bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uptake and release of 2‐aminoisobutyrate by Leishmania donovani: Culture‐age dependent effects of osmolality and of protein kinase inhibitors
Authors: Blum J.J.
Published: February 2012

Summary— The rate of uptake of 2‐aminoisobutyrate (AIB), a non‐metabolizable analogue of alanine, by Leishmania donovani was investigated as a function of culture age and osmolality in the presence of protein kinase inhibitors and of glucose, glutamate or proline. Hyperosmolality inhibited AIB uptake by cells of both growth stages, but to a greater extent for log than for stationary cells. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, had no effect on AIB uptake by cells of either culture age, but it reduced the rate of AIB release in response to hypo‐osmolality, and more so in stationary cells than in log cells. Genistein, a protein‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, caused a small increase in AIB uptake by log cells under both iso‐ and hyperosmotic conditions, but had no effect on AIB uptake by stationary cells. Genistein also caused a small increase in the rate of release of AIB in response to a decrease in osmolality. Brief preincubation with glucose, glutamate or proline of cells that had been depleted of their osmolytes by prior exposure to hypo‐osmolality caused an increase in AIB release by log cells, but a decrease by stationary cells. Similarly, whereas glucose and glutamate increased the rate of AIB uptake by log cells, and proline inhibited it, they had no effect on AIB uptake by stationary cells. Thus AIB uptake and release are sensitive to changes in osmolality, to protein kinase inhibitors, and to certain nutrients in a manner that changes markedly with culture age.
A hypolipidemic peroxisome proliferating fatty acid induces polydispersity of rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Frøyland Livar , Helland Kari , Totland Geir K , Kryvi Harald , Berge Rolf K
Published: February 2012

Summary— Primary rat hepatocyte cultures exposed to tetradecylthioacetic acid for periods up to 96 h significantly increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion. During the same period the mean areal fraction (%) and polydispersity of both mitochondria and peroxisomes increased, indicating growth and proliferation. In rats fed tetradecylthioacetic acid for 12 weeks, the fatty acid oxidation increased with a concomitant hypolipidemic effect. In addition, the areal fraction of both mitochondria and peroxisomes increased significantly and the number of lipid droplets decreased. The results suggest that tetradecylthioacetic acid affects mitochondria and peroxisomes both in vitro and in vivo. It is concluded that tetradecylthioacetic acid reduces secretion of triacylglycerol from rat hepatocytes both in vitro and in vivo mainly by stimulating fatty acid oxidation.
Phosphorus distribution in perichromatin granules and surrounding nucleoplasm as visualized by electron spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Nin Gerardo H. Vázquez , Abolhassani‐Dadras Sousan , Echeverría Olga M , Rouelle‐Rossier Viviane Boutinard , Fakan Stanislav
Published: February 2012

Summary— The in situ distribution of phosphorus in perichromatin granules (PCGs), and in the surrounding nucleoplasm was investigated in rat liver cells by means of electron spectroscopic imaging of unstained preparations. A 2–3 nm fibril containing high concentration of phosphorus was found to be the main substructural feature of the PCGs revealed in the maps of phosphorus. This fibril is folded within the PCG with no apparent order. Fibrils of similar diameter and phosphorus content were also found in both the halo surrounding the PCG and dispersed in the nucleoplasm. Some of such fibrils are in continuity with those occurring within PCGs. Sometimes these fibrils are grouped forming a stalk connecting the PCG to chromatin. Some stalked PCGs are U‐shaped or kidneyshaped, resembling Balbiani ring granules in the process of formation as observed in Chironomus salivary gland cell nuclei. The external fibrils are interpreted as perichromatin fibrils considered to be precursors of PCGs.
How Nurse Practitioners Make Decisions Regarding Coronary Heart Disease Risk: A Social Judgment Analysis
Authors: Stamp Kelly D.
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE:  Understanding how nurse practitioners use clinical decision skills in practice has the potential to guide education programs to ensure safe, competent, and high quality advanced nursing practice. This study used the lens of social judgment theory to examine the clinical decision making of 60 nurse practitioners.

METHODS:  A three‐group pretest–posttest comparison design was used to evaluate how much insight nurse practitioners had into their clinical decision‐making process.

FINDINGS:  Nurse practitioners had modest insight into their clinical decision‐making process.

