bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the extreme summer heat waves on isolated populations of two orophitic plants in the north Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Abeli Thomas , Rossi Graziano , Gentili Rodolfo , Gandini Maurizia , Mondoni Andrea , Cristofanelli Paolo
Published: January 2012

One of the lesser known effects of global climate change is the occurrence of heat waves. Climatic models predict that heat waves will become more intense, longer lasting and/or more frequent, as a consequence of the increased inter‐annual variability and increased average values of summer temperatures. Plants are damaged by heat waves through direct effects of extreme temperatures influencing plant physiology and through indirect effects, like drought and exposure to high ozone concentration. This study investigates the flowering abundance and biomass production of two orophytic species, Alopecurus alpinus Vill. and Vicia cusnae Foggi et Ricceri following the heat wave that occurred in the summer of 2003 and analyses the effects of summer temperatures during the period 1999–2004 on the species reproductive performance. In 2003, we observed a significant decrease in the number of flowering stems and flowers per flowering stem for both species. Flower production reached its lowest value in correspondence to the heat wave in 2003 and Redundancy Analysis showed that flower production was related to the mean June temperature. Flower production was more sensitive than vegetative growth, which was maintained. This suggests that changes in reproductive strategies, e.g. changes in the ratio between sexual and clonal reproduction, may occur by as an effect of extreme weather events. Such changes may be of great importance when the population consists of a small number of flowering individuals, as is the case for A. alpinus and V. cusnae in the study area. As a consequence, although the plants generally responded positively to gradual warming, we found that, during the monitoring period 1999–2004, extreme temperatures had a negative effect on A. alpinus and V. cusnae.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis on the surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in liver cirrhosis patients using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Tanaka Hironori , Iijima Hiroko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Aoki Noriaki , Iwai Takashi , Takashima Tomoyuki , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Iwata Kazunari , Ikeda Naoto , Iwata Yoshinori , Enomoto Hirayuki , Saito Masaki , Imanishi Hiroyasu , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Sonazoid is a new contrast agent for ultrasonography (US). Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using Sonazoid enables Kupffer imaging, which improves the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection. However, there are no studies on the cost‐effectiveness of HCC surveillance using Sonazoid.

Methods:  We constructed a Markov model simulating the natural history of HCV‐related liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and compared three strategies (no surveillance, US surveillance and CEUS surveillance). The transition probability and cost data were obtained from published data. The simulation and analysis were performed using TreeAge pro 2009 software.

Results:  When compared to the no surveillance group, the US and CEUS surveillance groups increased the life expectancy by 1.67 and 1.99 quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY), respectively, and the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) were 17 296 $US/QALY and 18 384 $US/QALY, respectively. These results were both less than the commonly‐accepted threshold of $US 50 000/QALY. Even if the CEUS surveillance group was compared with the US surveillance group, the ICER was $US 24 250 and thus cost‐effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that the annual incidence of HCC and CEUS sensitivity were two critical parameters. However, when the annual incidence of HCC is more than 2% and/or the CEUS sensitivity is more than 80%, the ICER was also cost‐effective.

Conclusions:  Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography surveillance for HCC is a cost‐effective strategy for LC patients and gains their longest additional life years, with similar degree of ICER in the US surveillance group. CEUS surveillance using Sonazoid is expected to be used not only in Japan, but also world‐wide.
A potentially new type of nonchondritic interplanetary dust particle with hematite, organic carbon, amorphous Na,Ca‐aluminosilicate, and FeO‐spheres
Authors: MUÑOZ CARO Guillermo M. , RIETMEIJER Frans J. M. , SOUZA‐EGIPSY Virginia , VALLES‐GONZÁLEZ Maria Pilar
Published: January 2012

Abstract– We used a combination of different analytical techniques to study particle W7190‐D12 using microinfrared spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The particle consists mainly of hematite (α‐Fe2O3) with considerable variations in structural disorder. It further contains amorphous (Na,K)‐bearing Ca,Al‐silicate and organic carbon. Iron‐bearing spherules (<150 nm in diameter) cover the surface of this particle. At local sites of structural disorder at the hematite surface, the hematite spheres were reduced to FeO in the presence of organic carbons forming FeO‐spheres. However, metallic Fe spheres cannot be excluded based on the available data. To the best of our knowledge, this particle is the first detection of such spherules at the surface of a stratospheric dust particle. Although there is no definitive evidence for an extraterrestrial origin of particle W7190‐D12, we suggest that it could be an IDP that had moved away from the asteroid‐forming region of the early solar system into the outer solar system of the accreting Kuiper Belt objects. After it was released from a Jupiter family comet, this particle became part of the zodiacal cloud. Atmospheric entry flash‐heating caused (1) the formation of microenvironments of reduced iron oxide when indigenous carbon materials reacted with hematite covering its surface resulting in the formation of FeO‐spheres and (2) Na‐loss from Na,Al‐plagioclase. The particle of this study, and other similar particles on this collector, may represent a potentially new type of nonchondritic IDPs associated with Jupiter family comets, although an origin in the asteroid belt cannot be ignored.
Aberrant first fixations when looking at inverted faces in various poses: The result of the centre‐of‐gravity effect?
Authors: Hills Peter J. , Sullivan Anthony J. , Pake J. Michael
Published: January 2012

