bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body piercing and tattoos: a survey on young adults' knowledge of the risks and practices in body art
Authors: Quaranta Alessia , Napoli Christian , Fasano Fabrizio , Montagna Claudio , Caggiano Giuseppina , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: October 2011

Background

The practice of tattooing and piercing has expanded in western society. In order to verify young adults' knowledge of the risk and practices related to body art, an investigation was conducted among freshmen of the University of Bari in the region of Apulia, Italy.

Methods

The study was carried out in the Academic Year 2009-2010 through an anonymous self-administered written questionnaire distributed to 1.656 freshmen enrolled in 17 Degree Courses.

Results

Of the 1.598 students included in the analysis, 78.3% believe it is risky to undergo piercing/tattoo practices. AIDS was indicated as a possible infection by 60.3% of freshmen, hepatitis C by 38.2%, tetanus by 34.3% and hepatitis B by 33.7% of the sample. 28.1% of freshmen were not aware that there are also non-infectious complications. 29% of the sample had at least one piercing or tattoo (this percentage does not include earlobe piercing in women). Of those with body art, the decision to undergo body art was made autonomously in 57.9% of the participants. 56.3% of freshmen undergoing body art had taken less than a month to decide. With regard to the reasons that led the sample to undergo body art, 28.4% were unable to explain it, 23.8% answered to improve their aesthetic aspect, 18.4% to distinguish themselves from others, 12.3% for fashion; 17.1% for other reasons. 25.4% of the sample declared that they had a piercing (79.8% female vs 20.2% male; ratio M/F 1:4.0). The average age for a first piercing was 15.3 years (range 10-27; SD ± 2.9). 9.6% of the sample declared that they have a tattoo (69.9% female vs 30.1% male; ratio M/F 1:2.3). The average age for a first tattoo was 17.5 years (range 10-26, SD ± 2.4).

Conclusions

Most of the freshmen knew about AIDS-related risks but not other potential risks. Body art is fairly common among young adults (especially women). The decision is often not shared with the family and is undertaken mostly without a specific reason or for the improvement of aesthetic aspect. Information about freshmen's knowledge, attitudes and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.
Beverage patterns and trends among school-aged children in the US, 1989-2008
Authors: Lasater Gentry , Piernas Carmen , Popkin Barry M
Published: October 2011

Background

High intake of sugar-sweetened beverages in childhood is linked to increased risk of obesity and type II diabetes later in life. Using three nationally representative surveys of dietary intake, we investigated beverage patterns and trends among US school-aged children from 1989/91 to 2007/08.

Methods

3, 583 participants ages 6-11 y old were included. We reported per capita trends in beverage consumption, percent consuming, and amount per consumer for the following categories of beverages: sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), caloric nutritional beverages (CNB) and low calorie beverages (LCB). Statistically significant differences were tested using the Student's t test in Stata 11.

Results

While per capita kcal contribution from total beverages remained constant over the study period, per capita consumption of SSBs increased and CNBs decreased in similar magnitude. The substantial increase in consumption of certain SSBs, such as fruit drinks and soda, high fat high sugar milk, and sports drinks, coupled with the decrease in consumption of high fat low sugar milk was responsible for this shift. The percent consuming SSBs as well as the amount per consumer increased significantly over time. Per capita intake of total milk declined, but the caloric contribution from high fat high sugar milk increased substantially. Among ethnicities, important differences in consumption trends of certain SSBs and 100% juice indicate the complexity in determining strategies for children's beverage calorie reduction.

Conclusions

As upward trends of SSB consumption parallel increases in childhood obesity, educational and policy interventions should be considered.
Cut-off points of the visceral adiposity index (VAI) identifying a visceral adipose dysfunction associated with cardiometabolic risk in a Caucasian Sicilian population
Authors: Amato Marco C , Giordano Carla , Pitrone Maria , Galluzzo Aldo
Published: October 2011

Background

The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a sex-specific mathematical index, based on Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL) levels, indirectly expressing visceral adipose function and insulin sensitivity. Our aim was to find the optimal cut-off points of VAI identifying a visceral adipose dysfunction (VAD) associated with cardiometabolic risk in a Caucasian Sicilian population.

Methods

Medical check-up data of 1,764 Primary Care patients (PC patients) were retrospectively and cross-sectionally examined using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine appropriate stratified-for-age cut-off of VAI, for the identification of PC patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. The PC patients with higher VAI scores were subdivided into three groups according to VAI tertiles (i.e. PC patients with mild VAD, moderate VAD or severe VAD). Finally, VAD classes were compared to classical cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors as independent predictors of coronary heart disease and/or myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack and/or ischemic stroke.

Results

Moderate and severe VADs proved to be independently associated with cardiovascular events [(OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 1.92-14.87; p = 0.001) and (OR: 7.46; 95% CI: 2.64-21.05; p < 0.001) respectively]. Mild, moderate and severe VADs were found to be independently associated with cerebrovascular events [(OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.12-6.65; p = 0.027), (OR: 4.20; 95% CI: 1.86-9.45; p = 0.001) and (OR: 5.10; 95% CI: 2.14-12.17; p < 0.001) respectively].

