bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Urokinase-Plasminogen Activator Gene rs2227564 Polymorphism and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wu Wenlong , Jiang Hong , Wang Meiyun , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The association between urokinase-plasminogen activator (PLAU) gene rs2227564 polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk has been widely reported across different ethnic populations, with inconsistent results. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between PLAU rs2227564 polymorphism and AD risk.

Methods:

Fixed or random effect model was used as the pooling method to assess the basis of homogeneity test among studies. Summarized estimation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Q test and I2. Publication bias was estimated using Harbord’s test.

Results:

A total of 27 studies (comprising 6100 AD cases and 5718 controls) were included in this meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis showed a significant increased effect of T allele on risk of AD in dominant model (fixed effect model [FEM] OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.025-1.231) and heterozygote comparison (CT vs CC; FEM OR 1.126, 95% CI 1.027-1.235). No publication bias was detected.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis showed that T allele of rs2227564 polymorphism in PLAU gene could increase the effects on risk of AD, and this result needs to be confirmed by further studies.
Reduced Orexin-A Levels in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Çoban Arzu , Bilgiç Başar , Lohmann Ebba , Küçükali Cem İsmail , Benbir Gülçin , Karadeniz Derya , Hanagasi Hasmet A. , Tüzün Erdem , Gürvit Hakan
Published: June 2013

Sleep disturbances including excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are encountered in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To investigate the relationship between the plasma orexin-A levels and sleep disturbance patterns, we measured the plasma orexin-A levels and performed sleep studies in patients with FTD. The orexin-A levels were measured in 10 consecutive patients with FTD and controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) were performed in 2 patients with FTD. The orexin-A levels were significantly lower in patients with FTD compared to controls. The PSG revealed increased rapid eye movement (REM) latency in patients, whether or not they reported EDS. Mean sleep latency in MSLT was less than 10 minutes in both the patients, being shorter in patient without EDS, but none of them had REM sleep onset. Some patients with FTD may develop narcolepsy-like involuntary sleep attacks, even without complaining of EDS. Involvement of hypothalamus and a subsequent alteration in the orexin levels might be one of the determining factors in this sleep disturbance.
Neuroprotective, Neuroplastic, and Neurobehavioral Effects of Daily Treatment With Levetiracetam in Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Zou Huichao , Brayer Samuel W. , Hurwitz Maxwell , Niyonkuru Christian , Fowler Lorraine E. , Wagner Amy K.
Published: June 2013

Background. Prophylactic treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been recommended to prevent early seizure onset in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the potential neuroprotective and/or detrimental effects of prophylactic AED treatment on behavioral and cognitive function after TBI are not well studied. Objective. To investigate the effects of a novel AED, levitiracetam (LEV), on behavioral and cognitive function after experimental TBI in rats. Methods. Adult male rats were administered LEV (intraperitoneal 50 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline; SL) daily for 20 days beginning 1 day after controlled cortical impact (CCI; 2.8 mm; 4 m/s) or sham surgery. Beam performance (days 1-6), Y-maze (day 7), and Morris water maze (days 14-19) postinjury testing was assessed. Results. Daily LEV treatment improved motor function, increased novel arm exploration in the Y-maze, elicited greater hippocampal cell sparing, and decreased contusion volumes compared with CCI/SL rats. Daily LEV administration also reversed a TBI-induced decrease in regional glutamate transporter expression and neuroplastic marker proteins present 20 days post-CCI. Also, daily LEV treatment decreased regional IL-1β expression after TBI. Conclusions. These results suggest that daily LEV treatment has beneficial effects on histological, molecular, and behavioral elements of neurological recovery after TBI, in part, via modulation of neuroinflammatory and excitatory pathways.
Integrating Men’s Health and Masculinity Theories to Explain Colorectal Cancer Screening Behavior
Authors: Christy Shannon M. , Mosher Catherine E. , Rawl Susan M.
Published: June 2013

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. Although CRC screening has been found to reduce CRC incidence and mortality, current screening rates among men are suboptimal due to various practical and psychosocial barriers. One potential barrier to CRC screening identified in qualitative studies with men is the threat to masculinity that endoscopic screening methods pose. Indeed, beliefs about masculinity have been predictive of other preventive health behaviors among men. In this review article, we propose a novel conceptual framework to explain men’s CRC screening behavior that integrates masculinity norms, gender role conflict, men’s health care experiences, behaviors, and beliefs, and social and background variables. This framework has the potential to guide future research on men’s CRC screening behaviors and other health behaviors and may inform gender-sensitive interventions that target masculinity beliefs to increase preventive health behaviors.
Site-specific acylation changes in the lipid A of Escherichia coli lpxL mutants grown at high temperatures
Authors: Schilling Birgit , Hunt Jason , Gibson Bradford W , Apicella Michael A
Published: June 2013

