bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Artesunate for Transfusion-Transmitted Plasmodium vivax Malaria in a Preterm Neonate
Authors: Prashanth Gowda Parameshwar , Maralihalli Mahesh B. , Bagalkot Praveen S. , Joshi Suhas N.
Published: August 2012

Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) in neonates is rare. TTM can occur in both endemic and nonendemic areas because the current tests used to screen the donor blood for malaria are unreliable when there is low parasitemia. Malaria must be considered as an important differential diagnosis for neonatal sepsis after exchange transfusion. Management strategy in TTM in the neonatal period is not standardized; exchange transfusion is often considered. We used intravenous artesunate in a case of severe malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax in a 30-week preterm neonate after packed red blood cell transfusion on day 19 of life. This is the first clinical report of parenteral artesunate successfully used in the neonatal period. We emphasize the need for further investigation of the safety and efficacy of intravenous artesunate in the treatment of severe neonatal malaria.
An Evaluation of Mother-Centered Anticipatory Guidance to Reduce Obesogenic Infant Feeding Behaviors
Authors: French Gina M. , Nicholson Lisa , Skybo Theresa , Klein Elizabeth G. , Schwirian Patricia M. , Murray-Johnson Lisa , Sternstein Amy , Eneli Ihuoma , Boettner Beth , Groner Judith A.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of 2 anticipatory guidance styles (maternal focused [MOMS] and infant focused [Ounce of Prevention]) directed at mothers of infants aged newborn to 6 months on their infant feeding behaviors at 1 year compared with routine advice as outlined in Bright Futures (BF).

METHODS:

This is a cluster randomized trial. A total of 292 mother/infant dyads were enrolled at their first well-child visit to 3 urban pediatric clinics in Columbus, Ohio. Intervention-specific brief advice and 1-page handouts were given at each well visit. In addition to infant weights and lengths, surveys about eating habits and infant feeding practices were completed at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS:

Baseline data revealed a group with high rates of maternal overweight (62%) and obesogenic habits. At 12 months, the maternal-focused group gave their infants less juice (8.97 oz vs 14.37 oz, P < .05), and more daily servings of fruit (1.40 vs 0.94, P < .05) and vegetables (1.41 vs 1.03, P < .05) compared with BF mothers. Ounce of Prevention mothers also gave less juice (9.3 oz, P < .05) and more fruit servings (1.26 P < .05) than BF.

CONCLUSIONS:

Brief specific interventions added to well-child care may affect obesogenic infant feeding behaviors of mothers and deserves further study as an inexpensive approach to preventing childhood obesity.
Weight Status Among Adolescents in States That Govern Competitive Food Nutrition Content
Authors: Taber Daniel R. , Chriqui Jamie F. , Perna Frank M. , Powell Lisa M. , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if state laws regulating nutrition content of foods and beverages sold outside of federal school meal programs (“competitive foods”) are associated with lower adolescent weight gain.

METHODS:

The Westlaw legal database identified state competitive food laws that were scored by using the Classification of Laws Associated with School Students criteria. States were classified as having strong, weak, or no competitive food laws in 2003 and 2006 based on law strength and comprehensiveness. Objective height and weight data were obtained from 6300 students in 40 states in fifth and eighth grade (2004 and 2007, respectively) within the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class. General linear models estimated the association between baseline state laws (2003) and within-student changes in BMI, overweight status, and obesity status. Fixed-effect models estimated the association between law changes during follow-up (2003–2006) and within-student changes in BMI and weight status.

RESULTS:

Students exposed to strong laws at baseline gained, on average, 0.25 fewer BMI units (95% confidence interval: −0.54, 0.03) and were less likely to remain overweight or obese over time than students in states with no laws. Students also gained fewer BMI units if exposed to consistently strong laws throughout follow-up (β = −0.44, 95% confidence interval: −0.71, −0.18). Conversely, students exposed to weaker laws in 2006 than 2003 had similar BMI gain as those not exposed in either year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laws that regulate competitive food nutrition content may reduce adolescent BMI change if they are comprehensive, contain strong language, and are enacted across grade levels.
Decreased Pediatric Hospital Mortality After an Intervention to Improve Emergency Care in Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Robison Jeff A. , Ahmad Zahida P. , Nosek Carl A. , Durand Charlotte , Namathanga Annie , Milazi Robert , Thomas Ann , Soprano Joyce V. , Mwansambo Charles , Kazembe Peter N. , Torrey Susan B.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Emergently ill infants and children are often inadequately recognized and stabilized by health care facilities in the developing world. This deficiency contributes to high inpatient mortality rates, particularly early during hospitalization. Our referral hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, experiences high volume, acuity, and mortality rates. The entry point to our hospital for most children presenting with acute illness is the Under-5 Clinic. We hypothesized that early inpatient mortality and total inpatient mortality rates would decrease with an intervention to prioritize and improve pediatric emergency care at our hospital.

METHODS:

We implemented the following changes as part of our intervention: (1) reallocation of senior-level clinical support from other areas of the hospital to the Under-5 Clinic for supervision of emergency care, (2) institution of a formal triage process that improved patient flow, and (3) treatment and stabilization of patients before transfer to the inpatient ward. We compared early inpatient and total inpatient mortality rates before and after the intervention.

