bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical theses on nursing and caring sciences in Finland: a literature review
Authors: Lukana Anne , Leena Salminen , Marjo Kaartinen , Helena Leino‐Kilpi
Published: November 2012

Aims

The purpose of this literature review was to review the theses (masters, licentiate and doctoral theses) on the history of nursing and caring sciences in Finland. The research questions were as follows: 1.What is the number and characteristics of these historical theses (target groups, methods and sources) on nursing and caring sciences have been produced in Finland? 2.What periods of time have been under investigation in these theses? 3.What topics have been investigated in these theses?

Methods

The theses on the history of nursing and caring sciences were retrieved from the theses index of the universities that offer education in nursing and caring sciences in Finland. The literature search covered the time period 1979–2010. Altogether, 58 theses were reviewed and analysed via content analysis.

Findings

Of all of the theses (n = 3969) produced in nursing and caring sciences, 58 of them focused on historical topics (<2%). The most common target group was healthcare personnel. The most common research method was the traditional historical method. Primary and secondary sources were used both together and separately. Nearly all of the theses examined the history of the 1900s, whereas only a few of them examined time periods before that. The four main topics of the theses were nursing practice, nursing education, nursing management and philosophy of nursing. The most common topic was nursing practice, especially psychiatric nursing.

Conclusion

Research on the history of nursing and caring sciences in Finland has received only marginal attention from researchers. This literature review offers a description of the historical research produced on nursing and caring sciences and the topics of interest. In future, it will be necessary to more closely examine several historical topics that have been neglected in the study of nursing and caring sciences.
L‐Carnitine Supplementation in Dialysis: Treatment in Quest of Disease
Authors: Wasserstein Alan G.
Published: November 2012

L‐Carnitine (LC) administration has been recommended for specific indications in dialysis patients, including epoetin‐resistant anemia, intradialytic hypotension, cardiomyopathy, fatigue, muscle weakness, and exercise performance; it may ameliorate insulin resistance, inflammation, and protein wasting. Use of LC for anemia and intradialytic hypotension has been approved for reimbursement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Yet, the data to support these recommendations are inadequate and have not been bolstered over several decades. LC administration continues to appeal to nephrologists because its use in dialysis patients has an attractive rationale, it addresses problems that persist despite dialysis, it is safe, and the existing literature does not refute its use. Nevertheless, definitive trials to justify LC administration have not been conducted and are increasingly unlikely to be funded. In an era of shrinking resources and bundling of dialysis services, the use of LC in dialysis patients will, appropriately, diminish.
Personality trait inferences of Turkish immigrant and neutral targets: An experimental study
Authors: SANDAL GRO M. , BYE HEGE H. , PALLESEN STÅLE
Published: November 2012

Sandal, G. M. Bye, H. H. & Pallesen, S. (2012). Personality trait inferences of Turkish immigrant and neutral targets: An experimental study. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 528–533.

The study investigated whether personality traits attributed to immigrant targets differ from personality inferences made for a neutral target, and whether trait attributions differ for assimilated and integrated immigrant targets. Participants (n = 340) were randomized to one of three conditions in which they read the same story about a person, but where the person was described as either: (a) an assimilated Turkish immigrant; (b) an integrated Turkish immigrant; or (c) neutral (no nationality or religious practice indicated). Subsequently, they rated the personality of the described person on the NEO‐Five Factor Inventory (observer rating version) and completed the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (Impression Management scale) with reference to themselves. Both immigrant targets were rated as significantly higher on extraversion and lower on neuroticism than the neutral target. The integrated target was rated as more open than the neutral target, and as higher than the assimilated target on neuroticism when controlling for impression management.
QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in solid organ transplant candidates: a single‐center study in an area endemic for TB
Authors: Ahmadinejad Z. , Azmoudeh Ardalan F. , Razzaqi M. , Davoudi S. , Jafarian A.
Published: November 2012

Background

The prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in transplant recipients is estimated to be 50 times higher than in the general population, with a mortality rate of around 40%. Diagnosis and treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) is an essential strategy for TB control. In this study we compared the QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test (QFT) with the tuberculin skin test (TST) for detection of LTBI in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates.

Patients and methods

Between March 2008 and September 2011, 187 transplant candidates, who were referred to the transplant clinic of Imam‐Khomeini Hospital, were enrolled in the study. Patients were screened for LTBI with both QFT and TST. Twenty‐three patients (12.3%) were excluded for failure to follow up. Concordance between the 2 tests, and variables associated with test discordance were assessed.

Results

The mean age of patients was 40 years (range: 11–65) and male‐to‐female ratio was 1.2 (88/76). TST and QFT were positive in 26 (15.9%) and 33 (20.1%) patients, respectively. Five cases (3.1%) had indeterminate QFT. Overall agreement between QFT and TST was about 80% (k = 0.32, P‐value = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Considering the fair overall agreement between the 2 tests, and greater ease of the QFT from the patient's point of view, QFT is recommended for detection of LTBI in SOT candidates.
Removal of TSE agent from plasma products manufactured in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roberts P. L. , Dalton J. , Evans D. , Harrison P. , Li Z. , Ternouth K. , Thirunavukkarasu V. , Bulmer M. , Fernando S. , McLeod N.
Published: November 2012

Background and Objectives  The outbreak of vCJD in the UK leads to concern regarding the potential for human‐to‐human transmission of this agent. Plasma‐derived products such as albumin, immunoglobulin and coagulation factors were manufactured by BPL from UK plasma up until 1999 when a switch to US plasma was made. In the current study, the capacity of various manufacturing processes that were in use both prior to and after this time to remove the TSE agent was tested.

