bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet Lipidomics
Authors: O’Donnell Valerie B. , Murphy Robert C. , Watson Steve P.
Published: March 2014

Lipids are diverse families of biomolecules that perform essential structural and signaling roles in platelets. Their formation and metabolism are tightly controlled by enzymes and signal transduction pathways, and their dysregulation leads to significant defects in platelet function and disease. Platelet activation is associated with significant changes to membrane lipids, and formation of diverse bioactive lipids plays essential roles in hemostasis. In recent years, new generation mass spectrometry analysis of lipids (termed lipidomics) has begun to alter our understanding of how these molecules participate in key cellular processes. Although the application of lipidomics to platelet biology is still in its infancy, seminal earlier studies have shaped our knowledge of how lipids regulate key aspects of platelet biology, including aggregation, shape change, coagulation, and degranulation, as well as how lipids generated by platelets influence other cells, such as leukocytes and the vascular wall, and thus how they regulate hemostasis, vascular integrity, and inflammation, as well as contribute to pathologies, including arterial/deep vein thrombosis and atherosclerosis. This review will provide a brief historical perspective on the characterization of lipids in platelets, then an overview of the new generation lipidomic approaches, their recent application to platelet biology, and future perspectives for research in this area. The major platelet-regulatory lipid families, their formation, metabolism, and their role in health and disease, will be summarized.
Thiol Isomerases in Thrombus Formation
Authors: Furie Bruce , Flaumenhaft Robert
Published: March 2014

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), ERp5, and ERp57, among perhaps other thiol isomerases, are important for the initiation of thrombus formation. Using the laser injury thrombosis model in mice to induce in vivo arterial thrombus formation, it was shown that thrombus formation is associated with PDI secretion by platelets, that inhibition of PDI blocked platelet thrombus formation and fibrin generation, and that endothelial cell activation leads to PDI secretion. Similar results using this and other thrombosis models in mice have demonstrated the importance of ERp5 and ERp57 in the initiation of thrombus formation. The integrins, α
IIb
β
3
and α
V
β
3
, play a key role in this process and interact directly with PDI, ERp5, and ERp57. The mechanism by which thiol isomerases participate in thrombus generation is being evaluated using trapping mutant forms to identify substrates of thiol isomerases that participate in the network pathways linking thiol isomerases, platelet receptor activation, and fibrin generation. PDI as an antithrombotic target is being explored using isoquercetin and quercetin 3-rutinoside, inhibitors of PDI identified by high throughput screening. Regulation of thiol isomerase expression, analysis of the storage, and secretion of thiol isomerases and determination of the electron transfer pathway are key issues to understanding this newly discovered mechanism of regulation of the initiation of thrombus formation.
Tight Glycemic Control After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in High-Risk Patient Populations
Authors: Agus Michael S.D. , Asaro Lisa A. , Steil Garry M. , Alexander Jamin L. , Silverman Melanie , Wypij David , Gaies Michael G.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Our previous randomized, clinical trial showed that postoperative tight glycemic control (TGC) for children undergoing cardiac surgery did not reduce the rate of health care–associated infections compared with standard care (STD). Heterogeneity of treatment effect may exist within this population.

Methods and Results—

We performed a post hoc exploratory analysis of 980 children from birth to 36 months of age at the time of cardiac surgery who were randomized to postoperative TGC or STD in the intensive care unit. Significant interactions were observed between treatment group and both neonate (age ≤30 days;
P
=0.03) and intraoperative glucocorticoid exposure (
P
=0.03) on the risk of infection. The rate and incidence of infections in subjects ≤60 days old were significantly increased in the TGC compared with the STD group (rate: 13.5 versus 3.7 infections per 1000 cardiac intensive care unit days,
P
=0.01; incidence: 13% versus 4%,
P
=0.02), whereas infections among those >60 days of age were significantly reduced in the TGC compared with the STD group (rate: 5.0 versus 14.1 infections per 1000 cardiac intensive care unit days,
P
=0.02; incidence: 2% versus 5%,
P
=0.03); the interaction of treatment group by age subgroup was highly significant (
P
=0.001). Multivariable logistic regression controlling for the main effects revealed that previous cardiac surgery, chromosomal anomaly, and delayed sternal closure were independently associated with increased risk of infection.

Conclusions—

This exploratory analysis demonstrated that TGC may lower the risk of infection in children >60 days of age at the time of cardiac surgery compared with children receiving STD. Meta-analyses of past and ongoing clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings before clinical practice is altered.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00443599.
Persistent Spatial Information in the FEF during Object-based Short-term Memory Does Not Contribute to Task Performance
Authors: Clark Kelsey L. , Noudoost Behrad , Moore Tirin
Published: March 2014