LPS is a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The lipid A region of LPS mediates stimulation of the immune system. In E. coli, the gene (formerly htrB) codes for a late lauroyltransferase (LpxL) in lipid A biosynthesis. E. coli lpxL mutants have been described previously with impaired growth above 33℃ in rich media. However, we were able to grow lpxL mutants at 30℃, 37℃ and 42℃, and investigate their lipid A moieties to gain insight into changes and regulatory effects in lipid A biosynthesis. Multiple-stage mass spectrometry was used to decipher unusual lipid A structures produced by lpxL mutant bacteria at high temperatures that rescue the temperature-sensitive phenotype. At 37℃ and 42℃, E. coli lpxL mutants appear to activate different acyltransferases or biosynthetic pathways that generate atypical penta- and hexaacyl lipid A structures by incorporating longer fatty acids, such as a secondary palmitoleic acid (2’- O-position, distal) and a secondary palmitic acid (2- O-position, proximal) respectively. However, we observed no changes in these structures through various growth curve stages. This study indicates that E. coli ( lpxL) lipid A biosynthesis, and specifically the ‘late’ acylation of lipid A, is temperature dependent, thus suggesting a highly regulated process.
Aquatic Training for Ankle Instability
Authors: Asimenia Gioftsidou , Paraskevi Malliou , Polina Sofokleous , Anastasia Beneka , Kyriakos Tsapralis , Georgios Godolias
Published: June 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate balance deficits after an ankle sprain in collegiate students and to examine the effectiveness of 2 different balance rehabilitation programs on balance ability. Thirty collegiate students with functional ankle instability were randomly divided into 2 groups. Both groups followed an intervention balance program for 6 weeks, 3 times per week, 20 minutes per session, using balance boards. One of the 2 training groups performed the exercises on the ground—the “Land” group ( n = 15), and the other in a swimming pool—the “Aquatic” group ( n = 15). Balance ability was assessed before and after the 6-week intervention program. Balance assessments included static (stability indices: total, anterior–posterior, medial–lateral) and dynamic (dynamic moving the cursor) stability tests on the Biodex Stability System (Biodex, Inc, Shirley, NY). The results showed that in both training groups balance ability of the injured leg was significantly improved after the training period. In the final measurements, no statistically significant differences between the injured and healthy limb were found. The present study indicates that the performance of balance exercises in or out of water by collegiate students with functional ankle instability improves their balance ability.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level 1
Retrocalcaneal Pain After the Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Lui Tun Hing
Published: June 2013

Pain in the posterosuperior portion of the calcaneus can be caused by a retrocalcaneal bursitis, enlargement of the superior bursal prominence of the calcaneus, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, stress fracture of the calcaneus, or inflammation of an adventitious bursa between the Achilles tendon and the skin. Hypertrophied tendon impinging on the posterosuperior calcaneal tuberosity can be a cause of retrocalcaneal pain after repair of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. This can be effectively treated by endoscopic calcaneoplasty.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case Report
The Diagnosis and Management of Morton’s Neuroma
Authors: Jain Sameer , Mannan Ken
Published: June 2013

Morton’s neuroma is a common condition mainly affecting middle aged women, and there are many proposed etiological theories involving chronic repetitive trauma, ischemia, entrapment, and intermetatarsal bursitis. Incorrect terminology suggests that the underlying pathological process is a nerve tumor, although histological examination reveals the presence of inflammatory tissue—that is, perineural fibrosis. The common digital nerve and its branches in the third planter webspace are most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made through history taking and clinical examination but may be aided by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Current nonoperative treatment strategies include shoe-wear modifications, custom made orthoses, and injections of local anesthetic agents, sclerosing agents, and steroids. Operative management options primarily involve either nerve decompression or neurectomy. We have reviewed the published literature to evaluate the outcomes of the available diagnostic modalities and treatment options and present an algorithm for clinical practice.
The Frontline Provider’s Appearance
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Baker Melissa , Karande Kiran
Published: June 2013

Based on a study that compared photographs of models, hotel guests ascribe greater assurance ability to clean-shaven men, and to men and women who smile and are attractive. For unknown reasons, the facial hair effect holds for Caucasian men, but not for African-American men. This study presented photographs of Caucasian men in one set of treatment conditions, and African-American men in another set to compare the two sets of men regarding facial attractiveness, genuine smiling, and effects of facial hair. The theoretical contribution of this research is the identification of the effects of these facial attributes on assurance perceptions. The practical implications of these findings are as follows: (1) Except under special circumstances, hotel firms should not permit their employees to wear beards; (2) hotel firms should incorporate genuine smiling training in their customer service training and should evaluate frontline provider smiling with programs such as mystery shopping; and (3) within appropriate legal and ethical boundaries, hotel firms should put in place, manage, and enforce grooming policies that could influence the facial attractiveness ratings of their employees.
Hard to Ignore
Authors: Büttner Oliver B. , Florack Arnd , Leder Helmut , Paul Matthew A. , Serfas Benjamin G. , Schulz Anna Maria
Published: June 2013

