bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Preliminary Study of the Mechanism of Hypoglycaemic Activity of Nauclea latifolia Leaf Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Gidado Abubakar , Ameh Danladi A. , Atawodi Sunday E. , Ibrahim Sani
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the possible underlying mechanism of the hypoglycaemic activity of the ethanolic extract of Nauclea latifolia leaves in rats. The extract, glibenclamide or water was administered orally in a glucose, sucrose and maltose tolerance tests. In addition, the effect of the extract on α-glucosidase enzymes was also studied. The ethanolic extract at 200mg/kg body weight inhibited the increase in glucose level after both oral and intraperitoneal glucose loads as did glibenclamide. The extract also dose dependently inhibited both maltase and sucrase activities in vitro but not in vivo. The hypoglycaemic effect of N. latifolia leaf ethanolic extract thus appears to be most probably exerted through a mechanism similar to that of glibenclamide which is related to increased insulin release from pancreatic β-cells.
Flavonoids Purified from Parsley Inhibit Human Blood Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion to Collagen under Flow
Authors: Gadi Dounia , Bnouham Mohamed , Aziz Mohammed , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Bruel Arlette , Berrabah Mohamed , Legrand Chantal , Fauvel-Lafeve Françoise , Mekhfi Hassane
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Blood platelets are directly involved in both haemostatic and pathologic thrombotic processes, through their adhesion, secretion and aggregation. In this study, we investigated the effect of genins (aglycone flavonoids without sugar group) isolated from parsley (Petroselinum crispum) leaves in vitro on human platelet aggregation and adhesion to a collagen-coated surface under physiologic flow conditions. Materials and Methods: The aggregation and adhesion studies were monitored after pre-incubation of platelets with genins. Results: Genins inhibited dose dependently aggregation induced by thrombin, ADP and collagen. The strongest effect was observed in collagen induced aggregation (IC50 = 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/ml). The HPLC identification of genins compounds revealed the presence of keampferol, apigenin and other not identified compounds. The aggregation tests showed that these compounds have anti-aggregating activity. In addition, adhesion of human platelets to collagen was greatly decreased (over 75 %) by genins (0.3 mg/ml). While the mechanism by which genins act is unclear, we suggest that these compounds may interfere with a multiple target step in the haemostasis process. Conclusion: These results show that genins isolated from parsley has a potent antiplatelet activity. It may be an important source of beneficial antiplatelet compounds that decrease thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases.
A Modified Kennard-Stone Algorithm for Optimal Division of Data for Developing Artificial Neural Network Models
Authors: Saptoro Agus , Tadé Moses O. , Vuthaluru Hari
Published: August 2012

This paper proposes a method, namely MDKS (Kennard-Stone algorithm based on Mahalanobis distance), to divide the data into training and testing subsets for developing artificial neural network (ANN) models. This method is a modified version of the Kennard-Stone (KS) algorithm. With this method, better data splitting, in terms of data representation and enhanced performance of developed ANN models, can be achieved. Compared with standard KS algorithm and another improved KS algorithm (data division based on joint x - y distances (SPXY) method), the proposed method has also shown a better performance. Therefore, the proposed technique can be used as an advantageous alternative to other existing methods of data splitting for developing ANN models. Care should be taken when dealing with large amount of dataset since they may increase the computational load for MDKS due to its variance-covariance matrix calculations.
Death Disguised as Life: Blood and Biosecurity
Authors: Floyd Taylor
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this Paper is to analyze the question of whether the Department of Health and Human Services should impose greater regulations restricting individuals from donating blood for transfusions in order to prevent transmission of diseases which blood donors may have unknowingly acquired abroad. Discussion of this question requires an analysis of: (1) what types of diseases can be transmitted via blood transfusion; (2) what tests are conducted on donated blood; (3) what is the balance between the desperate need for donated blood and the necessary precautions to be taken; and (4) what impact would regulations have on an individual’s willingness to donate.This Paper proposes implementing regulations and restrictions to act as safeguards against the spread of foreign acquired diseases. Part I discuses the current regulations of the blood donation process. Part II discusses diseases an individual can contract while traveling abroad. Part III proposes a policy that addresses the risk of foreign disease epidemics promulgated through the blood donation system. Finally, Part IV discusses the implications of the implementation of such measures.
Foot and Mouth Disease: Then and Now
Authors: Jackson Evan
Published: August 2012

Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) is a devastating viral disease that affects all domesticated cloven-hoofed animals and over seventy species of wild cloven-hoofed animals. The virus is highly infectious and extremely communicable. There has been an outbreak in virtually every corner of the world, and it is currently present in every continent besides North America and Australia. FMD has the potential to cause severe economic losses resulting from poor animal yields, bans on livestock exportation, and expenses involved in eradication and control. FMD can also have a distressing social and psychological toll on those affected. This article will discuss the development of the disease, historical outbreaks and threats, and evaluate the infrastructure currently in place to prohibit future outbreaks.
The Mad (and not so Mad) Scientist Next Door: A Holistic Approach to Addressing Do-it-Yourself Biology
Authors: Burr Jared
Published: August 2012

