bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mastermind-like transcriptional co-activator-mediated Notch signaling is indispensable for maintaining conjunctival epithelial identity
Authors: Zhang Yujin , Lam Oliver , Nguyen Minh-Thanh T. , Ng Gracia , Pear Warren S. , Ai Walden , Wang I-Jong , Kao Winston W.-Y. , Liu Chia-Yang
Published: January 2013

Conjunctival goblet cells primarily synthesize mucins to lubricate the ocular surface, which is essential for normal vision. Notch signaling has been known to associate with goblet cell differentiation in intestinal and respiratory tracts, but its function in ocular surface has yet to be fully characterized. Herein, we demonstrate that conditional inhibition of canonical Notch signaling by expressing dominant negative mastermind-like 1 (dnMaml1) in ocular surface epithelia resulted in complete suppression of goblet cell differentiation during and subsequent to development. When compared with the ocular surface of wild-type mice (OSWt), expression of dnMaml1 at the ocular surface (OSdnMaml1) caused conjunctival epithelial hyperplasia, aberrant desquamation, failure of Mucin 5ac (Muc5ac) synthesis, subconjunctival inflammation and epidermal metaplasia in cornea. In addition, conditional deletion of Notch1 from the ocular surface epithelia partially recapitulated OSdnMaml1 phenotypes. We have demonstrated that N1-ICD (Notch1 intracellular domain) transactivated the mouse Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf) promoter and that Klf4 directly bound to and significantly potentiated the Muc5ac promoter. By contrast, OSdnMaml1 dampened Klf4 and Klf5 expression, and diminished Muc5ac synthesis. Collectively, these findings indicated that Maml-mediated Notch signaling plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of goblet cell differentiation for normal ocular surface morphogenesis and homeostasis through regulation of Klf4 and Klf5.
Transcriptional repressors: multifaceted regulators of gene expression
Authors: Reynolds Nicola , O'Shaughnessy Aoife , Hendrich Brian
Published: January 2013

Through decades of research it has been established that some chromatin-modifying proteins can repress transcription, and thus are generally termed ‘repressors’. Although classic repressors undoubtedly silence transcription, genome-wide studies have shown that many repressors are associated with actively transcribed loci and that this is a widespread phenomenon. Here, we review the evidence for the presence of repressors at actively transcribed regions and assess what roles they might be playing. We propose that the modulation of expression levels by chromatin-modifying, co-repressor complexes provides transcriptional fine-tuning that drives development.
Activin receptor inhibition by Smad2 regulates Drosophila wing disc patterning through BMP-response elements
Authors: Peterson Aidan J. , O'Connor Michael B.
Published: January 2013

Imaginal disc development in Drosophila requires coordinated cellular proliferation and tissue patterning. In our studies of TGFβ superfamily signaling components, we found that a protein null mutation of Smad2, the only Activin subfamily R-Smad in the fruit fly, produces overgrown wing discs that resemble gain of function for BMP subfamily signaling. The wing discs are expanded specifically along the anterior-posterior axis, with increased proliferation in lateral regions. The morphological defect is not observed in mutants for the TGFβ receptor baboon, and epistasis tests showed that baboon is epistatic to Smad2 for disc overgrowth. Rescue experiments indicate that Baboon binding, but not canonical transcription factor activity, of Smad2 is required for normal disc growth. Smad2 mutant discs generate a P-Mad stripe that is narrower and sharper than the normal gradient, and activation targets are correspondingly expressed in narrowed domains. Repression targets of P-Mad are profoundly mis-regulated, with brinker and pentagone reporter expression eliminated in Smad2 mutants. Loss of expression requires a silencer element previously shown to be controlled by BMP signaling. Epistasis experiments show that Baboon, Mad and Schnurri are required to mediate the ectopic silencer output in the absence of Smad2. Taken together, our results show that loss of Smad2 permits promiscuous Baboon activity, which represses genes subject to control by Mad-dependent silencer elements. The absence of Brinker and Pentagone in Smad2 mutants explains the compound wing disc phenotype. Our results highlight the physiological relevance of substrate inhibition of a kinase, and reveal a novel interplay between the Activin and BMP pathways.
Release Kinetics of Copeptin in Patients Undergoing Transcoronary Ablation of Septal Hypertrophy
Authors: Liebetrau Christoph , Nef Holger , Szardien Sebastian , Dörr Oliver , Willmer Matthias , Voss Sandra , Troidl Christian , Hoffmann Jedrzej , Rixe Johannes , Rolf Andreas , Hamm Christian , Möllmann Helge
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The release kinetics of copeptin in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been difficult to establish.

METHODS

We analyzed the release kinetics of copeptin in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy (TASH) as a model of AMI. We included 21 consecutive patients who underwent TASH. Blood samples were collected before and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 min, and at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after TASH. Serum copeptin was quantified by a sandwich immunoluminometric assay.

