bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EIndole Compounds Against Breast Cancer: Recent Developments
Authors: Biersack Bernhard , Schobert Rainer
Published: December 2012

Breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide and new therapies and drugs are continuously being conceived and explored to better control or even cure this disease. Among the most efficacious low-molecular drugs for the treatment of breast cancer are indole derivatives such as 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), the structurally complex antimitotic vinca alkaloids, and the synthetic receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib. This review is to give an insight into the latest developments in the field of indole based drugs against breast cancers with a focus on those derived from natural products and on their targets and modes of action. Pertinent literature is covered from 2007 up to 2012.
Restoration of Euglycemia After Duodenal Bypass Surgery Is Reliant on Central and Peripheral Inputs in Zucker fa/fa Rats
Authors: Jiao Jian , Bae Eun Ju , Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Oliver Jason , Marathe Chaitra , Chen Michael , Hsu Jer-Yuan , Chen Yu , Tian Hui , Olefsky Jerrold M. , Saberi Maziyar
Published: December 2012

Gastrointestinal bypass surgeries that result in rerouting and subsequent exclusion of nutrients from the duodenum appear to rapidly alleviate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia independent of weight loss. While the mechanism(s) responsible for normalization of glucose homeostasis remains to be fully elucidated, this rapid normalization coupled with the well-known effects of vagal inputs into glucose homeostasis suggests a neurohormonally mediated mechanism. Our results show that duodenal bypass surgery on obese, insulin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rats restored insulin sensitivity in both liver and peripheral tissues independent of body weight. Restoration of normoglycemia was attributable to an enhancement in key insulin-signaling molecules, including insulin receptor substrate-2, and substrate metabolism through a multifaceted mechanism involving activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and downregulation of key regulatory genes involved in both lipid and glucose metabolism. Importantly, while central nervous system–derived vagal nerves were not essential for restoration of insulin sensitivity, rapid normalization in hepatic gluconeogenic capacity and basal hepatic glucose production required intact vagal innervation. Lastly, duodenal bypass surgery selectively altered the tissue concentration of intestinally derived glucoregulatory hormone peptides in a segment-specific manner. The present data highlight and support the significance of vagal inputs and intestinal hormone peptides toward normalization of glucose and lipid homeostasis after duodenal bypass surgery.
Efficacy and Safety of Sitagliptin Versus Glipizide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Arjona Ferreira Juan Camilo , Marre Michel , Barzilai Nir , Guo Hua , Golm Gregory T. , Sisk Christine McCrary , Kaufman Keith D. , Goldstein Barry J.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of micro- and macrovascular disease, but limited options for antihyperglycemic therapy. We compared the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin with glipizide in patients with T2DM and moderate-to-severe chronic renal insufficiency and inadequate glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients (n = 426) were randomized 1:1 to sitagliptin (50 mg every day [q.d.] for moderate renal insufficiency and 25 mg q.d. for severe renal insufficiency) or glipizide (2.5 mg q.d., adjusted based on glycemic control to a 10-mg twice a day maximum dose). Randomization was stratified by: 1) renal status (moderate or severe renal insufficiency); 2) history of cardiovascular disease; and 3) history of heart failure.

RESULTS

At week 54, treatment with sitagliptin was noninferior to treatment with glipizide in A1C change from baseline (−0.8 vs. −0.6%; between-group difference −0.11%; 95% CI −0.29 to 0.06) because the upper bound of the 95% CI was less than the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.4%. There was a lower incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia adverse events (AEs) with sitagliptin versus glipizide (6.2 and 17.0%, respectively; P = 0.001) and a decrease in body weight with sitagliptin (−0.6 kg) versus an increase (1.2 kg) with glipizide (difference, −1.8 kg; P < 0.001). The incidence of gastrointestinal AEs was low with both treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM and chronic renal insufficiency, sitagliptin and glipizide provided similar A1C-lowering efficacy. Sitagliptin was generally well-tolerated, with a lower risk of hypoglycemia and weight loss versus weight gain, relative to glipizide.
Mini-Open Sinus Tarsi Approach with Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Displaced Calcaneal Fractures: A Prospective Computed Tomography–Based Study
Authors: Nosewicz Tomasz , Knupp Markus , Barg Alexej , Maas Mario , Bolliger Lilianna , Goslings J. Carel , Hintermann Beat
Published: December 2012

