bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CuSO4·5H2O-catalyzed alkynylphosphonates formation — An efficient coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with H-phosphonates
Authors: Qu Zhibo , Chen Xiaolan , Yuan Jinwei , Qu Lingbo , Li Xu , Wang Fujun , Ding Xiling , Zhao Yufen
Published: September 2012

It was recently discovered that easily available CuSO4·5H2O could be employed as an efficient catalyst towards the coupling reactions of terminal alkynes with H-phosphonates, which finally led to the formation of a large variety of novel alkynylphosphates.
Flavonol glycosides from Cardamine komarovii
Authors: Lee Seung Young , Lee Il Kyun , Lee Kang Ro
Published: September 2012

Two new flavonol glycosides (1 and 2) were isolated from a MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Cardamine komarovii Nakai (Cruciferae) together with 13 known phenolic compounds (3–15). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY, and TOCSY) and HR-FAB-MS data.
Hydrophilic gel composition effect on the molecular association and spectroscopic behavior of rhodamine B
Authors: Zakerhamidi M.S. , Karimi A.
Published: September 2012

Electronic absorption spectra of rhodamine B dye in aqueous solutions and in a polyacrylamide hydrogel matrix with different structural compositions were studied at room temperature. The transport and the solute–solute interactions of rhodamine B in aqueous solutions across the hydrophilic gels were investigated via exploration of the spectral properties of the dye-loaded hydrogel. The nature of the dye pair interactions in these media was discussed using the Kasha exciton theory. In addition, the monomer–dimer equilibrium of rhodamine B molecules in hydrogels with different compositional percentages was studied by means of UV–vis spectroscopy and least-squares fitting methods.
Elevation of fibrinogen due to loss of ovarian function enhances actin ring formation and leads to increased bone resorption
Authors: Ke Ke , Kim Woon-Ki , Sul Ok-Joo , Phan Van Tien , Lee Mi-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Ju , Kim Shin-Yoon , Choi Hye-Seon
Published: September 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fibrinogen on number and function of osteoclasts (OC) consequently resulting in bone loss. It was hypothesized that the enhanced level of released fibrinogen due to loss of ovarian function caused bone loss by acting on OCs. Bone loss was induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in mice and analyzed by micro-CT. The effect of fibrinogen on OCs was evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, annexin V, actin staining, pit formation observed on dentine slices, and Western blotting. Exogenous fibrinogen increased OC survival, actin ring formation, and bone resorption in vitro. The effect of fibrinogen was dependent on β3-integrin, which is a marker for mature OCs. Fibrinogen induced the activation of transforming oncogene from Ak strain (Akt), Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), and Rho family of GTPase (Rho) and the degradation of the Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) in a manner similar to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). OVX increased plasma fibrinogen and serum M-CSF together with elevated actin ring formation and bone loss. The increased fibrinogen level due to loss of ovarian function may contribute, at least partly, to bone loss through the enhanced number and activity of OCs.
Glucocorticoids antagonize tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated lipolysis and resistance to the antilipolytic effect of insulin in human adipocytes
Authors: Lee Mi-Jeong , Fried Susan K.
Published: September 2012

High concentrations of TNF within obese adipose tissue increase basal lipolysis and antagonize insulin signaling. Adipocytes of the obese are also exposed to elevated levels of glucocorticoids (GCs), which antagonize TNF actions in many cell types. We tested the hypothesis that TNF decreases sensitivity to the antilipolytic effect of insulin and that GCs antagonize this effect in differentiated human adipocytes. Lipolysis and expression levels of lipolytic proteins were measured after treating adipocytes with TNF, dexamethasone (DEX), or DEX + TNF for up to 48 h. TNF not only increased basal lipolysis, it caused resistance to the antilipolytic effects of insulin in human adipocytes. DEX alone did not significantly affect lipolysis. Cotreatment with DEX blocked TNF induction of basal lipolysis and insulin resistance by antagonizing TNF stimulation of PKA-mediated phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) at Ser563and Ser660and perilipin. TNF did not affect perilipin, HSL, or phosphodiesterase-3B mass but paradoxically suppressed adipose tissue triglyceride lipase expression, and this effect was blocked by DEX. The extent to which GCs can restrain the lipolytic actions of TNF may both diminish the potentially deleterious effects of excess lipolysis and contribute to fat accumulation in obesity.
Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract ofOcimum basilicumL. on Benzene-Induced Hematotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Saha S. , Mukhopadhyay M. K. , Ghosh P. D. , Nath D.
Published: September 2012

