bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organ-Specific Defects in Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin Receptor Signaling in Late Gestational Asymmetric Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Cited1 Mutant Mice
Authors: Novitskaya Tatiana , Baserga Mariana , de Caestecker Mark P.
Published: April 2011

Late gestational placental insufficiency resulting in asymmetric intrauterine organ growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular and renal disease in adults. The molecular mechanisms mediating these defects are poorly understood. To explore this, we investigated the mechanisms leading to IUGR in Cited1 knockout mice, a genetic model of late gestational placental insufficiency. We show that loss of placental Cited1 leads to asymmetric IUGR with decreased liver, lung, and kidney sizes and preservation of fetal brain weight. IGF and insulin signaling regulate embryonic organ growth. IGF-I and IGF-II protein and mRNA expression are reduced in livers, lungs, and kidneys of embryonic d 18.5 embryos with IUGR. Decreased IGF-I is associated with reduced activating phosphorylation of the type 1 IGF receptor (pIGF-IR) in the kidney, whereas reduced IGF-II is associated with decreased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (pIR) in the lung. In contrast, decreased pIR is associated with reduced IGF-I but not IGF-II in the liver. However, pancreatic β-cell mass and serum insulin levels are also decreased in mice with IUGR, suggesting that hepatic IR signaling may be regulated by alterations in fetal insulin production. These findings contrast with observations in IUGR fetal brains in which there is no change in IGF-IR/IR phosphorylation, and IGF-I and IGF-II expression is actually increased. In conclusion, IUGR disrupts normal fetal IGF and insulin production and is associated with organ-specific defects in IGF-IR and IR signaling that may regulate asymmetric IUGR in late gestational placental insufficiency.
The Synaptic Cell Adhesion Molecule, SynCAM1, Mediates Astrocyte-to-Astrocyte and Astrocyte-to-GnRH Neuron Adhesiveness in the Mouse Hypothalamus
Authors: Sandau Ursula S. , Mungenast Alison E. , McCarthy Jack , Biederer Thomas , Corfas Gabriel , Ojeda Sergio R.
Published: April 2011

We previously identified synaptic cell adhesion molecule 1 (SynCAM1) as a component of a genetic network involved in the hypothalamic control of female puberty. Although it is well established that SynCAM1 is a synaptic adhesion molecule, its contribution to hypothalamic function is unknown. Here we show that, in addition to the expected neuronal localization illustrated by its presence in GnRH neurons, SynCAM1 is expressed in hypothalamic astrocytes. Cell adhesion assays indicated that SynCAM is recognized by both GnRH neurons and astrocytes as an adhesive partner and promotes cell-cell adhesiveness via homophilic, extracellular domain-mediated interactions. Alternative splicing of the SynCAM1 primary mRNA transcript yields four mRNAs encoding membrane-spanning SynCAM1 isoforms. Variants 1 and 4 are predicted to be both N and O glycosylated. Hypothalamic astrocytes and GnRH-producing GT1-7 cells express mainly isoform 4 mRNA, and sequential N- and O-deglycosylation of proteins extracted from these cells yields progressively smaller SynCAM1 species, indicating that isoform 4 is the predominant SynCAM1 variant expressed in astrocytes and GT1-7 cells. Neither cell type expresses the products of two other SynCAM genes (SynCAM2 and SynCAM3), suggesting that SynCAM-mediated astrocyte-astrocyte and astrocyte-GnRH neuron adhesiveness is mostly mediated by SynCAM1 homophilic interactions. When erbB4 receptor function is disrupted in astrocytes, via transgenic expression of a dominant-negative erbB4 receptor form, SynCAM1-mediated adhesiveness is severely compromised. Conversely, SynCAM1 adhesive behavior is rapidly, but transiently, enhanced in astrocytes by ligand-dependent activation of erbB4 receptors, suggesting that erbB4-mediated events affecting SynCAM1 function contribute to regulate astrocyte adhesive communication.
Framing Cultural Difference: Immigrant Women and Discourses of Tradition
Authors: Volpp Leti
Published: April 2011

This article shows how depictions of immigrant culture can limit the lives of immigrants to a problematic battle between “tradition and modernity.” As illustrated in the portrayal of a case in which immigrant parents murdered their teenaged daughter, Tina Isa, the discourse of tradition versus modernity renders certain important facts illegible, underemphasizing or ignoring the structures of power within which violence against women occurs. This simple story positions culture and feminism as opponents in a zero-sum game and presumes that women will be emancipated when they have overcome or abandoned their cultures. But immigrant women possess a complex subjectivity that is not reducible to cultural victimization. This is illustrated in this article through the work of Asian American domestic violence advocacy groups, navigating antiracist and antisexist practice, and by the expert testimony given in a case of attempted parent-child suicide by a Sikh immigrant. Rather than position the immigrant as the disorderly and strange bearer of archaic traditions, this article argues for greater recognition of the role of racism, state policies, and material concerns in shaping immigrants' experiences of culture.
Knowledge, Practice, and Political Community: The Making of the “Custom” In Turkey
Authors: Koğacioğlu Dicle
Published: April 2011

