bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Can Diet Influence the Risk of Stroke?
Authors: Medeiros Fernanda , Casanova Marcela de Abreu , Fraulob Julio Cesar , Trindade Michelle
Published: May 2012

Cerebrovascular diseases are the second cause of mortality in the world, and hypertension is considered a main risk factor for occurrence of stroke. The mechanisms responsible for the increased stroke risk remain unclear. However, dietary interventions have been applied in the management and treatment of their risk factors, which include increased blood pressure levels, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Further studies should be conducted to assess the effects of carotenoids, flavonoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fats, and lower salt and high glycemic index intake in risk of stroke.
Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes for Protein Separation
Authors: Diao Xiuhui , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin
Published: May 2012

Magnetic separation is a promising strategy in protein separation. Owing to their unique one‐dimensional structures and desired magnetic properties, stacked‐cup carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) with magnetic nanoparticles trapped in their tips can serve as train‐like systems for protein separation. In this study, we functionalized the magnetic CSCNTs with high density of carboxyl groups by radical addition and then anchored 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) through amidation reaction to achieve oriented conjunction of antibodies (IgG). It was also demonstrated that the obtained magnetic CSCNTs‐APBA‐IgG conjugates could readily react with target antigens through specific antigen‐antibody reaction and be used as new magnetic systems for protein separation.
Protection from Metabolic Dysregulation, Obesity, and Atherosclerosis by Citrus Flavonoids: Activation of Hepatic PGC1α-Mediated Fatty Acid Oxidation
Authors: Mulvihill Erin E. , Huff Murray W.
Published: May 2012

Studies in a multitude of models including cell culture, animal and clinical studies demonstrate that citrus-derived flavonoids have therapeutic potential to attenuate dyslipidemia, correct hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, and reduce atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence suggests the metabolic regulators, PPARα and PGC1α, are targets of the citrus flavonoids, and their activation may be at least partially responsible for mediating their metabolic effects. Molecular studies will add significantly to the concept of these flavonoids as viable and promising therapeutic agents to treat the dysregulation of lipid homeostasis, metabolic disease, and its cardiovascular complications.
The Existence and Uniqueness of Periodic Solutions for Some Nonlinear nth‐Order Differential Equations
Authors: Zhou Qiyuan , Gong Shuhua
Published: May 2012

The nonlinear nth‐order differential equations are considered. By using inequality techniques and coincidence degree theory, some criteria are obtained to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of T‐periodic solutions for the equations. The obtained results are also valid and new for the problem discussed in the previous literature. Moreover, two illustrative examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
Efficiency of a Compact Elliptical Planar Ultra-Wideband Antenna Based on Conductive Polymers
Authors: Kaufmann Thomas , Verma Akhilesh , Truong Van-Tan , Weng Bo , Shepherd Roderick , Fumeaux Christophe
Published: May 2012

A planar antenna for ultra-wideband (UWB) applications covering the 3.1–10.6 GHz range has been designed as a test bed for efficiency measurements of antennas manufactured using polymer conductors. Two types of conductive polymers, PEDOT and PPy (polypyrrole), with very different thicknesses and conductivities have been selected as conductors for the radiating elements. A comparison between measured radiation patterns of the conductive polymers and a copper reference antenna allows to estimate the conductor losses of the two types of conductive polymers. For a 158 μm thick PPy polymer, an efficiency of almost 80% can be observed over the whole UWB spectrum. For a 7 μm thick PEDOT layer, an average efficiency of 26.6% demonstrates, considering the room for improvement, the potential of this type of versatile materials as flexible printable alternative to conductive metallic paints. The paper demonstrates that, even though the PEDOT conductivity is an order of magnitude larger than that of PPy, the thicker PPy layer leads to much higher efficiency over the whole UWB frequency range. This result highlights that high efficiency can be achieved not only through high conductivity, but also through a sufficiently thick layer of conductive polymers.
Preparation of Silver Nanostructures from Bicontinuous Microemulsions
Authors: Pedroza-Toscano M. A. , Rabelero-Velasco M. , Díaz de León R. , Saade H. , López R. G. , Mendizábal E. , Puig J. E.
Published: May 2012

Precipitation of silver nanoparticles at 70°C was carried out by dosing a 1.3 M sodium borohydride aqueous solution over bicontinuous microemulsions formed with a mixture of sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) as surfactants, a 0.5 M silver nitrate aqueous solution, and toluene. Weight ratios of 2.5/1 and 3/1 AOT/SDS were used in the precipitation reactions. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A mixture of isolated spheroidal nanoparticles (≈15 wt.%) with an average diameter around 10 nm and wormlike structures (≈85 wt.%) with an average length close to 480 nm and an average diameter ca. 40 nm was obtained, regardless of the AOT/SDS ratio. Higher yields were obtained compared with those reported when reverse microemulsions were employed. Formation of wormlike structures was ascribed to one‐dimensional aggregation of crystal and particles within the channels of bicontinuous microemulsions, which performed as templates.
Novel Mannan‐PEG‐PE Modified Bioadhesive PLGA Nanoparticles for Targeted Gene Delivery
Authors: Wu Guicun , Zhou Fang , Ge Linfu , Liu Ximin , Kong Fansheng
Published: May 2012

