bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homotypic RANK signaling differentially regulates proliferation, motility and cell survival in osteosarcoma and mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Beristain Alexander G. , Narala Swami R. , Di Grappa Marco A. , Khokha Rama
Published: March 2012

RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand) is a crucial cytokine for regulating diverse biological systems such as innate immunity, bone homeostasis and mammary gland differentiation, operating through activation of its cognate receptor RANK. In these normal physiological processes, RANKL signals through paracrine and/or heterotypic mechanisms where its expression and function is tightly controlled. Numerous pathologies involve RANKL deregulation, such as bone loss, inflammatory diseases and cancer, and aberrant RANK expression has been reported in bone cancer. Here, we investigated the significance of RANK in tumor cells with a particular emphasis on homotypic signaling. We selected RANK-positive mouse osteosarcoma and RANK-negative preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and subjected them to loss- and gain-of-RANK function analyses. By examining a spectrum of tumorigenic properties, we demonstrate that RANK homotypic signaling has a negligible effect on cell proliferation, but promotes cell motility and anchorage-independent growth of osteosarcoma cells and preosteoblasts. By contrast, establishment of RANK signaling in non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial NMuMG cells promotes their proliferation and anchorage-independent growth, but not motility. Furthermore, RANK activation initiates multiple signaling pathways beyond its canonical target, NF-κB. Among these, biochemical inhibition reveals that Erk1/2 is dominant and crucial for the promotion of anchorage-independent survival and invasion of osteoblastic cells, as well as the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Thus, RANK signaling functionally contributes to key tumorigenic properties through a cell-autonomous homotypic mechanism. These data also identify the likely inherent differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell responsiveness to RANK activation.
Irradiation-induced protein inactivation reveals Golgi enzyme cycling to cell periphery
Authors: Jarvela Timothy , Linstedt Adam D.
Published: March 2012

Acute inhibition is a powerful technique to test proteins for direct roles and order their activities in a pathway, but as a general gene-based strategy, it is mostly unavailable in mammalian systems. As a consequence, the precise roles of proteins in membrane trafficking have been difficult to assess in vivo. Here we used a strategy based on a genetically encoded fluorescent protein that generates highly localized and damaging reactive oxygen species to rapidly inactivate exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during live-cell imaging and address the long-standing question of whether the integrity of the Golgi complex depends on constant input from the ER. Light-induced blockade of ER exit immediately perturbed Golgi membranes, and surprisingly, revealed that cis-Golgi-resident proteins continuously cycle to peripheral ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) membranes and depend on ER exit for their return to the Golgi. These experiments demonstrate that ER exit and extensive cycling of cis-Golgi components to the cell periphery sustain the mammalian Golgi complex.
Low radiation dose non-contrast cardiac CT: is it of value in the evaluation of mechanical aortic valve
Authors: Bazeed Mohamed Fayez , Moselhy Mohamed Saleh , Rezk Ahmad Ibrahim , Al-Murayeh Mushabab Ayedh
Published: March 2012

Background

Prosthetic bileaflet mechanical valve function has been traditionally evaluated using echocardiography and fluoroscopy. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a novel technique for cardiac evaluation.

Purpose

To evaluate bileaflet mechanical aortic valves using a low-milliampere (mA), non-contrast MDCT protocol with a limited scan range.

Material and Methods

Forty patients with a bileaflet mechanical aortic valve were evaluated using a non-contrast, low-mA, ECG-gated 64 MDCT protocol with a limited scan range. MDCT findings of opening and closing valve angles were correlated to fluoroscopy and echocardiography. Also, the valve visibility was evaluated on MDCT and fluoroscopy according to a 3-point grading scale.

Results

The visualization score with the MDCT was significantly superior to the fluoroscopy (3 vs. 2.7). A strong correlation was noted between the opening (r = 0.82) and closing (r = 0.96) valve angles with MDCT and fluoroscopy without a statistically significant difference ( P = 0.31 and 0.16, respectively). The mean effective radiation dose of the suggested protocol was 4 ± 0.5 mSv. Five valves were evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography because the valves were difficult to evaluate with transthoracic echocardiography, and all of these valves were evaluated optimally with MDCT. A high-pressure gradient was noted in nine valves, and the MDCT showed that seven of these valves inadequately opened, and two valves opened well, which resulted in patient valve mismatch. Incomplete valve closure was noted in five valves, and the echocardiography showed significant transvalvular regurgitation in all five valves.

