bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Rupture, Disappearance, and Reaccumulation of a Rathke's Cleft Cyst
Authors: Maniec Katrina , Watson Joe C.
Published: September 2011

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign epithelium-lined intrasellar cysts containing mucoid material and are believed to originate from the remnants of Rathke's pouch. Most are asymptomatic but may cause symptoms secondary to compression of adjacent structures such as visual disturbances and endocrinopathies, especially hypopituitary. Furthermore, inflammation such as an aseptic meningitis syndrome may be associated with these tumors, presumably resulting from leakage of cyst material into the subarachnoid space. We present a unique case of spontaneous rupture and complete disappearance of a known sella-suprasellar cyst associated with a severe headache syndrome, followed by cyst reaccumulation requiring surgery. Although this phenomenon is well accepted, to our knowledge, this is the first report of the complete disappearance of a Rathke's cyst presenting with the classic syndrome. Furthermore, it was remarkable how quickly it recurred and became symptomatic, providing evidence that an “empty sella syndrome” may indeed need clinical follow-up.
Square Diaphragm CMUT Capacitance Calculation Using a New Deflection Shape Function
Authors: Rahman Md Mosaddequr , Chowdhury Sazzadur
Published: September 2011

A new highly accurate closed-form capacitance calculation model has been developed to calculate the capacitance of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) built with square diaphragms. The model has been developed by using a two-dimensional polynomial function that more accurately predicts the deflection curve of a square diaphragm deformed under the influence of a uniform external pressure and also takes account of the fringing field capacitances. The model has been verified by comparing the model-predicted deflection profiles and capacitance values with experimental results published elsewhere and finite element analysis (FEA) carried out by the authors for different material properties, geometric specifications, and loading conditions. New model-calculated capacitance values are found to be in excellent agreement with published experimental results with a maximum deviation of 1.7%, and a maximum deviation of 1.5% has been observed when compared with FEA results. The model can help in improving the accuracy of the design methodology of CMUT devices and other MEMS-based capacitive type sensors built with square diaphragms.
Measuring Distraction at the Levels of Tactical and Strategic Control: The Limits of Capacity-Based Measures for Revealing Unsafe Visual Sampling Models
Authors: Kujala Tuomo , Saariluoma Pertti
Published: September 2011

The control theory of driving suggests that driver distraction can be analyzed as a breakdown of control at three levels. Common approach for analyzing distraction experimentally is to utilize capacity-based measures to assess distraction at the level of operational control. Three driving simulation experiments with 61 participants were organized to evaluate which kind of measures could be used to analyze drivers' tactical visual sampling models and the related effects of distraction while searching textual information on in-car display. The effects of two different text types were evaluated. The utilized capacity-based measures seemed to be insufficient for revealing participants' tactical behaviors or effects of text type. The measures of workload or performance did not indicate reliably the differences found between participants' visual sampling strategies or which text type is better for enabling safer task timing behaviors. Visual sampling measures did indicate effects of text type on participants' tactical abilities. Differences in participants' visual sampling strategies leading to different levels of systematicity in visual behaviors can explain the variances in visual sampling efficiency. Displays encouraging unsystematic glance allocation behaviors were found potentially the most distracting in relation to safe visual sampling of in-vehicle displays.
Benign Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Tongue Base Causing Upper Airway Obstruction
Authors: Sands Noah B. , Tewfik Marc
Published: September 2011

Severe benign lymphoid hyperplasia (LH) is unusual in the head and neck region, but the diagnosis of LH is of clinical importance as it may be confused with malignant lymphoma, both on clinical examination and pathologically. While the etiology is poorly understood, a number of previous theories exist, which are included here in the context of a literature review. In this paper we present a case of severe pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia causing airway obstruction and requiring tracheotomy and subsequent surgical debulking.
Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas: Management of the Central Lymph Node Compartment and Emerging Biochemical Markers
Authors: Yeung Meei J. , Pasieka Janice L.
Published: September 2011

Well-differentiated thyroid cancers (WDTCs) are generally indolent cancers that are associated with a low mortality. Although the incidence of these tumors is increasing, there has not been an associated increase in the mortality rates. As we gain a greater understanding and more experience with these good prognosis cancers, the way in which we treat these tumors is evolving. The definition of persistent or recurrent disease has seen a shift from being a clinical and/or radiological diagnosis to now one based on a biochemical blood marker, thyroglobulin. Central lymph node metastases are a very common problem in WDTC, being present in up to 90% of patients. The optimal surgical management of the central lymph node compartment remains a hotly debated topic. This paper identifies these controversies and presents available data surrounding these issues. Biochemical tumor markers are gaining wider use in practice and in time hopefully provide more specific information with which surgical decision-making can be based. A summary of the clinically available markers is presented.
The Effect of Sub-MICβ-Lactam Antibiotic Exposure ofPseudomonas aeruginosaStrains from People with Cystic Fibrosis in a Desiccation Survival Model
Authors: Clifton I. J. , Denton M. , M'Zali F. , Peckham D. G.
Published: September 2011

