bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic evidence of myocardial injury in horses with acute abdominal disease
Authors: Nath Laura C. , Anderson Garry A. , Hinchcliff Kenneth W. , Savage Catherine J.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine whether there is evidence of myocardial injury in horses with acute abdominal disease.

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—18 healthy horses and 69 horses with acute abdominal disease.

Procedures—18 healthy horses had been admitted to the hospital for investigation and were assigned to group 1. Horses examined for acute abdominal disease were assigned to 3 groups: strangulating obstruction, nonstrangulating obstruction, or inflammatory disease (groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively). Heart rate, Hct, and blood lactate and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were measured at initial examination. Myocardial function was assessed by echocardiographic measurement of fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection time (LVET). Heart rhythm was evaluated via ECG.

Results—The proportion of horses with high (> 0.03 ng/mL) cTnI concentration was significantly greater among horses with strangulating (9/25 [36%]) or inflammatory (9/19 [47%]) lesions, compared with healthy horses (0/18). The proportion of horses with high cTnI concentration was significantly greater among nonsurvivors (12/24 [50%]) than among survivors (10/45 [22%]). Serum cTnI concentration was positively correlated with Hct, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration and negatively correlated with LVET.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Evidence of myocardial injury was observed in horses with acute abdominal disease, and this injury was associated with severity of illness. Recognition of myocardial injury could improve treatment of acute abdominal disease in horses.
Minimally invasive repair of a calcaneus fracture in a Standardbred foal
Authors: Bonilla Alvaro G. , Smith Katie J.
Published: October 2012

Case Description—A 4-month-old Standardbred colt was examined because of a fractured right calcaneus of 8 days' duration with increased distraction of the fracture fragment evident on sequential radiographs.

Clinical Findings—The foal was severely lame with diffuse periarticular tarsal swelling. Radiographically, a complete, displaced long oblique fracture of the right calcaneal body was evident. Because the fracture gap was increasing with time and lameness remained severe, despite medical management, surgical repair was recommended.

Treatment and Outcome—The foal was anesthetized, and minimally invasive fracture reduction and internal fixation were achieved by use of two 4.5-mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion via stab incisions over the lateral aspect of the calcaneus. External coaptation with a Robert-Jones bandage only was used after surgery. The foal recovered well and the fracture healed appropriately, but at 8 weeks following surgery, tenosynovitis of the tarsal sheath had developed. This was attributed to the tip of the distal screw encroaching on the sheath. The screw was removed under anesthesia and the tarsal sheath drained. The tenosynovitis resolved with rest and bandaging. Fourteen months after surgery, the colt was free of lameness.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that a minimally invasive internal fixation technique for treatment of a calcaneus fracture in horses may be successful and may be associated with decreased morbidity, compared with the use of open reduction and plate fixation.
Removal of ureteral calculi in two geldings via a standing flank approach
Authors: Frederick Jeremy , Freeman David E. , MacKay Robert J. , Matyjaszek Sarah , Lewis Jordan , Sanchez L. Chris , Meyer Stephanie
Published: October 2012

Case Description—Two geldings, aged 11 and 17 years, were examined for treatment of ureteroliths located approximately 10 cm proximal to the bladder.

Clinical Findings—Ureteral obstruction was an incidental finding in 1 horse that was referred because of urinary tract obstruction and a cystic calculus. This horse did not have clinical or laboratory evidence of renal failure, although severe hydronephrosis was evident on transabdominal ultrasonography. The second patient had a serum creatinine concentration of 6.3 mg/dL (reference range, 0.8 to 2.2 mg/dL) and mild hydronephrosis of the affected left kidney.

Treatment and Outcome—In both patients, the obstructed ureter was exteriorized through a flank incision as a standing procedure, and the calculus was crushed and removed with a uterine biopsy forceps introduced through a ureterotomy approximately 25 cm proximal to the calculus. The cystic calculus was removed through a perineal urethrostomy by lithotripsy, piecemeal extraction, and lavage. The horse without azotemia developed pyelonephritis in the affected kidney and was euthanatized because of complications of a nephrectomy 13 months later. In the horse with azotemia, the serum creatinine concentration decreased after surgery, and the horse returned to its intended use. However, it was euthanatized approximately 2 years after surgery because of progressive renal failure, and a large nephrolith was found in the previously unobstructed right kidney.

Clinical Relevance—The technique used for ureterolith removal was successful in both horses in this report, did not require sophisticated equipment, and could be effective in the early stages of ureteral obstruction as a means of restoring urine flow and renal function. The outcome in the horse with advanced unilateral renal disease without azotemia would suggest that nephrectomy should be considered as a treatment in such patients.
Blinding terminology used in reports of randomized controlled trials involving dogs and cats
Authors: Giuffrida Michelle A. , Agnello Kimberley A. , Brown Dorothy C.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To review blinding terminology used in published reports of veterinary clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to determine how practicing veterinarians interpret blinding terminology.

Design—Retrospective literature review and prospective veterinarian survey.

