bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-Regulation of Platelet-Activating Factor Synthases and its Receptor in Spinal Cord Contribute to Development of Neuropathic Pain following Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Okubo Masamichi , Yamanaka Hiroki , Kobayashi Kimiko , Kanda Hirosato , Dai Yi , Noguchi Koichi
Published: March 2012

Background:

Platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) is a lipid mediator derived from cell membrane. It has been reported that PAF is involved in various pathological conditions, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain and intrathecal administration of PAF leads to tactile allodynia. However, the expression of PAF synthases and its receptor in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury is unknown.

Methods:

Using the rat spared nerve injury (SNI) model, we investigated the expression of PAF synthases (LPCAT1 and 2) and PAF receptor (PAFr) mRNAs in the spinal cord. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and double-labeling analysis of in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) with immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed for the analyses. Pain behaviors were also examined with PAFr antagonist (WEB2086).

Results:

RT-PCR showed that LPCAT2 mRNA was increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord after injury, but not LPCAT1 mRNA. Double-labeling of ISHH with IHC revealed that LPCAT1 and 2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed by a subset of neurons, and LPCAT2 mRNA was increased in spinal microglia after nerve injury. RT-PCR showed that PAFr mRNA was dramatically increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord after nerve injury. Double-labeling analysis of ISHH with IHC revealed that after injury PAFr mRNA was predominantly colocalized with microglia in the spinal cord. Continuous intrathecal administration of the PAFr antagonist suppressed mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury. Delayed administration of a PAFr antagonist did not reverse the mechanical allodynia.

Conclusions:

Our data show the histological localization of PAF synthases and its receptor in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury, and suggest that PAF/PAFr signaling in the spinal cord acts in an autocrine or paracrine manner among the activated microglia and neurons, thus contributing to development of neuropathic pain.
Application of imputation methods to genomic selection in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Weng Ziqing , Zhang Zhe , Ding Xiangdong , Fu Weixuan , Ma Peipei , Wang Chonglong , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2012

Missing genotypes are a common feature of high density SNP datasets obtained using SNP chip technology and this is likely to decrease the accuracy of genomic selection. This problem can be circumvented by imputing the missing genotypes with estimated genotypes. When implementing imputation, the criteria used for SNP data quality control and whether to perform imputation before or after data quality control need to consider. In this paper, we compared six strategies of imputation and quality control using different imputation methods, different quality control criteria and by changing the order of imputation and quality control, against a real dataset of milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle. The results demonstrated that, no matter what imputation method and quality control criteria were used, strategies with imputation before quality control performed better than strategies with imputation after quality control in terms of accuracy of genomic selection. The different imputation methods and quality control criteria did not significantly influence the accuracy of genomic selection. We concluded that performing imputation before quality control could increase the accuracy of genomic selection, especially when the rate of missing genotypes is high and the reference population is small.
Association between inhaled nitric oxide treatment and long-term pulmonary function in survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Dellinger R Phillip , Trzeciak Stephen W , Criner Gerard J , Zimmerman Janice L , Taylor Robert W , Usansky Helen , Young Joseph , Goldstein Brahm
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Assessment of treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has focused on short-term outcomes (for example, mortality); little information exists regarding long-term effects of ARDS treatment. Survivors of ARDS episodes may have long-term obstructive/restrictive pulmonary abnormalities and pulmonary gas exchange impairment. A 2004 prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in patients with non-septic ARDS; the primary endpoint was days alive and off assisted breathing. This analysis examined potential effects of iNO or placebo on pulmonary function six months post-treatment in ARDS survivors from that original study.

Methods

ARDS survivors (N = 92) from a large-scale randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating mortality after either 5 ppm iNO or placebo for up to 28 days were assessed six months post-treatment. Pulmonary function testing across seven parameters was conducted.

Results

At 6 months post-treatment, results indicated significantly better absolute values for iNO versus placebo for mean ± SD total lung capacity (TLC, 5.54 ± 1.42 vs. 4.81 ± 1.00; P = 0.026). There were also significantly better values for mean ± SD percent predicted values for a) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, 80.23 ± 21.21 vs. 69.51 ± 28.97; P = 0.042), b) forced vital capacity (FVC, 83.78 ± 19.37 vs. 69.84 ± 27.40; P = 0.019), c) FEV1/FVC (96.14 ± 13.79 vs. 87.92 ± 19.77; P = 0.033), and d) TLC (93.33 ± 18.21 vs. 76.10 ± 21.84; P < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were found in absolute FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FVC, forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% of FVC, functional residual capacity, and CO diffusion.

Conclusions

ARDS patients surviving after treatment with low-dose iNO had significantly better values for select pulmonary function tests at six months post-treatment than placebo-treated patients. Further trials are warranted to determine the effects of iNO on chronic lung function in ARDS survivors, a factor in long-term morbidity and quality of life in this population.

