bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Evidence-Based Care Recommendations to Improve the Safe Use of Anticoagulants in Children
Authors: Barclay Cynthia A. , Vonderhaar Karen J. , Clark Eloise A.
Published: October 2012

Evidence-based care recommendations and standardized protocols improve outcomes. In addition, anticoagulant management has been recognized by The Joint Commission (TJC) as an opportunity for improving patient safety. A National Patient Safety Goal requiring a standardized process for patients receiving anticoagulants was established by TJC. This requirement provided an opportunity to apply evidence-based care recommendations to the issue of safe anticoagulant use. To meet TJC requirement, the following searchable clinical question was drafted: “In children receiving anticoagulation therapy, what are the appropriate dosing, laboratory monitoring, timing, and dosing adjustments for warfarin, unfractionated heparin, and low-molecular-weight heparin to prevent coagulation-related complications?” The team used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation Collaboration (AGREE) instrument to evaluate the quality and relevance of identified guidelines in answering the clinical question. Best Evidence Statements (BESts) were developed for each of the medications (warfarin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and unfractionated heparin). BESts provide the format for the presentation of recommendations, discussion, and methods for point-of-care providers seeking synthesized evidence to guide care decisions. The primary goal of developing and implementing these statements was to standardize the use of anticoagulants and to prevent unsafe practices. A secondary goal was to ensure accessibility of the BESts throughout our organization, including the electronic medical record, various internal division home pages, and our organization's external website. The anticoagulant BESts developed at our organization show how an interprofessional approach to patient care results in the development of evidence-based care recommendations. The BESts were developed to standardize care associated with the use of anticoagulants and to provide dosing and monitoring parameters to ensure safe care to all patients receiving these medications. The development of evidence-based care recommendations can be accomplished with a focused interprofessional team dedicated to providing the safest possible care to patients.
The Pharmacokinetics of Oseltamivir and Oseltamivir Carboxylate in a Critically Ill Pediatric Patient Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis
Authors: Eyler Rachel F. , Klein Kristin C. , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: October 2012

This report details the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate following administration of high-dose oseltamivir in a critically ill child receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). A 6-year-old critically ill male patient suffering from a presumed viral illness was transferred to our institution's pediatric intensive care unit from an outside hospital after developing respiratory failure and cardiomegaly. ECMO and oseltamivir therapy were initiated upon admission, and CVVHD was started on hospital day 3. Pharmacokinetic sampling occurred at an oseltamivir dose of approximately 4 mg/kg on hospital day 6. The patient's oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate area under the plasma concentration time curves for the 12-hour dosing interval (AUC0–12) were 30.5 and 905 ng/mLhr, respectively. Drug clearance by CVVHD was 31.6 mL/min for oseltamivir and 26.9 mL/min for oseltamivir carboxylate. Pre- and postoxygenator oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate plasma concentrations did not differ substantially. The patient's oseltamivir carboxylate plasma concentrations remained well above the reported mean 50% inhibitory concentration for 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus. However, despite receiving twice the standard dose of oseltamivir, the oseltamivir carboxylate AUC0–12 in our patient was less than that reported in noncritically ill pediatric subjects. The reduced oseltamivir carboxylate AUC0–12 found in our patient was most likely due to decreased drug absorption.
Gamma Radiation Effect on Commercial Reactive Dye in the Range 0-100KGy Using the Idea of the De-Coloration Factor and Extinction Coefficient.
Authors: Taqmeem Hussain  , Muhammad Attique Khan Shahid  , Muhammad Shahbaz  , Inam-ul-Haq   , Hashim Farooq
Published: October 2012

In this study the usability of aqueous solutions of SR C4BLN and SGY CRL dyes; as secondary dosimeter was checked using the novel idea of de-coloration factor and extinction coefficient. All samples were irradiated by Co60γ-source in the range 0-105Gy. Absorbance of solutions was noted at λmax for pre and post irradiation stages. The λmax of Red and Yellow dyes were 545nm and 448nm respectively. The absorbance%, extinction coefficient and %age of de-coloration factor for each dye were determined. The results showed a gradual decrease in Absorbance% and extinction coefficient while decrease in %age of de-coloration factor with the increase in absorbed dose which confirms the said dyes as secondary dosimeter in stable and safe mode.
Principles of the Proposed Czech Postal Sector Price Control Model
Authors: Švadlenka Libor , Chlan Aleksander
Published: October 2012

The paper deals with the postal sector control. It resultsfrom the control theory and proves the justifiability of control inthe postal sector. Within the price control it results from E U Directive97!67/EC requirements on this control and states individualtypes of price control focusing on ineffective price controlcurrently used in the Czech postal sector (especially withindomestic services) and proposes a more effective method ofprice control. The paper also discusses the principles of the proposedmethod of price control of the Czech postal sector. It describesconcrete fulfilment of the price control model resultingfrom the price-cap and tariff formula RP I-X and concentrateson its quantitative expression. The application of the proposedmodel is carried out for a hypothetical period in the past (in orderto compare it with the current control system) for letteritems tariff basket.
Challenges of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Carriers in 21' Century
Authors: Zanne Marina , Grčić Mirjana
Published: October 2012

