bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagining Irreconcilability: Cultural Differentiation Through Human-Animal Relations in Late Qing Shanghai
Authors: Swislocki Mark
Published: December 2012

This article examines points of convergence and divergence in Chinese and Anglo-US notions of animal protection and shows how representations of animals and animal protection in late Qing Shanghai constituted claims to moral authority. It draws on representation of animal cruelty and animal protection in court reports and visual culture and argues that ideas about Sino-foreign cultural difference should be viewed as a product of social and political conflict and are not necessarily, as is commonly assumed, the basis or source of such conflict. The article shows this by demonstrating that even though Chinese and Anglo-US notions of animal cruelty were rooted in different assumptions, they nonetheless shared a notion of humaneness that fostered a meeting of minds with regard to the administration of animal protection. Social and political circumstances, however, focused the attention of city residents on points of difference, and the circulation of representations of difference — of an apparent Chinese indifference to cruelty, and of an Anglo-US disregard of certain cosmological forces of retribution — produced a legacy of cultural differentiation in Shanghai that strained Sino-foreign relations.
Strange Nuptials: Matthew Barney's Japan in Drawing Restraint 9
Authors: Stalker Nancy
Published: December 2012

Matthew Barney's 2005 film-cum-performance-piece, Drawing Restraint 9 (DR9), portrays a budding romance between two individuals he terms the “Occidental Guests,” played by Barney and his real-life partner, the singer Björk, aboard a Japanese whaling ship. In the film's climactic scene, the Guests, dressed in imaginatively construed Japanese wedding dress, engage in a bloody orgy of violence and cannibalism that reveals they are both part whale. In addition to the costumes of seaweed, fur, and shell worn in this scene, DR9 prominently features Barney's creative reinterpretations of traditional Japanese ritual and material culture, including tea ceremony, festivals, and pearl divers, while providing an opaque statement on the issue of Japanese whaling. Clocking in at two hours and fifteen minutes, yet containing only a scant few lines of dialogue, the film has received an uneven and confused reception by art and film critics alike. Critics familiar with Barney's work tend to focus on the artistry of his characteristically rich visual images in DR9, rather than deciphering and contextualizing his suggestions about Japanese “tradition” or the historical relationship between Japan and the West, especially the United States. This review essay attempts to understand Barney vis-à-vis a lineage of Western artists and scholars who have interpreted Japan in diverse ways. It asks whether and how Barney is echoing the Orientalist tendencies of earlier artists and whether and how globalization and the accompanying increase in borderless cultural flows have influenced Western hegemony in transnational artistic circles.
The Palimpsest Body and the S(h)ifting Border: On Maggie Cheung's Two Crossover Films
Authors: Wang Yiman
Published: December 2012

This article studies the interactions between the “foreign” female star body and the body of nation and national film historiography through the lens of the Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung and her two crossover films, Centre Stage and Irma Vep. The premise of my argument is that the combination of the female star body's overdeterminedness with malleability makes it a privileged site for constructing, deconstructing, and reconstructing the nation-oriented cinema and the correlated identity.

My major concern is how Cheung's distinctly foreign presence in both films collaborates with the deconstructionist agenda to produce a new conception of the national film historiography. My analysis of Cheung's “foreign” presence and “body too much” demonstrates that “national cinema” must be redefined from a foreignizing perspective. By relating star theory and the theory of performativity to the postcolonial context, I point toward strategies of recharting the national or regional identity that are sensitive to gender and postcolonial politics.
Dose-dependent roles for canonical Wnt signalling in de novo crypt formation and cell cycle properties of the colonic epithelium
Authors: Hirata Akihiro , Utikal Jochen , Yamashita Satoshi , Aoki Hitomi , Watanabe Akira , Yamamoto Takuya , Okano Hideyuki , Bardeesy Nabeel , Kunisada Takahiro , Ushijima Toshikazu , Hara Akira , Jaenisch Rudolf , Hochedlinger Konrad , Yamada Yasuhiro
Published: December 2012

There is a gradient of β-catenin expression along the colonic crypt axis with the highest levels at the crypt bottom. In addition, colorectal cancers show a heterogeneous subcellular pattern of β-catenin accumulation. However, it remains unclear whether different levels of Wnt signalling exert distinct roles in the colonic epithelium. Here, we investigated the dose-dependent effect of canonical Wnt activation on colonic epithelial differentiation by controlling the expression levels of stabilised β-catenin using a doxycycline-inducible transgenic system in mice. We show that elevated levels of Wnt signalling induce the amplification of Lgr5+ cells, which is accompanied by crypt fission and a reduction in cell proliferation among progenitor cells. By contrast, lower levels of β-catenin induction enhance cell proliferation rates of epithelial progenitors without affecting crypt fission rates. Notably, slow-cycling cells produced by β-catenin activation exhibit activation of Notch signalling. Consistent with the interpretation that the combination of Notch and Wnt signalling maintains crypt cells in a low proliferative state, the treatment of β-catenin-expressing mice with a Notch inhibitor turned such slow-cycling cells into actively proliferating cells. Our results indicate that the activation of the canonical Wnt signalling pathway is sufficient for de novo crypt formation, and suggest that different levels of canonical Wnt activations, in cooperation with Notch signalling, establish a hierarchy of slower-cycling stem cells and faster-cycling progenitor cells characteristic for the colonic epithelium.
Competition among gene regulatory networks imposes order within the eye-antennal disc of Drosophila
Authors: Weasner Bonnie M. , Kumar Justin P.
Published: December 2012