This article begins with the observation that the honor crime (the murder of a woman by her family because of actual or deemed sexual acts that are considered an offense to the culturally defined terms of family honor) has received increasing attention in Turkey during the last decade. Although Turkish feminists have long worked to raise awareness of the gendered inequality and violence involved, their efforts until recently were met with stark silence. The increased attention given to honor crimes involves little interest in the patriarchal excesses that affect women across class and ethnic groups in Turkey, tending to focus attention, rather, on an essentialized “Kurdish” or “Eastern” culture as the main dynamic behind honor crimes. Blame for the practice is attributed to the intractable customs of backward peoples, customs that are disconnected from discussions of capitalism, state bureaucracy, armed conflict, or familial practice prevalent in Turkey's public sphere. Drawing on extensive archival research and fieldwork, the author argues that the recent focus on the “custom” is symptomatic of a shift from a developmentalist/assimilationist to a cultural/racial imaginary. By looking at the intricate web of practices, meanings, institutions, and policies that make up the Turkish public sphere, this article sheds light on how the custom came to be recognized in Turkey and how familial modes of conduct influence current modes of governing minorities.
ID1 and ID3 represent conserved negative regulators of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell hematopoiesis
Authors: Hong Seok-Ho , Lee Jong-Hee , Lee Jung Bok , Ji Junfeng , Bhatia Mickie
Published: April 2011

Mechanisms that govern hematopoietic lineage specification, as opposed to the expansion of committed hematopoietic progenitors, from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have yet to be fully defined. Here, we show that within the family of genes called inhibitors of differentiation (ID), ID1 and ID3 negatively regulate the transition from lineage-specified hemogenic cells to committed hematopoietic progenitors during hematopoiesis of both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSCs). Upon hematopoietic induction of hPSCs, levels of ID1 and ID3 transcripts rapidly increase, peaking at the stage of hemogenic precursor emergence, and then exclusively decrease during subsequent hematopoietic commitment. Suppression of ID1 and ID3 expression in hemogenic precursors using specific small interfering RNAs augments differentiation into committed hematopoietic progenitors, with dual suppression of ID1 and ID3 further increasing hematopoietic induction compared with upon knockdown of each gene alone. This inhibitory role of ID1 and ID3 directly affects hemogenic precursors and is not dependent on non-hemogenic cells of other lineages within developing human embryoid bodies from hESCs or hiPSCs. Our study uniquely identifies ID1 and ID3 as negative regulators of the hPSC–hematopoietic transition from a hemogenic to a committed hematopoietic fate, and demonstrates that this is conserved between hESCs and hiPSCs.
Structural protein 4.1R is integrally involved in nuclear envelope protein localization, centrosome–nucleus association and transcriptional signaling
Authors: Meyer Adam J. , Almendrala Donna K. , Go Minjoung M. , Krauss Sharon Wald
Published: April 2011

The multifunctional structural protein 4.1R is required for assembly and maintenance of functional nuclei but its nuclear roles are unidentified. 4.1R localizes within nuclei, at the nuclear envelope, and in cytoplasm. Here we show that 4.1R, the nuclear envelope protein emerin and the intermediate filament protein lamin A/C co-immunoprecipitate, and that 4.1R-specific depletion in human cells by RNA interference produces nuclear dysmorphology and selective mislocalization of proteins from several nuclear subcompartments. Such 4.1R-deficiency causes emerin to partially redistribute into the cytoplasm, whereas lamin A/C is disorganized at nuclear rims and displaced from nucleoplasmic foci. The nuclear envelope protein MAN1, nuclear pore proteins Tpr and Nup62, and nucleoplasmic proteins NuMA and LAP2α also have aberrant distributions, but lamin B and LAP2β have normal localizations. 4.1R-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts show a similar phenotype. We determined the functional effects of 4.1R-deficiency that reflect disruption of the association of 4.1R with emerin and A-type lamin: increased nucleus–centrosome distances, increased β-catenin signaling, and relocalization of β-catenin from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Furthermore, emerin- and lamin-A/C-null cells have decreased nuclear 4.1R. Our data provide evidence that 4.1R has important functional interactions with emerin and A-type lamin that impact upon nuclear architecture, centrosome–nuclear envelope association and the regulation of β-catenin transcriptional co-activator activity that is dependent on β-catenin nuclear export.
Canonical Wnt signaling promotes the proliferation and neurogenesis of peripheral olfactory stem cells during postnatal development and adult regeneration
Authors: Wang Ya-Zhou , Yamagami Takashi , Gan Qini , Wang Yongping , Zhao Tianyu , Hamad Salaheddin , Lott Paul , Schnittke Nikolai , Schwob James E. , Zhou Chengji J.
Published: April 2011

