bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of an 8 hour flight on haematological variables used in the athletes' biological passport of WADA
Authors: Voss S C , Alsayrafi M , Alsowaidi N , Elzain Elgingo M , Bourdon P , Robinson N , Sottas P E , Klodt F , Nonis D , Schumacher Y O
Published: November 2011

WADA's biological passport uses Hb and Ret% as markers for detection of blood doping. Athletes often have to travel long distances when they go for competition or training camps. Thus it is a legitimate discussion if the influence of travelling has a significant impact on these markers. For that reason the aim of this study was to investigate Hb and Ret% before and after a day of travelling including a flight of 8 h. 15 male endurance athletes performed a 14 h journey including an 8 h flight. Hydration status, bodyweight and fluid intake was controlled. Blood was sampled in the morning and evening of day 1 and day 2 for interday comparisons and to control if intraday fluctuations are a result of travelling or circadian rhythm. Day 1 The subject`s bodyweight did not show a significant difference between the two timepoints of day 11, with 72.9±5.9 kg in the morning and 72.5±5.8 kg in the evening. The subjects showed a positive fluid balance of 982±780 ml. Hb showed a significant decrease from 14.5±0.6 g/dl to 14.0±0.6 g/dl while Ret% remained unchanged (1.09±0.25% vs 1.03±0.29%). Day 2 The bodyweight of the subjects was 71.9±5.8 kg in the morning and 72.9±5.7 kg in the evening. The fluid balance was 407±908 ml. The high SD is a sign that some of the subjects had a negative fluid balance, which was the case for four subjects. Hb showed a significant decrease from 14.9±0.6 g/dl to 14.2±0.5 g/dl while Ret% remained unchanged (1.03±0.30% vs 1.06±0.32%). The homeostasis of the human body regarding its fluid balance and hydration remains stable during changing environmental conditions which occur at a typical travel day including an 8 h flight. We conclude that an 8 h flight does not change the haematological variables used in the biological passport in a bigger range than by circadian fluctuations. Thus blood samples after flights up to 8 h can be used for the interpretation in antidoping.
Voluntary fluid intake in the cold
Authors: Mears S A , Shirreffs S M
Published: November 2011

When exercising in a cold environment, fluid losses can occur via sweat, cold induced diuresis and respiration but failure to replace lost fluid is common in the cold due to a blunted thirst response (Keneficket al.Med Sci Sports Exerc2004;36;1528–34). This study assessed voluntary fluid intake and measures of hydration status following moderate intensity exercise in the cold. Ten healthy males (age 22±2 years, mass 67.8±7.0 kg, height 1.77±0.06 m, VO2peak60.5±8.9 ml.kg.min-1) completed two trials following familiarisation separated by 7–14 days. In each trial, subjects sat for 30 min before cycling at 70% VO2peakfor 60 min in either 25.0±0.1°C, 50.8±1.5% RH (warm) or 0.4±1.0°C, 68.8±7.5% RH (cold). Subjects then sat for 120 min at 22.2±1.2°C, 50.5±8.0% RH.Ad libitumdrinking was allowed during the exercise and recovery periods. Urine volume, body mass, serum osmolality and Na and K concentrations and sensations of thirst were measured at baseline, postexercise and after 60 and 120 min of the recovery period. Sweat loss was lower in the cold trial (0.48±0.15 l vs 0.96±0.18 l) (p<0.0001) but body mass losses over the trials were similar: 1.15±0.34% versus 1.03±0.26% for cold and warm trials respectively. More fluid was consumed in the warm trial (0.81±0.42 l) compared to the cold (0.50±0.49 l) (p=0.001) replacing 51±17 and 33±27% of the total fluid lost respectively (p=0.013). Cumulative urine output was greater in the cold trial (0.81±0.46 vs 0.54±0.31 l) (p=0.036). Serum osmolality, Na and K concentrations, thirst sensations and plasma volume changes were not different between trials (p>0.05). Postexercise serum osmolality was higher compared to baseline in the cold (292±2 vs 287±3 mOsm.kg-1, p<0.0001) and warm trials (288±5 vs 285±4 mOsm.kg-1; p=0.048). Voluntary fluid intake was less in the cold environment, however in both the warm and cold environment,ad libitumfluid intake, combined with fluid losses, resulted in similar changes in body mass.
The comparison between individual 2D modelling and experimental data in squat jumps
Authors: Cimadoro G , Babault N , Alberti G , Van Hoecke J , Minetti A E
Published: November 2011

