bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased interhemispheric resting‐state functional connectivity in functional dyspepsia: a pilot study
Authors: Zhou Guangyu , Liu Peng , Zeng Fang , Yuan Kai , Yu Dahua , von Deneen Karen M. , Liang Fanrong , Qin Wei , Tian Jie
Published: December 2012

Recent brain imaging studies have emphasized the role of regional brain activity abnormalities in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD). However, whether the functional connectivity between brain regions is changed, especially between the cerebral hemispheres, in patients with FD remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the interhemispheric resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) changes in patients with FD. Resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) was performed in 26 patients with FD and in 20 matched healthy controls. An interhemispheric RSFC map was obtained by calculating the Pearson correlation (Fisher Z transformed) between each pair of homotopic voxel time series for each subject. The between‐group difference in interhemispheric RSFC was then examined at global and voxelwise levels separately. The global difference in interhemispheric RSFC between groups was tested using the independent two‐sample t‐test. Voxelwise comparisons were carried out using a permutation‐based nonparametric test, and multiple comparisons across space were corrected using the threshold‐free cluster enhancement (TFCE) method. The results showed that patients with FD had higher global interhemispheric RSFC than healthy controls (p < 0.01). Furthermore, voxelwise analysis revealed that patients with FD had increased interhemispheric RSFC in brain regions including the anterior cingulate cortex, insula and thalamus (p < 0.01, TFCE corrected). Our findings provide preliminary evidence of interhemispheric correlation abnormalities in patients with FD and contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microencapsulated cell tracking
Authors: Arifin Dian R. , Kedziorek Dorota A. , Fu Yingli , Chan Kannie W. Y. , McMahon Michael T. , Weiss Clifford R. , Kraitchman Dara L. , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: December 2012

Microencapsulation of therapeutic cells has been widely pursued to achieve cellular immunoprotection following transplantation. Initial clinical studies have shown the potential of microencapsulation using semi‐permeable alginate layers, but much needs to be learned about the optimal delivery route, in vivo pattern of engraftment, and microcapsule stability over time. In parallel with noninvasive imaging techniques for ‘naked’ (i.e. unencapsulated) cell tracking, microcapsules have now been endowed with contrast agents that can be visualized by 1H MRI, 19F MRI, X‐ray/computed tomography and ultrasound imaging. By placing the contrast agent formulation in the extracellular space of the hydrogel, large amounts of contrast agents can be incorporated with negligible toxicity. This has led to a new generation of imaging biomaterials that can render cells visible with multiple imaging modalities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Categorization of Occupation in Documented Skeletal Collections: Its Relevance for the Interpretation of Activity‐Related Osseous Changes
Authors: Perréard Lopreno Geneviève , Alves Cardoso Francisca , Assis Sandra , Milella Marco , Speith Nivien
Published: December 2012

Studies on identified skeletal collections yield discordant results about the association between osseous changes and activity. These dissonances can be ascribed to several factors: the variability of the osseous changes selected for observation, the inconsistency of their interpretative criteria and the inhomogeneous classification of occupation, here used as synonym of profession, within each study. The need to standardize the concept of occupation in its biomechanical and socio‐cultural expression is currently addressed by the authors, as members of a working group created after the workshop ‘Musculoskeletal Stress Markers (MSM): limitations and achievements in the reconstruction of past activity patterns’ (Coimbra University, 2009). Within this framework, the authors reviewed the literature dedicated to entheseal changes and functional adaptation of long bones, focusing their research on studies based on European identified skeletal collections and on the criteria used in each study to classify occupations. The aim of this research was to (i) assess agreements and disagreements between authors with regard to the criteria used to categorize occupation, and (ii) highlight the steps needed to build a classification system permitting future comparisons between collections of different chronological and geographical contexts. Data from the literature were exported to a table including the assessment criteria used to classify the occupation for each profession and the assignment of specific occupations to occupational categories. Overall, our results revealed two main issues: an ambiguous historical interpretation of occupation and a marked influence of the researcher's perspective on the criteria used to classify occupations. Therefore, although the table allows basic comparisons between collections, further research is needed in order to obtain shared classifications based on each profession's specifics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the robust domain of attraction and directional enlargement of attraction domain via Markov models
Authors: Moghaddam R.K. , Pariz N. , Shanechi H.M. , Kamyad A.V.
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes a new approach for estimating the robust domain of attraction (RDA) and directional enlargement of the DA for dynamical systems. The proposed method analyzes stability of dynamical systems by Markov modeling and employs invariant measure as the stability indicator. Markov chains analysis focuses on asymptotic behaviors of systems and ignores the transient ones. The proposed method expresses the problem of estimating RDA and directional enlargement of DA as an infinite dimensional linear problem. The resulting linear problem is converted to a finite dimensional optimization problem using approximated Markov transition function. As a novel application, the directional enlargement of DA is used in order to increase the critical clearing time of power systems. The efficiency of proposed methods is shown via simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinct sites of renal fibrosis in Crim1 mutant mice arise from multiple cellular origins
Authors: Phua Yu Leng , Martel Nick , Pennisi David J , Little Melissa H , Wilkinson Lorine
Published: December 2012