RESULTS:

After the intervention, early mortality decreased from 47.6 to 37.9 deaths per 1000 admissions (relative risk 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.93). Total mortality also decreased from 80.5 to 70.5 deaths per 1000 admissions after the intervention (relative risk 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.98).

CONCLUSIONS:

Simple, inexpensive interventions to improve pediatric emergency care at this underresourced hospital in sub-Saharan Africa were associated with decreased hospital mortality rates. The description of this process and the associated results may influence practice and resource allocation strategies in similar clinical environments.
Quality of life of osteoporotic patients attending rheumatology rehabilitation in-patient units
Authors: Sallai Julianna Rozália , Héjj Gábor , †Ratkó István , Hunka Aniella , Márkus Ilona , Ortutay Judit , Ormos Gábor , Ujfalussy Andor , Szekeres László , Insperger Antal , Varjú Tibor , Bálint Géza
Published: August 2012

There has been no report on demographic, social and quality of life data of osteoporotic patients attending rheumatology rehabilitation in-patient units in Hungary. Aim: The authors analyzed the data of osteoporotic patients treated in rheumatology rehabilitation departments as in-patients in four hospitals in Hungary. Methods: Demographic and social data were obtained by using a questionnaire developed by the authors, and quality of life was assessed with the use of the SF-36 questionnaire. The quality of life data of osteoporotic patients were compared to that obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthrosis and chronic low back pain who were treated in the same department at the same time. Results: Of the 253 patients who were asked to participate in the study, 211 patients filled out the questionnaires. 25.6% of the patients were male. 58% of the patients were younger than 60 years of age, and 40% of them were heavy physical workers earlier. More than 50% of the patients did not complete secondary school education, and only 6.7% of the patients had a per capita monthly income higher than 100 000 HUF. The quality of life of the osteoporotic patients assessed by SF-36 scored 34.7, which was significantly lower than that of the mean of the Hungarian population scoring 70–90. The SF-36 scores of osteoporotic patients were lower in all domains compared to the scores of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and low back pain, although the difference was significant only in the domain of physical activity. The affective role of patients with osteoporosis was significantly lower than those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Osteoporotic patients attending in-patient rheumatology in-patient rehabilitation units in Hungary have poor quality of life comparable, even worse than that found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1314–1319.
Contribution of Conformationally Constrained Calcitonin (Ct) Analogs to the Understanding of the Structural and Conformational Requirements of Calcitonin Bioactivity and to the Design of Potent Agonists
Authors: Kapurniotu Aphrodite
Published: August 2012

Restricting the conformational flexibility of medium-sized linear polypeptides is a valuable approach to identify and characterize the structural and conformational features that define their biological activities and to design analogs with enhanced agonistic or antagonistic properties and with potential therapeutic applications. The calcium-regulating and bone resorption-inhibiting hormone calcitonin (Ct) is a conformationally flexible polypeptide of 32 amino acid residues that has long been applied therapeutically for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone disorder diseases. This review describes studies on the structural and conformational features of the Ct sequence that are relevant for Ct bioactivity and focuses on research work performed on rationally designed conformationally constrained Ct analogs as tools for the understanding of the molecular basis of Ct bioactivity and as potential candidates or lead structures for novel Ct-based bone disorder therapeutics.
Exploring Ramachandran and Chi Space: Conformationally Constrained Amino Acids and Peptides in the Design of Bioactive Polypeptide Ligands
Authors: Cowell S. M. , Lee Y. S. , Cain J. P. , Hruby V. J.
Published: August 2012

Ligand binding and concomitant changes in receptor structure provide the means to target signal transduction pathways. With appropriate refinement of the ligands interaction with the “receptor,” one in theory could produce ligands that have greater therapeutic benefits. This review will discuss how, when these ligands are amino acids and peptides, the introduction of appropriate conformational constraints provides a powerful strategy for improved drug design. This review will discuss how various constraints on amino acids can provide a powerful tool for ligand design, determination of the three dimensional pharmacophore and new insights into receptor systems and information transduction. Through the use of constrained ligands, new information regarding their interaction with their “receptor” systems, and further refinement of the use of constraints, scientists can produce more beneficial drugs for mankind.
Emerging Therapeutic Targets and Agents for Glioblastoma Migrating Cells
Authors: Di Chunhui , K. Mattox Austin , Harward Stephen , Adamson Cory
Published: August 2012

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and most aggressive types of primary brain tumors in humans. Even with aggressive surgical resections using state of the art preoperative and intraoperative neuroimaging, along with the most recent techniques in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for GBM patients remains dismal. Survival after diagnosis is about 12-14 months. The tumor cells which already have migrated into normal brain tissue beyond the surgical resection margin account for the inability to effectively treat this tumor. Understanding how to control the migration of GBM cells is paramount to future therapies. In this review, we will focus on the emerging targets and agents which are being exploited to inhibit the migration of glioma cells in GBM.
Antimetastatic Activities and Mechanisms of Bisdioxopiperazine Compounds
Authors: Lu Da-Yong , Lu Ting-Ren
Published: August 2012

