bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Inferior Capsular Shift
Authors: Fleega Basim A. , El Shewy Mohamed T.
Published: March 2012

Background: Neer and Foster’s open inferior capsular shift to treat acquired cases of anteroinferior shoulder instability due to an overstretched and redundant capsule is described with good results. Recently, new arthroscopic techniques were described to manage this problem.

Purpose: To assess the results of a new arthroscopic reinforced inferior capsular shift technique based on Neer and Foster’s open inferior capsular shift.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: This new technique of arthroscopic inferior capsular shift was used to treat 108 patients with anteroinferior shoulder instability due to capsular redundancy as confirmed clinically and during arthroscopy. It reduces the size of the redundant capsular pouch and reinforces the thinned-out capsule. Intraoperatively, patients with associated labral tears (n = 25) and patients with open rotator intervals (n = 8) were excluded, and only 75 patients with pure capsular redundancy were included in this study.

Results: Patients were followed for a minimum of 7 years. All 75 patients had patulous and redundant capsules. Three patients (4.0%) had a redislocation after a significant trauma. The range of motion preoperatively was 168.1° ± 7.5° in forward elevation, 64.7° ± 7.9° in external rotation, and T5.0 ± T0.8 in internal rotation. Postoperatively, it was 167.2° ± 5.8° in forward elevation, 59.95° ± 4.9° in external rotation, and T7.1 ± T1.0 in internal rotation. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) (70.76 to 97.53; P < .001), Constant (90.02 to 99.24; P < .001), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (21.97 to 33.84; P < .001) scores demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively.

Conclusion: This novel technique of arthroscopic capsular shift addresses the problem of capsular redundancy present in many cases of anteroinferior shoulder instability. It tries to achieve a capsular shift based on the principles of Neer. The long-term results are very good.
The Role of Medial Retinaculum Plication Versus Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Combined Procedures for Recurrent Patellar Instability in Adults
Authors: Zhao Jinzhong , Huangfu Xiaoqiao , He Yaohua
Published: March 2012

Background: The comparative clinical outcome of medial retinaculum plication (MRP) versus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) for recurrent patellar instability in adults is unknown.

Hypothesis: Arthroscopic MRP can yield similar results to MPFLR for recurrent patellar instability in adults.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: One hundred patients with recurrent patellar instability were randomly divided into 2 groups receiving either arthroscopic MRP or MPFLR. Lateral release and anteromedial or distal tibial tubercle transfers were also performed as indicated. Follow-ups were performed at 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively, and computed tomography (CT) was performed immediately after the operation and at follow-up. The passive patella glide test was performed before surgery and at each follow-up point. The degree of knee function was evaluated preoperatively and at 2 and 5 years postoperatively using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Kujala rating scales. Survival analysis was performed, and redislocation or multiple episodes of patellar instability were considered as indicating failure.

Results: Forty-three patients in the MRP group and 45 patients in the MPFLR group were followed for 5 years and received complete evaluations. The correction of the static patellar position deteriorated over time in both groups, but significantly better results were observed for the MPFLR group. The results of the passive patella glide test indicated more stable patellae in the MPFLR group at each follow-up point. Functional evaluations at 2 and 5 years (final Lysholm score, 69.3 ± 6.9 vs 86.9 ± 6.1; Kujala score, 73.8 ± 5.5 vs 87.4 ± 5.7) revealed statistically significant superior results in the MPFLR group. Finally, 4 patients (9.3%) in the MRP group and 1 (2.2%) in the MPFLR group experienced episodes of redislocation, and 7 patients (16.3%) in the MRP group and 3 (6.7%) in the MPFLR group experienced multiple episodes of patellar instability ( P = .037). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a log-rank test indicated better results and a significantly higher survival rate ( P = .006) in the MPFLR group.

Conclusion: MPFLR results in better static patellar position and functional outcome than MRP in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation in adults.
Incorporation of salmon calcitonin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres into calcium phosphate bone cement and the biocompatibility evaluation in vitro
Authors: Zhong Mei-Ling , Chen Xiao-Qin , Fan Hong-Song , Zhang Xing-Dong
Published: March 2012

Slow tissue ingrowth is the major drawback for the use of calcium phosphate cements; to address the issue, salmon calcitonin–loaded biodegradable poly(lactide- co-glycolide) microspheres were incorporated into calcium phosphate cement in this study. The effects of poly(lactide- co-glycolide) weight ratio on the mechanical strength, self-setting properties, and salmon calcitonin release ability of calcium phosphate cement were systematically investigated. The in vitro degradation behavior and the cumulative mass loss (%) of the composite during incubation in phosphate-buffered saline were studied. The release of salmon calcitonin was sustained for at least 35 days, and the release rate can be tailored by adjusting the ratio of PLGA. The scanning electron microscopic images of the composites after incubation for 48 days indicated that the poly(lactide- co-glycolide) degraded completely and formed a porous structure in the calcium phosphate cement. An in vitro cell culture of the calcium phosphate cement/salmon calcitonin–poly(lactide- co-glycolide) cement provided more biocompatible than calcium phosphate cement. This composite possesses the basic performance for clinical needs, and it has potential use for treating osteoporosis and accelerating bone repair.
Effects of maleated-PLA compatibilizer on the properties of poly(lactic acid)/halloysite clay composites
Authors: Chow WS , Tham WL , Seow PC
Published: March 2012

