bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevation of GM2 ganglioside during ethanol‐induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing mouse brain
Authors: Saito Mitsuo , Chakraborty Goutam , Shah Relish , Mao Rui‐Fen , Kumar Asok , Yang Dun‐Sheng , Dobrenis Kostantin , Saito Mariko
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 649–661.

GM2 ganglioside in the brain increased during ethanol‐induced acute apoptotic neurodegeneration in 7‐day‐old mice. A small but a significant increase observed 2 h after ethanol exposure was followed by a marked increase around 24 h. Subcellular fractionation of the brain 24 h after ethanol treatment indicated that GM2 increased in synaptic and non‐synaptic mitochondrial fractions as well as in a lysosome‐enriched fraction characteristic to the ethanol‐exposed brain. Immunohistochemical staining of GM2 in the ethanol‐treated brain showed strong punctate staining mainly in activated microglia, in which it partially overlapped with staining for LAMP1, a late endosomal/lysosomal marker. Also, there was weaker neuronal staining, which partially co‐localized with complex IV, a mitochondrial marker, and was augmented in cleaved caspase 3‐positive neurons. In contrast, the control brain showed only faint and diffuse GM2 staining in neurons. Incubation of isolated brain mitochondria with GM2 in vitro induced cytochrome c release in a manner similar to that of GD3 ganglioside. Because ethanol is known to trigger mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis with cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation in the 7‐day‐old mouse brain, the GM2 elevation in mitochondria may be relevant to neuroapoptosis. Subsequently, activated microglia accumulated GM2, indicating a close relationship between GM2 and ethanol‐induced neurodegeneration.
Effects of sedative and non‐sedative antihistamine drugs on prefrontal cortex activities: towards pharmacological near‐infrared spectroscopy studies
Authors: Tsujii Takeo , Sakatani Kaoru , Masuda Sayako , Watanabe Shigeru
Published: March 2012

Histamine H1‐receptor antagonists (antihistamines) are widely used for the treatment of allergic disorders in young children. It is well known that the newer antihistamine drugs elicit better performances of working memory and selective attention than the first‐generation drugs in this class. However, the neural correlates of the poorer performances associated with the first‐generation antihistamines remain relatively unknown. In this article, we review recent studies in our laboratory that examined the effects of antihistamine drugs on prefrontal cortex activities in adults and young children using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), an emerging brain imaging method that is suitable for psychological experiments. In the first study, we examined the prefrontal cortex activities while adult subjects performed a working memory task at 3 hours after taking a first‐generation antihistamine (ketotifen), a second‐generation antihistamine (epinastine), or a placebo. We found that cortical activation at the lateral prefrontal region increased during the performance of the working memory task in subjects administered epinastine or the placebo but not in those administered ketotifen. In the second study conducted in 15 healthy pre‐school children (mean age: 5.5 years), ketotifen significantly impaired the behavioural performance and cortical activation at the lateral prefrontal cortex in a working memory task compared with epinastine and the placebo. In the third study conducted in school‐aged children (mean age: 7.7 years), ketotifen significantly impaired the behavioural performance and cortical activation at the lateral prefrontal cortex compared with the placebo. There were no sedative effects on the neural responses or behavioural performance after epinastine administration. These studies demonstrate for the first time the differential sedation effects of first‐ and second‐generation antihistamines on brain haemodynamic responses in young children. We also discuss the utility of the NIRS technique in psychopharmacological studies of children.
Study on Fracture Behaviour of a Polymer‐Bonded Explosive Simulant Subjected to Uniaxial Compression Using Digital Image Correlation Method
Authors: Zhou Z. , Chen P. , Duan Z. , Huang F.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Quasi‐static uniaxial compression experiments were conducted on a polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX) simulant. At macro‐scale, the deformation and fracture process of samples were recorded using a charge‐coupled‐device camera. Microscopic examination was conducted to in situ observe the deformation and fracture processes of samples using SEM equipped with a loading stage. Microscopic damage modes, including interfacial debonding and particle fracture, were observed. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to calculate the recorded images, and the macro‐ and micro‐scale displacement and strain fields were determined. Crack initiation, crack propagation, fracture behaviour and failure mechanism of samples were studied. The effects of aspect ratios on fracture behaviour and failure mechanism of PBX simulant were analysed.
Correlation Between Numerical Finite Element Simulation and Experiments for Explosive Cladding of Nickel Base Super Alloy on Hot Tool Steel
Authors: Khanzadeh M. R. , Akbari Mousavi S. A. A. , Amadeh A. , Liaghat G. H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Experimental tests were carried out to explosively clad solution‐annealed Inconel 718 super alloy on quench‐tempered AISI H13 hot tool steel. The tests were performed using various stand‐off distances and explosive–to‐flyer plate mass ratios. Various interface geometries were obtained from these experiments. All the experiments were simulated using ABAQUS version 6.9 finite element software. The Williamsburg equation of state and Johnson–Cook constitutive equation with its corresponding failure equation were used to model the behaviour of explosive and plates, respectively. The experimental results showed that the shape of interface fell roughly into three classes, wavy or wavy with some vortex shedding or smooth‐wavy. Various interface morphologies were achieved by changing the stand‐off distances and explosive–to‐flyer plate mass ratios because of change of impact velocity and dynamic collision angle. Numerical results showed that high localised plastic deformation was produced at the bond interface. Equivalent plastic strain and shear stress could be criteria for transition of interface morphology. Welding window of alloys was also developed.
A COMBINED MULTI‐ANALYTICAL APPROACH FOR THE STUDY OF ROMAN GLASS FROM SOUTH‐WEST IBERIA: SYNCHROTRON μ‐XRF, EXTERNAL‐PIXE/PIGE AND BSEM–EDS
Authors: SCHIAVON N. , CANDEIAS A. , FERREIRA T. , DA CONCEIÇAO LOPES M. , CARNEIRO A. , CALLIGARO T. , MIRAO J.
Published: March 2012