The eye-antennal disc of Drosophila gives rise to numerous adult tissues, including the compound eyes, ocelli, antennae, maxillary palps and surrounding head capsule. The fate of each tissue is governed by the activity of unique gene regulatory networks (GRNs). The fate of the eye, for example, is controlled by a set of fourteen interlocking genes called the retinal determination (RD) network. Mutations within network members lead to replacement of the eyes with head capsule. Several studies have suggested that in these instances all retinal progenitor and precursor cells are eliminated via apoptosis and as a result the surrounding head capsule proliferates to compensate for retinal tissue loss. This model implies that the sole responsibility of the RD network is to promote the fate of the eye. We have re-analyzed eyes absent mutant discs and propose an alternative model. Our data suggests that in addition to promoting an eye fate the RD network simultaneously functions to actively repress GRNs that are responsible for directing antennal and head capsule fates. Compromising the RD network leads to the inappropriate expression of several head capsule selector genes such as cut, Lim1 and wingless. Instead of undergoing apoptosis, a population of mutant retinal progenitors and precursor cells adopt a head capsule fate. This transformation is accompanied by an adjustment of cell proliferation rates such that just enough head capsule is generated to produce an intact adult head. We propose that GRNs simultaneously promote primary fates, inhibit alternative fates and establish cell proliferation states.
Sim1a and Arnt2 contribute to hypothalamo-spinal axon guidance by regulating Robo2 activity via a Robo3-dependent mechanism
Authors: Schweitzer Jörn , Löhr Heiko , Bonkowsky Joshua L. , Hübscher Katrin , Driever Wolfgang
Published: December 2012

Precise spatiotemporal control of axon guidance factor expression is a prerequisite for formation of functional neuronal connections. Although Netrin/Dcc- and Robo/Slit-mediated attractive and repulsive guidance of commissural axons have been extensively studied, little is known about mechanisms controlling mediolateral positioning of longitudinal axons in vertebrates. Here, we use a genetic approach in zebrafish embryos to study pathfinding mechanisms of dopaminergic and neuroendocrine longitudinal axons projecting from the hypothalamus into hindbrain and spinal cord. The transcription factors Sim1a and Arnt2 contribute to differentiation of a defined population of dopaminergic and neuroendocrine neurons. We show that both factors also control aspects of axon guidance: Sim1a or Arnt2 depletion results in displacement of hypothalamo-spinal longitudinal axons towards the midline. This phenotype is suppressed in robo3 guidance receptor mutant embryos. In the absence of Sim1a and Arnt2, expression of the robo3 splice isoform robo3a.1 is increased in the hypothalamus, indicating negative control of robo3a.1 transcription by these factors. We further provide evidence that increased Robo3a.1 levels interfere with Robo2-mediated repulsive axon guidance. Finally, we show that the N-terminal domain unique to Robo3a.1 mediates the block of Robo2 repulsive activity. Therefore, Sim1a and Arnt2 contribute to control of lateral positioning of longitudinal hypothalamic-spinal axons by negative regulation of robo3a.1 expression, which in turn attenuates the repulsive activity of Robo2.
Visual disturbance following sclerotherapy for varicose veins, reticular veins and telangiectasias: a systematic literature review
Authors: Willenberg T , Smith P C , Shepherd A , Davies A H
Published: December 2012

The objective of the study was to review the literature reporting visual disturbance (VD) following sclerotherapy for varicose veins. Underlying mechanisms will be discussed. A literature search of the databases Medline and Google Scholar was performed. Original articles including randomized trials, case series and case reports reporting VD in humans following sclerotherapy for varicose veins were included. Additional references were also obtained if they had been referenced in related publications. The search yielded 4948 results of which 25 reports were found to meet the inclusion criteria. In larger series with at least 500 included patients the prevalence of VD following sclerotherapy ranges from 0.09% to 2%. In most reports foam sclerotherapy was associated with VD (19); exclusive use of liquid sclerosant was reported in two cases, some reports included foam and liquid sclerosant (4). There were no persistent visual disorders reported. VD occurred with polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulphate in different concentrations (0.25–3%). Various forms of foam preparation including various ways of foam production and the liquid – air ratio (1 or 2 parts of liquid mixed with 3, 4 or 5 parts of air) were reported in association with the occurrence of VD. VDs following sclerotherapy for varicose veins are rare and all reported events were transient. Bubble embolism or any kind of embolism seems unlikely to be the only underlying mechanism. A systemic inflammatory response following sclerotherapy has been suggested. Further research to clarify the mechanism of action of sclerosants is required.
Application of Ultrasound in an Ulnar Motor Nerve Conduction Study after Anterior Ulnar Nerve Transposition
Authors: Chen Hamilton , Takemoto Ronald
Published: December 2012

Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) is one of the most common peripheral nerve entrapments. Surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome often involves anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. After surgical treatment of ulnar neuropathy, patients will often be referred for a repeat nerve conduction study (NCS) to assess for changes in conduction velocity. However, in a patient with a transposed ulnar nerve, it is technically difficult to localize the proper NCS stimulation sites, requiring nerve mapping by multiple submaximal stimulations. We present a case report utilizing ultrasound to localize and map the transposed ulnar nerve for the ulnar motor NCS test across the elbow. As a result, the need for nerve mapping through repeated stimulation is eliminated.
Sonographic Signs in Ectopic Pregnancy: Update
Authors: Bolaji Ibrahim , Singh Manju , Goddard Rebecca
Published: December 2012

Ectopic pregnancy poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge; however, advances in ultrasound technology and its applications have provided the capability to diagnose ectopic pregnancy at a very early stage. This article offers an update on the various specific and non-specific ultrasound diagnostic criteria used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Complexity sciences: towards an alternative approach to understanding the use of academic research
Authors: A. Lemay Margaret , Sá Creso
Published: December 2012

Academic research is increasingly linked to a range of socioeconomic benefits. With increasing investments in academic research, there is growing pressure to improve the uses of research and demonstrate its impacts. From theoretical and methodological perspectives, the use of research is not well understood. This paper examines the limitations of the widely accepted conventional framework for understanding research use and explores the potential for conceptualising research use as a complex social process. The paper argues that properties and behaviours of complex systems are relevant to building a realistic and more complete understanding of the research use process.
Regulation of ROCK Activity in Cancer
Authors: Morgan-Fisher Marie , Wewer Ulla M. , Yoneda Atsuko
Published: December 2012

Cancer-associated changes in cellular behavior, such as modified cell-cell contact, increased migratory potential, and generation of cellular force, all require alteration of the cytoskeleton. Two homologous mammalian serine/threonine kinases, Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK I and II), are key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton acting downstream of the small GTPase Rho. ROCK is associated with cancer progression, and ROCK protein expression is elevated in several types of cancer. ROCKs exist in a closed, inactive conformation under quiescent conditions, which is changed to an open, active conformation by the direct binding of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)–loaded Rho. In recent years, a number of ROCK isoform-specific binding partners have been found to modulate the kinase activity through direct interactions with the catalytic domain or via altered cellular localization of the kinases. Thus, these findings demonstrate additional modes to regulate ROCK activity. This review describes the molecular mechanisms of ROCK activity regulation in cancer, with emphasis on ROCK isoform-specific regulation and interaction partners, and discusses the potential of ROCKs as therapeutic targets in cancer.
A Robust Procedure for Distinctively Visualizing Zebrafish Retinal Cell Nuclei Under Bright Field Light Microscopy
Authors: Fu Jinling , Fang Wei , Zou Jian , Sun Ming , Lathrop Kira , Su Guanfang , Wei Xiangyun
Published: December 2012

To simultaneously visualize individual cell nuclei and tissue morphologies of the zebrafish retina under bright field light microscopy, it is necessary to establish a procedure that specifically and sensitively stains the cell nuclei in thin tissue sections. This necessity arises from the high nuclear density of the retina and the highly decondensed chromatin of the cone photoreceptors, which significantly reduces their nuclear signals and makes nuclei difficult to distinguish from possible high cytoplasmic background staining. Here we optimized a procedure that integrates JB4 plastic embedding and Feulgen reaction for visualizing zebrafish retinal cell nuclei under bright field light microscopy. This method produced highly specific nuclear staining with minimal cytoplasmic background, allowing us to distinguish individual retinal nuclei despite their tight packaging. The nuclear staining is also sensitive enough to distinguish the euchromatin from heterochromatin in the zebrafish cone nuclei. In addition, this method could be combined with in situ hybridization to simultaneously visualize the cell nuclei and mRNA expression patterns. With its superb specificity and sensitivity, this method may be extended to quantify cell density and analyze global chromatin organization throughout the retina or other tissues.
Diseased Bodies and Domestic Space: Transmodern Space in Tsai Ming-Liang's The Hole
Authors: Trice Jasmine Nadua
Published: December 2012

This article will consider how the film The Hole offers images of that utopian potential in its juxtaposition of apocalyptic urban decay with the euphoric extravagance of the movie musical, a parallel world that sends the Man Upstairs, the Woman Downstairs and several dancers into joyous
song and dance sequences across the barren hallways and derelict stairwells.
Reviews Films
Authors: Debono John , Flett Tracey
Published: December 2012

Take This Waltz: A Refreshingly Honest Portrayal of Youth and Love Take This Waltz (2011) Canada | Spain | Japan Director Sarah Polley Runtime 116 minutes

Miss Representation: Recurring Symbolic Annihilation Miss Representation (2011) USA Director Jennifer Seibel Newsome Runtime
85 minutes
Self- and Parent-Rated Executive Functioning in Young Adults With Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Heinonen Kati , Pesonen Anu-Katriina , Lahti Jari , Pyhälä Riikka , Strang-Karlsson Sonja , Hovi Petteri , Järvenpää Anna-Liisa , Eriksson Johan G. , Andersson Sture , Kajantie Eero , Raikkonen Katri
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Adults born preterm score lower on performance-based tests of executive functioning (EF) than their term-born peers. These test scores do not necessarily translate to application of these skills in an everyday environment. The objective of the study was to test differences between very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) adults and their term-born peers in self- and parent-rated EF and examine concordance between self- and parent-rated EF and performance-based tests of EF.