Trial Registration

A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Dose-response Study of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. NCT number: ISRCTN53268296
Harmonious Madness: The Poetics of Analogy at the Limits of Blending Theory
Authors: Bruhn Mark J.
Published: February 2012

This essay argues that Percy Bysshe Shelley’s (1792–1822) analogical poetics at once anticipates and challenges contemporary cognitive-scientific models of conceptual structure. Section 1 outlines unresolved logical and motivational issues that limit the explanatory power of conceptual metaphor and blending theories with respect to conceptual conflict and creativity. The deficiency may be supplied by recourse to English Romantic theories of poetic imagination, which are centrally occupied with the logic of conceptual conflict and the motive for creativity. Particularly pertinent are Shelley’s suggestive hypotheses about the projective processes that drive novel metaphoric conceptualization, which he (in company with cognitive theorists) posits as the engine and outpost of creativity. To demonstrate the plausibility of Shelley’s hypotheses, section 2 marshals as evidence early twentiethcentury literarycritical responses to Shelley’s poetics, especially as enacted in his 1820 ode “To a Sky-Lark.” These diverge in their evaluations of the poem, but they nevertheless converge in their descriptive accounts of the peculiar cognitive effect primed by Shelley’s complexly metaphoric verse, which orients attention not to emergent meanings or achieved mental representations but rather to underlying processes of meaning-making and representation that precede, produce, and ceaselessly replace any such products of (literary) cognition. Section 3 attributes this peculiarly dynamic effect to the poem’s insistent violations both of consistent conceptual structure and of “directionality” constraints on metaphoric projections from one conceptual domain to another. These violations upset deeply ingrained habits of conceptualization, frustrating the normally automatic processes that generate more or less consistent mental representations and thereby rendering those processes perceptible. The analysis thus illustrates a reciprocal exchange between poetics and cognitive science: the systematic deviances of Shelley’s verse can be exactly characterized in terms developed by cognitive metaphor theory; so characterized, those deviances may in turn be systematically manipulated to test and improve blending theory’s account of what it itself describes as “the mind’s hidden complexities” (Fauconnier and Turner 2002).
Defaulting to Fiction: Neuroscience Rediscovers the Romantic Imagination
Authors: Richardson Alan
Published: February 2012

Imagination has, however surprisingly, become a term to conjure with in the sciences of brain and mind. This essay considers the ways “imagination” is currently being constructed by cognitive scientists and neuroscientists in relation to a humanist discourse on imagination going back to the eighteenth century and especially the Romantic era. Recent scientific formulations of imagination at once overlap significantly with long-standing humanist constructions, borrowing some of the term’s luster and cultural resonance, while often delimiting it or diminishing it in the interests of a dubiously instrumental and adaptationist ethos. I propose that scientists and literary scholars stand to gain equally from greater interdisciplinary dialogue on this rich and notoriously problematic topic.
Multiple post-translational modifications regulate E-cadherin transport during apoptosis
Authors: Geng Fei , Zhu Weijia , Anderson Richard A. , Leber Brian , Andrews David W.
Published: February 2012

E-cadherin is synthesized as a precursor and then undergoes cleavage by proprotein convertases. This processing is essential for E-cadherin maturation and cell adhesion. Loss of cell adhesion causes detachment-induced apoptosis- anoikis. Anoikis can be inhibited despite loss of cell-matrix interactions by preserving E-cadherin mediated cell-cell adhesion. Conversely, acute loss of E-cadherin sensitizes cells to apoptosis by unknown post-translational mechanisms. In response to drug treatment of breast cancer cells, our analysis revealed that two independent modifications of E-cadherin inhibit its cell surface transport. Firstly, O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of the cytoplasmic domain retains E-cadherin in the endoplasmic reticulum. Secondly, incomplete processing by proprotein convertases arrests E-cadherin transport late in the secretory pathway. We demonstrated these E-cadherin modifications (detected by specific lectins and antibodies) do not affect binding to α-catenin, β-catenin or γ-catenin. However, E-cadherin binding to Type I gamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase (PIPKIγ), a protein required for recruitment of E-cadherin to adhesion sites, was blocked by O-GlcNAc glycosylation (O-GlcNAcylation). Consequently, E-cadherin trafficking to the plasma membrane was inhibited. However, deletion mutants that cannot be O-GlcNAcylated continued to bind PIPKIγ, traffic to the cell surface and delayed apoptosis, confirming the biological significance of the modifications and PIPKIγ binding. Thus, O-GlyNAcylation of E-cadherin accelerated apoptosis. Furthermore, cell stress induced inactivation of proprotein convertases, inhibited E-cadherin maturation further exacerbating apoptosis. The modifications of E-cadherin by O-GlcNAcylation and lack of pro-region processing represent novel mechanisms for rapid regulation of cell surface transport of E-cadherin in response to intoxication.
Deletion of K1/K10 does not impair epidermal stratification but affects desmosomal structure and nuclear integrity
Authors: Wallace Lee , Roberts-Thompson Leiann , Reichelt Julia
Published: February 2012