We previously reported the existence of a persistent spatial signal in the FEF during object-based STM. This persistent activity reflected the location at which the sample appeared, irrespective of the location of upcoming targets. We hypothesized that such a spatial signal could be used to maintain or enhance object-selective memory activity elsewhere in cortex, analogous to the role of a spatial signal during attention. Here, we inactivated a portion of the FEF with GABAa agonist muscimol to test whether the observed activity contributes to object memory performance. We found that, although RTs were slowed for saccades into the inactivated portion of retinotopic space, performance for samples appearing in that region was unimpaired. This contrasts with the devastating effects of the same FEF inactivation on purely spatial working memory, as assessed with the memory-guided saccade task. Thus, in a task in which a significant fraction of FEF neurons displayed persistent, sample location-based activity, disrupting this activity had no impact on task performance.
Isentropic Analysis of Polar Cold Airmass Streams in the Northern Hemispheric Winter
Authors: Iwasaki Toshiki , Shoji Takamichi , Kanno Yuki , Sawada Masahiro , Ujiie Masashi , Takaya Koutarou
Published: March 2014

An analysis method is proposed for polar cold airmass streams from generation to disappearance. It designates a threshold potential temperature θT at around the turning point of the extratropical direct (ETD) meridional circulation from downward to equatorward in the mass-weighted isentropic zonal mean (MIM) and clarifies the geographical distributions of the cold air mass, the negative heat content (NHC), their horizontal fluxes, and their diabatic change rates on the basis of conservation relations of the air mass and thermodynamic energy. In the Northern Hemispheric winter, the polar cold air mass below θT = 280 K has two main streams: the East Asian stream and the North American stream. The former grows over the northern part of the Eurasian continent, flows eastward, turns down southeastward toward East Asia via Siberia, and disappears over the western North Pacific Ocean. The latter grows over the Arctic Ocean, flows toward the eastern coast of North America via Hudson Bay, and disappears over the western North Atlantic Ocean. In their exit regions, wave–mean flow interactions are considered to transfer the angular momentum from the cold airstreams to the upward Eliassen–Palm flux and convert the available potential energy to wave energy.
The Impact of Surface Mixing on the Arctic River Water Distribution and Stratification in a Global Ice–Ocean Model
Authors: Komuro Yoshiki
Published: March 2014

The impact of oceanic vertical mixing on the near-surface vertical structure of the Arctic Ocean is investigated in a global ice–ocean model with a passive tracer. Lowering surface background vertical diffusivity and ignoring the effects of surface wave breaking under sea ice improves the model simulation of the horizontal Arctic river water distribution. This improvement is largely responsible for the freshening of the Arctic surface salinity in the model. Although these modifications in the model vertical mixing scheme are applied over the whole global ocean, the change in the surface salinity over the Arctic is larger than that in the rest of the global ocean by one to two orders of magnitude. In contrast, when a reduced background vertical diffusivity is used at all depths, the Arctic vertical salinity stratification is improved below the surface as well as in the surface layer, but the vertical structure and deep circulation in the rest of the global ocean are also strongly affected. Weaker surface vertical mixing in the Arctic Ocean also causes sea ice to thicken even without changes in the parameters for the sea ice component.
Patient Satisfaction in Pediatric Surgical Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Espinel Alexandra G. , Shah Rahul K. , McCormick Michael E. , Krakovitz Paul R. , Boss Emily F.
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study seeks to synthesize evidence‐based findings related to patient satisfaction as a process measure in pediatric surgical care.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Review Methods

We queried 4 standard search engines (1992‐2013) for studies specific to pediatric surgical fields in which patient or parent satisfaction or experience of care was a primary outcome measure. Data were systematically analyzed to determine study characteristics, setting, parent or patient focus, measure of experience, and bias. Two independent investigators independently reviewed all articles.

Results

The initial search yielded 4748 publications (1503 duplicates), of which 170 underwent full‐text review. Thirty‐five were included for analysis; the majority (24/35,77%) were published in the last 5 years. Studies examined experience of the child (3/35), parent (23/35), or both (9/35). Experience and satisfaction were evaluated either by validated self‐assessment instruments (8), by satisfaction tools (8), or by nonstandard institutional or author‐developed tools (19). Experience was measured in the outpatient (7), preoperative (11), operative (14), and postoperative (3) care settings. Specific findings were unique to setting; however, in many studies higher satisfaction correlated with education/information giving, health care provider interpersonal behaviors, and facile/efficient care processes.

Conclusion

The patient experience of care is a valuable quality measure that is being more frequently evaluated as a mechanism to improve pediatric surgical care processes. Findings related to patient satisfaction and experience of care may be limited due to lack of measurement using validated tools. Findings from this review may bear significance as patient experience measures become routinely integrated with quality and reimbursement.
High-throughput transcription profiling identifies putative epigenetic regulators of hematopoiesis
Authors: Prasad Punit , Rönnerblad Michelle , Arner Erik , Itoh Masayoshi , Kawaji Hideya , Lassmann Timo , Daub Carsten O. , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Lennartsson Andreas , Ekwall Karl
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Expression analysis of novel potential regulatory epigenetic factors in hematopoiesis.
Transcription and enhancer profiling in human monocyte subsets
Authors: Schmidl Christian , Renner Kathrin , Peter Katrin , Eder Ruediger , Lassmann Timo , Balwierz Piotr J. , Itoh Masayoshi , Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Kawaji Hideya , Carninci Piero , Suzuki Harukazu , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Andreesen Reinhard , Hume David A. , Hoffmann Petra , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Kreutz Marina P. , Edinger Matthias , Rehli Michael
Published: March 2014

Key Points

In-depth regulome analysis of human monocyte subsets, including transcription and enhancer profiling. Description of metabolomic differences in human monocyte subsets.
Activation of protease-activated receptor 2 reduces glioblastoma cell apoptosis
Authors: Luo Ran , Wang Xiongwei , Dong Yuanxun , Wang Lei , Tian Chunlei
Published: March 2014

Background

The pathogenesis of glioma is unclear. The disturbance of the apoptosis process plays a critical role in glioma growth. Factors regulating the apoptosis process are to be further understood. This study aims to investigate the role of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR2) in regulation the apoptosis process in glioma cells.

