bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment for thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis: case report
Authors: Lin Yi-Chu , Wu Che-Wei , Chen Hui-Chun , Chen Hsiu-Ya , Lu I-Cheng , Tsai Cheng-Jing , Kuo Wen-Rei , Chiang Feng-Yu
Published: January 2012

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare, potentially life-threatening endocrine emergency. It is characterized by recurrent muscle weakness and hypokalemia. Because many THPP patients do not have obvious symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism, misdiagnosis may occur. The published studies revealed that definitive therapy for THPP is control of hyperthyroidism by medical therapy, radioactive iodine or surgery, but the long-term post-operative follow-up result was not observed. We reported two cases of medically refractory THPP with recurrent paralysis of extremities and hypokalemia, and both were combined with thyroid nodules. Both patients were treated with total thyroidectomy; the pathology revealed that one is Graves' disease with thyroid papillary carcinoma, and the other is adenomatous goiter with papillary hyperplasia. No episode of periodic paralysis was noted and laboratory evaluation revealed normal potassium level during the post-operative follow up. Our experience suggests that total thyroidectomy by experienced surgeon is an appropriate and definite treatment for medically refractory THPP, especially in cases combined with thyroid nodules.
Rapid alterations of cell cycle control proteins in human T lymphocytes in microgravity
Authors: Thiel Cora S , Paulsen Katrin , Bradacs Gesine , Lust Karolin , Tauber Svantje , Dumrese Claudia , Hilliger Andre , Schoppmann Kathrin , Biskup Josefine , Gölz Nadine , Sang Chen , Ziegler Urs , Grote Karl-Heinrich , Zipp Frauke , Zhuang Fengyuan , Engelmann Frank , Hemmersbach Ruth , Cogoli Augusto , Ullrich Oliver
Published: January 2012

In our study we aimed to identify rapidly reacting gravity-responsive mechanisms in mammalian cells in order to understand if and how altered gravity is translated into a cellular response. In a combination of experiments using "functional weightlessness" provided by 2D-clinostats and real microgravity provided by several parabolic flight campaigns and compared to in-flight-1g-controls, we identified rapid gravity-responsive reactions inside the cell cycle regulatory machinery of human T lymphocytes. In response to 2D clinorotation, we detected an enhanced expression of p21Waf1/Cip1protein within minutes, less cdc25C protein expression and enhanced Ser147-phosphorylation of cyclinB1 after CD3/CD28 stimulation. Additionally, during 2D clinorotation, Tyr-15-phosphorylation occurred later and was shorter than in the 1 g controls. In CD3/CD28-stimulated primary human T cells, mRNA expression of the cell cycle arrest protein p21 increased 4.1-fold after 20s real microgravity in primary CD4+T cells and 2.9-fold in Jurkat T cells, compared to 1 g in-flight controls after CD3/CD28 stimulation. The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor curcumin was able to abrogate microgravity-induced p21 mRNA expression, whereas expression was enhanced by a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Therefore, we suppose that cell cycle progression in human T lymphocytes requires Earth gravity and that the disturbed expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins could contribute to the breakdown of the human immune system in space.
Neutrophil depletion reduces edema formation and tissue loss following traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Kenne Ellinor , Erlandsson Anna , Lindbom Lennart , Hillered Lars , Clausen Fredrik
Published: January 2012

Background

Brain edema as a result of secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major clinical concern. Neutrophils are known to cause increased vascular permeability leading to edema formation in peripheral tissue, but their role in the pathology following TBI remains unclear.

Methods

In this study we used controlled cortical impact (CCI) as a model for TBI and investigated the role of neutrophils in the response to injury. The outcome of mice that were depleted of neutrophils using an anti-Gr-1 antibody was compared to that in mice with intact neutrophil count. The effect of neutrophil depletion on blood-brain barrier function was assessed by Evan's blue dye extravasation, and analysis of brain water content was used as a measurement of brain edema formation (24 and 48 hours after CCI). Lesion volume was measured 7 and 14 days after CCI. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess cell death, using a marker for cleaved caspase-3 at 24 hours after injury, and microglial/macrophage activation 7 days after CCI. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data.

Results

Neutrophil depletion did not significantly affect Evan's blue extravasation at any time-point after CCI. However, neutrophil-depleted mice exhibited a decreased water content both at 24 and 48 hours after CCI indicating reduced edema formation. Furthermore, brain tissue loss was attenuated in neutropenic mice at 7 and 14 days after injury. Additionally, these mice had a significantly reduced number of activated microglia/macrophages 7 days after CCI, and of cleaved caspase-3 positive cells 24 h after injury.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that neutrophils are involved in the edema formation, but not the extravasation of large proteins, as well as contributing to cell death and tissue loss following TBI in mice.
Erratum to: Increased neuroinflammatory and arachidonic acid cascade markers, and reduced synaptic proteins, in brain of HIV-1 transgenic rats
Authors: Rao Jagadeesh Sridhara , Kim Hyung-Wook , Kellom Matthew , Greenstein Dede , Chen Mei , Kraft Andrew David , Harry Gaylia Jean , Rapoport Stanley Isaac , Basselin Mireille
Published: January 2012