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of calcaneal fractures using an extended lateral approach results in soft tissue disruption and theoretically subtalar joint stiffness. A minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach for posterior facet exposure and percutaneous screw fixation of the calcaneal body has been implemented. This report details the reduction and stability of the internal fixation resulting from this approach. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients (18 male, 3 female, 45 ± 16 years) with 22 calcaneal fractures underwent ORIF with minimal exposure through the sinus tarsi for reduction, lateral plate fixation, and percutaneous screw fixation. There were nine Sanders type II fractures and 13 type III fractures. Sixteen fractures had calcaneocuboid joint involvement. Nineteen patients (19 fractures) were available for follow-up (mean, 32 ± 14 months). Two computed tomography scans were obtained on each patient, one immediately postoperatively and one after a minimum of 1 year, to evaluate reduction and fixation stability, respectively. The posterior facet and calcaneocuboid joint were graded excellent, good, fair, or poor, according to articular step, defect, and angulation. Any change was considered loss of stability. Similarly, on a conventional two-dimensional radiograph, more than 5 of Bohler's angle difference was defined as loss of calcaneal height. Results: Postoperative posterior facet and calcaneocuboid joint reduction was good (step < 1 mm, defect < 5 mm, angulation < 5) or excellent (no step, defect, angulation) in 14/22 (64%) and 11/16 fractures, respectively. At follow-up, no loss of reduction at the posterior facet and calcaneocuboid joint was noted. More than 5 of Bohler's angle decrease was found in three patients. Conclusion: Even complex calcaneal fractures can be sufficiently exposed by a minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach for anatomic reduction and stable fixation. Most patients had good or excellent functional results, which may have resulted from minimal soft tissue disruption.

Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series
Variability in Radiographic Medial Clear Space Measurement of the Normal Weight-Bearing Ankle
Authors: Murphy Joshua M. , Kadakia Anish R. , Irwin Todd A.
Published: December 2012

Background: Medial clear space (MCS) width on mortise radiographs of the ankle is commonly used by clinicians for determining the competence of the deltoid ligament in the Weber B supination–external rotation ankle fracture. Significant variability exists in the current literature regarding methods of obtaining this measure and definition of a normal measure in comparison with a pathologic state. Methods: Seventy-three paired bilateral ankle mortise radiographs that were without ankle pathology were retrospectively reviewed. MCS width at two separate locations (oblique and perpendicular) and superior clear space (SCS) were measured on digital radiographs. A Student's t test was used to compare mean values. Results: Mean values (± SD) were 3.2 (± 0.7) mm for MCS oblique, 2.6 (± 0.7) mm for MCS perpendicular, and 3.3 (± 0.6) mm for SCS. A significant difference ( p < .001) existed for all three measures between males and females. MCS oblique was statistically different than MCS perpendicular ( p < .001) for all patients and for males and females independently. The mean difference between paired bilateral radiographs was 0.3 (± 0.2) mm for MCS oblique, 0.6 (± 0.6) mm for MCS perpendicular, and 0.2 (± 0.2) mm for SCS. Conclusions: MCS width has variability based on the location chosen for measurement and gender. Contralateral radiographic comparison of MCS should be routinely used to identify pathologic widening versus normal anatomic variation. Clinical Relevance: Use of single threshold values for MCS width as an operative indicator may produce a false-positive diagnosis of deltoid incompetence in Weber B supination–external rotation ankle fractures and possibly lead to unnecessary surgery.
Union Rate of Tibiotalocalcaneal Nails with Internal or External Bone Stimulation
Authors: DeVries J. George , Berlet Gregory C. , Hyer Christopher F.
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The use of bone growth stimulation has been reported in the application of hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis. Most studies have been retrospective case series with few patients. The authors present a comparative analysis of patients undergoing tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis via a retrograde intramedullary arthrodesis nail to evaluate the influence of internal versus external bone stimulation in this population. Methods: One hundred fifty-four patients were treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing. A comprehensive chart and radiographic review was performed from a database of patients who underwent TTC fusion with or without bone stimulation. Ninety-one patients with retrograde TTC nailing were treated with direct current internal bone stimulation at the time of the index procedure (internal group) and 63 were treated with combined magnetic field external bone stimulation (external group). The primary end point was fusion with potential variables evaluated for influence on fusion rates. Results: Demographically the cohorts were similar groups in age and comorbidities. Surgical and outcome data were examined, and there were few statistically significant differences between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in rate of union (52.7% and 57.1%, p = .63) or rate of complications between the internal and external groups. Overall, the success rate for achieving a stable, functional limb for the groups was 81.3% (74/91 patients) and 82.5% (52/63 patients) in the internal and external groups, respectively ( p = .62). Conclusion: The authors demonstrated there were no statistically significant differences between the union and complication rate when comparing these types of internal and external bone stimulation in this patient population. Consideration of these results may help guide physicians when considering bone stimulation as an adjunct to TTC fusions with a retrograde intramedullary nail.

Level of Evidence: III
Effect of Increased Weight on Ankle Mechanics and Spatial Temporal Gait Mechanics in Healthy Controls
Authors: Eckel Tobin T. , Abbey Alicia N. , Butler Robert J. , Nunley James A. , Queen Robin M.
Published: December 2012

