bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt signalling in kidney diseases: dual roles in renal injury and repair
Authors: Kawakami Takahisa , Ren Shuyu , Duffield Jeremy S
Published: October 2012

Wnt signalling is a complex, highly conserved, cell‐to‐cell communication pathway in multicellular organisms, regulating cell fate, function and phenotype in development, and diseases, including neoplasia. Although the critical role of the Wnt pathway in nephrogenesis is well established, recent investigations have shown its involvement in many adult kidney diseases, including ischaemic kidney injury, glomerular diseases, diabetic nephropathy, interstitial fibrosis and cystic kidney diseases. Overall, activation of the Wnt pathway is deleterious to many chronic diseases of the kidney, contributing to the maintenance of cells in an activated state. In addition, the Wnt pathway is activated during repair and regeneration in animal models of acute ischaemic injury, a scenario that is frequently encountered in human acute kidney injury. This activation recapitulates features of nephrogenesis and appears to play an indispensable role in repair and regeneration in this acute setting. As tools are being developed to regulate the Wnt pathway intracellularly and at the cell surface, the Wnt pathway has become a potential avenue for urgently required novel therapeutics for treating human kidney diseases. In this review, we describe consensus models for major Wnt signalling cascades and then discuss their roles in kidney diseases.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based liquid crystalline conjugated donor–acceptor copolymers with reduced band gap for polymer solar cells
Authors: Han Yunli , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: October 2012

A new liquid crystalline (LC) acceptor monomer 2,5‐bis[4‐(4′‐cyanobiphenyloxy)dodecyl]‐3,6‐dithiophen‐2‐yl‐pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (TDPPcbp) was synthesized by incorporating cyanobiphenyl mesogens into diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). The monomer was copolymerized with bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′] dithiophene (BDT) and N‐9′‐heptadecanylcarbazole (CB) donors to obtain donor–acceptor alternating copolymers poly[4,8‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐alt‐3,6‐bis(thiophen‐5‐yl)‐2,5‐bis[4‐(4′‐cyanobiphenyloxy)dodecyl]‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione] (PBDTDPPcbp) and poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐3,6‐bis(thiophen‐5‐yl)‐2,5‐bis[4‐(4′‐cyano‐biphenyloxy)dodecyl]‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3, 4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione] (PCBTDPPcpb) with reduced band gap, respectively. The LC properties of the copolymers, the effects of main chain variation on molecular packing, optical properties, and energy levels were analyzed. Incorporating the mesogen cyanobiphenyl units not only help polymer donors to pack well through mesogen self‐organization but also push the fullerene acceptor to form optimized phase separation. The bulk heterojunction photovoltaicdevicesshow enhanced performance of 1.3% for PBDTDPPcbp and 1.2% for PCBTDPPcbp after thermal annealing. The results indicate that mesogen‐controlled self‐organization is an efficient approach to develop well‐defined morphology and to improve the device performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Infrared absorption spectroscopy of a carbon–oxygen complex in gallium arsenide
Authors: Alt H. Ch. , Kersch A. , Wagner H. E.
Published: October 2012

Infrared absorption measurements have been carried out on a carbon–oxygen complex in gallium arsenide. The stretching mode at 2059.6 cm−1 has been investigated at low temperatures with polarized light under uniaxial stress in the 〈100〉, 〈111〉, and 〈110〉 crystallographic directions. The splitting behavior due to lifting of orientational degeneracy shows that the center has tetragonal symmetry. The intensity of the isotope shifted satellite band caused by the naturally abundant 18O isotope is not in agreement with the identification as a simple CO‐molecule. The number of incorporated oxygen atoms is 3 ± 1. The assignment of the defect to a CO2 molecule is in agreement with the experimental data available so far.
Confidence intervals for the difference in paired Youden indices
Authors: Zhou Haochuan , Qin Gengsheng
Published: October 2012

Comparison of accuracy between two diagnostic tests can be implemented by investigating the difference in paired Youden indices. However, few literature articles have discussed the inferences for the difference in paired Youden indices. In this paper, we propose an exact confidence interval for the difference in paired Youden indices based on the generalized pivotal quantities. For comparison, the maximum likelihood estimate‐based interval and a bootstrap‐based interval are also included in the study for the difference in paired Youden indices. Abundant simulation studies are conducted to compare the relative performance of these intervals by evaluating the coverage probability and average interval length. Our simulation results demonstrate that the exact confidence interval outperforms the other two intervals even with small sample size when the underlying distributions are normal. A real application is also used to illustrate the proposed intervals. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FDI in Investment Banking
Authors: Gulamhussen Mohamed Azzim
Published: October 2012

The determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in investment banking are tested using unique data obtained from 43 semistructured interviews with senior managers of multinational banks. Consistent with internalization theory, the decision to service new customers is positively and significantly related to FDI. In line with internalization theory and the sequential entry framework, the perceived risk of doing business abroad is negatively and significantly related to FDI. Lock‐in is positively and significantly related to FDI. Very few managers consider it important to follow domestic customers, which does not emerge as significantly related to FDI. Qualitative information facilitated the interpretation of multiple empirical estimations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pipelined forwarding with energy balance in hexagonal wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sheu Tsang‐Ling , Shang Yao‐Yuan
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a pipelined forwarding scheme with energy balance for hexagonal wireless sensor networks (H‐WSN). An H‐WSN consists of hexagonal clusters in which the distance between any two cluster heads is , where R is the radius of a hexagonal cluster. A trade‐off exists in pipelined forwarding for an H‐WSN; that is, reducing pipeline lengths can decrease data forwarding delay, but it will adversely increase the number of clusters, which consequently increases the total collecting time of a mobile sink. This paper therefore introduces a mobile sink data collecting and routing scheme to dynamically adjust the pipeline lengths and to periodically switch pipeline directions. With this mobile sink data collecting and routing, the overall system throughput is increased, and the energy consumptions among all cluster heads are balanced. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The new PIXE‐alpha spectrometer for the analysis of Roman nummi surfaces
Authors: Pappalardo L. , Alberti R. , Calì C. , Garraffo S. , Litrico P. , Pappalardo G. , Rizzo F. , Romano F. P.
Published: October 2012

The particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE)‐alpha portable spectrometer of the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud has been upgraded to improve X‐ray energy resolution and efficiency. A value of 124 eV at Mn Κα‐line and a factor of 3 were, respectively, achieved. These enhanced capabilities allowed the thin surface examination of 5 Roman nummi, in which previous near‐surface X‐ray fluorescence measurements revealed traces of mercury. In particular, the new version of the PIXE‐alpha spectrometer has allowed the distinction of the 2.19 keV Hg M‐line from the 2.30 keV S K‐line and the 2.34 keV Pb M‐line. Subsequent elemental association has demonstrated a correlation between surface mercury and silver. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the economy, the labor market, and expectations for the future: What might Europe and the United States look like in twenty‐five years?
Authors: Buchholz Sandra , Blossfeld Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2012

In times of globalization, modern societies' labor markets have been marked by an increasing segmentation and growing social inequality. Youths in particular have experienced a worsening of their employment chances in the past three decades. However, what will the future bring?
Families, schools, and major demographic trends in the United States
Authors: Crosnoe Robert , Benner Aprile D.
Published: October 2012

The ability of schools to serve young people may be jeopardized if their approaches to parental involvement do not evolve to reflect the growing diversity of their students brought on by long‐term demographic changes.
Correlation between Preoperative Kimura Inching Studies and Intraoperative Findings during Endoscopic-Assisted Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow
Authors: Agnew Sonya Paisley , Minieka Michael M. , Patel Ronak M. , Nagle Daniel J.
Published: October 2012

Background

During the evolution of the senior author's technique of ulnar nerve transposition to in situ decompression for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, nerve conduction studies (NCS) including the Kimura inching method were performed preoperatively in an effort to ensure that all potential sites of compression were investigated intraoperatively. The purpose of this study is to compare the results of the Kimura inching technique with the intraoperative findings noted during decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Methods

The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent in situ decompression of their ulnar nerves combined with endoscopic examination between March and December of 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The site of ulnar nerve compression noted using the Kimura inching technique was compared with the intraoperative findings.

Results

Twelve consecutive patients (four with bilateral symptoms) underwent endoscopic ulnar nerve compression in the study period for a total of 16 cases analyzed. In 12 cases, the Kimura method localized the site of compression to Osborne's bands and/or the aponeurosis of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Intraoperatively, compression was noted at Osborne's bands, the FCU aponeurosis, and/or the FCU) muscle proper in all 16 patients. There was partial or full correlation between the nerve conduction data and intraoperative findings in 13/16 cases.

Conclusions

There was good but not perfect agreement between the NCS and intraoperative findings, perhaps because transcutaneous NCS are less accurate when a nerve is surrounded by muscle. The information obtained in this study is valuable when planning surgery to address ulnar nerve compression.
The Non-Traditional Family: An Introduction
Authors: Stephens Mary E.
Published: October 2012

The single parent family has changed over the past 50 years. This introduction explains how it has changed and future directives.
Sorafenib-induced acute interstitial pneumonia in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: report of three cases
Authors: Takeda Haruhiko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Iguchi Eriko , Matsuda Fumihiro , Kita Ryuichi , Kimura Toru , Osaki Yukio
Published: October 2012