An integrated, multi‐analytical approach combining the high sensitivity of SR‐μXRF, the light element capability of PIXE/PIGE under a helium flux and the spatial resolution of BSEM + EDS was used to characterize chemical composition and corrosion of glass samples (first to fourth centuries ad) from an important, but scarcely investigated, Roman region of south‐west Iberia (southern Portugal). The geochemical trends and associations of major, minor and trace elements were investigated to shed light on production techniques, the provenance of raw materials and decay mechanisms. The results, while confirming a production technique common to Roman glasses throughout the Empire—that is, a silica‐soda‐lime low‐Mg, low‐K composition, with glass additives as colouring and/or decolouring agents (Fe, Cu, Mn, Sb)—show at one site high Zr–Ti contents, suggesting a more precise dating for these glasses to the second half of the fourth century. The Ti–Fe–Zr–Nb geochemical correlations in the pristine glass indicate the presence of minerals such as ilmenite, zircon, Ti‐rich Fe oxides and columbite in the sands used as raw materials for the glass former: these minerals are typical of granitic‐type source rocks. The unusually high K content in the corrosion layers is consistent with burial conditions in K‐rich soils derived from the alteration of 2:1 clays in K‐bearing rock sequences.
Voluntary Disclosures, Corporate Control, and Investment
Authors: KUMAR PRAVEEN , LANGBERG NISAN , SIVARAMAKRISHNAN K.
Published: March 2012

We examine the valuation and capital allocation roles of voluntary disclosure when managers have private information regarding the firm’s investment opportunities, but an efficient market for corporate control influences their investment decisions. For managers with long‐term stakes in the firm, the equilibrium disclosure region is two‐tailed: only extreme good news and extreme bad news is disclosed in equilibrium. Moreover, the market’s stock price and investment responses to bad news disclosures are stronger than the responses to good news disclosures, which is consistent with the empirical evidence. We also find that myopic managers are more likely to withhold bad news in good economic times when markets can independently assess expected investment returns.
Roflumilast N‐oxide, a PDE4 inhibitor, improves cilia motility and ciliated human bronchial epithelial cells compromised by cigarette smoke in vitro
Authors: Milara J , Armengot M , Bañuls P , Tenor H , Beume Rolf , Artigues E , Cortijo J
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mucociliary malfunction occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and compromised functions of ciliated bronchial epithelial cells may contribute to this. Cigarette smoke, a major risk factor for COPD, impairs ciliary beat frequency (CBF). cAMP augments CBF. This in vitro study addressed, in differentiated, primary human bronchial epithelial cells, whether roflumilast N‐oxide, a PDE4 inhibitor, (i) augments CBF; (ii) prevents the reduction in CBF induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE); and (iii) protects against the loss of the ciliated phenotype following long‐term CSE exposure.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Air‐liquid interface cultured human bronchial epithelial cells were incubated with roflumilast N‐oxide and exposed to CSE. CBF was assessed by digital high speed video microscopy (DHSV). Ciliated cells were characterized by β‐tubulin IV staining and analyses of Foxj1 and Dnai2 mRNA and protein (real‐time quantitative PCR, Western blotting).

KEY RESULTS Roflumilast N‐oxide concentration‐dependently triggered a rapid and persistent increase in CBF and reversed the decrease in CBF following CSE. Long‐term incubation of bronchial epithelial cells with CSE resulted in a loss in ciliated cells associated with reduced expression of the ciliated cell markers Foxj1 and Dnai2. The PDE4 inhibitor prevented this loss in the ciliated cell phenotype and the compromised Foxj1 and Dnai2 expression. The enhanced release of IL‐13 following CSE, a cytokine that diminishes the proportion of ciliated cells and in parallel, reduces Foxj1 and Dnai2, was reversed by roflumilast N‐oxide.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Roflumilast N‐oxide protected differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells from reduced CBF and loss of ciliated cells following CSE.
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 in association with hTERT is a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Hideki , Honda Masao , Shirasaki Takayoshi , Yamashita Taro , Yamashita Tatsuya , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: February 2012

Background

The heterogeneous nature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the lack of appropriate biomarkers have hampered patient prognosis and treatment stratification. To identify a new prognostic biomarker that is related to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in HCC, we employed a unique proteomics approach using liquid chromatograph‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) after gel filtration purification of liver tissue.