Correction to Rao J S, Kim H W, Kellom M, Greenstein D, Chen M, Kraft A D, Harry G J, Rapoport S I, Basselin M. Increased neuroinflammatory and arachidonic acid cascade markers, and reduced synaptic proteins, in brain of HIV-1 transgenic rats. Journal of Neuroinflammation 8:101.
Concurrent multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: where inflammation and neurodegeneration meet?
Authors: Li Grace , Esiri Margaret M , Ansorge Olaf , DeLuca Gabriele C
Published: January 2012

The concurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is exceedingly rare and the pathological features have not been examined extensively. Here we describe the key pathological features of a 40 year old man with pathologically confirmed concurrent MS and ALS.

This is the most pathologically illustrative case of coincident MS and ALS demonstrating inflammatory and neurodegenerative features characteristic of each disease, and is the first to exhibit the presence of TDP-43 inclusions in this clinical entity. The intricate relationship between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in these diseases is discussed.
Permissiveness of human hepatoma cell lines for HCV infection
Authors: Sainz Bruno , Barretto Naina , Yu Xuemei , Corcoran Peter , Uprichard Susan L
Published: January 2012

Background

Although primary and established human hepatoma cell lines have been evaluated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in vitro, thus far only Huh7 cells have been found to be highly permissive for infectious HCV. Since our understanding of the HCV lifecycle would benefit from the identification of additional permissive cell lines, we assembled a panel of hepatic and non-hepatic cell lines and assessed their ability to support HCV infection. Here we show infection of the human hepatoma cell lines PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B with cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc), albeit to lower levels than that achieved in Huh7 cells. To better understand the reduced permissiveness of PLC and Hep3B cells for HCVcc infection, we performed studies to evaluate the ability of each cell line to support specific steps of the viral lifecycle (i.e. entry, replication, egress and spread).

Results

We found that while the early events in HCV infection (i.e. entry plus replication initiation) are cumulatively equivalent or only marginally reduced in PLC and Hep3B cells, later steps of the viral life cycle such as steady-state replication, de novo virus production and/or spread are impaired to different degrees in PLC and Hep3B cultures compared to Huh7 cell cultures. Interestingly, we also observed that interferon stimulated gene (i.e. ISG56) expression was significantly and differentially up-regulated in PLC and Hep3B cells following viral infection.

Conclusions

We conclude that the restrictions observed later during HCV infection in these cell lines could in part be attributed to HCV-induced innate signaling. Nevertheless, the identification of two new cell lines capable of supporting authentic HCVcc infection, even at reduced levels, expands the current repertoire of cell lines amendable for the study of HCV in vitro and should aid in further elucidating HCV biology and the cellular determinants that modulate HCV infection.
Sensitization of Dural Afferents Underlies Migraine-Related Behavior following Meningeal Application of Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Authors: Yan Jin , Melemedjian Ohannes K , Price Theodore J , Dussor Gregory
Published: January 2012

Background:

Migraine headache is one of the most common neurological disorders, but the pathophysiology contributing to migraine is poorly understood. Intracranial interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels have been shown to be elevated during migraine attacks, suggesting that this cytokine may facilitate pain signaling from the meninges and contribute to the development of headache.

Methods:

Cutaneous allodynia was measured in rats following stimulation of the dura with IL-6 alone or in combination with the MEK inhibitor, U0126. The number of action potentials and latency to the first action potential peak in response to a ramp current stimulus as well as current threshold were measured in retrogradely-labeled dural afferents using patch-clamp electrophysiology. These recordings were performed in the presence of IL-6 alone or in combination with U0126. Association between ERK1 and Nav1.7 following IL-6 treatment was also measured by co-immunoprecipitation.

Results:

Here we report that in awake animals, direct application of IL-6 to the dura produced dose-dependent facial and hindpaw allodynia. The MEK inhibitor U0126 blocked IL-6-induced allodynia indicating that IL-6 produced this behavioral effect through the MAP kinase pathway. In trigeminal neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura, IL-6 application decreased the current threshold for action potential firing. In response to a ramp current stimulus, cells treated with IL-6 showed an increase in the numbers of action potentials and a decrease in latency to the first spike, an effect consistent with phosphorylation of the sodium channel Nav1.7. Pretreatment with U0126 reversed hyperexcitability following IL-6 treatment. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated an increased association between ERK1 and Nav1.7 following IL-6 treatment.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that IL-6 enhances the excitability of dural afferents likely via ERK-mediated modulation of Nav1.7 and these responses contribute to migraine-related pain behavior in vivo. These data provide a cellular mechanism by which IL-6 in the meninges causes sensitization of dural afferents therefore contributing to the pathogenesis of migraine headache.
Antisense sequencing improves the accuracy and precision of A-to-I editing measurements using the peak height ratio method
Authors: Rinkevich Frank D , Schweitzer Peter A , Scott Jeffrey G
Published: January 2012

Background

A-to-I RNA editing is found in all phyla of animals and contributes to transcript diversity that may have profound impacts on behavior and physiology. Many transcripts of genes involved in axonal conductance, synaptic transmission and modulation are the targets of A-to-I RNA editing. There are a number of methods to measure the extent of A-to-I RNA editing, but they are generally costly and time consuming. One way to determine the frequency of A-to-I RNA editing is the peak height ratio method, which compares the size of peaks on electropherograms that represent unedited and edited sites.

