bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Application of Four‐Dimensional Sonography with B‐Flow Imaging and Spatiotemporal Image Correlation in the Assessment of Fetal Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Hongmei Wu , Ying Zhang , Ailu Cai , Wei Sun
Published: March 2012

Aims: To evaluate the role of four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound with B‐flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the evaluation of normal fetal heart and congenital heart disease during pregnancy. Methods: Volume data sets of the fetal heart were acquired with automated transverse and longitudinal sweeps of the anterior chest wall. We studied 31 normal fetuses and 28 fetuses with congenital heart disease (6 with double‐outlet right ventricle, 5 with complete transposition of great arteries, 8 with tetralogy of Fallot, 3 with right aortic arch, 2 with persistent left superior vena cava, 3 with truncus arteriosus communis, and 1 with interruption of aortic arch) at gestation ages ranging from 18 to 39 weeks using transabdominal 4D B‐flow sonography with STIC (4D BF‐STIC). Results: Four‐dimensional BF‐STIC demonstrated dynamic angiographic features in both normal and abnormal fetal hearts. Four‐dimensional BF‐STIC images could not be obtained in two normal fetuses at 18.9 and 35.6 weeks because of the high fetal heart rate and inappropriate fetal position. Of the other 29 fetuses all extracardiac vessels such as aorta, pulmonary artery, ductus arteriosus, inferior vena cava, and ductus venosus could be detected on reconstructed images. In seven normal cases, a 4D image was recorded to allow simultaneous visualization of all four pulmonary veins. In the 28 fetuses with cardiac anomalies, 4D sonography with B‐flow imaging and STIC detected the “digital casts” of the outflow tracts, great arteries, and veins draining into the heart. These results demonstrate spatial relationship among these structures which provide important anatomical information. Conclusion: Four‐dimensional BF‐STIC provides a means of real time three‐dimensional evaluation of fetal extracardiac hemodynamics in the second and third trimesters. This novel technique assists in the evaluation of fetal cardiac hemodynamics and may play an important role in future fetal cardiac research and in the identification of anatomical features of different congenital cardiac anomalies. (Echocardiography 2012;29:614‐619)
Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension Causes Significant Interventricular Spatiotemporal Dyssynchrony When Onset of Diastolic Flow Signals Are Assessed by Color M‐Mode
Authors: López‐Candales Angel , Edelman Kathy
Published: March 2012

Background: Color M‐mode (CMM) has been useful in characterizing left ventricular (LV) relaxation as well as providing information regarding right ventricular (RV) filling dynamics and pressure gradients. The spatiotemporal resolution of CMM offers a unique opportunity to study the effect of chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) on biventricular diastolic function. Methods: Propagation velocities of LV and RV diastolic flows were obtained from 20 individuals with normal pulmonary artery systolic pressures, designated Group I (mean age 50 ± 12 years and 32 ± 6 mmHg) and from 30 patients with cPH, designated Group II (mean age 55 ± 14 years and 81 ± 25 mmHg). Results: Group II patients not only had a significant difference between RV and LV onset of early (13 ± 55 vs. −223 ± 333 msec; P < 0.003) and late (−494 ± 467 vs. −125 ± 258 msec; P < 0.001) diastolic flows; but also had lower propagation velocities of the main RV (40 ± 10 vs. 28 ± 10 cm/sec; P < 0.0001) and LV (52 ± 11 vs. 37 ± 15 cm/sec; P < 0.0003) diastolic flows than Group I individuals. Conclusions: It appears that cPH disrupts not only RV and LV diastolic signal distribution but also their temporal occurrence as well as reducing the propagation velocities of the main diastolic signals in both ventricles. These results seem to imply that cPH causes significant interventricular diastolic dyssynchrony and further studies are now needed to correlate these findings with regard to symptoms and patient clinical outcomes. (Echocardiography 2012;29:653–660)
Clientelism or Something Else? Squatter Politics in Montevideo
Authors: Alvarez Rivadulla María José
Published: March 2012

Through the in-depth ethnographic study of one squatter neighborhood in Montevideo and its leader’s political networks, this article illustrates a successful strategy through which some squatter neighborhoods have fought for their right to the city. This consists of opportunistic, face-to-face relationships between squatter leaders and politicians of various factions and parties as intermediaries to get state goods, such as water, building materials, electricity, roads, and ultimately land tenure. Through this mechanism, squatters have seized political opportunities at the national and municipal levels. These opportunities were particularly high between 1989 and 2004, years of great competition for the votes of the urban poor on the periphery of the city, when the national and municipal governments belonged to opposing parties. In terms of theory, the article discusses current literature on clientelism, posing problems that make it difficult to characterize the political networks observed among squatters.
Mara Salvatrucha: The Most Dangerous Street Gang in the Americas?
Authors: Wolf Sonja
Published: March 2012

Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), founded in 1980s Los Angeles by Salvadoran immigrant youth, is today one of the largest street gangs in North and Central America. In recent years the group has acquired a reputation for extreme brutality and has ostensibly mutated into a fast-expanding, transnational organized crime network with possible ties to international terrorists. Drawing on key concepts in gang research and multiple methodological tools, this article seeks to sharpen understanding of MS-13’s structure and activities. While the group is active in many countries, it is transnational only in a symbolic manner, not in its configuration or span of authority. Impelled largely by Central American gang-suppression policies, MS-13 has evolved from a traditional street gang into a group with organized crime characteristics, but it remains a social phenomenon rooted in urban marginality. Ultimately, a more nuanced picture of Mara Salvatrucha can inform the search for more effective gang policies.
Cocaine’s Long March North, 1900–2010
Authors: Gootenberg Paul
Published: March 2012

This essay charts the entanglements and “blowback” effects of U.S. policy toward Latin American drug exports over the last century as the backdrop to today’s cascading drug violence in northern Mexico. The history of cocaine reveals a series of major geopolitical shifts (closely related to U.S. interdictionist drug war policies) that bring drug commodity chains, illicit trafficking centers, and conflicts, over the long run, closer to the United States. It analyzes shifts from initial legal cocaine and small-time postwar smuggling of the central Andes to the concentrating 1970s–1990s “cartel” epicenter in northern Andean Colombia, to the 1990s political shift north to Mexican transhipment and organizational leadership. Violence around cocaine has intensified at every step, and the present conflict portends another shift in the chain.
High Piezoelectric Properties of KNN‐Based Thick Films with Abnormal Grain Growth
Authors: Han Guifang , Ryu Jungho , Ahn Cheol‐Woo , Yoon Woon‐Ha , Choi Jong‐Jin , Hahn Byung‐Dong , Kim Jong‐Woo , Choi Joon‐Hwan , Park Dong‐Soo
Published: March 2012

Over 10 μm‐thick (K,Na)NbO3 KNN‐based films doped with complex‐perovskite‐materials (CPs) were deposited on platinized sapphire substrates by aerosol deposition (AD). Three CPs were selected: Ba(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BCN), Cu(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 (CCN), and Sr(Cu1/3Nb2/3)O3 (SCN). The films of 0.985(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3‐0.015CPs (KNN‐CPs) were post annealed at 1050°C for 1 h in air without any serious phase decomposition. The microstructure showed abnormal grain growth due to Cu‐rich liquid phase. The KNN–BCN film had the largest abnormal grain size of over 10 μm, whereas the KNN–SCN film had the smallest grain size and also the smallest frequency of abnormal grains. All the films exhibited typical characteristics of ferroelectric hysteresis similar to those of the bulk materials without any leakage. The KNN–BCN films possessing the biggest abnormal grains also exhibited the highest density, piezoelectric constant, and piezoelectric voltage constant of 110 pC/N and 15.45 × 10−3 Vm/N, respectively, which are the highest values reported so far for KNN‐based films. This indicated that KNN‐CPs lead‐free films are suitable candidates for sensor applications.
Population dynamics of an expanding passerine at the distribution margin
Authors: Karvonen Juhani , Orell Markku , Rytkönen Seppo , Broggi Juli , Belda Eduardo
Published: March 2012

