bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfabricated Engineered Particle Systems for Respiratory Drug Delivery and Other Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Garcia Andres , Mack Peter , Williams Stuart , Fromen Catherine , Shen Tammy , Tully Janet , Pillai Jonathan , Kuehl Philip , Napier Mary , DeSimone Joseph M. , Maynor Benjamin W.
Published: February 2012

Particle Replication in Non-Wetting Templates (PRINT®) is a platform particle drug delivery technology that coopts the precision and nanoscale spatial resolution inherently afforded by lithographic techniques derived from the microelectronics industry to produce precisely engineered particles. We describe the utility of PRINT technology as a strategy for formulation and delivery of small molecule and biologic therapeutics, highlighting previous studies where particle size, shape, and chemistry have been used to enhance systemic particle distribution properties. In addition, we introduce the application of PRINT technology towards respiratory drug delivery, a particular interest due to the pharmaceutical need for increased control over dry powder characteristics to improve drug delivery and therapeutic indices. To this end, we have produced dry powder particles with micro- and nanoscale geometric features and composed of small molecule and protein therapeutics. Aerosols generated from these particles show attractive properties for efficient pulmonary delivery and differential respiratory deposition characteristics based on particle geometry. This work highlights the advantages of adopting proven microfabrication techniques in achieving unprecedented control over particle geometric design for drug delivery.
Epigenetic Variation May Compensate for Decreased Genetic Variation with Introductions: A Case Study Using House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) on Two Continents
Authors: Schrey Aaron W. , Coon Courtney A. C. , Grispo Michael T. , Awad Mohammed , Imboma Titus , McCoy Earl D. , Mushinsky Henry R. , Richards Christina L. , Martin Lynn B.
Published: February 2012

Epigenetic mechanisms impact several phenotypic traits and may be important for ecology and evolution. The introduced house sparrow (Passer domesticus) exhibits extensive phenotypic variation among and within populations. We screened methylation in populations from Kenya and Florida to determine if methylation varied among populations, varied with introduction history (Kenyan invasion <50 years old, Florida invasion ~150 years old), and could potentially compensate for decrease genetic variation with introductions. While recent literature has speculated on the importance of epigenetic effects for biological invasions, this is the first such study among wild vertebrates. Methylation was more frequent in Nairobi, and outlier loci suggest that populations may be differentiated. Methylation diversity was similar between populations, in spite of known lower genetic diversity in Nairobi, which suggests that epigenetic variation may compensate for decreased genetic diversity as a source of phenotypic variation during introduction. Our results suggest that methylation differences may be common among house sparrows, but research is needed to discern whether methylation impacts phenotypic variation.
Fournier's Gangrene: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Hota Prasan Kumar
Published: February 2012

Fournier's gangrene is a very serious surgical emergency seen all over the world. With the newer advancement of surgical techniques and critical care medicine, the mortality and morbidity of this disease has come down significantly over a period of time. An early diagnosis including evaluation of predisposing and etiological factors, metabolic and physiological parameters with prompt resuscitation, aggressive surgical debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage, and continuous monitoring of all the parameters is essential for a good outcome, therefore reducing the high mortality and morbidity of this condition. In this study, we report 2 different cases of Fournier gangrene. Our first case was a young, nondiabetic, and without any multiorgan failure, who was managed successfully with good outcome. The second case was a 67-year-old man with diabetes and multiorgan dysfunction with extensive gangrene at presentation, who recovered well, but with a stormy postoperative period.
Cotranscriptional Chromatin Remodeling by Small RNA Species: An HTLV-1 Perspective
Authors: Aliya Nishat , Rahman Saifur , Khan Zafar K. , Jain Pooja
Published: February 2012

Cell type specificity of human T cell leukemia virus 1 has been proposed as a possible reason for differential viral outcome in primary target cells versus secondary. Through chromatin remodeling, the HTLV-1 transactivator protein Tax interacts with cellular factors at the chromosomally integrated viral promoter to activate downstream genes and control viral transcription. RNA interference is the host innate defense mechanism mediated by short RNA species (siRNA or miRNA) that regulate gene expression. There exists a close collaborative functioning of cellular transcription factors with miRNA in order to regulate the expression of a number of eukaryotic genes including those involved in suppression of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, as well as repressing viral replication and propagation. In addition, it has been suggested that retroviral latency is influenced by chromatin alterations brought about by miRNA. Since Tax requires the assembly of transcriptional cofactors to carry out viral gene expression, there might be a close association between miRNA influencing chromatin alterations and Tax-mediated LTR activation. Herein we explore the possible interplay between HTLV-1 infection and miRNA pathways resulting in chromatin reorganization as one of the mechanisms determining HTLV-1 cell specificity and viral fate in different cell types.
Differential WNT Activity in Colorectal Cancer Confers Limited Tumorigenic Potential and Is Regulated by MAPK Signaling
Authors: Horst David , Chen Justina , Morikawa Teppei , Ogino Shuji , Kirchner Thomas , Shivdasani Ramesh A.
Published: February 2012