CONCLUSION:  Self‐insight has implications for enhancing nurses' decision making, improving education, and fostering agreement among advanced practice nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:  Self‐insight has implications for developing professional decision making and promoting appropriate educational opportunities for advanced practice nurses.
CLOUD DELPHI METHOD
Authors: YANG XIAO-JUN , ZENG LUAN , ZHANG RAN
Published: February 2012

Group decision making is an important category of problem solving techniques for complicated problems, among which the Delphi method has been widely applied. In this paper an improved Delphi method based on Cloud model is proposed in order to deal with the fuzziness and uncertainty in experts' subjective judgments. The proposed Cloud Delphi Method (CDM) describes experts' opinions by Cloud model and we aggregate the experts' Cloud opinions by synthetic algorithm and weighted average algorithm. Another key point of CDM is to stabilize and accommodate the individual fuzzy estimates by the defined stability rules rather than having to force them to converge, or reduce. The Cloud opinions and aggregation results can be exhibited in a graphically way leading experts to judge intuitively and it can decrease the number of repetitive surveys and/or interviews. Moreover, it is more scientific and easier to represent experts' opinion base on Cloud model which can combine fuzziness and uncertainty well. A numerical example is examined to demonstrate applicability and implementation process of CDM.
STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A DELAYED SIRS EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH VACCINATION AND NONLINEAR INCIDENCE
Authors: TIAN XIAOHONG
Published: February 2012

In this paper, an SIRS epidemic model with time delay and vaccination is investigated. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equation, the local stability of disease-free equilibrium of the model is established. By constructing Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions are established for the local stability of an endemic equilibrium of the model. Further, a threshold value is obtained. By using comparison arguments, it is proved when the threshold value is less than unity, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. When the threshold value is greater than unity, by using an iteration scheme and by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functional, respectively, sufficient conditions are derived for the global stability of the endemic equilibrium of the model. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the theoretical results.
Astrobiological Field Campaign to a Volcanosedimentary Mars Analogue Methane Producing Subsurface Protected Ecosystem: Imuruk Lake (Alaska)
Authors: Gómez F. , Prieto-Ballesteros O. , Fernández-Remolar D. , Rodríguez-Manfredi J. A. , Fernández-Sampedro M. , Postigo Cacho M. , Torres Redondo J. , Rodríguez N. , Gómez-Elvira J. , Amils R.
Published: February 2012

Viking missions reported adverse conditions for life in Mars surface. High hydrogen signal obtained by Mars orbiters has increased the interest in subsurface prospection as putative protected Mars environment with life potential. Permafrost has attracted considerable interest from an astrobiological point of view due to the recently reported results from the Mars exploration rovers. Considerable studies have been developed on extreme ecosystems and permafrost in particular, to evaluate the possibility of life on Mars and to test specific automated life detection instruments for space missions. The biodiversity of permafrost located on the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve has been studied as an example of subsurface protected niche of astrobiological interest. Different conventional (enrichment and isolation) and molecular ecology techniques (cloning, fluorescence“in situ”probe hybridization, FISH) have been used for isolation and bacterial identification.
Synapses and Dendritic Spines as Pathogenic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yu Wendou , Lu Bingwei
Published: February 2012

Synapses are sites of cell-cell contacts that transmit electrical or chemical signals in the brain. Dendritic spines are protrusions on dendritic shaft where excitatory synapses are located. Synapses and dendritic spines are dynamic structures whose plasticity is thought to underlie learning and memory. No wonder neurobiologists are intensively studying mechanisms governing the structural and functional plasticity of synapses and dendritic spines in an effort to understand and eventually treat neurological disorders manifesting learning and memory deficits. One of the best-studied brain disorders that prominently feature synaptic and dendritic spine pathology is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies have revealed molecular mechanisms underlying the synapse and spine pathology in AD, including a role for mislocalized tau in the postsynaptic compartment. Synaptic and dendritic spine pathology is also observed in other neurodegenerative disease. It is possible that some common pathogenic mechanisms may underlie the synaptic and dendritic spine pathology in neurodegenerative diseases.
Immunopathogenesis of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis: Recent Perspectives
Authors: Saito Mineki , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: February 2012

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is a replication-competent human retrovirus associated with two distinct types of disease only in a minority of infected individuals: the malignancy known as adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and a chronic inflammatory central nervous system disease HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HAM/TSP is a chronic progressive myelopathy characterized by spastic paraparesis, sphincter dysfunction, and mild sensory disturbance in the lower extremities. Although the factors that cause these different manifestations of HTLV-1 infection are not fully understood, accumulating evidence from host population genetics, viral genetics, DNA expression microarrays, and assays of lymphocyte function suggests that complex virus-host interactions and the host immune response play an important role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP. Especially, the efficiency of an individual's cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response to HTLV-1 limits the HTLV-1 proviral load and the risk of HAM/TSP. This paper focuses on the recent advances in HAM/TSP research with the aim to identify the precise mechanisms of disease, in order to develop effective treatment and prevention.
Label Fusion Strategy Selection
Authors: Robitaille Nicolas , Duchesne Simon
Published: February 2012

Label fusion is used in medical image segmentation to combine several different labels of the same entity into a single discrete label, potentially more accurate, with respect to the exact, sought segmentation, than the best input element. Using simulated data, we compared three existing label fusion techniques—STAPLE, Voting, and Shape-Based Averaging (SBA)—and observed that none could be considered superior depending on the dissimilarity between the input elements. We thus developed an empirical, hybrid technique called SVS, which selects the most appropriate technique to apply based on this dissimilarity. We evaluated the label fusion strategies on two- and three-dimensional simulated data and showed that SVS is superior to any of the three existing methods examined. On real data, we used SVS to perform fusions of 10 segmentations of the hippocampus and amygdala in 78 subjects from the ICBM dataset. SVS selected SBA in almost all cases, which was the most appropriate method overall.
Skin Graft
Authors: Shimizu Ruka , Kishi Kazuo
Published: February 2012