Conclusion

MDCT can provide a precise measurement of valve function and can potentially evaluate high-pressure gradients and transvalvular regurgitation.
Speaking Up vs. Being Heard: The Disagreement Around and Outcomes of Employee Voice
Authors: Burris Ethan R. , Detert James R. , Romney Alexander C.
Published: March 2012

This paper contributes to research on the outcomes of employee prosocial voice to managers by focusing on the relationships between voice and two managerially controlled outcomes: managerial performance ratings and involuntary turnover. Past research has considered voice from either the managerial or subordinate perspective individually and found that it can lead to positive outcomes because of its improvement-oriented nature. However, others have argued that voice can lead to unfavorable outcomes for employees. To begin resolving these competing perspectives, we examine agreement and disagreement between employees and their managers on the extent to which employees provide upward voice, proposing and demonstrating that considering either perspective alone does not fully capture how voice is related to employee outcomes. Findings from a study of 7,578 subordinates and their 335 general managers within a national restaurant chain indicate that agreement between employees and managers that employees display a high level of voice leads to favorable outcomes for employees. Our findings then extend existing research by showing that supervisor–subordinate disagreement around voice also helps explain employee outcomes—namely, how negative outcomes arise as a result of employees overestimating their voice relative to their managers' perspective and how positive outcomes result when employees underestimate their upward voice.
Incidental finding of ovarian teratoma on post-therapy scan for papillary thyroid cancer and impact of SPECT/CT imaging
Authors: Jammah Anwar Ali , Driedger Albert , Rachinsky Irina
Published: March 2012

A 41-year old woman post thyroidectomy and neck dissection is presented in this case. She initially presented goiter and an enlarged cervical lymph node. She had no family history of cancer or radiation therapy. She had total thyroidectomy and found to have papillary thyroid cancer (T4N1M0). Histopathology report revealed multifocal classical papillary thyroid carcinoma with lympho-vascular invasion, extra-thyroidal extension, and positive lymph nodes. She was treated with 6.5 Gigabecquerel (GBq) of 131Iodine. Whole-body scan showed uptake in the neck and large focus in the left lower abdomen. Single-photon emission computed tomography SPECT/CT demonstrated a round shaped mass in the left pelvis. Pathology revealed cystic teratoma with benign thyroid tissue (struma ovarii), and no malignancy. Two months later, she had the second treatment with 5.5 GBq 131Iodine. Her follow-up stimulated and non-stimulated thyroglobulin levels were significantly lower, and there was no abnormal uptake in the follow-up scan.
O perfil Brasileiro de propriedade intelectual em radiologia e diagnóstico por imagem em um contexto internacional, nos anos 2000-2009
Authors: Serapião Paulo Roberto Barbosa , Ribeiro Eduardo Alvarez , Porto Geciane Silveira , Galina Simone Vasconcellos Ribeiro , Marques Paulo Mazzoncini de Azevedo
Published: March 2012

OBJETIVO: Analisar a inovação tecnológica brasileira na área de radiologia e diagnóstico por imagem, em termos de indicadores de patentes. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo analítico-exploratório de informações recuperadas por meio de consultas cruzadas nas bases de dados dos escritórios de propriedade intelectual do Brasil (Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial - INPI), dos Estados Unidos (United States Patent and Trademark Office - USPTO) e da Europa (European Patent Office - EPO). RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas 277.057 patentes. Desse total, 7.800 foram registradas no INPI (3%), 65.428 (24%) registradas no EPO e 203.829 (73%) emitidas no USPTO. O Brasil é o país signatário em 1.732 patentes publicadas no INPI, 80 no EPO e 26 no escritório USPTO. Globalmente, 219.993 (79%) patentes referiam-se a dispositivos eletrônicos ligados a informática em saúde, ultrassonografia, ressonância magnética, tomografia computadorizada e procedimentos de geração, comunicação e arquivamento de imagens, e 57.064 (21%) das patentes tratavam das tecnologias relacionadas a radioproteção e dosimetria, física nuclear, eletroterapia, terapia magnética e radioterapia. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos apontam para a fragilidade da produção nacional de inovação tecnológica registrada em patentes, no campo de radiologia e diagnóstico por Imagem.
Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered Simvastatin in the Treatment of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Double‐Masked Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Rao Nishanth S. , Bajaj Pavan , Kumari Minal
Published: March 2012

Background: Simvastatin (SMV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recently, it has been reported that statins promote bone formation. The present study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2% SMV in an indigenously prepared, biodegradable, controlled‐release gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Thirty‐eight patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1.2% SMV and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 3, 6, and 9 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 and 9 months, radiologic assessment of intrabony defect (IBD) fill was done using computer‐aided software.

Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were found to be greater in the SMV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the SMV group (32.64% ± 12.90%) compared to the placebo group (4.22% ± 9.75%) after 9 months.

Conclusion: There was a greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered SMV in patients with type 2 diabetes and CP.
Soft Tissue Attenuation Patterns Associated with Upright Acquisition SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Doukky Rami , Rahaby Mouyyad , Chawla Dave , Vashistha Raj , Alyousef Tareq , Amin Amit P
Published: March 2012

Background:

Little is known about soft tissue attenuation artifacts when an upright patient-position SPECTmyocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) system is used. In this investigation we sought to describe the patterns and frequency of attenuation artifacts associated with this type of instruments and we explored the impact of gender and body habitus on these artifacts.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, we described the prevalence of various soft-tissue attenuation patterns in 212 normal SPECT-MPI studies acquired with an upright patient-position imaging system.

