bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting CXCR4 with cell-penetrating pepducins in lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: O'Callaghan Katie , Lee Lydia , Nguyen Nga , Hsieh Mo-Ying , Kaneider Nicole C. , Klein Andreas K. , Sprague Kellie , Van Etten Richard A. , Kuliopulos Athan , Covic Lidija
Published: December 2011

The chemokine receptor CXCR4, which normally regulates stromal stem cell interactions in the bone marrow, is highly expressed on a variety of malignant hematologic cells, including lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemias. A new treatment concept has arisen wherein CXCR4 may be an effective therapeutic target as an adjunct to treatment of hematologic neoplasms with chemo- and immunotherapy. In the present study, we developed pepducins, cell-penetrating lipopeptide antagonists of CXCR4, to interdict CXCL12-CXCR4 transmembrane signaling to intracellular G-proteins. We demonstrate that pepducins targeting the first (i1) or third (i3) intracellular loops of CXCR4 completely abrogate CXCL12-mediated cell migration of lymphocytic leukemias and lymphomas. Stromal-cell coculture protects lymphoma cells from apoptosis in response to treatment with the CD20-targeted Ab rituximab. However, combination treatment with CXCR4 pepducins and rituximab significantly increases the apoptotic effect of rituximab. Furthermore, treatment of mice bearing disseminated lymphoma xenografts with pepducins alone or in combination with rituximab significantly increased their survival. These data demonstrate that CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling can be effectively inhibited by cell-penetrating pepducins, which represents a potential new treatment strategy for lymphoid malignancies.
Auditing Nicaragua’s anti-corruption struggle, 1998 to 2009
Authors: Arosteguí Jorge , Hernandez Carlos , Suazo Harold , Cárcamo Alvaro , Reyes Rosa Maria , Andersson Neil , Ledogar Robert J
Published: December 2011

Background

Four social audits in 1998, 2003, 2006 and 2009 identified actions that Nicaragua could take to reduce corruption and public perception in primary health care and other key services.

Methods

In a 71-cluster sample, weighted according to the 1995 census and stratified by geographic region and settlement type, we audited the same five public services: health centres and health posts, public primary schools, municipal government, transit police and the courts. Some 6,000 households answered questions about perception and personal experience of unofficial and involuntary payments, payments without obtaining receipts or to the wrong person, and payments "to facilitate" services in municipal offices or courts. Additional questions covered complaints about corruption and confidence in the country's anti-corruption struggle. Logistic regression analyses helped clarify local variations and explanatory variables. Feedback to participants and the services at both national and local levels followed each social audit.

Results

Users' experience of corruption in health services, education and municipal government decreased. The wider population's perception of corruption in these sectors decreased also, but not as quickly. Progress among traffic police faltered between 2006 and 2009 and public perception of police corruption ticked upwards in parallel with drivers' experience. Users' experience of corruption in the courts worsened over the study period -- with the possible exception of Managua between 2006 and 2009 -- but public perception of judicial corruption, after peaking in 2003, declined from then on. Confidence in the anti-corruption struggle grew from 50% to 60% between 2003 and 2009. Never more than 8% of respondents registered complaints about corruption.

Factors associated with public perception of corruption were: personal experience of corruption, quality of the service itself, and the perception that municipal government takes community opinion into account and keeps people informed about how it uses public funds.

Conclusions

Lowering citizens' perception of corruption in public services depends on reducing their experience of it, on improving service quality and access and -- perhaps most importantly -- on making citizens feel they are well-informed participants in the work of government.
Reassessment of hydrogen tolerance in Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus
Authors: Willquist Karin , Pawar Sudhanshu S , Van Niel Ed WJ
Published: December 2011

Background

Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticushas the ability to produce hydrogen (H2) at high yields from a wide spectrum of carbon sources, and has therefore gained industrial interest. For a cost-effective biohydrogen process, the ability of an organism to tolerate high partial pressures of H2(PH2) is a critical aspect to eliminate the need for continuous stripping of the produced H2from the bioreactor.

Results

Herein, we demonstrate that, under given conditions, growth and H2production inC. saccharolyticuscan be sustained atPH2up to 67 kPa in a chemostat. At thisPH2, 38% and 16% of the pyruvate flux was redirected to lactate and ethanol, respectively, to maintain a relatively low cytosolic NADH/NAD ratio (0.12 mol/mol). To investigate the effect of the redox ratio on the glycolytic flux, a kinetic model describing the activity of the key glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), was developed. Indeed, at NADH/NAD ratios of 0.12 mol/mol (Ki of NADH = 0.03 ± 0.01 mM) GAPDH activity was inhibited by only 50% allowing still a high glycolytic flux (3.2 ± 0.4 mM/h). Even at high NADH/NAD ratios up to 1 mol/mol the enzyme was not completely inhibited. During batch cultivations, hydrogen tolerance ofC. saccharolyticuswas dependent on the growth phase of the organism as well as the carbon and energy source used. The obtained results were analyzed, based on thermodynamic and enzyme kinetic considerations, to gain insight in the mechanism underlying the unique ability ofC. saccharolyticusto grow and produce H2under relatively highPH2.

