bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Structure of Strongly Correlated Systems
Authors: Antonov V. N. , Bekenov L. V. , Yaresko A. N.
Published: December 2011

The article reviews the rich phenomena of metal-insulator transitions, anomalous metalicity, taking as examples iron and titanium oxides. The diverse phenomena include strong spin and orbital fluctuations, incoherence of charge dynamics, and phase transitions under control of key parameters such as band filling, bandwidth, and dimensionality. Another important phenomena presented in the article is a valence fluctuation which occur often in rare-earth compounds. We consider some Ce, Sm, Eu, Tm, and Yb compounds such as Ce, Sm and Tm monochalcogenides, Sm and Yb borides, mixed-valent and charge-ordered Sm, Eu and Yb pnictides and chalcogenides R4X3and R3X4(R = Sm, Eu, Yb; X = As, Sb, Bi), intermediate-valence YbInCu4and heavy-fermion compounds YbMCu4(M = Cu, Ag, Au, Pd). Issues addressed include the nature of the electronic ground states, the metal-insulator transition, the electronic and magnetic structures. The discussion includes key experiments, such as optical and magneto-optical spectroscopic measurements, x-ray photoemission and x-ray absorption, bremsstrahlung isochromat spectroscopy measurements as well as x-ray magnetic circular dichroism.
A Periodic Problem of a Semilinear Pseudoparabolic Equation
Authors: Cao Yang , Yin Jingxue , Jin Chunhua
Published: December 2011

A class of periodic problems of pseudoparabolic type equations with nonlinear periodic sources are investigated. A rather complete classification of the exponent p is given, in terms of the existence and nonexistence of nontrivial and nonnegative periodic solutions.
Acupuncture for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ming Xue , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiao T. , Zhang Zhen , Kang Victor , Zimmerman-Bier Barbie
Published: December 2011

Background. There has been lack of reviews of evidence on efficacy, methodology, and/or safety of acupuncture in autism spectrum disorders. This paper examines the emerging evidence of the effects of acupuncture in the treatment of autistic children.Method. A literature review was completed via Medline and three Chinese search engines. A total of 31 studies were evaluated for acupuncture methodology, study design, treatment effects, and tolerability.Results. The acupoints used, the duration of needling, the frequency of treatment, the choice of stimulation, and the course of the treatment were highly variable amongst the studies. Behavioral and/or developmental improvements were reported in all acupuncture treatment studies. All studies reported general tolerability. Weakness of experimental designs was discussed.Conclusions. Vigorously controlled double-blinded clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in children with autism spectrum disorders.
ALDH1A1 Is a Novel EZH2 Target Gene in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Identified by Genome-Wide Approaches
Authors: Li Hua , Bitler Benjamin G. , Vathipadiekal Vinod , Maradeo Marie E. , Slifker Michael , Creasy Caretha L. , Tummino Peter J. , Cairns Paul , Birrer Michael J. , Zhang Rugang
Published: December 2011

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in the United States. EZH2 silences gene expression through trimethylating lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27Me3). EZH2 is often overexpressed in EOC and has been suggested as a target for EOC intervention. However, EZH2 target genes in EOC remain poorly understood. Here, we mapped the genomic loci occupied by EZH2/H3K27Me3 using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and globally profiled gene expression in EZH2-knockdown EOC cells. Cross-examination of gene expression and ChIP-seq revealed a list of 60 EZH2 direct target genes whose expression was upregulated more than 1.5-fold upon EZH2 knockdown. For three selected genes (ALDH1A1, SSTR1, and DACT3), we validated their upregulation upon EZH2 knockdown and confirmed the binding of EZH2/H3K27Me3 to their genomic loci. Furthermore, the presence of H3K27Me3 at the genomic loci of these EZH2 target genes was dependent upon EZH2. Interestingly, expression of ALDH1A1, a putative marker for EOC stem cells, was significantly downregulated in high-grade serous EOC (n = 53) compared with ovarian surface epithelial cells (n = 10, P < 0.001). Notably, expression of ALDH1A1 negatively correlated with expression of EZH2 (n = 63, Spearman r = −0.41, P < 0.001). Thus, we identified a list of 60 EZH2 target genes and established that ALDH1A1 is a novel EZH2 target gene in EOC cells. Our results suggest a role for EZH2 in regulating EOC stem cell equilibrium via regulation of ALDH1A1 expression. Cancer Prev Res; 5(3); 484–91. ©2011 AACR.
Long-Term Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Caused by Mutations in the Cardiac Troponin T Gene
Authors: Pasquale Ferdinando , Syrris Petros , Kaski Juan Pablo , Mogensen Jens , McKenna William J. , Elliott Perry
Published: December 2011

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by mutations in the cardiac troponin T gene (TNNT2) has been associated with a high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and mild left ventricular hypertrophy. However, previous studies are limited by sample size, cross-sectional design, and few data in relatives.