Colorectal cancers (CRC) express the WNT effector protein β-catenin in a heterogeneous subcellular pattern rather than uniformly in the nucleus. In this study, we investigated this important aspect of molecular heterogeneity in CRCs by analyzing its basis and relationship with tumor-initiating capability. CRC cells with the highest WNT levels showed only a marginal increase in tumor initiation capacity. Notably, high WNT activity correlated with a coincident activation of robust mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, which when upregulated by KRAS expression or downregulated by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition elicited parallel effects on WNT activity. These findings suggested that on its own high WNT activity may not be a reliable signifier of tumor-initiating potential or stem-like potential. Furthermore, they suggest that MAPK signaling is a critical modifier of intratumoral heterogeneity that contributes significantly to determining the impact of WNT activity on stemness phenotypes in colon cancer cells. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1547–56. ©2012 AACR.
Imaging Tumor Sensitivity to a Bioreductive Prodrug: Two for the Price of One!
Authors: Brown J. Martin
Published: February 2012

Hypoxia is an important characteristic of many solid tumors and has a major negative effect on treatment response. A way to combat this effect is with drugs called “bioreductive prodrugs” or “hypoxic cytotoxins,” which are metabolized under hypoxia to toxic species. However, the patients with hypoxic tumors need to be identified. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1487–9. ©2012 AACR.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: EGFR Exon 19 Deletions and Insertions in Lung Cancer
Authors: Politi Katerina , Lynch Thomas J.
Published: February 2012

Most lung adenocarcinoma-associated EGF receptor (EGFR) mutations confer sensitivity to specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The finding that exon 19 insertion mutations are also sensitive to this class of drugs suggests that testing for these mutations should be done and that these patients will benefit from treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1490–2. ©2012 AACR.
Honokiol in Combination with Radiation Targets Notch Signaling to Inhibit Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Ponnurangam Sivapriya , Mammen Joshua M.V. , Ramalingam Satish , He Zhiyun , Zhang Youcheng , Umar Shahid , Subramaniam Dharmalingam , Anant Shrikant
Published: February 2012

Cancer stem cells are implicated in resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) and chemotherapy. Honokiol, a biphenolic compound has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various ailments. In this study, we determined the ability of honokiol to enhance the sensitivity of colon cancer stem cells to IR. The combination of honokiol and IR suppressed proliferation and colony formation while inducing apoptosis of colon cancer cells in culture. There were also reduced numbers and size of spheroids, which was coupled with reduced expression of cancer stem cell marker protein DCLK1. Flow cytometry studies confirmed that the honokiol–IR combination reduced the number of DCLK1+ cells. In addition, there were reduced levels of activated Notch-1, its ligand Jagged-1, and the downstream target gene Hes-1. Furthermore, expression of components of the Notch-1 activating γ-secretase complex, presenilin 1, nicastrin, Pen2, and APH-1 was also suppressed. On the other hand, the honokiol effects were mitigated when the Notch intracellular domain was expressed. To determine the effect of honokiol–IR combination on tumor growth in vivo, nude mice tumor xenografts were administered honokiol intraperitoneally and exposed to IR. The honokiol–IR combination significantly inhibited tumor xenograft growth. In addition, there were reduced levels of DCLK1 and the Notch signaling–related proteins in the xenograft tissues. Together, these data suggest that honokiol is a potent inhibitor of colon cancer growth that targets the stem cells by inhibiting the γ-secretase complex and the Notch signaling pathway. These studies warrant further clinical evaluation for the combination of honokiol and IR for treating colon cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 963–72. ©2012 AACR.
A Recessive Mutation Resulting in a Disabling Amino Acid Substitution (T194R) in the LHX3 Homeodomain Causes Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Bechtold-Dalla Pozza Susanne , Hiedl Stefan , Roeb Julia , Lohse Peter , Malik Raleigh E. , Park Soyoung , Durán-Prado Mario , Rhodes Simon J.
Published: February 2012

Background/Aims:Recessive mutations in the LHX3 ho-meodomain transcription factor gene are associated with developmental disorders affecting the pituitary and nervous system. We describe pediatric patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) who harbor a novel mutation in LHX3. Methods:Two female siblings from related parents were examined. Both patients had neonatal complications. The index patient had CPHD featuring deficiencies of GH, LH, FSH, PRL, and TSH, with later onset of ACTH deficiency. She also had a hypoplastic anterior pituitary, respiratory distress, hearing impairment, and limited neck rotation. The LHX3 gene was sequenced and the biochemical properties of the predicted altered proteins were characterized. Results: A novel homozygous mutation predicted to change amino acid 194 from threonine to arginine (T194R) was detected in both patients. This amino acid is conserved in the DNA-binding homeodomain. Computer modeling predicted that the T194R change would alter the homeodomain structure. The T194R protein did not bind tested LHX3 DNA recognition sites and did not activate the α-glycoprotein and PRL target genes. Conclusion: The T194R mutation affects a critical residue in the LHX3 protein. This study extends our understanding of the phenotypic features, molecular mechanism, and developmental course associated with mutations in the LHX3 gene.
The Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor as a Marker of Dysplastic Alterations in Cervical Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cornelio Daniela Baumann , Meurer Luise , Schwartsmann Gilberto , Roesler Rafael
Published: February 2012

