bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Benzo[f]thiopyrano[3,4‐b]quinolin‐11(8H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Yu Chenxia , Zhang Honghong , Yao Changsheng , Li Tuanjie , Qin Bingbin , Lu Jun , Wang Donglin
Published: December 2013

A series of novel benzo[f]thiopyrano[3,4‐b]quinolin‐11(8H)‐one derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of aryl aldehyde, 2H‐thiopyran‐3,5(4H,6H)‐dione, and β‐naphthylamine in glacial acetic acid. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, high yields, and short reaction time.
l‐Proline‐Catalyzed Knoevenagel Condensation: A Tandem Synthesis of 3‐Acetylcoumarinoindoles and Their N‐Alkyl Derivatives by Using PEG‐600 as the Reaction Medium
Authors: Venkatanarayana M. , Dubey P. K.
Published: December 2013

A tandem synthesis of 3‐acetylcoumarinoindoles 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e in the presence of catalytic amount of l‐proline in ethanol medium is reported. l‐proline has been utilized as an efficient and eco‐friendly catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation of 3‐cyanoacetylindoles 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) to afford the corresponding substituted 3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)2‐(2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐3‐oxopropanenitriles 3(a–e), which without isolation were treated with hot conc. HCl to afford 3‐acetylcoumarinoindoles 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e in high yields. Subsequently, these were reacted with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of PEG‐600 (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India) as an efficient and green solvent to afford the corresponding N‐methyl‐3‐acetylcoumarinoindoles 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e in moderate yields.
Studies on the Biginelli Reactions of Salicylaldehyde and 2‐Hydroxy‐l‐naphthaldehyde
Authors: Liu Qingjian , Xu Jiehua , Teng Fei , Chen Anjun , Pan Ning , Zhang Wenwen
Published: December 2013

The Biginelli reactions of salicylaldehyde and 2‐hydroxy‐l‐naphthaldehyde with ethyl or methyl acetoacetate, ethyl benzoylacetate, and urea have been reinvestigated both in the structures of the reaction products and in the reaction conditions. Salicylaldehyde with ethyl and methyl acetoacetate resulted in oxygen‐bridged tricyclic tetrahydro pyrimidines, whereas with ethyl benzoylacetate afforded the only normal 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐one. 2‐Hydroxy‐l‐naphthaldehyde with ethyl and methyl acetoacetate formed the tricyclic compounds. Steric effect is likely to be the principal determinant in governing the formation of product dichotomy. Previous controversial results as to the structure of the Biginelli products have been discussed and settled. The molecular structures of the dihydropyrimidinones and bridged tricyclic products have been fully characterized and confirmed unambiguously by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors: Study of 90 cases focusing on clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, preoperative biopsy, and frozen section diagnoses
Authors: Yeh Yi‐Chen , Chou Teh‐Ying
Published: December 2013

Background and Objectives

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors have a prognostic spectrum including typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), small cell carcinoma (SCLC), and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). We conducted a retrospective study to compare their clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, preoperative biopsy and frozen section diagnoses, and prognosis.

Methods

Ninety cases of surgically treated pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors were studied. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using antibodies to chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and CD56. The preoperative biopsy and frozen section diagnoses were reviewed.

Results

The 5‐year survival rates for TC, AC, SCLC, and LCNEC were 96.6%, 66.7%, 42.4%, and 38.0%, respectively. T stage and pleural status correlated with outcome of SCLC and LCNEC, but N‐stage and overall TNM stage did not. In preoperative biopsy, accurate diagnosis was achieved in 5 of 11 TC, 2 of 4 AC, 6 of 15 SCLC, and 0 of 5 LCNEC cases. Using frozen sections, accurate diagnosis was achieved in 8 of 12 TC, 2 of 11 SCLC, and 0 of 11 LCNEC cases.

Conclusions

LCNEC was the most difficult to diagnose using either preoperative biopsy or frozen sections. T stage and pleural status can predict outcome of SCLC and LCNEC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:280–286. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mineralisation and Changes in the Fractions of Soil Organic Matter in Soils of the Permafrost Region, Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Fang Hongbing , Zhao Lin , Wu Tonghua , Li Ren , Ren Zhengwei , Pang Qiangqiang , Ding Yongjian
Published: December 2013

To determine the relationship between soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and chemistry in the permafrost region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), 300‐day laboratory incubations at 25°C and chemical fractionation were performed to characterise the mineralisation dynamics of organic carbon from soils under five vegetation conditions. The respiration rates in wet meadows were the highest, followed by the Kobresia pygmaea meadow and K. robusta meadow. After the incubation period, all four fractions of SOM – non‐polarity soluble, water soluble, holocellulose and lignin contents – showed some decline, and the SOM decreased by 16–20 per cent in soils of the steppe, meadow and wet meadow. These results suggest that a large proportion of the organic matter in soils of the permafrost region in the QTP is mineralisable. Based on the changes in chemical fractions of organic matter, it could be determined that soils with higher water‐soluble fractions had higher rates of carbon mineralisation, while the mechanisms involved in the respiration of different chemical fractions are complicated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Finding a Balance’ in Involving Patients in Goal Setting Early After Stroke: A Physiotherapy Perspective
Authors: Lloyd A. , Roberts A. R. , Freeman J. A.
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose

Collaborative goal setting (between patient and professional) confers benefits within stroke and neurological rehabilitation, and is recommended in clinical guidelines. However, evidence suggests that patient participation in rehabilitation goal setting is not maximized, particularly within the hospital setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate physiotherapists' perceptions about their experiences of collaborative goal setting with patients in the sub‐acute stages after stroke, in the hospital setting.

