bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carboxyl-Terminal Amino Acids 1052 to 1082 of the Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen (LANA) Interact with RBP-Jκ and Are Responsible for LANA-Mediated RTA Repression
Authors: Jin Yi , He Zhiheng , Liang Deguang , Zhang Quanzhi , Zhang Hongxing , Deng Qiang , Robertson Erle S. , Lan Ke
Published: March 2012

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8, is closely associated with several malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease. KSHV can establish lifelong latency in the host, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Previous studies have proposed a feedback model in which the viral replication and transcription activator (RTA) can induce the expression of the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) during early infection. LANA, in turn, represses transcription and RTA function to establish and maintain KSHV latency. The interaction between LANA and the recombination signal sequence binding protein Jκ (RBP-Jκ, also called CSL), a major transcriptional repressor of the Notch signaling pathway, is essential for RTA repression. In the present study, we show that the LANA carboxyl-terminal amino acids 1052 to 1082 are responsible for the LANA interaction with RBP-Jκ. The secondary structure of the LANA carboxyl terminus resembles the RBP-Jκ-associated module (RAM) of Notch receptor. Furthermore, deletion of the region of LANA residues 1052 to 1082 resulted in aberrant expression of RTA, leading to elevated viral lytic replication. For the first time, we dissected a conserved RBP-Jκ binding domain in LANA and demonstrated that this domain was indispensable for LANA-mediated repression of KSHV lytic genes, thus helping the virus maintain latency and control viral reactivation.
UCLA1, a Synthetic Derivative of a gp120 RNA Aptamer, Inhibits Entry of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C
Authors: Mufhandu Hazel T. , Gray Elin S. , Madiga Maphuti C. , Tumba Nancy , Alexandre Kabamba B. , Khoza Thandeka , Wibmer Constantinos Kurt , Moore Penny L. , Morris Lynn , Khati Makobetsa
Published: March 2012

Entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into cells is mediated by the virion surface envelope (Env) glycoproteins, making it a desirable target for antiretroviral entry inhibitors. We previously isolated a family of gp120 binding RNA aptamers and showed that they neutralized the infectivity of HIV-1. In this study, we assessed the activity of a shortened synthetic derivative of the B40 aptamer, called UCLA1, against a large panel of HIV-1 subtype C viruses. UCLA1 tightly bound to a consensus HIV-1 subtype C gp120 and neutralized isolates of the same subtype with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) in the nanomolar range. The aptamer had little toxicity in tests with cell lines and primary cells. Furthermore, it exhibited high therapeutic indices, suggesting that it may be effective at very low doses. Mapping of UCLA1 binding sites on gp120 revealed eight amino acid residues that modulated neutralization resistance. This included residues within the coreceptor binding site, at the base of the V3 loop, and in the bridging sheet within the conserved V1/V2 stem-loop of gp120. The aptamer was also shown to have synergistic effects with T20, a gp41 fusion inhibitor, and IgG1b12 (b12), an anti-CD4 binding site monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that UCLA1 may be suitable for development as a potent HIV-1 entry inhibitor.
Retroviral Cyclin Enhances Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-8 Activity
Authors: Rovnak Joel , Brewster Connie D. , Quackenbush Sandra L.
Published: March 2012

Alterations in the functional levels of cyclin-dependent kinase-8 (CDK8) or its partner, cyclin C, have been clearly associated with cancers, including colon cancer, melanoma, and osteosarcoma. Walleye dermal sarcoma virus encodes a retroviral cyclin (RV-cyclin) that localizes to interchromatin granule clusters and binds CDK8. It also binds to the Aα subunit (PR65) of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Binding to the Aα subunit excludes the regulatory B subunit, but not the catalytic C subunit, in a manner similar to that of T antigens of the small DNA tumor viruses. The expression of the RV-cyclin enhances the activity of immune affinity-purified CDK8in vitrofor RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) and histone H3 substrates. PP2A also enhances CDK8 kinase activityin vitrofor the CTD but not for histone H3. The PP2A enhancement of CDK8 is independent of RV-cyclin expression and likely plays a role in the normal regulation of CDK8. The manipulation of endogenous PP2A activity by inhibition, amendment, or depletion confirmed its role in CDK8 activation by triggering CDK8 autophosphorylation. Although RV-cyclin and PP2A both enhance CDK8 activity, their actions are uncoupled and additive in kinase reactions. PP2A may be recruited to CDK8 in the Mediator complex by a specific PP2A B subunit or additionally by the RV-cyclin in infected cells, but the RV-cyclin appears to activate CDK8 directly and in a manner independent of its physical association with PP2A.
Mechanisms of cervical spine injury in rugby union: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kuster Daniel , Gibson Alastair , Abboud Rami , Drew Tim
Published: March 2012

Background

Severe cervical spine injury in rugby union (rugby) exerts a major impact on the individual who sustains the injury and on the broader society. Since the late 1970s, authors of rugby case report studies have postulated that the underlying mechanism of cervical spine injury is hyperflexion of the neck. However, this is in conflict with findings from more recent experimental studies. These have shown that it is more likely that the majority of cervical spine injuries occur due to buckling of the cervical spinal column.

