bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Healthy Diet and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among Patients on Drug Therapies for Secondary Prevention
Authors: Dehghan Mahshid , Mente Andrew , Teo Koon K. , Gao Peggy , Sleight Peter , Dagenais Gilles , Avezum Alvaro , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Dans Tony , Yusuf Salim
Published: December 2012

Background—

Diet quality is strongly related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, but little is known about its impact on CVD events in older people at high risk of CVD and receiving effective drugs for secondary prevention. This study assessed the association between diet quality and CVD events in a large population of subjects from 40 countries with CVD or diabetes mellitus with end-organ damage receiving proven medications.

Methods and Results—

Overall, 31 546 women and men 66.5±6.2 years of age enrolled in 2 randomized trials, the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global End Point Trial (ONTARGET) and the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACEI Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND), were studied. We used 2 dietary indexes: the modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index and the Diet Risk Score. The association between diet quality and the primary composite outcome of CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or congestive heart failure was assessed with Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustment for age, sex, trial enrollment allocation, region, and other known confounders. During the 56-month follow-up, there were 5190 events. Patients in the healthier quintiles of modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index scores had a significantly lower risk of CVD (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.87, top versus lowest quintile of modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index). The reductions in risk for CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke were 35%, 14%, and 19%, respectively. The protective association was consistent regardless of whether patients were receiving proven drugs.

Conclusions—

A higher-quality diet was associated with a lower risk of recurrent CVD events among people ≥55 years of age with CVD or diabetes mellitus. Highlighting the importance of healthy eating by health professionals would substantially reduce CVD recurrence and save lives globally.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00153101.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2011
Authors: Blake Eric S. , Kimberlain Todd B.
Published: December 2012

Overall activity during the 2011 eastern North Pacific hurricane season was near average. Of the 11 tropical storms that formed, 10 became hurricanes and 6 reached major hurricane strength (category 3 or stronger on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale). For comparison, the 1981–2010 averages are about 15 tropical storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. Interestingly, although the number of named storms was below average, the numbers of hurricanes and major hurricanes were above average. The 2011 season had the most hurricanes since 2006 and the most major hurricanes since 1998. Two hurricanes affected the southwestern coast of Mexico (Beatriz as a category 1 hurricane and Jova as a category 2 hurricane), and the season’s tropical cyclones caused about 49 deaths. On average, the National Hurricane Center track forecasts in the eastern North Pacific for 2011 were very skillful.
Economic Crisis, Neoliberal Reforms, and the Rise of Precarious Work in South Korea
Authors: Shin Kwang-Yeong
Published: December 2012

This article explores the extensive casualization of work and its impact on the working life of the people in South Korea after the financial crisis in 1997. A drastic increase in precarious workers was an immediate consequence of the neoliberal economic reform implemented by the new democratic government, including the enhancement of flexibility in the labor market and the restructuring of the financial market, under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund. Precarious work in South Korea has dramatically increased in the past decade, including both nonregular workers and precarious self-employment in the formal sector. Above all, proliferation of new types of nonregular employment in the 2000s has witnessed the significant transformation of the world of work in South Korea, deepening inequality and poverty. The extremely liberalized labor market tends to result in the fierce labor struggle of nonregular workers, not entitled to be members of unions, replacing the labor movement of regular workers’ labor unions.
How can I work within the government’s perspective of ‘Gifted and Talented’ but still remain true to my own living values?
Authors: Mounter Joy
Published: December 2012

I am in the unique position as headteacher to develop policy in my school, influencing the experiences of staff, parents and children, as well as a wider audience through my essays and published work ( Mounter, 2008 ). This essay will be in the form of a narrative using the living theory action research approach (Whitehead and McNiff, 2006). It will weave together my previous work, relating my own ontological living values and the development of my talents as an educator, in relation to creating an enriching learning ‘space’ that responds and helps to develop the talents of my pupils as they produce their own gifts. Rayner (2008: 8) explores the ‘space’ we create and discusses inclusionality, the flow form of dynamic inclusion, a fluid continuum within a co-creative energy flow. My intention through this article is to contribute to the professional knowledge-base of education by exploring my relational and responsive talents as an educator (which form my ontological values) and the educational relationships I have with my pupils. The voice of my pupils will also form part of this exploration, helping to examine and demonstrate my educational influence on the pupils’ development and understanding of their own gifts and talents as ‘knowledge creators’ and ‘proactive learners’. Through the Master’s group, led by Jack Whitehead and Marie Huxtable, and my accounts being available on the Internet as well as presentations to colleagues, I have shared my writings, video extracts and work by the children, as well as my living values and developing living theory. I have considered comprehensibility, truth, rightness and authenticity of my accounts, testing the criteria for validity (Habermas, 1976) of my research and findings through the understanding of another person and developing a shared understanding by the discussions, developing and enriching my own embodied living theory and values. As Habermas says, ‘Moreover, communicative action can continue undisturbed only as long as participants suppose that the validity claims they reciprocally raise are justified.’ (Habermas, 1976: 2–3)
Differences in the quantity of social support between geographically close and long-distance friendships
Authors: Weiner Aaron S. B. , Hannum James W.
Published: December 2012