Methods

This qualitative study employed constructivist grounded theory methodology. Nine physiotherapists, of varying experience, were selected using purposive then theoretical sampling from three National Health Service hospital stroke units in England. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded and analysed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory to find common themes.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: 1) ‘coming to terms with stroke’ — the individual patient journey; 2) the evolution of goal setting skill — the individual physiotherapist journey; and 3) ‘finding a balance’ — managing expectations and negotiating interactions. A provisional grounded theory was constructed, which highlighted that, from the physiotherapists' perspective, collaboration with patients within goal setting early after stroke involved finding a balance between numerous different drivers, which have the potential to compete. Patient‐directed and therapist‐directed goal setting approaches could be viewed as opposite ends of a continuum, along which patient‐centred goal setting is possible.

Discussion

Physiotherapists perceived that collaborating with patients in goal setting was important but challenging. Goal setting interactions with other professionals, patients and families were perceived as complex, difficult and requiring significant effort. The importance of individuality and temporality were recognized suggesting that the goal setting approach needs to be adapted to the context and the individuals involved. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic and magnetic properties of iron adsorption on graphene with double hexagonal geometry
Authors: Naji Sufyan , Belhaj Adil , Labrim Hicham , Bhihi Mohamed , Benyoussef Abdelilah , El Kenz Abdallah
Published: December 2013

Motivated by recent experimental and theoretical works dealing with the silicene and the graphene materials and inspired from the root systems of Lie algebras, we study the electronic and the magnetic properties of the iron adatom adsorption on the graphene. The calculations have been performed using the density functional theory method. More precisely, the system we consider here consists of a static single layer of the graphene interacting with the iron atoms which are placed at hollow (H) sites and localized at a distance Δ along the normal direction. This system, involving the G2 hexagons appearing in the classification of rank two Lie symmetries, exhibits, up some details, a nice double hexagonal symmetry required by coverage of 0.666 monolayer placed at H sites. The resulting materials behave like ferromagnetic ones having a strong spin polarization, instead of gapless‐semiconductor with the nonmagnetic features appearing in the pure graphene. The responsible mechanism for such behaviors is the interaction between the iron atoms. It has been realized that there are two interaction types. The first one is associated with the direct interaction between the iron atoms, whereas the second one corresponds to the indirect interaction via the carbon atoms. Using the molecular field approximation, the Curie temperature has been estimated around 367 K. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmaceuticals in surface waters: sources, behavior, ecological risk, and possible solutions. Case study of Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Authors: Chèvre Nathalie
Published: December 2013

Nowadays, pharmaceuticals are present in surface waters as well as in groundwaters of developed countries. In the middle of Lake Geneva, for example, one of the largest European lakes, 14 pharmaceuticals are regularly detected in concentrations up to 0.37 µg/L. This pollution is due to the human consumption of drugs and also veterinary use and industrial releases during production. In the case of Lake Geneva, this latter pollution is significant for some specific compounds. But, as shown in this overview, environmental toxicity data are lacking for most of the pharmaceuticals detected in the aquatic environment. For example, the ecotoxicity of metformin, one of the main compounds detected in Lake Geneva, is mostly unknown for the moment. Furthermore, specific effects like endocrine disruption, genotoxicity, or antibioresistance induction, which may be expected because of the mode of action of some drugs, have not yet been investigated for aquatic species. Ecological risk assessment of pharmaceuticals is therefore tricky and most of the time is not feasible. Owing to this lack of knowledge, also due to high biological potency of the pharmaceuticals, it is critical to reduce the release of these compounds to the aquatic system. This may be achieved by ‘at source’ (e.g., urine collection) methods or ‘end of pipe’ (e.g., wastewater treatment) solutions. WIREs Water 2014, 1:69–86. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1006

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Water Quality
Peromyscus (deer mice) as developmental models
Authors: Vrana Paul B. , Shorter Kimberly R. , Szalai Gabor , Felder Michael R. , Crossland Janet P. , Veres Monika , Allen Jasmine E. , Wiley Christopher D. , Duselis Amanda R. , Dewey Michael J. , Dawson Wallace D.
Published: December 2013

Deer mice (Peromyscus) are the most common native North American mammals, and exhibit great natural genetic variation. Wild‐derived stocks from a number of populations are available from the Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center (PGSC). The PGSC also houses a number of natural variants and mutants (many of which appear to differ from Mus). These include metabolic, coat‐color/pattern, neurological, and other morphological variants/mutants. Nearly all these mutants are on a common genetic background, the Peromyscus maniculatus BW stock. Peromyscus are also superior behavior models in areas such as repetitive behavior and pair‐bonding effects, as multiple species are monogamous. While Peromyscus development generally resembles that of Mus and Rattus, prenatal stages have not been as thoroughly studied, and there appear to be intriguing differences (e.g., longer time spent at the two‐cell stage). Development is greatly perturbed in crosses between P. maniculatus (BW) and Peromyscus polionotus (PO). BW females crossed to PO males produce growth‐restricted, but otherwise healthy, fertile offspring which allows for genetic analyses of the many traits that differ between these two species. PO females crossed to BW males produce overgrown but severely dysmorphic conceptuses that rarely survive to late gestation. There are likely many more uses for these animals as developmental models than we have described here. Peromyscus models can now be more fully exploited due to the emerging genetic (full linkage map), genomic (genomes of four stocks have been sequenced) and reproductive resources.

