bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Content, Live-Cell, and Real-Time Approach to the Quantitation of Ligand-Induced β-Arrestin2 and Class A/Class B GPCR Mobilization
Authors: Leonard Anthony P. , Appleton Kathryn M. , Luttrell Louis M. , Peterson Yuri K.
Published: January 2013

We report the development of a method to analyze receptor and β-arrestin2 mobilization between Class A and B GPCRs via time-resolved fluorescent microscopy coupled with semiautomated high-content multiparametric analysis. Using transiently expressed, tagged β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) or parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 (PTH1R), we quantified trafficking of the receptors along with the mobilization and colocalization of coexpressed tagged β-arrestin2. This classification system allows for exclusion of cells with nonoptimal characteristics and calculation of multiple morphological and spatial parameters including receptor endosome formation, β-arrestin mobilization, colocalization, areas, and shape. Stimulated Class A and B receptors demonstrate dramatically different patterns with regard to β-arrestin interactions. The method provides high kinetic resolution measurement of receptor translocation, which allows for the identification of the fleeting β-arrestin interaction found with β2-AR agonist stimulation, in contrast to stronger mobilization and receptor colocalization with agonist stimulation of the PTH1R. Though especially appropriate for receptor kinetic studies, this method is generalizable to any dual fluorescence probe system in which quantification of object formation and movement is desired. These methodologies allow for quantitative, unbiased measurement of microscopy data and are further enhanced by providing real-time kinetics.
Single‐cell versus population‐level reproductive success of bacterial immigrants to pre‐colonized leaf surfaces
Authors: Remus‐Emsermann Mitja N. P. , Kowalchuk George A. , Leveau Johan H. J.
Published: January 2013

We assessed how preemptive inoculation of plant leaves with bacteria affected the establishment of secondary colonizers. We quantified the latter in two ways: (i) at the population level, i.e. as counts of colony‐forming units and (ii) at the level of single cells by tracking the reproductive success of individual bacteria. Both analyses showed that the ability of secondary immigrants to establish on the leaf was negatively correlated with the level of pre‐population by primary colonizers. This effect was best described by an inverse dose–response curve with an apparent half‐point inhibition efficacy of approximately 106 cells of primary colonizers per gram leaf. This efficacy was the same whether calculated from population‐ or average single‐cell data. However, single‐cell data revealed that even under conditions of heavy pre‐population with primary colonizers, a small fraction of secondary immigrants still produced offspring, although the corresponding population measurement showed no increase in total population size. This observation has direct relevance for biocontrol strategies that are based on the principle of preemptive exclusion of foliar bacterial pathogens: even at seemingly saturating levels of primary inoculum, some secondary colonizers may still be able to reproduce and possibly reach a quorum to trigger behaviours that enhance survival or virulence.
Working Twice as Hard to Get Half as Far: Race, Work Ethic, and America’s Deserving Poor
Authors: DeSante Christopher D.
Published: January 2013

Attitudes toward racialized and redistributive policies like welfare are often thought of as a function of both principled ideological positions and the underlying racial attitudes a person holds. Kinder and Sanders (1996) look at racial resentment as one explanation, while Sniderman and his colleagues look to principled conservatism and authoritarianism as viable alternatives, claiming that racial resentment is merely proxying a legitimate race‐neutral commitment to equality of opportunity. This article engages this debate through an experimental design which tests whether “hard work” is rewarded in a color‐blind manner. The experimental design also affords scholars the opportunity to separate the effects of the two components of racial resentment: principled values and racial animus. The results show that American norms and implicit racism serve to uniquely privilege whites in a variety of ways.
Economic Explanations for Opposition to Immigration: Distinguishing between Prevalence and Conditional Impact
Authors: Malhotra Neil , Margalit Yotam , Mo Cecilia Hyunjung
Published: January 2013

What explains variation in individuals’ opposition to immigration? While scholars have consistently shown cultural concerns to be strong predictors of opposition, findings regarding the labor‐market competition hypothesis are highly contested. To help understand these divergent results, we distinguish between the prevalence and conditional impact of determinants of immigration attitudes. Leveraging a targeted sampling strategy of high‐technology counties, we conduct a study of Americans’ attitudes toward H‐1B visas. The plurality of these visas are occupied by Indian immigrants, who are skilled but ethnically distinct, enabling us to measure a specific skill set (high technology) that is threatened by a particular type of immigrant (H‐1B visa holders). Unlike recent aggregate studies, our targeted approach reveals that the conditional impact of the relationship in the high‐technology sector between economic threat and immigration attitudes is sizable. However, labor‐market competition is not a prevalent source of threat and therefore is generally not detected in aggregate analyses.
How do dentists and their teams incorporate evidence about preventive care? An empirical study
Authors: Sbaraini Alexandra , Carter Stacy Marie , Evans Robin Wendell , Blinkhorn Anthony
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To identify how dentists and their teams adopt evidence‐based preventive care.