Results:

In these 212 normal, clinically-indicated, upright-acquisition SPECT-MPIs the attenuation patterns observed were: anterior (6.1%), inferior (63.7%) and lateral (24.1%). Though uncommon, anterior attenuation trended to being more prevalent among women [9.5% vs. 3.4%, P=0.07] and was independently associated with chest circumference. Lateral attenuation was more common among women [34.7% vs. 15.4%, p=0.001] and was strongly associated with obesity (p<0.001). Inferior attenuation was more prevalent among men than women (75.2% vs. 49.5% respectively, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Soft-tissue attenuation artifacts are common in upright-acquisition SPECT-MPI. Recognizing the frequency of these attenuation patterns and their interaction with gender and body habitus is critical for the accurate interpretation of SPECT-MPI.
Pedometer-Assessed Physical Activity in Children and Young Adults with CKD
Authors: Akber Aalia , Portale Anthony A. , Johansen Kirsten L.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Data on physical activity are limited in children with CKD. The objectives of this study were to measure the level and correlates of physical activity in children and young adults with CKD and to determine the association of physical activity with physical performance and physical functioning.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Physical activity was measured for 7 days using pedometers; physical performance was measured by the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and physical functioning with the PedsQL 4.0.

Results

Study participants were 44 patients 7–20 years of age who had CKD stage 1–4 (n=12), had ESRD and were undergoing dialysis (n=7), or had undergone kidney transplantation (n=25). Participants were very sedentary; they walked 6218 (interquartile range, 3637, 9829) steps per day, considerably less than recommended. Physical activity did not differ among participants in the CKD stage 1–4, ESRD, and transplant groups. Females were less active than males (P<0.01), and physical activity was 44% lower among young adults (18–20 years) than younger participants (P<0.05). Physical activity was associated positively with maternal education and hemoglobin concentration and inversely with body mass index. Respective 6MWD in males and females was 2 and approximately 4 SDs below expected. Low levels of physical activity were associated with poor physical performance and physical functioning, after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index.

Conclusions

In most participants with CKD, physical activity was considerably below recommended levels. Future studies are needed to determine whether increasing physical activity can improve physical performance and physical functioning.
Effect of Vitamin D Repletion on Urinary Calcium Excretion among Kidney Stone Formers
Authors: Leaf David E. , Korets Ruslan , Taylor Eric N. , Tang Jie , Asplin John R. , Goldfarb David S. , Gupta Mantu , Curhan Gary C.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Despite the important role of vitamin D in maintaining bone health, many clinicians are reluctant to treat vitamin D deficiency in kidney stone formers because of the theoretical risk of increasing urinary calcium excretion. This study examined the effect of vitamin D repletion on urinary calcium excretion among stone formers.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Participants (n=29) were recruited from urology clinics affiliated with New York Presbyterian Hospital. Enrollment criteria included a history of nephrolithiasis, urinary calcium excretion between 150 and 400 mg/d, and a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <30 ng/ml. Participants were given oral ergocalciferol (50,000 IU/wk) for 8 weeks. Serum and 24-hour urine tests were repeated after 8 weeks.

Results

Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased significantly after vitamin D repletion (17±6 and 35±10 ng/ml, P<0.001), but mean 24-hour urinary calcium excretion did not change (257±54 and 255±88 mg/d at baseline and follow-up, respectively, P=0.91). However, 11 participants had an increase in urinary calcium excretion ≥20 mg/d; these participants also had an increase in urine sodium excretion, likely reflecting dietary variability. No participant experienced adverse effects from vitamin D, including hypercalcemia.

Conclusions

Among stone formers with vitamin D deficiency, a limited course of vitamin D repletion does not seem to increase mean urinary calcium excretion, although a subset of individuals may have an increase. These data suggest that vitamin D therapy, if indicated, should not be withheld solely on the basis of stone disease, but 24-hour urinary calcium excretion should be monitored after repletion.
Interaction of Feedback Frequency and Task Difficulty in Children's Motor Skill Learning
Authors: Sidaway Ben , Bates Justin , Occhiogrosso Barbara , Schlagenhaufer Jessica , Wilkes Delany
Published: March 2012

Background

Providing adults with knowledge of results (KR) after each practice trial (100% KR) usually is found to be detrimental to motor skill learning compared with conditions in which feedback is less frequently provided. The effect of 100% KR on children's learning is less clear, with research showing that children with cerebral palsy benefit from less frequent KR, whereas children with typical development do not.

Objective

This study was designed to examine the interaction of KR frequency and task complexity on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of a novel throwing skill in fourth- and fifth-grade children with typical development.

Design

This was an observational study.

Methods

Children threw beanbags for accuracy at an unseen target while walking or while standing still. These 2 levels of task complexity were crossed with 2 frequencies (33% and 100%) of KR provision. Following practice, retention tests without feedback were performed 5 minutes later and then 1 week later along with transfer tests to assess the generalizability of learning.

Results

Analyses revealed that learning was improved on the easy version of the task when a 33% KR frequency was provided during practice. In contrast, in the difficult version, learning was facilitated by provision of a 100% KR frequency during practice.