Synthetic biology promises to be one of the most exciting developments in bioengineering. Through synthetic biology, scientists can now recreate the genomes of extinct organisms, modify existing organism to give them functions that they previously never possessed, and eventually create novel organisms entirely. Synthetic biology has attracted the attention of both professional scientists as well as the attention of a growing movement of amateur biologists, a testament to the increasing democratization of previously rarefied science. As a result, while this powerful new technology, along with the increased dissemination of its techniques and methods, may lead to greater influence in the future and to substantial benefits for society, it also raises concerns for biosecurity. Consequently, scientists and policy makers have begun to seriously consider the issues posed by this developing science in the context of a world where such knowledge and technology is becoming widely accessible to the general population. Part one of the paper will provide background on synthetic biology and do-it-yourself biology, briefly describing their nature, prospects, and risks to biosecurity. Part two of the paper will shift the focus from description to evaluation. It will summarize some of the existing policy responses to this issue and legal infrastructure within the United States before arguing for a holistic approach to addressing this issue. Then the focus will be upon three separate areas of possible regulation while noting some of the interconnections between these areas.
Scavenger receptors: a key player in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad Z. , Sahu Anita
Published: August 2012

The scavenger receptor (SR) super family consists of integral membrane glycoproteins that are involved in recognition of polyanionic structures of either endogenous (e.g., oxidized low-density lipoprotein) or exogenous (e.g., bacterial lipopolysaccharides) origin. SRs are structurally diverse and can be classified into seven different classes (A–G) based on the multidomain structure of the individual members. SRs are present on various types of tissues, such as vascular, adipose, and steroidogenic tissues. In addition to modified lipoprotein uptake, these proteins are also known to regulate apoptotic cell clearance, initiate signal transduction, and serve as pattern recognition receptors for pathogens. Different SRs are involved in many physiological and pathological processes; more importantly, the function of SRs is highly implicated in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Targeting the SR gene products that mediate the response to and uptake of modified lipids holds great promise in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Inhibition of SR expression using a combined gene therapy and RNA interference strategy also appears to be an option for long-term therapy. The present review focuses on the involvement of SRs in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the role of SRs is not restricted to vascular lesions; it is also implicated in a number of different cellular functions.
Reflective testing: adding value to laboratory testing
Authors: Verboeket-van de Venne Wilhelmine P.H.G. , Aakre Kristin M. , Watine Joseph , Oosterhuis Wytze P.
Published: August 2012

Reflective testing is a procedure in which the laboratory specialist adds additional tests and/or comments to an original request, after inspection (reflection) of the results. It can be considered as an extension of the authorization process where laboratory tests are inspected before reporting to the physician. The laboratory specialist will inevitably find inconclusive results, and additional testing can contribute to make the appropriate diagnosis. Several studies have been published on the effects of reflective testing. Some studies focus on the opinion of the general practitioners or other clinicians, whereas other studies were intended to determine the patient’s perspective. Overall, reflective testing was judged as a useful way to improve the process of diagnosing (and treating) patients. There is to date scarce high quality scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this procedure in terms of patient management. A randomized clinical trial investigating this aspect is however ongoing. Cost effectiveness of reflective testing still needs to be determined in the future. In conclusion, reflective testing can be seen as a new dimension in the service of the clinical chemistry laboratory to primary health care. Additional research is needed to deliver the scientific proof of the effectiveness of reflective testing for patient management.
Validation of a fast and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization method for simultaneous quantitation of voriconazole, itraconazole and its active metabolite hydroxyitraconazole in human plasma
Authors: Xiong Xin , Zhai Suodi , Duan Jingli
Published: August 2012

Background: Voriconazole and itraconazole are two broad-spectrum antifungal triazole derivates administered for the prevention and in the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Their broad inter- and intra-individual pharmacokinetic variability and the high probability of drug-drug interactions justify therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods: After liquid-liquid extraction with tert-butyl methyl ether, chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column using gradient elution with 10 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile. Detection was performed by a tandem mass spectrometer coupled to LC via an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and quantification was performed using selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions

Results: Total run time was 4.5 min. The method was validated for concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 10 μg/mL for voriconazole and from 0.025 to 5 μg/mL for itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole, respectively. The intra- and inter-day correlation coefficients of variation were <7.7%–<9.2%, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 92.6% to 109%.