This research focuses on the attentional processes that underlie buying impulsiveness. It was hypothesized that impulsive buyers are more likely than nonimpulsive buyers to get distracted by products that are unrelated to their shopping goal. The study applied a 2 (buying impulsiveness low vs. high) × 2 (shopping vs. nonshopping context) × 2 (product vs. nonsemantic distractors) mixed design. Participants’ attention allocation was measured via eye tracking during a visual distraction paradigm. The results support the distraction hypothesis. Impulsive buyers allocated less attention to a focal product than nonimpulsive buyers. The effect was context-specific and emerged only when the task was framed as a shopping situation. The results show that distraction is not limited to attractive products and suggest that it is driven by a general attentional openness for products in shopping situations.
Implications of the Protestant work ethic for cooperative and mixed-motive teams
Authors: Townsend Sarah S. M. , Thompson Leigh L.
Published: June 2013

The investigation of teams and teamwork in cooperative (e.g., group brainstorming and team decision-making) and mixed-motive (e.g., negotiation) contexts has been carried out through a variety of lenses and disciplines. One lens that has not been used to rigorously theorize about and empirically investigate teams is that of ideologies. In this review, we juxtapose the study of a particular status-related ideology, the Protestant work ethic (PWE), in cooperative and mixed-motive contexts. We begin with an analysis of PWE, and then discuss 3 sets of empirical findings. In particular, we consider the association of PWE with (a) motivational orientations; (b) greater perceptions of personal control; and (c) justification of status differences. Given these associations, we theorize how PWE might affect cooperative and mixed-motive teamwork, suggesting that PWE will exert largely positive effects among cooperative teams, but will produce more varied effects among mixed-motive teams.
The birth of forceps
Authors: Sheikh Sukhera , Ganesaratnam Inithan , Jan Haider
Published: June 2013

Operative vaginal delivery has been described since the Middle Ages. During this time, however, labour would be sustained over several days and intrapartum death almost inevitable. In these circumstances, intervention involving the use of surgical instruments or even kitchen utensils would serve purely as an attempt to avoid maternal mortality. The establishment of forceps-assisted delivery as a means of avoiding both maternal and neonatal morbidity was initiated in the 16th century by the Chamberlen family and later developed over several centuries by leading obstetricians of the time including Simpson, Barnes and Keilland. The evolution of forceps is a fascinating story which is rich in history. Despite the development of Ventouse and the increasing use of Caesarean section for difficult delivery, forceps remain an integral part of obstetric practice. The striking resemblance of modern day forceps to the original instruments used by the Chamberlens is a testament to both the family's ingenuity and enterprise as well as the subsequent pioneering obstetricians who followed in their footsteps.
An unusual presentation of a reno-pleural fistula
Authors: Nilsen-Nunn A , Beckley I , Wah T , Cartledge J , Joyce A
Published: June 2013

The management of small renal cell carcinomas in Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) syndrome involves nephron-sparing techniques. The authors report a case of a reno-pleural fistula presenting two years’ post-radiofrequency ablation. Pathophysiological mechanism and patient education are explored.
Perioperative Echocardiography
Authors: Ajib Kholoud
Published: June 2013

Echocardiography has been utilized perioperatively since the 1970s and many studies have been conducted to prove its efficacy. Epicardiac echocardiography (EE) is the modality of choice when transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is contraindicated or when aortic atherosclerosis is suspected. Perioperative TEE has shown to be an excellent tool in the operating room for assessment, diagnosis, surgical guidance, and outcome evaluation. Pediatric surgery has also shown better surgical outcomes for congenital disease states with the guidance of TEE. The cardiac Sonographer’s role in the operating room is a very important one because it involves operating the ultrasound machine and communicating image interpretations to surgeons in a timely and efficient manner. Cardiac Sonographers eager to progress in their careers can take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their clinical and educational qualifications. Technology is advancing quickly with the breakthrough of 3D and 4D TEE, where images are captured in real time, providing improved diagnoses and prognosis. This article discusses the evolution of echocardiography in the operating room and its future impact on perioperative evaluation, with attention paid to the role of cardiac Sonographers and the future clinical progression in their scope of practice.
Inhibiting retinoic acid signaling ameliorates graft-versus-host disease by modifying T-cell differentiation and intestinal migration
Authors: Aoyama Kazutoshi , Saha Asim , Tolar Jakub , Riddle Megan J. , Veenstra Rachelle G. , Taylor Patricia A. , Blomhoff Rune , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Klebanoff Christopher A. , Socié Gérard , Munn David H. , Murphy William J. , Serody Jonathan S. , Fulton LeShara M. , Teshima Takanori , Chandraratna Roshantha A. , Dmitrovsky Ethan , Guo Yanxia , Noelle Randolph J. , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Expression and function of vitamin A metabolizing enzymes are increased in the intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes during GVHD. Inhibiting donor T-cell RAR signaling reduces Th1 differentiation, gut homing, and GVHD while preserving graft-versus-lymphoma effects.
A prospective study of 67 serum immune and inflammation markers and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Purdue Mark P. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Kemp Troy J. , Chaturvedi Anil K. , Lan Qing , Park Ju-Hyun , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Hildesheim Allan , Pinto Ligia A. , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Elevated levels of BCA-1, sTNFR2, and sVEGFR2 are associated with increased risk for NHL several years after blood collection.
Innate immune responses against Epstein Barr virus infection
Authors: Chijioke Obinna , Azzi Tarik , Nadal David , Münz Christian
Published: June 2013