Skin graft is one of the most indispensable techniques in plastic surgery and dermatology. Skin grafts are used in a variety of clinical situations, such as traumatic wounds, defects after oncologic resection, burn reconstruction, scar contracture release, congenital skin deficiencies, hair restoration, vitiligo, and nipple-areola reconstruction. Skin grafts are generally avoided in the management of more complex wounds. Conditions with deep spaces and exposed bones normally require the use of skin flaps or muscle flaps. In the present review, we describe how to perform skin grafting successfully, and some variation of skin grafting.
Tanshinone IIA: A Promising Natural Cardioprotective Agent
Authors: Shang Qinghua , Xu Hao , Huang Li
Published: February 2012

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a member of the major lipophilic components extracted from the root ofSalvia miltiorrhizaBunge, which is currently used in China and other neighboring countries to treat patients suffering from myocardial infarction (MI), angina pectoris, stroke, diabetes, sepsis, and other conditions. However, Tan IIA is not easy to be absorbed through intestinal pathway. To raise the bioavailability of the herb, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) was developed. This paper discussed the pharmacology of Tan IIA, STS, and their potential cardioprotective effects.
Osmotic Stress Induces the Expression of VvMAP Kinase Gene in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Daldoul Samia , Hoefer Michael , Mliki Ahmed
Published: February 2012

Abiotic stress adversely affects the growth of grapevine plants. In order to study the early expression changes of genes particularly involved in signal transduction upon salt and drought stresses in grapevines, ESTs derived from a suppressive subtractive hybridization approach (SSH) were selected for expression studies. We were particularly interested in the expression behaviour of the MAP kinase cDNA clone identified by differential screening of the salt-stressed SSH libraries. Interestingly, VvMAP kinase transcript showed a differential expression towards salt and drought treatment in the salt tolerant cultivar Razegui. The upregulation of this transcript was confirmed by RNA blot analysis. Our results revealed that the VvMAP kinase gene could be classified as an osmotic stress responsive gene as its expression was induced by salinity and drought. Furthermore, our study provides the basis for future research on the diverse signaling pathways mediated by MAPKs in grapevine.
Optimizing Molecular-Targeted Therapies in Ovarian Cancer: The Renewed Surge of Interest in Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers and Cell Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hiss Donavon
Published: February 2012

The hallmarks of ovarian cancer encompass the development of resistance, disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer cells express gene signatures which pose significant challenges for cancer drug development, therapeutics, prevention and management. Despite enhancements in contemporary tumor debulking surgery, tentative combination regimens and abdominal radiation which can achieve beneficial response rates, the majority of ovarian cancer patients not only experience adverse effects, but also eventually relapse. Therefore, additional therapeutic possibilities need to be explored to minimize adverse events and prolong progression-free and overall response rates in ovarian cancer patients. Currently, a revival in cancer drug discovery is devoted to identifying diagnostic and prognostic ovarian cancer biomarkers. However, the sensitivity and reliability of such biomarkers may be complicated by mutations in theBRCA1orBRCA2genes, diverse genetic risk factors, unidentified initiation and progression elements, molecular tumor heterogeneity and disease staging. There is thus a dire need to expand existing ovarian cancer therapies with broad-spectrum and individualized molecular targeted approaches. The aim of this review is to profile recent developments in our understanding of the interrelationships among selected ovarian tumor biomarkers, heterogeneous expression signatures and related molecular signal transduction pathways, and their translation into more efficacious targeted treatment rationales.
Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and CD4+ Effector T Cells: An Emerging Alliance for Durable Antitumor Effects
Authors: Ding Zhi-Chun , Zhou Gang
Published: February 2012

Standard cytotoxic chemotherapy can initially achieve high response rates, but relapses often occur in patients and represent a severe clinical problem. As increasing numbers of chemotherapeutic agents are found to have immunostimulatory effects, there is a growing interest to combine chemotherapy and immunotherapy for synergistic antitumor effects and improved clinical benefits. Findings from recent studies suggest that highly activated, polyfunctional CD4+ effector T cells have tremendous potential in strengthening and sustaining the overall host antitumor immunity in the postchemotherapy window. This review focuses on the latest progresses regarding the impact of chemotherapy on CD4+ T-cell phenotype and function and discusses the prospect of exploiting CD4+ T cells to control tumor progression and prevent relapse after chemotherapy.
Inhibition of Arterial Allograft Intimal Hyperplasia Using Recipient Dendritic Cells Pretreated with B7 Antisense Peptide
Authors: Yao Yu-Feng , Zhou Yi-Ming , Xiang Jian-Bin , Gu Xiao-Dong , Cai Duan
Published: February 2012