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles

Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems
Management of Anastomotic Leak: Lessons Learned from a Large Colon and Rectal Surgery Training Program
Authors: Blumetti Jennifer , Chaudhry Vivek , Cintron Jose R. , Park John J. , Marecik Slawomir , Harrison Jacqueline L. , Prasad Leela M. , Abcarian Herand
Published: December 2013

Background

Anastomotic leak is a dreaded surgical complication that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, there is no consensus on the management of anastomotic leak. This study aimed to review the management of anastomotic leak in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at two institutions.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of all anastomotic leaks occurring after surgery in the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at two teaching institutions during 1997–2008.

Results

Altogether, 103 leaks occurred in 1,707 anastomoses (6 %), with a median time to diagnosis of 20 days (2–1,400 days). The 90‐day mortality rate was 3 %. The majority of cases were managed nonoperatively (73 %), and the majority of leaks were from an extraperitoneal anastomosis (67 %). Success (i.e., radiographic demonstration of a healed leak, restored gastrointestinal continuity) occurred in 54 % of operatively managed leaks and 57 % of nonoperatively managed leaks (56 % overall). Operative management differed by leak location. In 91 % of patients with intraperitoneal leaks, the anastomosis was resected. In 76 % of patients with extraperitoneal leaks, diversion and drainage alone was performed without manipulating the anastomosis. Nonoperative management was successful for 57 % of extraperitoneal leaks and 58 % of intraperitoneal leaks. There was no significant difference in the success rates based on type of management (operative/nonoperative) for either extraperitoneal or intraperitoneal leaks.

Conclusions

Anastomotic leak continues to result in patient morbidity and mortality. Its diverse presentation requires tailoring management to the patient. Nonoperative and operative treatments are viable options for intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal leaks based on patient presentation.
The Outcomes of Percutaneous Versus Open Placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Park Young Suk , Min Sang‐Il , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook‐Hwan , Min Seung‐Kee , Kim Suh Min , Ha Jongwon
Published: December 2013

Background

Peritoneal dialysis catheters (PDCs) can be inserted by a percutaneous, open surgical, or laparoscopic approach. Considerable controversy surrounds the mode of catheter placement and its impact on technical success. We compared the complications and survival characteristics of PDCs that were inserted by the open approach versus those inserted percutaneously.

Methods

We reviewed the outcomes of 167 patients who received PDCs between September 2009 and February 2012. Of these, 89 were placed percutaneously and 78 were placed by open surgical techniques. The mechanical complication rates, including catheter bleeding, wrapping, migration, leakage, and technical failure of intraperitoneal placement were compared between the two groups. Additionally, peritonitis episodes, exit site infection rates, and tunnel infection rates were compared between groups.

Results

The incidence of one or more previous intra‐abdominal surgeries was significantly higher in the open group (4.5 percutaneous vs 21.7 % open; P = 0.001). Although the overall number of complications did not differ between the two groups, the incidence of early mechanical complications (11.2 vs 0 %; P = 0.002) and the number of catheter removals due to mechanical complications (7.9 vs 1.3 %; P = 0.047) were higher in the percutaneous group. Of the 15 mechanical complications in the percutaneous group, one third were due to technical failures compared to none in the open group (5.6 vs 0 %; P = 0.034). The 1 year survival rate of the PDCs for the percutaneous and open groups was 89.9 and 93.3 %, respectively (P = 0.249).

Conclusions

The placement modality did not affect catheter survival. However, early mechanical complications, including technical failures, were more frequent in the percutaneous group, despite the proportion of patients with a history of one or more previous intra‐abdominal surgeries being significantly lower in that group. The direct visualized open method of catheter insertion may provide the most reliable and secure access for a PDC.
Morbidity of Chemotherapy Administration and Satisfaction in Breast Cancer Patients: A Comparative Study of Totally Implantable Venous Access Device (TIVAD) Versus Peripheral Venous Access Usage
Authors: Singh Kul Ranjan , Agarwal Gaurav , Nanda Gitika , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Amit , Verma Ashok K. , Mishra Saroj K. , Goyal Puneet
Published: December 2013

Background

This prospective, non‐randomized, comparative study evaluated morbidity of chemotherapy administration via a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) versus peripheral intravenous access (PIVA), and satisfaction in breast cancer patients in a limited‐resource setting.

Methods

Consecutive patients receiving chemotherapy via TIVAD (n = 114) or PIVA (n = 159) were studied. Venous access‐related events were recorded. Morbidity and satisfaction with TIVAD or PIVA as perceived by the patients were assessed using a specifically designed questionnaire, which patients filled after 1st cycle of, and after completion of all chemotherapy.