Materials and Methods  Small‐scale models of the various product manufacturing steps were developed. Intermediates were spiked with scrapie brain extract and then further processed. Samples were assayed for the abnormal form of prion protein (PrPSC) by Western blotting, and the reduction in the amount of scrapie agent determined.

Results  Many of the manufacturing process steps produced significant reduction in the scrapie agent. Particularly effective were steps such as ethanol fractionation, depth filtration, ion‐exchange and copper chelate affinity chromatography. Virus retentive filters, of nominal pore size 15 or 20 nm, removed >3 log. The total cumulative reduction capacity for individual products was estimated to range from 7 to 14 log. In the case of factor VIII (8Y), the total removal was limited to 3 log.

Conclusion  All the processes showed a substantial capacity to remove the TSE agent. However, this was more limited for the intermediate purity factor VIII 8Y which included fewer manufacturing steps.
Design Considerations for a Prosthetic Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Bach Jason S. , Cherkaoui Mohammed , Corté Laurent , Cantournet Sabine , Ku David N.
Published: November 2012

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tearing is a common knee injury often requiring reconstruction with an autograft or an allograft. A prosthetic ligament replacement with off-the-shelf availability could potentially provide significant advantages over the current options for both patients and surgeons. Limitations of previous prosthetics include lack of biocompatibility and susceptibility to fatigue, creep, and failure of bony incorporation. This paper describes design considerations and possible improvements for the next generation prosthetic ACL. Design controls, as mandated by the FDA, are a systematic set of practices within the design and development process used to ensure that a new medical device meets the needs of the intended users. The specified requirements, called the design inputs, for a prosthetic ACL are discussed pertaining to material and structural properties, resistance to creep and fatigue, ability to support secure initial fixation, biocompatibility, and long-term osseointegration. Design innovations to satisfy the design inputs are discussed with regards to material selection, textile pattern, bone tunnel features, and short term fixation. A risk analysis is presented along with descriptions of proposed testing. Design control methodology and tissue engineering may be used to develop a next generation prosthetic ligament, solving multiple problems, simultaneously, on a holistic level, providing major improvements over earlier devices and current treatment options.
The Brain Rules
Authors: Methe Heiko
Published: November 2012

Angiotensin II induces endoplasmatic reticulum stress in brain regions that promote arterial hypertension.
Got MIF?
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette
Published: November 2012

Absence of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) slows progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Typing of Nosocomial Outbreaks of Acinetobacter baumannii by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mencacci Antonella , Monari Claudia , Leli Christian , Merlini Luca , De Carolis Elena , Vella Antonietta , Cacioni Maria , Buzi Sara , Nardelli Emanuela , Bistoni Francesco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Vecchiarelli Anna
Published: November 2012

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been evaluated for the identification of multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
nosocomial outbreaks in comparison with the repetitive sequence-based PCR DiversiLab system. The results suggest that MALDI-TOF MS can be used for real-time detection of
Acinetobacter
outbreaks before results from DNA-based systems are available.
Fatal Alveolar Echinococcosis of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Keutgens Aurore , Simoni Paolo , Detrembleur Nancy , Frippiat Frédéric , Giot Jean-Baptiste , Spirlet François , Aghazarian Saro , Descy Julie , Meex Cécile , Huynen Pascale , Melin Pierrette , Müller Norbert , Gottstein Bruno , Carlier Yves , Hayette Marie-Pierre
Published: November 2012

For the last 10 years, the southern part of Belgium has been recognized as a low-risk area of endemicity for alveolar echinococcosis. This infection, caused by
Echinococcus multilocularis
, usually induces a severe liver condition and can sometimes spread to other organs. However, alveolar echinococcosis involving bones has been described only very rarely. Here, a fatal case of spondylodiscitis due to
E. multilocularis
contracted in southern Belgium is reported.
Influence of Different Media, Incubation Times, and Temperatures for Determining the MICs of Seven Antifungal Agents against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by Microdilution
Authors: Cruz R. C. , Werneck S. M. C. , Oliveira C. S. , Santos P. C. , Soares B. M. , Santos D. A. , Cisalpino P. S.
Published: November 2012