The present study investigated whether geographic distance affects the quantity of received and perceived social support provided by best friends. A total of 142 undergraduate students completed a web-based survey assessing social support within their friendship networks. Findings indicated that geographically close best friends provide more received support than their long-distance counterparts, but there was no consistent difference between groups for perceived support. Implications and future avenues for research are discussed.
Geek or Chic? Emerging Stereotypes of Online Gamers
Authors: Kowert Rachel , Griffiths Mark D. , Oldmeadow Julian A.
Published: December 2012

The present study sought to examine the extent to which the cultural portrayal of online gamers, often in comical, caricatured, or sensational forms, has become transformed into sets of cognitive associations between the category and traits. A total of 342 participants completed an online survey in which they rated how applicable each of a list of traits was to the group of online gamers. Ratings were made for both personal beliefs (how participants themselves see gamers) and stereotypical beliefs (how most others see gamers). While these beliefs were highly consensual as stereotypes, personal beliefs varied, suggesting that the cultural portrayal of online gamers is beginning to shift into cognitive associations. The role of stereotypes in negotiating a group’s social position are discussed arguing that these stereotypes currently position online gamers as low in social status and socially peripheral. The function of the media in generating stereotypical representations of social groups and convincing the public of their validity is also discussed.
Get Organized At Work! A Look Inside the Game Design Process of Valve and Linden Lab
Authors: van der Graaf Shenja
Published: December 2012

This article considers the configuration of modular and temporary organization designs. By drawing on two prominent developer firms, namely, Valve Inc. and Linden Lab, respectively, “cabals” and “studios” are explored. The results of interviews conducted with employees of these firms are used as evidence. The article demonstrates that, to various extents, these organization designs organize, facilitate, and maintain how work is accomplished and coordinated within the boundaries of a permanent firm. It extends our understanding of how these designs provide a structure to how tasks are constituted in conjunction with the nature of the product.
Making consultations run smoothly: An analysis of doctors' skilful use of time inspired by science and technology studies
Authors: Jespersen Astrid Pernille , Jensen Torben Elgaard
Published: December 2012

This article investigates the skilful use of time in general practice consultations. It argues that consultation work involves social and material interactions, which are only partially conceptualized in existing medical practice literatures. As an alternative, this article employs ideas from the field of science and technology studies (STS), including notions of relationality, multiplicity and otherness. Through this lens, and based on extensive fieldwork, it describes the daily work of arranging time before, during and after consultations. In conclusion, it suggests that a STS-inspired analysis opens up a wider discussion of time as a complex resource and problem in general practice.
The Service Dominant Logic: A Conceptual Foundation to Address the Underserved
Authors: Pels Jaqueline
Published: December 2012

Mainstream business ‘solutions’ to the needs of emerging economies (EE) follow a ‘less-for-less’ rationale (for example, B-brands). Recently, new ventures have been created that disrupt traditional marketing literature tenets. These companies provide world class products and services at accessible prices (that is, ‘more-for-less’). It is the intent of this article to try to identify a pattern between these new business ideas and offer an alternative rationale to mainstream literature that is conceptually grounded and can help guide new businesses in EE.

 A new approach within the marketing literature, the Service Dominant logic, has been introduced, which suggests a radical change with regards to mainstream business practices. This article examines whether three successful Argentine case studies are aligned with the Fundamental Premises of the emerging Service Dominant logic. The cases were selected because they are archetypical of EE. They show a high alignment with the Service Dominant logic Fundamental Premises, thus suggesting that it might provide a general rationale with which to address strategies in EEs.
Associations of MTHFR and MTRR Polymorphisms With Serum Lipid Levels in Chinese Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Jiang Shanqun , Zhao Ruimeng , Pan Mingluo , Venners Scott A. , Zhong Guisheng , Hsu Yi-Hsiang
Published: November 2012

