bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Internal Wave Breaking in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current near Topography
Authors: Waterman Stephanie , Polzin Kurt L. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Sheen Katy L. , Forryan Alexander
Published: January 2014

Simultaneous full-depth microstructure measurements of turbulence and finestructure measurements of velocity and density are analyzed to investigate the relationship between turbulence and the internal wave field in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. These data reveal a systematic near-bottom overprediction of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate by finescale parameterization methods in select locations. Sites of near-bottom overprediction are typically characterized by large near-bottom flow speeds and elevated topographic roughness. Further, lower-than-average shear-to-strain ratios indicative of a less near-inertial wave field, rotary spectra suggesting a predominance of upward internal wave energy propagation, and enhanced narrowband variance at vertical wavelengths on the order of 100 m are found at these locations. Finally, finescale overprediction is typically associated with elevated Froude numbers based on the near-bottom shear of the background flow, and a background flow with a systematic backing tendency. Agreement of microstructure- and finestructure-based estimates within the expected uncertainty of the parameterization away from these special sites, the reproducibility of the overprediction signal across various parameterization implementations, and an absence of indications of atypical instrument noise at sites of parameterization overprediction, all suggest that physics not encapsulated by the parameterization play a role in the fate of bottom-generated waves at these locations. Several plausible underpinning mechanisms based on the limited available evidence are discussed that offer guidance for future studies.
How Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan Led a Change Process That Started a Movement
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E. , Khawaja Masud
Published: January 2014

In 1956, Akhtar Khan began a project in rural East Pakistan that inspired new approaches to community and organization development. A quarter century later, he replicated the developmental process in impoverished neighborhoods of Karachi. The techniques of shared decision making, building cooperatives, training the master trainers, and encouraging self-sufficiency were pivotal to the approach. The effect transformed the two communities and helped inspire microfinance. Using the lens of intentional change theory in a post hoc analysis, we explain why this approach worked. The article allows us to honor a social innovator while affirming our commitment to practices like participation to create and reinforce a shared vision, creating new resonant relationships, building a multilevel intervention with distributed leadership, inclusiveness in training for empowerment, and continuous attention to cycling through the process iteratively. These are offered as insights in the design of organization and community development efforts.
Applicants’ Perceptions on Online Recruitment Procedures
Authors: RoyChowdhury Tania , Srimannarayana M.
Published: January 2014

This study focuses on the applicants’ perception of various modes of e-recruitment, namely employment websites (like monster.com or naukri.com ) and career sections of corporate websites. The perception is measured based on five constructs, namely perceived efficiency, user-friendliness, information provision, fairness perception and internet selection image of the company. The perception is measured using a 26 item questionnaire among postgraduate students enrolled for three different management programmes of one of the leading management institutes in India. It was found out that there was a significant difference in perception between career section of a corporate website and employment websites except for the constructs, user friendliness and fairness perception. It was also established that the programme that the student was pursuing and the previous work experience had a significant impact on the perception of online application systems of the candidates.
Critical Analysis of Profile of Industrial Employees in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Devi Puvada Devaki , Rao Gudivada Venkat
Published: January 2014

The profile of the employees since globalization has undergone changes. The demographic studies show the influence of generation X in near future. The profile analysis of the workforce is useful in understanding the psychological, sociological and economic composition. The Human Resource processes and systems are influenced by the profile of the employees. A study was undertaken by administering a questionnaire on 570 female and 358 male employees who belong to 13 public sector and five private sector organizations in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The sample study is representative study of the state of Andhra Pradesh and hence India as the sample represents the characteristics of the public and private sector organizations of India. The study of characteristics of the employees contribute to understanding of human resource needs and thereby these organizations’ survival and growth through increasing organizational effectiveness and move forward in the present global economy.

The sex and sector-wise analysis is presented on personal factors such as age, religion and caste, marital status, structure of the family, housing, migration, urbanization, education, job position and experience, income and unionization to know the profiles of the industrial female, male, public and private sector employees.
Financial Literacy Level and Awareness Regarding Stock Market
Authors: Arora Sangeeta , Marwaha Kanika
Published: January 2014

The article is an exploratory attempt to have an insight towards awareness of stock market investments and the financial literacy level of the individual stock investors. Additionally, the study gauges if there is any significant difference in the financial literacy of the respondents regarding stock market traits across the demographics, that is, age, income, occupation and qualification. A pre-tested, well structured questionnaire was administered personally to 100 individual stock investors in Punjab and their responses were sought in terms of frequencies, percentages and weighted average scores. Chi-square test has been applied to test the differences in the financial literacy regarding stock market traits across demographics. Equity has been found as the highly aware investment. The investment in Mutual funds is amongst the moderate level of awareness. The slightest level of awareness is found among investors for ULIP’s and SIP’s and the investments, that is, Bonds, Derivatives/Futures/Options/ Swaps, Commodities and Debentures are among unaware investments. Stock investors in Punjab have highest level of knowledge regarding Benefits of diversification, Shares closing price, Current Market indices (NSE/BSE), Inflation and return. Technical analysis and market efficiency, Transaction costs, Mutual fund returns, Inflation and prices, Common Stock returns, P/E ratio and EPS, Mutual fund and market risks are the stock market traits regarding which investors have a moderate level of knowledge. Investors have slightest and least level of knowledge regarding Settlement period, Stock split, Interest rates on debentures/bonds and Bonds. The understanding of the literacy level will provide implications to financial service providers on how to enhance the knowledge of individual investors and help them find suitable investments for their portfolio and guide them towards right direction.
African librarianship rising!
Authors: Dick Archie L
Published: January 2014

