bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a national research and development centre in assistive technologies for independent living
Authors: Hobbs David A , Close Jo K , Downing Andrew R , Reynolds Karen J , Walker Lloyd T
Published: September 2011

Assistive technology (AT) plays a pivotal role in the
lives of people who require assistance with one or
more aspects of daily living. Ranging from simple
devices such as an augmented fork to complex
devices like a power wheelchair with integrated
environmental control, AT is a broad term to
describe a range of products and services that
provide assistance. Historically used in the ?disability
sector?, in recent years AT devices have
merged into the ageing sector as more Australians
develop an impairment through ?age-related disability?,
creating a larger market for equipment that
provides independence or restores lost/reduced
functionality. Despite the national focus on ageing,
Australia lacks a nationally coordinated and cohesive
AT sector ? most AT equipment and devices
are imported and the sector struggles for local
research, development, and commercialisation
funding.
In an attempt to address this issue, a network of
rehabilitation engineering and AT centres, universities,
and industry players formed a collaboration
to submit a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)
proposal to drive Australian AT products and
services. The main focus was on developing
Australian capacity within the sector and creating
innovative products that met Australian needs,
leading to import replacement. A secondary focus
was on providing a national education program to
provide ongoing AT training and development
across multiple disciplines associated with both
disability and ageing.
A protein therapeutic modality founded on molecular regulation
Authors: Wright Chapman M. , Wright R. Clay , Eshleman James R. , Ostermeier Marc
Published: September 2011

The exquisite specificity of proteins is a key feature driving their application to anticancer therapies. The therapeutic potential of another fundamental property of proteins, their ability to be regulated by molecular cues in their environment, is unknown. Here, we describe a synthetic biology strategy for designing protein therapeutics that autonomously activate a therapeutic function in response to a specific cancer marker of choice. We demonstrate this approach by creating a prodrug-activating enzyme that selectively kills human cancer cells that accumulate the marker hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. This property arises primarily through increased cellular accumulation of the enzyme in the presence of the marker. Our strategy offers a platform for the development of inherently selective protein therapeutics for cancer and other diseases.
Nongenomic glucocorticoid receptor action regulates gap junction intercellular communication and neural progenitor cell proliferation
Authors: Samarasinghe Ranmal Aloka , Di Maio Roberto , Volonte Daniela , Galbiati Ferruccio , Lewis Marcia , Romero Guillermo , DeFranco Donald B.
Published: September 2011

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to treat pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery; however, prenatal exposure to GCs may trigger adverse neurological side effects due to reduced neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation. Whereas many established cell-cycle regulators impact NPC proliferation, other signaling molecules, such as the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43), also influence proliferation. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is influenced by GCs in some cells, but such hormone effects have not been examined in coupled stem cells. We found that both continuous and transient exposure of embryonic day 14.5 mouse neurosphere cultures to dexamethasone (DEX) limits proliferation of coupled NPCs, which is manifested by both a reduction in S-phase progression and enhanced cell-cycle exit. A short (i.e., 1-h) DEX treatment also reduced GJIC as measured by live-cell fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and altered the synchrony of spontaneous calcium transients in coupled NPCs. GC effects on GJIC in NPCs are transcription-independent and mediated through plasma membrane glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). This nongenomic pathway operates through lipid raft-associated GRs via a site-specific, MAPK-dependent phosphorylation of Cx43, which is linked to GR via caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and c-src. Cav-1 is essential for this nongenomic action of GR, as DEX effects on GJIC, Cx43 phosphorylation, and MAPK activation are not observed in
Cav-1
knockout NPCs. As transient pharmacologic inhibition of GJIC triggers reduced S-phase progression but not enhanced cell-cycle exit, the nongenomic GR signaling pathway may operate via distinct downstream effectors to alter the proliferative capacity of NPCs.
Noninvasive and localized neuronal delivery using short ultrasonic pulses and microbubbles
Authors: Choi James J. , Selert Kirsten , Vlachos Fotios , Wong Anna , Konofagou Elisa E.
Published: September 2011

Focused ultrasound activation of systemically administered microbubbles is a noninvasive and localized drug delivery method that can increase vascular permeability to large molecular agents. Yet the range of acoustic parameters responsible for drug delivery remains unknown, and, thus, enhancing the delivery characteristics without compromising safety has proven to be difficult. We propose a new basis for ultrasonic pulse design in drug delivery through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that uses principles of probability of occurrence and spatial distribution of cavitation in contrast to the conventionally applied magnitude of cavitation. The efficacy of using extremely short (2.3 μs) pulses was evaluated in 27 distinct acoustic parameter sets at low peak-rarefactional pressures (0.51 MPa or lower). The left hippocampus and lateral thalamus were noninvasively sonicated after administration of Definity microbubbles. Disruption of the BBB was confirmed by delivery of fluorescently tagged 3-, 10-, or 70-kDa dextrans. Under some conditions, dextrans were distributed homogeneously throughout the targeted region and accumulated at specific hippocampal landmarks and neuronal cells and axons. No histological damage was observed at the most effective parameter set. Our results have broadened the design space of parameters toward a wider safety window that may also increase vascular permeability. The study also uncovered a set of parameters that enhances the dose and distribution of molecular delivery, overcoming standard trade-offs in avoiding associated damage. Given the short pulses used similar to diagnostic ultrasound, new critical parameters were also elucidated to clearly separate therapeutic ultrasound from disruption-free diagnostic ultrasound.
A dilution effect in the emerging amphibian pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Searle Catherine L. , Biga Lindsay M. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: September 2011