Background. Low expression or absence of dendritic cell (DC) surface B7 molecules can induce immune tolerance or hyporesponse. Whether DCs could induce indirect allogeneic-specific cross-tolerance or hyporesponse to recipient T cells remains unclear.Methods. Generated from C3H/He mice bone marrow cells pulsed with donor antigen from C57BL/6 mice, recipient DCs were incubated with B7 antisense peptide (B7AP). Immune regulatory activities were examinedin vitroby a series of mixed lymphocyte reactions. Murine allogeneic carotid artery orthotopic transplantation was performed from C57BL/6 to C3H/He. Recipients were given B7AP-treated DCs 7 days before transplantation. Allograft pathological analysis was done 2 months after transplantation.Results. B7AP-pretreated DCs markedly inhibited T-cell proliferation compared with untreated group. Pretreated T cells exhibited markedly reduced response to alloantigen versus third-party antigen. Pathological analysis of arterial allografts demonstrated significant reduction of intimal hyperplasia in B7-AP pretreated group versus control.Conclusion. Blockade of B7 molecules by B7AP could induce indirect allogeneic-specific hyporesponse and inhibit arterial allograft intimal hyperplasia, which may be involved in future strategies for human allograft chronic rejection.
Acid-Base Disorders in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pathophysiological Review
Authors: Bruno Cosimo Marcello , Valenti Maria
Published: February 2012

The authors describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to development of acidosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its deleterious effects on outcome and mortality rate. Renal compensatory adjustments consequent to acidosis are also described in detail with emphasis on differences between acute and chronic respiratory acidosis. Mixed acid-base disturbances due to comorbidity and side effects of some drugs in these patients are also examined, and practical considerations for a correct diagnosis are provided.
Efficacy, Safety, and Potential Biomarkers of Thalidomide plus Metronomic Chemotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shao Yu-Yun , Lin Zhong-Zhe , Hsu Chiun , Lee Kuan-Der , Hsiao Chi-Huang , Lu Yen-Shen , Huang Chien-Chung , Shen Yin-Chun , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Ann-Lii
Published: February 2012

Objectives: Thalidomide has been shown to have antitumor activity in some patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We initiated a phase II study to determine the safety and efficacy of adding metronomic chemotherapy to thalidomide as first-line therapy. Methods: This open- labeled, single-arm, multicentered, investigator-initiated study enrolled patients with treatment-naïve advanced HCC not amenable to locoregional therapies. Treatment included oral thalidomide (100 mg twice daily) and tegafur/uracil [125 mg/m2 (based on tegafur) twice daily]. Tumor assessment was performed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.0. Pretreatment plasma levels of angiogenesis factors were correlated with patient outcomes. Results: Forty-three patients were included. Sixteen (37%) patients had a Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score of 4, and 31 (72%) patients had chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The objective response rate was 9%, and the disease stabilization rate was 33%. The median progression-free survival was 1.9 months (95% CI 1.7–2.1 months), and the median OS was 4.6 months (95% CI 2.3–6.9 months). Treatment was generally tolerable. High baseline plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were adversely correlated with patient survivals. Conclusions: The combination of thalidomide and tegafur/uracil was safe and demonstrated modest activity in patients with advanced HCC.
Monthly Diurnal Global Atmospheric Circuit Estimates Derived from Vostok Electric Field Measurements Adjusted for Local Meteorological and Solar Wind Influences
Authors: Burns G. B. , Tinsley B. A. , Frank-Kamenetsky A. V. , Troshichev O. A. , French W. J. R. , Klekociuk A. R.
Published: February 2012

Local temperature, wind speed, pressure, and solar wind–imposed influences on the vertical electric field observed at Vostok, Antarctica, are evaluated by multivariate analysis. Local meteorology can influence electric field measurements via local conductivity. The results are used to improve monthly diurnal averages of the electric field attributable to changes in the global convective storm contribution to the ionosphere-to-earth potential difference. Statistically significant average influences are found for temperature (−0.47 ± 0.13% V m−1 °C−1) and wind speed [2.1 ± 0.5% V m−1 (m s−1)−1]. Both associations are seasonally variable. After adjusting the electric field values to uniform meteorological conditions typical of the Antarctic plateau winter (−70°C, 4.4 m s−1, and 623 hPa), the sensitivity of the electric field to the solar wind external generator influence is found to be 0.80 ± 0.07 V m−1 kV−1. This compares with the sensitivity of 0.82 V m−1 kV−1 to the convective meteorology generator that is inferred assuming an average ionosphere-to-ground potential difference of 240 kV taken with the annual mean electric field value of 198 V m−1. Monthly means of the Vostok electric field corrected for the influence of both local meteorology and the solar wind show equinoctial (March and September) and July local maxima. The July mean electric field is greater than the December value by approximately 8%, consistent with a Northern Hemisphere summer maximum. The solar wind–imposed potential variations in the overhead ionosphere are evaluated for three models that fit satellite measurements of ionospheric potential changes to solar wind data. Correlations with Vostok electric field variations peak with a 23-min interpolated delay relative to solar wind changes at the magnetopause.
Mechanisms for Precipitation Enhancement in a North American Monsoon Upper-Tropospheric Trough
Authors: Newman Andrew , Johnson Richard H.
Published: February 2012