MIC assays with
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
, the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, had been conducted with variable protocols, employing both macrodilution and microdilution tests and including differences in inoculum preparation, media used, incubation periods, and temperatures. Twenty-one clinical and environmental isolates of
Paracoccidioides
were tested using amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and terbinafine, according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, document M27-A2, 2002), with modifications such as three medium formulations (RPMI 1640 medium, McVeigh and Morton [MVM] medium, and modified Mueller-Hinton [MMH] medium), two incubation temperatures (room temperature [25 to 28°C] and 37°C), and three incubation periods (7, 10, and 15 days). The antifungal activities were also classified as fungicidal or fungistatic. The best results were obtained after 15 days of incubation, which was chosen as the standard incubation time. The MICs for most individual isolates grown for the same length of time at the same temperature varied with the different media used (
P
< 0.05). Of the isolates, 81% showed transition from the yeast to the mycelial form in RPMI 1640 medium at 37°C, independent of the presence of antifungals. MMH medium appears to be a suitable medium for susceptibility testing of antifungal drugs with
P. brasiliensis
, except for sulfamethoxazole and the combination of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, for which the MVM medium yielded better results. The incubation temperature influenced the MICs, with, in general, higher MICs at 25°C (mycelial form) than at 37°C (
P
< 0.05). Based on our results, we tentatively propose a microdilution assay protocol for susceptibility testing of antifungal drugs against
Paracoccidioides
.
Amino Acid Exchanges in the Putative Nuclear Export Signal of Adenovirus Type 5 L4-100K Severely Reduce Viral Progeny due to Effects on Hexon Biogenesis
Authors: Koyuncu Orkide O. , Speiseder Thomas , Dobner Thomas , Schmid Melanie
Published: November 2012

The adenovirus type 5 nonstructural L4-100K protein is indispensable for efficient lytic infection. During the late phase, L4-100K promotes selective translation of viral late transcripts and mediates the trimerization of the major capsid protein hexon. In the present study, the role of a potential nuclear export signal in L4-100K was investigated. Intriguingly, amino acid substitutions in this sequence resulted in severely diminished progeny virus production, seemingly by precluding proper hexon biogenesis.
Dicer-2- and Piwi-Mediated RNA Interference in Rift Valley Fever Virus-Infected Mosquito Cells
Authors: Léger P. , Lara E. , Jagla B. , Sismeiro O. , Mansuroglu Z. , Coppée J. Y. , Bonnefoy E. , Bouloy M.
Published: November 2012

Rift Valley fever virus
(RVFV) is a
Phlebovirus
(
Bunyaviridae
family) transmitted by mosquitoes. It infects humans and ruminants, causing dramatic epidemics and epizootics in Africa, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. While recent studies demonstrated the importance of the nonstructural protein NSs as a major component of virulence in vertebrates, little is known about infection of mosquito vectors. Here we studied RVFV infection in three different mosquito cell lines, Aag2 cells from
Aedes aegypti
and U4.4 and C6/36 cells from
Aedes albopictus
. In contrast with mammalian cells, where NSs forms nuclear filaments, U4.4 and Aag2 cells downregulated NSs expression such that NSs filaments were never formed in nuclei of U4.4 cells and disappeared at an early time postinfection in the case of Aag2 cells. On the contrary, in C6/36 cells, NSs nuclear filaments were visible during the entire time course of infection. Analysis of virus-derived small interfering RNAs (viRNAs) by deep sequencing indicated that production of viRNAs was very low in C6/36 cells, which are known to be Dicer-2 deficient but expressed some viRNAs presenting a Piwi signature. In contrast, Aag2 and U4.4 cells produced large amounts of viRNAs predominantly matching the S segment and displaying Dicer-2 and Piwi signatures. Whereas 21-nucleotide (nt) Dicer-2 viRNAs were prominent during early infection, the population of 24- to 27-nt Piwi RNAs (piRNAs) increased progressively and became predominant later during the acute infection and during persistence. In Aag2 and U4.4 cells, the combined actions of the Dicer-2 and Piwi pathways triggered an efficient antiviral response permitting, among other actions, suppression of NSs filament formation and allowing establishment of persistence. In C6/36 cells, Piwi-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) appeared to be sufficient to mount an antiviral response against a secondary infection with a superinfecting virus. This study provides new insights into the role of Dicer and Piwi in mosquito antiviral defense and the development of the antiviral response in mosquitoes.
The Membrane-Proximal Region (MPR) of Herpes Simplex Virus gB Regulates Association of the Fusion Loops with Lipid Membranes
Authors: Shelly Spencer S. , Cairns Tina M. , Whitbeck J. Charles , Lou Huan , Krummenacher Claude , Cohen Gary H. , Eisenberg Roselyn J.
Published: November 2012

Glycoprotein B (gB), gD, and gH/gL constitute the fusion machinery of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Prior studies indicated that fusion occurs in a stepwise fashion whereby the gD/receptor complex activates the entire process, while gH/gL regulates the fusion reaction carried out by gB. Trimeric gB is a class III fusion protein. Its ectodomain of 773 amino acids contains a membrane-proximal region (MPR) (residues 731 to 773) and two fusion loops (FLs) per protomer. We hypothesized that the highly hydrophobic MPR interacts with the FLs, thereby masking them on virions until fusion begins. To test this hypothesis, we made a series of deletion, truncation, and point mutants of the gB MPR. Although the full-length deletion mutants were expressed in transfected cells, they were not transported to the cell surface, suggesting that removal of even small stretches of the MPR was highly detrimental to gB folding. To circumvent this limitation, we used a baculovirus expression system to generate four soluble proteins, each lacking the transmembrane region and cytoplasmic tail. All retained the FLs and decreasing portions of the MPR [gB(773t) (gB truncated at amino acid 773), gB(759t), gB(749t), and gB(739t)]. Despite the presence of the FLs, all were compromised in their ability to bind liposomes compared to the control, gB(730t), which lacks the MPR. We conclude that residues 731 to 739 are sufficient to mask the FLs, thereby preventing liposome association. Importantly, mutation of two aromatic residues (F732 and F738) to alanine restored the ability of gB(739t) to bind liposomes. Our data suggest that the MPR is important for modulating the association of gB FLs with target membranes.