Methods and Results—

Five hundred fifty-two unrelated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy probands were screened for TNNT2 mutations. First-degree relatives were invited for clinical and genetic evaluation. Ninety-two individuals (20 probands and 72 relatives) carried TNNT2 mutations (51 [55%] male; 30±17 years). ECGs and echo were available in 87 (95%) and 88 (96%) individuals, respectively. ECG was normal in 13 (68%) children (<16 years) and 13 (19%) adults. Echo was normal in 18 (90%) children and 16 (24%) adults; 7 (10%) adults had a normal ECG and echo. Thirteen (65%) of 20 families had a history of SCD. Follow-up was available for 75 patients (mean, 9.9±5.2 years); 2 of 16 adults and 2 of 18 children with normal echoes developed left ventricular hypertrophy. Twenty-three (22%) received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (20 for primary prophylaxis). One child and 3 adults died of SCD and 2 adults were resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation. One patient had an appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge. The rate of cardiovascular death, transplant, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge was 1.6% (0.016 person/y; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–2.79%), and SCD 0.93% (0.0093 person/y; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–1.92%).

Conclusions—

Left ventricular hypertrophy is rare in children with TNNT2 mutations. Left ventricular hypertrophy is absent in the minority of adults, but most have an abnormal ECG. Despite adverse family histories, the rate of cardiovascular death during follow-up was similar to that reported in large referral populations.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Coronary Artery Calcification With Follow-Up in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: O'Donnell Christopher J. , Kavousi Maryam , Smith Albert V. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Feitosa Mary F. , Hwang Shih-Jen , Sun Yan V. , Province Michael A. , Aspelund Thor , Dehghan Abbas , Hoffmann Udo , Bielak Lawrence F. , Zhang Qunyuan , Eiriksdottir Gudny , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Fox Caroline S. , de Andrade Mariza , Kraja Aldi T. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Elias-Smale Suzette E. , Murabito Joanne M. , Launer Lenore J. , van der Lugt Aad , Kathiresan Sekar ,   the CARDIoGRAM Consortium, Krestin Gabriel P. , Herrington David M. , Howard Timothy D. , Liu Yongmei , Post Wendy , Mitchell Braxton D. , O'Connell Jeffrey R. , Shen Haiqing , Shuldiner Alan R. , Altshuler David , Elosua Roberto , Salomaa Veikko , Schwartz Stephen M. , Siscovick David S. , Voight Benjamin F. , Bis Joshua C. , Glazer Nicole L. , Psaty Bruce M. , Boerwinkle Eric , Heiss Gerardo , Blankenberg Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Wild Philipp S. , Schnabel Renate B. , Schillert Arne , Ziegler Andreas , Münzel Thomas F. , White Charles C. , Rotter Jerome I. , Nalls Michael , Oudkerk Matthijs , Johnson Andrew D. , Newman Anne B. , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Massaro Joseph M. , Cunningham Julie , Harris Tamara B. , Hofman Albert , Peyser Patricia A. , Borecki Ingrid B. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Gudnason Vilmundur , Witteman Jacqueline C.M.
Published: December 2011

Background—

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) detected by computed tomography is a noninvasive measure of coronary atherosclerosis, which underlies most cases of myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to identify common genetic variants associated with CAC and further investigate their associations with MI.

Methods and Results—

Computed tomography was used to assess quantity of CAC. A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for CAC was performed in 9961 men and women from 5 independent community-based cohorts, with replication in 3 additional independent cohorts (n=6032). We examined the top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CAC quantity for association with MI in multiple large genome-wide association studies of MI. Genome-wide significant associations with CAC for SNPs on chromosome 9p21 near
CDKN2A
and
CDKN2B
(top SNP: rs1333049;
P
=7.58×10
−19
) and 6p24 (top SNP: rs9349379, within the
PHACTR1
gene;
P
=2.65×10
−11
) replicated for CAC and for MI. Additionally, there is evidence for concordance of SNP associations with both CAC and MI at a number of other loci, including 3q22 (
MRAS
gene), 13q34 (
COL4A1/COL4A2
genes), and 1p13 (
SORT1
gene).

Conclusions—

SNPs in the 9p21 and
PHACTR1
gene loci were strongly associated with CAC and MI, and there are suggestive associations with both CAC and MI of SNPs in additional loci. Multiple genetic loci are associated with development of both underlying coronary atherosclerosis and clinical events.
Sildenafil and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Acutely Phosphorylate Titin and Improve Diastolic Distensibility In Vivo
Authors: Bishu Kalkidan , Hamdani Nazha , Mohammed Selma F. , Kruger Martina , Ohtani Tomohito , Ogut Ozgur , Brozovich Frank V. , Burnett John C. , Linke Wolfgang A. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: December 2011

Background—

In vitro studies suggest that phosphorylation of titin reduces myocyte/myofiber stiffness. Titin can be phosphorylated by cGMP-activated protein kinase. Intracellular cGMP production is stimulated by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and degraded by phosphodiesterases, including phosphodiesterase-5A. We hypothesized that a phosphodiesterase-5A inhibitor (sildenafil) alone or in combination with BNP would increase left ventricular diastolic distensibility by phosphorylating titin.