Purpose. Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles have been used frequently as gene delivery vehicles. The aim of this study is to modify bioadhesive PLGA nanoparticles with novel synthetic mannan‐PEG‐PE (MN‐PEG‐PE) to obtain active targeted gene delivery system. Methods. Mannan‐PEG‐PE ligands were synthesized and modified onto the NPs/pEGFP complexes. The modification rate was optimized, and the characteristics of the vehicle were evaluated. Then, the modified vectors were intravenous delivered to rats, and in vivo targeting behavior of MN‐PEG‐PE modified PLGA nanoparticles/pEGFP complexes (MN‐PEG‐PE‐NPs/pEGFP) in liver macrophages was investigated. Results. MN‐PEG‐PE‐NPs/pEGFP displayed remarkably higher transfection efficiencies than nonmodified NPs/pEGFP both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions. Mannan containing targeting ligands could significantly improve the transfection efficiency of the carriers. MN‐PEG‐PE modified vectors very useful in targeted gene delivery.
Molecular Identification of GD3 as a Suppressor of the Innate Immune Response in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Webb Tonya J. , Li Xiangming , Giuntoli Robert L. , Lopez Pablo H.H. , Heuser Christoph , Schnaar Ronald L. , Tsuji Moriya , Kurts Christian , Oelke Mathias , Schneck Jonathan P.
Published: May 2012

Tumors often display mechanisms to avoid or suppress immune recognition. One such mechanism is the shedding of gangliosides into the local tumor microenvironment, and a high concentration of circulating gangliosides is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we identify ganglioside GD3, which was isolated from the polar lipid fraction of ovarian cancer–associated ascites, as an inhibitory factor that prevents innate immune activation of natural killer T (NKT) cells. Purified GD3 displayed a high affinity for both human and mouse CD1d, a molecule involved in the presentation of lipid antigens to T cells. Purified GD3, as well as substances within the ascites, bound to the CD1d antigenic-binding site and did not require additional processing for its inhibitory effect on NKT cells. Importantly, in vivo administration of GD3 inhibited α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-induced NKT cell activation in a dose-dependent manner. These data therefore indicate that ovarian cancer tumors may use GD3 to inhibit the antitumor NKT cell response as an early mechanism of tumor immune evasion. Cancer Res; 72(15); 3744–52. ©2012 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Dysregulated Glutamatergic Signaling Pathways in Cancer
Authors: Prickett Todd D. , Samuels Yardena
Published: May 2012

The neurotransmitter glutamate interacts with glutamate receptor proteins, leading to the activation of multiple signaling pathways. Dysfunction in the glutamatergic signaling pathway is well established as a frequent player in diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, and brain tumors (gliomas). Recently, aberrant functioning of this pathway has also been shown in melanoma. In both glioma and melanoma, glutamate secretion stimulates tumor growth, proliferation, and survival through activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathways. In the future, extracellular glutamate levels and glutamatergic signaling may serve as biological markers for tumorigenicity and facilitate targeted therapy for melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4240–6. ©2012 AACR.
Mediators and Cytokines in Persistent Allergic Rhinitis and Nonallergic Rhinitis with Eosinophilia Syndrome
Authors: Gröger Moritz , Klemens Christine , Wendt Sebastian , Becker Sven , Canis Martin , Havel Miriam , Pfrogner Elisabeth , Rasp Gerd , Kramer Matthias F.
Published: May 2012

Background: Patients with nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) show typical symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). The aim of the present study was to compare nasal cytokine patterns between NARES and PAR. Methods: Nasal secretions of 31 patients suffering from NARES, 20 patients with PAR to house dust mite and 21 healthy controls were collected using the cotton wool method and analyzed for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) by Bio-Plex Cytokine Assay as well as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase by UniCAP-FEIA. Results: NARES and PAR presented elevated levels of tryptase, while ECP was markedly increased solely in NARES compared to both the controls and PAR. Elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and MCP-1 were found in NARES compared to the controls as well as PAR. MIP-1β was elevated in NARES and PAR, while IL-4, IL-6 and G-CSF showed increased levels in NARES, and IL- 5 was elevated in PAR only. Conclusions: In patients with NARES and PAR, eosinophils and mast cells appear to be the pivotal cells of inflammation, reflected by high levels of tryptase and ECP as well as IL-5 and GM-CSF as factors for eosinophil migration and survival. The elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in NARES may indicate the chronic, self-perpetuating process of inflammation in NARES which seems to be more pronounced than in PAR. IL-17 might be a factor for neutrophilic infiltration or be responsible for remodeling processes in NARES.
Upregulation of Gp96 Correlates with the Radiosensitivity and Five-Year Survival Rate of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jianbo , Xiao Xuping , Yi Hongmei , Wang Jihua , Wang Xiaoan , Zhang Qiuhang
Published: May 2012