Crim1 is a transmembrane protein that regulates the bioavailability of growth factors such as VEGFA. Crim1KST264/KST264 hypomorphic mice develop renal disease characterized by glomerular cysts and loss of endothelial integrity, progressing to peritubular and pericystic fibrosis. Peritubular capillary endothelial cells display morphological changes as well as detachment from the basement membrane. In this study, gene expression profiling of CD31+ endothelial cells isolated from Crim1KST264/KST264 kidneys showed up‐regulation of transcripts associated with fibrosis (Col3a1, Loxl1), endothelial dysfunction (Abp1, Dcn, Lcn2), biomarkers of renal damage (Lcn2, Havcr1/Kim1) as well as evidence for a TGFβ1/TNF‐associated inflammatory process. To determine whether the aberrant endothelium may in part contribute to the fibrogenic process, Tie2Cre‐DsRed lineage tracing was undertaken in Crim1KST264/KST264 mice. Approximately 31% of de novo αSMA+ myofibroblasts detected within the tubulointerstitium were Tie2+DsRed+. However, 5.3% were F4/80+DsRed+, indicating a small population of myofibroblasts of monocytic rather than endothelial origin. In contrast, only 12% of myofibroblasts located around glomerular cysts were Tie2+DsRed+, with 7.7% being monocyte‐derived (F4/80+DsRed+). Collectively, this model supports the involvement of endothelial cells/monocytes in fibrosis within the tubulointerstitium, but also the heterogeneity of the fibrotic process even within distinct regions of the same kidney. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UPLC–Q‐TOF–HDMS Analysis of Constituents in the Root of Two Kinds of Aconitum Using a Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Sun Hui , Wang Mo , Zhang Aihua , Ni Bei , Dong Hui , Wang Xijun
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Metabolomics is an 'omics' approach that aims to comprehensively analyse all metabolites in a biological sample, and has great potential for directly elucidating plant metabolic processes. Increasing evidence supports the view that plants produce a broad range of low‐molecular‐weight secondary metabolites responsible for variation from species to species, thus enabling the use of secondary metabolite profiling in the chemotaxonomy.

Objective

To gain deeper insights into the metabolites to increasing plant diversity, we performed systematic untargeted metabolite profiling to exploit the different parts and species of Aconitum as a case study.

Method

Application of ultraperformance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–high‐definition mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF–HDMS) equipped with electrospray ionisation and coupled with pattern recognition analyses to study constituents in the root of two kinds of Aconitum species.

Results

Twenty‐two metabolites between the mother root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx (CHW) and lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx (SFZ) and 13 metabolites between the CHW and root of Aconitum kusnezoffii Reichb (CW) have been identified. Of note, songorine, carmichaeline and isotalatizidine did not exist in CW, whereas they are present in the SFZ and CHW.

Conclusion

Metabolomics based UPLC–QTOF–HDMS with multivariate statistical models was effective for analysis of constituents in the root of two kinds of Aconitum species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Afghan immigrant women's knowledge and behaviors around breast cancer screening
Authors: Shirazi Mehra , Bloom Joan , Shirazi Aida , Popal Rona
Published: December 2012

Background

This community‐based participatory research was conducted to provide a preliminary understanding of how Afghan women in Northern California view their breast health.

Methods

Results were based on demographics and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted with 53 non‐English‐speaking first‐generation immigrant Muslim Afghan women 40 years and older.

Results

Findings showed low levels of knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and low utilization of early‐detection examinations for breast cancer among participants.

Conclusions

The findings also suggest a significant need for a community‐based breast health education program that recognizes the unique social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the Muslim Afghan community. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chimeragenesis of distantly‐related proteins by noncontiguous recombination
Authors: Smith Matthew A. , Romero Philip A. , Wu Timothy , Brustad Eric M. , Arnold Frances H.
Published: December 2012

We introduce a method for identifying elements of a protein structure that can be shuffled to make chimeric proteins from two or more homologous parents. Formulating recombination as a graph‐partitioning problem allows us to identify noncontiguous segments of the sequence that should be inherited together in the progeny proteins. We demonstrate this noncontiguous recombination approach by constructing a chimera of β‐glucosidases from two different kingdoms of life. Although the protein's alpha–beta barrel fold has no obvious subdomains for recombination, noncontiguous SCHEMA recombination generated a functional chimera that takes approximately half its structure from each parent. The X‐ray crystal structure shows that the structural blocks that make up the chimera maintain the backbone conformations found in their respective parental structures. Although the chimera has lower β‐glucosidase activity than the parent enzymes, the activity was easily recovered by directed evolution. This simple method, which does not rely on detailed atomic models, can be used to design chimeras that take structural, and functional, elements from distantly‐related proteins.
Mutations for decreasing the immunogenicity and maintaining the function of core streptavidin
Authors: Yumura Kyohei , Ui Mihoko , Doi Hirofumi , Hamakubo Takao , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Tsumoto Kouhei , Sugiyama Akira
Published: December 2012