Tropical upper-tropospheric troughs (TUTTs), transient summertime disturbances over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, are also observed to frequently occur in the North American monsoon (NAM) region. However, unlike TUTTs over the Pacific and Atlantic, which feature a predominance of precipitation on the eastern flank of the disturbances, TUTTs in the NAM region have been shown to enhance precipitation on their western flank as they pass over the mountains of northern Mexico. To investigate this phenomenon, convection-permitting simulations are performed over the core NAM region for the 12–14 July 2004 TUTT event that occurred during the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME). The effects of the TUTT are isolated using an approach that removes the vorticity anomaly associated with it. Six simulations, three with the TUTT and three without it, are then executed.

It is found that the mean of the TUTT simulations has increased surface–500-hPa and 700–400-hPa shear and that there is incrementally more convective available potential energy (CAPE) along the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO). These differences lead to convective changes, with the TUTT simulations having more convection, larger maximum updraft velocities, and more precipitation in lower elevations. Overall, the TUTT simulation mean has about 15% more precipitation during the primary period of TUTT interaction with the northern SMO. There are also slight simulated microphysical differences that agree with nearby polarimetric radar observations. Finally, TUTT removal impacts the gulf surge event on 13 July via the convective modifications.
The comorbidity between eating disorders and anxiety disorders: Prevalence in an eating disorder sample and anxiety disorder sample
Authors: Swinbourne Jessica , Hunt Caroline , Abbott Maree , Russell Janice , St Clare Tamsen , Touyz Stephen
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of comorbid eating and anxiety disorders in women presenting for inpatient and outpatient treatment of an eating disorder and women presenting for outpatient treatment of an anxiety disorder.

Methods: The prevalence of comorbidity was investigated from a sample of 152 women, which included 100 women presenting for treatment of an eating disorder and 52 women presenting for treatment of an anxiety disorder.

Results: Of women presenting for treatment of an eating disorder, 65% also met criteria for at least one comorbid anxiety disorder; 69% of these reported the onset of the anxiety disorder to precede the onset of the eating disorder. Of the anxiety disorders diagnosed, social phobia was most frequently diagnosed (42%) followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (26%), generalised anxiety disorder (23%), obsessive–compulsive disorder (5%), panic/agoraphobia (3%) and specific phobia (2%). We also found that 13.5% of women presenting for anxiety treatment also met criteria for a comorbid eating disorder. Furthermore, 71% ( n = 5) reported the onset of the anxiety disorder to precede the onset of the eating disorder.

Discussion: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of eating and anxiety disorder comorbidity is high. The present research should improve the clinical understanding of the comorbidity between eating disorders and anxiety disorders. In particular, it is anticipated that this research will have significant aetiological and therapeutic implications especially with regard to improving the clinical effectiveness of psychological treatments for eating disorders and highlighting the importance of screening for eating pathology in the clinical assessment of anxiety disorders.
Therapeutic effects of cerebrolysin added to risperidone in patients with schizophrenia dominated by negative symptoms
Authors: Shifu Xiao , Haibo Xue , Guanjun Li , Chengmei Yuan , Xia Li , Chao Chen , Wu Helen Zong Ying , Mitchell Philip , Mingyuan Zhang
Published: February 2012

Objective: Cerebrolysin is a nootropic drug with unique neurotrophic activities directly affecting cerebral neurons. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cerebrolysin added to risperidone in patients with schizophrenia dominated by negative symptoms.

Methods: The trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. A total of 109 patients who met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia were randomly assigned to cerebrolysin (cerebrolysin plus risperidone, n=55) or placebo (risperidone only, n=54) groups. Intravenous infusions of 30 ml cerebrolysin or placebo were given once daily from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with measurements including the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), modified Chinese Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (mWAIS). and Clinical Global Impression (CGI).

Results: Patients in both groups demonstrated improvements in psychiatric symptoms and cognitive and memory performance as assessed by PANSS, mWAIS, and WMS over the trial. There was no difference in rates of change in the PANSS total score or negative score between the two treatment groups. Patients treated with cerebrolysin showed significantly greater improvements in cognitive and memory function from week 2. No severe treatment adverse events were observed in either group. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the two groups at the end of the treatment.

