bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective inhibition of GluN2D-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevents tissue plasminogen activator-promoted neurotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jullienne Amandine , Montagne Axel , Orset Cyrille , Lesept Flavie , Jane David E , Monaghan Daniel T , Maubert Eric , Vivien Denis , Ali Carine
Published: October 2011

Background

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) exerts multiple functions in the central nervous system, depending on the partner with which it interacts. In particular, tPA acts as a positive neuromodulator of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamatergic receptors (NMDAR). At the molecular level, it has been proposed that the pro-neurotoxicity mediated by tPA might occur through extrasynaptic NMDAR containing the GluN2D subunit. Thus, selective antagonists targeting tPA/GluN2D-containing NMDAR signaling would be of interest to prevent noxious effects of tPA.

Results

Here, we compared three putative antagonists of GluN2D-containing NMDAR and we showed that the new compound UBP145 ((2R*,3S*)-1-(9-bromophenan-threne-3-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid) is far more selective for GluN2D subunits than memantine and PPDA (phenanthrene derivative (2S*, 3R*)-1-(phenanthrene-2-carbonyl)piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid). Indeed, in vitro, in contrast to the two other compounds, UBP145 prevented NMDA toxicity only in neurons expressing GluN2D (ie, in cortical but not hippocampal neurons). Furthermore, in cultured cortical neurons, UBP145 fully prevented the pro-excitotoxic effect of tPA. In vivo, we showed that UBP145 potently prevented the noxious action of exogenous tPA on excitotoxic damages. Moreover, in a thrombotic stroke model in mice, administration of UBP145 prevented the deleterious effect of late thrombolysis by tPA.

Conclusions

In conclusion, tPA exerts noxious effects on neurons by acting on GluN2D-containing NMDAR and pharmacological antagonists of GluN2D-containing NMDAR could be used to prevent the ability of tPA to promote neurotoxicity.
Norwegian trauma team leaders - training and experience: A national point prevalence study
Authors: Ringen Amund Hovengen , Hjortdahl Magnus , Wisborg Torben
Published: October 2011

Background

The treatment of trauma victims is a complex multi-professional task in a stressful environment. We previously found that trauma team members perceive leadership as the most important human factor. The aim of the present study was to assess the experience and education of Norwegian trauma team leaders, and allow them to describe their perceived educational needs.

Methods

We conducted an anonymous descriptive study using a point prevalence methodology based on written questionnaires. All 45 hospitals in Norway receiving severely injured trauma victims were contacted on a randomly selected weeknight during November 2009. Team leaders were asked to specify what trauma related training programs they had participated in, how much experience they had, and what further training they wished, if any.

Results

Response rate was 82%. Slightly more than half of the team leaders were residents. The median working experience as a surgeon among team leaders was 7.5 years. Sixty-eight percent had participated in multi-professional training in non-technical skills, while 54% had passed the advanced trauma life support(ATLS) course. Fifty-one percent were trained in damage control surgery. A median of one course per team leader was needed to comply with the new proposed national standards. Team leaders considered training in damage control surgery the most needed educational objective.

Conclusions

Level of experience among team leaders was highly variable and their educational background insufficient according to international and proposed national standards. Proposed national standards should be urgently implemented to ensure equal access to high quality trauma care.
Pre-operative planning for mandibular reconstruction - A full digital planning workflow resulting in a patient specific reconstruction
Authors: Essig Harald , Rana Majeed , Kokemueller Horst , von See Constantin , Ruecker Martin , Tavassol Frank , Gellrich Nils-Claudius
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Reconstruction of large mandiblular defects following ablative oncologic surgery could be done by using vascularized bone transfer or, more often, primarily with simultaneous or delayed bone grafting, using load bearing reconstruction plates. Bending of these reconstruction plates is typically directed along the outer contour of the original mandible. Simultaneously or in a second operation vascularized or non-vascularized bone is fixed to the reconstruction plate. However, the prosthodontic-driven backward planning to ease bony reconstruction of the mandible in terms of dental rehabilitation using implant-retained overdentures might be an eligible solution. The purpose of this work was to develop, establish and clinically evaluate a novel 3D planning procedure for mandibular reconstruction.

Materials and methods

Three patients with tumors involving the mandible, which included squamous cell carcinoma in the floor of the mouth and keratocystic odontogenic tumor, were treated surgically by hemimandibulectomy.

Results

In primary alloplastic mandible reconstruction, shape and size of the reconstruction plate could be predefined and prebent prior to surgery.

