bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellites with Macro-Influence in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Monument Michael J. , Johnson Kirsten M. , Grossmann Allie H. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Randall R. Lor , Lessnick Stephen L.
Published: July 2012

Numerous molecular abnormalities contribute to the genetic derangements involved in tumorigenesis. Chromosomal translocations are a frequent source of these derangements, producing unique fusion proteins with novel oncogenic properties. EWS/ETS fusions in Ewing sarcoma are a prime example of this, resulting in potent chimeric oncoproteins with novel biological properties and a unique transcriptional signature essential for oncogenesis. Recent evidence demonstrates that EWS/FLI, the most common EWS/ETS fusion in Ewing sarcoma, upregulates gene expression using a GGAA microsatellite response element dispersed throughout the human genome. These GGAA microsatellites function as enhancer elements, are sites of epigenetic regulation and are necessary for EWS/FLI DNA binding and upregulation of principal oncogenic targets. An increasing number of GGAA motifs appear to substantially enhance EWS/FLI-mediated gene expression, which has compelling biological implications as these GGAA microsatellites are highly polymorphic within and between ethnically distinct populations. Historically regarded as junk DNA, this emerging evidence clearly demonstrates that microsatellite DNA plays an instrumental role in EWS/FLI-mediated transcriptional regulation and oncogenesis in Ewing sarcoma. This unprecedented role of GGAA microsatellite DNA in Ewing sarcoma provides a unique opportunity to expand our mechanistic understanding of how EWS/ETS fusions influence cancer susceptibility, prognosis and transcriptional regulation.
Smoking Health Professional Student: An Attitudinal Challenge for Health Promotion?
Authors: Cauchi Daniel , Mamo Julian
Published: July 2012

Tobacco is a major preventable cause of premature morbidity and mortality. Health professionals are uniquely positioned to provide targeted interventions and should be empowered to provide cessation counselling that influence patient smoking. A cross-sectional national survey was administered to all third year students in four disciplines at the University of Malta. The Global Health Professional Student Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire was distributed to collect standardised demographic, smoking prevalence, behavioural, and attitudinal data. 81.9% completed the questionnaire (n = 173/211). A positive significant association between tobacco smoke exposure at home and current smoking status was identified. Non-smokers regarded anti-tobacco policies more favourably than smokers, being more likely to agree with banning of tobacco sales to adolescents (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 2.5–5.3; p ≤ 0.001); and with a smoking ban in all public places (OR 8.9; 95% CI: 6.1–13.1; p ≤ 0.001). Non-smokers favoured a role for health professionals in promoting smoking cessation (OR 5.1; 95% CI: 3.1–8.5; p ≤ 0.001). Knowledge of antidepressants as tools for smoking cessation was also associated with a perceived role for skilled health professionals in cessation counselling (OR 4.9; 95% CI: 1.8–13.3; p = 0.002). Smoking negatively influences beliefs and attitudes of students toward tobacco control. There is a need to adopt a standard undergraduate curriculum containing comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation training to improve their effectiveness as role models.
Antioxidative Properties of Crude Polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus
Authors: Mu Haibo , Zhang Amin , Zhang Wuxia , Cui Guoting , Wang Shunchun , Duan Jinyou
Published: July 2012

The mushroom Inonotus obliquus has been widely used as a folk medicine in Russia, Poland and most of the Baltic countries. In this study, water-soluble and alkali-soluble crude polysaccharides (IOW and IOA) were isolated from I. obliquus, and the carbohydrate-rich fractions IOW-1 and IOA-1 were obtained respectively after deproteination and depigmentation. Their contents, such as neutral carbohydrate, uronic acid and protein, were measured. Their antioxidant properties against chemicals-induced reactive species (ROS) including 1,1'-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical, as well as their protective effects on H2O2-induced PC12 cell death were investigated. Results showed that I. obliquus polysaccharides can scavenge all ROS tested above in a dose-dependent manner. IOA and its product IOA-1 could rescue PC12 cell viability from 38.6% to 79.8% and 83.0% at a concentration of 20µg/mL. Similarly, IOW and its product IOW-1 at the same dose, can also increase cell viability to 84.9% and 88.6% respectively. The antioxidative activities of water-soluble and alkali-soluble polysaccharide constituents from I. obliquus might contribute to diverse medicinal and nutritional values of this mushroom.
3D Structure Elucidation of Thermostable L2 Lipase from Thermophilic Bacillus sp. L2
Authors: Raja Abd. Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha , Mohd Shariff Fairolniza , Basri Mahiran , Salleh Abu Bakar
Published: July 2012