Prior to modern typing methods, cross-infection ofP. aeruginosabetween people with cystic fibrosis (CF) was felt to be rare. Recently a number of studies have demonstrated the presence of clonal strains ofP. aeruginosainfecting people with CF. The aim of this study was to determine whether strains ofP. aeruginosademonstrated differences in resistance to desiccation and whether preincubation in subminimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ofβ-lactam affected desiccation resistance. The experimental data were modelled to a first-order decay model and a Weibull decay model using least squares nonlinear regression. The Weibull model was the preferred model for the desiccation survival. The presence of a mucoid phenotype promoted desiccation survival. Preincubation with antibiotics did not have a consistent effect on the strains ofP. aeruginosa. Meropenem reduced desiccation resistance, whereas ceftazidime had much less effect on the strains studied.
Sarcoidosis with Both Plaques and Subcutaneous Nodules Associated with Combination Therapy with Peginterferon -2a and Ribavirin
Authors: Kondo M. , Nishii M.
Published: September 2011

A 64-year-old woman with hepatitis C was treated using combination therapy with peginterferonα-2a and ribavirin. After 3 months, she presented with raised nodules on her knees and elbows. After 8 months, she developed painful subcutaneous nodules on her forearms. We diagnosed sarcoidosis with both plaques and subcutaneous nodules associated with combination therapy with peginterferonα-2a and ribavirin. Sarcoidosis with both plaques and subcutaneous nodules is very rare. The patient had a sustained Th2 response in the liver. And a sustained Th1 response occurred only in the skin. It is likely that, for this reason, sarcoidosis was localized to the skin, and the patient developed sarcoidosis with both plaques and subcutaneous nodules.
An Optimal Design of Multiple Antenna Positions on Mobile Devices Based on Mutual Coupling Analysis
Authors: Uthansakul Peerapong , Assanuk Danai , Uthansakul Monthippa
Published: September 2011

The topic of practical implementation of multiple antenna systems for mobile communications has recently gained a lot of attention. Due to the area constraint on a mobile device, the problem of how to design such a system in order to achieve the best benefit is still a huge challenge. In this paper, genetic algorithm (GA) is used to find the optimal antenna positions on a mobile device. Two cases of3×3and4×4MIMO systems are undertaken. The effect of mutual coupling based onZ-parameter is the main factor to determine the MIMO capacity concerning the objective function of GA search. The results confirm the success of the proposed method to design MIMO antenna positions on a mobile device. Moreover, this paper introduces the method to design the antenna positions for the condition of nondeterministic channel. The concern of channel variation has been included in the process of finding optimal MIMO antenna positions. The results suggest that the averaging position from all GA solutions according to all channel conditions provides the most acceptable benefit.
The Central Extension Defining the Super Matrix Generalization of W1+∞
Authors: Boyallian Carina , Liberati Jose I.
Published: September 2011

We prove that the Lie superalgebra of regular differential
operators on the superspace ℂM|N[t, t−1] has an essentially unique non‐trivial
central extension.
A Rearing Method forArgynnis (Speyeria) diana(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) That Avoids Larval Diapause
Authors: Wells Carrie N. , Edwards Lindsey , Hawkins Russell , Smith Lindsey , Tonkyn David
Published: September 2011

We describe a rearing protocol that allowed us to raise the threatened butterfly,Argynnis diana(Nymphalidae), while bypassing the first instar overwintering diapause. We compared the survival of offspring reared under this protocol from field-collectedA. dianafemales from North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Larvae were reared in the lab on three phylogenetically distinct species of Southern Appalachian violets (Viola sororia, V. pubescens, andV. pedata). We assessed larval survival inA. dianato the last instar, pupation, and adulthood. Males reared in captivity emerged significantly earlier than females. An ANOVA revealed no evidence of host plant preference byA. dianatoward three native violet species. We suggest that restoration ofA. dianahabitat which promotes a wide array of larval and adult host plants, is urgently needed to conserve this imperiled species into the future.
Capsule Retentions and Incomplete Capsule Endoscopy Examinations: An Analysis of 2300 Examinations
Authors: Höög Charlotte M. , Bark Lars-Åke , Arkani Juan , Gorsetman Jacob , Broström Olle , Sjöqvist Urban
Published: September 2011

Aim. To evaluate capsule endoscopy in terms of incomplete examinations and capsule retentions and to find risk factors for these events.Material and Methods. This retrospective and consecutive study includes data from 2300 capsule enteroscopy examinations, performed at four different hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden from 2003 to 2009.Results. The frequency of incomplete examinations was 20%. Older age, male gender, suspected, and known Crohn's disease were risk factors for an incomplete examination. The PillCam capsule had the highest rate of completed examinations. Capsule retention occurred in 1.3% (). Risk factors for capsule retention were known Crohn's disease and suspected tumor. Complications of capsule retention were acute obstructive symptoms in six patients and one death related to complications after acute surgical capsule retrieval.Conclusion: Capsule endoscopy is considered a safe procedure, although obstructive symptoms and serious complications due to capsule retention can be found in a large series of patients.
Prognostic Factors of Papillary and Follicular Carcinomas in Japan Based on Data of Kuma Hospital
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Miyauchi Akira
Published: September 2011