Methods

Protein lysates from HCC and cirrhotic liver tissue were subjected to gel filtration using high performance liquid chromatography. The telomerase complex was identified at a molecular mass of 350 kDa in parallel with telomerase activity. These fractionated lysates of 350 kDa were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. The relation of the identified marker and prognosis was statistically examined in surgically resected HCC patients.

Results

We identified 24 differentially expressed proteins in HCC. One of these proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1), was further analyzed by immunoprecipitation assay using tissue and cell line samples and found to interact with hTERT. Moreover small interfering RNA against hnRNP A2/B1 suppressed telomerase activity, and immunohistochemical examination showed that the enhanced nuclear and cytoplasmic hnRNP A2/B1 expression in HCC was significantly associated with histological grade of tumor differentiation and microvascular invasion of HCC. Furthermore, survival analysis of 74 HCC patients who received curative surgical treatment showed that hnRNP A2/B1 expression is an independent prognostic factor for patient survival.

Conclusions

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1, an hTERT‐associated protein, is a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and might be a therapeutic target of HCC.
Influence of grafting with acrylic acid on the dyeing properties of polyamide 6.6 fibres
Authors: Makhlouf Chahira , Ladhari Neji , Roudesli Sadok , Sakly Faouzi
Published: March 2012

Polyamide 6.6 fibres were modified for the improvement of dyeing affinity using a graft copolymerisation method. These fibres were grafted with acrylic acid as monomer. The influence of the chemical modification of polyamide 6.6 fibres on the dyeing properties was investigated using a cationic dye (Red Astrazon 5BL). It was shown that the dye uptake of the modified fibres was greater than that of the unmodified fibres. The kinetic study of the cationic dye used at various grafting percentages showed an improvement of the dye build‐up rate, such as its exhaustion. In addition, an increase in the adsorption of the dye quantity fixed on the surface layer of the fibre made up of the grafted molecules was announced. Colour fastness to washing was improved with the grafting percentage. The modelling of the adsorption isotherms using Langmuir, Freundlich and Jossen relations allows the determination of isotherm constants. The results obtained from this modelling study show the existence of several models corresponding to various percentages of grafting.
Precise mid‐trimester placenta localisation: Does it predict adverse outcomes?
Authors: Robinson Alice J. , Muller Peter R. , Allan Richard , Ross Richard , Baghurst Peter A. , Keirse Marc J.N.C.
Published: February 2012

Background

A low‐lying placenta detected at the mid‐pregnancy ultrasound is commonly reported to warn against potential morbidity associated with placenta praevia. There is no information on what distance away from the internal cervical os is safe.

Aims

We examined whether a low‐lying placenta not overlapping the cervical os in the second trimester increases the risk of obstetric complications and whether there is a cut‐off point at which that increase occurs.

Methods

Adverse perinatal outcomes were examined prospectively in a cohort of women with a placenta 0–30 mm from the internal cervical os (‘low‐lying’) at the routine mid‐trimester ultrasound and compared to those with a placenta further away. Two composite outcomes of ‘major’ and ‘minor’ adverse events were predefined as primary outcome measures, requiring a sample size of 480 women with a low‐lying placenta. Chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In 1662 pregnancies (‘low‐lying’: n = 484; ‘normal’: n = 1178), there was no increase in composite adverse outcomes with a low‐lying placenta and no cut‐off distance within 30 mm from the cervical os at which risks increased. Postpartum haemorrhage ≥1000 mL was more frequent with a low‐lying placenta (7.6% vs 4.7%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women with a low‐lying placenta, not overlapping the cervical os, in mid‐pregnancy are at no higher risk of adverse outcomes than those with a normally located placenta, except postpartum haemorrhage. This suggests that the high‐risk label can be removed from pregnancies with a low‐lying placenta not overlapping the cervical os in mid‐pregnancy, reducing anxiety and resource utilisation.
Cytocompatibility of Porous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Granules With Human Mesenchymal Cells by a Multiparametric Assay
Authors: Mitri Fabio , Alves Gutemberg , Fernandes Gustavo , König Bruno , Rossi Alexandre Jr , Granjeiro Jose
Published: February 2012

This work aims to evaluate the cytocompatibility of injectable and moldable restorative biomaterials based on granules of dense or porous biphasic calcium phosphates (BCPs) with human primary mesenchymal cells, in order to validate them as tools for stem cell‐induced bone regeneration. Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA/beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) (60:40) granules were obtained by the addition of wax spheres and pressing at 20 MPa, while dense materials were compacted by pressing at 100 MPa, followed by thermal treatment (1100°C), grinding, and sieving. Extracts were prepared by 24‐h incubation of granules on culture media, with subsequent exposition of human primary mesenchymal cells. Three different cell viability parameters were evaluated on the same samples. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the granules revealed distinct dense and porous surfaces. After cell exposition to extracts, no significant differences on mitochondrial activity (2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenly)‐5‐[(phenylamino) carbonyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide) or cell density (Crystal Violet Dye Elution) were observed among groups. However, Neutral Red assay revealed that dense materials extracts induced lower levels of total viable cells to porous HA/β‐TCP (P < 0.01). Calcium ion content was also significantly lower on the extracts of dense samples. Porogenic treatments on BCP composites do not affect cytocompatibility, as measured by three different parameters, indicating that these ceramics are well suited for further studies on future bioengineering applications.
Evaluation of the permeability and P‐glycoprotein efflux of carbamazepine and several derivatives across mouse small intestine by the Ussing chamber technique
Authors: Fortuna Ana , Alves Gilberto , Falcão Amílcar , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: February 2012