Results

Patients in the two groups were of comparable age, body mass index, and disease stage. Acceptance of TIVAD was higher in literate patients. TIVAD did not interfere with sleep or activities in 90 % of patients. The majority (81.2 %) were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome, 91.5 % would have TIVAD re‐inserted if the need arose, and 89.6 % would recommend it to others. Non‐fatal complications occurred in 16 patients, and TIVAD had to be removed prematurely in five patients. In the PIVA group, 40 % needed multiple needle pricks and 55.8 % developed thrombophlebitis or staining of arms. Drug extravasation and ulceration were suffered by 8.3 and 4.2 %, respectively. However, 78.3 % of patients reported no interference with daily activities and only 26 % would prefer a TIVAD. Those receiving more than six chemotherapy cycles were dissatisfied to a greater extent with PIVA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Breast cancer chemotherapy via TIVAD is safe and convenient and results in high satisfaction levels, although it involves additional expenditure. Chemotherapy via PIVA is acceptable, albeit with lower satisfaction, more so in those receiving more than six chemotherapy cycles.
Modified Laparoscopic Splenic Vessel‐Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy: Matador Assistance and Peel‐Away Technique
Authors: Suzuki Keiichi , Itano Osamu , Oshima Go , Osaku Masayoshi , Asanuma Fumiki , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: December 2013

Background

Laparoscopic splenic vessel‐preserving distal pancreatectomy (lap‐SVPDP) is a popular procedure in pancreatic surgery. However, postoperative complications include false aneurysms of the splenic artery, splenic vein stenosis and thrombosis, pancreatic fistulas, abscess, and perigastric varices.

Methods

Eight patients (three men, five women, average age 66.1 years) with benign tumors underwent lap‐SVPDP. Lap‐SVPDP was performed in the lithotomy position with the head slightly elevated. The splenic vein was peeled longitudinally toward the pancreatic tail. A vessel‐sealing system was used to detach the pancreatic body from the greater omentum, and the pancreas was transected using a surgical stapler.

Results

Mean operation time was 254 min; mean blood loss was 163 ml; and mean post‐surgical hospitalization time was 13 days. No postoperative bleeding from the preserved splenic vessels occurred, and there were no splenic infarcts or splenic abscesses.

Conclusions

For safe performance of lap‐SVPDP, the posterior surface of the pancreas should be completely exposed. The splenic vein should be ‘peeled away’, starting from its central rear, enabling easy detection of its course to avoid inadvertent sealing. With improved operational techniques, lap‐SVPDP can be adopted as a standard procedure in pancreatic surgery.
Low Nutritional Prognostic Index Correlates with Poor Survival in Patients with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Following Palliative Resection of the Primary Tumor
Authors: Maeda Kiyoshi , Shibutani Masatsune , Otani Hiroshi , Nagahara Hisashi , Sugano Kenji , Ikeya Teturo , Kubo Naoshi , Amano Ryosuke , Kimura Kenjiro , Muguruma Kazuya , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: December 2013

Background

We retrospectively investigated the prognostic significance of various clinicopathological factors and preoperative nutritional status to select patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) who will have a poor prognosis after palliative resection of the primary tumor.

Methods

A total of 100 stage IV CRC patients who underwent palliative resection were enrolled. Various clinicopathological factors and Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) were evaluated to identify any possible relationship with the prognosis.

Results

At the time of the analysis, 83 patients had died, and the median survival time was 21 months. Of the 100 patients, 24 had primary tumor‐related symptoms such as obstruction or bleeding. No significant correlation was noted between the OPNI and various clinicopathological factors. The multivariate analysis of patients without primary tumor‐related symptoms revealed that the OPNI was an independent prognostic factor. The overall survival of the low‐OPNI group was significantly worse than that of the high‐OPNI group.

Conclusions

This retrospective study suggested that patients with a low OPNI may not be candidates for palliative resection, because it provides no survival benefit to these patients.
Informing Children of Their Newborn Screening Carrier Result for Sickle Cell or Cystic Fibrosis: Qualitative Study of Parents’ Intentions, Views and Support Needs
Authors: Ulph Fiona , Cullinan Tim , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe
Published: December 2013

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease enables the early identification and treatment of affected children, prolonging and enhancing their quality of life. Screening, however, also identifies carriers. There are minimal or no health concerns for carriers. There are, however, potential implications when carriers reach reproductive age, and thus research attention has been given to how best to convey information about these implications in a meaningful, balanced way which does not raise undue anxieties. Most research focuses on the communication from health professional to parent, yet ultimately this information is of greatest significance to the child. This study examines parents’ intentions to inform their child of newborn screening carrier results. Semi‐structured interviews with 67 family members explored their intentions to inform the child, and related views and support needs. Parents almost unanimously indicated they planned to inform the child themselves. Health professionals were expected, however, to provide guidance on this process either to parents through advice and provision of written materials, or directly to the child. Although parents initially stated that they would convey the result once their child had developed the ability to understand the information, many appeared to focus on discrete life events linked to informed reproductive decision making. The results highlight ways in which health care providers may assist parents, including providing written material suitable for intergenerational communication and ensuring that cascade screening is accessible for those seeking it. Priorities for further research are identified in light of the results.
Determinants of tree survival at local scale in a sub‐tropical forest
Authors: Ma Lei , Chen Can , Shen Yong , Wu Lin‐Fang , Huang Zhong‐Liang , Cao Hong‐Lin
Published: December 2013