The mammalian olfactory epithelium (OE) has a unique stem cell or progenitor niche, which is responsible for the constant peripheral neurogenesis throughout the lifespan of the animal. However, neither the signals that regulate the behavior of these cells nor the lineage properties of the OE stem cells are well understood. Multiple Wnt signaling components exhibit dynamic expression patterns in the developing OE. We generated Wnt signaling reporter TOPeGFP transgenic mice and found TOPeGFP activation predominantly in proliferating Sox2+ OE basal cells during early postnatal development. FACS-isolated TOPeGFP+ OE basal cells are required, but are not sufficient, for formation of spheres. Wnt3a significantly promotes the proliferation of the Sox2+ OE sphere cells. Wnt-stimulated OE sphere cells maintain their multipotency and can differentiate into most types of neuronal and non-neuronal epithelial cells. Also, Wnt activators shift the production of differentiated cells toward olfactory sensory neurons. Moreover, TOPeGFP+ cells are robustly increased in the adult OE after injury. In vivo administration of Wnt modulators significantly alters the regeneration potential. This study demonstrates the role of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of OE stem cells or progenitors during development and regeneration.
Truncation of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 by plasmin promotes blood–brain barrier disruption
Authors: Yao Yao , Tsirka Stella E.
Published: April 2011

Previous studies have shown that plasmin cleaves monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1; officially known as C-C motif chemokine 2, CCL2) at K104, and this cleavage enhances its chemotactic potency significantly. Accumulating evidence reveals that MCP1 also disrupts the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, we show that K104Stop-MCP1, truncated at the K104 where plasmin would normally cleave, is more efficient than the full-length protein (FL-MCP1) in compromising the integrity of the BBB in in vitro and in vivo models. K104Stop-MCP1 increases the permeability of BBB in both wild-type mice and mice deficient for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which converts plasminogen into active plasmin, suggesting that plasmin-mediated truncation of MCP1 plays an important role in BBB compromise. Furthermore, we show that the mechanisms underlying MCP1-induced BBB disruption involve redistribution of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Finally, we show that the redistribution of ZO-1 is mediated by phosphorylation of ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins. These findings identify plasmin as a key signaling molecule in the regulation of BBB integrity and suggest that plasmin inhibitors might be used to modulate diseases accompanied by BBB compromise.
The shallow turn of a worm
Authors: Kim Daeyeon , Park Sungsu , Mahadevan L. , Shin Jennifer H.
Published: April 2011

When crawling on a solid surface, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) moves forward by propagating sinusoidal dorso-ventral retrograde contraction waves. A uniform propagating wave leads to motion that undulates about a straight line. When C. elegans turns as it forages or navigates its environment, it uses several different strategies of reorientation. These modes include the well-known omega turn, in which the worm makes a sharp angle turn forming an Ω-shape, and the reversal, in which the worm draws itself backwards. In these two modes of reorientation, C. elegans strongly disrupts its propagating sinusoidal wave, either in form or in direction, leading to abrupt directional change. However, a third mode of reorientation, the shallow turn, involves a gentler disruption of the locomotory gait. Analyzing the statistics of locomotion suggests that the shallow turn is by far the most frequent reorienting maneuver in navigation in the absence of food. We show that the worm executes a shallow turn by modulating the amplitude and wavelength of its curvature during forward movement, and provide a minimal description of the process using a three-parameter mathematical model. The results of our study augment the understanding of how these parameters are controlled at the neuromotor circuit level.
Physiological responses of the scleractinian coral Pocillopora damicornis to bacterial stress from Vibrio coralliilyticus
Authors: Vidal-Dupiol Jeremie , Ladrière Ophélie , Meistertzheim Anne-Leila , Fouré Laurent , Adjeroud Mehdi , Mitta Guillaume
Published: April 2011

As the effects of climate change have become increasingly visible over the past three decades, coral reefs have suffered from a number of natural and anthropogenic disturbances that have caused a critical decline in coral populations. Among these disturbances are coral diseases, which have appeared with increasing frequency and severity, often in correlation with increases in water temperature. Although the crucial role played by Vibrio species in coral disease has been widely documented, the scientific community does not yet fully understand the infection process of Vibrio or its impact on coral physiology and immunology. Here, we investigated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of a major reef-building coral, Pocillopora damicornis, when exposed to a specific pathogen (Vibrio coralliilyticus) under virulent (increasing water temperature) and non-virulent (constant low temperature) conditions. The infection process was examined by electron microscopy and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, and coral health was monitored by visual observations and measurements of zooxanthellar density. The results obtained suggest that coral tissue invasion occurs upon increasing water temperature only. Transcriptomic variations were investigated using a suppression–subtractive–hybridization approach, and the expression levels of six candidate immune-related genes were examined during bacterial exposure. These genes correspond to three lectin-like molecules putatively involved in the recognition of pathogens, two metal-binding proteins putatively involved in antibacterial response and one cystein protease inhibitor. The transcription patterns of these selected genes provide new insights into the responses of coral colonies to virulent versus non-virulent bacteria.
Condensation Reaction of Phenols with 1,5-Pentanedial for Synthesis of Noria-like Ladder-cyclic Oligomer by Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Mechanism
Authors: Seki Hiroyuki , Kuwabara Shingo , Kudo Hiroto , Nishikubo Tadatomi
Published: April 2011