Keratins K1 and K10 are the most abundant proteins in the upper epidermis where they polymerize to form intermediate filaments (IF). In addition to their well-established function in providing epidermal stability K1/K10 IF are supposed to be important for terminal epidermal differentiation and barrier formation. It was previously shown that the imbalanced deletion of one of the partner keratins, K10, disturbed epidermal homoeostasis although stability was provided by compensatory upregulation of K5/K14 which formed IF together with the remaining K1. Here, we show that deletion of both partner keratins, K1 and K10, results in lethal postnatal skin fragility in mice. K1−/−;K10−/− mice revealed that K1/K10 IF are unexpectedly dispensable for epidermal stratification. Although the stratum corneum was less compact and cornified envelope differentiation impaired, a dye exclusion assay showed that the development of a functional water barrier was surprisingly independent from the presence of K1/K10 IF. The deletion of K1/K10 was not compensated by any other keratin pair such as the basal epidermal keratins K5/K14, and electron microscopy revealed total absence of IF in the suprabasal epidermis. While plakoglobin was unchanged, the expression of the desmosomal proteins desmoplakin, desmocollin 1 and desmoglein 1 were altered and suprabasal desmosomes were smaller in K1−/−;K10−/− than in wild-type epidermis suggesting an involvement of K1/K10 IF in desmosome dynamics. Furthermore, K1−/−;K10−/− mice showed premature loss of nuclei during epidermal differentiation and reduced levels of emerin, lamin A/C and Sun1, revealing a previously unknown function for IF in maintaining nuclear integrity in the upper epidermis.
The tumour suppressor Lethal (2) giant discs is required for the function of the ESCRT-III component Shrub/CHMP4
Authors: Troost Tobias , Jaeckel Sandra , Ohlenhard Nadja , Klein Thomas
Published: March 2012

Recent work indicates that defects in late phases of the endosomal pathway caused by loss of function of the tumour suppressor gene lethal (2) giant discs (lgd) or the function of the ESCRT complexes I–III result in the ligand-independent activation of the Notch pathway in all imaginal disc cells in Drosophila melanogaster. lgd encodes a member of an uncharacterised protein family, whose members contain one C2 domain and four repeats of the DM14 domain. The function of the DM14 domain is unknown. We here report a detailed structure–function analysis of Lgd protein, which reveals that the DM14 domains are essential for the function of Lgd and act in a redundant manner. Moreover, our analysis indicates that the DM14 domain provides the specific function, whereas the C2 domain is required for the subcellular location of Lgd. We found that Lgd interacts directly with the ESCRT-III subunit Shrub through the DM14 domains. The interaction is required for the function of Shrub, indicating that Lgd contributes to the function of the ESCRT-III complex. Furthermore, our genetic studies indicate that the activation of Notch in ESCRT and lgd mutant cells occurs in a different manner and that the activity of Shrub and other ESCRT components are required for the activation of Notch in lgd mutant cells.
AMPK phosphorylation by Ssp1 is required for proper sexual differentiation in fission yeast
Authors: Valbuena Noelia , Moreno Sergio
Published: February 2012

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis that, in response to a fall in intracellular ATP levels, activates energy-producing pathways and inhibits energy-consuming processes. Here, we report that fission yeast cells lacking AMPK activity are unable to advance entry into mitosis in response to nitrogen starvation and to undergo proper G1 arrest and cell differentiation. We also show that AMPK is important in the promotion of the nuclear localization and accumulation of the Ste11 transcription factor. As in animal cells, the fission yeast CaMKK orthologue (Ssp1) phosphorylates and activates the catalytic subunit of AMPK (Ssp2) in its activation loop (Thr189) when cells are starved for nitrogen or glucose. Interestingly, we found that the phosphorylation of Ssp2 on Thr189 is required for AMPK nuclear accumulation. Our data demonstrate the existence of a signal transduction pathway activated by nutrient starvation that triggers Ssp2 phosphorylation and AMPK redistribution from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This pathway is important to advance fission cells into mitosis and to establish a timely pre-Start G1 cell cycle arrest in order to mate.
Multinuclear Solid-State NMR Study of Allophane
Authors: Hatakeyama Moriaki , Hara Takayoshi , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Shimazu Shogo
Published: March 2012

The structure of allophane heat-treated at 623, 773, and 973 K was characterized by 27Al cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning (CP-MAS) and 27Al multiple-quantum magic-angle-spinning (MQMAS) NMR. From these spectra, the structural change of allophane was observed over 623 K, i.e., the formation of five-coordinated Al from the original six-coordinated Al in allophane was confirmed after heat treatment. We concluded that Al atoms in the five-coordinated species have been formed by the OH elimination from six-coordinated Al in allophane. In addition, aluminosilicate layer deformation also took place to form silica and alumina thin layers separately. The results of 31P MAS NMR studies indicate the Lewis acid sites rather than Brønsted acid sites increased with a rise in the treatment temperature.
Synthesis of New Perovskite-Type Oxyfluoride, PbMnO2F
Authors: Katsumata Tetsuhiro , Nakashima Mamoru , Inaguma Yoshiyuki , Tsurui Takao
Published: March 2012

New perovskite-type oxyfluoride, PbMnO2F was synthesized under 4–7 GPa at 1000 °C. As a result of X-ray and electron diffractions, the compound was determined to have tetragonal perovskite structure with a × a × 4c super structure where a and c are the lattice parameters of the perovskite subcell. The tetragonality, c/a, attained maximum, c/a = 1.100, for PbMnO2F synthesized under 4 GPa.
Direct Carboxylation of Thiophenes and Benzothiophenes with the Aid of EtAlCl2
Authors: Nemoto Koji , Onozawa Satoru , Konno Megumi , Morohashi Naoya , Hattori Tetsutaro
Published: March 2012