Sample—195 parallel-group clinical RCTs published from June 2004 to June 2010 in 11 peer-reviewed journals; 21 practicing veterinarians at a university-based small animal teaching hospital.

Procedures—Journals were hand searched to identify eligible reports. Details concerning trial methodology were recorded. Veterinarians provided information regarding position, experience, and personal interpretation of blinding terminology via an anonymous questionnaire.

Results—Blinding was reported or inferred in 131 reports of RCTs, yet complete descriptions of who was blinded were present in only 42 (32.1%) reports. Studies for which blinding was reported with the terms single or double blinded were less likely to contain clear descriptions of the role of blinded study personnel, compared with studies reported as blinded or in which blinding was inferred through trial methodology. Veterinarians did not agree on how to interpret the terms single, double, and triple blinded when reading the report of an RCT.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Blinding was commonly used as a means of reducing bias associated with collection and interpretation of data in reports of veterinary RCTs. However, most reports of blinding methodology were incomplete and there was no consistency in how blinding terminology was used by authors or interpreted by veterinarians. Ambiguous reporting hinders the ability of practitioners to assess the validity of trial results and make informed decisions about applying study findings to their patient populations.
Editorial
Authors: Jha Kashi Kant
Published: October 2012

SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 2012; IX (1) 1-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i1.6957
BPKIHS TB Module: An innovative way to teach tuberculosis to medical undergraduates
Authors: Jha N , Yadav DK
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Nepal. Medical schools need to practice evidence-based medicine for national TB control programmes. The objective of the study is to know the feedback about TB module from medical undergraduates. Methodology: This is descriptive study designed to know the feedback regarding content and usefulness of TB teaching module from medical undergraduates of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. The total duration of the study was from March 2004 to May 2008. Results: The feedback about the TB teaching module was taken from 471 students. Out of them 64.7% (305) were males and 35.3% (166) females. Almost all students replied that objective of the module was clear and relevant. “TB teaching module is very useful” was the overall comments of the respondents particularly in respect of structured interactive session (SIS), Lecture, and Field visit to Primary Health Care Center, Britain Nepal Medical Trust, Nepal Anti Tuberculosis Association (NATA). Regarding the relevancy of the module, around 98% students’ response was “relevant” and regarding the contents, 11% students’ response was ”content is too much”. Conclusion: It is recommended that this innovative BPKIHS TB module may be implemented in other medical schools of SAARC countries after necessary modifi cations in their own context. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 2012; IX (1) 8-12 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i1.6959
What do they know about HIV/AIDS - Adolescents and young adults from slums in Mumbai, India
Authors: Velhal G , Kambli TD , Suryawanshi SR
Published: October 2012

Introduction: In compliance with guidelines from NACP III, wide spread activities are continued, by public, private and NGO sectors, to enhance the level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among vulnerable adolescent and young adult population in urban areas, in the forms of various projects, so as to facilitate positive behavioural changes among them . Present cross-sectional study, was conducted in three, representative administrative wards (namely L, K/East & R/North) of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), India, in December 2010, to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes about HIV/ AIDS amongst the adolescents and young adults. Methodology: Total 4306, adolescents and young adults representing all 28 health posts from selected wards were interviewed by 100 trained NSS volunteers of University of Mumbai, under the leadership of Department of Community Medicine, T. N. Medical College & Nair Hospital. Data was analysed with the help of statistical software (SPSS). Results: Seventy-nine percent (3407/4306) and 49.81% (2145/4306), of respondents had heard about HIV/AIDS, and STI/RTIs respectively. Unsafe sexual relationship, as route of transmission is known to 51.81 % (2231/4306) respondents, whereas use of condom, as preventive measure is known to 87% (3746) of people. Only 30.05% (1294/4306) respondents know nearby testing facilities. Everybody should be tested for HIV, to reduce transmission, is believed by 93.96%, (4046/4306) respondents. Knowledge grade given to each respondent based on the score obtained by them out of total obtainable 25 score, reveals, 57.36%, (2470/4306), in poor grade. Multinomial logistic regression confi rms the signifi cant infl uence of age and education status of respondents on their knowledge and positive attitudes.] Conclusion: When compared with other relevant studies, the present status of knowledge of adolescents and young adults from slums of Mumbai appears to be poor and justifi es the need for intensifi ed efforts towards improving the same, taking into account their vulnerability. Well planned coordinated efforts of public, private and NGO sectors, would go a long way to get the desired impact. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 2012; IX (1) 26-34 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i1.6962
Knowledge on HIV/AIDS amongst bus drivers of Dhulikel, Nepal
Authors: Marahatta SB
Published: October 2012