Little is known about acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) induced by sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we present three patients with advanced HCC who developed AIP during sorafenib therapy, with fatal complications in two cases. Case 1 was a 76-year-old man who developed dyspnea. Chest CT showed interstitial pneumonia. Sorafenib was discontinued immediately, and prednisolone was started. His pneumonia resolved. A drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test for sorafenib was positive. Case 2 was a 75-year-old man and case 3 was a 77-year-old man, both of whom developed high-grade fever and hypoxemia during sorafenib therapy, and were diagnosed with AIP. In spite of high-dose steroid therapy, their respiratory failure worsened and both patients died. In all three cases, serum KL-6 or surfactant protein D concentrations were elevated, and blood and sputum cultures did not grow pathogens. All three patients were smokers with restrictive lung disease on preoperative respiratory function testing, but did not have respiratory symptoms before sorafenib therapy. The clinical features of these three cases suggest that male gender, older age, smoking history, and lung disease are associated with acute sorafenib-induced AIP in patients with advanced HCC.
An in vitro study of the role of β‐boswellic acid in the microtubule assembly dynamics
Authors: Karima Oveis , Riazi Gholamhossein , Khodadadi Sirus , Yousefi Reza , Mahnam Karim , Mokhtari Farzad , Cheraghi Tayebe , Hoveizi Elham , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: October 2012

Structural integrity of microtubule protein (MTP) is pivotal for its physiological roles. Disruption of the MTP network is known to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders. The gum resin of plants of the boswellia species, with β‐boswellic acid (BBA) as the major component, has long been used in Ayurveda and Oriental Medicine to prevent amnesia. In the current study, we addressed the question whether BBA affects assembly dynamics behavior of tubulin. Our in vitro results revealed that BBA increases MTP length distribution and the polymerization rate of tubulin, moderately stabilizing it and diminishing both the critical concentration (C
c) and the fraction of inactive tubulin (F
i).
Crossover inhibition as an indicator of convergent evolution of enzyme mechanisms: A β‐lactamase and a N‐terminal nucleophile hydrolase
Authors: Adediran S.A. , Lin G. , Pelto R.B. , Pratt R.F.
Published: October 2012

O‐Aryloxycarbonyl hydroxamates and 1,3,4‐oxathiazol‐2‐ones have been identified as covalent inhibitors of β‐lactamases and proteasomes, respectively. The products of these inhibition reactions are remarkably similar, involving carbonyl cross‐linking of the active sites. We have cross‐checked these inhibitors, showing that the former inhibit proteasomes and the latter β‐lactamases, to form the same inactive carbonyl adducts. These results are discussed in terms of similarities of the active site structures and catalytic mechanisms. It is likely that a mechanistic imperative has led to convergent evolution of these enzyme active sites, of a β‐lactam‐recognizing enzyme and a N‐terminal protease belonging to different amidohydrolase superfamilies.
Predicting sRNAs and Their Targets in Bacteria
Authors: Li Wuju , Ying Xiaomin , Lu Qixuan , Chen Linxi
Published: October 2012

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) are an emerging class of regulatory RNAs of about 40–500 nucleotides in length and, by binding to their target mRNAs or proteins, get involved in many biological processes such as sensing environmental changes and regulating gene expression. Thus, identification of bacterial sRNAs and their targets has become an important part of sRNA biology. Current strategies for discovery of sRNAs and their targets usually involve bioinformatics prediction followed by experimental validation, emphasizing a key role for bioinformatics prediction. Here, therefore, we provided an overview on prediction methods, focusing on the merits and limitations of each class of models. Finally, we will present our thinking on developing related bioinformatics models in future.
Joining up Action to Address Social Determinants of Health and Health Inequities in Canada
Authors: Edwards Nancy , Cohen Emma R.M.
Published: October 2012

Efforts are underway at the international, national, provincial/territorial, and local levels to address factors like income, education, and environment that influence the health of Canadians. Also known as the social determinants of health, these factors are closely linked to health equity. There are important Canadian innovations in research, practice, and policy that reflect our growing understanding of social determinants. However, concerted efforts are still required by health professionals to address social determinants of health through their work settings.
A model for improving the treatment and care of Alzheimer's disease patients through interdisciplinary research
Authors: Trojanowski John Q. , Arnold Steven E. , Karlawish Jason H. , Naylor Mary , Brunden Kurt R. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y.
Published: October 2012

The emerging global epidemic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) demands novel paradigms to address the two unmet needs of the field: (a) cost‐effective health care delivery programs/services, and (b) clinical and basic research to accelerate therapy discovery/development. This report outlines a model demonstration project, the Marian S. Ware Alzheimer Program at the University of Pennsylvania, which was designed to achieve four specific aims: (1) improve the integration and continuity of AD care; (2) identify biomarkers that detect the earliest presence of AD and related neurodegenerative cognitive disorders; (3) enhance both the design and conduct of clinical trials as well as review their results to more effectively test new AD therapies and translate valuable therapies into clinical practice; and (4) discover and develop novel disease‐modifying small molecule treatments for AD.