Methods and Results—

Eight elderly dogs with experimental hypertension and 4 young normal dogs underwent measurement of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship during caval occlusion at baseline, after sildenafil, and BNP infusion. To assess diastolic distensibility independently of load/extrinsic forces, the end-diastolic volume at a common end-diastolic pressure on the sequential end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships was measured (left ventricular capacitance). In a separate group of dogs (n=7 old hypertensive and 7 young normal), serial full-thickness left ventricular biopsies were harvested from the beating heart during identical infusions to measure myofilament protein phosphorylation. Plasma cGMP increased with sildenafil and further with BNP (7.31±2.37 to 26.9±10.3 to 70.3±8.1 pmol/mL;
P
<0.001). Left ventricular diastolic capacitance increased with sildenafil and further with BNP (51.4±16.9 to 53.7±16.8 to 60.0±19.4 mL;
P
<0.001). Changes were similar in old hypertensive and young normal dogs. There were no effects on phosphorylation of troponin I, troponin T, phospholamban, or myosin light chain-1 or -2. Titin phosphorylation increased with sildenafil and BNP, whereas titin-based cardiomyocyte stiffness decreased.

Conclusion—

Short-term cGMP-enhancing treatment with sildenafil and BNP improves left ventricular diastolic distensibility in vivo, in part by phosphorylating titin.
Contribution of Circulating Angiotensinogen Concentrations to Variations in Aldosterone and Blood Pressure in a Group of African Ancestry Depends on Salt Intake
Authors: Michel Frederic S. , Norton Gavin R. , Majane Olebogeng H.I. , Badenhorst Margaret , Vengethasamy Leanda , Paiker Janice , Maseko Muzi J. , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: December 2011

In high-Na
+
, low-K
+
diets, which suppress renin release in salt-sensitive groups, the mechanisms maintaining increases in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation downstream from renin and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system–induced effects on blood pressure (BP) are uncertain. Whether circulating angiotensinogen concentrations (AGT) or its determinants may contribute to maintaining serum aldosterone concentrations (aldosterone) and increases in BP on high-Na
+
, low-K
+
diets was evaluated in 579 participants of a community sample of African ancestry. Plasma renin concentrations were inversely related to BP (
P
<0.0001) and an index of salt intake (24-hour urinary Na
+
/K
+
,
P
<0.0001). An interaction between AGT and urinary Na
+
/K
+
was independently associated with aldosterone (
P
<0.001) and systolic BP (SBP;
P
<0.05). Independent of confounders, in participants with urinary Na
+
/K
+
at or more than the median for the sample, AGT was positively associated with aldosterone (
P
<0.0001) and SBP (
P
<0.005). No independent AGT-aldosterone or AGT-SBP relationships were noted in participants with urinary Na
+
/K
+
less than the median for the sample. Standardized β-coefficients (slopes) of AGT-aldosterone and AGT-SBP relationships were greater in participants with urinary Na
+
/K
+
at or more than the median (AGT-aldosterone=0.30±0.06, AGT-SBP=0.16±0.05) compared with those with urinary Na
+
/K
+
less than the median (AGT-aldosterone=−0.04±0.06; AGT-SBP=−0.03±0.05;
P
<0.01–0.0001 for comparison of slopes). The AGT-SBP relationship in participants with urinary Na
+
/K
+
at or more than the median for the sample was equivalent to the relationship between body mass index and BP. In conclusion, in participants of African ancestry, in the presence of high-Na
+
, low-K
+
diets, which suppress renin release, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation and its impact on BP are maintained in part by AGT.
Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus in China
Authors: Li Ya-Hong , Yuan Tian-Ming , Yu Hui-Min
Published: December 2011

To recognize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM), the authors retrospectively reviewed 1 NDM baby in their department and compared their data with 39 NDM cases reported in the available Chinese literature between January 1986 and December 2010. Most of the cases were located near the eastern and southern coasts of China, and clinical manifestation of 72.5% of the cases occurred in 4-week-old infants. Hyperglycemia and glycosuria findings were seen in all the patients and in 47.5% with intrauterine growth retardation. Moreover, 30.0% of the cases had polyuria, 52.5% had dehydration, and 47.5% had ketoacidosis. Cases with hyperglycemia, dehydration, and ketoacidosis recovered mostly. Ten NDM cases had persisted after 1 to 11 years of follow-up, 3 cases maintained normal blood sugar, and 7 cases had poor sugar control. NDM is a rare condition and early management includes fluid and insulin and later management depends on the transient or permanent nature of the condition.
I Can Do That
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L. , Burnette Jeni L. , Innella Audrey N.
Published: December 2011

This research investigates the role of implicit theories in influencing the effectiveness of successful role models in the leadership domain. Across two studies, the authors test the prediction that incremental theorists (“leaders are made”) compared to entity theorists (“leaders are born”) will respond more positively to being presented with a role model before undertaking a leadership task. In Study 1, measuring people’s naturally occurring implicit theories of leadership, the authors showed that after being primed with a role model, incremental theorists reported greater leadership confidence and less anxious-depressed affect than entity theorists following the leadership task. In Study 2, the authors demonstrated the causal role of implicit theories by manipulating participants’ theory of leadership ability. They replicated the findings from Study 1 and demonstrated that identification with the role model mediated the relationship between implicit theories and both confidence and affect. In addition, incremental theorists outperformed entity theorists on the leadership task.
Electrical properties and microstructure of vinyl ester resin/compressed expanded graphite-based composites
Authors: Fu Jie , Xu Hongfeng , Wu Yanbo , Shen Yu , Du Chao
Published: December 2011

