining useful life, technical health, and life extension
Authors: Vaidya P , Rausand M
Published: July 2011

Life extension has for a long time been an important and highly discussed issue in nuclear and aviation industries, and has recently attracted considerable attention in the subsea oil and gas industry. Decision-making related to life extension is a multidisciplinary problem, but it primarily depends on the remaining useful life. This paper clarifies the concepts of remaining useful life and technical health, and discusses various influencing factors. An overall model with the capability to handle a heterogeneous combination of requirements, such as degradation modelling, uncertain environmental and operational conditions, uncertain sensor data and expert opinion is suggested for life extension decision-making. It is concluded that a physics-based modelling approach is appropriate for equipment in the subsea oil and gas industry.
What benefits does ultrasound-guided axillary block for brachial plexus anaesthesia offer over the conventional blind approach in hand surgery?
Authors: Strub B. , Sonderegger J. , Campe A. Von , Grünert J. , Osterwalder J. J.
Published: July 2011

Axillary block for brachial plexus anaesthesia is a popular anaesthetic technique for hand surgery with different approaches. We investigated the efficacy of the blind and ultrasound-guided approaches administered by a hand surgeon. A total of 141 patients were prospectively randomized to Group A without and Group B with ultrasound guidance. The principal variables evaluated were number of failures, duration of surgery, time to onset of anaesthesia, volume of anaesthetic injected, and complications. The success rate and the mean time to onset of anaesthesia were significantly better under ultrasound guidance. The duration of surgery and the rate of complications did not differ. Ultrasound-guided plexus anaesthesia is markedly more effective than the blind technique when performed by a hand surgeon.
Genome-wide evidence for positive selection and recombination in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Xu Zhuofei , Chen Huanchun , Zhou Rui
Published: July 2011

Background

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is an economically important animal pathogen that causes contagious pleuropneumonia in pigs. Currently, the molecular evolutionary trajectories for this pathogenic bacterium remain to require a better elucidation under the help of comparative genomics data. For this reason, we employed a comparative phylogenomic approach to obtain a comprehensive understanding of roles of natural selective pressure and homologous recombination during adaptation of this pathogen to its swine host.

Results

In this study, 12 A. pleuropneumoniae genomes were used to carry out a phylogenomic analyses. We identified 1,587 orthologous core genes as an initial data set for the estimation of genetic recombination and positive selection. Based on the analyses of four recombination tests, 23% of the core genome of A. pleuropneumoniae showed strong signals for intragenic homologous recombination. Furthermore, the selection analyses indicated that 57 genes were undergoing significant positive selection. Extensive function properties underlying these positively selected genes demonstrated that genes coding for products relevant to bacterial surface structures and pathogenesis are prone to natural selective pressure, presumably due to their potential roles in the avoidance of the porcine immune system.

Conclusions

Overall, substantial genetic evidence was shown to indicate that recombination and positive selection indeed play a crucial role in the adaptive evolution of A. pleuropneumoniae. The genome-wide profile of positively selected genes and/or amino acid residues will provide valuable targets for further research into the mechanisms of immune evasion and host-pathogen interactions for this serious swine pathogen.
Differences in integrin expression and signaling within human breast cancer cells
Authors: Taherian Aliakbar , Li Xinlei , Liu Yongqing , Haas Thomas A
Published: July 2011

Background

Integrins are used as prognostic indicators in breast cancer. Following engagement with extracellular matrix proteins, their signaling influences numerous cellular processes including migration, proliferation, and death. Integrin signaling varies between cell types through differential expression of integrin subunits, and changes within a given cell upon exposure to a cell agonist or through changes in its surroundings. These variations in signaling can profoundly affect the phenotypic, tumorogenecity and metastatic properties of cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated if there were differences in the expression of integrins, integrin structures, and integrin co-receptors within three breast cancer cells and if these differences effected integrin signaling.

Methods

Expression of integrins, urokinase receptor and vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor (VEGFR) in metastatic MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231, non-metastatic MCF7 and non-breast cancer Hek-293 cells was measured by flow cytometry. Cell adhesion was assessed using collagen, fibrinogen, fibronectin and vitronectin coated plates. Changes in kinase levels following PMA stimulation, and cell adhesion-induced activation of kinases were determined by western blot analysis. Distribution of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions was assessed by immunocytochemistry.