The two African Library Summits are reviewed. Sources for the review are analyses of plenary presentations and discussions, formal feedback from the drill-down session coordinators, and personal observation.
Highly cross-linked poly(styrene sulfonic acid)-grafted poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoropropyl vinyl ether) membranes with various thicknesses and their application to direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Shin Junhwa , Kang Sung-A , Choi Jisun , Sohn Joon-Yong , Kim Chong-Yeal
Published: January 2014

Highly cross-linked poly(styrene sulfonic acid)-grafted poly(tetrafluoroethylene- co-perfluoropropyl vinyl ether) (PFA- g-PSSA) membranes with various thicknesses have been successfully prepared through the simultaneous irradiation grafting of styrene/divinylbenzene (DVB) onto PFA films with thicknesses of 25, 50, and 100 μm followed by sulfonation to introduce sulfonic acid moiety. It was observed that a concentrated chlorosulfonic acid solution and a high reaction temperature are needed to provide sufficient sulfonic acid as the thickness of the PFA films and the content of DVB both increase. The physicochemical properties of the prepared membranes such as water uptake, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and chemical stability, were also investigated in this study.
Optimal design of process parameters of rotary-draw bending process for thin-walled rectangular tube of aluminum alloy
Authors: Zhao Gangyao , Liu Yuli , Zhang Ranyang , Yang He
Published: January 2014

The rotary-draw bending process of thin-walled rectangular tube is a complex process with the interaction of many factors. The wrinkling may be produced if the process parameters are inappropriate. So, here, based on finite element numerical simulation, and taking the clearances and the frictions between tube and dies as the optimal design variables and the wrinkling height as the optimal objective, the optimization design for rotary-draw bending process of thin-walled rectangular 3A21 aluminum alloy tube has been carried out by using sequential quadratic programming method. Then, the recommended values of the clearances between mandrel, wiper die and bending die and tube, and the friction coefficients between pressure die, mandrel and wiper die and tube are obtained. The achievements of this study are significant to reduce the manufacturing cost and increase efficiency and bending quality.
Critical Community Psychology and Qualitative Research
Authors: Nelson Geoffrey , Evans Scot D.
Published: January 2014

This article is a conversation between two critical community psychologists about the compatibility and theoretical connections between their field and qualitative research. Critical community psychology is driven by values of power-sharing and social justice, and is praxis-oriented, emphasizing solidarity with oppressed people to create transformative social change. The authors argue that qualitative research, by itself or mixed with quantitative methods, can enhance both epistemic and transformative psychopolitical validity in critical community psychology. Implications of this theoretical/methodological approach for action and social change are discussed.
Influence of the chronic abdominal aortic occlusion on the femoral artery disease pattern
Authors: Ilic Nikola S , Koncar Igor , Dragas Marko , Golubovic Milka , Bozic Vesna , Ilijas Cinara , Zivan Maksimovic , Davidovic Lazar
Published: January 2014

We design a study to evaluate whether patients with chronic aortic occlusion have a different pattern of femoral artery atherosclerosis than patients with other forms of aortoiliac disease as well as to discuss potential causal mechanisms. From January 2008 to January 2010, 467 patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease were enrolled at Clinic of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery in Belgrade, Serbia. Among them 60 patients were divided into two groups, patients with chronic aortic occlusion (COA) and diffuse aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD, Leriche type II). Each group consisted of 30 patients. Those two groups were compared according to symptomatology, ABI values, femoral artery pressure gradient, atherosclerosis level in the femoral region and predictors of atherosclerosis.Patients with AIOD had severe atherosclerosis unlike patients with COA. Also, high elevation of postoperative ABIs in patients with an early atherosclerosis (0, I, II and III) was noted suggesting patent distal arterial tree. FAP gradient was significantly higher in COA group comparing with AIOD group (left: t = − 10.963, P < 0.01;right: t = − 8.962, P < 0.01). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that older patients have had more time to develop multilevel disease (AOID) and those with CAO have more isolated aortic disease chronic aortic occlusion.
Road accidents: a third burden of ‘disease’ in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Onywera Vincent O. , Blanchard Claire
Published: January 2014

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) continue to be a major cause of death and disability throughout low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this commentary is highlight some of the major causes of RTIs in sub-Saharan Africa and suggests strategies for better road safety as well as suggestions on how to reduce road accidents in LMICs.
Globalization, localization and food culture: perceived roles of social and cultural capitals in healthy child feeding practices in Japan
Authors: Goto Keiko , Ominami Chihiro , Song Chunyan , Murayama Nobuko , Wolff Cindy
Published: January 2014

Objectives:

The current study examined parental perceptions of sociocultural factors associated with healthy child feeding practices among parents of preschool-age children in rural Japan.

Methods:

Fifteen Japanese mothers of preschool-age children participated in this qualitative study. These participants were aged 22–39 years and resided in a rural town in western Japan. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess parental perceptions of healthy child feeding practices and their relationships with globalization and localization. These interviews were transcribed, translated into English and coded, based on the principles of grounded theory. A codebook was developed and pre-identified, and the newly-identified themes from this codebook were examined and compared.