Objective: To examine the effects of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) and methionine synthase reductase ( MTRR) gene polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental factors on serum lipid levels. Methods: We investigated totally 340 patients with essential hypertension, from Dongzhi community, Anhui, China. High-throughput TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was used for the genotyping of MTHFR C677T ( Ala222Val), MTHFR A1298C ( Glu429Ala), MTRR A66G ( Ile22Met), and MTRR His595Tyr. Results: Compared with the MTRR 66AA genotype carriers, the GG genotype carriers had lower serum total cholesterol (TC) levels (adjusted β ± standard error [SE]: −0.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P = .003) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (adjusted β ± SE: −0.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P = .005). Their false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P values were 0.056 and 0.056, respectively. We further found that there was a statistically significant interaction between 677TT genotype and sex in their associations with LDL levels ( P interaction = .020), and significant interaction between 677TT genotype and smoking on LDL levels ( P interaction = .036). A similar pattern of interaction was found between 66GG and drinking on levels of TC ( P interaction = .034) and LDL ( P interaction = .020). However, there were no significant interactions observed after FDR adjustment. Conclusion: Both MTHFR and MTRR gene polymorphisms could be important genetic determinants of serum lipid levels in Chinese patients with hypertension. These findings need to be replicated in a larger sample.
Feline dermatology at Cornell University: 1407 cases (1988–2003)
Authors: Scott Danny W , Miller William H , Erb Hollis N
Published: November 2012

Medical records of 1407 cats with dermatologic diagnoses made at Cornell University teaching hospital from 1988 to 2003 were tabulated. We expressed the diagnoses as counts, percentages of the cats with dermatologic disease (1407) and percentages of all cats seen at the university hospital (22,135) during the same period. A total of 1887 diagnoses were made in the 1407 cats. We compared the age, sex and breed group of our cases with all those 22,135 cats in (‘1-by-c’) χ2 tests in which the hospital population was considered a standard (rather than a ‘sample’). The 10 most common dermatoses, their counts, and the proportions of dermatologic diagnoses and of the total cat population that the cats with these dermatoses represented were: allergy (298; 15.8%; 1.35%), atopic dermatitis (194; 10.3%; 0.88%), bacterial folliculitis/furunculosis (189; 10.0%; 0.85%), otodectic mange (115; 6.1%; 0.52%), flea infestation (99; 5.2%; 0.45%), feline acne (74; 3.9%; 0.33%), flea-bite allergy (70; 3.7%; 0.32%), cutaneous adverse drug reaction (56; 3.0%; 0.25%), idiopathic eosinophilic-granuloma complex (55; 2.9%; 0.25%) and abscess (51; 2.7%; 0.23%). Allergies of all types, combined, accounted for 32.7% of all the feline dermatoses. Relative to the standard of the total hospital population, cats <2 years old and females (both intact and spayed) were significantly under-represented (all P≤0.001) in the dermatologic case series. In contrast, Himalayans (compared with domestic short- or longhair, Persian, Siamese and other breeds) and males (both intact and neutered) were significantly over-represented (all P ≤0.001).
The career trajectory of physical education teachers in Hong Kong
Authors: Sum Raymond Kim Wai , Dimmock Clive
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the career trajectory of primary school physical education teachers (PSPETs) in Hong Kong. It is focused on the problems arising from apparent overload and the multiple roles of physical education teachers’ career development in Hong Kong brought about by education and curriculum reforms. The specific research question is, “What are PSPETs’ career aims and how do they describe and conceptualize their career trajectories?” A qualitative research design is adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of the meaning that participants make of their career life. The researchers used semi-structured interviews, supplemented by documentary sources (diaries) for conducting data collection. Through purposive sampling methods (snowball sampling), 11 Hong Kong PSPETs participated in this study. Data were analyzed through three major types of coding, namely: open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The results revealed that PSPETs share both similarities and differences through their career development processes. The meaning and interpretation of “assimilation” varies among the PSPETs. Their capacity for assimilation acts as the core factor in exploring the PSPETs’ career trajectories. The concepts of (a) characteristics of the organization, (b) self-orientation of career, (c) other obligations, and (d) career aspirations are clustered into the Assimilating (Career trajectory) category, which describes PSPETs’ career aims and conceptualizations of their career trajectory. PSPETs have diversified in and adapted to all aspects of their career life within a continuing, evolving scenario of education reforms. The influences and relationships that they perceived were clearly implicated in their career choice and path. PSPETs in this study revealed that disadvantages can be overcome by adapting to the diverse nature of their job and by overcoming the otherwise limited scope of their work, meaning PSPETs can assimilate more closely into the culture and context of the organization.
Sex ratios at birth in Scandinavia over the past sixty years
Authors: Grech Victor
Published: December 2012

Background: The gender ratio at birth (M/F: male births divided by total births) is expected to approximate 0.515. This has shown to be declining in industrialised countries and to display a latitude gradient in Europe, with more males born in southern climates. Methods: Annual national data for Scandinavian countries for male and female live births were obtained from the World Health Organisation and analysed with contingency tables. Results: This study analysed 18,250,193 live births. A significant decreasing trend in M/F was noted in all countries except Norway, and overall. There was no latitude gradient. M/F was less than 0.515 for almost all countries, with a resultant male deficit of 19,517 live births. Conclusions: M/F is decreasing in Scandinavia and M/F overall is <0.515. The interaction of several poorly comprehended factors is likely.
Systematic text condensation: A strategy for qualitative analysis
Authors: Malterud Kirsti
Published: December 2012

