bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superior Silencing by 2′,4′-BNANC-Based Short Antisense Oligonucleotides Compared to 2′,4′-BNA/LNA-Based Apolipoprotein B Antisense Inhibitors
Authors: Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Yasuhara Hidenori , Wada Fumito , Harada-Shiba Mariko , Imanishi Takeshi , Obika Satoshi
Published: September 2012

The duplex stability with target mRNA and the gene silencing potential of a novel bridged nucleic acid analogue are described. The analogue,2′,4′-BNANCantisense oligonucleotides (AONs) ranging from 10- to 20-nt-long, targeted apolipoprotein B.2′,4′-BNANCwas directly compared to its conventional bridged (or locked) nucleic acid (2′,4′-BNA/LNA)-based counterparts. Melting temperatures of duplexes formed between2′,4′-BNANC-based antisense oligonucleotides and the target mRNA surpassed those of 2′,4′-BNA/LNA-based counterparts at all lengths. Anin vitrotransfection study revealed that when compared to the identical length2′,4′-BNA/LNA-based counterpart, the corresponding2′,4′-BNANC-based antisense oligonucleotide showed significantly stronger inhibitory activity. This inhibitory activity was more pronounced in shorter (13-, 14-, and 16-mer) oligonucleotides. On the other hand, the 2′,4′-BNANC-based 20-mer AON exhibited the highest affinity but the worstIC50value, indicating that very high affinity may undermine antisense potency. These results suggest that the potency of AONs requires a balance between reward term and penalty term. Balance of these two parameters would depend on affinity, length, and the specific chemistry of the AON, and fine-tuning of this balance could lead to improved potency. We demonstrate that2′,4′-BNANCmay be a better alternative to conventional2′,4′-BNA/LNA, even for “short” antisense oligonucleotides, which are attractive in terms of drug-likeness and cost-effective bulk production.
Cardiac Involvement in Glycogen Storage Disease Type IV: Two Cases and the Two Ends of a Spectrum
Authors: Aksu Tolga , Colak Ayse , Tufekcioglu Omac
Published: September 2012

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency ofα1,4-glucan branching enzyme, resulting in an accumulation of amylopectin-like polysaccharide in various systems. We describe two cases, a 23-year-old girl with dilated cardiomyopathy who presented with progressive dyspnea and fatigue and a 28-year-old girl with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who was asymptomatic, secondary to the accumulation of amylopectin-like fibrillar glycogen, in heart. In both patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by enzyme assessment. Our patients showed that GSD IV is not only liver or skeletal muscle disease, but also it can be presented in different form of the spectrum of cardiomyopathy from dilated to hypertrophic and from asymptomatic to decompensated heart failure. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first hypertrophic cardiomyopathy case due to GSD IV in the literature.
Standard Precipitation Index Drought Forecasting Using Neural Networks, Wavelet Neural Networks, and Support Vector Regression
Authors: Belayneh A. , Adamowski J.
Published: September 2012

Drought forecasts can be an effective tool for mitigating some of the more adverse consequences of drought. Data-driven models are suitable forecasting tools due to their rapid development times, as well as minimal information requirements compared to the information required for physically based models. This study compares the effectiveness of three data-driven models for forecasting drought conditions in the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia. The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) is forecast and compared using artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector regression (SVR), and wavelet neural networks (WN). SPI 3 and SPI 12 were the SPI values that were forecasted. These SPI values were forecast over lead times of 1 and 6 months. The performance of all the models was compared using RMSE, MAE, andR2. The forecast results indicate that the coupled wavelet neural network (WN) models were the best models for forecasting SPI values over multiple lead times in the Awash River Basin in Ethiopia.
Comparative Analysis of MicroRNAs between Sporophyte and Gametophyte ofPorphyra yezoensis
Authors: He Linwen , Huang Aiyou , Shen Songdong , Niu Jianfeng , Wang Guangce
Published: September 2012

Porphyra yezoensisUeda is an intertidal marine red algae that has received increasing attention as a model organism owing to its important role in biological research and the agronomic industry. The two generations ofPorphyra yezoensis, the sporophyte and the gametophyte, have the same genome but show great differences in many aspects, including structural features, habitat, and gene expression. To identify miRNAs and their probable roles inP. yezoensisdevelopment, we constructed and sequenced libraries of small RNA fromP. yezoensissporophytes and gametophytes. The sequencing data were analyzed, and 14 miRNAs were identified, with only one common to these two samples. Our results show thatP. yezoensishas a complex small RNA processing system containing novel miRNAs that have no identifiable homolog in other organisms. These miRNAs might have important regulatory roles in development of the different generations ofP. yezoensis.
17α-Ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol (HE3286) Is Neuroprotective and Reduces Motor Impairment and Neuroinflammation in a Murine MPTP Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nicoletti Ferdinando , Philippens Ingrid , Fagone Paolo , Ahlem Clarence N. , Reading Christopher L. , Frincke James M. , Auci Dominick L.
Published: September 2012