Background: Ankle osteoarthritis has been associated with trauma, instability, and inflammatory arthritis. Limited literature exists examining the effect of body weight on ankle joint loading. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between increased weight and gender on ankle kinematics and kinetics. Methods: Fifty-three (28 male, 25 female) subjects were recruited for the study. All subjects underwent a standard level walking gait analysis in four different weight conditions (normal, 10%, 15%, and 20% increased body weight). Testing order was randomized. A series of mixed-factor, repeated-measures analyses of variance (weight by gender) were used to determine statistical differences between the groups ( p < .05). Results: Walking speed was not significantly different between gender or weight conditions. No significant differences existed for step length, step time, stride length, swing time, or sagittal plane ankle kinematics and kinetics. A significant increase in plantarflexion moment existed for the males ( p < .05). The peak plantarflexion moment increased as weight increased. Single support time ( p = .042) was significantly different between the no weight and the 15% and 20% increased weight conditions. In addition, double support time was significantly longer in the males compared with females ( p < .001) and significantly increased for each weight condition ( p < .001). Conclusion: Increasing weight alters spatial temporal mechanics and sagittal plane ankle kinetics in a healthy control population. The effect of increasing weight appears to be similar between genders. Clinical Relevance: The findings of the present study may be relevant for future studies to assess the role of weight as a potential covariate on postoperative outcomes and gait mechanics.
Tibial Plateau Fracture following Proximal Tibia Autograft Harvest: Case Report
Authors: Michael Rowan J. , Ellis Scott J. , Roberts Matthew M.
Published: December 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Anteromedial Approach for Ankle Arthoplasty and Arthrodesis: Technique Tip
Authors: Amin Amit , Mahoney James , Daniels Timothy R.
Published: December 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Message from the Chief Editor Vol.1(1)
Authors: Baral MR
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v1i1.7246 Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 1, No. 1, Issue 1, Jul.-Sep., 2012
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in Nepalese diabetic patients: Do they carry extra risk to revascularization process?
Authors: Khatun F , Rawat B , Vaidya A , Rajbhandari S , Bhatta Y
Published: December 2012

Background and Objectives: There is evidence that diabetes carries risk of various complications and adverse outcome with coronary revascularisation procedures. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes and complications of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in Nepalese diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. Method: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Norvic International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 702 consecutive Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty patients coming to the hospital from 2002 to 2010 were included. Angioplasty was performed using radial and femoral routes in a standard setting with standard techniques. Information on other background risk factors was recorded. Success of the procedures and presence of major and minor complications were observed. Results: Of the 702 patients participating in this study, 259 were diabetic and 443 were non-diabetic. Success rates were similar: 256 (98.8%) of diabetic and 438 (98.8%) of non-diabetic had a successful Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty. Complications of the procedure were however higher in the diabetic patients with higher in-hospital death (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence Interval: 0.6-19.1), compared to non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: The overall outcome of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty was equally successful in diabetic and non-diabetic populations groups. But the complications were higher with the diabetic group which were because of presence of other co-morbidities in this group and were not procedure-related. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v1i1.7250 Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 1, No. 1, Issue 1, Jul.-Sep., 2012 pp.16-20
Local Temperature and not Latitude Determines the Design of Blue Tit and Great Tit nests
Authors: Deeming D. Charles , Mainwaring Mark C. , Hartley Ian R. , Reynolds S. James
Published: December 2012

Recent studies are documenting the extent to which the mass and construction of bird nests varies between individuals and locations. In the Blue Tit ( Cyanistes caeruleus) and Great Tit ( Parus major), temperatures experienced by females during nest construction are inversely related to nest mass. Moreover, Mainwaring et al. ( Journal of Biogeography, 2012) showed that nests constructed at high latitude are heavier and better insulated than nests built by conspecifics in the south. Although mean spring temperature was used as a proxy for latitude in the Mainwaring et al. study, it remains untested whether individual birds build nests in response to a narrower range of temperatures experienced at the start of the breeding season. Our study showed that irrespective of latitude nest mass, and in particular nest cup mass, of Blue Tits and Great Tits was significantly affected by the temperature experienced by the birds for the seven days preceding clutch initiation. Similar results were seen with the insulatory properties of nests. The potential impact of variation in nest construction and insulation on subsequent incubation and chick-rearing behaviour is discussed.
The Construction and Thermal Insulation of Ethiopian Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni) nests: A preliminary study
Authors: Töpfer Till , Gedeon Kai
Published: December 2012

The Ethiopian Bush-crow is an endemic Ethiopian bird species which has a very small and climatically distinct range that is cooler, dryer and more seasonal than the surrounding areas. Bush-crows build large domed nests made of thorny twigs with comparatively thick walls and a soil-lined bottom. In our preliminary study, we studied the thermal properties of a bush-crow nest with the aid of IR thermography. Our results show that there was no heat emission in the early morning and that nest surface temperatures clearly corresponded to the temperature changes during the day. Therefore we hypothesise that the nest construction provides substantial thermal insulation during the night time and presumably also delays temperature increase in the internal nesting chamber during the day time. We suggest that the bush-crow's specific nest construction may have contributed to its persistence under the climatically unique south Ethiopian conditions.
Exploration of a Polarized Surface Bidirectional Reflectance Model Using the Ground-Based Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager
Authors: Diner David , Xu Feng , Martonchik John , Rheingans Brian , Geier Sven , Jovanovic Veljko , Davis Ab , Chipman Russell , McClain Stephen
Published: December 2012