Results:

Overall, local and seasonal foods, along with traditional Japanese foods and simple foods ( soshoku), were considered to be beneficial for children. Participants also noted that children were expected to be mindful and exhibit good table manners that reflect cultural values related to meal-time socializing or family bonding, and food appreciation. On the other hand, the majority of the participants stated that foods containing food additives and imported foods were unsuitable for children. Participants noted that strong social capital, especially social support from their mothers or mothers-in-law, as well as social networks for obtaining fresh local foods, contributed to healthy child feeding practices. Cultural capital (including the preservation of traditional Japanese dietary habits, eating rules and inter-generational commensality), was also identified as being key to healthy feeding practices.

Conclusions:

Identifying and promoting the social and cultural capital that positively support healthy child feeding practices may be an important component of nutrition education programs.
Limited family members/staff communication in intensive care units in the Czech and Slovak Republics considerably increases anxiety in patients ́ relatives – the DEPRESS study
Authors: Rusinova Katerina , Kukal Jaromir , Simek Jiri , Cerny Vladimir ,   for the DEPRESS study working group
Published: January 2014

Background

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common among family members of ICU patients and are culturally dependent. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression and associated factors in family members of ICU patients in two Central European countries.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicenter study involving 22 ICUs (250 beds) in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members of ICU patients. Family member understanding of the patient’s condition was assessed using a structured interview and a questionnaire was used to assess satisfaction with family member/ICU staff communication.

Results

Twenty two intensive care units (both adult and pediatric) in academic medical centers and community hospitals participated in the study. During a 6 month period, 405 family members of 293 patients were enrolled. We found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms – 78% and 54%, respectively. Information leaflets distributed to family members did not lower incidences of anxiety/depression. Family members with symptoms of depression reported higher levels of satisfaction according to the modified Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. Extended contact between staff and family members was the only related factor associated with anxiety reduction (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Family members of ICU patients in East European countries suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. We identified limited family member/ICU staff communication as an important health care professional-related factor associated with a higher incidence of symptoms of anxiety. This factor is potentially amenable to improvement and may serve as a target for proactive intervention proactive intervention.
Effectiveness of a worksite mindfulness-based multi-component intervention on lifestyle behaviors
Authors: van Berkel Jantien , Boot Cécile RL , Proper Karin I , Bongers Paulien M , van der Beek Allard J
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of morbidity. Mindfulness training could be an effective strategy to optimize lifestyle behaviors related to body weight gain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite mindfulness-based multi-component intervention on vigorous physical activity in leisure time, sedentary behavior at work, fruit intake and determinants of these behaviors. The control group received information on existing lifestyle behavior- related facilities that were already available at the worksite.

Methods

In a randomized controlled trial design (n = 257), 129 workers received a mindfulness training, followed by e-coaching, lunch walking routes and fruit. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months using questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured using accelerometers. Effects were analyzed using linear mixed effect models according to the intention-to-treat principle. Linear regression models (complete case analyses) were used as sensitivity analyses.

Results

There were no significant differences in lifestyle behaviors and determinants of these behaviors between the intervention and control group after 6 or 12 months. The sensitivity analyses showed effect modification for gender in sedentary behavior at work at 6-month follow-up, although the main analyses did not.

Conclusions

This study did not show an effect of a worksite mindfulness-based multi-component intervention on lifestyle behaviors and behavioral determinants after 6 and 12 months. The effectiveness of a worksite mindfulness-based multi-component intervention as a health promotion intervention for all workers could not be established.
Characterization and application of electrospun alumina nanofibers
Authors: Kim Jeon-Hee , Yoo Seung-Joon , Kwak Dong-Heui , Jung Heung-Joe , Kim Tae-Young , Park Kyung-Hee , Lee Jae-Wook
Published: January 2014

Alumina nanofibers were prepared by a technique that combined the sol–gel and electrospinning methods. The solution to be electrospun was prepared by mixing aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) in ethanol, which was then refluxed in the presence of an acid catalyst and polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) in ethanol. The characterization results showed that alumina nanofibers with diameters in the range of 102 to 378 nm were successfully prepared. On the basis of the results of the XRD and FT-IR, the alumina nanofibers calcined at 1,100°C were identified as comprising the α-alumina phase, and a series of phase transitions such as boehmite → γ-alumina → α-alumina were observed from 500°C to 1,200°C. The pore size of the obtained γ-alumina nanofibers is approximately 8 nm, and it means that they are mesoporous materials. The kinetic study demonstrated that MO adsorption on alumina nanofibers can be seen that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fits better than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
The exponential stability of BAM neural networks with leakage time-varying delays and sampled-data state feedback input
Authors: Li Li , Yang Yongqing , Liang Tian , Hu Manfeng
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the exponential stability of bidirectional associative memory neural networks with leakage time-varying delays and sampled-data state feedback input is considered. By applying the time-delay approach, some conditions for ensuring the stability of a system are obtained. In addition, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Successful use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the reversal of cardiorespiratory failure induced by atonic uterine bleeding: a case report
Authors: Itagaki Taiga , Onodera Mutsuo , Okuda Nao , Nakataki Emiko , Imanaka Hideaki , Nishimura Masaji
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Although extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has made sufficient progress to be considered for the management of life-threatening cardiac and respiratory failure, the risk of hemorrhagic complications may outweigh the benefits for patients with bleeding tendencies. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of successful treatment by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, without any hemorrhagic complications, of postpartum cardiorespiratory failure after massive uterine bleeding.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old Japanese woman experienced massive atonic bleeding after delivering her second baby. Recovery from hemorrhagic shock was managed by conservative treatments, but she developed decompensated heart failure and refractory hypoxia. Because we could not obtain hemodynamic stability and proper oxygenation even with high doses of catecholamines and maximal ventilator settings, we administered venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, whereupon her hemodynamic status immediately stabilized. After 72 hours of support without major bleeding, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was successfully withdrawn.

