bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Identification of Novel MicroRNAs and Their Targets inVigna unguiculata
Authors: Lu Yongzhong , Yang Xiaoyun
Published: August 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, noncoding, short RNAs directly involved in regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. High conservation of miRNAs in plant provides the foundation for identification of new miRNAs in other plant species through homology alignment. Here, previous known plant miRNAs were BLASTed against the Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) and Genomic Survey Sequence (GSS) databases ofVigna unguiculata, and according to a series of filtering criteria, a total of 47 miRNAs belonging to 13 miRNA families were identified, and 30 potential target genes of them were subsequently predicted, most of which seemed to encode transcription factors or enzymes participating in regulation of development, growth, metabolism, and other physiological processes. Overall, our findings lay the foundation for further researches of miRNAs function inVigna unguiculata.
Macroscopic Rock Texture Image Classification Using a Hierarchical Neuro‐Fuzzy Class Method
Authors: Gonçalves Laercio B. , Leta Fabiana R.
Published: August 2010

We used a Hierarchical Neuro‐Fuzzy Class Method based on binary space partitioning (NFHB‐Class Method) for macroscopic rock texture classification. The relevance of this study is in helping Geologists in the diagnosis and planning of oil reservoir exploration. The proposed method is capable of generating its own decision structure, with automatic extraction of fuzzy rules. These rules are linguistically interpretable, thus explaining the obtained data structure. The presented image classification for macroscopic rocks is based on texture descriptors, such as spatial variation coefficient, Hurst coefficient, entropy, and cooccurrence matrix. Four rock classes have been evaluated by the NFHB‐Class Method: gneiss (two subclasses), basalt (four subclasses), diabase (five subclasses), and rhyolite (five subclasses). These four rock classes are of great interest in the evaluation of oil boreholes, which is considered a complex task by geologists. We present a computer method to solve this problem. In order to evaluate system performance, we used 50 RGB images for each rock classes and subclasses, thus producing a total of 800 images. For all rock classes, the NFHB‐Class Method achieved a percentage of correct hits over 73%. The proposed method converged for all tests presented in the case study.
Ectopic Intrauterine Device in the Bladder of a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Kurdoglu Zehra , Ceylan Kadir , Kurdoglu Mertihan , Guler Ayse , Sahin Hanim Guler
Published: August 2010

Background. Uterine perforation and transvesical migration of an intrauterine device are rare complications.Case. A 28-year-old woman who had an intrauterine device was admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaints of amenorrhea lasting 5 weeks and pelvic pain lasting a year. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed embedding of the intrauterine device in the bladder. The misplaced device was removed by laparotomy.Conclusion. The followup of intrauterine device localization with transvaginal ultrasonography is essential for early detection of possible serious complications.
Strong Convergence Theorems for a Generalized Equilibrium Problem with a Relaxed Monotone Mapping and a Countable Family of Nonexpansive Mappings in a Hilbert Space
Authors: Wang Shenghua , Marino Giuseppe , Wang Fuhai
Published: August 2010

We introduce a new iterative method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of a generalized equilibrium problem with a relaxed monotone mapping and the set of common fixed points of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space and then prove that the sequence converges strongly to a common element of the two sets. Using this result, we prove several new strong convergence theorems in fixed point problems, variational inequalities, and equilibrium problems.
Sleep and Metabolism: An Overview
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Kavuru Mani
Published: August 2010

Sleep and its disorders are increasingly becoming important in our sleep deprived society. Sleep is intricately connected to various hormonal and metabolic processes in the body and is important in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Research shows that sleep deprivation and sleep disorders may have profound metabolic and cardiovascular implications. Sleep deprivation, sleep disordered breathing, and circadian misalignment are believed to cause metabolic dysregulation through myriad pathways involving sympathetic overstimulation, hormonal imbalance, and subclinical inflammation. This paper reviews sleep and metabolism, and how sleep deprivation and sleep disorders may be altering human metabolism.
Dermoscopic Features of Pigmented Bowen′s Disease in a Japanese Female Mimicking Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Inoue Takayuki , Kobayashi Ken , Sawada Mizuki , Ishizaki Sumiko , Ito Haruo , Fujibayashi Mariko , Tanaka Masaru
Published: August 2010

Various structures have been reported for dermoscopic features of pigmented Bowen′s disease (BD), which could be a mimic of various pigmented skin lesions. A 79‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with a 3‐year history of brown‐black macule on her right upper arm without symptom. Dermoscopic examination demonstrated irregular flossy streaks, irregular brown dots/globules, blue‐whitish regression structures, and overlaying whitish scaly areas. We suspected pigmented skin lesions including seborrheic keratosis, pigmented eccrine poroma, and malignant melanoma and excised completely with a 5 mm margin. Histopathological features were consistent with a diagnosis of pigmented BD. Although similar dermoscopic features might be revealed in pigmented skin lesions and it may occasionally be difficult to distinguish between pigmented BD and other pigmented skin lesions, dermoscopy would be useful in speculating pathologic features of pigmented BD.
Clinical Effectiveness of an Anesthesiologist-Administered Intravenous Sedation Outside of the Main Operating Room for Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Thailand
Authors: Amornyotin Somchai , Aanpreung Prapun
Published: August 2010