Purpose:  The rational discovery and development of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with safer therapeutic index and better pharmacokinetic properties is still warranted nowadays. Because the long‐term management of epilepsy is attained by means of orally administered AEDs, investigation of their potential to be well absorbed at the intestinal level is mandatory. Moreover, involvement of the efflux transport mediated by P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) may compromise the systemic and central nervous system disposition of AEDs. Therefore, this study aimed at characterizing mouse jejunal passive transport and the possible active efflux mediated by P‐gp of a series of dibenz[b,f]azepine‐5‐carboxamide derivatives (carbamazepine [CBZ], oxcarbazepine [OXC], S‐licarbazepine [S‐Lic], R‐licarbazepine [R‐Lic], carbamazepine‐10,11‐epoxide [CBZ‐E], 10,11‐trans‐dihydroxy‐10,11‐dihydro‐carbamazepine [trans‐diol], and BIA 2‐024), which comprise some AEDs and metabolites.

Methods:  Permeation studies were performed with freshly excised mouse jejunum segments mounted in Ussing chambers. Absorptive (M‐S) and secretive (S‐M) transports were analyzed with and without verapamil, which is a P‐gp inhibitor widely recognized. Apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) in both directions and in absence or presence of verapamil were determined for each test compound. The in vitro method was validated using five controls that included high and low permeable markers with known absorption fraction (Fa) and also well‐known P‐gp substrates. The integrity of intestinal membrane was guaranteed during the assay by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance.

Key Findings:  The correlation obtained between Papp(M‐S) and Fa of references was high (r2 = 0.9945), and could be used to classify the derivatives according to Biopharmaceutical Classification System: CBZ and OXC were the only classified as highly permeable. The Papp(S‐M) of OXC, CBZ‐E, R‐Lic, and BIA 2‐024 were significantly higher than their Papp(M‐S). After verapamil addition, their Papp(S‐M) lowered while Papp(S‐M) increased, suggesting the involvement of P‐gp on the transport of those compounds across mouse jejunum segments. In opposition, CBZ, S‐Lic, and trans‐diol presented no statistical differences between the Papp values reported in both directions, with or without verapamil. The results reported herein suggest that differences in biodisposition of S‐Lic and R‐Lic might result from their distinct interaction with P‐gp.

Significance:  The Ussing chamber model used herein showed to be useful for predicting Fa of AEDs and the involvement of efflux transport, namely P‐gp, on their absorption. This is an important achievement as compounds that are not transported by P‐gp may offer advantages when used in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Living the “revolution” in an Egyptian village: Moral action in a national space
Authors: ABU‐LUGHOD LILA
Published: February 2012

Media coverage of the uprising in Egypt in 2011 focused almost exclusively on Tahrir Square in Cairo. How was the revolution lived in other parts of Egypt, including the countryside? I offer a glimpse of what happened in one village in Upper Egypt where, as elsewhere, daily lives were deeply shaped by devastating national economic and social policies, the arbitrary power of police and security forces, and a sense of profound marginalization and disadvantage. Youth were galvanized to solve local problems in their own community, feeling themselves to be in a national space despite a history of marginalization. They also used a particular language for their activism: a strong language of social morality, not the media‐friendly political language of “rights” and “democracy.”[Egyptian revolution, countryside, youth activism, moral language]
Reflections on secularism, democracy, and politics in Egypt
Authors: Agrama Hussein Ali
Published: February 2012

I reassess dominant understandings of the relations between secularism, democracy, and politics by comparing the Egyptian protests that began on January 25, 2011, and lasted until the fall of Mubarak with some of the events that occurred in their aftermath. The events that occurred after these protests demonstrated the obliging power of what I call the “problem‐space of secularism,” anchored by the question of where to draw a line between religion and politics and the stakes of tolerance and religious freedom typically attached to it. By contrast, the protests themselves displayed a marked indifference to this question. Thus, they stood outside the problem‐space of secularism, representing what I call an “asecular” moment. I suggest that such moments of asecularity merit greater attention. [Egypt, Islam, secularism, sovereignty, asecularity]
“Dividing the poor”: State governance of differential impoverishment in northeast China
Authors: CHO MUN YOUNG
Published: February 2012