Gp96 (GRP94) is a chaperone that is responsible for molecular folding and assembly of proteins. To investigate correlations among Gp96 expression, sensitivity to radiotherapy and clinical features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the expression of Gp96 in 98 NPC samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting at the protein level, and by real-time PCR at the mRNA level. Clinicopathological features, including stage, sex, grade and survival, were compared between the high and low Gp96 expression groups. As a result, Gp96 was expressed at a higher level in NPC tissues than in noncancerous nasopharyngeal mucosa (p = 0.001). Univariate analysis suggested that a higher Gp96 expression level was associated with significantly decreased disease-free and 5-year survival rates (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazard regression analysis, which adjusts for clinicopathological variables, indicated that it was only associated with the 5-year overall survival rate (p = 0.002). Furthermore, patients with high Gp96 expression levels were significantly more resistant to radiotherapy (p = 0.001). These data are the first indication of a positive correlation between Gp96 expression levels and radiosensitivity and 5-year survival rate. Gp96 might serve as a novel candidate marker for predicting the long-term prognostic outcome of NPC.
Novel Single-Chain Antibody-Targeted Microbubbles for Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of Thrombosis
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Hohmann Jan David , Leitner Ephraem , Armstrong Paul C. , Jia Fu , Olschewski Manfred , Needles Andrew , Peter Karlheinz , Ahrens Ingo
Published: May 2012

Background—

Molecular imaging is a fast emerging technology allowing noninvasive detection of vascular pathologies. However, imaging modalities offering high resolution currently do not allow real-time imaging. We hypothesized that contrast-enhanced ultrasound with microbubbles (MBs) selectively targeted to activated platelets would offer high-resolution, real-time molecular imaging of evolving and dissolving arterial thrombi.

Methods and Results—

Lipid-shell based gas-filled MBs were conjugated to either a single-chain antibody specific for activated glycoprotein IIb/IIIa via binding to a Ligand-Induced Binding Site (LIBS-MBs) or a nonspecific single-chain antibody (control MBs). Successful conjugation was assessed in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence double staining. LIBS-MBs but not control MBs strongly adhered to both immobilized activated platelets and microthrombi under flow. Thrombi induced in carotid arteries of C57Bl6 mice in vivo by ferric chloride injury were then assessed with ultrasound before and 20 minutes after MB injection through the use of gray-scale area intensity measurement. Gray-scale units converted to decibels demonstrated a significant increase after LIBS-MB but not after control MB injection (9.55±1.7 versus 1.46±1.3 dB;
P
<0.01). Furthermore, after thrombolysis with urokinase, LIBS-MB ultrasound imaging allows monitoring of the reduction of thrombus size (
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

We demonstrate that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa–targeted MBs specifically bind to activated platelets in vitro and allow real-time molecular imaging of acute arterial thrombosis and monitoring of the success or failure of pharmacological thrombolysis in vivo.
U.S. Diurnal Temperature Range Variability and Regional Causal Mechanisms, 1901–2002
Authors: Lauritsen Ryan G. , Rogers Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2012

Long-term (1901–2002) diurnal temperature range (DTR) data are evaluated to examine their spatial and temporal variability across the United States; the early century origin of the DTR declines; and the relative regional contributions to DTR variability among cloud cover, precipitation, soil moisture, and atmosphere/ocean teleconnections. Rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) Time Series (TS) 2.1 dataset identifies five regions of unique spatial U.S. DTR variability. RPCA creates regional orthogonal indices of cloud cover, soil moisture, precipitation, and the teleconnections used subsequently in stepwise multiple linear regression to examine their regional impact on DTR, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin).

The southwestern United States has the smallest DTR and cloud cover trends as both Tmax and Tmin increase over the century. The Tmin increases are the primary influence on DTR trend in other regions, except in the south-central United States, where downward Tmax trend largely affects its DTR decline. The Tmax and DTR tend to both exhibit simultaneous decadal variations during unusually wet and dry periods in response to cloud cover, soil moisture, and precipitation variability. The widely reported post-1950 DTR decline began regionally at various times ranging from around 1910 to the 1950s. Cloud cover alone accounts for up to 63.2% of regional annual DTR variability, with cloud cover trends driving DTR in northern states. Cloud cover, soil moisture, precipitation, and atmospheric/oceanic teleconnection indices account for up to 80.0% of regional variance over 1901–2002 (75.4% in detrended data), although the latter only account for small portions of this variability.
Serum Uric Acid Levels are Associated With Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Tekin Gulacan , Tekin Yusuf Kenan , Erbay Ali Rıza , Turhan Hasan , Yetkin Ertan
Published: May 2012