Objectives. To review our sedation practice and to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an anesthesiologist-administered intravenous sedation outside of the main operating room for pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in Thailand.Subjects and Methods. We undertook a retrospective review of the sedation service records of pediatric patients who underwent UGIE. All endoscopies were performed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. All sedation was administered by staff anesthesiologist or anesthetic personnel.Results. A total of 168 patients (94 boys and 74 girls), with age from 4 months to 12 years, underwent 176 UGIE procedures. Of these, 142 UGIE procedures were performed with intravenous sedation (IVS). The mean sedation time was minutes. Propofol was the most common sedative drugs used. Mean dose of propofol, midazolam and fentanyl was  mg/kg/hr,  mg/kg/hr, and  mcg/kg/hr, respectively. Complications relatively occurred frequently. All sedations were successful. However, two patients became more deeply than intended and required unplanned endotracheal intubation.Conclusion. The study shows the clinical effectiveness of an anesthesiologist-administered IVS outside of the main operating room for pediatric UGIE in Thailand. All complications are relatively high. We recommend the use of more sensitive equipments such as end tidal and carefully select more appropriate patients.
Nanotargeted Radionuclides for Cancer Nuclear Imaging and Internal Radiotherapy
Authors: Ting Gann , Chang Chih-Hsien , Wang Hsin-Ell , Lee Te-Wei
Published: August 2010

Current progress in nanomedicine has exploited the possibility of designing tumor-targeted nanocarriers being able to deliver radionuclide payloads in a site or molecular selective manner to improve the efficacy and safety of cancer imaging and therapy. Radionuclides of auger electron-,α-,β-, andγ-radiation emitters have been surface-bioconjugated or after-loaded in nanoparticles to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of cancer imaging and therapy in preclinical and clinical studies. This article provides a brief overview of current status of applications, advantages, problems, up-to-date research and development, and future prospects of nanotargeted radionuclides in cancer nuclear imaging and radiotherapy. Passive and active nanotargeting delivery of radionuclides with illustrating examples for tumor imaging and therapy are reviewed and summarized. Research on combing different modes of selective delivery of radionuclides through nanocarriers targeted delivery for tumor imaging and therapy offers the new possibility of large increases in cancer diagnostic efficacy and therapeutic index. However, further efforts and challenges in preclinical and clinical efficacy and toxicity studies are required to translate those advanced technologies to the clinical applications for cancer patients.
Propofol-Based Sedation Does Not Increase Rate of Complication during Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Procedure
Authors: Amornyotin Somchai , Chalayonnavin Wiyada , Kongphlay Siriporn
Published: August 2010

Objectives. To evaluate and compare the complication rate of sedation with or without propofol regimen for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in a hospital in Thailand.Subjects and Methods. A total of 198 patients underwent PEG procedures by using intravenous sedation (IVS) from Siriraj Hospital, Thailand from August 2006 to January 2009. The primary outcome variable was the overall complication rate. The secondary outcome variables were sedation and procedure related complications, and mortality rate.Results. After matching ASA physical status and indications of procedure, there were 92 PEG procedures in propofol based sedation group (A) and 20 PEG procedures in non-propofol based sedation group (B). All sedation was given by residents or anesthetic nurses directly supervised by staff anesthesiologist in the endoscopy room. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics, sedation time, indication, complications, anesthetic personnel and mortality rate between the two groups. All complications were easily treated, with no adverse sequelae. Mean dose of fentanyl and midazolam in group A was significantly lower than in group B.Conclusion. Propofol-based sedation does not increase rate of complication during PEG procedure. Additionally, IVS of PEG procedure is relatively safe and effective when performed by physicians in training. Serious complications are none.
Solution to the Linear Fractional Differential Equation Using Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Cheng Jin-Fa , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: August 2010

We obtain the analytical general solution of the linear fractional differential equations with constant coefficients by Adomian decomposition method under nonhomogeneous initial value condition, which is in the sense of the Caputo fractional derivative.
Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Patients Receiving Parental Nutrition Is Associated with Increased Morbidity and Mortality: A Review
Authors: Kumar Puja Rajender , Crotty Pam , Raman Maitreyi
Published: August 2010