Conclusion

C. saccharolyticusis able to grow and produce hydrogen at highPH2, hence eliminating the need of gas sparging in its cultures. Under this condition, it has a unique ability to fine tune its metabolism by maintaining the glycolytic flux through regulating GAPDH activity and redistribution of pyruvate flux. Concerning the later, xylose-rich feedstock should be preferred over the sucrose-rich one for better H2yield.
TLR4 dependent heparan sulphate-induced pancreatic inflammatory response is IRF3-mediated
Authors: Akbarshahi Hamid , Axelsson Jakob BF , Said Katarzyna , Malmström Anders , Fischer Hans , Andersson Roland
Published: December 2011

Background

Degraded extracellular matrix can stimulate the innate immune system via the Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR4). In the pancreas, syndecan-anchored heparan sulphate (HS) on the ductal epithelium can be cleaved off its protein cores by the proteases (trypsin and elastase) and potentially activate TLR4 signalling.

Methods

To investigate this signalling event, a low sulphated HS (500 μg/ml) was infused into the biliary-pancreatic duct of C57BL/6J wild-type mice. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Mice were sacrificed after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 48 hours and tissues were analysed for neutrophil and cytokine contents. In order to study the TLR4 signalling pathway of HS in the pancreas, genetically engineered mice lacking TLR4, Myeloid Differentiation primary response gene (88) (MyD88) or Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) were subjected to pancreatic infusion of HS.

Results

Neutrophil sequestration and corresponding myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the pancreas were increased 9 hours following HS challenge. In wild-type mice, the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) increased at 3 hours after infusion, while RANTES increased after 9 hours.

TLR4, MyD88, and IRF3 knockout mice showed an abrogated neutrophil recruitment and myeloperoxidase activity in the HS group, while the LPS response was only abolished in TLR4 and MyD88 knockouts.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that HS is capable of initiating a TLR4-dependent innate immune response in the pancreas which is distinctly different from that induced by LPS. This inflammatory response was mediated predominantly through IRF3- dependent pathway. Release of HS into the pancreatic duct may be one important mediator in the pancreatic ductal defence.
Maximal and minimal point theorems and Caristi's fixed point theorem
Authors: Li Zhilong , Jiang Shujun
Published: December 2011

This study is concerned with the existence of fixed points of Caristi-type mappings motivated by a problem stated by Kirk. First, several existence theorems of maximal and minimal points are established. By using them, some generalized Caristi's fixed point theorems are proved, which improve Caristi's fixed point theorem and the results in the studies of Jachymski, Feng and Liu, Khamsi, and Li.

MSC 2010: 06A06; 47H10.
Rapid detection of newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus by reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Wang Youling , Yuan Xiaoyuan , Li Yufeng , Yu Kexiang , Yang Jinxing , Xu Huaiying , Zhang Yuxia , Yu Kangzhen , Liao Ming , Qin Zhuoming
Published: December 2011

Background

From April 2010 to January 2011, a severe new viral disease had devastated most duck-farming regions in China. This disease affected not only laying ducks but also meat ducks, causing huge economic losses for the poultry industry. The objective of this study is to develop a one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the detection of the new virus related to Tembusu-related Flavivirus.

Results

The RT-LAMP assay is very simple and rapid, and the amplification can be completed within 50 min under isothermal conditions at 63°C by a set of 6 primers targeting the E gene based on the sequences analysis of the newly isolated viruses and other closely related Flavivirus.The monitoring of gene amplification can also be visualized by using SYBR green I fluorescent dye. In addition, the RT-LAMP assay for newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus showed higher sensitivity with an RNA detection-limit of 2 copies/μL compared with 190 copies/μL of the conventional RT-PCR method. The specificity was identified without cross reaction to other common avian pathogens. By screening a panel of clinical samples this method was more feasible in clinical settings and there was higher positive coincidence rate than conventional RT-PCR and virus isolation.

Conclusion

The RT-LAMP assay for newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus is a valuable tool for the rapid and real-time detection not only in well-equipped laboratories but also in general conditions.
Application of in vivo micro-computed tomography in the temporal characterisation of subchondral bone architecture in a rat model of low-dose monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis
Authors: Mohan Geetha , Perilli Egon , Kuliwaba Julia S , Humphries Julia M , Parkinson Ian H , Fazzalari Nicola L
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, multifactorial joint disease affecting both the cartilage and the subchondral bone. Animal models of OA aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of OA and testing suitable drugs for OA treatment. In this study we characterized the temporal changes in the tibial subchondral bone architecture in a rat model of low-dose monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA using in vivo micro-computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Male Wistar rats received a single intra-articular injection of low-dose MIA (0.2 mg) in the right knee joint and sterile saline in the left knee joint. The animals were scanned in vivo by micro-CT at two, six, and ten weeks post-injection, analogous to early, intermediate, and advanced stages of OA, to assess architectural changes in the tibial subchondral bone. The articular cartilage changes in the tibiae were assessed macroscopically and histologically at ten weeks post-injection.