In the present article, highly conductive vinyl ester resin/compressed expanded graphite sheet-based composites were investigated. The composites were prepared by vacuum impregnation with resin solution in compressed expanded graphite sheets of various densities. The microstructures of the composites were systemically characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The composites were found to be still the basic constituent unit (i.e., carbon-crystal layer) of the compressed expanded graphite sheets after resin impregnation, although the pore diameter distribution of the composites changed. The effects of resin content on the electrical conductivity of the composites were also investigated. The effective media theory and a simple generalized effective media equation were employed to predict the electrical conductivity of the composites. The experimental results of electrical conductivities (in- and through-plane directions) and the microstructure of the composites were highly consistent with simulated data in the model.
The LAOM Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Measuring Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kozina Ana
Published: December 2011

The article introduces a new anxiety scale, called the LAOM (Lestvica anksioznosti za otroke in mladostnike [The anxiety scale for children and adolescents]) for measuring self-reported multidimensional anxiety. The scale has been developed with a special focus on the school setting, using one sample from an elementary school which is representative of fourth- and eighth-grade students in Slovenia ( N = 10,427) and two secondary samples from secondary schools ( N = 1,406; N = 3,253) which are representative of final-year secondary school students in Slovenia. The exploratory (PCA) and confirmatory analyses (CFA) were performed on separate samples for the elementary and the secondary school students. The CFA confirmed that the items on the scale formed three factors which were related to the higher order factor. The structure was stable over different age groups. The scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency and sensitivity. Validity tests are presented in their preliminary forms and will be elaborated upon in future research.
Using Nonverbal Tests to Help Identify Academically Talented Children
Authors: Lohman David F. , Gambrell James L.
Published: December 2011

Language-reduced (nonverbal) ability tests are the primary talent identification tools for ELL children. The appropriate use of such tests with low-SES and minority children is more nuanced. Whenever language-reduced tests are used for talent identification, nonverbal tests that measure more than figural reasoning abilities should be employed. For young children, picture-based reasoning tests can significantly broaden the scope of the assessment. We report new data showing that ELL, low SES, and minority children in Grades K to 2 typically perform as well or better on such tests than on figural reasoning tests. We also show that for children in Grades 3 to 6, language-reduced quantitative tests are an often overlooked alternative to figural tests. Finally, inferences about ability require comparison of a child’s performance with the performance of other children who have had similar opportunities to develop skills tested. This is often not the case for ELL, poor, and minority children, even on nonverbal tests. In such cases, multiple normative perspectives can greatly assist in the identification of academically talented children.
Pay Equity in the States
Authors: Reese Catherine C. , Warner Barbara
Published: December 2011

Has any gender-based pay adjustment made by the states in the past 25 years had an effect on women’s relative pay? The authors utilize a panel set of EEO-4 data on public sector employment by state to investigate the pay of women relative to men for 1999-2005. The authors find that there is a significant difference in the relative pay of women employed in states that have had a major pay adjustment in female-dominated job classes upward at any time in the past quarter century. Utilizing GLS multiple regression to predict the relative pay gaps by state, the authors find that women are better paid relative to men in the public sector than the private. The authors also find that women are better paid relative to men in Elazar’s traditionalistic states as opposed to individualistic and moralistic ones, which are usually credited with having more progressive public policies.
Faster Route to the CEO Suite
Authors: Salvato Carlo , Minichilli Alessandro , Piccarreta Raffaella
Published: December 2011

The aim of this article is to investigate the differences between the careers of CEOs in family and nonfamily firms and the differences between the careers of family and nonfamily CEOs within family firms. Extant literature focuses on the family or nonfamily nature of firm leadership, especially around CEOs’ transitions. It predicts that agency considerations prevail in favoring the appointment of family members and insiders as CEOs and in granting them faster and quicker careers. In contrast, detailed analysis of the entire careers of 100 CEOs—from their graduation to their first appointment as CEO—shows that the accumulation of human capital throughout a manager’s career prevails over agency considerations in predicting CEO appointments.
Views of Hospice and Palliative Care Among Younger and Older Sexually Diverse Women
Authors: June Andrea , Segal Daniel L. , Klebe Kelli , Watts Linda K.
Published: December 2011

The aim of the present study was to explore end-of-life health care attitudes among younger and older sexually diverse women. Self-identified lesbian and heterosexual older women as well as lesbian and heterosexual middle-aged women were recruited. Results indicated that lesbian women held significantly more positive beliefs about hospice services and the role of alternative medicines in health care. No differences among sexual orientation were found for comfort discussing pain management but heterosexual women reported a significantly greater desire for life-sustaining treatments in the event of an incurable disease and severe life-limiting conditions (eg, feeding tube, life support, no brain response). Additionally, as expected, older women in this study held more positive beliefs about hospice and more comfort discussing pain management than middle-aged women.
A Field Study on Thermal Comfort of Occupants and Acceptable Neutral Temperature at the National Museum in Malaysia
Authors: Yau Y. H. , Chew B. T. , Saifullah A. Z. A.
Published: December 2011