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) is a valuable life saving intervention which can improve the nutritional status of hospitalized malnourished patients. PN is associated with complications including the development of hyperglycemia. This paper aims to provide a descriptive systematic review regarding the effects of PN-induced hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients, either in the intensive care unit or ward, while formulating and complementing existing guidelines on the administration of PN and glucose monitoring in hospitalized patients. Medline and Pubmed were searched for relevant articles describing complications arising from the development of hyperglycemia in patients receiving PN; four relevant studies were identified in the search. These articles had different glycemic targets and patient populations, and their protocols varied with regards to glycemic control. However, there was consistency regarding the association between hyperglycemia and mortality in patients receiving PN. These studies highlight the need for guidelines regarding monitoring and initiation of therapy in hyperglycemic patients. Unfortunately, all the currently available studies are retrospective in design; a large, prospective, randomized controlled trial regarding glycemic control in patients receiving PN is required for the development of standardized protocols.
Diagnosis and Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Its Nutritional and Respiratory Complications in the Elderly
Authors: Rofes Laia , Arreola Viridiana , Almirall Jordi , Cabré Mateu , Campins Lluís , García-Peris Pilar , Speyer Renée , Clavé Pere
Published: August 2010

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a major complaint among older people. Dysphagia may cause two types of complications in these patients: (a) a decrease in the efficacy of deglutition leading to malnutrition and dehydration, (b) a decrease in deglutition safety, leading to tracheobronchial aspiration which results in aspiration pneumonia and can lead to death. Clinical screening methods should be used to identify older people with oropharyngeal dysphagia and to identify those patients who are at risk of aspiration. Videofluoroscopy (VFS) is the gold standard to study the oral and pharyngeal mechanisms of dysphagia in older patients. Up to 30% of older patients with dysphagia present aspiration—half of them without cough, and 45%, oropharyngeal residue; and 55% older patients with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition. Treatment with dietetic changes in bolus volume and viscosity, as well as rehabilitation procedures can improve deglutition and prevent nutritional and respiratory complications in older patients. Diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia need a multidisciplinary approach.
Enteral Nutrition and Acute Pancreatitis: A Review
Authors: Spanier B. W. M. , Bruno M. J. , Mathus-Vliegen E. M. H.
Published: August 2010

Introduction. In patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), nutritional support is required if normal food cannot be tolerated within several days. Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition. We reviewed the literature about enteral nutrition in AP.Methods. A MEDLINE search of the English language literature between 1999–2009.Results. Nasogastric tube feeding appears to be safe and well tolerated in the majority of patients with severe AP, rendering the concept of pancreatic rest less probable. Enteral nutrition has a beneficial influence on the outcome of AP and should probably be initiated as early as possible (within 48 hours). Supplementation of enteral formulas with glutamine or prebiotics and probiotics cannot routinely be recommended.Conclusions. Nutrition therapy in patients with AP emerged from supportive adjunctive therapy to a proactive primary intervention. Large multicentre studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of nasogastric feeding and to investigate the role of early nutrition support.
Thickness of Subcutaneous Fat as a Strong Risk Factor for Wound Infections in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Impact of Prediction Using Preoperative CT
Authors: Fujii Takaaki , Tsutsumi Soichi , Matsumoto Asuka , Fukasawa Takaharu , Tabe Yuichi , Yajima Reina , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims:In this study, we have attempted to identify and assess factors that would be most predictive of postoperative incisional surgical site infection (SSI) in colorectal surgery, including representative markers for nutrition or obesity. Methods: 152 patients who underwent elective colorectal resection were identified for inclusion in this study. The outcome of interest was incisional SSI. Variables thought to be predictive of incisional SSI, including body mass index (BMI) and the thickness of subcutaneous fat (TSF), were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. TSF was evaluated preoperatively using computed tomography (CT). Results: The study’s overall incidence of incisional SSI following a colorectal operation was 29 (19.1%). TSF was independently associated with incisional SSI. While BMI was significantly associated with incisional SSI on univariate analysis, this variable lost its significance on multivariate analysis that included TSF. Other nutritional markers were not significantly associated with the risk of incisional SSI. Conclusions:Our results suggest that the risk of incisional SSI increases with obesity, and that the most useful predictor of incisional SSI is TSF, as evaluated by preoperative CT. These findings indicate that CT is useful for the evaluation of TSF and the prediction of the risk of incisional SSI.
Vitamin K2 Alters Bone Metabolism Markers in Hemodialysis Patients with a Low Serum Parathyroid Hormone Level
Authors: Ochiai Mariko , Nakashima Ayumu , Takasugi Norihisa , Kiribayashi Kei , Kawai Toru , Usui Koji , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Hamaguchi Naoki , Kohno Nobuoki , Yorioka Noriaki
Published: August 2010