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of methanolic leaf extract ofOcimum basilicumL. against benzene-induced hematotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. GC analysis and subacute toxicity level of the extract were tested. Mice were randomly divided into three groups among which II and III were exposed to benzene vapour at a dose 300 ppm × 6 hr/day × 5 days/week for 2 weeks and group I was control. Group III of this experiment was treated with the leaf methanolic extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, a dose in nontoxic range. Hematological parameters (Hb%, RBC and WBC counts), cell cycle regulatory proteins expression and DNA fragmentation analysis of bone marrow cells was performed. There was an upregulation of p53 and p21 and downregulation of levels of CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, and cyclins D1 and E in leaf extract-treated group. DNA was less fragmented in group III compared to group II (P<0.05). The present study indicates that the secondary metabolites ofO. basilicumL. methanolic leaf extract, comprising essential oil monoterpene geraniol and its oxidized form citral as major constituents, have modulatory effect in cell cycle deregulation and hematological abnormalities induced by benzene in mice.
Single Agent Polysaccharopeptide Delays Metastases and Improves Survival in Naturally Occurring Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino , Reetz Jennifer
Published: September 2012

The 2008 World Health Organization World Cancer Report describes global cancer incidence soaring with many patients living in countries that lack resources for cancer control. Alternative treatment strategies that can reduce the global disease burden at manageable costs must be developed. Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is the bioactive agent from the mushroomCoriolus versicolor. Studies indicate PSP has in vitro antitumor activities and inhibits the growth of induced tumors in animal models. Clear evidence of clinically relevant benefits of PSP in cancer patients, however, is lacking. The investment of resources required to complete large-scale, randomized controlled trials of PSP in cancer patients is more easily justified if antitumor and survival benefits are documented in a complex animal model of a naturally occurring cancer that parallels human disease. Because of its high metastatic rate and vascular origin, canine hemangiosarcoma is used for investigations in antimetastatic and antiangiogenic therapies. In this double-blind randomized multidose pilot study, high-dose PSP significantly delayed the progression of metastases and afforded the longest survival times reported in canine hemangiosarcoma. These data suggest that, for those cancer patients for whom advanced treatments are not accessible, PSP as a single agent might offer significant improvements in morbidity and mortality.
Complex Form Variant of Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor of the Cerebellum
Authors: Vaquero Jesús , Saldaña Cristobal , Coca Santiago , Zurita Mercedes
Published: September 2012

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) is a benign neoplasm with typical supratentorial location, but the possibility of these rare tumors can also be located in the posterior fossa must be taken into account. We report a 21-year-old woman that suffered gait instability, headache, and diplopia. On CT-scan, an intraparenchymatous cerebellar tumor was disclosed. It was isodense, showing light enhancement after contrast administration. On MRI (T1-weighted image) the tumor was isointense, showing inhomogeneous hyperintensity after-gadolinium administration. On T2-weighted MRI, the tumor was inhomogenously hyperintense. At surgery, a solid and hypervascularized tumor was completely removed. Two years after surgery, the patient is symptom-free. Pathological study showed coexistence of areas of pilocytic astrocytoma with areas in which small rounded oligodendrocyte-like cells (OLC), with strong synaptophysin expression were identified. These neurocytic areas showed an eosinophilic matrix forming microcysts, and cells with aspect of “floating neurons” were occasionally identified. A complex form variant of DNT was diagnosed. Our case suggests that in presence of a cerebellar tumor with features of pilocytic astrocytoma, the possibility of a complex form variant of DNT should be considered.
Vibrational Spectrum of HMX at CO2 Laser Wavelengths: A Combined DRIFT and LPAS Study
Authors: Puiu A. , Giubileo G. , Nunziante Cesaro S.
Published: September 2012

The vibrational spectrum of solid standard HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) was investigated. Two spectroscopic techniques were adopted for their different sensitivity and resolution. A preliminary survey of the absorption bands of the compound was performed in the 8000–400 cm−1 spectral range by employing the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) technique at room temperature. The high-resolution line spectrum of HMX was obtained in the 9.2–10.8 μm spectral range by laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) method, using a line tuneable 10 W stabilised cw CO2 laser light source. By comparing the data collected with the two techniques in the common frequency range, a very good agreement was observed.
Management of Peptic Ulcer Bleeding in Different Case Volume Workplaces: Results of a Nationwide Inquiry in Hungary
Authors: Rácz István , Kárász Tibor , Lukács Krisztina , Rácz Ferenc , Kersák János , Wacha Judit , Szalóki Tibor , Szász Magdolna , Gyenes István , Altorjay István
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to conduct a national survey to evaluate the recent endoscopic treatment and drug therapy of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) patients and to compare practices in high and low case volume Hungarian workplaces. A total of 62 gastroenterology units participated in the six-month study. A total of 3033 PUB cases and a mean of8.15±3.9PUB cases per month per unit were reported. In the 23 high case volume units (HCV), there was a mean of12.9±5.4PUB cases/month, whereas in the 39 low case volume units (LCV), a mean of5.3±2.9PUB cases/month were treated during the study period. In HCV units, endoscopic therapies for Forrest Ia, Ib, and IIa ulcers were significantly more often used than in LCV units (86% versus 68%;P=0.001). Among patients with stigmata of recent haemorrhage (Forrest I, II), bolus + continuous infusion PPI was given significantly more frequently in HCV than in LCV units (49.6% versus 33.2%;P=0.001). Mortality in HCV units was less than in LCV units (2.7% versus 4.3%;P=0.023). The penetration of evidence-based recommendations for PUB management is stronger in HCV units resulting lower mortality.
Context-Aware Adaptation of Component-Based Systems: An Active Repository Approach
Authors: Miranda Filho Sindolfo , Melo Julio , Leite Luiz Eduardo , Lemos Guido
Published: September 2012

