bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which way does the citric acid cycle turn during hypoxia? The critical role of α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex
Authors: Chinopoulos Christos
Published: February 2013

The citric acid cycle forms a major metabolic hub and as such it is involved in many disease states involving energetic imbalance. In spite of the fact that it is being branded as a “cycle”, during hypoxia, when the electron transport chain does not oxidize reducing equivalents, segments of this metabolic pathway remain operational but exhibit opposing directionalities. This serves the purpose of harnessing high‐energy phosphates through matrix substrate‐level phosphorylation in the absence of oxidative phosphorylation. In this Mini‐Review, these segments are appraised, pointing to the critical importance of the α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex dictating their directionalities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intratympanic steroid therapy in moderate sudden hearing loss: A randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Filipo Roberto , Attanasio Giuseppe , Russo Francesca Y. , Viccaro Marika , Mancini Patrizia , Covelli Edoardo
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the efficacy of an intratympanic steroid as a first‐line therapy in patients affected by moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Study Design:

Prospective, randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods:

Fifty patients presenting with moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss involving all frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz (a flat audiogram) were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups of 25 each. The first group (intratympanic steroid) underwent a daily intratympanic administration of prednisolone for 3 consecutive days. Subjects in the second group (control) received a daily intratympanic injection of a saline solution for 3 consecutive days. Audiometric tests were performed at day 7 after the beginning of therapy (T1), and then 10 and 30 days after T1. The patients in both groups who did not show a complete recovery at T1 were treated with oral prednisone at a tapering dose.

Results:

In the intratympanic steroid group, 19 out of 25 patients presented at T1 complete recovery (76%), whereas in the control group the number patients who recovered completely at T1 was five out of 25 (20%). The mean pure‐tone average (PTA) recorded at T1 shows a statistically significant improvement in the hearing threshold of the first group compared to the control group (P < .01).

Conclusions:

The mean PTA recorded after the first‐line approach (T1) demonstrated a significant therapeutic action of the short‐duration intratympanic steroid therapy on moderate ISSNHL, with a flat audiogram shape, compared to the natural course of the disease and the placebo effect at that time point. Laryngoscope, 2013
Chronic rhinosinusitis increased the risk of stroke: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kang Jiunn‐Horng , Wu Chuan‐Song , Keller Joseph J. , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

It has been recognized that chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) involves intracranial vessels and may be associated with stroke occurrence. However, the detailed epidemiological profile of stroke risk among patients with CRS is still not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the frequency and risk for stroke among patients with CRS by conducting a large scale population‐based cohort study in Taiwan.

Methods:

All study cohorts were retrieved from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. This study included 15,846 CRS subjects in the study cohort and 47,538 randomly selected subjects in the comparison cohort. We individually tracked each subject in this study for a 5 year period following their index dates to identify each subject that received a subsequent diagnosis of stroke. Stratified Cox proportional hazards regressions were analyzed to compare the 5 year risk of subsequent stroke following a diagnosis of CRS.

Results:

The incidence rate of stroke during the 5‐year follow‐up period was 10.65 (95% CI: 9.93–11.41) per 100 person years and 7.53 (95% CI: 7.18–7.89) per 100 person years for the study and comparison cohort, respectively. The covariate‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for stroke revealed that that subjects with CRS were more likely than comparison subjects to have a diagnosis of ischemic stroke during the 5‐year follow‐up period (HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18–1.53). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.94–2.47) or intracerebral hemorrhage (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.71–1.31).

Conclusions:

Patients with CRS were at higher risk for stroke occurrence during the 5 year follow‐up.
Nano‐hydroxyapatite Surfaces Grafted with Electroactive Aniline Tetramers for Bone‐Tissue Engineering
Authors: Liu Yadong , Cui Haitao , Zhuang Xiuli , Zhang Peibiao , Cui Yi , Wang Xianhong , Wei Yen , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2013

An electroactive amino/carboxyl‐capped aniline tetramer (AT) is covalently grafted to the surface of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles to generate novel electroactive HA‐AT nanoparticles. The amount of AT ranges from 16.5 to 34.0 wt% and is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The HA‐AT nanoparticles are characterized by Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the excellent electroactivity of HA‐AT, the mixture of HA‐AT and PLA shows much better adhesion ability and proliferation ability than that of HA and a PLA matrix. At a 15 wt% AT grafting amount, the matrix shows the best biocompatibility.

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Some applications of the Weil‐Barner explicit formula
Authors: Büthe J. , Franke Jens , Jost Alexander , Kleinjung Thorsten
Published: February 2013

The Weil‐Barner explicit formula is applied to the prime counting function and to the problem of numerical partial verification of the Riemann hypothesis.
Cellular toxicity induced by the 26‐kDa fragment and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐associated mutant forms of TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 in human embryonic stem cell‐derived motor neurons
Authors: Nishimoto Yoshinori , Okano Hirotaka J , Imai Takao , Poole Aleksandra J , Suzuki Norihiro , Keirstead Hans S , Okano Hideyuki
Published: February 2013

Aims

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) results in the selective loss of motor neurons within several years of disease onset; however, the molecular mechanisms behind ALS pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Among the genes responsible for familial ALS, mutations in TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) have been identified. The present study evaluated the cytotoxicity of TDP‐43 fragments and ALS‐associated mutants against human embryonic stem cell‐derived motor neurons.