A series of maleic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) (PLA-g-MAH) was prepared by mixing PLA, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and maleic anhydride (MAH). Effects of DCP and MAH concentration on the grafting percentage were determined. PLA composites were prepared via melt mixing with halloysite clay (HNC; 3 wt%) and various amount of PLA-g-MAH (4–10 phr) using internal mixer followed by compression molding. Properties of the PLA composites were characterized using three-point bending flexural tests, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the grafting percentage of PLA-g-MAH was influenced by both DCP and MAH concentrations; however, DCP showed more profound effect. By the addition of PLA-g-MAH, the adhesion between PLA and HNC improved, which can be manifested by the enhancement in flexural properties. Degree of crystallinity of PLA/HNC increased significantly by the addition of PLA-g-MAH.
Evidence that abnormally large seasonal declines in vitamin D status may trigger SLE flare in non-African Americans
Authors: Birmingham DJ , Hebert LA , Song H , Noonan WT , Rovin BH , Nagaraja HN , Yu CY
Published: March 2012

Cross-sectional studies have shown that low vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) is associated with increased systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity. This study is the first to assess the temporal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and onset of SLE flare. This assessment was made possible because of the specimen bank and database of the Ohio SLE Study (OSS), a longitudinal study of frequently relapsing SLE that involved regular bimonthly patient follow-up. We identified for this study 82 flares from 46 patients that were separated by at least 8 months from previous flares. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured at 4 and 2 months before flare, and at the time of flare (a flare interval). We found that for flares occurring during low daylight months (LDM, Oct-Mar), 25(OH)D levels were decreased at the time of flare, but only in non-African American (non-AA) patients (32% decrease at flare, compared to 4 months prior, p < 0.001). To control for seasonal effects, we also measured 25(OH)D levels in the LDM “no-flare” intervals, which were intervals that matched to the same calendar months of the patients’ LDM flare intervals, but that didn’t end in flare ( n = 24). For these matches, a significant decrease occurred in 25(OH)D levels during the flare intervals (18.1% decrease, p < 0.001), but not during the matching no-flare intervals (6.2% decrease, p = 0.411). For flares occurring during high daylight months (HDM), 25(OH)D levels changed only in non-AA patients, increasing slightly (5.6%, p = 0.010). Analysis of flare rates for the entire OSS cohort ( n = 201 flares) revealed a tendency for higher flare rates during LDM compared to HDM, but again only in non-AA patients ( p = 0.060). Flare rates were lower during HDM for non-AA patients compared to AA patients ( p = 0.028). In conclusion, in non-AA SLE patients, unusually large declines in 25(OH)D during LDM may be mechanistically related to SLE flare, whereas relatively high 25(OH)D levels during HDM may protect against flare.
Neuropsychological assessment in mixed connective tissue disease: comparison with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nowicka-Sauer K , Czuszyńska Z , Majkowicz M , Smoleńska Ż , Jarmoszewicz K , Olesińska M , Siebert J
Published: March 2012

Objective: The aims of the study were to assess cognitive functions (CF) in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and to compare MCTD patients with systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without neuropsychiatric manifestations (NP-SLE and non-NP-SLE, respectively) in terms of CF. Methods: Neuropsychological examination was performed in 141 patients: 30 with MCTD (24 women, 6 men), mean age: 48.07 years, 37 with non-NP-SLE (36 women, 1 man), mean age: 40.76 years and 74 with NP-SLE (68 women, 6 men), mean age: 41.97 years. Neuropsychological tests and structured interview were used. Emotional state was assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and clinical review. Results: We observed cognitive impairment in six MCTD patients (20%); in one (3%) the impairment was severe. MCTD patients achieved significantly higher results in seven out of 11 tests compared with patients with NP-SLE. MCTD and non-NP-SLE patients did not differ significantly. The differences were irrespective of premorbid IQ, education, disease duration and steroid treatment. Conclusions: In the majority of MCTD patients, CF were not impaired and severe impairment was unusual. Cognitive functioning was most disturbed in NP-SLE. The cognitive deficits observed in connective tissue diseases can be connected with nervous system involvement.
Development of a conceptual model of health-related quality of life for systemic lupus erythematosus from the patient's perspective
Authors: Gallop K , Nixon A , Swinburn P , Sterling KL , Naegeli AN , Silk MET
Published: March 2012