Aims: To present background, principles, and procedures for a strategy for qualitative analysis called systematic text condensation and discuss this approach compared with related strategies. Methods: Giorgi’s psychological phenomenological analysis is the point of departure and inspiration for systematic text condensation. The basic elements of Giorgi’s method and the elaboration of these in systematic text condensation are presented, followed by a detailed description of procedures for analysis according to systematic text condensation. Finally, similarities and differences compared with other frequently applied methods for qualitative analysis are identified, as the foundation of a discussion of strengths and limitations of systematic text condensation. Results: Systematic text condensation is a descriptive and explorative method for thematic cross-case analysis of different types of qualitative data, such as interview studies, observational studies, and analysis of written texts. The method represents a pragmatic approach, although inspired by phenomenological ideas, and various theoretical frameworks can be applied. The procedure consists of the following steps: 1) total impression – from chaos to themes; 2) identifying and sorting meaning units – from themes to codes; 3) condensation – from code to meaning; 4) synthesizing – from condensation to descriptions and concepts. Similarities and differences comparing systematic text condensation with other frequently applied qualitative methods regarding thematic analysis, theoretical methodological framework, analysis procedures, and taxonomy are discussed. Conclusions: Systematic text condensation is a strategy for analysis developed from traditions shared by most of the methods for analysis of qualitative data. The method offers the novice researcher a process of intersubjectivity, reflexivity, and feasibility, while maintaining a responsible level of methodological rigour.
Governing mechanistic studies to understand human biology
Authors: MacAllister Raymond , Veighey Kristin
Published: December 2012

Mechanistic studies may be defined as ‘an experiment, using an intervention in healthy subjects or patients, to better understand human biology and/or disease’. Such studies provide useful physiological insights into clinical conditions in humans and expand our knowledge of physiology in health and disease. Well-planned mechanistic studies are therefore a vital step in progressing drug discovery in humans. It is important in such studies that the rights and safety of research participants are preserved, while at the same time not allowing lengthy and complex approval procedures to stifle and potentially prohibit this type of research.
Primary prevention and vaccination for penile cancer
Authors: Shabbir Majid , Barod Ravi , Hegarty Paul K. , Minhas Suks
Published: December 2012

The outcome of penile cancer is proportional to the stage at presentation. Strategies aimed at primary prevention would have a clear advantage, both for the individual and in terms of health economics. A number of preventative measures could be employed, including circumcision, smoking cessation, education on hygiene and human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention. There is a high prevalence of HPV infection associated with penile cancer worldwide. The recent development of HPV vaccines has facilitated interest in their use for the prevention of penile cancer. In this article we review the literature surrounding penile cancer prevention and HPV vaccination in men.
The Drama in School Leadership
Authors: Cranston Jerome A. , Kusanovich Kristin A.
Published: December 2012

This article considers the implications and effectiveness of a performing arts-based pedagogy in the professional development of school leaders. It reports on the findings from a study that exposed educational leaders to methods of dramatic analysis as a means of reflecting on the ethical dilemmas found in personnel management. Through the dynamic enactment of dramatized scripts representing highly charged situations in school leadership, participants came to recognize the limitations of merely discussing cases, the benefits of active learning to developing empathy amid the complexities of schools, and some of the ethical challenges inherent in their roles as school leaders.
Construction of the first genetic linkage map of Japanese gentian (Gentianaceae)
Authors: Nakatsuka Takashi , Yamada Eri , Saito Misa , Hikage Takashi , Ushiku Yuka , Nishihara Masahiro
Published: November 2012

Background

Japanese gentians (Gentiana triflora and Gentiana scabra) are amongst the most popular floricultural plants in Japan. However, genomic resources for Japanese gentians have not yet been developed, mainly because of the heterozygous genome structure conserved by outcrossing, the long juvenile period, and limited knowledge about the inheritance of important traits. In this study, we developed a genetic linkage map to improve breeding programs of Japanese gentians.

Results

Enriched simple sequence repeat (SSR) libraries from a G. triflora double haploid line yielded almost 20,000 clones using 454 pyrosequencing technology, 6.7% of which could be used to design SSR markers. To increase the number of molecular markers, we identified three putative long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences using the recently developed inter-primer binding site (iPBS) method. We also developed retrotransposon microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) markers combining retrotransposon and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. In addition to SSR and REMAP markers, modified amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were developed. Using 93 BC1 progeny from G. scabra backcrossed with a G. triflora double haploid line, 19 linkage groups were constructed with a total of 263 markers (97 SSR, 97 AFLP, 39 RAPD, and 30 REMAP markers). One phenotypic trait (stem color) and 10 functional markers related to genes controlling flower color, flowering time and cold tolerance were assigned to the linkage map, confirming its utility.