Intra-individual simulation needs accurate data about actuators (muscles) and force transmission (bones, joints) for obtaining accurate predictions. That work preludes to a more comprehensive 2D jump simulator, dealing with the estimation of squat jump parameters based on maximum torque measurements. An individual male athlete was investigated. The maximum torque (T, Nm) of hip, knee and ankle joints extensor muscles was measured by a dynamometer (Quickset 4, Biodex Medical System In., US) at different angles (φ, deg) and at different positive and negative angular speed (ω, deg/s). After correcting the positional data for real bone alignment (Tsaopouloset al.2011), a suitable equation describing the 3D surface (T vsφ vs ω) of each muscle group. The subject was also tested for vertical ground reaction force and kinematics during maximal squat jumps and during 1RM ‘half back squat', starting at 90° knee angle. The predicted outcomes were obtained by a software simulation of squat jump (Working Model 2D, Knowledge Revolution, US) where the model included anthropometric and inertial characteristics of body segments according to Chandler (1975), with a delay among actuators following Pandyet al(1991). Simulation versus experimental data showed that the model accurately reproduces: a) half back squat 1RM (1374 vs 1422–1511 N range), and b) maximal squat jump (peak force of 2009 vs 1580–1965 N range, toe-off speed of 2.17 vs 2.12 m/s, jump height 0.23 vs 0.23 m, respectively). The model was further tested by allowing different start angles of the jump. As expected, results showed a decrease of the toe-off speed as the knee angle increases. A more comprehensive model including the effect of elastic structures in the limbs (tendons, foot arch, etc) and measured anthropometric values will provide more accuracy. From the comparison between detailed model outcomes and subject performance, the effects of a given athlete conditioning strategy will be tested.
Current perceptions of the UK population regarding the frequency of sports injuries, their long term consequences, particularly osteoarthritis and current care pathways for their management
Authors: Grice A , Conaghan P G
Published: November 2011

Regular participation in physical activity and sport increases exposure to injury risk. While there are increasing recommendations to exercise or partake in sport, little is known of the frequency of sports injuries for the general public and their understanding of the consequences of such injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of sports injuries, understanding of their potential consequences and current care pathways for their management. An online survey of 1002 non-elite sports participants explored the hypothesis. The survey recruited physically active participants who exercised three or more times a week. In addition, three 90 min focus group discussions were conducted which included a mix of eight male and female participants aged between 25 and 50 years who trained two, three and four times a week and had suffered a sports related injury during the past two years. The survey revealed that 56% of active participants reported sustaining an injury they believed to be connected to sport or exercise. Participants displayed little or no awareness of osteoarthritis as a long term consequence of sports injuries. Most participants sought advice from general practitioners but they were perceived as gatekeepers to secondary care. More specialised practitioners such as physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons are considered more able to effectively treat sports related injuries but long referral times were a problem. Sports and exercise injuries are common among sports participants in the general public. The current lack of awareness of OA as a long term consequence needs to be addressed so sports participants know the importance of engaging in sport in a safe and enjoyable environment. The current perceptions regarding care pathways is that the NHS incurs long referral times with no guarantee of seeing a practitioner who is adequately trained in musculoskeletal medicine when compared to private practice.
The efficacy of patellar taping in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Balachandar V , Barton C , Morrissey D
Published: November 2011

Pain reduction through patella taping has been hypothesised to be achieved via changes to neuromuscular control and/or patellofemoral joint (PFJ) kinematics. Considering the high number of recent publications, a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of patellar taping on pain, neuromuscular control and PFJ kinematics is warranted. MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception until February 2011 for randomised studies evaluating the effects of patellar taping on pain, neuromuscular control, and/or PFJ kinematics in individuals with PFPS. All potential publications were assessed by 2 independent reviewers for inclusion and quality using the Downs and Black Quality Index. Ten studies were included for final review. Two studies investigated medium to longer term effects of taping on pain (4 to 52 weeks), and eight studies investigated the immediate effects of taping on pain, neuromuscular control, and/or PFJ kinematics. Effect size calculations showed that perceived pain was reduced at four weeks by medially directed taping in combination with exercise. In the immediate term, medially directed patellar taping reduced pain during functional tasks. Patellar taping was found to reduce vastus medialis (VMO) to vastus lateralis (VL) ratio, and produce earlier vastus medialis oblique (VMO) activation. Patellar taping provides an effective means of pain relief in PFPS in the immediate term. Additionally, further high quality randomised trials with long term follow-up evaluating the efficacy of patellar taping as an adjunct or alternative treatment to other evidence based interventions is needed. Possible neuromuscular mechanisms behind patellar taping efficacy may be reduced levels and earlier onsets of VMO activity. There is a paucity of research evaluating the effects of patellar taping on PFJ kinematics.
Generalised ligament laxity in patients admitted with severe back pain
Authors: Akhtar M A , Clark A , Ayana G , Smith S
Published: November 2011

Back pain is common in athletes and different risk factors are known to aggravate it. This study was performed to assess the incidence of generalised ligament laxity in patients admitted with severe back pain. Prospective data was collected for patients admitted with severe back pain between Jan 2011 and March 2011 including demographic details, MRI scan findings and generalised ligament laxity. Clinical examination was used to assess the ligament laxity using the Beighton score. Laxity is scored on a 0–9 scale. Scores of 4 or above are indicative of generalised ligament laxity. There were 11 patients with a mean age of 46 years (range 33–63). There were 8 female (73%) and 3 (27%) male patients. The average Beighton score for these patients was 2 with a range from 0 to 8. 4 patients (36%) were involved in sporting activities. 6 patients (55%) had nerve root compression (Group A) on the MRI scan as compared to 5 patients (45%) with normal MRI scan (Group B). All patients who played sport were in Group A and had nerve root compression on the MRI scan. 2 patients (33%) in Group A, who played sport, had a Beighton score of 4 or more indicating generalised ligament laxity as compared to no patient in Group B. We found that there was a high incidence (33%) of generalised ligament laxity in patients who played sport and were admitted with severe back pain due to nerve root compression on MRI scan. Appropriate advice should be given to athletes about the risks of back pain and nerve root compression in later life.
Synthesis of novel porphyrin and chlorin phosphonic acids and their immobilization on metal oxides
Authors: Erbacher Martin , Montforts Franz-Peter
Published: November 2011