Background: A low level of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an indicator of adynamic bone disease in hemodialysis patients, and is associated with a significant increase of all-cause mortality. Thus, effective treatment for adynamic bone disease is required. We previously investigated the effect of vitamin K2 on adynamic bone disease. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of oral vitamin K2 in a controlled trial. Methods: Forty hemodialysis patients with low intact PTH levels (<100 pg/ml) were randomly divided into two groups, which were a vitamin K2 group receiving oral menatetrenone (45 mg/day) for 1 year and a control group without vitamin K2. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and during the study for measurement of bone metabolism parameters. Results: Thirty-three patients completed follow-up. There was a significant increase of the serum intact osteocalcin level after 1 month of vitamin K2 administration. Serum levels of intact PTH, bone alkaline phosphatase, and cross-linked N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen increased significantly after 12 months in the vitamin K2 group. The serum osteoprotegerin level was decreased after 12 months in the vitamin K2 group, but the change was not significant. Conclusion: Vitamin K2 therapy improves bone remodeling in hemodialysis patients with a low intact PTH level.
Cardiac Index Is Associated With Brain Aging
Authors: Jefferson Angela L. , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa S. , Au Rhoda , Massaro Joseph M. , Seshadri Sudha , Gona Philimon , Salton Carol J. , DeCarli Charles , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Wolf Philip A. , Manning Warren J.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Cardiac dysfunction is associated with neuroanatomic and neuropsychological changes in aging adults with prevalent cardiovascular disease, theoretically because systemic hypoperfusion disrupts cerebral perfusion, contributing to subclinical brain injury. We hypothesized that cardiac function, as measured by cardiac index, would be associated with preclinical brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological markers of ischemia and Alzheimer disease in the community.

Methods and Results—

Brain MRI, cardiac MRI, neuropsychological, and laboratory data were collected on 1504 Framingham Offspring Cohort participants free of clinical stroke, transient ischemic attack, or dementia (age, 61±9 years; 54% women). Neuropsychological and brain MRI variables were related to cardiac MRI–assessed cardiac index (cardiac output/body surface area). In multivariable-adjusted models, cardiac index was positively related to total brain volume (
P
=0.03) and information processing speed (
P
=0.02) and inversely related to lateral ventricular volume (
P
=0.048). When participants with clinically prevalent cardiovascular disease were excluded, the relation between cardiac index and total brain volume remained (
P
=0.02). Post hoc comparisons revealed that participants in the bottom cardiac index tertile (values <2.54) and middle cardiac index tertile (values between 2.54 and 2.92) had significantly lower brain volumes (
P
=0.04) than participants in the top cardiac index tertile (values >2.92).

Conclusions—

Although observational data cannot establish causality, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that decreasing cardiac function, even at normal cardiac index levels, is associated with accelerated brain aging.
Prediction Models for Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ettema Roelof G.A. , Peelen Linda M. , Schuurmans Marieke J. , Nierich Arno P. , Kalkman Cor J. , Moons Karel G.M.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Several models have been developed to predict prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. However, no extensive quantitative validation of these models has yet been conducted. This study sought to identify and validate existing prediction models for prolonged ICU length of stay after cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

After a systematic review of the literature, the identified models were applied on a large registry database comprising 11 395 cardiac surgical interventions. The probabilities of prolonged ICU length of stay based on the models were compared with the actual outcome to assess the discrimination and calibration performance of the models. Literature review identified 20 models, of which 14 could be included. Of the 6 models for the general cardiac surgery population, the Parsonnet model showed the best discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.73 to 0.76]), followed by the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) (0.71 [0.70 to 0.72]) and a model by Huijskes and colleagues (0.71 [0.70 to 0.73]). Most of the models showed good calibration.

Conclusions—

In this validation of prediction models for prolonged ICU length of stay, 2 widely implemented models (Parsonnet, EuroSCORE), although originally designed for prediction of mortality, were superior in identifying patients with prolonged ICU length of stay.
Postmenopausal Hypertension
Authors: Yanes Licy L. , Romero Damian G. , Iliescu Radu , Zhang Huimin , Davis Deborah , Reckelhoff Jane F.
Published: August 2010

After menopause, blood pressure increases in women. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for postmenopausal hypertension are not completely understood. This study was conducted to determine the role that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays in post-menopausal hypertension. Post-estrous cycling (postmenopausal) spontaneously hypertensive rats or young female controls were treated with losartan, an angiotensin (Ang) II type 1 receptor blocker, for 25 days. Mean arterial pressure was recorded continuously by radiotelemetry. Losartan significantly decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal rats and young female controls but failed to normalize blood pressure in postmenopausal rats to levels found in young controls. Plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensinogen were significantly elevated, and intrarenal Ang II type 1 receptor and renin mRNA expression were significantly downregulated in postmenopausal rats. Therefore, RAS only partially contributes to hypertension in postcycling spontaneously hypertensive rats, whereas hypertension in young females is mediated mainly by the RAS. The data suggest that other mechanisms besides activation of the RAS are likely involved in postmenopausal hypertension.
Interactive Hemodynamic Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibition and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition in Humans
Authors: Marney Annis , Kunchakarra Siri , Byrne Loretta , Brown Nancy J.
Published: August 2010