Natural gas is relatively cheap, environmentally friendlyand energetically efficient fossil fuel that is gaining in attractivenessdaily as it can be used in many sectors. As not all consumerscan be reached by pipelines the technique of transp01tingnatural gas in the liquefied form has been developed at the beginningof 20th century but it was only in 1959 that the firstoverseas transport of liquefied natural gas ( LN G) occurred. Inthe fifty years of operation LNG shipping has shown immaculatesafety records. LNG tankers can be described only in superlatives;they are without any doubt the most sophisticated and·expensive ships that sail around the globe, they demand specialattention when navigating to or out of harbours and need to bemanned with the most educated and experienced crew. LNGmarket is expanding and changing; demand is surpassing theproductivity, new importing and exporting countries appear,LNG fleet is growing in capacity and number at high pace, exploitationcontracts for the ships are being modified giving theopportunity for new companies to enter( . .. ). The paper givesan overview on liquefied natural gas market and the historic developmentof LNG shipping. It focuses on the recent boom inLNG shipping and emphasises questions concerning the safety,crewing and exploitation of the LNG tankers in the future.
The Use of Bruner’s Modes of Representations in Teaching Factoring Second-Degree Polynomials
Authors: Cabahug Jerr A.
Published: October 2012

In teaching mathematics, one of the common problems of teachers is how to teach unfamiliar and abstract concepts in such a way that the students would make sense of them. One of these ways is the use of the different teaching aids which are reflected in Bruner’s Theory. In his theory, Bruner argued that conceptual understanding could be enhanced if students are exposed to different representations of a concept. In particular, he identified three main types of representations: concrete, iconic, and symbolic. Bruner’s theory stipulates that all three modes can be utilized in introducing abstract concepts for students. Based on this theory, this paper discusses one possible set of activities in teaching the topic of factoring second-degree polynomials. In this set of activities, the students will be taught first to factor polynomials using algebraic tiles which constitutes concrete representation of the concept; followed by factoring polynomials using pictures as iconic representations; and lastly, the students will be taught on how to factor polynomials using algebraic patterns which are the symbolic representations.   Keywords - Bruner’s Theory; representations; teaching; factoring second-degree polynomials; conceptual understanding
Multiple Intelligence-Based Learning Preferences of Students, Modes of Delivery and Assessment Tools used in Lourdes College
Authors: Napiere Miguela B.
Published: October 2012

Based on Gardner’s (1983) Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory, this study examined the dominant intelligences and learning preferences of 232 freshmen in a school in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. The dominant modes of delivery and assessment tools used by 14 instructors in the basic subjects were also examined. Results revealed that students have dominant musical-rhythmic and spatial-visual intelligences; and they prefer to learn through linguistic and intrapersonal means. The dominant modes of delivery used were intrapersonal and logic-based modes; and the assessment tools used were primarily related to the interpersonal and logical-mathematical intelligences. Correlation results show that students who have strong intrapersonal intelligence tend to prefer to learn in linguistic ways. Each mode of delivery used in classes is significantly related to each assessment tool. The study suggests the need for more instructional strategies that will tap the musical and visual intelligences of students; and more opportunities to demonstrate their learning through active involvement, sound-related activities, and reflection-stimulating ways.   Keywords - multiple intelligences, learning preferences, modes of delivery, assessment tools
Non-traditional Beliefs of Secondary School Science Teachers as Correlates to Teaching Practices
Authors: Mahinay Ray Butch D.
Published: October 2012

A teacher’s belief system shapes up his teaching practices. This study investigated the relationship between science beliefs and science teaching practices among the 94 public secondary school science teachers in Cagayan de Oro City. A descriptive-correlation method of research was employed. A survey tool from the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics was used but modified, tested and validated to suit the change of the subject domain which is from math to science. Results showed that the science teachers have primarily nontraditional levels both in their science beliefs and teaching practices. Analysis yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.509 which denotes that there is substantial relationship between the two variables. Through focus-group discussion, barriers in the belief-practice continuum were revealed. Despite the limiting factors in the process, the high level of belief and practices of the science teachers are attributed to the fact that 52% of them have taken post-baccalaureate studies where they learned updates on science instruction and 78% had attended 6 times or more on the trainings provided by the Department of Education. The study concludes that science beliefs and teaching practices is a dynamic two-way progression between one’s personal structures and practical experience.   Keywords - teacher’s beliefs, teaching practices, science education
International Student Collaboration and Experiential Exercise Projects as a Professional, Inter-Personal And Inter-Institutional Networking Platform
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Arias Adrián De León , Zepeda Andrés Valdes , Girón Víctor Manuel Castillo
Published: October 2012