In this study an easy and flexible access to porphyrin and chlorin phosphonic acids is presented. Novel types of phosphonic acid terminated porphyrins and chlorins were synthesized starting from commercially available red blood pigment hemin chloride. Phosphonic acid groups were linked to the porphyrinoids by amide coupling via appropriate spacer moieties. Self-assembled monolayers of the synthesized phosphonates on mesoporous TiO2 electrodes of approximately 3 μm thickness were formed. Surface concentrations in a range of 1 to 4 × 10-8 mol.cm-2 could be determined by UV-vis spectroscopy.
GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE OF A ROTATING CYLINDRICAL NULL SHELL IN THE COSMIC STRING SPACETIME
Authors: KHAKSHOURNIA S.
Published: November 2011

We study the gravitational collapse of a rotating cylindrical null shell with flat interior and the metric of a spinning cosmic string as the exterior. We see that there is a critical radius, where the energy density of the shell vanishes and beyond which it would be negative, thereby signaling that the matching would be unphysical.
ON THE EQUATIONS OF STATE FOR THE QUANTUM VACUUM TERMS
Authors: PELINSON ANA M. , SHAPIRO ILYA L.
Published: November 2011

The conformal anomaly provides a useful tool for deriving vacuum effective action. Such contributions to the gravitational action lead to the exponential inflation, similar to the cosmological constant term. In the presence of a background electromagnetic field, there is no exponential solution, including the case when the the anomaly-induced correction in the electromagnetic sector is taken into account. In this contribution we explore the role of the anomaly-induced terms in the form of "equation of state" in both gravitational and radiation sectors. Furthermore, we derive the scaling laws for these terms for the dS, radiation and matter-dominated cases.
Altered neurotransmitter release machinery in mice deficient for the deubiquitinating enzyme Usp14
Authors: Bhattacharyya Bula J. , Wilson Scott M. , Jung Hosung , Miller Richard J.
Published: November 2011

Homozygous ataxic mice ( ax J) express reduced levels of the deubiquitinating enzyme Usp14. They develop severe tremors by 2–3 wk of age, followed by hindlimb paralysis, and death by 6–8 wk. While changes in the ubiquitin proteasome system often result in the accumulation of ubiquitin protein aggregates and neuronal loss, these pathological markers are not observed in the ax J mice. Instead, defects in neurotransmission were observed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems of ax J mice. We have now identified several new alterations in peripheral neurotransmission in the ax J mice. Using the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique on diaphragm muscles of ax J mice, we observed that under normal neurotransmitter release conditions ax J mice lacked paired-pulse facilitation and exhibited a frequency-dependent increase in rundown of the end plate current at high-frequency stimulation (HFS). Combined electrophysiology and styryl dye staining revealed a significant reduction in quantal content during the initial and plateau portions of the HFS train. In addition, uptake of styryl dyes (FM dye) during HFS demonstrated that the size of the readily releasable vesicle pool was significantly reduced. Destaining rates for styryl dyes suggested that ax J neuromuscular junctions are unable to mobilize a sufficient number of vesicles during times of intense activity. These results imply that ax J nerve terminals are unable to recruit a sufficient number of vesicles to keep pace with physiological rates of transmitter release. Therefore, ubiquitination of synaptic proteins appears to play an important role in the normal operation of the neurotransmitter release machinery and in regulating the size of pools of synaptic vesicles.
The physiology and pathophysiology of the neural control of the counterregulatory response
Authors: Beall Craig , Ashford Michael L. , McCrimmon Rory J.
Published: November 2011

Despite significant technological and pharmacological advancements, insulin replacement therapy fails to adequately replicate β-cell function, and so glucose control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is frequently erratic, leading to periods of hypoglycemia. Moreover, the counterregulatory response (CRR) to falling blood glucose is impaired in diabetes, leading to an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. It is now clear that the brain plays a significant role in the development of defective glucose counterregulation and impaired hypoglycemia awareness in diabetes. In this review, the basic intracellular glucose-sensing mechanisms are discussed, as well as the neural networks that respond to and coordinate the body's response to a hypoglycemic challenge. Subsequently, we discuss how the body responds to repeated hypoglycemia and how these adaptations may explain, at least in part, the development of impaired glucose counterregulation in diabetes.
Frequency dependence of vestibuloocular reflex thresholds
Authors: Haburcakova Csilla , Lewis Richard F. , Merfeld Daniel M.
Published: November 2011

