bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary intake after treatment in child cancer survivors
Authors: Cohen Jennifer , Wakefield Claire E. , Fleming Catharine A. K. , Gawthorne Rebecca , Tapsell Linda C. , Cohn Richard J.
Published: August 2011

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk of complications such as obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis which have the potential to, in part, be controlled with dietary interventions. To allow the development of appropriate dietary interventions for younger cancer survivors data on their dietary intake as well as information on parental nutrition views and practices need to be assessed.

Procedure

Dietary intake of 50 CCS was assessed with a 3‐day food diary (parent report). Parent child feeding practices were assessed with the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). Historical and anthropometric data was extracted from medical records. Survivors were less than 13 years old and less than 5 years after treatment completion.

Results

Twenty percent of participating CCS was overweight or obese and 54% were consuming above their estimated energy requirements. Fifty, 32% and 44% of children did not meet requirements for folate, calcium, and iron respectively. There was a significant trend for increasing BMI percentiles from diagnosis to time of assessment (56.29 vs. 67.17, P = 0.01). Results from the CFQ showed that parents were more likely to monitor (3.99) and use a restrictive form of parenting (3.43) to control their child's food intake rather than pressure their child to eat (2.77) (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This group displayed excessive energy intake (kilojoules) and poor dietary habits. Parents' restrictive feeding style may be contributing to these habits. Early interventions targeting the dietary intake of young survivors and associated parent feeding practices may prevent some of the deleterious long‐term effects associated with childhood cancer therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 752–757. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acquired factor XI deficiency in a child with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: McManus Meghann Pine , Frantz Christopher , Gailani David
Published: August 2011

We describe a 7‐year‐old male with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis who presented with nephrotic syndrome and subsequently developed factor XI (fXI) deficiency. An association between these conditions has not been described previously. In this case, fXI deficiency was caused by an antibody to fXI that enhanced clearance of the protein from plasma. Loss of fXI in the urine did not appear to be involved. Antibody‐mediated clearance of prothrombin or factor X can cause acquired deficiencies of these proteins. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of an antibody that causes fXI deficiency by this mechanism. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 173–175. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of novel photoreactive polycarbazole‐based microparticles: Reactivity features
Authors: Naddaka Maria , Mondal Ejabul , Lellouche Jean‐Paul
Published: August 2011

Four types of innovative benzophenone (BPh)‐ or aryl azide (ArAz)‐containing photoreactive polycarbazole (polyCbz)‐based microparticles (MPs) were prepared using an oxidative liquid phase polymerization system. Their photochemical reactivity was evaluated by their reaction with highly inert poly(2‐chloro‐paraxylelene) (Parylene C) films. Possible mechanisms for the photochemical reaction of those MPs with Parylene C were discussed. The highly photoreactive BPh was found to react more inside the particle causing internal cross‐linking of MP polyCbz chains, fusion between adjoining particles and deformation of their spherical structure. In contrast, the less reactive but more selective ArAz‐containing MPs were found to react much more with Parylene C. The strong reactivity of such photoreactive MPs toward Parylene C films emphasizes a general method for the functionalization of stable nonfunctional polymeric coatings. This paves the way to simple and solvent‐free functionalization of nonfunctional coatings and materials by light. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
On the origin of the “core‐free” morphology in microinjection‐molded HDPE
Authors: Giboz Julien , Spoelstra Anne B. , Portale Giuseppe , Copponnex Thierry , Meijer Han E. H. , Peters Gerrit W. M. , Mélé Patrice
Published: August 2011

This study investigates the morphology of a high‐density polyethylene processed with microinjection molding. Previous work pointed out that a “core‐free” morphology exists for a micropart (150‐μm thick), contrasting with the well‐known “skin‐core” morphology of a conventional part (1.5‐mm thick). Local analyses are now conducted in every structural layer of these samples. Transmission electron microscopy observations reveal highly oriented crystalline lamellae perpendicular to the flow direction in the micropart. Image analysis also shows that lamellae are thinner. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction measurements using a microfocused beam highlight that highly oriented shish–kebab morphologies are found through the micropart thickness, with corresponding orientation function close to 0.8. For the macropart, quiescent crystallized morphologies are found with few oriented structures. Finally, the morphology within the micropart is more homogeneous, but the crystalline structures created are disturbed due to the combined effects of flow‐induced crystallization and thermal crystallization during processing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1470–1478, 2011
Geography and Migration Studies: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: King Russell
Published: August 2011

The paper engages with migration theory through a geographic perspective. It first argues that geographers, with their broad‐ranging subject matter, epistemological pluralism, and varied research methods, are ideally placed to carry out migration research and advance migration theory. Second, the paper casts a retrospective view at some highlights of geographers' theoretical contributions to migration. The third part reviews the recent and current states of play, which have seen a shift in the geographical study of migration from population geography to cultural geography, via the ‘cultural turn’. Four paradigmatic trends in the study of migration are reviewed – the mobilities turn, transnationalism, diaspora studies, and gendered approaches – and geographers' contributions to each of these are evaluated. The conclusion looks to the future, asks whether the cultural turn is over and, in the light of the global economic crisis, identifies new avenues of migration research for migration geographers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman intensity of graphene
Authors: Casiraghi Cinzia
Published: August 2011