The crystallization of proteins makes it possible to determine their structure by X-ray crystallography, and is therefore important for the analysis of protein structure-function relationships. L2 lipase was crystallized by using the J-tube counter diffusion method. A crystallization consisting of 20% PEG 6000, 50 mM MES pH 6.5 and 50 mM NaCl was found to be the best condition to produce crystals with good shape and size (0.5 × 0.1 × 0.2 mm). The protein concentration used for the crystallization was 3 mg/mL. L2 lipase crystal has two crystal forms, Shape 1 and Shape 2. Shape 2 L2 lipase crystal was diffracted at 1.5 Å and the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 72.0, b = 81.8, c = 83.4 Å, α = β = γ = 90°. There is one molecule per asymmetric unit and the solvent content of the crystals is 56.9%, with a Matthew’s coefficient of 2.85 Å Da−1. The 3D structure of L2 lipase revealed topological organization of α/β-hydrolase fold consisting of 11 β-strands and 13 α-helices. Ser-113, His-358 and Asp-317 were assigned as catalytic triad residues. One Ca2+ and one Zn2+ were found in the L2 lipase molecule.
1-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-[5-(trichloromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]propan-1-one
Authors: Rashid Mohd , Husain Asif , Mishra Ravinesh , Ahmed Niyaz , Siddique Nadeem Ahmed
Published: July 2012

The title compound, 1-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-3-[5-(trichloromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]propan-1-one (2) was synthesized successfully from 4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-4-oxobutanehydrazide (1) under microwave irradiation in good yield by reacting with trichloroacetic acid, and the structure of title compound was confirmed on the basis of IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and CHN analyses results.
Effect of Elemental Powder Size on Foaming Behavior of NiTi Alloy Made by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Arakawa Yuya , Kobashi Makoto , Kanetake Naoyuki
Published: July 2012

Nickel titanium (NiTi) foams were made by combustion synthesis of powders with the help of ZrH2 as foaming agent and TiB2 as endothermic agent. In this paper, we investigated the effect of elemental powder size on the foaming. The powder size of Ni and Ti affected the ignition temperature of the combustion reaction, cell morphology and microstructure of the foams. The cell morphology of the foams was also modified by the powder size of TiB2.
Resin Flow Behavior Simulation of Grooved Foam Sandwich Composites with the Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) Molding Process
Authors: Zhao Chenhui , Zhang Guangcheng , Wu Yibo
Published: July 2012

The resin flow behavior in the vacuum assisted resin infusion molding process (VARI) of foam sandwich composites was studied by both visualization flow experiments and computer simulation. Both experimental and simulation results show that: the distribution medium (DM) leads to a shorter molding filling time in grooved foam sandwich composites via the VARI process, and the mold filling time is linearly reduced with the increase of the ratio of DM/Preform. Patterns of the resin sources have a significant influence on the resin filling time. The filling time of center source is shorter than that of edge pattern. Point pattern results in longer filling time than of linear source. Short edge/center patterns need a longer time to fill the mould compared with Long edge/center sources.
Exploiting the Nephrotoxic Effects of Venom from the Sea Anemone, Phyllodiscus semoni, to Create a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Model in the Rat
Authors: Mizuno Masashi , Ito Yasuhiko , Morgan B. Paul
Published: July 2012

In the natural world, there are many creatures with venoms that have interesting and varied activities. Although the sea anemone, a member of the phylum Coelenterata, has venom that it uses to capture and immobilise small fishes and shrimp and for protection from predators, most sea anemones are harmless to man. However, a few species are highly toxic; some have venoms containing neurotoxins, recently suggested as potential immune-modulators for therapeutic application in immune diseases. Phyllodiscus semoni is a highly toxic sea anemone; the venom has multiple effects, including lethality, hemolysis and renal injuries. We previously reported that venom extracted from Phyllodiscus semoni induced acute glomerular endothelial injuries in rats resembling hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), accompanied with complement dysregulation in glomeruli and suggested that the model might be useful for analyses of pathology and development of therapeutic approaches in HUS. In this mini-review, we describe in detail the venom-induced acute renal injuries in rat and summarize how the venom of Phyllodiscus semoni could have potential as a tool for analyses of complement activation and therapeutic interventions in HUS.
Functional Expression in Escherichia coli of the Disulfide-Rich Sea Anemone Peptide APETx2, a Potent Blocker of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 3
Authors: Anangi Raveendra , Rash Lachlan D. , Mobli Mehdi , King Glenn F.
Published: July 2012