Objective

To investigate the primary mechanism of cervical spine injury in rugby.

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Six key factors were identified and subsequently used to investigate the two principally postulated mechanisms of cervical spine injury: hyperflexion and buckling.

Results

Facet dislocations, in particular bilateral facet dislocations, were identified as the most common types of cervical spine injury in rugby. Trauma occurred most often at lower cervical spinal levels, notably the C4/5 and C5/6 motion segments. Experimental studies demonstrate that bilateral facet dislocations occurring at the lower cervical spinal levels are primarily produced via buckling.

Conclusion

Our analysis of key factors for cervical spine injury in rugby shows that it is unlikely that the majority of injuries occur after hyperflexion of the neck. It appears more likely that they are the result of buckling of the cervical spinal column.
Multilevel and spatial analysis of syphilis in Shenzhen, China, to inform spatially targeted control measures
Authors: Wu Xiaobing , Tucker Joseph D , Hong Fuchang , Messina Jane , Lan Lina , Hu Yufeng , Feng Tiejian , Emch Michael E , Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Chunlai , Wen Lizhang
Published: March 2012

Objectives

The present study investigates the varied spatial distribution of syphilis cases in Shenzhen, China, and explores the individual-, neighbourhood- and district-level factors affecting the distribution.

Methods

This study uses spatial analysis and multi-level generalised estimating equations to explore the spatial distribution of reported syphilis cases among individuals in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. The spatial distribution of primary/secondary and latent cases was investigated using the Moran's I-statistic. Primary/secondary syphilis cases were compared with all syphilis cases using a three-level model with individual (n=6496), neighbourhood (n=55) and district (n=6) levels.

Results

A total of 6496 syphilis cases were reported in 2009 with 35.8% primary and secondary syphilis cases. Both primary/secondary syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.33, p<0.01) and latent syphilis cases (Moran's I value=0.19, p<0.01) showed significant spatial clustering at the neighbourhood level. Adjusting for the number of reporting hospitals, the best model found that the following characteristics were associated with primary/secondary syphilis infection: individuals who are younger in age (p=0.003), male (p<0.001), migrant labourers (p=0.047) and those who live in districts with a higher gross domestic product (p<0.001).

Conclusions

There is substantial clustering of primary and secondary syphilis cases at the neighbourhood level in Shenzhen, suggesting the need for greater STD health service provision in these clustered neighbourhoods. Spatially targeted syphilis control measures may be useful to optimise testing, treatment and partner services.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization with arbitrarily amplified DNA fragments differentiates carrot (Daucus carotaL.) chromosomes
Authors: Nowicka Anna , Grzebelus Ewa , Grzebelus Dariusz
Published: March 2012

Carrot ( Daucus carota L.) chromosomes are small and poorly differentiated in size and morphology. Here we demonstrate that fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) signals derived from arbitrary PCR probes can be used for chromosome identification in carrot. To prepare probes, we searched for nonpolymorphic products abundantly amplified with arbitrary decamer primers in a group of accessions representing carrot genetic diversity. As a result, 13 fragments ranging in size from 517 to 1758 bp were selected, sequenced, and used as probes for fluorescent in situ hybridization. Four of these probes produced clear and reproducible hybridization signals. The sequences showed similarity to a number of carrot BAC-end sequences, indicating their repetitive character. Three of them were similar to internal portions of gypsy and copia LTR retrotransposons previously identified in plants. Hybridization signals for the four probes were observed as dotted tracks on chromosomes, differing in distribution and intensity. Generally, they were present in pericentromeric and (or) interstitial localizations on chromosome arms. The use of the four probes allowed discrimination of chromosome pairs and construction of more detailed karyotypes and idiograms of carrot.
The first mitochondrial genome for the wasp superfamily Platygastroidea: the egg parasitoidTrissolcus basalis
Authors: Mao Meng , Valerio Alejandro , Austin Andrew D. , Dowton Mark , Johnson Norman F.
Published: March 2012

The nearly complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of an egg parasitoid, Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston), was sequenced using both 454 and Illumina next-generation sequencing technologies. A portion of the noncoding region remained unsequenced, possibly owing to the presence of repeats. The sequenced portion of the genome is 15 768 bp and has a high A+T content (84.2%), as is typical for hymenopteran mt genomes. A total of 36 of the 37 genes normally present in animal mt genomes were located. The one exception was trnR; a truncated version of this gene is present between trnS1and nd5, but it is unclear whether this gene fragment could code for the entire trnR gene. The mt gene arrangement of T. basalis is different from other Proctotrupomorpha mt genomes, with a number of trn genes in different positions. However, no shared derived gene rearrangements were identified in the present study. Bayesian analyses of mt genomes from 29 hymenopteran taxa and seven other orders of holometabolous insects support some uncontroversial evolutionary relationships, but indicate that much higher levels of taxonomic sampling are necessary for the resolution of family and superfamily relationships.
Suppression of intestinal calcium entry channel TRPV6 by OCRL, a lipid phosphatase associated with Lowe syndrome and Dent disease
Authors: Wu Guojin , Zhang Wei , Na Tao , Jing Haiyan , Wu Hongju , Peng Ji-Bin
Published: March 2012

Oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) gene product is a phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI( 4 , 5 )P2] 5-phosphatase, and mutations of OCRL cause Lowe syndrome and Dent disease, both of which are frequently associated with hypercalciuria. Transient receptor potential, vanilloid subfamily, subtype 6 (TRPV6) is an intestinal epithelial Ca2+ channel mediating active Ca2+ absorption. Hyperabsorption of Ca2+ was found in patients of Dent disease with increased Ca2+ excretion. In this study, we tested whether TRPV6 is regulated by OCRL and, if so, to what extent it is altered by Dent-causing OCRL mutations using Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. Exogenous OCRL decreased TRPV6-mediated Ca2+ uptake by regulating the function and trafficking of TRPV6 through different domains of OCRL. The PI( 4 , 5 )P2 5-phosphatase domain suppressed the TRPV6-mediated Ca2+ transport likely through regulating the PI( 4 , 5 )P2 level needed for TRPV6 function without affecting TRPV6 protein abundance of TRPV6 at the cell surface. The forward trafficking of TRPV6 was decreased by OCRL. The Rab binding domain in OCRL was involved in regulating the trafficking of TRPV6. Knocking down endogenous X. laevis OCRL by antisense approach increased TRPV6-mediated Ca2+ transport and TRPV6 forward trafficking. All seven Dent-causing OCRL mutations examined exhibited alleviation of the inhibitory effect on TRPV6-mediated Ca2+ transport together with decreased overall PI( 4 , 5 )P2 5-phosphatase activity. In conclusion, OCRL suppresses TRPV6 via two separate mechanisms. The disruption of PI( 4 , 5 )P2 5-phosphatase activity by Dent-causing mutations of OCRL may lead to increased intestinal Ca2+ absorption and, in turn, hypercalciuria.
Stretch-activated cation channel TRPV4 mediates hyposmotically induced prolactin release from prolactin cells of mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Watanabe Soichi , Seale Andre P. , Grau E. Gordon , Kaneko Toyoji
Published: March 2012

In teleost fish, prolactin (PRL) is an important hormone for hyperosmoregulation. The release of PRL from the pituitary of Mozambique tilapia is stimulated by a decrease in extracellular osmolality. Previous studies have shown that hyposmotically induced PRL release is linked with cell volume changes, and that stretch-activated Ca2+ channels are likely responsible for the initiation of the signal transduction for PRL release. In this study, we identified the stretch-activated Ca2+ channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) from the rostral pars distalis (RPD) of tilapia acclimated to freshwater (FW). TRPV4 transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in tilapia; the level of expression in RPDs of FW-acclimated fish was lower than that found in RPDs of seawater (SW)-acclimated fish. Immunohistochemical analysis of the pituitary revealed that TRPV4 is localized in the cell membrane of PRL cells of both FW and SW tilapia. A functional assay with CHO-K1 cells showed that tilapia TRPV4 responded to a decrease in extracellular osmolality, and that its function was suppressed by ruthenium red (RR) and activated by 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4aPDD). Exposure of dissociated PRL cells from FW-acclimated tilapia to RR blocked hyposmolality induced PRL release. PRL release, on the other hand, was stimulated by 4aPDD. These results indicate that PRL release in response to physiologically relevant changes in extracellular osmolality is mediated by the osmotically sensitive TRPV4 cation channel.
Endothelial dysfunction promotes the transition from compensatory renal hypertrophy to kidney injury after unilateral nephrectomy in mice
Authors: Nagasu Hajime , Satoh Minoru , Kidokoro Kengo , Nishi Yuko , Channon Keith M. , Sasaki Tamaki , Kashihara Naoki
Published: March 2012

Loss of functional nephrons associated with chronic kidney disease induces glomerular hyperfiltration and compensatory renal hypertrophy. We hypothesized that the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) [soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)] protein kinase G (PKG) pathway plays an important role in compensatory renal hypertrophy after unilateral nephrectomy. Analysis of mice subjected to unilateral nephrectomy showed increases in kidney weight-to-body weight and total protein-to-DNA ratios in wild-type but not eNOS knockout (eNOSKO) mice. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen increased after nephrectomy in eNOSKO but not in wild-type mice. Furthermore, Bay 41–2272, an sGC stimulator, induced compensatory renal hypertrophy in eNOSKO mice and rescued renal function. The NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and Bay 41–2272 stimulated PKG activity and induced phosphorylation of Akt protein in human proximal tubular cells. GSNO also induced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein and ribosomal protein S6. Our results highlight the importance of the eNOS-NO-PKG pathway in compensatory renal hypertrophy and suggest that reduced eNOS-NO bioavailability due to endothelial dysfunction is the underlying mechanism of failure of compensatory hypertrophy and acceleration of progressive renal dysfunction.
Sensitivity of EMG-EMG coherence to detect the common oscillatory drive to hand muscles in young and older adults
Authors: Keenan Kevin G. , Massey William V. , Walters Tygh J. , Collins Joseph D.
Published: March 2012