The Raman scattering process in graphene is always resonant, i.e. involves real electronic states, and this affects the Raman intensity. Thus, a detailed analysis of the Raman intensity of graphene can provide useful information on the Raman scattering process itself, in particular on the interaction between the fundamental excitations in graphene, such as electron–phonon and electron‐defect interactions, which can be studied only by transport or complex techniques. Here a detailed analysis of the dependence of the Raman intensity of graphene on doping and disorder is presented. While the intensity of the G peak, I(G), is not strongly affected by small amount of doping or disorder, the intensity of the 2D peak strongly decreases with increasing doping or disorder. By analyzing the dependence of I(2D) with doping in the framework of a fully resonant process, we measured the total electron–phonon scattering rate.
Testing the Dirac equation against the tight binding model for non‐equilibrium graphene
Authors: Boross Péter , Dóra Balázs , Moessner Roderich
Published: August 2011

We study the time evolution of the electric current in ballistic graphene, after switching on an electric field. After a short transient, determined by high energy states, the current reaches an intermediate‐time plateau. The “dc conductivity” coincides with the ac conductivity of graphene in this regime. For longer times, it increases further linearly with time and nonlinearly with the electric field as E3/2. To test the predictions based on the Dirac equation, we simulate numerically the time evolution of the current on the honeycomb lattice. Our analytical results agree with numerics for both the intraband and interband contribution to the current.
The effect of chalcogen atom on the structural, elastic, and high‐pressure properties of XY compounds (X = La, Ce, Eu, and Y = S, Se, and Te): An ab initio study
Authors: Charifi Z. , Baaziz H. , Saeed Y. , Reshak Ali Hussain , Soltani F.
Published: August 2011

The B1 (NaCl) and B2 (CsCl) structure of rare‐earth monochalcogenides XY (X = La, Ce, Eu, and Y = S, Se, and Te) were investigated with the full‐potential linearized‐augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) scheme in the frame of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The optimized lattice parameters, independent elastic constants (C11, C12, and C44) at zero and high pressure, bulk modulus B, and its pressure derivative and the shear modulus G were evaluated. Further, the numerical estimates of a set of elastic parameters [Young's modulus E, Poisson's ratio (ν), Lame's coefficients (µ, λ)] of the polycrystalline XY (X = La, Ce, Eu, and Y = S, Se, and Te) compounds (in the framework of the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation) were performed. The pressures at which these compounds undergo structural phase transition from B1 (NaCl) to B2 (CsCl) phases were calculated. For rare‐earth monochalcogenides XY, the Debye temperature is also estimated from the average sound velocity.
Impact of short‐range order and clusterization on the bandgap bowing: First‐principles calculations on the electronic properties of metastable (GaAs)1–x(Ge2)x alloys
Authors: Kawai H. , Giorgi G. , Yamashita K.
Published: August 2011

The large, negative, and asymmetric bandgap bowing in (GaAs)1–x(Ge2)x alloys is investigated as function of Ge concentration, via the combination of density functional theory and GW0 approach. We revealed that the large negative character of the gap bowing is due to the increase of the octet‐rule violating bonds (bad bonds) as Ge reaches intermediate concentrations, while the asymmetry is governed by the presence of GaAs clusters embedded in the Ge matrix at Ge concentration between 0.3 and 1. Both the clusterization and fragmentation of GaAs region are phenomena able to delocalize the extracharges on the formed bad bonds, causing thermodynamic stabilization, and bandgap increase. Our results are in very good agreement with the experimental ones, confirming the bandgap bowing dependency on the nearest‐neighbor atomic interactions.
A statistical model for hospital admissions caused by seasonal diseases
Authors: Moriña David , Puig Pedro , Ríos José , Vilella Anna , Trilla Antoni
Published: August 2011

We present a model based on two‐order integer‐valued autoregressive time series to analyze the number of hospital emergency service arrivals caused by diseases that present seasonal behavior. We also introduce a method to describe this seasonality, on the basis of Poisson innovations with monthly means. We show parameter estimation by maximum likelihood and model validation and show several methods for forecasting, on the basis of long‐time means and short‐time and long‐time prediction regions. We analyze an application to model the number of hospital admissions per week caused by influenza. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The importance of CELF control: molecular and biological roles of the CUG‐BP, Elav‐like family of RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Dasgupta Twishasri , Ladd Andrea N.
Published: August 2011

RNA processing is important for generating protein diversity and modulating levels of protein expression. The CUG‐BP, Elav‐like family (CELF) of RNA‐binding proteins regulate several steps of RNA processing in the nucleus and cytoplasm, including pre‐mRNA alternative splicing, C to U RNA editing, deadenylation, mRNA decay, and translation. In vivo, CELF proteins have been shown to play roles in gametogenesis and early embryonic development, heart and skeletal muscle function, and neurosynaptic transmission. Dysregulation of CELF‐mediated programs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human diseases affecting the heart, skeletal muscles, and nervous system. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:104–121. doi: 10.1002/wrna.107