Findings

Sequencing of 4 editing sites of the Dα6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit with an antisense primer (which uses T/C peaks to measure unedited and edited sites, respectively) showed very accurate and precise measurements of A-to-I RNA editing. The accuracy and precision were excellent for all editing sites, including those edited with high or low frequencies. The frequency of A-to-I RNA editing was comparable to the editing frequency as measured by clone counting from the same sample. Sequencing these same sites with the sense primer (which uses A/G peaks) yielded inaccurate and imprecise measurements.

Conclusions

We have validated and improved the accuracy and precision of the peak height ratio method to measure the frequency of A-to-I RNA editing, and shown that results are primer specific. Thus, the correct sequencing primer must be utilized for the most dependable data. When compared to other methods used to measure the frequency of A-to-I RNA editing, the major benefits of the peak height ratio are that this method is inexpensive, fast, non-labor intensive and easily adaptable to many laboratory and field settings.
Application of RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis: CD151 is an Invasion/Migration target in all stages of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Mosig Rebecca A , Lin Li , Senturk Emir , Shah Hardik , Huang Fei , Schlosshauer Peter , Cohen Samantha , Fruscio Robert , Marchini Sergio , D'Incalci Maurizio , Sachidanandam Ravi , Dottino Peter , Martignetti John A
Published: January 2012

Background

RNA-Seq allows a theoretically unbiased analysis of both genome-wide transcription levels and mutation status of a tumor. Using this technique we sought to identify novel candidate therapeutic targets expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

Specifically, we sought candidate invasion/migration targets based on expression levels across all tumors, novelty of expression in EOC, and known function. RNA-Seq analysis revealed the high expression of CD151, a transmembrane protein, across all stages of EOC. Expression was confirmed at both the mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.

Results

In both EOC tumors and normal ovarian surface epithelial cells we demonstrated CD151 to be localized to the membrane and cell-cell junctions in patient-derived and established EOC cell lines. We next evaluated its role in EOC dissemination using two ovarian cancer-derived cell lines with differential levels of CD151 expression. Targeted antibody-mediated and siRNA inhibition or loss of CD151 in SKOV3 and OVCAR5 cell lines effectively inhibited their migration and invasion.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings provide the first proof-of-principle demonstration for a next generation sequencing approach to identifying candidate therapeutic targets and reveal CD151 to play a role in EOC dissemination.
Are interventions to reduce the impact of arsenic contamination of groundwater on human health in developing countries effective?: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Pearson M , Jones-Hughes T , Whear R , Cooper C , Peters J , Evans EH , Depledge M
Published: January 2012

Background

Chronic arsenic pollution is now recognised as a worldwide problem, with 21 countries experiencing arsenic groundwater contamination. It is a particularly important issue in developing countries, where groundwater is generally the preferred drinking source (as an alternative to polluted surface water). Technologies to remove or mitigate arsenic contamination of groundwater include pre-oxidation, adsorption, biological removal, and deep tubewells. Whilst technologies such as these may be effective in stable conditions (for example, at a laboratory scale), their effectiveness in real-world circumstances needs to be assessed to inform policy making.

Methods

This protocol details our proposed methods for conducting a systematic review to identify, appraise, and synthesise evidence to answer the following policy-relevant questions: a) In developing countries, are interventions to reduce the impact of arsenic contamination of groundwater on human health effective?, and b) What factors enable or constrain the effectiveness of these interventions in developing countries?
Organization and exploration of heterogeneous personal data collected in daily life
Authors: Teraoka Teruhiko
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a study on the organization and the exploration of heterogeneous personal data that are collected from mobile devices and web services in daily use. Although large amounts of personal data can be collected, it is not easy to find effective methods of reusing these data. With regard to collecting personal data, most lifelog research has focused on the capture of personal logs and personal data archives. Our research focuses on helping users recall and reminisce about past experiences by using an interactive system that enables them to explore personal data from several viewpoints. An organizing structure and a zooming user interface are proposed for an effective exploration of personal data. We also illustrate a digest view that includes a summary of personal data and landmarks that trigger memory recall. A prototype system is introduces for exploring a variety of personal data including photographs, Global Positioning System histories, Tweets, health data, and the number of steps walked per day.
Breast cancer risk assessment with five independent genetic variants and two risk factors in Chinese women
Authors: Dai Juncheng , Hu Zhibin , Jiang Yue , Shen Hao , Dong Jing , Ma Hongxia , Shen Hongbing
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Recently, several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer risk. However, most of the studies were conducted among Caucasians and only one from Chinese.