Results

The results showed that U87 cells and human glioma tissue expressed PAR2. Exposure to tryptase, or the PAR2 active peptide, increased STAT3 phosphorylation in the radiated U87 cells, reduced U87 cell apoptosis, suppressed the expression of p53 in U87 cells.

Conclusions

Activation of PAR2 can reduce the radiated U87 cell apoptosis via modulating the expression of p53. The results implicate that PAR2 may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of glioma.
Characteristics and motivations of absconders from forensic mental health services: a case-control study
Authors: Wilkie Treena , Penney Stephanie R , Fernane Stephanie , Simpson Alexander I F
Published: March 2014

Background

Absconding from hospital is a significant health and security issue within psychiatric facilities that can have considerable adverse effects on patients, their family members and care providers, as well as the wider community. Several studies have documented correlates associated with absconding events among general psychiatric samples; however, few studies have examined this phenomenon within samples of forensic patients where the perception of threat to public safety in the event of an unauthorized absence from hospital is often higher.

Methods

We investigate the frequency, timing, and determinants of absconding events among a sample of forensic psychiatric patients over a 24-month period, and compare patients who abscond to a control group matched along several sociodemographic and clinical dimensions. We explore, in a qualitative manner, patients’ motives for absconding.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were responsible for 102 incidents of absconding during the two year study window. Forensic patients who absconded from hospital were more likely to have a history of absconding attempts, a diagnosed substance use disorder, as well as score higher on a structured professional violence risk assessment measure. Only one of the absconding events identified included an incident of minor violence, and very few included the commission of other illegal behaviors (with the exception of substance use). The most common reported motive for absconding was a sense of boredom or frustration.

Conclusions

Using an inclusive definition of absconding, we found that absconding events were generally of brief duration, and that no member of the public was harmed by patients who absconded. Findings surrounding the motivations of absconders suggest that improvements in therapeutic communication between patients and clinical teams could help to reduce the occurrence of absconding events.
Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for lumbar infectious spondylitis: a retrospective study in a tertiary referral center
Authors: Yang Shih-Chieh , Fu Tsai-Sheng , Chen Hung-Shu , Kao Yu-Hsien , Yu Shang-Won , Tu Yuan-Kun
Published: March 2014

Background

Spinal infections remain a challenge for clinicians because of their variable presentation and complicated course. Common management approaches include conservative administration of antibiotics or aggressive surgical debridement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic debridement with dilute betadine solution irrigation (PEDI) for treating patients with lumbar infectious spondylitis.

Methods

From January 2005 to July 2010, a total of 32 patients undergoing PEDI were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The surgical indications of the enrolled patients included single-level infectious spondylodiscitis, postoperative infectious spondylodiscitis, advanced infection with epidural abscess, psoas muscle abscess, pre-vertebral or para-vertebral abscess, multilevel infectious spondylitis, and recurrent infection after anterior debridement and fusion. Clinical outcomes were assessed by careful physical examination, Macnab criteria, regular serologic testing, and imaging studies to determine whether continued antibiotics treatment or surgical intervention was required.

Results

Causative bacteria were identified in 28 (87.5%) of 32 biopsy specimens. Appropriate parenteral antibiotics for the predominant pathogen isolated from infected tissue biopsy cultures were prescribed to patients. Twenty-seven (84.4%) patients reported satisfactory relief of their back pain after PEDI. Twenty-six (81.3%) patients recovered uneventfully after PEDI and sequential antibiotic therapy. No surgery-related major complications were found, except 3 patients with transient paresthesia in the affected lumbar segment.

Conclusions

PEDI was successful in obtaining a bacteriologic diagnosis, relieving the patient’s symptoms, and assisting in the eradication of lumbar infectious spondylitis. This procedure could be an effective alternative for patients who have a poor response to conservative treatment before a major open surgery.
Preparation and characterization of nano liposomes of Orthosiphon stamineusethanolic extract in soybean phospholipids
Authors: Aisha Abdalrahim FA , Majid Amin Malik Shah Abdul , Ismail Zhari
Published: March 2014

Background

O. stamineus is a medicinal herb with remarkable pharmacological properties. However, poor solubility of the active principles limits its medicinal value. This study sought to prepare nano liposomes of OS ethanolic extract in unpurified soybean phospholipids in order to improve its solubility and permeability. OS liposomes were prepared by the conventional film method, and were characterized for solubility, entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size and zeta potential, release, absorption in everted rat intestinal sacs, and DPPH scavenging effect.