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Examining the relationship between RNA function and motion using nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Bardaro Michael F. , Varani Gabriele
Published: August 2011

The biological function of proteins and nucleic acids relies on their complex structures, yet dynamics provides an additional layer of functional adaptability. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RNA is only able to perform the multitude of functions for which it is responsible by readily changing its conformation in response to binding of proteins or small molecules. Examination of RNA dynamics is therefore essential to understanding its biological function. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a leading technique for the examination of RNA motion and conformational transitions. It can examine domain motions as well as motion with atomic level resolution over a wide range of time scales. This review examines how NMR spectroscopy can be applied to examine the relationship between function and dynamics in RNA. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:122–132. doi: 10.1002/wrna.108

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions
Ultraviolet Radiation on Innate Immunity and Growth of Broad‐Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris): Implications for Facilities Design
Authors: Siroski Pablo Ariel , Poletta Gisela Laura , Fernandez Lucia , Ortega Hugo Héctor , Merchant Mark Edwin
Published: August 2011

Sunlight is a key environmental factor in almost all ecosystems, and it is necessary for many physiological functions. Many vertebrates require ultraviolet (UV) radiation to perform different physiological processes. Artificial light is used to supplement UV in captive animals, through appropriate photoperiods and UV wavelengths. Previous studies reported that repeated exposure to artificial UV radiation may cause damage to the immune system. Taking into account the importance of UV effects and the serum complement system, the relationship between them was investigated. The study lasted 90 days and was carried out in plastic chambers. Ninety six broad‐snouted caiman (C. latirostris) were assigned to four treatment groups with two replicates each: total darkness (TD), 8 hr per day (8 hr) and 16 hr per day (16 hr) of artificial UV/visible light exposure, and normal photoperiod of natural light (NP). Snout–vent length was measured to determine animal growth. Hemolytic assays were performed to evaluate the effects of artificial UV/visible light, TD, and NP on the serum complement system. Results showed that animals grew more in the NP group. The capacity of C. latirostris serum to hemolyze sheep red blood cells was higher in the NP group than when they are maintained in constant light–dark cycles (8 and 16 hr) or in TD. These data demonstrate that artificial UV should be considered as a potential hazard for captive crocodilians if it is not properly managed, and this should be taken into account in the general design of facilities for reptilian husbandry. Zoo Biol 31:523‐533, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delayed Primary Closure of the Septic Open Abdomen with a Dynamic Closure System
Authors: Verdam Froukje J. , Dolmans Dennis E. J. G. J. , Loos Maarten J. , Raber Menno H. , de Wit Ralph J. , Charbon Jan A. , Vroemen Jos P. A. M.
Published: August 2011

Background

The major challenge in the management of patients with an infected open abdomen (OA) is to control septic peritonitis and intra‐abdominal fluid secretion, and to facilitate repeated abdominal exploration, while preserving the fascia for delayed primary closure. We here present a novel method for closure of the infected OA, based on continuous dynamic tension, in order to achieve re‐approximation of the fascial edges of the abdominal wall.

Methods

Eighteen cases with severe peritonitis of various origin (e.g., gastrointestinal perforations, anastomotic leakage) were primarily stabilized by laparostomy, sealed with either the vacuum‐assisted closure abdominal dressing or the Bogotá bag. After hemodynamic stabilization and control of the sepsis, the Abdominal Re‐approximation Anchor System (ABRA; Canica Design, Almonte, Ontario, Canada) was applied. This system approximates the wound margins through dynamic traction exerted by transfascial elastomers. Before ABRA application, 5/18 patients had a grade 2B, 2/18 a grade 3, and 11/18 a grade or 4 status according to the open abdomen classification of Björck.

Results

In this severely ill population the mean time before ABRA system application was 12 days (range: 2–39 days). Two of 18 patients died of non‐ABRA‐related causes within three weeks. In 14 of the remaining 16 patients (88%) primary abdominal closure of the midline was accomplished in 15 days (range: 7–30 days). The other two patients needed a component separation technique according to Ramirez to reach closure. However, secondary wound dehiscence occurred in both these patients. Two thirds of patients (12/18) developed pressure sores to the skin and/or dermis, but all healed without further complications. During outpatient clinic follow‐up, 4/14 successfully closed patients still developed a midline hernia.

Conclusions

Delayed primary closure of OA in septic patients could be achieved in 88% with this new approximation system. However, the risk of hernia development remained. We consider this system a useful tool in the treatment of septic patients with an open abdomen.
Unplanned Reoperation and Reintervention after Pancreatic Resections: An Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Gangl Odo , Fröschl Uwe , Hofer Wolfgang , Huber Jürgen , Sautner Thomas , Függer Reinhold
Published: August 2011

Background

The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of any unplanned reoperation or reintervention procedure after pancreatic resection and to identify the underlying risk factors.

