bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The political economy of party building
Authors: Costa Carlos
Published: February 2013

This article theorizes the strategies used by parties to expand their support base, with a particular focus on the allocation of party goods. Here, we theorize that nascent parties with goods to hand out will favour a particular type of societal group, which we name private-gain-seeking groups. We utilize Peru’s party system collapse following Fujimori’s rule as an opportunity to test our hypotheses, which state that political parties will favour electorally volatile groups with restricted access to information or compromised opportunities to process it. Evidence for the hypotheses is found using data on the FONCODES allocation patterns of approximately 750 mayoral districts in Peru. The data suggest that groups expected to be favoured could end up receiving shares 34 percent greater than the least attractive groups.
Party registration rules and party systems in Latin America
Authors: Su Yen-Pin
Published: February 2013

Existing studies have paid a great deal of attention to how electoral systems affect party politics, but there has been little discussion in the literature on the effects of party registration rules. The theoretical importance of the impact of party registration rules on party system development lies in its temporal priority to the effects of electoral systems. This study aims to fill the theoretical void by conducting a systematic analysis of the effects of party registration rules in Latin America. Using an original dataset of petition signature requirements and spatial registration requirements in 18 Latin American countries from 1978 to 2011, I conduct cross-national time-series analyses on how this institution affects the number of parties. The empirical results show that a more restrictive petition signature requirement significantly reduces the number of electoral parties in a country, while a spatial registration requirement does not significantly affect the number of parties.
From Facebook to cell calls: Layers of electronic intimacy in college students’ interpersonal relationships
Authors: Yang Chia-chen , Brown B Bradford , Braun Michael T
Published: February 2013

Communication technologies are widely used to manage interpersonal relationships, but little is known about which media are most useful at different stages of relationship development, and how the pattern of usage may be influenced by contextual factors or users’ gender. Drawing on theories of relationship development, this study examined usage patterns among 34 college students participating in six geographically stratified focus group interviews. Analyses revealed a sequence of media use tied to stages of relationship development − from Facebook in early stages to instant messaging and then cell phones as a relationship progressed. Judgments about the efficacy and appropriateness of using a medium were based on how well its salient features matched prominent goals or addressed major concerns of a relationship at the given stage. International students added two technologies to the sequence to accommodate time differentials and distance from communication partners. Males were less explicit about the sequence, except when referring to cross-sex relationships.
Different cross-talk sites between the renin–angiotensin and the kallikrein–kinin systems
Authors: Su Jin Bo
Published: February 2013

Targeting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) constitutes a major advance in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Evidence indicates that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers act on both the RAS and the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS). In addition to the interaction between the RAS and KKS at the level of angiotensin-converting enzyme catalyzing both angiotensin II generation and bradykinin degradation, the RAS and KKS also interact at other levels: 1) prolylcarboxypeptidase, an angiotensin II inactivating enzyme and a prekallikrein activator; 2) kallikrein, a kinin-generating and prorenin-activating enzyme; 3) angiotensin-(1-7) exerts kininlike effects and potentiates the effects of bradykinin; and 4) the angiotensin AT1 receptor forms heterodimers with the bradykinin B2 receptor. Moreover, angiotensin II enhances B1 and B2 receptor expression via transcriptional mechanisms. These cross-talks explain why both the RAS and KKS are up-regulated in some circumstances, whereas in other circumstances both systems change in the opposite manner, expressed as an activated RAS and a depressed KKS. As the cross-talks between the RAS and the KKS play an important role in response to different stimuli, taking these cross-talks between the two systems into account may help in the development of drugs targeting the two systems.
Irbesartan-mediated AT1 receptor blockade attenuates hyposmotic-induced enhancement of IKs current and prevents shortening of action potential duration in atrial myocytes
Authors: Wu Jie , Ding Wei-Guang , Zhao Jin , Zang Wei-Jin , Matsuura Hiroshi , Horie Minoru
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Stretch of the atrial membrane upregulates the slow component of delayed rectifier K+ current ( IKs). Blockade of angiotensin II subtype 1 receptors (AT1R) attenuates this increase in IKs. The present study aimed to examine the effects of irbesartan, a selective AT1R blocker (ABR), on both the enhancement of IKs and the shortening of action potential duration (APD) induced by stretching atrial myocytes for exploring the mechanisms underlying the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) by ABR.

Methods:

Hyposmotic solution (Hypo-S) was used to stretch guinea pig atrial myocytes. IKs and APD were recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique.