We evaluated the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Totally, 363 patients with chronic HF were included in the study. Of all, 78 patients had AF and 285 patients were in normal sinus rhythm. Serum uric acid was significantly increased in patients with AF compared with patients in normal sinus rhythm ( P < .05). Comparing patients with AF and normal sinus rhythm, we found that age was significantly higher in patients group with AF. Echocardiographic parameters including ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, left ventricle end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricle end-diastolic volume were also significantly higher in patients with AF compared with patients in normal sinus rhythm. We have shown that patients with AF have significantly higher SUA and this was independently associated with AF in patients with ischemic HF.
Pressure Indices in Peripheral Arterial Disease Assessed by Infrared Photosensors
Authors: Emler Charlotte , Jacomella Vincenzo , Rufibach Kaspar , Thalhammer Christoph , Amann-Vesti Beatrice R. , Husmann Marc
Published: May 2012

Ankle–brachial index (ABI) assessment by Doppler is operator dependent and limited in calcified arteries. For the detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), we evaluated ABI and toe–finger (ToFi) pressures by infrared (IR) sensors at the digits and compared with standard Doppler (Doppler-ABI) in 100 patients with PAD and in 15 controls. Pressure indices were obtained in 86% for Doppler-ABI, 82% for IR-ABI, and 94% for IR-ToFi ( P < .01). According to Bland–Altmann analysis, IR-ABI and Doppler-ABI are exchangeable (limits of agreement [loa] −0.30; 0.30, bias −0.003, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.02; 0.02), whereas IR-ToFi was not (loa −0.23; 0.61, bias of 0.2, 95% CI 0.16; 0.23). The IR-ToFi revealed the best inter- and intrarater agreement (0.92/0.98) followed by IR-ABI (0.74/0.98) and Doppler-ABI (0.66/0.89). Ankle–brachial arterial pressure index can be assessed by IR photosensors. Although toe–finger index is not exchangeable with standard Doppler, it will need further exploration to define its value for the diagnosis of PAD due to its excellent inter- and intrarater agreement.
The Unintended Effects of Penal Reform
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Stemen Don
Published: May 2012

The authors use a pooled-time series design to examine the interplay between state incarceration rates, determinate sentencing, and the size of the African American population between 1978 and 2004. Consistent with prior research, findings show that larger Black populations are associated with higher incarceration rates but that this association has weakened over time. Results also indicate that determinate sentencing is associated with lower imprisonment rates. The interaction between a higher proportion of African American residents and determinate sentencing, however, is associated with higher incarceration rates, suggesting that in states with greater minority presence the abolition of discretionary parole amplifies the impact of punitive responses linked to racial threat. It is argued that this unintended effect reflects the fact that formal constraints on release decision making reduce the ability of justice systems to administer greater punishments to specific subpopulations.
Enhancing team leaders’ well-being states and challenge experiences during organizational change: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Nielsen Karina , Daniels Kevin
Published: May 2012

When implementing teams, first-line leaders are often responsible for such implementation and their leadership role changes. This change may result in a perceived mismatch between the demands of the function and the leader’s resources. In a multi-method, controlled intervention study, we examined whether training leaders in team management changes their appraisals of the job and preserves their well-being. Data were collected with the Experience Sampling Method from 29 team leaders and survey data were collected from their followers ( N = 233). Multi-level analyses revealed that training increased trained leaders’ challenge experiences and well-being states only where team members reported openness to change. In situations when both trained and non-trained leaders found themselves challenged above their average levels of challenge, they reported better well-being.
Democratic Inefficiency? Regime Type and Suboptimal Choices in International Politics
Authors: Bas Muhammet A.
Published: May 2012

This article examines the relationship between regime type and decision makers’ tendency to make suboptimal choices in international crises. To test hypotheses on the optimality of democratic foreign policy, the author uses a novel statistical measure of suboptimality in foreign policy behavior. This estimator builds on Signorino’s statistical strategic models to allow for actor-level variation in deviations from optimal behavior in a strategic setting. An analysis of the international disputes from 1919 to 1999 shows that democratic leaders have a greater tendency to choose policies not optimal for their citizens than do nondemocratic leaders.
More Alike Than Different
Authors: Boutwell Brian B. , Beaver Kevin M. , Barnes J. C.
Published: May 2012

There is an impressive amount of research indicating that spouses and mates tend be highly similar on a range of characteristics. Much of this literature has examined mate similarity in demographic characteristics, such as age and race, but there is also evidence indicating that mates tend to be similar in terms of their behaviors and personality traits. Criminological research, however, has been slow to examine how, and in what ways, mates might resemble each other for various types of antisocial outcomes. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by analyzing a national sample of mates drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. The results of the latent factor analyses reveal a high degree of similarity for antisocial behavior and for substance abuse between mates. The implications that these findings have for criminological theory and research are discussed.
The Least of These
Authors: Richardson Joseph , Robillard Alyssa
Published: May 2012