The “Ware‐UPenn” program has been presented in this report as a useful prototype for partnerships between private philanthropy and academia in planning and developing programs to address a major national public health problem.
Inter-institutional decision-making: The case of the Common Agricultural Policy
Authors: Greer Alan , Hind Thomas
Published: October 2012

The dominant portrayal of the policy process around the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) emphasises a system of inter-governmental bargaining, close links between institutions and farming interests, and compartmentalised closed policy networks. This article considers how inter-institutional relationships might be reshaped by the extension of ‘co-decision’ powers to the European Parliament in the Lisbon Treaty. This raises the possibility that policy proposals and outcomes may increasingly reflect the participation of a broader range of actors and interests. Using four scenarios that reflect different institutional configurations, a preliminary analysis of the 2011 dairy regime proposals (the ‘Milk Package’) is used to draw some conclusions about whether the agricultural policy agenda is likely to be broadened through de-compartmentalisation, leading to a more fluid policy arena characterised by more actors with conflicting values.
The QuranicMushrikūnand the resurrection (Part I)
Authors: Crone Patricia
Published: October 2012

This article examines the attitudes of the Quranicmushrikūnto the resurrection and the afterlife, focusing on those who doubted or denied the reality of both. The first part of the article argues that the doubters and deniers had grown up in a monotheist environment familiar with both concepts and that it was from within the monotheist tradition that they rejected them. The second part (published in a forthcoming issue ofBSOAS) relates their thought to intellectual currents in Arabia and the Near East in general, arguing that the role of their pagan heritage in their denial is less direct than normally assumed. It is also noted thatmutakallims such as Abū ʿĪsā al-Warrāq and al-Māturīdī anticipated the main conclusions reached in this paper.
Genetic sensitivity to the environment, across lifetime
Authors: Homberg Judith R.
Published: October 2012

The target article by Charney convincingly argues that genomic plasticity perinatally induced by the environment creates a complication in determining which parts of behavior are attributed to nature and which to nurture. I argue that real life is even more complex because (1) genotype influences sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and (2) the genome continues to be modified throughout life.
From gene activity to behavior (and back again)
Authors: Lickliter Robert
Published: October 2012

Documenting the bidirectional traffic from gene action to the external environment and its effects on behavior remains a major conceptual, empirical, and analytical challenge for developmental science. Charney has provided an instructive snapshot of where we are in meeting this challenge and, in so doing, exposes the considerable shortcomings of the traditional genomic model employed by behavior genetics.
Clinicians learn less and less about more and more until they know nothing about everything; researchers learn more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing: Discuss
Authors: Aitken Kenneth John
Published: October 2012

A number of recent developments in our understanding of the biology of heritability question commonly held views on the immutability of genetic factors. These have numerous potential implications for improving understanding and practice in pre- and postconceptional care and for infant and child mental health, and they carry a cautionary message against overgeneralization.
Transitioning from active treatment: Colorectal cancer survivors’ health promotion goals
Authors: Palmer Nynikka R.A. , Bartholomew L. Kay , McCurdy Sheryl A. , Basen-Engquist Karen M. , Naik Aanand D.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to describe the post-treatment goals of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. We sought to determine whether goals were a salient concept during the period immediately following treatment, and whether a goal-setting intervention might be feasible and acceptable to these patients.

Method:

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were administered to a convenience sample of 41 CRC patients who were 0–24 months post-treatment. Topics discussed included expectations and goals for future health, cancer prevention awareness, health-promoting behavior-change goals, and post-treatment cancer issues. Content analysis was used to explore emergent themes.

Results:

Overall, participants’ health-related goals were: being healthy, getting back to normal, and not having a cancer recurrence. Most of the CRC survivors reported being proactive with their health by maintaining healthy behaviors or making healthy behavior changes, or had goals to change their behavior. All respondents had plans to maintain follow-up care and regular screening appointments. Some patients were managing treatment side effects or non-cancer issues that limited their functional abilities. Many respondents were satisfied with the care they received, and felt it was now their responsibility to do their part in taking care of themselves.

Significance of results:

CRC survivors talk about goals, and many of them are either making or have an interest in making health behavior changes. Self-management support could be an appropriate strategy to assist patients with achieving their health goals post-treatment. Patients may need help addressing lingering treatment side effects or non-cancer issues. Healthcare providers should consider assessing patients’ goals to help patients resolve post-treatment issues and promote healthy behaviors.
Work culture among healthcare personnel in a palliative medicine unit
Authors: André Beate , Sjøvold Endre , Rannestad Toril , Holmemo Marte , Ringdal Gerd I.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Understanding and assessing health care personnel's work culture in palliative care is important, as a conflict between “high tech” and “high touch” is present. Implementing necessary changes in behavior and procedures may imply a profound challenge, because of this conflict. The aim of this study was to explore the work culture at a palliative medicine unit (PMU).

Method:

Healthcare personnel (N = 26) at a PMU in Norway comprising physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and others filled in a questionnaire about their perception of the work culture at the unit. The Systematizing Person-Group Relations (SPGR) method was used for gathering data and for the analyses. This method applies six different dimensions representing different aspects of a work culture (Synergy, Withdrawal, Opposition, Dependence, Control, and Nurture) and each dimension has two vectors applied. The method seeks to explore which aspects dominate the particular work culture, identifying challenges, limitations, and opportunities. The findings were compared with a reference group of 347 ratings of well-functioning Norwegian organizations, named the “Norwegian Norm.”