Results:

Irbesartan (1–50 μM) attenuated the Hypo-S-induced increase in IKs and shortening of APD90. Hypo-S increased the IKs by 113.4%, whereas Hypo-S + 1 μM irbesartan and Hypo-S + 50 μM irbesartan increased the IKs by only 74.5% and 70.3%, respectively. In addition, Hypo-S shortened the APD90 by 19.0%, whereas Hypo-S + 1 μM irbesartan and Hypo-S + 50 μM irbesartan shortened the APD90 by 12.1% and 12.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The actions of irbesartan on electrical changes induced by stretching atrial myocytes are associated with blocking AT1R. These actions may be beneficial for treating AF.
Engaging Homeless Youth in Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Garcia Analilia P. , Minkler Meredith , Cardenas Zelenne , Grills Cheryl , Porter Charles
Published: February 2013

Growing evidence highlights the benefits to youth of involvement in community-based participatory research. Less attention has been paid, however, to the contributions youth can make to helping change health-promoting policy through such work. We describe a multi-method case study of a policy-focused community-based participatory research project in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, California, where a small group of homeless youth worked with adult mentors to develop and conduct a survey of 96 homeless youth and used the findings to help secure health-promoting policy change. We review the partnership’s work at each stage of the policy-making process; its successes in changing policy regarding recreation, juvenile justice, and education; and the challenges encountered, especially with policy enforcement. We share lessons learned, including the importance of strong adult mentors and of policy environments conducive to sustainable, health-promoting change for marginalized youth.
Treatment failure of intrathecal baclofen and supra-additive effect of nabiximols in multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: a case report
Authors: Stroet Anke , Trampe Nadine , Chan Andrew
Published: February 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity is associated with disability and impairment in quality of life. We report on a patient with secondary progressive MS and spastic tetraparesis (Expanded Disability Status Scale score 8.5). The right arm exhibited flexor spasticity resulting in functional disability despite multimodal symptomatic treatment. Intrathecal baclofen led to side effects despite decreasing efficacy. Low-dose nabiximols improved spasticity and function with recovery of daily-life activities and spasticity-related symptoms. Reduction of intrathecal baclofen ameliorated adverse drug reactions. Add-on cannabinoid therapy was effective in therapy-refractory spasticity with supra-additive effect in combining intrathecal baclofen and nabiximols, hypothetically explained by mutually complementing mechanisms of action.
Inpatient Falls: Defining the Problem and Identifying Possible Solutions. Part II
Authors: Simpson Jennifer R. , Rosenthal Laura D. , Cumbler Ethan U. , Likosky David J.
Published: February 2013

In this 2 part series, analysis of the risk stratification tools that are available and definition of the scope of the problem and potential solutions through a review of the literature is presented. A systematic review was used to identify articles for risk stratification and interventions. Three risk stratification systems are discussed, STRATIFY, Morse Fall Scale, and the Hendrich Fall Risk Model (HFRM). Of these scoring systems, the HFRM is the easiest to use and score. Predominantly, multifactorial interventions are used to prevent patient falls. Education and rehabilitation are common themes in studies with statistically significant results. The second article presents a guide to implementing a quality improvement project around hospital falls. A 10-step approach to Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles is described. Specific examples of problems and analysis are easily applicable to any institution. Furthermore, the sustainability of interventions and targeting new areas for improvement are discussed. Although specific to falls in the hospitalized patient, the goal is to present a stepwise approach that is broadly applicable to other areas requiring quality improvement.
Color-Coding Politics
Authors: Gross Benjamin
Published: February 2013

During the 2000 Presidential election between George H. W. Bush and Al Gore, journalists often used the terms blue states and red states to describe the political landscape within the United States. This article studies the framing of these terms during the years 2004 through 2007. Using latent and manifest qualitative content analyses, six different news media frames were found in a sample of 337 newspaper articles. Two hypotheses were also tested indicating that framing patterns varied slightly by time period and article types. However, the argument that increased levels of political polarization in the United States have been created by predominantly conflict-oriented coverage may not be true. Instead, these terms became journalistic heuristics that were used to organize how people think about politics in a way that fit with contemporary media practices, and there is no single agreed upon interpretation of these terms within this reporting.
Jealousy and Relationship Closeness
Authors: Attridge Mark
Published: February 2013