Thiophenes and benzothiophenes bearing alkyl or aryl substituents at the 2- or 3-positions are successfully carboxylated with CO2 with aid of EtAlCl2 to give the corresponding 2- or 3-carboxylic acids in up to 90% yield.
Colloidal silver ingestion with copper and caeruloplasmin deficiency
Authors: Stepien Karolina M , Taylor Andrew
Published: February 2012

The copper concentration in serum can be affected by the presence of other trace elements such as silver. Low serum copper may result in decreased caeruloplasmin synthesis. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman, who was admitted to hospital with acute psychosis and who had been ingesting chronically, colloidal silver.
A case of hybrid repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with use of thrombin for acute treatment of type II endoleak
Authors: Mukherjee Dipankar , Waked Tarek M
Published: February 2012

Endovascular repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm has demonstrated superior results when compared with open repair and will likely become the standard of care when the anatomy of the aneurysm is appropriate for endovascular repair.
Endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in the presence of a hydronephrotic horseshoe kidney
Authors: Krivoshei Lian , Akin-Olugbade Yemi , Mcwilliams Glen , Halak Moshe , Silverberg Daniel
Published: February 2012

The aim of this paper is to report an unusual case of a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and a hydronephrotic horseshoe kidney (HSK) that was repaired by endovascular means. An 81-year-old male patient with a known HSK was found to have hydronephrosis and an AAA. The patient's aneurysm was treated with an endovascular stent graft which required the covering of accessory renal arteries. He had an uneventful recovery with complete resolution of the hydronephrosis evident on a computed tomography scan performed seven months after the surgery. In conclusion, endovascular aneurysm repair is a feasible therapeutic option for an AAA coexisting with an HSK and may be considered as a valid alternative to open repair when concomitant hydronephrosis is present.
Lower extremity limb salvage with cryoplasty: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Basco Maria T , Schlösser Felix J V , Muhs Bart E , Indes Jeffrey E , Blume Peter A , Key Jonathan J , Aruny John E , Sumpio Bauer E
Published: February 2012

Endovascular techniques have been playing an increasing role in managing lower extremity chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients considered poor or non-candidates for surgical revascularization secondary to co-morbidities such as coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus or inadequate conduit. This study reviews our recent clinical experience in the treatment of peripheral artery disease solely using cryoplasty. A retrospective cohort study was performed. The cohort consisted of 88 patients who underwent lower extremity revascularization utilizing cryoplasty between December 2003 and August 2007. Indications for intervention included poor wound healing after forefoot amputation or persistent ulceration of the foot, disabling claudication and rest pain. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to assess salvage rates. One hundred twenty-six lesions were treated in 88 patients. Technical success rate was 97%. Limb salvage rates were 75 and 63% for patients with critical limbs ischemia after one and three years, respectively. A history of smoking was associated with a threefold increased risk of limb loss. In conclusion, endovascular management of lower extremity lesions with cryoplasty is an emerging and viable paradigm in the treatment of CLI in an attempt to preserve limbs and avoid major amputations.
Strict X-ray beam collimation for facial bones examination can increase lens exposure
Authors: Powys R , Robinson J , Kench P L , Ryan J , Brennan P C
Published: February 2012

Objectives: It is well accepted that collimation is a cost-effective dose-reducing tool for X-ray examinations. This phantom-based study investigated the impact of X-ray beam collimation on radiation dose to the lenses of the eyes and thyroid along with the effect on image quality in facial bone radiography.

Methods: A three-view series (occipitomental, occipitomental 30 and lateral) was investigated, and radiation doses to the lenses and thyroid were measured using an Unfors dosemeter. Images were assessed by six experienced observers using a visual grading analysis and a total of 5400 observations were made.

Results: Strict collimation significantly (p<0.0001) reduced the radiation dose to the lenses of the eyes and thyroid when using a fixed projection-specific exposure. With a variable exposure technique (fixed exit dose, to simulate the behaviour of an automatic exposure control), while strict collimation was again shown to reduce thyroid dose, higher lens doses were demonstrated when compared with larger fields of exposure. Image quality was found to significantly improve using strict collimation, with observer preference being demonstrated using visual grading characteristic curves.

Conclusion: The complexities of optimising radiographic techniques have been shown and the data presented emphasise the importance of examining dose-reducing strategies in a comprehensive way.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: correlation with pathological examination
Authors: Xu H-X , Chen L-D , Liu L-N , Zhang Y-F , Guo L-H , Liu C
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate the correlation between enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and pathological findings.

Methods: The CEUS enhancement patterns of 40 pathologically proven ICC lesions were retrospectively analysed. Pathologically, the degree of tumour cell and fibrosis distribution in the lesion was semi-quantitatively evaluated.