Introduction: One of the growing epidemics in the world today is HIV/AIDS. In the cities with high mobility, bus drivers and transport workers are considered as the risk group for HIV/AIDS. In Kavre district, the increased mobility along with Araniko highway and Banepa Bardibas highways has drastically increased the vulnerabilities of younger populations in particularly to HIV/AIDS and STDs. Most of these young people do not have access to information, condoms, supportive services which enable them to have safer sex. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was done to assess knowledge about HIV/AIDS among bus drivers of Dhulikhel. Results: After the analysis and interpretation of the data, study revealed that majority of the respondents i.e. 38% (n=19) were between age 20-24 years. Among them vast majority of the respondents i.e 82% (n=41) have heard from media (radio, Television and newspapers). Regarding transmission of HIV/AIDS 90% (n=45) of the respondents mentioned that unsafe sex is the means of transmission. Still 24% (n=12) believe that sharing clothes and 2% (n=1) believe that kissing can transmit HIV/AIDS. As per prevention measures 90% (n=5) have the knowledge that using condom during sexual intercourse can prevent HIV/ AIDS. 8% (n=4) of the respondents still believe that HIV/AIDS is curable and rest of them i.e. 92% (n=46) of the respondents knew that HIV/AIDS is not curable. Conclusion: The present study strongly recommends that there is immediate need of program to create awareness of public motor drivers and co-workers, vulnerable youths and other high risk groups of people including migrant populations. SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 2012; IX (1) 35-38 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v9i1.6963
Allelopathy—A Tool to Improve the Weed Competitive Ability of Wheat with Herbicide-Resistant Black-Grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.)
Authors: Bertholdsson Nils-Ove
Published: October 2012

Controlling black-grass in winter wheat production in northern Europe is an increasing problem because of more frequent winter crops and development of herbicide resistance in weeds. Alternative weed management strategies are needed, e.g., use of more competitive cultivars. Factors that increase cultivar competitiveness include early vigor and straw length, but also allelopathy. Therefore, the allelopathic properties of wheat cultivars included in the Swedish national list or in the release pipeline were investigated using a bioassay with herbicide-resistant and herbicide-sensitive black-grass as receiver plants. Wheat-rye translocation lines were also included in this screening to identify possible sources of high allelopathic activity. The bioassay results were followed up in two-year field trials. The results revealed large variations in allelopathic activity between cultivars. Most cultivars showed interference with both herbicide-sensitive and herbicide-resistant black-grass, although the allelopathic effect was lower on the herbicide-resistant biotype. Cultivars with high allelopathic activity gave only half the black-grass biomass of low allelopathic cultivars. Dinaro, a triticale (wheat-rye hybrid) cultivar and the new wheat cultivar Nimbus showed the highest allelopathy and inhibition of black-grass growth. Only a few wheat lines with rye chromatin, all or part of a rye chromosome, showed high allelopathy. Use of cultivars with high allelopathic activity can thus be important in integrated weed management of black-grass.
Adaptations and Predispositions of Different Middle European Arthropod Taxa (Collembola, Araneae, Chilopoda, Diplopoda) to Flooding and Drought Conditions
Authors: Marx Michael Thomas , Guhmann Patrick , Decker Peter
Published: October 2012

Floodplain forests and wetlands are amongst the most diverse and species rich habitats on earth. Arthropods are a key group for the high diversity pattern of these landscapes, due to the fact that the change between flooding and drought causes in different life cycles and in a variety of adaptations in the different taxa. The floodplain forests and wetlands of Central Amazonia are well investigated and over the last 50 years many adaptations of several hexapod, myriapod and arachnid orders were described. In contrast to Amazonia the Middle European floodplains were less investigated concerning the adaptations of arthropods to flood and drought conditions. This review summarizes the adaptations and predispositions of springtails, web spiders, millipedes and centipedes to the changeable flood and drought conditions of Middle European floodplain forests and wetlands. Furthermore the impact of regional climate change predictions like increasing aperiodic summer floods and the decrease of typical winter and spring floods are discussed in this article.
Genetic Variability in DNA Repair Proteins in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Blasiak Janusz , Synowiec Ewelina , Salminen Antero , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: October 2012

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is complex and involves interactions between environmental and genetic factors, with oxidative stress playing an important role inducing damage in biomolecules, including DNA. Therefore, genetic variability in the components of DNA repair systems may influence the ability of the cell to cope with oxidative stress and in this way contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. However, few reports have been published on this subject so far. We demonstrated that the c.977C>G polymorphism (rs1052133) in the hOGG1 gene and the c.972G>C polymorphism (rs3219489) in the MUTYH gene, the products of which play important roles in the repair of oxidatively damaged DNA, might be associated with the risk of AMD. Oxidative stress may promote misincorporation of uracil into DNA, where it is targeted by several DNA glycosylases. We observed that the g.4235T>C (rs2337395) and c.−32A>G (rs3087404) polymorphisms in two genes encoding such glycosylases, UNG and SMUG1, respectively, could be associated with the occurrence of AMD. Polymorphisms in some other DNA repair genes, including XPD (ERCC2), XRCC1 and ERCC6 (CSB) have also been reported to be associated with AMD. These data confirm the importance of the cellular reaction to DNA damage, and this may be influenced by variability in DNA repair genes, in AMD pathogenesis.
Discovery and Validation of SIRT2 Inhibitors Based on Tenovin-6: Use of a 1H-NMR Method to Assess Deacetylase Activity
Authors: Pirrie Lisa , McCarthy Anna R. , Major Louise L. , Morkūnaitė Vaida , Zubrienė Asta , Matulis Daumantas , Lain Sonia , Lebl Tomas , Westwood Nicholas J.
Published: October 2012