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors improve glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetics by inhibiting degradation of the incretin hormones. Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition also prevents the breakdown of the vasoconstrictor neuropeptide Y and, when angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is inhibited, substance P. This study tested the hypothesis that dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibition would enhance the blood pressure response to acute ACE inhibition. Subjects with the metabolic syndrome were treated with 0 mg of enalapril (n=9), 5 mg of enalapril (n=8), or 10 mg enalapril (n=7) after treatment with sitagliptin (100 mg/day for 5 days and matching placebo for 5 days) in a randomized, cross-over fashion. Sitagliptin decreased serum dipeptidyl peptidase-IV activity (13.08±1.45 versus 30.28±1.76 nmol/mL/min during placebo;
P
≤0.001) and fasting blood glucose. Enalapril decreased ACE activity in a dose-dependent manner (
P
<0.001). Sitagliptin lowered blood pressure during enalapril (0 mg;
P
=0.02) and augmented the hypotensive response to 5 mg of enalapril (
P
=0.05). In contrast, sitagliptin attenuated the hypotensive response to 10 mg of enalapril (
P=
0.02). During sitagliptin, but not during placebo, 10 mg of enalapril significantly increased heart rate and plasma norepinephrine concentrations. There was no effect of 0 or 5 mg of enalapril on heart rate or norepinephrine after treatment with either sitagliptin or placebo. Sitagliptin enhanced the dose-dependent effect of enalapril on renal blood flow. In summary, sitagliptin lowers blood pressure during placebo or submaximal ACE inhibition; sitagliptin activates the sympathetic nervous system to diminish hypotension when ACE is maximally inhibited. This study provides the first evidence for an interactive hemodynamic effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and ACE inhibition in humans.
Economic growth and ethnic violence: An empirical investigation of Hindu–Muslim riots in India
Authors: Thomas Anjali , John Sergenti Ernest
Published: August 2010

Most studies of Hindu–Muslim riots in India have tended to emphasize the effects of social, cultural, or political factors on the occurrence of ethnic violence. In this article, the authors focus on the relationship between economic conditions and riots. Specifically, this article examines the effect of economic growth on the outbreak of Hindu–Muslim riots in 15 Indian states between 1982 and 1995. Controlling for other factors, the authors find that just a 1% increase in the growth rate decreases the expected number of riots by over 5%. While short-term changes in growth influence the occurrence of riots, this study finds no evidence of a relationship between the levels of wealth in a state and the incidence of ethnic riots. Moreover, by including state fixed effects, the authors determine that the negative relationship found between economic growth and riots is driven primarily by the relationship between growth and riots within a state over time rather than across states. These results are robust to controlling for a number of other factors such as economic inequality, demographic variables, political competition, temporal lags, spillover effects from adjacent states, and year effects. Finally, to address potential concerns that economic growth could be a consequence rather than a cause of violence or that other unobserved factors could confound the relationship between economic growth and the occurrence of Hindu–Muslim riots, the authors also employ instrumental variables (IV) estimation, using percentage change in rainfall as an instrument for growth. The results with IV estimation are similar to the results with non-IV estimation in terms of sign and significance, indicating that the negative effect of economic growth on riots is not due to reverse causality or omitted variables bias.
Organization of Parent Knowledge: Compartmentalization and Integration in Adult Child-Parent Relationships
Authors: Limke Alicia , Showers Carolin J.
Published: August 2010

Previous research has demonstrated an association between structure of beliefs about romantic partners and feelings for that partner. Here, the structure of college students’ beliefs about their parents was linked to distinct types of ongoing parent—child relationships identified by cluster analysis. An integrative structure of mother knowledge was associated with an evaluatively complex type of relationship (“dealing”), characterized by greater liking and closeness and less cooperation and contact. Positive compartmentalization of mother knowledge was associated with mother relationships that were consistently positive (“denying”) across different dimensions. In contrast, the most positive father relationships were reported by daughters with evaluatively integrative father structures. Possible reasons for daughters’ tendency to integrate father structures and to compartmentalize mother structures are discussed.
How Politics Deals with Expert Dissent: The Case of Ethics Councils
Authors: Bogner Alexander , Menz Wolfgang
Published: August 2010