A field study was conducted to investigate the thermal environment and occupants’ comfort in the National Museum of Malaysia. The occupants’ thermal perceptions in the museum were measured and characterised. The response of the occupants has indicated that the thermal conditions inside the museum did not satisfactorily fulfil the ASHRAE Standard 55, because only 78% of the occupants were satisfied with their environment. Besides, actual mean vote (AMV) and predicted mean vote (PMV) were compared. The Fanger’s model gave a neutral operative temperature of 22.2°C from the PMV, whereas the questionnaire data used in the mean thermal sensation vote (MTSV) of the present study gave a higher value (22.5°C) for the neutral operative temperature. The preferred operative temperature was found to be 22.3°C. The minimum air temperature in three galleries was below the lower limit of the temperature range of 18–22°C as recommended by Museums Australia Victoria. The mean indoor humidity was too high compared to the optimal range of 55 ± 5% relative humidity (RH). The mean air velocity, ≤0.15 m·s−1, in each gallery was satisfactory. Findings of this study are very useful for designing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with energy-saving methodology for museum buildings in tropical regions.
Creep rupture in a bundle of slowly relaxing fibres
Authors: Hao S-W , Zhang B-J , Tian J-F
Published: December 2011

In this study, creep rupture in a bundle of slowly relaxing fibres was investigated. The intact fibre was assumed to exhibit linear elastic behaviour; however, its load did not drop to zero instantaneously after breaking but underwent a slow relaxation process, and thus, it introduced a time-dependent behaviour in the system, which was modelled by a Kelvin–Voigt element. Under the assumption of global load sharing for the redistribution of load, the analytical and simulated results showed the formation of two distinct regimes of the creep process depending on the value of the external load. For external loads greater than the critical load, the system suffered a macroscopic rupture in a finite time. However, for external loads smaller than the critical load, the system was characterized by an infinite lifetime. The critical load depended on the ratio of the elastic modulus between the intact and the failure elements, Eb/ E. It was observed that the time to rupture, tf, had a power-law divergence with an exponent −1/2 when the load approached the critical load from above. Moreover, the acoustic emission response was measured from the rate of breaking of fibres in the simulations.
Reenacting Ryan: The Fantasmatic and the Animated Documentary
Authors: Fore Steve
Published: December 2011

In this article, the author discusses the animated documentary in relation to the use of staged reenactments in works that are generally understood as documentaries. His conceptual foundation draws especially on recent work by Bill Nichols on documentary reenactments, which he argues have specific ‘fantasmatic’ and reflexive qualities. These qualities clearly dovetail with key attributes of animation, with the animated documentary standing as a significant and interestingly hybrid creative form. Key ideas are applied to a case study of Chris Landreth’s Ryan (2004), in which Landreth deploys fantasmatic visual flourishes partly in order to destabilize the documentary’s conventional discourse of sobriety, pushing it in the direction of its mirroring discourse of delirium, and partly to explore the current status of animation (and animation tools) in the realm of visual simulation.
Parochial Libraries and Their Users
Authors: Jacob W M
Published: December 2011

This article sets parochial libraries and their development in the context of the reformed Church of England and the provision of books to promote godly learning among clergy and laypeople, and investigates the evidence for how, and the extent to which, the libraries were used in the eighteenth century.
Inhibiting the palmitoylation/depalmitoylation cycle selectively reduces the growth of hematopoietic cells expressing oncogenic Nras
Authors: Xu Jin , Hedberg Christian , Dekker Frank J. , Li Qing , Haigis Kevin M. , Hwang Eugene , Waldmann Herbert , Shannon Kevin
Published: December 2011

The palmitoylation/depalmitoylation cycle of posttranslational processing is a potential therapeutic target for selectively inhibiting the growth of hematologic cancers with somatic NRAS mutations. To investigate this question at the single-cell level, we constructed murine stem cell virus vectors and assayed the growth of myeloid progenitors. Whereas cells expressing oncogenic N-RasG12D formed cytokine-independent colonies and were hypersensitive to GM-CSF, mutations within the N-Ras hypervariable region induced N-Ras mislocalization and attenuated aberrant progenitor growth. Exposing transduced hematopoietic cells and bone marrow from Nras and Kras mutant mice to the acyl protein thioesterase inhibitor palmostatin B had similar effects on protein localization and colony growth. Importantly, palmostatin B-mediated inhibition was selective for Nras mutant cells, and we mapped this activity to the hypervariable region. These data support the clinical development of depalmitoylation inhibitors as a novel class of rational therapeutics in hematologic malignancies with NRAS mutations.
Public health in the genomic era: will Public Health Genomics contribute to major changes in the prevention of common diseases?
Authors: Cleeren Evy , Van der Heyden Johan , Brand Angela , Van Oyen Herman
Published: December 2011