IMPORTANCE
To successfully cause disease, a virus must infect host cells. Viral infection is a highly regulated, multistep process. For herpesviruses, genetic material transfers from the virus to the target cell through fusion of the viral and host cell lipid membranes. Here, we provide evidence that the ability of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein B (gB) fusion protein to interact with the host membrane is regulated by its membrane-proximal region (MPR), which serves to cover or shield its lipid-associating moieties (fusion loops). This in turn prevents the premature binding of gB with host cells and provides a level of regulation to the fusion process. These findings provide important insight into the complex regulatory steps required for successful herpesvirus infection.
Anomalous venous circuit: a detour to the heart
Authors: Ali Omair , Wase Abdul
Published: November 2012

We report a case of a complicated vascular access secondary to systemic venous defects, which have not been previously reported. Evaluation revealed an atypical coursing of a subclavian vein-persistent superior vena caval system into the hemizygos–azygos system and ultimately into the right (proper) superior vena cava. The clinical and surgical considerations of such an anomaly are discussed therein. We look at embryological origins of such a merger and share our experience in troubleshooting through the anomaly.
Combined balloon stent technique with the Scepter C balloon and low-profile visualized intraluminal stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Miranpuri Amrendra , Chaudry M Imran , Turner Raymond D , Turk Aquilla S
Published: November 2012

Background

The ‘balloon-then-stent’ method involves stent placement after completion of a balloon-assisted embolization. The drawback to this technique is that the coil mass achieved during balloon remodeling must be crossed prior to stent deployment. This additional maneuver introduces the potential risk of coil disruption. We describe the first report of a novel technique employing the ‘balloon-then-stent’ method.

Methods

A 51-year-old patient with an unruptured right middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm was treated with balloon remodeling employing a 4×10 mm Scepter C balloon catheter. Following coil embolization, a low-profile visualized intraluminal stent (LVIS) Jr 2.5 mm×16 mm was delivered via the coaxial balloon catheter and deployed across the aneurysm neck.

Results

Follow-up angiograms demonstrated that the coil mass was well-seated within the aneurysm sac and the parent vessel was widely patent with satisfactory vessel wall apposition by the stent.

Conclusions

We describe a technique for balloon remodeling followed by stenting for aneurysm coil embolization that incorporates the use of a coaxial dual-lumen balloon catheter system through which a novel self-expanding stent can be deployed. In the case described, we found this technique to be safe and feasible, reducing both the number of steps involved in this technique and the opportunities for mechanical coil-related complications.
The impact of acute mental stress on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation differs when shear stress is elevated by reactive hyperemia versus handgrip exercise
Authors: Szijgyarto Ingrid C. , King Trevor J. , Ku Jennifer , Poitras Veronica J. , Gurd Brendon J. , Pyke Kyra E.
Published: November 2012

Acute mental stress can impair brachial artery (BA) flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in response to reactive hyperemia (RH) induced increases in shear stress. Handgrip exercise (HGEX) is emerging as a useful tool to increase shear stress for FMD assessment; however, the impact of acute mental stress on HGEX-FMD is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute mental stress attenuates RH- and HGEX-induced BA-FMD to a similar extent. In 2 counterbalanced visits, 16 healthy males (19–27 years of age) performed RH-FMD or HGEX-FMD tests after a counting control task (prestress FMD) and a speech and arithmetic stress task (poststress FMD). BA diameter and mean blood velocity were assessed with echo and Doppler ultrasound, respectively. Shear stress was estimated using shear rate (SR = BA blood velocity/BA diameter). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and salivary cortisol were used to assess stress reactivity. Results are expressed as mean ± SE. The stress task elevated MAP (Δ24.0 ± 2.6 mm Hg) and HR (Δ15.5 ± 1.9 beats·min–1), but not cortisol (prestress vs. poststress: 4.4 ± 0.7 nmol·L–1 vs. 4.7 ± 0.7 nmol·L–1; p = 0.625). There was no difference between the pre- and poststress SR stimulus for RH (p = 0.115) or HGEX (p = 0.664). RH-FMD decreased from 5.2% ± 0.6% prestress to 4.1% ± 0.5% poststress (p = 0.071); however, stress did not attenuate HGEX-FMD (prestress vs. poststress: 4.1% ± 0.6% vs. 5.3% ± 0.6%; p = 0.154). The pre- to poststress change in FMD was significantly different in the RH-FMD vs. the HGEX-FMD test (–1.1% ± 0.6% vs. +1.1% ± 0.8%; p = 0.015). In conclusion, acute mental stress appears to have a disparate impact on FMD stimulated by RH vs. HGEX induced increases in shear stress.
Armand-Frappier Outstanding Student Award — Role of ATP-dependent proteases in antibiotic resistance and virulence
Authors: Breidenstein Elena B.M. , Hancock Robert E.W.
Published: November 2012