This study confirmed a hypothesis from the Emotion-in-Relationships conceptual model, which predicts that greater interdependence between relationship partners—or closeness—creates the potential for jealousy. The study also sought to better define the positive side of romantic jealousy in addition to its more negative attributes. College students in premarital relationships ( N = 229) completed a questionnaire, including 27 different measures and the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. Select data were obtained from 122 cases at 3-month follow-up. Each jealousy scale was tested for associations with demographic (age, sex, and race), person (life satisfaction, loneliness, romantic attachment styles, love styles, and romantic beliefs), and relationship (affective, closeness, and social exchange theory) constructs. Results clearly distinguished emotional/reactive jealousy as mostly “good” and cognitive/suspicious jealousy as “bad.” Behavioral jealousy was associated with few measures. Implications are discussed for the interdependence model of relationships and the transactional model of jealousy.
Contradicting Coach or Grumbling to Teammates
Authors: Kassing Jeffrey W. , Anderson Rachael L.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine dissent expressed by athletes. Seventy-three former high school or college athletes from a variety of sports completed an online survey. Results indicated that athlete status and coaches’ openness to feedback associated with upward dissent expressed to coaches. And that for high school coaches a lack of openness to athlete feedback and less time spent in a starting role associated with lateral dissent expressed to teammates. Overall the findings suggest that dissent functions similarly within the coach–athlete/sport context as it does within the superior–subordinate/organizational context, particularly with regard to high school athletics.
Transgene-free iPSCs generated from small volume peripheral blood nonmobilized CD34+ cells
Authors: Merling Randall K. , Sweeney Colin L. , Choi Uimook , De Ravin Suk See , Myers Timothy G. , Otaizo-Carrasquero Francisco , Pan Jason , Linton Gilda , Chen Lifeng , Koontz Sherry , Theobald Narda L. , Malech Harry L.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Demonstrates efficient reprogramming of iPS cells from CD34+ stem cells enriched from a small volume of peripheral blood.
Comparisons of infant Escherichia coli isolates link genomic profiles with adaptation to the ecological niche
Authors: de Muinck Eric J , Lagesen Karin , Afset Jan Egil , Didelot Xavier , Rønningen Kjersti S , Rudi Knut , Stenseth Nils Chr , Trosvik Pål
Published: February 2013

Background

Despite being one of the most intensely studied model organisms, many questions still remain about the evolutionary biology and ecology of Escherichia coli. An important step toward achieving a more complete understanding of E.coli biology entails elucidating relationships between gene content and adaptation to the ecological niche.

Results

Here, we present genome comparisons of 16 E.coli strains that represent commensals and pathogens isolated from infants during a specific time period in Trondheim, Norway. Using differential gene content, we characterized enrichment profiles of the collection of strains relating to phylogeny, early vs. late colonization, pathogenicity and growth rate. We found clear gene content distinctions relating to the various grouping criteria. We also found that different categories of strains use different genetic elements for similar biological processes. The sequenced genomes included two pairs of strains where each pair was isolated from the same infant at different time points. One pair, in which the strains were isolated four months apart, showed maintenance of an early colonizer genome profile but also gene content and codon usage changes toward the late colonizer profile. Lastly, we placed our sequenced isolates into a broader genomic context by comparing them with 25 published E.coli genomes that represent a variety of pathotypes and commensal strains. This analysis demonstrated the importance of geography in shaping strain level gene content profiles.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a general pattern where alternative genetic pathways lead toward a consistent ecological role for E.coli as a species. Within this framework however, we saw selection shaping the coding repertoire of E.coli strains toward distinct ecotypes with different phenotypic properties.
DNA methylation profile dynamics of tissue-dependent and differentially methylated regions during mouse brain development
Authors: Hirabayashi Keiji , Shiota Kunio , Yagi Shintaro
Published: February 2013

Background

Tissues and their component cells have unique DNA methylation profiles comprising DNA methylation patterns of tissue-dependent and differentially methylated regions (T-DMRs). Previous studies reported that DNA methylation plays crucial roles in cell differentiation and development. Here, we investigated the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of mouse neural progenitors derived from different developmental stages using HpyCH4IV, a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme that recognizes ACGT residues, which are uniformly distributed across the genome.

Results

Using a microarray-based genome-wide DNA methylation analysis system focusing on 8.5-kb regions around transcription start sites (TSSs), we analyzed the DNA methylation profiles of mouse neurospheres derived from telencephalons at embryonic days 11.5 (E11.5NSph) and 14.5 (E14.5NSph) and the adult brain (AdBr). We identified T-DMRs with different DNA methylation statuses between E11.5NSph and E14.5NSph at genes involved in neural development and/or associated with neurological disorders in humans, such as Dclk1, Nrcam, Nfia, and Ntng1. These T-DMRs were located not only within 2 kb but also distal (several kbs) from the TSSs, and those hypomethylated in E11.5NSph tended to be in CpG island (CGI-) associated genes. Most T-DMRs that were hypomethylated in neurospheres were also hypomethylated in the AdBr. Interestingly, among the T-DMRs hypomethylated in the progenitors, there were T-DMRs that were hypermethylated in the AdBr. Although certain genes, including Ntng1, had hypermethylated T-DMRs 5′ upstream, we identified hypomethylated T-DMRs in the AdBr, 3′ downstream from their TSSs. This observation could explain why Ntng1 was highly expressed in the AdBr despite upstream hypermethylation.