Face recognition is essential in everyday human life, and all faces are encountered in different poses. However, when a face is inverted, difficulties arise for recognition and eye movements may (Barton, Radcliffe, Cherkasova, Edleman, & Intriligator, 2006) or may not be disrupted (Williams & Henderson, 2007). The present study explored the effects of orientation and pose on recognition and eye movements during a standard old/new recognition task in order to resolve whether inversion disrupts eye movements. Eye‐tracking data looked at the first fixations, the number of fixations, and the duration of fixations over a face. A standard inversion effect was observed, but the three‐quarter view advantage was not observed. Eye‐movement data revealed that the eyes were the most sampled feature (in terms of first fixation, number of fixations, and duration of fixation) for all upright faces, however, other features were sampled first for inverted faces. These results are consistent with Barton et al.'s (2006) but not Williams and Henderson's (2007) findings: possible explanations for this are discussed with the caveat that the same images were used from learning to test.
Modeling Shear Heating in Piston Skirts EHL Considering Different Viscosity Oils in Initial Engine Start Up
Authors: Adnan Qasim S. , Afzaal Malik M. , Ali Khan M. , Mufti R. A.
Published: January 2012

A fully established elastohydrodynamic lubricating (EHL) film between the piston and the liner surfaces during normal engine operation minimizes piston slap and prevents adhesive wear. Wear cannot be prevented in the initial engine start up due to the absence of EHL film. During normal engine operation, thermal loading due to combustion dominates piston skirts lubrication. However, in a few initial cold engine start-up cycles, shear heating affects the lubricant viscosity and other characteristics considerably. This study models 2D piston skirts EHL by incorporating shear heating effects due to lubricant flow between the skirts and liner surfaces. The hydrodynamic and EHL film profiles are predicted by solving the 2D Reynolds equation and using the inverse solution technique, respectively. The temperature distribution within the oil film is given by using the 2D transient thermal energy equation with heat generated by viscous heating. The numerical analysis is based on an energy equation having adiabatic conduction and convective heat transfer with no source term effects. The study is extended to low and high viscosity grade engine oils to investigate the adverse effects of the rising temperatures on the load carrying capacity of such lubricants. Numerical simulations show that piston eccentricities, film thickness profiles, hydrodynamic and EHL pressures visibly change when using different viscosity grade engine lubricants. This study optimizes the viscosity-grade of an engine lubricant to minimize the adhesive wear of the piston skirts and cylinder liner at the time of initial engine start up.
Surrogate Modeling of Multistage Assembly Processes Using Integrated Emulation
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Qian Peter Z. G. , Zhou Shiyu
Published: January 2012

For the design and optimization of multistage assembly processes, a computationally cheap mathematical model that links design parameters with the final product dimensional quality is highly desirable. We propose a systematic approach to building a surrogate model of simulations of multistage assembly processes. At the heart of this approach is a multiple-input-multiple-output surrogate modeling framework that uses a recently developed integrated emulation technique. The unique feature of this technique is that the surrogate models for multiple outputs are fitted simultaneously. The corresponding experimental design issues are also addressed. The proposed method provides good prediction accuracy and requires minimal physical knowledge of the underlying system. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through a case study.
Which questions of two commonly used multidimensional palliative care patient reported outcome measures are most useful? Results from the European and African PRISMA survey
Authors: Higginson Irene J , Simon Steffen T , Benalia Hamid , Downing Julia , Daveson Barbara A , Harding Richard , Bausewein Claudia
Published: January 2012

Aim

To evaluate the views of clinicians and researchers on their use of outcome measures and which questions are most important in palliative and end-of-life care.

Methods

Online survey of professionals working in clinical care, clinical audit and research in palliative care across Europe and Africa identified through national and international associations and databases. Questions focused on measures used, reasons and which questions were important in two commonly used multidimensional measures, the Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS) and the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS).

Results

The overall completion rate was 59% (392/663). Three outcome measures were commonly used by over one in four respondents for clinical practice and over one in 10 for research: the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), followed by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the POS. Measures were used twice as often in clinical practice as in research. The main uses were similar: assessing patients' symptoms/needs (88% and 85% of POS and STAS users, respectively), monitoring changes (62%, 58%), evaluating care (61%, 48%) and assessing family needs (59%, 60%). Respondents rated the most important questions as pain, symptoms, emotional and family aspects. There were no differences in the choice of the most important questions between doctors and nurses or between researchers and clinicians.