EBV persists life-long in >95% of the human adult population. Whereas it is perfectly immune-controlled in most infected individuals, a minority develops EBV-associated diseases, primarily malignancies of B cell and epithelial cell origin. In recent years, it has become apparent that the course of primary infection determines part of the risk to develop EBV-associated diseases. Particularly, the primary symptomatic EBV infection or IM, which is caused by exaggerated T cell responses, resulting in EBV-induced lymphocytosis, predisposes for EBV-associated diseases. The role of innate immunity in the development of IM remains unknown. Therefore, it is important to understand how the innate immune response to this virus differs between symptomatic and asymptomatic primary EBV infection. Furthermore, the efficiency of innate immune compartments might determine the outcome of primary infection and could explain why some individuals are susceptible to IM. We will discuss these aspects in this review with a focus on intrinsic immunity in EBV-infected B cells, as well as innate immune responses by DCs and NK cells, which constitute promising immune compartments for the understanding of early immune control against EBV and potential targets for EBV-specific immunotherapies.
Mixed features of depression: why DSM-5 is wrong (and so was DSM-IV)
Authors: Koukopoulos Athanasios , Sani Gabriele , Ghaemi S. Nassir
Published: July 2013

The DSM system has never acknowledged a central position for mixed states; thus, mixed depressions have been almost completely neglected for decades. Now, DSM-5 is proposing diagnostic criteria for depression with mixed features that will lead to more misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of this syndrome. Different criteria, based on empirically stronger evidence than exists for the DSM-5 criteria, should be adopted.
Capital Controls with International Reserve Accumulation: Can this Be Optimal?
Authors: Bacchetta Philippe , Benhima Kenza , Kalantzis Yannick
Published: July 2013

Motivated by the Chinese experience, we analyze an economy where the central bank has access to international capital markets, but the private sector does not. The central bank is modeled as a Ramsey planner who can choose the domestic interest rate and the level of international reserves. Consumers are credit-constrained as in Woodford (1990). We find that a rapidly growing economy has a higher welfare without capital mobility. In the Chinese context, we argue that the domestic interest rate should be temporarily above the international rate and that there should be more foreign asset accumulation than in an open economy. (JEL E58, E62, F32, F41, O19, O24, P33)
Tłumaczenie w tandemach: nowe możliwości w dydaktyce tłumaczeniowej
Authors: Tomaszkiewicz Teresa
Published: July 2013

Translation in tandems: new possibilities in translation teaching

The introduction of Think‑aloud Protocols (TAPs) in the analysis of the translating process dates back to the mid‑eighties. Their goal was to study the cognitive components of translation. Conducted through collaborative translation, they were as well a means of teaching future translators. However after a fair amount of success in the 90s, they faced more criticism in the years 2000. They were reproached their impossibility to distinguish what is essential from that which is not and the lack of exhaustivity of the data thus obtained. However, in the past few years, some have returned to those problems, showing, for example, the usefulness of such methods of analysis in the studies of linguistical problems in the translating process. This article shall present the results of experiments of collaborative translation carried out by, on one hand, students and on the other, academic researchers and translators. The talks carried out by the two partners shed a light on the different problems facing translators and the different strategies they use to solve them. The research now conducted for a while shows that the analysis of translating behaviors during the understanding and producing stages of a translation is useful not only to correct certain flawed behaviors on the part of the students but also to improve the training of professional translators, meeting the needs of, among others, continuing education.
Action Research in Translation Studies
Authors: Piotrowska Maria
Published: July 2013

Action Research in Translation Studies. Self-reflection in translation research training

Demonstrating a diversity within TS research, the study enquires into ARTS as a new methodology. The aim of the paper is to define ARTS, localize it among major TS research models, present its components and characteristics and argument for its usefulness and relevance in translator training. Basic assumptions of this methodology are illustrated on the chosen example of an M.A. project, namely translation action with critical reflection, implementing the practitioner‑researcher’s knowledge and experience, and strategic translating in a cyclic process. Implementing ARTS in translator education is a methodological response to a greater professionalization of the discipline and Kiraly’s modern educational model with student being an active participant‑translator in the process of training.
Secretary Problems via Linear Programming
Authors: Buchbinder Niv , Jain Kamal , Singh Mohit
Published: June 2013