Results

Interestingly, tibiae of the MIA-injected knees showed significant bone loss at two weeks, followed by increased trabecular thickness and separation at six and ten weeks. The trabecular number was decreased at all time points compared to control tibiae. The tibial subchondral plate thickness of the MIA-injected knee was increased at two and six weeks and the plate porosity was increased at all time points compared to control. At ten weeks, histology revealed loss of proteoglycans, chondrocyte necrosis, chondrocyte clusters, cartilage fibrillation, and delamination in the MIA-injected tibiae, whereas the control tibiae showed no changes. Micro-CT images and histology showed the presence of subchondral bone sclerosis, cysts, and osteophytes.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the low-dose MIA rat model closely mimics the pathological features of progressive human OA. The low-dose MIA rat model is therefore suitable to study the effect of therapeutic drugs on cartilage and bone in a non-trauma model of OA. In vivo micro-CT is a non-destructive imaging technique that can track structural changes in the tibial subchondral bone in this animal model, and could also be used to track changes in bone in preclinical drug intervention studies for OA treatments.
Olfactomedin 4 defines a subset of human neutrophils
Authors: Clemmensen Stine N , Bohr Christina T , Rørvig Sara , Glenthøj Andreas , Mora-Jensen Helena , Cramer Elisabeth P , Jacobsen Lars C , Larsen Maria T , Cowland Jack B , Tanassi Julia T , Heegaard Niels H H , Wren Jonathan D , Silahtaroglu Asli N , Borregaard Niels
Published: December 2011

OLFM4 was identified initially as a gene highly induced in myeloid stem cells by G-CSF treatment. A bioinformatics method using a global meta-analysis of microarray data predicted that OLFM4 would be associated with specific granules in human neutrophils. Subcellular fractionation of peripheral blood neutrophils demonstrated complete colocalization of OLFM4 with the specific granule protein NGAL, and stimulation of neutrophils with PMA resulted in corelease of NGAL and OLFM4, proving that OLFM4 is a genuine constituent of neutrophil-specific granules. In accordance with this, OLFM4 mRNA peaked at the MY/MM stage of maturation. OLFM4 was, however, present in only 20–25% of peripheral blood neutrophils, as determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, whereas mRNA for OLFM4 was present in all MY/MM, indicating post-transcriptional regulation as a basis for the heterogeneous expression of OLFM4 protein.
Adrenal Cell Aldosterone Production Is Stimulated by Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
Authors: Xing Yewei , Rainey William E. , Apolzan John W. , Francone Omar L. , Harris Ruth B. S. , Bollag Wendy B.
Published: December 2011

Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are a class of large lipoprotein synthesized in the liver. The key function of VLDL, in vivo, is to carry triglyceride from the liver to adipose tissue. As a steroidogenic organ, the adrenal gland mainly uses lipoproteins as sources of cholesterol. Although VLDL receptors have been detected in the human adrenal, the function of VLDL in the adrenal gland remains unknown. Herein, we used primary cultures of human and bovine adrenal cells and the adrenocortical cell line H295R as models to determine the effects of VLDL on adrenal steroidogenesis. Our studies revealed that VLDL significantly increased aldosterone synthesis in all of the models tested. This increase was largely due to VLDL's stimulation of the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). VLDL increased CYP11B2 mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Effects of VLDL on CYP11B2 transcript levels were not additive with angiotensin II or potassium but were additive with the cAMP pathway agonists ACTH and forskolin. Nifedipine completely inhibited the effects of VLDL on CYP11B2 mRNA, suggesting that calcium is the main signal transduction pathway used by VLDL in adrenal cells. Indeed, VLDL increased cytosolic free calcium levels. An in vivo study conducted in sucrose-fed rats showed a positive correlation between elevated triglyceride (VLDL) levels in plasma and CYP11B2 expression in the adrenal. In conclusion, we have shown that VLDL can stimulate aldosterone synthesis in adrenocortical cells by increasing StAR and CYP11B2 expression, an event likely mediated by a calcium-initiated signaling cascade.
Mechanisms underlying rhythmic locomotion: interactions between activation, tension and body curvature waves
Authors: Chen Jun , Friesen W. Otto , Iwasaki Tetsuya
Published: December 2011