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the lives of patients in order to inform the development of a conceptual model. Methods: Twenty-two participants with SLE (defined as meeting four of the 11 ACR criteria) were recruited for this study. Semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with each participant, exploring the symptoms experienced and the impact on the patient's life. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted in ATLAS.ti software to identify areas of impact and explore the interrelationships between concepts to inform the development of a conceptual model. Results: Almost all participants were female (95%); the sample was diverse in terms of age (mean age of 45.5 years; age range of 20–60 years), ethnicity (59% black/African American) and disease duration. Commonly reported symptoms were pain, fatigue/tiredness and skin problems. Qualitative analysis revealed seven themes relating to the impact of SLE symptoms on patient's Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL): emotions, social, family and leisure activities, daily activities, cognition, appearance, employment activities and independence. The interrelationships between symptoms, impacts and symptom triggers are illustrated in a conceptual model. Conclusions: The conceptual model illustrates the wide-reaching impact of SLE symptoms on a patient’s HRQL, and the potential broad impact of a treatment that improves SLE symptoms.
A Window on Reality
Authors: Smith Tim J. , Levin Daniel , Cutting James E.
Published: March 2012

Edited moving images entertain, inform, and coerce us throughout our daily lives, yet until recently, the way people perceive movies has received little psychological attention. We review the history of empirical investigations into movie perception and the recent explosion of new research on the subject using methods such as behavioral experiments, functional magnetic resonance imagery (fMRI) eye tracking, and statistical corpus analysis. The Hollywood style of moviemaking, which permeates a wide range of visual media, has evolved formal conventions that are compatible with the natural dynamics of attention and humans’ assumptions about continuity of space, time, and action. Identifying how people overcome the sensory differences between movies and reality provides an insight into how the same cognitive processes are used to perceive continuity in the real world.
Reliable, high-frequency miniature valves for smart material electrohydraulic actuators
Authors: Larson John P , Dapino Marcelo J
Published: March 2012

A key element in developing high-performance smart material electrohydraulic actuators is the design of improved check valves for high-frequency fluid rectification. One method to create valves with fast frequency response is to replace the single-reed valves typically used in these systems with an array of miniature-reed valves. A robust miniature-reed design is presented to overcome the fatigue and fabrication limitations observed in previous approaches. The fluid–structure interaction between an individual valve and hydraulic fluid is modeled using the multiphysics software COMSOL; the results are validated with experimental testing on an array of miniature reeds. The performance of this array in a smart material actuator is compared with a larger, single-reed valve design. The miniature-reed array is shown to reliably rectify flow in the high-pressure and high-frequency environment of a smart material pump.
Information, expression, participation: How involvement in user- generated content relates to democratic engagement among young people
Authors: Östman Johan
Published: March 2012

A number of studies have linked citizens’ involvement in user-generated content (UGC) on the internet to democratic engagement. Whereas previous research implies a view of UGC involvement as the processing of political information, this study conceptualizes and operationalizes UGC involvement in terms of a distinct audience experience based on expressivity, performance and collaboration. Analysis of survey data from Swedish adolescents in the 13–17 age range shows that UGC involvement predicts offline as well as online political participation. In contrast to informational media use, however, UGC involvement is negatively related to political knowledge. The findings are compatible with recent theories suggesting that the expressive, performative and collaborative features of UGC involvement can promote political participation. Implications of the findings for youth democratic engagement are discussed.
Anticipatory Planning of Functional Reach-to-Grasp
Authors: Tan Caroline , Tretriluxana Jarugool , Pitsch Erica , Runnarong Nuttakarn , Winstein Carolee J.
Published: March 2012

Background. Intensive task-oriented training such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is thought to engage motor learning and decision-making processes, including anticipatory action planning. Objective. To identify the effects of CIMT on anticipatory hand posture selection and movement time for task-specific reach-to-grasp performance. Methods. Subacute and chronic poststroke participants were recruited into CIMT (n = 10) or non-CIMT (n = 10) groups. Arm and hand functions were assessed before and after 2 weeks with the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and a unique skilled reach-to-grasp task designed to test anticipatory hand posture selection. The reach-to-grasp tasks included power and precision grasping in 2 conditions achieved optimally with either a pronated (low difficulty) or supinated (high difficulty) hand posture. Outcome measures included success rate, frequency of optimal strategy selection, and movement time. Results. Between-group comparisons revealed a significant treatment effect for WMFT and MAL scores. The CIMT group showed larger gains in success rate, optimal posture selection (precision grasp only), and faster movement times for the supinated conditions. Conclusion. Together, a faster movement time and greater frequency of optimal hand posture selection in the more difficult task condition highlights a set of novel findings. These results provide evidence for training-induced improvements in upper-extremity function that support neurobehavioral recovery more than compensation. Although these findings are preliminary in view of the small sample size, the authors suggest that they may be useful to design and power larger-scale studies to further the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms induced by task-oriented training interventions in neurorehabilitation.
Erythropoietin: still on the neuroprotection road
Authors: Subirós Nelvys , del Barco Diana García , Coro-Antich Rosa M.
Published: March 2012