Results: 4 enhancement patterns were observed in the arterial phase for 32 mass-forming ICCs: peripheral rim-like hyperenhancement (n=19); heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=6); homogeneous hyperenhancement (n=3); and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n=4). Among the four enhancement patterns, the differences in tumour cell distribution were statistically significant (p<0.05). The hyperenhancing area on CEUS corresponded to more tumour cells for mass-forming ICCs. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=2) and heterogeneous hypo-enhancement (n=2) were observed in the arterial phase for four periductal infiltrating ICCs. In this subtype, fibrosis was more commonly found in the lesions. Heterogeneous hyperenhancement (n=1) and homogeneous hyperenhancement (n=3) were observed in the arterial phase for four intraductal growing ICCs. This subtype tended to have abundant tumour cells.

Conclusion: The CEUS findings of ICC relate to the degree of carcinoma cell proliferation at pathological examination. Hyperenhancing areas in the tumour always indicated increased density of cancer cells.
Three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimised contrasts using a different flip angle evolutions sequence for routine imaging of the spine: preliminary experience
Authors: Tins B , Cassar-Pullicino V , Haddaway M , Nachtrab U
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The bulk of spinal imaging is still performed with conventional two-dimensional sequences. This study assesses the suitability of three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimised contrasts using a different flip angle evolutions (SPACE) sequence for routine spinal imaging.

Methods: 62 MRI examinations of the spine were evaluated by 2 examiners in consensus for the depiction of anatomy and presence of artefact. We noted pathologies that might be missed using the SPACE sequence only or the SPACE and a sagittal T  1 weighted sequence. The reference standards were sagittal and axial T  1 weighted and T  2 weighted sequences. At a later date the evaluation was repeated by one of the original examiners and an additional examiner.

Results: There was good agreement of the single evaluations and consensus evaluation for the conventional sequences: κ>0.8, confidence interval (CI)>0.6–1.0. For the SPACE sequence, depiction of anatomy was very good for 84% of cases, with high interobserver agreement, but there was poor interobserver agreement for other cases. For artefact assessment of SPACE, κ=0.92, CI=0.92–1.0. The SPACE sequence was superior to conventional sequences for depiction of anatomy and artefact resistance. The SPACE sequence occasionally missed bone marrow oedema. In conjunction with sagittal T  1 weighted sequences, no abnormality was missed. The isotropic SPACE sequence was superior to conventional sequences in imaging difficult anatomy such as in scoliosis and spondylolysis.

Conclusion: The SPACE sequence allows excellent assessment of anatomy owing to high spatial resolution and resistance to artefact. The sensitivity for bone marrow abnormalities is limited.
Home Sweet Home: Entrepreneurs' Location Choices and the Performance of Their Ventures
Authors: Dahl Michael S. , Sorenson Olav
Published: February 2012

Entrepreneurs, even more than employees, tend to locate in regions in which they have deep roots (“home” regions). Here, we examine the performance implications of these choices. Whereas one might expect entrepreneurs to perform better in these regions because of their richer endowments of regionally embedded social capital, they might also perform worse if their location choices rather reflect a preference for spending time with family and friends. We examine this question using comprehensive data on Danish start-ups. Ventures perform better—survive longer and generate greater annual profits and cash flows—when located in regions in which their founders have lived longer. This effect appears substantial, similar in size to the value of prior experience in the industry (i.e., to being a spin-off).

This paper was accepted by Gérard P. Cachon, organizations.
The Impact of Dependent Service Times on Large-Scale Service Systems
Authors: Pang Guodong , Whitt Ward
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the impact of dependence among successive service times on the transient and steady-state performance of a large-scale service system. This is done by studying an infinite-server queueing model with time-varying arrival rate, exploiting a recently established heavy-traffic limit, allowing dependence among the service times. This limit shows that the number of customers in the system at any time is approximately Gaussian, where the time-varying mean is unaffected by the dependence, but the time-varying variance is affected by the dependence. As a consequence, required staffing to meet customary quality-of-service targets in a large-scale service system with finitely many servers based on a normal approximation is primarily affected by dependence among the service times through this time-varying variance. This paper develops formulas and algorithms to quantify the impact of the dependence among the service times on that variance. The approximation applies directly to infinite-server models but also indirectly to associated finite-server models, exploiting approximations based on the peakedness (the ratio of the variance to the mean in the infinite-server model). Comparisons with simulations confirm that the approximations can be useful to assess the impact of the dependence.
Synthesis and characterization of π-conjugated peptide-based supramolecular materials
Authors: Wall Brian D. , Tovar John D.
Published: March 2012

We describe the synthesis, characterization, and fabrication of bioelectronic materials derived from small oligopeptides containing π-conjugated subunits directly embedded into peptide backbones. The rapid incorporation of π-conjugated subunits directly into peptide backbones was accomplished through an on-resin dimerization procedure recently explored in our research. We investigated these peptides’ abilities to self-assemble in aqueous environments into 1D nanostructures with intimate π–π interactions. Finally, we discuss a simple processing method to develop aligned networks of 1D π-conjugated peptide nanostructures where the resulting electronic and photophysical properties are altered as a direct impact of the aligned π-conjugated network.
Heritability of Lung Function: A Twin Study Among Never-Smoking Elderly Women
Authors: Hukkinen Maria , Kaprio Jaakko , Broms Ulla , Viljanen Anne , Kotz Daniel , Rantanen Taina , Korhonen Tellervo
Published: February 2012