Methods

A total of 189 consecutive pancreatic resections performed from 2001–2008 were searched for any unplanned reoperation, percutaneous drainage, or angiographic reintervention. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, including patient characteristics, comorbidities, details of surgery, specific complications, incidence of reoperation/reintervention, and mortality was performed.

Results

Overall rates of reoperation, reintervention, and mortality were 6.3% (12/189), 7.9% (15/189), and 1.6% (3/189), respectively. Four patients underwent reintervention and reoperation, so the combined reoperation/reintervention rate was 12.2% (23/189). Reoperation (P < 0.001) and reintervention (P = 0.002) correlated with mortality. Hemorrhage (relative risk [RR], 58; P = 0.0017) and the combination of hemorrhage and pancreatic fistula (RR, 117; P < 0.0001) were identified as risk factors for unplanned reoperation, hemorrhage (RR, 82; P = 0.005), pancreatic fistula (RR, 42; P < 0.001), and the combination of both complications (RR, 246; P < 0.001) for reoperation and/or reintervention. Other patient‐ or procedure‐related factors did not influence the reoperation and/or reintervention rates significantly.

Conclusions

Pancreatic fistula and hemorrhage are the predominant factors that afford unplanned reoperation/reintervention. Although reporting the incidence of unplanned reoperation will include the most severe postoperative complications, a considerable number of reinterventions are missed. Therefore, in outcome analyses of pancreatic surgery, not only reoperations but also any interventional therapies should be included.
The advantage of alternative tactics of prey and predators depends on the spatial pattern of prey and social interactions among predators
Authors: Scharf Inon , Ovadia Ofer , Foitzik Susanne
Published: August 2011

Individual variation in behavioral strategies is ubiquitous in nature. Yet, explaining how this variation is being maintained remains a challenging task. We use a spatially‐explicit individual‐based simulation model to evaluate the extent to which the efficiency of an alternative spacing tactic of prey and an alternative search tactic of predators are influenced by the spatial pattern of prey, social interactions among predators (i.e., interference and information sharing) and predator density. In response to predation risk, prey individuals can either spread out or aggregate. We demonstrate that if prey is extremely clumped, spreading out may help when predators share information regarding prey locations and when predators shift to area‐restricted search following an encounter with prey. However, dispersion is counter‐selected when predators interact by interference, especially under high predator density. When predators search for more randomly distributed prey, interference and information sharing similarly affect the relative advantage of spreading out. Under a clumped prey spatial pattern, predators benefit from shifting their search tactic to an area‐restricted search following an encounter with prey. This advantage is moderated as predator density increases and when predators interact either by interference or information sharing. Under a more random prey pattern, information sharing may deteriorate the inferior search tactic even more, compared to interference or no interaction among predators. Our simulation clarifies how interactions among searching predators may affect aggregation behavior of prey, the relative success of alternative search tactics and their potential to invade established populations using some other search or spacing tactics.
Genetic approaches to understanding the causes of stuttering
Authors: Drayna Dennis , Kang Changsoo
Published: August 2011

Stuttering is a common but poorly understood speech disorder. Evidence accumulated over the past several decades has indicated that genetic factors are involved, and genetic linkage studies have begun to identify specific chromosomal loci at which causative genes are likely to reside. A detailed investigation of one such region on chromosome 12 has identified mutations in the GNPTAB gene that are associated with stuttering in large families and in the general population. Subsequent studies identified mutations in the functionally related GNPTG and NAGPA genes. Mutations in these genes disrupt the lysosomal targeting pathway that generates the Mannose 6-phosphate signal, which directs a diverse group of enzymes to their target location in the lysosome of the cell. While mutations in these three genes can be identified in less than 10% of cases of familial stuttering, this knowledge allows a variety of new studies that can help identify the neuropathology that underlies this disorder.
A Perinatal Palatable High‐Fat Diet Increases Food Intake and Promotes Hypercholesterolemia in Adult Rats
Authors: Oliveira Tchana Weyll Souza , Leandro Carol Góis , de Jesus Deiró Tereza Cristina Bomfim , dos Santos Perez Gabriela , da França Silva Darlene , Druzian Janice Izabel , Couto Ricardo David , Barreto‐Medeiros Jairza Maria
Published: August 2011

The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term effects of a perinatal palatable high‐fat diet on the food intake and cholesterol profile of adult rats. Male Wistar rats (aged 22 days) were divided into two groups according to their mother's diet during gestation and lactation (Cp, n = 10; pups from control mothers; and HLpn = 10; pups from mothers fed a palatable high‐fat diet). At the 76th day, pups were housed individually for 14 days, and daily food consumption was determined during a period of 6 days. Blood from 100‐day‐old rats was sampled by cardiac puncture. Fasting (12 h) serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, triglycerides (TG), and VLDL‐C levels were determined. The measurement of food intake was higher in the animals submitted to a hyperlipidic diet during the perinatal period. Serum total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG, VLDL‐C and glycemia were increased in the HLp group compared to the control group. Our findings show that an early life environment with a high‐fat diet can contribute to metabolic disease in later life.
Welfare reforms and socio-economic trends in the 10 new EU member states of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Aidukaite Jolanta
Published: August 2011