Bisdioxopiperazine (Biz) compounds, including ICRF-154 and razoxane (ICRF-159, Raz), are anticancer agents developed in the UK specifically targeting tumor metastases. Further three bisdioxopiperazine derivatives, bimolane (Bim), probimane (Pro) and MST- 16, have been synthesized at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China after 1980. Since metastases, the prevailing deadliest pathologic feature of cancer in clinics, have been the main obstacle in cancer therapy, antimetastatic effects and mechanisms of Biz compounds are interesting and significant topics of all time for researchers undergoing the investigations of metastases biology, treatments and patho-physiology. This review addresses and highlights the different inhibitions against metastases in vivo and molecular mechanisms in vitro of Biz compounds especially relating to the inhibitions of tumor metastasis including pathways of inhibitions against angiogenesis, topoisomerase II, calmodulin, sialic acid, fibrinogen, cell-movement and so on. We argue hererin that the systematic exploration of antimetastatic activity and mechanisms of Biz compounds seems to be a shortcut for a final solution of cancer therapy in the future.
Updates of mTOR Inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Luo Yan , Huang Shile
Published: August 2012

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central controller of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and angiogenesis. mTOR signaling is often dysregulated in various human diseases and thus attracts great interest in developing drugs that target mTOR. Currently it is known that mTOR functions as two complexes, mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2). Rapamycin and its analogs (all termed rapalogs) first form a complex with the intracellular receptor FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) and then bind a domain separated from the catalytic site of mTOR, blocking mTOR function. Rapalogs are selective for mTORC1 and effective as anticancer agents in various preclinical models. In clinical trials, rapalogs have demonstrated efficacy against certain types of cancer. Recently, a new generation of mTOR inhibitors, which compete with ATP in the catalytic site of mTOR and inhibit both mTORC1 and mTORC2 with a high degree of selectivity, have been developed. Besides, some natural products, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), caffeine, curcumin and resveratrol, have been found to inhibit mTOR as well. Here, we summarize the current findings regarding mTOR signaling pathway and review the updated data about mTOR inhibitors as anticancer agents.
Discovery of Allosteric Inhibitors of Kinesin Spindle Protein (KSP) for the Treatment of Taxane-Refractory Cancer: MK-0731 and Analogs
Authors: D. Cox Christopher , M. Garbaccio Robert
Published: August 2012

Current cancer chemotherapy relies heavily on cytotoxic agents, such as the taxanes and Vinca alkaloids, that interfere with the cellular machinery required for cell division and divert the cell down a pathway of programmed cell death. These antimitotic agents, or spindle poisons, target the mitotic spindle by binding to tubulin, a protein required not only for mitosis but also for structural integrity and proper function of healthy, terminally differentiated cells. To avoid side effects attributed to this nonselective mechanism of action, new targets in the mitotic pathway that act only in dividing cells were sought and a leading candidate to emerge from these efforts was kinesin spindle protein (KSP or HsEg5). KSP is a molecular motor protein that is expressed only during mitosis and controls the formation of a functional mitotic spindle. Inhibition of KSP causes mitotic arrest followed by cell death in malignant cells and thus has the potential to become a novel chemotherapeutic strategy with the potential for reduced toxicity. This article summarizes efforts carried out at Merck to discover potent, selective and water soluble KSP inhibitors that culminated in the discovery of MK-0731, the second KSP inhibitor to enter clinical trials. Of special focus in this article is how an HTS lead was optimized in apparently divergent directions, but these disparate leads converged in the design of compounds that overcame P-glycoprotein efflux and hERG channel activity, two issues that required considerable optimization within our program.
Cell Biological Manifestations of Bisdioxopiperazines: Treatment of Human Tumor Cell Lines in Culture
Authors: Lu Da-Yong , Lu Ding-Ren , Ding Jian
Published: August 2012

British developed Bisdioxopiperazine compound (Biz compounds) {ICRF-159 or ICRF-187 (razoxane, Raz)} which was the first agent ever to be observed inhibiting and controlling the spontaneous pulmonary metastases of murine Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumor model worldwide. Since 1980, two new Biz compounds {probimane (Pro, AT-2153, MST-2) and MST-16} have been synthesized at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PR China, based on structural modifications from British developed Biz compounds. Despite some similarities and differences of structural and pharmacological activities observed between Raz, Pro and MST-16, the systematic comparisons of their pharmacological activities and mechanisms, especially on neoplasm metastases, are still much needed. This work demonstrates that Biz compounds may inhibit tumor cell migration in vitro through a Matrigel-Coated Transwell plate assay and a wound-healing assay by using three human mammary tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-468). Pro, ICRF-187 and MST-16 affect the network of actin assembly. We conclude that Biz compounds might inhibit neoplasm metastases via affecting a cascade of GTPases, cell skeleton polarizations and cell movements.
Quantile estimation for the generalized pareto distribution with application to finance
Authors: Jockovic Jelena
Published: August 2012