RESULTS

All patients had copeptin concentrations below the 99th percentile at baseline. The median copeptin concentration was significantly increased at 30 min [16.0 pmol/L; interquartile range (IQR), 13.4–20.2 pmol/L], compared with the median baseline concentration (6.6 pmol/L; IQR, 5.3–8.3 pmol/L; P = 0.002). The copeptin concentration peaked 90 min after induction of myocardial infarction and returned to baseline concentrations (median, 8.2 pmol/L; IQR, 6.3–10.1) after 24 h, compared with the above baseline values (P = 0.06). Serum creatine kinase (CK) activities were significantly increased above baseline values by 1 day after TASH [median maximal postprocedural CK activity, 935.0 U/L (IQR, 545.5–1115.0 U/L); median baseline CK activity, 80.0 U/L (IQR, 63.5–109.0 U/L); P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide additional evidence that early rule-out of suspected AMI is possible by using the copeptin concentration in combination with cardiac troponin T.
Consumer-Generated Ads: Does Awareness of Advertising Co-Creation Help or Hurt Persuasion?
Authors: Thompson Debora V. , Malaviya Prashant
Published: January 2013

Companies increasingly involve consumers in the process of developing advertising and other marketing actions. An important question that has not been explored is whether brands benefit from communicating to consumers who had not been involved in the co-creation process that a target ad was developed by a fellow consumer. The authors propose a skepticism–identification model of ad creator influence, which hypothesizes that disclosing to an audience that an ad was created by a consumer triggers two opposing effects: skepticism about the competence of the ad creator and identification with the ad creator. Four studies demonstrate that the effectiveness of disclosing advertising co-creation depends on factors that hinder skepticism and heighten identification with the ad creator. Specifically, attributing the ad to a consumer is shown to increase persuasion when the audience (1) has limited cognitive resources to scrutinize the message, (2) is given background information about the ad creator that enhances source similarity, and (3) has high loyalty toward the brand. The implications of these findings on marketing theory and practice are discussed.
Prenatal undernutrition and postnatal overnutrition alter thyroid hormone axis function in sheep
Authors: Johnsen L , Kongsted A H , Nielsen M O
Published: January 2013

Mounting evidence led us to hypothesize that i) function of the thyroid hormone (TH) axis can be programed by late gestation undernutrition (LG-UN) and ii) early-postnatal-life overnutrition (EL-ON) exacerbates the fetal impacts on TH axis function. In a 2×2 factorial experiment, 21 twin-bearing sheep were fed one of two diets during late gestation: NORM (fulfilling energy and protein requirements) or LOW (50% of NORM). From day 3 to 6 months after birth (around puberty), the twin lambs were assigned to each their diet: conventional (CONV) or high-carbohydrate, high-fat, where after half the lambs were killed. Remaining sheep (exclusively females) were fed the same moderate diet until 2 years of age (young adults). At 6 months and 2 years of age, fasting challenges were conducted and target tissues were collected at autopsy. LG-UN caused adult hyperthyroidism associated with increased thyroid expression of genes regulating TH synthesis and deiodination. In one or more of the target tissues, liver, cardiac muscle, and longissimus dorsi muscle, gene expressions were increased by LG-UN for TH receptors (THRAandTHRB) and deiodinases but were decreased in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. EL-ON increased TH levels in adolescent lambs, but this was reversed after diet correction and not evident in adulthood. We conclude that LG-UN programed TH axis function at the secretory level and differentially in target tissues, which was increasingly manifested with age. Differential TH signaling in adipose vs other tissues may be part of a mechanism whereby fetal malnutrition can predispose for obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Full-Mouth Rehabilitation for a Patient With Dentinogenesis Imperfecta: A Clinical Report
Authors: Bencharit Sompop , Border Michael B. , Mack C. Russell , Byrd Warren C. , Wright John T.
Published: January 2013

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is a genetic disorder affecting the structural integrity of the dentin that can result in weakened dentin. The affected teeth, especially posterior teeth, often need to be extracted due to severe wear or fracture. This frequently yields a loss of posterior occlusion and occlusal vertical dimension. Besides wear and fracture, anterior teeth often have an unesthetic appearance because of discoloration. Current treatments of choice, including composite bonding restorations and, more recently, all-ceramic restorations, are typically suggested to preserve the remaining teeth and tooth structure. However, there are a limited number of studies on dental implants in patients with DI. The effectiveness of dentin bonding and dental implants in patients with DI is not known. This clinical report describes a 32-year-old Asian woman with DI who underwent full-mouth rehabilitation. The posterior occlusion, mostly in the molar areas, was restored with dental implants and ceramometal restorations. The anterior teeth and premolars were restored with bonded lithium disilicate glass-ceramic pressed veneers and crowns made with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. This case demonstrates that restoring functional occlusion and esthetics for a patient with DI can be completed successfully using contemporary implant therapy and adhesive dentistry.
Feasibility of Computer-Based Self-Administered Cancer-Specific Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients With Gastrointestinal Malignancy
Authors: McCleary Nadine J. , Wigler Devin , Berry Donna , Sato Kaori , Abrams Thomas , Chan Jennifer , Enzinger Peter , Ng Kimmie , Wolpin Brian , Schrag Deborah , Fuchs Charles S. , Hurria Arti , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2013

Background.