Acute stroke is one of the major causes of death and disabilities. Since the 1980s many clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate neuroprotective approaches to treat this important brain vascular event. However, to date the only drug approved (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [rtPA]) represents a thrombolytic, nonneuroprotective approach. An important neuroprotective strategy is based on erythropoietin (EPO). Exogenously administered EPO exhibits neuroprotective effects in numerous animal models, through the activation of anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways as well as through the stimulation of angiogenic and neurogenic events. The capability of EPO to cross the blood–brain barrier after systemic administration and its effective therapeutic window are advantages for human acute stroke therapy. However, a multicenter stroke trial where recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) was combined with rtPA had negative outcomes. The present paper reviews the EPO neuroprotective strategy and its mechanisms in ischemic stroke and in other human nervous system diseases.
Polymeric additives to enhance the functional properties of calcium phosphate cements
Authors: Perez Roman A , Kim Hae-Won , Ginebra Maria-Pau
Published: March 2012

The vast majority of materials used in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are based on calcium phosphates due to their similarity with the mineral phase of natural bone. Among them, calcium phosphate cements, which are composed of a powder and a liquid that are mixed to obtain a moldable paste, are widely used. These calcium phosphate cement pastes can be injected using minimally invasive surgery and adapt to the shape of the defect, resulting in an entangled network of calcium phosphate crystals. Adding an organic phase to the calcium phosphate cement formulation is a very powerful strategy to enhance some of the properties of these materials. Adding some water-soluble biocompatible polymers in the calcium phosphate cement liquid or powder phase improves physicochemical and mechanical properties, such as injectability, cohesion, and toughness. Moreover, adding specific polymers can enhance the biological response and the resorption rate of the material. The goal of this study is to overview the most relevant advances in this field, focusing on the different types of polymers that have been used to enhance specific calcium phosphate cement properties.
Comments in reply
Authors: Wainwright Joel
Published: March 2012

In his response Joel Wainwright deploys some passages from Kant to draw out some of the theoretical and political differences between Kojin Karatani and Michel Foucault.
A novel k-mer mixture logistic regression for methylation susceptibility modeling of CpG dinucleotides in human gene promoters
Authors: Yang Youngik , Nephew Kenneth , Kim Sun
Published: March 2012

Background

DNA methylation is essential for normal development and differentiation and plays a crucial role in the development of nearly all types of cancer. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns, including genome-wide hypomethylation and region-specific hypermethylation, are frequently observed and contribute to the malignant phenotype. A number of studies have recently identified distinct features of genomic sequences that can be used for modeling specific DNA sequences that may be susceptible to aberrant CpG methylation in both cancer and normal cells. Although it is now possible, using next generation sequencing technologies, to assess human methylomes at base resolution, no reports currently exist on modeling cell type-specific DNA methylation susceptibility. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive modeling study of cell type-specific DNA methylation susceptibility at three different resolutions: CpG dinucleotides, CpG segments, and individual gene promoter regions.

Results

Using a k-mer mixture logistic regression model, we effectively modeled DNA methylation susceptibility across five different cell types. Further, at the segment level, we achieved up to 0.75 in AUC prediction accuracy in a 10-fold cross validation study using a mixture of k-mers.

Conclusions

The significance of these results is three fold: 1) this is the first report to indicate that CpG methylation susceptible "segments" exist; 2) our model demonstrates the significance of certain k-mers for the mixture model, potentially highlighting DNA sequence features (k-mers) of differentially methylated, promoter CpG island sequences across different tissue types; 3) as only 3 or 4 bp patterns had previously been used for modeling DNA methylation susceptibility, ours is the first demonstration that 6-mer modeling can be performed without loss of accuracy.
Infant feeding practices among mildly wasted children: a retrospective study on Nias Island, Indonesia
Authors: Inayati Dyah Ayu , Scherbaum Veronika , Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari , Hormann Elizabeth , Wirawan Nia Novita , Suryantan Julia , Hartono Susan , Bloem Maurice Alexander , Pangaribuan Rosnani Verba , Biesalski Hans Konrad , Hoffmann Volker , Bellows Anne Camilla
Published: March 2012

Background

This study investigated the infant feeding practices of participating mothers who were recruited into a research project aimed at improving the nutritional status of mildly wasted children (< -1.0 to ≥ -1.5 Weight-for-Height Z-score s) aged ≥ 6 to < 60 months on Nias Island, Indonesia.