This paper has the aim to analyze and to reflect on the experiential exercise from the point of views of instructor and students attending University Center of Economic and Managerial Sciences at University of Guadalajara and participating in the “X-Culture International Student Collaboration Project” as a professional, interpersonal and inter-institutional networking platform. . Keywords - Experiential exercise projects, international student collaboration program, inter-institutional, networking, professional development, inter-personal.
Reflections of Two Distinct Principals: Preliminary Perspectives on How the Principal Preparation Programme Contributed to their Self-Efficacy Development
Authors: Anthony Santhanamary Ap R. , Said Hamdan Bin
Published: October 2012

Effective principal preparation is a strategic necessity to face the forthcoming “tsunami” of challenges associated with the leadership position in the 21st century. This recognition of the need for specific preparation for aspiring school leaders has been slower to emerge worldwide and in many developing countries such as Malaysia, preparatory training is still not a prerequisite requirement for appointment as a principal. This paper reports on the preliminary findings on the principal preparation program in Malaysia and the effectiveness of the program elements in contributing to the self- efficacy development of the aspiring principals. The qualitative study captured the “live experiences” of two distinct principals and presents their perspectives on how specific elements within their principal preparation program catered to their self- efficacy development. Reflections of the principals led to the conclusion that, although the principal preparation program was viewed as effective in imparting knowledge and skills needed for principal leadership but it could still improve on inducing purposeful elements or experiences to enhance the sources of efficacy beliefs which are vital for self-efficacy development. Keywords - Self-efficacy, Principal Preparation Program, Aspiring Principals, Sources of Efficacy Beliefs, Self-Efficacy Development.
Validating LAS: A Designed Active Listening Tools Towards the Development of Prosocial Skills
Authors: Isonza Vicky D.
Published: October 2012

This pilot study examined the content validity of Listening, Acknowledging and Sharing (LAS), a tool designed to measure skills that involve active listening, empathy and perspective taking aimed towards the development of prosaically skills. Grade six pupils were engaged in triadic interaction as talker, listener and observer. Four quantitative and two qualitative measures comprised the analysis that sought evidence for the construct’s internal validity. The correlation matrix provided information on dimensions for the regression model. Seven dimensions significantly comprised the regression model for LAS namely: paraphrasing, acknowledging, checking for understanding, owning feelings, awareness, wording and encouraging. Accuracy of the measures were evidenced by the minimization of variance errors, an acceptable range of internal consistency, theoretical soundness through measurement of actual involvement where statistical factors match with rational structures. Further studies that would enhance the construct’s internal validity and establish the instruments’ external validity is recommended.
Families: an Inevitable Institution in Present Day Vietnam
Authors: Binh Nguyen Thanh
Published: October 2012

Vietnam is undergoing the process of industrialization and modernization. Vietnamese families are also in this transformation, too. The article focuses on analyzing definition of social institution from sociological point of view, and finding some proof that family is indispensable in present day Vietnam as a special social institution.   Keywords - Vietnam, family, institution, industrialization, modernization.
Cognitive Learning Strategies among Teacher Education Students: Their Implications for Improving Classroom Practices
Authors: Lubrica Percyveranda A. , Montemayor Janetlynn S. , Botengan Desiree F. , Alvaro Manolita N. , Capili Arnulfo C. , Yango Divina M. , Angiwan Evelyn S. , Gallardo Alma Vida G.
Published: October 2012

The study was conducted with the goal of determining the cognitive learning strategies among teacher education students and their implications to classroom teaching. A descriptive method of research was used to find the students’ perceptual modality preference for learning among students, cognitive learning strategies and factors which are significant predictors for determining their cognitive learning strategies. Results showed that diversity in the classroom exists; the students are visual and group learners. The preference of working in group and verbal learning makes the students learn better than learning independently. Students’ characteristics have influence in various aspects in the classroom practices. The study concluded that students’ characteristics such as gender, language spoken and ethnic origin are significant predictors in determining the level of preference of students in terms of cognitive learning strategies. A model was formulated for improving classroom practices in which the College of Teacher Education should operate in a multicultural perspective with regard to teacher education programs. The model includes a development framework for curriculum restructuring, teacher development and student development.   Keywords - Cognitive Learning Strategies, Perceptual Modality Preference for Learning, Classroom teaching practices
Recollection as Tool for Environmental Education and Strategy for Raising Awareness and Sensitivity Among Selected Youths
Authors: Lunar Bernardo C. , Medallon Merlita C.
Published: October 2012