Conclusion: Cerebrolysin added to risperidone did not augment the efficacy of risperidone in treating the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia patients over an 8-week trial. Cerebrolysin at 30 ml per day as an adjunctive treatment was safe and may improve cognitive and memory functions of patients with schizophrenia dominated by negative symptoms.
The Early Reception of Operetta in Russia, 1860s–1870s
Authors: Frame Murray
Published: February 2012

This article explores the popular and critical reception of operetta in Russia during its European heyday, which broadly coincided with the transformative reign of Tsar Alexander II (1855–1881). It argues that the genre consistently drew audiences from most social strata and should not be considered, as some historians have suggested, a uniquely ‘bourgeois’ form of entertainment closely associated with the rise of the middle classes. It also argues that operetta crystallized a range of wider concerns about Russian culture and politics during the era of the Great Reforms. Many critics attacked operetta’s frivolity and eroticism (held to be inconsistent with the aims of art), while radicals and conservatives regarded it as symptomatic of a new climate of political uncertainty (the former with hope, the latter with trepidation). The critical responses to operetta thus testified to its popularity and to the rapidity of change in Russia during the 1860s and 1870s.
Rhetoric and the Writing of History in Early Modern Europe: Melo’s Guerra de Cataluña and Mascardi’s Ars historica
Authors: Pineda Victoria
Published: February 2012

In 1645 the Portuguese historian Francisco Manuel de Melo published the Historia de los movimientos, separación y guerra de Cataluña, an account of the so-called ‘Rebellion of Catalonia’ against the Spanish monarch Philip IV. Although the accuracy of the book has been the subject of controversy, very little has been said about its discursive strategies, in spite of its having been considered ‘an exceptional work’ (Menéndez y Pelayo 1893) and ‘full of perfections’ (Rosell 1852) in terms of its elocutio. The aim of this paper is to analyze the historiographical strategies that govern the construction of the Historia, in an attempt to place the early modern writing of history within a tradition that goes back to the ancient rhetoricians. In the particular case of Melo, the most immediate reference is that of the Dell’arte istorica (1639), a treatise by the Italian Jesuit Agostino Mascardi, specifically mentioned and praised by Melo.
A voice for the voiceless
Authors: Ranganathan Kavitha , Sarin Ankur
Published: February 2012

We propose a new application for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) – community radio. We argue how MANETS help overcome important limitations in how community radio is currently operationalized. We identify critical design elements for a MANET based community radio service and propose a broad architecture for the same. We then investigate a most critical issue – the choice of the network wide broadcast protocol for the audio content. We identify desired characteristics of a community radio broadcasting service. We choose and evaluate eight popular broadcasting protocols on these characteristics, to find the protocols most suited for our application.
Knowledge sharing in the public sector in Malaysia
Authors: Yusof Zawiyah M. , Ismail Mohd. Bakhari , Ahmad Kamsuriah , Yusof Maryati M.
Published: February 2012

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of knowledge sharing to survive and remain competitive. Current knowledge sharing models have been found to be lacking as they only focus on the relationships between factors that influence knowledge sharing. An integrated approach that is capable of a simultaneous investigation of the various factors that affect knowledge sharing initiatives, quality of knowledge management and its impact on organizational performance has not been widely attempted. This study aims to develop a holistic knowledge sharing model for the public sector in Malaysia that is based on an integrated approach, which combines factors that influence knowledge management (input), knowledge sharing quality (process) and workers’ performance as well as service delivery (output) that encompasses the individual, organization and technology. This study will firstly present a review of the literature of current models in knowledge sharing, which will then form the take-off point for the development of the proposed holistic model. Such a holistic model is deemed appropriate and necessary to steer knowledge sharing initiatives in tandem with forming the base for policy-making of such initiatives.
An empirical investigation of interorganizational opportunism and contracting mechanisms
Authors: Lumineau Fabrice , Quélin Bertrand V.
Published: February 2012

This study investigates contracting mechanisms in situations of opportunistic disputes between organizations. The authors specifically explore the relationships between the formal versus informal nature of opportunism and the formal versus informal nature of contractual governance. They use a unique data set of 102 buyer–supplier disputes to explore in depth different types of opportunism – that is, strong form versus weak form opportunism – and different types of contracting mechanisms – that is, the controlling and coordinating functions of formal contracts and the cooperative and competitive sides of relational contracts. The authors’ detailed empirical analysis suggests distinct relationships between the different contracting mechanisms, the different types of opportunism, and the level of legal fees necessary to deal with the dispute. From these findings the authors derive implications for research on the role of contractual mechanisms in dealing with interorganizational opportunism.
Qualitative Impact of the Endovascular Era on Vascular Surgeons’ Comfort Level and Enjoyment With Open and Endovascular AAA Repairs
Authors: Ullery Brant W. , Nathan Derek P. , Jackson Benjamin M. , Wang Grace J. , Fairman Ronald M. , Woo Edward Y.
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate the qualitative impact of training in the endovascular era (post-2000) on vascular surgeons’ comfort level and enjoyment with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs. Methods: A sample of vascular surgeons (n = 1754) were sent a survey pertaining to their fellowship training and practice of AAA repair. The influence of training- and practice-related variables on qualitative outcomes was assessed. Results: A total of 382 (22%) surgeons completed the survey. Surgeons who performed more endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) than open AAA repairs were more likely to enjoy EVAR ( P < .001). Those completing fellowship after 2000 reported a higher level of procedure-related comfort with EVAR ( P = .001) compared to those completing fellowship before 2000. Conversely, surgeons completing fellowship before 2000 reported a higher level of procedure-related comfort with open AAA repair ( P = .001). Conclusion: The advent of EVAR has changed fellowship training of AAA repair and has translated into changes in both practice patterns and comfort level.
Investigation and Treatment of a Complicated Inflammatory Aortoiliac Aneurysm
Authors: Brake Maresa A. , Shalhoub Joseph , Crane Jeremy S. , Gibbs Richard G. J. , Franklin Ian J.
Published: February 2012