Methods

Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based interview of mothers of the index children (n = 215) who were admitted to the community program for mildly wasted children in the study area. Four focus groups and twenty in-depth interviews were conducted to explore further information on infant feeding practices in the study area.

Results

Retrospective results indicated that 6% of the mothers never breastfed. Fifty two percent of mothers initiated breastfeeding within six hours of birth, but 17% discarded colostrum. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age was practiced by 12%. Seventy-four percent of the mothers offered supplementary liquids besides breast milk within the first 7 days of life, and 14% of infants received these supplementary liquids from 7 days onwards until 6 months of age. Moreover, 79% of the infants were given complementary foods (solid, semi-solid, or soft foods) before 6 months of age. About 9% of the children were breastfed at least two years. Less than one in five of the mildly wasted children (19%) were breastfed on admission to the community program. Qualitative assessments found that inappropriate infant feeding practices were strongly influenced by traditional beliefs of the mothers and paternal grandmothers in the study areas.

Conclusion

Generally, suboptimal infant feeding was widely practiced among mothers of mildly wasted children in the study area on Nias Island, Indonesia. To promote breastfeeding practices among mothers on Nias Island, appropriate nutrition training for community workers and health-nutrition officers is needed to improve relevant counseling skills. In addition, encouraging public nutrition education that promotes breastfeeding, taking into account social-cultural factors such as the influence of paternal grandmothers on infant feeding practice, is needed.
Predicting new molecular targets for rhein using network pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Aihua , Sun Hui , Yang Bo , Wang Xijun
Published: March 2012

Background

Drugs can influence the whole biological system by targeting interaction reactions. The existence of interactions between drugs and network reactions suggests a potential way to discover targets. The in silico prediction of potential interactions between drugs and target proteins is of core importance for the identification of new drugs or novel targets for existing drugs. However, only a tiny portion of drug-targets in current datasets are validated interactions. This motivates the need for developing computational methods that predict true interaction pairs with high accuracy. Currently, network pharmacology has used in identifying potential drug targets to predicting the spread of drug activity and greatly contributed toward the analysis of biological systems on a much larger scale than ever before.

Methods

In this article, we present a computational method to predict targets for rhein by exploring drug-reaction interactions. We have implemented a computational platform that integrates pathway, protein-protein interaction, differentially expressed genome and literature mining data to result in comprehensive networks for drug-target interaction. We used Cytoscape software for prediction rhein-target interactions, to facilitate the drug discovery pipeline.

Results

Results showed that 3 differentially expressed genes confirmed by Cytoscape as the central nodes of the complicated interaction network (99 nodes, 153 edges). Of note, we further observed that the identified targets were found to encompass a variety of biological processes related to immunity, cellular apoptosis, transport, signal transduction, cell growth and proliferation and metabolism.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that network pharmacology can not only speed the wide identification of drug targets but also find new applications for the existing drugs. It also implies the significant contribution of network pharmacology to predict drug targets.
Loss of GATA-6 and GATA-4 in Granulosa Cells Blocks Folliculogenesis, Ovulation, and Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Expression Leading to Female Infertility
Authors: Bennett Jill , Wu Yan-Guang , Gossen Jan , Zhou Ping , Stocco Carlos
Published: March 2012

Single GATA-6 (G6gcko), GATA-4 (G4gcko), and double GATA-4/6 (G4/6gcko) granulosa cell-specific knockout mice were generated to further investigate the role of GATA transcription factors in ovarian function in vivo. No reproductive defects were found in G6gcko animals. G4gcko animals were subfertile as indicated by the reduced number of pups per litter and the release of significantly fewer oocytes at ovulation. In marked contrast, G4/6gcko females fail to ovulate and are infertile. Furthermore, G4/6gcko females had irregular estrous cycles, which correlate with the abnormal ovarian histology found in unstimulated adult G4/6gcko females showing lack of follicular development and increased follicular atresia. Moreover, treatment with exogenous gonadotropins did not rescue folliculogenesis or ovulation in double-knockout G4/6gcko mice. In addition, ovary weight and estradiol levels were significantly reduced in G4gcko and G4/6gcko animals when compared with control and G6gcko mice. Aromatase, P450scc, and LH receptor expression was significantly lower in G4gcko and G4/6gcko mice when compared with control animals. Most prominently, FSH receptor (FSHR) protein was undetectable in granulosa cells of G4gcko and G4/6gcko. Accordingly, gel shift and reporter assays revealed that GATA-4 binds and stimulates the activity of the FSHR promoter. These results demonstrate that GATA-4 and GATA-6 are needed for normal ovarian function. Our data are consistent with a role for GATA-4 in the regulation of the FSHR gene and provide a possible molecular mechanism to explain the fertility defects observed in animals with deficient GATA expression in the ovary.
Trade Retaliation in a Monetary-Trade Model
Authors: Whalley John , Yu Jun , Zhang Shunming
Published: March 2012