Conclusions: A rapid and simple liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated to measure voriconazole itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole in human plasma. This method is successfully applied to samples from patients receiving antifungal treatment.
Informatics competencies for healthcare professionals: the Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative model
Authors: Hebda Toni L. , Calderone Terri L.
Published: August 2012

A growing awareness exists that informatics competencies are essential skills for healthcare professionals today, yet the development of these competencies lags behind the need. The Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform (TIGER) Initiative represents a comprehensive, interdisciplinary effort that is well suited to the integration of informatics into education, practice, administration, and research environments. This article briefly discusses the background and significance of the TIGER Initiative and why it may be used as a model to instill informatics among the healthcare professionals globally.
Computing Borel's regulator
Authors: Choo Zacky , Mannan Wajid , Sánchez-García Rubén J. , Snaith Victor P.
Published: August 2012

We present an infinite series formula based on the Karoubi–Hamida integral, for the universal Borel class evaluated on H
2n+1(GL(ℂ)). For a cyclotomic field F we define a canonical set of elements in K
3(F) and present a novel approach (based on a free differential calculus) to constructing them. Indeed, we are able to explicitly construct their images in
H
3(GL(ℂ)) under the Hurewicz map. Applying our formula to these images yields a value V
1(F), which coincides with the Borel regulator R
1(F) when our set is a basis of K
3(F) modulo torsion. For
F = ℚ(e
2πi/3) a computation of V
1(F) has been made based on our techniques.
One-pot synthesis of acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrroles in the presence of supported ionic liquid catalyst
Authors: Sandaroos Reza , Goldani Mohammad Taghi , Damavandi Saman
Published: August 2012

Eleven new 8-[(alkyl or aryl)amino]-9-(alkyl or aryl)acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrroles were synthesized by one-pot reaction of (acenaphthylen-1-yloxy)trimethylsilane, alkyl or aryl aldehyde, ammonium acetate, and aryl or alkyl isocyanide in refluxing DMF.
Iodine-catalyzed synthesis of 5-arylanthra[2,1-c][2,7]naphthyridine derivatives via three-component reaction
Authors: Jiang Hong , Wang Wei , Wang Xiang-Shan
Published: August 2012

A series of ethyl 5-aryl-1,2-dihydroanthra[2,1-c][2,7]naphthyridine-3(4H)-carboxylate derivatives was prepared by a three-component reaction of aromatic aldehyde, anthracen-2-amine and ethyl 4-oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate using iodine as catalyst. This iodine-catalyzed procedure has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, good yields, operational simplicity and metal-free catalyst.
Simple and efficient synthesis of novel N-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazines
Authors: Fu Ying , Qu Li-Hua , Zhang Shan-Shan , Ye Fei , Zhao Li-Xia , Gao Shuang , Xing Zhi-Yong
Published: August 2012

An easy synthetic route to N-dichloroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives 3 involves cyclization of 2-aminophenols 1 with 1,2-dibromoethane and subsequent acylation of the resultant 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives 2 with dichloroacetyl chloride. All compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The structure of 3a was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.
Coarse graining of wood cell arrangement and density dependence of elasticity
Authors: Nakano Takato
Published: August 2012

Elastic moduli in each direction have been formulated based on a cell wall model considering a high-order structure of wood. Parameters in the equations are confirmed by comparison to best-fit experimental data, and simulation validates the model presented. The relationship between the logarithmic plots “elastic modulus vs. wood density” is linear in each direction for many wood species and the intercept in the derived equations is constant. The variations within a limited region can be neglected, i.e., they can be coarse-grained. The following parameters were considered: elastic modulus of the cell wall, the fraction of latewood in the transverse section, the density ratio of latewood to earlywood, and the ratio of radial length to tangential length.
Antimicrobial activity of human islet amyloid polypeptides: an insight into amyloid peptides’ connection with antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Wang Lan , Liu Qian , Chen Jin-Chun , Cui Yi-Xian , Zhou Bing , Chen Yong-Xiang , Zhao Yu-Fen , Li Yan-Mei
Published: August 2012

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) shows an antimicrobial activity towards two types of clinically relevant bacteria. The potency of hIAPP varies with its aggregation states. Circular dichroism was employed to determine the interaction between hIAPP and bacteria lipid membrane mimic. The antimicrobial activity of each aggregate species is associated with their ability to induce membrane disruption. Our findings provide new evidence revealing the antimicrobial activity of amyloid peptide, which suggest a possible connection between amyloid peptides and antimicrobial peptides.
Redox Biology on the rise
Authors: Herrmann Johannes M. , Dick Tobias P.
Published: August 2012

Redox reactions are at the heart of bioenergetics, yet their biological role is not restricted to metabolism. One specific focus of contemporary Redox Biology is the study of how the folding, stability, activity, and interactivity of proteins are subject to redox control. Key questions pertain to the chemical nature of physiological redox changes and their exact location inside the cell, the nature and distribution of protein redox modifications, and their meaning for cellular physiology. In recent years, Redox Biology has developed novel methodological directions, for example, the proteomic profiling of protein redox modifications and the noninvasive monitoring of redox processes in vivo. These and other approaches allow asking new questions for which the answers are almost completely unknown. To stimulate exchange of technical knowledge and the appreciation of Redox Biology in general, the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM) recently founded a Study Group for Redox Biology.
A plant Kunitz-type inhibitor mimics bradykinin-induced cytosolic calcium increase and intestinal smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Andrade Sheila Siqueira , Smaili Soraya Soubhi , Monteforte Priscila Totarelli , Miranda Antônio , Kouyoumdjian Maria , Sampaio Misako Uemura , Lopes Guiomar Silva , Oliva Maria Luiza V.
Published: August 2012