Conclusions

In palliative care, outcome measures often used in clinical practice are also often used in research. Questions relating to pain, symptoms, emotional needs and family concerns are consistently considered the most useful and important in palliative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).
The role of specialist palliative care in managing patients with multimorbidity
Authors: Calam Molly Jane , Gwynn Alan , Perkins Paul
Published: January 2012

This case report describes a patient with multiple morbidity resulting from complicated type 2 diabetes, psoriatic arthritis and abdominal surgery. It highlights the importance of specialist palliative care services in meeting his complex holistic care needs. We acknowledge the growing number of patients living with multiple morbidity and the challenges this group can present. There is then a debate around when to involve specialist palliative care services in the management of multiple morbidity given that there is often an uncertain disease trajectory.
KRAS Codons 12 and 13 Mutation Analysis: A Comparative Study between Direct Sequencing and a New Sensitive Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Marzinotto Stefania , Sessa Francesca , Franzoni Alessandra , Anselmi Alessia , Gastaldo Laura Rosa , Mason Silvia , Damante Giuseppe , Beltrami Carlo Alberto , Mariuzzi Laura
Published: January 2012

KRAS somatic mutations are found in 30–40% of colorectal cancer (CRC). Seven mutations in codons 12 and 13 of KRAS (95% of the observed human mutations) preclude the efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy for the treatment of CRC. Assessment of KRAS mutational status has become a standard procedure in the management of patients with CRC. Technically, KRAS mutation testing can be performed with different methods, characterized by distinct sensitivities and specificities. The present study analyzed KRAS in 182 CRC histological samples by using direct sequencing and a new kit based on a Real-Time Sequence-Specific Primers-PCR technology. The kit allowed to recover as positive 17 samples that were negative or unclear by sequencing, with a recovery rate equal to 13.82%. This study proposes a fast, sensitive, and high-throughput system to identify such seven described mutations of KRAS gene in CRC samples.
Convergence in Measure of Logarithmic Means of Quadratical Partial Sums of Double Walsh-Kaczmarz-Fourier Series
Authors: Goginava Ushangi , Nagy Károly
Published: January 2012

The main aim of this paper is to prove that the logarithmic means of quadratical partial sums of the double Walsh-Kaczmarz series does not improve the convergence in measure. In other words, we prove that for any Orlicz space, which is not a subspace ofL log+ L(I2), the set of the functions the logarithmic means of quadratical partial sums of the double Walsh-Kaczmarz series of which converge in measure is of first Baire category.
DNA Methylation Does Not Stably Lock Gene Expression but Instead Serves as a Molecular Mark for Gene Silencing Memory
Authors: Raynal Noël J.-M. , Si Jiali , Taby Rodolphe F. , Gharibyan Vazganush , Ahmed Saira , Jelinek Jaroslav , Estécio Marcos R.H. , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: January 2012

DNA methylation is commonly thought of as a “molecular lock” that leads to permanent gene silencing. To investigate this notion, we tested 24 different histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on colon cancer cells that harbor a GFP locus stably integrated and silenced by a hypermethylated cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. We found that HDACi efficiently reactivated expression of GFP and many other endogenous genes silenced by DNA hypermethylation. After treatment, all promoters were marked with active chromatin, yet DNA hypermethylation did not change. Thus, DNA methylation could not prevent gene reactivation by drug-induced resetting of the chromatin state. In evaluating the relative contribution of DNA methylation and histone modifications to stable gene silencing, we followed expression levels of GFP and other genes silenced by DNA hypermethylation over time after treatment with HDACi or DNA-demethylating drugs. Reactivation of methylated loci by HDACi was detectable for only 2 weeks, whereas DNA-demethylating drugs induced permanent epigenetic reprogramming. Therefore, DNA methylation cannot be considered as a lock for gene expression but rather as a memory signal for long-term maintenance of gene silencing. These findings define chromatin as an important druggable target for cancer epigenetic therapy and suggest that removal of DNA methylation signals is required to achieve long-term gene reactivation. Cancer Res; 72(5); 1170–81. ©2012 AACR.
The “Invisible” Gifted and Talented Bilingual Students
Authors: Esquierdo J. Joy , Arreguín-Anderson Maria
Published: January 2012

The issue of underrepresentation in gifted and talented (GT) programs has developed into a critical educational concern. At the core are ambiguous identification assessment practices, especially for bilingual students. To illustrate, this article reports data from the last decade that supports the underrepresentation of gifted Hispanic bilingual students in school GT programs. To rectify this situation, schools will need more than simple adjustments to current school policies and procedures. The restructuring of the GT program calls for a strong focus on educating and informing teachers, parents, and the community about the characteristics and identification process of gifted bilingual students.
Efficacy of a dose range of surinabant, a cannabinoid receptor blocker, for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Tonstad Serena , Aubin Henri-Jean
Published: January 2012

