bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitroxide derivatives of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs exert anti‐inflammatory and superoxide dismutase scavenging properties in A459 cells
Authors: Flores‐Santana Wilmarie , Moody Terry , Chen Weibin , Gorczynski Michael J , Shoman Mai E , Velázquez Carlos , Thetford Angela , Mitchell James B , Cherukuri Murali K , King S Bruce , Wink David A
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation and reactive oxygen species are associated with the promotion of various cancers. The use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cancer prevention treatments has been promising in numerous cancers. We report the evaluation of NSAIDs chemically modified by the addition of a redox‐active nitroxide group. TEMPO‐aspirin (TEMPO‐ASA) and TEMPO‐indomethacin (TEMPO‐IND) were synthesized and evaluated in the lung cancer cell line A549.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

We evaluated physico‐chemical properties of TEMPO‐ASA and TEMPO‐IND by electron paramagnetic resonance and cyclic voltammetry. Superoxide dismutase‐like properties was assayed by measuring cytochrome c reduction and anti‐inflammatory effects were assayed by measuring production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). MTT proliferation assay and clonogenic assay were evaluated in the A549 lung carcinoma cell line. Maximum tolerated doses (MTD) and acute ulcerogenic index were also evaluated in in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

MTD were: TEMPO (140 mg·kg−1), ASA (100 mg·kg−1), indomethacin (5 mg·kg−1), TEMPO‐ASA (100 mg·kg−1) and TEMPO‐IND (40 mg·kg−1). While TEMPO‐ASA was as well tolerated as ASA, TEMPO‐IND showed an eightfold improvement over indomethacin. TEMPO‐IND showed markedly less gastric toxicity than the parent NSAID. Both TEMPO‐ASA and TEMPO‐IND inhibited production of PGE2 and LTB4 in A549 cells with maximum effects at 100 µg·mL−1 or 10 µg·mL−1 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The nitroxide‐NSAIDs retained superoxide scavenging capacity of the parent nitroxide and anti‐inflammatory effects, inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5‐lipoxygenase enzymes. These redox‐modified NSAIDs might be potential drug candidates, as they exhibit the pharmacological properties of the parent NSAID with antioxidant activity decreasing NSAID‐associated toxicity.
Repair of Bone Defect in Femoral Condyle Using Microencapsulated Chitosan, Nanohydroxyapatite/Collagen and Poly(L‐Lactide)‐Based Microsphere‐Scaffold Delivery System
Authors: Niu Xufeng , Fan Yubo , Liu Xinhui , Li Xiaoming , Li Ping , Wang Jiangxue , Sha Ziyi , Feng Qingling
Published: June 2011

Bone repair ability of microencapsulated chitosan, nanohydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC), and poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA)‐based microsphere‐scaffold delivery system was investigated in present research, with nHAC/PLLA composite scaffold as a control. Chitosan microspheres (CMs) encapsulated with bone morphogenetic protein‐2‐derived synthetic peptide were incorporated into nHAC and PLLA‐based matrix via a thermally induced phase separation method, in which dioxane was used as the solvent for PLLA. Compared with the rapid release from CMs, the synthetic peptide was delivered from CMs/nHAC/PLLA microsphere‐scaffold composite in a temporally controlled manner, depending on the degradation of both incorporated CMs and PLLA matrix. MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells were seeded into nHAC/PLLA and CMs/nHAC/PLLA scaffolds, respectively, and in vitro cytocompatibility was tested by scanning electron microscopy and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results indicated that, with the appearance of CMs in microsphere‐scaffold composite, the osteoblasts exhibit better morphology and proliferation ability. In vivo tissue compatibility was evaluated by transplanting the scaffolds into rabbit femoral condyles with a defect 6 mm in diameter. After implanting for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively, radiographic and histological observation revealed that the CMs/nHAC/PLLA composite can accelerate the regeneration of cancellous bone defect as compared with the nHAC/PLLA scaffold. The results demonstrated that the CMs/nHAC/PLLA possesses better biocompatibility, which should be attributed to both the incorporated chitosan component and the encapsulated bioactive synthetic peptide. The promising CMs/nHAC/PLLA microsphere‐scaffold composite can be used as delivery system for multiple bioactive factors or as inductive implant scaffold for bone regeneration.
Cortical excitability changes associated with fixation‐off sensitivity: A case report
Authors: Strigaro Gionata , Prandi Paolo , Varrasi Claudia , Monaco Francesco , Cantello Roberto
Published: June 2011