Conclusion

Even in cases of obstetric bleeding, if clotting status is stringently monitored, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be considered as an ultimate means of life support.
Tension stiffening approach in concrete of tensioned members
Authors: Khalfallah Salah , Guerdouh Dahbia
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an analytical model to calibrate the tension stiffening effect of tensile reinforced concrete members. The tension stiffening behaviour is a primordial task in reinforced concrete mechanic field. In this model, the stress–strain relationship of the tension stiffening effect described in the cracking range is proposed. The application of the analytical expression for tensile reinforced concrete member aims principally to quantify the tension stiffening phenomenon in the cracking range. In this concern, a parametrical study is established, which concerns the influence of concrete strength, reinforcement ratio, bar diameter and instantaneous properties of concrete on the tension stiffening behaviour. The obtained results relative to the influence of different parameters of the analysis are shown and commented.
The association between ANKH promoter polymorphism and chondrocalcinosis is independent of age and osteoarthritis: results of a case–control study
Authors: Abhishek Abhishek , Doherty Sally , Maciewicz Rose , Muir Kenneth , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael , Valdes Anna M
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Chondrocalcinosis (CC) most commonly results from calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD). The objective of this study is to examine the association between candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and radiographic CC.

Methods

SNPs in ankylosis human (ANKH), high ferritin (HFE), tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), ecto-neucleotide pyrophosphatase 1 (ENPP1), and transferrin (TE) genes were genotyped in participants of the Genetics of Osteoarthritis and Lifestyle (GOAL) and Nottingham Osteoarthritis Case-Control studies. Adjusted genotype odds ratio (aORGENOTYPE), the OR for association between one additional minor allele and CC, was calculated and adjusted for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and osteoarthritis (OA) by using binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P ≤0.003 after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests.

Results

The -4bpG > A polymorphism in the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of ANKH associated with CC after Bonferroni correction. This was independent of age, gender, OA, and BMI; aORGENOTYPE (95% confidence interval, or CI) was 1.39 (1.14-1.69) (P = 0.001). rs3045 and rs875525, two other SNPs in ANKH, associated with CC; aORGENOTYPE (95% CI) values were 1.31 (1.09-1.58) (P = 0.005) and 1.18 (1.03-1.35) (P = 0.015), respectively; however, this was non-significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

This study validates the association between a functional polymorphism in the 5′ UTR of ANKH and CC and shows for the first time that this is independent of age and OA – the two key risk factors for CC. It shows that other SNPs in ANKH may also associate with CC. This supports the role of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate in the pathogenesis of CC. The findings of this hospital-based study require replication in a community-based population.
PIK3CA mutations, phosphatase and tensin homolog, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and adjuvant tamoxifen resistance in postmenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: Beelen Karin , Opdam Mark , Severson Tesa M , Koornstra Rutger HT , Vincent Andrew D , Wesseling Jelle , Muris Jettie J , Berns Els MJJ , Vermorken Jan B , van Diest Paul J , Linn Sabine C
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway can overcome endocrine resistance in estrogen receptor (ER) α-positive breast cancer, but companion diagnostics indicating PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation and consequently endocrine resistance are lacking. PIK3CA mutations frequently occur in ERα-positive breast cancer and result in PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation in vitro. Nevertheless, the prognostic and treatment-predictive value of these mutations in ERα-positive breast cancer is contradictive. We tested the clinical validity of PIK3CA mutations and other canonic pathway drivers to predict intrinsic resistance to adjuvant tamoxifen. In addition, we tested the association between these drivers and downstream activated proteins.

Methods

Primary tumors from 563 ERα-positive postmenopausal patients, randomized between adjuvant tamoxifen (1 to 3 years) versus observation were recollected. PIK3CA hotspot mutations in exon 9 and exon 20 were assessed with Sequenom Mass Spectometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). We tested the association between these molecular alterations and downstream activated proteins (like phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT), phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), p-ERK1/2, and p-p70S6K). Recurrence-free interval improvement with tamoxifen versus control was assessed according to the presence or absence of canonic pathway drivers, by using Cox proportional hazard models, including a test for interaction.

Results

PIK3CA mutations (both exon 9 and exon 20) were associated with low tumor grade. An enrichment of PIK3CA exon 20 mutations was observed in progesterone receptor- positive tumors. PIK3CA exon 20 mutations were not associated with downstream-activated proteins. No significant interaction between PIK3CA mutations or any of the other canonic pathway drivers and tamoxifen-treatment benefit was found.