There are some important prognostic factors for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). In this paper, clinicopathological features significantly affecting patient prognosis are described based on our data as well as others. Distant metastasis at diagnosis is the most important prognostic factor for both PTC and FTC. Other than that, preoperative and intraoperative findings are important to evaluate the biological behavior of PTC. Extrathyroid extension, large lymph-node metastasis, and extranodal tumor extension that can be evaluated preoperatively or intraoperatively are significant prognostic factors for PTC patients. In contrast, pathological findings are important not only for diagnosis of FTC, but also for the evaluation of its biological character. Grade of invasiveness (minimally or widely invasive) and degree of differentiation (well differentiated or including a poorly differentiated component) greatly affect the prognosis of FTC patients.
Stem Cell Antigen-1 Deficiency Enhances the Chemopreventive Effect of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptorγ Activation
Authors: Yuan Hongyan , Upadhyay Geeta , Yin Yuzhi , Kopelovich Levy , Glazer Robert I.
Published: September 2011

Stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1, Ly6A) is a glycerophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that was identified as a murine marker of bone marrow stem cells. Although Sca-1 is widely used to enrich for stem and progenitor cells in various tissues, little is known about its function and associated signaling pathways in normal and malignant cells. Here, we report that the absence of Sca-1 in the mammary gland resulted in higher levels of PPARγ and PTEN, and a reduction of pSer84PPARγ, pERK1/2, and PPARδ. This phenotype correlated with markedly increased sensitivity of Sca-1 null mice to PPARγ agonist GW7845 and insensitivity to PPARδ agonist GW501516. Reduction of Sca-1 expression in mammary tumor cells by RNA interference resulted in a phenotype similar to the Sca-1 deficient mammary gland, as evidenced by increased PPARγ expression and transcriptional activity, resulting in part from a lesser susceptibility to proteasomal degradation. These data implicate Sca-1 as a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor effects of PPARγ. Cancer Prev Res; 5(1); 51–60. ©2011 AACR.
The iScore Predicts Poor Functional Outcomes Early After Hospitalization for an Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Raptis Stavroula , Kapral Moira K. , Liu Ying , Tu Jack V. , Mamdani Muhammad , Austin Peter C.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

The iScore is a prediction tool originally developed to estimate the risk of death after hospitalization for an acute ischemic stroke. Our objective was to determine whether the iScore could also predict poor functional outcomes.

Methods—

We applied the iScore to patients presenting with an acute ischemic stroke at multiple hospitals in Ontario, Canada, between 2003 and 2008, who had been identified from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network regional stroke center database (n=3818) and from an external data set, the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network Ontario Stroke Audit (n=4635). Patients were excluded if they were included in the sample used to develop and validate the initial iScore. Poor functional outcomes were defined as: (1) death at 30 days or disability at discharge, in which disability was defined as having a modified Rankin Scale 3 to 5; and (2) death at 30 days or institutionalization at discharge.

Results—

The prevalence of poor functional outcomes in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network and the Ontario Stroke Audit, respectively, were 55.7% and 44.1% for death at 30 days or disability at discharge and 16.9% and 16.2%, respectively, for death at 30 days or institutionalization at discharge. The iScore stratified the risk of poor outcomes in low- and high-risk individuals. Observed versus predicted outcomes showed high correlations: 0.988 and 0.940 for mortality or disability and 0.985 and 0.993 for mortality or institutionalization in the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network and Ontario Stroke Audit cohorts.

Conclusions—

The iScore can be used to estimate the risk of death or a poor functional outcome after an acute ischemic stroke.
Reconceptualizing the Role of Security User
Authors: Camp L. Jean
Published: September 2011

The Internet is not the only critical infrastructure that relies on the participation of unorganized and technically inexpert end users. Transportation, health, waste management, and disaster preparedness are other areas where cooperation between unorganized citizens who lack experience with the domain has increased resiliency, reduced social costs, and helped meet shared goals. Theories of community-based production and management of the commons explain this type of cooperation, both offline and online. This essay examines these two complementary approaches to organizing the cybercitizen for cybersecurity. Cybersecurity discourse has reasonably focused on centralized parties and network operators. From domain name registrars to network service providers, solutions are sought through incentives, regulation, and even law enforcement. However great the ability of these centralized entities to implement change, the end user plays a crucial role. The Internet must remain open to enable innovation and diffusion of innovation; thus, the end user will continue to be important. What is the role of the citizen in cybersecurity? What socio-technical characteristics might enable a system that encourages and empowers users to create a secure infrastructure?
Hypothermia Associated With Antipsychotic Drug Use: A Clinical Case Series and Review of Current Literature
Authors: Kreuzer Peter , Landgrebe Michael , Wittmann Markus , Schecklmann Martin , Poeppl Timm B. , Hajak Goeran , Langguth Berthold
Published: September 2011