Multichannel surface electromyograms (EMGs) were used to examine the sensitivity of EMG-EMG coherence to infer changes in common oscillatory drive to hand muscles in young and older adults. Previous research has shown that measures of coherence calculated from different neurophysiological signals are influenced by the age of the subject, the visual feedback provided to the subject, and the task being performed. The change in the magnitude of EMG-EMG coherence across experimental conditions is often interpreted as a change in the oscillatory drive to motoneuron pools of a pair of muscles. However, signal processing (e.g., full-wave rectification) and electrode location are also reported to influence EMG-EMG coherence, which could decrease the sensitivity of EMG-EMG coherence to infer a change in common oscillatory drive to motoneurons. In this study, multichannel EMGs were used to compare EMG-EMG coherence in young ( n = 11) and older ( n = 10) adults during index finger abduction and pinch grip tasks performed at 2 and 3.5 N with a low and a high visual feedback gain. We found that, across all conditions, EMG-EMG coherence was influenced by electrode location ( P < 0.001) but not by subject age, visual feedback gain, task, or signal processing. These results suggest that EMG-EMG coherence is most sensitive to electrode location. The results are discussed in terms of the potential issues related to inferring a common oscillatory drive to hand muscles with surface EMGs.
Temporal precision and reliability in the velocity regime of a hair-cell sensory system: the mechanosensory lateral line of goldfish,Carassius auratus
Authors: Goulet Julie , van Hemmen J. Leo , Jung Sarah N. , Chagnaud Boris P. , Scholze Björn , Engelmann Jacob
Published: March 2012

Fish and aquatic frogs detect minute water motion by means of a specialized mechanosensory system, the lateral line. Ubiquitous in fish, the lateral-line system is characterized by hair-cell based sensory structures across the fish's surface called neuromasts. These neuromasts occur free-standing on the skin as superficial neuromasts (SN) or are recessed into canals as canal neuromasts. SNs respond to rapid changes of water velocity in a small layer of fluid around the fish, including the so-called boundary layer. Although omnipresent, the boundary layer's impact on the SN response is still a matter of debate. For the first time using an information-theoretic approach to this sensory system, we have investigated the SN afferents encoding capabilities. Combining covariance analysis, phase analysis, and modeling of recorded neuronal responses of primary lateral line afferents, we show that encoding by the SNs is adequately described as a linear, velocity-responsive mechanism. Afferent responses display a bimodal distribution of opposite Wiener kernels that likely reflected the two hair-cell populations within a given neuromast. Using frozen noise stimuli, we further demonstrate that SN afferents respond in an extremely precise manner and with high reproducibility across a broad frequency band (10–150 Hz), revealing that an optimal decoder would need to rely extensively on a temporal code. This was further substantiated by means of signal reconstruction of spike trains that were time shifted with respect to their original. On average, a time shift of 3.5 ms was enough to diminish the encoding capabilities of primary afferents by 70%. Our results further demonstrate that the SNs' encoding capability is linearly related to the stimulus outside the boundary layer, and that the boundary layer can, therefore, be neglected while interpreting lateral line response of SN afferents to hydrodynamic stimuli.
Suppression of the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition by Grainyhead-like-2
Authors: Cieply Benjamin , Riley Philip , Pifer Phillip M. , Widmeyer Joseph , Addison Joseph B. , Ivanov Alexey V. , Denvir James , Frisch Steven M.
Published: March 2012

Grainyhead genes are involved in wound healing and developmental neural tube closure. In light of the high degree of similarity between the epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMT) occurring in wound-healing processes and the cancer stem cell–like compartment of tumors, including TGF-β dependence, we investigated the role of the Grainyhead gene, Grainyhead-like-2 (GRHL2) in oncogenic EMT. GRHL2 was downregulated specifically in the claudin-low subclass breast tumors and in basal-B subclass breast cancer cell lines. GRHL2 suppressed TGF-β–induced, Twist-induced or spontaneous EMT, enhanced anoikis sensitivity, and suppressed mammosphere generation in mammary epithelial cells. These effects were mediated in part by suppression of ZEB1 expression via direct repression of the ZEB1 promoter. GRHL2 also inhibited Smad-mediated transcription and it upregulated mir-200b/c as well as the TGF-β receptor antagonist, BMP2. Finally, ectopic expression of GRHL2 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells triggered an MET and restored sensitivity to anoikis. Taken together, our findings define a major role for GRHL2 in the suppression of oncogenic EMT in breast cancer cells. Cancer Res; 72(9); 2440–53. ©2012 AACR.
Stapedotomy: Functional Results with Different Diameter Prostheses
Authors: Cavaliere M. , Ricciardiello F. , Mesolella M. , Iengo M.
Published: March 2012