Conclusion

PIK3CA mutations do not have clinical validity to predict intrinsic resistance to adjuvant tamoxifen and may therefore be unsuitable as companion diagnostic for PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in ERα- positive, postmenopausal, early breast cancer patients.
Significant overlap between human genome-wide association-study nominated breast cancer risk alleles and rat mammary cancer susceptibility loci
Authors: Sanders Jennifer , Samuelson David J
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Human population-based genome-wide association (GWA) studies identify low penetrance breast cancer risk alleles; however, GWA studies alone do not definitively determine causative genes or mechanisms. Stringent genome- wide statistical significance level requirements, set to avoid false-positive associations, yield many false-negative associations. Laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) are useful to study many aspects of breast cancer, including genetic susceptibility. Several rat mammary cancer associated loci have been identified using genetic linkage and congenic strain based-approaches. Here, we sought to determine the amount of overlap between GWA study nominated human breast and rat mammary cancer susceptibility loci.

Methods

We queried published GWA studies to identify two groups of SNPs, one that reached genome-wide significance and one comprised of SNPs failing a validation step and not reaching genome- wide significance. Human genome locations of these SNPs were compared to known rat mammary carcinoma susceptibility loci to determine if risk alleles existed in both species. Rat genome regions not known to associate with mammary cancer risk were randomly selected as control regions.

Results

Significantly more human breast cancer risk GWA study nominated SNPs mapped at orthologs of rat mammary cancer loci than to regions not known to contain rat mammary cancer loci. The rat genome was useful to predict associations that had met human genome-wide significance criteria and weaker associations that had not.

Conclusions

Integration of human and rat comparative genomics may be useful to parse out false-negative associations in GWA studies of breast cancer risk.
Methods for comprehensive experimental identification of RNA-protein interactions
Authors: McHugh Colleen A , Russell Pamela , Guttman Mitchell
Published: January 2014

The importance of RNA-protein interactions in controlling mRNA regulation and non-coding RNA function is increasingly appreciated. A variety of methods exist to comprehensively define RNA-protein interactions. We describe these methods and the considerations required for designing and interpreting these experiments.
Of RNA-binding proteins and their targets: interaction determines expression
Authors: Zagrovic Bojan
Published: January 2014

Combining the prediction of interactions between mRNAs and RNA-binding proteins with experimental expression profiles uncovers novel regulatory paradigms concerning proliferation and differentiation processes.

See related research, http://genomebiology.com/2014/15/1/R13
IL-6 Up-Regulates the Expression of Rat LH Receptors during Granulosa Cell Differentiation
Authors: Imai Fumiharu , Kishi Hiroshi , Nakao Kohshiro , Nishimura Toshio , Minegishi Takashi
Published: January 2014

IL-6 is produced in granulosa cells under normal physiological conditions, including during ovulation. However, the roles of IL-6 in ovarian function, including regulation of LH receptor (LHR) expression in granulosa cells, have not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism underlying the effect of IL-6 on LHR expression in the granulosa cells of female Wistar rats. Our results indicated that IL-6 clearly enhanced the FSH-induced LHR mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner and did not stimulate cAMP accumulation by itself. The membrane protein level of LHR, assessed by a binding assay, was increased by FSH and was further enhanced by association with IL-6. Results of the luciferase assay, using promoter constructs of LHR 281 bp upstream of the translational start site, revealed that IL-6 increased the promoter activity induced by FSH, but this effect was not observed with treatment by IL-6 alone. This ability of IL-6 to enhance FSH-induced LHR mRNA expression was blocked by the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK) pathway inhibitor, but not by the ERK1/2 inhibitor. Thus, we speculated that this IL-6 activity might be mediated by the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. In addition, IL-6 augmented FSH-induced IL-6 receptor α mRNA expression and FSH elevated IL-6 production in granulosa cells, which indicates that IL-6 may positively regulate paracrine and autocrine actions in granulosa cells. These results suggest that IL-6 up-regulates FSH-induced LHR production by increasing mRNA transcription, and JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling is required for up-regulation by IL-6 in granulosa cells.
GLP-1 Receptor Localization in Monkey and Human Tissue: Novel Distribution Revealed With Extensively Validated Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Pyke Charles , Heller R. Scott , Kirk Rikke K. , Ørskov Cathrine , Reedtz-Runge Steffen , Kaastrup Peter , Hvelplund Anders , Bardram Linda , Calatayud Dan , Knudsen Lotte Bjerre
Published: January 2014

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs are increasingly being used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is clear that these drugs lower blood glucose through an increase in insulin secretion and a lowering of glucagon secretion; in addition, they lower body weight and systolic blood pressure and increase heart rate. Using a new monoclonal antibody for immunohistochemistry, we detected GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in important target organs in humans and monkeys. In the pancreas, GLP-1R was predominantly localized in β-cells with a markedly weaker expression in acinar cells. Pancreatic ductal epithelial cells did not express GLP-1R. In the kidney and lung, GLP-1R was exclusively expressed in smooth muscle cells in the walls of arteries and arterioles. In the heart, GLP-1R was localized in myocytes of the sinoatrial node. In the gastrointestinal tract, the highest GLP-1R expression was seen in the Brunner's gland in the duodenum, with lower level expression in parietal cells and smooth muscle cells in the muscularis externa in the stomach and in myenteric plexus neurons throughout the gut. No GLP-1R was seen in primate liver and thyroid. GLP-1R expression seen with immunohistochemistry was confirmed by functional expression using in situ ligand binding with 125I-GLP-1. In conclusion, these results give important new insight into the molecular mode of action of GLP-1 analogs by identifying the exact cellular localization of GLP-1R.
Robert Burns and Big Data; Or, Pests of Quantity and Visualization
Authors: Wickman Matthew
Published: January 2014