Methods

A qualitative study using grounded theory methodology was conducted. We interviewed 23 participants working in eight dental practices about their experience and work processes, while adopting evidence‐based preventive care. During the study, Charmaz's grounded theory methodology was employed to examine the social process of adopting preventive dental care in dental practices. Charmaz's iteration of the constant comparative method was used during the data analysis. This involved coding of interview transcripts, detailed memo‐writing and drawing diagrams. The transcripts were analyzed as soon as possible after each round of interviews in each dental practice. Coding was conducted primarily by AS, supported by team meetings and discussions when researchers compared their interpretations.

Results

Participants engaged in a slow process of adapting evidence‐based protocols and guidelines to the existing logistics of the practices. This process was influenced by practical, philosophical, and historical aspects of dental care, and a range of barriers and facilitators. In particular, dentists spoke spontaneously about two deeply held ‘rules’ underpinning continued restorative treatment, which acted as barriers to provide preventive care: (i) dentists believed that some patients were too ‘unreliable’ to benefit from prevention; and (ii) dentists believed that patients thought that only tangible restorative treatment offered ‘value for money’. During the adaptation process, some dentists and teams transitioned from their initial state – selling restorative care – through an intermediary stage – learning by doing and educating patients about the importance of preventive care – and finally to a stage where they were offering patients more than just restorative care. Resources were needed for the adaptation process to occur, including: the ability to maintain the financial viability of the practice, appropriate technology, time, and supportive dental team relationships.

Conclusions

The findings from this study show that with considerable effort, motivation and coordination, it is possible for dental practices to work against the dental ‘mainstream’ and implement prevention as their clinical norm. This study has shown that dental practice is not purely scientific, but it includes cultural, social, and economic resources that interfere with the provision of preventive care.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics following 4 weeks' treatment with empagliflozin once daily in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heise T. , Seewaldt‐Becker E. , Macha S. , Hantel S. , Pinnetti S. , Seman L. , Woerle H. J.
Published: January 2013

Aim

To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes following oral administration of 10, 25 or 100 mg doses once daily over 28 days.

Methods

A total of 78 patients were assigned to empagliflozin 10 mg (n = 16), 25 mg (n = 16) or 100 mg (n = 30) or placebo (n = 16) for 28 days. Assessments included adverse events (AEs) and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic endpoints.

Results

Empagliflozin exposure increased dose‐proportionally over the dose range 10–100 mg and showed linear pharmacokinetics with respect to time. Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) increased from baseline to day 1 by 74, 90 and 81 g with empagliflozin 10, 25 and 100 mg, respectively. The increases in UGE were maintained over 28 days with multiple dosing. Virtually no change in UGE was observed in the placebo group. Significant reductions from baseline in mean daily plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose were observed with empagliflozin compared with placebo. The incidence of AEs was similar in the empagliflozin and placebo groups (50.0, 56.3 and 66.7% with empagliflozin rising doses and 62.5% with placebo). The most frequently reported AEs were pollakiuria (10.3%), nasopharyngitis (9.0%), constipation (9.0%) and headache (7.7%).

Conclusions

Oral administration of empagliflozin at doses of 10, 25 or 100 mg once daily over 28 days resulted in significant increases in UGE and reductions in blood glucose compared with placebo, and were well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Thymidine kinase 1 regulatory fine‐tuning through tetramer formation
Authors: Mutahir Zeeshan , Clausen Anders R. , Andersson Karl‐Magnus , Wisen Sofia M. , Munch‐Petersen Birgitte , Piškur Jure
Published: January 2013

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) provides a crucial precursor, deoxythymidine monophosphate, for nucleic acid synthesis, and the activity of TK1 increases by up to 200‐fold during the S‐phase of cell division in humans. An important part of the regulatory checkpoints is the ATP and enzyme concentration‐dependent transition of TK1 from a dimer with low catalytic efficiency to a tetramer with high catalytic efficiency. This regulatory fine‐tuning serves as an additional control to provide a balanced pool of nucleic acid precursors in the cell. We subcloned and over‐expressed 10 different TK1s, originating from widely different organisms, and characterized their kinetic and oligomerization properties. Whilst bacteria, plants and Dictyostelium only exhibited dimeric TK1, we found that all animals had a tetrameric TK1. However, a clear ATP‐dependent switch between dimer and tetramer was found only in higher vertebrates and was especially pronounced in mammalian and bird TK1s. We suggest that the dimer form is the original form and that the tetramer originated in the animal lineage after the split of Dictyostelium and the lineages leading to invertebrates and vertebrates. The efficient switching mechanism was probably first established in warm‐blooded animals when they separated from the rest of the vertebrates.
Explaining recreational angling catch rates of Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis: the role of natural and fishing‐related environmental factors
Authors: Heermann L. , Emmrich M. , Heynen M. , Dorow M. , König U. , Borcherding J. , Arlinghaus R.
Published: January 2013