METHODS:

A longitudinal study of 90 VLBW adults and 93 term-born controls (aged 21–30 years) was performed. The young adults and their parents filled in the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning–Adult Version, and the adults underwent performance-based tests of EF.

RESULTS:

VLBW young adults and especially those born appropriate for gestational age reported fewer problems in behavioral regulation and global EF than term-born controls; however, parents of VLBW adults born small for gestational age reported more problems for their children in all EF scales than parents of the controls. Compared with their parents, VLBW young adults reported fewer problems in behavioral regulation. Adults’ ratings and their parents’ ratings correlated significantly among VLBW and control groups. In the VLBW and VLBW/small-for-gestational-age groups, parent ratings of EF were correlated to performance-based tests, whereas among term-born adults, self-reports correlated.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings reveal that VLBW adults may have learned to compensate in the everyday environment for their EF deficits apparent in performance-based tests. Alternatively, VLBW adults may have positively skewed views of their abilities.
Performance of geogrid-encased stone columns in soft ground: full-scale load tests
Authors: Yoo C. , Lee D.
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT: The geogrid-encased stone column (GESC) system, which increases the confinement effect, has been developed to improve the load-carrying capacity of stone columns. This paper presents the results of an investigation on improvement in load-carrying capacity and settlement reduction of a GESC using field-scale load tests. Also, the effect of the geogrid encasement length and column strain is investigated. In addition, isolated GESC behaviour was compared to rammed-aggregate pier (RAP) and conventional stone column (CSC) behaviour. The results show that additional confinement provided by the geogrid encasement increased the stiffness of the stone column and reduced the settlement of the soft ground. Also, bulging of the GESC was observed to occur directly beneath the base of the geogrid encasement. The improvement in the performance of GESC was found to be significant, even with partial encasement.
Local scouring downstream of a spillway with an apron
Authors: Oliveto Giuseppe
Published: December 2012

Local scour downstream of stilling basins constitutes an important field of research in the context of the stability of hydraulic structures. This paper deals with the temporal and spatial evolution of local scour downstream of low-head spillways with a horizontal apron. Experiments were carried out in a 1 m wide and 20 m long rectangular channel. Three different, nearly uniform, sediments were used for the mobile bed. Tests were of long duration from 48 up to 196 h, but a few runs of short duration (1 or 3 h) were also carried out to better analyse the earlier scour stages. It was found that the main dimensionless parameters governing the scouring process are the tailwater densimetric Froude number, the relative time, and the relative distance of the toe of the hydraulic jump from the apron edge. Based on the experimental data, the salient features of the local bed morphology evolution are described through simple power-type equations. No experimental evidence was found in support of the similarity of scour profiles.
The Association Between Clinical and Radiographic Periodontitis Measurements During Periodontal Maintenance
Authors: Payne Jeffrey B. , Nummikoski Pirkka V. , Thompson David M. , Golub Lorne M. , Stoner Julie A.
Published: December 2012

Background: The purpose of the present study is to examine the association between clinical and radiographic periodontitis measurements during 2 years of periodontal maintenance.

Methods: Secondary analyses were performed from a 2‐year, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) in 128 postmenopausal osteopenic females with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontitis. Relative clinical attachment level (relative CAL) and probing depth (PD) measurements were made. Posterior vertical bitewings were taken for alveolar bone density (ABD) and alveolar bone height (ABH) measurements. Generalized estimating equations were used to model associations.

Results: One‐year ABD changes and 1‐year relative CAL/PD changes did not predict 2‐year ABH changes and ABH/ABD changes, respectively. Baseline relative CAL and PD were positively associated with baseline ABH loss (P <0.0001), and baseline PDs were associated with subsequent ABD and ABH loss (P <0.05 for each). Among placebo (but not SDD) participants, relative CAL changes were associated with concurrent ABD loss (P = 0.027) when considering 1‐ and 2‐year changes combined. The odds of ABH loss were higher among sites with concurrent 1‐year ABD loss versus no change (odds ratio [OR] = 3.15, P <0.0001) or concurrent PD increases versus no change (OR = 1.88, P = 0.0025) when considering 1‐ and 2‐year changes combined.