“Fixation‐off sensitivity” (FOS) is an ideal human model for studying the features of epileptic discharges. Physiologically, FOS is expected to correspond to enhanced excitability of widespread cortical structures. To test this hypothesis, we measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the excitability level of the primary motor area in a 22‐year‐old woman with eyelid myoclonias and absences, who presented with generalized FOS. We also explored her visual system by pattern‐reversal and flash‐visual evoked potentials (VEPs). Both outside and within FOS, the cortical silent period was dramatically short, indicating defective γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B inhibition as a persistent background factor. The same was true for the short‐interval intracortical inhibition, a TMS marker of cortical GABAA inhibition. The FOS state corresponded then to a pathologic enhancement of intracortical facilitation, a TMS marker of Glu/Asp transmission. During FOS, the flash VEP exhibited a hugely enhanced afterdischarge, expressing a pathologic overactivity of secondary visual areas. Within the limits of a single‐case study, we thus provide electrophysiologic evidence supporting a grossly imbalanced cortical excitability, in both the frontal and posterior areas, as an important correlate of the present FOS subtype.
Subcontinuous epileptiform activity after failed hippocampal radiosurgery
Authors: Rheims Sylvain , Didelot Adrien , Guenot Marc , Regis Jean , Ryvlin Philippe
Published: June 2011

Purpose:  Although gamma‐knife radiosurgery (GKS) has proved efficacious in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), its antiepileptic mechanism of action remains elusive. Human and experimental data suggest that subnecrotic radiation‐induced tissue changes might contribute to the antiepileptic effect of GKS. However, there are no data regarding the evolution of electroencephalography (EEG) activity within GKS‐treated hippocampus, information that aid in better understanding both the mechanism of action and the reason for failure of GKS treatment.

Methods:  Two patients with disabling seizures 4 and 6 years after mesial temporal GKS with a marginal dose of 24 Gy were investigated with stereotactic intracerebral EEG recordings. Both patients had right TLE with hippocampal atrophy, but with past history of Coxsackie virus meningoencephalitis and congenital toxoplasmosis, respectively. Ten to 12 electrodes were implanted, including seven to eight electrodes within the epileptic temporal lobe.

Key Findings:  In both patients, depths electrodes placed within the irradiated mesial temporal structures disclosed a remarkable pattern of subcontinuous spiking activity intermingled with asymptomatic rhythmic discharges up to 1 min in duration. This activity differed from the abnormalities usually captured in mesial TLE (mTLE) and suggested radiosurgery‐induced brain changes. Both patients underwent anterior temporal lobectomy and achieved a class I outcome after a follow‐up of 18 and 40 months, respectively. Pathologic examination of the surgical specimens showed variable degrees of radiation‐effect changes.

Significance:  Our study shows that mesial temporal structures previously treated with GKS can demonstrate a persistent high degree of epileptiform activity in patients who failed to respond to that treatment. Although this persistent EEG activity appears likely to reflect GKS‐induced brain changes, its relation to GKS seizure outcome remains unclear.
Does semiology tell us the origin of seizures consisting mainly of an alteration in consciousness?
Authors: Baykan Betül , Altindag Ebru , Feddersen Berend , Ozel Sevda , Noachtar Soheyl
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Studies on seizures only with an alteration of consciousness were limited mainly to generalized epilepsy. This seizure type has been described rarely in focal epilepsy. We aimed to analyze the semiologic features of this seizure type in focal and generalized epilepsies in a blinded design.

Methods: A total of 338 seizure videos in 100 patients were included exclusively by semiologic criteria. Two investigators evaluated the seizure semiology (aura, seizure duration, blinking, mild motor phenomena including automatisms, and so on) from the videos. Primarily the ictal electroencephalography (EEGs) studies and all laboratory findings were evaluated for the localization of the epileptogenic zone and delineating the syndromes, in the second step.

Key Findings: Of the focal epilepsy patients (n = 57), the epileptogenic zone could be localized to the temporal (n = 20), frontal (n = 9), and parietooccipital (n = 3) regions. The most common etiology of the generalized epilepsy patients (n = 43) was presumably genetic (n = 33). The presence of aura (none in generalized epilepsy vs. 35% in focal epilepsy; p = 0.0008), lack of blinking (19.3% in focal vs 65.1% in generalized epilepsy; p = 0.01), and longer seizure duration (generalized 14.3 ± 17.7 s vs focal 54.9 ± 40.1 s; p < 0.0001) are significantly associated with focal epilepsy, whereas high seizure frequency (p = 0.002), family history of epilepsy (p = 0.016), and responsiveness to therapy (p = 0.004) point to generalized epilepsy with logistic regression analysis.

Significance: Seizures consisting mainly of an alteration in consciousness may originate from any brain lobe in focal epilepsies and also occur in generalized epilepsies. Several semiologic and clinical features that help to differentiate between focal and generalized epilepsy should be considered in the syndrome diagnosis.
Stability of cryopreserved white blood cells (WBCs) prepared for donor WBC infusions
Authors: Stroncek David F. , Xing Lu , Chau Quyen , Zia Nausheen , McKelvy Alyce , Pracht Leigh , Sabatino Marianna , Jin Ping
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: White blood cells (WBCs) collected from hematopoietic stem cell transplant donors are often given to the recipient to speed immune recovery or treat disease relapse. The postthaw recovery and viability of cryopreserved donor WBCs, stored for as long as 7 years, were assessed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Total nucleated cell (TNC) cell recovery, CD3+ cell recovery, and TNC viability were measured in 311 clinical donor WBC products: 168 products were unmanipulated or minimally manipulated and 143 products were extensively manipulated. An additional 45 products were selected because they were stored for a longer duration; these were tested using both standard methods and global transcriptional analysis. All products were cryopreserved in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus 6% pentastarch and stored in liquid nitrogen.