Accurate characterization of surface reflection is essential for retrieval of aerosols using downward-looking remote sensors. In this paper, observations from the Ground-based Multiangle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (GroundMSPI) are used to evaluate a surface polarized bidirectional reflectance distribution function (PBRDF) model. GroundMSPI is an eight-band spectropolarimetric camera mounted on a rotating gimbal to acquire pushbroom imagery of outdoor landscapes. The camera uses a very accurate photoelastic-modulator-based polarimetric imaging technique to acquire Stokes vector measurements in three of the instrument’s bands (470, 660, and 865 nm). A description of the instrument is presented, and observations of selected targets within a scene acquired on 6 January 2010 are analyzed. Data collected during the course of the day as the Sun moved across the sky provided a range of illumination geometries that facilitated evaluation of the surface model, which is comprised of a volumetric reflection term represented by the modified Rahman-Pinty-Verstraete function plus a specular reflection term generated by a randomly oriented array of Fresnel-reflecting microfacets. While the model is fairly successful in predicting the polarized reflection from two grass targets in the scene, it does a poorer job for two manmade targets (a parking lot and a truck roof), possibly due to their greater degree of geometric organization. Several empirical adjustments to the model are explored and lead to improved fits to the data. For all targets, the data support the notion of spectral invariance in the angular shape of the unpolarized and polarized surface reflection. As noted by others, this behavior provides valuable constraints on the aerosol retrieval problem, and highlights the importance of multiangle observations.
The Impact of Relative Poverty on Norwegian Adolescents’ Subjective Health: A Causal Analysis with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Elstad Jon , Pedersen Axel
Published: December 2012

Studies have revealed that relative poverty is associated with ill health, but the interpretations of this correlation vary. This article asks whether relative poverty among Norwegian adolescents is causally related to poor subjective health, i.e., self-reported somatic and mental symptoms. Data consist of interview responses from a sample of adolescents (N = 510) and their parents, combined with register data on the family’s economic situation. Relatively poor adolescents had significantly worse subjective health than non-poor adolescents. Relatively poor adolescents also experienced many other social disadvantages, such as parental unemployment and parental ill health. Comparisons between the relatively poor and the non-poor adolescents, using propensity score matching, indicated a negative impact of relative poverty on the subjective health among those adolescents who lived in families with relatively few economic resources. The results suggest that there is a causal component in the association between relative poverty and the symptom burden of disadvantaged adolescents. Relative poverty is only one of many determinants of adolescents’ subjective health, but its role should be acknowledged when policies for promoting adolescent health are designed.
Valuation of Mortality Risk Attributable to Climate Change: Investigating the Effect of Survey Administration Modes on a VSL
Authors: Ščasný Milan , Alberini Anna
Published: December 2012

The health impact attributable to climate change has been identified as one of the priority areas for impact assessment. The main goal of this paper is to estimate the monetary value of one key health effect, which is premature mortality. Specifically, our goal is to derive the value of a statistical life from people’s willingness to pay for avoiding the risk of dying in one post-transition country in Europe, i.e., the Czech Republic. We carried out a series of conjoint choice experiments in order to value mortality risk reductions. We found the responses to the conjoint choice questions to be reasonable and consistent with the economic paradigm. The VSL is about EUR 2.4 million, and our estimate is comparable with the value of preventing a fatality as used in one of the integrated assessment models. To investigate whether carrying out the survey through the internet may violate the welfare estimate, we administered our questionnaire to two independent samples of respondents using two different modes of survey administration. The results show that the VSLs for the two groups of respondents are €2.25 and €2.55 million, and these figures are statistically indistinguishable. However, the key parameters of indirect utility between the two modes of survey administration are statistically different when specific subgroups of population, such as older respondents, are concerned. Based on this evidence, we conclude that properly designed and administered on-line surveys are a reliable method for administering questionnaires, even when the latter are cognitively challenging. However, attention should be paid to sampling and choice regarding the mode of survey administration if the preference of specific segments of the population is elicited.
Zarogouldis, P., et al., Vectors for Inhaled Gene Therapy in Lung Cancer. Application for Nano Oncology and Safety of Bio Nanotechnology. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2012, 13, 10828-10862
Authors: Zarogoulidis Paul , Karamanos Nikos , Porpodis Konstantinos , Domvri Kalliopi , Huang Haidong , Hohenforst-Schmidt Wolfgang , Goldberg Eugene , Zarogoulidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2012

The authors wish to add this correction on their paper published in IJMS [1]. The first author’s name is misspelled and the correct name is Paul Zarogoulidis. In addition, the 6th author’s name is incorrect and should be corrected to Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt. These errors have been amended in an amended version of the manuscript, which is available from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences website. The authors and publisher apologize for the inconvenience. [...]
Recent Progress in Surface Modification of Polyvinyl Chloride
Authors: Asadinezhad Ahmad , Lehocký Marián , Sáha Petr , Mozetič Miran
Published: December 2012

Surface modification of polymers has become a vibrant field of research on account of a myriad of rationales which stimulated numerous efforts. The current paper serves as a condensed survey of the advances made through different approaches adopted for tuning the surface properties of polyvinyl chloride as a homopolymer extensively used on a large scale. Though it does not address all challenges involved, this paper communicates and highlights, through concise discussion, the findings of the efforts undertaken in recent decades. It is ultimately concluded with a perspective of the huge capacities and promising future directions.
Space Flight Calcium: Implications for Astronaut Health, Spacecraft Operations, and Earth
Authors: Smith Scott , McCoy Torin , Gazda Daniel , Morgan Jennifer , Heer Martina , Zwart Sara
Published: December 2012