How is poverty being managed in China when pauperization of some has become an unavoidable condition of the market economy and when the poor, nevertheless, attempt to make legitimate claims that cannot be overlooked by the developmental and officially socialist state? In this article, I examine “dividing the poor” as a project of governing urban laid‐off workers and rural migrants in postreform China. This project has been made possible through a porous array of governmental intersections that include the temporality of state policies, disjunctive layers of state actions, and the positionality of state agents. [state governance, dividing the poor, poverty, migration, China]
Deposition of Micro‐Porous Hydroxyapatite/Tri‐Calcium Phosphate Coating on Zirconia‐Based Substrate
Authors: Sultana Rumana , Yang Jingzhou , Hu Xiaozhi
Published: March 2012

Scaffold‐like hydroxyapatite/tri‐calcium‐phosphate (HA/TCP) coatings have been deposited on strong zirconia‐substrates using a unique HA‐slip coating‐deposition and coating‐substrate co‐sintering process. Bending strength of such layered composites is over 300 MPa, higher than the upper strength limit of natural bones. Thick scaffold‐like HA‐coatings with open pores larger than 100 μm can be deposited onto the micro‐porous HA/TCP surface using the same technique. Such load‐bearing “HA‐scaffolds” with adequate bending strength and large open pore structures provide useful options as load‐bearing bone implants.
Fabrication and Properties of 3‐D Cf/SiC–ZrC Composites, Using ZrC Precursor and Polycarbosilane
Authors: Li Qinggang , Dong Shaoming , Wang Zhen , He Ping , Zhou Haijun , Yang Jinshan , Wu Bin , Hu Jianbao
Published: March 2012

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) needled Cf/ZrC–SiC composites were successfully fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis combined with ZrC precursor impregnation. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were studied using XRD, SEM and three‐point bending test. The composite with PyC interphase between fiber and matrix had a bulk density of 2.20 g/cm3, an open porosity of 13%, and a bending force of 356 N, and exhibited a nonbrittle failure behavior due to propagation and deflection of cracks, and fracture and pullout of fibers. The mass lose and linear recession rate of the 3‐D needled Cf/SiC–ZrC composite during oxy‐propane torch test were 0.010 g/s and 0.001 mm/s, respectively. The formation of ZrSiO4 melt on the surface of the composite contributed mainly the excellent high‐temperature property.
Processing and Morphology of (111) BaTiO3 Crystal Platelets by a Two‐Step Molten Salt Method
Authors: Lv Danya , Zuo Ruzhong , Su Shi
Published: March 2012

The (111) oriented plate‐like BaTiO3 (BT) particles with a tetragonal perovskite structure and a stoichiometric composition were successfully synthesized by a two‐step molten‐salt synthesis method (MSS). The as‐synthesized BT particles preserved the plate‐like shape of precursor Ba6Ti17O40 (B6T17) particles with (001) major crystalline face, and, however, had a preferred pseudo‐cubic (111) orientation. BT particle with a high aspect ratio (10–20 μm in diameter and <1.5 μm in thickness) was achieved as the soaking temperature and time were optimized to be 1170°C and 5 h, respectively. Oriented particulate layer X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallographic (001) plane of B6T17 has a topotactic relation with the (111) plane of BT particles.
Wind‐Drag Estimation in a Traffic Accident Involving a Motor Scooter and a Tractor–Trailer
Authors: Park Chan‐Seong , Jeon Seung‐Won , Lee Kyu‐Jung , Kim Jun‐Suk , Oh Jae‐Geun , Park Jong‐Chan , Lee Hong‐Seok , Choi Young‐Shik
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  This case report describes a noncontact traffic accident involving a motor scooter and a tractor–trailer with a focus on the wind‐drag effect. We used load cells to measure the drag force acting on a substantially similar motor scooter when a substantially similar tractor–trailer passes by it, taking into consideration various speeds of the tractor–trailer and distances between the two vehicles. A three‐dimensional steady‐state flow analysis was also performed by using the CFX program for computational fluid dynamics to examine the streamlines and the pressure distribution around the tractor–trailer at various speeds. From the experiment, for a separation distance of 1.0 m (3.28 ft) and a speed of 90 km/h (55.9 mph), the maximum resultant drag force is 124.5 N (28 lb); this constitutes a degree of force that could abruptly disrupt the stability in maneuvering by an operator who is unaware of the approaching tractor–trailer. In addition, a single equation that relates the tractor–trailer speed to the drag force that acts on the motor scooter was derived on the basis of the Reynolds number (Re) and the wind‐drag coefficient (Cd): Cd = 1.298 × 10−7 Re.
Developmental Incompetence to Stand Trial in Juvenile Courts*
Authors: O’Donnell Philip C. , Gross Bruce
Published: March 2012

Abstract: Juveniles’ competency to participate in delinquency proceedings has received increased attention in recent years. Developmental incompetence, whereby juveniles’ incompetency is based upon their immaturity, as opposed to a mental disorder or developmental disability, is an evolving and important aspect of this area of law. The following paper reviews theories used to support the notion of developmental incompetence, as well as the extant empirical research on juveniles’ competency‐related abilities. Using a LexisNexis search, statutory and case laws pertaining to juvenile competency were identified across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Only six states clearly allow developmental incompetence, whereas 17 have laws that do not include developmental immaturity as an acceptable basis of incompetence in juvenile courts. Developmental incompetence is likely to affect a relatively small proportion of juvenile cases, but has important implications for juvenile forensic practice. Recommendations are offered for forensic practitioners conducting this type of evaluation.
Five‐year change of periodontal diseases in the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Gätke Daniela , Holtfreter Birte , Biffar Reiner , Kocher Thomas
Published: March 2012

Aim

To assess the extent of remission and progression of periodontal diseases among adults in a Northeast German Region.