How the brain processes signals in the presence of noise impacts much of behavioral neuroscience. Thresholds provide one way to assay noise. While perceptual thresholds have been widely investigated, vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) thresholds have seldom been studied and VOR threshold dynamics have never, to our knowledge, been reported. Therefore, we assessed VOR thresholds as a function of frequency. Specifically, we measured horizontal VOR thresholds evoked by yaw rotation in rhesus monkeys, using standard signal detection approaches like those used in earlier human vestibular perceptual threshold studies. We measured VOR thresholds ranging between 0.21 and 0.76°/s; the VOR thresholds increased slightly with frequency across the measured frequency range (0.2–3 Hz). These results do not mimic the frequency response of human perceptual thresholds that have been shown to increase substantially as frequency decreases below 0.5 Hz. These reported VOR threshold findings could indicate a qualitative difference between vestibular responses of humans and nonhuman primates, but a more likely explanation is an additional dynamic neural mechanism that does not influence the VOR but, rather, influences perceptual thresholds via a decision-making process included in direction recognition tasks.
Task-dependent coordination of rapid bimanual motor responses
Authors: Dimitriou Michael , Franklin David W. , Wolpert Daniel M.
Published: November 2011

Optimal feedback control postulates that feedback responses depend on the task relevance of any perturbations. We test this prediction in a bimanual task, conceptually similar to balancing a laden tray, in which each hand could be perturbed up or down. Single-limb mechanical perturbations produced long-latency reflex responses (“rapid motor responses”) in the contralateral limb of appropriate direction and magnitude to maintain the tray horizontal. During bimanual perturbations, rapid motor responses modulated appropriately depending on the extent to which perturbations affected tray orientation. Specifically, despite receiving the same mechanical perturbation causing muscle stretch, the strongest responses were produced when the contralateral arm was perturbed in the opposite direction (large tray tilt) rather than in the same direction or not perturbed at all. Rapid responses from shortening extensors depended on a nonlinear summation of the sensory information from the arms, with the response to a bimanual same-direction perturbation (orientation maintained) being less than the sum of the component unimanual perturbations (task relevant). We conclude that task-dependent tuning of reflexes can be modulated online within a single trial based on a complex interaction across the arms.
Nonlinear Gravitoelectrostatic Sheath Fluctuation in Solar Plasma
Authors: Karmakar P. K.
Published: November 2011

The nonlinear normal mode dynamics is likely to be modified due to nonlinear, dissipative, and dispersive mechanisms in solar plasma system. Here we apply a plasma-based gravitoelectrostatic sheath (GES) model for the steady-state description of the nonlinear normal mode behavior of the gravitoacoustic wave in field-free quasineutral solar plasma. The plasma-boundary wall interaction process is considered in global hydrodynamical homogeneous equilibrium under spherical geometry approximation idealistically. Accordingly, a unique form of KdV-Burger (KdV-B) equation in the lowest-order perturbed GES potential is methodologically obtained by standard perturbation technique. This equation is both analytically and numerically found to yield the GES nonlinear eigenmodes in the form of shock-like structures. The shock amplitudes are determined (~0.01 V) at the solar surface and beyond at 1 AU as well. Analytical and numerical calculations are in good agreement. The obtained results are compared with those of others. Possible results, discussions, and main conclusions relevant to astrophysical context are presented.
Impact of Vanadium Complexes Treatment on the Oxidative Stress Factors in Wistar Rats Plasma
Authors: Francik R. , Krośniak M. , Barlik M. , Kudła A. , Gryboś R. , Librowski T.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of vanadium complexes on triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (Chol), uric acid (UA), urea (U), and antioxidant parameters: nonenzymatic (FRAP—ferric reducing ability of plasma, and reduced glutathione—GSH) and enzymatic (glutathione peroxidase—GPx, catalase—CAT, and GPx/CAT ratio) activity in the plasma of healthy male Wistar rats. Three vanadium complexes: [VO(bpy)2]SO4⋅2H2O, [VO(4,4′Me2bpy)2]SO4⋅2H2O, and Na[VO(O2)2(bpy)]⋅8H2O are administered by gavage during 5 weeks in two different diets such as control (C) and high fatty (F) diets. Changes of biochemical and antioxidants parameters are measured in plasma. All three vanadium complexes statistically decrease the body mass growth in comparison to the control and fatty diet. In plasma GSH was statistically increased in all vanadium complexes-treated rats from control and fatty group in comparison to only control group. Calculated GPX/CAT ratio was the highest in the control group in comparison to others.
What Is Safe Limit of the Perforator Flap in Lower Extremity Reconstruction? Do We Have Answers Yet?
Authors: Panse Nikhil S. , Bhatt Yogesh C. , Tandale Mangesh S.
Published: November 2011