The Cancer-Specific Geriatric Assessment (CSGA) is a primarily self-administered paper survey of validated measures.

Methods.

We developed and tested the feasibility of a computer-based CSGA in patients ≥70 years of age who were receiving treatment for gastrointestinal malignancies at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. From December 2009 to June 2011, patients were invited to complete the CSGA at baseline (start of new treatment) and follow-up (at the first of 4 months later or within 4 weeks of completing treatment). Feasibility endpoints were proportion of eligible patients consented, proportion completing CSGA at baseline and follow-up, time to complete CSGA, and proportion of physicians reporting CSGA results that led to a change in clinical decision-making.

Results.

Of the 49 eligible patients, 38 consented (76% were treatment naive). Median age was 77 years (range: 70–89 years), and 48% were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Mean physician-rated Karnofsky Performance Status was 87.5 at baseline (SD 8.4) and 83.5 at follow-up (SD 8). At baseline, 92% used a touchscreen computer; 97% completed the CSGA (51% independently). At follow-up, all patients used a touchscreen computer; 71% completed the CSGA (41% independently). Mean time to completion was 23 minutes at baseline (SD 8.4) and 20 minutes at follow-up (SD 5.1). The CSGA added information to clinical assessment for 75% at baseline (n = 27) and 65% at follow-up (n = 17), but it did not alter immediate clinical decision-making.

Conclusion.

The computer-based CSGA feasibility endpoints were met, although approximately half of patients required assistance. The CSGA added information to clinical assessment but did not affect clinical decision-making, possibly due to limited alternate treatment options in this subset of patients.
Superhydrophobic oleophobic PDMS-silica nanocomposite coating
Authors: Basu Bharathibai J. , Bharathidasan T. , Anandan C.
Published: January 2013

In general, most of the artificial superhydrophobic surfaces are oleophilic. These surfaces can be rendered oil repellent by introducing low-surface-energy fluoroalkyl groups on the surface. In the present study, superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-silica nanocomposite coating was converted from oleophilic to oleophobic state by applying fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) layers as topcoat. The effect of fluoroalkyl groups on the wettability and surface morphology was studied. It was found that there was a difference in the wettability behavior obtained by hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed FAS. The oil contact angle (oil CA) was higher after the treatment of PDMS-silica coating with hydrolyzed FAS than that obtained with unhydrolyzed FAS. However, water contact angle (water CA) decreased as the number of passes of hydrolyzed FAS increased, whereas water CA was not affected by applying same number of passes of unhydrolyzed FAS. The surface morphology was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and 3D profilometry. Surface chemical composition was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometery (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). EDX and XPS analysis indicated significantly higher fluorine content on the surface for coating with hydrolyzed FAS. The superhydrophobic phenomenon of the FAS-modified surface was analyzed with Cassie and Wenzel mechanisms.
Averaging of gradient in the space of linear triangular and bilinear rectangular finite elements
Authors: Dalík Josef , Valenta Václav
Published: January 2013

An averaging method for the second-order approximation of the values of the gradient of an arbitrary smooth function u = u(x
1, x
2) at the vertices of a regular triangulation T
h composed both of rectangles and triangles is presented. The method assumes that only the interpolant Πh[u] of u in the finite element space of the linear triangular and bilinear rectangular finite elements from T
h is known. A complete analysis of this method is an extension of the complete analysis concerning the finite element spaces of linear triangular elements from [Dalík J., Averaging of directional derivatives in vertices of nonobtuse regular triangulations, Numer. Math., 2010, 116(4), 619–644]. The second-order approximation of the gradient is extended from the vertices to the whole domain and applied to the a posteriori error estimates of the finite element solutions of the planar elliptic boundary-value problems of second order. Numerical illustrations of the accuracy of the averaging method and of the quality of the a posteriori error estimates are also presented.
Importance of visibility when evaluating animal response to roads
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Roloff Gary J. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: January 2013

Roads increase risk to animals via direct and indirect mechanisms yet, both positive and negative effects of animal space use in relation to roads have been reported. These contrasting reports may not actually represent animal ecology, but could be a product of the primary variable used to test the relationship between animals and roads. Animal‐road associations are often evaluated using Euclidean distance. Euclidean, or straight‐line, distance fails to account for the screening effects of vegetation and topography and may document spurious relationships. We evaluated the influence of Euclidean distance, visibility from road and forage quality on summer space use for male elkCervus elaphusand female elk subherds in Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA. Models that included interactions with visibility from road metrics outperformed models that included only Euclidean distance to road as main effects. Elk response to roads varied by sex and road type, which functioned as an index for vehicle use. Male elk selected habitat away from roads with the greatest vehicle use, an effect that was greater if habitat was visible from those roads. Female elk tended to select habitat with high forage quality in areas visible from roads closed to vehicle use. Interestingly, both male and female elk selected habitat away from roads with secondary vehicle use and near to roads devoid of traffic, regardless of visibility. Our analysis highlights the importance of including both Euclidean distance and visibility from road metrics. Road effects research may be incomplete without consideration of visibility from roads, particularly for large mammals in landscapes with intense road use.
Faecal spectroscopy: a practical tool to assess diet quality in an opportunistic omnivore
Authors: Steyaert Sam M.J.G. , Hütter Franziska J. , Elfström Marcus , Zedrosser Andreas , Hackländer Klaus , Lê Minh H. , Windisch Wilhelm M. , Swenson Jon E. , Isaksson Tomas
Published: January 2013