The search for potent and selective sirtuin inhibitors continues as chemical tools of this type are of use in helping to assign the function of this interesting class of deacetylases. Here we describe SAR studies starting from the unselective sirtuin inhibitor tenovin-6. These studies identify a sub-micromolar inhibitor that has increased selectivity for SIRT2 over SIRT1 compared to tenovin-6. In addition, a 1H-NMR-based method is developed and used to validate further this class of sirtuin inhibitors. A thermal shift analysis of SIRT2 in the presence of tenovin-6, -43, a control tenovin and the known SIRT2 inhibitor AGK2 is also presented.
First Example of a Lipophilic Porphyrin-Cardanol Hybrid Embedded in a Cardanol-Based Micellar Nanodispersion
Authors: Bloise Ermelinda , Carbone Luigi , Colafemmina Giuseppe , D’Accolti Lucia , Mazzetto Selma Elaine , Vasapollo Giuseppe , Mele Giuseppe
Published: October 2012

Cardanol is a natural and renewable organic raw material obtained as the major chemical component by vacuum distillation of cashew nut shell liquid. In this work a new sustainable procedure for producing cardanol-based micellar nanodispersions having an embedded lipophilic porphyrin itself peripherally functionalized with cardanol substituents (porphyrin-cardanol hybrid) has been described for the first time. In particular, cardanol acts as the solvent of the cardanol hybrid porphyrin and cholesterol as well as being the main component of the nanodispersions. In this way a “green” micellar nanodispersion, in which a high percentage of the micellar system is derived from renewable “functional” molecules, has been produced.
Estimating Coastal Lagoon Tidal Flooding and Repletion with Multidate ASTER Thermal Imagery
Authors: Allen Thomas R.
Published: October 2012

Coastal lagoons mix inflowing freshwater and tidal marine waters in complex spatial patterns. This project sought to detect and measure temperature and spatial variability of flood tides for a constricted coastal lagoon using multitemporal remote sensing. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission Radiometer (ASTER) thermal infrared data provided estimates of surface temperature for delineation of repletion zones in portions of Chincoteague Bay, Virginia. ASTER high spatial resolution sea-surface temperature imagery in conjunction with in situ observations and tidal predictions helped determine the optimal seasonal data for analyses. The selected time series ASTER satellite data sets were analyzed at different tidal phases and seasons in 2004–2006. Skin surface temperatures of ocean and estuarine waters were differentiated by flood tidal penetration and ebb flows. Spatially variable tidal flood penetration was evaluated using discrete seed-pixel area analysis and time series Principal Components Analysis. Results from these techniques provide spatial extent and variability dynamics of tidal repletion, flushing, and mixing, important factors in eutrophication assessment, water quality and resource monitoring, and application of hydrodynamic modeling for coastal estuary science and management.
Cooperative Suction by Vertical Capillary Array Pump for Controlling Flow Profiles of Microfluidic Sensor Chips
Authors: Horiuchi Tsutomu , Hayashi Katsuyoshi , Seyama Michiko , Inoue Suzuyo , Tamechika Emi
Published: October 2012

A passive pump consisting of integrated vertical capillaries has been developed for a microfluidic chip as an useful component with an excellent flow volume and flow rate. A fluidic chip built into a passive pump was used by connecting the bottoms of all the capillaries to a top surface consisting of a thin layer channel in the microfluidic chip where the thin layer channel depth was smaller than the capillary radius. As a result the vertical capillaries drew fluid cooperatively rather than independently, thus exerting the maximum suction efficiency at every instance. This meant that a flow rate was realized that exhibited little variation and without any external power or operation. A microfluidic chip built into this passive pump had the ability to achieve a quasi-steady rather than a rapidly decreasing flow rate, which is a universal flow characteristic in an ordinary capillary.
Effectiveness of the High Dose/Refuge Strategy for Managing Pest Resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Plants Expressing One or Two Toxins
Authors: Gryspeirt Aiko , Grégoire Jean-Claude
Published: October 2012

To delay resistance development to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) plants expressing their own insecticide, the application of the Insect Resistance Management strategy called “High Dose/Refuge Strategy” (HD/R) is recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This strategy was developed for Bt plants expressing one toxin. Presently, however, new Bt plants that simultaneously express two toxins are on the market. We used a mathematical model to evaluate the efficiency of the HD/R strategy for both these Bt toxins. As the current two-toxin Bt plants do not express two new Cry toxins but reuse one toxin already in use with a one-toxin plant, we estimated the spread of resistance when the resistance alleles are not rare. This study assesses: (i) whether the two toxins have to be present in high concentration, and (ii) the impact of the relative size of the refuge zone on the evolution of resistance and population density. We concluded that for Bt plants expressing one toxin, a high concentration is an essential condition for resistance management. For the pyramided Bt plants, one toxin could be expressed at a low titer if the two toxins are used for the first time, and a small refuge zone is acceptable.
Estimation of Multi-Mycotoxin Contamination in South African Compound Feeds
Authors: Njobeh Patrick B. , Dutton Mike F. , Åberg Annica Tevell , Haggblom Per
Published: October 2012