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) account for 5% to 10% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms, occurring primarily in males. Their true etiology is unknown. Symptoms and signs of IAAA are so variable that they present to a wide range of specialties. There is debate in the literature whether IAAA is a manifestation of systemic autoimmune disease. We describe the case of a young female patient with complicated inflammatory aortoiliac aneurysmal disease, illustrating diagnostic and treatment challenges that remain. Our patient had a positive autoantibody screen, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot test, and saccular aneurysms, including infective and inflammatory etiologies in her differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to limit disease progression, morbidity, and mortality. Medical management is important to address the underlying disease process, but a combination of endovascular and open surgical intervention is often necessary for definitive treatment. Available evidence offers plausibility for benefit of endovascular intervention over open repair.
Tank experiments with borehole self-potential data
Authors: Mendonça Carlos A. , Dotti Glaucia C. , Maida Camila , Silva Nilton
Published: February 2012

Despite their importance in the evaluation of petroleum and gas reservoirs, measurements of self-potential data under borehole conditions (well-logging) have found only minor applications in aquifer and waste-site characterization. This can be attributed to lower signals from the diffusion fronts in near-surface environments because measurements are made long after the drilling of the well, when concentration fronts are already disappearing. Proportionally higher signals arise from streaming potentials that prevent using simple interpretation models that assume signals from diffusion only. Our laboratory experiments found that dual-source self-potential signals can be described by a simple linear model, and that contributions (from diffusion and streaming potentials) can be isolated by slightly perturbing the borehole conditions. Perturbations are applied either by changing the concentration of the borehole-filling solution or its column height. Parameters useful for formation evaluation can be estimated from data measured during perturbations, namely, pore water resistivity, pressure drop across the borehole wall, and electrokinetic coupling parameter. These are important parameters to assess, respectively, water quality, aquifer lateral continuity, and interfacial properties of permeable formations.
Biselyngbyolide A, a Novel Cytotoxic Macrolide from the Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp.
Authors: Morita Maho , Ohno Osamu , Suenaga Kiyotake
Published: February 2012

A novel cytotoxic macrolide biselyngbyolide A (1) was isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp., collected on Tokunoshima Island, Japan. This macrolide was revealed to be structurally related to biselyngbyaside (2). The gross structure of 1 was elucidated based on the extensive application of 2D NMR techniques. The stereostructure was deduced based on analyses of the NOESY spectrum and CD data. Biselyngbyolide A (1) exhibited strong apoptosis-inducing activity against HeLa S3 cells and HL60 cells.
Electron Spin Resonance of Thin Films of N,N′-Di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenylbenzidine (NPB) Doped by Iodine Vapor
Authors: Azuma Kenta , Son Donghyun , Marumoto Kazuhiro , Kijima Masashi , Shimoi Yukihiro
Published: February 2012

We have successfully observed the ESR signals of radical cations in the thin films of N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenylbenzidine (NPB), typical hole-transport material, for the first time to our best knowledge. In order to characterize the radical cation state, ESR spectra obtained upon chemical doping with iodine are analyzed combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The ESR line width is inversely correlated with doping concentration.
Synthesis and Supramolecular Association of NCN-Pincer Pd-Complex-bound Norvaline Derivatives toward Fabrication of Controlled Metal Array
Authors: Ogata Kazuki , Sasano Daisuke , Yokoi Tomoya , Isozaki Katsuhiro , Seike Hirofumi , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Ogawa Tetsuya , Kurata Hiroki , Takaya Hikaru , Nakamura Masaharu
Published: February 2012

Novel NCN-pincer Pd-complex-bound norvaline derivatives were synthesized. The N- and C-termini-alkylated Pd–norvalines spontaneously assemble into fibrous aggregates to form supramolecular gels, in which the NCN-pincer Pd complex moieties assemble in a highly oriented manner.
Extra- and Transcranial Echo Colour Doppler in the Diagnosis of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Van Den Berg P J , Visser L H
Published: February 2012