Methods

Magnetofection was used to investigate the mortality rates of motor neurons after forced expression of TDP‐43 C‐terminal fragments and ALS‐associated TDP‐43 missense mutants.

Results

Neither wild‐type TDP‐43 nor the 35‐kDa fragment induced cell death. However, the 26‐kDa fragment, which forms insoluble aggregates in the motor neurons of ALS patients, showed significant cytotoxicity, similar to mutant forms of TDP‐43, including p.A315T and p.A382T. Hence, a motor neuron‐specific neurotoxic function might be attributed to both the 26‐kDa fragment and the TDP‐43 mutants. Thus, 26kDa C‐terminal fragment was considered to play an important role in ALS pathology, but alterations in adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) expression, an enzyme accountable for GluA2 (AMPA receptor subunit 2) mRNA editing insufficiency in sporadic ALS, did not lead to alterations in the expression of the 26‐kDa fragment.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing the influence of specific ALS‐associated factors on the mortality of motor neurons through the manipulation of gene expression. The motor neuron disease model described herein might prove useful for the identification of novel pathogenic factors and neuroprotective agents for the treatment of ALS.
Intracranial immunoglobulin G4‐related disease successfully treated by steroid and oral cyclophosphamide: A case report
Authors: Nishijima Haruo , Arai Akira , Kon Tomoya , Funamizu Yukihisa , Ueno Tatsuya , Haga Rie , Miki Yasuo , Kimura Tamaki , Suzuki Chieko , Tomiyama Masahiko , Kusumi Tomomi , Minato Hiroshi , Baba Masayuki
Published: February 2013

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4‐related disease is a novel autoimmune disease that was discovered and established in the 21st century. We treated a patient, a 66‐year‐old Japanese woman, with exudative otitis media, pachymeningitis and orbital pseudotumor who showed poor responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy, and was successfully treated by oral cyclophosphamide. We diagnosed her illness as intracranial IgG4‐related disease by immunohistochemical examination. Mastoidectomy was carried out 8 months after the first onset of exudative otitis media when the general concept of IgG4‐related disease was not established, and we re‐examined the specimen from her middle ear 5 years after the operation. This is the first report of a patient with histologically confirmed intracranial IgG4‐related disease who was successfully treated by cyclophosphamide. Oral cyclophosphamide can be effective to treat intracranial IgG4‐related disease that is resistant to steroid therapy.
Successful use of anti‐epileptic drugs in three cases of epilepsy with higher brain dysfunction
Authors: Sugimoto Azusa , Futamura Akinori , Ishigaki Seiichiro , Hieda Sotaro , Miller Michael W , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: February 2013

Aim

To clarify the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy with higher brain dysfunction (E‐HBD).

Methods

Using neuropsychological testing we identified three cases.

Results

All three cases showed persistent aphasia, amnesia or attention deficits – possibly connected with epilepsy – and were treated with anti‐epileptic drugs (AED). Although the AED proved effective, there were no findings of non‐convulsive status epileptics.

Conclusion

The etiology of E‐HBD is unclear, but treatment with AED alleviated the higher brain function deficits in our three patients.
Translational research on disease‐modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Katsuno Masahisa , Watanabe Hirohisa , Tanaka Fumiaki , Sobue Gen
Published: February 2013

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders that affect a certain population of neurons, and are characterized by progressive impairment of cognitive and/or motor function. Although most current therapies aim at symptomatic relief, recent studies using cellular and animal models have given insight into the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of disease‐modifying therapies that slow neurodegeneration. However, few clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of disease‐modifying therapy for neurological deficits. For successful translational research on neurodegenerative disorders, several challenges in basic and clinical studies should be overcome. Elucidation of the molecular basis for neurodegeneration and creation of animal models that faithfully replicate human pathology are fundamental to basic studies, while the efficiency of clinical trials needs to be improved by establishing sensitive outcome measures, enrichment of trial designs by identifying the target individuals who are expected to show a high response, and innovative study designs. Initiation of therapy at the presymptomatic stage is another key to the successful development of disease‐modifying therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Although accumulation of abnormal proteins is thought to be the pivotal molecular trigger of neurodegeneration, it has also been revealed that disease progression is influenced by various factors, including the neuron–glia interaction and the propagation of causative proteins. The entire mechanism of neurodegeneration appears to be more complicated than hitherto expected, and thus therapies that target multiple molecular pathways also need to be developed.
Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with novel A4D SOD1 mutation with late age at onset and rapid progressive course
Authors: Naruse Hiroya , Iwata Atsushi , Takahashi Yuji , Ichihara Kazuaki , Kamei Satoshi , Yamatoku Masato , Hirayama Toshikazu , Suzuki Naoki , Aoki Masashi , Miyagawa Toji , Shimizu Jun , Tsuji Shoji , Goto Jun
Published: February 2013