The defining property of core streptavidin (cSA) is not only its high binding affinity for biotin but also its pronounced thermal and chemical stability. Although potential applications of these properties including therapeutic methods have prompted much biological research, the high immunogenicity of this bacterial protein is a key obstacle to its clinical use. To this end, we have successfully constructed hypoimmunogenic cSA muteins in a previous report. However, the effects of these mutations on the physicochemical properties of muteins were still unclear. These mutations retained the similar electrostatic charges to those of wild‐type (WT) cSA, and functional moieties with similar hydrogen bond pattern. Herein, we performed isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to gain insight into the physicochemical properties and functions of these modified versions of cSA. The results indicated that the hypoimmunogenic muteins retained the biotin‐binding function and the tetramer structure of WT cSA. In addition, we discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the success of these mutations in achieving both immune evasion and retention of function; these mechanisms might be incorporated into a new strategy for constructing hypoimmunogenic proteins.
Adaptive fuzzy output feedback decentralized control of pure‐feedback nonlinear large‐scale systems
Authors: Tong Shaocheng , Li Yongming , Liu Yanjun
Published: December 2012

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy decentralized output feedback control approach is presented for a class of uncertain nonlinear pure‐feedback large‐scale systems with immeasurable states. Fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions, and a fuzzy state observer is designed to estimate the immeasurable states. On the basis of the adaptive backstepping recursive design technique, an adaptive fuzzy decentralized output feedback is developed. It is proved that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the signals of the resulting closed‐loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SUUB), and that the observer and tracking errors converge to a small neighborhood of the origin by appropriate choice of the design parameters. Simulation studies are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observations on X‐ray enhanced sputter rates in argon cluster ion sputter depth profiling of polymers
Authors: Cumpson Peter J. , Portoles Jose F. , Sano Naoko
Published: December 2012

Traditionally polymer depth profiling by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been dominated by the damage introduced by the ion beam rather than the X‐rays. With the introduction of polyatomic and especially argon gas cluster ion‐beam (GCIB) sources for XPS instruments, this is no longer the case, and either source of damage may be important (or dominate) under particular conditions. Importantly, while ion‐beam damage is a near‐surface effect, X‐ray damage may extend micrometres into the bulk of the sample, so that the accumulation of X‐ray damage during long depth profiles may be very significant. We have observed craters of similar dimensions to the X‐ray spot well within the perimeter of sputter craters, indicating that X‐rays can assist GCIB sputtering very significantly. We have measured experimentally sputter craters in 13 different polymers. The results show that X‐ray exposure can introduce much more topography than might previously have been expected, through both thermal and direct X‐ray degradation. This can increase the depth of a crater by a remarkable factor, up to three in the case of poly‐L‐lactic acid and polychlorotrifluorothylene under reasonably normal XPS conditions. This may be a major source of the loss of depth resolution in sputter depth profiles of polymers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIPmsign: a lightweight mobile signature service based on the Session Initiation Protocol
Authors: Ruiz‐Martínez A. , Inmaculada Marín‐López C. , Sánchez‐Martínez D. , Castell Egea I.
Published: December 2012

The development of mobile signatures could increase the spread and adoption of mobile services based on electronic signatures, such as mobile payments, mobile business transactions, and mobile government services. A Mobile Signature Service (MSS) means that a user in any of the scenarios mentioned can attach an electronic signature, anywhere, anytime, as with a handwritten signature with a device that is almost always on him or her. Several solutions have appeared, such as using the European Telecommunications Standard Institute MSS, the Mobile Signature Application Unit, and the Mobile Network Operator‐independent MSS. These solutions present two kinds of drawbacks. On the one hand, some of them require the service to be developed by all mobile network operators, whereas others are not based on efficient communications. In this paper, we present a new MSS named SIPmsign that solves these problems. Our proposal is based on the Session Initiation Protocol and defines how to exchange the information in a secure and more efficient way than previously. Thanks to Session Initiation Protocol, we provide the adoption of our proposal as a MSS for the new generation of mobile communications. In this paper, we also present the prototype we have developed as a proof of its feasibility as well as an evaluation of the performance of our solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constantine: configurable static analysis tool in Eclipse
Authors: Gawade Makarand , Ravikanth K. , Aggarwal Sanjeev
Published: December 2012

Static code analysers help in exposing internal code quality problems. For higher effectiveness, they must be pressed into use early during the development of code. They must support the formulation of new coding constraints with relative ease to better cope with variations in coding standards. We present the design of a static analyser that addresses these twin objectives. Our system provides interactive feedback to programmers on the non‐conformances that occur in response to the changes made to the code. Its rule construction framework empowers programmers to define new conformance rules, which can come into effect immediately after creation. The tool has been realized as an Eclipse plug‐in for the analysis of C, C++ and Java sources. Central to its design is the concept of reusing a set of primitive checks by composing them to form new rules. This renders rule construction accessible to programmers, lowers dependence on tool smiths and accelerates the enforcement of custom checks. We also present our experience in defining rules drawn from an industry standard rule set based on this approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conditional Induction of Math1 Specifies Embryonic Stem Cells to Cerebellar Granule Neuron Lineage and Promotes Differentiation into Mature Granule Neurons
Authors: Srivastava Rupali , Kumar Manoj , Peineau Stéphane , Csaba Zsolt , Mani Shyamala , Gressens Pierre , El Ghouzzi Vincent
Published: December 2012