Angling catch records are frequently used to reveal fish population developments. It is therefore important to understand the determinants of angling catches. This study focused on angler‐related, biotic and abiotic factors influencing catchability of Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis L. A multi‐lake (21 lakes) study based on angling diaries collected in Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Germany (2006/2007), found that angler‐related factors such as fishing experience, species preference and bait/lure type had a large impact on perch catch rates. Additionally, environmental conditions (nutritional status and water transparency) affected either the size or the number of perch caught by anglers. Catch rates varied seasonally, which was confirmed by an experimental fishery on a gravel pit (2008). This portion of the study showed that altered food availabilities in the course of the year caused food limitation in perch, which in turn facilitated high catch rates and female‐biased exploitation in autumn. It is concluded that both angler‐related and abiotic factors interact affecting perch catch rates and size of perch captured in recreational angling.
Language Policy in Practice: Re‐bordering the Nation
Authors: Baba Marietta L. , Dahl‐Jørgensen Carla
Published: January 2013

We present findings from an anthropological field study on the role of language and language policy in migration from Poland to Norway, and the larger implications for emerging language and immigration policy in Europe. Initial fieldwork in Norway found that Polish workers without knowledge of the Norwegian language struggled to secure employment in the formal economy. The 2008 financial crisis intensified competition in the labour market and underscored fluency in Norwegian as a means of discriminating among workers. Comparative case studies of language schools revealed that these organizations are active participants in channeling Polish migrants' movements into a segmented labour market, often in ways that involve cooperation between private companies and the State. We frame the Norwegian case within the larger context of Europe and the trend there toward favoring integration over multiculturalism. The emergence of restrictive language policies in Europe may be interpreted as a legally and culturally acceptable means for discouraging access to rights associated with permanent residency or citizenship by work migrants fromCEEcountries, while at the same time permitting them access to the labour market for temporary work. The long‐term consequences of such policies for European society are uncertain.
Major cluster of chilblain cases in a cold dry Western Australian winter
Authors: Larkins Nicholas , Murray Kevin J
Published: January 2013

Aim

Primary chilblains are an idiopathic cold‐induced vasculopathy affecting the soft tissues of the hands and feet. Secondary chilblains occur in different forms of vasculitis and chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorders. Idiopathic chilblains are rarely reported in children and may generate significant anxiety to doctors and patients. We describe a cluster of idiopathic chilblains encountered over the winter of 2010 in Perth, Western Australia.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients identified from a prospectively compiled database of all new cases seen in our department. Data on history, examination, investigations, prescribed treatments and outcomes were collected.

Results

Thirty‐two patients with isolated idiopathic chilblains were included, including 20 females and 12 males with a median age at onset of 13.5 years. Lesions were papular with signs of peripheral vasoconstriction causing acrocyanosis, and uncomfortable due to pain and/or pruritis in most. Thickening of the small joints was common where lesions involved these areas. Ulceration of lesions also occurred in some. One patient required hospitalisation for secondary bacterial infection. Most received some form of treatment including non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, prednisolone or nifedipine. Most patients improved spontaneously with warmer weather or responded to cold protection advice. All had resolved completely by late spring (November).

Conclusion

Our cluster of chilblains was associated with an unusually cold winter in Perth 2010. It is the largest series reported in the literature, suggesting that chilblains may be more common than previously thought. Chilblains are almost always benign in nature and patients are systemically well and usually need no further investigation and only symptomatic treatment. Prompt recognition can avoid excessive investigation and anxiety, allowing appropriate simple advice and treatment.
A HT/PEXEL Motif in Toxoplasma Dense Granule Proteins is a Signal for Protein Cleavage but not Export into the Host Cell
Authors: Hsiao Chia‐Hung Christine , Luisa Hiller N. , Haldar Kasturi , Knoll Laura J.
Published: January 2013

Apicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium, secrete proteins for attachment, invasion and modulation of their host cells. The host targeting (HT), also known as the Plasmodium export element (PEXEL), directs Plasmodium proteins into erythrocytes to remodel the host cell and establish infection. Bioinformatic analysis of Toxoplasma revealed a HT/PEXEL‐like motif at the N‐terminus of several hypothetical unknown and dense granule proteins. Hemagglutinin‐tagged versions of these uncharacterized proteins show co‐localization with dense granule proteins found on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM). In contrast to Plasmodium, these Toxoplasma HT/PEXEL containing proteins are not exported into the host cell. Site directed mutagenesis of the Toxoplasma HT/PEXEL motif, RxLxD/E, shows that the arginine and leucine residues are permissible for protein cleavage. Mutations within the HT/PEXEL motif that prevent protein cleavage still allow for targeting to the PV but the proteins have a reduced association with the PVM. Addition of a Myc tag before and after the cleavage site shows that processed HT/PEXEL protein has increased PVM association. These findings suggest that while Toxoplasma and Plasmodium share similar HT/PEXEL motifs, Toxoplasma HT/PEXEL containing proteins interact with but do not cross the PVM.
Synergistic effect of a phosphate-solubilizing fungus and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on leucaena seedlings in an Oxisol fertilized with rock phosphate
Authors: Osorio Nelson Walter , Habte Mitiku
Published: January 2013