Results

OS liposomes showed substantial enhancement of extract’s solubility from 956 ± 34 to 3979 ± 139 μg/ml, with entrapment efficiency of 66.2 ± 0.9%. FTIR study indicates interaction between soybean phospholipids and OS extract. TEM and dynamic light scattering showed presence of round anionic nano liposomes with particle size and zeta potential of 152.5 ± 1.1 nm and −49.8 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. A study using the fluorescent probe pyrene showed the critical micellar concentration is 9.2 ± 2.9 μg/ml. Release studies showed 94 ± 0.1% release in non-formulated extract and 62.4 ± 0.1% in OS liposomes. Released extract from OS liposomes showed improvement in DPPH scavenging effect, IC50 = 23.5 ± 1.1 μg/ml compared to 32.4 ± 0.5 μg/ml in non-formulated extract. OS liposomes were stable at pH 5.5 and 7.4, but showed reversible agglomeration at pH 1.6. Absorption in everted rat intestinal sacs showed substantial improvement in permeability of 3′-hydroxy-5, 6, 7, 4″-tetramethoxyflavone, sinensetin, eupatorin, and 3 other unknown compounds.

Conclusions

Enhanced solubility, absorption and antioxidant effect may improve the overall pharmacological effects and medicinal value of OS ethanolic extract.
Inverted organic photovoltaic device with a new electron transport layer
Authors: Kim Hyeong Pil , Yusoff Abd Rashid bin Mohd , Kim Hyo Min , Lee Hee Jae , Seo Gi Jun , Jang Jin
Published: March 2014

We demonstrate that there is a new solution-processed electron transport layer, lithium-doped zinc oxide (LZO), with high-performance inverted organic photovoltaic device. The device exhibits a fill factor of 68.58%, an open circuit voltage of 0.86 V, a short-circuit current density of −9.35 cm/mA2 along with 5.49% power conversion efficiency. In addition, we studied the performance of blend ratio dependence on inverted organic photovoltaics. Our device also demonstrates a long stability shelf life over 4 weeks in air.
Cellular reprogramming for pancreatic β‐cell regeneration: clinical potential of small molecule control
Authors: Pandian Ganesh N , Taniguchi Junichi , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Recent scientific breakthroughs in stem cell biology suggest that a sustainable treatment approach to cure diabetes mellitus (DM) can be achieved in the near future. However, the transplantation complexities and the difficulty in obtaining the stem cells from adult cells of pancreas, liver, bone morrow and other cells is a major concern. The epoch‐making strategy of transcription‐factor based cellular reprogramming suggest that these barriers could be overcome, and it is possible to reprogram any cells into functional β cells. Contemporary biological and analytical techniques help us to predict the key transcription factors needed for β‐cell regeneration. These β cell‐specific transcription factors could be modulated with diverse reprogramming protocols. Among cellular reprogramming strategies, small molecule approach gets proclaimed to have better clinical prospects because it does not involve genetic manipulation. Several small molecules targeting certain epigenetic enzymes and/or signaling pathways have been successful in helping to induce pancreatic β‐cell specification. Recently, a synthetic DNA‐based small molecule triggered targeted transcriptional activation of pancreas‐related genes to suggest the possibility of achieving desired cellular phenotype in a precise mode. Here, we give a brief overview of treating DM by regenerating pancreatic β‐cells from various cell sources. Through a comprehensive overview of the available transcription factors, small molecules and reprogramming strategies available for pancreatic β‐cell regeneration, this review compiles the current progress made towards the generation of clinically relevant insulin‐producing β‐cells.
Accelerated and increased joint damage in young mice with global inactivation of mitogen-inducible gene 6 after ligament and meniscus injury
Authors: Joiner Danese M , Less Kennen D , Van Wieren Emily M , Zhang Yu-Wen , Hess Daniel , Williams Bart O
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Ligament and meniscal damage can cause joint disease. Arthritic joints contain increased amounts of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, and polymorphisms in EGFR are associated with arthritis risk. The role of endogenous EGFR regulation during joint disease due to ligament and meniscal trauma is unknown. Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG-6) can reduce EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signaling. We examined the effect of EGFR modulation by MIG-6 on joint disease development after ligament and meniscus injury.

Methods

Knee ligament transection and meniscus removal were performed surgically on mice homozygous for a global inactivating mutation in MIG-6 (Mig-6
−/−
) and in wild-type (WT) animals.

Results

Two weeks after surgery, Mig-6
−/−
mice had bone erosion as well as greater fibrous tissue area and serum RANKL concentration than WT mice. Four weeks after surgery, Mig-6
−/−
mice had less cartilage and increased cell proliferation relative to contralateral control and WT knees. Increased apoptotic cells and growth outside the articulating region occurred in Mig-6
−/−
mice. Tibia trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) and the number of trabeculae were lower in surgically treated knees relative to the respective control knees for both groups. BMD, as well as trabecular thickness and number, were lower in surgically treated knees from Mig-6
−/−
mice relative to WT surgically treated knees. Phosphorylated EGFR staining in surgically treated knees decreased for WT mice and increased for Mig-6
−/−
mice. Fewer inflammatory cells were present in the knees of WT mice.