BbKI is a kallikrein inhibitor with a reactive site sequence similar to that of kinins, the vasoactive peptides inserted in kininogen moieties. This structural similarity probably contributes to the strong interaction with plasma kallikrein, the enzyme that releases, from high-molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), the proinflammatory peptide bradykinin, which acts on B2 receptors (B2R). BbKI was examined on smooth muscle contraction and Ca2+ mobilization, in which the kallikrein-kinin system is involved. Contrary to expectations, BbKI (1.8 μm) increased [Ca2+]cand contraction, as observed with BK (2.0 μm). Not blocked by B1 receptors (B1R), the BbKI agonistic effect was blocked by the B2R antagonist, HOE-140 (6 μm), and the involvement of B2R was confirmed in B2R-knockout mice intestine. The same tissue response was obtained using a synthetic peptide derived from the BbKI reactive site structure, more resistant than BK to angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) hydrolysis. Depending on the concentration, BbKI has a dual effect. At a low concentration, BbKI acts as a potent kallikrein inhibitor; however, due to the similarity to BK, in high concentrations, BbKI greatly increases Ca2+ release from internal storages, as a consequence of its interaction with B2R. Therefore, the antagonistic and agonistic effects of BbKI may be considered in conditions of B2R involvement.
Zinc networks: the cell-specific compartmentalization of zinc for specialized functions
Authors: Hennigar Stephen R. , Kelleher Shannon L.
Published: August 2012

Zinc (Zn2+) is the most abundant trace element in cells and is essential for a vast number of catalytic, structural, and regulatory processes. Mounting evidence indicates that like calcium (Ca2+), intracellular Zn2+ pools are redistributed for specific cellular functions. This occurs through the regulation of 24 Zn2+ transporters whose localization and expression is tissue and cell specific. We propose that the complement and regulation of Zn2+ transporters expressed within a given cell type reflects the function of the cell itself and comprises a ‘Zn2+ network.’ Importantly, increasing information implicates perturbations in the Zn2+ network with metabolic consequences and disease. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of Zn2+ transporters from the perspective of a Zn2+ network in four specific tissues with unique Zn2+ requirements (mammary gland, prostate, pancreas, and brain). Delineating the entire Zn2+ transporting network within the context of unique cellular Zn2+ needs is important in identifying critical gaps in our knowledge and improving our understanding of the consequences of Zn2+ dysregulation in human health and disease.
Understanding the substrate specificity of conventional calpains
Authors: Sorimachi Hiroyuki , Mamitsuka Hiroshi , Ono Yasuko
Published: August 2012

Calpains are intracellular Ca2+-dependent Cys proteases that play important roles in a wide range of biological phenomena via the limited proteolysis of their substrates. Genetic defects in calpain genes cause lethality and/or functional deficits in many organisms, including humans. Despite their biological importance, the mechanisms underlying the action of calpains, particularly of their substrate specificities, remain largely unknown. Studies show that certain sequence preferences influence calpain substrate recognition, and some properties of amino acids have been related successfully to substrate specificity and to the calpains’ 3D structure. The full spectrum of this substrate specificity, however, has not been clarified using standard sequence analysis algorithms, e.g., the position-specific scoring-matrix method. More advanced bioinformatics techniques were used recently to identify the substrate specificities of calpains and to develop a predictor for calpain cleavage sites, demonstrating the potential of combining empirical data acquisition and machine learning. This review discusses the calpains’ substrate specificities, introducing the benefits of bioinformatics applications. In conclusion, machine learning has led to the development of useful predictors for calpain cleavage sites, although the accuracy of the predictions still needs improvement. Machine learning has also elucidated information about the properties of calpains’ substrate specificities, including a preference for sequences over secondary structures and the existence of a substrate specificity difference between two similar conventional calpains, which has never been indicated biochemically.
Complicated N-linked glycans in simple organisms
Authors: Schiller Birgit , Hykollari Alba , Yan Shi , Paschinger Katharina , Wilson Iain B.H.
Published: August 2012

Although countless genomes have now been sequenced, the glycomes of the vast majority of eukaryotes still present a series of unmapped frontiers. However, strides are being made in a few groups of invertebrate and unicellular organisms as regards their N-glycans and N-glycosylation pathways. Thereby, the traditional classification of glycan structures inevitably approaches its boundaries. Indeed, the glycomes of these organisms are rich in surprises, including a multitude of modifications of the core regions of N-glycans and unusual antennae. From the actually rather limited glycomic information we have, it is nevertheless obvious that the biotechnological, developmental and immunological relevance of these modifications, especially in insect cell lines, model organisms and parasites means that deciphering unusual glycomes is of more than just academic interest.
TMPRSS4 is a type II transmembrane serine protease involved in cancer and viral infections
Authors: Ohler Anke , Becker-Pauly Christoph
Published: August 2012