The completion of the Human Genome Project triggered a whole new field of genomic research which is likely to lead to new opportunities for the promotion of population health. As a result, the distinction between genetic and environmental diseases has faded. Presently, genomics and knowledge deriving from systems biology, epigenomics, integrative genomics or genome-environmental interactions give a better insight on the pathophysiology of common diseases. However, it is barely used in the prevention and management of diseases. Together with the boost in the amount of genetic association studies, this demands for appropriate public health actions. The field of Public Health Genomics analyses how genome-based knowledge and technologies can responsibly and effectively be integrated into health services and public policy for the benefit of population health. Environmental exposures interact with the genome to produce health information which may help explain inter-individual differences in health, or disease risk. However today, prospects for concrete applications remain distant. In addition, this information has not been translated into health practice yet. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations are few. The lack of population-based research hampers the evaluation of the impact of genomic applications. Public Health Genomics also evaluates the benefits and risks on a larger scale, including normative, legal, economic and social issues. These new developments are likely to affect all domains of public health and require rethinking the role of genomics in every condition of public health interest. This article aims at providing an introduction to the field of and the ideas behind Public Health Genomics.
On Friedrichs-type inequalities in domains rarely perforated along the boundary
Authors: Koroleva Yulia , Persson Lars-Erik , Wall Peter
Published: December 2011

This article is devoted to the Friedrichs inequality, where the domain is periodically perforated along the boundary. It is assumed that the functions satisfy homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions on the outer boundary and that they vanish on the perforation. In particular, it is proved that the best constant in the inequality converges to the best constant in a Friedrichs-type inequality as the size of the perforation goes to zero much faster than the period of perforation. The limit Friedrichs-type inequality is valid for functions in the Sobolev space H
1.

AMS 2010 Subject Classification: 39A10; 39A11; 39A70; 39B62; 41A44; 45A05.
Bifunctional TaqII restriction endonuclease: redefining the prototype DNA recognition site and establishing the Fidelity Index for partial cleaving
Authors: Żylicz-Stachula Agnieszka , Żołnierkiewicz Olga , Śliwińska Katarzyna , Jeżewska-Frąckowiak Joanna , Skowron Piotr M
Published: December 2011

Background

The TaqII enzyme is a member of the Thermus sp. enzyme family that we propounded previously within Type IIS restriction endonucleases, containing related thermophilic bifunctional endonucleases-methyltransferases from various Thermus sp.: TaqII, Tth111II, TthHB27I, TspGWI, TspDTI and TsoI. These enzymes show significant nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities, a rare phenomenon among restriction endonucleases, along with similarities in biochemical properties, molecular size, DNA recognition sequences and cleavage sites. They also feature some characteristics of Types I and III.

Results

Barker et al. reported the Type IIS/IIC restriction endonuclease TaqII as recognizing two distinct cognate site variants (5'-GACCGA-3' and 5'-CACCCA-3') while cleaving 11/9 nucleotides downstream. We used four independent methods, namely, shotgun cloning and sequencing, restriction pattern analysis, digestion of particular custom substrates and GeneScan analysis, to demonstrate that the recombinant enzyme recognizes only 5'-GACCGA-3' sites and cleaves 11/9 nucleotides downstream. We did not observe any 5'-CACCCA-3' cleavage under a variety of conditions and site arrangements tested. We also characterized the enzyme biochemically and established new digestion conditions optimal for practical enzyme applications. Finally, we developed and propose a new version of the Fidelity Index - the Fidelity Index for Partial Cleavage (FI-PC).

Conclusions

The DNA recognition sequence of the bifunctional prototype TaqII endonuclease-methyltransferase from Thermus aquaticus has been redefined as recognizing only 5'-GACCGA-3' cognate sites. The reaction conditions (pH and salt concentrations) were designed either to minimize (pH = 8.0 and 10 mM ammonium sulphate) or to enhance star activity (pH = 6.0 and no salt). Redefinition of the recognition site and reaction conditions makes this prototype endonuclease a useful tool for DNA manipulation; as yet, this enzyme has no practical applications. The extension of the Fidelity Index will be helpful for DNA manipulation with enzymes only partially cleaving DNA.
Factors associated with antenatal mental disorder in West Africa: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ola Bola , Crabb Jim , Tayo Adetokunbo , Gleadow Ware Selena H , Dhar Arup , Krishnadas Rajeev
Published: December 2011

Background

Maternal mental illness is likely to have a profound impact in less developed parts of the world. A mother experiencing mental illness in a low income setting is at risk of providing sub-optimal care for her offspring which can have grave consequences in an environment where poverty, overcrowding, poor sanitation, malnutrition, tropical diseases and a lack of appropriate medical services may be pronounced. Given the profound consequences of antenatal and postnatal mental illness on maternal mental health, foetal wellbeing and childhood growth and development the factors associated with mental illness in a Sub-Saharan setting merit clarification and investigation.

Methods

A prospective survey design was conducted in Lagos. Self reporting questionnaire 20 items - SRQ20 - assessed the presence of mental illness. The WHO Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence Questions assessed women's exposure to violence. Numerous variables potentially associated with mental illness including maternal socio-economic factors, maternal characteristics, obstetric variables and the characteristics of previous children were recorded. Direct logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of a number of variables on the likelihood of presence of mental disorder in the population.