The paper reviews recent socio-economic changes in the 10 new EU member states of Central and Eastern Europe and the earlier and latest debates on the emergence of the post-communist welfare state regime. It asks two questions: are the new EU member states more similar to each other in their social problems encountered than to the rest of the EU world? Do they exhibit enough common socio-economic and institutional features to group them into the distinct/unified post-communist welfare regime that deviates from any well-known welfare state typology?

The findings of this paper indicate that despite some slight variation within, the new EU countries exhibit lower indicators compared to the EU-15 as it comes to the minimum wage and social protection expenditure. The degree of material deprivation and the shadow economy is on average also higher if compared to the EU-15 or the EU-27. However, then it comes to at-risk-of-poverty rate after social transfers or Gini index, some Eastern European outliers especially the Check Republic, but also Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary perform the same or even better than the old capitalist democracies. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, however, show many similarities in their social indicators and performances and this group of countries never perform better than the EU-15 or the EU-27 averages. Nevertheless, the literature reviews on welfare state development in the CEE region reveal a number of important institutional features in support of identifying the distinct/unified post-communist welfare regime. Most resilient of it are: an insurance-based programs that played a major part in the social protection system; high take-up of social security; relatively low social security benefits; increasing signs of liberalization of social policy; and the experience of the Soviet/Communist type of welfare state, which implies still deeply embedded signs of solidarity and universalism.
Making Outsiders' Votes Count: Detecting Electoral Fraud through a Natural Experiment
Authors: FUKUMOTO KENTARO , HORIUCHI YUSAKU
Published: August 2011

Weak electoral registration requirements are commonly thought to encourage electoral participation, but may also promote electoral fraud. As one possibility, candidates and their supporters can more easily mobilize voters who do not reside within the district to register there fraudulently and vote for that district's candidates. We statistically detect this classic type of electoral fraud for the first time, by taking advantage of a natural experimental setting in Japanese municipal elections. We argue that whether or not a municipal election was held in April 2003 can be regarded as an “as-if” randomly assigned treatment. A differences-in-differences analysis of municipality–month panel data shows that the increase in the new population just prior to April 2003 is significantly larger in treatment municipalities (with an election) than in control ones (without an election). The estimated effects are decisive enough to change the electoral results when the election is competitive. We argue that our approach—“election timing as treatment”—can be applied to investigate not only this type of electoral fraud but also electoral connections in other countries.
Parenteral amino acids v. dextrose infusion: an anabolic strategy to minimise the catabolic response to surgery while maintaining normoglycaemia in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients
Authors: Lugli Andrea Kopp , Donatelli Francesco , Schricker Thomas , Kindler Christoph H. , Wykes Linda , Carli Franco
Published: August 2011

Loss of body protein and hyperglycaemia represent typical features of the stress response to surgery and anaesthesia. This appears to be particularly pronounced in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. The aim of the present study was to highlight the greater benefit of amino acids (AA) as represented by positive protein balance and maintenance of blood glucose homoeostasis compared with dextrose (DEX) in diabetic patients after colorectal surgery. A total of thirteen patients underwent a 5 h stable isotope infusion study (2 h fasted, 3 h fed with an infusion of AA (n 6) or DEX (n 7)) on the second post-operative day. Glucose and protein kinetics were assessed by using the stable isotopes l-[1-13C]leucine and [6,6-2H2]glucose. The transition from fasted to fed state decreased endogenous glucose production (P < 0·001) in both groups, with a more profound effect in the DEX group (P = 0·031). In contrast, total glucose production was increased by the provision of DEX while being lowered by AA (P = 0·021). Feeding decreased protein oxidation (P = 0·009) and protein synthesis in the AA group, whereas DEX infusion did not affect oxidation and even decreased protein synthesis. Therefore, only AA shifted protein balance to a positive value, while patients in the DEX group remained in a catabolic state (P < 0·001). Parenteral nutritional support with AA rather than with DEX is an effective strategy to achieve a positive protein balance while maintaining normoglycaemia in diabetic patients after colorectal surgery.
Dead Sea Apples and Desire-Fulfillment Welfare Theories
Authors: LAUINGER WILLIAM
Published: August 2011