17α-Ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol (HE3286) is a synthetic androstenetriol in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. HE3286 was evaluated for blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in mice, and efficacy in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) murine model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We found that HE3286 freely penetrated the BBB. HE3286 treatment significantly improved motor function compared to vehicle in the rotarod test (mean 58.2 sec versus 90.9 sec,P<0.0001), and reduced inflammatory mediator gene expression in the brain (inducible nitric oxide synthase, 20%,P=0.002; tumor necrosis factorα, 40%,P=0.038, and interleukin-1β, 33%,P=0.02) measured by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Brain tissue histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed that HE3286 treatment increased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells by 17% compared to vehicle (P=0.003), and decreased the numbers of damaged neurons by 38% relative to vehicle (P=0.029). L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) efficacy was not enhanced by concurrent administration of HE3286. HE3286 administration prior to MPTP did not enhance efficacy. Our data suggest a potential role for HE3286 in PD treatment, and provides incentive for further investigation.
Cerium Dioxide Thin Films Using Spin Coating
Authors: Channei D. , Nakaruk A. , Phanichphant S. , Koshy P. , Sorrell C. C.
Published: September 2012

Cerium dioxide (CeO2 ) thin films with varying Ce concentrations (0.1 to 0.9 M, metal basis) were deposited on soda‐lime‐silica glass substrates using spin coating. It was found that all films exhibited the cubic fluorite structure after annealing at 500°C for 5 h. The laser Raman microspectroscopy and GAXRD analyses revealed that increasing concentrations of Ce resulted in an increase in the degree of crystallinity. FIB and FESEM images confirmed the laser Raman and GAXRD analyses results owing to the predicted increase in film thickness with increasing Ce concentration. However, porosity and shrinkage (drying) cracking of the films also increased significantly with increasing Ce concentrations. UV‐VIS spectrophotometry data showed that the transmission of the films decreased with increasing Ce concentrations due to the increasing crack formation. Furthermore, a red shift was observed with increasing Ce concentrations, which resulted in a decrease in the optical indirect band gap.
Thionine‐Bromate as a New Reaction System for Kinetic Spectrophotometric Determination of Hydrazine in Cooling Tower Water Samples
Authors: Shishehbore Masoud Reza , Sheibani Ali , Eslami Masoumeh
Published: September 2012

A simple, selective, and inexpensive kinetic method was developed for the determination of hydrazine based on its inhibitory effect on the thionine‐bromate system in sulfuric acid media. The reaction was monitored spectrophotometrically at 601 nm by a fixed time method. The effect of different parameters such as concentration of reactants, ionic strength, temperature, and time on the rate of reaction was investigated, and the optimum conditions were obtained. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the concentration range from 0.8–23.0 μg mL−1 of hydrazine, and the detection limit of the method was 0.22 μg mL−1. The relative standard deviation for five replicate determinations of 1.0 μg mL−1 of hydrazine was 0.74%. The potential of interfering effect of foreign species on the hydrazine determination was studied. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of hydrazine in different water samples.
Confusing Cytological Findings in Myositis Ossificans
Authors: Mokhtari Maral , Kumar Perikala Vijayananda , Rezazadeh Soorena
Published: September 2012

Background: Myositis ossificans (MO) is a rare non-neoplastic heterotopic ossification of soft tissue. Histological examination is the gold standard method for diagnosis, but fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology may aid in presumptive diagnosis of this lesion. Cases: Nine patients with chief complaint of soft tissue mass with clinically suspected MO were selected. FNA of the mass showed low to hypercellular smears, composed of some amorphous pink to bluish material on Wright-Giemsa stain. The predominant cells were oval to spindle-shaped, resembling fibroblasts. Some cells had a high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio with hyperchromatic nuclei, an irregular nuclear border and prominent nucleoli. Bland-looking osteoblasts and uni- and binucleated chondrocytes were also noted. FNA diagnosis of 4 patients was suggestive of osteosarcoma and of 2 patients suggestive of chondrosarcoma, 2 patients were diagnosed with a benign process and 1 was deferred due to hypocellularity of the smears. Histological examination of the corresponding surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of MO. Conclusion: MO cannot be diagnosed on FNA smears without analyzing the clinical and radiological findings. Experience shows that otherwise MO is mostly misdiagnosed as a malignant lesion.
Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma: Cytomorphologic Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis on Fine-Needle Aspiration
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Srividya , Ali Syed Z.
Published: September 2012