Conclusions

Structuring practice conditions for children should take into account task complexity and feedback frequency in determining the cognitive challenge necessary for optimal skill learning. More generally, the findings suggest that practitioners teaching motor skills should design practice conditions in accordance with the cognitive processing capacity of the learner.
Bilateral occlusion of the foramina of Monro after third ventriculostomy
Authors: Refaee Ehab El , Baldauf Joerg , Schroeder Henry W. S.
Published: March 2012

Occlusion of both foramina of Monro following third ventriculostomy is a very rare complication. The authors present the case of a 30-year-old female who underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for occlusive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis. Thirty months after the ETV, she reported recurrent headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral enlargement of the lateral ventricles with a collapsed third ventricle caused by bilateral stenosis of the foramina of Monro. Left-sided endoscopic foraminoplasty and stenting of the left foramen of Monro were performed with immediate neurological improvement.
Biomechanical comparison of anterior cervical spine instrumentation techniques with and without supplemental posterior fusion after different corpectomy and discectomy combinations
Authors: Setzer Matthias , Eleraky Mohamed , Johnson Wesley M. , Aghayev Kamran , Tran Nam D. , Vrionis Frank D.
Published: March 2012

Object

The objective of this study was to compare the stiffness and range of motion (ROM) of 4 cervical spine constructs and the intact condition. The 4 constructs consisted of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy with anterior plating, 1-level discectomy and 1-level corpectomy with anterior plating, 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating, and 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating and posterior fixation.

Methods

Eight human cadaveric fresh-frozen cervical spines from C2–T2 were used. Three-dimensional motion analysis with an optical tracking device was used to determine motion following various reconstruction methods. The specimens were tested in the following conditions: 1) intact; 2) segmental construct with discectomies at C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7, with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody cage and anterior plate; 3) segmental construct with discectomy at C6–7 and corpectomy of C-5, with PEEK interbody graft at the discectomy level and a titanium cage at the corpectomy level; 4) corpectomy at C-5 and C-6, with titanium cage and an anterior cervical plate; and 5) corpectomy at C-5 and C-6, with titanium cage and an anterior cervical plate, and posterior lateral mass screw-rod system from C-4 to C-7. All specimens underwent a pure moment application of 2 Nm with regards to flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation.

Results

In all tested motions the statistical comparison was significant between the intact condition and the 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating and posterior fixation construct. All other statistical comparisons between the instrumented constructs were not statistically significant except between the 3-level discectomy with anterior plating and the 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating in axial rotation. There were no statistically significant differences between the 1-level discectomy and 1-level corpectomy with anterior plating and the 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating in any tested motion. There was also no statistical significance between the 3-level discectomy with anterior plating and the 2-level corpectomy with anterior plating and posterior fixation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that segmental plate fixation (3-level discectomy) affords the same stiffness and ROM as circumferential fusion in 2-level cervical spine corpectomy in the immediate postoperative setting. This obviates the need for staged circumferential procedures for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Given that the posterior segmental instrumentation confers significant stability to a multilevel cervical corpectomy, the surgeon should strongly consider the placement of segmental posterior instrumentation to significantly improve the overall stability of the fusion construct after a 2-level cervical corpectomy.
Importance of social pharmacy education in Libyan pharmacy schools: perspectives from pharmacy practitioners
Authors: Abrika Omar Saad Saleh , Hassali Mohammed Azmi , Abduelkarem Abduelmula R
Published: March 2012

The present study aims to explore the perceptions among pharmacy practitioners in Libya on the importance of social pharmacy education. A qualitative methodology was employed to conduct this study. Using a purposive sampling technique, a total of ten Libyan registered pharmacists were interviewed. Based on the content analysis of the interviews, two major themes emerged, namely the understanding of social pharmacy education and the need for incorporating social pharmacy courses into the pharmacy education curriculum. The majority of the respondents knew about the concept. Of those that had no prior knowledge of this term, half of them expressed interest in knowing more about it. There was a positive perception of introducing social pharmacy into the undergraduate curricula among the respondents, and they believed that it is necessary for future pharmacists to know about social pharmacy components. The findings from the pharmacy practitioners??evaluation suggest the need to incorporate social pharmacy courses into the curricula of all pharmacy schools in Libya.
Determinants of Self-Rated Health in a Representative Sample of a Rural Population: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece
Authors: Darviri Christina , Fouka Georgia , Gnardellis Charalambos , Artemiadis Artemios K. , Tigani Xanthi , Alexopoulos Evangelos C.
Published: March 2012