Developments in surgical technique and, more importantly, the use of increasingly sophisticated biocompatible prostheses have meant that good results can be achieved for otosclerosis sufferers in terms of restored hearing and very little postsurgical discomfort. We set out to assess whether the diameter of the prostheses used for stapedotomy (platinum piston/polytetrafluoroethylene, i.e. Teflon) has any effect on surgical outcome. Two groups of otosclerotic patients were selected, and these underwent stapedotomy surgery during the second phase of the disease. A piston-Teflon type prosthesis was used, 5.50 mm in terms of length but of different diameters (group A: 0.4 mm; group B: 0.6 mm). All the patients underwent the same pure-tone audiometry test before surgery, and then at 1 week and 1 month after surgery, to assess function. We compared air conduction after surgery with bone conduction before surgery. The data collected was analysed using the χ2 (p < 0.05) test. This analysis showed that the results obtained with a 0.4-mm prosthesis or a 0.6-mm prosthesis are almost identical. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of hearing results when comparing either average tonal threshold or when analysing audiometric data frequency by frequency. It can be concluded, therefore, that in stapedotomy surgery, functional recovery is not affected by the diameter of the prosthesis used. A smaller diameter prosthesis is, however, the one of choice when the facial nerve is prominent or the oval window particularly narrow.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Prehypertension and Hypertension in the Chinese She Population
Authors: Lin Yinghua , Lai Xiaolan , Chen Gang , Xu Yuan , Huang Baoying , Chen Zichun , Zhu Shaoheng , Yao Jin , Jiang Qiqin , Huang Huibin
Published: March 2012

Background: Little is known about the prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors for prehypertension and hypertension in the She ethnic minority population of Fujian province in China. Methods and Results: Between April 2009 and September 2009, 5,523 participants of She nationality aged between 20 and 80 years participated in this survey and 5,357 were eventually enrolled in analyses. The survey was carried out to assess blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 35.87 and 38.42%, respectively, in all participants. Only 26.63% of the subjects with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age, gender, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia and alcohol use were risk factors for prehypertension, and age, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, alcohol use, family history of hypertension and hyperuricemia were risk factors for hypertension. The clustering of 2 and ≥3 risk factors was in higher proportion for subjects with hypertension and prehypertension when compared with those with prehypertension and normotension, respectively. After adjusting for other confounding factors, multivariable logistic regression showed that the greater the number of clustering cardiovascular risk factors, the greater the odds ratios for prehypertension and hypertension are. Conclusion: Hypertension and prehypertension were common in the She population of Fujian province. Cardiovascular risk factors cluster during prehypertension and awareness of hypertension was minimal. Early lifestyle modifications could be advocated to prevent the transition from prehypertension to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Early Enteral Nutrition Reduces the Rate of Life-Threatening Complications after Thoracic Esophagectomy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Fujita T. , Daiko H. , Nishimura M.
Published: March 2012

Background: Early postoperative enteral nutrition has been suggested to improve the nutritional status of patients after esophageal surgery. However, whether enteral nutrition decreases rates of surgical complications and increases the completion rate of the clinical management pathway is unclear. Methods: We analyzed 154 patients who were randomly assigned to either an enteral or parenteral nutrition group after undergoing esophagectomy, compared the incidence of surgical complications, and evaluated the completion rate of the clinical pathway. In these 2 patient groups, perioperative management was performed through identical clinical pathways, except for nutrition. Results: The overall rate of surgical complications of any type did not differ between patients who received early enteral nutrition and those who did not (p = 0.50); however, the rate of life-threatening surgical complications was significantly lower in patients who received early enteral nutrition (p = 0.02). The rate of non-life-threatening surgical complications did not differ between the groups (p = 0.98). In patients who received enteral nutrition, the completion rate of the clinical pathway was higher (p = 0.03), and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Early enteral nutrition reduces the incidence of life-threatening surgical complications and improves the completion rate of the clinical pathway for thoracic esophagectomy.
Five Novel Locations of Neocentromeres in Human: 18q22.1, Xq27.1∼27.2, Acro p13, Acro p12, and Heterochromatin of Unknown Origin
Authors: Klein E. , Rocchi M. , Ovens-Raeder A. , Kosyakova N. , Weise A. , Ziegler M. , Meins M. , Morlot S. , Fischer W. , Volleth M. , Polityko A. , Ogilvie C. Mackie , Kraus C. , Liehr T.
Published: March 2012

Since the first report in 1993, an ectopic centromere, i.e. neocentromere formation, has been reported in more than 100 small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC), in 7 instances of centromere repositioning, and in about a dozen cases with more complex chromosomal rearrangements. Here we report 2 new cases with centromere repositioning and 3 neocentric sSMC consisting exclusively of heterochromatic material. Yet, no centromere formation was reported for the regions 18q22.1 and Xq27.1∼27.2 as it was observed in the 2 cases with centromere repositioning here; in both cases, cytogenetically an inversion was suggested. Two of the 3 neocentric sSMC were derived from a short arm of an acrocentric chromosome. The remainder neocentric sSMC case was previously reported and was stainable only by material derived from itself.
Who Takes the Floor and Why
Authors: Brescoll Victoria L.
Published: March 2012