Global declines in biodiversity are altering disease dynamics in complex and multifaceted ways. Changes in biodiversity can have several outcomes on disease risk, including dilution and amplification effects, both of which can have a profound influence on the effects of disease in a community. The dilution effect occurs when biodiversity and disease risk are inversely related, whereas the amplification effect is a positive relationship between biodiversity and disease risk. We tested these effects with an emerging fungal pathogen of amphibians,
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
(Bd), which is responsible for catastrophic amphibian population declines and extinctions worldwide. Despite the rapid and continued spread of Bd, the influence of host diversity on Bd dynamics remains unknown. We experimentally manipulated host diversity and density in the presence of Bd and found a dilution effect where increased species richness reduced disease risk, even when accounting for changes in density. These results demonstrate the general importance of incorporating community structure into studies of disease dynamics and have implications for the effects of Bd in ecosystems that differ in biodiversity.
An Encounter with the Russian Czar: The Image of Peter The Great in Early Qajar Historical Writings
Authors: Ekhtiar Maryam
Published: September 2011

Persian historical sources, especially those of the early Qajar period, devote more attention to the achievements of the Russian czar Peter I (r. 1682-1725) than to any other “modern” European monarch. The image of Peter the Great captured the attention of Iranian reformers, who articulated their own hopes by glorifying him as the regenerator of the Russian Empire. They drew an ambiguous image of the czar, portraying him, on the one hand, with admiration and esteem and, on the other, with fear and mistrust. Yet the Qajar ruling elite looked to Peter as a sort of mirror in which they could see their own reflection and as a symbol crucial to the construction of a discourse that in their minds would lead to change, a discourse that resonated naturally with the political requirements of their nation. By using Czar Peter as a point of reference, Iranian reformers expressed their dismay at the deteriorating international status of Iran and the urgency to arrive at solutions.
On Shaky Ground: Concerning the Absence or Weakness of Political Parties In Iran
Authors: Azimi Fakhreddin
Published: September 2011

Why have large scale and durable political parties, representing broad socio-economic interests and seriously concerned with assuming political power through democratic constitutional means, not emerged in Iran? And why have even State-sponsored parties failed? These important questions have received virtually no serious scholarly attention. What follows is a preliminary attempt to address them by considering the configuration of those groups or collectivities normally identified as political parties, exploring their inadequacies, and highlighting the main factors which have accounted for the failure of party politics in twentieth-century Iran.

The Early Years

With the introduction of constitutional arrangements in Iran in 1906, the newly established National Consultative Assembly (Majlis) became the major arena for public debate among constitutionalists on how best to identify, consolidate, build upon and institutionalize the new political achievements. The difficulties of reconciling political order and constitutional accountability provoked pronounced differences of opinion and discord.
Alienation from the Self-Made Revolution: “Fathnameh-ye moghan” (The Victory Chronicle of the Magi)
Authors: Golshiri Hushang
Published: September 2011

Hushang Golsmri's masterfully crafted short story “Fathnamehye moghan” (The Victory Chronicle of the Magi) captures a sobering moment in the transitional period of revolutionary Iran. Golshiri delves beneath the surface of the ongoing revolutionary confusion to reflect on the events and gains insight into an aspect of the culture deeply rooted in the Iranian psyche. Golshiri conveys the sentiments of the collective narrator “We,” which represents, if not all Iranians, at least the intellectuals who had been supportive of a revolution in order to acquire freedom but are suddenly faced with a situation in which the freedoms they had been taking for granted have been curtailed. In a manner, perhaps not very different from before, they are trying to learn, or, as Barat sees it, to conform to the new restrictions placed upon their lives. Wine and its prohibition are used as a symbol of restrictions on other liberties.
Three Little‐Known Persian Sources of the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Rota Giorgio
Published: September 2011

Historiography … in its prejudices and its assumptions, in its omissions no less than in its contents … is the reflection of the inconstant human situation, and even where it is least informative it supplies us with data which no explicit statement could convincingly express, and which, perhaps, are as valuable to the understanding of the past as the dates and the deeds. Every such work, therefore, however inadequate and inaccurate it may be in detail, is itself a historical fact of singular importance, and is best understood when considered with its fellows in their mutual complementary relationship throughout a total situation rather than being merely confronted with them on the particulars.