Conclusion

Mouse adult brain DNA methylation and gene expression profiles could be attributed to developmental dynamics of T-DMRs in neural-related genes.
Transcriptional analysis of ftsZ within the dcw cluster in Bacillus mycoides
Authors: Santini Tiziana , Turchi Luana , Ceccarelli Giulia , Di Franco Carmen , Beccari Elena
Published: February 2013

Background

In Bacillus mycoides, as well as in other members of the B. cereus group, the tubulin-like protein of the division septum FtsZ is encoded by the distal gene of the cluster division and cell wall (dcw). Along the cluster the genes coding for structural proteins of the division apparatus are intermingled with those coding for enzymes of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, raising the possibility that genes with this different function might be coexpressed. Transcription of ftsZ in two model bacteria had been reported to differ: in B. subtilis, the ftsZ gene was found transcribed as a bigenic mRNA in the AZ operon; in E. coli, the transcripts of ftsZ were monogenic, expressed by specific promoters. Here we analyzed the size and the initiation sites of RNAs transcribed from ftsZ and from other cluster genes in two B. mycoides strains, DX and SIN, characterized by colonies of different chirality and density, to explore the correlation of the different morphotypes with transcription of the dcw genes.

Results

In both strains, during vegetative growth, the ftsZ-specific RNAs were composed mainly of ftsZ, ftsA-ftsZ and ftsQ-ftsA-ftsZ transcripts. A low number of RNA molecules included the sequences of the upstream murG and murB genes, which are involved in peptidoglycan synthesis. No cotranscription was detected between ftsZ and the downstream genes of the SpoIIG cluster. The monogenic ftsZ RNA was found in both strains, with the main initiation site located inside the ftsA coding sequence. To confirm the promoter property of the site, a B. mycoides construct carrying the ftsA region in front of the shortened ftsZ gene was inserted into the AmyE locus of B. subtilis 168. The promoter site in the ftsA region was recognized in the heterologous cellular context and expressed as in B. mycoides.

Conclusions

The DX and SIN strains of B. mycoides display very similar RNA transcription specificity. The ftsZ messenger RNA can be found either as an independent transcript or expressed together with ftsA and ftsQ and, in low amounts, with genes that are specific to peptidoglycan biosynthesis.
Developing longitudinal qualitative designs: lessons learned and recommendations for health services research
Authors: Calman Lynn , Brunton Lisa , Molassiotis Alex
Published: February 2013

Background

Longitudinal qualitative methods are becoming increasingly used in the health service research, but the method and challenges particular to health care settings are not well described in the literature.We reflect on the strategies used in a longitudinal qualitative study to explore the experience of symptoms in cancer patients and their carers, following participants from diagnosis for twelve months; we highlight ethical, practical, theoretical and methodological issues that need to be considered and addressed from the outset of a longitudinal qualitative study.

Results

Key considerations in undertaking longitudinal qualitative projects in health research, include the use of theory, utilizing multiple methods of analysis and giving consideration to the practical and ethical issues at an early stage. These can include issues of time and timing; data collection processes; changing the topic guide over time; recruitment considerations; retention of staff; issues around confidentiality; effects of project on staff and patients, and analyzing data within and across time.

Conclusions

As longitudinal qualitative methods are becoming increasingly used in health services research, the methodological and practical challenges particular to health care settings need more robust approaches and conceptual improvement. We provide recommendations for the use of such designs. We have a particular focus on cancer patients, so this paper will have particular relevance for researchers interested in chronic and life limiting conditions.
Recurrent symptomatic intraocular pressure spikes during hemodialysis in a patient with unilateral anterior uveitis
Authors: Lim Su-Ho , Son Junhyuk , Cha Soon Cheol
Published: February 2013

Background

The relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) changes and hemodialysis has been evaluated for several decades. However, no report on an IOP rise in uveitis patients during hemodialysis has been previously documented. This report describes the case of an uveitis patient with repetitive IOP spikes associated with severe ocular pain during hemodialysis sessions, which resolved after glaucoma filtering surgery.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old male with diabetes and hypertension had complained of recurrent ocular pain in the left eye during hemodialysis sessions. A slit-lamp examination showed diffuse corneal epithelial edema with several white keratic precipitates and inflammatory cells (Grade 3+) in the anterior chamber of the left eye. No visible neovascularization or synechiae were visible on the iris or angle. Topical glaucoma eye-drops and intravenous mannitol before hemodialysis did not prevent subsequent painful IOP spikes in the left eye. At the end of hemodialysis, IOP averaged ~40 mmHg. After trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the left eye, his IOP stabilized in the low-teens (range, 10–14 mmHg) and no painful IOP spikes occurred during hemodialysis over the first postoperative year.

Conclusion

We present a case of recurrent painful IOP spikes during hemodialysis in a patient with unilateral anterior uveitis unresponsive to conventional medical treatment prior to hemodialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of repetitive symptomatic IOP rise during hemodialysis in an uveitic glaucoma patient. This case highlights the importance of the awareness of the possibility that IOP may rise intolerably during hemodialysis in uveitis patients with a compromised outflow facility.
The novel application of artificial neural network on bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess the body composition in elderly
Authors: Hsieh Kuen-Chang , Chen Yu-Jen , Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Lee Ling-Chun , Huang Yong-Cheng , Chen Yu-Yawn
Published: February 2013

Background

This study aims to improve accuracy of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) prediction equations for estimating fat free mass (FFM) of the elderly by using non-linear Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP-ANN) model and to compare the predictive accuracy with the linear regression model by using energy dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference method.