Results

All cells expressed αv integrins, while high β5 and αvβ5 expression was restricted to the cancer cells and high β3 and αvβ3 expression was restricted to MDA-MB-435 cells. The two metastatic cells were the least adhesive, but all cells adhered well to most proteins in the absence of PMA. All proliferating cells expressed activated pSrc, but only proliferating metastatic cells expressed high pMEK levels. PMA treatment resulted in time-dependent changes in activated kinase levels, and only MDA-MB-231 cells constitutively expressed high levels of activated pMEK. MDA-MB-435 cells formed more stress fibers and focal adhesions and only exhibited adhesion-induced activation of pMEK and pFAK. All cells expressed the urokinase receptor, but MCF7 cells had markedly higher VEGFR expression. Adhesion induced differential expression of pFAK, pMEK and pERK.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that breast cancers vary in their expression of integrins, their capacity to form focal adhesion and to signal through integrins. These differences likely contribute to phenotypic variations between cancer lines and account for some of the heterogeneity of breast cancer.
Monitoring serum IL-18 levels is useful for treatment of a patient with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis complicated by macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Shigemura Tomonari , Yamazaki Takashi , Hara Yosuke , Ou Jing-Ni , Stevens Anne M , Ochs Hans D , Koike Kenichi , Agematsu Kazunaga
Published: July 2011

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by arthritis, spiking fever and a skin rash that is frequently complicated by macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening disorder. We report a 22-month-old girl with sJIA who developed severe MAS but was successfully treated with corticosteroids, cyclosporin A, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by monitoring serum IL-18 levels. IL-18 is an extremely useful cytokine for monitoring the activity of sJIA and MAS, and serum IL-18 can be used as an indicator for the effectiveness of treatment and the decision to discontinue therapy.
Impact of norepinephrine on the relationship between pleth variability index and pulse pressure variations in ICU adult patients
Authors: Biais Matthieu , Cottenceau Vincent , Petit Laurent , Masson Françoise , Cochard Jean-François , Sztark François
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Pleth Variability Index (PVI) is an automated and continuous calculation of respiratory variations in the perfusion index. PVI correlates well with respiratory variations in pulse pressure (ΔPP) and is able to predict fluid responsiveness in the operating room. ICU patients may receive vasopressive drugs, which modify vascular tone and could affect PVI assessment. We hypothesized that the correlation between PVI and ΔPP and the ability of PVI to identify patients with ΔPP > 13% is dependent on norepinephrine (NE) use.

Methods

67 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU were prospectively included. Three were excluded. The administration and dosage of NE, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, PVI and ΔPP were measured simultaneously.

Results

In all patients, the correlation between PVI and ΔPP was weak (r2 = 0.21; p = 0.001). 23 patients exhibited a ΔPP > 13%. A PVI > 11% was able to identify patients with a ΔPP > 13% with a sensitivity of 70% (95% confidence interval: 47%-87%) and a specificity of 71% (95% confidence interval: 54%-84%). The area under the curve was 0.80 ± 0.06. 35 patients (53%) received norepinephrine (NE(+)). In NE(+) patients, PVI and ΔPP were not correlated (r2 = 0.04, p > 0.05) and a PVI > 10% was able to identify patients with a ΔPP > 13% with a sensitivity of 58% (95% confidence interval: 28%-85%) and a specificity of 61% (95% confidence interval:39%-80%). The area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve was 0.69 ± 0.01. In contrast, NE(-) patients exhibited a correlation between PVI and ΔPP (r2 = 0.52; p < 0.001) and a PVI > 10% was able to identify patients with a ΔPP > 13% with a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval: 71%-100%) and a specificity of 72% (95% confidence interval: 49%-90%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.93 ± 0.06 for NE(-) patients and was significantly higher than the area under the ROC curve for NE(+) patients (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in mechanically ventilated adult patients, NE alters the correlation between PVI and ΔPP and the ability of PVI to predict ΔPP > 13% in ICU patients.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase specificity subunit ASB2α targets filamins for proteasomal degradation by interacting with the filamin actin-binding domain
Authors: Razinia Ziba , Baldassarre Massimiliano , Bouaouina Mohamed , Lamsoul Isabelle , Lutz Pierre G. , Calderwood David A.
Published: July 2011

Filamins are an important family of actin-binding and crosslinking proteins that mediate remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and maintain extracellular matrix connections by anchoring transmembrane proteins to actin filaments and linking them to intracellular signaling cascades. We recently found that filamins are targeted for proteasomal degradation by the E3 ubiquitin ligase specificity subunit ASBα and that acute degradation of filamins through this ubiquitin–proteasome pathway correlates with cell differentiation. Specifically, in myeloid leukemia cells retinoic-acid-induced expression of ASB2α triggers filamin degradation and recapitulates early events crucial for cell differentiation. ASB2α is thought to link substrates to the ubiquitin transferase machinery; however, the mechanism by which ASB2α interacts with filamin to induce degradation remained unknown. Here, we use cell-based and biochemical assays to show that the subcellular localization of ASB2α to actin-rich structures is dependent on filamin and that the actin-binding domain (ABD) of filamin mediates the interaction with ASB2α. Furthermore, we show that the ABD is necessary and sufficient for ASB2α-mediated filamin degradation. We propose that ASB2α exerts its effect by binding the ABD and mediating its polyubiquitylation, so targeting filamins for degradation. These studies provide the molecular basis for ASB2α-mediated filamin degradation and unravel an important mechanism by which filamin levels can be acutely regulated.
Captivity induces hyper-inflammation in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Martin Lynn B. , Kidd Laura , Liebl Andrea L. , Coon Courtney A. C.
Published: July 2011