Faecal indices of dietary quality can provide useful knowledge about the general ecology of a species, but only if the measurements are accurate and the results are interpreted with caution. In this article, we evaluated the potential of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an analytic tool to derive faecal indices of dietary quality in an omnivorous monogastric species with a wide dietary range, i.e. the brown bear Ursus arctos. We also tested the effects of field exposure on faecal constituents (i.e. nitrogen, lignin, crude fiber (CF), ether extracts (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ash and dry matter (DM)), which are commonly used as faecal indices of dietary quality. We collected 172 faecal samples from 45 GPS‐marked brown bears in south‐central Sweden between May and October 2010. For each sample, we recorded maximum field exposure time (in hours) and canopy cover (in %). We used multivariate partial least‐squares regression with a segmented cross validation procedure to calibrate the NIRS method. We obtained very good (r2 ≥ 0.9) NIRS validation results for faecal nitrogen content and NDF, and good (0.7 ≤ r2 < 0.9) results for lignin, CF, EE, ADF and ash. Validation results for DM were poor (r2 = 0.29). We found that field exposure time negatively affected faecal nitrogen content, especially during the first 40 hours of exposure. Because CF and NDF are strongly negatively correlated with faecal nitrogen content, concentrations of these two components increase as a consequence of field exposure. Faecal EE content appeared to be stable under field conditions. Our conclusions are twofold. First, NIRS can be an accurate, fast and inexpensive analytical tool to evaluate certain faecal indices of dietary quality, including for omnivorous species. Second, faecal indices of dietary quality can be affected by field exposure and can vary among individual animals. Ignoring individual variance and the effects of field exposure on faecal indices of dietary quality may cause bias in research findings.
Beyond use versus availability: behaviour‐explicit resource selection
Authors: Wilson Ryan R. , Gilbert‐Norton Lynne , Gese Eric M.
Published: January 2013

Resource selection studies are common in the wildlife ecology literature and typically rely on the comparison of locations used by wildlife and locations assumed to be available for use but where use was not observed. While standard use‐availability designs are helpful for establishing general patterns of species occurrence, they are limited in their ability to help researchers understand the underlying behavioural mechanisms that lead to observed space‐use patterns. Based on spatially‐explicit behavioural observations from coyotes Canis latrans in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, we estimated resource selection for specific behaviours (i.e. predatory, laying and travelling) and for all used locations irrespective of behaviour, to test whether resource selection is behaviour‐specific and not generalizable across behaviours. Behaviour‐specific models differed significantly from the model not partitioned by behaviour. In particular, the predatory model identified selection for mesic‐meadows which have previously been documented to have high small‐mammal abundance. The non‐partitioned model, however, showed avoidance of this vegetation type. Our results show that resource selection differs between behaviours and suggest that standard techniques for estimation of resource selection might be of limited use for understanding the underlying behavioural mechanisms of space use. Future research should continue to improve on methods for partitioning fine‐scale movement data obtained from telemetry collars into discrete movement bouts representative of different behaviours.
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Under Subarachnoid Block: A Randomized Study of Dexamethasone Prophylaxis
Authors: Khatiwada S , Bhattarai B , Biswas BK , Pokharel K , Acharya R , Singh SN , Uprety D
Published: January 2013

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common distressing problem in patients undergoing gynaecological surgery under anaesthesia including central neuraxial blockade, which requires frequent medical interventions. Objectives We aimed to find out the antiemetic effect of prophylactic dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under subarachnoid block. Influences of dexamethasone on patient satisfaction and postoperative analgesia were also observed as secondary objectives. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study conducted in BPKIHS, a Tertiary care University based hospital from January 2009 to April 2009, for a period of four months. This study involved 80 American Society of Anaesthesiologist Physical Status I&II patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under subarachnoid block. Patients were divided into two groups of 40 each to receive either 4 mg of dexamethasone (group D) or normal saline (group N) in volume of 2 ml intravenously 1 hourr prior to subarachnoid block. Surgery was allowed to start with block height of at least T8 dermatome. Intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting was observed using nausea and vomiting scale every 4 hour for 24 hours. Results Seven (17.4%) patients in group D and 11 (27.5%) patients in group N had nausea and vomiting in the intraoperative period (P=0.284). Sixteen (40%) patients in group D experienced nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period as compared to 27 (67.5%) in group N (P =0.0136). Accordingly, the mean requirement of rescue antiemetic was less in group D compared to Group N (P=0.042). Further, only 15 (37.5%) patients in group D required postoperative supplemental analgesic as compared to 23 (57.5%) in group N (P=0.058). After 24 hrs of surgery, 26 (65%) patients expressed satisfaction in group D as compared to 16 (40.0%) in group N (P =0.025). Conclusions Use of dexamethasone prior to subarachnoid block in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy significantly reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting and the requirement of antiemetic in the postoperative period, with better patient satisfaction. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 41-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7342
Accuracy of Prediction of Birth Weight by Fetal Ultrasound
Authors: Bajracharya J , Shrestha NS , Karki C
Published: January 2013