Clinical relevance

This study provides modern treatment strategies for mandibular reconstruction.
A rapid, convenient, solventless green approach for the synthesis of oximes using grindstone chemistry
Authors: Saikia Lakhinath , Baruah Jejiron Maheswari , Thakur Ashim Jyoti
Published: October 2011

Background

Synthesis of oximes is an important reaction in organic chemistry, because these versatile oximes are used for protection, purification, and characterization of carbonyl compounds. Nitriles, amides via Beckmann rearrangement, nitro compounds, nitrones, amines, and azaheterocycles can be synthesised from oximes. They also find applications for selective α-activation. In inorganic chemistry, oximes act as a versatile ligand.

Several procedures for the preparation of oximes exist, but, most of them have not addressed the green chemistry issue. They are associated with generation of pollutants, requirement of high reaction temperature, low yields, lack of a generalized procedure, etc. Hence, there is a demand for developing an efficient, convenient, and non-polluting or less polluting alternative method for the preparation of oximes. In this context, bismuth compounds are very useful as they are cheap in general, commercially available, air stable crystalline solids, safe, and non-toxic, hence easy to handle.

Results

Carbonyl compounds (aliphatic, heterocyclic, and aromatic) were converted into the corresponding oximes in excellent yields by simply grinding the reactants at room temperature without using any solvent in the presence of Bi2O3. Most importantly, this method minimizes waste disposal problems, provides a simple yet efficient example of unconventional methodology and requires short time.

Conclusions

We have developed a novel, quick, environmentally safe, and clean synthesis of aldoximes and ketoximes under solvent-free grinding condition.
Proprotein Convertase 5/6 Is Critical for Embryo Implantation in Women: Regulating Receptivity by Cleaving EBP50, Modulating Ezrin Binding, and Membrane-Cytoskeletal Interactions
Authors: Heng Sophea , Cervero Ana , Simon Carlos , Stephens Andrew N. , Li Ying , Zhang Jin , Paule Sarah , Rainczuk Adam , Singh Harmeet , Quinonero Alicia , Tapia Alejandro , Velasquez Luis , Salamonsen Lois , Rombauts Luk J. F. , Nie Guiying
Published: October 2011

Establishment of endometrial receptivity is vital for successful embryo implantation; its failure causes infertility. Epithelial receptivity acquisition involves dramatic structural changes in the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton. Proprotein convertase 5/6 (PC6), a serine protease of the proprotein convertase (PC) family, is up-regulated in the human endometrium specifically at the time of epithelial receptivity and stromal cell decidualization. PC6 is the only PC member tightly regulated in this manner. The current study addressed the importance and mechanisms of PC6 action in regulating receptivity in women. PC6 was dysregulated in the endometrial epithelium during the window of implantation in infertile women of three demographically different cohorts. Its critical role in receptivity was evidenced by a significant reduction in mouse blastocyst attachment of endometrial epithelial cells after PC6 knockdown by small interfering RNA. Using a proteomic approach, we discovered that PC6 cleaved the key scaffolding protein, ezrin-radixin-moesin binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50), thereby profoundly affecting its interaction with binding protein ezrin (a key protein bridging actin filaments and plasma membrane), EBP50/ezrin cellular localization, and cytoskeleton-membrane connections. We further validated this novel PC6 regulation of receptivity in human endometrium in vivo in fertile vs. infertile patients. These results strongly indicate that PC6 plays a key role in regulating fundamental cellular remodeling processes, such as plasma membrane transformation and membrane-cytoskeletal interface reorganization. PC6 cleavage of a crucial scaffolding protein EBP50, thereby profoundly regulating membrane-cytoskeletal reorganization, greatly extends the current knowledge of PC biology and provides substantial new mechanistic insight into the fields of reproduction, basic cellular biology, and PC biochemistry.
Scanner Beep Only Means the Barcode Has Been Scanned; Barcode Scanning after Drug Administration Has Little Value; National Alert Network: Dosing Confusion with Colistimethate for Injection; Mix-ups between Risperidone and Ropinirole
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: October 2011

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Dipyridamole-Associated Shock and Pulmonary Edema; Oxcarbazepine-Induced Resistant Ventricular Fibrillation; Finasteride-Induced Pseudoporphyria; Suicidal Ideation Associated with Asenapine; Rediscovering Adverse Anticholinergic Effects; Prevalence of Adverse Drug Events in Ambulatory Care
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Antibiotic Collateral Damage: Resistance and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Matsuura Gregory T. , Garrison Mark W.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this review is to describe dilemmas associated with antibiotic collateral damage and provide clinical pharmacists with information to improve antibiotic utilization. The clinical use of antibiotics has been associated with acquisition and spread of nosocomial pathogens and multidrug-resistant strains, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, AmpC hyper-producers, carbapenemases, and resistant gram-positive organisms. The mobility of plasmid-mediated resistance, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and the more recently isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases, have been well-demonstrated with worldwide distribution across several different species. The challenges surrounding antibiotic-associated diarrhea, particularly Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), continue to evolve with outbreaks of hypervirulent strains linked to the use of less commonly implicated antibiotics. Published literature was searched and reviewed using PubMed. Undesirable attributes related to antibiotic use can have broad consequences in addition to their effect on individual patients. This collateral damage can evolve over time, and prescribers must be aware of current concerns and be diligent in their judicious use of antibiotics.
Technology and Teamwork for the Patient-Centered Medical Home
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: October 2011