Individuals may be maladapted to novel environments at the species’ distribution margin. We investigated population dynamics in a marginal habitat where reproduction has been proven poor. Survival, population growth rate (λ) and its components, breeding and natal dispersal were studied in great tits Parus major breeding at the northern margin of its distribution in northern Finland. We used long term capture–mark–recapture data sets. Study area size and population density were used to explain adult survival rates. The average annual estimates of adult survival rose from 0.371 to 0.388 between the periods of 1971–1984 and 1999–2009. The estimates are slightly lower than estimates of small passerines in Europe. Low local survival rate of fledglings (0.050–0.055) probably reflects intensified emigration from this low quality area. Temporal variation in λ was large (0.498–1.856). Despite of low adult survival and recruitment rates, the mean estimates of λ (1.008 and 1.033) indicate an overall stability in the population size. Indeed, our results suggest that the immigration has an important role in the population dynamics of northern great tits. Thus the population is demographically and genetically dependent on core habitats which may cause adaptive problems due to intensive gene flow. Given those limitations, options for evolution of local adaptations in northern distribution margins are discussed.
IL‐27 acts as a priming signal for IL‐23 but not IL‐12 production on human antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Zeitvogel Jana , Werfel Thomas , Wittmann Miriam
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  IL‐27 belongs to the IL‐12 family of cytokines and has been described not only to support T‐cell polarization along the Th1 lineage, but also to induce important anti‐inflammatory responses in later phases of inflammation. We and others have previously shown that the cytokine IL‐27 has an important impact on the chronic manifestation of inflammatory skin diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to specify the effects of IL‐27 on the human antigen‐presenting cell (APC) subtype inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDEC), which are known to play an important role in eczema. IDEC and blood‐derived human macrophages were generated from human peripheral blood and stimulated with IL‐27. Functional responses of the cells were analysed by intracellular cytokine staining, ELISA and FlowCytomix. IL‐27 was found to be the only IL‐12 family member that acts on human APC as a priming signal for IL‐23 but not IL‐12 production. We confirmed for macrophages that IL‐27 limits lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐10 production and detected the same tendency for IDEC. Furthermore, we showed that this also applies to CD40L‐induced IL‐10 expression in both investigated human APC subsets. We demonstrate that IL‐27 exerts pro‐inflammatory effects on human APC in particular in the context of a range of bacterial‐derived TLR ligands. Hence, our study builds upon the idea that IL‐27 exerts a pro‐inflammatory effect on innate immune and tissue‐resident cells and may drive eczematous reaction – in particular in the context of bacterial superinfection – towards a chronic phase.
A Small Peptide Sequence is Sufficient for Initiating Kinesin‐1 Activation Through Part of TPR Region of KLC1
Authors: Kawano Takanori , Araseki Masahiko , Araki Yoichi , Kinjo Masataka , Yamamoto Tohru , Suzuki Toshiharu
Published: March 2012

Kinesin‐1 anterogradely transports vesicles containing cargo proteins when a protein–protein interaction activates it from an inhibited state. The C‐terminal cytoplasmic region of kinesin‐1 cargo protein Alcadeinα (Alcα) interacts with the KLC1 subunit's tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) region, activating kinesin‐1's association with vesicles and anterograde transport. We found that either of two 10‐amino‐acid WD motifs in Alcα cytoplasmic region was necessary and sufficient to initiate this activation. An artificial transmembrane protein containing either WD motif induced kinesin‐1's vesicular association and anterograde transport in a KLC‐dependent manner, even in the normally inhibiting presence of excess KLC1, thus allowing us to analyze the KLC1 TPR‐WD functional interaction in detail in vivo. A part of TPR region was dispensable for the WD motifs' activation of kinesin‐1 and transport, indicating that only part of the TPR structure is required for this function in vivo. For a different kinesin‐1 cargo protein, JIP1, an 11‐amino‐acid C‐terminal region was sufficient to recruit KLC1 to vesicles, but did not activate transport. These observations suggest that structurally different TPR‐interacting peptides may have different effects on kinesin‐1. This mechanism may partly explain how kinesin‐1 can organize the transport of a wide variety of cargo molecules.
Genetic manipulation of STEP reverses behavioral abnormalities in a fragile X syndrome mouse model
Authors: Goebel‐Goody S. M. , Wilson‐Wallis E. D. , Royston S. , Tagliatela S. M. , Naegele J. R. , Lombroso P. J.
Published: March 2012

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and prevailing known genetic basis of autism, is caused by an expansion in the Fmr1 gene that prevents transcription and translation of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP binds to and controls translation of mRNAs downstream of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation. Recent work shows that FMRP interacts with the transcript encoding striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP; Ptpn5). STEP opposes synaptic strengthening and promotes synaptic weakening by dephosphorylating its substrates, including ERK1/2, p38, Fyn and Pyk2, and subunits of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and AMPA receptors. Here, we show that basal levels of STEP are elevated and mGluR‐dependent STEP synthesis is absent in Fmr1KO mice. We hypothesized that the weakened synaptic strength and behavioral abnormalities reported in FXS may be linked to excess levels of STEP. To test this hypothesis, we reduced or eliminated STEP genetically in Fmr1KO mice and assessed mice in a battery of behavioral tests. In addition to attenuating audiogenic seizures and seizure‐induced c‐Fos activation in the periaqueductal gray, genetically reducing STEP in Fmr1KO mice reversed characteristic social abnormalities, including approach, investigation and anxiety. Loss of STEP also corrected select nonsocial anxiety‐related behaviors in Fmr1KO mice, such as light‐side exploration in the light/dark box. Our findings indicate that genetically reducing STEP significantly diminishes seizures and restores select social and nonsocial anxiety‐related behaviors in Fmr1KO mice, suggesting that strategies to inhibit STEP activity may be effective for treating patients with FXS.
The neural correlates of self-paced finger tapping in bipolar depression with motor retardation
Authors: Liberg Benny , Adler Mats , Jonsson Tomas , Landén Mikael , Rahm Christoffer , Wahlund Lars-Olof , Kristoffersen-Wiberg Maria , Wahlund Björn
Published: March 2012