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated sodium channels present in the central and peripheral nervous system of chordates. ASIC3 is highly expressed in sensory neurons and plays an important role in inflammatory and ischemic pain. Thus, specific inhibitors of ASIC3 have the potential to be developed as novel analgesics. APETx2, isolated from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima, is the most potent and selective inhibitor of ASIC3-containing channels. However, the mechanism of action of APETx2 and the molecular basis for its interaction with ASIC3 is not known. In order to assist in characterizing the ASIC3-APETx2 interaction, we developed an efficient and cost-effective Escherichia coli periplasmic expression system for the production of APETx2. NMR studies on uniformly 13C/15N-labelled APETx2 produced in E. coli showed that the recombinant peptide adopts the native conformation. Recombinant APETx2 is equipotent with synthetic APETx2 at inhibiting ASIC3 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Using this system we mutated Phe15 to Ala, which caused a profound loss of APETx2’s activity on ASIC3. These findings suggest that this expression system can be used to produce mutant versions of APETx2 in order to facilitate structure-activity relationship studies.
Micromachined Thermal Flow Sensors—A Review
Authors: Kuo Jonathan T. W. , Yu Lawrence , Meng Ellis
Published: July 2012

Microfabrication has greatly matured and proliferated in use amongst many disciplines. There has been great interest in micromachined flow sensors due to the benefits of miniaturization: low cost, small device footprint, low power consumption, greater sensitivity, integration with on-chip circuitry, etc. This paper reviews the theory of thermal flow sensing and the different configurations and operation modes available. Material properties relevant to micromachined thermal flow sensing and selection criteria are also presented. Finally, recent applications of micromachined thermal flow sensors are presented. Detailed tables of the reviewed devices are included.
A Micro-Machined Gyroscope for Rotating Aircraft
Authors: Yan Qingwen , Zhang Fuxue , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2012

In this paper we present recent work on the design, fabrication by silicon micromachining, and packaging of a new gyroscope for stabilizing the autopilot of rotating aircraft. It operates based on oscillation of the silicon pendulum between two torsion girders for detecting the Coriolis force. The oscillation of the pendulum is initiated by the rolling and deflecting motion of the rotating carrier. Therefore, the frequency and amplitude of the oscillation are proportional to the rolling frequency and deflecting angular rate of the rotating carrier, and are measured by the sensing electrodes. A modulated pulse with constant amplitude and unequal width is obtained by a linearizing process of the gyroscope output signal and used to control the deflection of the rotating aircraft. Experimental results show that the gyroscope has a resolution of 0.008 °/s and a bias of 56.18 °/h.
Characterizing the Moisture Content of Tea with Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Using Wavelet Transform and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Xie Chuanqi , He Yong , Qiu Zhengjun , Zhang Yanchao
Published: July 2012

Effects of the moisture content (MC) of tea on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were investigated by integrated wavelet transform and multivariate analysis. A total of 738 representative samples, including fresh tea leaves, manufactured tea and partially processed tea were collected for spectral measurement in the 325–1,075 nm range with a field portable spectroradiometer. Then wavelet transform (WT) and multivariate analysis were adopted for quantitative determination of the relationship between MC and spectral data. Three feature extraction methods including WT, principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) were used to explore the internal structure of spectral data. Comparison of those three methods indicated that the variables generated by WT could efficiently discover structural information of spectral data. Calibration involving seeking the relationship between MC and spectral data was executed by using regression analysis, including partial least squares regression, multiple linear regression and least square support vector machine. Results showed that there was a significant correlation between MC and spectral data (r = 0.991, RMSEP = 0.034). Moreover, the effective wavelengths for MC measurement were detected at range of 888–1,007 nm by wavelet transform. The results indicated that the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of tea is highly correlated with MC.
Foot Plantar Pressure Measurement System: A Review
Authors: Abdul Razak Abdul Hadi , Zayegh Aladin , Begg Rezaul K. , Wahab Yufridin
Published: July 2012

Foot plantar pressure is the pressure field that acts between the foot and the support surface during everyday locomotor activities. Information derived from such pressure measures is important in gait and posture research for diagnosing lower limb problems, footwear design, sport biomechanics, injury prevention and other applications. This paper reviews foot plantar sensors characteristics as reported in the literature in addition to foot plantar pressure measurement systems applied to a variety of research problems. Strengths and limitations of current systems are discussed and a wireless foot plantar pressure system is proposed suitable for measuring high pressure distributions under the foot with high accuracy and reliability. The novel system is based on highly linear pressure sensors with no hysteresis.
Correlates of HPV: a cross-sectional study in women with normal cytology in north-central Morocco
Authors: Bennani Bahia , Bennis Sanae , Nejjari Chakib , Ouafik L'Houcine , Melhouf Moulay Abdelilah , El Rhazi Karima , Znati Kaoutar , Chaara Hikmat , Bouchikhi Chahrazed , Amarti Riffi Afaf
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Epidemiological studies have shown the association between risk of developing cervical cancer and the persistence of high-risk papillomavirus types in addition to some co-factors. However, little is known about co-factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially in developing countries. This study aims to determine HPV status and associated risk factors in women with normal cytology living in the north-central area of Morocco. Methodology: From February 2007 to December 2008, a total of 925 women consulting in the gynaecological department of Fez University Hospital were asked about sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive and sexual health. Cervical samples were collected for cytological examination and HPV DNA detection. Data collected from 751 women with normal cytology were used in this study to assess the correlation between HPV infection and potential risk factors. Results: High prevalence of HPV infection was detected (42.5%). The highest infection rate was observed in women aged > 45 years and in those with history of abortion (OR:3.76; 95%CI[1.77-7.98]) fibroma, polyp or cysts (OR:1.68; 95%CI[1.07-2.65]). No significant association was detected with other reproductive health and risk factors including oral contraception. Conclusion: In spite of the insignificant association of HPV infection with age, health authorities should seriously consider and implement strategies to increase and maintain a cervical cancer screening programme in women aged 45 and above. More attention must be given to women with gynaecological history (abortion, fibroma, polyp or cysts) since these events may be predictors of HPV infection. Investigations on partner sexual behaviour and some specific hygienic habits, especially public Turkish bath use, are needed to clarify the HPV incidence in this region.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica
Authors: Dlamini Nomonde Ritta , Bhamjee Ahmed , Levick Penelope , Uniacke Evelyn , Ismail Husna , Smith Anthony
Published: July 2012