The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA) is an organization that responds to environmental awareness and education through an environmental recollection. Environmental recollection was conducted among twenty student respondents who are scholars of CFCA. Using a researcher-developed questionnaire, data on the level of knowledge on four environmental issues: global warming, climate change, waste management and resource preservation and the action plans were gathered. Results show that the student respondents are well informed of the environmental issues prior to the environmental recollection but a significant increase in the level of knowledge was found after the environmental recollection. The students strongly agree on the plan to preserve the resources and the proper waste management procedures. All the students get information on environmental issues from their teachers, while majority also obtain them from media and seminars. Other information was obtained from home through their parents, classmates, and pamphlets. There is significant association between prior level of knowledge in waste management, prior level of knowledge in resource preservation and the post level of knowledge in all environmental issues and number of sources from which they get the information. Environmental recollection is a good tool in awakening the students in the current environmental situation.   Keywords - environmental recollection, environmental education, environmental sensitivity, environmental awareness, responsible behaviour, preservation
Building‐Block Diversity in Polydopamine Underpins a Multifunctional Eumelanin‐Type Platform Tunable Through a Quinone Control Point
Authors: Della Vecchia Nicola F. , Avolio Roberto , Alfè Michela , Errico Maria E. , Napolitano Alessandra , d'Ischia Marco
Published: October 2012

Rational approaches to engineering polydopamine films with tailored properties for surface coating and functionalization are currently challenged by the lack of detailed information about the polymer structure and the mechanism of buildup. Using an integrated chemical and spectroscopic approach enables the demonstration of: a) a three‐component structure of polydopamine, comprising uncyclized (catecholamine) and cyclized (indole) units, as well as novel pyrrolecarboxylic acid moieties; b) remarkable variations in the relative proportions of the cyclized and uncyclized units with starting dopamine concentration; c) the occurrence of oligomer components up to the tetramer level; d) the covalent incorporation of Tris buffer; and e) the role of dopamine quinone as a crucial control point for directing the buildup pathways and tuning the properties. The importance of the uncyclized amine‐containing units in polydopamine adhesion is also highlighted. The proper selection of substrate concentration and buffer is thus proposed as a practical means of tailoring polydopamine functionality via control of competing pathways downstream of dopamine quinone.
Socioeconomic Contexts of Primate Conservation: Population, Poverty, Global Economic Demands, and Sustainable Land Use
Authors: ESTRADA ALEJANDRO
Published: October 2012

Recent assessments by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicate the existence of about 612 recognized primate species and subspecies (IUCN RedList, 2012), but close to 50% of these taxa are at risk of extinction as a result of human action. In this article, I call attention to underlying regional and global socioeconomic contexts of primate conservation. Using information from FAO and UN databases and other sources, I examine, for the Neotropics, sub‐Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, trends in forest loss and human demographics and social condition, discuss the impact of global market pressures upon primate habitats, and examine land‐use patterns that may favor primate conservation. Between 1990 and 2010, an estimated 149 million ha of forest were lost in the three regions and additional losses are expected in the future. Global human population will increase from 7 billion in 2012 to 9 billion in 2050. Currently, 2 billion people live in the three primate range regions under high levels of poverty. Large‐scale deforestation is related to global market demands, especially from developed and developing nations, for food (e.g., cattle), domestic animal feed (e.g., soybeans), biofuel‐based crops (e.g., oil palm), and industrial round wood. The growth of protected areas in the three regions has been steady for several decades, but it is not enough to ensure long‐term conservation of many primate taxa. Other conservations tools involving sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation corridors are required at the landscape level. The above assessment can easily be applied at the local level by primatologists, giving more precision to conservation initiatives. Am. J. Primatol. 75:30‐45, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review: Ototoxic Characteristics of Platinum Antitumor Drugs
Authors: Ding Dalian , Allman Brian L. , Salvi Richard
Published: October 2012

Cisplatin, carboplatin, nedaplatin, and oxaliplatin are widely used in contemporary oncology; however, their ototoxic and neurotoxic side effects are quite different as discussed in this review. Cisplatin is considered the most ototoxic, but despite its reputation, the magnitude of hair cell loss that occurs with a single, large drug bolus is limited and confined to the base of the cochlea. For all of these platinum compounds, a major factor limiting damage is drug uptake from stria vascularis into the cochlear fluids. Disrupting the blood–labyrinth barrier with diuretics or noise exposure enhances drug uptake and significantly increases the amount of damage. Combined treatment with ethacrynic acid (a loop diuretic) and cisplatin results in rapid apoptotic hair cell death characterized by upregulation of initiator caspase‐8 and membrane death receptor, TRADD, followed by downstream executioners, caspase‐3 and caspase‐6. Unlike cisplatin, nedaplatin and oxaliplatin are highly neurotoxic when applied to cochlear cultures preferentially damaging auditory nerve fibers at low concentrations and hair cells at high concentrations. Carboplatin, considered far less ototoxic than cisplatin, is paradoxically highly toxic to chinchilla inner hair cells and type I spiral ganglion neurons; however, at high doses it also damages outer hair cells. Hair cell death from cisplatin and carboplatin is characterized in its early stages by upregulation of p53; blocking p53 expression with pifithrin‐α prevents hair cell death. Major differences in the toxicity of these four platinum compounds may arise from several different metal transporters that selectively regulate the influx, efflux, and sequestration of these drugs. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetics of Hearing and Deafness
Authors: Angeli Simon , Lin Xi , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: October 2012