A total of 92 commercial compound feeds from South Africa were investigated for various mycotoxins. The data reveal the highest incidence of feed contamination for fumonisins (FB) (range: 104–2999 µg/kg) followed by deoxynivalenol (DON) (range: 124–2352 µg/kg) and zearalenone (ZEA) (range: 30–610 µg/kg). The incidence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (AF)-contaminated samples were generally low, i.e., 4% and 30% of samples with levels ranging between 6.4 and 17.1 µg/kg (mean: 9.9 µg/kg) for OTA and 0.2 to 71.8 µg/kg (mean: 9.0 µg/kg) for AF. No samples contained T-2 toxin or HT-2 toxin. However, all samples analyzed were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin with a majority containing several mycotoxins. In particular, 3 of 4 positive samples mainly cattle feeds that had relatively high contents of OTA (ranging from 7 to 17.1 µg/kg) also contained high amounts of AF (>27.5 µg/kg) together with FB, DON and ZEA. Apart from a few samples, the levels of mycotoxins may be regarded as safe for livestock production in South Africa. However, the persistent co-occurrence of mycotoxins in samples, especially those at high concentrations, i.e., AF and OTA, together with other mycotoxins studied, may elicit synergistic or additive effects in animals. This should raise concern as multiple contaminations may pose a risk to livestock production and health.
Vixapatin (VP12), a C-Type Lectin-Protein from Vipera xantina palestinae Venom: Characterization as a Novel Anti-angiogenic Compound
Authors: Momic Tatjana , Cohen Gadi , Reich Reuven , Arlinghaus Franziska T. , Eble Johannes A. , Marcinkiewicz Cezary , Lazarovici Philip
Published: October 2012

A C-type lectin-like protein (CTL), originally identified as VP12 and lately named Vixapatin, was isolated and characterized from Israeli viper Vipera xantina palestinae snake venom. This CTL was characterized as a selective α2β1 integrin inhibitor with anti-melanoma metastatic activity. The major aim of the present study was to prove the possibility that this protein is also a potent novel anti-angiogenic compound. Using an adhesion assay, we demonstrated that Vixapatin selectively and potently inhibited the α2 mediated adhesion of K562 over-expressing cells, with IC50 of 3 nM. 3 nM Vixapatin blocked proliferation of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC); 25 nM inhibited collagen I induced migration of human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells; and 50 nM rat C6 glioma and human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. 1 µM Vixapatin reduced HDMEC tube formation by 75% in a Matrigel assay. Furthermore, 1 µM Vixapatin decreased by 70% bFGF-induced physiological angiogenesis, and by 94% C6 glioma-induced pathological angiogenesis, in shell-less embryonic quail chorioallantoic membrane assay. Vixapatin’s ability to inhibit all steps of the angiogenesis process suggest that it is a novel pharmacological tool for studying α2β1 integrin mediated angiogenesis and a lead compound for the development of a novel anti-angiogenic/angiostatic/anti-cancer drug.
Dimerization of a cell-penetrating peptide leads to enhanced cellular uptake and drug delivery
Authors: Hoyer Jan , Schatzschneider Ulrich , Schulz-Siegmund Michaela , Neundorf Ines
Published: October 2012

Over the past 20 years, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have gained tremendous interest due to their ability to deliver a variety of therapeutically active molecules that would otherwise be unable to cross the cellular membrane due to their size or hydrophilicity. Recently, we reported on the identification of a novel CPP, sC18, which is derived from the C-terminus of the 18 kDa cationic antimicrobial protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated successful application of sC18 for the delivery of functionalized cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (cymantrene) complexes to tumor cell lines, inducing high cellular toxicity. In order to increase the potential of the organometallic complexes to kill tumor cells, we were looking for a way to enhance cellular uptake. Therefore, we designed a branched dimeric variant of sC18, (sC18)2, which was shown to have a dramatically improved capacity to internalize into various cell lines, even primary cells, using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Cell viability assays indicated increased cytotoxicity of the dimer presumably caused by membrane leakage; however, this effect turned out to be dependent on the specific cell type. Finally, we could show that conjugation of a functionalized cymantrene with (sC18)2 leads to significant reduction of its IC50 value in tumor cells compared to the respective sC18 conjugate, proving that dimerization is a useful method to increase the drug-delivery potential of a cell-penetrating peptide.
Missions et transmissions : Aux sources de quelques énigmes du corps
Authors: Baudin Marianne
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les missions et transmissions qui s’engagent dans les liens sociaux et familiaux ont prise sur le corps, ici défini dans sa double composition de corps biologique et de corps érotique. Les messages du sexuel inconscient infiltrent l’architecture psychosomatique et subvertissent les relations familiales, sociales, intersubjectives. Après quelques rappels théoriques, l’article aborde plusieurs situations cliniques prises dans la littérature psychanalytique (cas de Dora pour Freud) et dans la pratique clinique récente avec des patients présentant des pathologies somatiques diverses : pelade totale décalvante, infarctus du myocarde, suivi post-greffe cardio-pulmonaire.
Le système pare-excitation parental et ses liens avec l'expression somatique du bébé
Authors: Belot Rose-Angélique
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les liens psyché-soma retiennent toute l’attention au cours des premiers mois de la vie. Le bébé, placé sous la dépendance étroite de ses parents, bénéficie de soins et d’une attention la plupart du temps adaptés, mais il faut pouvoir prendre en compte le travail psychique que réalisent les parents pour parer à ses états de tension et d’excitation. Ainsi, pour le bébé dont l’organisation psychique est en cours de développement, le système pare-excitation maternel et plus largement parental joue un rôle central dans le développement psychosomatique. La présentation d’une situation clinique permet d’illustrer les propos de l’auteur, de mesurer l’importance du système pare-excitation parental durant les premiers mois de la vie et ses effets, au sein des régulations précoces, en cas de défaillance.
Le gaullisme des hauts fonctionnaires (1958-1974)
Authors: Rouban Luc
Published: October 2012