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a rare cause of invasive human infection. The most common infection in humans is the respiratory tract infection and it is usually associated with immunosuppression, particularly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report a case of a pneumonia and peritonitis in a 42-year-old female with alcoholic liver disease. The patient died despite treatment with antibiotics. This case illustrates the potential virulence of B. bronchiseptica in susceptible patients and to our knowledge it is the first case of primary peritonitis due to this organism.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens isolated from childhood diarrhoea in four provinces of Kenya
Authors: Sang Willie Kipkemboi , Oundo Valerie , Schnabel David
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Diarrhoea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the main causes of hospital admissions in rural areas of Kenya. In Kenya, antimicrobial resistance surveillance has been conducted only at the institutional levels, with limited sharing of information and analysis of data. As a result, the actual scale of regional or national antimicrobial drug resistance is not well defined. Methodology: Stool samples were collected between 1 October 2007 and 30 September 2008 from a total of 651 outpatients with diarrhoea who were under five years of age in four provinces of Kenya.  Conventional, biochemical methods, multiplex PCR and antimicrobial susceptibility were conducted to identify the bacterial causes and virulence factors in the isolates, respectively.  Results: Of the 651 patients screened, we identified the causes of 115 cases (17.7%) as follows: Pathogenic E. coli (11.2%) [enteroaggregative (8.9%), enterotoxigenic (1.2%), enteroinvasive (0.6%), shigatoxigenic (0.5%)], Salmonella (3.5%), Shigella (2%) and Vibrio cholera O1 (0.7%). The highest levels of resistance among the E. coli isolates were observed in ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole each at 95% followed by tetracycline at 81%. Shigella isolate levels of resistance ranged from 80% to 100% for ampicillin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. Conclusion: The highest prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was to ampicillin followed by trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole and tetracycline. Though still at low levels, the major concern from our findings is the emerging resistance of enteric pathogens that was observed to quinolones (ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin) and gentamycin.
Education and Employment Characteristics of Nurse Preceptors
Authors: Palumbo Mary Val , Rambur Betty A. , Boyer Susan A.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Nurse preceptors are vital linchpins, supporting the transition of new graduates to practicing registered nurses (RNs). This research clarifies similarities and differences among preceptors and nonpreceptors in an established statewide preceptor program.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of relicensure data from all nurses working in Vermont hospitals in two years (2005 and 2009) was undertaken.

Results:

There were no statistical differences by basic degree type, highest degree, RN experience, years in the current job, job satisfaction, and intention to leave. Statistically significant differences that persisted over time included: (1) being less likely to be employed per diem; (2) work site population density; and (3) being more likely to be enrolled in nursing education programs.

Conclusion:

Given the lack of obvious identifiers, organizations would benefit from a systemized approach to preceptor identification and development. Regulators, who hold the clear social and legal mandate for patient safety, must also be an enabling force toward change.
Acute Exudative Paraneoplastic Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy in Five Cases
Authors: Al-Dahmash Saad A. , Shields Carol L. , Bianciotto Carlos G. , Witkin Andre J. , Witkin Steve R. , Shields Jerry A.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate clinical features, course, and outcome of patients with acute exudative paraneoplastic polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPPVM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Retrospective case series of 5 patients.

RESULTS:

There were 3 males and 2 females, with a median age of 74 years. The primary neoplasms were cutaneous melanoma (n = 2), choroidal melanoma (n = 1), lung adenocarcinoma (n = 1), and lung plus breast adenocarcinoma (n = 1). The mean interval between the diagnosis of the primary neoplasm and the diagnosis of AEPPVM was 42 months. The presenting symptom was blurred vision in all cases. Ophthalmoscopy disclosed multifocal localized shallow serous detachments of the post-equatorial neurosensory retina with yellow-white subretinal debris confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). There was a mean of 21 individual sites of detachment per eye, each measuring a mean of approximately 0.8 millimeter in diameter. Fundus autofluorescence depicted hyperautofluorescence corresponding to the detachments. After mean follow-up of 5 months, three patients had died of metastases. Of the two survivors, one showed resolution of lesions and the other was unchanged.