Our objective was to obtain clinical presentations of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) with a novel Ala4Asp (A4D) SOD1 mutation in a Japanese family and to determine the epidemiological features of the SOD1 mutation on the basis of the ALS mutation database. The clinical histories and neurological findings of three affected individuals in a Japanese FALS pedigree are described. DNA analysis of SOD1 was conducted by a direct nucleotide sequence analysis. We identified a novel heterozygous A4D mutation in exon 1 in SOD1. The clinical presentations of the family were characterized by late age at onset and rapid progression. Comprehensive analysis of genotype‐phenotype correlations using the ALS mutation database revealed that all the patients with SOD1 amino acid 4 mutations tended to have a rapid progressive course of the disease with a duration of 1.27 years. The age at onset varied among SOD1 amino acid 4 mutations, but all three patients with A4D mutation had a very late age at onset of over 70 years. In conclusion, FALS patients with a novel A4D mutation in SOD1 showed a late age at onset with a rapid disease course. This study supports the previous observations that SOD1 amino acid 4 mutations contribute to the acceleration of disease progression and emphasizes the usefulness of the ALS mutation database.
Relaxed error control in shape optimization that utilizes remeshing
Authors: Wilke Daniel N. , Kok Schalk , Groenwold Albert A.
Published: February 2013

Shape optimization strategies based on error indicators usually require strict error control for every computed design during the optimization run. The strict error control serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows for the accurate computation of the structural response used to define the shape optimization problem itself. Secondly, it reduces the discretization error, which in turn reduces the size of the step discontinuities in the objective function that result from remeshing in the first place. These discontinuities may trap conventional optimization algorithms, which rely on both function and gradient evaluations, in local minima. This has the drawback that multiple analyses and error computations are often required per design to control the error.

In this study we propose a methodology that relaxes the requirements for strict error control for each design. Instead, we rather control the error as the iterations progress. Our approach only requires a single analysis and error computation per design. Consequently, large discontinuities may initially be accommodated; their intensities reduce as the iterations progress. To circumvent the difficulties associated with local minima due to remeshing, we rely on gradient‐only optimization algorithms, which have previously been shown to be able to robustly overcome these discontinuities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvements for the ultra weak variational formulation
Authors: Luostari T. , Huttunen T. , Monk P.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we investigate strategies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the ultra weak variational formulation (UWVF) of the Helmholtz equation. The UWVF is a Trefftz type, nonpolynomial method using basis functions derived from solutions of the adjoint Helmholtz equation. We shall consider three choices of basis function: propagating plane waves (original choice), Bessel basis functions, and evanescent wave basis functions. Traditionally, two‐dimensional triangular elements are used to discretize the computational domain. However, the element shapes affect the conditioning of the UWVF. Hence, we investigate the use of different element shapes aiming to lower the condition number and number of degrees of freedom. Our results include the first tests of a plane wave method on meshes of mixed element types. In many modeling problems, evanescent waves occur naturally and are challenging to model. Therefore, we introduce evanescent wave basis functions for the first time in the UWVF to tackle rapidly decaying wave modes. The advantages of an evanescent wave basis are verified by numerical simulations on domains including curved interfaces.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐gain output feedback for a miniature UAV
Authors: Marconi Lorenzo , Naldi Roberto , Isidori Alberto
Published: February 2013

We consider the problem of output feedback robust stabilization of a ducted‐fan aerial vehicle in which high‐gain observers are used to overtake the knowledge of the linear and angular velocities of the vehicle in the control law. The proposed result is semiglobal in the attitude dynamics and in the estimation error, and global in the position variables. It is shown how the high‐gain control structure is effective notwithstanding the nonminimum‐phase behavior of the considered class of systems, provided that the airframe fulfills some geometric properties. The controller relies upon the use of nested saturations and high‐gain control laws. Although the theory is specified for a force‐torque generation mechanism of a ducted‐fan aerial vehicle, the results can be simply extended to the output feedback of many other under‐actuated rotorcrafts, such as helicopters. Experimental results are also proposed showing the effectiveness of the control law. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfoundations for stakeholder theory: Managing stakeholders with heterogeneous motives
Authors: Bridoux Flore , Stoelhorst J. W.
Published: February 2013

Instrumental stakeholder theory proposes a positive relationship between fairness toward stakeholders and firm performance. Yet, some firms are successful with an arms‐length approach to stakeholder management, based on bargaining power rather than fairness. We address this puzzle by relaxing the assumption that all stakeholders care about fairness. Empirical evidence from behavioral economics and social psychology suggests that firms face a population of potential stakeholders that consists not only of so‐called ‘reciprocators,’ who do care about fairness, but also of self‐regarding stakeholders, who do not. We propose that a fairness approach is more effective in attracting, retaining, and motivating reciprocal stakeholders to create value, while an arms‐length approach is more effective in motivating self‐regarding stakeholders and in attracting and retaining self‐regarding stakeholders with high bargaining power. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inside the black box of the corporate staff: Social networks and the implementation of corporate strategy
Authors: Kleinbaum Adam M. , Stuart Toby E.
Published: February 2013