Résumé Le gaullisme de la haute fonction publique entre 1958 et 1974 est faible. L’utilisation de banques de données empiriques permet de souligner tout d’abord que les hauts fonctionnaires sont moins attirés par le gaullisme en 1958 que par la gauche ou le centrisme. Après 1958, la proportion de députés hauts fonctionnaires n’est pas plus importante chez les gaullistes que chez les centristes ou les socialistes. Contrairement à ce qui a été souvent soutenu, la « fonctionnarisation du politique » sous la Cinquième République ne passe pas par les hauts fonctionnaires. La pratique gaulliste laissant une grande autonomie aux services, les hauts fonctionnaires ne s’engagent pas de manière partisane et jouent surtout la carte de leur professionnalisme. L’étude prosopographique du corps préfectoral comme de l’inspection des Finances montre que l’engagement gaulliste reste très rare. Les hauts fonctionnaires se sont servis du gaullisme pour conforter leur pouvoir social.
De nouvelles sources pour l'histoire politique de la « première Chine populaire » (1949-1976)
Authors: Domenach Jean-Luc , Xiao-Planes Xiaohong
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les changements politiques intervenus en Chine depuis 1976 ont entraîné un renouvellement de la politique officielle en matière historique qui a favorisé la publication de nouvelles sources sur l’histoire de la première Chine populaire. Pour l’essentiel, il s’agit de recueils documentaires, de biographies, de mémoires et de témoignages de toutes sortes, parmi lesquels les plus novateurs sont ceux des épouses et des enfants de dirigeants, et ceux plus récents de victimes des calamités. Bien que la plupart d’entre elles se situent à l’intérieur de la vulgate officielle, ces sources autorisent des progrès incontestables dans la connaissance de l’histoire du régime chinois, de la société formée par ses chefs et de certaines dissidences locales.
Protein Kinase C-θ Clustering at Immunological Synapses Amplifies Effector Responses in NK Cells
Authors: Merino Ernesto , Abeyweera Thushara P. , Firth Matthew A. , Zawislak Carolyn L. , Basu Roshni , Liu Xin , Sun Joseph C. , Huse Morgan
Published: October 2012

In lymphocytes, stimulation of cell surface activating receptors induces the formation of protein microclusters at the plasma membrane that contain the receptor itself, along with other signaling molecules. Although these microclusters are generally thought to be crucial for promoting downstream cellular responses, evidence that specifically links clustering potential to signaling output is lacking. We found that protein kinase C-θ (PKCθ), a key signaling molecule in multiple lymphocyte subsets, formed microclusters in activated NK cells. These microclusters coalesced within the immunological synapse between the NK cell and its target cell. Clustering was mediated by the regulatory region of PKCθ and specifically required a putative phosphotyrosine-binding site within its N-terminal C2 domain. Whereas expression of wild-type PKCθ rescued the cytokine production defect displayed by PKCθ-deficient NK cells, expression of a PKCθ point-mutant incapable of forming microclusters had little to no effect. Hence, PKCθ clustering was necessary for optimal effector function. Notably, only receptors containing ITAMs induced PKCθ microclusters on their own, explaining previous observations that ITAM-coupled receptors promote stronger activating signals and effector responses than do receptors lacking these motifs. Taken together, our results provide a cell biological basis for the role of PKCθ clustering during NK cell activation, and highlight the importance of subcellular compartmentalization for lymphocyte signal transduction.
Radiogenic Source Identification for the Helium Production-Diffusion Equation
Authors: Bao Gang , Ehlers Todd A. , Li Peijun
Published: October 2012

Knowledge of helium diffusion kinetics is critical for materials in which helium measurements are made, particulary for thermochronology. In most cases the helium ages were younger than expected, an observation attributes to diffusive loss of helium and the ejection of high energy alpha particles. Therefore it is important to accurately calculate the distribution of the source term within a sample. In this paper, the prediction of the helium concentrations as function of a spatially variable source term are considered. Both the forward and inverse solutions are presented. Under the assumption of radially symmetric geometry, an analytical solution is deduced based on the eigenfunction expansion. Two regularization methods, the Tikhonov regularization and the spectral cutoff regularization, are considered to obtain the regularized solution. Error estimates with optimal convergence order are shown between the exact solution and the regularized solution. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed methods
Excitonic Eigenstates of Disordered Semiconductor Quantum Wires: Adaptive Wavelet Computation of Eigenvalues for the Electron-Hole Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Mollet Christian , Kunoth Angela , Meier Torsten
Published: October 2012