RESULTS: The mean duration of storage of the 311 products was 143 days. Their TNC recovery was 92 ± 17%, CD3+ cell recovery was 76 ± 19%, and the TNC viability was 84 ± 6%. Duration of storage had no effect on TNC recovery, CD3+ cell recovery, or TNC viability of the 311 products. The mean duration of storage of the long‐term stored products was 5.2 years; their TNC recovery (93 ± 14%) and the TNC viability (78 ± 13%) did not differ from the 311 products, but their CD3 cell recovery was greater (86 ± 22%; p = 0.0042). Gene expression profiles of the long‐term‐stored products revealed no differences due to storage duration.

CONCLUSIONS: Donor WBC products cryopreserved in 5% DMSO and 6% pentastarch can be stored in liquid nitrogen for at least 7 years.
Precision of Information, Sensational Information, and Self‐Efficacy Information as Message‐Level Variables Affecting Risk Perceptions
Authors: Dahlstrom Michael F. , Dudo Anthony , Brossard Dominique
Published: June 2011

Studies that investigate how the mass media cover risk issues often assume that certain characteristics of content are related to specific risk perceptions and behavioral intentions. However, these relationships have seldom been empirically assessed. This study tests the influence of three message‐level media variables—risk precision information, sensational information, and self‐efficacy information—on perceptions of risk, individual worry, and behavioral intentions toward a pervasive health risk. Results suggest that more precise risk information leads to increased risk perceptions and that the effect of sensational information is moderated by risk precision information. Greater self‐efficacy information is associated with greater intention to change behavior, but none of the variables influence individual worry. The results provide a quantitative understanding of how specific characteristics of informational media content can influence individuals’ responses to health threats of a global and uncertain nature.
What Is the Mechanism of the Atrial Arrhythmia in a Patient After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation?
Authors: DAHU MUSA I. , HUTCHINSON MATHEW D.
Published: June 2011

Atrial arrhythmias are quite common in patients after heart transplantation; they can occur via focal or reentrant mechanisms and are amenable to curative therapy with catheter ablation. Integration of the individual patient's surgical anatomy with the arrhythmia pattern on 12‐lead electrocardiogram can help both to narrow the potential arrhythmia diagnoses and to facilitate therapeutic decision making. This case highlights the differential diagnosis and management of such a patient. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 225‐227, February 2012)
A Conserved Archaeal Pathway for Tail‐Anchored Membrane Protein Insertion
Authors: Sherrill John , Mariappan Malaiyalam , Dominik Pawel , Hegde Ramanujan S. , Keenan Robert J.
Published: June 2011

Eukaryotic tail‐anchored (TA) membrane proteins are inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum by a post‐translational TRC40 pathway, but no comparable pathway is known in other domains of life. The crystal structure of an archaebacterial TRC40 sequence homolog bound to ADP•AlF4− reveals characteristic features of eukaryotic TRC40, including a zinc‐mediated dimer and a large hydrophobic groove. Moreover, archaeal TRC40 interacts with the transmembrane domain of TA substrates and directs their membrane insertion. Thus, the TRC40 pathway is more broadly conserved than previously recognized.
Organ donation from children: time for legal, ethical and cultural change
Authors: Brierley Joe , Larcher Vic
Published: June 2011

Successful transplantation has lead to increasing need for donated organs from children; however, contemporaneously decreased brain‐death rates means optimization of donation processes is crucial. Although excellent palliative care and organ donation are compatible, discrepancies exist both between and within European countries in abilities to offer families donation opportunities. Change will require address of legal, ethical and cultural barriers, and this review aims to explore such changes pertinent to both dead and living organ donation.

Conclusion:  We argue that across Europe it is surely time for legal, ethical and cultural change to facilitate parents, families and of course children in having the choice of donation.
Color Stability of Ten Resin‐Based Restorative Materials
Authors: SABATINI CAMILA , CAMPILLO MARC , AREF JAMIL
Published: June 2011

Despite significant developments to improve the optical properties of composites, color stability remains a challenge with changes still observed immediately after polymerization and after some time of storage.

Objective:  This study aimed to evaluate the color change of ten commercially available resin composite systems immediately after polymerization, at 24 hours, and at 1 month of water storage.

Materials and Methods:  Five discs of two thicknesses (1 mm/3 mm) in two shades (A3/Bleach) were made from ten commercially available brands of resin composite. Color measurements were recorded with a colorimeter and expressed in terms of the CIE L*a*b* scale. Color change was calculated between baseline and immediate polymerization (ΔE*1), between immediate polymerization and 24 hours (ΔE*2), and between 24 hours and 1 month (ΔE*3). Values ΔE* ≥ 3.3 were considered clinically unacceptable as color shifts over this threshold value may be noticeable. The results were analyzed using a three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student–Newman–Keuls's tests. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests.