Generalized Pareto distributions (GPD) are widely used for modeling excesses
over high thresholds (within the framework of the POT-approach to modeling
extremes). The aim of the paper is to give the review of the classical
techniques for estimating GPD quantiles, and to apply these methods in
finance - to estimate the Value-at-Risk (VaR) parameter, and discuss certain
difficulties related to this subject.
Fuzzy economic order quantity model with ranking fuzzy number cost parameters
Authors: Mandal Nirmal
Published: August 2012

In this paper, a multi-objective economic order quantity model with shortages
and demand dependent unit cost under storage space constraint is formulated.
In real life situation, the objective and constraint goals and cost
parameters are not precisely defined. These are defined in fuzzy
environment. The cost parameters are represented here as triangular shaped
fuzzy numbers with different types of left and right branch membership
functions. The fuzzy numbers are then expressed as ranking fuzzy numbers
with best approximation interval. Geometric programming approach is applied
to derive the optimal decisions in closed form. The inventory problem
without shortages is discussed as a special case of the original problem. A
numerical illustration is given to support the problem.
Do Going Concern Audit Reports Protect Auditors from Litigation? A Simultaneous Equations Approach
Authors: Kaplan Steven E. , Williams David D.
Published: August 2012

Audit researchers have a long-standing interest in understanding whether issuing a going concern report to financially stressed clients protects auditors from litigation. An endogeneity issue arises, in that litigation risk affects the going concern decision and the going concern decision impacts auditor litigation risk. Using a simultaneous equations approach, we find a significant positive association between auditors' ex ante litigation risk and going concern reporting. By applying simultaneous equations, we also find a significant negative association between going concern reporting and auditor litigation, suggesting that auditors deter lawsuits by issuing going concern reports to their financially stressed clients. Our research further provides a more rigorous analysis of the relation between going concern reporting and lawsuit outcomes in the form of auditor litigation dismissals, small settlement amounts, and large settlement amounts. Our results indicate that when auditors are named in lawsuits, having issued a going concern report reduces the likelihood of large financial settlements.

Data Availability: The data used in this study are publicly available through sources identified in the study.
Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography and periapical radiography for detecting simulated apical root resorption
Authors: Ren Hongyu , Chen Jun , Deng Feng , Zheng Leilei , Liu Xiong , Dong Yanling
Published: August 2012

Objective:

To compare the diagnostic accuracy between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical radiography for detecting simulated external apical root resorption (EARR) in vitro.

Materials and Methods:

The study sample consisted of 160 single-rooted premolar teeth for simulating EARR of varying degrees according to four setups: no (intact teeth), mild (cavity of 1.0 mm in diameter and depth on root surface), moderate (0.4 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.2 mm, and 1.6 mm root shortening), and severe (2.4 mm, 2.8 mm, 3.2 mm, and 3.6 mm root shortening). Two groups of radiographic images were obtained via CBCT and periapical radiography. The absence or presence and the severity for all resorption lesions were evaluated blindly by two calibrated observers.

Results:

With the CBCT method, the rates of correct classification of no, mild, moderate, and severe EARR were 96.3%, 98.8%, 41.3%, and 87.5%, respectively; with the periapical radiography method, the rates were 82.5%, 41.3%, 68.8%, and 92.5%, respectively. Highly significant differences were found between the two imaging methods for detection of mild (P < .001), moderate (P < .001), and all EARR (P < .001). For detection of all EARR, the sensitivity and specificity values were 75.8% and 96.3% for CBCT, compared with 67.5% and 82.5% for periapical radiography.

Conclusion:

CBCT is a reliable diagnostic tool to detect simulated EARR, whereas periapical radiography underestimates it. However, if a periapical radiograph is already available to the diagnosis of EARR, CBCT should be used with extreme caution to avoid additional radiation exposure.
Vegfa Protects the Glomerular Microvasculature in Diabetes
Authors: Sivaskandarajah Gavasker A. , Jeansson Marie , Maezawa Yoshiro , Eremina Vera , Baelde Hans J. , Quaggin Susan E.
Published: August 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression is increased in glomeruli in the context of diabetes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this upregulation of VEGFA protects the glomerular microvasculature in diabetes and that therefore inhibition of VEGFA will accelerate nephropathy. To determine the role of glomerular Vegfa in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy, we used an inducible Cre-loxP gene-targeting system that enabled genetic deletion of Vegfa selectively from glomerular podocytes of wild-type or diabetic mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced in mice using streptozotocin (STZ). We then assessed the extent of glomerular dysfunction by measuring proteinuria, glomerular pathology, and glomerular cell apoptosis. Vegfa expression increased in podocytes in the STZ model of diabetes. After 7 weeks of diabetes, diabetic mice lacking Vegfa in podocytes exhibited significantly greater proteinuria with profound glomerular scarring and increased apoptosis compared with control mice with diabetes or Vegfa deletion without diabetes. Reduced local production of glomerular Vegfa in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes promotes endothelial injury accelerating the progression of glomerular injury. These results suggest that upregulation of VEGFA in diabetic kidneys protects the microvasculature from injury and that reduction of VEGFA in diabetes may be harmful.
Evidence That Hyperglycemia After Recovery From Hypoglycemia Worsens Endothelial Function and Increases Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Healthy Control Subjects and Subjects With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Novials Anna , Ortega Emilio , La Sala Lucia , Pujadas Gemma , Testa Roberto , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Esposito Katherine , Giugliano Dario
Published: August 2012