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cancer in women worldwide. The Papanicolaou test (Pap test) remains the main screening tool; however, it produces high rates of false-negative and false-positive results. Gastrin-releasing peptide is a growth factor that has been implicated in many cancers, and its main receptor, the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), is nearly always expressed in cervical dysplasias and invasive carcinomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of GRPR immunocytochemistry in detecting cervical dysplasia and invasive cancer. Methods: Cervical smears were collected from 66 women in Brazil and subjected to GRPR immunocytochemistry and the Pap test. GRPR and p16 immunohistochemistry were performed in biopsies if abnormalities were detected. Results: GRPR immunostaining sensitivity in detecting cervical lesions was 87.5% and its specificity was 76.7%. GRPR immunostaining showed 80% accuracy in identifying atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), with 88% sensitivity and 71% specificity. Conclusion: This is the first immunocytochemical evaluation of GRPR expression in cervical epithelial cells. This biomarker was strongly associated with cervical dysplasia and invasive cancers. GRPR immunosignaling showed high accuracy in detecting dysplasias in cells classified as ASCUS by Pap tests. Based on these results, immunocytochemistry for GRPR may be regarded as a valuable method for early detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Platelet-mediated proteolytic down regulation of the anticoagulant activity of protein S in individuals with haematological malignancies
Authors: Dienava-Verdoold Ilze , Marchetti Marina R. , te Boome Liane C. J. , Russo Laura , Falanga Anna , Koene Harry R , Mertens Koen , Brinkman Herm Jan M.
Published: February 2012

The natural anticoagulant protein S contains a so-called thrombin-sensitive region (TSR), which is susceptible to proteolytic cleavage. We have previously shown that a platelet-associated protease is able to cleave protein S under physiological plasma conditions in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between platelet-associated protein S cleaving activity and in vivo protein S cleavage, and to evaluate the impact of in vivo protein S cleavage on its anticoagulant activity. Protein S cleavage in healthy subjects and in thrombocytopenic and thrombocythaemic patients was evaluated by immunological techniques. Concentration of cleaved and intact protein S was correlated to levels of activated protein C (APC)-dependent and APC-independent protein S anticoagulant activity. In plasma from healthy volunteers 25% of protein S is cleaved in the TSR. While in plasma there was a clear positive correlation between levels of intact protein S and both APC-dependent and APC-independent protein S anticoagulant activities, these correlations were absent for cleaved protein S. Protein S cleavage was significantly increased in patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and significantly reduced in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. In ET patients on cytoreductive therapy, both platelet count and protein S cleavage returned to normal values. Accordingly, platelet transfusion restored cleavage of protein S to normal values in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, proteases from platelets seem to contribute to the presence of cleaved protein S in the circulation and may enhance the coagulation response in vivo by down regulating the anticoagulant activity of protein S.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen mediate activation of macrophage phagocytosis during liver repair in vivo
Authors: Kawao Naoyuki , Nagai Nobuo , Tamura Yukinori , Horiuchi Yoshitaka , Okumoto Katsumi , Okada Kiyotaka , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Umemura Kazuo , Yano Masato , Ueshima Shigeru , Kaji Hiroshi , Matsuo Osamu
Published: February 2012

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and plasminogen play a primary role in liver repair through the accumulation of macrophages and alteration of their phenotype. However, it is still unclear whether u-PA and plasminogen mediate the activation of macrophage phagocytosis during liver repair. Herein, we investigated the morphological changes in macrophages that accumulated at the edge of damaged tissue induced by a photochemical reaction or hepatic ischaemia-reperfu-sion in mice with u-PA (u-PA−/− ) or plasminogen (Plg−/− ) gene deficiency by using transmission electron and fluorescence microscopy. In wild-type mice, the macrophages aligned at the edge of the damaged tissue and extended a large number of long pseudopodia. These macrophages clearly engulfed cellular debris and showed well-developed organelles, including lysosome-like vacuoles, nuclei, and Golgi complexes. In wild-type mice, the distribution of the Golgi complex in these macrophages was biased towards the direction of the damaged tissue, indicating the extension of their pseudopodia in this direction. Conversely, in u-PA−/− and Plg−/− mice, the macrophages located at the edge of the damaged tissue had few pseudopodia and less developed organelles. The Golgi complex was randomly distributed in these macrophages in u-PA−/− mice. Furthermore, interferon γ and IL-4 were expressed at a low level at the border region of the damaged tissue in u-PA−/− mice. Our data provide novel evidence that u-PA and plasminogen are essential for the phagocytosis of cellular debris by macrophages during liver repair. Furthermore, u-PA plays a critical role in the induction of macrophage polarity by affecting the microenvironment at the edge of damaged tissue.
Presence of luminal neutrophil extracellular traps in atherosclerosis
Authors: Megens Remco T. A. , Vijayan Santosh , Lievens Dirk , Döring Yvonne , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Grommes Jochen , Weber Christian , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: February 2012