Methods

A total of 88 Taiwanese elderly adults were recruited in this study as subjects. Linear regression equations and BP-ANN prediction equation were developed using impedances and other anthropometrics for predicting the reference FFM measured by DXA (FFMDXA) in 36 male and 26 female Taiwanese elderly adults. The FFM estimated by BIA prediction equations using traditional linear regression model (FFMLR) and BP-ANN model (FFMANN) were compared to the FFMDXA. The measuring results of an additional 26 elderly adults were used to validate than accuracy of the predictive models.

Results

The results showed the significant predictors were impedance, gender, age, height and weight in developed FFMLRlinear model (LR) for predicting FFM (coefficient of determination, r2= 0.940; standard error of estimate (SEE) = 2.729 kg; root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.571kg,P< 0.001). The above predictors were set as the variables of the input layer by using five neurons in the BP-ANN model (r2= 0.987 with a SD = 1.192 kg and relatively lower RMSE = 1.183 kg), which had greater (improved) accuracy for estimating FFM when compared with linear model. The results showed a better agreement existed between FFMANNand FFMDXAthan that between FFMLRand FFMDXA.

Conclusion

When compared the performance of developed prediction equations for estimating reference FFMDXA, the linear model has lower r2with a larger SD in predictive results than that of BP-ANN model, which indicated ANN model is more suitable for estimating FFM.
Clinicopathologic features and surgical outcome of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: analysis of 17 cases
Authors: Wang Xiao-Guang , Ni Quan-Fa , Fei Jian-Guo , Zhong Zheng-Xiang , Yu Peng-Fei
Published: February 2013

Background

We summarize our experience of the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and prognosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs).

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of clinical data from a series of 17 patients with SPT managed in two hospitals between October 2001 and November 2011.

Results

All of the 17 patients were female and the average age at diagnosis was 26.6 years (range 11 years to 55 years). The tumor was located in the body or tail in ten patients, the head in five patients, and the neck in two patients. The median tumor size was 5.5 cm (range 2 cm to 10 cm). All 17 patients had curative resections, including seven distal pancreatectomies, five local resections, four pancreaticoduodenectomies, and one central pancreatectomy. Two patients required concomitant splenic vein resection due to local tumor invasion. All patients were alive and disease-free at a median follow-up of 48.2 months (range 2 to 90 months). There were no significant associations between clinicopathologic factors and malignant potential of SPT. Ki-67 was detected in three patients with pancreatic parenchyma invasion.

Conclusions

The SPT is an infrequent tumor, typically affecting young women without notable symptoms. Surgical resection is justified even in the presence of local invasion or metastases, as patients demonstrate excellent long-term survival. Positive immunoreactivity for Ki-67 may predict the malignant potential of SPTs.
Synthesis of (cinnamate-zinc layered hydroxide) intercalation compound for sunscreen application
Authors: Mohsin Sumaiyah Megat Nabil , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Sarijo Siti Halimah , Fakurazi Sharida , Arulselvan Palanisamy , Hin Taufiq-Yap Yun
Published: February 2013

Background

Zinc layered hydroxide (ZLH) intercalated with cinnamate, an anionic form of cinnamic acid (CA), an efficient UVA and UVB absorber, have been synthesized by direct method using zinc oxide (ZnO) and cinnamic acid as the precursor.

Results

The resulting obtained intercalation compound, ZCA, showed a basal spacing of 23.9 Å as a result of cinnamate intercalated in a bilayer arrangement between the interlayer spaces of ZLH with estimated percentage loading of cinnamate of about 40.4 % w/w. The UV–vis absorption spectrum of the intercalation compound showed excellent UVA and UVB absorption ability. Retention of cinnamate in ZLH interlayers was tested against media usually came across with sunscreen usage to show low release over an extended period of time. MTT assay of the intercalation compound on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells showed cytotoxicity of ZCA to be concentration dependent and is overall less toxic than its precursor, ZnO.

Conclusions

(Cinnamate-zinc layered hydroxide) intercalation compound is suitable to be used as a safe and effective sunscreen with long UV protection effect.
Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder successfully managed with cisplatin and gemcitabine: a case report
Authors: El Ammari Jalal Eddine , Ahsaini Mustapha , Riyach Omar , El Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Farih My Hassan , Hammas Nawal , Elfatmi Hind , Amarti Afaf
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare variant of mucus-producing adenocarcinoma constituting approximately 0.5% to 2.0% of all primary carcinomas of the bladder. This tumor initially presents as a high-grade, high-stage lesion and diffusely invades the bladder wall without forming intraluminal growth. The patients have no specific symptoms, which leads to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 51-year-old Moroccan Berber man consulting for gross hematuria. Ultrasonography and a computed tomography scan found a bladder tumor diffusely invading the bladder wall. A histopathological examination of the tumor chips from a transurethral resection of the bladder revealed signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma. The gastrointestinal tract exploration did not reveal any other tumor localization. A radical cystectomy and adjuvant cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy were therefore performed resulting in 18 months of survival without metastasis and a good quality of life within that time.