Conclusions

This is the first reported genetic linkage map for Japanese gentians and for any species belonging to the family Gentianaceae. As demonstrated by mapping of functional markers and the stem color trait, our results will help to explain the genetic basis of agronomic important traits, and will be useful for marker-assisted selection in gentian breeding programs. Our map will also be an important resource for further genetic analyses such as mapping of quantitative trait loci and map-based cloning of genes in this species.
Detection of RUNX2 gene expression in cumulus cells in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation
Authors: Papamentzelopoulou Myrto , Mavrogianni Despina , Dinopoulou Vasiliki , Theofanakis Haralampos , Malamas Fotodotis , Marinopoulos Spyros , Bletsa Ritsa , Anagnostou Elli , Kallianidis Kostas , Loutradis Dimitris
Published: November 2012

Background

RUNX2 is a transcription factor, whose expression has been recently identified in the mouse ovary. Regulation of RUNX2 expression and its function in the human ovary have not been determined yet. The aim of the present study is the investigation of the possible correlation between RUNX2 gene expression in cumulus cells and controlled ovarian stimulation and pregnancy outcomes after ART treatment.

Methods

A total of 41 patients undergoing ICSI treatment for male factor infertility were enrolled into a specific ART program, during which cumulus cells were collected. The expression of RUNX2 gene in cumulus cells was examined by real-time PCR.

Results

Concerning RUNX2 gene expression, 12 out of 41 women were detected with RUNX2 expression, with ratios ranging from 0.84 to 1.00, while 28 out of 41 women had no expression (ratio = 0). Only 1 woman presented a weak RUNX2 gene expression (ratio = 0.52). From 8 women that proceeded to pregnancy, 7 of them did not express RUNX2 gene in cumulus cells, while one was the woman with weak gene expression that also achieved pregnancy. The group of women without RUNX2 expression presented higher number of follicles (p = 0.013), higher number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.016), higher basal LH serum levels (p = 0.016) and higher peak estradiol levels (p = 0.013), while the number of fertilized oocytes differed marginally between the two groups (p = 0.089). Moreover, RUNX2 expression was negatively associated with LH levels (OR = 0.22, p = 0.021) and E2 levels (OR = 0.25, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Consequently, based on the preliminary findings of the present pilot study a potential inhibitory mechanism of RUNX2 gene is observed in the ovary when high mRNA levels are detected, suggesting that RUNX2 could possibly be used as a candidate genetic marker in the monitoring of the outcome of an ART treatment.
Estrogen-producing endometrioid adenocarcinoma resembling sex cord-stromal tumor of the ovary: a review of four postmenopausal cases
Authors: Katoh Tomomi , Yasuda Masanori , Hasegawa Kosei , Kozawa Eito , Maniwa Jun-ichi , Sasano Hironobu
Published: November 2012

The 4 present cases with endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EMA) of the ovary were characterized by estrogen overproduction and resemblance to sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST). The patients were all postmenopausal, at ages ranging from 60 to 79 years (av. 67.5), who complained of abdominal discomfort or distention and also atypical genital bleeding. Cytologically, maturation of the cervicovaginal squamous epithelium and active endometrial proliferation were detected. The serum estrogen (estradiol, E2) value was preoperatively found to be elevated, ranging from 48.7 to 83.0 pg/mL (av. 58.4). In contrast, follicle stimulating hormone was suppressed to below the normal value. MR imaging diagnoses included SCSTs such as granulosa cell tumor or thecoma for 3 cases because of predominantly solid growth, and epithelial malignancy for one case because of cystic and solid structure. Grossly, the solid part of 3 cases was homogeneously yellow in color. Histologically, varying amounts of tumor components were arranged in solid nests, hollow tubules, cord-like strands and cribriform-like nests in addition to the conventional EMA histology.

In summary, postmenopausal ovarian solid tumors with the estrogenic manifestations tend to be preoperatively diagnosed as SCST. Due to this, in the histological diagnosis, this variant of ovarian EMA may be challenging and misdiagnosed as SCST because of its wide range in morphology.