Condensation reaction of 2-methylresorcinol and pyrogallol with 1,5-pentanedial [CH2(CH2CHO)2] in the presence of concentrated HCl in ethanol at 80 °C for 48 h proceeded according to a dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) mechanism to afford the noria-like ladder-cyclic oligomers noriaMR and noriaPY, respectively.
Photoinduced Surface-relief-grating Formation Using a Mixed Film of 4-[Bis(4-methylphenyl)amino]azobenzene and 4,4′,4′′-Tris[3-methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine
Authors: Nakano Hideyuki
Published: April 2011

The ability of photoinduced surface-relief-grating (SRG) formation of 4-[bis(4-methylphenyl)amino]azobenzene (BMAB) was found to be drastically enhanced by mixing with 4,4′,4′′-tris[3-methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) due to the increase in glass-transition temperature (Tg). The resulting SRG inscribed on the mixed amorphous film remained even after annealing at 55 °C, which was considerably higher than the Tg of BMAB. These results suggest that the m-MTDATA molecules in the mixed film were transported together with BMAB molecules upon irradiation with the writing beams.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation for Irreversibility of Green Fluorescent Protein before and after Photoactivation
Authors: Koseki Jun , Kita Yukiumi , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: April 2011

To elucidate the irreversible photoreaction of green fluorescent protein (GFP), we have theoretically analyzed hydrogen-bonding networks and distributions of water molecules around a chromophore (CRO) of GFP before and after photoactivation. Our molecular dynamics simulation clearly shows that such irreversibility arises from the migration of water molecules to the hollowed out region due to the reorientation of amino acid residues together with the disappearance of hydrogen-bonding networks around the CRO.
Is CA-125 an additional help to radiologic findings for differentiation borderline ovarian tumor from stage I carcinoma?
Authors: Lee Eun Joo , Kim See Hyung , Kim Young Hwan , Lee Hee Jung
Published: April 2011

Background

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) are difficult to differentiate from stage I carcinoma using radiological findings. Little is known about the correlation between CA-125 levels and radiological findings for predicting BOTs or carcinoma.

Purpose

To assess the role of CA-125, in addition to that of radiological findings, in differentiating BOTs from stage I carcinoma.

Material and Methods

The study received institutional review board approval, with waiver of informed consent. We evaluated 100 patients (two groups: BOT, 58 patients; stage I carcinoma, 42 patients) using radiological findings, including location and size of each tumor, number and size of septations, papillary projections and vegetations, peritoneal implants, ascites, and preoperative CA-125 levels. The differences in CA-125 levels according to bilateral location, solid components, and thickness of septations between the two groups were evaluated using the McNemar test. Correlations of CA-125 level to size and number of septations were evaluated by the independent sample t test.

Results

No statistical correlation was found between CA-125 level and location, size, and number of septations between the two groups. Solid components within the tumors were similar in the two groups, but the CA-125 level was significantly higher in stage I carcinoma than in BOTs. The number of septations per tumor was similar in the two groups; thick septations were more frequent in stage I carcinoma than in BOTs, and a significantly higher titer of CA-125 was found in stage I carcinoma. Discriminant analysis of solid components and thickness of septations resulted in accurate diagnosis of 70.6% of the tumors (80.6% of BOTs and 69.7% of stage I carcinomas).

Conclusion

CA-125 levels for solid components and thickness of septations are lower in BOTs. These may be helpful in predicting the risk of carcinoma, even if BOTs cannot be conclusively differentiated from stage I carcinoma.
Ultrasonographic detection and characterization of asymptomatic ductal carcinomain situwith histopathologic correlation
Authors: Gwak Yeon Ju , Kim Hye Jung , Kwak Jin Young , Lee Sang Kwon , Shin Kyung Min , Lee Hui Joong , Kim Gab Chul , Jang Yun-Jin , Han Man Hoon , Park Ji Young , Jung Jin Hyang
Published: April 2011

Background

Most ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is asymptomatic and usually manifests as calcifications in screening mammography. On the other hand, little is known about ultrasonographic (US) features of asymptomatic DCIS, for US is rarely used for the diagnosis and evaluation of DCIS because of low sensitivity in detecting microcalcifications.

Purpose

To evaluate US detection and characterization of DCIS in asymptomatic women and correlate these imaging findings with the histopathologic features.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study evaluated mammographic and US images of 60 DCIS cases from 59 asymptomatic women. US was performed in knowledge of mammographic findings. The following histopathologic parameters were analyzed: Van Nuys classification, architectural pattern, and presence of microinvasion. Image detectability and US features were correlated with these histopathologic parameters.