J. R. Walsh's Comments on the nature of historiography may appear strikingly simple and obvious, yet they provided the stimulus for this paper, which compares three minor Safavid historical works and aims to show that every document can: a) supply some historical information; and b) provide us with information about the author and the intention of the work.
Shiᶜite Culture
Authors: Moussavi Ahmad Kazemi
Published: September 2011

In Many Respects, Shiᶜism Constitutes the Most Important Element of Iranian culture since the Safavid rule in the sixteenth century. Shiᶜism not only presents a most divergent sectarian character in Islam, but also introduces a variety of rites and rituals, some of them well penetrated into the festive mode of thought of Iranians. The Encyclopaedia Iranica has dedicated numerous entries to Shiᶜite characters, rites and rituals in the first place, and to Shiᶜah thought and concepts in the second place. Looking at Shiᶜism as a culture, indeed, justifies the prominence of rituals. The community, in Heinz Halm's words, “is created through the process of rituals” more than “the profession of belief in dogma.” The Shiᶜite community, since the Safavid period, has been equipped with rituals that ensured a lasting cultural dimension for Shiᶜism. In our survey of Shiᶜism in Iranica, therefore, we deal first with rituals and symbols, second with juristic characters, third with concepts and titles, and finally with some general remarks on the issues.
Meaning Analysis of Inflected Words
Authors: Laine Matti
Published: September 2011

Two hypotheses concerning the meaning analysis of written inflected words were tested: Either analysis is governed by the stem, or the stem and the suffix receive simultaneous semantic analysis. The method involved a new semantic decision (picture-written word matching) paradigm utilizing the spatial information carried by Finnish locative case endings. Results supported the first hypothesis. In contrast to certain claims in the recent morphological processing literature, suffix-related semantic information is secondary to the stem and it becomes available later than stem-related semantic information.
Categorical Perception of Face Actions: Their Role in Sign Language and in Communicative Facial Displays
Authors: Campbell Ruth , Woll Bencie , Benson Philip J. , Wallace Simon B.
Published: September 2011

Can face actions that carry significance within language be perceived categorically? We used continua produced by computational morphing of face-action images to explore this question in a controlled fashion. In Experiment 1 we showed that question-type—a syntactic distinction in British Sign Language (BSL)—can be perceived categorically, but only when it is also identified as a question marker. A few hearing non-signers were sensitive to this distinction; among those who used sign, late sign learners were no less sensitive than early sign users. A very similar facial-display continuum between “surprise” and “puzzlement” was perceived categorically by deaf and hearing participants, irrespective of their sign experience (Experiment 2).

The categorical processing of facial displays can be demonstrated for sign, but may be grounded in universally perceived distinctions between communicative face actions. Moreover, the categorical perception of facial actions is not confined to the six universal facial expressions.
Automatic and Strategic Retrieval of Structure Knowledge following Two Modes of Learning
Authors: Roberts Paul L. , MacLeod Colin
Published: September 2011

This study tested the hypothesis that strategic and non-strategic learning result in knowledge representations that are distinguished by different modes of retrieval for information about constituent structure. Subjects were taught concepts under conditions designed to induce either a strategic or non-strategic mode of learning. Following training, subjects participated in an attribute priming task designed to assess the extent to which information about constituent structure was automatically or strategically activated when concept knowledge was retrieved. Activation was measured at three SOAs: 250 msec, 500 msec, and 2000 msec. For the strategically learned concept, information about constituent structure did not show evidence of activation until 2000 msec. For the non-strategically learned concept this information was activated by 250 msec but had declined to baseline by 2000 msec. These findings suggest that information about constituent structure is available for retrieval by strategic processes following strategic learning, but that this information is not available for retrieval by strategic processes following non-strategic learning. It is, however, available for automatic retrieval following non-strategic learning.
Case of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis with protean clinical manifestations: Lichen, poikiloderma‐like, dyschromic and bullous variants
Authors: CHANDRAN Nisha Suyien , GOH Boon‐Kee , LEE Siong‐See , GOH Chee‐Leok
Published: September 2011