Conclusion

Mig-6
−/−
mice have rapid and increased joint damage after ligament and meniscal trauma. Mig-6 modification could lessen degenerative disease development after this type of injury.
Recorded Ground Motion and Estimated Soil Amplification for the 11 May 2011 Lorca Earthquake
Authors: Belvaux Myriam , Macau Albert , Figueras Sara , Goula Xavier , Susagna Teresa
Published: March 2014

On 11 May 2011 an earthquake of magnitude 5.2 ( M w) hit the Murcia region of Spain causing significant damage to buildings in the town of Lorca. Accelerograms were recorded by stations of the Instituto Geográfico Nacional, and high-amplitude ground motions were observed at the Lorca station, with a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.37 g. The contribution of a near-field component of ground motion is shown in time histories and in elastic response spectra. Features of near-field ground motions such as directivity could have significantly enhanced the ground shaking caused by this event. Local amplification effects in Lorca were investigated by the H/V spectral ratio technique and an array method. Information obtained from the geophysical field survey allowed the definition of representative soil columns and site classifications according to Eurocode 8. Modeling of site response is conducted for an example location. The aftershocks recorded at different sites confirm the soil amplification at these locations.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor and p38 Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Aenlle Kristina K. , Curtis Kevin M. , Roos Bernard A. , Howard Guy A.
Published: March 2014

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a paracrine factor involved in organogenesis, tissue repair, and wound healing. We report here that HGF promotes osteogenic differentiation through the transcription of key osteogenic markers, including osteocalcin, osterix, and osteoprotegerin in human mesenchymal stem cells and is a necessary component for the establishment of osteoblast mineralization. Blocking endogenous HGF using PHA665752, a c-Met inhibitor (the HGF receptor), or an HGF-neutralizing antibody attenuates mineralization, and PHA665752 markedly reduced alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, we report that HGF promotion of osteogenic differentiation involves the rapid phosphorylation of p38 and differential regulation of its isoforms, p38α and p38β. Western blot analysis revealed a significantly increased level of p38α and p38β protein, and reverse transcription quantitative PCR revealed that HGF increased the transcriptional level of both p38α and p38β. Using small interfering RNA to reduce the transcription of p38α and p38β, we saw differential roles for p38α and p38β on the HGF-induced expression of key osteogenic markers. In summary, our data demonstrate the importance of p38 signaling in HGF regulation of osteogenic differentiation.
In Situ Picosecond XAFS Study of an Excited State of Tungsten Oxide
Authors: Uemura Yohei , Uehara Hiromitsu , Niwa Yasuhiro , Nozawa Shunsuke , Sato Tokushi , Adachi Shinichi , Ohtani Bunsho , Takakusagi Satoru , Asakura Kiyotaka
Published: March 2014

The electronic state modification and the decay process of WO3 after photoabsorption were followed using picosecond X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The W d(eg) orbital was filled by transition from the oxygen valence state. The decay process is explained mostly by a first-order process with a rate constant k = 0.5 ± 0.1 ns−1. The UV optical length is extremely important to follow the photoreduction process using XAFS spectroscopy.
Coordination Programming in the Design of Porous Coordination Polymers: Tuning of the Electronic Activity of Frameworks for Selective Nitrogen Monoxide Trapping
Authors: Kosaka Wataru , Yamagishi Kayo , Matsuda Ryotaro , Kitagawa Susumu , Takata Masaki , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: March 2014

A change of building block from [Ru2II,II(p-FPhCO2)4] to [Ru2II,II(4-F-2-OMePhCO2)4] in a phenazine (phz)-bridged [Ru2II,II] chain compound led to a high selectivity toward nitrogen monoxide (NO) in the adsorption characteristics. High selectivity was observed despite the fact that electronically negative sites that enable close contact with NO molecules are not present in the pores, in contrast to [Ru2II,II(4-Cl-2-OMePhCO2)4(phz)], which also exhibited selective NO adsorption.
Array of Single-cell Pairs on a Microwell Array Based on Positive Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Yoshimura Yuki , Fujii Chiaki , Tomita Masahiro , Mizutani Fumio , Yasukawa Tomoyuki
Published: March 2014

We developed a simple device with 400 (20 × 20) microwells that integrated the cell positioning and cell pairing of two different types of cells based on positive dielectrophoretic manipulation. We fabricated a star-shaped micropole array on a conductive substrate and used the areas encircled with micropoles as microwells for positioning the cells. The different types of cells were successively trapped to form vertical cell pairs in the microwells. The time required for the formation of the array of cell pairs was as short as 1 min.
A conserved role for the zinc finger polyadenosine RNA binding protein, ZC3H14, in control of poly(A) tail length
Authors: Kelly Seth M. , Leung Sara W. , Pak ChangHui , Banerjee Ayan , Moberg Kenneth H. , Corbett Anita H.
Published: March 2014