Proteolytic enzymes are involved in almost all biological processes reflecting their importance in health and disease. The human genome contains nearly 600 protease-encoding genes forming more than 2% of the total human proteome. The serine proteases, with about 180 members, built the oldest and second largest family of human proteases. Ten years ago, a novel serine protease family named the type II transmembrane family (TTSP) was identified. This minireview summarizes the up-to-date knowledge about the still growing TTSPs, particularly focusing on the pathophysiological functions of the family member type II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS) 4. Recent studies provided important data on TMPRSS4 activity associated with the spreading of influenza viruses, mediated by the cleavage of hemagglutinin. Progression and metastatic potential of several cancers is concordant with an increased expression of TMPRSS4, though being a possible diagnostic marker. However, to benefit from TMPRSS4 as a therapeutic target, more data concerning its physiological relevance are needed, as done by a specific morpholino knockdown in zebrafish embryos.
Protease-dependent mechanisms of complement evasion by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Potempa Michal , Potempa Jan
Published: August 2012

The human immune system has evolved a variety of mechanisms for the primary task of neutralizing and eliminating microbial intruders. As the first line of defense, the complement system is responsible for rapid recognition and opsonization of bacteria, presentation to phagocytes and bacterial cell killing by direct lysis. All successful human pathogens have mechanisms of circumventing the antibacterial activity of the complement system and escaping this stage of the immune response. One of the ways in which pathogens achieve this is the deployment of proteases. Based on the increasing number of recent publications in this area, it appears that proteolytic inactivation of the antibacterial activities of the complement system is a common strategy of avoiding targeting by this arm of host innate immune defense. In this review, we focus on those bacteria that deploy proteases capable of degrading complement system components into non-functional fragments, thus impairing complement-dependent antibacterial activity and facilitating pathogen survival inside the host.
Modular structure of HEL protein from Arabidopsis reveals new potential functions for PR-4 proteins
Authors: Bertini Laura , Proietti Silvia , Aleandri Maria Pia , Mondello Francesca , Sandini Silvia , Caporale Carlo , Caruso Carla
Published: August 2012

Plants possess an innate immune system enabling them to defend themselves against pathogen attack. The accumulation of newly synthesized pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) is one of the most studied inducible plant defence response. In this paper, we report on the characterization of a class I PR4 vacuolar protein from Arabidopsis, named AtHEL. The protein has a modular structure consisting of an N-terminal hevein-like domain (CB-HEL) and a C-terminal domain (CD-HEL) that are posttranslationally processed. Both domains show a strong antifungal activity, but they do not have chitinolitic properties. CD-HEL was found to be endowed with RNase, but not DNase activity. Molecular modeling carried out on both domains revealed that CB-HEL possesses a chitin binding site strictly conserved between hevein-type peptides and that the cavity involved in substrate interaction of CD-HEL do not show any residue substitution with respect to the orthologous wheatwin1 from wheat. Using a fishing for partners approach, CB-HEL was found to interact with a fungal fruiting body lectin. According to literature, we can hypothesize that CB-HEL could cross the pathogen hyphal membrane and that its interaction with a fungal lectin could knock out one of the weapons that the fungus uses.
Speaking of shape: The effects of language-specific encoding on semantic representations
Authors: Perniss Pamela , Vinson David , Seifart Frank , Vigliocco Gabriella
Published: August 2012

The question of whether different linguistic patterns differentially influence semantic and conceptual representations is of central interest in cognitive science. In this paper, we investigate whether the regular encoding of shape within a nominal classification system leads to an increased salience of shape in speakers' semantic representations by comparing English, (Amazonian) Spanish, and Bora, a shape-based classifier language spoken in the Amazonian regions of Columbia and Peru. Crucially, in displaying obligatory use, pervasiveness in grammar, high discourse frequency, and phonological variability of forms corresponding to particular shape features, the Bora classifier system differs in important ways from those in previous studies investigating effects of nominal classification, thereby allowing better control of factors that may have influenced previous findings. In addition, the inclusion of Spanish monolinguals living in the Bora village allowed control for the possibility that differences found between English and Bora speakers may be attributed to their very different living environments. We found that shape is more salient in the semantic representation of objects for speakers of Bora, which systematically encodes shape, than for speakers of English and Spanish, which do not. Our results are consistent with assumptions that semantic representations are shaped and modulated by our specific linguistic experiences.
Therapeutic outcome of tattoo removal with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in Thai students – Comparison of two rural regions within a tattoo removal program
Authors: Mungnirandr Akkrapol , Bunyaratavej Sumanas , Thuangtong Rattapon , Thoamphoemphol Anchana , Supasynth Piyaporn , Hatthanirun Pakawadee , Outtarawichian Wanwilai , Buathong Chaiwat , Vajaradul Yongyuth
Published: August 2012

To review the results of laser tattoo removal in Thai students of Saraburi province.