In the classical secretary problem an employer would like to choose the best candidate among n competing candidates that arrive in a random order. In each iteration, one candidate's rank vis-a-vis previously arrived candidates is revealed and the employer makes an irrevocable decision about her selection. This basic concept of n elements arriving in a random order and irrevocable decisions made by an algorithm have been explored extensively over the years, and used for modeling the behavior of many processes. Our main contribution is a new linear programming technique that we introduce as a tool for obtaining and analyzing algorithms for the secretary problem and its variants. The linear program is formulated using judiciously chosen variables and constraints and we show a one-to-one correspondence between algorithms for the secretary problem and feasible solutions to the linear program. Capturing the set of algorithms as a linear polytope holds the following immediate advantages: Computing the optimal algorithm reduces to solving a linear program. Proving an upper bound on the performance of any algorithm reduces to finding a feasible solution to the dual program. Exploring variants of the problem is as simple as adding new constraints, or manipulating the objective function of the linear program. We demonstrate these ideas by exploring some natural variants of the secretary problem. In particular, using our approach, we design optimal secretary algorithms in which the probability of selecting a candidate at any position is equal. We refer to such algorithms as position independent and these algorithms are motivated by the recent applications of secretary problems to online auctions. We also show a family of linear programs that characterize all algorithms that are allowed to choose J candidates and gain profit from the K best candidates. We believe that a linear programming based approach may be very helpful in the context of other variants of the secretary problem.
Large Deviations for the Stationary Measure of Networks Under Proportional Fair Allocations
Authors: Jonckheere Matthieu , López Sergio
Published: June 2013

We address a conjecture introduced by Massoulié [Massoulié L (2007) Structural properties of proportional fairness: Stability and insensitivity. Ann. Appl. Probab. 17(3):809–839], concerning the large deviations of the stationary measure of bandwidth-sharing networks functioning under the proportional fair allocation. For Markovian networks, we prove that proportional fair and an associated reversible allocation are geometrically ergodic and have the same large deviations characteristics using Lyapunov functions and martingale arguments. For monotone networks, we give a more direct proof of the same result, relying on stochastic comparisons, that holds for general service time distribution. These results support the intuition that proportional fairness is “close” to allocations of service being insensitive to the service time distribution.
An Approximate Dynamic-Programming Approach to the Joint Replenishment Problem
Authors: Segev Danny
Published: June 2013

The main contribution of this paper is to propose a new dynamic-programming approach that ε-approximates the joint replenishment problem, with stationary demands and holding costs, in its discrete-time finite-horizon setting. Our first and foremost objective is to show that the computation time of classical dynamic-programming algorithms can be improved on by orders of magnitude when one is willing to lose an ε-factor in optimality. Based on synthesizing ideas such as commodity aggregation, approximate dynamic programming, and a few guessing tricks, we show that one can attain any required degree of accuracy in near-polynomial time.
A “green” industrial revolution: Using chitin towards transformative
technologies
Authors: Barber Patrick S. , Shamshina Julia L. , Rogers Robin D.
Published: June 2013

Even with the high costs of environmental exposure controls, as well as the
chance of control failures, options for industries wanting to implement
sustainability through frameworks such as green chemistry are not yet
cost-effective. We foresee a “green” industrial revolution through the use of
transformative technologies that provide cost-effective and sustainable products
which could lead to new business opportunities. Through example, we promote the
use of natural and abundant biopolymers such as chitin, combined with the
solvating power of ionic liquids (ILs), as a transformative technology to
develop industries that are overall better and more cost-effective than current
practices. The use of shellfish waste as a source of chitin for a variety of
applications, including high-value medical applications, represents a total
byproduct utilization concept with realistic implications in crustacean
processing industries.
Photogeneration and reactions of benzhydryl cations and radicals: A
complex sequence of mechanisms from femtoseconds to microseconds
Authors: Sailer Christian F. , Riedle Eberhard
Published: June 2013

Benzhydryl radicals and cations are reactive intermediates central to the
understanding of organic reactivity. They can be generated from benzhydryl
halides by UV irradiation. We performed transient absorption (TA) measurements
over the range from femtoseconds to microseconds to unravel the complete
reaction scheme. The 290–720-nm probe range allows the unambiguous monitoring of
all fragments. The appearance of the radical is delayed to the optical
excitation, the onset of the cation signal is found even later. Ab initio
calculations show that this non-rate behavior in the 100 fs range is due to
wavepacket motion from the Franck–Condon region to two distinct conical
intersections. The rise of the optical signal with a quasi-exponential time of
300 fs is assigned to the planarization and solvation of the photoproducts. The
bond cleavage predominantly generates radical pairs. A subsequent electron
transfer (ET) transforms radical pairs into ion pairs. Due to the broad
interradical distance distribution and the distance dependence, the ET is
strongly non-exponential. Part of the ion pairs recombine geminately. The ET and
the recombination are terminated by the depletion of close pairs and diffusional
separation. The remaining free radicals and cations undergo further reactions in
the nanosecond to microsecond regime.
The semiotic resources of comics in movie adaptation: Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003) as a case study
Authors: Bateman John A. , Veloso Francisco O. D.
Published: July 2013