Results:  Color change was evidenced for all brands, shades, and thickness. The greatest color change was observed immediately after initial polymerization with ΔE* values ranging from 2.4 to 12.0. Color change after 24 hours and 1 month were significantly less than those observed after polymerization. Immediately after polymerization, only Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar‐Vivadent, Amherst, NY, USA) showed changes below 3.3. At 24 hours, 20 out of the 40 groups including all materials in both shades and thicknesses showed changes above 3.3. At 1 month, color changes for all brands remained under 3.3.

Conclusions:  Overall, clinically relevant color changes (ΔE* ≥ 3.3) took place immediately after polymerization of current light‐activated composites. These changes were predominantly attributed to shifts in the L* and b* parameters towards the dark and blue region, respectively. Color shifts continued at 24 hours with changes in the L* and b* parameters towards the light and yellow region, respectively. After 1 month, only minor changes under the 3.3 threshold took place.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Ensuring an accurate color match of resin composite restorations to the surrounding tooth structure is a critical aspect of any esthetic restorative procedure. A better understanding of the changes taking place during the different stages of maturation and storage of composites may be of significant benefit to clinicians as this may help minimize shade mismatch issues.

(J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2011)
A Survey of Dentulous and Edentulous Patient Preference among Different Denture Esthetic Concepts
Authors: STOCKHEIMER COLE , WALISZEWSKI MICHAEL P.
Published: June 2011

Statement of Problem:  Most esthetic preference research and anatomical average analysis come from dentulous populations. If edentulous patients have a different preference, application of this data during denture construction is problematic.

Purpose:  The aim of this survey was to compare dentulous and edentulous respondent preference among three different denture esthetic concepts.

Material and Methods:  A questionnaire and test booklet of standardized full‐face digital photographs were used. It included three arrangements during maximum smile for six subjects. Dentulous and edentulous respondents were asked questions about their preference among the three randomly ordered concept photographs for each of the six subjects. A total of 167 dentulous and 269 edentulous questionnaires were analyzed descriptively and with Chi‐squared tests to compare the esthetic preference of the respondents.

Results:  There was no statistically significant difference overall between dentulous and edentulous preference. Respondent preference varied significantly depending upon subject set and gender. Preference data compared closely to previous research.

Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this survey, dentulous and edentulous respondent preference among the three esthetic concepts was not significantly different. Questionnaire respondents continued to frequently prefer appearances that are far from the anatomical average.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dentulous and edentulous patients show a similar esthetic preference. Application of dentulous patient preferences and anatomical averages during edentulous patient treatment is appropriate.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 24:112–125, 2012)
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Adsorption Therapy Can Restore Drug Sensitivity for Immunosuppressants Via Inhibitory Effects Upon MDR‐1 Gene Expression
Authors: Ueda Satoshi , Sugimoto Keisuke , Yanagida Hidehiko , Fujita Shinsuke , Miyazawa Tomoki , Sakata Naoki , Okada Mitsuru , Takemura Tsukasa
Published: June 2011

In two patients with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), we investigated the relationship between clinical findings during immunosuppressive therapy and multiple drug resistant gene‐1 (MDR‐1) expression. MDR‐1 was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In a boy who initially developed SRNS at 3 years, we observed MDR‐1 expression over 3 years. Maximal and minimal MDR‐1 expression were 90 000 and 7800 copies/µg RNA, respectively. In a 4‐year‐old boy who initially developed SRNS at 3 years, we determined MDR‐1 expression over 2 years. Maximal and minimal MDR‐1 expression were 42 000 and 6900, respectively. MDR‐1 evaluation requires determination of MDR‐1 expression at several time points in a clinical course. Establishment of a normal expression may be needed for each individual patient. Increasing MDR‐1 during remission was followed soon by recurrences, an observation that may be a guide for therapeutic choice. LDL influences a humoral factor involved in MDR‐1 expression. Both patients responded to LDL adsorption therapy because of elevated LDL levels. While cyclosporine A therapy gradually decreased MDR‐1 expression, LDL adsorption therapy decreased expression sharply. Based on the results of the present study, LDL adsorption therapy could contribute to the amelioration of drug sensitivity for immunosuppressants including corticosteroids via inhibitory effects on MDR‐1 expression.
New exploration licensing policy (NELP) in India
Authors: Azhar Muhammad
Published: June 2011

In India, the exploration and production (E&P) activities in petroleum sector had been the protected domain of the public sector oil companies. The government of India has been implementing the policies of liberalisation and reforms in the Indian economy for two decades. This was extended to the petroleum sector also. The exploration policy was also revised and new exploration licensing policy was introduced in 1999. Foreign and private companies were also permitted to participate in the ensuing bidding rounds. Hundred per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) was permitted in E&P sector. Many incentives were extended to the investors. The bid evaluation system was made transparent, and level playing field was promised to all participating companies, domestic or foreign, public or private. Since then, eight rounds of NELP have taken place. After the ninth round, the government is contemplating to introduce open acreage licensing policy. The article provides an assessment of the New Exploration Licensing Policy in India.
Russia's economic reform: insights and analyses into Gazprom
Authors: Yang Tzu‐Yi , Yang Yu‐Tai , Bishop Barry , Shen Ming‐Chan
Published: June 2011