We explore how outcomes of trade policy retaliation (Nash tariff games) are affected when trade simultaneously takes places geographically across countries and through time via financial intermediation. In such models, deficits and surpluses in goods trade are endogenously determined, and retaliatory trade policy towards goods can affect these and monetary trade models show different retaliatory trade outcomes from conventional goods only models. We use a general equilibrium goods trade model, which also captures trade through time in the form of inside money as used in macro literature on one good overlapping generations models. In this model, the deficit or surplus of any country in goods trade is endogenous determined. Optimal trade policy differs from that in a conventional goods only trade model in that countries which run trade deficits in goods will have more strategic power through tariff policy (and surplus countries less) than in models with balanced trade. We calibrate such a model to China's trade with the rest of the world and explore two country tariff games using 2005 data. Results show the significant impacts on Nash outcomes of endogenizing the Chinese trade surplus in the model in this way.
International Stock Market Comovements: What Happened during the Financial Crisis?
Authors: Horvath Roman , Poldauf Petr
Published: March 2012

We investigate the stock market comovements in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the UK, and the USA, both at the market and sectoral level in 2000-2010. Using multivariate GARCH models, our results suggest that the correlation among equity returns during the financial crisis (2008-2010) somewhat increased, suggesting that the crisis represented a common shock to all countries. The U.S. stock market is found to be the most correlated with the stock markets in Brazil, Canada and UK. The correlation of U.S. and Chinese stock market is essentially zero before the crisis; it becomes slightly positive during the crisis. The sectoral indices are less correlated than the market indices over the whole period, but, again, the correlations increase during the crisis.
Bubble Diameter and Effective Interfacial Area in a Novel Hybrid Rotating and Reciprocating Perforated Plate Bubble Column
Authors: S Dhanasekaran , T Karunanithi
Published: March 2012

This investigation reports on the experimental and theoretical investigation carried out to evaluate the bubble diameter and effective interfacial area in a novel Hybrid Rotating and Reciprocating Perforated Plate Bubble Column. Air-water system is used in this investigation. Countercurrent mode is employed. The effects of agitation level, superficial gas velocity and superficial liquid velocity on the bubble size distribution are studied. The mean bubble diameter is predicted using photographic technique. A simple correlation is developed for the determination of mean bubble diameter. It is found that the mean bubble diameter values for hybrid column are 1.8 to 2.5 times smaller when compared with conventional reciprocating plate column. The interfacial area is calculated based on the experimental results of the gas holdup and bubble diameter. Effects of agitation level, superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity and plate free area on the interfacial area have been investigated. Correlations are developed for the determination of interfacial area for both mixer-settler and emulsion regions. It could be noted that the interfacial area for the hybrid column is 3 to 6 times higher in both mixer-settler region and emulsion region than that of conventional reciprocating plate column which is quite large.
Effects of Fermentation on Nutritional and Functional Properties of Soybean, Maize, and Germinated Sorghum Composite Flour
Authors: Murekatete Nicole , Hua Yufei , Kong Xiangzhen , Zhang Caimeng
Published: March 2012

Sorghum germination resulted in a substantial tannin loss (95.7 %). Proximate composition, titratable acidity, pasting properties, in vitro protein digestibility, and protein solubility were studied post fermentation (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) of the blended soybean, maize, and germinated sorghum flours. The pH progressively decreased with fermentation time, while titratable acidity increased from 0.029 to 0.118 ml/ml. Crude protein content increased with fermentation (251.7-274.8 mg/g) as a result of a shift in the dry matter composition. In-vitro protein digestibility markedly increased (12 %) as a result of fermentation. Protein solubility curves were above 30% of which highest for both fermented (12 and 24 hours) and unfermented composite flours were at pH 12 (51.77-77.64%) and lowest at pH 4 (30.31-35.98%). SDS-PAGE showed that protein hydrolysis occurred during fermentation over 12 and 24 hours. Unfermented composite flour was potentially stable as food ingredient due to its pasting stability, but the fermented flour low viscosity potential was preferred in this study as more flour will be used during porridge making, hence giving a food with a high nutrient density.
The Takeoff after Lisbon: The Practical and Theoretical Implications of Differentiated Integration in the EU
Authors: Koller Boglárka
Published: March 2012