Results:

The healthcare personnel working at the PMU had significantly higher scores than the “Norwegian Norm” in both vectors in the “Withdrawal” dimension and significant lower scores in both vectors in the “Synergy,” “Control,” and “Dependence” dimensions.

Significance of results:

Healthcare personnel at the PMU have a significantly different perception of their work culture than do staff in “well-functioning organizations” in several dimensions. The low score in the “Synergy” and “Control” dimensions indicate lack of engagement and constructive goal orientation behavior, and not being in a position to change their behavior. The conflict between “high tech” and “high touch” at a PMU seems to be an obstacle when implementing new procedures and alternative courses of action.
Lunar tide amplification during the January 2009 stratosphere warming event: Observations and theory
Authors: Forbes Jeffrey M. , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: October 2012

Amplification of the lunar gravitational M2 and N2tides during the January 2009 sudden stratosphere warming (SSW) event are explored using SABER temperature data at 110 km, CHAMP and GRACE densities at 360 and 480 km, and the Global‐Scale Wave Model (GSWM). Utilizing background temperatures and winds characteristic of individual days during January and February 2009 the GSWM is used to establish the frequency response of the atmosphere and its dependence on the zonal mean atmospheric state, and to provide daily estimates of the steady state response to lunar gravitational forcing. SABERM2temperature amplitudes are found to achieve values of order 10–15 K at 110 km, roughy 5 days after the peak warming at 10 hPa (day 23 of 2009), and represent a factor of 3 or so amplification over January climatological values. This amplification is attributable to a shifting of the so‐called Pekeris resonance peak of the atmosphere to 12.42 hours (the M2 period) due to changes in the zonal mean wind distribution in connection with the SSW. N2 responses of order 4–6 K are similarly found near days 25 and 40, when the Pekeris peak passes near to 12.66 hours (the N2 period). The GSWM predicts temperature perturbations of order 20–30 K for M2 and 3–4 K for N2, reasonably consistent with the above results, given nuances of the data analysis and recognized shortcomings of utilizing a steady state model. An enhanced M2 density response of order 15–20% is found in the CHAMP measurements between days 30 and 40, as compared with a GSWM estimate of order 10%. The upper thermosphere N2 response could not be extracted from CHAMP measurements, and both M2 and N2 response determinations using the GRACE data were deemed unreliable. The GSWM estimates lunar tidal wind responses of order 40–60 ms−1in the dynamo region (ca. 100–150 km) in connection with the SSW. These constitute large perturbations to the nominal tidal winds at these altitudes, and are thus expected to carry the lunar tide signature into the ionosphere vis‐a‐vis dynamo electric fields, consistent with observations and interpretations made in the recent literature.
Dual‐beam ELF wave generation as a function of power, frequency, modulation waveform, and receiver location
Authors: Agrawal D. , Moore R. C.
Published: October 2012

Dual‐beam ELF wave generation experiments performed at the High‐frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) HF transmitter are used to investigate the dependence of the generated ELF wave magnitude on HF power, HF frequency, modulation waveform, and receiver location. During the experiments, two HF beams transmit simultaneously: one amplitude modulated (AM) HF beam modulates the conductivity of the lower ionosphere at ELF frequencies while a second HF beam broadcasts a continuous waveform (CW) signal, modifying the efficiency of ELF conductivity modulation and thereby the efficiency of ELF wave generation. We report experimental results for different ambient ionospheric conditions, and we interpret the observations in the context of a newly developed dual‐beam HF heating model. A comparison between model predictions and experimental observations indicates that the theoretical model includes the essential physics involved in multifrequency HF heating of the lower ionosphere. In addition to the HF transmission parameters mentioned above, the model is used to predict the dependence of ELF wave magnitude on the polarization of the CW beam and on the modulation frequency of the modulated beam. We consider how these effects vary with ambientD‐region electron density and electron temperature.
In Vivo Imaging of Cerebral Microvascular Plasticity from Birth to Death
Authors: Harb Roa , Whiteus Christina , Freitas Catarina , Grutzendler Jaime
Published: October 2012