This article argues that, in light of Dead Sea apple cases, we should reject desire-fulfillment welfare theories (DF theories). Dead Sea apples are apples that look attractive while hanging on the tree, but which dissolve into smoke or ashes once plucked. Accordingly, Dead Sea apple cases are cases where an agent desires something and then gets it, only to find herself disappointed by what she has gotten. This article covers both actual DF theories and hypothetical (or idealized) DF theories. On actual DF theories the agent's well-being is determined by her actual desires, while on hypothetical DF theories the agent's well-being is determined by the desires that she would have if she were fully and vividly informed with respect to non-evaluative information. Various actual and hypothetical DF theory responses to Dead Sea apple objections are considered, and all such responses are argued to be inadequate.
Sind Jungen die neuen Bildungsverlierer? Empirische Evidenz für Geschlechterdisparitäten zuungunsten von Jungen und Erklärungsansätze
Authors: Hannover Bettina , Kessels Ursula
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung. Mit diesem Aufsatz soll die gegenwärtig öffentlichkeitswirksam geführte Diskussion um eine mögliche Benachteiligung von Jungen in der Schule auf eine wissenschaftlich fundierte Grundlage gestellt werden. Eine nach Geschlecht getrennte Analyse schulischen Erfolgs ergibt, dass Jungen in Bildungsbeteiligung und Zertifikaterwerb gegenüber Mädchen zurückgefallen sind, nicht aber im Erwerb von Kompetenzen, wo sich unverändert Nachteile für Jungen in der Lesekompetenz und für Mädchen im Bereich der Mathematik zeigen. Derzeit in Wissenschaft und / oder Öffentlichkeit diskutierte Thesen über mögliche Ursachen der ungünstigeren Bildungskarrieren von Jungen werden hinsichtlich ihrer empirischen Belastbarkeit bewertet. Zusammengefasst ergibt sich Evidenz dafür, a) dass Jungen bei gleichen Kompetenzen schlechtere Noten erreichen als Mädchen und deshalb seltener in höhere Bildungslaufbahnen einmünden, und b) dass die besseren Noten von Mädchen durch ihre höheren überfachlichen Kompetenzen, im Besonderen ihre bessere Selbstorganisation eigener Lernprozesse und ihr an schulische Anforderungen besser angepasstes Sozialverhalten, erklärt werden können, nicht aber für die These, c) dass der hohe Anteil von Frauen unter den im Bildungssystem Beschäftigten zu einer Benachteiligung von Jungen führen würde. Abschließend stellen die Autorinnen Überlegungen an, ob Schwierigkeiten, die Jungen bei der Entwicklung ihrer männlichen Identität im Kontext Schule erfahren, zur Erklärung ihrer Leistungs- und Interessenentwicklung betragen können.
Increased Cerebral Protein ISGylation after Focal Ischemia is Neuroprotective
Authors: Nakka Venkata P , Lang Bradley T , Lenschow Deborah J , Zhang Dong-Er , Dempsey Robert J , Vemuganti Raghu
Published: August 2011

Addition of a small peptide called ISG15 is known as ISGylation, which is an ubiquitin (ub)-like posttranslational modification. We currently show that focal ischemia induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in adult mice significantly induces cortical protein ISGylation between 6 and 24 hours reperfusion. With two-dimensional western blotting, 45 proteins were observed to be significantly increased in ISGylation (by 1.8- to 9.7-fold) after focal ischemia compared with sham control. Immunochemistry showed that ISGylated proteins are localized in neurons within the ipsilateral striatum and in astroglia within the peri-infarct cortex of ischemic mice. When subjected to transient MCAO, ISG15−/− mice showed increased mortality, exacerbated infarction, and worsened neurologic recovery than did wild-type controls. In addition, mice lacking UBE1L (ub-activating enzyme E1-like protein, the first enzyme of the ISGylation cycle) also showed bigger infarcts when subjected to transient MCAO. Regional cerebral blood flow or other physiologic parameters were not significantly different in both knockouts compared with wild-type controls. These studies indicate that increased protein ISGylation might be an endogenous neuroprotective adaptation to minimize poststroke brain damage.
Detection of Cerebral Microbleeds with Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping in the Arcabeta Mouse Model of Cerebral Amyloidosis
Authors: Klohs Jan , Deistung Andreas , Schweser Ferdinand , Grandjean Joanes , Dominietto Marco , Waschkies Conny , Nitsch Roger M , Knuesel Irene , Reichenbach Jürgen R , Rudin Markus
Published: August 2011

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are findings in patients with neurological disorders such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease, and are indicative of an underlying vascular pathology. A diagnosis of CMBs requires an imaging method that is capable of detecting iron-containing lesions with high sensitivity and spatial accuracy in the presence of potentially confounding tissue abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of quantitative magnetic susceptibility mapping (QSM), a novel technique based on gradient-recalled echo (GRE) phase data, for the detection of CMBs in the arcA β mouse, a mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis. Quantitative susceptibility maps were generated from phase data acquired with a high-resolution T2∗-weighted GRE sequence at 9.4 T. We examined the influence of different regularization parameters on susceptibility computation; a proper adjustment of the regularization parameter minimizes streaking artifacts and preserves fine structures. In the present study, it is shown that QSM provides increased detection sensitivity of CMBs and improved contrast when compared with GRE magnitude imaging. Furthermore, QSM corrects for the blooming effect observed in magnitude and phase images and depicts both the localization and spatial extent of CMBs with high accuracy. Therefore, QSM may become an important tool for diagnosing CMBs in neurological diseases.
Adiponectin inhibits leptin signalling via multiple mechanisms to exert protective effects against hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Handy Jeffrey A. , Fu Ping P. , Kumar Pradeep , Mells Jamie E. , Sharma Shvetank , Saxena Neeraj K. , Anania Frank A.
Published: August 2011