Most studies on lung function heritability have been conducted in smokers and non-smokers using cross-sectional study design. Smoking patterns may, however, confound the contribution of genetic factors. We investigated heritability of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC ratio longitudinally, excluding the effects of smoking. A sample of never smoking female twins (n = 374), aged 63–76 at baseline, answered health questionnaires and attended spirometry in years 2000 and 2003. Bivariate structural equation modeling, restricted to adequate spirometry performances (baseline n = 339, follow-up n = 252), was used to estimate genetic and environmental influences on consecutive measurements of FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. The best-fitting models included additive genetic and non-shared environmental effects. Heritability estimates of 32% and 36% for FEV1, 41% and 37% for FVC, while 46% and 16% for FEV1/FVC were found at baseline and at follow-up. Genetic correlation between FEV1 and FEV1/FVC heritability estimates approached unity, whereas correlation between FVC estimates was 0.80. Environmental correlations were 0.69 for FEV1, 0.62 for FVC, and 0.07 for FEV1/FVC. In never smokers, additive genetic and non-shared environmental effects explain the inter-individual variations in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. One third of the variation in FEV1 and FVC is explained by genetic and two thirds by environmental effects. Between 2000 and 2003, environmental effects on FEV1/FVC changed, and the proportion of variance explained by environmental effects increased remarkably. Genetic effects on FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are common to consecutive measurements, whereas at follow-up, new genetic factors explained 14% of the observed variance in FVC.
Conflict, Closeness and Comfort: The Inter-Twin Relationship as a Risk Factor for Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Bekkhus Mona , Staton Sally , Borge Anne Inger H. , Thorpe Karen
Published: February 2012

Background: There is currently little evidence concerning the impact of the inter-twin relationship on behavioral outcomes and yet the twin relationship is frequently hypothesized to be a unique source of psychopathology in twins. The current study asked whether the inter-twin relationship is a predictor of behavioral difficulties and whether there are zygosity differences in this relationship.

Method: An Australian sample of same sex twins (N = 356, 164 MZ and 192 DZ) was studied in the year prior to school (Time 1) and again in first year of school (Time 2). Associations between twin-relationship and behavior problems were examined via path-analysis, and Satorra-Bentler chi-square difference tests were used to compare twins across zygosity.

Results: Results show that both conflict and lower levels of warmth at Time 1 were predictive of hyperactivity and conduct disorder at Time 2, but they were not associated with emotional difficulties or peer problems. While DZ twins shared less warmth than MZ twins, there were no differences in behavior problems.

Conclusion: Conflict and lower levels of warmth in the inter-twin relationship are associated with hyperactivity and conduct disorder and may serve as important considerations when making decisions regarding class separation at entry to school.
The Dual-Ideal of the Ascetic and Healthy Body
Authors: Jain Andrea R.
Published: February 2012

This article addresses institutional innovations in the Jain Śvetāmbara Terāpanth as it has adapted to a new socio-historical and cultural context. It investigates the intersections between the Terāpanth and the context of late-capitalism, particularly in India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and discusses shifts in orientations toward the body as acts of adaptation to late capitalism. Historically, the Terāpanth held an ascetic ideal that required social withdrawal and bodily purification for the sake of spiritual release from the world. Beginning in the late twentieth century, however, the Terāpanth prescribed a form of modern yoga for enhancing the body and life in the world. I argue that this shift signifies a practical change in the everyday body maintenance regime of the practitioner. It does not, however, signify a soteriological shift for the advanced spiritual adept. Rather, a body-negating asceticism maintains its central role in the construction of the soteriological path.
Reconceptualizing Types of Religious Organization
Authors: Bromley David G. , Melton J. Gordon
Published: February 2012

One important theoretical task in the study of religion is distinguishing among the different organizational forms that religious groups assume. The most influential typology of religious organization has been based upon distinctions of church, denomination, sect, and cult. However, the various formulations of this typology have proved problematic, theoretically and empirically, and of little use to new religions scholars. We propose a relational approach to categorizing religious groups based on the social and cultural relationship of a group to established institutions (including religion). This approach yields four types of tradition groups: dominant, sectarian, alternative, and emergent. We argue that a relationally based typology is particularly useful in mapping religious economies, conducting comparative analysis, and tracking the changing status of religious groups over time.
From Flexible to Hard Polyurethane Aerogels: The Effect of Molecular Functionality vs. Molecular Rigidity
Authors: Chidambareswarapattar Chakkaravarthy , Loebs Jared M. , Larimore Zachary J. , McCarver Patrick M. , Kosbar Autumn M. , Dharani Lokesh , Luo Huiyang , Lu Hongbing , Sotiriou-Leventis Chariklia , Leventis Nicholas
Published: March 2012