The space flight environment is known to induce bone loss and, subsequently, calcium loss. The longer the mission, generally the more bone and calcium are lost. This review provides a history of bone and calcium studies related to space flight and highlights issues related to calcium excretion that the space program must consider so that urine can be recycled. It also discusses a novel technique using natural stable isotopes of calcium that will be helpful in the future to determine calcium and bone balance during space flight.
Sustainable Community Sanitation for a Rural Hospital in Haiti
Authors: Meegoda Jay , Hsieh Hsin-Neng , Rodriguez Paul , Jawidzik Jason
Published: December 2012

A fully sustainable sanitation system was developed for a rural hospital in Haiti. The system operates by converting human waste into biogas and fertilizer without using external energy. It is a hybrid anaerobic/aerobic system that maximizes methane production while producing quality compost. The system first separates liquid and solid human waste at the source to control carbon to nitrogen ratio and moisture content to facilitate enhanced biodegradation. It will then degrade human waste through anaerobic digestion and capture the methane gas for on-site use as a heating fuel. For anaerobic decomposition and methane harvesting a bioreactor with two-stage batch process was designed. Finally, partially degraded human waste is extracted from the bioreactor with two-stage batch process and applied to land farming type aerobic composter to produce fertilizer. The proposed system is optimized in design by considering local conditions such as waste composition, waste generation, reaction temperature, residence time, construction materials, and current practice. It is above ground with low maintenance requirements.
Binding of Hanatoxin to the Voltage Sensor of Kv2.1
Authors: Chen Rong , Robinson Anna , Chung Shin-Ho
Published: December 2012

Hanatoxin 1 (HaTx1) is a polypeptide toxin isolated from spider venoms. HaTx1 inhibits the voltage-gated potassium channel kv2.1 potently with nanomolar affinities. Its receptor site has been shown to contain the S3b-S4a paddle of the voltage sensor (VS). Here, the binding of HaTx1 to the VSs of human Kv2.1 in the open and resting states are examined using a molecular docking method and molecular dynamics. Molecular docking calculations predict two distinct binding modes for the VS in the resting state. In the two binding modes, the toxin binds the S3b-S4a from S2 and S3 helices, or from S1 and S4 helices. Both modes are found to be stable when embedded in a lipid bilayer. Only the mode in which the toxin binds the S3b-S4a paddle from S2 and S3 helices is consistent with mutagenesis experiments, and considered to be correct. The toxin is then docked to the VS in the open state, and the toxin-VS interactions are found to be less favorable. Computational mutagenesis calculations performed on F278R and E281K mutant VSs show that the mutations may reduce toxin binding affinity by weakening the non-bonded interactions between the toxin and the VS. Overall, our calculations reproduce a wide range of experimental data, and suggest that HaTx1 binds to the S3b-S4a paddle of Kv2.1 from S2 and S3 helices.
Modulation of Apoptotic Pathways by Human Papillomaviruses (HPV): Mechanisms and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Yuan Chung-Hsiang , Filippova Maria , Duerksen-Hughes Penelope
Published: December 2012

The ability of the host to trigger apoptosis in infected cells is perhaps the most powerful tool by which viruses can be cleared from the host organism. To avoid elimination by this mechanism, human papillomaviruses (HPV) have developed several mechanisms that enable the cells they infect to elude both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. In this manuscript, we review the current literature regarding how HPV-infected cells avoid apoptosis and the molecular mechanisms involved in these events. In particular, we will discuss the modifications in intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways caused by proteins encoded by HPV early genes. Many of the current efforts regarding anti-cancer drug development are focused on directing tumor cells to undergo apoptosis. However, the ability of HPV-infected cells to resist apoptotic signals renders such therapies ineffective. Possible mechanisms for overcoming the resistance of HPV-infected tumor cells to anticancer drugs will be discussed.
Seemage, un exemple d'utilisation de cartes cognitives
Authors: Vian Dominique , Bernasconi Michel
Published: December 2012

Résumé La logique effectuale, concept développé par Sarasvathy 1 , décrit un processus cognitif particulier qui n’a pas recours à la prédiction d’un futur. Cet article propose un type de cartes cognitives qui aurait pour vocation d’équiper ce processus, au moins en partie.
Des actions concertées pour des « gangs de rue » ou des « gangs de rue » pour des actions concertées ?
Authors: Cauchie Jean-François , Corriveau Patrice
Published: December 2012

À la suite de plusieurs rencontres professionnelles entre chercheurs et membres d’une Table de concertation sur les gangs à Gatineau, il est apparu que les divers partenaires à cette action concertée (service de police, organismes communautaires, hôpitaux, commissions scolaires) éprouvaient beaucoup de difficultés à saisir sur quoi ils travaillaient, à identifier les objectifs qu’ils poursuivaient mais aussi à comprendre qui ils étaient collectivement. Si des repositionnements professionnels et identitaires sont inévitables dans toute action concertée, un dispositif de recherche essentiellement basé sur la méthode d’analyse en groupe (MAG) a mis en évidence que dans le cas étudié, les malaises ressentis avaient surtout trait au fait que les organismes et les acteurs qui les représentent devaient vivre avec un mandat flou qui apparait par défaut. Ce n’était pas tant la présence d’une action concertée sur des « problématiques jeunesse » qui était mise en question que le fait de devoir passer par la case « gangs de rue » pour justifier cette action. Une question se pose donc : est-on dans un scénario où c’est l’action concertée qui répond à une problématique « gang » ou dans un cas de figure où c’est la problématique « gang » qui s’impose comme la meilleure justification de l’action concertée ?
Coactivator-Associated Arginine Methyltransferase 1 Regulates Fetal Hematopoiesis and Thymocyte Development
Authors: Li Jia , Zhao Ziqin , Carter Carla , Ehrlich Lauren I. R. , Bedford Mark T. , Richie Ellen R.
Published: December 2012

Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is a protein arginine methyltransferase that methylates histones and transcriptional regulators. We previously reported that the absence of CARM1 partially blocks thymocyte differentiation at embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5). In this study, we find that reduced thymopoiesis in Carm1−/− mice is due to a defect in the fetal hematopoietic compartment rather than in the thymic stroma. To determine the cellular basis for impaired thymopoiesis, we examined the number and function of fetal liver (FL) and bone marrow cells. Despite markedly reduced cellularity of hematopoietic progenitors in E18.5 bone marrow, the number of long-term hematopoietic stem cells and downstream subsets was not reduced in Carm1−/− E14.5 or E18.5 FL. Nevertheless, competitive reconstitution assays revealed a deficit in the ability of Carm1−/− FL cells to contribute to hematopoiesis. Furthermore, impaired differentiation of Carm1−/− FL cells in a CARM1-sufficient host showed that CARM1 is required cell autonomously in hematopoietic cells. Coculture of Carm1−/− FL cells on OP9-DL1 monolayers showed that CARM1 is required for survival of hematopoietic progenitors under conditions that promote differentiation. Taken together, this report demonstrates that CARM1 is a key epigenetic regulator of hematopoiesis that affects multiple lineages at various stages of differentiation.
Balance between NF-κB p100 and p52 Regulates T Cell Costimulation Dependence
Authors: Giardino Torchia Maria Letizia , Conze Dietrich B. , Jankovic Dragana , Ashwell Jonathan D.
Published: December 2012

c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 are ubiquitin protein ligases (E3s) that repress noncanonical NF-κB activation. We have created mice that bear a mutation in c-IAP2 that inactivates its E3 activity and interferes, in a dominant-negative fashion, with c-IAP1 E3 activity (c-IAP2H570A). The immune response of these animals was explored by infecting them with the Th1-inducing parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Surprisingly, c-IAP2H570A mice succumbed because of T cell production of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Unlike naive wild-type (WT) cells, which require signals generated by the TCR and costimulatory receptors to become fully activated, naive c-IAP2H570A T cells proliferated and produced high levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ to stimulation via TCR alone. c-IAP2H570A T cells had constitutive noncanonical NF-κB activation, and IκB kinase inhibition reduced their proliferation to anti-TCR alone to WT levels but had no effect when costimulation via CD28 was provided. Notably, T cells from nfkb2−/− mice, which cannot generate the p52 component of noncanonical NF-κB, were also costimulation independent, consistent with the negative role of this unprocessed protein in canonical NF-κB activation. Whereas T cells from nfkb2+/− mice behaved like WT, coexpression of a single copy of c-IAP2H570A resulted in cleavage of p100, upregulation of p52, and T cell costimulation independence. Thus, p100 represses and p52 promotes costimulation, and the ratio regulates T cell dependence on costimulatory signals.
The Effects of High-Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in a Severe Stroke Patient
Authors: Koyama Soichiro , Tanabe Shigeo , Takeda Kazuya , Warashina Hiroaki , Sakurai Hiroaki , Kanada Yoshikiyo , Okumura Ryuji , Shinoda Jun , Nagata Junji , Kanno Tetsuo
Published: December 2012

The case report describes the effects of 5 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) in a patient with severe stroke. The patient was a 69-year-old male who was affected by a left middle cerebral artery infarction. The patient had no movement in his right hand. To assess the effects, cerebral blood flow and motor function were measured before and after treatment. This treatment delivered rTMS over the affected M1 with TES at the paretic wrist extensor muscles for 10 days. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the entire brain was measured by positronemission tomography. To evaluate the motor function, the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was used. After treatment, the rCBF was increased (except for the stimulated region), and the FMA score was slightly improved. These results suggest the potential therapeutic use of rTMS combined with TES for recovery in severe stroke.
A rare case of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Apostolova Mariya , Nasser Samer , Kodsi Samir
Published: December 2012

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare vascular malformation of the spine. Only a limited number of cases of SDAVF have been reported in the current literature. We describe the case of a 74 year old male who presented with gradually progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness and bladder dysfunction and was subsequently diagnosed with SDAVF affecting both the thoracic and lumbar spine. The patient later underwent embolization with some improvement in his neurologic symptoms.
A mediação da informação através da comunidade virtual Anobii: um estudo de caso
Authors: Crippa Giulia , Carvalho Larissa Akabochi de
Published: December 2012