Conclusions: In postmenopausal osteopenic females undergoing periodontal maintenance, baseline PD was associated with subsequent ABD and ABH loss. Although no longitudinal change preceded another measurement change, changes in PDs and relative CALs appeared to reflect changes in the underlying alveolar bone over time.
Chemical Treatment of Chelated Metal Finishing Wastes
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , Glarborg Christen , Ross Mark A.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated two chemical approaches for treatment of commingled cadmium‐cyanide (Cd‐CN) and zinc‐nickel (Zn‐Ni) wastewaters. The first approach, which involved application of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), focused on elimination of chelating substances. The second approach evaluated the use of sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC) to specifically target and precipitate regulated heavy metals. Results demonstrated that by maintaining a pH of 10.0 and an oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) value of +600 mV, NaOCl treatment was effective in eliminating all chelating substances. Cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc solution concentrations were reduced from 0.27, 4.44, 0.06, and 0.10 ppm to 0.16, 0.17, 0.03, and 0.06 ppm, respectively. Similarly, a 1% DMDTC solution reduced these same metal concentrations in commingled wastewater to 0.009, 1.142, 0.036, and 0.320 ppm. Increasing the DMDTC concentration to 2% improved the removal of all regulated heavy metals except zinc, the removal of which at high pH values is limited by its amphotericity.
The Dynamic Anaerobic Reactor & Integrated Energy System (DARIES) Model: Model Development, Validation, and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Brouwer A.F. , Grimberg S.J. , Powers S.E.
Published: December 2012

The Dynamic Anaerobic Reactor & Integrated Energy System (DARIES) model has been developed as a biogas and electricity production model of a dairy farm anaerobic digester system. DARIES, which incorporates the Anaerobic Digester Model No. 1 (ADM1) and simulations of both combined heat and power (CHP) and digester heating systems, may be run in either completely mixed or plug flow reactor configurations. DARIES biogas predictions were shown to be statistically coincident with measured data from eighteen full‐scale dairy operations in the northeastern United States. DARIES biogas predictions were more accurate than predictions made by the U.S. AgSTAR model FarmWare 3.4. DARIES electricity production predictions were verified against data collected by the NYSERDA DG/CHP Integrated Data System. Preliminary sensitivity analysis demonstrated that DARIES output was most sensitive to influent flow rate, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biodegradability, and somewhat sensitive to hydraulic retention time and digester temperature.
Malocclusion impacts adolescents' oral health–related quality of life
Authors: Scapini Annarosa , Feldens Carlos Alberto , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Kramer Paulo Floriani
Published: December 2012

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that malocclusion does not have an independent and negative effect on quality of life of adolescents.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional design study comprised a sample of 519 children, aged 11 to 14 years, attending public schools in Osorio, a city in southern Brazil. One calibrated examiner carried out clinical examinations and recorded dental caries (decayed/missing/filled teeth), malocclusion (Dental Aesthetic Index), and dental trauma. Participants completed the Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14), Impact Short Form, and their parents or guardians answered questions about socioeconomic status. Simple and multivariate linear regressions were performed to assess covariates for the overall CPQ11–14 scores.

Results:

Greater impacts on oral health–related quality of life were observed for girls (P  =  .007), children with a lower household income (P  =  .016), those living in nonnuclear families (P < .001), and those with more decayed/missing/filled teeth (P  =  .001). Malocclusion was also associated with oral health–related quality of life: the severity of malocclusion was significantly related to higher scores of CPQ11–14 even after scores were adjusted for control variables. CPQ11–14 increased by approximately 1 point for each increase in the severity of malocclusion.

Conclusions:

Malocclusion has a negative effect on adolescents' quality of life, independent of dental caries or traumatic dental injuries. Socioeconomic inequalities and clinical conditions are important features in adolescents' quality of life.
Proteasome Dysfunction Mediates Obesity-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Insulin Resistance in the Liver
Authors: Otoda Toshiki , Takamura Toshinari , Misu Hirofumi , Ota Tsuguhito , Murata Shigeo , Hayashi Hiroto , Takayama Hiroaki , Kikuchi Akihiro , Kanamori Takehiro , Shima Kosuke R. , Lan Fei , Takeda Takashi , Kurita Seiichiro , Ishikura Kazuhide , Kita Yuki , Iwayama Kaito , Kato Ken-ichiro , Uno Masafumi , Takeshita Yumie , Yamamoto Miyuki , Tokuyama Kunpei , Iseki Shoichi , Tanaka Keiji , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: December 2012

Chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a major contributor to obesity-induced insulin resistance in the liver. However, the molecular link between obesity and ER stress remains to be identified. Proteasomes are important multicatalytic enzyme complexes that degrade misfolded and oxidized proteins. Here, we report that both mouse models of obesity and diabetes and proteasome activator (PA)28-null mice showed 30–40% reduction in proteasome activity and accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in the liver. PA28-null mice also showed hepatic steatosis, decreased hepatic insulin signaling, and increased hepatic glucose production. The link between proteasome dysfunction and hepatic insulin resistance involves ER stress leading to hyperactivation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in the liver. Administration of a chemical chaperone, phenylbutyric acid (PBA), partially rescued the phenotypes of PA28-null mice. To confirm part of the results obtained from in vivo experiments, we pretreated rat hepatoma-derived H4IIEC3 cells with bortezomib, a selective inhibitor of the 26S proteasome. Bortezomib causes ER stress and insulin resistance in vitro—responses that are partly blocked by PBA. Taken together, our data suggest that proteasome dysfunction mediates obesity-induced ER stress, leading to insulin resistance in the liver.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Type 2 Diabetes in Indians Identifies a New Susceptibility Locus at 2q21
Authors: Tabassum Rubina , Chauhan Ganesh , Dwivedi Om Prakash , Mahajan Anubha , Jaiswal Alok , Kaur Ismeet , Bandesh Khushdeep , Singh Tejbir , Mathai Benan John , Pandey Yogesh , Chidambaram Manickam , Sharma Amitabh , Chavali Sreenivas , Sengupta Shantanu , Ramakrishnan Lakshmi , Venkatesh Pradeep , Aggarwal Sanjay K. , Ghosh Saurabh , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Srinath Reddy K. , Saxena Madhukar , Banerjee Monisha , Mathur Sandeep , Bhansali Anil , Shah Viral N. , Madhu Sri Venkata , Marwaha Raman K. , Basu Analabha , Scaria Vinod , McCarthy Mark I. ,   DIAGRAM,   INDICO, Venkatesan Radha , Mohan Viswanathan , Tandon Nikhil , Bharadwaj Dwaipayan
Published: December 2012