We make an attempt to define the safe extent of local perforator flap for lower limb reconstruction by comparing it with the limb length of the patient. The maximum flap length from the perforator was compared to the limb length in 35 patients using EPI info 6.04 D software. On comparison of flaps that were less than one-third of limb length to those which were more than one-third of limb length, the statistical values were significant. The odds ratio calculated was 6, which means that there is a six times more chance that a local perforator flap will necrose if it is more than one-third of the limb length as compared to a flap which is less than one-third of the limb length.
Partial Inner Product Spaces: Some Categorical Aspects
Authors: Antoine Jean-Pierre , Lambert Dominique , Trapani Camillo
Published: November 2011

We make explicit in terms of categories a number of statements from the theory of partial inner product spaces (‐spaces) and operators on them. In particular, we construct sheaves and cosheaves of operators on certain ‐spaces of practical interest.
Direction and Stability of Bifurcating Periodic Solutions in a Delay‐Induced Ecoepidemiological System
Authors: Bairagi N.
Published: November 2011

A SI‐type ecoepidemiological model that incorporates reproduction delay of predator is studied. Considering delay as parameter, we investigate the effect of delay on the stability of the coexisting equilibrium. It is observed that there is stability switches, and Hopf bifurcation occurs when the delay crosses some critical value. By applying the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, the explicit formulae which determine the stability and direction of the bifurcating periodic solutions are determined. Computer simulations have been carried out to illustrate different analytical findings. Results indicate that the Hopf bifurcation is supercritical and the bifurcating periodic solution is stable for the considered parameter values. It is also observed that the quantitative level of abundance of system populations depends crucially on the delay parameter if the reproduction period of predator exceeds the critical value.
The Use of Medicinal Plants by Migrant People: Adaptation, Maintenance, and Replacement
Authors: Medeiros Patrícia Muniz de , Soldati Gustavo Taboada , Alencar Nélson Leal , Vandebroek Ina , Pieroni Andrea , Hanazaki Natalia , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: November 2011

Given the importance of studying the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of migrant communities to understand the dynamics of plant resource use, we reviewed the scientific literature concerning the use of medicinal plants by migrant populations engaged in international or long-distance migrations. We considered the importance of two processes: (1) adaptation to the new flora of the host country (i.e., substitution and incorporation of plants in the pharmacopoeia) and (2) continued use and acquisition of the original flora from migrants' home countries (i.e., importation, cultivation, and/or continued use of plants that grow in both host and home environments). We suggest that, depending on the specific context and conditions of migration, different processes that determine the use and/or selection of plants as herbal medicines may become predominant.
The Inverse Problem for a General Class of Multidimensional Hyperbolic Equations
Authors: Aldashev Gani , Aldashev Serik A.
Published: November 2011

Inverse problems for hyperbolic equations are found in geophysical prospecting and seismology, and their multidimensional analogues are especially important for applied work. However, whereas results have been established for the some narrow classes of hyperbolic equations, no results exist for more general classes. This paper proves the solvability of the inverse problem for a general class of multidimensional hyperbolic equations. Our approach consists of properly choosing the shape of the overidentifying
condition that is needed to determine the right‐hand side of the hyperbolic PDE and then applying the Fourier series method. We are then able to establish the results of the existence of solution for the cases when the unknown right‐hand side is time‐ independent or space independent.
Improved Potential Energy Surface of Ozone Constructed Using the Fitting by Permutationally Invariant Polynomial Function
Authors: Ayouz Mehdi , Babikov Dmitri
Published: November 2011