Directing differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to specific neuronal subtype is critical for modeling disease pathology in vitro. An attractive means of action would be to combine regulatory differentiation factors and extrinsic inductive signals added to the culture medium. In this study, we have generated mature cerebellar granule neurons by combining a temporally controlled transient expression of Math1, a master gene in granule neuron differentiation, with inductive extrinsic factors involved in cerebellar development. Using a Tetracyclin-On transactivation system, we overexpressed Math1 at various stages of ESCs differentiation and found that the yield of progenitors was considerably increased when Math1 was induced during embryonic body stage. Math1 triggered expression of Mbh1 and Mbh2, two target genes directly involved in granule neuron precursor formation and strong expression of early cerebellar territory markers En1 and NeuroD1. Three weeks after induction, we observed a decrease in the number of glial cells and an increase in that of neurons albeit still immature. Combining Math1 induction with extrinsic factors specifically increased the number of neurons that expressed Pde1c, Zic1, and GABAα6R characteristic of mature granule neurons, formed “T-shaped” axons typical of granule neurons, and generated synaptic contacts and action potentials in vitro. Finally, in vivo implantation of Math1-induced progenitors into young adult mice resulted in cell migration and settling of newly generated neurons in the cerebellum. These results show that conditional induction of Math1 drives ESCs toward the cerebellar fate and indicate that acting on both intrinsic and extrinsic factors is a powerful means to modulate ESCs differentiation and maturation into a specific neuronal lineage.
Injectable Bone Tissue Engineering Using Expanded Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yamada Yoichi , Nakamura Sayaka , Ito Kenji , Umemura Eri , Hara Kenji , Nagasaka Tetsuro , Abe Akihiro , Baba Shunsuke , Furuichi Yasushi , Izumi Yuichi , Klein Ophir D. , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: December 2012

Patients suffering from bone defects are often treated with autologous bone transplants, but this therapy can cause many complications. New approaches are therefore needed to improve treatment for bone defects, and stem cell therapy presents an exciting alternative approach. Although extensive evidence from basic studies using stem cells has been reported, few clinical applications using stem cells for bone tissue engineering have been developed. We investigated whether injectable tissue-engineered bone (TEB) composed of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma was able to regenerate functional bone in alveolar deficiencies. We performed these studies in animals and subsequently carried out large-scale clinical studies in patients with long-term follow-up; these showed good bone formation using minimally invasive MSC transplantation. All patients exhibited significantly improved bone volume with no side effects. Newly formed bone areas at 3 months were significantly increased over the preoperation baseline (p < .001) and reached levels equivalent to that of native bone. No significant bone resorption occurred during long-term follow-up. Injectable TEB restored masticatory function in patients. This novel clinical approach represents an effective therapeutic utilization of bone tissue engineering.
Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Pimenoff Joe
Published: December 2012

Atomic layer deposition, ALd, is a thin film deposition technology that enables new and highly competitive products. As a disruptive technology, it can often replace existing production technology and improve throughput, coating quality and sometimes process sustainability. ALd is also a powerful resource for advanced nanotechnology research.

Today's industrial applications of ALd habitually address a concrete requirement to manufacture precise nanometer–thick, dense and pinhole–free conformal thin films of exact chemical composition on various shapes and geometries. For today's businesses, ALd and Beneq offer the necessary tools to enable growth, by means of new and innovative applications, reliable production equipment and attractive cost of ownership.
Plasmatechnische Werkzeuge der Medizintechnik
Authors: Klinkenberg Ernst‐Dieter , Neumann Hans‐Georg
Published: December 2012

Der Gelenkersatz durch eine Endoprothese stellt heute eine Standardtherapie dar. Die Plasmatechnologie leistet wesentliche Beiträge zur Oberflächengestaltung moderner Implantate. Zur erfolgreichen Entwicklung von langlebigen Implantaten ist eine multidisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit unabdingbar.
Wälzlager in der Vakuumtechnik
Authors: Marquart Matthias , Sauer Bernd
Published: December 2012

Der Einsatz von Wälzlagern im Vakuum wird vor allem durch technische Grenzen herkömmlicher Schmierstoffe behindert. Möglichkeiten, dieses Maschinenelement dennoch in diesen Umgebungen einzusetzen, gibt es. Hierzu wird z.B. ein alternatives Schmiersystem, bestehend aus Molybdändisulfid, erfolgreich appliziert. In der Folge lassen sich Wälzlager sowohl bei hohen Temperaturen wie auch im Vakuum betreiben. Nachfolgend wird dargelegt, wie eine Lebensdauerabschätzung erfolgen kann. Weiter wird gezeigt, mit welchen Mitteln eine Optimierung hinsichtlich Laufzeit und damit auch den Kosten des Maschinenelements Wälzlager in diesen extremen Einsatzgebieten umgesetzt wird. Die dabei genannten Maßnahmen werden anhand von experimentellen Untersuchungen belegt.
Correction: Sind Trockenläufer wirklich die Lösung aller Probleme?
Authors: Barfuss Heinz
Published: December 2012

Aus technischen Gründen fehlten in der letzten Ausgabe dieser Zeitschrift Teile dieses Beitrags. Wir bitten dies zu entschuldigen. Der Einfachheit halber drucken wir hier nun den kompletten Beitrag.