In multidivisional firms, the corporate staff is central to the implementation of corporate‐level strategy, but empirical evidence on its function is limited. We examine one corporate staff through e‐mail analysis. We find sharp cross‐sectional differences in communication patterns: staff members have networks that are larger, more integrative, and richer in structural holes. However, much of this difference is attributed to sorting processes, rather than being caused by employment in the corporate staff per se. Further, once people receive the ‘corporate imprimatur,’ they retain aspects of it even when they move back to the line organization. These results imply that the literature's emphasis on structure as a means to achieve coordination undervalues a selection process in which individuals with broad networks match to coordination‐focused jobs in the corporate staff. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rewarding value‐creating ideas in organizations: The power of low‐powered incentives
Authors: Baumann Oliver , Stieglitz Nils
Published: February 2013

Ideas from employees are a major source of value creation in firms, yet the merits of rewards for incentivizing the generation of ideas are highly contested. Using a computational model, we show that firms can improve performance by offering low‐powered rewards for the selection and implementation of employee ideas. Low‐powered incentives provide a sufficient stream of good ideas, but few exceptional ones. Higher‐powered incentives, in contrast, do not systematically translate into exceptional ideas either, but generate an excessive number of good ideas. Performance‐based rewards thus appear to be a blunt tool to harness the long tail of innovation. We develop propositions to guide empirical research and discuss their implications for strategy and organizational design. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brandschutzbeschichtungen auf Stahl – Haltbarkeit und Weiterentwicklungen
Authors: Brux Gunther
Published: February 2013

Anfang der 1960er Jahre wurden erstmals Brandschutzbeschichtungen auf Stahl zusammen mit Korrosionsschutzgrundierung und Decklack ausgeführt. Im Gegensatz zu den damals üblichen Spritzputzen und Brandschutzplatten, die einige Zentimeter dick und rau waren, blieb so die eigentliche Form der Stahlprofile weiter sichtbar. Mit den neuen Beschichtungen konnte man ohne Beeinträchtigung der Architektur des Bauwerkes Stahl feuerhemmend (F30) schützen. Nach neuesten Entwicklungen kann man heute Stahlkonstruktionen mit einer Farbe schützen, die neben einer hohen optischen Qualität einen Feuerwiderstand bis 90 Minuten erreicht.
Verallgemeinerte Berücksichtigung der Dauerfestigkeit im Ermüdungsfestigkeitsnachweis mittels Lebensdauerlinien
Authors: Al Shamaa Dima , Geißler Karsten
Published: February 2013

Die Wöhlerlinie in ihrer originalen Form gilt zunächst für Einstufenkollektive. Für die Ermüdungsfestigkeitsnachweise bei baupraktisch meist vorhandenen Mehrstufenkollektiven existieren mehrere Näherungen mit unterschiedlicher Berücksichtigung der Dauerfestigkeitsgrenze bei der Schadensakkumulationshypothese, als Bezugs‐Wöhlerlinien bezeichnet, beispielsweise die zweifach abgeknickte Linie nach Eurocode 3. Die Einführung des im Maschinenbau bekannten Konzeptes der so genannten Lebensdauerlinien erlaubt die verallgemeinerte Berücksichtigung verschiedener – auch nichtlinearer – Ansätze der Dauerfestigkeitsgrenze für die Lebensdauerberechnung.

Diese Berücksichtigung einer nichtlinearen Dauerfestigkeitsgrenze für mehrstufige Beanspruchungen ist bis jetzt in den Bemessungsvorschriften für Neubauten als auch den Richtlinien zur Nachrechnung von ermüdungsbeanspruchten Bauwerken nicht eingeführt, hat aber eine immense wirtschaftliche Bedeutung. Eine Erhöhung der rechnerischen Lebensdauer um den Faktor 10 ist durchaus nicht selten.

Im Beitrag werden die Berechnung und Auswertung dieser Lebensdauerlinien vorgestellt, die von der Kollektivform, dem Kollektivumfang sowie dem Ansatz für die Dauerfestigkeitsgrenze abhängen. Die Berechnungen mit Hilfe der Lebensdauerlinien werden beispielhaft an Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen und einer bestehenden Straßenbrücke dargestellt.

Generalized consideration of endurance limit for fatigue stress analysis by means of fatigue life curves. The S‐N curve in the original form applies for constant amplitude loading. For fatigue assessment by damage accumulation theory under the most likely variable amplitude loading, several approaches exist to account for the endurance limit. The design S‐N curve with two knee points used in Eurocode 3 is one of these approaches. By means of implementing the fatigue life curves, a well‐known concept in mechanical engineering, a generalized consideration of different, even nonlinear approaches of endurance limit is possible for fatigue life assessment.