New global potential energy surface for the ground electronic state of ozone is constructed at the complete basis set level of the multireference configuration interaction theory. A method of fitting the data points by analytical permutationally invariant polynomial function is adopted. A small set of 500 points is preoptimized using the old surface of ozone. In this procedure the positions of points in the configuration space are chosen such that the RMS deviation of the fit is minimized. New ab initio calculations are carried out at these points and are used to build new surface. Additional points are added to the vicinity of the minimum energy path in order to improve accuracy of the fit, particularly in the region where the surface of ozone exhibits a shallow van der Waals well. New surface can be used to study formation of ozone at thermal energies and its spectroscopy near the dissociation threshold.
Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 Positivity as a Predictor of Poor Survival in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Horiguchi Akio , Asano Takako , Ito Keiichi , Asakuma Junichi , Sato Akinori , Yoshii Hidehiko , Hayakawa Masamichi , Sumitomo Makoto , Asano Tomohiko
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a chaperone for newly formed proteins during folding and glycosylation, is associated with resistance to apoptosis in some forms of cancer. We assessed GRP78 expression and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters and survival. Patients and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens: 128 primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens (120 conventional and 8 other cell types) and 9 metastatic specimens. GRP78 positivity was determined based on intensity of staining and percentage of cells stained. Correlation of GRP78 positivity with clinicopathological parameters including patients’ survival was evaluated. Results: A statistically significant association was found between GRP78 positivity and higher tumor grade (G3; p <0.0001), advanced T stage (≧pT3; p = 0.0002), lymphovascular invasion (positive; p <0.0001), regional nodal involvement (≧N1; p = 0.0086), and distant metastases at presentation (M1; p = 0.001). Positivity of GRP78 expression was significantly associated with shorter disease-specific survival and shorter progression-free survival. Cox proportional hazard model showed that strong GRP78 positivity was an independent predictor of shortened progression-free survival in N0M0 RCC patients. Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between GRP78 expression levels and aggressiveness of RCC. Increased expression of GRP78 might be a useful parameter to predict shortened survival in patients with RCC.
Active Hexose Correlated Compound Inhibits the Expression of Proinflammatory Biomarker iNOS in Hepatocytes
Authors: Matsui K. , Ozaki T. , Oishi M. , Tanaka Y. , Kaibori M. , Nishizawa M. , Okumura T. , Kwon A.-H.
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: Excess production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated as proinflammatory biomarker in liver injury. The application of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a functional food in complementary and alternative medicine has increased. The possibility that AHCC might inhibit iNOS induction was investigated as a potential liver-protective effect. Methods: Hepatocytes were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and cultured. Primary cultured hepatocytes were treated with interleukin-1β in the presence or absence of AHCC-sugar fraction (AHCC-SF). Results and Conclusion: AHCC-SF inhibited the production of NO and reduced expressions of iNOS mRNA and its protein. AHCC-SF had no effects on either IĸB degradation or nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-ĸB) activation. In contrast, AHCC-SF inhibited the upregulation of type I interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RI) through the inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Transfection experiments with iNOS promoter-luciferase constructs revealed that AHCC-SF reduced the levels of iNOS mRNA at both promoter transactivation and mRNA stabilization steps. AHCC-SF inhibited the expression of iNOS gene antisense transcript, which is involved in iNOS mRNA stabilization. These findings demonstrate that AHCC-SF suppresses iNOS gene expression through a IĸB/NF-ĸB-independent but Akt/IL-1RI-dependent pathway, resulting in the reduction of NO production. AHCC-SF may have therapeutic potential for various liver injuries.
Increased secretion of Gas6 by smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerotic carotid plaques
Authors: Meilhac Olivier , Bièche Ivan , Raynal Pierre , Bruneval Patrick , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Borgel Delphine , Clauser Sylvain
Published: November 2011

Vitamin K-dependent protein Gas6 (growth-arrest specific gene 6) plays a role in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) survival and migration, as well as in endothelium and leukocyte activation, and could therefore be involved in atherosclerosis. However, the study of mouse models has led to contradictory results regarding the pro- or anti-atherogenic properties of Gas6, and relatively few data are available in human pathophysiology. To better understand the implication of Gas6 in human atherosclerosis, we studied Gas6 expression and secretion in vitro in human VSMC, and analysed the effect of Gas6 on inflammatory gene expression in these cells. We show that Gas6 secretion in VSMC is strongly induced by the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)β, and that VSMC stimulation by recombinant Gas6 decreases the expression of inflammatory genes tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. The study of Gas6 expression in human carotid endarterectomy samples revealed that Gas6 is mainly expressed by VSMC at all stages of human atherosclerosis, but is not detected in normal vessel wall. Analysis of plaque secretomes showed that Gas6 secretion is markedly higher in non-complicated plaques than in complicated plaques, and that TGFβ secretion pattern mirrors that of Gas6. We conclude that Gas6 is secreted in human atherosclerotic plaques by VSMC following stimulation by TGFβ, and that Gas6 secretion decreases with plaque complication. Therefore, we propose that Gas6 acts as a protective factor, in part by reducing the pro-inflammatory phenotype of VSMC.
Prognostic importance of preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E. , Arsenault Kyle A. , Whitlock Richard , Eikelboom John W. , Yusuf Arif M.
Published: November 2011

It was the objective of this study to obtain best estimates of the prevalence of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients not suspected to have clinical heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) prior to undergoing cardiac surgery and to determine whether preoperative antibody status and antibody class is predictive of postoperative thromboembolic outcomes, non-thromboembolic outcomes, length of stay, and mortality. PubMed and EMBASE online databases were searched up to July 2011, and we included studies involving adults undergoing cardiac surgery examining the relationship between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies (ELISA) and postoperative clinical outcomes. Five studies involving a combined total of 2,332 patients met our inclusion criteria. Preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies were detected in 5–22% of patients. No study demonstrated an association between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and postoperative thromboembolic outcomes or mortality. Three studies demonstrated a statistically significant association between preoperative anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and length of stay while two showed an association with non-thromboembolic complications. In the one study that examined outcomes by anti-PF4/heparin antibody class, IgM antibodies predicted non-thromboembolic complications and length-of-stay. None of the studies reported prior heparin exposure, and most studies did not examine the relationship of the absolute value of antibody titres (ELISA OD) and risk, nor the incidence of true/clinical HIT in preoperative positive or negative patients. In conclusion, pre-formed anti-PF4/heparin antibodies are common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but the available literature does not support that they predict postoperative thromboembolic complications or death. There does appear to be an association between anti-PF4/heparin antibodies and non-thromboembolic adverse events, but a causal relationship is unlikely.
Neisseria meningitidis induces platelet inhibition and increases vascular endothelial permeability via nitric oxide regulated pathways
Authors: Siauw Celine , Gambaryan Stepan , Hebling Sabrina , Speer Christian , Schubert-Unkmeir Alexandra , Kobsar Anna , Eigenthaler Martin
Published: November 2011