Currently there is debate on whether hypoglycemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, but little attention has been paid to the effects of recovery from hypoglycemia. In normal control individuals and in people with type 1 diabetes, recovery from a 2-h induced hypoglycemia was obtained by reaching normoglycemia or hyperglycemia for another 2 h and then maintaining normal glycemia for the following 6 h. Hyperglycemia after hypoglycemia was also repeated with the concomitant infusion of vitamin C. Recovery with normoglycemia is accompanied by a significant improvement in endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which are affected by hypoglycemia; however, a period of hyperglycemia after hypoglycemia worsens all of these parameters, an effect that persists even after the additional 6 h of normoglycemia. This effect is partially counterbalanced when hyperglycemia after hypoglycemia is accompanied by the simultaneous infusion of vitamin C, suggesting that when hyperglycemia follows hypoglycemia, an ischemia–reperfusion-like effect is produced. This study shows that the way in which recovery from hypoglycemia takes place in people with type 1 diabetes could play an important role in favoring the appearance of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, widely recognized cardiovascular risk factors.
Thalamic Activation During Slightly Subphysiological Glycemia in Humans
Authors: Arbeláez Ana María , Rutlin Jerrel R. , Hershey Tamara , Powers William J. , Videen Tom O. , Cryer Philip E.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

The central nervous system mechanisms of defenses against falling plasma glucose concentrations, and how they go awry and result in iatrogenic hypoglycemia in diabetes, are not known. Hypoglycemic plasma glucose concentrations of 55 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) cause symptoms, activate glucose counterregulatory systems, and increase synaptic activity in a network of brain regions including the dorsal midline thalamus in humans. We tested the hypothesis that slightly subphysiological plasma glucose concentrations of 65 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L), which do not cause symptoms but do activate glucose counterregulatory systems, also activate brain synaptic activities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), an index of synaptic activity, in predefined brain regions with [15O]water positron emission tomography, symptoms, and plasma epinephrine and glucagon concentrations during a 2-h euglycemic (90 mg/dL) to hypoglycemic (55 mg/dL) clamp (n = 20) or a 2-h euglycemic to slight subphysiological (65 mg/dL) clamp (n = 9) in healthy humans.

RESULTS

Clamped plasma glucose concentrations of 65 mg/dL did not cause hypoglycemic symptoms, but raised plasma epinephrine and glucagon concentrations and increased rCBF (P = 0.007) only in the dorsal midline thalamus.

CONCLUSIONS

Slightly subphysiological plasma glucose concentrations increase synaptic activity in the dorsal midline thalamus in humans.
Ancestral Effect on HOMA-IR Levels Quantitated in an American Population of Mexican Origin
Authors: Qu Hui-Qi , Li Quan , Lu Yang , Hanis Craig L. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , McCormick Joseph B.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

An elevated insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) is more commonly seen in the Mexican American population than in European populations. We report quantitative ancestral effects within a Mexican American population, and we correlate ancestral components with HOMA-IR.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed ancestral analysis in 1,551 participants of the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort by genotyping 103 ancestry-informative markers (AIMs). These AIMs allow determination of the percentage (0–100%) ancestry from three major continental populations, i.e., European, African, and Amerindian.

RESULTS

We observed that predominantly Amerindian ancestral components were associated with increased HOMA-IR (β = 0.124, P = 1.64 × 10−7). The correlation was more significant in males (Amerindian β = 0.165, P = 5.08 × 10−7) than in females (Amerindian β = 0.079, P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

This unique study design demonstrates how genomic markers for quantitative ancestral information can be used in admixed populations to predict phenotypic traits such as insulin resistance.
Dynamic instability — A common denominator in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA segregation and cell division
Authors: Fuesler John , Li Hsin-Jung
Published: August 2012

Dynamic instability is an essential phenomenon in eukaryotic nuclear division and prokaryotic plasmid R1 segregation. Although the molecular machines used in both systems differ greatly in composition, strong similarities and requisite nuances in dynamics and segregation mechanisms are observed. This brief examination of the current literature provides a functional comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic dynamically unstable filaments, specifically ParM and microtubules. Additionally, this mini-review should support the notion that any dynamically unstable filament could serve as the molecular machine driving DNA segregation, but these machines possess auxiliary features to adapt to temporal and spatial disparities in either system.
Quaternary exhumation of the Carpathians: a record from the Orava-Nowy Targ Intramontane Basin, Western Carpathians (Poland and Slovakia)
Authors: Tokarski Antek , Świerczewska Ania , Zuchiewicz Witold , Starek Dušan , Fodor László
Published: August 2012

Quaternary exhumation of the Carpathians: a record from the Orava-Nowy Targ Intramontane Basin, Western Carpathians (Poland and Slovakia)