Cerebral function and viability are critically dependent on efficient delivery of oxygen and glucose through the microvasculature. Here, we studied individual microvessels in the intact brain using high-resolution confocal imaging and long-term time-lapse two-photon microscopy across the lifetime of a mouse. In the first postnatal month, we found large-scale sprouting but to our surprise the majority of sprouts underwent pruning and only a small fraction became perfused capillaries. After the first month, microvessel formation and elimination decreased and the net number of vessels stabilized. Although vascular stability was the hallmark of the adult brain, some vessel formation and elimination continued throughout life. In young adult mice, vessel formation was markedly increased after exposure to hypoxia; however, upon return to normoxia, no vessel elimination was observed, suggesting that new vessels constitute a long-term adaptive response to metabolic challenges. This plasticity was markedly reduced in older adults and aging where hypoxia-induced angiogenesis was absent. Our study describes, for the first time in vivo patterns of cerebral microvascular remodeling throughout life. Disruption of the observed balance between baseline turnover and vascular stability may underlie a variety of developmental and age-related degenerative neurological disorders.
Vocabulary Associated With Medical Procedures
Authors: Beukelman David , Schrunk Abbey , Thiessen Amber , Fager Susan , Ullman Cara
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this project was to identify unique vocabulary associated with specific medical procedures. Personnel from six medical facilities with acute care or long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) units participated by proposing vocabulary/messages associated with procedures in which they routinely participated. Speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, chaplains, and nursing aids participated in the project. The unique vocabulary associated with common medical procedures is available in this article and on our augmentative and alternative communication–related website,
http://aac.unl.edu
.
Evaluation of the pilot phase of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Module
Authors: Tsey Komla , Chigeza Philemon , Holden Carol A. , Bulman Jack , Gruis Hilton , Wenitong Mark
Published: October 2012

This article evaluates the pilot phase of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Module. Although men experience higher levels of illness and die younger than women, educational programs to support health workers utilise a gender-based approach to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in health care are rare and lack appropriate content. Recognising this gap in service provision, and under the guidance of a Reference Group comprising community leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait male health, a comprehensive and culturally appropriate Male Health Module has been developed to enhance the capacity of health workers to improve access to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. Methods used were: in-depth interviews with Module developers, pilot workshops for trainers and health workers, questionnaires and focus group discussions with workshop participants, and participant observations. As well as enhancing capacity to facilitate access to health services for men, the Module was deemed relevant because of its potential to promote health worker empowerment and wellbeing. Findings revealed that improving access to services for men required male and female health workers working in partnership. Despite overall enthusiasm for the Module, the findings also revealed deep fear that it would end up ‘collecting dust on shelves’. Strategies to improve the Module quality and accessibility are highlighted.
Ecological implications of standard fire-mapping approaches for fire management of the World Heritage Area, Fraser Island, Australia
Authors: Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , King Lee , Mitchell Chris , Wiegand Aaron , Carter R. W. , Shapcott Alison , Russell-Smith Jeremy
Published: October 2012

The characterisation of spatiotemporal fire patchiness is requisite for informing biodiversity conservation management in many landscape settings. Often, conservation managers are reliant on manually derived fire-history mapping products that delineate fire perimeters. An alternative standard approach concerns the application of remote sensing, typically using band combination indices obtained from relatively fine-scale imagery sensors. For Fraser Island, a World Heritage Area in subtropical, fire-prone eastern Australia, we contrast diagnostic fire-regime characteristics for different vegetation types over a 20-year period (1989–2008) as derived from historical manual, and remotely sensed, fire-mapping approaches. For the remote sensing component we adapt a commonly used approach utilising a differenced normalised burn ratio (dNBR) index derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery. Manual mapping resulted in overestimation of fire-affected area (especially large fires) and fire frequency, whereas the dNBR procedure resulted in underestimation of fire-affected area under low fire-severity conditions, and overestimation of fire patchiness. Of significance for conservation management, (1) age class and related distributions for flammable vegetation types differed markedly between the two mapping approaches, (2) regardless, both methods demonstrated that substantial fuel loads had accumulated in flammable vegetation types by the end of the study period and (3) fuel age was shown to have a more significant effect than did seasonality on the incidence of very large (>1000 ha) fires. The study serves as an introduction to ongoing research concerning the measurement and application of fire patchiness to conservation management in flammable eastern Australian vegetation types.
Break-up dynamics of fluctuating liquid threads
Authors: Petit Julien , Rivière David , Kellay Hamid , Delville Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2012

The thinning dynamics of a liquid neck before break-up, as may happen when a drop detaches from a faucet or a capillary, follows different rules and dynamic scaling laws depending on the importance of inertia, viscous stresses, or capillary forces. If now the thinning neck reaches dimensions comparable to the thermally excited interfacial fluctuations, as for nanojet break-up or the fragmentation of thermally annealed nanowires, these fluctuations should play a dominant role according to recent theory and observations. Using near-critical interfaces, we here fully characterize the universal dynamics of this thermal fluctuation-dominated regime and demonstrate that the cross-over from the classical two-fluid pinch-off scenario of a liquid thread to the fluctuation-dominated regime occurs at a well-defined neck radius proportional to the thermal length scale. Investigating satellite drop formation, we also show that at the level of the cross-over between these two regimes it is more probable to produce monodisperse droplets because fluctuation-dominated pinch-off may allow the unique situation where satellite drop formation can be inhibited. Nonetheless, the interplay between the evolution of the neck profiles from the classical to the fluctuation-dominated regime and the satellites’ production remains to be clarified.
Isoform-specific antagonists of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP
Authors: Tsalkova Tamara , Mei Fang C. , Li Sheng , Chepurny Oleg G. , Leech Colin A. , Liu Tong , Holz George G. , Woods Virgil L. , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: October 2012