Some species thrive in captivity but others exhibit extensive psychological and physiological deficits, which can be a challenge to animal husbandry and conservation as well as wild immunology. Here, we investigated whether captivity duration impacted the regulation of a key innate immune response, inflammation, of a common wild bird species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Inflammation is one of the most commonly induced and fast-acting immune responses animals mount upon exposure to a parasite. However, attenuation and resolution of inflammatory responses are partly coordinated by glucocorticoid hormones, hormones that can be disregulated in captivity. Here, we tested whether captivity duration alters corticosterone regulation and hence the inflammatory response by comparing the following responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a Gram-negative bacteria component that induces inflammation) of birds caught wild and injected immediately versus those held for 2 or 4 weeks in standard conditions: (1) the magnitude of leukocyte immune gene expression [the cytokines, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)], (2) the rate of clearance of endotoxin, and (3) the release of corticosterone (CORT) in response to endotoxin (LPS). We predicted that captivity duration would increase baseline CORT and thus suppress gene expression and endotoxin clearance rate. However, our predictions were not supported: TLR4 expression increased with time in captivity irrespective of LPS, and cytokine expression to LPS was stronger the longer birds remained captive. Baseline CORT was not affected by captivity duration, but CORT release post-LPS occurred only in wild birds. Lastly, sparrows held captive for 4 weeks maintained significantly higher levels of circulating endotoxin than other groups, perhaps due to leakage of microbes from the gut, but exogenous LPS did not increase circulating levels over the time scale samples were collected. Altogether, captivity appears to have induced a hyper-inflammatory state in house sparrows, perhaps due to disregulation of glucocorticoids, natural microflora or both.
Gender Differences in Perceptions of School Life and Self-Concept
Authors: Clay Victoria
Published: July 2011

It has long been argued that gender considerations are an important factor in educational outcomes for students. The impact of social and of cultural beliefs concerning the value of education has often been implicated in gender differences in outcomes of schooling. While social constructions of masculinity warrant scrutiny both in society in general and in education, a focus on the social determinants of behaviour and attitudes does not always allow for full consideration of individual factors, such as affective or social-emotional determinants of responses to situations. This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative study of student perceptions of quality of school life and of student self-concept that was conducted in six different Australian schools. The findings of this study show that as well as gender differences, there were differences related to the school location, the socio-economic group the students belonged to, and the age of the student. These findings point towards the need to investigate gender in schools using an ecological model of gendered perceptions of school life that can take account of both individual and environmental factors.
Le théâtre, la scène, la fête et la société des écrans
Authors: Mongin Olivier
Published: July 2011

In a world where images are unlimited, theatre remains the spectacle par excellence where limits that link comedians (fiction) and public (more or less active) retain their meaning. The mistake then is to remove the moving forces of stage and pull the theatre towards the feast. The strength of theatre is to break, differently from movies, the continuity in the flow of images.
Spatial distribution of isoflavones and isoflavone-related gene expression in high- and low-isoflavone soybean cultivars
Authors: Chen Huilan , Seguin Philippe , Jabaji Suha , Liu Wucheng
Published: July 2011

Chen, H., Seguin, P., Jabaji, S. and Liu, W. 2011. Spatial distribution of isoflavones and isoflavone-related gene expression in high and low isoflavone soybean cultivars. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 697–705. Soybean contains high concentrations of isoflavones that have putative health-beneficial effects. A study was conducted to document the spatial distribution of isoflavones and the expression of 14 key genes and gene homologs encoding enzymes involved in isoflavone synthesis using quantitative reverse transcription (QRT)-PCR. Genes studied included phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), chalcone reductase (CHR), and isoflavone synthase (IFS). Two cultivars were used, AC Proteina and AC Orford, high- and low-isoflavone cultivars, respectively. Plants were harvested at the seed filling stage (R5) and were separated into leaf, stem, root, flower, pod, and seed parts. The present study revealed that at the R5 stage the expression of 14 key genes and gene homologs involved in isoflavone synthesis is observed in all plant parts, being, however, minimal in pods and seeds and greatest in leaves and roots. Gene expression data parallel isoflavone concentrations, which are also minimal in pods and seeds. In most cases, expression of all homologs of a given gene family was comparable in specific parts, the expression of homologs not being part-specific. Finally, gene expression differences between cultivars also paralleled differences observed in their isoflavone concentrations.