Conclusions

Our study suggests that among Caucasian Sicilian subjects there are clear cut-off points of VAI able to identify a VAD strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk.
A new method for alignment of LC-MALDI-TOF data
Authors: Tang Zhiqun , Zhang Lihua , Cheema Amrita K , Ressom Habtom W
Published: October 2011

Background

In proteomics studies, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has proven to be a powerful technology to investigate differential expression of proteins/peptides that are characterized by their peak intensities, mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and retention time (RT). The variable complexity of peptide mixtures and occasional drifts lead to substantial variations in m/z and RT dimensions. Thus, label-free differential protein expression studies by LC-MS technology require alignment with respect to both RT and m/z to ensure that same proteins/peptides are compared from multiple runs.

Methods

In this study, we propose a new strategy to align LC-MALDI-TOF data by combining quality threshold cluster analysis and support vector regression. Our method performs alignment on the basis of measurements in three dimensions (RT, m/z, intensity).

Results and conclusions

We demonstrate the suitability of our proposed method for alignment of LC-MALDI-TOF data through a previously published spike-in dataset and a new in-house generated spike-in dataset. A comparison of our method with other methods that utilize only RT and m/z dimensions reveals that the use of intensity measurements enhances alignment performance.
An automated cell-counting algorithm for fluorescently-stained cells in migration assays
Authors: Al-Khazraji Baraa K , Medeiros Philip J , Novielli Nicole M , Jackson Dwayne N
Published: October 2011

A cell-counting algorithm, developed in Matlab®, was created to efficiently count migrated fluorescently-stained cells on membranes from migration assays. At each concentration of cells used (10,000, and 100,000 cells), images were acquired at 2.5 ×, 5 ×, and 10 × objective magnifications. Automated cell counts strongly correlated to manual counts (r2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001 for a total of 47 images), with no difference in the measurements between methods under all conditions. We conclude that our automated method is accurate, more efficient, and void of variability and potential observer bias normally associated with manual counting.
Characterization upon electrical hysteresis and thermal diffusion of TiAl3O
x
dielectric film
Authors: Shi Lei , Liu Zhiguo
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we have investigated the electrical properties of TiAl3O
x
film as electrical gate insulator deposited by pulsed laser deposition and presented a simple method to describe the thermal diffusion behaviors of metal atoms at TiAl3O
x
/Si interfacial region in detail. The TiAl3O
x
films show obvious electrical hysteresis by the capacitance-voltage measurements after post-annealing treatment. By virtue of the diffusion models composed of TiAl3O
x
film and silicon, the diffusion coefficient and the diffusion activation energy of the Ti and Al atoms are extracted. It is valuable to further investigate the pseudobinary oxide system in practice.

PACS: 77.55.-g; 81.15.Fg; 81.40.Gh.
A computable cellular stress network model for non-diseased pulmonary and cardiovascular tissue
Authors: Schlage Walter K , Westra Jurjen W , Gebel Stephan , Catlett Natalie L , Mathis Carole , Frushour Brian P , Hengstermann Arnd , Van Hooser Aaron , Poussin Carine , Wong Ben , Lietz Michael , Park Jennifer , Drubin David , Veljkovic Emilija , Peitsch Manuel C , Hoeng Julia , Deehan Renee
Published: October 2011

Background

Humans and other organisms are equipped with a set of responses that can prevent damage from exposure to a multitude of endogenous and environmental stressors. If these stress responses are overwhelmed, this can result in pathogenesis of diseases, which is reflected by an increased development of, e.g., pulmonary and cardiac diseases in humans exposed to chronic levels of environmental stress, including inhaled cigarette smoke (CS). Systems biology data sets (e.g., transcriptomics, phosphoproteomics, metabolomics) could enable comprehensive investigation of the biological impact of these stressors. However, detailed mechanistic networks are needed to determine which specific pathways are activated in response to different stressors and to drive the qualitative and eventually quantitative assessment of these data. A current limiting step in this process is the availability of detailed mechanistic networks that can be used as an analytical substrate.

Results

We have built a detailed network model that captures the biology underlying the physiological cellular response to endogenous and exogenous stressors in non-diseased mammalian pulmonary and cardiovascular cells. The contents of the network model reflect several diverse areas of signaling, including oxidative stress, hypoxia, shear stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and xenobiotic stress, that are elicited in response to common pulmonary and cardiovascular stressors. We then tested the ability of the network model to identify the mechanisms that are activated in response to CS, a broad inducer of cellular stress. Using transcriptomic data from the lungs of mice exposed to CS, the network model identified a robust increase in the oxidative stress response, largely mediated by the anti-oxidant NRF2 pathways, consistent with previous reports on the impact of CS exposure in the mammalian lung.