Mit diesem Artikel versucht der Autor aufzuzeigen, daß Trockenläufer nicht in allen Anwendungen aufgrund des Pumpprinzips, der Saugvermögenscharakteristik und auch physikalischen Grenzen die Lösung aller vakuumtechnischen Herausforderungen sind. Aufwendige Überwachungs‐ und Schutzmaßnahmen machen den Betrieb anfälliger, erhöhen die Betriebs‐ und Wartungskosten und stellen gegenüber den klassischen Drehschieberpumpen deutlich höhere Anforderungen an die Systemhersteller und Betreiber. Die Notwendigkeit der Ölfreiheit im Schöpfraum und der Prozesskammer oder Apparatur hat die Entwicklung der Trockenläufer entscheidend vorangetrieben, jedoch ist die Drehschieberpumpe auch weiterhin in bestimmten Anwendungen die Pumpe der Wahl.
Large N (=3) neutrinos and random matrix theory
Authors: Bai Yang , Torroba Gonzalo
Published: December 2012

Abstract

The large N limit has been successfully applied to QCD, leading to qualitatively correct results even for N = 3. In this work, we propose to treat the number N = 3 of Standard Model generations as a large number. Specifically, we apply this idea to the neutrino anarchy scenario and study neutrino physics using Random Matrix Theory, finding new results in both areas. For neutrino physics, we obtain predictions for the masses and mixing angles as a function of the generation number N. The Seesaw mechanism produces a hierarchy of order 1/N
3 between the lightest and heaviest neutrino, and a θ
13 mixing angle of order 1/N, in parametric agreement with experimental data when N goes to 3. For Random Matrix Theory, this motivates the introduction of a new type of ensemble of random matrices, the “Seesaw ensemble.” Basic properties of such matrices are studied, including the eigenvalue density and the interpretation as a Coulomb gas system. Besides its mathematical interest, the Seesaw ensemble may be useful in random systems where two hierarchical scales exist.
Multi-gluon helicity amplitudes with one off-shell leg within high energy factorization
Authors: van Hameren A. , Kotko P. , Kutak K.
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Basing on the Slavnov-Taylor identities, we derive a new prescription to obtain gauge invariant tree-level scattering amplitudes for the process g
*
g → N g within high energy factorization. Using the helicity method, we check the formalism up to several final state gluons, and we present analytical formulas for the the helicity amplitudes for N = 2. We also compare the method with Lipatov’s effective action approach.
On the Likelihood Ratio Tests in Bivariate ACDE Models
Authors: Wu Hao , Neale Michael C.
Published: December 2012

The ACE and ADE models have been heavily exploited in twin studies to identify the genetic and environmental components in phenotypes. However, the validity of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) of the existence of a variance component, a key step in the use of such models, has been doubted because the true values of the parameters lie on the boundary of the parameter space of the alternative model for such tests, violating a regularity condition required for a LRT (e.g., Carey in Behav. Genet. 35:653–665, 2005; Visscher in Twin Res. Hum. Genet. 9:490–495, 2006). Dominicus, Skrondal, Gjessing, Pedersen, and Palmgren (Behav. Genet. 36:331–340, 2006) solve the problem of testing univariate components in ACDE models. Our current work as presented in this paper resolves the issue of LRTs in bivariate ACDE models by exploiting the theoretical frameworks of inequality constrained LRTs based on cone approximations. Our derivation shows that the asymptotic sampling distribution of the test statistic for testing a single bivariate component in an ACE or ADE model is a mixture of χ2 distributions of degrees of freedom (dfs) ranging from 0 to 3, and that for testing both the A and C (or D) components is one of dfs ranging from 0 to 6. These correct distributions are stochastically smaller than the χ2 distributions in traditional LRTs and therefore LRTs based on these distributions are more powerful than those used naively. Formulas for calculating the weights are derived and the sampling distributions are confirmed by simulation studies. Several invariance properties for normal data (at most) missing by person are also proved. Potential generalizations of this work are also discussed.
Literature and the Russian Cultural Code at the Beginning of the 21St Century
Authors: Goloubkov Mikhail
Published: December 2012

In the article the role of Russian literature at the beginning of the twenty first century is looked over. The loss of the literature-centricity in Russian culture occurred almost right after wreck of the USSR. So literature now has lost functions which were traditional for it during three last ages. Russian literature formed a national cultural code and formed a manner to feel and think, which did characterize Russian person. The Russian literature accumulated Historical Memory and National Identity, was a form of historical socialization. Also Socialist Realism is looked over as a mythogenic aesthetics.
Doxorubicin treatment inhibits PPARγ and may induce lipotoxicity by mimicking a type 2 diabetes‐like condition in rodent models
Authors: Arunachalam Sankarganesh , Tirupathi Pichiah P.B. , Achiraman Shanmugam
Published: December 2012