Virtual slides

http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6096841358065394
Activation of GABAB receptors inhibits protein kinase B /Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 signaling
Authors: Lu Frances Fangjia , Su Ping , Liu Fang , Daskalakis Zafiris J
Published: November 2012

Accumulated evidence has suggested that potentiation of cortical GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission may be a key mechanism in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the downstream molecular mechanisms related to GABA potentiation remain unexplored. Recent studies have suggested that dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, which are used in the clinical treatment of schizophrenia, modulate protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 signaling. Here we report that activation of GABABreceptors significantly inhibits Akt/GSK-3 signaling in a β-arrestin-dependent pathway. Agonist stimulation of GABABreceptors enhances the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr-308) and enhances the phosphorylation of GSK-3α (Ser-21)/β (Ser-9) in both HEK-293T cells expressing GABABreceptors and rat hippocampal slices. Furthermore, knocking down the expression of β-arrestin2 using siRNA abolishes the GABABreceptor-mediated modulation of GSK-3 signaling. Our data may help to identify potentially novel targets through which GABABreceptor agents may exert therapeutic effects in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Primary NO2 emissions and their impact on air quality in traffic environments in Germany
Authors: Kurtenbach Ralf , Kleffmann Jörg , Niedojadlo Anita , Wiesen Peter
Published: December 2012

Background

The decreasing NOX concentrations at urban measurement stations in Germany are in agreement with the reduction of NOX emissions from vehicular traffic. However, the measured NO2 concentrations are stagnating nationwide. In 2010, at more than the half of the urban measurement stations in Germany, annual mean values for NO2 exceeded the new Europe-wide limit value of 40 μg/m3 (20 ppbv) NO2. Similar findings are reported from many other member states of the European Union.

Results

The observed trend of the airborne NO2 concentrations has different reasons. Firstly, the NO2/NOx emission ratio has increased significantly during the last two decades. Furthermore, secondary NO2, caused by the titration reactions of NO with ozone (O3) and peroxy radicals (RO2), is responsible for the major fraction (approximately 70%) of the measured NO2. However, secondary NO2 shows a highly nonlinear dependency on NOx and thus, is decreasing much more slowly than expected from the decreasing NOx levels. Based on the results from the present study, the increased NO2/NOX emission ratio can only explain a minor fraction of the observed high airborne NO2 concentration in the city center.

Conclusions

A further reduction of primary NO2 emissions, due to improved exhaust gas treatment, will not have a strong influence on urban NO2 levels, and a further significant reduction of the NOX emissions, in particular from vehicular traffic, is necessary in order to meet the annual mean limit value for NO2 of about 20 ppb in the future.
Quality of Life Among Long-Term Survivors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Mayer Deborah K. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Williams Christianna S. , Benecha Habtamu , Ganz Patricia A. , Edwards Lloyd J. , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Little is known about change in quality of life (QOL) among long-term cancer survivors. We examined change over time in QOL among long-term survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial risk factors for poor outcomes.

Methods

Surveys were mailed to 682 lymphoma survivors who participated in a study 5 years earlier, when on average they were 10.4 years postdiagnosis. Standardized measures of QOL, perceptions of the impact of cancer, symptoms, medical history, and demographic variables were reported at both time points and examined using linear regression modeling to identify predictors of QOL over time.

Results

A total of 566 individuals participated (83% response rate) who were a mean of 15.3 years postdiagnosis; 52% were women, and 87% were white. One third of participants (32%) reported persistently high or improved QOL, yet a notable proportion (42%) reported persistently low or worsening QOL since the earlier survey. Participants who received only biologic systemic therapy reported improvement in physical health despite the passage of time. Older age, more comorbidity, and more or increasing negative and decreasing positive perceptions of cancer's impact were independent predictors of poor QOL. Lymphoma symptom burden, less social support, and having received a transplantation were related to negative perceptions of cancer's impact.

Conclusion

Moderate to severe symptom burden, limited social support, or having received a transplantation should alert the clinician to potential need for supportive services. Perceptions of cancer's impact are associated with QOL cross-sectionally and longitudinally; modifying these perceptions may thus provide a strategy for improving QOL.
The Avant-Garde Is Dead, Long Live the (Pop) Avant-Garde! Critical Reconfigurations in Contemporary Chinese Theatre
Authors: Ferrari Rossella
Published: December 2012

The article examines the trope of the “death of the avant-garde” in the context of contemporary Chinese theatre. It addresses comparable “death discourses” such as the so-called theatre crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s and critiques of “pseudo avant-gardism” that have been formulated with respect to the recent praxis of established experimentalists such as Beijing-based director and dramatist Meng Jinghui. The article argues that the Chinese avant-garde is not dead; it has, rather, evolved into a distinctive “pop avant-garde” mode that more aptly reflects and responds to the condition of Chinese society in times of market economy and cultural commoditization.
Endoreplication and polyploidy: insights into development and disease
Authors: Fox Donald T. , Duronio Robert J.
Published: December 2012

Polyploid cells have genomes that contain multiples of the typical diploid chromosome number and are found in many different organisms. Studies in a variety of animal and plant developmental systems have revealed evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that control the generation of polyploidy and have recently begun to provide clues to its physiological function. These studies demonstrate that cellular polyploidy plays important roles during normal development and also contributes to human disease, particularly cancer.
The evaluation of a novel technique to treat saphenous vein incompetence: preclinical animal study to examine safety and efficacy of a new vein occlusion device
Authors: Farber A , Belenky A , Malikova M , Brenner O , Brandeis Z , Migdal M , Orron D , Kim D
Published: December 2012

Objectives

We tested a novel technique to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence in an animal model.