Conclusions

The results presented here describe the construction of a cellular stress network model and its application towards the analysis of environmental stress using transcriptomic data. The proof-of-principle analysis described here, coupled with the future development of additional network models covering distinct areas of biology, will help to further clarify the integrated biological responses elicited by complex environmental stressors such as CS, in pulmonary and cardiovascular cells.
Associations of educational attainment, occupation and community poverty with knee osteoarthritis in the Johnston County (North Carolina) osteoarthritis project
Authors: Callahan Leigh F , Cleveland Rebecca J , Shreffler Jack , Schwartz Todd A , Schoster Britta , Randolph Randy , Renner Jordan B , Jordan Joanne M
Published: October 2011

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine data from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis (OA) Project for independent associations of educational attainment, occupation and community poverty with tibiofemoral knee OA.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 3,591 individuals (66% Caucasian and 34% African American). Educational attainment (< 12 years or ≥12 years), occupation (non-managerial or not), and Census block group household poverty rate (< 12%, 12 to 25%, > 25%) were examined separately and together in logistic models adjusting for covariates of age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking, knee injury and occupational activity score. Outcomes were presence of radiographic knee OA (rOA), symptomatic knee OA (sxOA), bilateral rOA and bilateral sxOA.

Results

When all three socioeconomic status (SES) variables were analyzed simultaneously, low educational attainment was significantly associated with rOA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 1.73), bilateral rOA (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.13, 1.81), and sxOA (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.34, 2.06), after adjusting for covariates. Independently, living in a community of high household poverty rate was associated with rOA (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.43, 2.36), bilateral rOA (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.12, 2.16), and sxOA (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.00, 1.83). Occupation had no significant independent association beyond educational attainment and community poverty.

Conclusions

Both educational attainment and community SES were independently associated with knee OA after adjusting for primary risk factors for knee OA.
Ceftaroline Fosamil: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporin with Activity Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jorgenson Margaret R , DePestel Daryl D , Carver Peggy L
Published: October 2011

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage, and administration of ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro, Forest Laboratories, Inc.), a novel parenteral broad-spectrum cephalosporin approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 29, 2010, for the treatment of adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).

Data Sources:

A search of MEDLINE (1966-July 2011) using the search terms ceftaroline fosamil, ceftaroline, TAK-599, PPI-0903, PPI-0903M, and T-91825 was performed. Supplementary sources included program abstracts from the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy American Society of Microbiology, European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America from 2005 to 2010, as well as information available from the manufacturer's Web site.

Study Selection Ano Data Extraction:

All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated. In vitro, preclinical, and Phase 1,2, and 3 clinical trials were included.

Data Synthesis:

Clinical trials have been conducted evaluating use of ceftaroline for treatment of ABSSSI and CABP. Safety data from Phase 1,2, and 3 clinical trials suggest that it is well tolerated and has a safety and tolerability profile common to the cephalosporin class. Ceftaroline has excellent in vitro activity against gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which makes it an attractive monotherapy (or the treatment of ABSSSI. However, it lacks activity against problem gram-negative bacteria (eg, Pseudomonas spp.), which will likely limit its use for serious health care-associated infections. While its role in treating CABP is supported by excellent in vitro activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae and clinical efficacy data, currently available comparators may offer some advantages over ceftaroline. Finally, data are lacking to assess its role in the treatment of serious infections due to MRSA (eg, pneumonia, bacteremia).

Conclusions:

These considerations should be part of the formulary review process; however, when considering the significant role MRSA plays in ABSSSI in both the community and hospital settings, we believe that ceftaroline will provide clinicians with a welcome option in addition to currently available anti-MRSA therapies for the treatment of ABSSSI.
Safety and Efficacy of Two Potassium Cocktail Formulations for Treatment of Neonatal Hyperkalemia
Authors: Oschman Alexandra , Gansen Amanda , Kilbride Howard , Sandritter Tracy
Published: October 2011

Background::

A consensus has not been established for the standard treatment of hyperkalemia in the neonatal population. Most treatment regimens include a dextrose/insulin infusion. Additional agents used include calcium, sodium bicarbonate, polystyrene sulfonate, and albuterol. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a potassium cocktail (k-cocktail) containing dextrose, insulin, calcium gluconate, and sodium lactate for treatment of neonatal hyperkalemia.

Objective:

To determine whether modifications to a potassium cocktail formulation, based on a prior quality improvement project, resulted in a decrease in the incidence of hyperglycemia and acidosis associated with its use, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the k-cocktail in lowering serum potassium levels and the incidence of adverse effects.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates with hyperkalemia who received 2 k-cocktail formulations (group 1 [n = 13], original formulation, dextrose:insulin 5:1; group 2 [n = 26], modified formulation, dextrose: insulin 3.3:1). Group 2 subjects were matched 2:1 by gestational age and birth weight with those in group 1. Variables related to safety and effectiveness of therapy were assessed by medical record review. The following tests were used to assess group differences: χ2, Fisher exact, 2-tailed t-tests, and mixed linear models.