Methods

In the current study, we first tested whether 15 SNPs identified by previous GWAS were also breast cancer marker SNPs in this Chinese population. Then, we grouped the marker SNPs, and modeled them with clinical risk factors, to see the usage of these factors in breast cancer risk assessment. Two methods (risk factors counting and odds ratio (OR) weighted risk scoring) were used to evaluate the cumulative effects of the five significant SNPs and two clinical risk factors (age at menarche and age at first live birth).

Results

Five SNPs located at 2q35, 3p24, 6q22, 6q25 and 10q26 were consistently associated with breast cancer risk in both testing set (878 cases and 900 controls) and validation set (914 cases and 967 controls) samples. Overall, all of the five SNPs contributed to breast cancer susceptibility in a dominant genetic model (2q35, rs13387042: adjusted OR = 1.26, P = 0.006; 3q24.1, rs2307032: adjusted OR = 1.24, P = 0.005; 6q22.33, rs2180341: adjusted OR = 1.22, P = 0.006; 6q25.1, rs2046210: adjusted OR = 1.51, P = 2.40 × 10-8; 10q26.13, rs2981582: adjusted OR = 1.31, P = 1.96 × 10-4). Risk score analyses (area under the curve (AUC): 0.649, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.631 to 0.667; sensitivity = 62.60%, specificity = 57.05%) presented better discrimination than that by risk factors counting (AUC: 0.637, 95% CI: 0.619 to 0.655; sensitivity = 62.16%, specificity = 60.03%) (P < 0.0001). Absolute risk was then calculated by the modified Gail model and an AUC of 0.658 (95% CI = 0.640 to 0.676) (sensitivity = 61.98%, specificity = 60.26%) was obtained for the combination of five marker SNPs, age at menarche and age at first live birth.

Conclusions

This study shows that five GWAS identified variants were also consistently validated in this Chinese population and combining these genetic variants with other risk factors can improve the risk predictive ability of breast cancer. However, more breast cancer associated risk variants should be incorporated to optimize the risk assessment.
Results From a Pivotal, Open-Label, Phase II Study of Romidepsin in Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma After Prior Systemic Therapy
Authors: Coiffier Bertrand , Pro Barbara , Prince H. Miles , Foss Francine , Sokol Lubomir , Greenwood Matthew , Caballero Dolores , Borchmann Peter , Morschhauser Franck , Wilhelm Martin , Pinter-Brown Lauren , Padmanabhan Swaminathan , Shustov Andrei , Nichols Jean , Carroll Susan , Balser John , Balser Barbara , Horwitz Steven
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Romidepsin is a structurally unique, potent class 1 selective histone deacetylase inhibitor. The primary objective of this international, pivotal, single-arm, phase II trial was to confirm the efficacy of romidepsin in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

Patients and Methods

Patients who were refractory to at least one prior systemic therapy or for whom at least one prior systemic therapy failed received romidepsin at 14 mg/m2 as a 4-hour intravenous infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. The primary end point was the rate of complete response/unconfirmed complete response (CR/CRu) as assessed by an independent review committee.

Results

Of the 131 patients enrolled, 130 had histologically confirmed PTCL by central review. The median number of prior systemic therapies was two (range, one to eight). The objective response rate was 25% (33 of 130), including 15% (19 of 130) with CR/CRu. Patient characteristics, prior stem-cell transplantation, number or type of prior therapies, or response to last prior therapy did not have an impact on response rate. The median duration of response was 17 months, with the longest response ongoing at 34+ months. Of the 19 patients who achieved CR/CRu, 17 (89%) had not experienced disease progression at a median follow-up of 13.4 months. The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (24%), neutropenia (20%), and infections (all types, 19%).

Conclusion

Single-agent romidepsin induced complete and durable responses with manageable toxicity in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL across all major PTCL subtypes, regardless of the number or type of prior therapies. Results led to US Food and Drug Administration approval of romidepsin in this indication.
Letter: A Simple Ion Source Set-up for Desorption/Ionization on Silicon with Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Adamov Alexey , Sysoev Alexey A. , Grigoras Kestutis , Laakia Jaakko , Kotiaho Tapio
Published: January 2012

Using a simple ion source set-up, laser desorption/ionization on silicon (DIOS) was demonstrated with the use of a custom-made drift tube ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), mounted on a commercial triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, and with an IMS equipped with a Faraday plate detector. DIOS was tested by mobility measurement of tetrapropylammonium iodide, tetrabutylammonium iodide and tetrapentylammonium iodide, whilst 2,6-di- tert-butylpyridine was used as a standard. The reduced mobilities measured for the test halides are in concordance with previously obtained ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry data.
Mass Spectrometry of Surfactant Aggregates
Authors: Ceraulo Leopoldo , Giorgi Gianluca , Liveri Vincenzo Turco , Bongiorno David , Indelicato Serena , Di Gaudio Francesca , Indelicato Sergio
Published: January 2012