Differentiated integration is one of the ‘magic’ concepts of integration theories. Although differentiated integration exists in the European integration since the establishment of the Rome Treaty, only in the last ten years became a new direction of European integration. Supporting this, the evolution of the concept is introduced with special emphasis on the various political, legal and academic interpretations. This paper analyses differentiated integration within the Lisbon Treaty and argues that it is a milestone in the realization of it. The paper further argues that differentiated integration is an approach that reinterprets the existing and so far used ‘big’ theories of European integration (federalist, liberal intergovernmental, neo-functionalist, MLG theories etc) and provides new ideas for the self-definition of the European Union itself and in the same time may serve as a pragmatic way out from the scepticism and incapacity that surrounds the contemporary discourses on the ‘finalité politique’ of the EU.
Comment on "Why and When 'Flawed' Social Network Analyses Still Yield
Valid Tests of no Contagion"
Authors: Shalizi Cosma Rohilla
Published: March 2012

VanderWeele et al.'s paper is a useful contribution to the on-going
scientific conversation about the detection of contagion from purely
observational data. It is especially helpful as a corrective to some of the
more extreme statements of Lyons (2011). Unfortunately, this paper, too,
goes too far in some places, and so needs some correction itself.
Optical design of camera optics for mobile phones
Authors: Steinich Thomas , Blahnik Vladan
Published: March 2012

At present, compact camera modules are included in many mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants or tablet computers. They have various uses, from snapshots of everyday situations to capturing barcodes for product information. This paper presents an overview of the key design challenges and some typical solutions. A lens design for a mobile phone camera is compared to a downscaled 35 mm format lens to demonstrate the main differences in optical design. Particular attention is given to scaling effects.
Highlight: GBM Meeting ‘Molecular Life Sciences 2011’
Authors: Sies Helmut
Published: March 2012

No abstract available
Physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical assessments of Roselle-reinforced composites
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Singh Balbir
Published: March 2012

Hibiscus sabdariffa stem fiber has 73.9% cellulose, high mechanical strength and is found in abundance throughout the world. Hibiscus sabdariffa graft copolymers were synthesized, characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DTA, and SEM techniques, and evaluated for physicochemical changes in properties such as moisture absorption, chemical resistance against 1 n NaOH and 1 n HCl. These graft copolymers were reinforced in phenol-formaldehyde polymer matrix to form biocomposites that were characterized by advanced techniques and evaluated for physicochemicothermal resistance. The mechanical strength was accessed on the basis of hardness, flexural strength, Young modulus, and stress at the limit of proportionality, which was found to be high. These novel materials could have numerous scientific and industrial application to pave the way for development of technology.
Interneurons Provide Circuit-Specific Depolarization and Hyperpolarization
Authors: Sauer Jonas-Frederic , Strüber Michael , Bartos Marlene
Published: March 2012

Perisoma-inhibiting interneurons (PIIs) control fundamental aspects of cortical network function by means of their GABAergic output synapses. However, whether they depolarize or hyperpolarize their target cells in the mature circuitry remains controversial. By using unitary field potential and gramicidin D perforated-patch recordings, we provide evidence that the postsynaptic effect of GABAergic synapses is fundamentally different in two regions of rat hippocampus. Signaling at PII output synapses is hyperpolarizing in CA1 principal cells (PCs) but depolarizing in dentate gyrus (DG) PCs. While the reversal potential of GABAAreceptor-mediated currents is identical in both areas, ∼15 mV more negative resting potentials of DG compared with CA1 PCs underlie the opposing effects of perisomatic GABAergic transmission. Thus, the nature of PII output signaling is circuit-dependent and may therefore contribute differentially to information processing in the two brain areas.
Influenza Infection Induces Neuroinflammation, Alters Hippocampal Neuron Morphology, and Impairs Cognition in Adult Mice
Authors: Jurgens Heidi A. , Amancherla Kaushik , Johnson Rodney W.
Published: March 2012

Influenza is a common and highly contagious viral pathogen, yet its effects on the structure and function of the CNS remain largely unknown. Although there is evidence that influenza strains that infect the brain can lead to altered cognitive and emotional behaviors, it is unknown whether a viral strain that is not neurotropic (A/PR/8/34) can result in a central inflammatory response, neuronal damage, and neurobehavioral effects. We hypothesized that neuroinflammation and alterations in hippocampal neuron morphology may parallel cognitive dysfunction following peripheral infection with live influenza virus. Here, we show that influenza-infected mice exhibited cognitive deficits in a reversal learning version of the Morris water maze. At the same time point in which cognitive impairment was evident, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-α) and microglial reactivity were increased, while neurotrophic (BDNF, NGF) and immunomodulatory (CD200, CX3CL1) factors were decreased in the hippocampus of infected mice. In addition, influenza induced architectural changes to hippocampal neurons in the CA1 and dentate gyrus, with the most profound effects on dentate granule cells in the innermost portion of the granule cell layer. Overall, these data provide the first evidence that neuroinflammation and changes in hippocampal structural plasticity may underlie cognitive dysfunction associated with influenza infection. In addition, the heightened inflammatory state concurrent with reduced neurotrophic support could leave the brain vulnerable to subsequent insult following influenza infection. A better understanding of how influenza impacts the brain and behavior may provide insight for preventing inflammation and neuronal damage during peripheral viral infection.
Solid surface free energy analysis using inkjet droplets
Authors: Fukada Kazuhiro , Sakai Hayato , Hasobe Taku , Masuda Takashi , Shimoda Tatsuya
Published: March 2012