Results:

The incidence of hyperglycemia during the modified k-cocktail infusion in group 2 decreased from 76.9% to 217% (p = 0.001). Serum blood glucose concentrations increased during the infusion, on average, for group 1 infants and were unchanged during the infusion for those in group 2. The incidence of acidosis during the infusion was similar between groups (group 1 [76.9%] vs group 2 [68.2%]; p = 0.58). No significant adverse events were observed. Serum potassium concentrations decreased similarly in both groups.

Conclusions:

An intravenous infusion including a dextrose:insulin ratio of 3.3:1. compared with a higher ratio, results in less hyperglycemia and appears to be as effective in decreasing potassium concentrations in newborns.
Nitroglycerin Ointment for the Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Beckett Robert D , Sheehan Amy Heck
Published: October 2011

Objective:

To determine whether clinical trial data support the use of nitroglycerin for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Data Sources:

A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-September 2011) and EMBASE (1973-September 2011) was conducted using the search terms nitroglycerin, bone mineral density, fracture, and osteoporosis. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional citations.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All English-language articles related to the use of nitroglycerin ointment in postmenopausal women were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Four observational studies reported significant improvements in bone mineral density of postmenopausal women with the use of nitrates. One pilot study and 2 prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials reported conflicting results regarding the efficacy of nitroglycerin ointment.

Conclusions:

Clinical data do not support use of nitroglycerin for this indication; its potential is limited at this time by inconclusive efficacy and a high Incidence of headache. Further well-designed clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety of nitroglycerin ointment for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis are needed before this medication can be recommended for routine use.
Lacosamide for the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Fernandez Erica M , Franck Andrew J
Published: October 2011

Objective:

To evaluate current evidence for the use of lacosamide in the treatment of refractory status epilepticus.

Data Sources:

Literature was accessed via PubMed (through July 2011) using the terms lacosamide and status epilepticus.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All reports on the use of lacosamide in patients with status epilepticus were included for evaluation. Reviews and animal data were excluded.

Data Synthesis:

Treatment of status epilepticus is challenging, and most patients fail to respond to initial treatment. Recently, several reports have been published on the use of lacosamide for status epilepticus. Eleven reports (5 case reports and 6 case series) were identified. Lacosamide was credited with successful termination of status epilepticus in a majority of these reports, However, the data are weakened by the heterogeneity of the reports, their descriptive nature, and the common divergence from current recommendations for the treatment of status epilepticus,

Conclusions:

While lacosamide has been reported as an effective treatment for refractory status epilepticus, there is insufficient evidence for its routine use. For cases in which the risks associated with anesthetizing drugs are believed to outweigh the benefits, such as in complex partial status epilepticus, lacosamide may be a reasonable option after more established drug therapies fail.
Being Grateful: Does it Bring Us Closer? Gratitude, Attachment and Intimacy in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Murray Atholl J. , Hazelwood Zoe J.
Published: October 2011

To date, little is known about the function of gratitude in romantic relationships. Being grateful has been demonstrated to provide a number of positive benefits for individuals; however, few studies have explored how grateful experiences may be beneficial in enhancing romantic relationships. This study explored the extent to which adult attachment moderates the relationship between dispositional gratitude and the experience of intimacy within romantic relationships. A greater disposition toward gratitude was expected to result in more frequent experiences of gratitude. It was also anticipated that experiences of gratitude would be associated with feelings of closeness. Participants (n= 156) were required to be currently in a relationship of at least six months duration and completed a series of questionnaires assessing dispositional gratitude, attachment and emotional intimacy. Moderation analysis revealed that although a positive, weak correlation existed between dispositional gratitude and intimacy, attachment did not moderate this association. It was concluded that further investigation of the experience of gratitude is necessary to understand the function of gratitude in romantic relationships. Methods focusing on specific experiences of gratitude in romantic relationships, and the associated feelings of closeness experienced by each partner, may yield more conclusive findings and may provide support for therapeutic approaches focused on enhancing closeness between couples by increasing experiences of gratitude.
Mothers' and Young Children's Satisfaction of the Time They Spend Together
Authors: Simoncini Kym , Caltabiano Nerina
Published: October 2011

Satisfaction with time spent together is an integral part of the overall satisfaction of any relationship. This study examines young school-aged children's and mothers' satisfaction with the time they spend together. While 906 mothers and 675 children (49.0% males) from seven schools in middle to high SES areas in a regional Queensland city participated in the study, just less than half (n= 319, 47.3%) of the children could be matched with their mother. In a classroom lesson administered by the teachers, children were asked if they were happy with the time they had together with their mum and dad or whether they would like more time. In a separate survey, mothers were asked how satisfied they were with the time they spend with their child. More mothers than children were satisfied with the time they have together. Children were more satisfied with the time they spent with their mother than their father. Significant relationships between mother's satisfaction and her employment status and her child's after-school care arrangements were found. More mothers were satisfied if they did not work full-time and were able to provide some hours of care for their child after school. There was a significant relationship between the children's behaviour scores and their after school care arrangements.
Sô süeze waz der schellen klanc. Music, Dissonance and the Sweetness of Pain in Gottfried's ›Tristan‹
Authors: Layher William
Published: October 2011