This article is a review of the genes and genetic disorders that affect hearing in humans and a few selected mouse models of deafness. Genetics is playing an increasingly critical role in the practice of medicine. This is not only in part to the importance that genetic knowledge has on traditional genetic diseases but also in part to the fact that genetic knowledge provides an understanding of the fundamental biological process of most diseases. The proteins coded by the genes related to hearing loss (HL) are involved in many functions in the ear, such as cochlear fluid homeostasis, ionic channels, stereocilia morphology and function, synaptic transmission, gene regulation, and others. Mouse models play a crucial role in understanding of the pathogenesis associated with these genes. Different types of familial HL have been recognized for years; however, in the last two decades, there has been tremendous progress in the discovery of gene mutations that cause deafness. Most of the cases of genetic deafness recognized today are monogenic disorders that can be broadly classified by the mode of inheritance (i.e., autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X‐linked, and mitochondrial inheritance) and by the presence of associated phenotypic features (i.e., syndromic; and nonsyndromic). In terms of nonsyndromic HL, the chromosomal locations are currently known for ∼ 125 loci (54 for dominant and 71 for recessive deafness), 64 genes have been identified (24 for dominant and 40 for recessive deafness), and there are many more loci for syndromic deafness and X‐linked and mitochondrial DNA disorders (http://hereditaryhearingloss.org). Thus, today's clinician must understand the science of medical genetics as this knowledge can lead to more effective disease diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and prevention. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Progress Toward Development of a Multichannel Vestibular Prosthesis for Treatment of Bilateral Vestibular Deficiency
Authors: Fridman Gene Y. , Della SAntina Charles C.
Published: October 2012

This article reviews vestibular pathology and the requirements and progress made in the design and construction of a vestibular prosthesis. Bilateral loss of vestibular sensation is disabling. When vestibular hair cells are injured by ototoxic medications or other insults to the labyrinth, the resulting loss of sensory input disrupts vestibulo‐ocular reflexes (VORs) and vestibulo‐spinal reflexes that normally stabilize the eyes and body. Affected individuals suffer poor vision during head movement, postural instability, chronic disequilibrium, and cognitive distraction. Although most individuals with residual sensation compensate for their loss over time, others fail to do so and have no adequate treatment options. A vestibular prosthesis analogous to cochlear implants but designed to modulate vestibular nerve activity during head movement should improve quality of life for these chronically dizzy individuals. We describe the impact of bilateral loss of vestibular sensation, animal studies supporting feasibility of prosthetic vestibular stimulation, the current status of multichannel vestibular sensory replacement prosthesis development, and challenges to successfully realizing this approach in clinical practice. In bilaterally vestibular‐deficient rodents and rhesus monkeys, the Johns Hopkins multichannel vestibular prosthesis (MVP) partially restores the three‐dimensional (3D) VOR for head rotations about any axis. Attempts at prosthetic vestibular stimulation of humans have not yet included the 3D eye movement assays necessary to accurately evaluate VOR alignment, but these initial forays have revealed responses that are otherwise comparable to observations in animals. Current efforts now focus on refining electrode design and surgical technique to enhance stimulus selectivity and preserve cochlear function, optimizing stimulus protocols to improve dynamic range and reduce excitation–inhibition asymmetry, and adapting laboratory MVP prototypes into devices appropriate for use in clinical trials. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Organ of Corti Explant Model for the Study of Cochlear Implantation Trauma
Authors: Bas Esperanza , Gupta Chhavi , Van De Water Thomas R.
Published: October 2012

This study presents a novel in vitro model of electrode insertion trauma‐induced hair cell (HC) damage and loss and its application for testing the efficacy of otoprotective drugs. In the cochlear implant (CI) procedure as a treatment for profound deafness, an electrode array is surgically inserted to provide electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve. Mechanical trauma from insertion of a CI electrode into the scala tympani can lead to inflammation and a high level of oxidative stress, which can initiate the apoptosis of auditory HCs and intracochlear fibrosis. HC apoptosis and intracochlear fibrosis are thought to be causes of poor CI functional outcomes. In order to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms that initiate HC apoptosis and scala tympani fibrosis following electrode insertion trauma (EIT), and the otoprotective effects of dexamethasone (DXM) observed in previous studies, an in vitro model of EIT was designed. Here we present and characterize a novel, reproducible in vitro model for the study of cellular and molecular events that occur following an EIT procedure. Cochleae from 3‐day‐old rats were subjected to a cochleostomy and were then divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) EIT, and (3) EIT + DXM (20 μg/mL). In Groups 2 and 3, a 0.28‐mm diameter monofilament fishing line was introduced through the small cochleostomy located next to the round window area, allowing for an insertion of between 110° and 150°. HC counts, gene expression for pro‐inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNFα and IL‐1β), pro‐inflammatory inducible enzymes (i.e., iNOS and COX‐2) and growth factors (i.e., TGFβ1, TGFβ3 and CTGF), oxidative stress (i.e., CellROX), and analyses of apoptosis pathways (i.e., caspase‐3, apoptosis induced factor and Endonuclease G) were carried out on all explants at different time points. The results of this EIT in vitro model show the initiation of wound healing in which an inflammatory response is followed by a proliferative‐fibrosis phase. Moreover, DXM treatment of EIT explants inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted a nonscarring wound healing process. The novel in vitro model described here will improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying CI insertion trauma and protective strategies such as DXM treatment. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of Neurotrophin Therapy in the Inner Ear to Augment Cochlear Implantation Outcomes
Authors: Budenz Cameron L. , Pfingst Bryan E. , Raphael Yehoash
Published: October 2012