O desenvolvimento da tecnologia modificou as relações com o acesso ao conhecimento. As comunidades virtuais, possíveis de existir graças às plataformas tecnológicas, modificaram as formas de circulação e apropriação da informação, inclusive aquela relativa aos livros e à leitura. Nesse sentido, procura-se analisar as práticas de leitura e de mediação da informação através do estudo em uma comunidade virtual para leitores, o site www.anobii.com. Como método de pesquisa, utiliza-se a “netnografia” para avaliar a funcionalidade do site e a relação que os leitores estabelecem com as suas páginas, explorando o entrelaçamento que se constitui entre o suporte tecnológico, o qual permite formas específicas de “interação” na produção da informação sobre livros, e os perfis de leitura. Evidencia-se, assim, a importância do Anobii enquanto mediador da informação, tendo como base os princípios da Estética da Recepção.
Análise da dinâmica de evolução das revistas científicas e bibliotecas digitais de teses e dissertações em acesso livre na área da Ciências da Comunicação: o caso do repositório Univerciencia.org
Authors: Martins Dalton Lopes , Ferreira Sueli Mara Soares Pinto
Published: December 2012

O crescimento do número de repositórios de revistas científicas e bibliotecas digitais de teses e dissertações em acesso aberto tem sido relatado em diversos estudos nos últimos anos. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar, com enfoque específico na área da Ciência da Comunicação, como esse fenômeno tem acontecido e quais os seus impactos para essa comunidade científica. Apresentamos os principais resultados obtidos na construção de uma biblioteca digital federada, o repositório Univerciencia.org, o que nos permitiu avaliar como os repositórios em acesso aberto no padrão do protocolo OAI-PMH têm se difundido por entre as revistas e programas de pós-graduação da área, bem como padrões de uso e modos de operacionalização dos repositórios, fornecendo indícios que nos permitem avaliar como estes têm sido construídos.
A influência do Open Access nas comunidades acadêmicas da área de biblioteconomia no nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Alves Virgínia Bárbara Aguiar
Published: December 2012

Verifica a influência do Open Access (OA) nas comunidades acadêmicas da área de biblioteconomia das Universidades Federais da Região Nordeste do Brasil. Tem como objetivo geral identificar e discutir a influência do movimento OA. A metodologia adotada consiste na combinação da abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa; os instrumentos de coleta de dados utilizados foram questionários e entrevista. A entrevista foi aplicada ao tecnólogo sênior do Instituto Brasileiro de Informação, Ciência e Tecnologia (IBICT) com a finalidade de obter informações sobre o movimento OA no Brasil. Os questionários aplicados aos professores e alunos dos cursos de Biblioteconomia com a finalidade de verificar os efeitos e as consequências do movimento OA sobre essas comunidades. Os resultados dos inquéritos apontam vários indicadores positivos da influência do movimento OA sobre essas comunidades acadêmicas, entre os quais podemos citar: a existência de repositórios institucionais (RI) em Universidades Federais Nordestinas, um alto percentual de utilização de repositórios institucionais, o elevado percentual de utilização e produção de publicações bibliográficas em OA. Também, o conhecimento e a concordância com o movimento OA demonstram o impacto desse movimento nas comunidades acadêmicas da Região Nordeste do Brasil.
IDENTIFICACIÓN DE HONGOS ANTAGONISTAS A Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands EN BOSQUES DE ENCINO DE EL ARRAYANAL, COLIMA Y TECOANAPA, GUERRERO
Authors: Almaraz-Sánchez Alejandra , Alvarado-Rosales Dionicio , Tlapal-Bolaños Bertha , Espinoza-Victoria David
Published: December 2012