By undertaking an acoustic ›reading‹ of Gottfried's text this essay shows that the power of minne bears strong similiarities to the way in which musica was understood to be a formidable aesthetic force in the early 13th century. Less concerned with musical performances in the work than with the theoretical – even inaudible – expression of sound, the argument is structured around two significant scenes that turn on metaphors of consonance: the drinking of the love potion brings Tristan and Isolde into harmony with one another, while the ringing of Petitcrîu's bell represents a painful ›dissonance‹ that causes the lovers to drift apart.
Characterization of the Functional MRI Response Temporal Linearity via Optical Control of Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Kahn Itamar , Desai Mitul , Knoblich Ulf , Bernstein Jacob , Henninger Michael , Graybiel Ann M. , Boyden Edward S. , Buckner Randy L. , Moore Christopher I.
Published: October 2011

The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal serves as the basis for human functional MRI (fMRI). Knowledge of the properties of the BOLD signal, such as how linear its response is to sensory stimuli, is essential for the design and interpretation of fMRI experiments. Here, we combined the cell-type and site-specific causal control provided by optogenetics and fMRI (opto-fMRI) in mice to test the linearity of BOLD signals driven by locally induced excitatory activity. We employed high-resolution mouse fMRI at 9.4 tesla to measure the BOLD response, and extracellular electrophysiological recordings to measure the effects of stimulation on single unit, multiunit, and local field potential activity. Optically driven stimulation of layer V neocortical pyramidal neurons resulted in a positive local BOLD response at the stimulated site. Consistent with a linear transform model, this locally driven BOLD response summated in response to closely spaced trains of stimulation. These properties were equivalent to responses generated through the multisynaptic method of driving neocortical activity by tactile sensory stimulation, and paralleled changes in electrophysiological measures. These results illustrate the potential of the opto-fMRI method and reinforce the critical assumption of human functional neuroimaging that—to first approximation—the BOLD response tracks local neural activity levels.
The Metabolic Regulator PGC-1α Directly Controls the Expression of the Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Oxytocin
Authors: Blechman Janna , Amir-Zilberstein Liat , Gutnick Amos , Ben-Dor Shifra , Levkowitz Gil
Published: October 2011

The transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α is a key regulator of cellular energy expenditure in peripheral tissues. Recent studies report that PGC-1α-null mice develop late-onset obesity and that the neuronal inactivation of PGC-1α causes increased food intake. However, the exact role of PGC-1α in the CNS remains unclear. Here we show that PGC-1α directly regulates the expression of the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin, a known central regulator of appetite. We developed a unique genetic approach in the zebrafish, allowing us to monitor and manipulate PGC-1α activity in oxytocinergic neurons. We found that PGC-1α is coexpressed with oxytocin in the zebrafish hypothalamus. Targeted knockdown of the zebrafish PGC-1α gene activity caused a marked decrease in oxytocin mRNA levels and inhibited the expression of a transgenic GFP reporter driven by the oxytocin promoter. The effect of PGC-1α loss of function on oxytocin gene activity was rescued by tissue-specific re-expression of either PGC-1α or oxytocin precursor in zebrafish oxytocinergic neurons. PGC-1α activated the oxytocin promoter in a heterologous cell culture system, and overexpression of PGC-1α induced ectopic expression of oxytocin in muscles and neurons. Finally, PGC-1α forms anin vivocomplex with the oxytocin promoter in fed but not fasted animals. These findings demonstrate that PGC-1α is both necessary and sufficient for the production of oxytocin, implicating hypothalamic PGC-1α in the direct activation of a hypothalamic hormone known to control energy intake.
Focal Pontine Lesions Provide Evidence That Intrinsic Functional Connectivity Reflects Polysynaptic Anatomical Pathways
Authors: Lu Jie , Liu Hesheng , Zhang Miao , Wang Danhong , Cao Yanxiang , Ma Qingfeng , Rong Dongdong , Wang Xiaoyi , Buckner Randy L. , Li Kuncheng
Published: October 2011

Intrinsic functional connectivity detected by functional MRI (fMRI) provides a useful but indirect approach to study the organization of human brain systems. An unresolved question is whether functional connectivity measured by resting-state fMRI reflects anatomical connections. In this study, we used the well-characterized anatomy of cerebrocerebellar circuits to directly test whether intrinsic functional connectivity is associated with an anatomic pathway. Eleven first-episode stroke patients were scanned five times during a period of 6 months, and 11 healthy control subjects were scanned three times within 1 month. In patients with right pontine strokes, the functional connectivity between the right motor cortex and the left cerebellum was selectively reduced. This connectivity pattern was reversed in patients with left pontine strokes. Although factors beyond anatomical connectivity contribute to fMRI measures of functional correlation, these results provide direct evidence that functional connectivity depends on intact connections within a specific polysynaptic pathway.
Activation of Rho GTPases Triggers Structural Remodeling and Functional Plasticity in the Adult Rat Visual Cortex
Authors: Cerri Chiara , Fabbri Alessia , Vannini Eleonora , Spolidoro Maria , Costa Mario , Maffei Lamberto , Fiorentini Carla , Caleo Matteo
Published: October 2011