Over recent years, science and technology have been reassessed increasingly in ethical terms. Particularly for life science governance, ethics has become the dominant discourse. In the course of this ‘‘ethical turn’’ national ethics councils were set up throughout Europe and in the United States to advice politics in ethically controversial issues such as stem cell research and genetic testing. Ethics experts have become subject to traditional warnings against expertocracy: they are suspected to unduly influence political decision-making. However, any reliable ethics expertise has to reflect societal disagreements in moral issues. Therefore, expert dissent is a normal feature of legitimate ethics expertise. Based on theoretical considerations we argue that in principle, expert dissent does not cause problems for political legitimacy; rather, it enhances the salience of politics: obviously decisions on ethical issues cannot be taken on the basis of expert knowledge alone. We therefore conclude that expert dissent, not consent, supports politics. Focussing on Germany and Austria, we show how politics deal with expert dissent in practice. While in Germany politics acknowledge dissent and use it to foster a fundamental political debate, Austrian politics attribute authoritative power to ethics expertise and try to construct an overall consensus. This illustrates how the drawing of boundaries between politic and expertise differs.
Management of Spontaneous Nontraumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Parker Dennis , Rhoney Denise H. , Liu-DeRyke Xi
Published: August 2010

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most devastating subtypes of stroke and is characterized by spontaneous extravasation into the parenchymal tissue of the brain. Although advances in critical care have improved, there is no intervention currently available that has shown to alter the outcome of patients who have suffered acute ICH. Therefore, management is largely supportive. Treatment strategies are aimed at limiting hematoma enlargement, seizures, and cerebral edema, as well as other ICU-related complications such as deep venous thrombosis, hyperglycemia, and fever. This review will outline the key pharmacological management strategies in patients with ICH and highlight the most current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines for management published in 2007.
The Emergence of Nonprofit Self-Regulation in Africa
Authors: Gugerty Mary Kay
Published: August 2010

This article examines the evolution of NGO self-regulation in Africa from 1990 through 2009 using cross-national data on 22 countries and more detailed case studies of 6 initiatives. The article uses collective action theory to characterize self-regulation as a collective endeavor in which organizations must find ways to develop and maintain common standards and mechanisms for monitoring and oversight. The article argues that self-regulation in Africa has unfolded in two generations. The first generation was a response to perceived threats of increased government regulation and resulted in systems of self-regulation that are national in scope and intend to produce a public good: national regulation. Second generation initiatives occurred in more liberal political environments; as a result, these second-generation initiatives often operate as a complement or supplement to government regulation. Second-generation self-regulation programs tend to have stronger standards and enforcement, but more limited organizational coverage, producing a private collective good for those nonprofits that are able to participate.
Parvovirus B19 and C-reactive protein in blood bank donors: implications for hygiene hypothesis research
Authors: O'Bryan TA , Wright WF
Published: August 2010

Exposure to certain environmental factors during childhood may influence the developing immune system, causing predisposing or protective effects toward development of autoimmune disorders. This study examines the hypothesis that past infection with parvovirus B19, a common childhood infection, is associated with altered levels of subclinical inflammatory activity in presumably healthy adults. Qualitative anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibody and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were determined in serum samples from adult blood bank donors. C-reactive protein values of B19 IgG-positive and B19 IgG-negative groups were compared. Analysis was performed on 282 blood bank donor serum samples. Among donors aged 17—49 years (n = 152), B19 IgG-positive samples (57.9%) were associated with significantly lower C-reactive protein levels compared with B19 IgG-negative samples (median C-reactive protein: 1.30 mg/l vs. 2.65 mg/l; p = 0.012 unadjusted (Mann—Whitney U-test); p = 0.014 adjusted for gender and age (logistic regression)). Among donors aged >49 years, median C-reactive protein levels were identical by B19 IgG status. The association of B19 IgG antibody with lower C-reactive protein levels in the serum of younger adults supports the hypothesis that infection in childhood may contribute long-term beneficial adaptive immune responses.
Cross-Cultural Research on the Reliability and Validity of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)
Authors: Karim Jahanvash , Weisz Robert
Published: August 2010

Despite the rather large literature concerning emotional intelligence, the vast majority of studies concerning development and validation of emotional intelligence scales have been done in the Western countries. Hence, a major limitation in this literature is its decidedly Western focus. The aim of this research was to assess the psychometric properties of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) in a cross-cultural comparative context involving the collectivist Pakistani (Eastern culture) and the individualist French (Western culture) students. With the exception of significant mean differences on the MSCEIT scores between two cultures, the results concerning the validity of the MSCEIT generalized nicely across both cultures. The results from multisample analysis revealed that the MSCEIT has the property of factorial invariance across both cultures, including invariance of factor loadings, unique variances, and factor variance. For both Pakistani and French students, the MSCEIT scores were distinguishable from the Big Five personality dimensions, self-report emotional intelligence measures, and cognitive intelligence. Furthermore, in both cultures, the MSCEIT scores failed to demonstrate incremental validity against well-being measures, after controlling for cognitive intelligence and the Big Five personality dimensions. Finally, within each sample, females significantly scored higher than males on the MSCEIT total scores.
Association Among SNAP-25 Gene DdeI and MnlI Polymorphisms and Hemodynamic Changes During Methylphenidate Use
Authors: Öner Özgür , Akın Ata , Herken Hasan , Erdal Mehmet Emin , Çiftçi Koray , Ay Mustafa Ertan , Bicer Duygu , Öncü Bedriye , Bozkurt Ozlem Hekim , Münir Kerim , Yazgan Yankı
Published: August 2010