Note: The editorial process for this article was fully handled by Prof. G. Y. H. Lip, Editor-in-Chief.
Hepatocyte growth factor: Molecular biomarker and player in cardioprotection and cardiovascular regeneration
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Cevik Cihan , Nasser Maher , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: February 2012

The liver possesses impressive regenerative capacities. Grafts of embryonic liver explants and liver explant-conditioned media have been shown to enhance the mitotic activity of hepatocytes. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also named scatter factor (SF), has been identified as a primary candidate in promoting and regulating liver regeneration. Although initially thought to be a liver-specific mitogen, HGF was later reported to have mitogenic, motogenic, morphogenic, and anti-apoptotic activities in various cell types. By promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis, endogenous HGF may play an important role in cardioprotection as well as in the regeneration of endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. Since serum concentration of HGF increases in the early phase of myocardial infarction and in heart failure, HGF may also play a key role as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker of cardiovascular disease. Here we discuss the role of HGF as a biomarker and mediator in cardioprotection and cardiovascular regeneration.
Dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation: Resolving uncertainties in routine practice
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Diener Hans-Christoph , Brueckmann Martina , van Ryn Joanne , Clemens Andreas , Huisman Menno V.
Published: February 2012

Dabigatran etexilate is a new oral anticoagulant recently approved in Europe for the prevention of stroke or systemic embolism in adult patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and at least one risk factor for stroke. With a fast onset of action and a predictable anticoagulant effect obviating the need for coagulation monitoring, dabigatran etexilate offers practical advantages over vitamin K antagonists in clinical practice. However, clinicians may have questions about practical aspects of dabigatran etexilate use including monitoring anticoagulant efficacy, interruption for surgical or invasive procedures and management of bleeding. This review article aims to address these concerns and provide guidance on the use of dabigatran etexilate in special situations, such as acute coronary syndromes and cardiac revascularisation. In addition, cut-off values for different coagulation assay results associated with an increased risk of bleeding are given.

Note: The editorial process for this article was fully handled by Prof. Christian Weber, Editor-in-Chief.
Regulation of microRNA biogenesis and function
Authors: Treiber Thomas , Treiber Nora , Meister Gunter
Published: February 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as key regulators of literally all cellular pathways. Therefore, miRNA biosynthesis and their individual cellular functions must be tightly regulated as well. MiRNAs are transcribed as primary transcripts, which are processed to mature miRNAs in two consecutive maturation steps. Finally, the mature miRNA is incorporated into a miRNA-protein complex, where it directly interacts with a member of the Argonaute (Ago) protein family. The miRNA guides such protein complexes to partial complementary target sites, which are typically located in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs leading to inhibition of gene expression. MiRNA activity and abundance is regulated on various levels ranging from transcription and processing to target site binding and miRNA stability. Recent advances in our understanding of how miRNA activity is regulated in mammalian cells are summarised and discussed in this review article.
Admission International Normalized Ratio Levels, Early Treatment Strategies, and Major Bleeding Risk Among Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients on Home Warfarin Therapy
Authors: Subherwal Sumeet , Peterson Eric D. , Chen Anita Y. , Roe Matthew T. , Washam Jeffrey B. , Gage Brian F. , Bach Richard G. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Lopes Renato D. , Alexander Karen P. , Wang Tracy Y.
Published: February 2012

Background—

Non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients on home warfarin pose treatment concerns because of their potential increased risk of bleeding. Expert opinion from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines suggest holding anticoagulants and initiating antiplatelet therapy among therapeutically anticoagulated non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. Yet, little is known about contemporary treatment patterns and bleeding risks in this population.