Indians undergoing socioeconomic and lifestyle transitions will be maximally affected by epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study of T2D in 12,535 Indians, a less explored but high-risk group. We identified a new type 2 diabetes–associated locus at 2q21, with the lead signal being rs6723108 (odds ratio 1.31; P = 3.32 × 10−9). Imputation analysis refined the signal to rs998451 (odds ratio 1.56; P = 6.3 × 10−12) within TMEM163 that encodes a probable vesicular transporter in nerve terminals. TMEM163 variants also showed association with decreased fasting plasma insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, indicating a plausible effect through impaired insulin secretion. The 2q21 region also harbors RAB3GAP1 and ACMSD; those are involved in neurologic disorders. Forty-nine of 56 previously reported signals showed consistency in direction with similar effect sizes in Indians and previous studies, and 25 of them were also associated (P < 0.05). Known loci and the newly identified 2q21 locus altogether explained 7.65% variance in the risk of T2D in Indians. Our study suggests that common susceptibility variants for T2D are largely the same across populations, but also reveals a population-specific locus and provides further insights into genetic architecture and etiology of T2D.
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Esthetic Management of Severe Dental Fluorosis: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Y , Sa Y , Liang S , Jiang T
Published: December 2012

Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of enamel caused by excessive fluoride on ameloblasts during enamel formation. Patients often present to the dentist with a main goal of improving their esthetic appearance. This case report describes a minimally invasive technique for treating a severe case of enamel fluorosis with brown surface aspect and small defects. A selective mega-abrasion and microabrasion were used to recreate macro- and micro- surface morphology, followed by power bleaching, home bleaching, and resin infiltration to improve the esthetic appearance.
Informal Numeracy Skills
Authors: Purpura David J. , Lonigan Christopher J.
Published: December 2012

Validating the structure of informal numeracy skills is critical to understanding the developmental trajectories of mathematics skills at early ages; however, little research has been devoted to construct evaluation of the Numbering, Relations, and Arithmetic Operations domains. This study was designed to address this knowledge gap by examining the structure of these three numeracy skill domains and examining the relations among these domains. Three hundred ninety-three children participated in the study (51.7% girls, 55.7% White, 33.8% African American, and 10.5% other). Results indicated that the relations among the informal numeracy skills were best explained by a three-factor model that included Numbering, Relations, and Arithmetic Operations factors, and this factor structure was the same in both younger and older preschool children.
Experimental study of various central nervous system effects of eugenol in mice and rats
Authors: Sharma M , Rauniar GP , Das BP
Published: December 2012

Background: Eugenol is an essential component of many medicinal herbs. It is a member of the allylbenzene class of chemical compounds. Since years, it is being used in dental practice to relieve pain arising from pulpitis and dentinal hypersensitivity. There are few reports of anticonvulsant effect but further effects are less reported. Lack of comprehensive studies and data of eugenol on the central nervous system effects in animal models thus necessitates further research activities. Objective: To observe and evaluate various neuropharmacological effects like antinociceptive effect, anticonvulsant effect, effect on motor co-ordination, pentobarbital induced sleeping time and anxiolytic effect of eugenol in mice and rats. Methods: It was a quantitative experimental study done in the laboratory setting of the department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. For each test, respective animal models were used. Animals were divided into three groups of six each, group I as control, group II as standard control and group III as test group. Results: Significant effects were observed in analgesic, anticonvulsant and sedative model whereas no significant effect as compared to control was observed in test of motor co-ordination and in behavioral models. Conclusion: This study shows eugenol to possess analgesic, anticonvulsant and sedative effect whereas it didn.t have any effect on models of anxiety. Various target sites have been implicated but this study doesn.t conclude a plausible mechanism behind all these observed effects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i3.7137 Health Renaissance; September-December 2012; Vol 10 (No.3);208-214
Land-Use Change in Portugal, 1990–2006: Main Processes and Underlying Factors
Authors: Diogo Vasco , Koomen Eric
Published: December 2012