ATP-dependent proteases are found in nearly all living organisms and are known to play important roles in protein quality control, including protein degradation and protein refolding. ATP-dependent proteases have been well characterized in Escherichia coli. However, in the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the role of these proteases is only starting to be understood. This review will discuss the most recent research regarding the role of ATP-dependent proteases, particularly Lon and ClpP, in P. aeruginosa. These studies have revealed that despite the fact that they are not traditional regulators, these proteases are involved in regulating a multitude of processes, including antibiotic resistance and virulence, implicating a broad array of functions that these intracellular proteases have in Pseudomonas. These results are also relevant in the context of drug therapy, since ClpP and Lon are good candidates to become novel therapeutic targets to combat Pseudomonas infections.
Effects of complex time on periodic and nonperiodic classical trajectories of one-dimensional Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Nanayakkara Asiri
Published: November 2012

In recent years, much research has been carried out on extending both quantum mechanics and classical mechanics into the complex domain by making parameters of real hermitian Hamiltonians or total energy of the system complex. In this paper we investigate the effects of complex time on periodic and nonperiodic trajectories of both hermitian and nonhermitian one-dimensional classical Hamiltonian systems. Most of the periodic classical trajectories of real hermitian systems turn into nonperiodic and open when the energy or the parameters of the potential become complex. We show that when time is taken as a complex quantity with a specific fixed phase angle or as a specific complex function, nonperiodic trajectories become periodic and closed. Furthermore, we show that real hermitian systems, such as H = p2/2m + x4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx (b, c, and d are real quantities) possess classical periodic trajectories for real energies even when time is complex (i.e., t = treiτ). It was found that there is a discrete set of τ values for which the trajectories of the preceding system are closed and periodic and periods associated with them form a countably infinite set.
Aquatic tail size carries over to the terrestrial phase without impairing locomotion in adult Eastern Red-spotted Newts (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens)
Authors: Brossman K.H. , Carlson B.E. , Swierk L. , Langkilde T.
Published: November 2012

Many species have evolved phenotypic flexibility to adjust to seasonal changes in their environment, including seasonal breeding phenotypes that increase reproductive success. If there are limits to this flexibility, such that traits carry over across seasons, there may be costs incurred as a result of trade-offs in optimal performance. Male and female Eastern Red-spotted Newts (Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens (Rafinesque, 1820)) increase tail size for the aquatic breeding season, and reduce their tail size as they return to the terrestrial environment after reproducing. We tested whether large aquatic tails (which should increase swim performance) carry over to become larger tails in the terrestrial phase (relative to body size), and whether this incurs a cost of decreased walking speed on land. We found a strong correlation between tail size in both phases, suggesting that this trait does carry-over between seasons and environments. Tail size was positively related to locomotor speed in the aquatic phase, but we found no evidence of a locomotor trade-off associated with tail size in the terrestrial phase. Further research that tests for alternative costs of developing large aquatic tails that are then carried over to the terrestrial environment would help to clarify the evolution of this life-cycle staging trait.
Extremely low volume, whole-body aerobic–resistance training improves aerobic fitness and muscular endurance in females
Authors: McRae Gill , Payne Alexa , Zelt Jason G.E. , Scribbans Trisha D. , Jung Mary E. , Little Jonathan P. , Gurd Brendon J.
Published: November 2012

The current study evaluated changes in aerobic fitness and muscular endurance following endurance training and very low volume, whole-body, high-intensity, interval-style aerobic–resistance training. Subjects’ enjoyment and implementation intentions were also examined prior to and following training. Subjects (22 recreationally active females (20.3 ± 1.4 years)) completed 4 weeks of exercise training 4 days per week consisting of either 30 min of endurance treadmill training (~85% maximal heart rate; n = 7) or whole-body aerobic–resistance training involving one set of 8 × 20 s of a single exercise (burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, or squat thrusts) separated by 10 s of rest per session (n = 7). A third group was assigned to a nontraining control group (n = 8). Following training, [Formula: see text]O2peakwas increased in both the endurance (~7%) and interval (~8%) groups (p < 0.05), whereas muscle endurance was improved (p < 0.05) in the interval group (leg extensions, +40%; chest presses, +207%; sit-ups, +64%; push-ups, +135%; and back extensions, +75%). Perceived enjoyment of, and intentions to engage in, very low volume, high-intensity, whole-body interval exercise were both increased following training (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed for any variable in the control (nontraining) group. These data demonstrate that although improvements in cardiovascular fitness are induced by both endurance and extremely low volume interval-style training, whole-body aerobic–resistance training imparted addition benefit in the form of improved skeletal muscle endurance.
Resveratrol supplementation influences bone properties in the tibia of hindlimb-suspended mature Fisher 344 × Brown Norway male rats
Authors: Durbin Stephanie M. , Jackson Janna R. , Ryan Michael J. , Gigliotti Joseph C. , Alway Stephen E. , Tou Janet C.
Published: November 2012