Considering a nonlinear endurance limit for variable amplitude loadings is to date not included in the codes and guidelines for design and assessment of new and existing structures, respectively. It has a considerable economical significance, though: An increase of the calculated fatigue life by 10 times is by no means improbable.

In this article, the calculation and evaluation of fatigue life curves are represented. These are dependent on the shape of the stress range spectrum, the total number of stress cycles as well as the approach for considering the endurance limit. Calculations via fatigue life curves are demonstrated using examples of offshore wind turbines and an existing highway bridge.
Interaktion Gleis/Brücke bei Stahlbrücken mit Beispielen
Authors: Freystein Hartmut , Geißler Karsten
Published: February 2013

Die Interaktion Gleis/Brücke bestimmt maßgeblich Konstruktion und Bemessung von Eisenbahnbrücken. Das geltende Bahnregelwerk enthält Regelungen zur Begrenzung der Schienenspannungen und für die Anwendung eines vereinfachten Nachweisverfahrens. Dieses darf nur für spezifische konstruktive Randbedingungen und Anforderungen an den Oberbau angewendet werden. So ist zur Zeit offen, inwieweit das vereinfachte Verfahren für die häufig im Bahnnetz vorkommenden Schienen 54 E4 und leichteren Schwellenarten übertragbar ist. In einem ersten Schritt werden Erkenntnisse aus den Untersuchungen zu den zulässigen zusätzlichen Schienenspannungen beleuchtet. In einem weiteren Schritt werden die Ergebnisse von Berechnungen an ausgeführten Stahlbrücken im Stützweitenbereich zwischen 70 und 104 m vorgestellt und ein Ausblick für die Fortschreibung des bahntechnischen Regelwerks für die Schienenspannungen und den Anwendungsbereich des vereinfachten Nachweisverfahrens gegeben.

Construction and calculation of railway bridges are significantly determined by the interaction track/bridge. The actual regulations contain specifications to limit the rail stresses and the scope of the simplified calculation method. This method can only be used for specific conditions of bridge and track. Thus it is not determined to which extend the simplified calculation method is transferable to rail 54 E4 and lighter sleepers which are frequently used on main lines. At a first step the studies concerning the permissible additional rail stresses are examined. Furthermore the article gives an overview to the results of calculations of executed steel bridges with lengths from 70 to 104m and a prospect to the future update of the regulations concerning the rail stresses and the scope of the simplified calculation method due to interaction rail/bridge.
Comparison between ultrasound parameters and clinical examination to assess fetal head station in labor
Authors: Tutschek B. , Torkildsen E. A. , Eggebø T. M.
Published: February 2013

Objective

Several ultrasound parameters, including intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (ITU) head station, angle of progression (AOP), head–perineum distance (HPD) and head‐symphysis distance (HSD), have been suggested to assess fetal head station during labor. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between these ultrasound parameters and to compare them with digital palpation.

Methods

We analyzed 106 stored volume dataset pairs that had been acquired at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from nulliparous women at term with prolonged first stage of labor. The volumes were acquired using a three‐dimensional transducer applied between the labia majora in a mid‐sagittal plane and perineally in a transverse plane. Digitally palpated head station and cervical dilatation were also noted. The results were compared using regression and correlation coefficients.

Results

There were good correlations between ITU head station and HPD (r = 0.71), between ITU head station and HSD (r = 0.74) and between HSD and HPD (r = 0.75). Palpated head station showed only moderate correlation with ITU head station (r = 0.52). Cervical dilatation showed a weak correlation with ITU head station (r = 0.30).

Conclusion

The ultrasound parameters showed a high degree of correlation with each other, but only moderate correlation to vaginally palpated fetal head station. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐rater reliability of assessment of levator ani muscle strength and attachment to the pubic bone in nulliparous women
Authors: van Delft K. , Schwertner‐Tiepelmann N. , Thakar R. , Sultan A. H.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The modified Oxford scale (MOS) has been found previously to have poor inter‐rater reliability, whereas digital assessment of levator ani muscle (LAM) attachment to the pubic bone has been shown to have acceptable reliability. Our aim was to evaluate inter‐rater reliability of the validated MOS and to develop a reliable classification system for digital assessment of LAM attachment, correlating this to findings on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) examination.

Methods

Evaluation of the MOS by palpation was performed in nulliparous women by two investigators. LAM attachment was evaluated using digital palpation, for which a novel classification system was developed with four grades based on the position of the attachment and presence of discernible muscle. Findings were compared with those on TPUS examination. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic.

Results

Twenty‐five nulliparous women were examined. There was agreement in MOS scores between the investigators in 64% of women (n = 16), with a kappa of 0.66 (indicating substantial agreement). There was agreement in palpation of LAM attachment using the new grading system in 96% of women (n = 24), with a kappa of 0.90 (indicating almost perfect agreement). TPUS examination did not show LAM avulsion in any woman, with the exception of one with a partial avulsion.