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) commonly presents as macular and lichen variants. We present a case of a 27‐year‐old Chinese woman with cutaneous features of the rarely reported poikiloderma‐like, dyschromic and bullous forms of PLCA, and the commoner lichen variant. There were no syndromic associations or systemic involvement, and the various morphological subtypes occurred in isolation from one another. We review the clinical spectrum of PLCA, highlight its protean clinical manifestations in this patient, and discuss its postulated pathogenesis in relation to its histopathological features.
Multiple artificial microRNAs targeting conserved motifs of the replicase gene confer robust transgenic resistance to negative‐sense single‐stranded RNA plant virus
Authors: KUNG YI‐JUNG , LIN SHIH‐SHUN , HUANG YA‐LING , CHEN TSUNG‐CHI , HARISH SANKARA SUBRAMANIAN , CHUA NAM‐HAI , YEH SHYI‐DONG
Published: September 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the abundance of target mRNAs by guiding cleavage at sequence complementary regions. In this study, artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) targeting conserved motifs of the L (replicase) gene of Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) were constructed using Arabidopsis pre‐miRNA159a as the backbone. The constructs included six single amiRNAs targeting motifs A, B1, B2, C, D of E, and two triple amiRNAs targeting motifs AB1E or B2DC. Processing of pre‐amiRNAs was confirmed by agro‐infiltration, and transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants expressing each amiRNA were generated. Single amiRNA transgenic lines expressing amiR‐LB2 or amiR‐LD showed resistance to WSMoV by delaying symptom development. Triple amiRNA lines expressing amiR‐LB2, amiR‐LD and amiR‐LC provided complete resistance against WSMoV, with no indication of infection 28 days after inoculation. Resistance levels were positively correlated with amiRNA expression levels in these single and triple amiRNA lines. The triple amiR‐LAB1E line did not provide resistance to WSMoV. Similarly, the poorly expressed amiR‐LC and amiR‐LE lines did not provide resistance to WSMoV. The amiR‐LA‐ and amiR‐LB1‐expressing lines were susceptible to WSMoV, and their additional susceptibility to the heterologous Turnip mosaic virus harbouring individual target sequences indicated that these two amiRNAs have no effect in vivo. Transgenic lines expressing amiR‐LB2 exhibited delayed symptoms after challenge with Peanut bud necrosis virus having a single mismatch in the target site. Overall, our results indicate that two amiRNAs, amiR‐LB2 and amiR‐LD, of the six designed amiRNAs confer moderate resistance against WSMoV, and the triple construct including the two amiRNAs provides complete resistance.
Influenza immunization in egg allergy: an update for the 2011–2012 season
Authors: Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse M. , Lucas J. S. A. , Warner J. O.
Published: September 2011

Flu vaccines contain detectable amounts of egg protein, which may pose a risk to egg‐allergic individuals. The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic required mass vaccination in many countries, and the safety of flu immunization in egg allergy became of increasing public health importance. This article reviews recent literature and provides an updated guideline for immunization during the 2011–2012 flu season. Recent experience suggests that some vaccines with very low ovalbumin concentrations may be safe for use in primary care in carefully assessed low‐risk individuals.

Cite this as: M. Erlewyn‐Lajeunesse, J. S. A. Lucas and J. O. Warner, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1367‐1370.
Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on instantaneous transpiration efficiency at leaf and canopy scales in Eucalyptus saligna
Authors: Barton Craig V.M. , Duursma Remko A. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Ellsworth David S. , Eamus Derek , Tissue David T. , Adams Mark A. , Conroy Jann , Crous Kristine Y. , Liberloo Marion , Löw Markus , Linder Sune , McMurtrie Ross E.
Published: September 2011

Rising atmospheric concentrations of CO2 (Ca) can reduce stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in trees, but the magnitude of this effect varies considerably among experiments. The theory of optimal stomatal behaviour predicts that the ratio of photosynthesis to transpiration (instantaneous transpiration efficiency, ITE) should increase in proportion to Ca. We hypothesized that plants regulate stomatal conductance optimally in response to rising Ca. We tested this hypothesis with data from young Eucalyptus saligna Sm. trees grown in 12 climate‐controlled whole‐tree chambers for 2 years at ambient and elevated Ca. Elevated Ca was ambient + 240 ppm, 60% higher than ambient Ca. Leaf‐scale gas exchange was measured throughout the second year of the study and leaf‐scale ITE increased by 60% under elevated Ca, as predicted. Values of leaf‐scale ITE depended strongly on vapour pressure deficit (D) in both CO2 treatments. Whole‐canopy CO2 and H2O fluxes were also monitored continuously for each chamber throughout the second year. There were small differences in D between Ca treatments, which had important effects on values of canopy‐scale ITE. However, when Ca treatments were compared at the same D, canopy‐scale ITE was consistently increased by 60%, again as predicted. Importantly, leaf and canopy‐scale ITE were not significantly different, indicating that ITE was not scale‐dependent. Observed changes in transpiration rate could be explained on the basis that ITE increased in proportion to Ca. The effect of elevated Ca on photosynthesis increased with rising D. At high D, Ca had a large effect on photosynthesis and a small effect on transpiration rate. At low D, in contrast, there was a small effect of Ca on photosynthesis, but a much larger effect on transpiration rate. If shown to be a general response, the proportionality of ITE with Ca will allow us to predict the effects of Ca on transpiration rate.
Granuloma annulare‐like reaction to the bacillus Calmette‐Guerin vaccination
Authors: Nomiyama Tomoko , Takenaka Hideya , Kishimoto Saburo , Katoh Norito
Published: September 2011

We report the case of a 6‐month‐old girl with a granuloma annulare (GA)‐like reaction to the bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) vaccination. The eruption developed at the vaccination site 1 month after vaccination and the lesion gradually disseminated over the body within 2 months. A biopsy specimen of the skin lesion showed degenerated collagen bundles surrounded by imperfect palisading histiocytes, lymphocytes and epithelioid cells in the dermis, which led to a diagnosis of GA‐like reaction as a secondary reaction to BCG inoculation. The eruption at the vaccination site and the scattered GA reaction resolved after 1 month of treatment with prednisolone valerate acetate ointment, leaving only pigmentation.
Numerical simulation of the slant fracture of a helicopter's rotor hub with ductile damage failure criteria
Authors: GIGLIO M. , MANES A. , VIGANÒ F.
Published: September 2011