The deleterious bone effects of mechanical unloading have been suggested to be due to oxidative stress and (or) inflammation. Resveratrol has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, the study's objective was to determine whether providing resveratrol in the low supplementation range for a short duration prevents bone loss during mechanical unloading. Mature (6 months old) Fischer 344 × Brown Norway male rats were hindlimb-suspended (HLS) or kept ambulatory for 14 days. Rats were provided either trans-resveratrol (RES; 12.5 mg/kg body mass per day) or deionized distilled water by oral gavage for 21 days (7 days prior to and during the 14 days of HLS). Bone mass was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone microstructure was determined by microcomputed tomography. HLS of rats resulted in femur trabecular bone deterioration. Resveratrol supplementation did not attenuate trabecular bone deterioration in HLS rats. Unexpectedly, HLS–RES rats had the lowest tibial bone mineral content (P < 0.05), calcium content and lower cortical thickness (P < 0.05), and increased porosity compared with HLS/control rats. Plasma osteocalcin was also lower (P < 0.04) in HLS/resveratrol rats. There were no significant effects on plasma C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, or total antioxidant capacity. However, HLS–RES rats showed a negative relationship (r2 = 0.69, P = 0.02) between plasma osteocalcin and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Based on the results, resveratrol supplementation of 6-month-old HLS male rats had no bone protective effects and possibly even detrimental bone effects.
Physical activity, energy intake, and obesity prevalence among urban and rural schoolchildren aged 11–12 years in Japan
Authors: Itoi Aya , Yamada Yosuke , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Kimura Misaka
Published: November 2012

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has been shown to differ among regions, including rural–urban regional differences within nations. This study obtained simultaneous accelerometry-derived physical activity, 24 h activity, and food records to clarify the potential contributing factors to rural–urban differences in childhood overweight and obesity in Japan. Sixth-grade children (n = 227, 11–12 years old) from two urban elementary schools in Kyoto and four rural elementary schools in Tohoku participated in the study. The children were instructed to wear a pedometer that included a uniaxial accelerometer and, assisted by their parents, keep minute-by-minute 24 h activity and food records. For 12 children, the total energy expenditure was measured by the doubly labeled water method that was used to correct the Lifecorder-predicted activity energy expenditure and physical activity level. The overweight and obesity prevalence was significantly higher in rural than in urban children. The number of steps per day, activity energy expenditure, physical activity level, and duration of walking to school were significantly lower in rural than in urban children. In contrast, the reported energy intake did not differ significantly between the regions. The physical activity and duration of the walk to school were significantly correlated with body mass index. Rural children had a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, and this may be at least partly caused by lower physical activity, especially less time spent walking to school, than urban children.
c-Yes regulates cell adhesion at the apical ectoplasmic specialization-blood-testis barrier axis via its effects on protein recruitment and distribution
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Mruk Dolores D. , Cheng C. Yan
Published: November 2012

During spermatogenesis, extensive restructuring takes place at the cell-cell interface since developing germ cells migrate progressively from the basal to the adluminal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium. Since germ cells per se are not motile cells, their movement relies almost exclusively on the Sertoli cell. Nonetheless, extensive exchanges in signaling take place between these cells in the seminiferous epithelium. c-Yes, a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src family kinases (SFKs) and a crucial signaling protein, was recently shown to be upregulated at the Sertoli cell-cell interface at the blood-testis barrier (BTB) at stages VIII–IX of the seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. It was also highly expressed at the Sertoli cell-spermatid interface known as apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES) at stage V to early stage VIII of the epithelial cycle during spermiogenesis. Herein, it was shown that the knockdown of c-Yes by RNAi in vitro and in vivo affected both Sertoli cell adhesion at the BTB and spermatid adhesion at the apical ES, causing a disruption of the Sertoli cell tight junction-permeability barrier function, germ cell loss from the seminiferous epithelium, and also a loss of spermatid polarity. These effects were shown to be mediated by changes in distribution and/or localization of adhesion proteins at the BTB (e.g., occludin, N-cadherin) and at the apical ES (e.g., nectin-3) and possibly the result of changes in the underlying actin filaments at the BTB and the apical ES. These findings implicate that c-Yes is a likely target of male contraceptive research.
Pex11α deficiency impairs peroxisome elongation and division and contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver in mice
Authors: Weng Huachun , Ji Xu , Naito Yukiko , Endo Kosuke , Ma Xiao , Takahashi Rie , Shen Chunshen , Hirokawa Go , Fukushima Yasue , Iwai Naoharu
Published: November 2012

Hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation is considered to be a prerequisite for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Peroxisomes have many important functions in lipid metabolism, including fatty acid β-oxidization. However, the pathogenic link between NAFL and peroxisome biogenesis remains unclear. To examine the molecular and physiological functions of the Pex11α gene, we disrupted this gene in mice. Body weights and hepatic TG concentrations in Pex11α−/−mice were significantly higher than those in wild-type (WT) mice fed a normal or a high-fat diet. Hepatic TG concentrations in fasted Pex11α−/−mice were significantly higher than those in fasted WT mice. Plasma TG levels increased at lower rates in Pex11α−/−mice than in WT mice after treatment with the lipoprotein lipase inhibitor tyloxapol. The number of peroxisomes was lower in the livers of Pex11α−/−mice than in those of WT mice. Ultrastructural analysis showed that small and regular spherically shaped peroxisomes were more prevalent in Pex11α−/−mice fed normal chow supplemented without or with fenofibrate. We observed a significantly higher ratio of empty peroxisomes containing only PMP70, a peroxisome membrane protein, but not catalase, a peroxisome matrix protein, in Pex11α−/−mice. The mRNA expression levels of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation-related genes (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily D, member 2, and acyl-CoA thioesterase 3) were significantly higher in WT mice than those in Pex11α−/−mice under fed conditions. Our results demonstrate that Pex11α deficiency impairs peroxisome elongation and abundance and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation, which contributes to increased lipid accumulation in the liver.
Prevention of deep tissue injury through muscle contractions induced by intermittent electrical stimulation after spinal cord injury in pigs
Authors: Solis Leandro R. , Twist Elizabeth , Seres Peter , Thompson Richard B. , Mushahwar Vivian K
Published: November 2012

Deep tissue injury (DTI) is a severe medical complication that commonly affects those with spinal cord injury. It is caused by prolonged external loading of the muscles, entrapping them between a bony prominence and the support surface. The entrapment causes excessive mechanical deformation and increases in interstitial pressure, leading to muscle breakdown deep around the bony prominences. We proposed the use of intermittent electrical stimulation (IES) as a novel prophylactic method for the prevention of DTI. In this study, we assessed the long-term effectiveness of this technique in pigs that had received a partial spinal cord injury that paralyzed one hindlimb. The pigs recovered for 2 wk postsurgery, and subsequently, their paralyzed limbs were loaded to 25% of their body weights 4 h/day for 4 consecutive days each week for 1 mo. One group of pigs ( n = 3) received IES during the loading, whereas another group ( n = 3) did not. DTI was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postmortem histology. In the group that did not receive IES, MRI assessments revealed signs of tissue damage in 48% of the volume of the loaded muscle. In the group that did receive IES, only 8% of the loaded muscle volume showed signs of tissue damage. Similar findings were found through postmortem histology. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that IES may be an effective technique for preventing the formation of DTI in loaded muscles after spinal cord injury.
Association of genes with physiological functions by comparative analysis of pooled expression microarray data
Authors: Chen Iuan-bor D. , Rathi Vinay K. , DeAndrade Diana S. , Jay Patrick Y.
Published: November 2012

The physiological functions of a tissue in the body are carried out by its complement of expressed genes. Genes that execute a particular function should be more specifically expressed in tissues that perform the function. Given this premise, we mined public microarray expression data to build a database of genes ranked by their specificity of expression in multiple organs. The database permitted the accurate identification of genes and functions known to be specific to individual organs. Next, we used the database to predict transcriptional regulators of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and validated two candidate genes. Based upon hypotheses regarding pathways shared between combinations of BAT or white adipose tissue (WAT) and other organs, we identified genes that met threshold criteria for specific or counterspecific expression in each tissue. By contrasting WAT to the heart and BAT, the two most mitochondria-rich tissues in the body, we discovered a novel function for the transcription factor ESRRG in the induction of BAT genes in white adipocytes. Because the heart and other estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG)-rich tissues do not express BAT markers, we hypothesized that an adipocyte co-regulator acts with ESRRG. By comparing WAT and BAT to the heart, brain, kidney and skeletal muscle, we discovered that an isoform of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) induces BAT markers in C2C12 myocytes in the presence of ESRRG. The results demonstrate a straightforward bioinformatic strategy to associate genes with functions. The database upon which the strategy is based is provided so that investigators can perform their own screens.
Analytic Solutions for a Functional Differential Equation Related to a Traffic Flow Model
Authors: Zhao Houyu
Published: November 2012

We study the existence of analytic solutions of a functional differential equation (z(s) + α) 2z′(s) = β(z(s + z(s)) − z(s)) which comes from traffic flow model. By reducing the equation with the Schröder transformation to an auxiliary equation, the author discusses not only that the constant λ at resonance, that is, at a root of the unity, but also those λ near resonance under the Brjuno condition.
Understanding the Biocompatibility of Sintered Calcium Phosphate with Ratio of [Ca]/[P] = 1.50
Authors: Yen Feng-Lin , Shih Wei-Jen , Hon Min-Hsiung , Chen Hui-Ting , Hung I-Ming , Ko Homg-Huey , Wang Moo-Chin
Published: November 2012