Conclusion

In this group of nulliparous patients, there was substantial agreement between the two investigators in evaluation of the MOS and there was good agreement between grades of LAM attachment using the new classification system, which correlated with findings on TPUS examination. It therefore appears that these results are reproducible in nulliparous women and the techniques can be readily learned and reliably incorporated into clinical practice and research after appropriate training. Further research is required to establish clinical utility of the grading system for LAM attachment in postpartum women and in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Set2 mediated H3 lysine 36 methylation: regulation of transcription elongation and implications in organismal development
Authors: Venkatesh Swaminathan , Workman Jerry L.
Published: February 2013

Set2 is a RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) associated histone methyltransferase involved in the cotranscriptional methylation of the H3 K36 residue (H3K36me). It is responsible for multiple degrees of methylation (mono‐, di‐, and trimethylation), each of which has a distinct functional consequence. The extent of methylation and its genomic distribution is determined by different factors that coordinate to achieve a functional outcome. In yeast, the Set2‐mediated H3K36me is involved in suppressing histone exchange, preventing hyperacetylation and promoting maintenance of well‐spaced chromatin structure over the coding regions. In metazoans, separation of this enzymatic activity affords greater functional diversity extending beyond the control of transcription elongation to developmental gene regulation. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of the Set2 distribution and function, and discusses the role played by H3 K36 methyl mark in organismal development. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:685–700. doi: 10.1002/wdev.109

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation
The GA‐minor submotif as a case study of RNA modularity, prediction, and design
Authors: Grabow Wade W. , Zhuang Zhuoyun , Shea Joan‐Emma , Jaeger Luc
Published: February 2013

Complex natural RNAs such as the ribosome, group I and group II introns, and RNase P exemplify the fact that three‐dimensional (3D) RNA structures are highly modular and hierarchical in nature. Tertiary RNA folding typically takes advantage of a rather limited set of recurrent structural motifs that are responsible for controlling bends or stacks between adjacent helices. Herein, the GA minor and related structural motifs are presented as a case study to highlight several structural and folding principles, to gain further insight into the structural evolution of naturally occurring RNAs, as well as to assist the rational design of artificial RNAs. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:181–203. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1153

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
Children, Kitchen, Church: does ethnicity matter?
Authors: Zaiceva Anzelika , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: February 2013

Ethnic differences in the allocation of non-market time are important, as they may shed more light on the integration level of ethnic minorities and on the factors that affect both household productivity and ethnic identity. In this paper we examine the role of ethnicity and gender by analyzing differences in the time spent on a range of activities employing the 2000 UK Time Use Survey. Based on the economics of religion and identity economic models, we hypothesize that if ethnic minority women have lower opportunity costs of time and a strong ‘ethnic’ or ‘traditionally female’ identity, they will engage more in ‘traditional’ home activities. Double-hurdle regression results indicate that while the effect for childcare is not significant when estimated for parents only, non-white women spend significantly more time on food management and particularly religious activities than white women, with the greatest effect of the latter being for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women.
A Note on the Hierarchical Model for Responses and Response Times in Tests of van der Linden (2007)
Authors: Ranger Jochen
Published: February 2013

Findings suggest that in psychological tests not only the responses but also the times needed to give the responses are related to characteristics of the test taker. This observation has stimulated the development of latent trait models for the joint distribution of the responses and the response times. Such models are motivated by the hope to improve the estimation of the latent traits by additionally considering response time. In this article, the potential relevance of the response times for psychological assessment is explored for the model of van der Linden (Psychometrika 72:287–308, 2007) that seems to have become the standard approach to response time modeling in educational testing. It can be shown that the consideration of response times increases the information of the test. However, one also can prove that the contribution of the response times to the test information is bounded and has a simple limit.
Identifying gender‐specific developmental trajectories of nonviolent and violent delinquency from adolescence to young adulthood
Authors: Zheng Yao , Cleveland H. Harrington
Published: February 2013

Most research examining gender differences in developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior does not consider subtypes of antisocial behavior and is difficult to generalize due to small non‐representative samples. The current study investigated gender difference in developmental trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood while addressing those limitations. Analyses were limited to respondents ages 15 and 16 in wave 1 (16–17 in wave 2, and 21–22 in wave 3) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 6244, 49.5% males). Self‐report nonviolent and violent delinquencies were simultaneously entered into latent class analysis. Four latent classes were identified: low, desister, decliner, and chronic (male‐only). In addition to finding a male‐specific chronic class, gender differences included differences in levels of nonviolent and violent delinquency between synonymous classes of males and females, and differences in prevalence of classes across genders. Neighborhood disadvantage and family support predicted trajectories.
Does social support protect against depression & psychological distress? Findings from the RELACHS study of East London adolescents
Authors: Khatib Yasmin , Bhui Kamaldeep , Stansfeld Stephen A.
Published: February 2013