Doxorubicin‐treated animals show elevated serum triglyceride and blood glucose levels. Adipocytes play an important role in buffering blood glucose and lipids. A raise in serum lipid level triggers adipogenesis in order to increase the lipid absorption capacity of adipose tissue. Doxorubicin inhibits adipogenesis through the down‐regulation of PPARγ, a crucial component of the lipid metabolic pathway which controls the expression of glucose and fatty acid transporters. Doxorubicin‐mediated down‐regulation of PPARγ inhibits blood glucose and lipid clearance thereby causing hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia resulting in lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity, inflammation and insulin resistance. Therefore we hypothesize that doxorubicin treatment could mimic a type 2 diabetic condition.
The type‐2 N‐end rule peptide recognition activity of Ubr11 ubiquitin ligase is required for the expression of peptide transporters
Authors: Kitamura Kenji , Fujiwara Hidenobu
Published: December 2012

The Ubr1‐like canonical N‐recognins, widely conserved ubiquitin ligases in eukaryotes, play a role in the N‐end rule pathway‐mediated degradation of substrates harboring basic (type‐1) or bulky hydrophobic (type‐2) amino acids at the N‐terminus. In this study, the roles of conserved domains were studied in the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Ubr11 protein. Mutations in the UBR box and the autoinhibitory domain blocked degradation of both type‐1 and type‐2 substrates, expression of peptide transporter genes, and the uptake of oligopeptides. An N‐domain mutant was normal for the type‐1‐related function, but nevertheless failed to express peptide transporters. These data suggest the importance of the type‐2‐related activity of Ubr11 for its in vivo function.
Structure of l‐rhamnose isomerase in complex with l‐rhamnopyranose demonstrates the sugar‐ring opening mechanism and the role of a substrate sub‐binding site
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Yoshihara Akihide , Teraoka Misa , Yamashita Satoshi , Izumori Ken , Kamitori Shigehiro
Published: December 2012

l‐Rhamnose isomerase (l‐RhI) catalyzes the reversible isomerization of l‐rhamnose to l‐rhamnulose. Previously determined X‐ray structures of l‐RhI showed a hydride‐shift mechanism for the isomerization of substrates in a linear form, but the mechanism for opening of the sugar‐ring is still unclear. To elucidate this mechanism, we determined X‐ray structures of a mutant l‐RhI in complex with l‐rhamnopyranose and d‐allopyranose. Results suggest that a catalytic water molecule, which acts as an acid/base catalyst in the isomerization reaction, is likely to be involved in pyranose‐ring opening, and that a newly found substrate sub‐binding site in the vicinity of the catalytic site may recognize different anomers of substrates.
Comparative Genomics of the Lipid-Body-Membrane Proteins Oleosin, Caleosin and Steroleosin in Magnoliophyte, Lycophyte and Bryophyte
Authors: Umate Pavan
Published: December 2012

Lipid bodies store oils in the form of triacylglycerols. Oleosin, caleosin and steroleosin are unique proteins localized on the surface of lipid bodies in seed plants. This study has identified genes encoding lipid body proteins oleosin, caleosin and steroleosin in the genomes of five plants: Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Populus trichocarpa, Selaginella moellendorffii and Physcomitrella patens. The protein sequence alignment indicated that each oleosin protein contains a highly-conserved proline knot motif, and proline knob motif is well conserved in steroleosin proteins, while caleosin proteins possess the Dx[D/N]xDG-containing calcium-binding motifs. The identification of motifs (proline knot and knob) and conserved amino acids at active site was further supported by the sequence logos. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of magnoliophyte- and bryophyte-specific subgroups. We analyzed the public microarray data for expression of oleosin, caleosin and steroleosin in Arabidopsis and rice during the vegetative and reproductive stages, or under abiotic stresses. Our results indicated that genes encoding oleosin, caleosin and steroleosin proteins were expressed predominantly in plant seeds. This work may facilitate better understanding of the members of lipid-body-membrane proteins in diverse organisms and their gene expression in model plants Arabidopsis and rice.
BC Patient Safety & Quality Council: Using Network and Social Movement Theory to Improve Healthcare
Authors: Krause Christina , Cochrane Doug
Published: December 2012

The BC Patient Safety & Quality Council has a mandate to bring health system stakeholders together in a collaborative partnership to improve quality of care. Our experience has demonstrated the value of networks to provide a forum for individuals to “think like a system,” considering the perspectives of others in addressing system issues. This transition from silo-based thinking is important as we move to improve the quality of care at the pace that is required.
The New Brunswick Health Council at a Glance
Authors: Gingras David , Paré Christine
Published: December 2012

This article presents an overview of the work of the New Brunswick Health Council (NBHC) since its creation by exploring its mandate and by presenting its different initiatives and publications as they relate to the NBHC's areas of work: population health, care experience, sustainability, and citizen engagement.
Transforming Healthcare in Ontario through Integration, Evidence, and Building Capacity for Improvement
Authors: Chan Ben
Published: December 2012