The main rotor hub is one of the most critical components in helicopter structures. Thus, to assess the behaviour of the component, a fatigue test until failure has been carried out on a real Ti–6Al–4V hub. A fracture mechanics analysis is used to estimate the critical crack dimensions. Subsequently, the slant fracture due to a propagating fatigue crack has also been simulated numerically with an explicit finite element model, using the Bao–Wierzbicki ductile damage criterion. Fracture toughness and failure calibration of Ti alloy have been carried out to obtain reliable results. The numerical fracture surface obtained has been compared with the experimental one.
Predictors of locally advanced and metastatic disease in patients with small renal masses
Authors: Kates Max , Korets Ruslan , Sadeghi Neda , Pierorazio Phillip M. , McKiernan James M.
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There is a small cohort of patients who have small renal masses with metastatic potential, yet risk factors for having this more aggressive disease are largely unknown.

In a large sampling of the US population, older patients and men were more likely to have small renal masses at an advanced stage.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence metastatic and locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the US population with small renal masses (SRMs).

To determine what patient and tumour characteristics predict having more advanced SRMs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry, we identified 14 962 patients who were diagnosed between 1988 and 2007 with RCC ≤3 cm in size.

Patients were separated by stage into those with metastatic, locally advanced and localized disease.

Differences in baseline characteristics between patients in these three groups were assessed.

After controlling for age, sex, grade, tumour size and year of surgery, a logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of having non‐localized disease.

RESULTS

In the SEER cohort, 13 574 (90.7%) patients with RCC ≤3 cm in size were diagnosed with localized disease, 938 (6.3%) patients had invasion beyond the kidney into regional lymph nodes or nearby organs, and 450 (3.0%) patients had distant metastasis.

Patients with metastasis were older (65.9 years) compared to those with localized disease (59.5 years) (P < 0.001).

Independent preoperative predictors of having more aggressive disease at diagnosis (locally advanced/metastatic) included older age, particularly age >70 years (odds ratio, OR, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, CI, 2.03–2.88), male sex (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.33–1.70) and tumour size >2.5 (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25–1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

A small subset (3%) of patients in the USA with RCC ≤3 cm in size have distant metastasis.

Older patients, men and those with tumours 2.5–3.0 cm in size have a greater probability of presenting with non‐localized disease .

Clinicians should be aware that there is a risk of metastases in patients with SRMs and also familiarize themselves with the characteristics associated with advanced disease.
TRUST BY ASSOCIATION: A META‐REPUTATION SYSTEM FOR PEER‐TO‐PEER NETWORKS
Authors: Kellett Matthew , Tran Thomas , Li Ming
Published: September 2011

Trust mechanisms are used in peer‐to‐peer (P2P) networks to help well‐behaving peers find other well‐behaving peers with which to trade. Unfortunately, these trust mechanisms often do little to keep badly behaving peers from entering and taking advantage of the network, which makes the resulting network difficult or impossible to use for legitimate purposes such as e‐commerce. We propose trust by association, a way of tying peers together in invitation‐only P2P networks in such a way as to encourage the removal of badly behaving peers. We use invitations to create a structure within the otherwise ad hoc P2P network. Using this structure, we create a meta‐reputation system where we measure a peer’s trustworthiness not only by its own behavior, but also by the behavior of the peers it has invited to join. The connection created between the peers takes advantage of the external social relationship that must exist before a peer can be invited into the network. The result is a P2P network where, rather than just trying to marginalize badly behaving peers, there is incentive to kick them out of the network. We present results from a simple simulation showing that our approach works well in general when combined with and compared to an existing trust mechanism.
A Practical Explication of the Knowledge Rule of Informative Speech Acts
Authors: Kelp Christoph
Published: September 2011

Abstract:This paper defends the knowledge rule of informative speech acts. It is argued that Edward Craig's insightful practical explication of the concept of knowledge can be extended to motivate the knowledge rule. A number of problem cases for the knowledge rule are addressed and accommodated.
Val97Leu mutant presenilin‐1 induces tau hyperphosphorylation and spatial memory deficit in mice and the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yue , Cheng Zhe , Qin Wei , Jia Jianping
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 135–145.