Despite antibiotic therapy, infections with Neisseria meningitidis still demonstrate a high rate of morbidity and mortality even in developed countries. The fulminant septicaemic course, named Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome, with massive haemorrhage into the adrenal glands and widespread petechial bleeding suggest pathophysiological inhibition of platelet function. Our data show that N. meningitidis produces the important physiological platelet inhibitor and cardiovascular signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO), also known as endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). N. meningitidis-derived NO inhibited ADPinduced platelet aggregation through the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) followed by an increase in platelet cyclic nucleotide levels and subsequent activation of platelet cGMP- and cAMP- depend- ent protein kinases (PKG and PKA). Furthermore, direct measurement of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) passage through a vascular endothelial cell monolayer revealed that N. meningitidis significantly increased endothelial monolayer permeability. Immunfluorescence analysis demonstrated NO dependent disturbances in the structure of endothelial adherens junctions after co-incubation with N. meningitidis. In contrast to platelet inhibition, the NO effects on HBMEC were not mediated by cyclic nucleotides. Our study provides evidence that NO plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of septicaemic meningococcal infection.
The structure-function relationship of activated protein C
Authors: Wildhagen Karin , Lutgens Esther , Loubele Sarah , Cate Hugo ten , Nicolaes Gerry
Published: November 2011

Protein C is the central enzyme of the natural anticoagulant pathway and its activated form APC (activated protein C) is able to proteolyse non-active as well as active coagulation factors V and VIII. Proteolysis renders these cofactors inactive, resulting in an attenuation of thrombin formation and overall down-regulation of coagulation. Presences of the APC cofactor, protein S, thrombomodulin, endothelial protein C receptor and a phospholipid surface are important for the expression of anticoagulant APC activity. Notably, APC also has direct cytoprotective effects on cells: APC is able to protect the endothelial barrier function and expresses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Exact molecular mechanisms have thus far not been completely described but it has been shown that both the protease activated receptor 1 and EPCR are essential for the cytoprotective activity of APC. Recently it was shown that also other receptors like sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1, Cd11b/CD18 and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGFlike domains 2 are likewise important for APC signalling. Mutagenesis studies are being performed to map the various APC functions and interactions onto its 3D structure and to dissect anticoagulant and cytoprotective properties. The results of these studies have provided a wealth of structure-function information. With this review we describe the state-of-the-art of the intricate structure-function relationships of APC, a protein that harbours several important functions for the maintenance of both humoral and tissue homeostasis.

Lessons from natural and engineered mutations
Reply to “Comments on ‘Tornado Risk Analysis: Is Dixie Alley an Extension of Tornado Alley?’”
Authors: Dixon P. Grady , Mercer Andrew E.
Published: November 2011

No abstract available.
Charting the Tibet Issue in the Sino–Indian Border Dispute
Authors: Topgyal Tsering
Published: November 2011

In official quarters in Beijing and New Delhi, the Tibet issue figures only as a bargaining chip to ‘regulate’ their bilateral relations, not as an issue that has an independent bearing on the intractability or resolution of the Sino–Indian border dispute. Scholars of the Sino–Indian border dispute either dismiss the relevance of the Tibet issue or treat it as only a prop in their framing of the dispute in terms of security, nationalism and great power rivalry. This article argues that the Tibet issue is more central to the border dispute than official and scholarly circles have recognised so far. The article demonstrates this through an examination of the historical roots of the border row, the centrality of Tibet and Tibetans in the boundary claims of both Beijing and New Delhi and the revelation of concurrent historical developments in the border dispute and the Sino–Tibetan conflict. On the place of Tibet in broader Sino–Indian relations, the article posits that while Tibet was a victim of India’s moralistic–idealist policies toward China in the 1950s, it has now become a victim of the new realism pervading India’s policy of engaging and emulating China in the post-Cold War era.
For a New Kind of ‘Forward Policy’
Authors: Jacob Jabin T.
Published: November 2011

This paper argues that more than their boundary dispute, it is the place of Tibet in the Sino–Indian relationship that is at the core of the continuing mistrust between the two countries. For China, pushing economic development as a panacea to ethnic grievances has been an insufficient strategy. To ensure sustainable political stability in Tibet, it is necessary to give India greater space in Tibet in the form of improved economic, tourist and religious exchanges as a way of relieving the sense of cultural siege that ethnic Tibetans suffer from. India meanwhile, having accepted Chinese sovereignty over Tibet, will have to reciprocate with a new ‘forward policy’ of its own allowing for greater Chinese access to its own markets and the removal of other discriminatory restrictions on Chinese travelling to India. The way ahead lies in converting Tibet’s political centrality into an economic centrality in the Sino–Indian bilateral relationship.
The Variable Impacts of Public Housing Community Proximity on Nearby Street Robberies
Authors: Haberman Cory P. , Groff Elizabeth R. , Taylor Ralph B.
Published: November 2011

Objectives:

Use crime pattern theory to investigate the proximity effects of public housing communities on robbery crime while taking into account the presence of nearby nonresidential facilities.