Background Accurate determination of fetal weight prior to delivery can have a significant bearing on the management decision in labour, thereby markedly improving perinatal outcome. Objective To determine the accuracy of prediction of birth weight by fetal ultrasound. Methods This is the retrospective observational hospital based study done at Kathmandu medical college teaching hospital, Sinamangal, Kathmandu from January 2010 to February 2012. Total 150 women with full term singleton pregnancy leading to live birth were included in this study. Prenatal fetal ultrasound database was reviewed for fetal weight estimation. Delivery records were reviewed for actual birth weight. Error in estimation was calculated. Results Our study showed that fetal ultrasound using Hadlock’s formula has error in estimation of fetal weight by about 290 gm ± 250 gm. In 40% of the cases, there is an error of estimation by more than 10% compared to actual weight. Conclusion Significant error was seen while estimating fetal weight by ultrasound. Depending only on the fetal ultrasound for the estimation of fetal weight can lead to unnecessary obstetrical intervention. It is thus necessary to correlate the ultrasound findings with clinical examination. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 74-76 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7349
Chondrosarcoma of Posterior Nasal Septum
Authors: Gurung U , Joy L , Thapa NM , Pradhan B
Published: January 2013

Chondrosarcoma is a rare non-epithelial tumor comprising of 10-20% of primary bone tumor. The nasal septum is a rare site for its occurrence. We present one such case of chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum who was treated with endoscopic removal followed by post operative radiotherapy and discuss the relevant clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment and review the literature also. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 89-91 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7352
Spindle Cell Lipoma: A Case Report And Review Of Literature
Authors: Chandrashekar P , Jose M , Dadhich M , Chatra L , Holla V
Published: January 2013

Oral spindle cell lipoma is a rare lesion and until now only 26 cases have been reported in English literature. In this article we report a case of oral spindle cell lipoma presented to our institution in July 2011, as an asymptomatic solitary growth of the buccal mucosa in a 58 year old male patient. On histopathological examination the lesion exhibited an admixture of adipocytes and spindle cells with collagen fibres and numerous mast cells. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 92-95 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7353
Endoscopic Excision of A Fibroadenoma Breast: Trans Axillary Approach
Authors: Adhikary S , Sood S , Dunghel K , Rajbanshi S , Shakya V , Kaniya S
Published: January 2013

Benign breast lumps affect 10% of females in their lifetime. Surveillance, assurance, medications and surgical excision are options available to surgeons. Avoiding scars on the breast is an inherent feminine desire. Numerous minimal invasive approaches have evolved due to this concern. The time honoured circumareolar incisions camouflages the scar to a large extent, yet the incision still remains on the breast tissue and unfortunately the scar undergoes the same old sequelae as with any other scars both aesthetically or psychosocially. The close by anatomical space; axilla provides an easy access for endoscopic breast surgery. We utilized this area and applied our expertise to remove a fibroadenoma in a teenager which spared her breast from the scar. The technique was safe and effective. It conserved aesthetics and led to a better compliance. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | Vol.10 | No. 2 | Issue 38 | Apr – June 2012 | Page 106-108 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i2.7357
Generalized sasakian-space-forms with D-conformal curvature tensor
Authors: Shah Riddhi Jung
Published: January 2013

In this paper we study generalized Sasakian-space-forms with D-conformal curvature tensor. In generalized Sasakian-space-forms, we investigate some results on D-conformally flat, ?-D-conformally flat, ?-D-conformally flat and the curvature condition B(? ?).S=0. Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 8, No. II, December, 2012, 48-56 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kuset.v8i2.7325
Chorea in the clinical presentation of moyamoya disease: results of surgical revascularization and a proposed clinicopathological correlation
Authors: Ahn Edward S. , Scott R. Michael , Robertson Richard L. , Smith Edward R.
Published: January 2013

Object

Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by brief, irregular, involuntary contractions that appear to flow from 1 muscle to another. There are a limited number of reports in the literature that have linked moyamoya disease and chorea. The authors describe their experience in treating moyamoya disease in patients in whom chorea developed as part of the clinical presentation.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 316 children who underwent pial synangiosis revascularization for moyamoya disease at the Boston Children's Hospital.