Each year 200,000 youth under the age of 18 are waived to adult criminal court, and African American males are disproportionately overrepresented among youth detained in adult jails. This population of vulnerable youth may be at greater risk for early violent death and HIV infection than youth detained in juvenile settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the social context of HIV risk behavior, substance misuse, and violence among youth offenders detained in adult jail using Elijah Anderson’s Code of the Street as a conceptual framework. Focus groups were conducted with 15 African American male youth (aged 15-17 years) detained at a city jail. Content analysis revealed several themes related to violence and HIV risk, including (1) HIV literacy and condom use, (2) substance use and sex, and (3) violence and the code of the street. These rich, descriptive narratives suggest that youth offenders exposed to chronic violence also engage in HIV risk–related behaviors. Findings may also aid in the development of age- and culturally appropriate interventions for this population while they are detained.
Employee Engagement
Authors: Kumar Raman , Sia Surendra Kumar
Published: May 2012

Employee engagement at work can be referred to as the harnessing of organizational members’ selves to their work roles. In engagement people employ and express themselves physically, cognitively and emotionally (Kahn, 1990). Through the present study an attempt has been made to identify the contribution of some antecedents towards employee engagement. Under the antecedents we have taken two relationship-oriented variables (co-worker cohesion and supervisor support), three personal growth variables (autonomy, task orientation and work pressure) and three system maintenance variables (clarity, control and physical comfort). The researchers attempted to investigate the contribution of these antecedent variables towards level of engagement by conducting the study upon 100 semi-skilled employees from food processing organizations situated around Patiala, Punjab. The level of engagement of the employees has been explicated in terms of cognitive, emotional and physical engagement. Stepwise multiple regression analysis has been carried out separately for each of these engagement variables to delineate the contribution of the eight antecedent variables towards them. The finding indicates that two personal growth variables, namely ‘work pressure’ and ‘autonomy’ have significant contribution towards cognitive as well as emotional engagement followed by the contribution of the relationship oriented variables. However, except ‘peer cohesion’, there is no significant contribution of any other variable towards physical engagement. The findings have been discussed in light of related literatures.
Emic and Etic: Different Lenses for Research in Culture
Authors: Bala Madhu , Chalil G.R.B. , Gupta Amit
Published: May 2012

This article is an attempt to provide an integrated discussion of culture through both universal and indigenous approaches: etic and emic. Both universal and indigenous points of views are very important in understanding specific culture and its comparison with other cultures. Methodological concerns of both, however, have resulted in valuable yet incomplete explanation to concept of culture. Intricacies of using both in culture research have been explained in the article. The article uses these two lenses to discuss Indian context vis-à-vis other cultures in order to come up with unique aspects for Indian organizations. This way it offers a comprehensive look at culture as a concept, providing different approaches to capture the unique features of culture in Indian organizational context. It also discusses the challenges of culture research in multi-culture environment of India. Few propositions for future research have been suggested. Also implications for individuals and organizations planning to operate from India have been discussed.
Central Pontine and Extrapontine Myelinolysis in Children
Authors: Ranger Adrianna M. , Chaudhary Navjot , Avery Michael , Fraser Douglas
Published: May 2012

This study aimed to identify the causes and contributing factors, neurologic presentation, and outcomes of central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis and to examine any trends in the presentation and course of these disorders over the past 50 years. Seventy-six pediatric cases were identified in the literature. Age, sex, decade of diagnosis, neurologic presentation, outcome, and attributed causes were extracted. The results showed that the diagnosis, course, and outcomes of central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis clearly have changed over the past few decades. Early cases generally were diagnosed at autopsy as opposed to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging more recently. Ninety-four percent of cases prior to 1990 and only 7% of cases from 1990 onward resulted in patient mortality. The decade in which the case was reported was the strongest predictor of outcome ( P < .001), followed by sodium dysregulation ( P = .045) and dehydration ( P = .07).
Fatherhood and Youth Sports
Authors: Gottzén Lucas , Kremer-Sadlik Tamar
Published: May 2012

Youth sports have been recognized as an arena for men to meet increased cultural expectations of being involved in their children’s lives. Indeed, in contrast to other child care practices, many men are eager to take part in their children’s organized sports. Drawing on an ethnographic study of middle-class families in the United States, this study examines how men juggle two contrasting cultural models of masculinity when fathering through sports—a performance-oriented orthodox masculinity that historically has been associated with sports and a caring, inclusive masculinity that promotes the nurturing of one’s children. Through a detailed analysis of how fathers’ sports involvement unfolds on the ground, we show how men, in order to portray themselves as “good” fathers, attempt to strike a balance between pushing their children to excel and supporting them regardless of their performance. We propose that although men may value inclusive masculinity when fathering through youth sports, at the same time they exercise orthodox masculinity in other domestic domains.
Two sides of intensive parenting: Present and future dimensions in contemporary relations between parents and children in Spain
Authors: Gómez Espino Juan Miguel
Published: May 2012