Undulatory animal locomotion arises from three closely related propagating waves that sweep rostrocaudally along the body: activation of segmental muscles by motoneurons (MNs), strain of the body wall, and muscle tension induced by activation and strain. Neuromechanical models that predict the relative propagation speeds of neural/muscle activation, muscle tension and body curvature can reveal crucial underlying control features of the central nervous system and the power-generating mechanisms of the muscle. We provide an analytical explanation of the relative speeds of these three waves based on a model of neuromuscular activation and a model of the body–fluid interactions for leech anguilliform-like swimming. First, we deduced the motoneuron spike frequencies that activate the muscle and the resulting muscle tension during swimming in intact leeches from muscle bending moments. Muscle bending moments were derived from our video-recorded kinematic motion data by our body–fluid interaction model. The phase relationships of neural activation and muscle tension in the strain cycle were then calculated. Our study predicts that the MN activation and body curvature waves have roughly the same speed (the ratio of curvature to MN activation speed ≈0.84), whereas the tension wave travels about twice as fast. The high speed of the tension wave resulting from slow MN activation is explained by the multiplicative effects of MN activation and muscle strain on tension development. That is, the product of two slower waves (activation and strain) with appropriate amplitude, bias and phase can generate a tension wave with twice the propagation speed of the factors. Our study predicts that (1) the bending moment required for swimming is achieved by minimal MN spike frequency, rather than by minimal muscle tension; (2) MN activity is greater in the mid-body than in the head and tail regions; (3) inhibitory MNs not only accelerate the muscle relaxation but also reduce the intrinsic tonus tension during one sector of the swim cycle; and (4) movements of the caudal end are passive during swimming. These predictions await verification or rejection through further experiments on swimming animals.
High-altitude diving in river otters: coping with combined hypoxic stresses
Authors: Crait Jamie R. , Prange Henry D. , Marshall Noah A. , Harlow Henry J. , Cotton Clark J. , Ben-David Merav
Published: December 2011

River otters (Lontra canadensis) are highly active, semi-aquatic mammals indigenous to a range of elevations and represent an appropriate model for assessing the physiological responses to diving at altitude. In this study, we performed blood gas analyses and compared blood chemistry of river otters from a high-elevation (2357 m) population at Yellowstone Lake with a sea-level population along the Pacific coast. Comparisons of oxygen dissociation curves (ODC) revealed no significant difference in hemoglobin-oxygen (Hb-O2) binding affinity between the two populations - potentially because of demands for tissue oxygenation. Instead, high-elevation otters had greater Hb concentrations (18.7 g dl-1) than sea-level otters (15.6 g dl-1). Yellowstone otters displayed higher levels of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO), and half the concentration of the serum protein albumin, possibly to compensate for increased blood viscosity. Despite compensation in several hematological and serological parameters, theoretical aerobic dive limits (ADL) were similar between high-elevation and sea-level otters because of the lower availability of O2 at altitude. Our results suggest that recent disruptions to the Yellowstone Lake food web could be detrimental to otters because at this high elevation, constraints on diving may limit their ability to switch to prey in a deep-water environment.
Muscular tissues of the squid Doryteuthis pealeii express identical myosin heavy chain isoforms: an alternative mechanism for tuning contractile speed
Authors: Shaffer Justin F. , Kier William M.
Published: December 2011

The speed of muscle contraction is largely controlled at the sarcomere level by the ATPase activity of the motor protein myosin. Differences in amino acid sequence in catalytically important regions of myosin yield different myosin isoforms with varying ATPase activities and resulting differences in cross-bridge cycling rates and interfilamentary sliding velocities. Modulation of whole-muscle performance by changes in myosin isoform ATPase activity is regarded as a universal mechanism to tune contractile properties, especially in vertebrate muscles. Invertebrates such as squid, however, may exhibit an alternative mechanism to tune contractile properties that is based on differences in muscle ultrastructure, including variable myofilament and sarcomere lengths. To determine definitively whether contractile properties of squid muscles are regulated via different myosin isoforms (i.e. different ATPase activities), the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the myosin heavy chain from the squid Doryteuthis pealeii were determined from the mantle, arm, tentacle, fin and funnel retractor musculature. We identified three myosin heavy chain isoforms in squid muscular tissues, with differences arising at surface loop 1 and the carboxy terminus. All three isoforms were detected in all five tissues studied. These results suggest that the muscular tissues of D. pealeii express identical myosin isoforms, and it is likely that differences in muscle ultrastructure, not myosin ATPase activity, represent the most important mechanism for tuning contractile speeds.
Mechanisms of colour adaptation in the prawn Penaeus monodon
Authors: Wade Nicholas M. , Anderson Mike , Sellars Melony J. , Tume Ron K. , Preston Nigel P. , Glencross Brett D.
Published: December 2011

Exposure of prawns to dark- or light-coloured substrates is known to trigger a strong colour adaptation response through expansion or contraction of the colouration structures in the prawn hypodermis. Despite the difference in colour triggered by this adaptive response, total levels of the predominant carotenoid pigment, astaxanthin, are not modified, suggesting that another mechanism is regulating this phenomenon. Astaxanthin binds to a specific protein called crustacyanin (CRCN), and it is the interaction between the quantities of each of these compounds that produces the diverse range of colours seen in crustacean shells. In this study, we investigated the protein changes and genetic regulatory processes that occur in prawn hypodermal tissues during adaptation to black or white substrates. The amount of free astaxanthin was higher in animals adapted to dark substrate compared with those adapted to light substrate, and this difference was matched by a strong elevation of CRCN protein. However, there was no difference in the expression of CRCN genes either across the moult cycle or in response to background substrate colour. These results indicate that exposure to a dark-coloured substrate causes an accumulation of CRCN protein, bound with free astaxanthin, in the prawn hypodermis without modification of CRCN gene expression. On light-coloured substrates, levels of CRCN protein in the hypodermis are reduced, but the carotenoid is retained, undispersed in the hypodermal tissue, in an esterified form. Therefore, the abundance of CRCN protein affects the distribution of pigment in prawn hypodermal tissues, and is a crucial regulator of the colour adaptation response in prawns.
ISG15 disrupts cytoskeletal architecture and promotes motility in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Desai Shyamal D , Reed Ryan E , Burks Julian , Wood Laurence M , Pullikuth Ashok K , Haas Arthur L , Liu Leroy F , Breslin Jerome W , Meiners Sally , Sankar Surendran
Published: December 2011

The interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) pathway is highly elevated in breast cancer; however, very little is known about how the ISG15 pathway contributes to breast tumorigenesis. In the current study, using the gene disruption approach, we demonstrate that both ISG15 and UbcH8 (ISG15-specific conjugating enzyme) disrupt F-actin architecture and formation of focal adhesions in ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. In addition, ISG15 and UbcH8 promote breast cancer cell migration. We also demonstrate that ISG15 inhibits ubiquitin/26S proteasome-mediated turnover of proteins implicated in tumor cell motility, invasion and metastasis. Together, our results suggest that the aberrant activation of the ISG15 pathway confers a motile phenotype to breast cancer cells by disrupting cell architecture and stabilizing proteins involved in cell motility, invasion and metastasis. Because the cellular architecture is conserved and the ISG15 pathway is constitutively activated in tumor cells of different lineages, it is reasonable to assume that our observations in breast cancer must hold true for many other tumors.
Measuring Consumer Preferences Using Conjoint Poker
Authors: Toubia Olivier , de Jong Martijn G. , Stieger Daniel , Füller Johann
Published: December 2011

We develop and test an incentive-compatible Conjoint Poker (CP) game. The preference data collected in the context of this game are comparable to incentive-compatible choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis data. We develop a statistical efficiency measure and an algorithm to construct efficient CP designs. We compare incentive-compatible CP to incentive-compatible CBC in a series of three experiments (one online study and two eye-tracking studies). Our results suggest that CP induces respondents to consider more of the profile-related information presented to them compared with CBC.
Supporting the Knowledge-to-action process: a systems-thinking approach
Authors: Cherney Adrian , Head Brian
Published: December 2011

The processes for moving research-based knowledge to the domains of action in social policy and professional practice are complex. Several disciplinary research traditions have illuminated several key aspects of these processes. A more holistic approach, drawing on systems thinking, has also been outlined and advocated by recent contributors to this debate. This paper seeks to draw on these foundations to sketch a more integrated approach to nine organisational variables that influence the successful implementation of a ‘knowledge-to-action’ framework for evidence-based policy and practice.
Intravenous Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Covvey Jordan R , Crawford Alexis Noble , Lowe Denise K
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of intravenous ketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD).

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search (1966-September 2011) was performed using the terms treatment-resistant depression and ketamine. The search was restricted to articles published in English and reporting on use of ketamine in humans.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All English-language articles identified from the data search were evaluated. Data were eligible for inclusion if they were primary literature and evaluated the efficacy of ketamine for depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant MDD. One case report, 3 case series, 3 open-label trials, and 1 randomized crossover trial were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Several medications are available for treatment-resistant MDD; however, they are often limited by a slow onset of therapeutic effect and tolerability. It has been suggested that ketamine, a rapid-acting, N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, may have antidepressant effects. Case reports, case series, and select trials evaluating ketamine use for depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant MDD have demonstrated a rapid effect for reductions of scores on a number of depression scales; however, its sustainability effect remains unknown. Several studies reported a large or moderate to large effect size for ketamine. Additionally, these studies showed that ketamine use in this patient population is associated with relatively well-tolerated adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ketamine for treatment-resistant MDD requires further evaluation before it can be considered a viable treatment option.
Bringing different generations together in music-making: An Intergenerational Music Project in East London
Authors: VARVARIGOU MARIA , CREECH ANDREA , HALLAM SUSAN , McQUEEN HILARY
Published: December 2011

This article describes a music project that took place as part of a bigger project, entitled the Music for Life Project that explored the social and emotional benefits of music participation for people over fifty. The intergenerational project was led by two music leaders from the Guildhall
School of Music & Drama. The participants involved were pupils from two primary schools in East London and seniors from two housing schemes, also in East London. The project culminated in a concert at the Pit Theatre, the Barbican Centre. Interviews and written responses from pupils and
senior participants, as well as one music leader and teaching staff from the two schools highlighted many benefits of the initiative that brought different generations together through music such as opportunities to socialize and collaborate, enhanced well-being, enjoyment in being challenged
and in developing new musical skills and appreciation of each other's role in the group.
Mixtures of Ionic Liquids as Possible Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Taige Maria , Hilbert Diana , Schubert Thomas J. S.
Published: December 2011

Mixtures of Ionic Liquids as Possible Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries

Due to their unique properties like incombustibility, low vapor pressure, large electrochemical stability, wide liquid range and high thermal stability, ionic liquids have a great potential as components of electrolytes for lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries with electrolytes on the basis of ionic liquids are safer than those with conventional electrolytes. Unfortunately, ionic liquids normally possess a higher viscosity and lower conductivities than conventional electrolytes. In order to decrease the viscosity and increase the conductivity of electrolytes based on ionic liquids, we prepared mixtures of ionic liquids. We could show that the viscosity of ionic liquids can be significantly reduced by using eutectic mixtures. Therefore, the conductivities of some mixtures were significantly higher than those of the pure ionic liquids. In addition, we could increase the conductivity by introducing functional groups in the side chain of the ionic liquids.
Theoretical Investigation of the Reaction of Yttrium Cation with Acetone
Authors: Dai Guo-Liang , Wang Yong , Wu Jun-Yong , Wang Chuan-Feng , Zhou Qi-Zhong
Published: December 2011

The reaction mechanism of Y
+
with CH3COCH3 has been investigated with a DFT method. All the stationary points are determined at the UB3LYP/ECP/6-311++G** level of the theory. Both the ground and the excited state potential energy surfaces are investigated in detail. The present results show that the title reaction starts with the formation of an O-attached complex (IM0) followed by C–O, C–H and C–C activation. The minimum energy reaction path is found to involve the spin inversion in the initial reaction step. The potential energy curve-crossing dramatically affects reaction exothermic. The present results may be helpful in understanding the mechanism of the title reaction and further experimental investigation of the reaction.
Tasty Traits: Introduce Genetics with a Sensory Assessment of Apples
Authors: Goldman Julie
Published: December 2011

A simple sensory assessment of apples provides an enjoyable and stimulating introduction to topics in genetics and the related areas of agriculture, selective breeding, and plant science.
Post-Booker Leniency in Child Pornography Sentencing
Authors: Hessick Carissa Byrne
Published: December 2011

As a number of commentators and courts have noted, the Guideline sentences for possession of child pornography are quite harsh. A number of district courts have used their post-Booker discretion to impose below-Guideline sentences on those who possess child pornography. This short commentary explains how the state of federal sentencing after Booker is particularly hospitable to arguments for sentencing leniency for defendants convicted of possessing child pornography. One argument calls on a district court to use its sentencing policy discretion under Kimbrough v. United States to impose a lower sentence. Another argument rests on a distinct-facts-and-circumstances argument under Gall v. United States. Finally, on an appeal of a within-Guideline sentence, there is an argument that, drawing on the analysis in Rita v. United States, a presumption of reasonableness ought not apply to within-Guideline sentences for those who possess child pornography.
Ácidos graxos voláteis no rúmen de vacas alimentadas com diferentes teores de concentrado na dieta
Authors: Goularte S.R. , Ítavo L.C.V. , Santos G.T. , Ítavo C.C.B.F. , Oliveira L.C.S. , Favaro S.P. , Dias A.M. , Torres Junior R.A.A. , Bittar C.M.M.
Published: December 2011

Avaliou-se o efeito de teores de concentrado na dieta sobre a concentração de ácidos graxos voláteis no líquido ruminal de bovinos. Foram utilizadas quatro vacas mestiças, fistuladas no rúmen, com peso médio de 442,15kg, distribuídas em quadrado latino 4x4, divididos em quatro períodos de 14 dias, sendo 11 de adaptação e três para coleta de dados. Foi utilizada a silagem de milho, como volumoso, e milho, sorgo, farelo de soja, casca de soja, ureia e gordura protegida, como concentrado. As dietas foram formuladas para 13% de proteína bruta (PB), utilizando-se proporções de 30; 40; 50 e 60% de concentrado. Não houve influência do tratamento para concentrações de ácido acético, isobutírico, butírico, isovalérico e valérico. O ácido propiônico e a proporção acetato:propionato apresentaram concentrações máximas em 8,44 e 8,14 horas após a alimentação, respectivamente. Os ácidos graxos totais não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos, com concentração máxima em 7,68 horas após a alimentação, juntamente com valores mínimos de pH entre seis e nove horas. Dietas com até 60% de concentrado na matéria seca total não influenciaram as concentrações de ácidos graxos voláteis do rúmen.
Comportamento reológico e nomenclatura dos alimentos utilizados por fonoaudiólogos de serviços de disfagia
Authors: Sordi Marina de , Mourão Lúcia Figueiredo , Silva Luciano Bruno de Carvalho
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: estudar o comportamento reológico e a forma de classificação e nomeação das diferentes preparações utilizadas nas intervenções com pacientes disfágicos, realizada por fonoaudiólogos do estado de São Paulo, tendo como referência a proposta australiana de padronização da nomenclatura. MÉTODO: estudo quantitativo descritivo e qualitativo. Os dados foram coletados por meio da aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados com fonoaudiólogos de serviços de disfagia no estado de São Paulo. Os fonoaudiólogos relataram os alimentos utilizados em sua prática por meio de exemplos de preparações bem como exemplos comerciais. Os profissionais classificaram os alimentos em diferentes níveis e relataram a nomenclatura utilizada para cada nível. A viscosidade das preparações foi medida em viscosímetro e agrupadas de acordo com os valores obtidos. Em seguida foram classificados de acordo a proposta australiana de unificação da nomenclatura. RESULTADOS: foram analisados 18 questionários. Os profissionais utilizaram alimentos de comportamento reológico próximo em sua prática. Os fonoaudiólogos apresentaram, em sua maioria, 06 formas de agrupamento dos alimentos baseados em suas características reológicas, principalmente a viscosidade. Foram apontados 33 termos para nomear 07 classes de alimentos segundo a proposta australiana. Os principais termos foram: líquido, pastoso e sólido, seguidos de graduações e especificações. CONCLUSÃO: fonoaudiólogos de diferentes serviços de atenção em disfagia utilizam diferentes terminologias para designar a mesma preparação no estado de São Paulo. São necessários maiores estudos para que se possa estabelecer uma nomenclatura unificada no Brasil.
Tolerance of Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) Spores to Herbicides
Authors: Hutchinson Jeffrey T. , Langeland Kenneth A.
Published: December 2011