This essay addresses the relationship between shape and number that is implicit to the conversion of statistics into forms of visual display. It does so by way of the work and legacy of Robert Burns, particularly the well-known poems “To a Louse” and “To a Mouse.” Bearing the reputation of Scotland’s national bard, a figure resolving a multiplicity of citizens into the image of unity, Burns’s poems nevertheless present complex, creaturely subjects that seemingly consist in more and less than themselves, in more and less than “one.” The poems thus make a narrow case for the breakdown of sympathy and a broader one for the irreducible complexity of being. Such complexity inflects the very structure of what scholars, after Franco Moretti, call the quantitative analysis of literature (in the conversion of texts to countable units: one, two, three, etc.). It also reveals how texts from literary history both complement and undercut the practices that partly convert those texts into bytes of information.
Gothic Time, Sacred Time
Authors: Molesworth Jesse
Published: January 2014

The manipulation of local time, or clock time, constitutes a vital aspect of gothic storytelling, as seen in Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto, Matthew Lewis’s Monk, and Ann Radcliffe’s novels. Several concepts emerge: the importance of the hour as a temporal unit, the meticulous marking of events in reference to their time of occurrence, and the personification of individual hours. Such effects promote a secular mysticism: gothic novels translate and reinvent an older liturgical reverence for the hour. Gothic time is, moreover, remade by Charles Brockden Brown and Jane Austen, whose Northanger Abbey formulates one aspect of novelistic realism precisely through the avoidance of gothic temporality.
Postpsychoanalytic Proust
Authors: Kemp Simon
Published: January 2014

A la recherche du temps perdu, the last great pre-Freudian novel of the mind, has attracted much attention from psychoanalytic critics since its publication. This article explores the analysis of Proust’s novel by critics, with a particular focus on the representation of the conscious and unconscious mind. It follows the history of such criticism through the rise of psychoanalysis in the humanities to the waning of its influence in the early years of the present century. The article argues that our postpsychoanalytic present is the ideal moment to reexamine the parallels and divergences between Proust’s and Freud’s understandings of consciousness and to measure them against the rival philosophical and psychological theories developed during the twentieth century. The current pluralism in the humanities’ approach to analyzing representations of the mind allows the literary author’s implicit understanding of mental life to assert itself more clearly.
Coalition Formation in a Legislative Voting Game
Authors: Christiansen Nels , Georganas Sotiris , Kagel John H.
Published: January 2014

We experimentally investigate the Jackson and Moselle (2002) model where legislators bargain over policy proposals and the allocation of private goods. Key comparative static predictions of the model hold with the introduction of private goods, including “strange bedfellow” coalitions. Private goods help to secure legislative compromise and increase the likelihood of proposals passing, an outcome not predicted by the theory but a staple of the applied political economy literature. Coalition formation is better characterized by an “efficient equal split” between coalition partners than the subgame perfect equilibrium prediction, which has implications for stable political party formation. (JEL C78, D72, H41)
Ηλεκτρονική συσκευή στοχεύσεως για την ακριβή χωροταξική τοποθέτηση του μοσχεύματος στην πλαστική του προσθίου χιαστού συνδέσμου
Authors: Παπαχρήστου Κωνσταντίνος
Published: January 2014