Methods and Results—

We stratified 5787 non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients on home warfarin therapy using data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With the Guidelines by admission international normalized ratio (INR) levels: subtherapeutic (INR <2), therapeutic (INR, 2–3), and supratherapeutic (INR >3). Multivariable logistic generalized estimating equations models were constructed to examine the associations between admission INR level, early antithrombotic treatment and invasive therapy, and risk of in-hospital major bleeding. Among these patients, 46%, 35%, and 19% had subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and supratherapeutic admission INR levels, respectively. Risk of major bleeding was higher among patients with therapeutic (15%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.50) and supratherapeutic (22%; odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.30–1.97) anticoagulation compared with the subtherapeutic group (12%). Among patients with admission INR ≥2, 45% were treated with early (within 24 hours) heparin, 35% with early clopidogrel, 14% with early glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, and 36% with early invasive strategy. Early antithrombotic treatment was associated with increased bleeding risk (odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.14–1.72] for heparin; 1.50 [95% CI, 1.22–1.84] for clopidogrel; and 1.82 [95% CI, 1.43–2.32] for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor); however, an early invasive strategy was not (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.86–1.37). No significant interactions were observed between INR level and use of each early treatment in its association with bleeding.

Conclusions—

National patterns of early antithrombotic treatment for non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients on home warfarin diverge from expert opinion provided by current practice guidelines. Early antithrombotic treatment was associated with increased bleeding risk regardless of admission INR level.
Long-Term Effects of Sildenafil in a Rat Model of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hee , Kim Yong-Jin , Ohn Jung-Hun , Yang Jimin , Lee Sang-Eun , Lee Sae-Won , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Seo Jeong-Wook , Sohn Dae-Won
Published: February 2012

Background—

We tested the hypothesis that chronic treatment with sildenafil attenuates left ventricular (LV) remodeling and prevents exercise intolerance in chronic mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods and Results—

MR was created in Sprague-Dawley rats by making a hole on the mitral leaflet. Two weeks after MR creation, MR and LV dilatation were confirmed by echocardiography, and rats were randomly assigned to sildenafil treatment (MR+sildenafil group; 50 mg/kg PO twice a day; n=16) or normal saline only (MR group; n=16) and continued for 4 months. Sixteen sham rats were compared with MR rats. After 4 months, LV size was smaller in the MR+sildenafil compared with the MR group (LV end-systolic dimension, 4.7±0.3 for sham versus 5.9±0.3 for MR+sildenafil versus 7.4±0.5 mm for MR;
P
<0.05; LV end-diastolic dimension, 8.3±0.4 versus 10.5±0.2 versus 11.7±0.61 mm, respectively;
P
<0.05). LV ejection fraction was greater in the MR+sildenafil group than in the MR group (70.2±2.2 for sham versus 67.0±4.2 for MR+sildenafil versus 58.9±2.5 for MR;
P
=0.01). Serial treadmill test revealed that exercise capacity was reduced in the MR but not in the MR+sildenafil group. Transcriptional profiling of cardiac apical tissues revealed that gene sets related to inflammatory response, DNA damage response, cell cycle checkpoint, and cellular signaling pathways were significantly enriched by genes with reciprocal changes. Pathological analysis showed that perivascular fibrosis was more prominent in the MR than in the MR+sildenafil group and that the percentage of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling–positive cells was 2-fold greater in the MR compared with the MR+sildenafil group.

Conclusions—

Sildenafil significantly attenuates LV remodeling and prevents exercise intolerance in a rat model of chronic MR. This benefit may be associated with the antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory effects of sildenafil.
Mutable Matter: Using Sensory Methods in Public Engagement with Nanotechnology
Authors: Last Angela
Published: February 2012

Mutable Matter is an experimental public engagement pilot program that seeks to enable non-scientists to explore and co-imagine the future of nanotechnology. Located at the intersection of geography, science communication and art practice, Mutable Matter is intended as a starting point for examining playful sensory engagement methods bridging tangible public and intangible scientific spaces. The project both challenges the role of non-scientists as mere commentators on pre-decided innovation trajectories and draws attention to the way scientific information is creatively encountered in the public realm.
Computer Analysis Reveals Similarities between the Artistic Styles of Van Gogh and Pollock
Authors: Shamir Lior
Published: February 2012

Recent advances in computer vision and image processing have enabled basic automatic analysis of visual art. The author uses computer analysis to extract thousands of low-level numerical image content descriptors from digitized paintings, which are then used to compare objective levels of similarity between the artistic styles of different painters. The analysis reveals that Vincent Van Gogh's and Jackson Pollock's artistic styles are far more similar to each other in terms of low-level image features than Pollock's work is to that of other painters'. This report also proposes that this methodology is useful in quantifying similarities between painters or artistic styles based on large sets of numerical image content descriptors and for detecting influential links not easily detected by the unaided eye.
World-Wide-Walks / between earth & sky / Dun na nGall
Authors: d'Agostino Peter , Dowdakin Deirdre , Tafler David
Published: February 2012

The World-Wide-Walks explore natural/cultural/virtual identities: mixed realities that encompass walking in physical environments and virtually surfing the Web. The first of these projects, The Walk Series, was initiated by Peter d'Agostino in 1973 as video documentation/performances. World-Wide-Walks / between earth & sky / Dun na nGall is a video/web sculptural installation informed by environmental arts and sciences and local knowledge. It is one of the five Lovely Weather: Art and Climate Change public art projects commissioned by Regional Cultural Centre/Donegal County Council Public Art Office in partnership with Leonardo/Olats: www.peterdagostino.net/WorldWideWalks/Donegal .
The Irish Rover: Looking for Mars Off the Northern Coast of Ireland
Authors: Hg Lucy
Published: February 2012