Results

Of the 54 cases (90.0%) detected on mammography, 48 cases (88.9%) had microcalcifications only, 5 (9.3%) had microcalcifications with associated density, and 1 (1.9%) had soft tissue density alone. Of the 38 cases (63.3%) identified by US, 29 cases (76.3%) had a mass with or without microcalcifications, six (15.8%) had microcalcifications only, and three (7.9%) had other findings. US identified lesions were associated with higher Van Nuys groups, microinvasion and comedocarcinoma ( P = 0.044, P = 0.024, and P = 0.032, respectively). The most common US finding was a not-circumscribed, oval mass with parallel orientation and normal acoustic transmission. Microcalcifications were seen on US in 31 (81.6%) of the 38 US visible cases; this finding showed a trend of association with Van Nuys group 2 and 3 but was not statistically significant ( P = 0.063).

Conclusion

When DCIS was identified on US, it was associated with more aggressive histopathologic type. However, mammographic correlation is essential to differentiate benign from malignant lesion in cases seen by US; US findings of asymptomatic DCIS had a low suspicion of malignancy.
The optimal contrast media policy in CT of the liver. Part I: Technical notes
Authors: Rengo Marco , Bellini Davide , De Cecco Carlo N , Osimani Marcello , Vecchietti Fabrizio , Caruso Damiano , Maceroni Marco M , Lucchesi Paola , Iafrate Franco , Paolantonio Pasquale , Ferrari Riccardo , Laghi Andrea
Published: April 2011

Latest developments of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which is today considered a real volumetric technique, have revolutionized abdominal imaging.

Technological improvements such as higher spatial resolution, larger volume coverage and higher temporal resolution, have reduced scan times allowing CT studies of the abdomen within a single breath-hold.

Furthermore, the increased number of slices, the submillimetric collimation, and the use of multiple dynamic post-contrast phases per single examination, may all contribute to increase the radiation exposure of single patients.

The aim of this review is to discuss different parameters affecting contrast media enhancement, as vascular enhancement, parenchymal enhancement and timing, in order to minimize the amount of contrast medium injected and the radiation exposure.
Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT for the evaluation of suspected recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Kao Yung Hsiang , Saad U , Tan Andrew EH , Magsombol Butch M , Padhy Ajit Kumar
Published: April 2011

Background

Uterine leiomyosarcomas are rare and aggressive malignancies of the uterine corpus with high recurrence rates and poor prognoses. The current recommendation for detection of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma involves periodic physical examination and conventional imaging such as CT or MRI. The role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in the detection of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas is not yet established.

Purpose

To evaluate the use of FDG-PET/CT as a single integrated modality for the evaluation of suspected recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT scans for suspected recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma. Only patients with follow-up data were included in the study. FDG-PET/CT was evaluated as a single integrated imaging modality. A positive lesion on FDG-PET/CT was defined as a focal abnormality detected on either the PET or CT components, or both.

Results

Sixteen consecutive patients over 5 years underwent FDG-PET/CT for suspected recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma. Five patients were excluded due to incomplete follow-up data. The remaining 11 patients were aged 36–58 years (mean age 48). FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 63–100) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 20–100) for the detection of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas. Sites of metastases include lungs, peritoneum, liver, pancreas and breast, of which lungs and peritoneum were the most common. Two (18%) patients had discordant findings: FDG-PET negative metastatic nodules in the breast and lung detected on the CT component. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of metastatic lesions ranged from 2.0 to 16.0 (mean 7.6).

Conclusion

FDG-PET/CT as a single integrated modality may be a useful for the evaluation of suspected recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas. FDG-PET negative discordant nodules detected on the CT component may represent metastases and should be followed up closely.
The emerging role of autophagy in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Ding Wen-Xing , Manley Sharon , Ni Hong-Min
Published: April 2011

Autophagy is a highly conserved intracellular catabolic pathway that degrades cellular long-lived proteins and organelles. Autophagy is normally activated in response to nutrient deprivation and other stresses as a cell survival mechanism. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy plays a critical role in liver pathophysiology, in addition to maintaining hepatic energy and nutrient balance. Alcohol consumption causes hepatic metabolic changes, oxidative stress, accumulation of lipid droplets and damaged mitochondria; all of these can be regulated by autophagy. This review summarizes the recent findings about the role and mechanisms of autophagy in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and the possible intervention for treating ALD by modulating autophagy.
Organic Matter Maturity and Clay Mineral Transformations in Overpressured Formations: Comparison Histories from Two Zones of the South Caspian Basin
Authors: Feyzullayev A.A. , Lerche I.
Published: April 2011

The role of excess pressures in catagenic processes of the South-Caspian basin (SCB) is investigated. The results allow one to conclude that the SCB (mainly its deep-water part) is characterized by retardation of the transformations from kerogen to oil and of oil to gas, and also by a delay in the transformation of smectite to illite in clay minerals. Periodic intensification of these processes can enhance the development of mud diapirs and mud volcanoes, which act as focal centers for impulsive unloading of hydrocarbon products. The conclusion is that there are increased chances of large hydrocarbon accumulations in the deeply buried overpressured formations.
The Application of Remote Sensing Technology to Coal Resources Prospecting and Evaluation in Zhaotong, Yunnan
Authors: Xu Shuishi , Wang Tong , Sun Shunxin
Published: April 2011