In this article, we apply methods under development in socio-functional semiotics to explore the transfer of resources originally developed for comics to the medium of film. We illustrate this concretely with respect to extracts taken from Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003), a film we consider unique in its particular appropriation of expressive resources from the comic medium. Hulk is often been singled out in discussions of the relations between comics and film because many of the design decisions taken in the film evoke aspects of the comic page. Here, we argue that its use of the resources of comics goes substantially beyond ‘evocation’: Hulk is best considered a highly experimental hybrid, taking resources that were initially essentially comics based and ‘translating’ these filmically in order to extend the medium of film in interesting ways. We show this in two respects: first, we consider the filmic deployment of comicbook conventions for expressing movement; second, we establish that the film’s use of split-screen techniques extends the ability of film to express narrative continuity and connection between perspectives.
Comparison of PR3-ANCA specific assay performance for the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s)
Authors: Radice Antonella , Bianchi Laura , Maggiore Umberto , Vaglio Augusto , Sinico Renato A.
Published: July 2013

Background: PR3-ANCA, the serological marker of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), is usually detected by immunometric assays, with purified PR3 directly coated onto the solid-phase. Novel methods for PR3-ANCA detection have been developed to improve the performance of traditional PR3-ANCA specific assays, but little is known about their diagnostic performance in real-life clinical settings. This study aimed to compare the performance of nine different commercial PR3-ANCA specific assays, including traditional and newer ones, for the diagnosis of GPA.

Methods: The evaluated assays for PR3-ANCA detection were representative of the first, second, and third generation tests (direct, capture and anchor assays, respectively). A third-generation assay employing both human and recombinant PR3 was also evaluated. The study population consisted of 55 GPA patients, 175 disease controls (representing most diseases in differential diagnosis with primary small-vessel vasculitis) including 52 with microscopic polyangiitis, and 20 healthy subjects. We performed the primary evaluation of test sensitivity using cut-off points which provided adequate and identical specificity for each test.

Results: Although specificity and area under the ROC curve did not differ significantly between the different assays, substantial differences in sensitivity at 98%-specificity were found in some instances (p<0.001). Compared to first generation direct PR3-ANCA specific assays, some of the second and third generation tests increased the positive predictive value (PPV) for GPA diagnosis.

Conclusions: Some of the newer PR3-ANCA specific assays have better PPV than traditional ones.
Certified Miniaturized Charpy Specimens for the Indirect Verification of Small-Size Impact Machines
Authors: Lucon Enrico
Published: June 2013

Small specimen test techniques are becoming ever more popular as the need increases to characterize mechanical properties by the use of the smallest possible amount of material, because of various restrictions on material availability, irradiation, testing space, and other factors. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is currently developing certified miniaturized Charpy V-notch (MCVN) specimens for the indirect verification of small-scale impact testing machines. The same materials used for NIST standard verification specimens are being evaluated at three energy levels (low, high, and super-high). Two specimen types are being investigated, denominated KLST (from the German Kleinstprobe, or “small specimen”) and RHS (reduced half-size). Several instrumented impact tests on miniaturized KLST and RHS specimens of low, high, and super-high energy have been performed and analyzed. The variability of MCVN data has been compared to that of full-size Charpy data from the same lots of test specimens. Although this can be considered as just the preliminary phase of this project, the results indicate that MCVN verification specimens can be used for the indirect verification of small-scale instrumented impact testers, both in terms of absorbed energy and maximum force.
Is There Possible Bias in ASTM E112 Planimetric Grain Size Measurements?
Authors: Vander Voort George F.
Published: June 2013

The claim made by Li in 1995 and 2011 publications that the Jeffries planimetric method of determining grain size presented in ASTM E112, as well as in DIN 50601 (it is the standard for every national and international grain size test method and is described in every textbook on quantitative metallography), is wrong and produces biased grain size ratings when the counts are low is incorrect. Li based this statement upon theoretical considerations described by Saltykov, who proposed using rectangles for the planimetric method, rather than circles, to minimize bias at low counts of the number of grains inside the circle. Saltykov, however, did not publish actual test data to back up this proposition. The count levels mentioned are far below those recommended by ASTM E112 for these methods, but they could be encountered in manual measurements of the size of very coarse grains (which might be performed but is rarely done). Actual grain size measurements using both test circles and rectangles, with a very wide range of grains within the test figures and intersecting their borders, showed that the ASTM Jeffries planimetric and Hilliard single-circle intercept methods produced statistically identical measures of the ASTM grain size G down to count levels far below what is recommended—down to 30 for (ninside + 0.5nintercepted) for the planimetric method and down to 20 grain boundary intersections (Pintersections) for the intercept method (well below the recommended minimums of 50 and 35, respectively). At levels below these limits, bias was small—mainly data scatter was observed at counts less than 10 for both methods. The Saltykov planimetric method using rectangles gave the best data, identical to the ASTM E112 data, with statistically identical grain size values down to 10, and it was bias free, but it also exhibited data scatter at counts less than 10. Li's counting method, however, produced more bias at low counts than any other method. His claims have no validity. His model did not evaluate the effect of varying the counting conditions, which was the basis of his claim about the creation of bias. Also, he did not do actual tests to prove that his model was valid and that his claim was correct. Models do not have any validity if they do not test the actual conditions and are not verified by actual experimental data.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with severe hypothyroidism
Authors: Hirsch Dania , Levy Sigal , Nadler Varda , Kopel Vered , Shainberg Bracha , Toledano Yoel
Published: June 2013

Objective

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy has been associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes. Most studies have focused on subjects with a mild or subclinical disorder. The aims of the present study were to determine the relative rate of severe thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women with hypothyroidism, identify related factors and analyse the impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Design

A retrospective case series design was employed.