The objective of this article is to identify and analyse discourses in Spain on intensive parenting in the context of the changes that have taken place in relations between parents and their children in contemporary societies. To do this, the author analyses the discourses from 16 in-depth interviews carried out with parents and from 14 focus groups of 11- and 12-year-old children. The article makes a distinction between two analytical dimensions of intensive parenting: intensive parenting for the future, which refers to the growing emphasis of parents on children’s cognitive development and education, and intensive parenting for the present, which refers to supervision and protection of children in the face of unexpected events affecting their safety and well-being. The article addresses how the perception of new risks and uncertainties strongly encourages different forms of control and greater individualism as families attempt to maximize the advantages of their own members, generating increasingly inegalitarian effects.
Synthesis and characterization of liquid crystalline copolymers containing poly (ether sulfone) segments
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Haibin , Liu Zhongzhu , Liu Tao , Zhang Hang , Yang Yanhua
Published: May 2012

A new block copolymers (BCP) containing poly (ether sulfone) (PES) with different chain lengths and thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP) segments were synthesized by high temperature solution polymerization of the constituent monomers of TLCP and PES oligomers terminated with a hydroxyl group. The chemical structure and inherent viscosity of BCP were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Ubbelohde viscometer and solubility test, respectively. The thermal behavior, liquid crystallinity, texure and thermal stability of liquid crystalline block copolymer were investigated by a variety of experimental techniques including differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing light microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. BCP showed a single glass transition temperature and melting point but blends of corresponding homopolymers were biphasic. It showed the typical nematic texture above its Tm depending on the composition and good thermal stability. Such block copolymers can be used as compatibilizer or melt viscosity modifying agent for the blends due to their chemical structure similar to the blend partners, respectively.
Polyazomethine with vinylene and phenantridine moieties in the main chain: Synthesis, characterization, opto(electrical) properties and theoretical calculations
Authors: Iwan Agnieszka , Guimarães Jeconias Rocha , Santos Maria Cristina dos , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa , Krompiec Michal , Palewicz Marcin , Sikora Andrzej
Published: May 2012

The opto(electrical) properties and theoretical calculations of polyazomethine with vinylene and phenantridine moieties in the main chain were investigated in the present study. 2,5-Bis(hexyloxy)-1,4-bis[(2,5-bis(hexyloxy)-4-formyl-phenylenevinylene]benzene was polymerized in solution with 3,8-diamino-6-phenylphenanthridine (PAZ-PV-Ph). The temperatures of 5% weight loss ( T5%) of the polyazomethine was observed at 356 °C in nitrogen. Electrochemical properties of thin film of the polymer were studied by differential pulse voltammetry. The HOMO level of the PAZ-PV-Ph was at −4.97 eV. The energy band gap ( Eg) was detected of approximately ∼1.9 eV. Energy band gap ( Egopt) was additionally calculated from absorption spectrum and absorption coefficient α. The absorption UV-vis spectra of polyazomethine recorded in solution showed a blue shift in comparison with the solid state. HOMO-LUMO levels and Eg were additionally calculated theoretically by density functional theory and molecular simulations of PAZ-PV-Ph are presented. Current density–voltage ( J– U) measurements were performed on ITO/PAZ-PV-Ph/Al, ITO/TiO2/PAZ-PV-Ph/Al and ITO/PEDOT/PAZ-PV-Ph:TiO2/Al devices in the dark and during irradiation with light (under illumination of 1000 W m−2). The polymer was tested using AFM technique and roughness ( Ra, Rms) along with skew and kurtosis are presented.
The role of stylistics in Japan: A pedagogical perspective
Authors: Teranishi Masayuki , Saito Aiko , Sakamoto Kiyo , Nasu Masako
Published: May 2012

This article surveys the history of English studies and education in Japan, paying special attention to the role of literary texts and stylistics. Firstly, the role of literature and stylistics in Japan is discussed from a pedagogical point of view, including both English as a foreign language and Japanese as a native language. Secondly, the way in which stylistics has contributed to literary criticism in the country is examined, with reference to the history of literary stylistics since 1980. Finally, this article considers further applications of stylistics to language study in Japan, offering two examples: analysis of thought presentation in Yukio Mishima’s Megami (2006[1955]), and the teaching of an English poem and a Japanese haiku to Japanese EFL students. The overall aim of this article is to demonstrate that literature as language teaching material and stylistics as a critical and teaching method are significant not only in understanding English, but also in appreciating our own native language if it is not English.
The Potential Employment Impact of Health Reform on Working-Age Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Levy Alice R. , Bruen Brian K. , Ku Leighton C.
Published: May 2012