Although the pathological role of presenilin‐1 mutation in early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease has been widely studied, few focused on how the presenilin‐1 mutations result in memory impairment and tau hyperphosphorylation. In the present study, we expressed human Val97Leu mutant presenilin‐1, which is reported in Chinese pedigrees by our group, in transgenic mice and found that the mutant presenilin‐1 induced spatial memory deficit and tau hyperphosphorylation at PHF‐1, pS199/202, pT231 and pS396 epitopes, but not at pS214 and pS422 epitopes. Pearson analysis showed that the memory deficit was only significantly correlated with tau phosphorylation level at PHF‐1, pS199/202, pT231 and pS396 epitopes. Additionally, the hyperphosphorylated tau and tangle‐like argentophilic structures were detected at CA3 and CA4, but not CA1, region of hippocampus, and we also found tangle‐like structure and wizened degenerative neurons in frontal cortex. We demonstrated the tau hyperphosphorylation at the same epitopes in N2a cells expressing the mutant presenilin‐1, which is caused by inhibition of phosphoinositol‐3 kinase/Akt and activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 specifically. Our data demonstrated that human Val97Leu mutant presenilin‐1 causes spatial memory deficit in mice and increases tau phosphorylation level in glycogen synthase kinase‐3‐dependent manner.
Modelling the Effects of Geometric Imperfections on the Buckling and Initial Post‐buckling Behaviour of Flat Plates Under Compression Using Measured Data
Authors: Featherston C. A. , Eaton M. J. , Holford K. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Recent developments in optical techniques have allowed accurate representations of the geometry of test specimens to be obtained. These enable the nature of geometric imperfections resulting from manufacture or set‐up to be captured in a form which allows them to be incorporated directly into models generated to predict the behaviour of the structure. This study examines the effect of such imperfections on the behaviour of a series of panels, simply supported along all four edges, and subject to uniaxial compressive in‐plane loading. In each case, digital image correlation is used to determine the initial profile and set‐up of the panel and to monitor its behaviour during test. The data are used to automatically generate a series of meshes representative of each of the specimens tested, suitable for finite element analysis. Comparison of the results obtained from these analyses with those found during the experiments modelled shows an improved correlation when compared with standard techniques for assessing imperfection sensitivity. Set‐up is straightforward, and models can be obtained quickly based on the data collected.
The Current State of Interventional Nephrology in India
Authors: Vachharajani Tushar J. , Balasubramaniam Jeyaraj , Abraham Georgi
Published: September 2011

Nephrologists in India have embraced providing complete care to their patients and recognize the benefits of coordinated care. This review describes the practice of interventional nephrology in India. Even though the benefits of using tunneled catheters over nontunneled catheters are well recognized, the use of nontunneled catheters is preferred, primarily because of financial constraints and the lack of training facilities. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the most common form of dialysis vascular access, often created by nephrologists. Upper arm AVF and arteriovenous grafts are uncommon. The implementation of surveillance tests and elective endovascular interventions on arteriovenous accesses is limited in India, compared to being a routine practice in the United States. The clinical experience from a center in Southern India is described here to show the current state of procedural nephrology practice in India.
Reevaluation of the Effect of Phenylephrine on Resolution of Nephrosplenic Entrapment by the Rolling Procedure in 87 Horses
Authors: Baker William True , Frederick Jeremy , Giguere Steve , Lynch Timothy M. , Lehmkuhl Heather D. , Slone Donnie E.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To evaluate the outcome in horses treated with a rolling technique or surgically for nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon (NSE) and to examine the benefit of phenylephrine (PE)HClon the efficacy of nonsurgical (rolling) management ofNSE.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Horses (n= 211) diagnosed withNSEby rectal palpation with or without ultrasonography, or at the time of exploratory celiotomy or necropsy.

Methods

Medical records (January 1, 2001–September 1, 2008) were collected from horses diagnosed withNSEat 2 referral centers. Records were used to obtain signalment, physical exam findings, laboratory results, ultrasonographic findings, the use ofPEHCl, the specific treatment used, and outcome. Rectal findings indicative ofNSEwere: (1) palpation of large colon within the nephrosplenic space or (2) palpation of colonic bands coursing dorsally toward the nephrosplenic space in association with ultrasonographic findings suggestive ofNSE.

Results

Rolling was successful in 50 of 87 (58%) horses, 85 horses (98%) survived to discharge. Horses (n= 155) that were treated surgically (42 of which had previously undergone the rolling procedure) had a 94% short‐term survival rate. Premedication withPEresulted in no significant difference (P= .91) in resolution ofNSEby rolling.

Conclusions

Resolution ofNSEby rolling was not significantly affected by premedication withPEin the population studied.
A Gradient Markov Chain Monte Carlo Algorithm for Computing Multivariate Maximum Likelihood Estimates and Posterior Distributions: Mixture Dose‐Response Assessment
Authors: Li Ruochen , Englehardt James D. , Li Xiaoguang
Published: September 2011