CONCLUSION:

AEPPVM is a paraneoplastic retinopathy found in patients with metastatic melanoma or carcinoma. The most salient feature is reduced visual acuity from multifocal shallow retinal detachments less than 1-mm diameter, best depicted on OCT.
Noninvasive Imaging of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Field Matthew G. , Comer Grant M. , Kawaji Takahiro , Petty Howard R. , Elner Victor M.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Because increased flavoprotein fluorescence (FPF) is indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction, the authors attempted to detect mitochondrial dysfunction in eyes with AMD using FPF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Six nonexudative eyes with AMD, including three with geographic atrophy (GA), and age-matched control eyes were imaged with a FPF device. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted on the FPF images.

RESULTS:

Five eyes with AMD, including all three eyes with GA, showed qualitative and/or quantitative FPF heterogeneity that was not present in control eyes. Mean FPF average intensities of eyes with AMD with (
P
= .044) and without (
P
= .00060) GA were significantly greater than those of control eyes. The standard deviations of FPF images were greater in eyes with AMD (
P
= .020).

CONCLUSION:

In this small cluster of patients with AMD, retinal FPF is increased, suggesting elevated mitochondrial dysfunction. FPF heterogeneity indicates that an increased variability in mitochondrial dysfunction seems to be present in eyes with advanced disease.
Macular Infarction Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Treatment of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Leung Loh-Shan B. , Silva Ruwan A. , Blumenkranz Mark S. , Flynn Harry W. , Sanislo Steven R.
Published: July 2012

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is widely used for the treatment of macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The authors present a series of three patients with CRVO who suffered apparent macular infarction within weeks of intravitreal administration of bevacizumab. Of the nearly 200 patients undergoing intravitreal injections of bevacizumab for this indication over a surveillance period of 3 years, this event occurred in three patients. This has not been described in the natural history of the disease and is associated with poor visual outcomes.
Las larvas del género Idaea Treitschke, 1825 (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Geometridae): Nuevos datos sobre su morfología y biología
Authors: King G. E. , Viejo Montesinos J. L.
Published: July 2012

Se ha estudiado la biología y la quetotaxia de las larvas del género Idaea Treitschke, 1825 mediante el análisis de las larvas o de las exuvias larvarias de seis especies o subespecies: I. sericeata calvaria Wehrli, 1927, I. ochrata albida (Zerny, 1936), I. incisaria (Staudinger, 1892), I. bigladiata Herbulot, 1975, I. cervantaria (Millière, 1869) e I. degeneraria (Hübner, 1799), junto con datos biológicos de larvas de otras seis especies: I. ochrata (Scopoli, 1763), I. macilentaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847), I. mancipiata (Staudinger, 1871), I. contiguaria (Hübner, 1799), I. aversata (Linné, 1758) e I. deversaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847).
Análisis del color y el soleamiento en las Torres de Quart de Valencia (España)
Authors: Torres A. , Serra J. , Llopis J. , Higón J. L. , García A. , Sáiz B.
Published: July 2012

En las Torres de Quart (s. XV) de la ciudad de Valencia, se ha desarrollado un exhaustivo trabajo de medición cromática de los restos de pigmentos existentes en las fachadas extramuros del edificio, sobre tres estratos materiales de distinta naturaleza. Asimismo, se ha estudiado la incidencia de la luz solar sobre las superficies del edificio.

Se describe y justifica el proceso llevado a cabo para la obtención de un documento gráfico preciso del estado del color y su iluminación que permita establecer un protocolo de actuación para intervenir en el monumento.
Radiation-Triggered NF-κB Activation is Responsible for the Angiogenic Signaling Pathway and Neovascularization for Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Growth
Authors: Yu Hui , Mohan Sumathy , Natarajan Mohan
Published: July 2012