In contrast with the enormous amount of literature produced during many decades in the field of surfactant aggregation in liquid, liquid crystalline and solid phases, only a few investigations concerning surfactant self-assembling in the gas phase as charged aggregates have been carried out until now. This lack of interest is disappointing in view of the remarkable theoretical and practical importance of the inherent knowledge. The absence of surfactant–solvent interactions makes it easier to study the role of surfactant–surfactant forces in determining their peculiar self-assembling features as well as the ability of these assemblies to incorporate selected solubilizate molecules. Thus, the study of gas-phase surfactant and surfactant–solubilizate aggregates is a research subject which has exciting potential, including mass and energy transport in the atmosphere, origin of life and simulation of supramolecular aggregation in interstellar space. On the other hand, the structural and dynamic properties of surfactant aggregates in the gas phase could be exploited in a number of interesting applications such as atmospheric cleaning agents, transport and protection of pulmonary drugs or biomolecules and as nanoreactors for specialized chemical reactions in confined space. Spectrometric techniques, together with molecular dynamics simulations, have been the principal investigative tools in this field and appearto be particularly suited to gaining fundamental information on the structure and stability of surfactant-based supramolecular aggregates, charge state effects, entrapment of solubilizate molecules, preferential solubilization sites and chemical reactions localized in a single organized aggregate. The main aim of this review is to present the actual state of the art in this novel and exciting research field underlining the knowledge acquired up to now as well as the aspects needing a more deep understanding. Moreover, intriguing departures of the behavior of surfactant solutions under electrospray ionization conditions from that of ionic, polar and apolar analytes will be discussed.
Why UK-trained doctors leave the UK: cross-sectional survey of doctors in New Zealand
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Lambert Trevor W , Goldacre Michael J
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To investigate factors which influenced UK-trained doctors to emigrate to New Zealand and factors which might encourage them to return.

Design

Cross-sectional postal and Internet questionnaire survey.

Setting

Participants in New Zealand; investigators in UK.

Participants

UK-trained doctors from 10 graduation-year cohorts who were registered with the New Zealand Medical Council in 2009.

Main outcome measures

Reasons for emigration; job satisfaction; satisfaction with leisure time; intentions to stay in New Zealand; changes to the UK NHS which might increase the likelihood of return.

Results

Of 38,821 UK-trained doctors in the cohorts, 535 (1.4%) were registered to practise in New Zealand. We traced 419, of whom 282 (67%) replied to our questionnaire. Only 30% had originally intended to emigrate permanently, but 89% now intended to stay. Sixty-nine percent had moved to take up a medical job. Seventy percent gave additional reasons for relocating to New Zealand including better lifestyle, to be with family, travel/working holiday, or disillusionment with the NHS. Respondents' mean job satisfaction score was 8.1 (95% CI 7.9–8.2) on a scale from 1 (lowest satisfaction) to 10 (highest), compared with 7.1 (7.1–7.2) for contemporaries in the UK NHS. Scored similarly, mean satisfaction with the time available for leisure was 7.8 (7.6–8.0) for the doctors in New Zealand, compared with 5.7 (5.6–5.7) for the NHS doctors. Although few respondents wanted to return to the UK, some stated that the likelihood of doctors' returning would be increased by changes to NHS working conditions and by administrative changes to ease the process.

Conclusions

Emigrant doctors in New Zealand had higher job satisfaction than their UK-based contemporaries, and few wanted to return. The predominant reason for staying in New Zealand was a preference for the lifestyle there.
Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of the
catena
-metaphosphates Ce(PO3)4 and U(PO3)4
Authors: Höppe Henning A. , Daub Michi
Published: January 2012

The catena-metaphosphates of tetravalent cerium and tetravalent uranium were obtained as phase pure crystalline powders by reaction of the respective dioxides with phosphoric acid at 500 °C. Ce(PO3)4 and U(PO3)4 crystallise in space group C2/c (Z = 16, a
Ce = 13.7696(3) Å, b
Ce = 29.7120(7) Å, c
Ce = 8.9269(2) Å, β
Ce = 90.00(1) Å3 and a
U = 13.786(3) Å, b
U = 29.843(6) Å, c
U = 8.9720(18) Å, β
U = 90.01(3) Å3). The vibrational and optical spectra of pale yellow Ce(PO3)4 and emerald-greenish U(PO3)4 are also reported.
Clinical, Genetic, and Therapeutic Diversity in 2 Patients With Severe Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: Ruiz Gomez Angeles , Couce María Luz , Garcia-Villoria Judit , Torres Angeles , Baña Souto Ana , Yagüe Jordi , Vilaseca María Antonia , Ribes Antonia , Aróstegui Juan I.
Published: January 2012