Results

189 women were surveyed. 7% met the criteria for experiencing a common mental disorder according to their score on the SRQ-20. Of variables examined only the number of female children and the presence of inter personal violence predicted being a case of mental illness (OR = 3.400; 95%CI = 1.374 - 8.414 and OR = 5.676; 95%CI = 1.251 - 25.757 respectively).

Conclusions

Rates of mental disorder found in our study were lower than those previously observed internationally and in Africa, perhaps reflecting stigma about disclosing symptoms. The predictive nature of violence on mental disorder is in keeping with international evidence. Our study demonstrated that exposure to inter personal violence within the last 12 months and increasing numbers of female children predict the presence of mental illness in a sample of pregnant Nigerian women. Training and education for primary health care and obstetric health workers should highlight these areas.
Addressing risk factors for child abuse among high risk pregnant women: design of a randomised controlled trial of the nurse family partnership in Dutch preventive health care
Authors: Mejdoubi Jamila , van den Heijkant Silvia , Struijf Elle , van Leerdam Frank , HiraSing Remy , Crijnen Alfons
Published: December 2011

Background

Low socio-economic status combined with other risk factors affects a person's physical and psychosocial health from childhood to adulthood. The societal impact of these problems is huge, and the consequences carry on into the next generation(s). Although several studies show these consequences, only a few actually intervene on these issues. In the United States, the Nurse Family Partnership focuses on high risk pregnant women and their children. The main goal of this program is primary prevention of child abuse. The Netherlands is the first country outside the United States allowed to translate and culturally adapt the Nurse Family Partnership into VoorZorg. The aim of the present study is to assess whether VoorZorg is as effective in the Netherland as in the United States.

Methods

The study consists of three partly overlapping phases. Phase 1 was the translation and cultural adaptation of Nurse Family Partnership and the design of a two-stage selection procedure. Phase 2 was a pilot study to examine the conditions for implementation. Phase 3 is the randomized controlled trial of VoorZorg compared to the care as usual. Primary outcome measures were smoking cessation during pregnancy and after birth, birth outcomes, child development, child abuse and domestic violence. The secondary outcome measure was the number of risk factors present.

Discussion

This study shows that the Nurse Family Partnership was successfully translated and culturally adapted into the Dutch health care system and that this program fulfills the needs of high-risk pregnant women. We hypothesize that this program will be effective in addressing risk factors that operate during pregnancy and childhood and compromise fetal and child development.

Trial registration

Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN16131117
Intimate partner violence among women with HIV infection in rural Uganda: critical implications for policy and practice
Authors: Osinde Michael O , Kaye Dan K , Kakaire Othman
Published: December 2011

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem in Africa and worldwide. HIV infected women face increased IPV risk. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with IPV among HIV infected women attending HIV care in Kabale hospital, Uganda.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 HIV infected women attending Kabale regional hospital HIV treatment centre, from March to December 2010. Participants were interviewed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was collected on socio-demographic variables, social habits, and IPV (using the abuse assessment screen and the Severity of Violence against Women Scale to identify physical, sexual and psychological violence). Characteristics of the participants who reported IPV were compared with those who did not. Multivariate logistic-regression analysis was conducted to analyze factors that were independently associated with IPV.

Results

The mean age of 317 respondents was 29.7 years. Twenty two (6.9%) were adolescents and 233 (73.5%) were married or cohabiting. The mean age of the spouse was 33.0 years.

One hundred and eleven (35.0%) were currently on antiretroviral therapy. Lifetime prevalence of IPV (physical or sexual) was 36.6%. In the preceding 12 months, IPV (any type) was reported by 93 respondents (29.3%). This was physical for 55 (17.6%), and sexual /psychological for 38 (12.1%). On multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, there was a significant but inverse association between education level and physical partner violence (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 0.50, confidence limits (95% CI) 0.31-0.82, p-value = 0.007). There was a significant but inverse association between education level of respondent and sexual/psychological violence (ARR 0.47 95%CI (0.25-0.87), p-value = 0.017) Likewise, there was a significant inverse association between the education level of the spouse and psychological/sexual violence (ARR 0.57, 95% CI 0.25-0.90, p-value = 0.018). Use of antiretroviral therapy was associated with increased prevalence of any type of violence (physical, sexual or psychological) with ARR 3.04 (95%CI 1.15-8.45, p-value = 0.032).

Conclusion

Almost one in three women living with HIV had suffered intimate partner violence in the preceding 12 months. Nearly one in five HIV patients reported physical violence, and about one in every seven HIV patients reported sexual/psychological violence. Likewise, women who were taking antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment were more likely to report any type of intimate partner violence (physical, sexual or psychological). The implication of these findings is that women living with HIV especially those on antiretroviral drugs should be routinely screened for intimate partner violence.
A thermostable GH45 endoglucanase from yeast: impact of its atypical multimodularity on activity
Authors: Couturier Marie , Feliu Julia , Haon Mireille , Navarro David , Lesage-Meessen Laurence , Coutinho Pedro M , Berrin Jean-Guy
Published: December 2011

Background

The gene encoding an atypical multi-modular glycoside hydrolase family 45 endoglucanase bearing five different family 1 carbohydrate binding modules (CBM1), designatedPpCel45A, was identified in thePichia pastorisGS115 genome.