A hyperactive endocannabinoid signalling system may contribute to addictions. We tested the efficacy and safety of surinabant, a novel selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, for smoking cessation. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, participants were assigned to brief counselling and one of three doses of surinabant, 2.5 mg/day ( n = 199), 5 mg/day ( n = 204), or 10 mg/day ( n = 205) or placebo ( n = 202) orally for 8 weeks with 6 weeks of non-drug follow-up. For weeks 5 through 8, the 4-week continuous abstinence rates were 25.2% for placebo vs. 22.6%, 22.1% and 21.5% for 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day and 10 mg/day doses of surinabant ( p for trend, 0.4). The gain in body weight from baseline was reduced with surinabant 2.5 mg/day, 5 mg/day and 10 mg/day (0.75 kg [SE, 0.13], 0.53 kg [SE, 0.13], and 0.24 kg [SE, 0.13], respectively, versus 1.19 kg [SE, 0.13] for placebo; p for trend, < 0.001). The most common adverse events for participants receiving active drug with a greater incidence than placebo were headache, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, nasopharyngitis, diarrhoea and hyperhidrosis. Surinabant did not improve smoking cessation rates compared with placebo, but had a small effect on reducing post-cessation weight gain.
Peacebuilding and Critical Forms of Agency
Authors: Richmond Oliver P. , Mitchell Audra
Published: January 2012

The dominant paradigm of liberal peacebuilding is often applied in developing states even where such processes of mobilization are practically implausible and intellectually or culturally alien. Inevitably, each peace intervention is contested, resisted, re-shaped/shaped and responded to—hybridized—by local actors and forms of agency that are unique to each setting. This article explores these processes in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Mozambique, Namibia, and Liberia, in order to assess how far “subsistence peacebuilding” agency is able to affect the liberal peacebuilding framework.
Revisiting the Underclass Debate
Authors: Cameron Abigail E. , Cabaniss Emily R. , Teixeira-Poit Stephanie M.
Published: January 2012

The “underclass” concept pervades social science research on poverty, racial relations, and more recently, immigration. In this article, we elaborate and extend Massey’s critique of the underclass concept by briefly reviewing the history of this concept and emphasizing its contemporary application to immigrants and undocumented workers. We also explore how the term as well as popular variants, including the “rainbow underclass,” are ambiguously defined yet legitimated by contemporary researchers and, as a result, have become more deeply embedded in social science scholarship. Furthermore, we critique the prevalent use of this term in describing minority groups and highlight its potential to reaffirm individualistic, racist views of immigrants while obscuring social processes that perpetuate inequality. We conclude with a call to scholars and policy analysts to replace this term with pointed analyses of the structural conditions that shape the lives of disadvantaged groups.
The Impact of Health Care and Immigration Reform on Latino Support for President Obama and Congress
Authors: Sanchez Gabriel R. , Medeiros Jillian , Sanchez-Youngman Shannon
Published: January 2012

At the start of their term, the Obama administration pledged to reform two failing policy systems in the United States: immigration and health care. The Latino populations’ attitudes toward these two critical policy areas are particularly relevant due to the large foreign born population in the Latino community and the large number of Latinos who lack health insurance. Yet studies have not examined what factors shape Latino approval ratings and whether support for health and immigration reform affect Latino approval ratings of the current administration. We use the 2009 Latino Decisions survey and find that the foundations of Latino approval ratings are political in nature, with support for health and immigration policy reform driving support of the current administration. Given the vital role the Latino electorate played during the 2008 election, the success of these two policy reform efforts may have major implications for the 2012 elections.
Examining the Boundaries of Hate Crime Policy
Authors: Mason-Bish Hannah
Published: January 2012

The emergence of hate crime legislation in Great Britain and the United States has generated public debate and has increasingly been the focus of academic work. Relatively little research has examined how and why certain victim categories might be considered and then dismissed from the hate crime policy domain. Drawing on original qualitative research, this article aims to fill that gap by focusing specifically on the exclusion of age and gender from hate crime policy in Britain by exploring the ways in which decisions are made about the characteristics of hate crime victim groups by policy makers and activists. This article asks important questions about how different forms of violence are conceptualized and understood by practitioners and theorists alike. It also addresses how claims for victims’ rights are framed to make changes to the criminal justice system.
Post-processing of vehicle emission test data for use in exhaust after-treatment modelling and analysis
Authors: Sharma Chander Shekhar , Ramanathan Karthik , Li Wei
Published: January 2012