This article studies the processes of land-use change in Portugal between 1990 and 2006 and analyses the effects of different driving forces in shaping land-use patterns during that period. While urbanization and the abandonment of agricultural land were the most prevalent processes between 1990 and 2000, concurrent processes of land abandonment and agriculture intensification seem to have predominated in recent years. Nevertheless, annual rates of change for all land-use change processes appear to be increasing overall, following a sharp increase in economic growth. The effect of driving forces in shaping land-use change tends to remain stable over time, but the deployment of new infrastructure and the gradual enforcement of spatial planning policies appear to be important factors in dynamically changing spatial patterns of land-use change.
Open-Source Technology for Land Use in Hispanoamerica
Authors: Beltran Ramallo Rafael
Published: December 2012

This article reviews open-source software packages employed for land-use management in Hispanoamerica. The advantages and disadvantages of using these packages as opposed to proprietary software are described. The most significant disadvantages include a lack of fully trained specialists, inadequate technical documentation, and limitations on warranty and support from the software providers. Major advantages of open-source software include cost, the wider range of operating systems, and the ease with which this type of software can be modified. The author concludes that before open-source software becomes more widely adopted in cadastral applications and land-use management in Hispanoamerica, more experience and well-tested case studies within the cadastral field will be necessary.
A Survey on Oral Health Condition in Primary School Children
Authors: Fakir Mohammad Masum , Ul Alam Kazi Mehdih , Al-Mamun Fakir , Sarker Nazia
Published: December 2012

This Study was carried out to evaluate the dental health condition in primary school going children (Class iii to class v) age group in 8 to 12 years, in the school named Mughda high school in Dhaka City. This cross sectional study was carried out during the month of July 2009. Data was collected by pre-set questionaire of 183 students. The following observations were made when the results were compared between: 1. Total Number of decaied, caries or missing teeth found in the children mouth involving only in Permanent teeth. 2. Total Number of decaied, caries or missing teeth found in the individuals mouth. involving only in deciduous teeth. From this analysis we found the actual statistical analysis of oral heath condition of the patients teeth in between the age of 8 to 12 years. And also impact of tooth brushing and contributing factors that results decay of the teeth and destruction of gingival tissue. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 70-71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12436
Use of Misoprostol in Pregnancy- A Review Article
Authors: Kulsum Syeda Ummay , Khatun Sabera , Tabib SM Shahnawaz Bin
Published: December 2012

Prostaglandins are the pharmacological agents used for induction of labour and augmentation of labour. Prostaglandin E2 gel is used for cervical ripening and induction of labour. These are however, costly and need to be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2 - 8°C, half life 18 months. The Tablet form of prostaglandin E2 is not available in Bangladesh. Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin (PG) E1 analogue is used orally for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer and used as a cytoprotective agent. It was first used for labour induction in 1987. Prostaglandin can be used in several gynaecological and obstetric conditions. It can be given through several routes. This article will elaborately delinate the role of misoprostol, a prostaglandin in obstetrics and gynaecological conditions. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 94-98 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12443
Intradural Extramedullary Vascular Schwannoma at Upper Dorsal LevelA Case Report
Authors: Farazi Md. Mohsin Ali , Saha Sukumar , Sarder Anirudho , Iqbal Rabiul
Published: December 2012

A young male patient of 24 years was presented with the complaints of upper back pain, hyposthesia and unable to walk. MRI of upper dorsal region reveals intradural extramedullary mass lesion extending from D1 to D4 with moderate enhancement of gadolinium. Hence an extensive laminectomy and total removal of the mass. Peroperative impression and histopathological findings confirm vascular schwannoma. After operation dramatic improvement of signs and symptoms, patient can walk with minimum support during discharge from hospital. Medicine Today 2010 Volume 22 Number 02 Page 103-105 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v22i2.12445
Modeling Woody Biomass Procurement for Bioenergy Production at the Atikokan Generating Station in Northwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Alam Md. , Pulkki Reino , Shahi Chander , Upadhyay Thakur
Published: December 2012

Efficient procurement and utilization of woody biomass for bioenergy production requires a good understanding of biomass supply chains. In this paper, a dynamic optimization model has been developed and applied to estimate monthly supply and procurement costs of woody biomass required for the Atikokan Generating Station (AGS) in northwestern Ontario, based on its monthly electricity production schedule. The decision variables in the model are monthly harvest levels of two types of woody biomass, forest harvest residues and unutilized biomass, from 19,315 forest depletion cells (each 1 km2) for a one year planning horizon. Sixteen scenarios are tested to examine the sensitivity of the cost minimization model to changing economic and technological parameters. Reduction in moisture content and improvement of conversion efficiency showed relatively higher reductions in monthly and total costs of woody biomass feedstock for the AGS. The results of this study help in understanding and designing decision support systems for optimal biomass supply chains under dynamic operational frameworks.
Activation Energy of Aggregation-Disaggregation Self-Oscillation of Polymer Chain
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Jahan Rumana
Published: December 2012