Conclusion

The rarity and the successful management with carboplatin and gemcitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy of this entity, which is rarely reported in the literature, are two remarkable characteristics described in this case report.
Identification of antifungal principle in the solvent extract of an endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum from Withania somnifera
Authors: Kumar Susheel , Kaushik Nutan , Proksch Peter
Published: February 2013

Extracts of Chaetomium globosum EF18, isolated as endophytic fungus from Withania somnifera, were found effective against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were more effective than hexane extract showing >80% growth inhibition. Bioactive compound (antibiotic Sch 210971, m/z 445 and λmax 290) having antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum has been isolated in pure form from the ethyl acetate extract following bioassay guided fractionation. Apart from this compound other fractions of polar to medium polarity were also found effective. Fraction no. VIII from VLC (Vacuum liquid chromatography) column of ethyl acetate extract was most active having IC50 value 35.4 μg/ml.
Outstanding Reviewers
Authors: Nemeth Tamas
Published: February 2013

The Geophysics Editorial Board in 2012 awarded Jan Thorbecke with its new board-level award: the Geophysics Reviewer of the Year Award. The award honors a dedicated, constructive, and prolific reviewer of Geophysics and will be presented annually at the SEG Annual Meeting.
Sections/Associated Societies Focus
Authors: Yancey Daniel J.
Published: February 2013

The Geophysical Society of Alaska (GSA), an organization dedicated to the study and practice of geophysics in Alaska, was formed in April 1969. It has approximately 25 members spread throughout the state, from Anchorage to Fairbanks and beyond. Alaska affords many opportunities for geophysicists in the oil and gas industry, mining sector, and earthquake and volcano seismology.
Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Enhances Temozolomide-Induced Cytotoxicity in Pituitary Adenoma Cell Lines in Vitro and Xenografted Pituitary Adenoma in Female Nude Mice
Authors: Dai Congxin , Zhang Bo , Liu Xiaohai , Ma Sihai , Yang Yakun , Yao Yong , Feng Ming , Bao Xinjie , Li Guilin , Wang Janxin , Guo Kai , Ma Wenbin , Xing Bing , Lian Wei , Xiao Jianqi , Cai Feng , Zhang Hongbin , Wang Renzhi
Published: February 2013

Invasive pituitary adenomas (PAs) are often refractory to standard therapy and salvage treatment with temozolomide (TMZ). Hyperactivation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway contributes to chemotherapy resistance in many cancers. XL765, a novel dual-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, has recently shown its efficacy as a monotherapy and in combination with conventional therapeutics in many cancers. The hyperactive PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway frequently occurs in invasive PAs. In this study, we investigated whether XL765 sensitizes PA cells to TMZ in vitro and in vivo. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of XL765 and TMZ alone or in combination on cell proliferation and apoptosis of PA cell lines (αT3-1, GH3, and MMQ) in vitro as well as the tumor growth and serum GH and prolactin secretions in a GH3 xenograft tumor model of female nude mice. XL765 and TMZ synergistically inhibited the growth of PA cell lines and induced apoptosis. Combination of XL765 and TMZ synergistically inhibited tumor growth, decreased serum GH and prolactin levels, and reduced the sacrifice rate of GH3 xenograft tumor models without increased systemic side effects. In addition, XL765 in combination with TMZ dramatically decreased phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR as well as the expression of Bcl-2. The increased expression of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and Bcl-2-associated X protein along with elevated caspase-3/7 activity were also observed in the combination group. Therefore, dual inhibitors of PI3K and mTOR may enhance alkylating agent-mediated cytotoxicity and provide a novel regimen in the treatment of invasive PAs.
A General Framework for Designing Approximation Schemes for Combinatorial Optimization Problems with Many Objectives Combined into One
Authors: Mittal Shashi , Schulz Andreas S.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present a general framework for designing approximation schemes for combinatorial optimization problems in which the objective function is a combination of more than one function. Examples of such problems include those in which the objective function is a product or ratio of two linear functions, parallel machine scheduling problems with the makespan objective, robust versions of weighted multiobjective optimization problems, and assortment optimization problems with logit choice models. The main idea behind our approximation schemes is the construction of an approximate Pareto-optimal frontier of the functions that constitute the given objective. Using this idea, we give the first fully polynomial-time approximation schemes for the max-min resource allocation problem with a fixed number of agents, combinatorial optimization problems in which the objective function is the sum of a fixed number of ratios of linear functions, or the product of a fixed number of linear functions, and assortment optimization problems with logit choice model.
Insulin Degludec: A Novel Basal Insulin Analogue
Authors: Goldman-Levine Jennifer D , Patel Dhiren K , Schnee David M
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trial data, adverse effects, and potential role in therapy of insulin degludec.