Based on the remote sensing image ETM (TM), SPOT2 and RADARSAT, a remote-sensing method and procedure for terrain characteristics of southern China is tried using analysis by synthesis method and processing of multi-source geo-information and geological survey. Strata, thickness and spatial distribution regularity of coal seams in Zhaotong of Yunnan are made clear, regional tectonics and coal formations are determined and, ultimately, 12 coal prospecting areas have been found and are verified well through the application of the method. The research provides geologic basis for coal accumulation and coal resources evaluation. It is proved to have an important realistic and economic significance.
Enhancing the Characterisation of Ducted Noise Sources Using a Spectral Formulation
Authors: Bravo Teresa , Maury Cédric
Published: April 2011

The characterization of ducted sound sources is very useful to the aeronautical and automotive industries. It provides inputs to models used for predicting flow-generated noise at the design stage. Conventional inverse approaches, such as the Equivalent Source Method, offer accurate reconstruction results. But they require either a large number of in-duct field pressure measurements or a suitable location of a few number of equivalent sources. This research proposes an alternative approach formulated in the spectral domain: the Spectral Decomposition Method. It directly provides a cross-sectional imaging of the source velocity distribution from pressure data measured at small or large stand-off distance to the source. Well-resolved imaging results of the axial acoustic velocity generated by wall-mounted drivers have been obtained from either induct or wall-pressure measurements acquired respectively without or with flow.
A Comprehensive Sub-Grid Air Entrainment Model for RaNS Modeling of Free-Surface Bubbly Flows
Authors: Ma Jingsen , Oberai Assad A. , Drew Donald A. , Lahey Richard T. , Hyman Mark C.
Published: April 2011

The simulation of free surface bubbly flows using a two-fluid model remains a challenging problem in part due to the lack of a comprehensive air entrainment model that can predict the rate and location of air entrainment for a wide range of flows. In this study we derive a sub-grid model and implement it in a computational multiphase fluid dynamics (CMFD) framework to solve the Reynolds-averaged two-fluid equations. We assess the performance of our model in simulating bubbly flows underneath a plunging liquid jet and a hydraulic jump while varying the characteristic velocity. We compare the void fraction predictions with their experimental counterparts and conclude that the air entrainment model and the two-fluid modeling approach yield accurate results everywhere for the plunging jet and in the turbulent shear layer for the hydraulic jump. The inability of the proposed approach to recover the high void fraction in the roller region of the hydraulic jump is attributed to the failure of RaNS model to resolve the large coherent vortices observed in this region.
Tidal Spectroscopy of the Lower St. Johns River from a High-Resolution Shallow Water Hydrodynamic Model
Authors: Giardino Derek , Bacopoulos Peter , Hagen Scott C.
Published: April 2011

The nonlinear distortion of the astronomic tide in the Lower St. Johns River is investigated. Computed tidal elevations are analyzed at various locations within the Lower St. Johns River. The modeling approach first evaluates the boundary condition applied at the open ocean with regards to it providing a complete description of the tidal elevation, followed by numerical experimentation and a tidal constituent analysis that examines the effects of finite wave amplitude, advection, and bottom friction towards distorting the tide as it propagates upriver. The distortions caused by each nonlinear source are presented in both the time and frequency domains. Analysis at observation stations reveals a river tide with more coastal characteristics near the mouth and with more considerable distortion upriver. The spectroscopy of the astronomic tide for the Lower St. Johns River is established in terms of a custom set of tidal constituents.
Prediction of Sea Level Anomaly in the Arabian Sea Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: George Smitha , Sharma Rashmi , Basu Sujit , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: April 2011

Prediction of satellite altimeter derived fields of sea level anomaly (SLA) has been carried out in the Arabian Sea using genetic algorithm (GA). For compressing the spatial variability into a few eigenmodes, a preliminary empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis has been carried out on the training set of fields of SLA and GA has been applied to the time series of the principal components (PC). The forecast equations have been applied to an independent validation data set. It has been found that GA is able to improve upon persistence forecast in all the cases and the improvement varies from 6% to 23%. Correlation between actual and predicted PCs exceeds 0.9. Forecast SLA fields have been computed by weighting the spatial eigenmodes by the corresponding forecast PCs. Forecast quality has been evaluated by computing the RMS error of forecast. It has been found that the RMS forecast error is much less than the natural variability of the data represented by its standard deviation. It can thus be concluded that the performance of the forecast is quite satisfactory.
A Simple Method for Causal Analysis of Return on IT Investment
Authors: Alemi Farrokh , Zargoush Manaf , Oakes James L. , Edrees Hanan
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a method for examining the causal relationship among investment in information technology (IT) and the organization′s productivity. In this method, first a strong relationship among (1) investment in IT, (2) use of IT and (3) organization′s productivity is verified using correlations. Second, the assumption that IT investment preceded improved productivity is tested using partial correlation. Finally, the assumption of what may have happened in the absence of IT investment, the so called counterfactual, is tested through forecasting productivity at different levels of investment. The paper applies the proposed method to investment in the Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA) system. Result show that the causal analysis can be done, even with limited data. Furthermore, because the procedure relies on overall organization′s productivity, it might be more objective than when the analyst picks and chooses which costs and benefits should be included in the analysis.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electronic Medical Records in a Long Term Care Facility Using Process Analysis
Authors: Cherry Barbara , Carpenter Ken
Published: April 2011