Hypothermia as an adverse reaction of antipsychotic drug use represents a potentially life‐threatening complication. However, the mechanisms by which antipsychotic drugs alter thermoregulatory processes in the human body are far from being fully understood. Here we present a case series of 5 patients developing severe hypothermia after administration of olanzapine and benperidol. Controlled by a network of neural structures, body temperature is physiologically regulated in far more narrow boundaries than are other vital functions, and its homeostasis is critical for survival. The preoptic region in the ventral hypothalamus is assumed to act as a coordinating center that is endowed with thermosensory units that constantly compare actual body temperature with target values and initiate regulatory and compensatory mechanisms in case of mismatch. Hypothermia risk seems to increase in the first days after initiation of antipsychotic drug therapy or increases in the daily dose. Schizophrenic patients bear a higher risk than nonschizophrenic patients treated with antipsychotic drugs (such as patients with dementia or depression). Antipsychotic drugs with strong 5‐HT2 antagonism seem to be more frequently associated with hypothermia. These cases demonstrate the clinical relevance of hypothermia as an adverse reaction to antipsychotic treatment and the importance of careful monitoring of body temperature.
Aging and Late-Life Depression
Authors: Wu Zheng , Schimmele Christoph M. , Chappell Neena L.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between age and depression among people aged 65 and older. Method: The study uses three waves of longitudinal data (1991, 1996, 2001) from a community and institutional sample of Canadians aged 65 and older. The study uses generalized linear mixed-model techniques to estimate the trajectories of depressive symptoms and major depression in late life. Results: There is a linear increase in depressive symptoms after age 65, but this occurs in the context of medical comorbidity and is not an independent effect of aging. There is a significant u-shaped relationship between age and major depression, after adjusting for selected covariates. Discussion: The relationship between age and late-life depression is complex, and it depends on how the dependent variable is measured. Late-life depression develops through a different set of risk factors than it does in earlier stages of the life course. The “fourth age” appears to be a period of psychiatric morbidity.
Couples' Reports of Relationship Problems in a Naturalistic Therapy Setting
Authors: Boisvert Marie-Michèle , Wright John , Tremblay Nadine , McDuff Pierre
Published: September 2011

Understanding couples' relationship problems is fundamental to couple therapy. Although research has documented common relationship problems, no study has used open-ended questions to explore problems in couples seeking therapy in naturalistic settings. The present study used a reliable coding system to explore the relationship problems reported by 108 couples. The most common problems were related to communication, emotional affection or distance, specific areas of the current relationship, and lack of physical affection or sex. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that commitment or security problems and infidelity or flirting problems were more common among couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate than among couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate. Results demonstrated the importance of identifying distinct therapeutic mandates in couple therapy.
Screening for Male Osteoporosis at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Ivory Dedri Markita , Siva Chokkalingam , Velázquez Celso , Abdinoor Abdillahi Abdi
Published: September 2011

Recent findings suggest that men have higher mortality rates than women after a hip fracture. Although the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men is increasing, male osteoporosis still remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. In general, male osteoporosis is given low priority by policy makers in public health initiatives. The purpose of this study is to examine the patterns of use and gender distribution of DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan usage at a university medical center in the United States. The total number of DXA scans increased during the study period while the percentage of men studied actually declined. The results of this study may lead to heightened awareness among providers who are caring for male patients at risk for osteoporosis.
Gay Men Talking About Health
Authors: Adams Jeffery , Braun Virginia , McCreanor Tim
Published: September 2011

Defining and describing health has traditionally been the role of medical experts. Although a rich literature has recently established the importance of lay accounts of health, one important gap relates to gay men’s accounts of health. Data from 11 focus groups involving 45 gay men were thematically analyzed to investigate gay men’s views of health. Two contrasting positions on a possible relationship between sexuality and health—there is no link or there is a definite link—were identified. In addition, five key ways gay men talked about health were identified: health is the absence of disease, is functional ability, is fitness and exercise, is psychological, and is multifaceted. Although there are similarities in the ways gay and other men talk about health, important differences exist, which suggest that issues of sexuality need to be considered by health policy and service planners so that responsive health services can be provided.
Local synteny and codon usage contribute to asymmetric sequence divergence of Saccharomyces cerevisiaegene duplicates
Authors: Bu Lijing , Bergthorsson Ulfar , Katju Vaishali
Published: September 2011

Background

Duplicated genes frequently experience asymmetric rates of sequence evolution. Relaxed selective constraints and positive selection have both been invoked to explain the observation that one paralog within a gene-duplicate pair exhibits an accelerated rate of sequence evolution. In the majority of studies where asymmetric divergence has been established, there is no indication as to which gene copy, ancestral or derived, is evolving more rapidly. In this study we investigated the effect of local synteny (gene-neighborhood conservation) and codon usage on the sequence evolution of gene duplicates in the S. cerevisiae genome. We further distinguish the gene duplicates into those that originated from a whole-genome duplication (WGD) event (ohnologs) versus small-scale duplications (SSD) to determine if there exist any differences in their patterns of sequence evolution.