Objectives: To review cytomorphologic characteristics of osteoblastic osteosarcoma (OOS), a variant of osteosarcoma, on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and correlate them with histopathologic features and clinical outcomes. Study design: A retrospective review of the cytopathology archives of The Johns Hopkins Hospital revealed 22 cases of OOS on FNA in 20 patients (16 primary, 5 recurrent and 1 metastatic OOS). Results: There were 11 males and 9 females (male:female ratio 4:3) aged from 5 to 48 years (mean 17.1). Anatomic locations were: femur (7), humerus (3), tibia (4), fibula (1), iliac crest (1), pubis (1), sacrum (1), mandible (1) and soft tissue of the thigh (3). All except 1 presented with progressive pain and/or swelling. Sizes of the lesions ranged from 2.3 to 34 cm (mean 9.2). Initial FNA diagnoses were high-grade malignant neoplasm (5), osteosarcoma, non-conventional osteosarcoma (12) and OOS (5). Cytomorphologic characteristics were: moderate-high cellularity, discohesive/single cells, small tissue fragments, immature osteoid, bi-/multinucleated giant cells, plasmacytoid cells with basophilic, vacuolated cytoplasm, round to oval nuclei and macronucleoli. Cases with high-grade histology displayed pleomorphism and mitoses. Conclusions: OOS has a better prognosis than other osteosarcoma variants. The differential diagnosis of OOS includes reactive bone lesions, osteoblastoma, malignant sarcoma with an osteoid component and other osteosarcoma variants. A definitive diagnosis can be made on FNA with clinical and radiological correlation, thus facilitating immediate therapy.
Taste and Temperature in Swallowing Transit Time after Stroke
Authors: Cola Paula C. , Gatto Ana R. , da Silva Roberta G. , Spadotto André A. , Ribeiro Priscila W. , Schelp Arthur O. , Carvalho Lidia R. , Henry Maria A.C.A.
Published: September 2012

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is common in individuals after stroke. Taste and temperature are used in dysphagia rehabilitation. The influence of stimuli, such as taste and temperature, on swallowing biomechanics has been investigated in both healthy individuals and in individuals with neurological disease. However, some questions still remain unanswered, such as how the sequence of offered stimuli influences the pharyngeal response. The goal of the present study was to determine the influence of the sequence of stimuli, sour taste and cold temperature, on pharyngeal transit time during deglutition in individuals after stroke. Methods: The study included 60 individuals with unilateral ischemic stroke, 29 males and 31 females, aged 41–88 years (mean age: 66.2 years) examined 0–50 days after ictus (median: 6 days), with mild to moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia. Exclusion criteria were hemorrhagic stroke patients, patients with decreased level of consciousness, and clinically unstable patients, as confirmed by medical evaluation. The individuals were divided into two groups of 30 individuals each. Group 1 received a nonrandomized sequence of stimuli (i.e. natural, cold, sour, and sour-cold) and group 2 received a randomized sequence of stimuli. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study was performed to analyze the pharyngeal transit time. Four different stimuli (natural, cold, sour, and sour-cold) were offered. The images were digitalized and specific software was used to measure the pharyngeal transit time. Since the values did not present regular distribution and uniform variances, nonparametric tests were performed. Results: Individuals in group 1 presented a significantly shorter pharyngeal transit time with the sour-cold stimulus than with the other stimuli. Individuals in group 2 did not show a significant difference in pharyngeal transit time between stimuli. Conclusions: The results showed that the sequence of offered stimuli influences the pharyngeal transit time in a different way in individuals after stroke and suggest that, when the sour-cold stimulus is offered in a randomized sequence, it can influence the response to the other stimuli in stroke patients. Hence, the sour-cold stimulus could be used as a therapeutic aid in dysphagic stroke patients.
Computer-Assisted Diagnosis in Colposcopy: Results of a Preliminary Experiment?
Authors: Mehlhorn Grit , Münzenmayer Christian , Benz Michaela , Kage Andreas , Beckmann Matthias W. , Wittenberg Thomas
Published: September 2012

Purpose: Diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is currently based on the histological result of an aiming biopsy. This preliminary study investigated whether diagnostics for CIN can potentially be improved using semiautomatic colposcopic image analysis. Methods: 198 women with unremarkable or abnormal smears underwent colposcopy examinations. 375 regions of interest (ROIs) were manually marked on digital screen shots of the streaming documentation, which we provided during our colposcopic examinations (39 normal findings, 41 CIN I, and 118 CIN II–III). These ROIs were classified into two groups (211 regions with normal findings and CIN I, and 164 regions with CIN II–III). We developed a prototypical computer-assisted diagnostic (CAD) device based on image-processing methods to automatically characterize the color, texture, and granulation of the ROIs. Results: Using n-fold cross-validation, the CAD system achieved a maximum diagnostic accuracy of 80% (sensitivity 85% and specificity 75%) corresponding to a correct assignment of abnormal or unremarkable findings. Conclusions: The CAD system may be able to play a supportive role in the further diagnosis of CIN, potentially paving the way for new and enhanced developments in colposcopy-based diagnosis.
Naturally Occurring Variation in Vasopressin Immunoreactivity Is Associated with Maternal Behavior in Female Peromyscus Mice
Authors: Bester-Meredith Janet K. , Marler Catherine A.
Published: September 2012