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the electronic medical record (EMR) system on work process efficiencies in a long‐term care facility. Apre‐post intervention study design was used with process flow analysis conducted as part of the data collection methodology. Work processes were measured through direct observation and recording of steps taken as nurses completed their daily work. Observed work processes were documented in the form of process flow charts. Process flow charts detail every step in a process and provide a unique and accurate method of evaluating the impact that EMR systems have on work flow in the healthcare setting. The study demonstrated that the EMR can lead to a reduction in the number of steps required to complete several daily work processes, allowing nurses the opportunity to dedicate more time to direct care of the facility′s residents and thus contribute to improved quality care.
On Blast Pressure Analysis Due to a Partially Confined Explosion: I. Experimental Studies
Authors: Edri I. , Savir Z. , Feldgun V.R. , Karinski Y.S. , Yankelevsky D.Z.
Published: April 2011

This paper presents a first stage of a study aimed at understanding some characteristics of an interior explosion within a room with limited venting. An interior explosion may occur accidentally in ammunition storage, or due to a terrorist action, or as a result of a warhead explosion that follows its penetration into a closed space. The full scale experimental study is focusing on a single room sized space with rigid boundaries, at the center of which a TNT charge is detonated. The room has a limited size opening for venting at the ceiling. The effect of the charge size on the blast pressures has been investigated and a new insight with regard to the pressure distribution on the walls as well as the pressure attenuation depending on these parameters has been gained.
A Correction Methodology to Determine the Strain-Rate Effect on the Compressive Strength of Brittle Materials Based on SHPB Testing
Authors: Lu Y.B. , Li Q.M.
Published: April 2011

Strain-rate effect on the compressive strength of brittle materials is normally characterized using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique. It has been found recently that the transition strain-rate observed in SHPB tests on concrete-like and other brittle materials represents the start of significant influence of lateral confinement effect, which has been widely misinterpreted as real strain-rate effect. This paper proposes a correction methodology to determine the real strain-rate effect for brittle materials in actual SHPB tests. The proposed method is verified using hybrid numerical simulations and experimental data. A complete procedure to conduct the correction is recommended.
Characteristics of Confined Blast Loading in Unvented Structures
Authors: Hu Yi , Wu Chengqing , Lukaszewicz Matthew , Dragos Jonathan , Ren Jiajing , Haskett Matthew
Published: April 2011

Confined blast loading occurs in many scenarios and the effects of confined blast loading may result in more serious damage to buildings due to multiple shock reflections (Shi et al. 2009). However, spherical charges are assumed for all confined explosive-effects computations in modern standards for blast-resistant design such as UFC-3-340-02 (2008) and the soon-to-be published ASCE Standard for the Blast Protection of Buildings (ASCE forthcoming) without consideration of effects of charge shape on the distribution of reflected overpressure and impulse. As confinement is an aggravation factor of explosion effects, analysis and design of infrastructure under critical scenarios of confined blast loading should take the aggravation factor into consideration. This paper is to develop a numerical model for prediction of blast loads inside unvented structures as a result of variation of the charge shape, charge orientation, geometries and volumes of confined chambers. A finite element program, AUTODYN (Century Dynamics, 2003), is utilized extensively to generate a model which is capable of being calibrated with the experimental results conducted by Wu et al. (2010) in external conditions and by Zyskowski et al. (2004) in a confined small box. The calibrated AUTODYN model is then used to conduct parametric studies to analyze the effects of the variation of charge shape, charge orientation, chamber geometry and chamber volume on the peak reflected overpressure and impulse on the walls of the chamber. The quasi-static overpressure for fully confined blast loading is characterized and the simulated results are used to derive the relationships between the quasi-static overpressure and scaled distance for the fully confined blast loading. Discussion is made on characteristics of fully confined blast loading inside chambers.
Injury in an Elderly Population Before and After Initiating a Skeletal Muscle Relaxant
Authors: Billups Sarah J , Delate Thomas , Hoover Barbara
Published: April 2011

Background

Quality guidelines recommend avoidance of skeletal muscle relaxants in patients 65 years and older, but this recommendation is based on expert opinion, not evidence.

Objective:

To describe an elderly population using skeletal muscle relaxants and compare the incidence of physical injury among these patients before and after initiation of the medication.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, pre-post cohort analysis, with each patient serving as his/her own control. In a population of elderly patients who purchased a prescription for a skeletal muscle relaxant, the primary outcome was to compare the proportion of patients experiencing an injury in a 60-day period prior to initiating the drug to the proportion experiencing an injury in the 60 days immediately following the purchase date.