Context-aware systems are able to monitor and automatically adapt their operation accordingly to the execution context in which they are introduced. Component-based software engineering (CBSE) focuses on the development and reuse of self-contained software assets in order to achieve better productivity and quality. In order to store and retrieve components, CBSE employs component repository systems to provide components to the system developers. This paper presents an active component repository that is able to receive the current configuration from the context-aware system and compute the components and the new architecture that better fit the given context. Since the repository has a wide knowledge of available components, it can better decide which configuration is more suitable to the running system. The repository applies Fuzzy logic algorithm to evaluate the adequacy level of the components and GRASP algorithm to mount the new system architecture. In order to verify the feasibility of our approach, we use a digital TV middleware case study to achieve experimental results.
A Synthetic Matrix with Independently Tunable Biochemistry and Mechanical Properties to Study Epithelial Morphogenesis and EMT in a Lung Adenocarcinoma Model
Authors: Gill Bartley J. , Gibbons Don L. , Roudsari Laila C. , Saik Jennifer E. , Rizvi Zain H. , Roybal Jonathon D. , Kurie Jonathan M. , West Jennifer L.
Published: September 2012

Better understanding of the biophysical and biochemical cues of the tumor extracellular matrix environment that influence metastasis may have important implications for new cancer therapeutics. Initial exploration into this question has used naturally derived protein matrices that suffer from variability, poor control over matrix biochemistry, and inability to modify the matrix biochemistry and mechanics. Here, we report the use of a synthetic polymer-based scaffold composed primarily of poly(ethylene glycol), or PEG, modified with bioactive peptides to study murine models of lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, we focus on matrix-derived influences on epithelial morphogenesis of a metastatic cell line (344SQ) that harbors mutations in Kras and p53 (trp53) and is prone to a microRNA-200 (miR-200)–dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. The modified PEG hydrogels feature biospecific cell adhesion and cell-mediated proteolytic degradation with independently adjustable matrix stiffness. 344SQ encapsulated in bioactive peptide-modified, matrix metalloproteinase–degradable PEG hydrogels formed lumenized epithelial spheres comparable to that seen with three-dimensional culture in Matrigel. Altering both matrix stiffness and the concentration of cell-adhesive ligand significantly influenced epithelial morphogenesis as manifest by differences in the extent of lumenization, in patterns of intrasphere apoptosis and proliferation, and in expression of epithelial polarity markers. Regardless of matrix composition, exposure to TGF-β induced a loss of epithelial morphologic features, shift in expression of EMT marker genes, and decrease in mir-200 levels consistent with EMT. Our findings help illuminate matrix-derived cues that influence epithelial morphogenesis and highlight the potential utility that this synthetic matrix-mimetic tool has for cancer biology. Cancer Res; 72(22); 6013–23. ©2012 AACR.
Hospital Variation in Readmission After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in California
Authors: Li Zhongmin , Amstrong Ehrin J. , Parker Joseph P. , Danielsen Beate , Romano Patrick S.
Published: September 2012

Background—

Readmissions are common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and account for a significant percentage of hospital healthcare costs. Readmission rates also vary widely between hospitals, but the reasons for this variation have not been studied previously.

Methods and Results—

We linked 2009 California CABG clinical registry data to hospital discharge data for 2009 and 2010 to identify 30-day readmissions for all patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery. Both standard and hierarchical logistic models were developed to predict readmission risk and explore sources of hospital readmission variation. Among 11 823 patients discharged alive after isolated CABG in 2009, 1565 (13.2%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. Heart failure and postoperative infections were the most frequent reasons for readmission (15.3% and 12.9%, respectively). Multiple patient risk factors, including age, sex, and lower zip code-level median household income, were significant predictors of readmission (all adjusted odds ratios >1.0;
P
<0.05). The readmission rates among the 119 hospitals performing CABG varied from 0% to 26.9%. Compared with hospitals in lower quartiles for readmission, hospitals in higher quartiles had a significantly higher readmission rates due to circulatory diseases, infections, complications for surgical and medical care and digestive diseases (all
P
<0.05). In a hierarchical model, including several hospital characteristics, hospital-level variables did not predict readmission risk (all
P
>0.05, with an intraclass correlation of 0.004 for hospitals).