Objective: To investigate the interaction of treatment-related hemodynamic changes with genotype status for Synaptosomal associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) gene in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on and off single dose short-acting methylphenidate treatment with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Method: A total of 15 right-handed adults and 16 right-handed children with DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD were evaluated. Ten milligrams of short-acting methylphenidate was administered in a crossover design. Results: Participants with SNAP-25 DdeI T/T genotype had decreased right deoxyhemoglobin ([HHb]) with treatment. SNAP-25 MnlI genotype was also associated with right deoxyhemoglobin ([HbO2]) and [HHb] changes as well as left [HHb] change. When the combinations of these genotypes were taken into account, the participants with [ DdeI C/C or T/C and MnlI G/G or T/G] genotype had increased right [HHb] with MPH use whereas the participants with [ DdeI T/T and MnlI T/T] or [ DdeI T/T and MnlI G/G or T/G] genotypes had decreased right prefrontal [HHb]. Conclusions: These results suggested that SNAP-25 polymorphism might be associated with methylphenidate induced brain hemodynamic changes in ADHD participants.
Moving to Understanding and Change
Authors: Washington Deborah
Published: August 2010

Creating an environment of inclusion for a culturally diverse nursing workforce is complex. The demographic shift in the country forecasted for over a decade has arrived. Today programs set up to recruit and retain multicultural and multilingual nursing staff are important organizational priorities. Employers want to build responsive and welcoming workplaces in which all feel engaged. This requires several things. Leaders must oversee system changes stimulated by a workforce similar to newly emerging cultural groups in their areas of service. The need exists for managers to possess non-ethnocentric management skills and are competent to take charge of teams motivated by a broad range of culture based values and beliefs. Diversity training, mentoring of staff and leadership development are benchmarks of an organization at the “tipping point” of change related to employing a diverse workforce.
Memory texts and memory work: Performances of memory in and with visual media
Authors: Kuhn Annette
Published: August 2010

This essay focuses on re-enactments of the past through performances of memory both in and with visual media , and looks at how these may embody, express, work through, and even unpick, interconnections between the private, the public and the personal. It explores some questions around visual media/visual discourses, memory and collective identity by looking at filmic and photographic examples from England, Scotland, Canada and China. It also raises some questions around appropriate research methodologies and about how institutions such as museums and archives may figure in some of these collective activities, practices and performances.
‘You do know it’s only got one bathroom’: biography, wine and small stories
Authors: Stephens Mia , Neill Roy
Published: August 2010

A house writes its story through an amanuensis. In the memory landscape of place a house sits still in time while everything else moves around it. It is a space that elicits stories: an instrument of mnemonic contact.The small stories of a winemaking community emanate from the nub of the house. They construct a biographical narrative that links the past to the present. In this article we offer the framework of linguistic ethnography as a way to pin definable method to indefinable memory. Language conveys meaning by constructing the narrative. And it is through the narrative process that the search for personal identity and a sense of belonging begins.
Effects of Zr content on elongation of Al–Sc alloy
Authors: Song M. , He Y.-H.
Published: August 2010

This paper studied the effect of Zr content on the elongation of an Al–Sc alloy. It has been shown that the elongation decreases with increasing annealing time for all the tested alloys. The decrease in the elongation during annealing is due to the increases in the size and volume fraction of the second phase particles, which results in the decreases in the particle interspacing and geometric slip distance with the annealing time. At any annealing time, the elongation increases with decreasing Zr content, indicating that the alloy with a higher Zr content has a lower elongation. The low elongation of the alloy with higher Zr content results from the larger density and volume fraction, and smaller size and interspacing of the second phase particles, which substantially decreases the geometric slip distance.
Distance measurements via the morphogen gradient of Bicoid in Drosophila embryos
Authors: He Feng , Wen Ying , Cheung David , Deng Jingyuan , Lu Long J , Jiao Renjie , Ma Jun
Published: August 2010

Background

Patterning along the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis inDrosophilaembryos is instructed by the morphogen gradient of Bicoid (Bcd). Despite extensive studies of this morphogen, how embryo geometry may affect gradient formation and target responses has not been investigated experimentally.

Results

In this report, we systematically compare the Bcd gradient profiles and its target expression patterns on the dorsal and ventral sides of the embryo. Our results support a hypothesis that proper distance measurement and the encoded positional information of the Bcd gradient are along the perimeter of the embryo. Our results also reveal that the dorsal and ventral sides of the embryo have a fundamentally similar relationship between Bcd and its target Hunchback (Hb), suggesting that Hb expression properties on the two sides of the embryo can be directly traced to Bcd gradient properties. Our 3-D simulation studies show that a curvature difference between the two sides of an embryo is sufficient to generate Bcd gradient properties that are consistent with experimental observations.