Results

For SSD pairs, the derived copy evolves faster than the ancestral copy. However, there is no relationship between rate asymmetry and synteny conservation (ancestral-like versus derived-like) in ohnologs. mRNA abundance and optimal codon usage as measured by the CAI is lower in the derived SSD copies relative to ancestral paralogs. Moreover, in the case of ohnologs, the faster-evolving copy has lower CAI and lowered expression.

Conclusions

Together, these results suggest that relaxation of selection for codon usage and gene expression contribute to rate asymmetry in the evolution of duplicated genes and that in SSD pairs, the relaxation of selection stems from the loss of ancestral regulatory information in the derived copy.
Mapping QTLs for oil traits and eQTLs for oleosin genes in jatropha
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Chun Ming , Li Lei , Sun Fei , Liu Peng , Yue Gen Hua
Published: September 2011

Background

The major fatty acids in seed oil of jatropha, a biofuel crop, are palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2). High oleic acid and total oil content are desirable for jatropha breeding. Until now, little was known about the genetic bases of these oil traits in jatropha. In this study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) and expression QTL analyses were applied to identify genetic factors that are relevant to seed oil traits in jatropha.

Results

Composite interval mapping identified 18 QTL underlying the oil traits. A highly significant QTL qC18:1-1 was detected at one end of linkage group (LG) 1 with logarithm of the odd (LOD) 18.4 and percentage of variance explained (PVE) 36.0%. Interestingly, the QTL qC18:1-1 overlapped with qC18:2-1, controlling oleic acid and linoleic acid compositions. Among the significant QTL controlling total oil content, qOilC-4 was mapped on LG4 a relatively high significant level with LOD 5.0 and PVE 11.1%. Meanwhile, oleosins are the major composition in oil body affecting oil traits; we therefore developed SNP markers in three oleosin genes OleI, OleII and OleIII, which were mapped onto the linkage map. OleI and OleIII were mapped on LG5, closing to QTLs controlling oleic acid and stearic acid. We further determined the expressions of OleI, OleII and OleIII in mature seeds from the QTL mapping population, and detected expression QTLs (eQTLs) of the three genes on LGs 5, 6 and 8 respectively. The eQTL of OleIII, qOleIII-5, was detected on LG5 with PVE 11.7% and overlapped with QTLs controlling stearic acid and oleic acid, implying a cis- or trans-element for the OleIII affecting fatty acid compositions.

Conclusion

We identified 18 QTLs underlying the oil traits and 3 eQTLs of the oleosin acid genes. The QTLs and eQTLs, especially qC18:1-1, qOilC-4 and qOleIII-5 with contribution rates (R2) higher than 10%, controlling oleic acid, total oil content and oleosin gene expression respectively, will provide indispensable data for initiating molecular breeding to improve seed oil traits in jatropha, the key crop for biodiesel production.
Tic20 forms a channel independent of Tic110 in chloroplasts
Authors: Kovács-Bogdán Erika , Benz J Philipp , Soll Jürgen , Bölter Bettina
Published: September 2011

Background

The Tic complex (Translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts) mediates the translocation of nuclear encoded chloroplast proteins across the inner envelope membrane. Tic110 forms one prominent protein translocation channel. Additionally, Tic20, another subunit of the complex, was proposed to form a protein import channel - either together with or independent of Tic110. However, no experimental evidence for Tic20 channel activity has been provided so far.

Results

We performed a comprehensive biochemical and electrophysiological study to characterize Tic20 in more detail and to gain a deeper insight into its potential role in protein import into chloroplasts. Firstly, we compared transcript and protein levels of Tic20 and Tic110 in both Pisum sativum and Arabidopsis thaliana. We found the Tic20 protein to be generally less abundant, which was particularly pronounced in Arabidopsis. Secondly, we demonstrated that Tic20 forms a complex larger than 700 kilodalton in the inner envelope membrane, which is clearly separate from Tic110, migrating as a dimer at about 250 kilodalton. Thirdly, we defined the topology of Tic20 in the inner envelope, and found its N- and C-termini to be oriented towards the stromal side. Finally, we successfully reconstituted overexpressed and purified full-length Tic20 into liposomes. Using these Tic20-proteoliposomes, we could demonstrate for the first time that Tic20 can independently form a cation selective channel in vitro.

Conclusions

The presented data provide first biochemical evidence to the notion that Tic20 can act as a channel protein within the chloroplast import translocon complex. However, the very low abundance of Tic20 in the inner envelope membranes indicates that it cannot form a major protein translocation channel. Furthermore, the independent complex formation of Tic20 and Tic110 argues against a joint channel formation. Thus, based on the observed channel activity of Tic20 in proteoliposomes, we speculate that the chloroplast inner envelope contains multiple (at least two) translocation channels: Tic110 as the general translocation pore, whereas Tic20 could be responsible for translocation of a special subset of proteins.
Effect of an audiovisual message for tetanus booster vaccination broadcast in the waiting room
Authors: Eubelen Caroline , Brendel Fannette , Belche Jean-Luc , Freyens Anne , Vanbelle Sophie , Giet Didier
Published: September 2011

Background

General practitioners (GPs) often lack time and resources to invest in health education; audiovisual messages broadcast in the waiting room may be a useful educational tool. This work was designed to assess the effect of a message inviting patients to ask for a tetanus booster vaccination.