A classical example of age-dependent plasticity is ocular dominance (OD) plasticity, triggered by monocular deprivation (MD). Sensitivity of cortical circuits to a brief period of MD is maximal in juvenile animals and downregulated in adult age. It remains unclear whether a reduced potential for morphological remodeling underlies this downregulation of physiological plasticity in adulthood. Here we have tested whether stimulation of structural rearrangements is effective in promoting experience-dependent plasticity in adult age. We have exploited a bacterial protein toxin, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), that regulates actin dynamics and structure of neuronal processes via a persistent activation of Rho GTPases. Injection of CNF1 into the adult rat visual cortex triggered a long-lasting activation of the Rho GTPase Rac1, with a consequent increase in spine density and length in pyramidal neurons. Adult rats treated with CNF1, but not controls, showed an OD shift toward the open eye after MD. CNF1-mediated OD plasticity was selectively attributable to the enhancement of open-eye responses, whereas closed-eye inputs were unaffected. This effect correlated with an increased density of geniculocortical terminals in layer IV of monocularly deprived, CNF1-treated rats. Thus, Rho GTPase activation reinstates OD plasticity in the adult cortex via the potentiation of more active inputs from the open eye. These data establish a direct link between structural remodeling and functional plasticity and demonstrate a role for Rho GTPases in brain plasticityin vivo. The plasticizing effects of Rho GTPase activation may be exploited to promote brain repair.
Double Dissociation of Stimulus-Value and Action-Value Learning in Humans with Orbitofrontal or Anterior Cingulate Cortex Damage
Authors: Camille Nathalie , Tsuchida Ami , Fellows Lesley K.
Published: October 2011

Adaptive decision making involves selecting the most valuable option, typically by taking an action. Such choices require value comparisons, but there is debate about whether these comparisons occur at the level of stimuli (goods-based) value, action-based value, or both. One view is that value processes occur in series, with stimulus value informing action value. However, lesion work in nonhuman primates suggests that these two kinds of choice are dissociable. Here, we examined action-value and stimulus-value learning in humans with focal frontal lobe damage. Orbitofrontal damage disrupted the ability to sustain the correct choice of stimulus, but not of action, after positive feedback, while damage centered on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex led to the opposite deficit. These findings argue that there are distinct, domain-specific mechanisms by which outcome value is applied to guide subsequent decisions, depending on whether the choice is between stimuli or between actions.
Transient Inactivation of Orbitofrontal Cortex Blocks Reinforcer Devaluation in Macaques
Authors: West Elizabeth A. , DesJardin Jacqueline T. , Gale Karen , Malkova Ludise
Published: October 2011

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and its interactions with the basolateral amygdala (BLA) are critical for goal-directed behavior, especially for adapting to changes in reward value. Here we used a reinforcer devaluation paradigm to investigate the contribution of OFC to this behavior in four macaques. Subjects that had formed associations between objects and two different primary reinforcers (foods) were presented with choices of objects overlying the two different foods. When one of the two foods was devalued by selective satiation, the subjects shifted their choices toward the objects that represented the nonsated food reward (devaluation effect). Transient inactivation of OFC by infusions of the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol into area 13 blocked the devaluation effect: the monkeys did not reduce their selection of objects associated with the devalued food. This effect was observed when OFC was inactivated during both satiation and the choice test, and during the choice test only. This supports our hypothesis that OFC activity is required during the postsatiety object choice period to guide the selection of objects. This finding sharply contrasts with the role of BLA in the same devaluation process (Wellman et al., 2005). Whereas activity in BLA was required during the selective satiation procedure, it was not necessary for guiding the subsequent object choice. Our results are the first to demonstrate that transient inactivation of OFC is sufficient to disrupt the devaluation effect, and to document a role for OFC distinct from that of BLA for the conditioned reinforcer devaluation process in monkeys.
Axonal Regrowth after Spinal Cord Injury via Chondroitinase and the Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)/Plasmin System
Authors: Bukhari Noreen , Torres Luisa , Robinson John K. , Tsirka Stella E.
Published: October 2011

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes permanent debilitation due to the inability of axons to grow through established scars. Both the sugar chains and core proteins of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are inhibitory for neurite regrowth. Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) degrades the sugar chains and allows for synaptic plasticity, suggesting that after the sugar chain cleavage additional steps occur promoting a permissive microenvironment in the glial scar region. We report that the clearance of the core protein by the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasmin proteolytic system partially contributes to ChABC-promoted plasticity. tPA and plasmin are upregulated after SCI and degrade the deglycosylated CSPG proteins. Mice lacking tPA (tPA−/−) exhibit attenuated neurite outgrowth and blunted sensory and motor recovery despite ChABC treatment. Coadministration of ChABC and plasmin enhanced the tPA−/−phenotype and supported recovery in WT SCI mice. Collectively, these findings show that the tPA/plasmin cascade may act downstream of ChABC to allow for synergistic sensory and motor improvement compared with each treatment alone and suggest a potential new approach to enhance functional recovery after SCI.
Ablation of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Forebrain Neurons is Neuroprotective and Dampens Brain Inflammation after Status Epilepticus
Authors: Serrano G. E. , Lelutiu N. , Rojas A. , Cochi S. , Shaw R. , Makinson C. D. , Wang D. , FitzGerald G. A. , Dingledine R.
Published: October 2011