We believe that patient-centered medical homes and associated accountable care organizations are 2 of the most important initiatives facing health care today. Even though the exact role of the pharmacist is still to be determined, health information technology will provide a supporting role for these initiatives. In this technology briefing, we describe our thoughts on the role of the pharmacist and health information technology in these initiatives.
Overview of Spectroscopic Analysis of Petroleum Products and Lubricants
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY HAS played a crucial role in the characterization of petroleum products and lubricants for their chemical and physical properties. Virtually all available well-known and many not-so-well-known analytical techniques have been used for this task. ASTM International Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants has been a critical partner in standardizing such methodology, as evident from its compilation of nearly 600 analytical standards [1,2].
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry in the Petroleum Industry with Emphasis on Organic Solution Analysis
Authors: Botto Robert I.
Published: October 2011

One of the most important advantages of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is that it can analyze aqueous and organic solutions. This makes it an ideal technique for the petroleum/petrochemical industry, which generates a wide variety of aqueous and organic sample types. With proper solvent selection, the heavy end of the barrel as well as the light fractions of crude, and crude oil itself, can be analyzed. ICP-AES has been a well-established technique in the petroleum analysis laboratory since the 1970s. The author's laboratory at ExxonMobil (then Exxon Research and Engineering Company) in Baytown, Texas, ordered one of the first commercial ICP-AES instruments and took delivery in early 1976. This Jarrell-Ash (now Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) direct-reading arc spectrometer fitted with an ICP source was the first ICP-AES installed in the petroleum industry. It served us well for nearly 25 years [1].
Spectroscopic Methods for the Determination of Sulfur in Petroleum Products
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

Sulfur either in elemental form or as its organic and inorganic compounds is present in most petroleum products and lubricants in varying concentrations, from high levels in some crude oils and lubricant additives to trace amounts in certain processed petroleum products. Sulfur originates in crude oil from natural sources from its marine animal and vegetative origins deposited with sediment in coastal waters in prehistoric times. Over the millennia, sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and other volatile compounds evolved out of this primordial mixture due to the bacterial actions and thermal and environmental pressure leaving behind a mixture of hydrocarbons containing some of these elements, metals, and other compounds. In additives and lubricating oils, sulfur compounds are added as metal compounds acting as performance improvers [1].
Spectroscopic Analysis of Used Oils
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

Usually all automobile users keep an eye on the gasoline gauge, but few pay much attention to the oil gauge until a warning light comes on the dashboard indicating that it is time to change the oil and filter. The time intervals between successive oil changes have increased from the usual 3,000 miles to nearly 10,000 miles per some manufacturers' warranties, and up to 25,000 miles for the synthetic oils.
Calibration Protocols for Spectroscopic Measurements of Petroleum Products
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

All apparatus and instruments used in a laboratory require some kind of calibration or verification before an instrument is used for producing reliable data. A perfect analysis needs a perfect calibration as a first step and perfect quality control as perhaps the last step in the sequence of analytical event. Often this cycle is depicted as [1]: 1Calibration→Sample Analysis→QC Analysis→Calibration→→→
Spectroscopic Analysis of Petroleum Products and Lubricants
Authors: Nadkarni R. A. Kishore
Published: October 2011

Description

This unique publication examines twelve spectroscopic techniques used in oil industry laboratories.

Twenty-four chapters provide a detailed discussion of the fundamentals of the techniques and their application in the oil analysis field. This is the only book available that describes both theory and applicability.

It also includes extensive illustrations of applications of these techniques in the field.
microRNA as Repressors of Stress-Induced Anxiety: The Case of Amygdalar miR-34
Authors: Haramati Sharon , Navon Inbal , Issler Orna , Ezra-Nevo Gili , Gil Shosh , Zwang Raaya , Hornstein Eran , Chen Alon
Published: October 2011