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of a phosphate-solubilizing fungus (Mortierella sp.) and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus fistulosum (Skou and Jakobsen)) in enhancing plant Pi uptake and growth of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) grown in an Oxisol fertilized with graded amounts of rock phosphate (RP). For this purpose, a surface soil sample was fertilized with four levels of the Huila RP (P = 0, 150, 300, and 600 mg·kg−1) and inoculated with none, one, or both fungi. In the unfertilized soil, leucaena plants grew poorly and there was no plant response to individual or dual inoculation. When RP was added G. fistulosum significantly increased plant Pi uptake and growth, the effect of inoculation was significantly higher at the P levels of 300–600 mg·kg−1. Mortierella sp. was highly effective in increasing plant P uptake and growth of mycorrhizal leucaena, but it was ineffective in nonmycorrhizal leucaena across the RP gradient. The synergistic effects of dual inoculation were more evident on plant Pi uptake than on growth. The results indicate that the phosphate-solubilizing fungus effect was limited by soil Pi sorption. This limitation likely was overcome by the mycorrhizal association, which allowed a more efficient capture of the Pi released due to RP dissolution.
A NOTE ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF GROUNDED INDUCTORS TO FLOATING INDUCTORS USING OFA AND FCCII
Authors: SOLIMAN AHMED M.
Published: January 2013

Recently this author published a paper1 discussing the transformation of grounded inductors to floating inductors using operational floating amplifier (OFA) or floating current conveyor (FCCII). The author classified the paper as a partially review paper as stated in the abstract and in the introduction of Ref. 1 The author states in the abstract that: It is well known that a floating inductor circuit is realized from a grounded inductor circuit by replacing the operational amplifier by a floating operational transconductance amplifier. This idea is extended to transform current conveyor grounded inductors to floating inductors by replacing the current conveyor by the recently introduced floating current conveyor.
Baicalein Triggers Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and Enhances the Antileukemic Effect of Vincristine in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia CCRF-CEM Cells
Authors: Chen Yun-Ju , Wu Chieh-Shan , Shieh Jeng-Jer , Wu Jyh-Horng , Chen Hsing-Yu , Chung Ting-Wen , Chen Yu-Kuo , Lin Chi-Chen
Published: January 2013

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for approximately 75% of childhood leukemia, and chemotherapy remains the mainstay therapy. Baicalein is an active flavonoid used in traditional Chinese medicine and has recently been found to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties. This study aims to investigate the molecular apoptotic mechanisms of baicalein in CCRF-CEM leukemic cells and to evaluate the combined therapeutic efficacy of baicalein with several commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs in CCRF-CEM cells. Our results demonstrate that baicalein induces mitochondria-dependent cleavage of caspases-9 and -3 and PARP with concomitant decreases in IAP family proteins, survivin, and XIAP. Furthermore, our results present for the first time that baicalein triggers a convergence of the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways via the death receptor-caspase 8-tBid signaling cascade in CCRF-CEM cells. In addition, we also present for the first time that the combination of baicalein and vincristine results in a synergistic therapeutic efficacy. Overall, this combination strategy is recommended for future clinical trials in the treatment of pediatric leukemia owing to baicalein’s beneficial effects in alleviating the vomiting, nausea, and skin rashes caused by chemotherapy.
Multiple Feature Fusion Based on Co-Training Approach and Time Regularization for Place Classification in Wearable Video
Authors: Dovgalecs Vladislavs , Mégret Rémi , Berthoumieu Yannick
Published: January 2013

The analysis of video acquired with a wearable camera is a challenge that multimedia community is facing with the proliferation of such sensors in various applications. In this paper, we focus on the problem of automatic visual place recognition in a weakly constrained environment, targeting the indexing of video streams by topological place recognition. We propose to combine several machine learning approaches in a time regularized framework for image-based place recognition indoors. The framework combines the power of multiple visual cues and integrates the temporal continuity information of video. We extend it with computationally efficient semisupervised method leveraging unlabeled video sequences for an improved indexing performance. The proposed approach was applied on challenging video corpora. Experiments on a public and a real-world video sequence databases show the gain brought by the different stages of the method.
Hyoscine-N-Butyl-Bromide-Induced Hypotension and Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Chen Guan-Liang , Hsu Wen-Hsiu
Published: January 2013

HyoscineN-butyl bromide, also known as scopolamine, is a type of antimuscarinic agent. This drug is associated with numerous common side effects, including abdominal fullness, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, skin flushing, tachycardia, decreased sweating, and salivation. The most unfavorable side effect is hemodynamic instability. In the present case, hypotension and acute myocardial infarction developed after intravenous hyoscine injection as a premedication therapy for colonoscopy. It was difficult to differentiate the cause-effect relationship between myocardial infarction and hypotension. Because both conditions were present under drug effects, we considered 2 possible diagnoses. One was coronary spasm with cardiogenic shock, and the other was myocardial ischemic sequela due to shock status. The latter diagnosis was confirmed after a series of examinations.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Hypertensive US-Born Blacks and Foreign-Born Blacks: Analysis of the CAATCH Data
Authors: Williams N. , Abo Al Haija O. , Workneh A. , Sarpong D. , Keku E. , Ogedegbe G. , McFarlane S. I. , Jean-Louis G.
Published: January 2013