Mevalonic aciduria (MA) represents the severest form of mevalonate kinase deficiency due to recessively inherited, loss-of-function MVK mutations. MA is an early-onset disorder characterized by a marked failure to thrive, diverse neurologic symptoms, dysmorphic features, and recurrent febrile episodes. However, significant clinical differences have been reported in the few cases published to date. Here we describe 2 unrelated Spanish patients with MA, emphasizing the clinical heterogeneity observed. One patient presented with the severe classic MA phenotype due to the homozygous p.Ile-268-Thr MVK genotype, with a poor response to conventional treatments. However, the anti-interleukin 1 agent anakinra in this patient resulted in improvement in many clinical and laboratory parameters. The second patient presented with an atypical milder phenotype because of an older age at disease onset, mild neurologic symptoms, absence of febrile episodes and dysmorphic features, and moderate-to-good response to conventional treatments. The novel p.Arg-241-Cys MVK mutation, associated with the already known p.Ser-135-Leu mutation, detected in this patient expands the genetic diversity of mevalonate kinase deficiency. This atypical presentation of MA suggests that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of unclassified patients with psychomotor retardation, failure to thrive or ataxia, even in the absence of febrile episodes.
Prospective Study of Sunburn and Sun Behavior Patterns During Adolescence
Authors: Dusza Stephen W. , Halpern Allan C. , Satagopan Jaya M. , Oliveria Susan A. , Weinstock Martin A. , Scope Alon , Berwick Marianne , Geller Alan C.
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Early childhood UV light radiation (UVR) exposures have been shown to be associated with melanoma development later in life. The objective of this study was to assess sunburn and changes in sunburn and sun behaviors during periadolescence.

METHODS:

A prospective, population-based study was conducted in fifth-grade children (∼10 years of age) from Framingham, Massachusetts. Surveys were administered at baseline (September–October 2004) and again 3 years later (September–October 2007). Surveys were analyzed to assess prevalence of reported sunburn and sun behaviors and to examine changes in response over the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

Data were analyzed from 360 participants who had complete information regarding sunburn at both time points. In 2004, ∼53% of the students reported having at least 1 sunburn during the previous summer, and this proportion did not significantly change by 2007 (55%, P = .79), whereas liking a tan and spending time outside to get a tan significantly increased (P < .001). In 2004, 50% of students reported “often or always” use of sunscreen when outside for at least 6 hours in the summer; this proportion dropped to 25% at the follow-up evaluation (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

With at least 50% of children experiencing sunburns before age 11 and again 3 years later, targeting children in pediatric offices and community settings regarding unprotected UV exposure may be a practical approach. Because periadolescence is a time of volatility with regard to sun behaviors, learning more about children who receive sunburns versus those who avoid them is a critical research task.
Incidence and Timing of Presentation of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Yee Wendy H. , Soraisham Amuchou Singh , Shah Vibhuti S. , Aziz Khalid , Yoon Woojin , Lee Shoo K. ,   the Canadian Neonatal Network
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the variation in the incidence and to identify the timing of the presentation of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a cohort of preterm infants within the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN).

METHODS:

This was a population-based cohort of 16 669 infants with gestational age (GA) <33 weeks, admitted to 25 NICUs participating in the CNN between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2008. Variations in NEC incidence among the participating NICUs for the study period were examined. We categorized early-onset NEC as occurring at <14 days of age and late-onset NEC occurring at ≥14 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for early-onset NEC.

RESULTS:

The overall incidence of NEC was 5.1%, with significant variation in the risk adjusted incidence among the participating NICUs in the CNN. Early-onset NEC occurred at a mean of 7 days compared with 32 days for late-onset NEC. Early-onset NEC infants had lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus treated with indomethacin, less use of postnatal steroids, and shorter duration of ventilation days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that greater GA and vaginal delivery were associated with increased risk of early-onset NEC.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among infants <33 weeks’ gestation, NEC appears to present at mean age of 7 days in more mature infants, whereas onset of NEC is delayed to 32 days of age in smaller, lower GA infants. Further studies are required to understand the etiology of this disease process.
Mid-Infrared Lead-Salt Surface Emitting Photonic Crystal Laser on Silicon
Authors: Weng Binbin , Li Lin , Qiu Jijun , Shi Zhisheng
Published: January 2012

The lead-salt epitaxial membrane embedded with two dimensional hexagonal air holes lattice array was used to develop the mid-infrared (mid-IR) photonic crystal surface emitting laser. For the initial proof-of-concept research work, we demonstrated intensive photonic crystal coupled mid-IR vertical light emissions from the designed structure under cryogenic temperature range. In order to realize room temperature operation, we modified the photonic bands structure, aligned the photonic crystal coupled mode with the gain spectrum of active material at 300 K. As a result, under pulsed mode optical excitation, multi-mode room temperature mid-IR photonic crystal lasing emissions were achieved at wavelength ∼3.5 μm recently. With further optimization, a practical lead-salt continuous-wave operating room temperature surface emitting photonic crystal laser is anticipated soon, and this will explore promising applications in a wide variety of fields.
Thin Film Formation of Transparent Conductive Oxides by Solution-Based Mist Deposition Method toward Hybrid Device Applications
Authors: Ikenoue Takumi , Fujita Shizuo
Published: January 2012