Self-rated health (SRH) is a health measure related to future health, mortality, healthcare services utilization and quality of life. Various sociodemographic, health and lifestyle determinants of SRH have been identified in different populations. The aim of this study is to extend SRH literature in the Greek population. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in rural communities between 2001 and 2003. Interviews eliciting basic demographic, health-related and lifestyle information (smoking, physical activity, diet, quality of sleep and religiosity) were conducted. The sample consisted of 1,519 participants, representative of the rural population of Tripoli. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted to identify putative SRH determinants. Among the 1,519 participants, 489 (32.2%), 790 (52%) and 237 (15.6%) rated their health as “very good”, “good” and “poor” respectively. Female gender, older age, lower level of education and impaired health were all associated with worse SRH, accounting for 16.6% of SRH variance. Regular exercise, healthier diet, better sleep quality and better adherence to religious habits were related with better health ratings, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. BMI and smoking did not reach significance while exercise and physical activity exhibited significant correlations but not consistently across SRH categories. Our results support previous findings indicating that people following a more proactive lifestyle pattern tend to rate their health better. The role of stress-related neuroendocrinologic mechanisms on SRH and health in general is also discussed.
The Causal-Compositional Concept of Information Part I. Elementary Theory: From Decompositional Physics to Compositional Information
Authors: Luhn Gerhard
Published: March 2012

This first part of the study introduces an elementary concept of information. Our interest for newness, our curiosity in the new, will be considered as a main building block of information, and of reality itself. A typical definition of information (the reduction of uncertainty) needs to be fundamentally inverted: Information is a compositional activity, including the inconsistent, the paradox, the contradiction and the incoherent meaning. This study expands on the analysis of the composition of new structure (new macrophysical laws), and the analysis of the causality and causal state of such structures (“causally active symbols”). The classical, scientific-objective, passive understanding of information gives meaning to the fact that modern information technology does not by itself lead to an increase of human values. However, our social and moral stance is an informational one, and our informational, active conscious process holds the power to mediate and to enforce this process towards an enriched life. The indicator for such enrichment is given to us by information, and the knowledge about this process will feed us with energy to move towards an active spirit of ethics, and towards the information society. Part I of this study expands on the fundament basis and on our intrinsic responsibility to release the forces that are based on the active dimension of information. Those forces are required in order to reveal the so-called information society from its metaphorical character (Part II).
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of N′-Heteroarylidene-1-adamantylcarbohydrazides and (±)-2-(1-Adamantyl)-4-acetyl-5-[5-(4-substituted phenyl-3-isoxazolyl)]-1,3,4-oxadiazolines
Authors: El-Emam Ali A. , Alrashood Khalid A. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Al-Tamimi Abdul-Malek S.
Published: March 2012

The reaction of adamantane-1-carbohydrazide (1) with heterocyclic aldehydes, namely 5-(4-chlorophenyl)isoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde (2a), 5-(4-methylphenyl)isoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde (2b), 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde (2c), 1H-imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde and 2-butyl-4-chloro-1H-imidazole-5-carboxaldehyde, in ethanol, yielded the corresponding N′-heteroarylidene-1-adamantylcarbohydrazides 3a, 3b, 3c, 4 and 5, respectively, in good yields. The 4-acetyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoline analogues 6a‑c were prepared in 48–55% yields by heating their corresponding N′-heteroarylidene-1-adamantylcarbohydrazides 3a–c with acetic anhydride for two hours. Compounds 3a–c, 4, 5 and 6a–c were tested for in vitro activities against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Compounds 4 and 5 displayed potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, while compounds 3a–c showed good activity against the Gram-positive bacteria.
Synthesis and Preliminary Investigations of the siRNA Delivery Potential of Novel, Single-Chain Rigid Cationic Carotenoid Lipids
Authors: Pungente Michael D. , Jubeli Emile , Øpstad Christer L. , Al-Kawaz Mais , Barakat Nour , Ibrahim Tarek , Khalique Nada Abdul , Raju Liji , Jones Rachel , Leopold Philip L. , Sliwka Hans-Richard , Partali Vassilia
Published: March 2012

The success of nucleic acid delivery requires the development of safe and efficient delivery vectors that overcome cellular barriers for effective transport. Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of novel, single-chain rigid cationic carotenoid lipids and a study of their preliminary in vitro siRNA delivery effectiveness and cellular toxicity. The efficiency of siRNA delivery by the single-chain lipid series was compared with that of known cationic lipid vectors, 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoyl]-cholesterol (DC-Chol) and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphoethanolamine (EPC) as positive controls. All cationic lipids (controls and single-chain lipids) were co-formulated into liposomes with the neutral co-lipid, 1,2-dioleolyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). Cationic lipid-siRNA complexes of varying (+/−) molar charge ratios were formulated for delivery into HR5-CL11 cells. Of the five single-chain carotenoid lipids investigated, lipids 1, 2, 3 and 5 displayed significant knockdown efficiency with HR5-CL11 cells. In addition, lipid 1 exhibited the lowest levels of cytotoxicity with cell viability greater than 80% at all (+/−) molar charge ratios studied. This novel, single-chain rigid carotenoid-based cationic lipid represents a new class of transfection vector with excellent cell tolerance, accompanied with encouraging siRNA delivery efficiency.
“Rather More than One-Third Had No Jewish Blood”: American Progressivism and German-Jewish Cosmopolitanism at the New School for Social Research, 1933–1939
Authors: Bessner Daniel
Published: March 2012