Results

Of 316 surgically treated patients with moyamoya disease, 10 (3.2%; 6 boys and 4 girls) had chorea as a part of their presentation. The average age at surgical treatment was 9.9 years (range 3.8–17.9 years). All patients had evidence of hypertrophied lenticulostriate collateral vessels through the basal ganglia on preoperative angiography and/or MRI on affected sides. Two patients had cystic lesions in the basal ganglia. Nine patients underwent bilateral craniotomies for pial synangiosis, and 1 patient underwent a single craniotomy for unilateral disease. Follow-up was available in 9 patients (average 50.1 months). The mean duration of chorea was 1.36 years (range 2 days to 4 years), with resolution of symptoms in all patients. One patient developed chorea 3 years after surgical treatment, 4 patients had transient chorea that resolved prior to surgery, and 5 patients experienced resolution of the chorea after surgery (average 13 months).

Conclusions

The authors describe children with moyamoya disease and chorea as part of their clinical presentation. The data suggest that involvement of the basal ganglia by the hypertrophied collateral vessels contributes to the development of chorea, which can wax or wane depending on disease stage or involution of the vessels after revascularization surgery. In most patients, however, the chorea improves or disappears about 1 year after presentation.
Development of a Geo-Referenced Database for Weed Mapping and Analysis of Agronomic Factors Affecting Herbicide Resistance in Apera spica-venti L. Beauv. (Silky Windgrass)
Authors: Massa Dario , Kaiser Yasmin , Andújar-Sánchez Dionisio , Carmona-Alférez Rocío , Mehrtens Jörg , Gerhards Roland
Published: January 2013

In this work, we evaluate the role of agronomic factors in the selection for herbicide resistance in Apera spica-venti L. Beauv. (silky windgrass). During a period of three years, populations were collected in more than 250 conventional fields across Europe and tested for resistance in the greenhouse. After recording the field history of locations, a geo-referenced database has been developed to map the distribution of herbicide-resistant A. spica-venti populations in Europe. A Logistic Regression Model was used to assess whether and to what extent agricultural and biological factors (crop rotation, soil tillage, sowing date, soil texture and weed density) affect the probability of resistance selection apart from the selection pressure due to herbicide application. Our results revealed that rotation management and soil tillage are the factors that have the greatest influence on the model. In addition, first order interactions between these two variables were highly significant. Under conventional tillage, a percentage of winter crops in the rotation exceeding 75% resulted in a 1280-times higher risk of resistance selection compared to rotations with less than 50% of winter crops. Under conservation tillage, the adoption of >75% of winter crops increased the risk of resistance 13-times compared to rotations with less than 50% of winter crops. Finally, early sowing and high weed density significantly increased the risk of resistance compared to the reference categories (later sowing and low weed density, respectively). Soil texture had no significant influence. The developed model can find application in management programs aimed at preventing the evolution and spread of herbicide resistance in weed populations.
Analytic Modeling of Vehicle Fuel Consumption
Authors: Ben-Chaim Michael , Shmerling Efraim , Kuperman Alon
Published: January 2013

An analytical method of evaluating vehicle fuel consumption under standard operating conditions is presented. In the proposed model, vehicle fuel consumption is separated into two different operating modes: cruising at constant speed and acceleration. In each of these modes fuel consumption is calculated based on the instantaneous engine efficiency, approximated using an analytical function rather than typically considered consumption map. The approximation is based on speed-power decoupling, employing two single dimension polynomials instead of a two-dimensional lookup table. The adequacy and accuracy of the model is verified using experimental calculations. Moreover, it is shown that the effect of various design parameters on vehicle fuel consumption can be studied utilizing the proposed model.
Surprise and Uncertainty—Framing Regional Geohazards in the Theory of Complexity
Authors: Ratter Beate
Published: January 2013

The paper analyzes the concepts of uncertainty and surprise as key variables of a socio-ecological system’s behavior in the context of the theory of complexity. Experiences from the past have shown that living with uncertainty is part of our daily life and surprises are only surprising because our perspective of system trajectories is basically linear and non-dynamic. The future of humanity is dependent on the understanding of the system’s behavior and needs a change in perspective of linearity to non-linearity and from the planning imperative to a management hedging uncertainty and surprise. In the context of humanity’s future, the theory of complexity offers a new perspective on system trajectories and their understanding of surprises and uncertainty. There is a need for a Gestaltwechsel—a change in perception—which helps to see things differently and fosters the search for new answers to emerging questions at the human-nature interface. Drawing on the case study of hazard management the paper will explain the necessity of analysis system’s behavior and the taking into account of multi-agent behavior on the micro level which led to emergent behavior on the macro-level of the system. Regional geohazards are explained as the regional impact of an uncontrolled risk based on a state of a natural feature that has a direct impact on a regional population being affected by the appearance of a hazard and its development into damage. By acting in space, time and connectivity, people construct hazardscapes and change risk into regional geohazards. This concept shows relevance for future mitigation and adaptation measures. The theory of complexity can help in engendering the necessary shift in perspective. What is non-linear dynamic thinking as suggested by the theory of complexity? Why is the consideration of the system’s behavior crucial and not just the number of system’s elements? What is the role of agents in these systems? In addition, there are practical implications too: What does this shift in perspective mean for future hazard management and the future of humanity?
A Model of Interaction between Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) Oxidase and Apocynin Analogues by Docking Method
Authors: Jiang Jie , Kang Hongjun , Song Xiaoliang , Huang Sichao , Li Sha , Xu Jun
Published: January 2013