Methods

The study group included 101 pregnant women (103 pregnancies) with an antenatal serum TSH level >20.0 mIU/l identified from the 2009–2010 computerised database of a health maintenance organisation. Data were collected from the medical records. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with those of a control group of 205 euthyroid pregnant women during the same period.

Results

The study group accounted for 1.04% of all insured pregnant women with recorded hypothyroidism during the study period. Most cases had an autoimmune aetiology. All women were treated with levothyroxine (l-T4) during pregnancy. Maximum serum TSH level measured was 20.11–150 mIU/l (median 32.95 mIU/l) and median serum TSH level 0.36–75.17 mIU/l (median 7.44 mIU/l). The mean duration of hypothyroidism during pregnancy was 21.2±13.2 weeks (median 18.5 weeks); in 36 cases (34.9%), all TSH levels during pregnancy were elevated. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included abortions in 7.8% of the cases, premature deliveries in 2.9% and other complications in 14.6%, with no statistically significant differences from the control group. Median serum TSH level during pregnancy was positively correlated with the rate of abortions+premature deliveries and rate of all pregnancy-related complications (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Abortions and premature deliveries occur infrequently in women with severe hypothyroidism. Intense follow-up and l-T4 treatment may improve pregnancy outcomes even when target TSH levels are not reached.
Prostaglandin F2 α upregulates Slit/Robo expression in mouse corpus luteum during luteolysis
Authors: Zhang XueJing , Li JianHua , Liu JiaLi , Luo HaoShu , Gou KeMian , Cui Sheng
Published: June 2013

Prostaglandin F2
α (PGF2
α) is a key factor in the triggering of the regression of the corpus luteum (CL). Furthermore, it has been reported that Slit/Robo signaling is involved in the regulation of luteolysis. However, the interactions between PGF2
α and Slit/Robo in the progression of luteolysis remain to be established. This study was designed to determine whether luteolysis is regulated by the interactions of PGF2
α and Slit/Robo in the mouse CL. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry results showed that Slit2 and its receptor Robo1 are highly and specifically co-expressed in the mouse CL. Functional studies showed that Slit/Robo participates in mouse luteolysis by enhancing cell apoptosis and upregulating caspase3 expression. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that PGF2
α significantly increases the expression of Slit2 and Robo1 during luteolysis through protein kinase C-dependent ERK1/2 and P38 MAPK signaling pathways, whereas an inhibitor of Slit/Robo signaling significantly decreases the stimulating effect of PGF2
α on luteolysis. These findings indicate that Slit/Robo signaling plays important roles in PGF2
α-induced luteolysis by mediating the PGF2
α signaling pathway in the CL.
Mitotane reduces human and mouse ACTH-secreting pituitary cell viability and function
Authors: Gentilin Erica , Tagliati Federico , Terzolo Massimo , Zoli Matteo , Lapparelli Marcello , Minoia Mariella , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , degli Uberti Ettore C , Zatelli Maria Chiara
Published: June 2013

Medical therapy for Cushing's disease (CD) is currently based on agents mainly targeting adrenocortical function. Lately, pituitary-directed drugs have been developed, with limited efficacy. Mitotane, a potent adrenolytic drug, has been recently investigated for the treatment of CD, but the direct pituitary effects have not been clarified so far. The aim of our study was to investigate whether mitotane may affect corticotroph function and cell survival in the mouse pituitary cell line AtT20/D16v-F2 and in the primary cultures of human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, as anin vitromodel of pituitary corticotrophs. We found that in the AtT20/D16v-F2 cell line and in primary cultures, mitotane reduces cell viability by inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis and reduces ACTH secretion. In the AtT20/D16v-F2 cell line, mitotane reducesPomcexpression and blocks the stimulatory effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone on cell viability, ACTH secretion, andPomcexpression. These effects were apparent at mitotane doses greater than those usually necessary for reducing cortisol secretion in Cushing's syndrome, but still in the therapeutic window for adrenocortical carcinoma treatment. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that mitotane affects cell viability and function of human and mouse ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells. These data indicate that mitotane could have direct pituitary effects on corticotroph cells.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies: The Need for Multi-Disciplinary Review of Its Impact on Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine and Medical Genetics
Authors: Merritt T. Allen , Lavery Adrian , Gold June-Anne , Clark Robin D. , Oshiro Brian
Published: July 2013