The New School for Social Research’s University in Exile accepted more German and European exiled intellectuals than any other American institution of higher education. This paper argues that transnational, cosmopolitan ideological and interest-based affinities shared by left-leaning American progressives and German-Jewish intellectuals enabled the predominantly Jewish University in Exile to become a vibrant intellectual space accepted by the community of largely anti-Semitic American academics. These affinities also illuminate why, despite the fact that the émigrés’ exile was in large part the result of National Socialist hatred of Jews, Alvin Johnson (the founder of the University in Exile) and the faculty members that comprised it seldom discussed the University’s Jewish demographics. The Jewish faculty members ignored the relationship between their ethnicity and exile because to focus on it would have been to admit that the cosmopolitan project they had embraced in Central Europe had failed. Johnson ignored the faculty’s Jewish heritage for two reasons. First, he endorsed a cosmopolitan American nationalism. Second, he understood that the generally anti-Semitic community of American academics would have rejected the University in Exile if he stressed the faculty’s Jewishness. In ignoring the University in Exile’s Jewish demographics, Johnson and the University’s faculty successfully adhered to a strategy designed to foster the exiles’ entrance into the American intellectual community. Thus, while cosmopolitanism failed in Germany and Central Europe, the exiles’ later influence on the American academy indicates that it partially succeeded in the United States.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for water uptake in a recombinant inbred line population of natto soybean
Authors: Molnar Stephen J. , Charette Martin , Cober Elroy R.
Published: March 2012

Molnar, S. J., Charette, M. and Cober, E. R. 2012. Mapping quantitative trait loci for water uptake in a recombinant inbred line population of natto soybean. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 257–266. Small-seeded natto soybeans are soaked in the first step of producing natto. Water uptake traits play a role in the quality of the end product. The objectives of the current study were to use a recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population contrasting for water uptake traits to develop its molecular marker recombination map, and to use quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to characterize the genetics of water uptake and identify molecular markers for marker assisted breeding. A RIL population (AC Colibri×OT91-3) was tested for multiple years at Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Two water uptake parameters (a16 and b) were estimated by fitting a curve for an exponential rise to a maximum. Both parameters were affected by year, genotype and the interaction effects. Seed yield, seed composition and agronomic traits were also measured. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to genotype the population and develop a recombination map. QTL analysis identified two QTL for a16 on molecular linkage groups (MLG) D2 and E and three QTL for b on A2, J and M. Three of these QTL map to similar intervals as known QTL for seed weight, seed yield and seed fill in diverse populations. The fourth may correspond with a known QTL for water absorbability during germination and the fifth maps at or near known flowering time and maturity QTL.
High-yield no-till canola production on the Canadian prairies
Authors: N. Harker K. , T. O'Donovan J. , K. Turkington T. , E. Blackshaw R. , Z. Lupwayi N. , G. Smith E. , Klein-Gebbinck H. , M. Dosdall L. , M. Hall L. , J. Willenborg C. , R. Kutcher H. , S. Malhi S. , L. Vera C. , Gan Y. , P. Lafond G. , E. May W. , A. Grant C. , L. Mclaren D.
Published: March 2012

Harker, K. N., O'Donovan, J. T., Turkington, T. K., Blackshaw, R. E., Lupwayi, N. Z., Smith, E. G., Klein-Gebbinck, H., Dosdall, L. M., Hall, L. M., Willenborg, C. J., Kutcher, H. R., Malhi, S. S., Vera, C. L., Gan, Y., Lafond, G. P., May, W. E., Grant, C. A. and McLaren, D. L. 2012. High-yield no-till canola production on the Canadian prairies. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 221–233. Relatively high prices and increasing demand for canola (Brassica napus L.) have prompted growers to produce more canola on more cropland. Here we determine if canola seed yield and oil concentration can be increased over current levels with high levels of crop inputs. From 2008 to 2010, direct-seeded experiments involving two seeding rates (75 vs. 150 seeds m−2), two nitrogen rates (100 vs. 150% of soil test recommendation), and the presence or absence of polymer-coated nitrogen or fungicides, were conducted at eight western Canada locations in canola-wheat-canola or continuous canola rotations. Herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers other than nitrogen were applied as required for optimal canola production. Increasing recommended nitrogen rates by 50% increased canola yields by up to 0.25 Mg ha−1. High (150 seeds m−2) versus lower (75 seeds m−2) seeding rates increased canola yields by 0.07 to 0.16 Mg ha−1. Fungicide treatment or polymer-coated nitrogen blended with uncoated urea increased canola yields by 0.10 Mg ha−1 in 2010, but not in 2008. The highest canola input combination treatment following wheat (3.50 Mg ha−1) yielded substantially more than the same high input treatment following canola (3.22 Mg ha−1). Average site yields were influenced by site conditions such as soil organic matter, days to maturity, and temperature, but these site and environmental predictors did not alter treatment rankings. Using higher than the soil test recommended rate of nitrogen or planting 150 versus 75 seeds m−2 increased canola yields consistently across western Canada. Canola oil concentration varied among canola cultivars, but was consistently low when N rates were high (150% of recommended). Higher than normal seeding rates led to high canola seed oil concentration in some cases, but the effect was inconsistent.
Effect of seeding date and seeding rate on malting barley production in western Canada
Authors: O'Donovan J. T. , Turkington T. K. , Edney M. J. , Juskiw P. E. , McKenzie R. H. , Harker K. N. , Clayton G. W. , Lafond G. P. , Grant C. A. , Brandt S. , Johnson E. N. , May W. E. , Smith E.
Published: March 2012