Methods

V-block (VVT Medical Ltd, Kfar Saba, Israel), an occlusion device composed of a nitinol frame and anchoring hooks, was percutaneously deployed at the saphenofemoral junction in 12 sheep. Four of the 12 sheep were treated with adjunctive liquid sclerotherapy. Animals underwent duplex ultrasound, venography and histopathological evaluation immediately postimplantation at 30, 60 and 90 days.

Results

V-block was successfully deployed in all animals without adverse events. There was no device migration at follow-up. Histopathological analysis demonstrated V-block to be lodged within the GSV and surrounded by fibrous tissue in all samples. Obliteration of the GSV lumen, widespread intimal loss and multifocal medial smooth muscle loss was noted.

Conclusions

In this animal study V-block was deployed without complications, remained in stable position and led to GSV occlusion. This device has promise for future use in humans.
Effect of gaiters on muscle pump activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: IWata H , Hirai M , Miyazaki K , Koyama A , Ikeda K , Hukiage M , Kitamura H
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

Exercise of the leg with external limb compression has been reported to be useful for preventing and reducing leg oedema. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leg gaiters on calf muscle pump activity.

Methods:

Continuous measurements of the interface pressure at the leg during exercise and determination of the femoral venous velocity at the groin during exercise were carried out in healthy volunteers with elastic stockings alone, leg gaiters alone and gaiters over the elastic stockings.

Results:

The greatest pressure difference between muscle contraction and relaxation during exercise was observed when gaiters were applied over the elastic stockings at the calf. Gaiters alone without elastic stockings led to a significantly greater pressure difference between muscle contraction and relaxation during exercise than elastic stockings alone (P, 0.01). A significantly higher value of the peak flow velocity of the femoral vein was observed with the combined use of gaiters and elastic stockings than the single use of elastic stockings.

Conclusions:

Leg gaiters have a beneficial effect of augmenting venous femoral blood flow during calf muscle pump activity in volunteers with a normal valve function of leg veins.
Current Imaging Techniques and Potential Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Listijono Dave R , Pepper John R
Published: December 2012

Summary

Acute dissection of the thoracic aorta (AAD) is a potentially catastrophic disease, with significant morbidity and mortality, which remain unchanged over the last decade. Survival rate has been shown to be directly related to prompt diagnosis and precise management; however diagnosis of the disease remains time-consuming, not readily available, and lacking in sensitivity and specificity. The current approach when diagnosing AAD relies heavily on various imaging techniques, including chest radiograph, echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Nevertheless, the door remains open for the incorporation of biochemical tests to aid in detecting AAD. This article will review the imaging modalities currently employed in the management of AAD, as well as a discussion of the potential role of several biomarkers in AAD. To date, imaging is the diagnostic tool for AAD however, technical and logistical limitations limit the use of imaging in various circumstances. Current available biomarkers such as D-dimer and C-reactive protein are under-utilized in many cases, mainly due to their non-specificity in diagnosing AAD. Over the last decade, many biomarkers have been proposed for use in AAD, with several showing promising results – including: smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, calponin, soluble elastin fragments and transforming growth factor β. Extensive research is being undertaken to define the roles of these novel biomarkers in the management of AAD.
Retrofitting Homes for Energy Efficiency: An Integrated Approach to Innovation in the Low-Carbon Overhaul of Uk Social Housing
Authors: Crilly Michael , Lemon Mark , Wright Andrew J , Cook Matthew B , Shaw David
Published: December 2012

Ambitiously, the UK aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Since the use of housing accounts for about 27 per cent of UK CO2, and most new-build adds to the number of homes rather than substituting for them, housing's biggest contribution to better energy use and lower carbon emissions in the UK will come from retrofitting the country's existing stock. Moreover retrofitting particularly matters to registered providers of social housing, who seek guidance about the energy efficiency of their properties. This paper argues that an exclusive focus on just one of the technical, economic or social aspects of retrofit is inadequate. Using both theory and case-based experience, it discusses a number of ways, both technical and qualitative, of best measuring what retrofitting can do. It concludes that an integrated, comprehensive understanding of the retrofit process is essential to the making of informed decisions on the energy efficiency of homes, particularly at the scales required.
Is UK Energy Policy Driving Energy Innovation — Or Stifling it?
Authors: Whitmill Candida J
Published: December 2012