A new venous disorder, chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), has been proposed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a vascular condition characterized by an impaired cerebrospinal venous drainage due to obstructions in the main extracranial cerebrovenous outflow routes (i.e. internal jugular veins [IJV] and/or azygos veins). In this review, the studies which assessed the prevalence of CCSVI in MS by echo colour Doppler (ECD) will be discussed. The technical aspects of determination of the five CCSVI criteria: (1) reflux in the IJV and/or vertebral veins in supine and upright position, (2) reflux in the deep cerebral veins, (3) high-resolution B-mode proximal IJV stenosis, (4) flow not Doppler detectable in IJVs and/or vertebral veins (VVs) and (5) reverted postural control of the main cerebrovenous outflow pathway are described in detail. We conclude that so far there are many studies with contradictory results, and as yet a strong scientific base to support the evidence for a causative relationship of CCSVI and MS is lacking. Recent studies call into question the validity of using ECD as a proper and reliable test for the diagnosis of CCSVI. One explanation for the variety in interpretation of the individual CCSVI criteria, with the wide-ranging percentages CCSVI, could be the different methods by using ECD to determine various criteria.
Diagnosis and Follow-up of Varicose Veins with Duplex Ultrasound: How and Why?
Authors: Malgor R D , Labropoulos N
Published: February 2012

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is very prevalent and causes a significant financial burden in Western societies. Accurate diagnosis is mandatory to define the anatomy and pathophysiology involved in the disease process. Duplex ultrasound (DU) is a well-established non-invasive tool used for varicose veins work-up that, most recently, has also been utilized for follow-up after endovenous procedures such as endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy. Insightful information on how DU is performed during varicose veins work-up and the rationale of DU utilization for endovenous procedures are discussed.
Endovascular Treatment Options for Chronic Venous Obstructions
Authors: De Graaf R , Wittens C H A
Published: February 2012

Chronic venous obstructions have been treated by means of bypass surgery, until, in recent decades, it was surpassed by endovascular treatment options. Although techniques may differ, some issues should be universal. It is recommended that patients are treated under general anaesthesia. Secondly, obstructive lesions should be fully stented. Finally, self-expandable stents should mainly be used. Recanalization and stenting proved safe and efficient with excellent mid- and long-term patency rates. However, failures due to re-occlusion do occur and are basically related to imperfect stent design and/or suboptimal inflow. Therefore, the main focus should be on the development of optimal stent configuration, that is, sufficient length, highest possible radial force and flexibility. Moreover, the significance of endophlebectomy with or without creation of an arteriovenous fistula should be established.
Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score: A Facile Measurement of Outcomes in Venous Disease
Authors: Vasquez M A , Munschauer C E
Published: February 2012

Outcome assessment is an important criterion for the objective determination of the risks and benefits of a given procedure. The choice of an assessment instrument is critical in order to generate meaningful and relevant data. Assessment instruments are platforms for comparison and stratification of information that provide a common ground and unified language for discussions on disease processes and therapies. Like many complex conditions, venous disease has benefited from the institution of several assessment instruments designed to clarify elements of the disease process. Among these is the venous clinical severity score (VCSS), which has proved to be a valuable tool for evaluating changes in condition over time with or without intervention. The VCSS has recently undergone a revision to increase its sensitivity and value in interpreting the language of venous disease.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: A Review of Current Diagnostic and Minimally Invasive Treatment Modalities
Authors: Kies D D , Kim H S
Published: February 2012

Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating medical condition with a host of potential causes. Although often overlooked, pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a well-established cause of chronic pelvic pain due to abnormal ovarian and pelvic varices. The diagnosis is established with modern non-invasive cross-sectional imaging, preferably contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Although medical and open surgical therapies exist, transcatheter percutaneous embolotherapy has been shown to be a safe, effective and durable therapy for the treatment of PCS. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to refine optimal technique and assess long-term patient outcomes.
Thoracic duct and cisterna chyli: evaluation with multidetector row CT
Authors: Kiyonaga M , Mori H , Matsumoto S , Yamada Y , Sai M , Okada F
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the normal anatomy of the thoracic duct and cisterna chyli obtained by axial and multiplanar reformation (MPR) images of 1 mm slice thickness using multidetector row CT (MDCT).

Methods: We evaluated the ability of MDCT to examine the normal anatomy of the thoracic duct and cisterna chyli. The axial and coronal images of thoracoabdominal MDCT images obtained in 50 patients (20 females and 30 males; mean age, 63.5 years; range, 32–81 years) were reviewed between January and October 2005. We excluded patients with malignant neoplasms, inflammation or vascular diseases (e.g. aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection) and those with a history of thoracoabdominal surgery. The thoracic duct was divided into three anatomical sections: the upper, middle and lower. We evaluated the degree of visualisation and the maximum size of the thoracic duct. We also evaluated the degree of visualisation, maximum size, configuration and location of the cisterna chyli.

Results: Visualisation of the thoracic duct and cisterna chyli was almost 100% on axial and coronal images. The lower section of the thoracic duct was most clearly visualised among the three sections. There was little difference in the maximum size of the thoracic duct among the three sections. The cisterna chyli was most frequently located at the Th12 or L1 level, and the most common type was the “straight thin tube type”.

Conclusion: Axial and MPR images of 1 mm slice thickness using MDCT can clearly depict the thoracic duct and cisterna chyli.