This study continues the issue of Russian economic reform in the study by Quast and Locatelli (1997) and extends the same reform in many aspects. In this paper, an in‐depth study is also made in the reform strategies and the business performance of Gazprom, Russia's natural gas company, as Russia tried to curtail its domestic political and economic problems by means of the organisational reform (privatisation) of Gazprom starting in 1993. This study discovered that Gazprom had truly been a private corporation before 2005; however, it became practically a state‐run business after 2005. We further disclose that Gazprom's business performance after the reform did not come from the corporate organisational reform but rather resulted from the increase of natural gas prices and was irrelevant to the production capacity. Data in many aspects, such as the adoption of privatisation, liquefied natural gas, sole proprietorship, merger and the strategy of market diversification, are used in this study to sustain Gazprom's business performance after the reform. However, it is believed that the key factor of these changes was whether Russia's ruling party could really transform a state‐run business into a private enterprise, as otherwise, any economic reform would be a transient happening for the Russian economy.
Casimir: An Architecture for Mental Spatial Knowledge Processing
Authors: Schultheis Holger , Barkowsky Thomas
Published: June 2011

Mental spatial knowledge processing often uses spatio‐analogical or quasipictorial representation structures such as spatial mental models or mental images. The cognitive architecture Casimir is designed to provide a framework for computationally modeling human spatial knowledge processing relying on these kinds of representation formats. In this article, we present an overview of Casimir and its components. We briefly describe the long‐term memory component and the interaction with external diagrammatic representations. Particular emphasis is placed on Casimir’s working memory and control mechanisms. Regarding working memory, we describe the conceptual foundations and the processing mechanisms employed in mental spatial reasoning. With respect to control, we explain how it is realized as a distributed, emergent facility within Casimir.
AN ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE ON SOUTH AFRICA'S PUBLIC DEBT, 1962‐1994
Authors: CALITZ ESTIAN , DU PLESSIS STAN , SIEBRITS KRIGE
Published: June 2011

The history of public debt reflects the cumulative effect of fiscal decisions and real outcomes in the economy. In the South African case the published record on public debt distorts the historical perspective on the associated fiscal decisions. This paper shows the impact of adjusting the South African public debt on an accrual basis to take account of two major obligations assumed in the first half of the 1990s, namely actuarial pension fund deficits and government debt of the apartheid homelands. The adjusted series is less volatile and rose less steeply between 1989 and 1996 than the official, cash‐based debt series. Failing to account for the evolution of these obligations exaggerates the impression of weak fiscal discipline in the early 1990s and exemplary fiscal prudence in preceding decades.
FOOD INFLATION IN SOUTH AFRICA: SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
Authors: RANGASAMY LOGAN
Published: June 2011

This paper analyses the trends in food price movements in South Africa between 1980 and 2008. There are three main results emanating from the analysis in this paper. Firstly, food price movements have played a large role in generating inflationary episodes in South Africa. Secondly, while external influences do matter, South African food price movements are mainly due to domestic influences. This implies that national policy has an important role to play in taming domestic food price inflation. Thirdly, given the strong second round impacts, food price movements warrant special attention in monetary policymaking. Core measures of inflation that exclude food price movements may not accurately reflect the underlying inflationary pressures in the economy and could compromise the attainment of the goal of price stability.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT, FIRM SIZE AND RESERVATION WAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: RANKIN NEIL A. , ROBERTS GARETH
Published: June 2011

The level of youth unemployment in South Africa is much higher than in comparator countries. We investigate whether one of the reasons may be that the wages young people want or need are above those that they could reasonably expect to earn given their characteristics. Unlike previous work on the relationship between reservation wages and unemployment we differentiate between wages in different sizes of firms. Larger firms pay more and thus, even if reservation wages are similar to average predicted wages, they may be above the wages that young people could expect to earn in smaller firms. We find that this is the case.
Activation of Visual Pigments by Light and Heat
Authors: Luo Dong-Gen , Yue Wendy W. S. , Ala-Laurila Petri , Yau King-Wai
Published: June 2011

Thermal activation of visual pigments involves the same chromophore-isomerization reaction as does light activation.
Climate-Forced Variability of Ocean Hypoxia
Authors: Deutsch Curtis , Brix Holger , Ito Taka , Frenzel Hartmut , Thompson LuAnne
Published: June 2011

The spatial extent of ocean hypoxic zones, which are uninhabitable by many marine organisms, is very sensitive to dioxygen content.
Transformation Optics Using Graphene
Authors: Vakil Ashkan , Engheta Nader
Published: June 2011

Simulations show that control of the conductivity of a region within a graphene sheet could guide optical waves.
School-Based Early Childhood Education and Age-28 Well-Being: Effects by Timing, Dosage, and Subgroups
Authors: Reynolds Arthur J. , Temple Judy A. , Ou Suh-Ruu , Arteaga Irma A. , White Barry A. B.
Published: June 2011

A little bit of preschool goes a long way.
Long Unfolded Linkers Facilitate Membrane Protein Import Through the Nuclear Pore Complex
Authors: Meinema Anne C. , Laba Justyna K. , Hapsari Rizqiya A. , Otten Renee , Mulder Frans A. A. , Kralt Annemarie , van den Bogaart Geert , Lusk C. Patrick , Poolman Bert , Veenhoff Liesbeth M.
Published: June 2011

Natively unfolded linkers facilitate nuclear membrane protein import.
Why We Laugh
Inside Jokes
Using Humor to Reverse-Engineer the Mind

by Matthew M. Hurley, Daniel C. Dennett, and Reginald B. Adams Jr.

MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2011. 373 pp. $29.95, £22.95. ISBN 9780262015820.
Authors: Sinnott-Armstrong Walter
Published: June 2011

Contemplating why we find some things funny, the authors provide cognitive and evolutionary perspectives on humor and its importance to humans.
Rekindling Japan's Spirit
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiko
Published: June 2011

At the end of this month, the international bio forum and bio expo Japan convenes in Tokyo, highlighting research, technologies, and biopharma trends from academic, industrial, and business sectors across Asia. For Japan, science is generally regarded as a means for boosting economic growth, and the nation has concentrated on supporting scientific discoveries for commercial applications. Basic science—which focuses on discoveries that explain how and why things work—has taken an unfortunate back seat. Yet, it is such curiosity-driven research that brings about conceptually novel discoveries and innovation. In the past decade, it has been difficult for young Japanese investigators in the life sciences to pursue this important type of science. Solutions to this critical problem may come by looking back in history, to a time when Japanese scientists knew how to appreciate nature and let that joy inspire their work.
Scientists Rush to Study Genome of Lethal
E. coli
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: June 2011

Scientists are getting to know the pathogen causing the deadliest outbreak of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
bacteria on record in unprecedented detail via tweets, wikis, and blogs.
Enceladus Now Looks Wet, So It May Be ALIVE!
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: June 2011

Accumulating evidence from a Saturn orbiter points to liquid water in a distant moon, but further investigation of this likely habitable zone may be out of reach.
Design and Verification of a Pangenome Microarray Oligonucleotide Probe Set for Dehalococcoides spp
Authors: Hug Laura A. , Salehi Maryam , Nuin Paulo , Tillier Elisabeth R. , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2011

Dehalococcoides
spp. are an industrially relevant group of
Chloroflexi
bacteria capable of reductively dechlorinating contaminants in groundwater environments. Existing
Dehalococcoides
genomes revealed a high level of sequence identity within this group, including 98 to 100% 16S rRNA sequence identity between strains with diverse substrate specificities. Common molecular techniques for identification of microbial populations are often not applicable for distinguishing
Dehalococcoides
strains. Here we describe an oligonucleotide microarray probe set designed based on clustered
Dehalococcoides
genes from five different sources (strain DET195, CBDB1, BAV1, and VS genomes and the KB-1 metagenome). This “pangenome” probe set provides coverage of core
Dehalococcoides
genes as well as strain-specific genes while optimizing the potential for hybridization to closely related, previously unknown
Dehalococcoides
strains. The pangenome probe set was compared to probe sets designed independently for each of the five
Dehalococcoides
strains. The pangenome probe set demonstrated better predictability and higher detection of
Dehalococcoides
genes than strain-specific probe sets on nontarget strains with <99% average nucleotide identity. An
in silico
analysis of the expected probe hybridization against the recently released
Dehalococcoides
strain GT genome and additional KB-1 metagenome sequence data indicated that the pangenome probe set performs more robustly than the combined strain-specific probe sets in the detection of genes not included in the original design. The pangenome probe set represents a highly specific, universal tool for the detection and characterization of
Dehalococcoides
from contaminated sites. It has the potential to become a common platform for
Dehalococcoides
-focused research, allowing meaningful comparisons between microarray experiments regardless of the strain examined.
The right not to know: the case of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Bortolotti Lisa , Widdows Heather
Published: June 2011

This paper will consider the right not to know in the context of psychiatric disorders. It will outline the arguments for and against acquiring knowledge about the results of genetic testing for conditions such as breast cancer and Huntington's disease, and examine whether similar considerations apply to disclosing to clients the results of genetic testing for psychiatric disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. The right not to know will also be examined in the context of the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders that are associated with stigma or for which there is no effective treatment.
Successful pregnancies with uterine leiomyomas and myomectomy at the time of caesarean section
Authors: Mu Yu-Lan , Wang Shan , Hao Jing , Shi Min , Yelian Frank D , Wang Xie-Tong
Published: June 2011

Objective

To ascertain the impact of uterine leiomyomas on pregnancy outcome, and to determine the effectiveness of myomectomy at the time of caesarean delivery.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on pregnant women with uterine leiomyomas. Clinical information including the course of the pregnancy, mode of delivery, pathology findings, and postpartum course were extracted from medical records and analysed for statistical significance.