Severe to profound deafness is most often secondary to a loss of or injury to cochlear mechanosensory cells, and there is often an associated loss of the peripheral auditory neural structures, specifically the spiral ganglion neurons and peripheral auditory fibers. Cochlear implantation is currently our best hearing rehabilitation strategy for severe to profound deafness. These implants work by directly electrically stimulating the remnant auditory neural structures within the deafened cochlea. When administered to the deafened cochlea in animal models, neurotrophins, specifically brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin‐3, have been shown to dramatically improve spiral ganglion neuron survival and stimulate peripheral auditory fiber regrowth. In animal models, neurotrophins administered in combination with cochlear implantation has resulted in significant improvements in the electrophysiological and psychophysical measures of outcome. While further research must be done before these therapies can be applied clinically, neurotrophin therapies for the inner ear show great promise in enhancing CI outcomes and the treatment of hearing loss. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodiclas, Inc.
The Trk A, B, C's of Neurotrophins in the Cochlea
Authors: Green Steven H. , Bailey Erin , Wang Qiong , Davis Robin L.
Published: October 2012

The spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are the afferent neurons of the cochlea, connecting the auditory sensory cells—hair cells—to the brainstem cochlear nuclei. The neurotrophins neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are expressed in the cochlea and both support SGN survival during development. These neurotrophins remain expressed in the postnatal cochlea and continue to play additional roles for SGNs, contributing to maintenance of hair cell‐SGN synapses and regulating expression of ion channels, presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins, and SGN membrane electrical properties in a physiologically important spatial pattern. Remarkably, NT‐3 and BDNF have different, even opposing, effects on SGN physiology despite the close similarity of their receptors TrkB and TrkC. Recent studies have also raised the possibility that precursor proneurotrophin forms of the neurotrophins play a role in responses to trauma in the cochlea, signaling through the proneurotrophin receptor p75NTR. Here, we review expression and function of neurotrophins and their p75NTRand Trk‐family receptors in the cochlea. We focus, in particular, on neurotrophin functions other than support of SGN survival, including regulation of SGN neurite growth, synaptic and membrane physiology. These functions, unlike survival, are ones for which BDNF and NT‐3 substantially differ in their effects. Signal transduction mechanisms of p75NTRand of Trk‐family receptors are discussed, indicating how these lead to different responses, and we speculate on how BDNF and NT‐3 can cause different phenotypic changes in SGNs. Because these complex signaling interactions remain incompletely understood, use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents in the cochlea should be approached with caution. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological Study of the Sinus Node and Its Artery in Yak
Authors: Duan Deyong , Yu Sijiu , Cui Yan
Published: October 2012

The sinus node of yak has been studied by the histological methods and transmission electron microscopy. The sinus node artery of yak was also determined by the injection‐corrosion casting technique, the angiography, and histological methods. The results showed that the sinus node of yak contained an extensive framework of collagen and two main type cells: pacemaker cells (P cells) and transitional cells (T cells). The P cells had a perinuclear clear zone, contained less myofibrils, and appeared smaller mitochondria than T cells. The T cells were longer and slender than P cells, and had a variety of shapes. At the periphery of sinus node there were many nerve fibers and ganglions. Gap junction did not reveal reaction with anti‐connexin43, but it was detected by electron microscopy in the central part of sinus node of yak. The sinus node artery of yak originated from left coronary artery more frequently (98%) than by right (2%). The artery located at the periphery of sinus node. It had an internal elastic membrane throughout its course, and a large nerve bundle was found running in a longitudinal direction. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultraviolet‐radiation‐resistant isolates revealed cellulose‐degrading species of Cellulosimicrobium cellulans (UVP1) and Bacillus pumilus (UVP4)
Authors: Gabani Prashant , Copeland Erin , Chandel Anuj K. , Singh Om V.
Published: October 2012

Among extremophiles, microorganisms resistant to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) have been known to produce a variety of metabolites (i.e., extremolytes). We hypothesized that natural microbial flora on elevated land (hills) would reveal a variety of UVR‐resistant extremophiles and polyextremophiles with modulated proteins and enzymes that had biotechnological implications. Microorganisms Cellulosimicrobium cellulans UVP1 and Bacillus pumilus UVP4 were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA sequencing, and showed extreme UV resistance (1.03 × 106 and 1.71 × 105 J/m2, respectively) from elevated land soil samples along with unique patterns of protein expression under UVR and non‐UVR. A broad range of cellulolytic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose agar plates in C. cellulans UVP1 and B. pumilus UVP4 was revealed at varying pH, temperature, and inorganic salt concentration. Further, the microbial strain B. pumilus UVP4 showed the basic characteristics of a novel group: polyextremophiles with significance in bioenergy.
Comparison of the cost of hydrogen from air‐blown and thermally ballasted gasifiers
Authors: Lysenko Steve , Sadaka Samy , Brown Robert C.
Published: October 2012