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a source of inflammatory mediators and a multifunctional neuronal modulator, is rapidly induced in select populations of cortical neurons after status epilepticus. The consequences of rapid activity-triggered induction of COX-2 in neurons have been the subject of much study and speculation. To address this issue directly, we created a mouse in which COX-2 is conditionally ablated in selected forebrain neurons. Results following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus indicate that neuronal COX-2 promotes early neuroprotection and then delayed neurodegeneration of CA1 pyramidal neurons, promotes neurodegeneration of nearby somatostatin interneurons in the CA1 stratum oriens and dentate hilus (which themselves do not express COX-2), intensifies a broad inflammatory reaction involving numerous cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in the hippocampus, and is essential for development of a leaky blood–brain barrier after seizures. These findings point to a profound role of seizure-induced neuronal COX-2 expression in neuropathologies that accompany epileptogenesis.
Hypoxia-induced VEGF production ‘RSUMEs’ in pituitary adenomas
Authors: Fowkes Robert C , Vlotides George
Published: October 2011

Angiogenic markers in pituitary adenomas remain enigmatic in terms of their function in tumorigenesis, despite being upregulated by the normal physiological trigger of hypoxia. In this issue of Endocrine-Related Cancer, Shan et al. report that the novel RWD domain containing protein, RWD-containing sumoylation enhancer, is expressed in human pituitary adenomas and plays a pivotal role in regulating the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α–vascular endothelial growth factor response to hypoxia.
Corrosion of Nuclear Fuel Inside a Failed Copper Nuclear Waste Container
Authors: Broczkowski Michael , Goldik Jonathan S , Santos Billy G , Noel James J , Shoesmith David
Published: October 2011

Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization has recommended to the Canadian federal government an adaptive phased management approach to the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. This approach includes isolation in a deep geologic repository. In such a repository, the fuel would be sealed inside a carbon steel-lined copper container. To assist the development of performance assessment models studies of fuel behaviour inside a failed waste container are underway. Using an iterative modeling and experimental approach, the important features and processes that determine fuel behaviour have been identified and studied. These features and processes are discussed and the results of studies to elucidate specific mechanisms and determine important parameter values summarized.
γ-Radiolysis of NaCl Brine in the Presence of UO2(s): Effects of Hydrogen and Bromide
Authors: Metz Volker , Bohnert Elke , Kelm Manfred , Schild Dieter , Reinhardt Jörgen , Kienzler Bernhard , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: October 2011

Concentrated NaCl solution was γ-irradiated in autoclaves under a pressure of 25 MPa. A set of experiments were conducted in 6 mol (kg H2O)-1NaCl solution in presence of UO2(s) pellets; in a second set of experiments γ-radiolysis of the NaCl brine was studied without UO2(s). Hydrogen, oxygen and chlorate were formed as lonγ-lived radiolysis products. Due to the high external pressure, all radiolysis products remained dissolved. H2and O2reached steady state concentrations in the range of 5·10-3to 6·10-2mol (kg H2O)-1corresponding to gas partial pres-sure of ∼2 to ∼20 MPa. Radiolytic formation of hydrogen and oxygen increases with the concentration of bromide added to solution. Both, in the presence of bromide, resulting in a relatively high radiolytic yield, and in the absence of bromide surfaces of the UO2(s) samples were oxi-dized, and concentration of dissolved uranium reached the solubility limit of schoepite / NaUO2O(OH)(cr) transition. At the end of the experiments the pellets were covered by a surface layer of a secondary solid phase having a composition close to Na2U2O7. The experimental results demonstrate that bromide counteracts an H2inhibition effect on radiolysis gas production, even at a concentration ratio of [H2] / [Br-] > 100. The present observations are related to the competitive reactions of OH radicals with H2, Br-and Cl-. A similar competition of hydrogen and bromide, controlling the yield of γ-radiolysis products, is expected for solutions of lower Cl-concentration
Chemical Equilibrium of the Dissolved Uranium in Groundwaters From a Spanish Uranium-ore Deposit
Authors: Garralon Antonio , Gómez Paloma , Turrero Maria Jesús , Buil Belén , Sánchez Lorenzo
Published: October 2011