Results

There were 50 pregnancies associated with uterine leiomyomas. During pregnancy, the leiomyomas grew >2 cm in 46% of cases. Only 6% were affected by symptoms of red degeneration. There were 2% mid trimester inductions of labour, 6% vaginal deliveries, and 92% caesarean sections. Of the 46 caesarean sections, 47% were due to obstetrical factors and 89% of patients underwent myomectomy at the time of caesarean delivery. The mean blood loss from myomectomy at the time of caesarean section was 260 ml (200–700 ml), and 5% of patients who underwent myomectomy were transfused.

Conclusions

It is possible to carry a pregnancy successfully to term when the pregnancy is complicated by uterine leiomyomas. When caesarean delivery is needed, myomectomy can be performed at the time of caesarean section routinely without significant complications.
AUTOMATIC VERIFICATION OF DIRECTORY-BASED CONSISTENCY PROTOCOLS WITH GRAPH CONSTRAINTS
Authors: ABDULLA PAROSH AZIZ , DELZANNO GIORGIO , REZINE AHMED
Published: June 2011

We propose a symbolic verification method for directory-based consistency protocols working for an arbitrary number of controlled resources and competing processes. We use a graph-based language to specify in a uniform way both client/server interaction schemes and manipulation of directories that contain the access rights of individual clients. Graph transformations model the dynamics of a given protocol. Universally quantified conditions defined on the labels of edges incident to a given node are used to model inspection of directories, invalidation loops and integrity conditions. Our verification procedure computes an approximated backward reachability analysis by using a symbolic representation of sets of configurations. Termination is ensured by using the theory of well-quasi orderings.
ON YEN'S PATH LOGIC FOR PETRI NETS
Authors: ATIG MOHAMED FAOUZI , HABERMEHL PETER
Published: June 2011

In [19], Yen defines a class of formulas for paths in Petri nets and claims that its satisfiability problem is EXPSPACE-complete. In this paper, we show that in fact the satisfiability problem for this class of formulas is as hard as the reachability problem for Petri nets. Moreover, we salvage almost all of Yen's results by defining a fragment of this class of formulas for which the satisfiability problem is EXPSPACE-complete by adapting his proof.
FORWARD ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC NETWORK OF PUSHDOWN SYSTEMS IS EASIER WITHOUT ORDER
Authors: LUGIEZ DENIS
Published: June 2011

Dynamic networks of Pushdown Systems (DNPS in short) have been introduced to perform static analysis of concurrent programs that may spawn threads dynamically. In this model the set of successors of a regular set of configurations can be non-regular, making forward analysis of these models difficult. We refine the model by adding the associative-commutative properties of parallel composition, and we define Presburger weighted tree automata, an extension of weighted automata and tree automata, that accept the set of successors of a regular set of configurations. This yields decidability of the forward analysis of DNPS. Finally, we extend this result to the model where configurations are sets of threads running in parallel.
METHODS FOR SUPPRESSING SHEAR LAYER INSTABILITIES FOR CAA
Authors: RICHTER CHRISTOPH , LÜCK HANNES , PANEK ŁUKASZ , THIELE FRANK
Published: June 2011

The rearward propagation of tonal noise from the main fan and the engine core of modern high bypass aeroengines is one of the current demanding applications of CAA methods. One of the main features of this problem is the radiation of tones from main fan and turbine through the shear layers of core and bypass jets. This can approximately be described by a solution of the linearized perturbed Euler equations over a sheared turbulent averaged base flow field. However, these equations not only describe sound propagation, but also provide a stability analysis for the sheared base flow. Three techniques with the potential to calculate an acoustic solution and at the same time to suppress the instability are compared in this paper. The radiation of a source from a two-dimensional hot jet, chosen from a CAA workshop on benchmark problems, is considered first. Then, the techniques are adopted for the simulation of a single azimuthal mode radiating from the bypass duct of a turbofan engine, as an example for the realistic application. The first technique is based on filtering the mean flow field, over which the perturbation equations are solved. A low-order filter is applied. Subsequently, an adaption of this method, which considers a filtering of the mean flow derivatives in addition, is proved to be very beneficial. The result then reflects the analytical solution of the benchmark problem very well. The second technique filters the source terms in the governing equations. In a first attempt, all mean flow derivatives are neglected to suppress the instability. A more physical motivated variant of the approach neglects only source terms in the momentum equations. However, both provide unsatisfactory predictions of the acoustic field for the benchmark. Finally, a third technique is implemented, which considers the modification of the velocity derivatives in the momentum equations, as this method has demonstrated one of the best predictions for the benchmark problem. Nevertheless, the latter technique has no 3D extension and thus fails in suppressing the instability waves in the turbofan application.
LOCAL CONTROL OF SOUND IN STOCHASTIC DOMAINS BASED ON FINITE ELEMENT MODELS
Authors: AIRAKSINEN TUOMAS , HEIKKOLA ERKKI , TOIVANEN JARI
Published: June 2011