We measured the surface free energy of a substrate by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using sub-millimetre-sized inkjet droplets. By employing two types of TEM grids with different surface free energies, we investigated the relationship between the surface energy and the patterns of an organic solution dried on the grids. We confirmed that the generation of the porphyrin hexamer [(H2PAC15)6TPh] patterns was affected by the surface free energy of the TEM grid.
Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes and Connective Tissue Grafts Support Bone Regeneration for Closing Mandibular Class II Furcations
Authors: Bouchard Philippe , Ouhayoun Jean‐Pierre , Nilvéus Rolf Erik
Published: March 2012

Twenty‐four mandibular buccal Class II furcation lesions in 12 subjects were treated with reconstructive periodontal therapy including citric acid root treatment and replaced flap surgery. Twelve (12) of the lesions received expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes to cover the furcation entrance (ePTFE group) whereas the remaining 12 lesions received a connective tissue graft over the furcation (CTG group). Clinical assessments, including probing depth, probing attachment level, location of gingival margin, direct bone probing, and defect volume, were taken at baseline and at 12 months reentry. In the ePTFE group 30% of the defect volume filled with bone; 36% of the defects exhibited complete bone closure. In the CTG group 19% of the defect volume filled with bone and 18% of these defects exhibited complete bone closure. There were no meaningful clinical differences between treatment groups except in horizontal probing depth change (P ≤0.05). This study suggests that connective tissue grafts and ePTFE membranes have comparable potential in supporting bone regeneration in mandibular Class II furcation lesions. Further clinical trials with larger numbers of patients and a longer evaluation period are needed to fully compare these procedures. J Periodontol 1993;64:1193–1198.
Phenytoin Increases Gene Expression for Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor B Chain in Macrophages and Monocytes
Authors: Dill Russell E. , Miller E. Katherine , Weil Tom , Lesley Stacy , Farmer Gene R. , Iacopino Anthony M.
Published: March 2012

The mechanism by which phenytoin (PHT) induces gingival overgrowth remains unclear. We hypothesized that PHT increases macrophage production of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), an important cytokine in connective tissue growth and repair, and that excessive production PDGF in gingiva could lead to redundant growth. To test the hypothesis, rat peritoneal macrophages and human blood monocytes were cultured in the presence of PHT (5 to 20 μg/ml medium) or an equal volume of its solvent for 3 days and tested for expression of PDGF‐B mRNA by in situ hybridization. Approximately 300 cells/culture well were examined (3 wells/drug level) for positive indication of PDGFB mRNA. Data were compared by chi square test. All levels of PHT in both cell types induced a 2‐ to 8‐fold increase in PDGF‐B mRNA positive cells, significant in all cases at P < 0.001. Northern blot analysis of RNA from similarly cultured rat macrophages confirmed these findings. Cells treated with 10 μg PHT/ml medium or solvent revealed 2.2 ± 0.3 and 1.0 ± 0.2 (mean ± SEM) arbitrary units PDGF mRNA respectively (t tests, P <0.05). Additionally, rat macrophages were cultured in presence of 5 μg PHT/ medium or its solvent and medium was analyzed for PDGF secretion by radioimmunoassay. Mean values (± SEM) were 1.28 ± 0.49 and 0.78 ± 0.07 ng/mg protein respectively (t test, P <0.05). These data showed that PHT augmented the expression of c‐sis, the gene for PDGF‐B, and offered a possible explanation for PHT‐induced gingival overgrowth. J Periodontol 1993;64:169–173.
A Review of Longitudinal Studies That Compared Periodontal Therapies
Authors: Kaldahl Wayne B. , Kalkwarf Kenneth L. , Patil Kashinath D.
Published: March 2012

There have been numerous longitudinal periodontal studies that have compared the effects of two or more therapies on various clinical parameters. These studies are reviewed and their results are compiled. Both surgical and non‐surgical therapy produced improvement in periodontal health. Surgical therapy tended to create greater short‐term probing depth reduction than non‐surgical therapy; however, the advantage was lost in some studies over time. In shallow probing depths, surgery produced a greater loss of probing attachment than non‐surgical therapy. In deeper probing sites, the short‐term results comparing mean probing attachment change following non‐surgical and surgical therapy were mixed. In most studies, no long‐term differences in mean probing attachment level change were present between non‐surgical and surgical therapy. There were no differences between surgical and non‐surgical therapy in any of the gingival inflammatory indices. J Periodontol 1993; 64:243–253.