Results

PpCel45A (full-length open reading frame), and three derived constructs comprising (i) the catalytic module with its proximal CBM1, (ii) the catalytic module only, and (iii) the five CBM1 modules without catalytic module, were successfully expressed to high yields (up to 2 grams per litre of culture) inP. pastorisX33. Although the constructs containing the catalytic module displayed similar activities towards a range of glucans, comparison of their biochemical characteristics revealed striking differences. We observed a high thermostability ofPpCel45A (Half life time of 6 h at 80°C), which decreased with the removal of CBMs and glycosylated linkers. However, both binding to crystalline cellulose and hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose and cellohexaose were substantially boosted by the presence of one CBM rather than five.

Conclusions

The present study has revealed the specific features of the first characterized endo β-1,4 glucanase from yeast, whose thermostability is promising for biotechnological applications related to the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass such as consolidated bioprocessing.
The adverse effect of an unplanned surgical excision of foot soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Nishimura Akinobu , Matsumine Akihiko , Asanuma Kunihiro , Matsubara Takao , Nakamura Tomoki , Uchida Atsumasa , Kato Ko , Sudo Akihiro
Published: December 2011

Background

Malignant soft tissue tumors of the foot are extremely rare and thus can be prematurely excised without appropriate preoperative evaluation. The present study compares adverse effects between unplanned and planned surgical excisions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records, radiographs, pathology reports and pathological specimens of 14 consecutive patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the foot among 592 with sarcomas between 1973 and 2009. We then compared the incidence and clinical outcomes after unplanned (UT; n = 5) and planned (PT; n = 9) surgical excisions of foot sarcomas.

Results

The most frequent diagnosis was synovial sarcoma (n = 4; 28.6%). The overall 5-year survival rates of the PT and UT groups were 65.6% and 60.0%, respectively, and the event-free 5-year survival rates were 63.5% and 40.0%, respectively. Event-free and overall survival rates did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, tumors were significantly larger in the PT group than in the UT group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Unplanned resection lead to a relatively worse prognosis and a likelihood of recurrence despite additional resections. We recommend that soft tumors of the foot should only be excised after appropriate preoperative evaluation regardless of the size of the tumor.
New Methods with Perturbations for Non-Expansive Mappings in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Shahzad Naseer
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we suggest and analyze two iterative algorithms with perturbations for non-expansive mappings in Hilbert spaces. We prove that the proposed iterative algorithms converge strongly to a fixed point of some non-expansive mapping.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification 47H09, 47H10.
Some certain properties of the generalized hypercubical functions
Authors: Letić Duško , Cakić Nenad , Davidović Branko , Berković Ivana , Desnica Eleonora
Published: December 2011

In this article, the results of theoretical research of the generalized hypercube function by generalizing two known functions referring to the cube hypervolume and hypersurface and the recurrent relation between them have been presented. By introducing two degrees of freedom k and n (and the third half-edge r), we are able to develop the derivative functions for all three arguments and discuss the possibilities of their use. The symbolic evaluation, numerical experiment, and graphic presentation of the functions are realized using Mathcad Professional and Mathematica.

MSC 2010: 33E30; 33E50; 33E99; 52B11.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Promotes Cellular Changes in Trigeminal Neurons and Glia Implicated in Peripheral and Central Sensitization
Authors: Cady Ryan J , Glenn Joseph R , Smith Kael M , Durham Paul L
Published: December 2011

Background:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide released from trigeminal nerves, is implicated in the underlying pathology of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Elevated levels of CGRP in the joint capsule correlate with inflammation and pain. CGRP mediates neurogenic inflammation in peripheral tissues by increasing blood flow, recruiting immune cells, and activating sensory neurons. The goal of this study was to investigate the capability of CGRP to promote peripheral and central sensitization in a model of TMD.

Results:

Temporal changes in protein expression in trigeminal ganglia and spinal trigeminal nucleus were determined by immunohistochemistry following injection of CGRP in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule of male Sprague-Dawley rats. CGRP stimulated expression of the active forms of the MAP kinases p38 and ERK, and PKA in trigeminal ganglia at 2 and 24 hours. CGRP also caused a sustained increase in the expression of c-Fos neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus. In contrast, levels of P2X3 in spinal neurons were only significantly elevated at 2 hours in response to CGRP. In addition, CGRP stimulated expression of GFAP in astrocytes and OX-42 in microglia at 2 and 24 hours post injection.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that an elevated level of CGRP in the joint, which is associated with TMD, stimulate neuronal and glial expression of proteins implicated in the development of peripheral and central sensitization. Based on our findings, we propose that inhibition of CGRP-mediated activation of trigeminal neurons and glial cells with selective non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonists would be beneficial in the treatment of TMD.