The etiology and pathophysiology of anxiety and mood disorders is linked to inappropriate regulation of the central stress response. To determine whether microRNAs have a functional role in the regulation of the stress response, we inactivated microRNA processing by a lentiviral-induced local ablation of theDicergene in the central amygdala (CeA) of adult mice. CeA Dicer ablation induced a robust increase in anxiety-like behavior, whereas manipulated neurons survive and appear to exhibit normal gross morphology in the time period examined. We also observed that acute stress in wild-type mice induced a differential expression profile of microRNAs in the amygdala. Bioinformatic analysis identified putative gene targets for these stress-responsive microRNAs, some of which are known to be associated with stress. One of the prominent stress-induced microRNAs found in this screen, miR-34c, was further confirmed to be upregulated after acute and chronic stressful challenge and downregulated in Dicer ablated cells. Lentivirally mediated overexpression of miR34c specifically within the adult CeA induced anxiolytic behavior after challenge. Of particular interest, one of the miR-34c targets is the stress-related corticotropin releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRFR1) mRNA, regulated via a single evolutionary conserved seed complementary site on its 3′ UTR. Additionalin vitrostudies demonstrated that miR-34c reduces the responsiveness of cells to CRF in neuronal cells endogenously expressing CRFR1. Our results suggest a physiological role for microRNAs in regulating the central stress response and position them as potential targets for treatment of stress-related disorders.
Human Primary Auditory Cortex Follows the Shape of Heschl's Gyrus
Authors: Da Costa Sandra , van der Zwaag Wietske , Marques Jose P. , Frackowiak Richard S. J. , Clarke Stephanie , Saenz Melissa
Published: October 2011

The primary auditory cortex (PAC) is central to human auditory abilities, yet its location in the brain remains unclear. We measured the two largest tonotopic subfields of PAC (hA1 and hR) using high-resolution functional MRI at 7 T relative to the underlying anatomy of Heschl's gyrus (HG) in 10 individual human subjects. The data reveals a clear anatomical–functional relationship that, for the first time, indicates the location of PAC across the range of common morphological variants of HG (single gyri, partial duplications, and complete duplications). In 20/20 individual hemispheres, two primary mirror-symmetric tonotopic maps were clearly observed with gradients perpendicular to HG. PAC spanned both divisions of HG in cases of partial and complete duplications (11/20 hemispheres), not only the anterior division as commonly assumed. Specifically, the central union of the two primary maps (the hA1–R border) was consistently centered on the full Heschl's structure: on the gyral crown of single HGs and within the sulcal divide of duplicated HGs. The anatomical–functional variants of PAC appear to be part of a continuum, rather than distinct subtypes. These findings significantly revise HG as a marker for human PAC and suggest that tonotopic maps may have shaped HG during human evolution. Tonotopic mappings were based on only 16 min of fMRI data acquisition, so these methods can be used as an initial mapping step in future experiments designed to probe the function of specific auditory fields.
Regulation of Neuronal M-Channel Gating in an Isoform-Specific Manner: Functional Interplay between Calmodulin and Syntaxin 1A
Authors: Etzioni Adi , Siloni Sivan , Chikvashvilli Dodo , Strulovich Roi , Sachyani Dana , Regev Noa , Greitzer-Antes Dafna , Hirsch Joel A. , Lotan Ilana
Published: October 2011

Whereas neuronal M-type K+channels composed of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 subunits regulate firing properties of neurons, presynaptic KCNQ2 subunits were demonstrated to regulate neurotransmitter release by directly influencing presynaptic function. Two interaction partners of M-channels, syntaxin 1A and calmodulin, are known to act presynaptically, syntaxin serving as a major protein component of the membrane fusion machinery and calmodulin serving as regulator of several processes related to neurotransmitter release. Notably, both partners specifically modulate KCNQ2 but not KCNQ3 subunits, suggesting selective presynaptic targeting to directly regulate exocytosis without interference in neuronal firing properties. Here, having first demonstrated inXenopusoocytes, using analysis of single-channel biophysics, that both modulators downregulate the open probability of KCNQ2 but not KCNQ3 homomers, we sought to resolve the channel structural determinants that confer the isoform-specific gating downregulation and to get insights into the molecular events underlying this mechanism. We show, using optical, biochemical, electrophysiological, and molecular biology analyses, the existence of constitutive interactions between the N and C termini in homomeric KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels in living cells. Furthermore, rearrangement in the relative orientation of the KCNQ2 termini that accompanies reduction in single-channel open probability is induced by both regulators, strongly suggesting that closer N–C termini proximity underlies gating downregulation. Different structural determinants, identified at the N and C termini of KCNQ3, prevent the effects by syntaxin 1A and calmodulin, respectively. Moreover, we show that the syntaxin 1A and calmodulin effects can be additive or blocked at different concentration ranges of calmodulin, bearing physiological significance with regard to presynaptic exocytosis.
Cortical Excitation and Inhibition following Focal Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ding Ming-Chieh , Wang Qi , Lo Eng H. , Stanley Garrett B.
Published: October 2011