Adiponectin is protective against hepatic fibrosis, whereas leptin promotes fibrosis. In HSCs (hepatic stellate cells), leptin signals via a JAK2 (Janus kinase 2)/STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) pathway, producing effects that enhance ECM (extracellular matrix) deposition. SOCS-3 (suppressor of cytokine signalling-3) and PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) are both negative regulators of JAK/STAT signalling, and recent studies have demonstrated a role for adiponectin in regulating SOCS-3 expression. In the present study we investigate mechanisms whereby adiponectin dampens leptin signalling and prevents excess ECM production. We treated culture-activated rat HSCs with recombinant adiponectin, leptin, both or neither, and also treated adiponectin knockout (Ad−/−) and wild-type mice with leptin and/or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or saline. We analyse JAK2 and Ob-Rb (long form of the leptin receptor) phosphorylation, and PTP1B expression and activity. We also explore potential mechanisms through which adiponectin regulates SOCS-3–Ob-Rb association. Adiponectin inhibits leptin-stimulated JAK2 activation and Ob-Rb phosphorylation in HSCs, whereas both were increased in Ad−/− mice. Adiponectin stimulates PTP1B expression and activity in vitro, whereas PTP1B expression was lower in Ad−/−mice than in wild-type mice. Adiponectin also promotes SOCS-3–Ob-R association and blocks leptin-stimulated formation of extracellular TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1)–MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) complexes in vitro. These results suggest two novel mechanisms whereby adiponectin inhibits hepatic fibrosis: (i) by promoting binding of SOCS-3 to Ob-Rb, and (ii) by stimulating PTP1B expression and activity, thus inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signalling at multiple points.
Dimerization of MT1-MMP during cellular invasion detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Itoh Yoshifumi , Palmisano Ralf , Anilkumar Narayanapanicker , Nagase Hideaki , Miyawaki Atsushi , Seiki Motoharu
Published: August 2011

Homodimerization of the membrane-bound collagenase MT1-MMP [membrane-type 1 MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)] is crucial for its collagenolytic activity. However, it is not clear whether this dimerization is regulated during cellular invasion into three-dimensional collagen matrices. To address this question, we established a fluorescence resonance energy transfer system to detect MT1-MMP dimerization and analysed the process in cells invading through three-dimensional collagen. Our data indicate that dimerization occurs dynamically and constantly at the leading edge of migrating cells, but not the trailing edge. We found that polarized dimerization was not due to ECM (extracellular matrix) attachment, but was rather controlled by reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton by the small GTPases, Cdc42 (cell division cycle 42) and Rac1. Our data indicate that cell-surface collagenolytic activity is regulated co-ordinately with cell migration events to enable penetration of the matrix physical barrier.
Activation of the isoflavonoid pathway in actinorhizal symbioses
Authors: Auguy Florence , Abdel-Lateif Khalid , Doumas Patrick , Badin Pablo , Guerin Vanessa , Bogusz Didier , Hocher Valérie
Published: August 2011

We investigated the involvement of flavonoids in the actinorhizal nodulation process resulting from the interaction between the tropical tree Casuarina glauca Sieb. ex Spreng. and the actinomycete Frankia. Eight C. glauca genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis: chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), isoflavone reductase (IFR), flavonoid-3-hydroxylase (F3H), flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), flavonoid 3′,5′ hydroxylase (F3′5′H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and flavonol synthase (FLS), were identified from a unigene database and gene expression patterns were monitored by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) during the nodulation time course. Results showed that FLS and F3′5′H transcripts accumulated in mature nodules whereas CHI and IFR transcripts accumulated preferentially early after inoculation with Frankia. Comparison of IFR and CHI expression in inoculated plants and in control plants cultivated with or without nitrogen confirmed that early expression of IFR is specifically linked to symbiosis. Taken together, these data suggest for the first time that isoflavonoids are implicated in actinorhizal nodulation.
Effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide, soil nutrients and water conditions on photosynthetic and growth responses of Alnus hirsuta
Authors: Tobita Hiroyuki , Uemura Akira , Kitao Mitsutoshi , Kitaoka Satoshi , Maruyama Yutaka , Utsugi Hajime
Published: August 2011