O'Donovan, J. T., Turkington, T. K., Edney, M. J., Juskiw, P. E., McKenzie, R. H., Harker, K. N., Clayton, G. W., Lafond, G. P., Grant, C. A., Brandt, S., Johnson, E. N., May, W. E. and Smith, E. 2012. Effect of seeding date and seeding rate on malting barley production in western Canada. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 321–330. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growers in western Canada often have difficulty achieving malting grade. This is usually due to unfavourable climatic conditions, but sub-optimal agronomic practices may also be a factor. Field experiments were conducted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 at eight locations in western Canada (24 site-years) to evaluate the effects of seeding date (relatively early and late) and seeding rate (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 seeds m−2) on AC Metcalfe barley yield and malt quality parameters. Delayed seeding often resulted in negative effects including increased protein concentration, decreased kernel plumpness and yield. However, at 6 site-years, higher yields occurred at the later seeding date. 300 seeds m−2 was usually optimal; maintained or improved yield, decreased protein concentration, increased kernel uniformity and time to seed maturity, and decreased tillering. In most cases, seeding at more than 300 seeds m−2 did not result in an improved outcome, and there was a risk of reduced yield and kernel plumpness at rates above this level. A multivariate analysis indicated that relatively low barley plant densities were associated primarily with northern locations with low soil pH.
Changes in photosynthetic rate, water potential, and proline content in kenaf seedlings under salt stress
Authors: Jin Cheng-Wu , Sun Yan-Lin , Cho Dong-Ha
Published: March 2012

Jin, C.-W., Sun, Y.-L. and Cho, D.-H. 2012. Changes in photosynthetic rate, water potential, and proline content in kenaf seedlings under salt stress. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 311–319. As irrigation water salinization has become a serious constraint for crop production, as well as soil salinity, the selection and use of salt-tolerant species is urgently required. In this study, we describe the salt responses of three kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) cultivars and select the cultivar with high salt tolerance. Responses to salt stress were investigated in terms of growth, water potentials, photosynthesis, and proline contents. Photosynthesis, evaluated by net CO2assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2concentration, did not show any significant effects among the cultivars. Leaf water potential decreased depending on salt concentration and salt treatment period. Proline accumulation was enhanced, particularly depending on salt concentration, but not salt treatment period. As salt concentration increased, seedling growth was inhibited to a certain extent, and the inhibition of growth depended mainly on salt concentration. At the early stage of treatment, Dowling was more tolerant to salt stress than Everglade-41 and Tainung-2. Although Dowling showed a lower decrease in fresh weight, Tainung-2 always maintained a relatively high vegetative yield, even under high salt stress. Tainung-2, having greater salt adaptation, was therefore considered an ideal cultivar for popularization and farm cultivation.
The effect of non-targeted application of propiconazole on the yield and quality of malt barley
Authors: Karamanos R. E. , Flore N. A. , Harapiak J. T. , Stevenson F. C.
Published: March 2012

Karamanos, R. E., Flore, N. A., Harapiak, J. T. and Stevenson, F. C. 2012. The effect of non-targeted application of propiconazole on the yield and quality of malt barley. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 341–349. There is a desire to use non-targeted applications of foliar fungicide to improve malting barley production under higher fertility situations. An experiment was conducted at 80 sites (location by year combinations) with a 12 combinations of N/P/K rate-placement to determine if applications of propiconazole improve malt barley yield and quality under high fertility conditions. Treatment differences for days to maturity were no greater than about 1 d. Fungicide by fertility treatment interactions were not significant (P>0.05). Applications of propiconazole improved yield by 305 kg ha−1 (6%) and plump kernels by 3 g kg−1 (3%) across all fertility treatments, which included N fertilizer rates ranging from 0 to 90 kg N ha−1. The effect of fungicide on yield was greatest at sites with highest yield potentials (ca. 8000 kg ha−1) and was not statistically significant at lower-yielding sites (ca. 3000 kg ha−1). Application of propiconazole also improved net returns [barley revenue – (N cost+propiconazole cost+other operating costs)] by $22 ha−1 with higher barley priced ($190 T−1) and high yield potentials. At sites with low yield potential, the application of propiconazole resulted in net losses of about $7 ha−1 compared with not applying propiconazole. Nitrogen fertilizer rates from 0 to 90 kg N ha−1 (15/30-0 P-K fertilizer treatment combinations) increased yield and protein concentration, and reduced plump kernels in a curvilinear fashion when averaged across fungicide treatments. Net returns were maximized at N fertilizer rates slightly less than 90 kg N ha−1, depending on the price/cost regime. Consequently, malt barley producers will have to consider tradeoffs regarding N fertilizer rate that optimizes yield/returns and kernel quality. Also, decisions regarding fungicide applications and N/P/K fertilizer rate-placement applications can be made independent of each other for malt barley production.
Rexeter common bean
Authors: Smith T. H. , Michaels T. E. , Navabi A. , Pauls K. P.
Published: March 2012