A novel adaptive approach to compute the eigenenergies and eigenfunctions of the two-particle (electron-hole) Schrödinger equation including Coulomb attraction is presented. As an example, we analyze the energetically lowest exciton state of a thin one-dimensional semiconductor quantum wire in the presence of disorder which arises from the non-smooth interface between the wire and surrounding material. The eigenvalues of the corresponding Schrödinger equation, i.e., the one-dimensional exciton Wannier equation with disorder, correspond to the energies of excitons in the quantum wire. The wavefunctions, in turn, provide information on the optical properties of the wire.

We reformulate the problem of two interacting particles that both can move in one dimension as a stationary eigenvalue problem with two spacial dimensions in an appropriate weak form whose bilinear form is arranged to be symmetric, continuous, and coercive. The disorder of the wire is modelled by adding a potential in the Hamiltonian which is generated by normally distributed random numbers. The numerical solution of this problem is based on adaptive wavelets. Our scheme allows for a convergence proof of the resulting scheme together with complexity estimates. Numerical examples demonstrate the behavior of the smallest eigenvalue, the ground state energies of the exciton, together with the eigenstates depending on the strength and spatial correlation of disorder.
Decreased carbon limitation of litter respiration in a mortality-affected piñon-juniper woodland
Authors: Berryman E. , Marshall J. D. , Rahn T. , Litvak M. , Butnor J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Microbial respiration depends on microclimatic variables and carbon (C) substrate availability, all of which are altered when ecosystems experience major disturbance. Widespread tree mortality, currently affecting piñon-juniper ecosystems in Southwestern North America, may affect C substrate availability in several ways; for example, via litterfall pulses and loss of root exudation. To determine piñon mortality effects on C and water limitation of microbial respiration, we applied field amendments (sucrose and water) to two piñon-juniper sites in central New Mexico, USA: one with a recent (< 1 yr), experimentally-induced mortality event and a nearby site with live canopy. We monitored the respiration response to water and sucrose applications to the litter surface and to the underlying mineral soil surface, testing the following hypotheses: (1) soil respiration in a piñon-juniper woodland is water- and labile C-limited in both the litter layer and mineral soil; (2) water and sucrose applications increase temperature sensitivity of respiration; (3) the mortality-affected site will show a reduction in C limitation in the litter; (4) the mortality-affected site will show an enhancement of C limitation in the mineral soil. Litter respiration at both sites responded to increased water availability, yet surprisingly, mineral soil respiration was not limited by water. Temperature sensitivity was enhanced by some of the sucrose and water treatments. Consistent with hypothesis 3, C limitation of litter respiration was lower at the recent mortality site compared to the intact canopy site. Results following applications to the mineral soil suggest the presence of abiotic effects of increasing water availability, precluding our ability to measure labile C limitation in soil. Widespread piñon mortality may decrease labile C limitation of litter respiration, at least during the first growing season following mortality.
Spatial and temporal aspects of greenhouse gas emissions from Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Zhao Y. , Wu B. F. , Zeng Y.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Before completion of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, there was growing apprehension that it would become a major emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG): Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O). We report monthly measurements for one year of the fluxes of these gases at multiple sites within the TGR, Yangtze River, China, and from several major tributaries, and immediately downstream of the dam. The tributary areas have lower CO2 fluxes than the main storage; CH4 fluxes to the atmosphere after passage through the turbines are negligible. Overall, TGR showed significantly lower CH4 emission rates than most new reservoirs in temperate and tropical regions. We attribute this to the well-oxygenated deep water and high water velocities which produce oxic mainstem conditions inimical to CH4 emission. TGR's CO2 fluxes were lower than most tropical reservoirs and higher than most temperate systems. This is due to the high load of metabolizable soil carbon delivered through erosion to the Yangtze River. Compared to fossil fuelled power plants of equivalent power output TGR is a very small GHG emitter, annual CO2-equivalent emissions are approximately 1.7% of a coal-fired generating plant of comparable power output.
HadISDH: an updated land surface specific humidity product for climate monitoring
Authors: Willett K. M. ,   C. N. Williams Jr., Dunn R. J. H. , Thorne P. W. , Bell S. , de Podesta M. , Jones P. D. , Parker D. E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Presented herein is HadISDH: an annually-updated near-global land-surface specific humidity product providing monthly means from 1973 onwards over large scale grids. HadISDH is an update to the land component of HadCRUH utilising the global high resolution land surface station product HadISD as a basis. HadISD, in turn uses an updated version of NOAA's integrated surface database. Intensive automated quality control has been undertaken at the synoptic level, as part of HadISD processing. The data have been subsequently run through the pairwise homogenisation algorithm developed for NCDC's GHCN Monthly temperature product. Uncertainty estimates including station uncertainty and sampling uncertainty are provided at the gridbox spatial scale and monthly time scale. HadISDH is in good agreement with existing land surface humidity products in periods of overlap. Widespread moistening is shown over the 1973–2011 period. The largest moistening signals are over the tropics with drying over the subtropics, supporting other evidence of an intensified hydrological cycle over recent years. Moistening is detectable with high (95%) confidence over large-scale averages for the globe, Northern Hemisphere and tropics with trends of 0.095 (0.086 to 0.105) g kg−1 per decade, 0.091 (0.08 to 0.103) g kg−1 per decade and 0.147 (0.133 to 0.162) g kg−1 per decade, respectively. No change (0.008 (−0.011 to 0.028) g kg−1 per decade) is detectable in the Southern Hemisphere. When globally averaged, 1998 was the moistest year since records began in 1973, closely followed by 2010, two strong El Niño years.