Tumors require blood supply to survive, grow, and metastasize. This involves the process of angiogenesis signaling for new blood vessel growth into a growing tumor mass. Understanding the mechanism of the angiogenic signaling pathway and neovascularization for breast cancer cell proliferation and growth would help to develop molecular interventions and achieve disease free survival. Our hypothesis is that the surviving cancer cell(s) after radiotherapy can initiate angiogenic signaling pathway in the neighboring endothelial cells resulting in neovascularization for breast cancer cell growth. The angiogenic signaling pathway is initiated by angiogenic factors, VEGF and FGF-2, through activation of a transcriptional regulator NF-κB, which in turn is triggered by therapeutic doses of radiation exposure Human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7 cells) were exposed to Cesium-137 (137Cs) γ rays to a total dose of 2 Gy at a dose rate of 1.03 Gy/min. The results of mobility shift assay showed that radiation at clinical doses (2 Gy) could induce NF-κB DNA-binding activity. Then, we examined the communication of angiogenic signals from irradiated MCF-7 cells to vascular endothelial cells. At the protein level, the western blot showed induction of angiogenic factors VEGF and FGF-2 in MCF-7 cells irradiated with 2 Gy. Inhibition of NF-κB activation attenuated VEGF and FGF-2 levels. These factors are secreted into the medium. The levels of VEGF and FGF-2 in the extra cellular medium were both increased, after 2 Gy exposures. We also observed corresponding expression of VEGFR2 and FGFR1 in non-irradiated endothelial cells that were co-cultured with irradiated MCF-7 cells. In support of this, in vitro tube formation assays provided evidence that irradiated MCF-7 cells transmit signals to potentiate cultured non-irradiated endothelial cells to form tube networks, which is the hallmark of neovascularization. Inhibition of NF-κB activation attenuated irradiated MCF-7-induced tube network formation. The data provide evidence that the radiation exposure is responsible for tumor growth and maintenance by inducing an angiogenic signaling pathway through activation of NF-κB.
Fear of Falling and the Use of Telecare by Older People
Authors: Stewart Lisa S P , McKinstry Brian
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Since fear of falling has been linked to self-restriction of activity, a further decline in physical functioning and a greater risk of falling, interventions, such as use of telecare, to address a person's fear are essential to reduce the risk of further falls. The aim of this critical review was to evaluate the association between older people's fear of falling and the use of telecare, and whether telecare could reduce this fear.

Method:

A search of major databases (1980–2011) identified 424 results and, following screening, 10 articles were included in the review.

Findings:

Perceptions of older people about using telecare were mixed: some felt a greater sense of security and reassurance but, for others, confidence levels were not increased. Studies suggest that an automatic fall detector was useful for older people who were unable or reluctant to use a pendant alarm following a fall.

Conclusion:

The use of telecare including the wearing of an automatic fall detector, while improving confidence and reducing fear of falling in some, does not suit everyone. A careful assessment of a person's views on his or her falls risk and level of anxiety will determine how telecare can best meet the person's needs to remain supported at home.
Participation in Committed and Discretionary Activities and Quality of Life in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Reinseth Lillian , Kjeken Ingvild , Uhlig Till , Espnes Geir
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

This study explored participation in committed activities (activities that we are obliged to perform), discretionary activities (activities for recreation and pleasure) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method:

The study involved 238 females with RA. Self-reported participation in activities was measured by the Interest Checklist. The activities on the checklist were divided into committed and discretionary activities participated in during the past 10 years, the previous year and at the present time. HRQoL was measured by the Short-Form 36 (SF-36).

Results:

The results showed significant decreases in participation in both committed and discretionary activities over the 10-year period. Multivariate analysis showed that high participation in committed activities was associated significantly with good physical function, whereas high participation in discretionary activities was associated significantly with psychological wellbeing and good physical function. Respectively, the significant associations accounted for 30% of the variance of committed activities and 41% of the variance of discretionary activities. Higher education was associated significantly with high participation in activities, particularly in discretionary activities.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists and other health professionals should assist females with RA, and especially those with less education, to maintain essential discretionary activities because this is associated with psychological wellbeing.
Medical Patients' Experiences of Inreach Occupational Therapy: Continuity between Hospital and Home
Authors: Brown Sarah , Craddock Deborah , Greenyer Corinne Hutt
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Reforms in the National Health Service have encouraged a whole system approach. However, coordinated care may be difficult at the interface between acute hospital and community services. Inreach services are community based and the same member of staff provides intervention in hospital and after discharge. This qualitative study aimed to understand medical patients' experiences of inreach occupational therapy.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of seven older people, following their discharge from a medical inreach occupational therapy service. Thematic analysis was used to explore findings.

Findings:

Uncertainty was expressed about the role of occupational therapy and about participants not feeling involved in their hospital discharge. There was an appreciation that inreach occupational therapy could aid continuity of care. Some participants considered regular contact with a known health professional to be reassuring on return home, whereas for other participants the principle of accurate information sharing between staff was particularly important at discharge.

Conclusion:

All participants valued a seamless service between occupational therapy in hospital and at home. The importance of services working across organisational boundaries is emphasised, tailoring the timing of interventions to meet individuals' needs.
Clinical Utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Authors: Gustafsson Louise , Mitchell Genna , Fleming Jenny , Price Glenda
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Collaborative goal setting is an important part of the occupational therapy process in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Little is known about the clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) with this population, although it has potential advantages over informal methods of goal setting commonly used in a spinal injury unit (SIU). The aim of this study was to investigate the goal setting process and clinical utility of the COPM from the perspective of occupational therapists within a SIU.