The Neogene-Quaternary infill of the Orava-Nowy Targ Intramontane Basin comprises two tiers showing contrasting lithologies. The Neogene tier is largely composed of claystones and siltstones, whereas the Quaternary tier is dominated by gravels. The two sequences are separated by an erosional surface underlain by a regolith. Deposition of the Neogene sequence took place during subsidence of the basin. No prominent relief existed in the area of the present-day mountains actually surrounding the basin at that time. The regolith started to form at the onset of basin inversion. Still, no prominent relief existed in the present-day mountains. The onset of deposition of Quaternary gravels in the basin corresponds to acceleration of uplift of the surrounding mountains, which has been continuing until now. The Pieniny Klippen Belt has been subject to erosion, at least locally, from the deposition of the basal part of the Neogene sequence filling the Orava-Nowy Targ Basin until present times. In contrast, the Paleogene cover of the Tatra Mts was removed only during the Quaternary.
Neogene uplift and erosion in the Alpine Foreland Basin (Upper Austria and Salzburg)
Authors: Gusterhuber Juergen , Dunkl István , Hinsch Ralph , Linzer Hans-Gert , Sachsenhofer Reinhard
Published: August 2012

Neogene uplift and erosion in the Alpine Foreland Basin (Upper Austria and Salzburg)

In the present paper we apply a multi-technique approach (shale compaction data, seismic stratigraphy, isopach maps, moisture content of lignite, fission track data) to assess timing and amount of uplift and erosion of the Alpine Foreland Basin. The combination of the different techniques allows us to discriminate the effects of two different erosion events during the Neogene: (1) Seismic stratigraphy and isopach maps indicate a Karpatian (Early Miocene) regional tilting of the basin to the west (slope of about 0.5 %) and a minor erosion phase. (2) Moisture content of lignite combined with fission track data provides evidence for extensive regional uplift after deposition of Late Miocene fluvial deposits. It is estimated that sediments, 500 to 900 m thick, have been eroded. Shale compaction data derived from sonic logs indicates additional uplift of the eastern part of the basin (near the river Enns). Here, 300 to 1000 m of sediments were additionally eroded (giving a total erosion of about 1000 to 1900 m!), with a general increase of erosion thickness towards the northeast. While the regional uplift is probably related to isostatic rebound of the Alps after termination of thrusting, the local uplift in the east could be affected by Late Neogene E-W compressional events within the Alpine-Pannonian system. Both, tilting and erosion influence the hydrocarbon habitat in the Molasse Basin (tilting of oil-water contacts, PVT conditions, biodegradation).
Assessment of hydrocarbon potential of Jurassic and Cretaceous source rocks in the Tarnogród-Stryi area (SE Poland and W Ukraine)
Authors: Kosakowski Paweł , Więcław Dariusz , Kowalski Adam , Koltun Yuriy
Published: August 2012

Assessment of hydrocarbon potential of Jurassic and Cretaceous source rocks in the Tarnogród-Stryi area (SE Poland and W Ukraine)

The Jurassic/Cretaceous stratigraphic complex forming a part of the sedimentary cover of both the eastern Małopolska Block and the adjacent Łysogóry-Radom Block in the Polish part as well as the Rava Rus'ka and the Kokhanivka Zones in the Ukrainian part of the basement of the Carpathian Foredeep were studied with geochemical methods in order to evaluate the possibility of hydrocarbon generation. In the Polish part of the study area, the Mesozoic strata were characterized on the basis of the analytical results of 121 core samples derived from 11 wells. The samples originated mostly from the Middle Jurassic and partly from the Lower/Upper Cretaceous strata. In the Ukrainian part of the study area the Mesozoic sequence was characterized by 348 core samples collected from 26 wells. The obtained geochemical results indicate that in both the south-eastern part of Poland and the western part of Ukraine the studied Jurassic/Cretaceous sedimentary complex reveals generally low hydrocarbon source-rock potential. The most favourable geochemical parameters: TOC up to 26 wt. % and genetic potential up to 39 mg/g of rock, were found in the Middle Jurassic strata. However, these high values are contradicted by the low hydrocarbon index (HI), usually below 100 mg HC/g TOC. Organic matter from the Middle Jurassic strata is of mixed type, dominated by gas-prone, Type III kerogen. In the Polish part of the study area, organic matter dispersed in these strata is generally immature (Tmax below 435 °C) whereas in the Ukrainian part maturity is sufficient for hydrocarbon generation.
Natural radioactive nuclides in the thermal waters of the Polish Inner Carpathians
Authors: Nowak Jakub , Chau Dinh , Rajchel Lucyna
Published: August 2012

Natural radioactive nuclides in the thermal waters of the Polish Inner Carpathians