The ZC3H14 gene, which encodes a ubiquitously expressed, evolutionarily conserved, nuclear, zinc finger polyadenosine RNA-binding protein, was recently linked to autosomal recessive, nonsyndromic intellectual disability. Although studies have been carried out to examine the function of putative orthologs of ZC3H14 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the protein is termed Nab2, and Drosophila, where the protein has been designated dNab2, little is known about the function of mammalian ZC3H14. Work from both budding yeast and flies implicates Nab2/dNab2 in poly(A) tail length control, while a role in poly(A) RNA export from the nucleus has been reported only for budding yeast. Here we provide the first functional characterization of ZC3H14. Analysis of ZC3H14 function in a neuronal cell line as well as in vivo complementation studies in a Drosophila model identify a role for ZC3H14 in proper control of poly(A) tail length in neuronal cells. Furthermore, we show here that human ZC3H14 can functionally substitute for dNab2 in fly neurons and can rescue defects in development and locomotion that are present in dNab2 null flies. These rescue experiments provide evidence that this zinc finger-containing class of nuclear polyadenosine RNA-binding proteins plays an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling the length of the poly(A) tail in neurons.
EL QUEHACER DEL MATEMÁTICO EDUCATIVO : EL PASAJE DEL SUJETO A SU ENTORNO
Authors: Cantoral Ricardo
Published: March 2014

En el marco de la conferencia plenaria que impartiera la Profesora Michèle Artigue, titulada: “La educación matemática como un campo de investigación y como un campo de práctica: resultados, desafíos”, ella se pronunciaba sobre el sensible incremento del interés por los enfoques socioculturales al nivel mundial. Particularmente hizo referencia a Latinoamérica.
UNA APROXIMACIÓN A LOS CAMBIOS EN EL DISCURSO MATEMÁTICO GENERADOS EN EL PROCESO DE DEFINIR
Authors: María Escudero Isabel , María Gavilán José , Sánchez Matamoros Gloria
Published: March 2014

En este trabajo nos situamos en una perspectiva sociocultural para abordar los cambios que se manifiestan en el discurso matemático de los estudiantes cuando tratan de definir un objeto matemático. En particular, nos planteamos si es posible caracterizar el procedimiento de cambio apoyándonos en herramientas provenientes de dicha perspectiva. Los participantes fueron 51 estudiantes de edades comprendidas entre 16 y 21 años. El análisis realizado nos permitió identificar diferentes cambios en el discurso matemático de los estudiantes, a partir de la caracterización de las relaciones identificadas entre narrativas asumidas y rutinas que se han puesto de manifiesto en el discurso. Estos cambios nos han permitido aproximarnos al proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes.
REFLEXIONES DE PROFESORES DE MATEMÁTICAS SOBRE ASPECTOS RELACIONADOS CON SU PENSAMIENTO DIDÁCTICO
Authors: Parada Sandra Evely , Pluvinage Francois
Published: March 2014

En este artículo se dan a conocer resultados de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo ayudar a profesores de educación básica a reflexionar sobre la actividad matemática que promueven en sus estudiantes durante la clase. Para ello se propuso un modelo de reflexión que les ayudaría a analizar aspectos concretos de su práctica docente. En este documento, se describen los elementos que componen dicho modelo y se reportan algunos resultados del proceso reflexivo de dos profesores (uno de preescolar y otro de secundaria). Las reflexiones de los profesores les permitieron centrar su atención sobre la actividad matemática de sus estudiantes, prever sus posibles respuestas y tomar consciencia de las dificultades de aprendizaje. Con respecto a la planeación realizada antes de la aplicación del modelo, se valoró el diseño de actividades con un propósito claro de aprendizaje matemático.
Optimal Allocation of Resources in Airport Security: Profiling vs. Screening
Authors: Bagchi Aniruddha , Paul Jomon Aliyas
Published: March 2014

This model examines the role of intelligence gathering and screening in providing airport security. We analyze this problem using a game between the government and a terrorist. By investing in intelligence gathering, the government can improve the precision of its information. In contrast, screening can be used to search a passenger and thereby deter terrorist attacks. We determine the optimal allocation of resources between these two strategies wherein we model the role of intelligence using the concept of supermodular precision. One striking result is that under certain circumstances, an increase in the investment in intelligence can induce a more devious terrorist to attack with a higher probability. We also find that when there is a cost-reducing innovation in the screening technology, then the optimal investment in intelligence gathering can go either way. However, such an innovation unambiguously improves social welfare. Another interesting implication is that a developed economy would value intelligence inputs more than a developing economy. We also examine the efficacy of a program such as PreCheck that allows some select passengers expedited screening in exchange for voluntarily revealing information about themselves. Our analysis shows that such a program can be used to cushion the adverse effect of budgetary shortages. Finally, we also examine the role of enhanced punishment on the optimal level of intelligence. We find that the result can go both ways. If the initial level of punishment is high, then any further enhancement reduces the optimal level of intelligence gathering. However, this result is reversed if the initial level of punishment is low.
Ghosts in the Medium: The Haunting of Heidegger‘s Technological Question
Authors: Rufo Kenneth
Published: March 2014

In an attempt to orient media ecology along a slightly different trajectory, this article expands the consideration of the medium by looking to its triple promise as a technology, a psychic medium, and in-between. This article blends together two seeming disparate case studies—Rudyard Kipling's early take on wireless telegraphy (today thought in terms of radio) and Martin Heidegger's discussion of language and technics—in order to demonstrate how media “haunt” many of our “discussions” of technology. Turning to Jacques Derrida, who has long been concerned with mediation, this article attempts to interrogate Heidegger on behalf of Kipling’s radio, in order to see how the medium upsets the basic binary of language/ technology, and to explore how mediation dissolves the philosophical presumption of presence. At the same time, this article argues that philosophers like Heidegger confront this dissolution with a rhetorical trick still popular today: the linking of past media ecologies to a more stable, more authentic spiritual component, a technostalgia that attempts to exorcize today's “ghosts in the medium.”
Reviews
Authors: Bennett Stephanie , Knapp Jessica , Rose Phillip
Published: March 2014

Strate, Lance, Ron L. Jacobson, and Stephanie Gibson, eds. Communication and Cyberspace: Social Interaction in an Electronic Environment (2nd ed.). Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2003. 416 pp. Paper $34.50, ISBN 1-57273-394-2.