Tree survival is a critical driver of stand dynamics, influencing forest structure and composition. Many local‐scale drivers (tree size, abiotic and biotic factors) have been proposed as being important in explaining patterns of tree survival, but their contributions are still unknown. We examined the relative importance of these local drivers on tree survival using generalized linear mixed models in an old‐growth sub‐tropical forest in south China at three levels (community, guild, and species). Among the variables tested, tree size was typically the most important driver of tree survival, followed by abiotic and then biotic variables. Tree size has a strongly positive effect on tree survival for small trees (10–30 cm dbh) and shade‐tolerant tree species. Of the abiotic factors tested, elevation tended to be more important in affecting tree survival than other topographic variables. Abiotic factors generally influenced survival of species with relatively high abundances, for individuals in smaller size classes and for mid‐tolerant species. Among biotic factors, we found that the mortality of tree species was not driven by density‐ and frequency‐dependent effects in this sub‐tropical forest, as indicated by the results of both total basal area of neighbors and the proportion of conspecific neighbors in our study. We conclude that the relative importance of variables driving patterns of tree survival varied greatly among tree size classes, species guilds, shade tolerance, density, and abundance classes in this sub‐tropical forest. These results also provide critical information for future studies of forest dynamics and offer insight into forest management in this region.
Ca2+/H+ exchange, lumenal Ca2+ release and Ca2+/ATP coupling ratios in the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase
Authors: Inesi Giuseppe , Tadini‐Buoninsegni Francesco
Published: December 2013

The Ca2+ transport ATPase (SERCA) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays an important role in muscle cytosolic signaling, as it stores Ca2+ in intracellular membrane bound compartments, thereby lowering cytosolic Ca2+ to induce relaxation. The stored Ca2+ is in turn released upon membrane excitation to trigger muscle contraction. SERCA is activated by high affinity binding of cytosolic Ca2+, whereupon ATP is utilized by formation of a phosphoenzyme intermediate, which undergoes protein conformational transitions yielding reduced affinity and vectorial translocation of bound Ca2+. We review here biochemical and biophysical evidence demonstrating that release of bound Ca2+ into the lumen of SR requires Ca2+/H+ exchange at the low affinity Ca2+ sites. Rise of lumenal Ca2+ above its dissociation constant from low affinity sites, or reduction of the H+ concentration by high pH, prevent Ca2+/H+ exchange. Under these conditions Ca2+ release into the lumen of SR is bypassed, and hydrolytic cleavage of phosphoenzyme may yield uncoupled ATPase cycles. We clarify how such Ca2+pump slippage does not occur within the time length of muscle twitches, but under special conditions and in special cells may contribute to thermogenesis.
SUMOylation of RhoGDIα is required for its repression of cyclin D1 expression and anchorage‐independent growth of cancer cells
Authors: Cao Zipeng , Li Xueyong , Li Jingxia , Kang Beipei , Chen Jingyuan , Luo Wenjing , Huang Chuanshu
Published: December 2013

Selective activation of Rho GTPase cascade requires the release of Rho from RhoGDI (GDP‐dissociation inhibitors) complexes. Our previous studies identified RhoGDIα SUMOylation at Lys‐138 and its function in the regulation of cancer cell invasion. In the current study, we demonstrate that RhoGDIα SUMOylation has a crucial role in the suppression of cancer cell anchorage‐independent growth as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this suppression. We found that ectopic expression of RhoGDIα resulted in marked inhibition of an anchorage‐independent growth with induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, while point mutation of RhoGDIα SUMOylation at residue Lys‐138 (K138R) abrogated this growth suppression and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. Further studies showed that SUMOylation at Lys‐138 was critical for RhoGDIα down‐regulation of cyclin D1 protein expression and that MEK1/2‐Erk was a specific downstream target of SUMOylated RhoGDIα for its inhibition of C‐Jun/AP‐1 cascade, cyclin d1 transcription, and cell cycle progression. These results strongly demonstrate that SUMOylated RhoGDIα suppressed C‐Jun/AP‐1‐dependent transactivation specifically via targeting MEK1/2‐Erk, subsequently leading to the down‐regulation of cyclin D1 expression and anti‐cancer activity. Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the understanding of essential role of SUMOylation at Lys‐138 in RhoGDIα's biological function.
WOMEN'S MAWLID PERFORMANCES IN SANAA AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF “POPULAR ISLAM”
Authors: Katz Marion Holmes
Published: December 2013