DATA SOURCES:

Articles were identified using the MEDLINE database (January 1996-December 2012). Abstracts and posters were identified from respective congressional websites and published supplements of the American Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (January 2008-December 2012). Clinicaltrials.gov was used to identify any ongoing clinical trials or completed trials whose results had not been presented or published.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All available studies were reviewed for inclusion; pharmacokinetic studies were limited to those reporting human data.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Insulin degludec is a novel, ultra-long-acting basal insulin analogue that has a similar safety and efficacy profile when compared with insulin glargine in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials have indicated that there is less hypoglycemia, particularly nocturnal hypoglycemia, associated with this agent.

CONCLUSIONS:

If insulin degludec is approved, it may offer an alternative basal insulin for patients needing more flexible dosing, having a history of nocturnal hypoglycemia, or those with severe insulin resistance needing a higher concentration of basal insulin.
Visual Hallucinations Treated with the Reinitiation of Memantine in a Patient with Lewy Body Dementia
Authors: Mathys Monica L , McCarrell Jamie , Sleeper Rebecca B , Blaszczyk Amie Taggart
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To report on a patient with Lewy body dementia who developed worsening of hallucinations with memantine withdrawal and significant improvement with reinitiation of the drug.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 78-year-old man presented to a geriatric psychiatry clinic in March 2011. The patient had experienced gradual memory loss since 2007 and was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in 2009. His medication regimen included donepezil and memantine; his cognitive and functional status appeared stable. Occasional mild visual hallucinations occurred but were not concerning to the patient or his wife. The patient did well to July 2011, when memantine became restricted within the health care institution; memantine was therefore tapered to discontinuation. From July to September 2011, the patient's cognition and function appeared to decline significantly. He also began experiencing severe visual hallucinations daily. Memantine was reinitiated in September 2011 and, within days, the patient was free of hallucinations. By November 2011, his cognition and function were noted to have improved to previous status, and hallucinations were rare.

DISCUSSION:

Three small randomized studies and 4 case reports were found addressing the use of memantine for DLB. Both improvement and worsening of hallucinations were noted with memantine use in the case reports, but the studies showed only a small benefit in cognition. However, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms worsened when memantine was discontinued. One study found that Neuropsychiatric-Inventory scores and hallucination scores improved significantly for patients taking memantine.

CONCLUSIONS:

The literature investigating the use of memantine for the psychiatric symptoms of DLB is limited but there are data noting results similar to what we observed in our patient when his memantine was discontinued and reinitiated.
Association of Apolipoprotein B and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy–Derived LDL Particle Number with Outcomes in 25 Clinical Studies: Assessment by the AACC Lipoprotein and Vascular Diseases Division Working Group on Best Practices
Authors: Cole Thomas G , Contois John H , Csako Gyorgy , McConnell Joseph P , Remaley Alan T , Devaraj Sridevi , Hoefner Daniel M , Mallory Tonya , Sethi Amar A , Warnick G Russell
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

The number of circulating LDL particles is a strong indicator of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, even superior to the concentration of LDL cholesterol. Atherogenic (primarily LDL) particle number is typically determined either directly by the serum concentration of apolipoprotein B (apo B) or indirectly by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of serum to obtain NMR-derived LDL particle number (LDL-P).

CONTENT

To assess the comparability of apo B and LDL-P, we reviewed 25 clinical studies containing 85 outcomes for which both biomarkers were determined. In 21 of 25 (84.0%) studies, both apo B and LDL-P were significant for at least 1 outcome. Neither was significant for any outcome in only 1 study (4.0%). In 50 of 85 comparisons (58.8%), both apo B and LDL-P had statistically significant associations with the clinical outcome, whereas in 17 comparisons (20.0%) neither was significantly associated with the outcome. In 18 comparisons (21.1%) there was discordance between apo B and LDL-P.

CONCLUSIONS

In most studies, both apo B and LDL-P were comparable in association with clinical outcomes. The biomarkers were nearly equivalent in their ability to assess risk for CVD and both have consistently been shown to be stronger risk factors than LDL-C. We support the adoption of apo B and/or LDL-P as indicators of atherogenic particle numbers into CVD risk screening and treatment guidelines. Currently, in the opinion of this Working Group on Best Practices, apo B appears to be the preferable biomarker for guideline adoption because of its availability, scalability, standardization, and relatively low cost.
Vascular endothelial growth factor induces growth of uterine cervix and immune cell recruitment in mice
Authors: Donnelly Siobhan M , Nguyen Bao Tran , Rhyne Scott , Estes Jordan , Jesmin Subrina , Mowa Chishimba Nathan
Published: February 2013