Starr, Paul. The Creation of the Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications. New York: Basic Books, 2004. 448 pp. Cloth $27.50, ISBN 0-465-08193-2.

Albrecht, Robert. Mediating the Muse: A Communications Approach to Music, Media and Culture Change. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2004. 450 pp. Paper $35.00, ISBN 1-57273-511.2
Cambios normativos y equidad de género. De las cuotas a la paridad en américa latina: los casos de Bolivia y Ecuador
Authors: Archenti Nélida , Tula María Inés
Published: March 2014

Este trabajo está orientado a analizar el impacto de factores institucionales sobre la eficacia de la paridad política de género en países de América Latina. Compara los cambios normativos en políticas de género que se produjeron en reemplazo del sistema de cuotas y los resultados electorales luego de su aplicación en Bolivia y Ecuador, únicos países de la región que han aplicado la paridad en cargos nacionales. Estos datos ponen de manifiesto la persistencia de obstáculos para la efectividad de la paridad política de género derivados de los sistemas electorales y de las estrategias partidarias encauzadas por la racionalidad electoral.
Ideología partidaria, competencia electoral y elección de legisladoras en cinco democracias latinoamericanas: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Perú y Uruguay, 1980-2013
Authors: Alles Santiago
Published: March 2014

Las mujeres han hecho enormes progresos en su incorporación a la arena política. No obstante, el ritmo de esa incorporación ha sido desigual. El presente artículo analiza los efectos de la ideología partidaria y de las características de la competencia electoral sobre la elección de mujeres en cargos legislativos, en cinco democracias latinoamericanas a lo largo de tres décadas. Los resultados brindan evidencia del efecto de factores partidarios (ideología) e institucionales (tipos de lista), al tiempo que pone en duda el efecto de otros factores aseverados por la literatura, tales como la magnitud de distrito y la magnitud partidaria.
Language at preschool in Europe: Early years professionals in the spotlight
Authors: Michel Marije C. , Kuiken Folkert
Published: March 2014

Over the past few decades early years education throughout Europe has experienced many changes due to higher numbers of children attending centres for early childhood education and care (ECEC), a growing linguistic and cultural diversity in society and a shift from care to education with the focus on preparing children for entry to primary school. These changes have brought with them an expectation from policy makers, researchers and parents for better ECEC. Language support for children is often named as one of the key aspects of high-quality childcare because of its importance in successful entry to and progression within the future educational career of a child. However, rather little is known about how early years professionals meet the linguistic demands of twenty-first century multilingual Europe. The present special issue tries to fill this gap by giving a platform to five European investigations into language at preschool in Europe with a focus on early years educators’ competences, knowledge, skills, beliefs and needs. This introductory article aims to prepare the reader for the contributions that follow in this special issue. We first describe current policy and practice of language support in European ECEC with regard to children’s and educators’ needs. Then, we review all the contributions and provide a summary focusing on the diversity as well as the commonalities of the five investigations, before formulating an outlook for future work.
Determination of the mechanical properties of radiata pine timber by means of longitudinal and transverse vibration methods
Authors: Arriaga Francisco , Monton Joaquin , Segues Edgar , Íñiguez-Gonzalez Guillermo
Published: March 2014

Bending properties have been determined by mechanical testing [modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR)] and by means of longitudinal (L) and transverse (T) vibration nondestructive methods on 150 sawn timber pieces of Pinus radiata D. Don, with the dimensions of 80×120 mm cross-section and 2500 mm long, from Catalonia, Spain. The fundamental vibration frequency was measured by recording the sound produced by hitting the piece in L and T directions, and this signal was analyzed by fast Fourier transform sound analyzer. The dynamic MOE was obtained for both procedures and compared with static MOE and MOR. The notion of concentrated knot diameter ratio (CKDR) was introduced to improve the prediction of MOR. CKDR gives better results when this parameter is referred to the central portion of piece length. Both methods (L and T frequencies) have similar accuracy in prediction of mechanical properties, but the first one is simpler and has some practical advantages. The timber graded with this nondestructive method offers better results than the visual grading rules for the same output.
New Nonlinear Takagi–Sugeno Vehicle Model for State and Road Curvature Estimation via a Nonlinear PMI Observer
Authors: Yacine Zedjiga , Ichalal Dalil , Oufroukh Naima Ait , Mammar Said , Djennoune Said
Published: March 2014