Materials and Methods

The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) is a population‐based cohort study with baseline examinations conducted in 1997–2001 and 5‐year‐follow‐up in 2002–2006. The study comprised 2558 subjects aged 20–81 years. Periodontal status was assessed by probing depth (PD) and attachment level (AL), measured at four surfaces per tooth, half‐mouth. An event was defined as AL progression or remission of ≥3 mm on ≥2 sites.

Results

Average change in mean AL (mean PD) was 0.10 mm (−0.05 mm) during follow‐up, equalling 0.02 mm/year (−0.01 mm/year). Adjusted for gender and follow‐up time, change in mean AL was significantly higher in 20–29‐ and 60–69‐year‐old patients compared with 50–59‐year‐old patients (p < 0.05). 6.5 (7.5) events of progression (remission) in AL per 100 person‐years were observed. In multivariate models, risk factors for progression comprised current smoking, middle or low education, being single or divorced and diabetes (p < 0.05). Enhanced progressive attachment loss seen in 20–29‐ and 60–81‐year‐old patients was explained through unfavourable risk factors distributions.

Conclusions

Periodontal progression was moderate. Periodontal prophylaxis and motivation to reduce risk factors should especially be addressed to patients having unfavourable risk factor distributions.
The impact of hyaluronan on monocyte Toll‐like receptor expression in term infant cord blood
Authors: Østerholt Helene CD , Lundeland Bård , Sonerud Tonje , Saugstad Ola D , Nakstad Britt
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To explore the possible effects of hyaluronan, an endogenous mediator of inflammation, on monocyte surface expression of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 in human umbilical cord blood ex vivo, and in a model mimicking Gram‐negative neonatal sepsis.

Methods:  Term infant cord blood was obtained after elective caesarean sections, n = 15. Both unstimulated and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated (10 ng/mL) blood was incubated with 500 μg/mL high‐ or low‐molecular‐weight hyaluronan for 6 h. Expression of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 on monocytes was measured using flow cytometry, and plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were analysed.

Results (mean ± SEM):  We found a significant decrease in Toll‐like receptor 4 expression in the presence of high‐molecular‐weight hyaluronan (HMW HA) in unstimulated blood (median fluorescence intensity 141 ± 7.3 vs. 163 ± 9.8, p = 0.019). There were no significant changes in Toll‐like receptor 2 expression. Levels of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase 9 increased in the presence of both forms of hyaluronan.

Conclusions:  Our results confirm that hyaluronan affects the neonatal immune response. The biological significance of these findings requires further clarification. More studies are needed to validate the possible down‐modulation of Toll‐like receptor 4 exerted by HMW HA.
Comparative active‐site mutation study of human and Caenorhabditis elegans thymidine kinase 1
Authors: Skovgaard Tine , Uhlin Ulla , Munch‐Petersen Birgitte
Published: March 2012

The first step for the intracellular retention of several anticancer or antiviral nucleoside analogues is the addition of a phosphate group catalysed by a deoxyribonucleoside kinase such as thymidine kinase 1 (TK1). Recently, human TK1 (HuTK1) has been crystallized and characterized using different ligands. To improve our understanding of TK1 substrate specificity, we performed a detailed, mutation‐based comparative structure–function study of the active sites of two thymidine kinases: HuTK1 and Caenorhabditis elegans TK1 (CeTK1). Specifically, mutations were introduced into the hydrophobic pocket surrounding the substrate base. In CeTK1, some of these mutations led to increased activity with deoxycytidine and deoxyguanosine, two unusual substrates for TK1‐like kinases. In HuTK1, mutation of T163 to S resulted in a kinase with a 140‐fold lower Km for the antiviral nucleoside analogue 3’‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine (AZT) compared with the natural substrate thymidine. The crystal structure of the T163S‐mutated HuTK1 reveals a less ordered conformation of the ligand thymidine triphosphate compared with the wild‐type structure but the cause of the changed specificity towards AZT is not obvious. Based on its highly increased AZT activity relative to thymidine activity this TK1 mutant could be suitable for suicide gene therapy.
Determination of Storage Coefficients During Pumping and Recovery
Authors: Ashjari Javad
Published: February 2012