Programs serving people with disabilities create employment disincentives in the form of public health insurance that ties eligibility to an inability to work. In 2009, insurance coverage decreased with employment for working-age people with disabilities. Health reform has the potential to ameliorate these employment disincentives by reforming the private health insurance system and by severing the link between eligibility for public health insurance and an inability to work. The authors predict the impact of the Affordable Care Act on working-age adults with disabilities using a simulation model based on 2009 American Community Survey data from Massachusetts, which enacted a similar reform in 2006. They estimate that more than 2 million adults with disabilities will gain coverage and that coverage rates will be higher among the employed. Although health reform may remove some existing employment disincentives, implementation issues are key determinants to insurance and employment outcomes.
Does Pharmacodynamic Interaction of Nonenzymatic Antioxidants Modify Response to Antioxidant Therapy in the Process of Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Yiannakopoulou Eugenia Ch
Published: May 2012

A discrepancy exists between clinical trials and epidemiological studies on the effect of antioxidants on cardiovascular disease. This discrepancy could be attributed to the lack of knowledge on the effect of interaction of exogenous antioxidant supplementation with one another or on the effect of interaction of exogenously administered antioxidant vitamins with endogenous ones. This study attempts a systematic review of available data on possible synergistic, additive, or antagonistic action of nonenzymatic antioxidants in atherosclerosis. Electronic databases were searched with the available search terms up to and including February 2010. Eligibility criteria were full publications, clinical trials, epidemiological studies, or in vitro or in vivo studies that investigated the effect of pharmacodynamic interaction of 2 or more antioxidants in the process of atherosclerosis and /or the mechanism of interaction. Eligible clinical trials should have at least 4 arms, 1 arm for the study of each antioxidant alone, 1 for the effect of both antioxidants, and 1 arm for the effect of placebo. In vitro data as well as the limited number of identified randomized clinical trials suggested that coadministration of antioxidants results in synergistic or additive interaction in the process of atherosclerosis. No study demonstrated antagonistic interaction between antioxidants.
Imagining intergroup contact is more cognitively difficult for people higher in intergroup anxiety but this does not detract from its effectiveness
Authors: Birtel Michèle D. , Crisp Richard J.
Published: May 2012

Imagined intergroup contact (Crisp & Turner, 2009) is a new indirect contact strategy for promoting tolerance and more positive intergroup attitudes. We asked whether the positive effects of imagined contact are contingent upon characteristics that define the experience of intergroup relations. Specifically, we tested whether precontact intergroup anxiety makes imagining contact more cognitively effortful, and if it does, whether this detracts from its effectiveness. In two studies participants were asked to either imagine contact with an outgroup member or a control scene. We found that imagining contact counteracted the negative impact of intergroup anxiety on outgroup communicative behavior. Furthermore, performance on an ostensibly unrelated Stroop task revealed that this compensatory benefit requires cognitive resources proportional to the level of precontact anxiety. We conclude that the detrimental impacts of intergroup anxiety can be assuaged by imagining contact, but that doing so requires the allocation of attentional resources proportional to the positivity of preintervention contact experiences.
Recognition of and Intervention in Forced Marriage as a Form of Violence and Abuse
Authors: Chantler Khatidja
Published: May 2012

This paper highlights the importance of recognising forced marriage as a form of violence and draws attention to the interventions that are developing in Europe as a response to forced marriage. The paper highlights the difficulties of conflating all child marriages as forced marriage and discusses the different contexts of childhood in different parts of the globe. The UK is reputed to have the widest range of policy interventions and practice guidance to tackle forced marriage and is therefore used as a case study in this paper, but reference is also made to other countries thus ensuring a wider relevance. The paper’s analysis of UK based research studies on forced marriage identifies three key themes: i) lack of adequate reporting of incidents of forced marriage; ii) lack of professional knowledge of forced marriage and their fear of intervention; iii) the tension between conceptualizing forced marriage as purely cultural or as a form of gender based violence. It also highlights the largely legislative responses to forced marriage in Europe; Civil Protection for victims of forced marriage in the UK is discussed and a critical analysis is offered of the increase in marriage and sponsorship age in the UK and in many European countries. Health and clinical issues related to forced marriage are highlighted and the paper calls for further research globally to i) better understand the extent and nature of forced marriage; ii) to evaluate current interventions; iii) to investigate the clinical and potential mental health implications of forced marriage.
Detection of Symptoms of Prevalent Mental Health Disorders of Childhood With the Parent Form of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System
Authors: Dowdy Erin , Kamphaus Randy W. , Abdou Annmary S. , Twyford Jennifer M.
Published: May 2012

This study examined the criterion-related validity of score inferences from the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System Parent Form (BESS Parent) for the detection of symptoms of prevalent mental health disorders of childhood. The BESS Parent was administered to 99 parents of first- through fifth-grade students, along with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Correlations were computed between the BESS Parent total and researcher-calculated subscale scores, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ( DSM)–oriented scales of the CBCL. Moderate correlations were obtained between the BESS Parent total score and CBCL DSM-oriented conduct problems, oppositional defiant, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and affective problems scales, and with the CBCL externalizing, internalizing, and total problems composite scores. Results support interpreting the BESS Parent as a measure of risk and as an indicator of the potential presence of one of the common mental health disorders of childhood.
Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Stent Grafting in Unrecognized Salmonella Aortitis
Authors: Kommaraju K. , Brinster Derek R.
Published: May 2012