Conclusions—

California hospitals performing CABG surgery vary widely in 30-day readmission rates. Patient demographic and clinical risk factors, rather than measured hospital characteristics, accounted for most of the observed hospital-level variation in CABG readmissions.
Transcriptional Upregulation of α
2
δ-1 Elevates Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Voltage-Dependent Ca
2+
Channel Surface Expression and Cerebrovascular Constriction in Genetic Hypertension
Authors: Bannister John P. , Bulley Simon , Narayanan Damodaran , Thomas-Gatewood Candice , Luzny Patrik , Pachuau Judith , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: September 2012

A hallmark of hypertension is an increase in arterial myocyte voltage-dependent Ca
2+
(Ca
V
1.2) currents that induces pathological vasoconstriction. Ca
V
1.2 channels are heteromeric complexes composed of a pore-forming Ca
V
1.2α
1
with auxiliary α
2
δ and β subunits. Molecular mechanisms that elevate Ca
V
1.2 currents during hypertension and the potential contribution of Ca
V
1.2 auxiliary subunits are unclear. Here, we investigated the pathological significance of α
2
δ subunits in vasoconstriction associated with hypertension. Age-dependent development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats was associated with an unequal elevation in α
2
δ-1 and Ca
V
1.2α
1
mRNA and protein in cerebral artery myocytes, with α
2
δ-1 increasing more than Ca
V
1.2α
1
. Other α
2
δ isoforms did not emerge in hypertension. Myocytes and arteries of hypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats displayed higher surface-localized α
2
δ-1 and Ca
V
1.2α
1
proteins, surface α
2
δ-1:Ca
V
1.2α
1
ratio, Ca
V
1.2 current density and noninactivating current, and pressure- and depolarization-induced vasoconstriction than those of Wistar-Kyoto controls. Pregabalin, an α
2
δ-1 ligand, did not alter α
2
δ-1 or Ca
V
1.2α
1
total protein but normalized α
2
δ-1 and Ca
V
1.2α
1
surface expression, surface α
2
δ-1:Ca
V
1.2α
1
, Ca
V
1.2 current density and inactivation, and vasoconstriction in myocytes and arteries of hypertensive rats to control levels. Genetic hypertension is associated with an elevation in α
2
δ-1 expression that promotes surface trafficking of Ca
V
1.2 channels in cerebral artery myocytes. This leads to an increase in Ca
V
1.2 current-density and a reduction in current inactivation that induces vasoconstriction. Data also suggest that α
2
δ-1 targeting is a novel strategy that may be used to reverse pathological Ca
V
1.2 channel trafficking to induce cerebrovascular dilation in hypertension.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway Activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC Phosphorylation Cascade in Hyperinsulinemic db/db Mice
Authors: Nishida Hidenori , Sohara Eisei , Nomura Naohiro , Chiga Motoko , Alessi Dario R. , Rai Tatemitsu , Sasaki Sei , Uchida Shinichi
Published: September 2012

Metabolic syndrome patients have insulin resistance, which causes hyperinsulinemia, which in turn causes aberrant increased renal sodium reabsorption. The precise mechanisms underlying this greater salt sensitivity of hyperinsulinemic patients remain unclear. Abnormal activation of the recently identified with-no-lysine kinase (WNK)-oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1)/STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)-NaCl cotransporter (NCC) phosphorylation cascade results in the salt-sensitive hypertension of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Here, we report a study of renal WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC cascade activation in the db/db mouse model of hyperinsulinemic metabolic syndrome. Thiazide sensitivity was increased, suggesting greater activity of NCC in db/db mice. In fact, increased phosphorylation of OSR1/SPAK and NCC was observed. In both Spak
T243A/+
and Osr1
T185A/+
knock-in db/db mice, which carry mutations that disrupt the signal from WNK kinases, increased phosphorylation of NCC and elevated blood pressure were completely corrected, indicating that phosphorylation of SPAK and OSR1 by WNK kinases is required for the increased activation and phosphorylation of NCC in this model. Renal phosphorylated Akt was increased in db/db mice, suggesting that increased NCC phosphorylation is regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade in the kidney in response to hyperinsulinemia. A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235) corrected the increased OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation. Another more specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (GDC-0941) and an Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) also inhibited increased NCC phosphorylation. These results indicate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in db/db mice. This mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in human hyperinsulinemic conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome.
How Are Household Economic Circumstances Affected After a Stroke? The Psychosocial Outcomes In StrokE (POISE) Study
Authors: Essue Beverley M. , Hackett Maree L. , Li Qiang , Glozier Nick , Lindley Richard , Jan Stephen
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is associated with severe economic consequences. This is the first study to investigate in younger survivors the household economic burden of stroke.

Methods—

A multicenter, 3-year prospective cohort study was conducted of younger (18–65 years) survivors in Australia. Pre- and poststroke patterns of income and hardship were evaluated and multivariable logistic regression identified the predictors of economic hardship after stroke.

Results—

Four hundred fourteen participants were followed up over 12 months after stroke. The variables that independently predicted economic hardship after stroke were: female (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.52–5.70), hazardous alcohol consumption (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.00–5.20), manual occupation (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.07–3.30), lack of health insurance (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.12–3.60), and prior hardship (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 2.12–7.29), whereas concessional status (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26–0.95) and more social contacts per week (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98–1.00) reduced hardship likelihood.