The accurate measurement of transient engine-out exhaust compositions, flow rate and temperature is critical for analysing and understanding the performance of exhaust system after-treatment components. This paper describes procedures for processing the transient emission data measured at vehicle test sites. These procedures include estimation of the hydrogen, oxygen and water concentrations and correction of the engine-out exhaust gas flow for the first few seconds of the drive cycle for non-oxygenated and oxygenated fuels. Both secondary air injection and non-secondary air injection applications are discussed. A procedure for accurately measuring the exhaust gas temperature during transient operations is also described with a specific thermocouple recommended for best results. A checklist for handling and processing the measured data is also provided. In addition to providing better data for further analysis and understanding of exhaust after-treatment components, the procedures listed in this work allow consistent and reliable input data to be generated for the mathematical model and model-based application studies using the measured vehicle emission data.
A Novel Viscosity-Based Model for Low Cycle Fatigue–Creep Life Prediction of High-Temperature Structures
Authors: Zhu Shun-Peng , Huang Hong-Zhong , Li Yanfeng , He Liping
Published: January 2012

Damage evolution during low cycle fatigue, creep, and their interaction behavior is actually a ductility exhaustion process in response to cyclic and static creep. In this article, a novel viscosity-based model for low cycle fatigue–creep life prediction is presented in an attempt to condition viscosity-based approaches for general use in isothermal and thermo-mechanical loading. In this model, it was assumed that only plastic and creep strains caused by tensile stress lead to ductility consumption under stress-controlled loading. Moreover, with its simple expression, the mechanisms of the loading waveform, temperature, and mean stress effects are taken into account within a low cycle fatigue–creep regime. Predicted fatigue lives using the proposed model were found to be in good agreement with reported experimental data from literature. Compared with the generalized strain energy damage function method, the mean strain rate, Smith–Watson–Topper and Goswami’s ductility models, the proposed model is widely applicable and more precise in the prediction of low cycle fatigue–creep life.
Justice, culture and the political determinants of indigenous Australian health
Authors: O’Sullivan Dominic
Published: January 2012

Indigenous Australian health is distinguished by a median age of death in the order of 20 years less than that of the non-indigenous population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2009). This makes Australia unique among comparable post-colonial societies in failing to make substantive reductions to the indigenous/non-indigenous health differential. Relatively poor indigenous housing, educational attainment, labour market participation and access to traditional resources for economic purposes contribute to the differential. These contributing variables have an inherently political character which is integral to examining the just distribution of public authority, the purpose of political activity, equal political participation and cultural responsiveness in the provision of health services as important theoretical considerations in reducing cross-cultural inequities in the burden of disease.
Impact of metabolic syndrome on re-stenosis development: Role of drug-eluting stents
Authors: Goyal SN , Bharti S , Krishnamurthy B , Agrawal Y , Ojha SK , Arya DS
Published: January 2012

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of numerous cardiovascular risk factors, which encompasses obesity, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Patients with MetS are more prone to developing cardiovascular events than other patients. To date, several approaches such as physical exercise, dietary control and invasive and non-invasive therapeutic interventions for dyslipidaemia, hypertension and insulin resistance have been used to manage MetS. However, there is a progressive elevation in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events due to the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Percutaneous coronary intervention has emerged over the last few years as an effective revascularisation strategy for those with coronary artery disease, in parallel with the development of effective anti-platelet medications and newer drug-eluting stents. In recent years, considerable research efforts have been undertaken to elucidate the pathophysiology of re-stenosis and develop strategies to prevent re-stenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stent implantation. Although the rate of stent re-stenosis and target-lesion revascularisation has been reduced, there is little information in the literature on the outcome of MetS in the pathophysiology of re-stenosis. In this review article, we summarise the recent development and progress on re-stenosis and the role of drug-eluting stents, particularly in MetS.
Role of Thiamine in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Lu’o’ng Khanh vinh quốc , Nguyễn Lan Thi Hoàng
Published: January 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in elderly individuals and is associated with progressive neurodegeneration of the human neocortex. Thiamine levels and the activity of thiamine-dependent enzymes are reduced in the brains and peripheral tissues of patients with AD. Genetic studies have provided the opportunity to determine what proteins link thiamine to AD pathology (ie, transketolase, apolipoprotein E, α-1-antitrypsin, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, p53, glycogen synthetase kinase-3β, c-Fos gene, the Sp1 promoter gene, and the poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase-1 gene). We reviewed the association between histopathogenesis and neurotransmitters to understand the relationship between thiamine and AD pathology. Oral thiamine trials have been shown to improve the cognitive function of patients with AD; however, absorption of thiamine is poor in elderly individuals. In the early stage of thiamine-deficient encephalopathy (Wernicke’s encephalopathy), however, parental thiamine has been used successfully. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the benefits of using parental thiamine as a treatment for AD.
Exploring the Social Foundations of Human Resource Development
Authors: Korte Russell
Published: January 2012