Methods

A quasi experimental study was conducted in a Belgian medical practice consisting of 6 GPs and 4 waiting rooms (total: 20,000 contacts/year). A tetanus booster vaccination audiovisual message was continuously broadcast for 6 months in 2 randomly selected waiting rooms (intervention group - 3 GPs) while the other 2 waiting rooms remained unequipped (control group - 3 GPs). At the end of the 6-month period, the number of vaccine adult-doses delivered by local pharmacies in response to GPs' prescriptions was recorded. As a reference, the same data were also collected retrospectively for the general practice during the same 6-month period of the previous year.

Results

During the 6-month reference period where no audiovisual message was broadcast in the 4 waiting rooms, the number of prescriptions presented for tetanus vaccines was respectively 52 (0.44%) in the intervention group and 33 (0.38%) in the control group (p = 0.50). By contrast, during the 6-month study period, the number of prescriptions differed between the two groups (p < 0.0001), rising significantly to 91 (0.79%) in the intervention group (p = 0.0005) while remaining constant in the control group (0.38% vs 0.39%; p = 0.90).

Conclusions

Broadcasting an audiovisual health education message in the GPs' waiting room was associated with a significant increase in the number of adult tetanus booster vaccination prescriptions delivered by local pharmacies.
Mediators of physical activity change in a behavioral modification program for type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Van Dyck Delfien , De Greef Karlijn , Deforche Benedicte , Ruige Johannes , Tudor-Locke Catrine E , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Owen Neville , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse
Published: September 2011

Background

Many studies have reported significant behavioral impact of physical activity interventions. However, few have examined changes in potential mediators of change preceding behavioral changes, resulting in a lack of information concerning how the intervention worked. Our purpose was to examine mediation effects of changes in psychosocial variables on changes in physical activity in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

Ninety-two patients (62 ± 9 years, 30, 0 ± 2.5 kg/m2, 69% males) participated in a randomized controlled trial. The 24-week intervention was based on social-cognitive constructs and consisted of a face-to-face session, telephone follow-ups, and the use of a pedometer. Social-cognitive variables and physical activity (device-based and self-reported) were collected at baseline, after the 24-week intervention and at one year post-baseline. PA was measured by pedometer, accelerometer and questionnaire.

Results

Post-intervention physical activity changes were mediated by coping with relapse, changes in social norm, and social modeling from family members (p ≤ 0.05). One-year physical activity changes were mediated by coping with relapse, changes in social support from family and self-efficacy towards physical activity barriers (p ≤ 0.05)

Conclusions

For patients with type 2 diabetes, initiatives to increase their physical activity could usefully focus on strategies for resuming regular patterns of activity, on engaging family social support and on building confidence about dealing with actual and perceived barriers to activity.

Trial Registration

NCT00903500, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Curcumin is a potent modulator of microglial gene expression and migration
Authors: Karlstetter Marcus , Lippe Elena , Walczak Yana , Moehle Christoph , Aslanidis Alexander , Mirza Myriam , Langmann Thomas
Published: September 2011

Background

Microglial cells are important effectors of the neuronal innate immune system with a major role in chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin, a major component of tumeric, alleviates pro-inflammatory activities of these cells by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) signaling. To study the immuno-modulatory effects of curcumin on a transcriptomic level, DNA-microarray analyses were performed with resting and LPS-challenged microglial cells after short-term treatment with curcumin.

Methods

Resting and LPS-activated BV-2 cells were stimulated with curcumin and genome-wide mRNA expression patterns were determined using DNA-microarrays. Selected qRT-PCR analyses were performed to confirm newly identified curcumin-regulated genes. The migration potential of microglial cells was determined with wound healing assays and transwell migration assays. Microglial neurotoxicity was estimated by morphological analyses and quantification of caspase 3/7 levels in 661W photoreceptors cultured in the presence of microglia-conditioned medium.

Results

Curcumin treatment markedly changed the microglial transcriptome with 49 differentially expressed transcripts in a combined analysis of resting and activated microglial cells. Curcumin effectively triggered anti-inflammatory signals as shown by induced expression of Interleukin 4 and Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α. Several novel curcumin-induced genes including Netrin G1, Delta-like 1, Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, and Plasma cell endoplasmic reticulum protein 1, have been previously associated with adhesion and cell migration. Consequently, curcumin treatment significantly inhibited basal and activation-induced migration of BV-2 microglia. Curcumin also potently blocked gene expression related to pro-inflammatory activation of resting cells including Toll-like receptor 2 and Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2. Moreover, transcription of NO synthase 2 and Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 was reduced in LPS-triggered microglia. These transcriptional changes in curcumin-treated LPS-primed microglia also lead to decreased neurotoxicity with reduced apoptosis of 661W photoreceptor cultures.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results suggest that curcumin is a potent modulator of the microglial transcriptome. Curcumin attenuates microglial migration and triggers a phenotype with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Thus, curcumin could be a nutraceutical compound to develop immuno-modulatory and neuroprotective therapies for the treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders.
Time course of improvement with antipsychotic medication in treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Takefumi , Remington Gary , Arenovich Tamara , Uchida Hiroyuki , Agid Ofer , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Mamo David C.
Published: September 2011

Background

Improvements are greatest in the earlier weeks of antipsychotic treatment of patients with non-resistant schizophrenia.