This is a retrospective review study of the students participating in our tattoo removal program at Saraburi province, Thailand. The laser used was a 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (spot size, 3 mm; pulse duration, 6 ns, fluencies, 1.25–12 J/cm

The 78 students involved were aged between 10 years 4 months and 21 years. The mean time of tattoo existence was 2.3 ± 1.4 years. The majority of the students were tattooed by amateur practitioners and by hand. The costs of tattoo procedure ranged between 0 and 1800 Thai Bahts. A clinical clearance of 76–100% was achieved in 41.6% of the treated tattoos. Observed side effects were textural changes, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring which occurred in 11.4%, 8.8%, 5.1%, and 5.9% of the cases, respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between the person who did the tattoo, or the age of tattoo to the complications or side effects after laser tattoo removal.

In a rural area of Thailand, more male Thai students chose to have a tattoo than female students. Nearly all of the students did the tattoo themselves or had it done by friends. The students did not initially know or had not realized the possible medical complications or social consequences of having a tattoo. From our study (students in the rural area and dark skin prototype), the lower applied laser fluencies caused a lower rate of scarring. More laser sessions may be required to achieve standard clinical clearance.
Ablation and thermal effects in treatment of hard and soft materials and biotissues using ultrafast-laser pulse-train bursts
Authors: Marjoribanks Robin S. , Dille Christian , Schoenly Joshua E. , McKinney Luke , Mordovanakis Aghapi , Kaifosh Patrick , Forrester Paul , Qian Zuoming , Covarrubias Andrés , Feng Yuanfeng , Lilge Lothar
Published: August 2012

Ultrafast laser pulses (≤1 ps) are qualitatively different in the nature of their interaction with materials, including biotissues, as compared to nanosecond or longer pulses. This can confer pronounced advantages in outcomes for tissue therapy or laser surgery. At the same time, there are distinct limitations of their strong-field mode of interaction. As an alternative, it is shown here that ultrafast laser pulses delivered in a pulse-train burst mode of radiant exposure can access new degrees of control of the interaction process and of the heat left behind in tissues. Using a laser system that delivers 1 ps pulses in 20 μs pulse-train bursts at 133 MHz repetition rates, a range of heat and energy-transfer effects on hard and soft tissue have been studied. The ablation of tooth dentin and enamel under various conditions, to assess the ablation rate and characterize chemical changes that occur, are reported. This is compared to ablation in agar gels, useful live-cell-culture phantom of soft tissues, and presenting different mechanical strength. Study of aspects of the optical science of laser-tissue interaction promises to make qualitative improvements to medical treatments using lasers as cutting and ablative tools.
Gel filtration chromatography analysis and modeling the process of pullulan depolymerization
Authors: Savic Ivan M. , Nikolic Goran S. , Zerajic Stanko A. , Savic Ivana M.
Published: August 2012

Different fractions of pullulan oligosaccharide can be applied in the synthesis of pharmaceutical active compounds. Thus, the object of this study was to model the depolymerization process of pullulan polysaccharide with the change of pH, temperature and depolymerization time. The samples were analyzed by gel filtration chromatography (GFC). The chromatography separation of polymer fractions was achieved by using a Zorbax PSM-300 HP-SEC column (250×6.2 mm, 5 μm) at a temperature of 25°C. The flow rate of the mobile phase (redistilled water) was 1 cm3 min-1. The fractions were recorded by a refractive index detector. The obtained data were converted by thin plate spline interpolation function into matrixes. By the mathematical processing matrixes, the models of molar mass distribution in the function of pH, temperature and depolymerization time were obtained. The intervals of depolymerization parameters can be defined for obtaining the desirable pullulan oligomers, which have the efficient applications in macromolecule technology.
Zusammenhänge zwischen Wortstellungen und Subjekt-Verb-Kongruenz in der lernersprachlichen Entwicklung bei L2-Lernern des Deutschen
Authors: Lee Mi-Young
Published: August 2012

The present work deals with production difficulties associated with German word order rules and examines how word order and subject-verb agreement relate to one another in the interlanguage development of learners of German as a second language, paying particular attention to the perspective of the learner regarding their language production. It will be argued that the production difficulties with subject-verb inversion (INVERSION) and verb-final placement in subordinate clauses (V-FINAL) as well as the tendency in learners to produce SVO structures instead of INVERSION and V-FINAL, are consequences caused by a specific way of processing used by the leaner in trying to realize the subject-verb agreement that is typical of German. Over the course of the interlanguage development, the processing of word order, in turn, influences the processing of subject-verb agreement so that learners rarely produce subject-verb agreement errors in structures having SVO word order, while on the other hand, they occur frequently in structures that deviate from SVO word order. It is assumed that factors such as the acquisition context (natural/instructed), transfer from previously acquired languages and age-related, cognitive maturity play an important role in the acquisition of subject-verb agreement.
Lower Life Satisfaction Related to Materialism in Children Frequently Exposed to Advertising
Authors: Opree Suzanna J. , Buijzen Moniek , Valkenburg Patti M.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Research among adults suggests that materialism and life satisfaction negatively influence each other, causing a downward spiral. So far, cross-sectional research among children has indicated that materialistic children are less happy, but causality remains uncertain. This study adds to the literature by investigating the longitudinal relation between materialism and life satisfaction. We also investigated whether their relation depended on children’s level of exposure to advertising.