For our Lovely Weather Residency project in County Donegal, the League of Imaginary Scientists teamed up with NASA's Athena Science Team and County Donegal to pair a location on Mars with an island in Ireland. We then probed the connections between these newly associated points on Mars and Earth in an art project meshing climate study, adventure and storytelling.
WeatherProof
Authors: Lyons Antony
Published: February 2012

As part of the Lovely Weather project, artist and environmental scientist Antony Lyons undertook a rural science and art residency project examining the relationships between the locality of the River Finn Valley, County Donegal, Ireland and the processes of climate change. The local countryside is, in many ways, enmeshed in the wider global systems. At the core of the project was the quest for new avenues of communication and dialogue—through revealing unseen and metaphorical connections—enabling the local community and others to engage with the global issues, and the science, in a meaningful way. A research-based ‘deep-mapping’ approach was used. Art installations were developed, and there now exists a platform for some locally grounded sustainable development initiatives to emerge.
Sheltering from the Storm—Artistic Residencies and Environmental Crisis
Authors: Ferran Bronac
Published: February 2012

Conditions of crisis can be fertile soil for social transformation. The Lovely Weather project in Donegal, northwest Ireland, brought artists into residence in localities where changing socio-economic and awareness of shifting environmental conditions opened up space for different cooperative relations. Donegal, bounded by the Atlantic, sitting between the north and south of Ireland, is an ambiguous in-between region with strong yet undervalued traditions relating to the sea and land. Drawing from a keynote presentation, this paper considers how residency models can dynamically connect poetics of place with broader environmental influences.
Seasonal Variability in the Diurnal Evolution of the Boundary Layer in a Near-Coastal Urban Environment
Authors: Haman Christine L. , Lefer Barry , Morris Gary A.
Published: February 2012

Boundary layer height is estimated during a 21-month period in Houston, Texas, using continuous ceilometer observations and the minimum-gradient method. A comparison with over 60 radiosondes indicates overall agreement between ceilometer- and radiosonde-estimated PBL and residual layer heights. Additionally, the ceilometer-estimated PBL heights agree well with 31 vertical profiles of ozone. Difficulty detecting the PBL height occurs immediately following a frontal system with precipitation, during periods with high wind speeds, and in the early evening when convection is weakening, a new stable surface layer is forming, and the lofted aerosols detected by the lidar do not represent the PBL. Long-term diurnal observations of the PBL height indicate nocturnal PBL heights range from approximately 100 to 300 m throughout the year, while the convective PBL displays more seasonal and daily variability typically ranging from 1100 m in the winter to 2000 m in the summer.
New Methods for Estimating Ocean Eddy Heat Transport Using Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Keating Shane R. , Majda Andrew J. , Smith K. Shafer
Published: February 2012

Attempts to monitor ocean eddy heat transport are strongly limited by the sparseness of available observations and the fact that heat transport is a quadratic, sign-indefinite quantity that is particularly sensitive to unresolved scales. In this article, a suite of stochastic filtering strategies for estimating eddy heat transport are tested in idealized two-layer simulations of mesoscale oceanic turbulence at high and low latitudes under a range of observation scenarios. A novel feature of these filtering strategies is the use of computationally inexpensive stochastic models to forecast the underlying nonlinear dynamics. The stochastic model parameters can be estimated by regression fitting to climatological energy spectra and correlation times or by adaptively learning these parameters “on-the-fly” from the observations themselves.

The authors show that, by extracting high-wavenumber information that has been aliased into the low wavenumber band, “stochastically super-resolved” velocity fields with a nominal resolution increase of a factor of 2 or more can be derived. Observations of the upper-layer streamfunction are projected onto an empirical orthogonal function basis for the vertical structure to produce filtered estimates for both upper- and lower-layer streamfunctions and hence net heat transport. The resulting time-mean poleward eddy heat transport is significantly closer to the true value when compared with standard estimates based upon optimal interpolation. By contrast, the temporal variability of the heat transport is underestimated because of poor temporal resolution. Implications for estimating poleward eddy heat transport using current and next-generation altimeters are discussed.
Mirror, mirror on my boss’s wall: Engaged enactment’s moderating role on the relationship between perceived narcissistic supervision and work outcomes
Authors: Hochwarter Wayne A , Thompson Katina W
Published: February 2012