Conclusions—

Higher prestroke income did not buffer hardship after stroke nor did clinical, health service, or disability factors. Policies to reduce inequalities after stroke would be best aimed at socioeconomic targets.
Toward model-based control of non-linear hydraulic networks
Authors: Tahavori Maryamsadat , Jensen Tom Nørgaard , Kallesøe Carsten , Leth John , Wisniewski Rafael
Published: September 2012

Water leakage is an important component of water loss. Many methods have emerged from urban water supply systems (WSSs) for leakage control, but it still remains a challenge in many countries. Pressure management is an effective way to reduce the leakage in a system. It can also reduce the power consumption. To have a better understanding of leakage in WSSs, to control pressure and leakage effectively, and for optimal design of WSSs, suitable modeling is an important prerequisite. In this paper a model with the main objective of pressure control and consequently leakage reduction is presented. Following an analogy to electric circuits, first the mathematical expression for pressure drop over each component of the pipe network (WSS) such as pipes, pumps, valves and water towers is presented. Then the network model is derived based on the circuit theory and subsequently used for pressure management in the system. A suitable projection is used to reduce the state vector and to express the model in standard state-space form.
Permanent Secretaries, Consensus and Centrism in National Policymaking in Education – Sir David Hancock and the Reform Act 1988
Authors: Ribbins Peter , Sherratt Brian
Published: September 2012

This article seeks to clarify the place of policy studies in education in the meta-field that it terms LAMPS. It is argued that this canon of work has undervalued the merits of a humanistic approach and in doing so has tended to minimize the part played by people. To illustrate what might be possible, it reports on aspects of a longitudinal study, the first of its kind, that set out to examine, evaluate and categorize to what extent, and how, permanent secretaries influence policy. Based on recorded interviews with those who held this office at the DES between 1976 and 2002 and others (senior cabinet members, secretaries of state, junior ministers, special advisers) it argues that while the role of such senior civil servants can be described as ‘meta-political’ they do nevertheless influence policy in significant ways. As such it suggests that their praxis may be located on a continuum of ‘centrism’, five forms of which are identified. From this standpoint, much of the text represents a search for the architect/s of the Education Reform Act 1988 and in doing so focuses on the thinking and contribution of Sir David Hancock – its ‘principal project manager’.
Understanding School Leadership and Management Development in England
Authors: Simkins Tim
Published: September 2012

This article explores the ways in which leadership and management development (LMD) in England has been researched and analysed over the past 40 years. The article is in two parts. The first analyses the ways in which patterns of provision have evolved in response to changing conceptions of how the school system should be organized and how, consequently, the roles of those responsible for administering, managing and leading it should be constructed. This analysis shows how patterns of LMD provision have changed, with a slow but consistent movement from relatively limited and fragmented provision to one of the most centralized forms in the world. The second part broadens out the analysis, using as a framework three ‘perspectives’: the functionalist, the constructivist and the critical. It explores the literature on LMD, identifying areas of consensus or conflict, and suggesting where more work needs to be done. This includes more work from a variety of constructivist perspectives, especially on leader identity formation; more critical analysis of the content and processes of LMD; and more work on the ways in which power is distributed and used in LMD, especially at the ‘meso' level between the individual programme or activity and national policy.
Changing choices: disabled and chronically ill people’s experiences of reconsidering choices
Authors: Baxter Kate
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

To increase understanding of disabled and chronically ill people’s experiences of revisiting choices by considering events that prompted people to reconsider choices; what factors motivated them to act upon these events and what factors affected their experiences of revisiting choices.

Methods:

A sub-sample of 20 disabled and chronically ill people who took part in a qualitative, longitudinal study exploring choice-making in the context of changing circumstances. Each person was interviewed three times. Analysis focussed on choices that people had been prompted to revisit.

Results:

Most choices were about health or social care and were revisited within a year due to: changes in health or social circumstances; poorer than expected outcomes; and external interventions. People were motivated to make changes by a desire to maintain independence and control, but perceived short-term costs of decision-making could act as a deterrent. Experiences of revisiting choices were affected by help from other people and emotional strength.

Discussion:

Making and revisiting choices is complex; people need support to engage with the continual cycle of choice-making. People who instigate revisions of their own accord may be particularly vulnerable to lack of support.
Contemporary Imperialism and the Agrarian Question
Authors: Amin Samir
Published: September 2012

This article argues that the ongoing integration of the peasantry in the South into the monopoly-controlled global agro-food system can only produce mass marginalization and pauperization. On the basis of the global competitiveness promoted by the World Trade Organization (WTO), increases in productivity can only imply labour-saving technologies, without the possibility of absorbing the marginalized into other economic activities, or of outmigration, as was practised by the West in the course of its own industrialization. Thus, an alternative policy is necessary to maintain both peasant producers in the countryside and promote technological change at a rate consistent with non-rural, non-agricultural employment.
Interrupted Aortic Arch With Aortic Valve Atresia, Aorto-Pulmonary Window, Left Coronary Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula, and Cat Eye Syndrome
Authors: Ketchum Diana , Kailin Joshua , Boyd Bobbie , Border William
Published: September 2012

This case study describes a newborn male infant with cat eye syndrome, found to have a rare constellation of congenital defects, which included an interrupted aortic arch, type B2 (with aberrant right subclavian artery), aortic valve atresia, aorto-pulmonary window, left coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and a restrictive patent ductus arteriosus.
High molecular mass proteomics analyses of left ventricle from rats subjected to differential swimming training
Authors: Rocha Luiz A O , Petriz Bernardo A , Borges David H , Oliveira Ricardo J , de Andrade Rosangela V , Domont Gilberto B , Pereira Rinaldo W , Franco Octávio L
Published: September 2012

Background

Regular exercises are commonly described as an important factor in health improvement, being directly related to contractile force development in cardiac cells.