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar morfológica y molecularmente la micoflora que posee propiedades antagonistas sobre Phytophthora cinnamomi, asociada al suelo del bosque de encino (Quercus spp.) de El Arrayanal, Colima, y de Tecoanapa, Guerrero. En estas localidades se realizaron dos muestreos de suelo colectándose muestras compuestas de suelo-raíz alrededor de los árboles con diferentes edades y condiciones sanitarias en rodales afectados por P. cinnamomi. Los hongos se identificaron morfológicamente mediante la técnica de dilución de suelo PDA-TS (papa-dextrosa- agar-tergitol-estreptomicina). Con los aislamientos obtenidos se realizaron pruebas de antagonismo in vitro. Los aislamientos de Trichoderma, Cordyceps bassiana y Paecilomyces son los que ejercieron mejor biocontrol al reducir el desarrollo de P. cinnamomi mostrando mecanismos sobresalientes de competencia por espacio y micoparasitismo. Los hongos se caracterizaron molecularmente amplifi- cando la región intergénica (ITS) de los genes ribosomales mediante la técnica de amplificación por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Se reportan por vez primera a C. bassiana, Cladospo- rium tenuissimun y seis especies de Trichoderma asociadas al bosque de encino en México.
Untersuchungen über Zusammensetzung und Transport von Schwebstoffen in einigen Schweizer Flüssen
Authors: Peters-Kümmerly B. E.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The amount and composition of suspended load from 19 stations in Swiss rivers werestudied. Generally, the correlation between the amount of suspended load and of water discharge is good, although measurements over short periods of time show large fluctuations. The denudation rate was calculated from the suspended load discharge, the amount of elements in Solution, and the water discharge. Values of about 0.05 mm/yr were obtained for drainage areas consisting mainly of crystalline rocks and about 0.25 mm/yr for drainage areas dominated by sedimentary rocks. The mineralogical composition of the suspended load determined by X-ray diffraction can be correlated with the rock types in the drainage areas. Composition changes resulting from transportation were not observed. The clay fraction is mainly composed of illite and chlorite which was, for the most part, formed during mechanical weathering in the Alps.
Bodenerosion in Semien-Äthiopien
Authors: Hurni H.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The soil erosion map in hand is integrated in an interdisciplinary work with zoology and botany which deals with the problems of an Ethiopian National Park in the High Semien Mountains. Wide areas of the high plains between 3,200 and 4,000 metres above sea level formed by Trapp-Basalt are damaged by soil erosion. In order to take effective measures against the irreversible damage in this potential disaster area, the present Situation was mapped in a primary phase in the autumnof 1974: 1) The present forms of erosion were mapped. 2) Based on numerous profües, the structure of the soil was investigated and typified in an ideal profile. The thickness of the upper black horizon was measured by 500 different samples, evaluated and presented areawise. 3) On arable areas differentiation between 4 classes of damage was made: heavily to negligibly damaged areas. The map established shows that soil erosion occurs principally on ploughed land. Tendencies to damage according to exposure, form and incline of the slope are clearly shown. An evolution of the forms of soil erosion can be derived. Possibilities for protective measures against soil erosion are available, but have not been used until today.
Räumliche Darstellung von Klimadaten
Authors: Kirchhofer W.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Die Schweizerische Meteorologische Anstalt wird im Rahmen des Werkes «Klima der Schweiz» ein Kartenwerk in Form eines Kimaatlasses herausgeben. Es ist vorgesehen, sowohl kleinmaßstäbliche Klimaübersichtskarten im nationalen Raster als auch regionale Klimauntersuchungen für typische Räume unseres Landes in größeren Maßstäben darzustellen. Im vorliegenden Bericht wird das Projekt «Klimaatlas der Schweiz» vorgestellt. Dann folgt ein Überblick über grundsätzliche Fragen, wie sie bei der Bearbeitung langjähriger Meßreihen im Hinblick auf eine räumliche Darstellung auftreten. Die angeführten Sachfragen betreffend Messung, Aufbereitung und Darstellung von Klimadaten werden hernach am Beispiel der Lufttemperatur ausführlich dargelegt.
Kokospalme und Brotfruchtbaum : Siedlungs-Vorstellungen der Sawos und Kwanga, Sepik-Gebiet, Papua-Neuguinea
Authors: Schindlbeck M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. In this paper I analyse the concepts about settlement of two cultures in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. These concepts include ideas of space orientation. Further points of the analysis are: the founding of villages, settlement patterns, ceremonial ground, symbolic expressions for their villages and rituals for village strength and unity. Among the Sawos we have the comparison between village and house, the founding of a village is compared to the building of a house. The first settlers of a village who are called the «coconut people» are of great importance for the settlement. The ceremonial ground contains symbolically cultural elements which are the centre of the village. The Sawos speak of their village as a female being. The Kwanga and the Sawos have as symbol for their village the coconut palm. Among the Kwanga the breadfruit-tree is associated with settlement and human birth.
Abflussregimeforschung und ihre praktische Bedeutung
Authors: Leibundgut C. , Weingartner R. , Aschwanden H.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The almost classic investigation of runoff regimes has been intensified in the last few years. It is a very significant part of hydrological research. As the examples of Kenya and the Swiss Alps show, the runoff regime analysis gives an important contribution to solving hydrological, geoecological and watereconomical problems.
Rekonstruktion von Gletscherschwankungen mit Hilfe fossiler Hölzer
Authors: Holzhauser H.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird gezeigt, wie mit Hilfe von fossilen Hölzern aus dem Gletschervorfeld minimale Gletscherausdehnungen und Gletschervorstöße erfaßt werden können. Einige zeitgenössische Berichte und Zeichnungen aus der Zeit um 1850, als die Alpengletscher ihren letzten neuzeitlichen Hochstand erreichten, sollen veranschaulichen, wie Gletscher in bewaldetes Gebiet vordrangen und Bäume umdrückten. Es wird im weiteren kurz auf die Lage von fossilem Holz im Gletschervorfeld und auf ihre wichtigsten Merkmale (guter Erhaltungszustand, Verengung der peripheren Jahrringe, Gletscherschlifl) eingegangen. Ein konstruierter Modellfall veranschaulicht, wie fossiles Holz in situ gletschergeschichtlich ausgewertet werden kann. Als praktisches Beispiel dazu werden die Schwankungen des Großen Aletschgletschers seit 1400 yBP erläutert. Zum ersten Mal überhaupt konnten an einem Gletscher mittelalterliche Gletschervorstöße anhand dendrochronologisch absolut datierter Hölzer jahrgenau erfaßt werden. Ebenso kann mittels solch absoluter Datierungen die Vorstoßphase des Großen Aletschgletschers von 1588 bis 1653 relativ detailliert erfaßt werden.