Cortical compression can be a significant problem in many types of brain injuries, such as brain trauma, localized brain edema, hematoma, focal cerebral ischemia, or brain tumors. Mechanical and cellular alterations can result in global changes in excitation and inhibition on the neuronal network level even in the absence of histologically significant cell injury, often manifesting clinically as seizures. Despite the importance and prevalence of this problem, however, the precise electrophysiological effects of brain injury have not been well characterized. In this study, the changes in electrophysiology were characterized following sustained cortical compression using large-scale, multielectrode measurement of multiunit activity in primary somatosensory cortex in a sensory-evoked,in vivoanimal model. Immediately following the initiation of injury at a distal site, there was a period of suppression of the evoked response in the rat somatosensory cortex, followed by hyper-excitability that was accompanied by an increase in the spatial extent of cortical activation. Paired-pulse tactile stimulation revealed a dramatic shift in the excitatory/inhibitory dynamics, suggesting a longer term hyperexcitability of the cortical circuit following the initial suppression that could be linked to the disruption of one or more inhibitory mechanisms of the thalamocortical circuit. Together, our results showed that the use of a sensory-evoked response provided a robust and repeatable functional marker of the evolution of the consequences of mild injury, serving as an important step towardin vivoquantification of alterations in excitation and inhibition in the cortex in the setting of traumatic brain injury.
A Specific Brain Structural Basis for Individual Differences in Reality Monitoring
Authors: Buda Marie , Fornito Alex , Bergström Zara M. , Simons Jon S.
Published: October 2011

Much recent interest has centered on understanding the relationship between brain structure variability and individual differences in cognition, but there has been little progress in identifying specific neuroanatomical bases of such individual differences. One cognitive ability that exhibits considerable variability in the healthy population is reality monitoring; the cognitive processes used to introspectively judge whether a memory came from an internal or external source (e.g., whether an event was imagined or actually occurred). Neuroimaging research has implicated the medial anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC) in reality monitoring, and here we sought to determine whether morphological variability in a specific anteromedial PFC brain structure, the paracingulate sulcus (PCS), might underlie performance. Fifty-three healthy volunteers were selected on the basis of MRI scans and classified into four groups according to presence or absence of the PCS in their left or right hemisphere. The group with absence of the PCS in both hemispheres showed significantly reduced reality monitoring performance and ability to introspect metacognitively about their performance when compared with other participants. Consistent with the prediction that sulcal absence might mean greater volume in the surrounding frontal gyri, voxel-based morphometry revealed a significant negative correlation between anterior PFC gray matter and reality monitoring performance. The findings provide evidence that individual differences in introspective abilities like reality monitoring may be associated with specific structural variability in the PFC.
Levels of BDNF Impact Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells following a Cuprizone Lesion
Authors: VonDran Melissa W. , Singh Harmandeep , Honeywell Jean Z. , Dreyfus Cheryl F.
Published: October 2011

Previous work in culture has shown that basal forebrain (BF) oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage cells respond to BDNF by increasing DNA synthesis and differentiation. Further, in the BFin vivo, reduced levels of BDNF as seen inBDNF+/−mice result in reduced numbers of NG2+ cells and deficits in myelin proteins throughout development and in the adult, suggesting that BDNF impacts the proliferating population of OLGs as well as differentiationin vivo. In this study, to investigate the roles BDNF may play in the repair of a demyelinating lesion, the cuprizone model was used and the corpus callosum was examined. BDNF protein levels were reduced after cuprizone treatment, suggesting that the demyelinating lesion itself elicits a decrease in BDNF. To analyze the effects of a further reduction of BDNF on OLG lineage cells following cuprizone,BDNF+/−mice were evaluated. These mice exhibited a blunted increase in the NG2 response at 4 and 5 weeks of cuprizone treatment. In addition,BDNF+/−mice exhibited decreased levels of myelin proteins during the demyelination and remyelination processes with no change in the total number of OLGs. These effects appear to be relatively specific to OLG lineage cells as comparable changes in CD11b+ microglia, GFAP+ astrocytes, and SMI32+ injured axons were not observed. These data indicate that BDNF may play a role following a demyelinating lesion by regulating the numbers of progenitors and the abilities of demyelinating and differentiating cells to express myelin proteins.
Neuroblastoma therapy: what is in the pipeline?
Authors: Verissimo Carla S , Molenaar Jan J , Fitzsimons Carlos P , Vreugdenhil Erno
Published: October 2011

Despite the expansion of knowledge about neuroblastoma (NB) in recent years, the therapeutic outcome for children with a high-risk NB has not significantly improved. Therefore, more effective therapies are needed. This might be achieved by aiming future efforts at recently proposed but not yet developed targets for NB therapy. In this review, we discuss the recently proposed molecular targets that are in clinical trials and, in particular, those that are not yet explored in the clinic. We focus on the selection of these molecular targets for which promisingin vitroandin vivoresults have been obtained by silencing/inhibiting them. In addition, these selected targets are involved at least in one of the NB tumorigenic processes: proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis and/or metastasis. In particular, we will review a recently proposed target, the microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) encoded by doublecortin-like kinase gene (DCLK1).DCLK1-derived MAPs are crucial for proliferation and survival of neuroblasts and are highly expressed not only in NB but also in other tumours such as gliomas. Additionally, we will discuss neuropeptide Y, its Y2 receptor and cathepsin L as examples of targets to decrease angiogenesis and metastasis of NB. Furthermore, we will review the micro-RNAs that have been proposed as therapeutic targets for NB. Detailed investigation of these not yet developed targets as well as exploration of multi-target approaches might be the key to a more effective NB therapy, i.e. increasing specificity, reducing toxicity and avoiding long-term side effects.
The Relation of Nasality and Nasalance to Nasal Port Area Based on a Computational Model
Authors: Bunton Kate , Story Brad H.
Published: October 2011