Although past research has noted the importance of both power and gender for understanding volubility—the total amount of time spent talking—in organizations, to date, identifying the unique contributions of power and gender to volubility has been somewhat elusive. Using both naturalistic data sets and experiments, the present studies indicate that while power has a strong, positive effect on volubility for men, no such effect exists for women. Study 1 uses archival data to examine the relationship between the relative power of United States senators and their talking behavior on the Senate floor. Results indicate a strong positive relationship between power and volubility for male senators, but a non-significant relationship for female senators. Study 2 replicates this effect in an experimental setting by priming the concept of power and shows that though men primed with power talk more, women show no effect of power on volubility. Mediation analyses indicate that this difference is explained by women’s concern that being highly voluble will result in negative consequences (i.e., backlash). Study 3 shows that powerful women are in fact correct in assuming that they will incur backlash as a result of talking more than others—an effect that is observed among both male and female perceivers. Implications for the literatures on volubility, power, and previous studies of backlash are discussed.
Constructing Uncertainty: Unions and Migrant Labour in Construction in Spain and the UK
Authors: Meardi Guglielmo , Martín Antonio , Riera Mariona Lozano
Published: March 2012

The article provides a conceptualization of the link between recent migration flows and labour market uncertainty through the analysis of a critical example, the construction sector (characterized by economic volatility, worker mobility, employment insecurity, safety risk) in the UK and Spain (countries with large immigration, flexible labour markets and volatile construction sectors). Transnational labour mobility can be seen as a structural response to recent European dilemmas over how to combine flexibility and security, through the creation of a hyper-flexible buffer of migrant workers who, being disposable in case of downturn, can carry most of the uncertainty burden without causing political problems. This raises two issues: the social sustainability of such segmentation, in particular with regard to occupational health and safety; and the role organized labour can have, in particular in organizing such workers. The issues are analysed through labour market statistics and interviews with unionists, migrant organization representatives, employers and employment policy officers in both countries.
Development and Preliminary Analysis of a Rubric for Culturally Responsive Research
Authors: Trainor Audrey A. , Bal Aydin
Published: March 2012

Researchers and practitioners have struggled to promote optimal academic, behavioral, and postschool outcomes for historically marginalized youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. While there is a growing body of evidence-based interventions in special education, the extent to which these interventions are culturally responsive remains unexplored. Culturally responsive research (CRR) has gained increased attention in social sciences. The authors developed a 15-item rubric to evaluate the cultural responsiveness of research. They applied the rubric to six studies in transition education identified as high-quality intervention studies to determine the extent to which these met the criteria for CRR. Results from this analysis demonstrated that while none of the studies were indicative of CRR across all rubric items, strengths in question relevancy, sampling, participant description, and data collection strategies were noted.
Accurate residual wireless channel simulation using a two-tier Markov model
Authors: Iqbal Adnan , Khayam Syed Ali
Published: March 2012

Accurate models of wireless channels are a necessary pre-requisite for correct simulation and analysis of wireless protocols, applications and systems. However, commonly used wireless channel models do not correctly capture the characteristics of a real channel mainly because these models ignore either the frame-loss process or the bit-error process. In this paper, we propose a novel two-tier Markov model in which a frame-level model is executed first and the bit-level model is excited only when the frame-level model produces an error. We compare the accuracy of the proposed model with several existing models using four independently collected sets of wireless (802.11 and 802.15.4) residual bit-error traces. We validate the accuracy of the proposed model using the bit-error rate, frame-error rate, cumulative distributions of error and error-free bursts, and information divergence measures. We show that the proposed two-tier Markov model generally provides better accuracy than other models.
Supporting African American Students’ Learning of Mathematics
Authors: Jackson Kara , Wilson Jonee
Published: March 2012

This article reports on a review of the mathematics education research literature 1989-May 2011 specific to K-12 African American students’ opportunities to learn mathematics. Although we identify important developments in the literature, we conclude that the existing research base generally remains at the level of broad principles or orientations to teaching and is therefore inadequate for specifying forms of instructional practice that support African American students’ participation in rigorous mathematical activity. We suggest a research agenda focused on specifying forms of practice that are empirically shown to support African American students’ learning of mathematics and development of productive mathematical identities.
Experimental investigation and finite element analysis of welding induced residual stresses
Authors: Mollicone Pierluigi , Gray Thomas GF , Camilleri Duncan
Published: March 2012

Welding is one of the most important metal joining techniques due to its advantages in relation to speed and versatility. One of the unwanted effects of gas metal arc welding is residual stress, that arises due to the inherent temperature loadings and can lead to structural integrity or assembly problems. Experimental investigation of these effects is highly desirable but often costly, especially in large-scale construction such as shipbuilding. It is therefore of interest to exploit the potential of computational analysis techniques, such as finite element analysis, for the assessment of these effects. The use of finite element analysis in this context is however not straightforward, due to the complex nature of the problem.