In many mammals, species-appropriate social behavior is necessary for an individual’s ability to survive and reproduce. In the present study, we examined whether arginine-vasopressin (AVP) pathways that have been associated with social behavior differed between two closely related species of Peromyscus mice with different patterns of maternal behavior. We also tested whether individual levels of AVP-immunoreactive staining (AVP-ir) were associated with individual levels of maternal behavior as measured using a composite score consisting of huddling, nursing, grooming and time spent inside the nest (HNGI score). In addition, we examined whether these associations between vasopressin and behavior differed between species. Females from the highly biparental species, California mice, displayed higher AVP-ir in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which corresponded with a higher level of nest building and a higher HNGI score than was found in the less parental white-footed mice. The HNGI score was positively associated with AVP-ir in the medial amygdala in female California mice but not white-footed mice. Finally, we examined whether AVP-ir in these pathways varied based on the species-specific rearing environments by reciprocally cross-fostering California mice and white-footed mice. In contrast to previous research with male California mice, cross-fostering itself had no effect on maternal behavior or any consistent effect on AVP-ir staining in brain areas such as the BNST and associated brain areas. This suggests that there is little plasticity in maternal behavior and that the underlying AVP system in females does not respond to the postnatal environment provided by the parents. The positive associations between maternal behavior and AVP-ir indicate that AVP may regulate maternal behavior despite the lack of plasticity in AVP and maternal behavior.
Effects of Acetate-Free Citrate Dialysate on Glycoxidation and Lipid Peroxidation Products in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Masuda Atsumi , Hagiwara Shinji , Tanimoto Mitsuo , Kodama Fumiko , Okumura Kozue , Nohara Nao , Matsumoto Mayumi , Maiguma Masayuki , Omote Keisuke , Io Hiroaki , Kurusu Atsushi , Ohsawa Isao , Shimizu Yoshio , Hamada Chieko , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: September 2012

Background/Aims: Previous studies have shown the presence of high levels of glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation products in association with atherosclerosis in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Acetates are commonly used buffer for correcting metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Since the toxic effects of acetates are well established, acetate-free citrate dialysate (AFD) has become available in Japan. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the suppressive effects of AFD on oxidative stress in maintenance HD patients by measuring plasma pentosidine and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) levels as markers for glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation products. Methods: Plasma pentosidine, MDA-LDL and other laboratory parameters were examined on maintenance HD at the Juntendo University Hospital before and after switching to AFD. Results: MDA-LDL levels divided by LDL cholesterol were significantly lower than those before switching to AFD. Furthermore, levels of plasma pentosidine were lower than those before switching to AFD. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the percent change of the calcium-phosphorus product in the nondiabetic group and that of phosphorus in the diabetic group were predictive variables for the percent change of MDA-LDL/LDL, whereas the percent change of log high-sensitive C-reactive protein and that of systolic blood pressure in the nondiabetic group and that of diastolic blood pressure in the diabetic group were predictive variables for the percent change of plasma pentosidine. Conclusions: It appears that AFD decreases glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation products when compared with acid citrate dextrose in HD patients. The reduction of oxidative stress by AFD during HD may have possible beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through calcium-phosphorus metabolism and blood pressure.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Celiac Ganglia
Authors: Collins Brian T. , Warrick Joshua
Published: September 2012

Objective: Celiac ganglia are normal anatomic structures located in the region of the celiac artery and can vary in size from 5 mm to 4.5 cm. These nodules can be visualized by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and be subject to fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. They can be identified in patients with and without underlying pathology and present a challenge in accurate interpretation. Study Design: The hospital database was retrospectively searched for patients who had undergone EUS FNA and where a diagnosis of ‘ganglia’ was rendered. Clinical and demographic data were collected and the cases reviewed for cytomorphologic features. Results: Aspirate smears were generally hypocellular with variable cellularity between aspirate passes, showing dispersed single large epithelioid cells with cytoplasmic pigmentation, small groups of bland stroma and spindled cells, as well as ‘grape-like’ groups with peripheral epithelioid cells and central stroma with spindled elements. Conclusion: EUS cannot always definitively identify celiac lesions and the use of EUS FNA can help to accurately classify these cases. In patients with known or suspected malignancy, the accurate identification of celiac ganglia by EUS FNA can have important patient management implications. EUS FNA can identify celiac ganglia and show the distinctive features of large pigmented epithelioid ganglion cells and background neural elements.
Assessing design process in engineering consultancy firms using lean principles
Authors: Marzouk M , Bakry I , El-Said M
Published: September 2012