The chemical compositions and activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 226Ra, 228Ra and 222Rn were measured in the thermal waters occurring in the Podhale Trough. This region, part of the Polish Inner Carpathians, is the artesian basin situated between two groundwater recharging zones, the Tatras to the south and the Pieniny Klippen Belt to the north. The thermal water samples were collected from nine selected boreholes with the depths from 1113 m (Zakopane IG-2) to 5526 m (Bańska Niżna IG-1). The waters belong to four hydrochemical types: HCO3-SO4-Ca-Mg-Na, SO4-HCO3-Cl-Na-Ca, SO4-Ca-Na and SO4-Cl-Ca-Na. Their mineralization and temperature range from several hundreds to 2500 mg/l and 23.9 to 86.3 °C, respectively. Excluding the waters from the Szymoszkowa GT-1 and Chochołów PIG-1 boreholes, the activity concentrations of the uranium and radium isotopes in the waters are relatively low and vary from decimals to above ten mBq/l and from several tens to about 600 mBq/l, respectively. They are classified as radon-poor waters. The phenomena mentioned seem to be characteristic of the waters draining limestone formations overlaying the crystalline rocks, namely the principal aquifers in the Tatras. The significant levels of the uranium and radium activity concentrations in the waters from Szymoszkowa GT-1 and Chochołów PIG-1 can be connected with the presences of Lower Triassic black shales with tuffites rich in uranium in the respective recharge areas. Comparing the parameters of the Podhale thermal waters with those of some selected thermal waters occurring in other regions of Poland and in north-west Croatia, the French Massif Central, Spanish Andalusia and north-east Tunisia, the authors found that the temperature of the thermal waters is contained between 16 and about 100 °C; the mineralization and concentrations of radionuclides vary in broad intervals and are considerably affected by the lithology and the geological structure of the region. The 226Ra activity concentration exceeds that of 228Ra in almost each of the thermal waters compared, which is similar to the waters from Podhale.
An attempt at an integrated assessment of the tourism attractiveness of a region: the example of North Karelia (Finland)
Authors: Kowalska Katarzyna
Published: August 2012

The article presents a proposal for an integrated assessment of the tourism attractiveness of a region. The holistic approach used in the author's master's thesis is given as an example. The article presents the results of a survey and ‘point bonitation’ (a ranking method) for the North Karelia region. In the summary, there is an attempt to assess the methods which were applied in the research.
Analysis of water level variations in Brazilian basins using GRACE
Authors: Matos A. , Blitzkow D. , Almeida F. , Costa S. , Campos I. , Barbosa A.
Published: August 2012

Analysis of water level variations in Brazilian basins using GRACE

A comparison between daily in-situ water level time series measured at ground-based hydrometric stations (HS - 1,899 stations located in twelve Brazilian basins) of the Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA) with vertically-integrated water height anomaly deduced from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) geoid is carried out in Brazil. The equivalent water height (EWH) of 10-day intervals of GRACE models were computed by GRGS/CNES. It is a 6-year analysis (July-2002 to May-2008). The coefficient of determination is computed between the ANA water level and GRACE EWH. Values higher than 0.6 were detected in the following basins: Amazon, north of Paraguay, Tocantins-Araguaia, Western North-East Atlantic and north of the Parnaíba. In the Uruguay (Pampas region) and the west of São Francisco basins, the coefficient of determination is around 0.5 and 0.6. These results were adjusted with a linear transfer function and two second degree polynomials (flood and ebb period) between GRACE EWH and ANA water level. The behavior of these two polynomials is related to the phase difference of the two time series and yielded four different types of responses. This paper shows seven ANA stations that represent these responses and relates them with their hydro-geological domain.
Comparison of column-coupled electrophoresis with liquid chromatography methods in food analysis of quinine
Authors: Veizerová L. , Piešťanský J. , Maráková K. , Galba J. , Rauová D. , Dokupilová S. , Havránek E. , Mikuš P.
Published: August 2012

Comparison of column-coupled electrophoresis with liquid chromatography methods in food analysis of quinine

Comparison of column-coupled electrophoresis with liquid chromatography methods in food analysis of quinine (QUI) is presented in this work. The capillary isotachophoresis (CITP) on-line coupled with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and hyphenated with fibre-based spectrophotometric diode array detection (DAD) was compared with, (i) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with DAD detection, and (ii) HPLC method with fluorescence detection (FD). These methods were compared through their performance parameters and determined concentrations of QUI in beverages. The concentrations of QUI in two selected bitter drinks determined by the CITP-CZE-DAD method were in a good accordance with the HPLC-DAD and HPLC-FD methods. In addition, the electrophoretic method, as well as the chromatographic methods, was able to separate potential QUI related impurities from the QUI peak. The CITP-CZE-DAD method provided excellent performance parameters that were comparable (precision, accuracy, LOD, robustness) or even better (separation efficiency) than those ones provided by the chromatographic methods. Moreover, the effectivity of the electrophoresis method was higher when considering cost of analysis (equipment, consumption of separation systems), environmental aspects (organicvs. aqueous solvents), on-line sample pretreatment (CITP preconcentration and sample clean-up suitable also for the more complex matrices). Considering these findings, CITP-CZE-DAD was approved as a routine automatized method for the highly reliable quality food control.
Determination of kaempferol in extracts from Lilium candidum L. Liliaceae by means of liquid chromatography
Authors: Cupáková M. , Rauová D. , Vitková Z. , Herdová P. , Grančai D. , Haladová M.
Published: August 2012

Determination of kaempferol in extracts from Lilium candidum L. Liliaceae by means of liquid chromatography