Few prospective studies have examined the relationship between social support and psychological distress and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The aims of this study were to test whether social support is protective against psychological distress and depressive symptoms in an ethnically diverse population of adolescents and whether differences in support are reflected by ethnic differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Based on a longitudinal survey of 821 adolescents, this study found low levels of social support from family members was prospectively associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.43–3.54). Compared with White UK pupils, Black pupils were less likely to display psychological distress (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.51). However, social support did not explain the ethnic variations in psychological distress. Family environment may be a more consistent source of support compared with support from peers. The lower risk of psychological distress among Black pupils compared to White pupils requires further investigation.
Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone: Presentation of a small molecule activator of mammalian alpha‐amylase as an allosteric effector
Authors: Kashani-Amin Elaheh , Larijani Bagher , Ebrahim-Habibi Azadeh
Published: February 2013

Flavonoids and their precursor trans‐chalcone have been reported as inhibitors of mammalian alpha‐amylase. With regard to this background, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) effect was investigated toward porcine pancreatic alpha‐amylase (PPA), and found to be an activator of the enzyme. The maximal activation (up to threefold) was found to occur at 4.8 mM of NHDC, which could be considered to have a high activation profile, with regard to the alpha and beta parameters (alpha < 1 < beta). NHDC is a non‐essential activator of the enzyme and based on the results obtained from modeling tools, it is suggested to interact with PPA at a hydrophilic site located at the N‐terminal, far from the active site of the enzyme.
Characterization of peptides obtained from digests of bovine brain which accelerate structural conversions of the recombinant bovine prion protein
Authors: Nokihara Kiyoshi , Yajima Shunsuke , Hitara Akiyoshi , Sogon Tetsuya , Yasuhara Tadashi
Published: February 2013

Structural changes of proteins are thought to involve specific protein–peptide interactions, thus we hypothesize that certain peptides may contribute to the conformational change of prion proteins. Hence peptide libraries were constructed from partial digests of bovine brain. Using a recently developed conversion assay method, we have screened peptides responsible for structural conversion. Positive components were identified of which amino acid sequences were elucidated by top‐down sequencing using mass spectrometry. A database search identified a peptide derived from synaptophysin. This peptide was chemically synthesized to confirm acceleration of the structural change of recombinant bovine prion protein.
p63RhoGEF‐mediated formation of a single polarized lamellipodium is required for chemotactic migration in breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Hayashi Aya , Hiatari Ryuichi , Tsuji Takuji , Ohashi Kazumasa , Mizuno Kensaku
Published: February 2013

Short hairpin RNAs targeting 66 Rho‐GEFs were screened for inhibition of chemotaxis. Six Rho‐GEFs (p63RhoGEF, Trio, Duet, Net1, Frabin/Fgd4, and AAH33666) were found to be required for the serum‐induced chemotactic migration of MDA‐MB‐231 human breast carcinoma cells. Knockdown of p63RhoGEF suppressed serum‐induced RhoA activation and chemotaxis and caused the aberrant formation of multiple lamellipodial protrusions after serum stimulation while control cells formed a single polarized lamellipodium. These results indicate that p63RhoGEF plays a crucial role in serum‐induced chemotaxis by limiting lamellipodial protrusion to one direction via RhoA activation.
An endogene‐resembling transgene delays the onset of silencing and limits siRNA accumulation
Authors: Dadami Elena , Moser Mirko , Zwiebel Michele , Krczal Gabi , Wassenegger Michael , Dalakouras Athanasios
Published: February 2013

In plants, transgenes are generally more sensitive against RNA silencing than endogenes are. In this study, we generated a transgene that structurally mimicks an endogene. It is composed of endogenous promoter, 5′‐UTR, introns, 3′‐UTR and terminator elements. Our data revealed that, in contrast to a conventional transgene, an endogene‐resembling transgene was more stably expressed and poorly processed into small RNAs. In addition, although both constructs triggered methylation of homologous DNA sequences at similar levels, the endogene‐resembling transgene exhibited significantly delayed onset of local and systemic silencing.
Islet amyloid: From fundamental biophysics to mechanisms of cytotoxicity
Authors: Cao Ping , Marek Peter , Noor Harris , Patsalo Vadim , Tu Ling-Hsien , Wang Hui , Abedini Andisheh , Raleigh Daniel P.
Published: February 2013

Pancreatic islet amyloid is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes. The major protein component of islet amyloid is the polypeptide hormone known as islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, or amylin). IAPP is stored with insulin in the β‐cell secretory granules and is released in response to the stimuli that lead to insulin secretion. IAPP is normally soluble and is natively unfolded in its monomeric state, but forms islet amyloid in type 2 diabetes. Islet amyloid is not the cause of type 2 diabetes, but it leads to β‐cell dysfunction and cell death, and contributes to the failure of islet cell transplantation. The mechanism of IAPP amyloid formation is not understood and the mechanisms of cytotoxicity are not fully defined.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in Caenorhabditis elegans results in loss of fertility, extended life cycle, and reduced lifespan
Authors: Bito Tomohiro , Matsunaga Yohei , Yabuta Yukinori , Kawano Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Fumio
Published: February 2013

Vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency has been linked to developmental disorders, metabolic abnormalities, and neuropathy; however, the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans grown under B12‐deficient conditions for five generations develop severe B12 deficiency associated with various phenotypes that include decreased egg‐laying capacity (infertility), prolonged life cycle (growth retardation), and reduced lifespan. These phenotypes resemble the consequences of B12 deficiency in mammals, and can be induced in C. elegans in only 15 days. Thus, C. elegans is a suitable animal model for studying the biological processes induced by vitamin deficiency.
Atrophy of myoepithelial cells in parotid glands of diabetic mice; detection using skeletal muscle actin, a novel marker
Authors: Nashida Tomoko , Yoshie Sumio , Haga-Tsujimura Maiko , Imai Akane , Shimomura Hiromi
Published: February 2013

In mouse parotid glands, we found expression of skeletal muscle actin (actin‐α1) protein and mRNA. We isolated myoepithelial cells from the mouse parotid glands and investigated their actin‐α1 expression because smooth muscle actin (actin‐α2) has been used as a marker for myoepithelial cells. We used actin‐α1 expression to identify pathological changes in diabetic non‐obese diabetic (NOD; NOD/ShiJcl) mice—a mouse model for Sjögren's syndrome—and found myoepithelial cells to be decreased or atrophied in the diabetic state.
Protein phosphatases regulate the growth of developing neurites
Authors: Monroe Jerry D. , Heathcote R. David
Published: February 2013

The mechanisms underlying morphogenesis of axons and dendrites are critical for understanding both the structure and function of the nervous system. Since a number of kinases have a well‐known effect on neurite outgrowth, we tested the hypothesis that specific phosphatases can also play a role in neurite extension and branching. Both protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) are present in growing processes and can regulate neuronal outgrowth. Loss‐, gain‐ and recovery‐of‐function analyses in cultured hippocampal neurons tested the role of PP1 and PP2A in neurite growth. siRNA partially knocked down specific phosphatase isoforms and showed that reducing PP2A increased neurite length. Broad spectrum pharmacologic inhibition of PP1 caused the opposite effect from RNAi of specific phosphatases, indicating that two phosphatase pathways likely affect neurite morphogenesis. Over‐expression of PP2A resulted in shorter neurites and decreased dendritic branching. Rescue analysis showed that PP2A homologs could restore the longer neurites caused by RNAi, to their normal size, indicating that both reagents target the same pathway. Thus, the well‐known effects of specific kinases can be countered by the activity of phosphatases at different times and locations in the growing neurite. By working together, kinases and phosphatases can play a dynamic role in regulating neurite extension during development.
Managing Psychosocial Contributors in Low Back Pain Patients—A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Angela Lee Wing-Yan , Edwin Lee Wai-Chi , Sheung-Wai Law , Anthony Lau Wing-Keung , Siu-Man Leung , Koon-Man Sieh , Stephanie Luk Fung-Yin , Rainbow Law Ka-Yee
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The efficacy of integrated physiotherapy work rehabilitation program to occupational nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) patients triaged by Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPQ) for psychosocial risks was investigated.

Methods

47 subjects were recruited and randomly allocated to either the integrated physiotherapy group or the conventional group. Red flags signs were screened out. The range of the age of the patients was between 18 and 55. They either had history injuries at work or were on sick leave upon recruitment with moderate psychosocial risk.

Results

Statistics was performed on an intention-to-treat analysis. At discharge, the patients of integrated physiotherapy group displayed significant improvement of work recovery expectation, pain self-efficacy, overall subjective progress and satisfaction in comparison with the conventional group ( p < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement of all outcome measures except the recovery expectation showed no difference in the conventional group.

Conclusion

The work related treatment components of integrated physiotherapy group adopted a cognitive behavioral approach may contribute to better improvement.
Höhere Qualität und Effizienz: Kooperation von Ärzten und Pflegeheimen im Kinzigtal
Authors: Konnegen Dirk , Roth Monika , Deschler Thomas , Boschert Silke
Published: February 2013

Einleitung

Pflegeheime, Ärzte und Physiotherapeuten schaffen es, im Versorgungsumfeld Gesundes Kinzigtal die Qualität der Versorgung zu steigern und gleichzeitig in der Relation zu den deutschlandtypischen Ausgaben die Mehrkosten für pflegebedürftige Heimbewohner deutlich zu senken und die erzielte Gesundheitseffizienz zu erhöhen. Die Klinikeinweisungen wurden deutlich gesenkt, verminderte Psycholeptika Verordnungen für Demenzerkrankte sind nachgewiesen. Die Autoren beschreiben die Erfolge und gehen auch auf die Aufwände ein, die notwendig sind, um diesen Erfolg zu erzielen.
Mean ergodic theorems on norming dual pairs
Authors: GERLACH MORITZ , KUNZE MARKUS
Published: February 2013

We extend the classical mean ergodic theorem to the setting of norming dual pairs. It turns out that, in general, not all equivalences from the Banach space setting remain valid in our situation. However, for Markovian semigroups on the norming dual pair $({C}_{b} (E), \mathscr{M} (E))$ all classical equivalences hold true under an additional assumption which is slightly weaker than the e-property.