Aims

To address the early time-line for improvement with antipsychotics in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Method

Randomised double-blind trials of antipsychotic medication in adult patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia were investigated (last search June 2010). A series of meta-regression analyses were carried out to examine the effect of time on the average item scores in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at three or more distinct time points within the first 6 weeks of treatment.

Results

Study duration varied from 4 weeks to 1 year and the definitions of treatment resistance as well as of treatment response were not necessarily consistent across 19 identified studies, resulting in highly variable rates of response (0–76%). The mean standardised baseline item score in the PANSS or BPRS was 3.4 (s.e. = 0.06) in the five studies included in the meta-regression analysis, with the average baseline Clinical Global Impression – Severity score being 5.2 (marked illness). For the pooled population treated with a range of antipsychotics (n= 1019), significant reductions in the mean item scores occurred during the first 4 weeks; improvements observed in later weeks were smaller and non-significant. In contrast, weekly improvement with clozapine was significant throughout (n= 356).

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary evidence that the majority of improvement with antipsychotics may occur relatively early. More consistent improvements with clozapine may be associated with a gradual titration. To further elucidate response patterns, future studies are needed to provide data over regular intervals during earlier stages of treatment.
Pituitary Carcinoma: Difficult Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Heaney Anthony P.
Published: September 2011

Context:

Although pituitary tumors are common, pituitary carcinoma is very rare and is only diagnosed when pituitary tumor noncontiguous with the sellar region is demonstrated. Diagnosis is difficult, resulting in delays that may adversely effect outcome that is traditionally poor. Barriers to earlier diagnosis and management strategies for pituitary carcinoma are discussed.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed was employed to identify relevant studies, a review of the literature was conducted, and data were summarized and integrated from the author's perspective.

Evidence Synthesis:

The available data highlight the difficulties in diagnosis and management and practical challenges in conducting clinical trials in this rare condition. They suggest that earlier diagnosis with aggressive multimodal therapy may be advantageous in some cases.

Conclusions:

Although pituitary carcinoma remains difficult to diagnose and treat, recent developments have led to improved outcomes in selected cases. With broader use of molecular markers, efforts to modify current histopathological criteria for pituitary carcinoma diagnosis may now be possible. This would assist earlier diagnosis and, in combination with targeted therapies, potentially improve long-term survival.
From Interfacial Water to Macroscopic Observables: A Review
Authors: Striolo Alberto
Published: September 2011

The scientific community has always been fascinated by the properties of water and, consequently, a number of investigations continue to address this ubiquitous fluid responsible for life on this planet. Interfacial water plays an important role in a number of physical phenomena that include protein-folding, structure/function relationships in enzymes, the design of nano-fluidic devices, and even macroscopic effects including drag reduction. Interfacial water is attracting renewed interest because of applications such as electrical double layer capacitors, and also for the microbial conversion of cellulose to biofuels. Current scientific explorations regarding interfacial water take advantage of innovations in experimental capabilities, theoretical models and computational tools. Particular attention has been devoted recently to uncovering the relationships between macroscopic properties, often summarized under the hydrophobic/hydrophilic characterization of solid surfaces, to the atomic-level behaviour of water near interfaces. The goal of the present review is to compile recent results obtained along these research objectives, for the most part obtained by simulation studies, to discuss some experimental techniques that appear most adequate to validate the simulation results (specular X-ray reflectivity, ultrafast IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and others), and to propose possible research topics to further develop this field. Because of our recent interests, the surfaces considered herein are mainly oxides.
The Influence of Changes in Water Content on the Electrical Resistivity of a Natural Unsaturated Loess
Authors: Muñoz-Castelblanco J. A. , Pereira J. M. , Delage P. , Cui Y. J.
Published: September 2011

Non-destructive methods of measuring water content in soils have been extensively developed in the last decades, especially in soil science. Among these methods, the measurements based on the electrical resistivity are simple and reliable thanks to the clear relationship between the water content and the electrical resistivity of soils. In this work, a new electrical resistivity probe was developed to monitor the change in local water content in the triaxial apparatus. The probe is composed of two-pair of electrodes, and an electrical current is induced through the soil at the vicinity of the contact between the probe and the specimen. Some experimental data on the changes in resistivity with the degree of saturation were obtained in specimens of a natural unsaturated loess from Northern France. Two theoretical models of resistivity were also used to analyze the obtained data. Results are finally discussed with respect to the loess’s water retention properties.
Transgenerational effects in light of epigenetical research
Authors: Varga Katalin
Published: September 2011