Addressing both practical and scholarly considerations, we investigated the interactive effects of perceived supervisor narcissism and individual enactment behavior on four relevant self-report work outcomes (i.e. frustration, tension, resource availability, and job performance). We hypothesized that employees with limited enactment behavior would be adversely affected in high supervisor narcissism settings. Conversely, we expected that perceived narcissistic supervision would have little effect on those with active enactment strategies. Across three samples, hypotheses were strongly supported as work frustration (Studies 1 and 3) and tension increased (Studies 1 and 2), and resource availability (Studies 1–3) and job performance (Studies 1–3) decreased for low enactment behavior–high perceived supervisor narcissism employees. Conversely, perceived supervisor narcissism had no significant effect for high enactment employees on any outcome across samples. These findings, when viewed in their entirety, confirmed the influential role of enactment behavior on perceived supervisor narcissism–work outcome relationships.
Randomized Controlled Trial on Physical Therapy for TMJ Closed Lock
Authors: Craane B. , Dijkstra P.U. , Stappaerts K. , De Laat A.
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the one-year effect of physical therapy on pain and mandibular dysfunction associated with anterior disc displacement without reduction of the temporomandibular joint (closed lock). Forty-nine individuals were randomly assigned to either a physical therapy group [n = 23, mean age (SD) 34.7 (14.0) yrs] or a control group [n = 26, mean age 38.5 (15.1) yrs]. At baseline and after 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 wks, pain and mandibular function were evaluated. All patients received extensive information about avoiding parafunctions and oral habits on all evaluation days. The physical therapy group received, in a 6-week period, 9 sessions of physical therapy, including joint mobilization, exercises, and massage, and the information on avoiding parafunctions and oral habits was repeated each time. All pain variables decreased, and all function variables increased significantly over time for both groups. The interaction between time and treatment group was not significant. Hence, physical therapy had no significant additional effect in patients with anterior disc displacement, without reduction, of the temporomandibular joint ( ClinicalTrials.gov number, CT01475630).
Anxiety and depression in academic performance: An exploration of the mediating factors of worry and working memory
Authors: Owens Matthew , Stevenson Jim , Hadwin Julie A. , Norgate Roger
Published: February 2012

Anxiety and depression are linked to lower academic performance. It is proposed that academic performance is reduced in young people with high levels of anxiety or depression as a function of increased test-specific worry that impinges on working memory central executive processes. Participants were typically developing children (12 to 13-years-old) from two UK schools. The study investigated the relationship between negative affect, worry, working memory, and academic performance using self-report questionnaires, school administered academic test data, and a battery of computerized working memory tasks. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with lower academic performance. There was support for a mediation hypothesis, where worry and central executive processes mediated the link between negative affect and academic performance. Further studies should test these hypotheses in larger longitudinal samples. Implications for school psychology practice and interventions in schools are discussed.
Gender differences in consequences of ADHD symptoms in a community-based organization for youth
Authors: Vitulano Michael L. , Fite Paula J. , Wimsatt Amber R. , Rathert Jamie L. , Hatmaker Rebecca S.
Published: February 2012

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been linked to disruptive behavior and disciplinary consequences; however, the variables involved in this process are largely unknown. The current study examined rule-breaking behavior as a mediator of the relation between ADHD symptoms and disciplinary actions 1 year later during after-school care at a community-based organization in a sample of 147 school-age children ( M = 8.22 years; 54.4% male). Additionally, gender was examined as a moderator of these relations. Total ADHD symptoms positively predicted rule-breaking behavior at 1-year follow-up, which in turn was positively associated with disciplinary actions also at 1-year follow-up. Gender moderated these relations, such that the mediated effect of rule-breaking behavior on the association between total ADHD symptoms and disciplinary actions was significant for boys but not for girls. Further, when ADHD symptom dimensions were simultaneously included in the model, only hyperactive/impulsive symptoms were a positive predictor of rule-breaking behavior, and rule-breaking behavior mediated this link between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and disciplinary actions. However, when examining ADHD symptom dimensions, no gender differences emerged. Implications for findings and future directions are discussed.
The Talent Search Model of Gifted Identification
Authors: Assouline Susan G. , Lupkowski-Shoplik Ann
Published: February 2012

The Talent Search model, founded at Johns Hopkins University by Dr. Julian C. Stanley, is fundamentally an above-level testing program. This simplistic description belies the enduring impact that the Talent Search model has had on the lives of hundreds of thousands of gifted students as well as their parents and teachers. In this article, we compare the Talent Search model to school-based models of gifted education. The comparisons are both broad and narrow. Broad contrasts are made in the discussion of the historical impetus, whereas specific differences are presented in the discussion of numbers of students served and costs. Bridging the Talent Search model and K-12 gifted education models is addressed. Assessment information from Talent Search above-level testing offers valuable information for parents and teachers and recommendations for advocacy are presented. Finally, we highlight major findings from Talent Search research emphasizing that Talent Search research has made a significant contribution to our understanding of gifted and talented students. We conclude with a strong endorsement to recognize the founder of the Talent Search model, Julian C. Stanley, by referring to the impact of the Talent Search model as the Julian Stanley Effect.
Genotoxicity assessment in smokeless tobacco users
Authors: Chandirasekar R , Suresh K , Sasikala K , Kumar B Lakshman , Venkatesan R , Ganesh G Karthik , Jacob Raichel
Published: February 2012