Knowledge of uterine cervical epithelial biology and factors that influence its events may be critical in understanding the process of cervical remodeling (CR). Here, we examine the impact of exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on uterine cervical epithelial growth in mice (nonpregnant and pregnant) treated with VEGF agents (recombinant and inhibitor) using a variety of morphological and molecular techniques. Exogenous VEGF altered various uterine cervical epithelial cellular events, including marked induction of growth, edema, increase in inter-epithelial paracellular space, and recruitment of immune cells to the outer surface of epithelial cells (cervical lumen). We conclude that VEGF induces multiple alterations in the uterine cervical epithelial tissues that may play a role in local immune surveillance and uterine cervical growth during CR.
Superconductivity to cosmology: K. Alexander Müller explores mysteries in energy
Authors: Weidenkaff Anke
Published: February 2013

In 1913, physicist Heike Kamerlingh-Onnes received the Nobel Prize for liquifying He and his discovery of superconductivity two years prior. It would be over 76 years later until K. Alexander Müller, together with Johannes Georg Bednorz, would be honored as Nobel laureates for their discovery of high-temperature superconductivity (HTS), grounded in their research with metal oxides. When we asked Müller, recently, what he would advise young materials scientists in regards to research for energy, he said, “I’ve always been a fan of oxides, therefore to work in oxide would not be bad.”
Microstructural evolution of monocrystalline Co–Al–W-based superalloys by high-temperature creep deformation
Authors: Sumitani Takahiro , Tanaka Katsushi , Inui Haruyuki
Published: February 2013

Creep tests of monocrystalline Co–Al–W-based alloys with a tensile stress of 137 MPa at 1000 °C were carried out. The microstructures of the crept specimens were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The γ′ phase in the specimens was not only elongated along the stress direction as expected by the sign of the lattice misfit but also elongated in one of the <100> directions perpendicular to the stress direction. As a result, the shape of the γ′ phase is not a rod but a plate. In the TEM images, it was observed that many SISFs are induced in the γ′ phase by creep. A similar microstructure is also observed in Ni-based superalloys, but the microstructure was formed under relatively lower temperatures and higher applied stresses. The observation of numerous stacking faults in the γ′ phase is a clear indication that the γ′ phase precipitated in the present alloy is weaker than that in many modern Ni-based superalloys.
Detailed Mapping of Reaction Diagrams for Metastable Phases
Authors: Sundqvist Bertil
Published: February 2013

A method is presented to map reaction diagrams for metastable phases by treating a rod-shaped sample under high pressure in a known temperature gradient, such that each point on the sample is treated at a unique, known temperature. After quenching to ambient conditions the structural properties of the sample can be studied by spectroscopic or other techniques. The accuracy and resolution in temperature is mainly limited by the uncertainties in the measured temperature distribution during treatment and the uncertainty in position during analysis. The method is tested by re-mapping the polymerization reaction of C60 under high pressure in the range 0.8 – 2 GPa. Preliminary data show surprisingly sharp "reaction boundaries" at certain temperatures, signalling the onset of dimerization and polymerization of the material.
Recoilless Fraction in Amorphous and Nanocrystalline FeCuNbSiB System
Authors: Sorescu Monica , Xu Tianhong , Herchko Steven
Published: February 2013

Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and room temperature Mössbauer spectrum measurements of Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 (Finemet) alloy have been carried out in order to study its structural and magnetic properties as a function of annealing temperature. The Mössbauer spectra of annealed Finemet alloy could be fitted with 4 or 5 sextets and one doublet at higher annealing temperatures, revealing the appearance of different crystalline phases corresponding to the different Fe sites above the crystallization temperature. The appearance of the nanocrystalline phases at different annealing temperatures was further confirmed by the recoilless fraction measurements. These made use of our recently-developed dual absorber method, which made it possible to determine precisely the recoilless fractions of the amorphous, nanocrystalline and grain boundary phases separately.
Intense Ultraviolet Photoluminescence Observed at Room Temperature from NiO Nano-porous Thin Films Grown by the Hydrothermal Technique
Authors: Sarangi Sachindra Nath , Zhang Dongyuan , Sahoo Pratap Kumar , Uchida Kazuo , Sahu Surendra Nath , Nozaki Shinji
Published: February 2013

We have successfully formed high-quality nanoporous NiO films by the hydrothermal technique and observed intense ultraviolet (UV) luminescence at room temperature. The SEM image reveals nanoporous NiO films with pore diameters from 70 to 500 nm. The results of XRD, Micro Raman and FTIR characterizations confirm the cubic structure of NiO. The optical band gaps estimated from the absorption spectrum are found to be 3.86 and 4.51 eV. The former is similar to that of bulk NiO, while the latter is much higher than that of bulk NiO. The increased band gap was attributed to the quantum confinement in the NiO nanocrystals, which may be present in the nanoporous NiO film. The room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum shows a peak of intense luminescence at 3.70 eV and several other peaks in the UV and near-UVwavelength regions. The intense UV luminescence at 3.70 eV was associated with the near band-edge emission and the others with defect-related emission. The high-quality wall of nanoporous NiO with a large surface-to-volume ratio provided the intense UV emission.