The work presented here deals with an experimentally validated modelling strategy applied to two weld joint configurations: butt and fillet welded plates. Simulation techniques are presented which are aimed at predicting residual stresses. These are validated against measurements carried out using the hole drilling method for residual stress determination. Results show a good qualitative and quantitative match in simulated and experimentally measured values, which back up the modelling techniques adopted.
Mitochondrial Disease in 22q13 Duplication Syndrome
Authors: Frye Richard E.
Published: March 2012

Both copy number changes in the 22q13 region and mitochondrial disease have been associated with autism spectrum disorder. In this report, for the first time, a girl with autism spectrum disorder is described who exhibits both mitochondrial disease and a 22q13.1-33 duplication. This child demonstrated hypotonia, developmental delays, growth deficiency, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and white matter abnormalities, consistent with previous cases of 22q13 region duplication. The patient also demonstrated a unique pattern of electron transport chain abnormalities with marked decreases in complex II and II/III in fibroblasts and complex I/III and II/III in muscle tissue. The 22q13.1-33 region contains 6 genes associated with mitochondrial function. Thus, disruption of this chromosomal region could cause many of the clinical findings in this child through disruption of mitochondrial function. Therefore, a mitochondrial workup should be considered in individuals with copy number changes within the 22q13 region, such as those with Phelan–McDermid syndrome.
In God's Image? The Tradition of Infant Head Shaping
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: March 2012

Intentional modification of the infant's head has been commonly practiced at all times and in virtually every region of the inhabited world. Motives included aesthetic perception of the human head, greater attractiveness, symbolization of ethnic identity, demonstration of noble origin or sociocultural status, and supposed health benefits. The desired shape was achieved by repeated hand massage, or by using devices like cradleboards, which were applied throughout infancy. In some regions, infant head shaping was the rule rather than the exception. Whereas chronic modification of the skull during the first year of life had no adverse effects, one-time postnatal head shaping by the midwife was a dangerous procedure. Recommended by Soran in the second century CE, it remained in practice for 17 centuries. With the advent of positional plagiocephaly following the back-to-sleep campaign, head shaping has regained acceptance and is now being widely used again.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis With Isolated Central Nervous System Reactivation and Optic Nerve Involvement
Authors: Chong Kok Wee , Lee Jan Hau , Choong Chew Thye , (Paeds) M Med , Chan Derrick Wei Shih , Fortier Marielle V. , Chan Mei Yoke
Published: March 2012

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare childhood disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of benign lymphocytes and histiocytes in multiple organs. Neurological presentations of central nervous system involvement are highly variable. The authors present a case of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an 8-month-old girl with isolated central nervous system reactivation and optic nerve involvement. She presented with fever and hepatosplenomegaly at 2 months of age. Genetic studies confirmed familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. There were no clinical features of central nervous system involvement at presentation. While on maintenance chemotherapy awaiting bone marrow transplant, she presented with new-onset seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed extensive areas of abnormal signal and a thickened and enhancing left optic nerve. Ocular manifestations of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis have rarely been described. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of magnetic resonance imaging findings of optic nerve involvement in a child with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Very Early Onset and Severe Complicated Phenotype Caused by a New Spastic Paraplegia 3A Gene Mutation
Authors: Fusco Carlo , Frattini Daniele , Farnetti Enrico , Nicoli Davide , Casali Bruno , Giustina Elvio Della
Published: March 2012

Spastic paraplegia 3A is the second most common form of hereditary autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia. This form is mainly associated with an early age of onset and pure phenotype, although recently complicated forms were reported. We describe a patient carrying a new C>T P344S>CT mutation in exon 10 of the spastic paraplegia 3A gene with unusual, complicated, and extremely severe phenotype. At the last neurologic examination performed at 17 years of life, the patient disclosed spastic tetraparesis, sensorimotor axonal neuropathy, cognitive and cranial nerve impairment, mild pes cavus, and distal amyotrophy.
Brain Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Codreanu Ion , Yang JiGang , Zhuang Hongming
Published: March 2012

The indications of brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in fetal alcohol syndrome are not clearly defined, even though the condition is recognized as one of the most common causes of mental retardation. This article reports a case of a 9-year-old adopted girl with developmental delay, mildly dysmorphic facial features, and behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. Extensive investigations including genetic studies and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed no abnormalities, and a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome was considered since official diagnostic criteria were met. A brain SPECT was requested and showed severely decreased tracer activity in the thalami, basal ganglia, and temporal lobes on both sides, the overall findings being consistent with the established diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome. With increasing availability of functional brain imaging, the study indications and possible ethical implications in suspected prenatal alcohol exposure or even before adoption need further consideration. In this patient, SPECT was the only test to yield positive results.
Niemann-Pick Disease Type C: Implications for Sedation and Anesthesia for Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Miao Ning , Lu Xiaowei , O’Grady Naomi P. , Yanjanin Nicole , Porter Forbes D. , Quezado Zenaide M. N.
Published: March 2012