The aim of this research is to provide a tool for assessing the impact of applying lean principles to the design process at construction consultancy firms. Through several interviews, a comprehensive model was built to simulate the design process, using data from a leading consultancy firm in Egypt. The model contains the main processes and activities that form different phases of the design process and depicts the interconnectivity of processes and activities needed to create a complete design package upon client request. The research describes how the five main lean principles are integrated in the model. A case study is considered to demonstrate the effect of using the proposed model on the design process and to illustrate how the design process performs differently when lean principles are introduced. Case study output analysis reveals 40% improvement in the lean process performance measured in terms of activity utilization rates.
Submucosal Lingualplasty for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Gunawardena Indunil , Robinson Sam , MacKay Stuart , Woods Charmaine M. , Choo June , Esterman Adrian , Carney A. Simon
Published: September 2012

Objective

To measure quality‐of‐life outcomes, polysomnographic outcomes, and adverse effects for a new technique of tongue reduction in obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Tertiary hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Consecutively treated adult patients (N = 27) with obstructive sleep apnea having submucosal lingualplasty in 2007 were studied. All had concurrent or previous uvulopalatoplasty ± palatal advancement. Full polysomnography preoperatively and 3.7 ± 0.4 months postoperatively, scored using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2007 criteria, was recorded. Snoring severity score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and complication data were collected at a 2.61 ± 0.08‐year follow‐up via questionnaire.

Results

Mean snoring severity score fell from 7.1 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.6 (P <. 05). Epworth Sleepiness Scale score fell from 8.3 ± 1.1 to 5.8 ± 1.0 (P <. 05). The apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) fell from 44.0 ± 4.3 to 12.5 ± 2.3 (P <. 05). Success, defined as achieving an AHI <15 postoperatively, was observed in 74% (20/27), with each of these patients achieving a reduction in AHI >50%. Lowest oxygen saturation improved from 84 ± 1 to 88 ± 1 (P <. 05). Pain was mild to moderate. Short‐term postoperative complications included bleeding (3.7%) and infection (14.8%). Some minor long‐term (6 months) alteration in tongue function was reported with regard to speech (47%), swallow (33%), and taste (33%).

Conclusion

Submucosal lingualplasty with concurrent palatal surgery is a promising treatment option in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea with macroglossia.
Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of Posterior Table Fractures
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad R. , Conger Bryant , Riley Kristen O. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: September 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis

Conventional treatment of frontal sinus posterior table fractures has included osteoplastic flap or cranialization procedures despite considerable advances in endoscopic technique and experience. The objective of the current study was to evaluate outcomes of frontal sinus fractures involving the posterior table managed using endoscopic approaches.

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Tertiary care, academic university hospital.

Methods

Prospective evaluation of patients with posterior table fractures was performed. Data were collected regarding demographics, etiology, technique, operative site, length involving the posterior table, size of the skull base defect, complications, and clinical follow‐up.

Results

Thirteen patients (average age 37 years) with posterior table fractures were treated using endoscopic techniques from 2008 to 2012. Mean follow‐up time was 68 weeks (range, 2‐206 weeks). Patients were primarily managed using Draf IIb frontal sinusotomies with 1 individual requiring a concomitant trephine. A Draf III procedure was performed in 1 patient. Average fracture defect (length vs width) was 13 × 4.5 mm, and average length involving the posterior table was 9.7 mm (1‐30 mm). Skull base defects were covered with a septal flap and/or free tissue grafts. Although 1 individual required a revision frontal sinusotomy and follow‐up was short in several patients, all sinuses remained patent on last clinical examination.

Conclusion

Management of frontal sinus posterior table fractures using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques provides excellent outcomes in selected cases. Fractures of up to 30 mm in length were adequately managed in this series and indicate this approach can be a viable alternative in the treatment of these fractures.
Geography and education III
Authors: Winter Christine
Published: September 2012

This third and final progress report traces developments in geography education in England from 2007 to 2012. I identify four recent education policy reforms introduced by the Coalition Government that impact on school and HE geography – international comparisons, core knowledge and the English baccalaureate (E-bac), teacher education and the A-level/HE interface – before focusing on each one in turn. The main themes to emerge from the analysis are: first, questions about using international comparison to inform national education policy change; and, second, the social divisiveness of increasing differentiation and selection in curriculum knowledge and subjects. The third theme is the predicted curtailment of theoretically informed, critical engagement with educational and, specifically, geographical issues by teachers following the introduction of ‘on-the-job training’. Recent education policy reform has created an ever-growing level of control and regulation over school knowledge, the geography curriculum, students and teachers which will surely impact upon university geography education in the future.
Enduring Influence of Stereotypical Computer Science Role Models on Women’s Academic Aspirations
Authors: Cheryan Sapna , Drury Benjamin J. , Vichayapai Marissa
Published: September 2012