Transparent conductive oxides, gallium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ga) and tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), were fabricated by a solution-based ultrasonic spray-assisted mist deposition technique. The ZnO:Ga films showed a good c-axis orientation perpendicular to the substrate and achieved low resistivity of 2.3 × 10-3 Ω cm with high transmittance in wide wavelength region. ITO films have lower resistivity of 1.4 × 10-4 Ω cm and high transmittance over the wavelength of 300 nm.
Synthesis of copper nanoparticles by polyol/alcohol reduction method
Authors: Cuya Huaman Jhon L. , Sato Kimitaka , Kurita Satoru , Matsumoto Takatoshi , Miyamura Hiroshi , Balachandran Jeyadevan
Published: January 2012

Oleylamine stabilized copper nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~10 nm were obtained by reducing copper chloride with 1-heptanol. Surfactants such as oleylamine, poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) and oleic acid were used to avoid the agglomeration and growth of the particles during the synthesis and consequent dispersion in organic solvent. The analyses of the samples indicated that oleylamine results to be more suitable to prepare stable copper suspensions in dodecane. The electrical resistivity of the copper thin films prepared by spin coating the copper nanoink and annealed at 250 °C under different atmospheres was less than 35 μΩ-cm, which is closer to the values reported for Cu nanoparticles.
Computer-assisted designing and biofabrication of 3-D hydrogel structures towards thick 3-D tissue engineering
Authors: Nakamura Makoto , Arai Kenichi , Toda Hideki , Iwanaga Shintaroh , Ito Kozo , Genci Capi , Nikaido Toshio
Published: January 2012

Engineering and manufacturing of thick and bio-functional tissue products is one of the big issues in tissue engineering. To produce such tissues, we need some innovative technologies, which enable us to build up thick, three-dimensional structures and to arrange multiple types of cells to make complicated tissue structures. Based on such considerations, we have developed a custom-made inkjet 3D bioprinter, which realized both of direct cell printing and 3D laminating printing with cells and hydrogel. Recently, it has been improved, and here we report recent progresses and our achievements with new version 3D bioprinter.

Image based printing mode and active Z-axis control system were added. As a useful structure, an image of multi-honeycomb pattern was designed in computer and next it was copied and finally in total 100 image data were prepared. Using those digital data, 3D image of thick multi-honeycomb structure was reconstructed in computer, and then, laminating printing was carried out using our new version 3D bioprinter with alginate hydrogel. The new version printer showed good performance of 3D laminating printing and finally complicated 3D multi-honeycomb hydrogel structures could be successfully fabricated. It is indicated that fabrication of cell containing 3D structures based on the computer aided designs is feasible and that such biofabrication technologies must contribute to further innovative advancement of tissue engineering.
Smart Surfaces: Use of Electrokinetics for Selective Modulation of Biomolecular Affinities
Authors: Emaminejad Sam , Javanmard Mehdi , Dutton Robert W. , Davis Ronald W.
Published: January 2012

With the aid of negative dielectrophoresis (nDEP) force in conjunction with shear force and at an optimal sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration we demonstrated a switch-like functionality to elute immuno-bound beads from the surface. At an optimal flow rate and NaOH concentration, nDEP turned on results in bead detachment, whereas when nDEP is off, the beads remain attached. This platform offers the potential for performing a bead-based multiplexed immunoassay where in a single channel various regions are immobilized with a different antibody, each targeting a different antigen. As a proof of concept we demonstrated the ability of nDEP to provide this switching behavior in a singleplex assay for the interactions that were in the same order of magnitude in strength as typical antibody-antigen interactions.
Role of ‘Coupling’ in Biological Experimental Reports
Authors: Hao Jing , Humphrey Sally
Published: January 2012

This paper reports on research profiling genres in the core courses of the Undergraduate biology program, conducted as part of the Scaffolding Literacy in Academic and Tertiary Environments (SLATE) project (Mahboob, Dreyfus, Humphrey & Martin, 2010). The research draws on the discourse semantic theories of Ideation (Martin & Rose 2007) and Appraisal (Martin & White 2005) to analyse evaluation in introductions to published biological research articles in order to make visible to students the rhetorical resources which allow researchers to describe and explain a biological phenomenon as well as to convince their audiences that this phenomenon is worthy of further investigation. Investigating the instantiation of these meanings in text has necessitated a consideration of combinations of interpersonal and ideational meanings – which has been termed ‘coupling’ (Martin 2010). Investigating couplings allows us to account for how the Research Warrant (Hood 2010) of research articles justifies a particular investigation and more broadly, how biologists align their readers into a research community. Findings of the particular couplings that have been identified in biological research warrants will be reported as well as extensions to the field sensitive categories of Appreciation which have been developed from this research. Based on the revealed patterning of couplings in biological Research Warrant, the patterning of couplings in undergraduate biology have been predicted.
Silence of TRIB3 Suppresses Atherosclerosis and Stabilizes Plaques in Diabetic ApoE−/−/LDL Receptor−/− Mice
Authors: Wang Zhi-hao , Shang Yuan-yuan , Zhang Shun , Zhong Ming , Wang Xu-ping , Deng Jing-ti , Pan Jie , Zhang Yun , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2012