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of perceptual ratings of nasality by experienced listeners, measures of nasalance, and the size of the nasal port opening for three simulated English corner vowels, /i/, /u/, and /a/.

Design

Samples were generated using a computational model that allowed for exact control of nasal port size and a direct measure of nasalance. Perceptual ratings were obtained using a paired-stimulus presentation.

Participants

Five experienced listeners.

Main Outcome Measures

Measures of nasalance and perceptual nasality ratings.

Results

Differences in nasalance and perceptual ratings of nasality were noted among the three vowels, with values being greater for the high vowels /i/ and /u/ compared to the low vowel Id. Listeners detected nasality for the high and low vowels simulated with nasal port areas of 0.01 and 0.15 cm2, respectively. Correlations between ratings of nasality and nasalance were high for all three vowels.

Conclusions

Results of the present study show a high correlation between ratings of nasality and measures of nasalance for nasal port areas ranging from 0 to 0.5 cm2. The correlations were based on sustained vowel samples. The restricted speech sample limits generalization of the findings to clinical data; however, the results are a demonstration of the usefulness of modeling to understand the perceptual phenomena of nasality.
Bathrocephaly: A Head Shape Associated with a Persistent Mendosal Suture
Authors: Gallagher Emily R. , Evans Kelly N. , Hing Anne V. , Cunningham Michael L.
Published: October 2011

Bathrocephaly, a deformity of the posterior skull with bulging of the midportion of the occipital bone, is often associated with a benign variant of the mendosal suture ( Mulliken and Le, 2008 ). The endochondral and membranous portions of the occipital bone converge at the mendosal suture, which normally closes during fetal life or early infancy. When it persists, it is associated with a characteristic head shape that requires no intervention. We review the clinical findings associated with postnatal persistence of the mendosal suture and discuss other factors that may be associated with bathrocephaly.
The Effect of Straw Mulch on Simulated Simazine Leaching and Runoff
Authors: Jiang Linjian , Dami Imed , Mathers Hannah M. , Dick Warren A. , Doohan Doug
Published: October 2011

In the Midwestern United States, winter hilling, consisting of two tillage activities per year, is required in vinifera-grape vineyards for winter protection. However, this practice often leads to severe soil erosion and pesticide offsite movement. The effectiveness of wheat straw mulch as a replacement for soil mounding was investigated as a way of providing winter protection and to mitigate pesticide leaching and runoff. A laboratory experiment was conducted where simazine was applied to wheat straw or bare soil and then followed by simulated rainfalls. When compared with bare soil, straw reduced simazine leaching and runoff by 40 and 68%, respectively. Adsorption or interception, or both, of simazine by straw were responsible for this effect. Additionally, straw reduced soil erosion by 95% and would largely reduce simazine runoff associated with sediment displacement. The first simulated rainfall contributed 70 and 34% of total simazine runoff from bare soil and straw, respectively. In conclusion, mulching with straw during winter months to provide winter protection could be an effective practice for controlling simazine offsite movement and soil erosion in vinifera vineyards.
Germination of Fresh Horse Purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum) Seeds in Response to Different Environmental Factors
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Johnson David E.
Published: October 2011

Horse purslane, a C4 species, is a branched, prostrate, and annual weed of upland field crops throughout the tropics. Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of various environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of two populations of horse purslane. Seeds were collected from rice fields of the International Rice Research Institute (the IR population) and from sorghum fields of the University of the Philippines (the UP population); the two sites were 5 km apart in Los Baños, Philippines. Germination response of both populations was greater at 30/20 C and35/25 C day/night temperatures than they were at 25/15 C alternating day/night temperatures. Germination of both populations was greater in the light/dark regime than in darkness. In dark, depending on the temperature, seed germination of the UP population ranged from 37 to 62%, whereas seed germination of the IR population was < 20%. Exposure to 5 min at 117 and 119 C for the IR and UP populations, respectively, reduced germination to 50% of maximum germination. Osmotic potential of −0.26 MPa inhibited germination to 50% of the maximum for the UP population, whereas the corresponding value for the IR population was −0.37 MPa. Seeds placed on or near the soil surface had maximum emergence, and emergence declined with increase in seed burial depth. Seedling emergence of the UP and IR populations was 74% and 13%, respectively, for seeds placed on the soil surface. For both populations, no seedlings emerged from a soil burial depth of 6 cm or more. Germination and emergence responses to light and seed burial depth differed between the two populations of horse purslane. Residues on the soil surface of up to 6 Mg ha−1 did not influence seedling emergence of either populations. Knowledge gained in this study could contribute to developing components of integrated weed management strategies for horse purslane.
Germination and Emergence Characteristics of Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium)
Authors: Boyd N. S. , Hughes A.
Published: October 2011