The main objectives of this work are to determine the hydrogeochemical evolution of an uranium ore and identify the main water/rock interaction processes that control the dissolved uranium content. The Mina Fe uranium-ore deposit is the most important mine worked in Spain. Sageras area is located at the north part of the Mina Fe, over the same ore deposit. The difference remains at the fact that the uranium deposit was not mined in Sageras and was only perturbed by the exploration activities performed 20 years ago. The studied area is located 10 Km northeast of Ciudad Rodrigo (Salamanca) at an altitude over 650 m.a.s.l. The uranium mineralization is related to faults affecting the metasediments of the Upper Proterozoic to Lower Cambrian schist-graywacke complex (CEG), located in the Centro-Iberian Zone of the Hesperian Massif. The primary uranium minerals are uraninite and coffinite but numerous secondary uranium minerals have been formed as a result of the weathering processes: yellow gummites, autunite, metaautunite, torbernite, saleeite, uranotyle, ianthinite and uranopilite. The water flow at regional scale is controlled by the topography. Recharge takes place mainly in the surrounding mountains (Sierra Peña de Francia) and discharge at fluvial courses, mainly Agueda and Yeltes rivers, boundaries S-NW and NE of the area, respectively. However, at the site scale the mine is located relatively far away from the recharge zone and close to the rivers, which act as a discharge zone. Deep flows (lower than 100 m depth) should be upwards due to the river vicinity, with flow directions towards the W, NW or N. In Sageras-Mina Fe there are more than 100 boreholes drilled to investigate the mineral resources of the deposit. 35 boreholes were selected in order to analyze the chemical composition of groundwaters based on their depth and situation around the uranium ore. Groundwater samples come from 50 to 150 m depth. The waters are classified as calcium-bicarbonated type waters, with a redox potential that indicate that are slightly reduced (values vary between 50 to -350 mV). The TOC varies between <0.1 and 4.0 mgC/L and the dissolved uranium has a maximum value of 7,7 mg/L. According the analytical data of dissolved uranium, the mineral more close to equilibrium seems to be UO2(am). The tritium content in the groundwaters oscillate between 1.5 and 7.3 T.U. Considering that the mean value of tritium in rainwater from the studied area has a value of 4 T.U., can be concluded that the residence times of the groundwaters are relatively shorts, not longer than 50 years in the oldest case.
Monte Carlo Simulations of the Degradation of the Engineered Barriers System in the Yucca Mountain Repository Using the EBSPA Code
Authors: Qin Zack , Shoesmith D. W.
Published: October 2011

Based on a probabilistic model previously proposed, a Monte Carlo simulation code (EBSPA) has been developed to predict the lifetime of the engineered barriers system within the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository. The degradation modes considered in the EBSPA are general passive corrosion and hydrogen-induced cracking for the drip shield; and general passive corrosion, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking for the waste package. Two scenarios have been simulated using the EBSPA code: (a) a conservative scenario for the conditions thought likely to prevail in the repository, and (b) a worst-case scenario in which the impact of the degradation processes is overstated.
Survey of Potential Glass Compositions for the Immobilisation of the UK's Separated Plutonium Stocks
Authors: Harrison Mike , Scales Charlie R. , Bingham Paul A. , Hand Russell J.
Published: October 2011

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has taken over ownership of the majority of the UK's separated civil plutonium stocks, which are expected to exceed 100 metric tons by 2010. Studies to technically underpin options development for the disposition of these stocks, for example by immobilization or re-use as fuel, are being carried out by Nexia Solutions on behalf of NDA. Three classes of immobilization matrices have been selected for investigation by means of previous studies and stakeholder dialogue: ceramic or crystalline wasteforms, storage MOx, and vitreous or glass-based wasteforms. This paper describes the preliminary inactive experimental program for the vitrification option, with results from a wide range of glass compositions along with conclusions on their potential use for plutonium immobilization.

Following review, four glass systems were selected for preliminary investigation: borosilicate, lanthanide borosilicate, aluminosilicate and phosphate glasses. A broad survey of glass properties was completed in order to allow meaningful evaluation, e.g. glass formulation, waste loading, chemical durability, thermal properties, and viscosity. The program was divided into two parts, with silicate and phosphate glasses being investigated by Nexia Solutions and the Immobilisation Science Laboratory (ISL) at the University of Sheffield respectively.
Effect of Stainless Steel Can/Glass-ceramic Interaction Layer on Aqueous Durability
Authors: McGlinn Peter , Zhang Yingjie , Li Huijun , Payne Timothy E.
Published: October 2011

Calcined high-level radioactive waste (HLW) stored at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will eventually be immobilised in a suitable wasteform before disposal. A tailored glass-ceramic wasteform, produced by hot isostatic pressing in stainless steel (SS) cans, has been developed at ANSTO as a cost-saving alternative to glass which would improve waste loading and density, and reduce waste volume. We have studied the SS/wasteform interactions under HIPing conditions to understand whether such interactions would have any detrimental effect on long-term wasteform stability. This has been demonstrated by carrying out aqueous durability tests, under near-neutral and alkaline conditions, on the wasteform at the interaction layer, and on the wasteform distal to this reaction edge. Reaction during HIPing resulted in Cr diffusion from the can wall into the wasteform, however without any detectable detrimental impact on the HIP can or the aqueous durability of the wasteform.