Alarmed by what Lord Stern famously described as “the biggest market failure in history”, the European Commission has been prolific in producing policies to force the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular carbon. The EU “20-20-20” Directive demands that by 2020, 20 per cent of energy comes from renewable sources, emissions are 20 per cent lower (compared with 1990 levels) and energy efficiency reduces demand by 20 per cent. The UK's individual target is 15 per cent renewable energy, which means that the fraction of electricity supplied by renewables must more than triple to 35 per cent. Since the general election in 2010 the Coalition has continued with plans to decarbonise the economy, beginning with the largest carbon emitter, energy generation. This paper argues that the Coalition's emphasis on rewarding increases in capacity without a corresponding improvement in performance and a reduction in costs is at the expense of technological innovation, R&D and a skilled workforce.
Effects of Horizontal and Vertical Mass-Asymmetric Distributions on the Seismic Response of a High-Rack Steel Structure
Authors: Petrovčič Simon , Kilar Vojko
Published: December 2012

The paper examines the seismic response of an existing externally braced steel frame high-rack structure and analyses the effects of mass eccentricities that can be realistically achieved by asymmetric positioning of the stored payload. Apart from the symmetric, three different extreme payload distributions with varying occupancy levels have been considered, with the payload mass concentrated: (i) at the topmost part of the structure, (ii) at the upper corner of the structure and (iii) at the outermost edge of the structure. The seismic performance has been analysed by using unidirectional non-linear dynamic analyses as well as by non-linear static analyses, with the structure's response observed in the cross-aisle direction in which it is possible to account for the effects of torsional twist. The results showed that most unfavourable payload eccentricities might increase the seismic risk leading to local instability of the rack columns. From a seismic point of view, a fully occupied structure does not present the most critical condition. It is obtained at an intermediate occupancy level, which allows more space to produce horizontal and/or vertical eccentricities. Very small occupancy levels in turn produce smaller induced seismic forces and might therefore not be of critical concern. The paper concludes that the payload distribution concentrated symmetrically at the topmost part is the most critical for the central part of the rack structure and that concentrating the payload eccentrically at the outermost edge is the most critical for the flexible side of the structure, while shifting the payload to one of the upper corners is generally not of critical concern.
Parameter Sensitivity Study of Boiling and Two-Phase Flow Models in CFD
Authors: Drzewiecki Timothy J. , Asher Isaac M. , Grunloh Timothy P. , Petrov Victor E. , Fidkowski Krzysztof J. , Manera Annalisa , Downar Thomas J.
Published: December 2012

This work presents a sensitivity study of boiling and two phase flow models for thermal hydraulics simulations in nuclear reactors. This study quantifies sources of uncertainty and error in these simulations by computing global sensitivities of figures of merit, or output, to model parameters, inputs, and mesh resolution. Results are obtained for the DEBORA benchmark problem of boiling in a channel driven by a heated wall section. Scalar outputs of interest consist of axial pressure drop, average wall temperature in the heated section, average void fraction at the end of the heated section, and the centroid of the radial distribution of the void fraction at the end of the heated test section. Sensitivities to both individual heat fluxes and to the parameters in the models for these heat fluxes are computed.
A Practical Post-Processing Method to Obtain Wave Parameters from Phase-Resolving Wave Model Results
Authors: de Jong Martijn P.C. , Borsboom Mart J.A.
Published: December 2012

This paper describes a new method to obtain directional and amplitude information from the results of phase-resolving computational wave models. The output of this type of models is the wave field resulting from incoming and reflected wave components combined, whereas specific information on separate wave components (directions, heights, periods) is generally required for design purposes. The new post-processing method that we present to obtain this information has been validated using analytically prescribed wave signals as well as results from a mild-slope model, which is the phase-resolving wave model that has been considered so far. The versatility and usefulness of the method is illustrated in a number of application examples for ports. The results show that the new method is practical and produces reliable results.
Shallow Water Hydrodynamic Investigation of Local Scour over Smooth and Rough Sediment Beds
Authors: Jayaratne Mantripathi P.R. , Salim Mohammad S.
Published: December 2012

Over the recent years, a number of studies in nearshore sediment transport have been researched but a greater understanding of soil-hydrodynamic interaction has still paramount importance. A series of 2D small-scale physical experiments were performed at the University of East London (UEL) hydraulics laboratory to investigate the influence of flow and sediment properties on soil scour. Measured sediment and flow data were used to develop a simple empirical relationship for scour rate of each crescent zone with the help of dimensional analysis and best-fit technique under smooth bed condition. The proposed paper discusses the extended investigation on soil-hydrodynamic behaviour by increasing the mobile bed roughness to greater values used in earlier experiments by the authors to better understand sediment particle sorting mechanism and their spreading characteristics during scour. Eventually, the proposed experimental work will lead to the comparison, calibration and development of predictive curves of scour rate for different soils of each developing crescent zones.