Smith, T. H., Michaels, T. E., Navabi, A. and Pauls, K. P. 2012. Rexeter common bean. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 351–353. Rexeter common bean (CFIA registration no. 7019) is a full season maturity white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with an upright growth habit with excellent yield potential, resistance to common bacterial blight and acceptable cooking quality.
Contribution de la biopsie stereotaxique dans la prise en charge des tumeurs cerebrales: a propos de 283 cas
Authors: Oudrhiri MY , Laghmari M , Hemama M , Gana R , Maaqili MR , Bellakhdar F
Published: March 2012

Introduction L’avènement de la biopsie stéréotaxique (BST) et le développement du scanner et de l’IRM ont amélioré la prise en charge des tumeurs cérébrales. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer le rôle de la BST dans la prise en charge des tumeurs cérébrales. Matériel et Méthodes Etude rétrospective de 1995 à 2008 concernant 283 patients consécutifs ayant des tumeurs cérébrales, ayant bénéficié d’une BST, colligés au service de Neurochirurgie. L’âge moyen était de 45.5 ans (9 à 84). La BST fut réalisée sous guidage scannographique dans 260 cas et sous guidage IRM dans 23 cas. Pour les tumeurs pinéales, depuis Janvier 2000, une artériographie avec temps phlébographique et IRM préopératoire ont été jugées utiles pour éviter les complications hémorragiques. Resultats Dans 271 cas, la BST était concluante dès la première tentative (95.7%). La répétition de la BST a permis de rétablir un diagnostic précis. Il s’agissait de lésions malignes (70 % des cas). La mortalité péri-opératoire est passé de 5,9% avant 2000 à 0% après 2000 (Chi-carré; p = 0,013). Conclusion Les BST doivent être étagées et répétées en cas d’histologie non concluante. Pour les petites lésions profondes la BST en conditions IRM est nécessaire. Pour les tumeurs pinéales, elle doit être réalisée par voie orthogonale trans-temporale.Mots-clés: Biopsie stéréotaxique, tumeur cérébrale, pinéal
L’hemangiopericytome (a propos de 8 cas)
Authors: Fliyou F , Ibahiouin K , Zaidi L , Chellaoui A , Karkouri EM , El Kamar A , El Azhari A
Published: March 2012

Description L’hémangiopéricytome est une tumeur rare, mésenchymateuse, qui prend naissance au niveau des péricytes de Zimmerman. Il est souvent confondu avec le méningiome. Objectif Faire le point sur cette entité histologique souvent méconnue. Méthodes Une étude rétrospective de 8 cas d’hémangiopéricytome colligés au Service de Neurochirurgie de l’hôpital Ibn Rochd de Casablanca au Maroc, entre 2000 et 2008. Résultats Il s’agissait de 6 hommes et 2 femmes. L’âge moyen de nos patients était de 50 ans. Le délai moyen de diagnostic était de 4,75 mois. Le tableau clinique était dominé par les signes d’hypertension intracrânienne. Le bilan neuroradiologique a objectivé le caractère unique des lésions, une taille moyenne de 6,33 cm. Tous nos patient ont été traité par chirurgie avec résection subtotale dans 5 cas et totale dans le reste. Un patient a bénéficié de la radiothérapie post opératoire. L’évolution a été marquée par l’apparition d’une récidive, 3 cas de reprise évolutive et un décès. L’apparition de métastases n’a pas été notée dans notre série. Conclusion L’hémangiopéricytome se caractérise par son potentiel malin, son taux élevé de récidive et de métastase à distance. Son évolution est imprévisible nécessitant une surveillance prolongée.Mots clés : Cellules de Zimmerman, Hémangiopéricytome, Méningiome
Reactions of H+(pyridine)m(H2O)n and H+(NH3)1(pyridine)m(H2O)n with NH3: experiments and kinetic modelling
Authors: Ryding M. J. ,   Å. M. Jonsson, Zatula A. S. , Andersson P. U. , Uggerud E.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Reactions between pyridine containing water cluster ions, H+(pyridine)1(H2O)n, H+(pyridine)2(H2O)n and H+(NH3)1(pyridine)1(H2O)n (n up to 15) with NH3 have been studied experimentally using a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The product ions in the reaction between H+(pyridine)m(H2O)n (m = 1 to 2) and NH3 have been determined for the first time. It is found that the reaction mainly leads to cluster ions of the form H+(NH3)1(pyridine)m(H2O)n-x, with x = 1 or 2 depending on the initial size of the reacting cluster ion. For a given number of water molecules (from 5 to 15) in the cluster ion, rate coefficients are found to be slightly lower than those for protonated pure water clusters reacting with ammonia. The rate coefficients obtained from this study are used in a kinetic cluster ion model under tropospheric conditions. The disagreement between ambient ground level measurements and previous models are discussed in relation to the results from our model and future experimental directions are suggested.