The present article deals with an observer design for nonlinear vehicle lateral dynamics. The contributions of the article concern the nonconsideration of any force model and the consideration that the longitudinal velocity is time varying, which is more realistic than the assumption that it is constant. The vehicle model is then represented by an exact Takagi–Sugeno (TS) model via the sector nonlinearity transformation. A proportional multiple integral (PMI) observer based on the TS model is designed to estimate simultaneously the state vector and the unknown input (lateral forces and road curvature). The convergence conditions of the estimation error are expressed under LMI formulation using the Lyapunov theory, which guaranties a bounded error. Simulations are carried out for comparison between the conventional PI observer, the enhanced PI observer, and the PMI observer. Finally, experimental results are provided to illustrate the performances of the proposed PMI observer.
Biological function and clinical relevance of chromogranin A and derived peptides
Authors: D'amico Maria Angela , Ghinassi Barbara , Izzicupo Pascal , Manzoli Lamberto , Di Baldassarre A
Published: March 2014

Chromogranin A (CgA (CHGA)) is the major soluble protein co-stored and co-released with catecholamines and can function as a pro-hormone by giving rise to several bioactive peptides. This review summarizes the physiological functions, the pathogenic implications, and the recent use of these molecules as biomarkers in several pathological conditions. A thorough literature review of the electronic healthcare databases MEDLINE, from January 1985 to September 2013, was conducted to identify articles and studies concerned with CgA and its processing. The search strategies utilized keywords such as chromogranin A, vasostatins 1 and 2, chromofungin, chromacin, pancreastatin, catestatin, WE14, chromostatin, GE25, parastatin, and serpinin and was supplemented by the screening of references from included papers and review articles. A total of 209 English-language, peer-reviewed original articles or reviews were examined. The analysis of the retrospective literature suggested that CgA and its several bioactive fragments exert a broad spectrum of regulatory activities by influencing the endocrine, the cardiovascular, and the immune systems and by affecting the glucose or calcium homeostasis. As some peptides exert similar effects, but others elicit opposite responses, the regulation of the CgA processing is critical to maintain homeostasis, whereas an unbalanced production of peptides that exert opposing effects can have a pathogenic role in several diseases. These clinical implications entail that CgA and its derived peptides are now used as diagnostic and prognostic markers or to monitor the response to pharmacological intervention not only in endocrine tumors, but also in cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Functional studies of novel CYP21A2 mutations detected in Norwegian patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Brønstad Ingeborg , Breivik Lars , Methlie Paal , Wolff Anette S B , Bratland Eirik , Nermoen Ingrid , Løvås Kristian , Husebye Eystein S
Published: March 2014

In about 95% of cases, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by mutations in CYP21A2 gene encoding steroid 21-hydroxylase (21OH). Recently, we have reported four novel CYP21A2 variants in the Norwegian population of patients with CAH, of which p.L388R and p.E140K were associated with salt wasting (SW), p.P45L with simple virilising (SV) and p.V211M+p.V281L with SV to non-classical (NC) phenotypes. We aimed to characterise the novel variants functionally utilising a newly designed in vitro assay of 21OH enzyme activity and structural simulations and compare the results with clinical phenotypes. CYP21A2 mutations and variants were expressed in vitro. Enzyme activity was assayed by assessing the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. PyMOL 1.3 was used for structural simulations, and PolyPhen2 and PROVEAN for predicting the severity of the mutants. The CYP21A2 mutants, p.L388R and p.E140K, exhibited 1.1 and 11.3% of wt 21OH enzyme activity, respectively, in vitro. We could not detect any functional deficiency of the p.P45L variant in vitro; although prediction tools suggest p.P45L to be pathogenic. p.V211M displayed enzyme activity equivalent to the wt in vitro, which was supported by in silico analyses. We found good correlations between phenotype and the in vitro enzyme activities of the SW mutants, but not for the SV p.P45L variant. p.V211M might have a synergistic effect together with p.V281L, explaining a phenotype between SV and NC CAH.
Prevalence of thyroid diseases in patients with acromegaly: experience of a Brazilian center
Authors: Uchoa Helena Bandeira de Melo Paiva , Lima Giovanna Aparecida Balarini , Corrêa Lívia Lugarinho , Vidal Ana Paula Sieiro , Cavallieri Suzana Aquino , Vaisman Mário , Buescu Alexandru , Gadelha Mônica Roberto
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES: Acromegaly is frequently associated with thyroid diseases. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of thyroid disorders in a series of acromegalic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 106 acromegalic patients using thyroid ultrasonography (US) and measurements of GH, IGF-I, free T4, TSH and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels. IGF-I was expressed in mass units and age-related standard deviation scores (SD-scores). Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on thyroid nodules with a diameter greater than one centimeter or with suspicious characteristics. RESULTS: Thyroid disorders were found in 75 patients. Eleven patients had diffuse goiter, 42 patients had nodular goiter, and 22 patients had unspecific morphological abnormalities. Four patients (3.8%) had thyroid carcinoma. Considering the patients with diffuse or nodular goiter, thyroid volume was greater in patients with active acromegaly, and was positively correlated with GH, IGF-I, and IGF-I SD-score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that benign thyroid diseases are frequent in acromegalic patients. The prevalence of thyroid cancer was higher than in the overall population. We suggest that thyroid US should be routinely performed in patients with acromegaly.