The current work examines whether a brief exposure to a computer science role model who fits stereotypes of computer scientists has a lasting influence on women’s interest in the field. One-hundred undergraduate women who were not computer science majors met a female or male peer role model who embodied computer science stereotypes in appearance and stated interests or the same role model who did not embody these stereotypes. Participants and role models engaged in an interaction that lasted approximately 2 minutes. Interest in majoring in computer science was assessed following the interaction and 2 weeks later outside the laboratory. Results revealed that exposure to the stereotypical role model had both an immediate and an enduring negative effect on women’s interest in computer science. Differences in interest at both times were mediated by women’s reduced sense of belonging in computer science upon interacting with the stereotypical role model. Gender of the role model had no effect. Whether a potential role model conveys to women a sense of belonging in the field may matter more in recruiting women into computer science than gender of the role model. Long-term negative effects of exposure to computer scientists who fit current stereotypes in the media and elsewhere may help explain current gender disparities in computer science participation.
A Reading Motivation Intervention With Differential Outcomes for Students At Risk for Reading Disabilities, ADHD, and Typical Comparisons
Authors: Zentall Sydney S. , Lee Jiyeon
Published: September 2012

Past research has failed to recognize motivation for its potential to produce instructional gains, especially for students with reading disabilities/difficulties (RD). To this purpose, a combined motivational intervention was administered to 80 second-grade through fifth-grade students in a randomized pretest–posttest control group design with three population groups and two conditions. The intervention condition described a positive label (e.g., “clever”) associated with specific reading behavior (e.g., answers questions) accompanied by a challenge to perform better than before and better than another (intrinsic and extrinsic goals). While controlling for initial reading differences, the intervention improved the fluency and comprehension for the RD group, with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), relative to the no disability (ND) group, even though the ND group also made gains. These findings documented a first-tier empirically based intervention with practical applications for elementary students with RD and their peers, although gains in reading for the ADHD group without RD were not significant.
Improving Reading of Science Text for Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Seifert Kathleen , Espin Christine
Published: September 2012

This study examined the effects of three types of reading interventions on the science text reading of secondary students with learning disabilities (LD). Twenty 10th-grade students with LD participated in the study. Using a within-subjects design, the relative effects of three different instructional approaches—text reading, vocabulary learning, and text reading plus vocabulary learning—were examined and compared with a control condition in which participants received no instruction. The effects of the interventions on reading fluency, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension were examined. Results revealed that the text-reading and combined interventions had a positive effect on reading fluency and vocabulary knowledge, and that the vocabulary intervention had a positive effect on vocabulary knowledge. Potential effects were found for the comprehension measures. Results imply that students’ reading of science text, and knowledge of the vocabulary used in that text, can be improved with direct instruction.
DNA damage in human skin keratinocytes caused by multiwalled carbon nanotubes with carboxylate functionalization
Authors: McShan Danielle , Yu Hongtao
Published: September 2012

Water-soluble carbon nanotubes have been found to be one of the most promising nanomaterials in biological- and biomedical-based applications. However, there have been major concerns on their ability to cause cellular and DNA damages upon exposure. In this work, we explore the toxic effects of three multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs: nonpurified, purified and carboxylate-functionalized) on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxicity tests using the conventional thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) assays for 0.5 or 24 h exposure to 20 μg/mL of MWCNTs show that all three caused minimum cytotoxicity that is generally not statistically significant. Assessment of direct and oxidative DNA damages using both alkaline Comet assay and formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase-modified Comet assay reveals that the treatment with 20 μg/mL of MWCNTs does not cause significant direct DNA damages, but causes great amount of oxidative DNA damages in HaCaT cells. The oxidative DNA damage reaches the maximum amount at 4 h of incubation in Dulbecco’s minimum essential medium, but decreases to the minimum at 8 and 24 h of incubation, indicating repair of the oxidative damages by the intrinsic DNA repair mechanism of the cells.
Morphology and mechanical properties of EVA/OMMT nanocomposite foams
Authors: Ma Jianzhong , Duan Zhouyang , Xue Chaohua , Deng Fuquan
Published: September 2012

Nanocomposite foams based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer had been prepared by melt blending EVA with the addition of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). The clay interlayer spacing was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of the foamed samples was studied using transmission electron microscopy and the cell microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope. The cell size distribution of the foamed samples was discussed. The effect of OMMT content in the foamed samples on the cellular structure and mechanical properties had been investigated. It had been shown that the OMMT layer could be used as a heterogeneous nucleation agent to decrease the cell size. The uniformity of cell structure of the foamed samples was improved and the physical properties of EVA/OMMT nanocomposite foams were enhanced by the addition of OMMT.
Wayside gauge face lubrication: How much do we really understand?
Authors: Eadie Donald T , Oldknow Kevin , Santoro Marco , Kwan Gene , Yu Marcia , Lu Xin
Published: September 2012

Wayside gauge face lubrication is widely used to minimize rail wear. Scientific understanding of this process is limited; however, there have been significant recent improvements in application equipment. In this paper the process is analyzed in terms of a number of interacting sub-processes, and the factors thought to be important for lubricant and application equipment are reviewed. Wheel/rail contact conditions (pressure and temperature) are also identified as significant variables. Grease stability and retentivity are significant factors that affect lubricant performance; however, significant knowledge gaps exist about the factors that influence grease pick up and carry down especially at the extremes of operating temperatures. Laboratory (two-roller rig measurement of retentivity) and field evaluation (rail friction measurements of carry down) gave the same relative ranking for the tested grease samples. Areas for future research in the area are identified.
Witchcraft and Huntington’s disease: a salutary history of societal and medical stigmatisation
Authors: Loi Samantha , Chiu Edmond
Published: September 2012

Objective:

This paper examines the notions that psychiatry can be greatly influenced by what society considers as ‘normal’, and that psychiatric thoughts and beliefs ebb and flow according to history and the social and cultural values of the time.