Σκοπός: Σκοπός της παρούσης εργασίας είναι η κατασκευή μιας ηλεκτρονικής συσκευής που θα βοηθήσει το χειρουργό να διατρήσει το οστούν με ακρίβεια, ανεξάρτητα από τις δεξιότητες του, μειώνοντας ταυτόχρονα και το χρόνο που χρειάζεται μια τέτοια διαδικασία. Υλικό-Μέθοδος: Η διάτρηση ενός οστού σταθερά τοποθετημένου στο χώρο οριοθετείται με επιλογή σημείου εισόδου Α και σημείου εξόδου Β και είναι δυνατή με τη βοήθεια μηχανικού εργαλείου με κατάλληλους αισθητήρες μαγνητικούς και επιτάχυνσης, που συνδέονται με μικροελεγκτές. Ο μικροελεγκτής αντιπροσωπεύει την διαθέσιμη υπολογιστική ισχύ καθώς και τις δυνατότητες διασύνδεσης, γι’ αυτό και είναι πολύ σημαντική η σωστή επιλογή του. Οι εργασίες που θα χρειαστεί να εκτελέσει είναι η διασύνδεση με τους αισθητήρες επιτάχυνσης, τον μαγνητικό αισθητήρα και την οθόνη υγρών κρυστάλλων. Η σειριακή διασύνδεση με προσωπικό υπολογιστή και υπολογισμός των ψηφιακών φίλτρων είναι και η πιο απαιτητική εργασία όσον αφορά την υπολογιστική ισχύ. Το μέγεθος της πλακέτας-κουτί έχει να ελαχιστοποιηθεί δεδομένου ότι στηρίζεται πάνω στο μηχανικό εργαλείο και στο δράπανο. Η χρήση προστατευτικού κουτιού δεν κρίθηκε αναγκαία στην πειραματική αυτή φάση της συσκευής. Το λογισμικό εργαλείου χειρίζεται τα δεδομένα από τους αισθητήρες και αναλαμβάνει να τα μεταφέρει στο λογισμικό του δράπανου. Το λογισμικό δράπανου χειρίζεται τα δεδομένα από τους αισθητήρες και επικοινωνεί με την οθόνη για την απεικόνησή τους. Επίσης λαμβάνει τα δεδομένα από το λογισμικό εργλείου. Το λογισμικό συλλογής δεδομένων μετατρέπει πραγματικά δεδομένα από τους αισθητήρες που βρίσκονται σε δεκαεξαδική μορφή, σε δεκαδική για περεταίρω επεξεργασία με τη βοήθεια του λογισμικού MATLAB. Η έξοδος του αισθητήρα εκτός από το επιθυμητό σήμα περιέχει και ανεπιθύμητες συνιστώσες, οι οποίες πρέπει να αφαιρεθούν για να μπορεί η ένδειξη του αισθητήρα να είναι χρήσιμη και ουσιώδης και επιτυγχάνεται με τη χρήση ψηφιακού φίλτρου. Αποτελέσματα: Οι τιμές X1, Χ2 και Υ1, Υ2 δείχνουν την απόκλιση από τον οριζόντιο και κάθετο άξονα αντίστοιχα, ενώ οι τιμές Radius-1, Radius-2 δείχνουν την απόκλιση σαν ακτίνα από το κέντρο του επιθυμητού σημείου εξόδου μέχρι το κέντρο της πραγματικής διάτρησης. Τα αποτελέσματα των διατρήσεων σε κάθε μία από τις δύο ομάδες δοκιμίων παρουσιάζουν μέσο όρο για τις μετρήσεις Χ1, Χ2 μικρότερο από 1mm, για τις Y1, Y2 περίπου 1.64mm, ενώ για τις R1, R2 πολύ κοντά στα 2mm. Συμπεράσματα. Η χρήση της προτεινόμενης συσκευής είχε ως αποτέλεσμα την αισθητά μεγαλύτερη ακρίβεια διάτρησης σε σχέση με τα υπάρχοντα ηλεκτρονικά βοηθήματα CAS. Η οπτική όμως απεικόνιση υστερεί σε σχέση με αυτά, γεγονός που αυξάνει ελαφρά το χρόνο της διάτρησης, αλλά απαιτεί επίσης και κάποια μικρή εξοικείωση από το χρήστη.
Ανάπτυξη πληροφοριακού συστήματος στην ακτινολογία
Authors: Μπάκας Αθανάσιος
Published: January 2014

Σε αυτή την διδακτορική διατριβή παρουσιάζεται η μεταγωγή ενός κλασσικού ακτινολογικού εργαστηρίου σε ψηφιακό, βήμα προς βήμα, λαμβάνοντας υπ’ όψιν εκπαιδευτικά, οικονομικά, κοινωνικά κλπ. δεδομένα. Η είσοδος της ψηφιακής εικόνας στην ακτινολογία σε συνδυασμό με την αλματώδη εξέλιξη της τεχνολογίας, έχει βελτιώσει της απεικονιστικές τεχνικές. Σ’ όλο τον κόσμο τα συστήματα κλασσικής ακτινολογίας αντικαθίστανται τάχιστα με ψηφιακά συστήματα. Με τα δεδομένα της παρούσης τεχνολογίας τα συστήματα CR είναι περισσότερο προσιτά. Πάντως και τα συστήματα DR έχουν ξεχωριστά πλεονεκτήματα. Η εισαγωγή της τεχνολογίας των επίπεδων ημιαγώγιμων ανιχνευτών υπόσχεται αφ’ ενός πολύ καλή ποιότητα εικόνας αλλά και χαμηλή δόση ακτινοβολίας λόγω της υψηλής κβαντικής απόδοσης των ανιχνευτών. Οι ψηφιακές λύσεις είναι πιθανόν καλύτερες εάν συνυπάρχουν συστήματα CR και DR. Τα συστήματα DR μπορούν να εγκαθίστανται εκεί όπου υπάρχει μεγάλος φόρτος εργασίας π.χ. στους θαλάμους όπου γίνονται αποκλειστικά ακτινογραφίες θώρακος. Τα συστήματα CR μπορούν να εγκαθίστανται σε θαλάμους γενικής χρήσης ή όπου υπάρχουν φορητά μηχανήματα. Στις μέρες μας δεν φαίνεται να αργεί η μεταγωγή της αναλογικής ακτινολογικής πράξης σε αμιγώς ψηφιακή, λόγω των τάσεων που ασκούνται. Τα συστήματα RIS, HIS, PACS και το σύστημα υπαγόρευσης αποτελούν τη ραχοκοκαλιά ενός αμιγώς ψηφιακού ακτινολογικού τμήματος. Τα οφέλη ενός συστήματος PACS είναι προφανή. Σ’ αυτή τη διατριβή έχει μελετηθεί η ψηφιακή αναβάθμιση μικρού ιδιωτικού Νοσοκομείου. Έγινε εκτίμηση του επιπέδου γνώσεων των Τεχνολόγων ακτινολογίας που εργάζονται στα Νοσοκομεία της περιοχής Αθηνών μέσω ερωτηματολογίου. Μελετήθηκαν διεξοδικά οι απαιτήσεις και τα ερωτήματα που θα πρέπει να τεθούν από έναν υποψήφιο αγοραστή σε προμηθευτή συστήματος PACS. Στο τέλος παρουσιάζεται ο σχεδιασμός και η χρήση ενός ομοιώματος για τη μελέτη συστημάτων υπολογιστικής, ψηφιακής ακτινογραφίας CR.
Μηχανισμοί ρύθμισης της δράσης του ρινοϊού στον επιθηλιακό και μεσεγχυματικό ιστό του αναπνευστικού
Authors: Βολονάκη Ελένη
Published: January 2014