High performance all-polymer aerogels are not only interesting for their low thermal conductivity, but also for their mechanical strength and their conversion to porous carbons. The prevalent design rule dictates that crosslinking at the monomer level decreases solubility of the developing polymer and induces phase separation of nanoparticles with high surface to volume ratios. Hence, hyperbranched structures based on trifunctional single aromatic core monomers should have enhanced interparticle connectivity and rigidity compared to those based on either difunctional or multiple aromatic core monomers. That design rule is applied here to hyperbranched polyurethane (PU) aerogels synthesized from tris(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane (TIPM) and 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (HPE) in anhydrous acetone using dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as catalyst. The resulting materials vary from highly flexible to rigid as the monomer concentration increases. FTIR and 13C solid NMR confirm formation of urethane. SEM shows that the flexible variety is macroporous with a beaded worm-like structure, while the rigid variety is mesoporous and nanoparticulate. Lower-density flexible aerogels are highly porous (92%) with surface area of 132 m2 g-1, while the rigid ones have higher surface areas, up to 256 m2 g-1. Polyurethane aerogels from other triols and diols, e.g., phloroglucinol (POL) and resorcinol (RES), respectively, have also been studied and for similar monomer concentrations shrinkage and bulk density increases.
A new way to nanostructure hydrogels: Electrospun Thermo-responsive Islands-in-the-Sea Nanofibres
Authors: Wang Jing , Sutti Alessandra , Wang Xungai , Lin Tong
Published: February 2012

An effective strategy to produce thermo-responsive islands-in-the-sea hydrogel nanofibres was developed using a single needle electrospinning setup. The produced hydrogel nanofibre mats not only showed excellent temperature response and high response speed, but also showed nanostructured surfaces.
Effects of Hydrogen Ion Implantation on Structural Properties of Silver Implantation in ZnO Crystals
Authors: Yaqoob Faisal , Huang Mengbing
Published: February 2012

In this work, we study the effects of implanted hydrogen ions on defect formation and impurity redistribution in ZnO crystals implanted with silver ions. Hydrogen was first implanted at room temperature in ZnO with energy of 30 keV to a dose of 2 × 1016 /cm2. The ZnO samples with and without prior H implantation were implanted with Ag ions at four different energies, 30, 75, 150, and 350 keV, to doses 3.3×1013, 4.2×1013, 8.3×1013 and 3.4×1014 /cm2, respectively, resulting in a uniform concentration profile of Ag from the surface to depth ~ 150 nm. These samples were annealed at temperatures 850-1050°C for 30 minutes in an oxygen gas flow. The distribution of Ag atoms, either aligned or nonaligned along the crystalline directions, were measured by Rutherford backscattering (RBS) combined with ion channeling. Following Ag ion implantation, the damage level in the ZnO lattice, measured along the <10-11> crystalline direction is higher in the sample without H ion implantation than the sample with H. Lattice damage was found to recover faster in the sample without H implantation than the sample with H, e.g., for Zn signals, the normalized RBS yield χmin for the without H-implanted sample dropped from 27.5% following Ag implantation to 4.3% after annealing at 1050 ˚C, whereas the Zn χmin value for the sample with H implant decreased from 17.6% following Ag implantation to 5.3% after annealing at 1050 ˚C. On the other hand, the χmin values for the Ag dopants before annealing in the H-implanted sample are the same in the sample without H. Post-Ag-implantation annealing resulted in much higher χmin values for Ag in the sample with H implant. For the as-implanted samples, 26.6% of the implanted Ag atoms are on substitutional sites in the sample with H, as compared to 30.3% of the implanted Ag being on the substitutional sites in the sample without H. After annealing at 1050 ˚C, the fraction of substitutional Ag is 73.7% in the H-implanted sample, in contrast to the fraction of 61.6% for substitutional Ag in the sample without H implant. Similar to other oxide crystals, H ion implantation and thermal annealing can result in the formation of nanocavities in the ZnO lattice. We discuss these findings in the context of the effects of nanocavities on formation and annihilation of point defects as well as on impurity diffusion and trapping in ZnO crystals.
Prophets and Profits
Authors: Wanner Kevin
Published: March 2012

Pierre Bourdieu suggested that religion is an example of what he called an "economy of symbolic goods," a field of social practice governed by the logic of disinterestedness, in which successful participants must disavow self-interest and the pursuit of economic goods and profits. Bourdieu argued that within such economies, symbolic as well as economic profits can only be accrued through such strategies as refusals to calculate, taboos against making costs and values explicit, and choreographing of exchanges to make them appear discontinuous and gratuitous. This essay uses the New Testament writings of Paul and Protestant texts by the German Reformer Martin Luther and American Presbyterian William Speer, in each of which economic interests are openly expressed and economic strategies and values promoted, to suggest modifications to Bourdieu's understanding of how economies of symbolic goods and economies of economic goods are mutually defined and interrelate.
Prática baseada em evidências: estratégias para sua implementação na enfermagem
Authors: Galvão Cristina Maria , Sawada Namie Okino
Published: February 2012