The major physiological effects of cAMP in mammalian cells are transduced by two ubiquitously expressed intracellular cAMP receptors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), as well as cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels in certain tissues. Although a large number of PKA inhibitors are available, there are no reported EPAC-specific antagonists, despite extensive research efforts. Here we report the identification and characterization of noncyclic nucleotide EPAC antagonists that are exclusively specific for the EPAC2 isoform. These EAPC2-specific antagonists, designated as ESI-05 and ESI-07, inhibit Rap1 activation mediated by EAPC2, but not EPAC1, with high potency in vitro. Moreover, ESI-05 and ESI-07 are capable of suppressing the cAMP-mediated activation of EPAC2, but not EPAC1 and PKA, as monitored in living cells through the use of EPAC- and PKA-based FRET reporters, or by the use of Rap1-GTP pull-down assays. Deuterium exchange mass spectroscopy analysis further reveals that EPAC2-specific inhibitors exert their isoform selectivity through a unique mechanism by binding to a previously undescribed allosteric site: the interface of the two cAMP binding domains, which is not present in the EPAC1 isoform. Isoform-specific EPAC pharmacological probes are highly desired and will be valuable tools for dissecting the biological functions of EPAC proteins and their roles in various disease states.
Force measurements on cargoes in living cells reveal collective dynamics of microtubule motors
Authors: Hendricks Adam G. , Holzbaur Erika L. F. , Goldman Yale E.
Published: October 2012

Many cellular cargoes move bidirectionally along microtubules, driven by teams of plus- and minus-end–directed motor proteins. To probe the forces exerted on cargoes during intracellular transport, we examined latex beads phagocytosed into living mammalian macrophages. These latex bead compartments (LBCs) are encased in membrane and transported along the cytoskeleton by a complement of endogenous kinesin-1, kinesin-2, and dynein motors. The size and refractive index of LBCs makes them well-suited for manipulation with an optical trap. We developed methods that provide in situ calibration of the optical trap in the complex cellular environment, taking into account any variations among cargoes and local viscoelastic properties of the cytoplasm. We found that centrally and peripherally directed forces exerted on LBCs are of similar magnitude, with maximum forces of ∼20 pN. During force events greater than 10 pN, we often observe 8-nm steps in both directions, indicating that the stepping of multiple motors is correlated. These observations suggest bidirectional transport of LBCs is driven by opposing teams of stably bound motors that operate near force balance.
A corpus study of some English verbs of attribution
Authors: Hunston Susan
Published: October 2012

With some verbs of attribution, a typical usage can be identified which indicates a particular evaluation. This typical usage can be exploited to implicate evaluation in non-typical cases, a phenomenon which is analogous to that of semantic prosody. ACKNOWLEDGE and INSIST are examples of verbs of this type. With other verbs, there is no consistently typical usage but under specifiable discourse conditions the verb does typically carry a particular evaluation. This more restricted typicality may also be exploited. CLAIM and ARGUE are examples of verbs of this type.
Substrate stiffness regulates cadherin-dependent collective migration through myosin-II contractility
Authors: Ng Mei Rosa , Besser Achim , Danuser Gaudenz , Brugge Joan S.
Published: October 2012

The mechanical microenvironment is known to influence single-cell migration; however, the extent to which mechanical cues affect collective migration of adherent cells is not well understood. We measured the effects of varying substrate compliance on individual cell migratory properties in an epithelial wound-healing assay. Increasing substrate stiffness increased collective cell migration speed, persistence, and directionality as well as the coordination of cell movements. Dynamic analysis revealed that wounding initiated a wave of motion coordination from the wound edge into the sheet. This was accompanied by a front-to-back gradient of myosin-II activation and establishment of cell polarity. The propagation was faster and farther reaching on stiff substrates, indicating that substrate stiffness affects the transmission of directional cues. Manipulation of myosin-II activity and cadherin–catenin complexes revealed that this transmission is mediated by coupling of contractile forces between neighboring cells. Thus, our findings suggest that the mechanical environment integrates in a feedback with cell contractility and cell–cell adhesion to regulate collective migration.
Device-Associated Infections among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients: Incidence and Associated Pathogens Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network, 2006–2008
Authors: Hocevar Susan N. , Edwards Jonathan R. , Horan Teresa C. , Morrell Gloria C. , Iwamoto Martha , Lessa Fernanda C.
Published: October 2012

Objective.

To describe rates and pathogen distribution of device-associated infections (DAIs) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and compare differences in infection rates by hospital type (children's vs general hospitals).

Patients and Setting.

Neonates in NICUs participating in the National Healthcare Safety Network from 2006 through 2008.