An important area of continuing development in human resource development (HRD) concerns the foundational theories that underpin research and practice in the field. This article explores some of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the social realm related to HRD. As such, it provides a perspective for framing HRD research and practice from the view that social forces arbitrate the thoughts and behaviors of people. This perspective begins with philosophical questions on the nature of social science and continues with an overview of key concepts and theories drawn from sociology and social psychology. For some, social science is qualitatively different from natural science and therefore requires different methods for study, as well as different theoretical frames. The intent here is to offer a framework for approaching HRD from the perspective of the social realm.
In silico genomics analysis of weed Lantana camara and its proposed application in synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: Bose Protiti , Shrivastava Rahul
Published: January 2012

Poly (3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) are a class of microbially produced polyesters that have potential applications as conventional plastics, specifically thermoplastic elastomers The most common PHA is poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and this polymer can accumulate up to 90% of the cellular dry weight of some bacteria. We report using Lantana camara, a weed for the production of PHB to provide a cheap and abundant source of this polymer. Maturase K gene (m atK) of chloroplast is highly conserved in plant, which is involved in intron splicing. Based on a computational gene sequence analysis, we propose that the L. Camara, a common weed, can be an inexpensive and abundant source for biological production of PHB. Our simulations focus on the maturase K ( matK) gene – length of 1331 base pairs (bp) – of the choloroplasts, which affects the intron splicing. Our computational approach considers a reconstructed chloroplast genome of L. Camara, the trnL–trnF intergenic spacer (IGS), and trnH–psbA IGS in the chloroplast genome. The Blastn result indicates that the Verbenaceae genus Lantana displays 86% sequence identity with that of Solanaceae genus Nicotiana. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to identify an ideal comparison of L. camara matK gene and other plant species used for the insertion of phbA, phbB, and phbC enzymes, which regulate PHB synthesis. The former can be a good candidate for bioplastic biosynthesis in plant of family Verbanaceae. Our computational results propose that the chloroplast transformation may be useful in biological production of PHB.
Systems-wide RNAi analysis of CASP8AP2/FLASH shows transcriptional deregulation of the replication-dependent histone genes and extensive effects on the transcriptome of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Hummon Amanda B , Pitt Jason J , Camps Jordi , Emons Georg , Skube Susan B , Huppi Konrad , Jones Tamara L , Beissbarth Tim , Kramer Frank , Grade Marian , Difilippantonio Michael J , Ried Thomas , Caplen Natasha J
Published: January 2012

Background

Colorectal carcinomas (CRC) carry massive genetic and transcriptional alterations that influence multiple cellular pathways. The study of proteins whose loss-of-function (LOF) alters the growth of CRC cells can be used to further understand the cellular processes cancer cells depend upon for survival.

Results

A small-scale RNAi screen of ~400 genes conducted in SW480 CRC cells identified several candidate genes as required for the viability of CRC cells, most prominently CASP8AP2/FLASH. To understand the function of this gene in maintaining the viability of CRC cells in an unbiased manner, we generated gene specific expression profiles following RNAi. Silencing of CASP8AP2/FLASH resulted in altered expression of over 2500 genes enriched for genes associated with cellular growth and proliferation. Loss of CASP8AP2/FLASH function was significantly associated with altered transcription of the genes encoding the replication-dependent histone proteins as a result of the expression of the non-canonical polyA variants of these transcripts. Silencing of CASP8AP2/FLASH also mediated enrichment of changes in the expression of targets of the NFκB and MYC transcription factors. These findings were confirmed by whole transcriptome analysis of CASP8AP2/FLASH silenced cells at multiple time points. Finally, we identified and validated that CASP8AP2/FLASH LOF increases the expression of neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NEFH), a protein recently linked to regulation of the AKT1/ß-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

We have used unbiased RNAi based approaches to identify and characterize the function of CASP8AP2/FLASH, a protein not previously reported as required for cell survival. This study further defines the role CASP8AP2/FLASH plays in the regulating expression of the replication-dependent histones and shows that its LOF results in broad and reproducible effects on the transcriptome of colorectal cancer cells including the induction of expression of the recently described tumor suppressor gene NEFH.
Detection of Hepatitis B virus in serum and liver of chickens
Authors: Tian Jijing , Xia Kangkang , She Ruiping , Li Wengui , Ding Ye , Wang Jiande , Chen Mingyong , Yin Jun
Published: January 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most important human pathogens. Its existence in food animals could present a significant threat to public health. The objective of this study was to determine if HBV is present in serum and liver of chickens. A total of 129 serum samples from broiler chickens were collected for the detection of HBV antigens and antibodies, and 193 liver samples were tested for HBV DNA sequence by PCR and for the existence of HBV antigens by immunohistochemistry. The overall prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc was 28.68%, 53.49%, 17.05%, respectively, whereas HBeAg, anti-HBe were barely detectable. Three serum samples were found to be positive for both HBsAg and HBeAg. Further analysis of these samples with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed two morphologic particles with 20 nm and 40 nm in diameter, which were similar to small spherical and Danes particles of HBV. The viral DNA sequence identified in two of the chicken livers shared 92.2% of one known HBV strain and 97.9% nucleotide sequence of another HBV strain. Our results showed the existence of HBV in chickens. This would present a significant risk to people who work with live chickens or chicken products if HBV found in chicken could be confirmed to be the same as human HBV.
Emergency incisional hernia repair: a difficult problem waiting for a solution
Authors: Zafar Hasnain , Zaidi Masooma , Qadir Irfan , Memon Ayaz Ahmed
Published: January 2012