Some apocynin analogues have exhibited outstanding inhibition to NADPH oxidase. In this study, the key interactions between apocynin analogues and NADPH oxidase were analyzed by the docking method. The potential active site was first identified by the SiteID program combining with the key residue CYS378. Afterwards, the compounds in the training set were docked into NADPH oxidase (1K4U) under specific docking constraints to discuss the key interactions between ligands and the receptor. These key interactions were then validated by the consistence between the docking result and the experimental result of the test set. The result reveals that the Pi interaction between apocynin analogues and NADPH oxidase has a direct contribution to inhibition activities, except for H-bond formation and docking score. The key interactions might be valuable to discover and screen apocynin analogues as potent inhibitors of NADPH oxidase.
Pharmacokinetics of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) in the Rat Determined by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Chang Li-Wen , Hou Mei-Ling , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: January 2013

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is commonly used to increase the ﬂexibility of plastics in industrial products. However, several plasticizers have been illegally used as clouding agents to increase dispersion of aqueous matrix in beverages. This study thus develops a rapid and validated analytical method by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics of DBP in free moving rats. The UPLC-MS/MS system equipped with positive electrospray ionization (ESI) source in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was used to monitor m/z 279.25→148.93 transitions for DBP. The limit of quantiﬁcation for DBP in rat plasma and feces was 0.05 µg/mL and 0.125 µg/g, respectively. The pharmacokinetic results demonstrate that DBP appeared to have a two-compartment model in the rats; the area under concentration versus time (AUC) was 57.8 ± 5.93 min μg/mL and the distribution and elimination half-life (t1/2,α and t1/2,β) were 5.77 ± 1.14 and 217 ± 131 min, respectively, after DBP administration (30 mg/kg, i.v.). About 0.18% of the administered dose was recovered from the feces within 48 h. The pharmacokinetic behavior demonstrated that DBP was quickly degraded within 2 h, suggesting a rapid metabolism low fecal cumulative excretion in the rat.
The Effects of Pesticides on Queen Rearing and Virus Titers in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: DeGrandi-Hoffman Gloria , Chen Yanping , Simonds Roger
Published: January 2013

The effects of sublethal pesticide exposure on queen emergence and virus titers were examined. Queen rearing colonies were fed pollen with chlorpyrifos (CPF) alone (pollen-1) and with CPF and the fungicide Pristine® (pollen-2). Fewer queens emerged when larvae from open foraging (i.e., outside) colonies were reared in colonies fed pollen-1 or 2 compared with when those larvae were reared in outside colonies. Larvae grafted from and reared in colonies fed pollen-2 had lower rates of queen emergence than pollen-1 or outside colonies. Deformed wing virus (DWV) and black queen cell virus were found in nurse bees from colonies fed pollen-1 or 2 and in outside colonies. The viruses also were detected in queen larvae. However, we did not detect virus in emerged queens grafted from and reared in outside colonies. In contrast, DWV was found in all emerged queens grafted from colonies fed pollen-1 or 2 either reared in outside hives or those fed pollen-1 or 2. The results suggest that sublethal exposure of CPF alone but especially when Pristine® is added reduces queen emergence possibly due to compromised immunity in developing queens.
The Sonodegradation of Caffeic Acid under Ultrasound Treatment: Relation to Stability
Authors: Sun Yujing , Qiao Liping , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong , Zhang Xianzhong , Huang Haizhi
Published: January 2013

The degradation of caffeic acid under ultrasound treatment in a model system was investigated. The type of solvent and temperature were important factors in determining the outcome of the degradation reactions. Liquid height, ultrasonic intensity and duty cycle only affected degradation rate, but did not change the nature of the degradation. The degradation rate of caffeic acid decreased with increasing temperature. Degradation kinetics of caffeic acid under ultrasound fitted a zero-order reaction from −5 to 25 °C. Caffeic acid underwent decomposition and oligomerization reactions under ultrasound. The degradation products were tentatively identified by FT-IR and HPLC-UV-ESIMS to include the corresponding decarboxylation products and their dimers.
Efficient Synthesis of a (Z)-3-Methyleneisoindolin-1-one Library Using Cu(OAc)2•H2O/DBU under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Yongliang , Wang Xin , Shen Jingkang
Published: January 2013