Conclusions

The findings described in this report provide a first quantitative, experimental evaluation of embryo geometry on Bcd gradient formation and target responses. They demonstrate that the physical features of an embryo, such as its shape, are integral to how pattern is formed.
Growth-related quantitative trait loci in domestic and wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Wringe Brendan F , Devlin Robert H , Ferguson Moira M , Moghadam Hooman K , Sakhrani Dionne , Danzmann Roy G
Published: August 2010

Background

Somatic growth is a complex process that involves the action and interaction of genes and environment. A number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) previously identified for body weight and condition factor in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and two other salmonid species, were used to further investigate the genetic architecture of growth-influencing genes in this species. Relationships among previously mapped candidate genes for growth and their co-localization to identified QTL regions are reported. Furthermore, using a comparative genomic analysis of syntenic rainbow trout linkage group clusters to their homologous regions within model teleost species such as zebrafish, stickleback and medaka, inferences were made regarding additional possible candidate genes underlying identified QTL regions.

Results

Body weight (BW) QTL were detected on the majority of rainbow trout linkage groups across 10 parents from 3 strains. However, only 10 linkage groups (i.e., RT-3, -6, -8, -9, -10, -12, -13, -22, -24, -27) possessed QTL regions with chromosome-wide or genome-wide effects across multiple parents. Fewer QTL for condition factor (K) were identified and only six instances of co-localization across families were detected (i.e. RT-9, -15, -16, -23, -27, -31 and RT-2/9 homeologs). Of note, both BW and K QTL co-localize on RT-9 and RT-27. The incidence of epistatic interaction across genomic regions within different female backgrounds was also examined, and although evidence for interaction effects within certain QTL regions were evident, these interactions were few in number and statistically weak. Of interest, however, was the fact that these predominantly occurred within K QTL regions. Currently mapped growth candidate genes are largely congruent with the identified QTL regions. More QTL were detected in male, compared to female parents, with the greatest number evident in an F1male parent derived from an intercross between domesticated and wild strain of rainbow trout which differed strongly in growth rate.

Conclusions

Strain background influences the degree to which QTL effects are evident for growth-related genes. The process of domestication (which primarily selects faster growing fish) may largely reduce the genetic influences on growth-specific phenotypic variation. Although heritabilities have been reported to be relatively high for both BW and K growth traits, the genetic architecture of K phenotypic variation appears less defined (i.e., fewer major contributing QTL regions were identified compared with BW QTL regions).
The common rs9939609 variant of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene is associated with obesity risk in children and adolescents of Beijing, China
Authors: Xi Bo , Shen Yue , Zhang Meixian , Liu Xin , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Wu Lijun , Cheng Hong , Hou Dongqing , Lindpaintner Klaus , Liu Lisheng , Mi Jie , Wang Xingyu
Published: August 2010

Background

Previous genome-wide association studies for type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes have confirmed that a common variant, rs9939609, in the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene region is associated with body mass index (BMI) in European children and adults. A significant association of the same risk allele has been described in Asian adult populations, but the results are conflicting. In addition, no replication studies have been conducted in children and adolescents of Asian ancestry.

Methods

A population-based survey was carried out among 3503 children and adolescents (6-18 years of age) in Beijing, China, including 1229 obese and 2274 non-obese subjects. We investigated the association of rs9939609 with BMI and the risk of obesity. In addition, we tested the association of rs9939609 with weight, height, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass percentage, birth weight, blood pressure and related metabolic traits.

Results

We found significant associations of rs9939609 variant with weight, BMI, BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and fat mass percentage in children and adolescents (pfor trend = 3.29 × 10-5, 1.39 × 10-6, 3.76 × 10-6, 2.26 × 10-5, 1.94 × 10-5, and 9.75 × 10-5, respectively). No significant associations were detected with height, birth weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and related metabolic traits such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose (allp> 0.05). Each additional copy of the rs9939609 A allele was associated with a BMI increase of 0.79 [95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.10] kg/m2, equivalent to 0.25 (95%CI 0.14 to 0.35) BMI-SDS units. This rs9939609 variant is significantly associated with the risk of obesity under an additive model [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.29, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.50] after adjusting for age and gender. Moreover, an interaction between theFTOrs9939609 genotype and physical activity (p< 0.001) was detected on BMI levels, the effect of rs9939609-A allele on BMI being (0.95 ± 0.10), (0.77 ± 0.08) and (0.67 ± 0.05) kg/m2, for subjects who performed low, moderate and severe intensity physical activity.

Conclusion

TheFTOrs9939609 variant is strongly associated with BMI and the risk of obesity in a population of children and adolescents in Beijing, China.