This commentary focuses on assisted reproductive technologies and their impact on pregnancy outcomes, specifically multiple births, prematurity, and birth defects. Issues of informed consent and the ethical application of these technologies are also addressed. We call for a multidisciplinary review of assisted reproductive technologies given their increasing influence in the disciplines of maternal fetal medicine, neonatology, and medical genetics. We are concerned with increasing medical resource utilization given current health-care disparities. Despite professional recommendations suggesting limitations in multiple embryo transfer, there has not been substantial oversight in adherence to these guidelines. Without adequate stewardship, it is a concern that assisted reproductive technologies will contribute to increasing rates of prematurity, low birthweight infants, and birth defects. It will continue to divert a disproportionate share of medical resource utilization. We advance suggestions to reduce the health-care impact and disparities with greater focus on the well-being of infants born via assisted reproductive technologies.
Coalizões em educação no Brasil: relação com o governo e influência sobre o Plano de Desenvolvimento da Educação (PDE)
Authors: Simielli Lara Elena Ramos
Published: June 2013

Atualmente, duas coalizões lutam pela melhoria da qualidade da educação no Brasil: a Campanha Nacional pelo Direito à Educação e o Todos pela Educação. Essas duas coalizões diferenciam-se dos movimentos históricos por sua capacidade de agregar atores provenientes de instituições governamentais e não governamentais, de diversos níveis, que possuem valores e crenças comuns em uma aliança única, aproximando-se do conceito de coalizões advocatórias proposto por Sabatier e Jenkins-Smith (1993). Apesar da bandeira comum, elas possuem origens, composições, metas e formas de atuação completamente diferentes - a relação com o governo é um dos pontos que mais as diferencia. O lançamento do Plano de Desenvolvimento da Educação (PDE), com uma das medidas intitulada "Plano de Metas Compromisso Todos pela Educação", gerou questionamentos com relação à similaridade dos nomes entre um plano de governo e uma das coalizões. Neste artigo, apresentaremos as duas coalizões e a relação de ambas com o governo, utilizando o PDE como estudo de caso.
Incerteza e dissenso: os limites institucionais da política de saneamento brasileira
Authors: Sousa Ana Cristina Augusto de , Costa Nilson do Rosário
Published: June 2013

O artigo demonstra que a posição de dominância das empresas estaduais de saneamento condiciona o processo decisório da política pública setorial no Brasil. O artigo descreve o processo de aprovação da Lei do Saneamento nº 11.445/2007, que estabeleceu o atual regime regulatório da indústria. Conclui que o novo arranjo institucional preservou a hegemonia das empresas estaduais de saneamento. Essa hegemonia pode ser associada à baixa responsabilização das decisões de investimento e ampliação de cobertura do setor.
Identificando correntes teóricas de planejamento: uma avaliação do Plano Nacional de Saneamento Básico (Plansab)
Authors: Silveira Rogério Braga , Heller Léo , Rezende Sonaly
Published: June 2013

O planejamento público no Brasil, em particular no campo do saneamento básico, vem se pautando por diferentes linhas teórico-metodológicas, nem sempre explícitas, sendo relevante um esforço de identificação das matrizes que estruturam o conteúdo dos diferentes planos desenvolvidos, uma vez que diferentes matrizes podem conduzir a diferentes implicações em sua implementação. Neste trabalho, avalia-se o Plano Nacional de Saneamento Básico (Plansab), utilizando, para tanto, um modelo de avaliação no qual se buscam identificar os princípios que fundamentaram sua elaboração, comparando-os com os valores defendidos por seis escolas de planejamento com destaque na atualidade. Foram priorizadas quatro categorias analíticas: metodologia, diagnóstico, participação da sociedade e visão de futuro. A comparação permitiu avaliar a coerência entre princípios que direcionaram a proposta inicial do planejamento e os realmente assumidos em cada uma das suas fases de elaboração, mostrando alinhamento do plano com correntes que preveem processo participativo, visão estratégica e visão de futuro capaz de lidar com incertezas.
Condicionantes de consolidação de redes de cooperação interorganizacional: um estudo de caso sobre o Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Zancan Claudio , Santos Paulo da Cruz Freire dos , Costa Antônio Carlos Silva , Cruz Nicholas Joseph Tavares da
Published: June 2013

Este texto analisa a dinâmica de condicionantes envolvidos no processo de consolidação da rede Associação dos Produtores de Vinhos Finos do Vale dos Vinhedos (Aprovale) no setor vitivinícola brasileiro. A teoria consultada compreendeu abordagens organizacionais que definem o conceito de redes de cooperação como estratégia de coordenação de recursos interorganizacionais orientados em torno de objetivos comuns. Foram utilizados dois estudos: pesquisa documental e entrevistas. As conclusões indicaram que obtenção de economias de escala e reforço da capacidade competitiva constituíram os condicionantes principais neste processo. Estudos futuros são recomendados, analisando outros momentos evolutivos da rede, bem como condicionantes presentes em diferentes contextos e níveis de análise.