The objective of this paper is to clarify the effects of multiple environmental conditions, elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and soil conditions on the physiological and morphological properties of Alnus hirsuta Turcz., an N2-fixing species, to predict its responses to environmental changes. We examined the responses of photosynthetic properties, leaf characteristics, biomass and N allocation of A. hirsuta to elevated [CO2], soil N and phosphorus availability, and soil drought by using the results of two experiments. The effects of P availability were more marked than those of N availability and soil drought. The photosynthetic responses of A. hirsuta to elevated [CO2] under high P were considered to be ‘photosynthetic acclimation’, while A. hirsuta presented the obvious ‘photosynthetic downregulation’ to elevated [CO2] under low P. Soil P availability affected the growth responses to elevated [CO2] through effects on these photosynthetic properties and biomass allocation. Though elevated [CO2] caused no marked change in the allometric relationships in biomass, with some exceptions, the responses of N allocation among tissue to elevated [CO2] differed from those of biomass allocation. These results suggest that it is necessary to evaluate N mass allocation as well as biomass when we consider the N2-fixing ability of Alnus under elevated [CO2].
Affective responses to movie posters: Differences between adolescents and young adults
Authors: Baumgartner Emma , Laghi Fiorenzo
Published: August 2011

Although the link between cognition and affect in the advertising context has been demonstrated in several studies, no research to date has considered adolescents’ affective responses to movie posters and their attitudes to negative and positive images. A 2 (between subjects) × 4 (within subjects) mixed‐factorial experiment design comprising two groups of subjects (80 adolescents and 80 young adults) and four advertising stimuli (two highly positive images and two highly negative images) was used to test the differences in the subjects’ attitudes to advertising, positive and negative affect, and viewing intentions. Although the adolescents, compared to the young adults, did not appear to have significantly stronger attitudes to emotional advertisements (ads), they showed a similar level of intensity of affective response when exposed to negative and positive images.
Use of a heart rate‐to‐ground contact time index to monitor and predict middle‐distance running
Authors: Oliver Jonathan L. , Stembridge Mike
Published: August 2011

The purpose of the present study was to determine if field‐based variables associated with cardiovascular and neuromuscular stress could be used to accurately monitor and predict middle‐distance running. Eleven middle‐distance runners (age 21.3±1.6 years) completed three trials of steady‐state running at 11, 13, and 15 km · h–1, and test performance was compared with competitive performance (personal best times converted to standardized Mericer scores). Oxygen uptake, heart rate (HR), and stride characteristics (ground contact time [Ct], flight time, step length, and step frequency) were monitored during treadmill running with the ratio of HR:1/Ct calculated. Heart rate and stride characteristics were significantly altered (all P<0.05) with increased running speed, while the HR:1/Ct index was unchanged. Stride characteristics, heart rate, and the HR:1/Ct index were reliable measures with no mean bias and low levels of random variation. The HR:1/Ct index was strongly related to competitive performance (r=–0.80 to 0.88, P<0.01). This was primarily attributed to the association between heart rate and Mercier scores (r=–0.81 to 0.87, P<0.01), whereas ground contact time was only moderately related to competitive performance at the fastest running speed (r=–0.60, P<0.05). Simple measures associated with cardiovascular and neuromuscular stress can be reliably monitored in middle‐distance runners. A HR:1/Ct index provides a stable measure at any given submaximal running speed and may provide a useful tool for monitoring and predicting middle‐distance running.
Efficacy of current and novel electromyographic normalization methods for lower limb high‐speed muscle actions
Authors: Ball Nick , Scurr Joanna C.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of electromyography (EMG) normalization methods for a high‐speed 20‐m sprint. Comparisons were based on intra‐individual reliability and magnitude of normalized EMG signals from three repeat sessions separated by 1 day (between days) and 1 week (between weeks) from the initial test. Surface EMGs were recorded (n=16) from the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus during the normalization methods (isometric: maximum/sub‐maximum/body weight; isotonic: maximum/sub‐maximum/body weight; isokinetic: 1.05 rad · s–1, 1.31 rad · s–1, 1.83 rad · s–1; squat jump). The EMG data from the 20‐m sprint were normalized using each method and using the within‐sprint peak EMG (sprint peak). Intra‐individual reliability of the EMG was assessed using typical error of measurement as a percentage of intra‐individual coefficient of variance (TEMCV%). Sprint peak normalization improved intra‐individual reliability of EMG (soleus: <4.91CV%; medial gastrocnemius: <6.2CV%; lateral gastrocnemius: <7.1CV%) compared with un‐normalized EMG (soleus: <13.3CV%; medial gastrocnemius: <16.5CV%; lateral gastrocnemius: <16.3CV%) both between days and between weeks. Squat jump normalization improved the soleus (<11.2CV%) and medial gastrocnemius (<15.7CV%) reliability between days and weeks and provided a representative measure of triceps surae muscle activation. The intra‐individual reliability of the medial gastrocnemius EMG data was improved both between days and weeks when using isotonic normalization. Isometric and isokinetic normalization showed no improvement in intra‐individual reliability either between days or weeks for any muscle. The method of normalization influenced the between‐stride muscle interaction during the 20‐m sprint. The results of this study suggest that peak normalization can be used to normalize high‐speed muscle actions, while normalizing EMG to a squat jump may provide an alternative method to represent relative muscle activation.