Background

Emergency repair of incarcerated incisional hernia with associated bowel obstruction in potentially or contaminated field is technically challenging due to edematous, inflamed and friable tissues with occasional need for concurrent bowel resection and carries high rates of post-operative infectious complications. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the wound related morbidity of use of permanent prosthetic mesh in emergency repair of incarcerated incisional hernia with associated bowel obstruction. We also describe a new technique of leaving the mesh exposed to heal by secondary intention with granulation tissue.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2010 a total of 60 patients underwent emergency surgery for incarcerated incisional hernia with associated bowel obstruction with placement of permanent prosthetic mesh. The wound was closed after hernia repair in 55 patients while it was left open to granulate in 5 patients.

Results

In the group of patients with primary wound closure, 11 patients developed superficial surgical site infection, 5 developed deep wound infection and one patient had cellulitis. These patients were treated with wound debridement and antibiotics. Mesh removal was required in one patient. There were no infections in the group of patients who had their surgical wounds left open. One patient in this group died on the fifth postoperative day from septicemia.

Conclusion

Use of permanent prosthetic mesh in emergency repair of incarcerated incisional hernia with associated bowel obstruction. in contaminated field is associated with high risk of wound infection.
Drosophila Polycomb complexes restrict neuroblast competence to generate motoneurons
Authors: Touma Johnny J. , Weckerle Frank F. , Cleary Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Similar to mammalian neural progenitors, Drosophila neuroblasts progressively lose competence to make early-born neurons. In neuroblast 7-1 (NB7-1), Kruppel (Kr) specifies the third-born U3 motoneuron and Kr misexpression induces ectopic U3 cells. However, competence to generate U3 cells is limited to early divisions, when the Eve+ U motoneurons are produced, and competence is lost when NB7-1 transitions to making interneurons. We have found that Polycomb repressor complexes (PRCs) are necessary and sufficient to restrict competence in NB7-1. PRC loss of function extends the ability of Kr to induce U3 fates and PRC gain of function causes precocious loss of competence to make motoneurons. PRCs also restrict competence to make HB9+ Islet+ motoneurons in another neuroblast that undergoes a motoneuron-to-interneuron transition, NB3-1. In contrast to the regulation of motoneuron competence, PRC activity does not affect the production of Eve+ interneurons by NB3-3, HB9+ Islet+ interneurons by NB7-3, or Dbx+ interneurons by multiple neuroblasts. These findings support a model in which PRCs establish motoneuron-specific competence windows in neuroblasts that transition from motoneuron to interneuron production.
The Role of the Drug Information Center in Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Wesley T. Lindsey , Charles C. Thomas
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The objective of this article is to describe an innovative practice model that involves the drug information centers and drug information specialists in the Alabama Department of Public Health's (ADPH) response procedure to a terrorism event or natural disaster that requires mass dispensing of a pharmaceutical product.

A descriptive account is provided of a strategic partnership between the ADPH and the drug information centers located in the state of Alabama. These sites have been contracted to supply information services to patients during an event where a disaster response is required and adequate patient information regarding the disease state and drug product may be lacking. These sites are utilized on a rotating basis, with the ADPH obligated to provide infrastructure and access to the drug information specialists providing information and counseling over the telephone to patients. These services can be funded through federal and state agencies to support the equipment and personnel needed during a response.

Conclusion

Drug information centers in Alabama play a key role in the plan for providing reliable and unbiased information to patients during a disaster event where an ADPH response is needed.
Dapsone-Induced Methemoglobinemia in a Patient with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Admitted with Severe Legionella Pneumonia
Authors: Kelly E. Martin , Jonathan Daining , Jeffrey P. Gonzales
Published: January 2012

Dapsone is an antibacterial medication used as an alternative to the first-line therapy (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) for Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis. Methemoglobinemia is a known toxicity of dapsone. However, dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in an acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patient with severe Legionella pneumonia has not been previously reported. We describe a 37-year-old male with ALL who was admitted for severe Legionella pneumonia sepsis, rhabdomyolysis, and multiple organ failure. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and subsequently intubated for respiratory failure. The patient's methemoglobin level was 24.5%. The repeat methemoglobin level was 28.7%; intravenous methylene blue 100 mg was given for a total of 2 doses after which the methemoglobin level decreased to 2.5%. The patient was extubated 4 days after the second dose of methylene blue. He was later discharged home in stable condition. This patient developed severe sepsis with multiorgan failure, which resulted in acute liver and renal insufficiencies. The decreased metabolism and excretion of dapsone and its toxic metabolite is the likely cause of methemoglobinemia in this patient. Immunocompromised oncology patients who develop severe sepsis require careful monitoring for dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia. Liver dysfunction and renal failure may both potentiate toxicity with prophylactic doses of dapsone.
Stable Learning in Stochastic Network States
Authors: El Boustani Sami , Yger Pierre , Frégnac Yves , Destexhe Alain
Published: January 2012