METHODS:

A sample of 466 children (aged 8–11; 55% girls) participated in a 2-wave online survey with a 1-year interval. We asked children questions about material possessions, life satisfaction, and advertising. We used structural equation modeling to study the relationship between these variables.

RESULTS:

For the children in our sample, no effect of materialism on life satisfaction was observed. However, life satisfaction did have a negative effect on materialism. Exposure to advertising facilitated this effect: We only found an effect of life satisfaction on materialism for children who were frequently exposed to advertising.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among 8- to 11-year-old children, life satisfaction leads to decreased materialism and not the other way around. However, this effect only holds for children who are frequently exposed to television advertising. It is plausible that the material values portrayed in advertising teach children that material possessions are a way to cope with decreased life satisfaction. It is important to reduce this effect, because findings among adults suggest that materialistic children may become less happy later in life. Various intervention strategies are discussed.
Breastfeeding, Childhood Milk Consumption, and Onset of Puberty
Authors: Kwok Man Ki , Leung Gabriel M. , Lam Tai Hing , Schooling C. Mary
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Early nutrition has been postulated as programming pubertal timing. Limited observational studies, mainly from Western settings, suggest puberty occurs later with breastfeeding and earlier with higher cow’s milk (including infant formula) consumption. However, these observations may be socioeconomically confounded. This study examined whether breastfeeding or childhood milk consumption was associated with pubertal onset in a setting with different associations of breastfeeding and puberty with socioeconomic position.

METHODS:

The adjusted associations of breastfeeding or milk consumption at 6 months, 3 years, and 5 years with clinically assessed age at pubertal onset (Tanner stage II) were assessed by using interval-censored regression in a population-representative Hong Kong Chinese birth cohort, “Children of 1997,” with 90% follow-up (N = 7523).

RESULTS:

Compared with never breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for 3+ months was unrelated to age at pubertal onset (time ratio [TR] 1.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.987–1.015), as was partial breastfeeding for any length of time or exclusive breastfeeding for <3 months (TR 1.003, 95% CI 0.996–1.010), adjusted for gender, socioeconomic position, birth weight-for-gestational age, birth order, second-hand smoke exposure, and mother’s age and place of birth. Daily milk consumption at 6 months (TR 1.004, 95% CI 0.991–1.018), 3 years (TR 0.995, 95% CI 0.982–1.008), or 5 years (TR 0.998, 95% CI 0.988–1.009) was also unrelated to age at pubertal onset compared with milk consumption for ≤1 time per week at the corresponding ages.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a non-Western setting, neither breastfeeding nor childhood milk consumption was associated with age at pubertal onset, suggesting that associations may vary by setting.
Timing of Measles Immunization and Effective Population Vaccine Coverage
Authors: Bielicki Julia A. , Achermann Rita , Berger Christoph
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To describe measles vaccination patterns in a cohort of Swiss children aged up to 3 years insured with a single health insurer.

METHODS:

A dynamic cohort study evaluating measles immunizations patterns in children born between 2006 and 2008 was conducted. Time-to-event analysis was used to describe timing of measles immunization. Effective vaccine coverage was calculated by using an area under the curve approach.

RESULTS:

In the study cohort, 62.6% of 13-month-old children were up-to-date for the first measles immunization (recommended at 12 months of age). Approximately 59% of 25-month-old children were up-to-date for the second measles immunization (recommended at 15–24 months of age). Most doses were delivered during months in a child’s life when well-child visits are recommended (eg, 12 months of age). For second measles vaccine dose, accelerations in vaccine delivery occurred at time points for well-child visits during the months 19 and 25 of age but with lower final uptake than for the first measles vaccine dose. Until their second birthday, children in our cohort spent on average 177 days and 89 days susceptible to measles due to policy recommendations and additional delays, respectively. In a group of children aged 6 months to 2 years reflecting the age distribution in our cohort, effective vaccine coverage was only 48.6%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Timing and timeliness of measles immunizations influence effective population vaccine coverage and should be routinely reported in addition to coverage whenever possible. Proposed timing and relation of recommended vaccinations to well-child visits could be relevant aspects in optimizing measles vaccine coverage to reach measles elimination.
One-Year Outcomes of Prenatal Exposure to MDMA and Other Recreational Drugs
Authors: Singer Lynn T. , Moore Derek G. , Min Meeyoung O. , Goodwin Julia , Turner John J.D. , Fulton Sarah , Parrott Andrew C.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE:

A widely used illicit recreational drug among young adults, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, is an indirect monoaminergic agonist/reuptake inhibitor affecting the serotonin system. Preclinical studies found prenatal exposure related to long-term learning and memory impairments. There are no studies of sequelae of prenatal MDMA exposure in humans, despite potential harmful effects to the fetus.