Muslim women have often cultivated ritual activities that fall outside the framework of normative Islam as defined by elite male scholars, activities that are frequently characterized as “popular” Islam. Although it proves problematic to define “popular Islam” as a rigorous analytic category, it is important to recognize that different groups of Muslims (including the uneducated, the poor, rural populations, and women) have had differential ability to assert their religious practices as “correct” Islam. The idea of popular Islam has played an important role within Islamic tradition as scholars strove to stigmatize practices such as the mawlid (celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday) as customs of the unlettered masses. In contemporary Sanaa, Yemen, professional female mawlid chanters take different approaches to affirming the religious value of the mawlid celebration, one of which casts it as “folk Islam” in the context of a newly valorized national heritage.
MicroRNA-519a demonstrates significant tumour suppressive activity in laryngeal squamous cells by targeting anti-carcinoma HuR gene
Authors: Shen Z , Zhan G , Deng H , Ren Y , Ye D , Xiao B , Guo J
Published: December 2013

Objective:

This study investigated the expression and functional effects, and related molecular mechanisms, of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:

MicroRNA-519a and HuR messenger RNA in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MicroRNA-519a effects on the growth of human epithelial type 2 cells were tested using an MTT assay. The influence of microRNA-519a on the expression levels of HuR and other related genes in protein was tested by Western blotting. Cell cycle analyses were performed using flow cytometry. Associations between expression levels and patients' clinical parameters were analysed with Pearson correlation analysis.

Results:

Expression of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues was significantly lower than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The expression of microRNA-519a was negatively associated with histological differentiation, tumour–node–metastasis stage, lymphatic metastasis and disease-free survival time. After increasing the level of microRNA-519a in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma human epithelial type 2 cells, cell growth was inhibited and cell cycle was arrested in the G2/M phase. MicroRNA-519a down-regulated HuR gene expression in protein levels without affecting messenger RNA levels.

Conclusion:

MicroRNA-519a may function as a tumour suppressor by inhibiting HuR expression, and may serve as a therapeutic target for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
The power(s) of observation: theoretical perspectives on surveillance technologies and older people
Authors: MORTENSON W. BEN , SIXSMITH ANDREW , WOOLRYCH RYAN
Published: December 2013

There is a long history of surveillance of older adults in institutional settings and it is becoming an increasingly common feature of modern society. New surveillance technologies that include activity monitoring, and ubiquitous computing, which are described as ambient assisted living (AAL), are being developed to provide unobtrusive monitoring and support of activities of daily living and to extend the quality and length of time older people can live in their homes. However, concerns have been raised with how these kinds of technologies may affect user's privacy and autonomy. The objectives of this paper are (a) to describe the development of home-based surveillance technologies; (b) to examine how surveillance is being restructured with the use of this technology; and (c) to explore the potential outcomes associated with the adoption of AAL as a means of surveillance by drawing upon the theoretical work of Foucault and Goffman. The discussion suggests that future research needs to consider two key areas beyond the current discourse on technology and ageing, specifically: (a) how the new technology will encroach upon the private lived space of the individual, and (b) how it will affect formal and informal caring relationships. This is critical to ensure that the introduction of AAL does not contribute to the disempowerment of residents who receive this technology.
Living arrangements and loneliness of South Asian immigrant seniors in Edmonton, Canada
Authors: NG CHEUK FAN , NORTHCOTT HERBERT C.
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the relationships between self-reported loneliness and living arrangements. A structured questionnaire with some open-ended questions was administered face-to-face in English, Hindi or Punjabi to a sample of 161 elderly South Asian immigrants 60 or more years of age living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2003. The majority of respondents said that they never felt lonely. More than one in three (37.3%) respondents indicated that they felt lonely occasionally, frequently or all of the time. Those living alone were significantly more likely to report feeling lonely at least occasionally than were those living with others, especially those living with their spouse in an extended family. The fact that South Asian immigrant seniors typically lived with others, often in an extended family with or without their spouse, and rarely lived alone protected them to some extent from loneliness. However, our findings showed that among those living with others, it was the amount of waking time spent alone at home and the quality of family relationships rather than living arrangementper sethat significantly predicted self-reported loneliness. Nevertheless, living in a larger household was associated with spending less time alone. We discuss plausible influences of culture on expectations regarding family and social relationships and on the meaning of being alone, as well as practical implications for addressing loneliness in a multi-cultural society.
Homogenization of the spectral problem on the Riemannian manifold consisting of two domains connected by many tubes
Authors: Khrabustovskyi Andrii
Published: December 2013

The paper deals with the asymptotic behaviour as ε → 0 of the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator Δε on the Riemannian manifold Mε (dim Mε = N ≥ 2) depending on a small parameter ε > 0. Mε consists of two perforated domains, which are connected by an array of tubes of length qε. Each perforated domain is obtained by removing from the fixed domain Ω ⊂ ℝN the system of ε-periodically distributed balls of radius dε = ō(ε). We obtain a variety of homogenized spectral problems in Ω; their type depends on some relations between ε, dε and qε. In particular, if the limits

are positive, then the homogenized spectral problem contains the spectral parameter in a nonlinear manner, and its spectrum has a sequence of accumulation points.
A characterization of adequate semigroups by forbidden subsemigroups
Authors: Araújo João , Kinyon Michael , Malheiro António
Published: December 2013