A new 100-m Digital Elevation Model of the Antarctic Peninsula derived from ASTER Global DEM: methods and accuracy assessment
Authors: Cook A. J. , Murray T. , Luckman A. , Vaughan D. G. , Barrand N. E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. A high resolution surface topography Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is required to underpin studies of the complex glacier system on the Antarctic Peninsula. A complete DEM with better than 200 m pixel size and high positional and vertical accuracy would enable mapping of all significant glacial basins and provide a dataset for glacier morphology analyses. No currently available DEM meets these specifications. We present a new 100-m DEM of the Antarctic Peninsula (63–70° S), based on ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) data. The raw GDEM products are of high-quality on the rugged terrain and coastal-regions of the Antarctic Peninsula and have good geospatial accuracy, but they also contain large errors on ice-covered terrain and we seek to minimise these artefacts. Conventional data correction techniques do not work so we have developed a method that significantly improves the dataset, smoothing the erroneous regions and hence creating a DEM with a pixel size of 100 m that will be suitable for many glaciological applications. We evaluate the new DEM using ICESat-derived elevations, and perform horizontal and vertical accuracy assessments based on GPS positions, SPOT-5 DEMs and the Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica (LIMA) imagery. The new DEM has a mean elevation difference of −4 m (± 25 m RMSE) from ICESat (compared to −13 m mean and ±97 m RMSE for the original ASTER GDEM), and a horizontal error of less than 2 pixels, although elevation accuracies are lower on mountain peaks and steep-sided slopes. The correction method significantly reduces errors on low relief slopes and therefore the DEM can be regarded as suitable for topographical studies such as measuring the geometry and ice flow properties of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula. The DEM is available for download from the NSIDC website: http://nsidc.org/data/nsidc-0516.html (doi:10.5060/D47P8W9D).
A generalized tagging method
Authors: Grewe V.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The understanding of causes of changes in climate-chemistry simulations is an important, but often challenging task. In atmospheric chemistry, one approach is to tag species according to their origin (e.g. emission categories) and to inherit these tags to other species during subsequent reactions. This concept was recently employed to calculate the contribution of atmospheric processes to temperature. Here a new concept for tagging any state variable is presented. This generalized tagging method results from a sensitivity analysis of the forcing terms of the right hand side of the governing differential equations. In a couple of examples, the consistency with previous approaches is shown. Since the method is based on a ratio describing relative sensitivities, singularities occur where the method is not applicable. For some applications, like in atmospheric chemistry, these singularities can easily be removed. However, one theoretical example is given, where this method is not applicable at all.
Parameterization of a numerical 2-D debris flow model with entrainment: a case study of the Faucon catchment, Southern French Alps
Authors: Hussin H. Y. , Quan Luna B. , van Westen C. J. , Christen M. , Malet J.-P. , van Asch Th. W. J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The occurrence of debris flows has been recorded for more than a century in the European Alps, accounting for the risk to settlements and other human infrastructure that have led to death, building damage and traffic disruptions. One of the difficulties in the quantitative hazard assessment of debris flows is estimating the run-out behavior, which includes the run-out distance and the related hazard intensities like the height and velocity of a debris flow. In addition, as observed in the French Alps, the process of entrainment of material during the run-out can be 10–50 times in volume with respect to the initially mobilized mass triggered at the source area. The entrainment process is evidently an important factor that can further determine the magnitude and intensity of debris flows. Research on numerical modeling of debris flow entrainment is still ongoing and involves some difficulties. This is partly due to our lack of knowledge of the actual process of the uptake and incorporation of material and due the effect of entrainment on the final behavior of a debris flow. Therefore, it is important to model the effects of this key erosional process on the formation of run-outs and related intensities. In this study we analyzed a debris flow with high entrainment rates that occurred in 2003 at the Faucon catchment in the Barcelonnette Basin (Southern French Alps). The historic event was back-analyzed using the Voellmy rheology and an entrainment model imbedded in the RAMMS 2-D numerical modeling software. A sensitivity analysis of the rheological and entrainment parameters was carried out and the effects of modeling with entrainment on the debris flow run-out, height and velocity were assessed.