A prática baseada em evidências é uma abordagem que possibilita a melhoria da qualidade da assistência à saúde. A utilização de resultados de pesquisas na prática, consiste em um dos pilares dessa abordagem; entretanto, várias são as barreiras que dificultam esse processo na enfermagem, tais como: falta de preparo do enfermeiro, falta de tempo e suporte organizacional (recursos humanos, materiais e financeiros). Assim, fundamentados na literatura apresentamos neste artigo algumas estratégias que possibilitam a implementação da prática baseada em evidências na enfermagem em qualquer área de atuação do enfermeiro.
Estudo da retenção de íons cromo por gibbsita e peneira molecular
Authors: Soares L. C. , Souza E. , Yoshida M. I.
Published: March 2012

Neste trabalho, relatamos o emprego de gibbsita e de uma peneira molecular comercial para a retenção de íons cromo. Os estudos envolveram, além destes materiais, soluções com diferentes concentrações do íon e variações na concentração e na temperatura das soluções e, também, do tempo de contato entre essas e as fases estacionárias. Os resultados desses experimentos e dos posteriores processos de lixiviação do íon indicam que tanto a gibbsita quanto a peneira molecular são materiais que apresentam alta capacidade de retenção deste íon e, além disso, são altamente resistentes aos processos de lixiviação.
Value of color Doppler ultrasonography and radiography for the assessment of the cancellous bone scaffold coated with nano-hydroxyapatite in repair of radial bone in rabbit
Authors: Rahimzadeh Rasoul , Veshkini Abbas , Sharifi Davood , Hesaraki Saeed
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE: To evaluate the osteo-regenerative capacity of proprietary bone grafting material as a bone defect filler and osteogenetic stimulation to speed up bone healing too. METHODS: Eighteen adult male New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized and a segmental full thickness bone defect of 10 mm in length was created in the middle of the right radial shaft in all rabbits. They were divided into two groups of 9 rabbits. Group I was considered as control and the fractured site was fixed using finger bone plate with 4 screws, whereas the cancellous bone scaffold coated with Nano-Hydroxyapatite was used to fill the gap after fracture fixation in Group II. Radiography, two dimensional and color Doppler ultrasonography were done before and after creating defects and on 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days to evaluate local reaction as far as new blood vessels network and callus formation are observed. RESULTS: On the radiographs during the whole process, bone repair in Group I was not as perfect as those in Group II samples and trace of internal callus filled the gap incompletely in 60 days in Group I, whereas in Group II internal callus almost was formed on 30 days and in addition intercortical callus was seen supporting to cover and filled the gap completely in this group in 60 day; Sonographic findings confirmed the protrusion of newly formed blood vascular network in 30 days in Group I and from 15 days in Group II and remarkably increased till end of observation period. CONCLUSIONS: The nano-hydroxyapatite with more features and shorter in time, made possible the reconstruction of bone tissue and alternative techniques as well as previous bone graft, also radiography and ultrasonography are reliable techniques to trace local reaction at proper time.
O papel da citologia no diagnóstico das neoplasias músculo-esqueléticas: revisão sistemática
Authors: Lima Pablo Moura de Andrade , Oliveira Marcelo Parente , Silva Hilton Justino da , Mello Roberto José Vieira de
Published: March 2012

Os autores revisaram sistematicamente a literatura da última década sobre o papel ocupado pela citologia na avaliação das neoplasias músculo-esqueléticas e sua precisão diagnóstica. Foi realizada uma consulta nas bases de dados PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO, que utilizassem a citologia no diagnóstico das lesões músculo-esqueléticas . Foram utilizados limites para os idiomas inglês, espanhol e português. e artigos publicados a partir de 2000. Foram resgatados 757 artigos, dos quais 24 foram selecionados com a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Concluiu-se que apesar de promissora na avaliação das lesões músculo-esqueléticas, a citologia obtida por punção por agulha fina é menos precisa e confiável do que a avaliação histológica na avaliação dessas lesões.
Tecnologia e informação em saúde: modelo de ensino-aprendizagem transdisciplinar
Authors: Galvão Maria Cristiane Barbosa , Ricarte Ivan Luiz Marques , Daura Aline Priscila
Published: March 2012

Considerando conceitos básicos sobre tecnologia, informação e saúde; a observação de propostas curriculares; a análise de softwares e hardwares destinados ao campo da saúde, e a análise crítica da literatura, esta pesquisa focou-se na questão de como formar profissionais do campo da informação e do campo da informática que possam melhor solucionar as problemáticas relacionadas ao contexto da saúde. Para tanto, elaborou-se como hipótese inicial um modelo de ensino-aprendizagem transdisciplinar que abarca quatro aspectos: interação entre docentes e discentes de diferentes áreas; integração entre o contexto externo e o contexto da instituição educacional; condições institucionais; sistematização de um projeto de ensino-aprendizagem. Para analisar tal hipótese, adotou-se um método qualitativo, qual seja, a pesquisa-ação, durante o período de ano, no qual foram ofertados dois cursos, com duração de 60 horas cada um e participação de 35 alunos. Como resultado da pesquisa, o modelo proposto se mostrou adequado para o ensino-aprendizagem em tecnologia e informação em saúde, sendo enfatizados parâmetros do contexto educacional transdisciplinar, como a competência linguística, a harmonizacao conceitual, os padrões éticos, a linguagem dos textos selecionados, e a relação entre as problemáticas discutidas no contexto externo e interno.