Microwave-promoted efficient synthesis of a (Z)-3-methyleneisoindolin-1-one library from 2-bromobenzamides and terminal alkynes using Cu(OAc)2•H2O/DBU is described. Various benzamide substituents, ring substitutions, including heteroaryl, aryl acetylenes and aliphatic alkynes, could be applied to afford the desired products in good to moderate yield with high stereoselectivity. It is noteworthy that DBU maybe play a dual role as not only the base, but also as a ligand for copper. The reaction is catalyzed by the complex of Cu(OAc)2•H2O and DBU without other additives.
Entre l'informel et l'institué, le rôle des animateurs de communautés de pratique dans les entreprises
Authors: Hedjerassi Nassira , Nezet Michaël
Published: January 2013

Résumé Notre recherche questionne le(s) rôle(s) des animateurs de communautés de pratique (CoP) dans les entreprises. Nous avons mené des entretiens exploratoires qui nous ont permis d’analyser la terminologie employée par les entreprises et par les personnes animatrices pour les/se désigner. La création des CoP dans les entreprises semble participer d’une logique de knowledge management , ce qui nous conduit à débattre du paradoxe qui consiste à vouloir formaliser l’informel, et à émettre l’hypothèse d’une instrumentalisation des CoP ou de leurs animateurs certes à des fins de formation mais aussi de compétition.
Induced IL-17–Producing Invariant NKT Cells Require Activation in Presence of TGF-β and IL-1β
Authors: Monteiro Marta , Almeida Catarina F. , Agua-Doce Ana , Graca Luis
Published: January 2013

IL-17 production by innate-like lymphocytes, including γδ and invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, have been ascribed to specific lineages that are endowed with this functional specialization during thymic differentiation. IL-17–producing iNKT cells have been described as a CD4−NK1.1− lineage in mice and CD161+ in humans. We found that, in mice, noncommitted iNKT cells can be induced to produce IL-17 when activated in presence of TGF-β and IL-1β. This peripheral induction of IL-17 expression could be observed in any subset irrespectively of CD4 and NK1.1 expression, the process leading to loss of NK1.1 expression and partial CD4 downmodulation. Furthermore, induced IL-17–producing iNKT cells were sufficient to drive neutrophilic airways inflammation upon intratracheal adoptive cell transfer into congenic mice. Taken together, our data show that similarly to regulatory T cells, which have a natural and peripherally induced subset, IL-17 production by iNKT cells can also be imprinted in natural iNKT17 cells or peripherally induced.
An Accelerated Method for Simulating Population Dynamics
Authors: Charlebois Daniel A. , Kærn Mads
Published: January 2013

We present an accelerated method for stochastically simulating the dynamics of heterogeneous cell populations. The algorithm combines a Monte Carlo approach for simulating the biochemical kinetics in single cells with a constant-number Monte Carlo method for simulating the reproductive fitness and the statistical characteristics of growing cell populations. To benchmark accuracy and performance, we compare simulation results with those generated from a previously validated population dynamics algorithm. The comparison demonstrates that the accelerated method accurately simulates population dynamics with significant reductions in runtime under commonly invoked steady-state and symmetric cell division assumptions. Considering the increasing complexity of cell population models, the method is an important addition to the arsenal of existing algorithms for simulating cellular and population dynamics that enables efficient, coarse-grained exploration of parameter space.
Discovery of New Metastable Patterns in Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Jiang Kai , Wang Chu , Huang Yunqing , Zhang Pingwen
Published: January 2013

The ordered patterns formed by microphase-separated block copolymer systems demonstrate periodic symmetry, and all periodic structures belong to one of 230 space groups. Based on this fact, a strategy of estimating the initial values of self-consistent field theory to discover ordered patterns of block copolymers is developed. In particular, the initial period of the computational box is estimated by the Landau-Brazovskii model as well. By planting the strategy into the whole-space discrete method, several new metastable patterns are discovered in diblock copolymers.
The Influence of Worksite and Employee Variables on Employee Engagement in Telephonic Health Coaching Programs: A Retrospective Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Grossmeier Jessica
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

This study assessed 11 determinants of health coaching program participation.

Design.

A cross-sectional study design used secondary data to assess the role of six employee-level and five worksite-level variables on telephone-based coaching enrollment, active participation, and completion.

Setting.

Data was provided by a national provider of worksite health promotion program services for employers.

Subjects.

A random sample of 34,291 employees from 52 companies was selected for inclusion in the study.

Measures.

Survey-based measures included age, gender, job type, health risk status, tobacco risk, social support, financial incentives, comprehensive communications, senior leadership support, cultural support, and comprehensive program design.

Analysis.

Gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression models were applied using backwards elimination procedures to yield parsimonious prediction models for each of the dependent variables.

Results.

Employees were more likely to enroll in coaching programs if they were older, female, and in poorer health, and if they were at worksites with fewer environmental supports for health, clear financial incentives for participation in coaching, more comprehensive communications, and more comprehensive programs. Once employees were enrolled, program completion was greater among those who were older, did not use tobacco, worked at a company with strong communications, and had fewer environmental supports for health.

Conclusion.

Both worksite-level and employee-level factors have significant influences on health coaching engagement, and there are gender differences in the strength of these predictors.