Οι χρόνιες φλεγμονώδεις διεργασίες στο άσθμα συνοδεύονται από κινητοποίηση των μηχανισμών επιδιόρθωσης που είναι δυνατό να οδηγήσουν σε μεταβολή της δομής του τοιχώματος των αεραγωγών, μια κατάσταση που περιγράφεται με τον όρο αναδόμηση (remodeling). Κεντρικό χαρακτηριστικό της αναδόμησης είναι η πάχυνση του βρογχικού τοιχώματος που οφείλεται, μεταξύ άλλων, σε αυξημένη αγγείωση και υποεπιθηλιακή ίνωση. Η αυξημένη αγγείωση στο τοίχωμα των βρόγχων ασθματικών ασθενών σχετίζεται στενά με την έκφραση των αγγειογενετικών παραγόντων VEGF και FGF-2. Από την άλλη μεριά, οι ρινοϊοί αποτελούν το σημαντικότερο λοιμογόνο παράγοντα στην επαγωγή κρίσεων άσθματος. Έχουν την ικανότητα να μολύνουν το βρογχικό επιθήλιο και να διεγείρουν την παραγωγή μεσολαβητών με ενδεχόμενη παρακρινική δράση σε υποκείμενα κυτταρικά στοιχεία, επάγοντας, πιθανόν, δομικές μεταβολές στους αεραγωγούς των ασθματικών ασθενών. Στόχος της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν η διερεύνηση του ρόλου των ανθρώπινων ρινοϊών στις δομικές και λειτουργικές μεταβολές των αεραγωγών στο άσθμα, εξετάζοντας την επίδραση της λοίμωξης με ρινοϊούς στην παραγωγή των αγγειογενετικών παραγόντων VEGF και FGF-2. Η μελέτη αυτή έδειξε ότι: 1. Η μόλυνση των βρογχικών επιθηλιακών κυττάρων με ρινοϊό οδηγεί σε επαγωγή της έκφρασης και παραγωγής των αγγειογενετικών παραγόντων VEGF και FGF-2. 2. Η αυξημένη παραγωγή FGF-2 αποδίδεται σε τουλάχιστον δύο διαφορετικούς μηχανισμούς. Από τη μια μεριά, έχουμε επαγωγή σε μεταγραφικό επίπεδο, η οποία εξαρτάται εν μέρει από τον VEGF. Από την άλλη, η κυτταροτοξική δράση του ρινοϊού έχει ως αποτέλεσμα την απελευθέρωση του παράγοντα από τα βρογχικά επιθηλιακά κύτταρα. Υπάρχει, μάλιστα, θετική γραμμική συσχέτιση ανάμεσα στον παραγόμενο FGF-2 και τη μετρούμενη κυτταροτοξικότητα. 3. Η έκθεση των βρογχικών επιθηλιακών κυττάρων σε ανθρώπινο ρινοϊό επάγει τον πολλαπλασιασμό και την διαφοροποίηση των ενδοθηλιακών κυττάρων μέσω της αυξημένης παραγωγής VEGF. Ο επαγόμενος από το ρινοϊό πολλαπλασιασμός των ενδοθηλιακών κυττάρων μειώνεται κατά το ήμισυ σχεδόν παρουσία αντισώματος εναντίον του VEGF, που σημαίνει ότι κι άλλοι παράγοντες ασκούν παράλληλα αγγειογενετικό ρόλο. 4. Κατά τη διάρκεια ασθματικής κρίσης που σχετίζεται με λοίμωξη από ρινοϊό, έχουμε αυξημένη παραγωγή VEGF, αλλά όχι FGF-2, σε ατοπικούς ασθενείς με άσθμα, σύμφωνα με μετρήσεις των παραγόντων αυτών σε ρινικό έκπλυμα. 5. Οι φαρμακευτικές ουσίες φλουτικαζόνη και σαλμετερόλη δρουν συνεργικά αναστέλλοντας την επαγόμενη από το ρινοϊό παραγωγή των VEGF και FGF-2. Τα παραπάνω αποτελέσματα δείχνουν την αγγειογενετική απόκριση του αναπνευστικού επιθηλίου μετά από λοίμωξη με ρινοϊό, υποδεικνύοντας για πρώτη φορά τον πιθανό ρόλο του ρινοϊού στην αναδόμηση των ασθματικών αεραγωγών. Τα in vitro δεδομένα ενισχύουν το ρόλο του συνδυασμού κορτικοστεροειδών και β2-διεγερτών στην αντιμετώπιση των κρίσεων άσθματος που επάγονται από ιούς.