There is an optimized, validated and implemented method for determination of kaempferol through liquid chromatography in terms of isocratic separation in the proportion: 0.05% phosphoric acid and acetonitril (50:50) v/v. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined. The content of kaempferol in samples from Lilium candidum L. with the use of different concentrations of extract agent and after releasing kaempferol from dermal semisolid medicaments was investigated. The samples were prepared by various producers. The results obtained proved that the implemented method shows good validated parameters and is favourable for determination of kaempferol in samples from Lilium candidum L. It was kaempferol that evaluated best from the samples that were prepared by extraction of 80% ethanol. The contents in the samples were determined using the method, after releasing kaempferol from dermal semisolid medicaments.
Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of binaphthyl derived quaternary ammonium bromides
Authors: Mikláš R. , Miklášová N. , Bukovský M. , Devínsky F.
Published: August 2012

Synthesis and antimicrobial properties of binaphthyl derived quaternary ammonium bromides

(S)-N-(2-(4,5-dihydro-3H-dinaphtho[2,1-c:1',2'-e]azepin-1-yl)ethyl)-N, N-dimethyl-N-dodecyl ammonium bromide (S)-1a and (S)-N-(2-(4,5-dihydro-3H-dinaphtho[2,1-c:1',2'-e]azepin-1-yl)ethyl)-N, N-dimethyl-N-tetradecylammonium bromide (S)-1b have been synthesized as optically active quaternary ammonium salts starting from 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol. Their antimicrobial activity expressed as minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) was tested against Gram-positive human pathogenic bacteria S. Aureus, Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and human fungal pathogen C. Albicans.
Comparison of different computational methods for water structure optimisation
Authors: Staník R. , Ballo P. , Benkovský I.
Published: August 2012

Comparison of different computational methods for water structure optimisation

We have compared several computational techniques with the aim to compute the radial distribution function (RDF) as a good characterization of water structure. In particular, we have used molecular mechanic (AMBER99), semi-empirical (AM1, PM3, PM6) and ab initio (DFT) technique. It has been shown that molecular mechanic gives very poor results in the case of water RDF. Ab initio techniques which are in general accepted as very exact methods, in the case of water underestimate intermolecular interaction. Unexpectedly, the semi-empirical method with PM6 parameterisation gives the best results in comparison with RDF measured by X-ray scattering experiment.
Geography and Social Sciences in Transdisciplinary Science
Authors: Lisowski Andrzej
Published: August 2012

Geography and Social Sciences in Transdisciplinary Science

The subject of the paper is the status and relationships of geography, especially human geography, with the social sciences on the background of the evolution of science from multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary. Progressive hybridization of disciplines and specialties upset the identity of geography in modern science, but geography (human geography), as she was, so it is hardly accepted as a social science among scientists. An important role is played by the traditional assignment of the entire geography to natural sciences and greater isolation of human geography in flows of knowledge within the social sciences. The article presents the specificities of the social sciences in the classification of the sciences, the impact of social sciences on past development of geography and contemporary impact of geography on spatial turn in the social sciences.
Contemporary Climate Changes in the High Mountain Part of the Tatras
Authors: Żmudzka Elwira
Published: August 2012

Contemporary Climate Changes in the High Mountain Part of the Tatras

The purpose of this study was to determine the contemporary changes of precipitation and nival conditions in the high-mountain area of Tatras. Main features of thermal climate changes are the background of this investigation. The study makes use of the daily data from the weather station on Kasprowy Wierch Mt. from the years 1966-2006. Various climate characteristics were considered. The increase of the air temperature is not accompanied by significant changes in precipitation conditions. The signs of the more continentality climate features are also visible. The warming and a slight decrease in precipitation and the evolution of circulation conditions significantly influence the length of the period with the snow cover and not significantly its depth.
Annual and Daily Changes of Thunderstorms in Temperate Climate in London, Warsaw and Moscow
Authors: Grabowska Katarzyna
Published: August 2012

Annual and Daily Changes of Thunderstorms in Temperate Climate in London, Warsaw and Moscow

The aim of the study is to show and compare variation of the annual and daily course of thunderstorms in selected European cities in 2005-2009. Data on thunderstorms originate from dispatches METAR for three airport stations: London Gatwick, Warsaw Okęcie and Moscow Sheremetyevo. These cities represent the various types of climate: warm temperate marine, transitional and continental. Thunderstorms mostly occurred in Warsaw - 207 (Moscow - 174, London - 71). The maximum of thunderstorms frequency, in the yearly course, in all towns occurred in July (Warsaw - 11,8; Moscow - 13,4; London - 5,0). Thunderstorms predominantly started at 13:30 in London, 17:00 in Warsaw, 18:00 in Moscow (13:30 means period 13:01-13:30, 17:00 means period 16:31-17:00 etc.). Thunderstorms most often ended at 13:30 in London, 17:00 in Warsaw, 20:30 in Moscow. There were dominated, at all stations, brief thunderstorms, which lasted for 30 minutes. The longest thunderstorm remained 9 hours (Warsaw), 5,5 (Moscow), 4,5 (London).