Method:

The study uses data describing 41 Philadelphia public housing communities and their surrounds. Surrounds are defined using two increments of street block-sized buffers. Multilevel models (buffer areas nested around public housing communities) allowing the proximity effect to vary across communities and predicting its shape with public housing level predictors are estimated.

Results:

The multilevel models show that the shape of proximity effects varies across public housing communities and depends on community size, even after factoring in presence of nonresidential facilities. Spatially, multiple public housing communities close to one another have more intense robbery patterns.

Conclusions:

Labeling all public housing communities as equally criminogenic robbery exporters is unwarranted. In fact, some communities have lower robbery counts than the areas surrounding them. Consequently, effectively addressing robbery in and around public housing communities will require careful consideration of where the problem is located. Locating public housing communities more than two blocks apart may reduce robbery.
Freshman Transition for At-Risk Students
Authors: Montgomery Glade T. , Hirth Marilyn A.
Published: November 2011

This mixed methods study examines the impact of a freshmen transition program for at-risk students at a large urban high school. The overall experiences of the participants affirmed that transition programs for at-risk students must provide a sense of belonging, teachers must be able to build strong relationships with students, and life-skills should be an essential component. This study has implications for schools who are presently implementing a freshmen transition program, or for school districts investigating the possibility of adopting such a curriculum.
David, Jether, and Child Soldiers
Authors: Bosworth David A.
Published: November 2011

David’s enthusiasm for killing ‘this uncircumcised Philistine’ (1 Sam. 17.26, 36) contrasts with Jether’s refusal to kill Zebah and Zalmunah (Judg. 8.20). David’s victory over Goliath lives in cultural memory as a famous victory of youth over experience and weakness over strength. Jether’s reluctance to kill is almost entirely forgotten. The widespread celebration of the youthful David’s heroics overlooks aspects of the text that characterize David negatively, implicitly denigrates Jether, and tacitly endorses child soldiering. This article contrasts David and Jether and correlates their narratives with information about child soldiers in ancient Israel and the modern world.
2 Kings 13: A Cluster of Hope in God
Authors: Olley John W.
Published: November 2011

2 Kings 13 has a cluster of theological vocabulary and motifs that occur only here in Kings (and sometimes only here in all the Former Prophets): the cycle of Judges, the description of Yahweh as ‘gracious and compassionate’ and reference to the covenant with ‘Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’. The cluster, including the narration of the unusual interaction between Jehoash and Elisha and of the corpse that came to life on touching Elisha’s bones, points to a message of hope for Israel. The message is reinforced by similarly unusual features in 2 Kgs 14.23-29, the account of Jeroboam II and mention of the prophet Jonah. The future, even beyond the death of exile, depends not on a change of behaviour by Israel, but on the grace of God who delivers.
A field study to estimate the vertical gas diffusivity and permeability of compacted MSW using a barometric pumping analytical model
Authors: Larson Judd , Kumar Sendhil , Gale S Adrian , Jain Pradeep , Townsend Timothy
Published: November 2011

The measurement of vertical gas diffusivity and permeability of compacted municipal solid waste (MSW) using an analytical gas flow and transport model was evaluated. A series of pressure transducers were buried in a MSW landfill and in situ pressures were modelled using an algorithm that predicts soil-gas pressures based on field-measured barometric pressure data and vertical diffusivity. The vertical gas diffusivity that represented the best-fit of the measured pressures was estimated at 20 locations and ranged from 0.002 to 0.052 m2 s−1. The vertical gas permeability ranged from 3.3 × 10−14 to 4.5 × 10−12 m2 for the upper-most 3 to 6 m of compacted MSW. The shortfalls of applying this method to landfill conditions are also discussed.
Estimation of cost reduction and increase for the final disposal associated with the categorization of inert waste landfills in Japan
Authors: Nakayama Hirofumi , Tsuchida Daisuke , Shimaoka Takayuki
Published: November 2011

This study estimates the overall cost savings that have been realized due to disposal of inert wastes in Japan because this material has been deposited in inert waste landfills (IWLs) that are designed exclusively for this purpose, instead of being co-dipsosed with organic wastes in more costly in sanitary landfills (SLs). The total realized cost savings were based on the disposed volume of inert waste and the actual disposal fees for IWLs and SLs for the period 1977–2006. The estimated reduction in expense is 4748 billion JPY for the period. On the other hand, if organic wastes had been deposited in IWLs along with inert wastes, costs would be incurred to clean up the sites because the surrounding environment may be polluted by the decomposition of the non-inert wastes and considerable efforts probably would be required to restore the polluted environment to its normal condition (this is because IWLs typically do not have a barrier system.) The potential cleanup cost was estimated to be 616 to 1226 billion JPY. These estimated costs were compared and it was found that the net reduction in expense was 3522 billion to 4122 billion JPY. Although the expense was reduced substantially, it was noted that a considerable cleanup cost would be generated. In particular, it was found that the increase in cleanup costs becomes most significant after the late 1990s