Results:

Of the 11,875 patients included in the study. 108 (0.9%) experienced an injury during the baseline period and 144 (1.2%) experienced an injury in the 60-day follow-up period (unadjusted OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.75; adjusted OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.81). A total of 333 patients needed to be treated with a skeletal muscle relaxant to result in 1 additional injury. Independent predictors of an injury included a history of an injury in the previous 6 months (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.54 to 5.88) and older age (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09).

Conclusions:

The absolute increase in risk of injury in this population using a skeletal muscle relaxant was small but statistically significant. Cautionary use of these medications in the elderly continues to be advisable, but their use in selected patients 65 years and older could be considered if the expected benefits outweigh the small increased risk of injury. More study is needed to quantify the benefits versus risks of these medications in this population.
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Liraglutide
Authors: Lee Phillip H , Stockton M David , Franks Andrea S
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To report what is, to our knowledge, the first postmarketing case of acute pancreatitis associated with liraglutide

Case Summary:

A 60-year-old female with type 2 diabetes presented with a 16-hour history of mid-epigastric pain 3 weeks after treatment was changed from exenatide 10 μg twice daily, which she had taken for 4 years, to liraglutide 1.8 mg daily. Her serum lipase level was elevated (478 units/L) at admission, and other laboratory values were within normal limits. Liraglutide was discontinued at admission. Standard therapy for pancreatitis resulted in symptom resolution and a significant decrease in serum lipase (131 units/L) by hospital day 4; she was discharged on hospital day 5.

Discussion:

Based on the Naranjo scale, this case represents a probable adverse drug reaction. Eight cases of pancreatitis were observed in liraglutide-treated patients in premarketing clinical trials. Extensive literature describing exenatide-related pancreatitis and premarketing reports of liraglutide-related pancreatitis, along with the temporal relationship between the initiation of liraglutide and the onset of this patient's symptoms, suggest that the episode of pancreatitis was induced by liraglutide.

Conclusions:

Liraglutide should be used cautiously in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for this rare, but potentially serious, adverse effect.
How Prepared Are Transition-Age Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students for Adult Living? Results of the Transition Competence Battery
Authors: Luft Pamela , Huff Kelly
Published: April 2011

One result of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and related legislation is that most deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students attend local public schools. Although such placements may provide greater access to general education classrooms and curriculum, DHH students' specialized needs are less likely to be addressed. Using the Transition Competence Battery (TCB; Reiman, Bullis, & Davis, 1993), the researchers examined the transition strengths and needs of 53 middle and high school DHH students attending public schools. It was found that the students had substantial transition competence deficits and that none reached the recommended competence levels on more than 4 of the 6 subtests. The TCB is an important transition tool that fulfills requirements under the 2004 Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act Amendments to use age-appropriate and resultsoriented transition assessments that document program and intervention outcomes.
Baseline Data on Distance Education Offerings in Deaf Education Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States
Authors: Stryker Deborah S.
Published: April 2011

Given that little is empirically known about the use of distance education within deaf education teacher preparation (DETP) programs, the purpose of the present study was to obtain baseline data on distance education activities in these programs. Using a census of the program coordinators of the 68 DETP programs in the United States, the researcher requested and gathered data by means of an 11-item online questionnaire. A 69% response rate was achieved ( N = 47). It was found that more than half of the DETP programs offered distance education courses. Respondents indicated that asynchronous technology was used overwhelmingly more often than synchronous technology, with the Internet listed most often, followed by teleconferencing. Additional results provide information about the current status of distance education within the DETP field.
Pragmatic Language in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Correlation with Success in General Education
Authors: Thagard Elaine Kirk , Hilsmier Amanda Strong , Easterbrooks Susan R.
Published: April 2011

Deaf and hard of hearing children have shown delays and difficulties in pragmatic behaviors due to insufficient exposure to common daily discourse and underlying impoverishment in all components of language development. In a study in a school district in a southeastern U.S. state, the researchers investigated the relationship between socio-linguistic pragmatic competence in 81 deaf and hard of hearing students and these students' degree of hearing loss, communication mode, and degree of success in general education. Two measures, one devised by the state's department of education and one developed within the local school system, were used: the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (Georgia Department of Education, 2000) and the Socio-Pragmatic Skills Checklist for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (Cobb County School District, 1997). The researchers found that whether the students used spoken language or signed language, socio-pragmatic language had a high, positive correlation with academic outcomes.
Selling Mankind: UNESCO and the Invention of Global History, 1945-1976
Authors: Duedahl Poul
Published: April 2011

In the wake of World War II, UNESCO promoted a new approach to the writing of world history in an attempt to support UN peacekeeping through "mental engineering" in the service of peace. The first task was to launch an authoritative world history without particular geographical orientations. This was intended to provide a profound understanding of the interdependence of various cultures and to accentuate their contributions to the common cultural heritage, thus disarming history by constructing a sense of international unity. This article focuses on the discussions leading up to the publication of the much-criticized History of Mankind volumes of 1963 to 1976 and demonstrates why it makes sense to characterize the project as the starting point of the genre of global history.