Conclusions:

As part of the medical profession, psychiatrists have much power in determining treatment and outcomes for patients. Unfortunately, this also means psychiatry has also been involved with the darker aspects of humanity, such as during the Nazi regime, and the abuse of patients’ human rights. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neuropsychiatric illness from which observation and little knowledge reported by the medical profession spanned decades of incorrect and sensationalised documentation, that was also influenced by the values of the time. Such was the atmosphere of society during this period that the ideas and notions regarding HD disseminated by the respected medical profession were believed and accepted as fact by the general population and other professions, who would have been ignorant of any other contrary information. We need to be aware of social and cultural values as these can influence our understanding of diagnoses and treatments of our patients.
Leg Pain and Gynecologic Malignancy
Authors: Singh Lilly , Stevens Erin E.
Published: September 2012

Gynecologic malignancies affect more than 83 000 women in the United States, each year. Because the disease involves the pelvis, many patients have side effects distal to this area in their lower extremities. The differential diagnosis of leg pain can be divided into vascular, neurologic, and musculoskeletal causes. In this review article, we address numerous etiologies of leg pain, reviewing the prevalence of disease, physical examination findings, diagnostic as well as treatment modalities.
Medicare as Insurance Innovator
Authors: Taylor Donald H.
Published: September 2012

The stylized fact is that while private insurance has tended to innovate on the benefit design side of the insurance contract, Medicare has lead innovation on the payment side. Traditional or Fee-For-Service Medicare has produced many innovations in the payment for health care services, such as Prospective Payment for hospitals, Diagnostic-Related Groups to categorize care, and the Resource-Based Relative Value System used by the program to pay physicians, while private insurance has produced a series of benefit design innovations. This story misses one important example of Medicare benefit innovation: the creation of the Medicare hospice benefit. A key question is whether Medicare can again lead a system-wide benefit design effort to improve upon current hospice and palliative care policy.
A quantitative and qualitative method to control chemotherapeutic preparations by Fourier transform infrared–ultraviolet spectrophotometry
Authors: Dziopa Florian , Galy Guillaume , Bauler Stephanie , Vincent Benoit , Crochon Sarah , Tall Mamadou Lamine , Pirot Fabrice , Pivot Christine
Published: September 2012

Chemotherapy products in hospitals include a reconstitution step of manufactured drugs providing an adapted dosage to each patient. The administration of highly iatrogenic drugs raises the question of patients’ safety and treatment efficiency. In order to reduce administration errors due to faulty preparations, we introduced a new qualitative and quantitative routine control based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectrophotometry. This automated method enabled fast and specific control for 14 anticancer drugs. A 1.2 mL sample was used to assay and identify each preparation in less than 90 sec. Over a two-year period, 9370 controlled infusion bags showed a 1.49% nonconformity rate, under 15% tolerance from the theoretical concentration and 96% minimum identification matching factor. This study evaluated the reliability of the control process, as well as its accordance to chemotherapy deliverance requirements. Thus, corrective measures were defined to improve the control process.
Inhibition of Rho-kinase attenuates endothelial–leukocyte interaction during ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Qing Mei , Stalker Timothy J , Gong Yulan , Rikitake Yoshiyuki , Scalia Rosario , Liao James K
Published: September 2012

Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock induces endothelial dysfunction and activates inflammatory cascades leading to organ damage. Following restoration of blood flow to ischemic vascular beds, leukocyte–endothelium interactions leading to leukocyte infiltration into the vascular wall occur very early due, in part, to the loss of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). The mechanism by which ischemia–reperfusion injury impairs endothelium-derived NO is not completely understood. We hypothesized that inhibition of Rho-kinase could exert beneficial effects following hemorrhagic shock by preserving endothelial function and attenuating leukocyte trafficking in the microcirculation. Using intravital microscopy, we found that resuscitation from hemorrhage acutely increased the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes in the mouse splanchnic microcirculation. Treatment of mice with the Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil, markedly attenuated leukocyte–endothelium interaction in response to hemorrhage/reinfusion. The beneficial effect of fasudil was not observed in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)−/− mice. In conclusion, inhibition of Rho-kinase prevents inflammatory leukocyte trafficking in the microcirculation via an eNOS-dependent mechanism. Our data support a role for Rho-kinase inhibitors in the treatment of ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Simulation of annual electric lighting demand using various occupancy profiles
Authors: Iversen A , Delff P , Svendsen S , Nielsen TR
Published: September 2012