Method:

A focus group was conducted with six occupational therapists working in a SIU to explore their experiences and use of goal setting and the COPM. Inductive thematic analysis identified key themes from their comments.

Findings:

Focus group themes were the impact of client adjustment and other factors, organisational and administrative factors, therapist skill level and experience requirements, benefits of the COPM and incorporating the COPM into practice.

Conclusion:

Formal goal setting was a concept that was identified as a priority by the participants; however, there were organisational, client and therapist related factors that were considered as both barriers and facilitators to formal goal setting and the use of the COPM in this setting.
Health at Work: An Analysis of Black's and Frost's Independent Review of Sickness Absence — What can Occupational Therapists Offer?
Authors: McFeely Gerard
Published: July 2012

This opinion piece looks at the recent report on Health at Work — an independent review of sickness absence by Black and Frost, and offers comment on the implications of the review for the profession of occupational therapy. It considers some key proposals from the occupational therapy perspective in order to inform thinking and response to the review. Further, it raises some critical questions and challenges for the profession in responding to and asserting its place at the table in an initiative that has at its heart the fundamental role and skills of occupational therapists.
Impacts of East Mediterranean megacity emissions on air quality
Authors: Im U. , Kanakidou M.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Megacities are large urban agglomerations with intensive anthropogenic emissions that have significant impacts on local and regional air quality. In the present mesoscale modeling study, the impacts of anthropogenic emissions from the Greater Istanbul Area (GIA) and the Greater Athens Area (GAA) on the air quality in GIA, GAA and the entire East Mediterranean are quantified for typical wintertime (December 2008) and summertime (July 2008) conditions. They are compared to those of the regional anthropogenic and biogenic emissions that are also calculated. Finally, the efficiency of potential country-based emissions mitigation in improving air quality is investigated. The results show that relative contributions from both cities to surface ozone (O3) and aerosol levels in the cities' extended areas are generally higher in winter than in summer. Anthropogenic emissions from GIA depress surface O3 in the GIA by ~ 60% in winter and ~ 20% in summer while those from GAA reduce the surface O3 in the GAA by 30% in winter and by 8% in summer. GIA and GAA anthropogenic emissions contribute to the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels inside the cities themselves by up to 75% in winter and by 50% (GIA) and ~ 40% (GAA), in summer. GIA anthropogenic emissions have larger impacts on the domain-mean surface O3 (up to 1%) and PM2.5 (4%) levels compared to GAA anthropogenic emissions (<1% for O3 and ≤2% for PM2.5) in both seasons. Impacts of regional anthropogenic emissions on the domain-mean surface pollutant levels (up to 17% for summertime O3 and 52% for wintertime fine particulate matter, PM2.5) are much higher than those from Istanbul and Athens together (~ 1% for O3 and ~ 6% for PM2.5, respectively). Regional biogenic emissions are found to limit the production of secondary inorganic aerosol species in summer up to 13% (non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO42−) in rural Athens) due to their impact on oxidant levels while they have negligible impact in winter. Finally, the responses to country-based anthropogenic emission mitigation scenarios inside the studied region show increases in O3 mixing ratios in the urban areas of GIA and GAA, higher in winter (~ 13% for GIA and 2% for GAA) than in summer (~ 7% for GIA and <1% for GAA). On the opposite PM2.5 concentrations decrease by up to 30% in GIA and by 20% in GAA with the highest improvements computed for winter. The emission reduction strategy also leads to domain-wide decreases in most primary pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) or nitrogen oxides (NOx) for both seasons. The results show the importance of long range transport of pollutants for the air quality in the East Mediterranean. Thus, improvements of air quality in the East Mediterranean require coordinated efforts inside the region and beyond.
Climate and site management as driving factors for the atmospheric greenhouse gas exchange of a restored wetland
Authors: Herbst M. , Friborg T. , Schelde K. , Jensen R. , Ringgaard R. , Thomsen A. G. , Soegaard H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The full atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) budget of a restored wetland in Western Denmark could be established for the years 2009–2011 from eddy covariance measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes. The water table in the wetland, being restored in 2002, was unregulated, and the vegetation height was limited through occasional grazing by cattle and grass cutting. The annual net CO2 uptake varied between 195 and 983 g m−2 and the annual net CH4 release varied between 11 and 17 g m−2. In all three years the wetland was a carbon sink and removed between 42 and 259 g C m−2 from the atmosphere. However, in terms of the annual GHG budget (assuming that 1 g CH4 is equivalent to 25 g CO2 with respect to the greenhouse effect) the wetland was a sink in 2009, a source in 2010 and neutral in 2011. Complementary observations of meteorological factors and management activities were used to explain the large inter-annual variations in the full atmospheric GHG budget of the wetland. It is shown that the largest impacts on the annual GHG fluxes, eventually defining their sign, came from site management through changes in grazing duration and animal stocking density and from extreme weather patterns through an unusually long period of snow cover in the second year of observations. Since integrated CO2 and CH4 flux data from restored wetlands are still very rare, it is concluded that more long-term flux measurements are needed to predict the role of this land use type in the atmospheric GHG budget more accurately.