The objective of this study was to compare the cost of producing hydrogen by two types of biomass gasifiers: a conventional air‐blown fluidized‐bed gasifier and a thermally ballasted fluidized‐bed gasifier developed at Iowa State University. The ballasted gasifier is an indirectly heated gasifier that uses a single reactor for both combustion and pyrolysis. Heat accumulated in high‐temperature phase‐change material during the combustion phase is released during the pyrolysis phase to generate producer gas. Experimental data from pilot‐scale air‐blown and ballasted gasification tests have been used as a basis for this study. Experimental data has been scaled up to calculate the cost and feasibility associated with 50 Mg of hydrogen per day production plants. Air‐blown gasification yields for total direct cost, total capital cost, and the annual operating cost were $19.20, $43.21 and $38.65 million, respectively. The cost estimate of a system producing 50 Mg/day of hydrogen via air‐blown gasification is projected to be $2.23/kgH2. The total direct cost, total capital cost and the annual operating cost for ballasted gasification were $30.17 $67.80, and $52.11 million, respectively. The hydrogen production cost for ballasted gasification showed $3.01/kgH2. This is 35% higher than that of air‐blown gasification. A sensitivity analysis was performed to help to assist economic feasibility which includes variables for labor, capital charges, biomass costs, and hydrogen yields. The cost of biomass was found to be the most influential contribution to hydrogen production costs. As a result, a detailed analysis based on a state‐by‐state model is used to demonstrate the effect of biomass cost on hydrogen production cost. This model also predicts the potential number of 50 Mg ofH2/day plants that might be built in each state based on potential switchgrass supply. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Arginine 26 and Aspartic Acid 69 of the Regulatory Subunit are Key Residues of Subunits Interaction of Acetohydroxyacid Synthase Isozyme III from E. coli
Authors: Zhao Yuefang , Wen Xin , Niu Congwei , Xi Zhen
Published: October 2012

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), which catalyzes the first step in the biosynthesis of branched‐chain amino acids, is composed of catalytic and regulatory subunits. The enzyme exhibits full activity only when the regulatory subunit (RSU) binds to the catalytic subunit (CSU). However, the crystal structure of the holoenzyme has not been reported yet, and the molecular interaction between the CSU and RSU is also unknown. Herein, we introduced a global‐surface, site‐directed labeling scanning method to determine the potential interaction region of the RSU. This approach relies on the insertion of a bulky fluorescent probe at the designated site on the surface of the RSU to cause a dramatic change in holoenzyme activity by perturbing subunit interaction. Then, the key amino acid residues in the potential interaction regions were identified by site‐directed mutagenesis. Compared to the wild‐type, the single‐point mutants R26A and D69A showed 54 and 64 % activity, respectively, whereas the double mutant (R26A+D69A) gave 14 %, thus suggesting that residues Arg26 and Asp69 are the key residues of subunit interaction with cooperative action. Additionally, the results of GST pull‐down assays and pH‐dependence experiments suggested that polar interaction is the main force for subunits interaction. A plausible protein–protein interaction model of the holoenzyme of Escherichia coli AHAS III is proposed, based on the mutagenesis and protein docking studies. The protocol established here should be useful for the identification of the molecular interactions between proteins.
Simulation of Stress Energy and Grinding Media Movement within a Wet‐Operated Annular‐Gap Mill Using the Discrete‐Element Method
Authors: Beinert S. , Schilde C. , Kwade A.
Published: October 2012

Grinding is an important process in the mineral, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In the last couple of years, the discrete element method (DEM) has become more and more important for modeling different grinding processes and for the calculation of stress mechanism, frequency and intensity. As the DEM was designed for the calculation of particles, fluid interaction is not taken into account. However, in many grinding processes, wet‐operated mills are used. Here, first, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to compare simulated bead‐bead or bead‐wall contacts with an analytical solution. To realize this, a displacement force acting on two beads in a fluid while they approach or depart is introduced. This displacement force was used to develop a new contact model for the DEMThe results show that this approach can potentially be used to simulate a wet‐operated mill (including a high number of particles) with a one‐way coupling. To develop the displacement force, assumptions are made that limit the new contact model to relatively simple geometries and low Reynolds numbers.
Ceramic Media Selection for Optimization of Energy Efficiency in IsaMills™
Authors: Durant B. , Farber B. Y. , Rule C. , Mainza A.
Published: October 2012