In order to evaluate the links between swimming exercise intensity and cardiac adaptation by using high molecular mass proteomics, isogenic Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control (CG) and three training groups (TG’s), with low, moderate and high intensity of exercises.

In order to evaluate the links between swimming exercise intensity and cardiac adaptation by using high molecular mass proteomics, isogenic Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control (CG) and three training groups (TG’s), with low, moderate and high intensity of exercises.

Results

Findings here reported demonstrated clear morphologic alterations, significant cellular injury and increased energy supplies at high exercise intensities. α-MyHC, as well proteins associated with mitochondrial oxidative metabolism were shown to be improved. α-MyHC expression increase 1.2 fold in high intensity training group when compared with control group. α-MyHC was also evaluated by real-time PCR showing a clear expression correlation with protein synthesis data increase in 8.48 fold in high intensity training group. Other myofibrillar protein, troponin , appear only in high intensity group, corroborating the cellular injury data. High molecular masses proteins such as MRS2 and NADH dehydrogenase, involved in metabolic pathways also demonstrate increase expression, respectily 1.5 and 1.3 fold, in response to high intensity exercise.

Conclusions

High intensity exercise demonstrated an increase expression in some high molecular masses myofibrilar proteins, α-MyHC and troponin. Furthermore this intensity also lead a significant increase of other high molecular masses proteins such as MRS2 and NADH dehydrogenase in comparison to low and moderate intensities. However, high intensity exercise also represented a significant degree of cellular injury, when compared with the individuals submitted to low and moderate intensities.
Optimization of flow cytometric detection and cell sorting of transgenic Plasmodium parasites using interchangeable optical filters
Authors: Vorobjev Ivan A , Buchholz Kathrin , Prabhat Prashant , Ketman Kenneth , Egan Elizabeth S , Marti Matthias , Duraisingh Manoj T , Barteneva Natasha S
Published: September 2012

Background

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Flow cytometry-based assays that take advantage of fluorescent protein (FP)-expressing malaria parasites have proven to be valuable tools for quantification and sorting of specific subpopulations of parasite-infected red blood cells. However, identification of rare subpopulations of parasites using green fluorescent protein (GFP) labelling is complicated by autofluorescence (AF) of red blood cells and low signal from transgenic parasites. It has been suggested that cell sorting yield could be improved by using filters that precisely match the emission spectrum of GFP.

Methods

Detection of transgenic Plasmodium falciparum parasites expressing either tdTomato or GFP was performed using a flow cytometer with interchangeable optical filters. Parasitaemia was evaluated using different optical filters and, after optimization of optics, the GFP-expressing parasites were sorted and analysed by microscopy after cytospin preparation and by imaging cytometry.

Results

A new approach to evaluate filter performance in flow cytometry using two-dimensional dot blot was developed. By selecting optical filters with narrow bandpass (BP) and maximum position of filter emission close to GFP maximum emission in the FL1 channel (510/20, 512/20 and 517/20; dichroics 502LP and 466LP), AF was markedly decreased and signal-background improve dramatically. Sorting of GFP-expressing parasite populations in infected red blood cells at 90 or 95% purity with these filters resulted in 50-150% increased yield when compared to the standard filter set-up. The purity of the sorted population was confirmed using imaging cytometry and microscopy of cytospin preparations of sorted red blood cells infected with transgenic malaria parasites.

Discussion

Filter optimization is particularly important for applications where the FP signal and percentage of positive events are relatively low, such as analysis of parasite-infected samples with in the intention of gene-expression profiling and analysis. The approach outlined here results in substantially improved yield of GFP-expressing parasites, and requires decreased sorting time in comparison to standard methods. It is anticipated that this protocol will be useful for a wide range of applications involving rare events.
Steroidogenic and maturation-inducing potency of native gonadotropic hormones in female chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus
Authors: Ohga Hirofumi , Kaneko Kensuke , Shimizu Akio , Kitano Hajime , Selvaraj Sethu , Nyuji Mitsuo , Adachi Hayato , Yamaguchi Akihiko , Matsuyama Michiya
Published: September 2012

Background

The gonadotropins (GtHs), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are produced in the pituitary gland and regulates gametogenesis through production of gonadal steroids. However, respective roles of two GtHs in the teleosts are still incompletely characterized due to technical difficulties in the purification of native GtHs.