Two thresholds determine climatic control of forest-fire size in Europe
Authors: Loepfe L. , Rodrigo A. , Lloret F.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Fire weather indices predict fire extent from meteorological conditions assuming a monotonic function; this approach is frequently used to predict future fire patterns under climate change scenarios using linear extrapolation. However, the relationship between weather and fire extent may potentially depend on the existence of fuel humidity thresholds above which this relationship changes dramatically, challenging this statistical approach. Here we combine the continuous and the threshold approaches to analyze satellite-detected fires in Europe during 2001–2010 in relation to meteorological conditions, showing that fire size response to increasing dryness follows a ramp function, i.e. with two plateaus separated by a phase of monotonic increase. This study confirms that at a continental and a high-resolution temporal scales, large fires are very unlikely to occur under moist conditions, but it also reveals that fire size stops to be controlled by fuel humidity above a given threshold of dryness. Thus, fuel humidity control only applies when fire is not limited by other factors such as fuel load, as large fires are virtually absent in dry regions with less than 500 mm of average annual rainfall, i.e. where fuel amount is insufficient. In regions with sufficient fuel, other factors such as fire suppression or fuel discontinuity can impede large fires even under very dry weather conditions. These findings are relevant under current climatic trends in which the fire season length, in terms of number of days with DC (drought code) values above the observed thresholds (break points), is increasing in many parts of the Mediterranean, while it is decreasing in Eastern Europe and remains unchanged in Central Europe.
Simulated oxygen isotopes in cave drip water and speleothem calcite in European caves
Authors: Wackerbarth A. , Langebroek P. M. , Werner M. , Lohmann G. , Riechelmann S. , Mangini A.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Interpreting stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from stalagmites is still one of the complex tasks in speleothem research. Here, we present a novel model-based approach, where we force a model describing the processes and modifications of δ18O from rain water to speleothem calcite (Oxygen isotope Drip water and Stalagmite Model – ODSM) with the results of a state-of-the-art atmospheric general circulation model enhanced by explicit isotope diagnostics (ECHAM5-wiso). The approach is neither climate nor cave-specific and allows an integrated assessment of the influence of different varying climate variables, e.g. temperature and precipitation amount, on the isotopic composition of drip water and speleothem calcite. First, we apply and evaluate this new approach under present-day climate conditions using observational data from seven caves from different geographical regions in Europe. Each of these caves provides measured δ18O values of drip water and speleothem calcite to which we compare our simulated isotope values. For six of the seven caves modeled δ18O values of drip water and speleothem calcite are in good agreement with observed values. The mismatch of the remaining cave might be caused by the complexity of the cave system, beyond the parameterizations included in our cave model. We then examine the response of the cave system to mid-Holocene (6000 yr before present, 6 ka) climate conditions by forcing the ODSM with ECHAM5-wiso results from 6 ka simulations. For a set of twelve European caves, we compare the modeled mid-Holocene-to-modern difference in speleothem calcite δ18O to available measurements. We show that the general European changes are simulated well. However, local discrepancies are found, and might be explained either by a too low model resolution, complex local soil-atmosphere interactions affecting evapotranspiration or by cave specific factors such as non-equilibrium fractionation processes.
Magnetic transfer function entropy and the 2009 Mw = 6.3 L'Aquila earthquake (Central Italy)
Authors: Cianchini G. , De Santis A. , Barraclough D. R. , Wu L. X. , Qin K.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. With the aim of obtaining a deeper knowledge of the physical phenomena associated with the 2009 L'Aquila (Central Italy) seismic sequence, culminating with a Mw = 6.3 earthquake on 6 April 2009, and possibly of identifying some kind of earthquake-related magnetic or geoelectric anomaly, we analyse the geomagnetic field components measured at the magnetic observatory of L'Aquila and their variations in time. In particular, trends of magnetic transfer functions in the years 2006–2010 are inspected. They are calculated from the horizontal to vertical magnetic component ratio in the frequency domain, and are very sensitive to deep and lateral geoelectric characteristics of the measurement site. Entropy analysis, carried out from the transfer functions with the so called transfer function entropy, points out clear temporal burst regimes of a few distinct harmonics preceding the main shock of the seismic sequence. A possible explanation is that they could be related to deep fluid migrations and/or to variations in the micro-/meso-fracturing that affected significantly the conductivity (ordered/disordered) distribution in a large lithospheric volume under the seismogenic layer below L'Aquila area. This interpretation is also supported by the analysis of hypocentres depths before the main shock occurrence.