Biocompatibility of sintered calcium phosphate pellets with [Ca]/[P] = 1.50 was determined in this study. Calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) phase formed on the sintered pellets immersed in a normal saline solution for 14 d at 37∘C. The intensities of hydroxyapatite (HA) reflections in the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the pellets were retrieved to as‐sintered state. The pellet surface morphology shows that CPP crystallites were clearly present and make an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to discriminate against become to the area of slice join together. In addition, the intensities of the CPP reflections in the XRD patterns were the highest when the pellets were immersed for 28 d. When the CPP powders were extracted from the pellets after immersion in the solution for 14 d, the viability of 3T3 cells remained above 90% for culture times from 1 to 4 d. The pellet surface morphology observed using optical microscopy showed that the cells did not adhere to the bottom of the sintered pellets when cultured for 4 d; however, some CPP phase precipitates were formed, as confirmed by XRD. In consequence, the results suggest that the sintered HA powders are good materials for use in biomedical applications because of their good biocompatibility.
The Study of the Reaction of Pectin-Ag(0) Nanocomposites Formation
Authors: Ivanova Nadezhda Viktorovna , Trofimova Natalya Nikolaevna , Es'kova Lydmila Alexandrovna , Babkin Vasilyi Anatolievich
Published: November 2012

Pectin polysaccharides (PSs) were isolated from a bark ofLarix sibiricaLedeb. Structure of PS fragments determined by chemical transformations, chromatography, and spectroscopic analyses was found to be a linear galacturonane comprising 1,4-linkedα-D-GalpA residues and a rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I). The fifth part of galacturonane residues was methyl esterified at at C-2 and/or C-3 and C-6 atoms. Some of RG-I side chains were identified as arabinogalactan subunits with highly branched structure consisting of linear backbone with3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1residues, substituted at C-6 by neutral side chains. This side chains contained2,5)-α-L-Araf-(1and3,5)-α-L-Araf-(1residues and terminal arabinose in the pyranose and furanose form. It was found that “pectin-Ag(0)” nanobiocomposites were formed via the interaction between PS aqueous solutions and silver nitrate, with PS playing both reducing and stabilizing functions. It was shown that the content of Ag(0) particles in “pectin-Ag(0)” depended on the reaction conditions and can range from 0.1 to 72 %, the size of Ag(0) particles being 3–27 nm. Using13C NMR technique, it was revealed that PS underwent destructive changes and they they were more considerable, more than the lot of Ag(I) that was inputed into the reactionary medium.
Viscosity Iterative Schemes for Finding Split Common Solutions of Variational Inequalities and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: He Zhenhua , Du Wei-Shih
Published: November 2012

We introduce some new iterative schemes based on viscosity approximation method for finding a split common element of the solution set of a pair of simultaneous variational inequalities for inverse strongly monotone mappings in real Hilbert spaces with a family of infinitely nonexpansive mappings. Some strong convergence theorems are also given. Our results generalize and improve some well‐known results in the literature and references therein.
Analyzing the Diverging Diamond Interchange Using Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Anderson Michael , Schroer Bernard , Moeller Dietmar
Published: November 2012

The diverging diamond interchange (DDI) can improve traffic flow by limiting the number of phases in the traffic signals and improve safety by eliminating left turns. A few instillations of these interchanges have been constructed and there is great potential to construct more. In an effort to develop a methodology to evaluate these interchanges, this paper presents the development of a discrete event simulation model of the diverging diamond interchange (DDI). Specific emphasis is on using simulation to model the DDI, a description of the operation of the simulation model, and using simulation to understand the operation of the DDI. The paper concludes that the use of the simulation package allows for rapid evaluation of the DDI and demonstrates that this interchange design will not work in all locations.
The Value of Large Sections in Surgical Pathology
Authors: Foschini Maria P. , Baldovini Chiara , Ishikawa Yuko , Eusebi Vincenzo
Published: November 2012

Large format sections (LS) first have been introduced in breast pathology more than a century ago. Since then, they constituted for longtime a research tool to better understand breast microanatomy and the relationship between radiological images and pathological features. Similarly LS have been used to study neoplastic, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases affecting various organs, as brain, lung, gastrointentinal tract, bone, urinary tract, prostate, and placenta. Currently LS are mostly applied to diagnostic routine to better stage tumours such as prostate and breast carcinomas or to correlate radiologic imaging to gross specimens. The purpose of the present paper is to review the historical background and the basis of the applications of LS in surgical pathology, with special emphasis on breast tumours.
Fuzzy Control and Connected Region Marking Algorithm‐Based SEM Nanomanipulation
Authors: Li Dongjie , Rong Weibin , Sun Lining , You Bo , Zou Yu , Xiao Wanzhe
Published: November 2012

The interactive nanomanipulation platform is established based on fuzzy control and connected region marking (CRM) algorithm in SEM. The 3D virtual nanomanipulation model is developed to make up the insufficiency of the 2D SEM image information, which provides the operator with depth and real‐time visual feedback information to guide the manipulation. The haptic device Omega3 is used as the master to control the 3D motion of the nanopositioner in master‐slave mode and offer the force sensing to the operator controlled with fuzzy control algorithm. Aiming at sensing of force feedback during the nanomanipulation, the collision detection method of the virtual nanomanipulation model and the force rending model are studied to realize the force feedback of nanomanipulation. The CRM algorithm is introduced to process the SEM image which provides effective position data of the objects for updating the virtual environment (VE), and relevant issues such as calibration and update rate of VE are also discussed. Finally, the performance of the platform is validated by the ZnO nanowire manipulation experiments.