Methods

Native FSH and LH were purified from the pituitaries of adult chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus by anion-exchange chromatography and immunoblotting using specific antisera. The steroidogenic potency of the intact chub mackerel FSH (cmFSH) and LH (cmLH) were evaluated in mid- and late-vitellogenic stage follicles by measuring the level of gonadal steroids, estradiol-17beta (Ε2) and 17,20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20beta-P). In addition, we evaluated the maturation-inducing potency of the GtHs on same stage follicles.

Results

Both cmFSH and cmLH significantly stimulated E2 production in mid-vitellogenic stage follicles. In contrast, only LH significantly stimulated the production of 17,20beta-P in late-vitellogenic stage follicles. Similarly, cmLH induced final oocyte maturation (FOM) in late-vitellogenic stage follicles.

Conclusions

Present results indicate that both FSH and LH may regulate vitellogenic processes, whereas only LH initiates FOM in chub mackerel.
Verify level control criteria for multi-level cell flash memories and their applications
Authors: Kim Yongjune , Kim Jaehong , Kong Jun Jin , K Vijaya Kumar B V , Li Xin
Published: September 2012

In 1
M-bit/cell multi-level cell (MLC) flash memories, it is more difficult to guarantee the reliability of data as M increases. The reason is that an M-bit/cell MLC has 2
M
states whereas a single-level cell (SLC) has only two states. Hence, compared to SLC, the margin of MLC is reduced, thereby making it sensitive to a number of degradation mechanisms such as cell-to-cell interference and charge leakage. In flash memories, distances between 2
M
states can be controlled by adjusting verify levels during incremental step pulse programming (ISPP). For high data reliability, the control of verify levels in ISPP is important because the bit error rate (BER) will be affected significantly by verify levels. As M increases, the verify level control will be more important and complex. In this article, we investigate two verify level control criteria for MLC flash memories. The first criterion is to minimize the overall BER and the second criterion is to make page BERs equal. The choice between these criteria relates to flash memory architecture, bits per cell, reliability, and speed performance. Considering these factors, we will discuss the strategy of verify level control in the hybrid solid state drives (SSD) which are composed of flash memories with different number of bits per cell.
Unusual death due to a bleeding from a varicose vein: a case report
Authors: Fragkouli Kleio , Mitselou Antigoni , Boumba Vassiliki A , Siozios George , Vougiouklakis George T , Vougiouklakis Theodore
Published: September 2012

Background

Varicose veins are a common entity presenting a worldwide distribution. Although they are usually benign, sometimes are proved to be a threatening condition. Massive hemorrhage is an unusual complication of this common venous pathology that demands immediate medical intervention.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 66-year-old woman found dead in her house surrounded by a large quantity of blood. Autopsy revealed a 7 mm ulcer on the internal surface of the left lower leg communicating with a varicose vein, signs of exsanguinations and liver cirrhosis. Toxicological analysis was negative.

Conclusion

Massive hemorrhage from a ruptured varicosity is a severe medical emergency. Awareness of the risk of massive hemorrhage may provoke preventive treatment to be undertaken so as terminal loss of consciousness and a subsequent unattended death to be averted.
Advance Demand Information, Price Discrimination, and Preorder Strategies
Authors: Li Cuihong , Zhang Fuqiang
Published: September 2012

This paper studies the preorder strategy that a seller may use to sell a perishable product in an uncertain market with heterogeneous consumers. By accepting preorders, the seller is able to obtain advance demand information for inventory planning and price discriminate the consumers. Given the preorder option, the consumers react strategically by optimizing the timing of purchase. We find that accurate demand information may improve the availability of the product, which undermines the seller's ability to charge a high preorder price. As a result, advance demand information may hurt the seller's profit due to its negative impact for the preorder season. This cautions the seller about a potential conflict between the benefits of advance demand information and price discrimination when facing strategic consumers. A common practice to contain consumers' strategic waiting is to offer price guarantees that compensate preorder consumers in case of a later price cut. Under price guarantees, the seller will reduce price in the regular season only if the preorder demand is low; however, such advance information implies weak demand in the regular season as well. This means that the seller can no longer benefit from a high demand in the regular season. Therefore, under price guarantees, more accurate advance demand information may still hurt the seller's profit due to its adverse impact for the regular season. We also investigate the seller's strategy choice in such a setting (i.e., whether the preorder option should be offered and whether it should be coupled with price guarantees) and find that the answer depends on the relative sizes of the heterogeneous consumer segments.
Mineralogical and Physico-Chemical Characterizations of Ferruginous Beidellite-Rich Clay from Agadir Basin (Morocco)
Authors: Bouna L. , Rhouta B. , Daoudi L. , Maury F. , Amjoud M. , Senocq F. , Lafont M. C. , Jada A. , Aït Aghzzaf A.
Published: September 2012