Niemann-Pick disease type C, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, can present with severe visceral and neurologic involvement and is associated with a significant decrease in life expectancy. As little is known about anesthetic considerations of this disease, we examined the perianesthetic course of patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C. Thirty-two patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C, median age 6.9 years (1.8-33 years), underwent 64 general anesthetics for diagnostic procedures. Perianesthetic morbidity included need for tracheal reintubation, pneumonitis, hypothermia, and seizure. Therefore, Niemann-Pick disease type C–associated neurologic and visceral involvement might have anesthetic implications that neurologists and pediatricians should be aware of and consider discussing with parents, guardians, and the patient’s care team when procedures requiring anesthesia are planned. Furthermore, it is important for delivery of safe anesthesia that there is communication among care team members so that all involved understand the disease manifestation spectrum.
Of Microbes and Meals
Authors: Kelly Caleb J. , Colgan Sean P. , Frank Daniel N.
Published: March 2012

The human intestinal tract comprises a rich and complex microbial ecosystem. This intestinal microbota provides a large reservoir of potentially toxic molecules, including bacterial endotoxin (ie, lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). This potent inflammatory molecule is detectable in the circulation of healthy individuals, and levels transiently increase following ingestion of energy‐rich meals. Chronic exposure to circulating endotoxin has been associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Western‐style meals augment LPS translocation and by this mechanism may contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. By contrast, the gut and other organs have evolved mechanisms to detoxify endotoxin and neutralize the potentially inflammatory qualities of circulating endotoxin. Of specific interest to clinicians is evidence that acute postprandial elevation of circulating endotoxin is dependent on meal composition. In this review, the authors present an overview of the biochemical and cellular mechanisms that lead to endotoxemia, with emphasis on the interplay between microbial and nutrition determinants of this condition. The link between endotoxemia, diet, and changes in the intestinal microbiota raise the possibility that dietary interventions can, at least in part, ameliorate the detrimental outcomes of endotoxemia.
Virtual testing for the assessment of a double-sided roof crush based on the newly updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216
Authors: Peng Qian , Chirwa Efford C , Yang Jikuang , Nowpada Sravanthi , Matsika Emmanuel
Published: March 2012

The newly updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 enhances the requirements of the roof crush behaviour as it particularly focuses on the double-sided test protocol. This test will be mandatory from the year 2012 and will replace the single-sided test. The research presented herein aims at investigating the behaviour of a small European vehicle subjected to this newly updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 and at assessing the effect of the variation in the loading combination of the pitch angle and the roll angle on the roof crush strength to quantify the difference in the performances. A Ford Fiesta FE model developed at the University of Bolton was refined and validated against the roof crush test. Thereafter a full factorial method was employed to the design of the experiment based on varying the pitch angle and the roll angle. The response functions concerning the resistance force of the double-sided roof were hence constructed with the results from a series of virtual tests based on nine levels of the roll angle and four levels of the pitch angle. Parametric studies were then conducted with respect to the effects of the body structural components, the windscreen and the variations in the roll angle and the pitch angle on the roof strength. The results show that the roll angle and the pitch angle are functions of the roof strength. In general, the roof on the near side performs in a stronger way than the roof on the far side and greatly influences the overall collapse behaviour. Within a crush distance of 127 mm (5 in), the strengths on both sides of the roof decrease as the roll angle varies from 10° to 45°. The variation in the pitch angle influences the resistance force. In addition, the windscreen is found to contribute significantly to the roof strength on the far side, hence demonstrating a strength which is artificially high, not quantifiable and not observed in real-world rollover crashes. From the virtual parametric analysis carried out, it shows once again that the recommended loading-angle combinations in the newly updated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 roof crush test should be a roll angle of 45° (and not 25°) and a pitch angle of 10° (and not 5°) for both near-side and far-side roof load application.
Local bargaining and codetermination: Finnish experience in comparative perspective
Authors: Sippola Markku
Published: March 2012

The decentralization of collective bargaining raises important issues, especially in the Nordic countries, where collective bargaining is centralized at industry level. These countries also have a ‘single channel’ of representation through trade union structures at both national and workplace levels, in contrast to much of Europe where there is a formal separation between works councils (as bodies for consultation and codetermination) and trade unions (as bodies for collective bargaining). This article reports research findings from Finland, where strong union branches have better capabilities in conducting the simultaneous tasks. If unions cannot actively develop the agenda for local bargaining, further experimentation in joint consultation can be expected, and this will provide a real test for the authority of local unions. The findings have broader implications for Nordic industrial relations.
Post-accession migration in construction and trade union responses in Denmark, Norway and the UK
Authors: Eldring Line , Fitzgerald Ian , Arnholtz Jens
Published: March 2012

The article compares trade union responses in Denmark, Norway and the UK to the arrival of construction workers from the new EU member states. Organizing has been seen as a crucial means to avoid low-wage competition and social dumping. We analyse how the unions developed strategies for recruiting migrants, the novelty of their approaches and the results in terms of membership.