Spreading dogbane is an important weed of wild blueberry fields that decreases yields and hinders harvest operations. A range of experiments was conducted to evaluate the impact of abiotic factors on dogbane seed germination. Freshly harvested seeds were largely nondormant with viability ranging between 67 and 84%. Prolonged exposure to light neither promoted nor inhibited germination. Germination rates and total seed germination varied with temperature and osmotic potential. Significantly fewer seeds germinated at 5 C compared with 10, 15, and 20 C. There was a significant quadratic relationship between dogbane germination and osmotic potential, with significant numbers of seeds germinating at levels as low as −0.5 MPa. Emergence rates declined exponentially with depth in the soil and as many as 9% of seeds germinated but were unable to reach the soil surface. Results indicate that substantial seed germination in blueberry fields is possible and primary dispersal without wind occurs over a very short distance.
The Critical Period of Weed Control for Lentil in Western Canada
Authors: Fedoruk L. K. , Johnson E. N. , Shirtliffe S. J.
Published: October 2011

Weed control in lentil is difficult because lentil is a poor competitor with weeds and few POST broadleaf herbicides are available. Imadazolinone-tolerant lentils have more herbicide options, but the optimum timing for herbicide application is not known. The critical period of weed control (CPWC) is the period in a crop's life cycle when weeds must be controlled in order to prevent yield loss. The objective of this research was to determine the CPWC for lentil. We made lentil remain weedy or weed-free from 0 to 11 aboveground nodes to investigate the durations of weed interference and weed-free period, respectively. It was found that lentil has a CPWC beginning at the five-node stage and continuing to the 10-node stage. There was an inverse relationship between weed biomass and lentil yield; that is, lentil yield was highest when weed biomass is minimal. We propose that the CPWC begins when weeds start to accumulate significant biomass and ends with crop canopy closure. Therefore, to maximize lentil yields, growers should consider using a POST residual herbicide that can control weeds during the CPWC.
Sludge settleability detection using automated SV30 measurement and its application to a field WWTP
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Choi S. J. , Bae H. , Kim C. W.
Published: October 2011

The need for automation & measurement technologies to detect the process state has been a driving force in the development of various measurements at wastewater treatment plants. While the number of applications of automation & measurement technologies to the field is increasing, there have only been a few cases where they have been applied to the area of sludge settling. This is because it is not easy to develop an automated operation support system for the detection of sludge settleability due to its site-specific characteristics. To automate the human operator's daily test and diagnosis works on sludge settling, an on-line SV30 measurement was developed and an automated detection algorithm on settleability was developed that imitated heuristics to detect settleability faults. The automated SV30 measurement is based on automatic pumping with a predefined schedule, the image capture of the settling test with a digital camera, and an analysis of the images to detect the settled sludge height. A sludge settleability detection method was developed and its applicability was investigated by field application.
Textile effluent treatment in a UASB reactor followed by submerged aerated biofiltration
Authors: Ferraz A. D. N. , Kato M. T. , Florencio L. , Gavazza S.
Published: October 2011

An upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB)-submerged aerated biofilter (SAB) system that treats effluents from a jeans factory was evaluated. The 210-day operational period was divided into three phases (PI, PII and PIII), each with a different hydraulic retention time (HRT in h) and organic loading rate (OLR in kg COD/m3.d). In PI, the best performance was achieved using the UASB (HRT 24, OLR 1.3) with COD and color removal efficiencies of 59 and 64%, respectively; the corresponding values were 77 and 86% for the final effluent. In PII, the efficiencies were 50 and 55% using the UASB (HRT 16, OLR 1.2), respectively, and 69 and 81% for the final system effluent, respectively. In PIII, the UASB (HRT 12 and ORL 3.2) showed the poorest performance; the efficiencies decreased to 48 and 50%, respectively. The same phenomenon occurred in the system with corresponding efficiencies decreasing to 69 and 61%. Throughout the experiment, the system removal efficiencies were between 57 and 88% for nitrogen and between 14 and 63% for sulfate. The final effluent showed relatively non-toxicity or moderate toxicity using Daphnia magna as an indicator. Therefore, the overall results showed that the use of a sequential anaerobic–aerobic system is promising for treatment of textile industrial wastewater.
Snowmelt and its role in the hydrologic and nutrient budgets of prairie streams
Authors: Corriveau Julie , Chambers Patricia A. , Yates Adam G. , Culp Joseph M.
Published: October 2011