Since 2005, the Ontario Health Quality Council (OHQC) has been reporting on healthcare quality in the province and supporting quality improvement activities. The 2010 Excellent Care for All Act added the evaluation of clinical evidence and making of recommendations on funding to the Council's responsibilities. In April 2011, Health Quality Ontario (HQO) was formed from a merger of OHQC and three other quality-focused organizations. The agency is now focusing on integrating the functions of all of these organizations on a quality agenda.
How to Appraise the Performance of Quebec's Health and Social Services System
Authors: Salois Robert , Robitaille Anne
Published: December 2012

Appraising the performance of Québec's health and social services system is a collective project led by the Health and Welfare Commissioner who welcomes the participation of health and social service practitioners, administrators, decision makers, and the entire Québec population. The mission of the Commissioner, an independent and permanent body instituted in 2006, is to provide perspective for public debate and government decision making to enhance the health and welfare of all Quebecers.
You Say You Want a Revolution: Canada's Original Quality Council Reflects Back on its First 10 Years and Looks Ahead
Authors: Basky Greg , Brossart Bonnie , Smadu Marlene
Published: December 2012

Saskatchewan was the first province in Canada to establish a Quality Council. Fall 2012 would mark the 10-year anniversary of this unique change agency. This article looks back on what the Health Quality Council has achieved to date working collaboratively with its health system partners and looks ahead to coming challenges and opportunities.
Accroître la responsabilité pour stimuler l'amélioration
Authors: Abbott John G.
Published: December 2012

Les gouvernements doivent adopter une démarche plus stratégique envers les soins de santé et s'assurer d'une plus grande responsabilité quant à la performance de leur système de santé. Ils peuvent commencer par s'entendre sur une vision pancanadienne de la santé des Canadiens et des services à dispenser, accompagnée d'objectifs stratégiques explicites, de cibles de performance appuyées par des données probantes et de rapports publics plus transparents.
Atrial tachycardia in a patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia
Authors: Mano Hiroaki , Watanabe Ichiro , Okumura Yasuo , Sonoda Kazumasa , Nagashima Koichi , Nakai Toshiko , Ohkubo Kimie , Kofune Tatsuya , Haruta Hironori , Kofune Masayoshi , Kunimoto Satoshi , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: December 2012

We describe a 49‐year‐old woman with atrial tachycardia (AT) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia. Cardiac magnetic resonance images showed a markedly dilated right atrium and right ventricle. Electroanatomical mapping showed that the AT originated from the right atrial appendage.
Dietary fibre consumption and insulin resistance – the role of body fat and physical activity
Authors: Breneman Charity B. , Tucker Larry
Published: December 2012

The present study was conducted to determine the association between fibre intake and insulin resistance in 264 women using a cross-sectional design. Insulin resistance was indexed using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (US formula: fasting insulin (μU/ml) × fasting glucose (mg/dl)/405 international formula: fasting glucose (mmol/l) × fasting insulin (μU/l)/22.5). Fibre and energy consumption were assessed using 7 d weighed food records. Fibre was expressed as g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal). Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured using the BOD POD, and physical activity (PA) was ascertained using Actigraph accelerometers (Health One Technology) worn for seven consecutive days. Women with high total fibre intakes (F= 4·58, P= 0·0332) or high soluble fibre intakes (F= 7·97, P= 0·0051) had significantly less insulin resistance than their counterparts. Participants with high insoluble fibre intakes did not differ from their counterparts (F= 0·7, P= 0·6875). Adjusting for either PA or BF% weakened the relationships significantly. Controlling for BF% nullified the total fibre–HOMA-IR link (F= 1·96, P= 0·1631) and attenuated the association between soluble fibre and HOMA-IR by 32 % (F= 6·86, P= 0·0094). To create dichotomous variables, fibre intake and HOMA-IR were each divided into two categories using the median (low and high). In women who had high soluble fibre intake (upper 50 %), the OR of having an elevated HOMA-IR level was 0·58 (95 % CI 0·36, 0·94) times that of women with low soluble fibre intake (lower 50 %). After controlling for all of the potential confounding factors simultaneously, the OR was 0·52 (95 % CI 0·29, 0·93). High fibre intake, particularly soluble fibre, is significantly related to lower levels of insulin resistance in women. Part of this association is a function of differences in PA and BF%.
Influence of cultivar, sowing date and maturity at harvest on yield, digestibility, rumen fermentation kinetics and estimated feeding value of maize silage
Authors: OPSI F. , FORTINA R. , BORREANI G. , TABACCO E. , LÓPEZ S.
Published: December 2012