The mechanism of formation of detrital, beidellite-rich clay occurring in the Agadir basin (Morocco) is well documented, but its detailed characterization is incomplete which limits its application. The aim of the present study was to provide further details of the mineralogical and physico-chemical characteristics of this clay. Bulk raw clay and its Na+-saturated, <2 μm fraction were characterized using chemical, structural, and thermal techniques. Measurements of induced streaming potential (e.g. particle charge) and of specific surface area and porous volume are reported. The raw clay contained carbonate and quartz as associated minerals along with phyllosilicates (<2 μm particle size). X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the <2 μm fraction was dominated by a dioctahedral smectite. Because dehydroxylation of this mineral occurred at 510°C, and because it re-expanded in ethylene glycol after Li+-saturation followed by heating at 240°C for 24 h, the mineral was shown to be a beidellite rather than montmorillonite. This assertion was further supported by 27Al and 29Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showing predominantly negative charges in the tetrahedral sheets due to notable Al-for-Si substitutions. The chemical composition of the <2 μm fraction showed an Fe2O3 content which was ~7.52 wt.% greater than those of other beidellite occurrences but not so much that it would be identified as a nontronite. The absence of stretching and bending absorption bands corresponding to characteristic (Fe2OH) units in mid-infrared spectra and their corresponding fundamental overtones or combination bands in near-infrared spectra supported this notion. The structural formula of the beidellite in the present study was determined to be (Si7.51Al0.49)(Al2.99Fe0.68Mg0.33) (Ca0.03Na0.54Mg0.11)O20(OH)4, having dioctahedral ferruginous characteristics with almost 60% of the negative charge found in tetrahedral sheets. The cation exchange capacity determined from the structural formula was ~108 meq/100 g. The specific surface area and total pore volume were ~82.2 m2/g and 0.136 cm3/g, respectively. Interestingly, a detrital rather than a hydrothermal-alteration origin, as reported for other beidellite occurrences, explains its natural abundance and emphasizes the great interest in it.
The Presynaptic Active Zone Protein RIM1α Controls Epileptogenesis following Status Epilepticus
Authors: Pitsch Julika , Opitz Thoralf , Borm Verena , Woitecki Anne , Staniek Matthäus , Beck Heinz , Becker Albert J. , Schoch Susanne
Published: September 2012

To ensure operation of synaptic transmission within an appropriate dynamic range, neurons have evolved mechanisms of activity-dependent plasticity, including changes in presynaptic efficacy. The multidomain protein RIM1α is an integral component of the cytomatrix at the presynaptic active zone and has emerged as key mediator of presynaptically expressed forms of synaptic plasticity. We have therefore addressed the role of RIM1α in aberrant cellular plasticity and structural reorganization after an episode of synchronous neuronal activity pharmacologically inducedin vivo[status epilepticus (SE)]. Post-SE, all animals developed spontaneous seizure events, but their frequency was dramatically increased in RIM1α-deficient mice (RIM1α−/−). We found that in wild-type mice (RIM1α+/+) SE caused an increase in paired-pulse facilitation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus to the level observed inRIM1α−/−mice before SE. In contrast, this form of short-term plasticity was not further enhanced in RIM1α-deficient mice after SE. Intriguingly,RIM1α−/−mice showed a unique pattern of selective hilar cell loss (i.e., endfolium sclerosis), which so far has not been observed in a genetic epilepsy animal model, as well as less severe astrogliosis and attenuated mossy fiber sprouting. These findings indicate that the decrease in release probability and altered short- and long-term plasticity as present inRIM1α−/−mice result in the formation of a hyperexcitable network but act in part neuroprotectively with regard to neuropathological alterations associated with epileptogenesis. In summary, our results suggest that presynaptic plasticity and proper function of RIM1α play an important part in a neuron's adaptive response to aberrant electrical activity.
Reward Cues in Space: Commonalities and Differences in Neural Coding by Hippocampal and Ventral Striatal Ensembles
Authors: Lansink Carien S. , Jackson Jadin C. , Lankelma Jan V. , Ito Rutsuko , Robbins Trevor W. , Everitt Barry J. , Pennartz Cyriel M.A.
Published: September 2012

Forming place-reward associations critically depends on the integrity of the hippocampal–ventral striatal system. The ventral striatum (VS) receives a strong hippocampal input conveying spatial-contextual information, but it is unclear how this structure integrates this information to invigorate reward-directed behavior. Neuronal ensembles in rat hippocampus (HC) and VS were simultaneously recorded during a conditioning task in which navigation depended on path integration. In contrast to HC, ventral striatal neurons showed low spatial selectivity, but rather coded behavioral task phases toward reaching goal sites. Outcome-predicting cues induced a remapping of firing patterns in the HC, consistent with its role in episodic memory. VS remapped in conjunction with the HC, indicating that remapping can take place in multiple brain regions engaged in the same task. Subsets of ventral striatal neurons showed a “flip” from high activity when cue lights were illuminated to low activity in intertrial intervals, or vice versa. The cues induced an increase in spatial information transmission and sparsity in both structures. These effects were paralleled by an enhanced temporal specificity of ensemble coding and a more accurate reconstruction of the animal's position from population firing patterns. Altogether, the results reveal strong differences in spatial processing between hippocampal area CA1 and VS, but indicate similarities in how discrete cues impact on this processing.