An aquifer test is used mostly to determine the storage coefficient and transmissivity. Although residual drawdown data are widely used in estimating the transmissivity of aquifers, the estimation of storage coefficients with recovery data is controversial. Some researchers have proposed methods to estimate storage coefficients with recovery data by assuming equality of storage coefficients for the recovery and pumping periods (S = S′). The aim of this study is to determine storage coefficients without such an assumption, that is, S≠S′. The method is a modified version of Banton‐Bangoy's method without considering drawdown data due to pumping. Drawdown is plotted vs. the logarithmic ratio (t′/t) or time since pumping stopped to the duration of pumping and the ratio of storage coefficient during recovery to the storage coefficient from the pumping period (S′/S). The method is verified with one case study and two synthetic examples. Thus, it is possible to determine storage coefficient of pumping period accurately without any data from pumping period by recovery data.
An Analysis of Community Use Policies in Missouri School Districts*
Authors: Eyler Amy A. , Swaller Erin M.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Joint use or community use policies are state‐, district‐, or school‐level policies that allow for shared use of space or facilities between a school and a city or private organization. For this study, we (1) created an inventory of community use policies within Missouri school districts; (2) analyzed the policies for content, and (3) identified district characteristics that predict the presence of a community use policy.

METHODS: A coding tool was developed to assess the content of collected policies. Descriptors of 515 districts was gathered from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. The policies were collected via district website or phone/e‐mail contact and coded. Frequency of variables and a logistic regression to predict district presence of policy were computed.

RESULTS: Of the 515 districts in Missouri, 375 had a community use policy. Most (216) came from a policy template from the Missouri School Boards' Association or Missouri Consultants for Education (115). Only 42 districts had unique community use policies. Large or medium‐sized districts were more likely to have a policy than small districts. Districts with higher percentage of students qualifying for free/reduced lunch were less likely to have a policy.

CONCLUSION: Making changes to the 2 main resource templates have the potential to improve many district community use policies. Future efforts should focus on increasing policies and implementation in low resource and small districts. More research is needed on implementation and evaluation of community use policies.
Is There a “Middle‐income Trap”? Theories, Experiences and Relevance to China
Authors: Cai Fang
Published: February 2012

Through review of relevant studies and analysis, this article indicates that the “middle‐income trap” is in line with the framework of the mainstream economic growth theories, and, therefore, it is a useful concept through which we can analyze economic growth phenomena in specific economic growth phases. The empirical experiences of many countries also indicate that at specific middle‐income stages, economies with high rates of growth tend to encounter economic slowdown or even stagnation. The article shows that China is facing the challenge of determining how to move smoothly beyond the middle‐income stage of economic development, while taking into account the shifting population structure, changing resource endowment and growth patterns. The article, drawing on international experiences, puts forward several policy suggestions relating to improvement in total factor productivity, expansion of human capital accumulation and deepening of system and government function reforms.
Geographies of International Education: Mobilities and the Reproduction of Social (Dis)advantage
Authors: Waters Johanna L.
Published: March 2012

This paper provides a critical perspective on emergent geographies of international education, suggesting what these might mean for the reproduction of social (dis)advantage. The assertion that formal education may have regressive consequences for social mobility is hardly new – work on the sociology and geography of education has for a long time shown uncontrovertibly that the opportunities and rewards associated with formal education are unevenly distributed across space, as well as being differentiated by social class. Until relatively recently, however, work focussing on the remarkable transformation of formal education through internationalisation, and its implications for social inequalities, has been limited. This paper provides a critical review of a now burgeoning area of geographical scholarship around international education and student mobilities. It argues that the evidence, to date, suggests that international education entrenches (and in some cases, within emerging economies, actively creates) social inequalities.
Coerced, Forced and Unfree Labour: Geographies of Exploitation in Contemporary Labour Markets
Authors: Strauss Kendra
Published: March 2012

This paper examines approaches, both within geography and more broadly, to the issue of forced labour in contemporary labour markets. Far from a vestige of pre‐capitalist social relations, unfree labour is part of the continuum of exploitation that is intrinsically related the contradictory nature of commodification and to capital as a social relation. The paper focuses on the UK, but draws attention to the ways in which relations of unfreedom in the new global division of labour dissolve clear‐cut distinctions between ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ nations. The first section focuses on definitions and approaches, including those related to migration and trafficking, from supra‐national organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The second section looks at geographical approaches to forced labour and examines what a spatially grounded framework can bring to analyses of unfreedom. The conclusion suggests future directions for geographical research on unfree labour, especially relating to the undertheorised relations between unfreedom, domestic labour and social reproduction.
Purification of a Novel Pepsin Inhibitor from Coriolus versicolor and its Biochemical Properties
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Zhang Qiu‐Ping , Sun Ying , Tian Ya‐Ping , Zhou Nan‐Di
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  A novel pepsin inhibitor was isolated from Coriolus versicolor. The purification was carried out by a 2‐step ultrafiltration followed by DEAE‐52 and Mono Q ion‐exchange chromatography. SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration chromatography analysis showed that the isolated inhibitor was a 22.3 kDa protein with a single subunit. Heat stability of this inhibitor was estimated and only 7% of its inhibitory activity lost after treatment at 98 °C. The inhibitor was more specific against pepsin than several other proteases. The dissociation constant (Ki) and concentration required for 50% pepsin inhibition (IC50) were 5.84 × 10−5 M and 26.26 μg/mL, respectively. Apparent decrease of α‐helix and increase of random coil were observed in the circular dichroism spectra of pepsin when an equimolar amount of the inhibitor was added. The inhibition mechanism of this inhibitor differs from the reported aspartic protease inhibitors, according to the secondary structure and the kinetic studies of this inhibitor.