METHODS:

A total of 96 women in the United Kingdom (28 MDMA users; 68 non-MDMA) were interviewed about recreational drug use during pregnancy. Their infants were seen at 12 months using standardized assessments of cognitive, language, and motor development (Preschool Language Scale, Bayley Mental and Motor Development and Behavior Rating Scales [Mental Development Index, Psychomotor Development Index, Behavioral Rating Scale]). Mothers completed the Child Domain Scale of the Parenting Stress Index, The Home Observation of the Environment Scale (in interview), the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. Women were primarily middle class with some university education, in stable partner relationships, and polydrug users. MDMA and other drug effects were assessed through multiple regression analyses controlling for confounding variables, and analysis of covariance comparing heavier versus lighter and nonexposed groups.

RESULTS:

Amount of prenatal MDMA exposure predicted poorer infant mental and motor development at 12 months in a dose-dependent manner. Heavily exposed infants were delayed in motor development. Lighter-exposed infants were comparable to nonexposed infants. There were no effects on language, emotional regulation, or parenting stress.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings document persistent neurotoxic effects of heavier prenatal MDMA exposure on motor development through the first year of life.
An innovative aerial assessment of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem mountain pine beetle‐caused whitebark pine mortality
Authors: Macfarlane William W. , Logan Jesse A. , Kern Wilson R.
Published: August 2012

An innovative aerial survey method called the Landscape Assessment System (LAS) was used to assess mountain pine beetle (MPB;Dendroctonus ponderosae)‐caused mortality of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) across the species distribution in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE; 894 774 ha). This large‐scale implementation of the LAS method consisted of 8673 km of flight lines, along which 4653 geo‐tagged, oblique aerial photos were captured at the catchment level (a subset of 12‐digit USGS hydrologic units) and geographic information system (GIS) processed. The Mountain Pine Beetle‐caused Mortality Rating System, a landscape‐scale classification system designed specifically to measure the cumulative effects of recent and older MPB attacks on whitebark pine, was used to classify mortality with a rating from 0 to 6 based on the amount of red (recent attack) and gray (old attack) trees visible. The approach achieved a photo inventory of 79% of the GYE whitebark pine distribution. For the remaining 21%, mortality levels were estimated based on an interpolated surface. Results that combine the photo‐inventoried and interpolated mortality indicate that nearly half (46%) of the GYE whitebark pine distribution showed severe mortality (3–4 or 5.3–5.4 rating), 36% showed moderate mortality (2–2.9 rating), 13% showed low mortality (1–1.9 rating), and 5% showed trace levels of mortality (0–0.9). These results reveal that the proliferation of MPB in the subalpine zone of the GYE due to climate warming has led to whitebark pine mortality that is more severe and widespread than indicated from either previous modeling research or USDA Forest Service Aerial Detection surveys. Sixteen of the 22 major mountain ranges of the GYE have experienced widespread moderate‐to‐severe mortality. The majority of catchments in the other six mountain ranges show low‐to‐moderate mortality. Refugia from MPB outbreaks, at least for now, also exist and correspond to locations that have colder microclimates. The spatially explicit mortality information produced by this project has helped forest managers develop and implement conservation strategies that include both preservation and restoration efforts. Future research aimed at documenting and quantifying the ecological impacts of widespread decline and collapse of this foundation and keystone species is warranted.
Sixty Golden Minutes
Authors: Doyle Kimberly Jane , Bradshaw Wanda T.
Published: August 2012

The golden hour concept started in the trauma setting but is becoming more familiar in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For a premature baby, the first hour of life can make the difference between a good outcome, a poor outcome, and death. The golden hour is 60 minutes of team-oriented and task-driven protocols. The focus is on resuscitation, thermoregulation, early administration of antibiotics for suspected sepsis, early intravenous parenteral nutrition, hypoglycemia management, and completed admission within one hour of life. To a premature baby, the first 60 minutes of life are golden and can last a lifetime.
Heart for Bonding: A New Protocol of Care for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Parker Mary E. , Bradshaw Wanda T. , Smith Hope R.
Published: August 2012

There are significant challenges involved in the perinatal and postnatal care of an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and the infant’s family. In the blink of an eye, the perfect child is lost, and a fragile infant is about to join the family. This case study and discussion is an overview of HLHS, a family’s desire to make the birth of their infant normal, and how that desire initiated a change in philosophy and practice in our neonatal intensive care unit. Keywords: hypoplastic left heart syndrome, HLHS, family centered care, parent-infant bonding, breastfeeding.