Multivariate probability distributions, such as may be used for mixture dose‐response assessment, are typically highly parameterized and difficult to fit to available data. However, such distributions may be useful in analyzing the large electronic data sets becoming available, such as dose‐response biomarker and genetic information. In this article, a new two‐stage computational approach is introduced for estimating multivariate distributions and addressing parameter uncertainty. The proposed first stage comprises a gradient Markov chain Monte Carlo (GMCMC) technique to find Bayesian posterior mode estimates (PMEs) of parameters, equivalent to maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) in the absence of subjective information. In the second stage, these estimates are used to initialize a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation, replacing the conventional burn‐in period to allow convergent simulation of the full joint Bayesian posterior distribution and the corresponding unconditional multivariate distribution (not conditional on uncertain parameter values). When the distribution of parameter uncertainty is such a Bayesian posterior, the unconditional distribution is termed predictive. The method is demonstrated by finding conditional and unconditional versions of the recently proposed emergent dose‐response function (DRF). Results are shown for the five‐parameter common‐mode and seven‐parameter dissimilar‐mode models, based on published data for eight benzene–toluene dose pairs. The common mode conditional DRF is obtained with a 21‐fold reduction in data requirement versus MCMC. Example common‐mode unconditional DRFs are then found using synthetic data, showing a 71% reduction in required data. The approach is further demonstrated for a PCB 126‐PCB 153 mixture. Applicability is analyzed and discussed. Matlab® computer programs are provided.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction by Lymphoma: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ren Jie , Rich Michael W. , Makan Majesh
Published: September 2011

External compression of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) by lymphoma is a rare clinical entity. We present a series of three adult patients with varying clinical presentations, in which RVOT compression by lymphoma was diagnosed using echocardiogram. Review of the literature identified a total of 13 prior cases of RVOT obstruction by lymphoma diagnosed with echocardiogram. We have summarized the clinical features and echocardiographic findings of this disorder, and comment on the role of echocardiography in diagnosis and follow‐up. (Echocardiography 2011;28:1164‐1167)
Stand and cohort structures of old‐growthPinus resinosa‐dominated forests of northernMinnesota,USA
Authors: Fraver Shawn , Palik Brian J.
Published: September 2011

Questions

What is the natural range of variability in stand and age structure of old‐growthPinus resinosa‐dominated forests? Does the spatial pattern of tree ages provide insights into past disturbances that structured these forests?

Location

Old‐growthP. resinosaforests at seven sites inMinnesota,USA.

Methods

We applied detailed dendrochronological methods to living and dead material to reconstruct stand and age structures prior toEuropean settlement of the region. We linked dendrochronological data to mapped stem locations to shed light on spatial patterns of past disturbance.

Results

Data pooled across sites revealed a mean living tree basal area of 34.8 m2·ha−1, snag basal area of 6.9 m2·ha−1and down woody debris (DWD) volume of 100 m3·ha−1. Living tree diameter distributions varied between sites; however, at all sites, smaller diameter classes were dominated by non‐pines, many pre‐dating the onset of fire suppression in the 1920s. There were a variety ofP. resinosaage structures, including one‐cohort, two‐cohort (at times with additional sporadic recruitment) and three‐cohort stands. For multi‐cohort stands, the spatial pattern of cohorts shows considerable within‐stand patchiness.

Conclusions

The wide range of stand and age‐cohort structures in these old‐growthP. resinosastands depicts pre‐settlement forests more complex than those of the single‐cohort, post‐stand‐replacing‐fire model that has guided regional forest management. Within‐stand patchiness of cohort age structures implies disturbances operating at scales smaller than typically associated with this regional forest type. Presence of non‐pine ‘ingrowth' on all sites might suggest thatP. resinosastands supporting these species lie within the natural range of variability for this community type, representing situations in which surface fires did not occur for extended periods or were spatially patchy at the stand scale. The diversity of reference conditions documented here suggests targets that might guide ecological restoration prescriptions for these ecosystems, with the goal of reintroducing structural and compositional complexity reflecting natural disturbance and stand development.
CRITICAL PEDAGOGY AND FAITH
Authors: Neumann Jacob W.
Published: September 2011

Critical pedagogy has often been linked in the literature to faith traditions such as liberation theology, usually with the intent of improving or redirecting it. While recognizing and drawing from those previous linkages, Jacob Neumann goes further in this essay and develops the thesis that critical pedagogy can not just benefit from a connection with faith traditions, but is actually, in and of itself, a practice of faith. In this analysis, he juxtaposes critical pedagogy against three conceptualizations of faith: John Caputo's blurring of the modernist division between faith and reason, Paul Tillich's argument that faith is “ultimate concern,” and Paulo Freire's theology and early Christian influences. Using this three‐pronged approach, Neumann argues that regardless of how it is seen, critical pedagogy manifests as a practice of faith “all the way down.”
Optimal Timing to Evaluate Prediagnostic Baseline Erectile Function in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Kim Dong Suk , Chung Yeun Goo , Kim Dong Jun , Park Kyung Kgi , Chung Mun Su , Lee Dae Hoon , Lee Seung Hwan , Mah Sang Yol , Chung Byung Ha
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Accurate assessment of prediagnostic baseline erectile function (EF) is crucial when evaluating postoperative changes of EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). Because score domains of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) can be affected by factors such as recall intervals and psychological stress or discomfort due to cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is important to assess the prediagnostic baseline EF at appropriate times.

Aim

To determine optimal timing to evaluate prediagnostic baseline EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing RLRP.