Practical Application:  Specific inhibitors of aspartic protease have a wide range of applications in therapeutics (Coates and others 2002). Meanwhile, aspartic protease inhibitors can also be applied in agriculture and food industry, for example, to increase the stability of wheat gluten, beer foam.
Effects of L‐Ascorbic Acid on Physicochemical Characteristics of Wheat Starch
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Radi Mohsen , Farahnaky Asgar , Tongdang Tawee
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of l‐ascorbic acid, as a permitted additive in bakery products, on characteristics of wheat starch. Suspensions of wheat starch (30%, w/w) in water containing 140 mg/kg ascorbic acid before and after gelatinization were prepared and studied using different techniques. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that some spots appeared on the surface of the starch granules as a result of the addition of ascorbic acid. However, no changes in the starch crystalline pattern and its degree of crystallinity were observed by X‐ray diffraction technique. For ungelatinized samples, no difference in the pasting properties of the samples was determined by the rapid visco analyzer, whereas for the gelatinized samples, peak and final viscosities decreased for the samples contained ascorbic acid. Determination of the intrinsic viscosities of the samples showed that addition of ascorbic acid to the gelatinized samples reduced the intrinsic viscosity. In general, it was found that ascorbic acid had some degradation effects on wheat starch molecules particularly after gelatinization.

Practical Application:  Understating the effects of ascorbic acid on wheat starch functionality is important in food industry. Ascorbic acid is more effective on wheat starch after gelatinization. Ascorbic acid may have degrading effect on wheat starch reducing the consistency of the medium.
Strengthening the Career Development of Clinical Translational Scientist Trainees: A Consensus Statement of the Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) Research Education and Career Development Committees
Authors: Meyers Frederick J. , Begg Melissa D. , Fleming Michael , Merchant Carol
Published: March 2012

The challenges for scholars committed to successful careers in clinical and translational science are increasingly well recognized. The Education and Career Development (EdCD) of the national Clinical and Translational Science Award consortium gathered thought leaders to propose sustainable solutions and an agenda for future studies that would strengthen the infrastructure across the spectrum of pre‐ and postdoctoral, MD and PhD, scholars. Six consensus statements were prepared that include: (1) the requirement for career development of a qualitatively different investigator; (2) the implications of interdisciplinary science for career advancement including institutional promotion and tenure actions that were developed for discipline‐specific accomplishments; (3) the need for long‐term commitment of institutions to scholars; (4) discipline‐specific curricula are still required but curricula designed to promote team work and interdisciplinary training will promote innovation; (5) PhD trainees have many pathways to career satisfaction and success; and (6) a centralized infrastructure to enhance and reward mentoring is required. Several themes cut across all of the recommendations including team science, innovation, and sustained institutional commitment. Implied themes include an effective and diverse job force and the requirement for a well‐crafted public policy that supports continued investments in science education. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–6
DNA barcoding and genetic diversity of phyllostomid bats from the Yucatan Peninsula with comparisons to Central America
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ‐DÁVILA A. , VARGAS J. A. , MARTÍNEZ‐MÉNDEZ N. , LIM B. K. , ENGSTROM M. D. , ORTEGA J.
Published: February 2012

The mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I gene is the standard DNA barcoding region used for species identification and discovery. We examined the variation of COI (454 bp) to discriminate 20 species of bats in the family Phyllostomidae that are found in the Yucatan Peninsula of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala and compared them genetically to other samples from Central America. The majority of these species had low intraspecific variation (mean = 0.75%), but some taxa had intraspecific variation ranging to 8.8%, suggesting the possibility of cryptic species (i.e.Desmodus rotundusandArtibeus jamaicensis). There was a recurring biogeographic pattern in eight species with a separation of northern and southern Middle American localities. The Yucatan Peninsula was a discrete area identified in four species, whereas Panama was recovered in five species of phyllostomid bats. Our study establishes a foundation for further molecular work incorporating broader taxonomic and geographic coverage to better understand the phylogeography and genetic diversity that have resulted from the ecological constraints in this region and the remarkable differentiation of bats in the Neotropics.
To Name or to Describe: Shared Knowledge Affects Referential Form
Authors: Heller Daphna , Gorman Kristen S. , Tanenhaus Michael K.
Published: March 2012

The notion of common ground is important for the production of referring expressions: In order for a referring expression to be felicitous, it has to be based on shared information. But determining what information is shared and what information is privileged may require gathering information from multiple sources, and constantly coordinating and updating them, which might be computationally too intensive to affect the earliest moments of production. Previous work has found that speakers produce overinformative referring expressions, which include privileged names, violating Grice’s Maxims, and concluded that this is because they do not mark the distinction between shared and privileged information. We demonstrate that speakers are in fact quite effective in marking this distinction in the form of their utterances. Nonetheless, under certain circumstances, speakers choose to overspecify privileged names.