A semigroup is amiable if there is exactly one idempotent in each ℛ*-class and in each ℒ*-class. A semigroup is adequate if it is amiable and if its idempotents commute. We characterize adequate semigroups by showing that they are precisely those amiable semigroups that do not contain isomorphic copies of two particular non-adequate semigroups as subsemigroups.
Continuity with change: The new editorial team and some new policies and procedures
Authors: ABUTALEBI JUBIN , CLAHSEN HARALD
Published: December 2013

Bilingualism: Language and Cognition (BLC) is now in its seventeenth year, and what started out as a new interdisciplinary journal dedicated to the study of bilingualism has now become the leading journal in its field. The first issue of BLC was published in 1998 with François Grosjean, Jürgen M. Meisel, Pieter Muysken and Judith Kroll as founding editors. Over the years, the editorship has passed to David Green, Ping Li and Carmen Silva-Corvalán, with Jürgen M. Meisel staying on. The journal has not merely survived for almost 17 years but has thrived, enjoying a steady increase in readership and submissions, suggesting that the interdisciplinary approach of the journal and the breadth of topics that it covers are hitting the mark. The 2013 impact factor mirrors this upsurge of interest: BLC's 2013 impact factor is quoted as 2.229, which makes it the 5th ranked out of 160 journals in linguistics and the 27th out of 83 experimental psychology journals. Hence it is a pleasure to report to the BLC readership that the journal is in excellent shape. This is primarily due to the outstanding dedication of the outgoing team of editors (Ping Li, David Green, Jürgen M. Meisel and Carmen Silva-Corvalán), to whom we would like to extend our gratitude. Under their tenure BLC has grown to be the leading journal in the field. We will continue to count on their advice.
A review of the Carboniferous lungfish genusCtenodusAgassiz, 1838 from the United Kingdom, with new data from an articulated specimen ofCtenodus interruptusBarkas, 1869
Authors: Sharp E. L. , Clack J. A.
Published: December 2013

A revision of the Carboniferous lungfish genusCtenodusis undertaken.Ctenodusis the longest-surviving genus of lungfish from the Carboniferous, and is the only one to cross the Lower–Upper Carboniferous boundary. Five species span the period, with species correlated to stage. Species are distinguished by differences in tooth plate morphology. Ridge number increases from the Tournaisian to the Moscovian, and the length to width ratio decreases. A new, almost complete articulated individual ofC. interruptusallows identification of this species from pterygoid tooth plates and other characteristics. These, and new features of the postcranial skeleton, are described for the first time.Ctenodusretains primitive features of the skull roof, such as a pair of C-bones and retention of a D-bone; its contemporariesConchopoma,SagenodusandStraitoniashow the derived condition of these features.Ctenodusretains primitive features of the lepidotrichia, which are distally segmented and bifurcated. However, it also shows the derived condition of the tail region in having a combined first and second dorsal fin: whether there was a separate caudal fin remains unknown.
A band notch UWB bandpass filter using dual-stub-loaded multimode resonator with embedded spiral resonator
Authors: Sarkar Pankaj , Rakshit Ishita , Adhikari Sharmili , Pal Manimala , Ghatak Rowdra
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a band-notched ultra-wideband bandpass filter by loading a short stub and an asymmetric step impedance stub in a uniform impedance resonator. The passband extends from 3.04 to 10.8 GHz frequency. The multimode resonator provides a sharp band edge with measured transmission zeros at 2.59 and 13 GHz. The later one is due to source load coupling. The passband insertion loss is within 1.5 dB. The embedded spiral resonator introduces a notch at 5.25 GHz with attenuation of 15 dB. The filter exhibits a wide stop band till 15 GHz. The in band and out of band performance obtained from full-wave electromagnetic simulation and measurement are in close agreement.
Ultra-compact high-performance filters based on TM dual-mode dielectric-loaded cavities
Authors: Pelliccia Luca , Cacciamani Fabrizio , Tomassoni Cristiano , Sorrentino Roberto
Published: December 2013

Ultra-compact band-pass filters with Nth-order pseudoelliptic response are presented allowing dramatic volume and mass savings (up to about 90%) compared to conventional filters at the price of a modest Q-factor reduction. TM dual-mode cavities loaded with high-permittivity (εr > 30) ceramic cylinders are employed, while non-resonating modes are used to create N transmission zeros symmetrically or non-symmetrically located in the pass-band. A single cavity behaves as a generalized doublet generating two transmission poles and two transmission zeros and is used as a basic building block for N-pole and N-zero filters with symmetric or asymmetric response. To prove the effectiveness of the approach, a very compact fourth-order filter with 4.35 GHz center frequency, four transmission zeros has been designed, fabricated, and tested showing an unloaded Q close to 2000. It is finally shown that the filter response can be shifted in frequency by simply replacing the dielectric material with another having different εr, so that the same metal enclosure can be used to realize various filters operating at different frequency bands.
Corporations, international crimes and national courts: a Norwegian view
Authors: O'Connor Simon
Published: December 2013