A transzgenerációs hatások régóta ismertek a klinikai munkában. Némileg rejtélyes módon olyanoknál is jelentkezhetnek a traumatizáltság hatásai, akik maguk nem voltak kitéve a kedvezőtlen hatásnak, ám őseik valahogy továbbörökítették azt. Az utóbbi években a transzgenerációs epigenetikai kutatások biológiai alapú magyarázó mechanizmust kínálnak a transzgenerációs átvitelre. Olyan folyamatokat írnak le, amelyek a DNS alapszerkezetének változtatása nélkül lecsendesítenek, vagy épp átírhatóvá tesznek bizonyos szakaszokat, így befolyásolva az azok által kódolt fenotípus megjelenését. Az epigenetikai folyamatok adaptivitásának kulcsát az jelenti, hogy a környezeti változásokra való gyors reagálást teszi lehetővé, amely – változatlan környezeti feltételek esetén – továbböröklődik az új generációkra. E mechanizmusok rövid ismertetése mentén jelen dolgozat a születés körüli (perinatális) időszak jelentőségét, valamint a kérdéskör néhány pszichoterápiás vonatkozását veti fel.
Parameters from the community of leaf-litter frogs from Estação Ecológica Estadual Paraíso, Guapimirim, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Rocha Carlos F.D. , Vrcibradic Davor , Kiefer Mara C. , Siqueira Carla C. , Almeida-Gomes Mauricio , Borges Júnior Vitor N.T. , Hatano Fábio H. , Fontes Angélica F. , Pontes Jorge A.L. , Klaion Thais , Gil Lívia O. , Sluys Monique Van
Published: September 2011

We studied the leaf-litter frog community of Estação Ecológica Estadual Paraíso, in Guapimirim, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Herein we combined three sampling methods (large plots, visual encounter surveys and pit-fall traps) to present data on species composition, richness, relative abundance and densities. The local assemblage of frogs associated to the leaf-litter was composed by 14 species, belonging to nine families. Haddadus binotatus, a direct-developing frog, was the most abundant species in the community. The estimated density of the local leaf-litter frog assemblage based on plot sampling was 4.3 frogs/100 m². Haddadus binotatus had the highest density (1.1 ind/100 m²). Frogs were predominantly found at night. Thoropa miliaris had the largest values of SVL (39.0 ± 10.3 mm), whereas the smallest species were Euparkerella brasiliensis (16.7 ± 2.2 mm) and E. cochranae (16.0 ± 2.7 mm). Rhinella ornata had the highest mean body mass (12.1 ± 7.5 g), and E. cochranae the lowest (0.4 ± 0.2 g). The overall frog mass was 938.6 g/ha. Our data support that higher densities of leaf-litter frogs tend to occur in the Neotropical region compared to the OldWorld tropics, tending to be higher in Central America than in South America.
Focal rigidity of flat tori
Authors: Kwakkel Ferry , Martens Marco , Peixoto Mauricio
Published: September 2011

Given a closed Riemannian manifold (M, g), i.e. compact and boundaryless, there is a partition of its tangent bundle TM = ∪iΣi called the focal decomposition of TM. The sets Σi are closely associated to focusing of geodesics of (M, g), i.e. to the situation where there are exactly i geodesic arcs of the same length joining points p and q in M. In this note, we study the topological structure of the focal decomposition of a closed Riemannian manifold and its relation with the metric structure of the manifold. Our main result is that flat n-tori, n > 2, are focally rigid in the sense that if two flat tori are focally equivalent then the tori are isometric up to rescaling. The case n = 2 was considered before by F. Kwakkel.
Seleção do local de aplicação e do estádio fenológico do algodoeiro para inoculação do agente da ramulose
Authors: Barrocas Ellen Noly , Machado José da Cruz , Alves Marcelo de Carvalho
Published: September 2011

A ramulose é uma importante doença do algodoeiro que causa danos na parte aérea e compromete a formação de capulhos. Os sintomas podem ser observados desde manchas necróticas nas folhas e pecíolo, morte da gema apical, nanismo e superbrotamento. Nesse trabalho, comparou-se alguns métodos de inoculação de Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides considerando a aplicação do inóculo em diferentes locais e estádios fenológicos da planta. O objetivo foi estabelecer um método de inoculação que reproduzisse, com segurança, os sintomas típicos da ramulose. A inoculação foi realizada em plantas da linhagem NU 15 nos estádios V0, V2 e B1. Aplicou-se a suspensão de conídios na concentração 10(6) conídios mL-1 em três locais na planta: toda a parte aérea; toda a parte aérea, exceto a gema apical, e somente a gema apical. Verificou-se que o método mais adequado para reproduzir os sintomas da ramulose foi a aplicação de inóculo em toda a planta no estádio fenológico V2. A inoculação somente na gema apical não foi suficiente para reproduzir os sintomas da doença.