This paper describes an investigation of the effect on electric lighting demand of applying occupancy models of various resolution to climate-based daylight modelling. The lighting demand was evaluated for a building zone with the occupant always present, with occupancy corresponding to absence factors, based on an estimated annual mean occupancy, based on estimated 1-hour mean occupancy, and based on 2-min occupancy intervals. The results showed little difference in the annual electric lighting demand when the same occupancy profile was used every day, as opposed to when profiles were used where occupancy varied every day. Furthermore, the results showed that annual electric lighting demand was evaluated slightly conservatively when a mean absence factor was applied as opposed to using dynamic occupancy profiles.
Comments on Dixon, Scarantino, and Mulligan and Scherer
Authors: Deigh John
Published: September 2012

The three main articles in this symposium deal with different issues concerning the concept of emotion. I discuss each of these articles separately.
The Role of Language in a Science of Emotion
Authors: Majid Asifa
Published: September 2012

Emotion scientists often take an ambivalent stance concerning the role of language in a science of emotion. However, it is important for emotion researchers to contemplate some of the consequences of current practices for their theory building. There is a danger of an overreliance on the English language as a transparent window into emotion categories. More consideration has to be given to cross-linguistic comparison in the future so that models of language acquisition and of the language–cognition interface fit better the extant variation found in today’s peoples.
Higher Standards of Validity Evidence are Needed in the Measurement of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Maul Andrew
Published: September 2012

MacCann, Matthews, and Roberts (2012) and Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso (2012) have offered responses to my evaluation of the validity of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) as a measure of emotional intelligence. MacCann et al. argue that my standards for validity evidence are unrealistically high, but their argument mistakenly supposes that the concept of measurement is somehow relative, rather than absolute. Mayer et al. offer valuable clarifications regarding their emotional intelligence (EI) model, and some new evidence of its correlates. However, the new evidence is not persuasive, and I think that they have largely missed the point of my call for a stronger focus on causal explanations of test performance.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List–Short Form in the ARIC Study Cohort
Authors: Payne Thomas J. , Andrew Michael , Butler Kenneth R. , Wyatt Sharon B. , Dubbert Patricia M. , Mosley Thomas H.
Published: September 2012

The impact of social support on health outcomes is well documented. The current study evaluated a short form of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-SF) administered to 14,257 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we attempted to replicate the subscale structure of the full-scale version. Additional analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of ISEL scores to key demographic variables, as well as the relationship with the Lubben Social Support Scale. We replicated the existing full-scale ISEL subscale structure in this short version. In addition, subscale scores were found to differ across gender, race, level of educational attainment, and marital status, although the magnitude of the various effects was modest. Correlations with another established measure of social support provide convergent validity for this abbreviated instrument. Results suggest this brief measure of perceived social support is a psychometrically valid instrument. An evaluation of its clinical utility is warranted.
Genistein inhibits cell invasion and motility by inducing cell differentiation in murine osteosarcoma cell line LM8
Authors: Nakamura Atsushi , Aizawa Junichi , Sakayama Kenshi , Kidani Teruki , Takata Tomoyo , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Miura Hiromasa , Masuno Hiroshi
Published: September 2012

Background

One of the problems associated with osteosarcoma is the frequent formation of micrometastases in the lung prior to diagnosis because the development of metastatic lesions often causes a fatal outcome. Therefore, the prevention of pulmonary metastases during the early stage of tumor development is critical for the improvement of the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. In Japan, soy is consumed in a wide variety of forms, such as miso soup and soy sauce. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of genistein, an isoflavone found in soy, on the invasive and motile potential of osteosarcoma cells.

Methods

LM8 cells were treated for 3 days with various concentrations of genistein. The effect of genistein on cell proliferation was determined by DNA measurement in the cultures and 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation study. The assays of cell invasion and motility were performed using the cell culture inserts with either matrigel-coated membranes or uncoated membranes in the invasion chambers. The expression and secretion of MMP-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography. The subcellular localization and cellular level of β-catenin were determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot. For examining cell morphology, the ethanol-fixed cells were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). The expression of osteocalcin mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Genistein dose-dependently inhibits cell proliferation. Genistein-treated cells were less invasive and less motile than untreated cells. The expression and secretion of MMP-2 were lower in the genistein-treated cultures than in the untreated cultures. β-Catenin in untreated cells was located in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus, while in genistein-treated cells it was translocated near to the plasma membrane. The level of β-catenin was higher in genistein-treated cells than in untreated cells. Treatment of LM8 cells with genistein induced morphological changes, markedly decreased the formation of multilayer masses of cells, and markedly increased the expression of osteocalcin mRNA.

Conclusions

Genistein decreased invasive and motile potential by inducing cell differentiation in LM8 cells. Genistein may be useful as an anti-metastatic drug for osteosarcoma through its differentiation-inducing effects.