Economics of the stirred milling unit process has significantly improved by replacement of silica sand with ceramic media in IsaMills™. This paper demonstrates with laboratory scale trial results the effect of media density and friction coefficient on energy consumption in a M4 laboratory scale IsaMill™ in a two dimensional water and media environment, for several types of ceramic media.
Rho GTPases in animal cell cytokinesis: An occupation by the one percent
Authors: Jordan Shawn N. , Canman Julie C.
Published: October 2012

Rho GTPases are molecular switches that elicit distinct effects on the actomyosin cytoskeleton to accurately promote cytokinesis. Although they represent less than 1% of the human genome, Rho GTPases exert disproportionate control over cell division. Crucial to this master regulatory role is their localized occupation of specific domains of the cell to ensure the assembly of a contractile ring at the proper time and place. RhoA occupies the division plane and is the central positive Rho family regulator of cytokinesis. Rac1 is a negative regulator of cytokinesis and is inactivated within the division plane while active Rac1 occupies the cell poles. Cdc42 regulation during cytokinesis is less studied, but thus far a clear role has only been shown during polar body emission. Here we review what is known about the function of Rho family GTPases during cell division, as well as their upstream regulators and known downstream cytokinetic effectors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Tubulin polyglutamylation regulates flagellar motility by controlling a specific inner‐arm dynein that interacts with the dynein regulatory complex
Authors: Kubo Tomohiro , Yagi Toshiki , Kamiya Ritsu
Published: October 2012

The tpg1 mutant of Chlamydomonas lacks the tubulin polyglutamylase TTLL9 and is deficient in flagellar tubulin polyglutamylation. It exhibits slow swimming, whereas the double mutant with oda2 (a slow‐swimming mutant that lacks outer‐arm dynein) is completely nonmotile. Thus, tubulin polyglutamylation must be important for the functioning of inner‐arm dynein(s). In this study, we show that the tpg1 mutation only slightly affects the motility of mutants that lack dynein “e,” one of the seven species of major inner‐arm dyneins, whereas it greatly reduces the motility of mutants lacking other inner‐arm dynein species. This suggests that dynein e is the main target of motility regulation by tubulin polyglutamylation. Furthermore, the motility of various mutants in the background of the tpg1 mutation raises the possibility that tubulin polyglutamylation also affects the dynein regulatory complex, a dynein e–associated key regulator of flagellar motility, which possibly constitutes the interdoublet (nexin) link. Tubulin polyglutamylation thus may play a central role in the regulation of ciliary and flagellar motility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
A DNA Methyltransferase Modulator Inspired by Peyssonenyne Natural Product Structures
Authors: García‐Domínguez Patricia , Weiss Mélanie , Lepore Ilaria , Álvarez Rosana , Altucci Lucia , Gronemeyer Hinrich , de Lera Ángel R.
Published: October 2012

A novel epigenetic modulator that displays a DNMT1 inhibition and DNMT3A activation profile was characterized (compound 8). This compound is a derivative of palmitic acid that incorporates the putative reactive functional group (diynone) of the peyssonenyne natural products. Other analogues containing the diynone or an acetoxyenediyne did not show the same biological profile. In U937 human leukemia cells, diynone 8 induced cell differentiation and apoptosis, which correlated with the expression of Fas protein. Very surprisingly, diynone 8 was toxic to normal human fibroblasts (BJ) and mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF), but not to immortalized human fibroblasts (BJEL); this unique effect was not observed with the classical DNMT inhibitor 5‐azacytidine. Therefore, compound 8 interferes in a very specific manner with signaling pathways, the activities of which differ between normal and immortalized cell types. This toxicity is reminiscent of the effects of Dnmt1 ablation on mouse fibroblasts. In fact, some of the genes deregulated by the loss of Dnmt1 are similarly deregulated by 8, but not by the DNMT inhibitor SGI‐1027.
Stabilization of Large Adsorbates by Rotational Entropy: A Time‐Resolved Variable‐Temperature STM Study
Authors: Waldmann Thomas , Klein Jens , Hoster Harry E. , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: October 2012

Investigating the dynamics in an adlayer of the oligopyridine derivative 2‐phenyl‐4,6‐bis(6‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)‐4‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)pyridine‐2‐yl)pyrimidine (2,4′‐BTP) on Ag(111) by fast scanning tunneling microscopy (video‐STM), we found that rotating 2,4′‐BTP adsorbates coexist in a two‐dimensional (2D) liquid phase (β‐phase) in a dynamic equilibrium with static adsorbate molecules. Furthermore, exchange between an ordered phase (α‐phase) and β‐phase leads to fluctuations of the domain boundary on a time scale of seconds. Quantitative evaluation of the temperature‐dependent equilibrium between rotating and static adsorbates, evaluated from a large number of STM images, gains insight into energetic and entropic stabilization and underlines that the rotating adsorbate molecules are stabilized by an entropy contribution, which is compatible with that derived by using statistical mechanics. The general validity of the concept of entropic stabilization of rotating admolecules, favoring rotation already at room temperature, is tested for other typical small, mid‐size and large adsorbates.