Insulin resistance triggers the developments of diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) is involved in insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate whether TRIB3 is implicated in diabetic atherosclerosis. Sixty 3-week-old apolipoprotein E (ApoE−/−)/LDR receptor (LDLR−/−) mice were randomly divided into chow and diabetes groups. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin. Mice in both groups were randomly divided into vehicle and TRIB3-silencing groups. After transfection, all mice were killed to evaluate the effects of TRIB3 on atherosclerosis. Silence of TRIB3 markedly decreased insulin resistance (P = 0.039) and glucose (P = 0.019), regardless of diabetes. Ultrasonography-measured parameters were similar in both groups, with and without silence of TRIB3. However, silence of TRIB3 decreased the aortic atherosclerotic burden (P = 1 × 10−13). Further study showed that in brachiocephalic lesions, fibrous cap thickness, cap-to-core ratio, collagen content, and the number of smooth muscle cells were significantly increased (P < 0.01 for all) by silence of TRIB3, whereas lipid and macrophage contents remained unaltered, with the vulnerability index significantly reduced. Moreover, the numbers of apoptotic cells and macrophages in brachiocephalic lesions were both significantly decreased (P < 0.01 for both). Macrophage migration was decreased (P = 4 × 10−4) by knocking down TRIB3, whereas adhesion and phagocytosis were increased (P < 0.05 for both). Silence of TRIB3 would diminish atherosclerotic burden and increase the plaque stability in diabetic mice.
Opinions of School Managers about Chosen Problems of Physical Education
Authors: Dančíková Veronika , Antala Branislav
Published: January 2012

Opinions of School Managers about Chosen Problems of Physical Education

School managers consider physical education mostly as an important subject. Those managers, who are engaged in sport, have closer relation to this subject, which resulted in more positive answers about satisfaction with teachers of physical education, or in opinion, that physical education is as important subject as any other in school. Therefore we recommend to teachers of physical education who are engaged in sport to be more involved in managerial posts. The schools will have better conditions for education, also the quality of physical education will improve and motivation of student to be actively engaged in subject and support of physical education will increase.
The Value of Reflective Practice in Professional Development: An Applied Sport Psychology Review
Authors: Cropley Brendan , Hanton Sheldon , Miles Andy , Niven Ailsa
Published: January 2012

The Value of Reflective Practice in Professional Development: An Applied Sport Psychology Review

The purpose of this review is to situate the concept of reflective practice within the professional training and development of applied sport psychology (ASP) practitioners. In particular, to consider the progression of the field of ASP into professional status and examine the potential value of reflective practice as a mechanism to assist practitioners develop their effectiveness. The review initially outlines recent developments in professional training and development within ASP in order to frame the current environment in which neophyte consultants are trained and professional practitioners work before progressing to consider reflective practice, its definitions and relationship with experiential learning and professional practice. The use of reflective practice within sport psychology is then considered, with the final section of the review focusing on potential limitations of the available sport psychology literature and thus the rationale for further investigation.
Correlations of Handgrip Strength and some Anthropometric Variables in Indian Inter-University Female Handball Players
Authors: Koley Shyamal , Kaur Satinder , Sandhu Jaspal
Published: January 2012

Correlations of Handgrip Strength and some Anthropometric Variables in Indian Inter-University Female Handball Players

The purpose of this study was of two-folds, firstly, to evaluate the handgrip strength and some anthropometric characteristics of Indian inter-university female handball players and, secondly, to search the correlations of these physical traits among themselves. To serve this purpose, thirteen anthropometric characteristics, were measured on purposely selected 101 Indian inter-university female handball players aged 18-25 years (mean age 20.13 years, ±1.40) collected from seven Indian universities and the competition was held in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. An adequate number of controls (n = 100, 21.10 years, ± 1.70) were also collected from the same place. The results indicated statistically significant differences (p<.05-.001) in all the variables, except BMI, right upper arm and forearm lengths, right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference between Indian inter-university female handball players and controls. Dominant right handgrip strength has significantly positive correlations (p≤.01) with all the variables, except left hand width and right upper extremity length. Height and weight have significantly positive correlations (p≤ .01) with all the variables, except right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference. For rest of the anthropometric variables, it was observed that almost all the variables were correlated to each other significantly (p≤ .05 - .01) with positive correlations, except right upper extremity length and right upper arm circumference.
Resiliency, Control, Enjoyment and Physical Activity in African American High School Students
Authors: Martin Jeffrey , McCaughtry Nate , Shen Bo , Fahlman Mariane , Garn Alex , Ferry Matt
Published: January 2012

Resiliency, Control, Enjoyment and Physical Activity in African American High School Students

The purpose of this study was to explain physical activity (PA) using Block and Block's (2006a) ego-resiliency and ego-control theory along with measures of self-control and PA enjoyment. One-hundred and seventy-seven African American high school students from a large Midwest inner city participated. In general, cluster analyses provided support for the importance of ego-resiliency and PA enjoyment as there were strongly affiliated with differential amounts of PA. Ego-control and self-control were also important in cluster formation but related to PA in somewhat unexpected ways.