Methods

Between March 2009 and February 2010, 54 patients ranging in age from 48 to 74 years were asked to complete IIEF-5 questionnaires before prostate biopsy, 1 day before RLRP, and 1 month after RLRP to assess preoperative baseline EF.

Main Outcome Measures

Differences in the mean scores of IIEF-5 were analyzed using paired t-tests. The strengths of the linear relationships among the three IIEF-5 scores were quantified using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. An interrator agreement analysis in distribution was performed using the kappa statistic to determine the degree of agreement among the IIEF-5 scores.

Results

The mean IIEF-5 score before RLRP was significantly higher than the mean IIEF-5 score before prostate biopsy (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the mean IIEF-5 scores before prostate biopsy and 1 month following RLRP (P = 0.931). Scores of the IIEF-5 taken before prostate biopsy and 1 month following RLRP showed substantial agreement (kappa = 0.712), whereas scores of the IIEF-5 taken before prostate biopsy and before RLRP showed lower agreement (kappa = 0.325).

Conclusion

To more accurately assess the prediagnostic baseline EF in patients with localized prostate cancer, the IIEF-5 questionnaire should be administered before prostate biopsy rather than before RLRP as cancer diagnosis-related symptoms and depression can affect IIEF-5 scores.
Volatile Compounds and Sensory Analysis of Both Harvests of Double‐Cut Yakima Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)
Authors: Chen Michael Z. , Trinnaman Laurence , Bardsley Kathryn , St Hilaire Craig J. , Da Costa Neil C.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  North American peppermint oils are widely regarded as some of the most superior peppermint oils commercially available. Amongst them is Yakima double‐cut peppermint oil (Mentha piperita L.). It has an aroma described as strong, refreshing, minty, slightly creamy, and very herbaceous with some of the most desirable flavor notes among peppermint oils. The peppermint is grown in the Yakima Valley of Washington State, USA. As one of the most northerly grown peppermints with longer days, it is unique as there are 2 harvests of the mint leaves in one season. For this study, samples of fresh and dried (hay) leaves were collected from both harvests; 1st cut, July and 2nd cut, September. Steam‐distilled oils were produced from each harvest and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry to give detailed profiles. The aroma and taste sensory attributes of each oil were evaluated. In addition, menthyl formate has previously been reported only once in the literature, but not as definitively as required by current flavor‐regulatory bodies for use as a natural flavoring ingredient. It was conclusively reported in these peppermint oils.
Effect of Temperature and Some Added Compounds on the Stability of Blood Orange Marmalade
Authors: Licciardello Fabio , Muratore Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Jams and marmalades are often wrongly believed to be stable products, as the degradation of pigments such as anthocyanins, browning reactions, and the formation of sugar degradation products may occur during storage. The paper aims at studying some of the degradation reactions occurring in blood orange marmalade stored at 20 °C and 35 °C. The addition of natural (tea extract) and naturally occurring (ascorbic acid, cysteine, gallic acid) compounds to marmalade was addressed at investigating the possible effect on retarding such phenomena. Results highlight the dependence of anthocyans and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (HMF) levels on the storage temperature. Marmalades added with cysteine, unlike the samples added with phenol compounds, showed higher anthocyans and lower HMF levels just after processing, together with a reduced anthocyan loss kinetics and a slowdown of HMF formation during storage at both temperatures.

Practical Application:  Transformation of blood oranges into marmalade represents an alternative to fresh market in periods when the high availability of the citrus causes the collapse of prices. Blood orange marmalade is characterized by a high nutritional value, however, it is not widely distributed yet. Its storability is limited by color and organoleptic changes that influence consumers’ acceptance. The optimization of blood orange marmalade preparation could help producers improve storability and widen distribution.
Medication Dosing in Outpatients With Heart Failure After Implementation of a Practice‐Based Performance Improvement Intervention: Findings From IMPROVE HF
Authors: Gheorghiade Mihai , Albert Nancy M. , Curtis Anne B. , Thomas Heywood J. , McBride Mark L. , Inge Patches Johnson , Mehra Mandeep R. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Reynolds Dwight , Walsh Mary Norine , Yancy Clyde W. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: September 2011

Eligible outpatients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) frequently do not receive target doses of HF medications. The Registry to Improve the Use of Evidence‐Based Heart Failure Therapies in the Outpatient Setting (IMPROVE HF) evaluated the effect of a practice‐based performance improvement intervention on treatment of outpatients with LVEF ≤35%. Specific agent and dose were collected at baseline and 24 months for angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β‐blockers, and aldosterone antagonists. Changes in dosing over time were analyzed for each medication class. Data were available for 7605 patients. At baseline, target dose treatment rates were 36.1%, 20.5%, and 74.4%, respectively. Absolute and relative improvements of 9.8% and 47.7% ( P<.001) were achieved for β‐blocker dosing at 24 months. The IMPROVE HF intervention was associated with significantly increased treatment of eligible patients with target doses of β‐blockers but not ACE inhibitors/ARBs or aldosterone antagonists. Additional research to determine barriers to use of target doses of HF medications may be necessary. Congest Heart Fail. 2012;18:9–17. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.