India has a long history of tobacco, which includes chewing tobacco and smoking tobacco in various forms. Initially, the smokeless tobacco chewing habit was seen among the majority of the farmers who cultivated tobacco; but in recent years, smokeless tobacco is available in many forms and is cheaper as well and hence it is widely being used among literate and illiterate people. The subjects of our study are living in hilly regions of Yerkaud in Salem district, South India. Most of the inhabitants of our study area are illiterate and more particularly they are unaware of the health effects due to tobacco use. Recent epidemiological reports have strongly indicated the association of cancer risk with usage of smokeless tobacco. The prime aim of our study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects of tobacco use by analysing the cytogenetic end points such as chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood and micronucleus in peripheral blood and buccal cells. About 85 smokeless tobacco users were enrolled for the study and same numbers of age- and sex-matched nontobacco users were also enrolled to serve as controls. The result of our study revealed that tobacco users displayed varied levels of elevated chromosomal damage and micronucleated cells than nontobacco users. The variation in the extent of genetic damage was dependent on the duration of the tobacco use. In conclusion, this study might be helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of the smokeless tobacco products among the global population as a whole for those who chose such products as a cheap alternative to tobacco smoke.
The antitumor effects of tetrodotoxin and/or doxorubicin on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing female mice
Authors: El-Dayem Samiha M Abd , Fouda Fatma M , Ali Elham H A , Motelp Bosy A Abd El
Published: February 2012

The study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and/or doxorubicin (DOX) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice through the investigated biochemical parameters. TTX and/or DOX with or without N-acetylcystiene were administrated after 10 days into EAC-female mice for a period of 2 weeks in six equal doses. Treatment with TTX or DOX caused a significant decrease in the mean tumor weight and an increase in the cumulative mean survival time when compared with EAC group. All the treatments reduced the elevated liver tumor markers and increased liver antioxidant enzymes under investigation in comparison with EAC. Hepatic cells, suffered severely from degeneration and karriolysis in EAC group, revealed some improvement as appearance of healthy hepatocytes by TTX treatment. The present results suggested that TTX had a more powerful inhibitor effect on EAC growth than DOX and TTX plus DOX treatments reflected by antitumor biochemical and histological studies.
Spool-packaging of shape memory alloy actuators: Performance model and experimental validation
Authors: Redmond John A , Brei Diann , Luntz Jonathan , Browne Alan L , Johnson Nancy L
Published: February 2012

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in the wire form are attractive because of their simplistic architecture and electrical operation, and their manufacturability at high yields and low cost. While SMA actuators are known for their superior work density among smart materials, packaging long lengths of SMA wire needed for moderate to large motions is an ongoing technical challenge. This article investigates spooling as a packaging approach to provide more compact actuator footprints. An analytical, quasi-static model is derived to provide a foundational tool for the analysis and synthesis of spool-packaged SMA wire actuators. The model predicts motion with respect to a generalized architecture, and specifiable geometric, material, and loading parameters. The model prediction accounts for the effects of local friction loss and bending strains, and for a “binding” limitation due to accumulated friction. An experimental validation study demonstrates the model’s ability to predict actuator motion well in terms of form and magnitude with respect to load and packaging geometry. This model provides a basis for a systematic application of spooled-packaging techniques to overcome packaging limitations of SMA, positioning SMA wire actuators as a viable alternative in many applications.
Nonlinear nonconservative behavior and modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesters including proof mass effects
Authors: Stanton Samuel C , Erturk Alper , Mann Brian P , Dowell Earl H , Inman Daniel J
Published: February 2012

Nonlinear piezoelectric effects in flexural energy harvesters have recently been demonstrated for drive amplitudes well within the scope of anticipated vibration environments for power generation. In addition to strong softening effects, steady-state oscillations are highly damped as well. Nonlinear fluid damping was previously employed to successfully model drive dependent decreases in frequency response due to the high-velocity oscillations, but this article instead harmonizes with a body of literature concerning weakly excited piezoelectric actuators by modeling nonlinear damping with nonconservative piezoelectric constitutive relations. Thus, material damping is presumed dominant over losses due to fluid-structure interactions. Cantilevers consisted of lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-5A and PZT-5H are studied, and the addition of successively larger proof masses is shown to precipitate nonlinear resonances at much lower base excitation thresholds while increasing the influence of higher-order nonlinearities. Parameter identification results using a multiple scales perturbation solution suggest that empirical trends are primarily due to higher-order elastic and dissipation nonlinearities and that modeling linear electromechanical coupling is sufficient. This article concludes with the guidelines for which utilization of a nonlinear model is preferred.