Old World climbing fern (OWCF) is a highly invasive fern that disrupts natural communities in central and southern Florida. OCWF produces copious, wind-blown spores that have propelled its rapid invasion of Florida's natural areas over the last few decades. Current management of OWCF is limited to herbicides and natural resource managers in Florida have questioned if herbicides inhibit spore germination. This study compared spore germination rates of OWCF exposed to six herbicides and a surfactant from 1 to 24 h under laboratory conditions. Spores of OWCF were highly susceptible to metsulfuron, but exhibited tolerance to imazapyr, glyphosate, fluroxypyr, asulam, and triclopyr. Spore germination rates were 0.4% for spores exposed to 0.1 g ai L−1 of metsulfuron, but 0% for rates greater than or equal to 0.2 g ai L−1 at 30 d after treatment (DAT). Reduction in spore germination was observed with all other concentrations of herbicides tested, ranging from 10.4% with triclopyr (40 g ai L−1) to 42.6% with asulam (4.2 g ai L−1) compared to 47.9% germination for untreated checks 30 DAT. Spores were highly sensitive to metsulfuron with herbicide concentrations required for 50 and 95% inhibition of spore germination (I50 and I95) measuring 0.014 and 0.063 g ai L−1, respectively; spores were greater than 1,000-fold more sensitive to metsulfuron compared to I95 concentrations of any other herbicide tested. These results indicate that metsulfuron exhibits potential to control OWCF spore germination but spores are tolerant to the five other herbicides tested.
Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Primary Care: Lessons From Chronic Illness Management
Authors: Nicolaidis Christina , Touhouliotis Vasiliki
Published: December 2011

Though many studies have documented the high prevalence, morbidity, mortality and costs attributable to intimate partner violence (IPV), it is still unclear how our health care system should address this major public health problem. Many have advocated for routine screening, yet there is still insufficient evidence that routine IPV screening can lead to improved outcomes. Though recognition of IPV is very important, a screening paradigm may not be the optimal way to approach IPV within the health care system. For many patients, exposure to violence is a chronic condition, characterized by long-term abusive relationships, histories of childhood and community violence, multiple associated chronic symptoms, and extra barriers to addressing their other chronic illnesses. Thus, there may be important lessons to be learned from work being done in the area of chronic care. We explore how Wagner’s Chronic Care model may guide efforts to improve health care for IPV survivors and may serve as a framework for future research studies.
Predictors of Partner Abuse in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents Involved in Heterosexual Dating Relationships
Authors: Roberts Timothy A. , Auinger Peggy , Klein Jonathan D.
Published: December 2011

This article’s goals are to identify the characteristics of abusive heterosexual dating relationships among adolescents. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health dataset, an analysis of 4,441 heterosexual relationships was completed using logistic regression models (SAS PROC GENMOD). The associations between being verbally and physically abused were examined with respect to the following relationship characteristics: involvement in sexual intercourse or pregnancy with the relationship partner, description of the relationship as a “special romantic relationship,” duration of the relationship, age at relationship initiation, and age difference between partners. The findings indicate that involvement in a sexual or “special romantic” relationship was associated with greater likelihood of being abused in both genders. Increased length of time in the relationship was associated with verbal abuse in both genders. Involvement in a pregnancy was associated with being verbally and physically abused among males. It is thus concluded that relationship characteristics play an important role in the development of abusive relationships among adolescents.
Factors Associated With Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence: A Study of Women in Zambia
Authors: Lawoko Stephen
Published: December 2011