A numerical method for optimizing the local control of sound in a stochastic domain is developed. A three-dimensional enclosed acoustic space, for example, a cabin with acoustic actuators in given locations is modeled using the finite element method in the frequency domain. The optimal local noise control signals minimizing the least square of the pressure field in the silent region are given by the solution of a quadratic optimization problem. The developed method computes a robust local noise control in the presence of randomly varying parameters such as variations in the acoustic space. Numerical examples consider the noise experienced by a vehicle driver with a varying posture. In a model problem, a significant noise reduction is demonstrated at lower frequencies.
Knowledge Sharing: Two-Dimensional Motivation Perspective and the Role of Demographic Variables
Authors: Amin Aamir , Hassan Mohd Fadzil , Ariffin Mazeyanti Bt. Mohd , Rehman Mobashar
Published: June 2011

Knowledge Management (KM) efforts cannot be successful unless employees open their minds to share their valuable knowledge. Knowledge sharing is a voluntary act which requires an individual's motivation. Based on the notion that an individual's motivation is of two types, namely intrinsic and extrinsic, a framework of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators of knowledge sharing was presented at the International Symposium on Information Technology (ITSIM) in June 2010, in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. There is a lack of research work which attempts to understand knowledge sharing motivation from intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivational perspective. Hence, the proposed framework incorporated extrinsic rewards, representing extrinsic motivation, and Organisation Citizenship Behaviour (OCB), representing intrinsic motivation, in Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Apart from understanding the individual's knowledge sharing motivation from a two-dimensional motivation perspective, the primary aim of this study is to extend the framework proposed in ITSIM'10 by adding demographic variable as a moderating variable. This will help to understand individual differences in knowledge sharing behaviour. At the same time, the study will present the results of ITSIM paper in detail. This study has used training institutes of an oil and gas company in Malaysia as a case. The proposed framework will overcome the research gaps in the literature by re-analysing the impact of extrinsic rewards, OCB and demographic variables on knowledge sharing. To test six major and, in total, 19 hypotheses, the questionnaire method was used to gather data from the trainers and facilitators at three training institutes of the oil and gas company. The data was analysed by using multi-regression technique. The results have shown that intrinsic motivation, represented by OCB in this study, is one of the strongest motivating factors for knowledge sharing behaviour, whereas extrinsic motivation, represented by extrinsic rewards in this study, has a moderate effect on an individual's knowledge sharing intention. The results have also shown that individuals differ in manifesting their knowledge sharing intention into behaviour based on their gender and education level, whereas there is no difference among individuals with different experience levels in manifesting their knowledge sharing intention into behaviour. The study will help to understand the individual's knowledge sharing motivation from intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivational perspectives and, at the same time, individual differences in knowledge sharing behaviour. It will aid the managers at training institutes to promote knowledge sharing in their organisations.
Role of integrins in fibrosing liver diseases
Authors: Patsenker Eleonora , Stickel Felix
Published: June 2011

Integrins and other cell adhesion molecules regulate numerous physiological and pathological mechanisms by mediating the interaction between cells and their extracellular environment. Although the significance of integrins in the evolution and progression of certain cancers is well recognized, their involvement in nonmalignant processes, such as organ fibrosis or inflammation, is only beginning to emerge. However, accumulating evidence points to an instrumental role of integrin-mediated signaling in a variety of chronic and acute noncancerous diseases, particularly of the liver.
A New Hybrid Iterative Scheme for Countable Families of Relatively Quasi‐Nonexpansive Mappings and System of Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Shehu Yekini
Published: June 2011

We construct a new iterative scheme by hybrid methods and prove strong convergence theorem for approximation of a common fixed point of two countable families of closed relatively quasi‐nonexpansive mappings which is also a solution to a system of equilibrium problems in a uniformly smooth
and strictly convex real Banach space with Kadec‐Klee property using the properties of generalized f‐projection operator. Using this result, we discuss strong convergence theorem concerning variational inequality and convex minimization problems in Banach spaces. Our results extend many known recent results in the literature.
Direct Determination of ECD in ECD Kit: A Solid Sample Quantitation Method for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient in Drug Product
Authors: Chao Ming-Yu , Liu Kung-Tien , Hsia Yi-Chih , Liao Mei-Hsiu , Shen Lie-Hang
Published: June 2011

Technetium‐99m ethyl
cysteinate dimer (Tc‐99m‐ECD) is an essential
imaging agent used in evaluating the regional
cerebral blood flow in patients with
cerebrovascular diseases. Determination of
active pharmaceutical ingredient, that is,
L‐Cysteine, N, N′‐1,2‐ethanediylbis‐, diethyl ester, dihydrochloride (ECD) in ECD Kit is a relevant requirement for the pharmaceutical
quality control in processes of mass fabrication. We here
presented a direct solid sample determination method of ECD in ECD
Kit without sample dissolution to avoid the rapid degradation of
ECD. An elemental analyzer equipped with a nondispersive infrared
detector and a calibration curve of coal standard was used for the
quantitation of sulfur in ECD Kit. No significant matrix effect
was found. The peak area of coal standard against the amount of
sulfur was linear over the range of 0.03–0.10 mg,
with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9993. Method validation
parameters were achieved to demonstrate the potential of this
method.