Small watersheds in the Canadian Prairies are characterized by seasonally disconnected hydrologic networks whereby stream channels are hydrologically connected during snowmelt but have disconnected reaches throughout the remainder of the year. Snowmelt is the most significant hydrological event in the Canadian Prairies, yet few studies have investigated the role of snowmelt in the nutrient budget of prairie streams. We quantified hydrologic and nutrient dynamics during snowmelt for ten agricultural subwatersheds distributed along a gradient of human activity in the Red River Valley, Canada, to evaluate the timing of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) export. Elevated concentrations of total P (TP) and total N (TN) were observed during the snowmelt peak, with maximum concentrations reaching 3.23 mg TP L−1 and 18.50 mg TN L−1. Dissolved P and N dominated the total nutrient pool throughout snowmelt, likely due to reduced erosion and sediment transport resulting from the combination of the flat topography, frozen soil and stream banks, and gradual snow cover melt. Significant correlations were observed between snowmelt N load (r = 0.91; p < 0.05) and both agricultural land cover and fertilizer usage, with a weaker correlation between snowmelt P load (r = 0.81; p < 0.05) and agricultural area. Our results showed that snowmelt plays a key role in nutrient export to prairie aquatic ecosystems and this may have serious impacts on downstream ecosystems. Land use management practices need to consider the snowmelt period to control nutrient loads to Lake Winnipeg and other waterbodies in the Great Plains.
Prediction of an Epidemic Curve: A Supervised Classification Approach
Authors: Nsoesie Elaine O. , Beckman Richard , Marathe Madhav , Lewis Bryan
Published: October 2011

Classification methods are widely used for identifying underlying groupings within datasets and predicting the class for new data objects given a trained classifier. This study introduces a project aimed at using a combination of simulations and classification techniques to predict epidemic curves and infer underlying disease parameters for an ongoing outbreak.

Six supervised classification methods (random forest, support vector machines, nearest neighbor with three decision rules, linear and flexible discriminant analysis) were used in identifying partial epidemic curves from six agent-based stochastic simulations of influenza epidemics. The accuracy of the methods was compared using a performance metric based on the McNemar test.

The findings showed that: (1) assumptions made by the methods regarding the structure of an epidemic curve influences their performance i.e. methods with fewer assumptions perform best, (2) the performance of most methods is consistent across different individual-based networks for Seattle, Los Angeles and New York and (3) combining classifiers using a weighting approach does not guarantee better prediction.
The Impact of Globalization of Antitrust Law on Developing Countries: Harmony or Hegemony?
Authors: Bradstreet Richard S.
Published: October 2011

In the light of todays rampant globalization, there is an increasing need for developing a system of antitrust that serves to regulate the world market. This article describes the problems relating to the globalization of antitrust in the face of differing, and often conflicting, aims of domestic antitrust law and argues that a globally applicable system of antitrust needs to treat all state players in the global market equally by taking into account the needs of each domestic economy.Since domestic antitrust law is aimed at protecting domestic interests, a globally applicable system of antitrust must recognize the dissymmetry between the goals of antitrust in developed and developing countries, and will require a single global antitrust policy which should inform the domestic jurisprudence of all states, thereby forcing domestic authorities to also take into account the interests of foreign jurisdictions so as to not impede economic development abroad.Harmonization of antitrust should reflect the interests of the global market, which would be best regulated by a system based on a global antitrust policy that addresses the specific needs of developing economies and aims at establishing a more level playing field in the global economic arena.Owing to the self-interest inherent in state actions and domestic systems of antitrust, a neutral international body such as the World Trade Organization will need to establish a globally applicable antitrust policy, and facilitate both its initial negotiation and its enforcement.
A framework for developing and implementing the enterprise technical architecture
Authors: Iyamu Tiko
Published: October 2011

Organizations build, buy and reuse different types of technology with the
intention to addressing their organizational needs, challenges and for
competitive advantage. Unfortunately, the means is not the end. Instead, in
some ways, it leads to complications and complexities, and more importantly,
consumes more resources. Some organizations have adopted the technical
architecture approach to address the challenges posed by technology
deployment. The technical architecture is intended to address aspects, from
strategic planning to implementation of technology infrastructures. This is
to consistently effect significant technological change within the
environment. The technical architecture approach facilitates and enables
prioritization of analysis, development and implementation, which are based
on value added business requirements and vision. It therefore allows the
organization to proceed at its own pace while progressing at the same time.
The paper presents model which reflects the consistent approach that adaptive
enterprises could employ to build, maintain, and apply technical architecture
in the computing environment. The model emphasizes a holistic approach to
technical architecture deployment in the organization.