For a number of reasons, questions regarding the accountability of corporations for actions that might be complicit in the commission of international crimes have gained prominence in recent times. Though initiatives regarding what is more broadly described as business and human rights are to be welcomed, this sometimes distracts from existing systems of accountability, especially when those acts, which may be discussed as human rights violations, equally constitute crimes. Whilst not all criminal jurisdictions extend to legal persons, the Norwegian Penal Code does. This article analyses the Norwegian Penal Code's provisions, in light of amendments made to it in 2008 to include international crimes in it, with the effect of extending those crimes to corporations. The article first addresses the personal, material, temporal, and geographical scope of the penal code. It then addresses the potential consequence of the exercise of jurisdiction in light of the only case in recent times in Norway that deals explicitly with a corporation's potential criminal liability for war crimes. The article then addresses three additional issues with respect to provisions on complicity, intent, and defences under the Norwegian Penal Code, before concluding with some reflections on the possible future effects of this legislation and the possibility that it will inspire developments elsewhere.
Luftverschmutzung und Gesundheit – Optionen in der klinischen Beratung
Authors: Künzli Nino , Kutlar Joss Meltem
Published: December 2013

Das Verhalten kann die persönliche Schadstoffbelastung der Patienten mit beeinflussen. Aufenthaltsort – insbesondere die Wohnadresse –, zeitliche Faktoren sowie körperliche Aktivität sind die wichtigsten Einflussgrößen der individuellen Schadstoffbelastung. Verkehrsbedingte Primärschadstoffe (z. B. ultrafeine Partikel oder Dieselruß) sind entlang stark befahrener Straßen oft um ein vielfaches höher. Bereits 100 – 200 Meter weiter entfernt sinken diese auf die „städtische Hintergrundbelastung“ ab. Auch Morbidität und Mortalität folgen diesen räumlichen Verteilungsmustern. Je nach Lüftungsvorrichtung können die Belastungen in Innenräumen viel geringer sein. Studien aus China belegen, dass das Tragen von Schutzmasken in extrem belasteten Städten die entzündlichen und kardiovaskulären Folgen einschränken kann. Auch vitaminreiche Ernährung kann die Wirkungen der oxidativen und inflammatorischen Schadststoffe hemmen. Medikamente, welche mit den für die Schadstoffwirkungen relevanten Mechanismen interagieren (z. B. Leukotrienrezeptor-Antagonisten und Statine) dürften die Wirkungen der Luftverschmutzung ebenfalls einschränken. Ein quantitativer Vergleich mit den gesundheitlichen Wirkungen des Rauchens oder mit akuten Risikofaktoren, welche – wie die Luftverschmutzung – Herzinfarkte verursachen, verdeutlicht ein wichtiges Paradoxon: das individuelle (beeinflussbare) Risiko ist relativ gering; die auf die gesamte Bevölkerung hochgerechneten Folgen der Luftverschmutzung sind aber erheblich. Konsequente und nachhaltige Luftreinhaltepolitik bleibt die wirksamste Prävention der durch die Luftverschmutzung verursachten Krankheiten.
Auswirkung von elektromagnetischen Feldern auf die Gesundheit
Authors: Röösli Martin
Published: December 2013

Wenig ist bekannt wie stark wir im Alltag durch elektromagnetische Felder (EMF) exponiert sind und wie vergleichbar die Strahlung vom eigenen Handy mit der Basisstation auf dem Nachbardach ist. Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf gesundheitliche Auswirkungen betreffen in erster Linie Langzeitfolgen. Aufgrund der großen Verbreitung und Nutzung von drahtlosen Kommunikationstechniken sind selbst allfällige individuell kleinen Risiken für die Gesellschaft von Bedeutung.
Eine Analyse der individuellen Wahrnehmungs- und Bewältigungsstrategien von Menschen mit Demenz im Frühstadium ihrer Erkrankung unter Beachtung der Funktion und Wirksamkeit von Selbsthilfegruppen auf der Grundlage von Selbstäußerungen
Authors: Panke-Kochinke Birgit
Published: December 2013

Das gesellschaftliche Bild eines Menschen mit Demenz im Frühstadium der Erkrankung, ist getragen von einem impliziten Widerspruch: es handelt sich um Menschen, die im Prinzip (noch) selbstbestimmt denken und handeln können, die aber genau dabei Hilfe von außen benötigen. Selbsthilfegruppen stellen eine mögliche Form der Unterstützung dar. Es ist die Frage zu beantworten, wie sich Menschen mit Demenz im Frühstadium ihrer selbst wahrnehmen und welchen Einfluss die Intervention einer Selbsthilfegruppe auf ihr Selbstkonzept hat. Es wurden bisher insgesamt fünf Gruppendiskussionen und acht narrative biografisch orientierte Interviews durchgeführt. Folgende Ergebnisse für Menschen mit Demenz sind festzuhalten: Sie sehen sich Entmündigungsprozessen durch Menschen in ihrem sozialen Umfeld ausgesetzt. In den Selbsthilfegruppen werden demgegenüber Prozesse der Anerkennung der eigenen Person als chronisch kranker Mensch gefördert. Zwei Schlussfolgerungen für den Umgang mit Menschen mit Demenz und die Ausgestaltung von Hilfestrukturen sind zu ziehen: Formen der Entmündigung von außen gilt es abzubauen. Selbsthilfegruppen in einer unterstützenden Funktion sollten dementsprechend die bisherige Angebotsstruktur für Menschen mit Demenz ergänzen.