Demographic, social, and empowerment factors associated with attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) were investigated in a random sample of women (n = 5,029) aged 15–49 years in Zambia. Data was retrieved from the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2001–2002 (2003). The findings indicated demographic, social, and structural differences in attitudes toward IPV. Married/previously married and less educated women, employees in the agricultural sector, and women with a history of IPV were more likely to tolerate IPV. In addition, structurally disempowered women (i.e., women lacking access to information and autonomy in household decisions) were more likely to justify IPV than more-empowered peers. Most variables remained significant even when possible confounding was adjusted for using a logistic regression. The findings are discussed and implications for prevention as well as methodological issues considered.
Correlates of Comorbid PTSD and Polysubstance Use in Sexual Assault Victims
Authors: Ullman Sarah E. , Townsend Stephanie M. , Starzynski Laura L. , Long LaDonna M.
Published: December 2011

A diverse sample of community-residing women in a large metropolitan area who had experienced adult sexual assault was surveyed using standardized measures in an NIAAA-funded study (2003–2004). Four groups (N = 503) of victims: (1) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-only, (2) PTSD and illicit drug use, (3) PTSD and drinking problems, and (4) PTSD and polysubstance use were compared using bivariate analyses. Victims with PTSD/polysubstance use had lower socioeconomic status, more extensive trauma histories, worse current psychological functioning, more problematic post-assault psychosocial experiences, and more sexual revictimization at follow-up than those with PTSD only. Implications for future research are discussed.
Geometric correlation of cultural landscape patterns and Prunus domestica L. species leaf
Authors: Jovic Biljana , Tripkovic Milos , Cucakovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2011

This paper provides the basics for more detailed research on the structures
of bionic forms of different plant species and their application in the
domain of landscape planning. The aim of this type of research is to expand
knowledge of landscape planning with a deeper understanding of different
geometric relations present in the existing natural forms. The correlation
between structures in nature and structures that are present in contemporary
landscape architecture could be established by the congruence with the
geometric models from landscape. This paper is focused solely on the geometry
of natural forms. The Voronoi diagram was used in order to examine the
similarities and to perform a comparative analysis of the Prunus domestica L.
leaf geometry and the geometry of cultural landscapes of Central Serbia. The
resulting Voronoi diagram shows the similarity based on closed fields,
Voronoi cells, which correspond to the nervation of Prunus domestica L. leaf
by form. Using the comparative analysis, the geometric interpretation of
cultural landscape examples could be linked to the geometric structure of the
most frequent fruit tree species.
Challenging Dominant Discourses across Geographies in Early Childhood
Authors: Duckles Joyce M. , Larson Joanne
Published: December 2011

Meyers & Kroeger situate two young writers in current ideologies of childhood and literacy and argue for creating dialogic classroom spaces in which children can be recognized by themselves, other children, and teachers as literate. Duckles & Larson build on the authors' attention to the potential constraints of dominant discourses and highlight the role of researchers to uncover and document spaces in which they are being challenged. From a study of the everyday science practices of 17 families with young children, they present evidence of parents and children challenging dominant cultural autonomous models of science that dichotomize school and everyday science, that situate pathways to success only in schools, and situate young children (and many adults) as peripheral and passive participants. The contested spaces of these homes can provide insights into how to support hybrid practices and create pathways to successful engagement with science across multiple geographies and across the lifespan. The authors build on Meyers & Kroeger's call for locating and creating spaces where dominant developmental beliefs and traditional roles are disrupted and for transforming discourses to include ideological views of science, of literacy, and of young children.
Multimodality and Immigrant Children
Authors: Campano Gerald , Low David
Published: December 2011

This response to Marni Binder reflects upon two examples of (im)migrant children's artwork and challenges the dominant notion that (im)migration experiences — and their subsequent portrayals — can be fit into neat slots. The authors position multimodal composing opportunities as affording children a vital instrument for deploying their full semiotic repertoires to defy stereotypes and capture the complexities of experience.
Observer-based fault-tolerant control against sensor failures for fuzzy systems with time delays
Authors: Tong Shaocheng , Yang Gengjiao , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2011

Observer-based fault-tolerant control against sensor failures for fuzzy systems with time delays

This paper addresses the problems of robust fault estimation and fault-tolerant control for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems with time delays and unknown sensor faults. A fuzzy augmented state and fault observer is designed to achieve the system state and sensor fault estimates simultaneously. Furthermore, based on the information of on-line fault estimates, an observer-based dynamic output feedback fault-tolerant controller is developed to compensate for the effect of faults by stabilizing the resulting closed-loop system. Sufficient conditions for the existence of both a state observer and a fault-tolerant controller are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Adaptive control scheme based on the least squares support vector machine network
Authors: Mahmoud Tarek
Published: December 2011

Adaptive control scheme based on the least squares support vector machine network

Recently, a new type of neural networks called Least Squares Support Vector Machines (LS-SVMs) has been receiving increasing attention in nonlinear system identification and control due to its generalization performance. This paper develops a stable adaptive control scheme using the LS-SVM network. The developed control scheme includes two parts: the identification part that uses a modified structure of LS-SVM neural networks called the multi-resolution wavelet least squares support vector machine network (MRWLS-SVM) as a predictor model, and the controller part that is developed to track a reference trajectory. By means of the Lyapunov stability criterion, stability analysis for the tracking errors is performed. Finally, simulation studies are performed to demonstrate the capability of the developed approach in controlling a pH process.