Abdominal endovascular graft infection is a rare but life-threatening complication of endovascular repair that can be challenging to manage. This report delineates the progression of a unique set of events leading to Salmonella graft infection and investigates current treatment options.
Almost partial generalized Jordan derivations: a fixed point approach
Authors: Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Park Choonkil , Lee Jung Rye
Published: May 2012

Using fixed point method, we investigate the Hyers-Ulam stability and the superstability of partial generalized Jordan derivations on Banach modules related to Jensen type functional equations.

Mathematics Subject Classification 2010: Primary, 39B52; 47H10; 47B47; 13N15; 39B72; 17C50; 39B82; 17C65.
Mechanisms of constitutive and ATP-evoked ATP release in neonatal mouse olfactory epithelium
Authors: Hayoz Sébastien , Jia Cuihong , Hegg CC
Published: May 2012

Background

ATP is an extracellular signaling molecule with many ascribed functions in sensory systems, including the olfactory epithelium. The mechanism(s) by which ATP is released in the olfactory epithelium has not been investigated. Quantitative luciferin-luciferase assays were used to monitor ATP release, and confocal imaging of the fluorescent ATP marker quinacrine was used to monitor ATP release via exocytosis in Swiss Webster mouse neonatal olfactory epithelial slices.

Results

Under control conditions, constitutive release of ATP occurs via exocytosis, hemichannels and ABC transporters and is inhibited by vesicular fusion inhibitor Clostridium difficile toxin A and hemichannel and ABC transporter inhibitor probenecid. Constitutive ATP release is negatively regulated by the ATP breakdown product ADP through activation of P2Y receptors, likely via the cAMP/PKA pathway. In vivo studies indicate that constitutive ATP may play a role in neuronal homeostasis as inhibition of exocytosis inhibited normal proliferation in the OE. ATP-evoked ATP release is also present in mouse neonatal OE, triggered by several ionotropic P2X purinergic receptor agonists (ATP, αβMeATP and Bz-ATP) and a G protein-coupled P2Y receptor agonist (UTP). Calcium imaging of P2X2-transfected HEK293 “biosensor” cells confirmed the presence of evoked ATP release. Following purinergic receptor stimulation, ATP is released via calcium-dependent exocytosis, activated P2X1,7 receptors, activated P2X7 receptors that form a complex with pannexin channels, or ABC transporters. The ATP-evoked ATP release is inhibited by the purinergic receptor inhibitor PPADS, Clostridium difficile toxin A and two inhibitors of pannexin channels: probenecid and carbenoxolone.

Conclusions

The constitutive release of ATP might be involved in normal cell turn-over or modulation of odorant sensitivity in physiological conditions. Given the growth-promoting effects of ATP, ATP-evoked ATP release following injury could lead to progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation and regeneration. Thus, understanding mechanisms of ATP release is of paramount importance to improve our knowledge about tissue homeostasis and post-injury neuroregeneration. It will lead to development of treatments to restore loss of smell and, when transposed to the central nervous system, improve recovery following central nervous system injury.
Association between human cartilage glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40) and arterial stiffness in essential hypertension
Authors: Ma Wei-hong , Wang Xiu-ling , Du Yi-meng , Wang Yi-biao , Zhang Yan , Wei De-e , Guo Lin-lin , Bu Pei-Li
Published: May 2012

Background

YKL-40, a proposed marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, is associated with atherosclerosis and an increased cardiovascular mortality in the general population. However, the relationship between YKL-40 and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients has not been adequately assessed.

Methods

The relationship between serum levels of YKL-40 and arterial stiffness was evaluated in 93 essential hypertensive subjects and 80 normal subjects. Essential hypertensive subjects were divided into two groups based upon urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): nonmicroalbuminuric group, (ACR <30 mg/g, n = 50) and microalbuminuric group (ACR ≥30 mg/g, n = 43). Large artery wall stiffness was assessed by measuring femoral arterial stiffness and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Serum levels of YKL-40 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The study demonstrated that YKL-40,cf-PWV and femoral arterial stiffness were increased significantly (P<0.05) in the hypertensive group compared with normal controls. These measurements were also increased significantly ( P<0.05) in the microalbuminuric group compared with the nonmicroalbuminuric group. YKL-40 was positively correlated with cf-PWV( r = 0.44, P = 0.000) and femoral arterial stiffness ( r = 0.42, P =0.001). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that YKL-40 was the impact factor of arterial stiffness ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

YKL-40 levels are elevated in essential hypertension subjects with an independent association between increasing YKL-40 levels and increasing arterial stiffness. The study suggests it played a positive role of YKL-40 in the progressing vascular complications in patients with essential hypertension.