Methods.

We analyzed central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), umbilical catheter–associated bloodstream infections (UCABs), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among 304 NICUs. Differences in pooled mean incidence rates were examined using Poisson regression; nonparametric tests for comparing medians and rate distributions were used.

Results.

Pooled mean incidence rates by birth weight category (750 g or less, 751–1,000 g, 1,001–1,500 g, 1,501–2,500 g, and more than 2,500 g, respectively) were 3.94, 3.09, 2.25, 1.90, and 1.60 for CLABSI; 4.52, 2.77, 1.70, 0.91, and 0.92 for UCAB; and 2.36, 2.08, 1.28, 0.86, and 0.72 for VAP. When rates of infection between hospital types were compared, only pooled mean VAP rates were significantly lower in children's hospitals than in general hospitals among neonates weighing 1,000 g or less; no significant differences in medians or rate distributions were noted. Pathogen frequencies were coagulase-negative staphylococci (28%),Staphylococcus aureus(19%), andCandidaspecies (13%) for bloodstream infections andPseudomonasspecies (16%),S. aureus(15%), andKlebsiellaspecies (14%) for VAP. Of 673S. aureusisolates with susceptibility results, 33% were methicillin resistant.

Conclusions.

Neonates weighing 750 g or less had the highest DAI incidence. With the exception of VAP, pooled mean NICU incidence rates did not differ between children's and general hospitals. Pathogens associated with these infections can pose treatment challenges; continued efforts at prevention need to be applied to all NICU settings.
Current Approach to Latent Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment among Medical Center Occupational Health Physicians
Authors: Vinnard Christopher , Linkin Darren , Behrman Amy
Published: October 2012

We surveyed physicians in a national occupational medicine society regarding diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers. Most respondents used a combination of skin testing and interferon gamma release assays. Respondents integrating interferon gamma release assays into screening placed greater importance on employee acceptability and convenience.
Ion-beam modifications of mechanical and dimensional properties of silicon carbide
Authors: Costantini Jean-Marc , Kerbiriou Xavier , Sauzay Maxime , Thomé Lionel
Published: October 2012

3C-SiC single crystal epitaxial layers, 6H-SiC single crystal plates and α-SiC Hexoloy sinters were irradiated with 4.0 MeV Xe or 4.0 MeV Au ions at room temperature. Mechanical and dimensional evolutions of silicon carbide are studied by means of nano-indentation and step-height measurements which are correlated with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and channelling (RBS/C) data in single crystals. Irradiation with Xe ions induces a total lattice disorder related to amorphization for a fluence of 1 × 1015 cm−2 in both polytypes. When complete amorphization is reached, around the same values of Young's modulus (∼350 GPa) and Berkovich hardness (∼27 GPa) are found in both polytypes. The out-of-plane expansion increases with irradiation dose and the saturation value measured in the amorphous layer (normalized to the projected range of the ions) is close to 20–25%. Modifications of macroscopic properties are mainly governed by the disordered fraction of the material in a two-step damage process. A similar behaviour of material evolution is found for the cubic and hexagonal polytypes, either in single crystals or sintered polycrystalline samples. Calculations of Young's modulus and volume swelling are carried out using the analytical (Reuss and Voigt) models of homogenization.
SNAP-23 regulates phagosome formation and maturation in macrophages
Authors: Sakurai Chiye , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Nakanishi Hideki , Arai Seisuke , Wada Yoh , Sun-Wada Ge-Hong , Wada Ikuo , Hatsuzawa Kiyotaka
Published: October 2012

Synaptosomal associated protein of 23 kDa (SNAP-23), a plasma membrane–localized soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE), has been implicated in phagocytosis by macrophages. For elucidation of its precise role in this process, a macrophage line overexpressing monomeric Venus–tagged SNAP-23 was established. These cells showed enhanced Fc receptor–mediated phagocytosis. Detailed analyses of each process of phagocytosis revealed a marked increase in the production of reactive oxygen species within phagosomes. Also, enhanced accumulation of a lysotropic dye, as well as augmented quenching of a pH-sensitive fluorophore were observed. Analyses of isolated phagosomes indicated the critical role of SNAP-23 in the functional recruitment of the NADPH oxidase complex and vacuolar-type H+-ATPase to phagosomes. The data from the overexpression experiments were confirmed by SNAP-23 knockdown, which demonstrated a significant delay in phagosome maturation and a reduction in uptake activity. Finally, for analyzing whether phagosomal SNAP-23 entails a structural change in the protein, an intramolecular Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probe was constructed, in which the distance within a TagGFP2-TagRFP was altered upon close approximation of the N-termini of its two SNARE motifs. FRET efficiency on phagosomes was markedly enhanced only when VAMP7, a lysosomal SNARE, was coexpressed. Taken together, our results strongly suggest the involvement of SNAP-23 in both phagosome formation and maturation in macrophages, presumably by mediating SNARE-based membrane traffic.