In this paper, we investigated the activation energies of the aggregation–disaggregation self-oscillation induced by the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction by utilizing the nonthermoresponsive polymer chain in a wide temperature range. This is because the conventional type self-oscillating polymer chain, with thermoresponsive poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (poly(NIPAAm) main-chain covalently bonded to the ruthenium catalyst (Ru(bpy)3) of the BZ reaction, cannot evaluate the activation energy over the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The nonthermoresponsive self-oscillating polymer chain is composed of a poly-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) main-chain with the ruthenium catalyst (Ru(bpy)3). As a result, we clarified that the activation energy of the aggregation–disaggregation self-oscillation of the polymer chain is hardly affected by the concentrations of the BZ substrates. In addition, the activation energy of the nonthermoresponsive self-oscillating polymer chain was found to be almost the same value as normal BZ reaction, i.e., not including the self-oscillating polymer system with Ru moiety.
Temporal and Spatial Regulation of Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin-Binding Phosphoprotein-50-kDa (EBP50) during Embryo Implantation in Mouse Uterus
Authors: Li Xing , Xu Wang-Ming , Yin Tai-Lang , Zhao Qing-Hong , Peng Liang-Yu , Yang Jing
Published: December 2012

Embryo implantation is a crucial process for successful pregnancy. To date, the mechanism of embryo implantation remains unclear. Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding protein-50-kDa (EBP50) is a scaffold protein, which has been shown to play an important role in cancer development. Embryo implantation and cancer follow a similar progression. Thus, in this article, we utilized immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses to examine the spatiotemporal expression and regulation of EBP50 both in the mouse uterus during embryo implantation as well as in other related models. We found that EBP50 was detected in epithelial cells in all of the groups used in our study. During the peri-implantation period, EBP50 mainly localized in apical membranes. At the implantation site (IS) on day 5 (D5) of pregnancy, EBP50 was mainly expressed in the nuclei of stroma cells, whereas from day 6 to day 8 (D6–D8) of pregnancy, the expression of EBP50 was noted in the cytoplasm of decidual cells. The expression of EBP50 was not significantly different in the pseudopregnant uterus and decreased in the uteri subjected to activation of delayed implantation. Artificial decidualization also decreased EBP50 expression. Thus, the expression levels and location were affected by active blastocysts and decidualization during the window of implantation.
Spectroscopy of Deep Traps in Cu2S-CdS Junction Structures
Authors: Gaubas Eugenijus , Brytavskyi Ievgen , Ceponis Tomas , Kalendra Vidmantas , Tekorius Audrius
Published: December 2012

Cu2S-CdS junctions of the polycrystalline material layers have been examined by combining the capacitance deep level transient spectroscopy technique together with white LED light additional illumination (C-DLTS-WL) and the photo-ionization spectroscopy (PIS) implemented by the photocurrent probing. Three types of junction structures, separated by using the barrier capacitance characteristics of the junctions and correlated with XRD distinguished precipitates of the polycrystalline layers, exhibit different deep trap spectra within CdS substrates.
A Facile Synthesis for Novel Loperamide Analogs as Potential μ Opioid Receptor Agonists
Authors: Bao Xiaofeng , Liu Duliang , Jin Yanyan , Yang Yao
Published: December 2012

A facile synthesis for novel loperamide analogs as potential μ opioid receptors is described. The synthetic procedure for compound 5, which contains two 4-phenyl piperidine scaffolds, was optimized, and this compound was synthesized in excellent yield. We also describe a mild and highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of compounds 6 and 7.
Design, Fabrication and Characterization of a Low-Impedance 3D Electrode Array System for Neuro-Electrophysiology
Authors: Kusko Mihaela , Craciunoiu Florea , Amuzescu Bogdan , Halitzchi Ferdinand , Selescu Tudor , Radoi Antonio , Popescu Marian , Simion Monica , Bragaru Adina , Ignat Teodora
Published: December 2012

Recent progress in patterned microelectrode manufacturing technology and microfluidics has opened the way to a large variety of cellular and molecular biosensor-based applications. In this extremely diverse and rapidly expanding landscape, silicon-based technologies occupy a special position, given their statute of mature, consolidated, and highly accessible areas of development. Within the present work we report microfabrication procedures and workflows for 3D patterned gold-plated microelectrode arrays (MEA) of different shapes (pyramidal, conical and high aspect ratio), and we provide a detailed characterization of their physical features during all the fabrication steps to have in the end a reliable technology. Moreover, the electrical performances of MEA silicon chips mounted on standardized connector boards via ultrasound wire-bonding have been tested using non-destructive electrochemical methods: linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy. Further, an experimental recording chamber package suitable for in vitro electrophysiology experiments has been realized using custom-design electronics for electrical stimulus delivery and local field potential recording, included in a complete electrophysiology setup, and the experimental structures have been tested on newborn rat hippocampal slices, yielding similar performance compared to commercially available MEA equipments.
New enzymatically polymerized copolymers from 4-tert-butylphenol and 4-ferrocenylphenol and their modification and inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Mondrzyk Adam , Mondrzik Beate , Gingter Sabrina , Ritter Helmut
Published: December 2012

The enzymatically catalyzed synthesis of a copolymer of 4-tert-butylphenol and 4-ferrocenylphenol by horse radish peroxidase (HRP) in the presence of H2O2 in a 1,4-dioxane/water system is described. Furthermore, polymer-analogous alkylation of the free hydroxy groups and subsequent click reaction with mono-6-azido-6-desoxy-β-cyclodextrin (N3-β-CD) was carried out. The formation of inter- and intramolecular inclusion complexes was investigated by DLS measurement.