The mammalian cerebral cortex is characterizedin vivoby irregular spontaneous activity, but how this ongoing dynamics affects signal processing and learning remains unknown. The associative plasticity rules demonstratedin vitro, mostly in silent networks, are based on the detection of correlations between presynaptic and postsynaptic activity and hence are sensitive to spontaneous activity and spurious correlations. Therefore, they cannot operate in realistic network states. Here, we present a new class of spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning rules with local floating plasticity thresholds, the slow dynamics of which account for metaplasticity. This novel algorithm is shown to both correctly predict homeostasis in synaptic weights and solve the problem of asymptotic stable learning in noisy states. It is shown to naturally encompass many other known types of learning rule, unifying them into a single coherent framework. The mixed presynaptic and postsynaptic dependency of the floating plasticity threshold is justified by a cascade of known molecular pathways, which leads to experimentally testable predictions.
Switch to Glutamate Receptor 2-Lacking AMPA Receptors Increases Neuronal Excitability in Hypothalamus and Sympathetic Drive in Hypertension
Authors: Li De-Pei , Byan Hee Sun , Pan Hui-Lin
Published: January 2012

Glutamatergic synaptic input in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays a critical role in regulating sympathetic outflow in hypertension. GluR2-lacking AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are permeable to Ca2+, and their currents show unique inward rectification. However, little is known about changes in the AMPAR composition and its functional significance in hypertension. In this study, we found that AMPAR-mediated EPSCs (AMPAR-EPSCs) of retrogradely labeled spinally projecting PVN neurons exhibited a linear current–voltage relationship in Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. However, AMPAR-EPSCs of labeled PVN neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) displayed inward rectification at positive holding potentials, which were not altered by lowering blood pressure with celiac ganglionectomy. Blocking GluR2-lacking AMPARs with 1-naphthyl acetyl spermine (NAS) caused a greater reduction in the AMPAR-EPSC amplitude and firing activity of PVN neurons in SHR than in WKY rats. Furthermore, blocking NMDA receptors and inhibition of calpain or calcineurin abolished inward rectification of AMPAR-EPSCs of PVN neurons in SHR. The GluR2 protein level was significantly less in the plasma membrane but greater in the cytosolic vesicle fraction in SHR than in WKY rats. In addition, microinjection of NAS into the PVN decreased blood pressure and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity in SHR but not in WKY rats. Our study reveals that increased GluR2-lacking AMPAR activity of PVN neurons results from GluR2 internalization through NMDA receptor–calpain–calcineurin signaling in hypertension. This phenotype switch in synaptic AMPARs contributes to increased excitability of PVN presympathetic neurons and sympathetic vasomotor tone in hypertension.
Reduced Prefrontal-Parietal Effective Connectivity and Working Memory Deficits in Schizophrenia
Authors: Deserno Lorenz , Sterzer Philipp , Wüstenberg Torsten , Heinz Andreas , Schlagenhauf Florian
Published: January 2012

The neural mechanisms behind cognitive deficits in schizophrenia still remain unclear. Functional neuroimaging studies on working memory (WM) yielded inconsistent results, suggesting task performance as a moderating variable of prefrontal activation. Beyond regional specific activation, disordered integration of brain regions was supposed as a critical pathophysiological mechanism of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Here, we first hypothesized that prefrontal activation implicated in WM depends primarily on task performance and therefore stratified participants into performance subgroups. Second, in line with the dysconnectivity hypothesis, we asked whether connectivity in the prefrontal-parietal network underlying WM is altered in all patients. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging in human subjects (41 schizophrenia patients, 42 healthy controls) and dynamic causal modeling to examine effective connectivity during a WM task. In line with our first hypothesis, we found that prefrontal activation was differentially modulated by task performance: there was a significant task by group by performance interaction revealing an increase of activation with performance in patients and a decrease with performance in controls. Beyond that, we show for the first time that WM-dependent effective connectivity from prefrontal to parietal cortex is reduced in all schizophrenia patients. This finding was independent of performance. In conclusion, our results are in line with the highly influential hypothesis that the relationship between WM performance and prefrontal activation follows an inverted U-shaped function. Moreover, this study in a large sample of patients reveals a mechanism underlying prefrontal inefficiency and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, thereby providing direct experimental evidence for the dysconnectivity hypothesis.