Background. Evidence shows that blacks exhibit greater daytime sleepiness compared with whites, based on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In addition, sleep complaints might differ based on individuals’ country of origin. However, it is not clear whether individuals’ country of origin has any influence on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).Study Objectives. We tested the hypothesis that US-born blacks would show a greater level of EDS compared with foreign-born blacks. The potential effects of sociodemographic and medical risk were also determined.Design. We used the Counseling African-Americans to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) data. CAATCH is a group randomized clinical trial that was conducted among 30 community healthcare centers in New York, yielding baseline data for 1,058 hypertensive black patients.Results. Results of univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that US-born blacks were nearly twice as likely as their foreign-born black counterparts to exhibit EDS (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.30–2.68,P<0.001). After adjusting for effects of age, sex, education, employment, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and smoking habit, US-born blacks were 69% more likely than their counterparts to exhibit EDS (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.11–2.57,P<0.01).Conclusion. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering individuals’ country of origin, in addition to their race and ethnicity, when analyzing epidemiologic sleep data.
Optimization of Culture Conditions for Some Identified Fungal Species and Stability Profile ofα-Galactosidase Produced
Authors: Chauhan A. S. , Srivastava N. , Kehri H. K. , Sharma B.
Published: January 2013

Microbialα-galactosidase preparations have implications in medicine and in the modification of various agricultural products as well. In this paper, four isolated fungal strains such as AL-3, WF-3, WP-4 and CL-4 from rhizospheric soil identified asPenicillium glabrum(AL-3),Trichoderma evansii(WF-3),Lasiodiplodia theobromae(WP-4) andPenicillium flavus(CL-4) based on their morphology and microscopic examinations, are screened for their potential towardsα-galactosidases production. The culture conditions have been optimized and supplemented with specific carbon substrates (1%, w/v) by using galactose-containing polysaccharides like guar gum (GG), soya casein (SC) and wheat straw (WS). All strains significantly released galactose from GG, showing maximum production of enzyme at 7th day of incubation in rotary shaker (120 rpm) that is 190.3, 174.5, 93.9 and 28.8 U/mL, respectively, followed by SC and WS. The enzyme activity was stable up to 7days at −20°C, then after it declines. This investigation reveals that AL-3 show optimum enzyme activity in guar gum media, whereas WF-3 exhibited greater enzyme stability. Results indicated that the secretion of proteins, enzyme and the stability of enzyme activity varied not only from one strain to another but also differed in their preferences of utilization of different substrates.
Micromolluscs: Methodological Challenges — Exciting Results Title page and imprint page
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L. , RUTHENSTEINER BERNHARD
Published: January 2013

Proceedings from the micromollusc symposium of the 16th UNITAS Malacologica World Congress of Malacology July 15–20, 2007 in Antwerp, Belgium
Astrocytic Ca2+ signals are required for the functional integrity of tripartite synapses
Authors: Tanaka Mika , Shih Pei-Yu , Gomi Hiroshi , Yoshida Takamasa , Nakai Junichi , Ando Reiko , Furuichi Teiichi , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Semyanov Alexey , Itohara Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2013

Background

Neuronal activity alters calcium ion (Ca2+) dynamics in astrocytes, but the physiologic relevance of these changes is controversial. To examine this issue further, we generated an inducible transgenic mouse model in which the expression of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate absorbent, “IP3 sponge”, attenuates astrocytic Ca2+ signaling.

Results

Attenuated Ca2+ activity correlated with reduced astrocytic coverage of asymmetric synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region in these animals. The decreased astrocytic ‘protection’ of the synapses facilitated glutamate ‘spillover’, which was reflected by prolonged glutamate transporter currents in stratum radiatum astrocytes and enhanced N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons in response to burst stimulation. These mice also exhibited behavioral impairments in spatial reference memory and remote contextual fear memory, in which hippocampal circuits are involved.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that IP3-mediated astrocytic Ca2+ signaling correlates with the formation of functional tripartite synapses in the hippocampus.
Entropy and the Value of Information for Investors
Authors: Cabrales Antonio , Gossner Olivier , Serrano Roberto
Published: January 2013