Two maize hybrid cultivars, early (Cisko FAO 300) and late maturing (Arma FAO 700), were sown on three different dates (March, April or May) and harvested at two stages of maturity (kernel milk line (ML) scores of 1/4 < ML < 1/3 or 1/2 < ML < 2/3) in the western Po plain (Italy) in 2008. Yield, chemical composition andin vitrodigestibility and fermentation kinetics of pre-ensiled whole-crop maize and of silage were measured. Cultivar and sowing date influenced the dry matter (DM) yield of whole-plant maize, with DM yield being 40% higher in Arma than in Cisko, and DM yield decreasing with later sowing dates. Later maturity increased DM concentration at harvest for both hybrids, due to differences in kernel development. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content declined and starch increased as plants matured. Digestibility was estimatedin vitrofollowing the Ankom procedure. Rate and extent of ruminal degradation were estimated from gas production (GP) profiles during incubation in diluted rumen fluid. Cultivar, planting date and maturity had no effect onin vitroDM digestibility of pre-ensiled whole-crop maize, but following 240 days of ensiling significant differences between cultivars in digestibility were detected. GP kinetic parameters differed between cultivars for pre-ensiled whole-crop maize, with Cisko having higher asymptotic GP but lower fractional fermentation rates and longer lag times than the Arma hybrid. GP volumes were greater as sowing or harvest dates were delayed. Energy value and milk production were estimated using the Milk2006 Model. With the pre-ensiled whole-crop maize, a 38% greater milk yield/ha was expected with Arma than with Cisko, matching the 40% greater DM yield. The same trend was observed in maize silage, where cultivar and planting date affected milk production/ha, with greater values for Arma than for Cisko and lower values for the latest planting date. Optimal management practices, including decision making on planting and harvest time and hybrid cultivar selection, can influence the yield and nutritive value of maize silage.
Current concepts and advances in the application of tissue engineering in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery
Authors: Sivayoham E , Saunders R , Derby B , Woolford T
Published: December 2012

Objective:

This paper reviews the progress in the rapidly expanding scientific discipline of tissue engineering, which may have an integral role in the future of otorhinolaryngology. This article seeks to inform on the current concepts and principles of tissue engineering, and describe the state of the art research and developments in this exciting field as applied to ENT and head and neck surgery.

Method:

In order to carry out a comprehensive review of the literature spanning the past 30 years, a search of relevant publications was performed using the Web of Knowledge, Medline and PubMed databases.

Results:

This search identified 85 scholarly articles, which were utilised as the basis of this review.

Conclusion:

Given the current rate of development of tissue engineering research, it is likely that tissue-engineered implants will be widely used in surgical practice, including ENT and head and neck surgery.
Vibrant Soundbridge system: application of the stapes coupling technique
Authors: Tsang W S S , Yu J K Y , Wong T K C , Tong M C F
Published: December 2012

Introduction:

The use of the stapes coupling technique, employed in the Vibrant Soundbridge system, is technically less demanding than the vibroplasty technique, and is more likely to generate a positive outcome without significantly changing residual hearing or resulting in medical or surgical complication.

Method:

We report a patient with repeated left ossiculoplasty failure, who was successfully implanted with a Vibrant Soundbridge.

Conclusion:

We believe that the stapes coupling technique can provide natural stimulation to the inner ear, resulting in a better perceived sound quality.
Unusual presentation of cervical spine metastases to the ENT surgeon
Authors: Baruah P , Randall C J , Burgess A
Published: December 2012

Objective:

Cervical spine metastases account for 10 per cent of all spinal metastases. We report three cases of cervical spine metastases whose unusual primary presentation was with ENT-related symptoms.

Methods:

The three patients reported herein did not have a confirmed diagnosis of malignancy at presentation. The first patient presented with stridor, the second presented with dysphagia and the third presented with dysphonia. All patients complained of significant neck pain that preceded and was concomitant to the other symptoms. Clinical suspicion of cervical spine involvement led to radiological investigation with computed tomography, which showed metastatic lesions in the craniovertebral junction and cervical spine region. Histological confirmation of malignancy was obtained for two of the three patients. The condition proved uniformly fatal in the weeks following diagnosis. A review of the literature on this condition was conducted using PubMed and Medline databases.

Conclusion:

Cervical spine pathology may present initially to the ENT surgeon. A high degree of suspicion of cervical spine involvement should be maintained in elderly patients with persistent or progressive neck pain, with or without other ENT symptoms. Adequate radiological imaging will usually confirm the diagnosis.
The use of GlideScope for biopsies of the tongue base
Authors: Shenoy P K , Aldea M
Published: December 2012

Objective:

To report a case where GlideScope® is used for the biopsy of the tongue base.

Background:

GlideScopes are used by anaesthetists for difficult intubations.

Case report:

This paper reports a case where a GlideScope was used for biopsy of the tongue base. A review of the literature indicated that this was the first time a GlideScope had been utilised for this purpose.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that this is a safe and ideal technique for biopsy of the tongue base, and GlideScopes could be used more frequently for this purpose in the future.
Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis excision and reconstruction
Authors: Yaneza M M C , Sheikh S
Published: December 2012

Background:

Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a common benign condition of the pinna. It presents as a painful, well demarcated nodule on the pinna that may be associated with surrounding erythema or an overlying crust.

Methods:

This paper describes techniques for the excision of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on both the helix and anti-helix, and reconstruction of the defect.

Conclusion:

Both methods give an excellent cosmetic result and can be performed under local anaesthetic. Excising and smoothing down the cartilage decreases the likelihood of recurrence as a smooth contour to the ear is achieved.