Consider an investor who fears ruin when facing investments that satisfy no-arbitrage. Before investing he can purchase information about the state of nature as an information structure. Given his prior, information structure α investment dominates information structure β if, whenever he is willing to buy β at some price, he is also willing to buy α at that price. We show that this informativeness ordering is complete and is represented by the decrease in entropy of his beliefs, regardless of his preferences, initial wealth, or investment problem. We also show that no prior-independent informativeness ordering based on similar premises exists. (JEL D14, D81, D83, G11)
Formação para nutricionistas que atuam no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar: uma avaliação da efetividade
Authors: Scarparo Ana Luiza Sander , Oliveira Viviani Ruffo de , Bittencourt Jaqueline Marcela Villafuerte , Ruiz Eliziane Nicolodi Francescato , Fernandes Patrícia Fogaça , Zys Júlia Zanchetta , Moulin Cileide Cunha
Published: January 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é verificar a efetividade das formações de nutricionistas realizadas pelo Centro Colaborador em Alimentação e Nutrição do Escolar da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (CECANES UFRGS), entre 2007 e 2009. O foco da avaliação foi a percepção destes atores quanto à consecução dos objetivos da formação e quanto ao potencial das temáticas da formação em alterar o dia a dia de trabalho no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE). Para avaliação da efetividade foi utilizada a metodologia elaborada pela equipe do CECANES da UFRGS. A coleta de dados foi realizada com 118 nutricionistas, que atuam na alimentação escolar no RS, através de preenchimento de questionário eletrônico elaborado especificamente para esse trabalho. Observou-se que a formação cumpriu seus objetivos (P < 0,05), deixando claro para mais de 95% dos nutricionistas as atribuições e o que se espera do profissional no PNAE. Quando questionados sobre os obstáculos encontrados, os participantes relatam dificuldade em adaptar a teoria abordada na formação à realidade em que atuam. As temáticas trabalhadas contribuíram para a promoção de mudanças na execução do PNAE, principalmente em termos de difusão e atualização das normas e objetivos e na troca de experiências e práticas eficientes de gestão.
Percepção de profissionais de saúde de CAPS I quanto a demandas relativas ao consumo de crack
Authors: Horta Rogério Lessa , Esswein Georgius Cardoso , Horta Cristina Lessa
Published: January 2013

Pesquisa qualitativa que analisa dois grupos focais realizados em 2009 com vinte trabalhadores de dois CAPS I da região de Porto Alegre, para verificar a sua percepção diante do aumento de demandas que a expansão do crack tende a gerar sobre as redes locais de saúde mental. Propôs-se que debatessem o que lhes parecia fonte de sobrecarga e insatisfação em geral e, especificamente, em função das demandas de usuários de crack. Os resultados mostram forte preocupação com a instabilidade dos contratos de trabalho, levando à falta de projeção no futuro. Além disso, o acúmulo de tarefas para suprir carências das equipes, justificando-se o limitado interesse em planejar ações de longo prazo e a opção por tarefas menos complexas. Consideraram-se problemas na rotina de trabalho as ordens judiciais e a interferência de agentes públicos, pedido expresso de hospitalização, familiares sem postura cooperativa, querelantes e usuários desmotivados para o tratamento ou reingressando no serviço. As equipes parecem estar no centro um conflito entre a impossibilidade de se evitar o surgimento de demandas da população usuária das redes locais de saúde, o que se evidencia no contexto do uso de crack, e os limites da gestão, ampliando o desgaste e a sobrecarga percebidos.
Contextos e padrões do uso indevido de benzodiazepínicos entre mulheres
Authors: Souza Ana Rosa Lins de , Opaleye Emérita Sátiro , Noto Ana Regina
Published: January 2013

O uso indevido de benzodiazepínicos, especialmente entre mulheres, tem despertado preocupação na área de saúde pública. Este estudo objetivou compreender qualitativamente crenças e valores associados ao consumo indevido dessa substância por mulheres. Foram entrevistadas trinta e três mulheres (18-60 anos) com histórico de uso indevido de benzodiazepínicos no último ano, selecionadas intencionalmente e por critérios. Os discursos foram transcritos e submetidos à análise de conteúdo com auxílio do software NVivo. A maioria das entrevistadas referiu tempo de uso bem superior ao recomendado (mediana: 7 anos) e compra com receita médica. Os motivos de uso mais citados foram diminuição da ansiedade, problemas de insônia e fuga dos problemas. Apesar de reconhecerem a possibilidade de dependência, esta não motivou a interrupção do uso. O acompanhamento médico não pareceu, necessariamente, estimular a percepção de risco dos benzodiazepínicos, sendo um fator que favoreceu a manutenção do uso prolongado.
Risco reprodutivo e renda familiar: análise do perfil de gestantes
Authors: Xavier Rozania Bicego , Jannotti Claudia Bonan , Silva Katia Silveira da , Martins Aline de Carvalho
Published: January 2013

Em face do desafio de enfrentar a morbimortalidade materna e perinatal, a discussão sobre risco reprodutivo e sua associação com situações de vulnerabilidade em saúde é relevante à saúde publica. A pesquisa realizada teve como objetivos descrever o perfil de risco reprodutivo de 3440 mulheres matriculadas em um serviço de pré-natal de alto risco, entre 2006 e 2008, e investigar sua relação com renda familiar e situações de vulnerabilidade em saúde. Trata-se de estudo transversal que teve como fonte o banco de dados do pré-natal. O perfil econômico do grupo estudado é de baixa renda. Encontrou-se associação entre baixa renda familiar e malformações fetais, gravidez antes dos 15 anos e HIV. Renda familiar mais elevada foi associada à idade materna acima de 35 anos, translucência nucal alterada, ginecopatias e abortamento habitual. Os achados podem refletir situações de vulnerabilidade de mulheres de baixa renda, como condições de saúde desfavoráveis e menor acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde. É necessário obter um maior conhecimento do perfil do risco reprodutivo no Brasil e sua distribuição segundo características sociodemográficas, visando ao aperfeiçoamento das práticas assistenciais.
Characterization of Patients with Difficult-to-Treat Acute Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Multi-Modal Analgesia
Authors: Azim Syed A. , Sangster Rebecca , Curcio Christine , Coleman Dominick , Shah Usman , Zhang Shaonan , Reinsel Ruth A. , Glass Peter S.A. , Nicholson James , Benveniste Helene
Published: January 2013

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of post-operative pain control over the first 24 hours in patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a multi-modal analgesia protocol including femoral nerve catheters (FNC).

Materials and Methods:

119 patients who underwent unilateral TKA between 2009 and 2010 under regional anesthesia with FNC were studied. Electronic charts were reviewed for numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at baseline, from the time the patients entered the post-operative care unit and every 4 hours thereafter until FNC was discontinued at 24 hours post-surgery. Opioid usage was also recorded during the same time period.

Results:

Analysis of average NRS pain scores from all patients demonstrated that 69% had NRS pain scores ≤ 5 (‘low pain’ (LP) group) and 31% had NRS pain scores ≥ 6 (‘high pain’ (HP) group). Time analysis showed that HP patients' high pain scores persisted for 24 hours post-surgery and they were characterized by being younger when compared to the LP patients.The majority of HP patients were female. Further analysis demonstrated that the average body mass index (BMI) of the female HP
patients was significantly greater than females with LP.

Conclusions:

In spite of a diverse multi-modal analgesia protocol designed for TKA surgery, 31% of our patients had ‘difficult-to-treat’ pain (NRS pain scores ≥ 6) for 24hours postsurgery. Our analysis implicates age, pre-operative pain scores, female gender and obesity as potential risk factors for
experiencing insufficient pain control with the currently evaluated multimodal pain protocol post-TKA surgery.
Thermal resistance testing of standard and protective filtering military garment on the burning napalm mixture
Authors: Rajic Dusan , Kamberovic Zeljko , Karkalic Radovan , Ivankovic Negovan , Senic Zeljko
Published: January 2013

Fires are an accompanying manifestation in modern weaponry use and in case of
different accidents in peacetime. The standard military uniform is a primary
barrier in protection of a soldier?s body from all external influences,
including the thermal ones which can cause burns. The minimum thermal
resistance to the effect of burning napalm mixture (BNM) in individual
uniform garment materials has been determined, and is higher at simultaneous
use of more materials one over another (the so-called sandwich materials),
where the best thermal protection give sandwich materials with an air
interspace. The requirement for the thermal resistance of the material of the
filtrating protective suit (FPS) to the effect of BNM (? 15 s) has been fully
met. The highest thermal resistance has been demonstrated by the FPS whose
inner layer is made of polyurethane foam with active carbon. A proportional
dependence between the thermal resistance of FPS to the effect of BNM and
water vapor permeability through this garment mean has been determined, and
reversed in respect to air permeability.
The Effects of Risk Preference and Loss Aversion on Individual Behavior under Bonus, Penalty, and Combined Contract Frames
Authors: Brink Alisa G. , Rankin Frederick W.
Published: January 2013

This study examines the effects of risk preference and loss aversion on individual responses to differently framed, yet economically equivalent, incentive contracts. We extend prior research by examining contracts with combinations of bonus, penalty, and clawback incentives. Contracts framed as a combination of bonus and penalty incentives, especially those framed as a clawback, are less attractive to participants than contracts with bonus- or penalty-only incentives. Further, research suggests that individuals' contract preferences are due primarily to loss aversion. We test this conjecture with a new measure of loss aversion. Results indicate that our measure of loss aversion is well calibrated to encompass variation in loss aversion. In addition, participants' loss preferences explain a significant portion of the differences in observed behavior. Importantly, this relation is less significant for clawback contracts, indicating that other preferences may be driving individuals' strong reactions to these contract frames.
Ecological modeling and Lagrangian approach
Authors: Arkhipov Boris , Solbakov Viacheslav , Solov’ev Mikhail , Shapochkin Dmitry
Published: January 2013

A mathematical model is proposed for a quantitative estimation of the damage to biological resources resulting from a pollutant discharge into an aqueous environment. On the basis of the Lagrangian description of fluid motion a set of hydrophysical parameters is introduced with help of which hydrobiologists can estimate the damage. The computation of parameters introduced is illustrated by the example of a model problem of a pollutant spreading in a canal. For the discretization of the problem a deformable Lagrangian grid is used. A special grid reconstruction procedure with the subsequent interpolation of the parameters computed is proposed, which ensures computational stability and preserves the values of the most important hydrophysical parameters. Numerical results are presented.
Source Identification of Carbonaceous Aerosols During Winter Months in the Dhaka City
Authors: Begum Bilkis A , Roy Kollol , Islam Fakrul , Salam A , Hopke Philip K
Published: January 2013

Air particulate matter samples were collected using Air Metrics samplers from 11 - 17 January  and 19 - 27 January, 2012 at Amin Bazar and Farm Gate sites, respectively. The sampling time was  from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Three samplers were used of which two samplers were for PM2.5 samples,  using Teflon and quartz filters and the others for PM10 samples using Teflon filter. Organic and  elemental carbons (OC and EC) were measured in PM2.5 samples at both sites. It has been found  that the EC concentration at Amin Bazar is higher than in Farm Gate. The contribution of EC may  come from diesel, gasoline and coal/wood combustions in the Amin Bazar site. The present  OC/EC data were compared with the previous data. It was found that the concentration of EC became higher than those in the previous year. During last couple of years, Government   implemented different policies specially in case of motor vehicles to improve the air quality. But  due to the use of diesel in quick rental power plants, the air quality start to deteriorate. BC plays an  important role to change the climate. Hence, government should think of alternatives to meet the  power demand in place of diesel. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i2.12970 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 2, 241-250, 2012
Influence of Terminal Bud Pinching On Growth and Yield of Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum Indicum L.
Authors: Habiba S U , Islam M S , Uddin A F M Jamal
Published: January 2013

An experiment on pinching (viz. P0; without pinching and P1; with pinching) with 3 replications showed the tallest (37.7 cm) and the shortest plant (33.4 cm) without pinching and with pinching, respectively. Maximum number of leaves (30.1) and flowers (58.7) per plant were  recorded following pinching (P1); and minimum number of leaves (26.8) and flowers (37.9) per plant were from without pinching (P0). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i2.12971 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 2, 251-255, 2012
Shelf-Life Study of Bleached and Raw Jute Keeping in Normal and Air Tight Conditions
Authors: Hye M A , Khaleque M A , Islam M A , Akhtar A
Published: January 2013

When the raw and bleached jute were kept in air tight and normal conditions it was found that  in normal condition the tensile strength of raw jute decreased with increase of times. But in air tight  condition the decreasing rate of tensile strength of both kinds of jute was approximately similar. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i2.12973 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 2, 263-266, 2012
Urban Public Health: Is There a Pyramid?
Authors: Su Meirong , Chen Bin , Yang Zhifeng , Cai Yanpeng , Wang Jiao
Published: January 2013

Early ecologists identified a pyramidal trophic structure in terms of number, biomass and energy transfer. In 1943, the psychologist Maslow put forward a pyramid model to describe layers of human needs. It is indicated that the pyramid principle is universally applicable in natural, humanistic and social disciplines. Here, we report that a pyramid structure also exists in urban public health (UPH). Based on 18 indicators, the UPH states of four cities (Beijing, Tokyo, New York, and London) are compared from the point of view of five aspects, namely physical health, living conditions, social security, environmental quality, and education and culture. A pyramid structure was found in each city when focusing on 2000–2009 data. The pyramid of Beijing is relatively similar to that of Tokyo, and the pyramids of New York and London are similar to each other. A general development trend in UPH is proposed and represented by different pyramid modes. As a basic conjecture, the UPH pyramid model can be verified and developed with data of more cities over a longer period, and be used to promote healthy urban development.
A Voxel-Based Method for Automated Identification and Morphological Parameters Estimation of Individual Street Trees from Mobile Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Wu Bin , Yu Bailang , Yue Wenhui , Shu Song , Tan Wenqi , Hu Chunling , Huang Yan , Wu Jianping , Liu Hongxing
Published: January 2013

As an important component of urban vegetation, street trees play an important role in maintenance of environmental quality, aesthetic beauty of urban landscape, and social service for inhabitants. Acquiring accurate and up-to-date inventory information for street trees is required for urban horticultural planning, and municipal urban forest management. This paper presents a new Voxel-based Marked Neighborhood Searching (VMNS) method for efficiently identifying street trees and deriving their morphological parameters from Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) point cloud data. The VMNS method consists of six technical components: voxelization, calculating values of voxels, searching and marking neighborhoods, extracting potential trees, deriving morphological parameters, and eliminating pole-like objects other than trees. The method is validated and evaluated through two case studies. The evaluation results show that the completeness and correctness of our method for street tree detection are over 98%. The derived morphological parameters, including tree height, crown diameter, diameter at breast height (DBH), and crown base height (CBH), are in a good agreement with the field measurements. Our method provides an effective tool for extracting various morphological parameters for individual street trees from MLS point cloud data.
Barandillas de protección personal con solicitación dinámica
Authors: Pomares J. C. , Irles R. , Segovia E. G. , Boixader D.
Published: January 2013

Las barandillas de seguridad con solicitación dinámica, tipos B y C según UNE-EN 13374, son el conjunto de componentes destinados a la protección colectiva de las personas contra las caídas a un nivel inferior y a retener materiales. Frecuentemente incorporan una red de seguridad.

En este artículo se analizan aspectos fundamentales como su diseño, sus requisitos mecánicos y la solución a la problemática que suponen los soportes o puntos duros capaces de producir lesiones al accidentado.

Para este fin, se ha estudiado el fenómeno de la caída de un lastre sobre tales redes con distintos modelos numéricos de elementos finitos en régimen dinámico y mediante consideraciones analíticas cinemáticas, obteniendo conclusiones útiles como la forma geométrica necesaria, la escuadría de los perfiles que constituyen el bastidor de la red, y los factores de impacto que sufren los accidentados. Ello permite sugerir mejoras al texto normativo.