Objective

Motor retardation is a characteristic feature of bipolar depression, and is also a core feature of Parkinson's disease. Within the framework of the functional deafferentiation theory in Parkinson's disease, we hypothesised that motor retardation in bipolar depression is mediated by disrupted subcortical activation, leading to decreased activation of cortical motor areas during finger tapping.

Methods

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate neural activity during self-paced finger tapping to elucidate whether brain regions that mediate preparation, control and execution of movement are activated differently in subjects with bipolar depression (n = 9) compared to healthy controls (n = 12).

Results

An uncorrected whole-brain analysis revealed significant group differences in dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Corrected analyses showed non-significant differences in patients compared to controls: decreased and less widespread activation of the left putamen and left pallidum; increased activity in the left thalamus and supplementary motor area; decreased activation in the left lateral pre- and primary motor cortices; absence of activation in the pre-supplementary motor area; activation of the bilateral rostral cingulate motor area.

Conclusion

Both movement preparation and execution may be affected in motor retardation, and the activity in the whole left-side motor circuit is altered during self-initiated motor performance in bipolar depression.
RDS – CPAP or surfactant or both
Authors: Bohlin Kajsa
Published: March 2012

There is mounting evidence that early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) from birth is feasible and safe even in very preterm infants. However, many infants will develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and require surfactant treatment. Combining a non‐invasive ventilation approach with a strategy for surfactant administration is important, but questions remain about the optimal timing, mode of delivery and the value of predictive tests for surfactant deficiency.

Conclusion:  Early CPAP in very preterm infants is as safe as routine intubation in the delivery room. However, a strategy for surfactant administration should be part of a non‐invasive ventilation approach for those infants at risk of developing significant RDS.’
Inotropes in preterm infants – evidence for and against
Authors: Cox David J , Groves Alan M
Published: March 2012

There is significant uncertainty regarding the optimal circulatory management of preterm infants, with research in the field limited by the paucity of safe, reproducible biomarkers of circulatory function. This review discusses the physiology and pathophysiology of circulatory function in preterm infants, describes the mode of action and evidence for and against commonly used and recently trialled inotropic therapies and provides recommendations for managing circulatory dysfunction in the transitional period and in the context of sepsis/necrotizing enterocolitis. We recommend a pragmatic approach of assessing multiple aspects of circulatory function (blood pressure alone correlates weakly with volume of flow) in each infant, tailoring therapy on the basis of the change in function desired and frequently reassessing response to intervention.
Evidence‐based approach to preventing central line‐associated bloodstream infection in the NICU
Authors: Stevens Timothy P , Schulman Joseph
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To review care practices and methods of implementation that reduce the risk of central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

Methods:  Medical and quality improvement‐oriented literature was reviewed.

Results:  Although effective catheter practices, equipment and staff training methods are available to reduce CLABSI, their implementation is often difficult.

Conclusion:  A successful CLABSI reduction programme requires not only identification of best practices but also understanding of the specific context or unit culture into which they will be introduced.
Bone Healing after Tooth Extraction with or without an Intervention: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Morjaria Kushel R. , Wilson Ron , Palmer Richard M.
Published: March 2012

Objectives: To assess whether the use of a graft and/or membrane post‐tooth extraction improves healing of the site dimensionally, radiographically, and/or histologically.

Materials and Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE and the Cochrane Central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL) were searched up until August 2011. Randomized controlled trials that included and compared healing post‐tooth extraction between a control (no intervention) and a graft and/or membrane (test) were selected.

Results: Titles and abstracts of 2,861 papers were screened. A total of 42 papers were selected for full text reading. Nine papers met the eligibility criteria and were selected for further analysis. Because of the varying graft materials used and the different methods of investigation, as well as the variation in follow‐up times, a meta‐analysis was not possible. The present review found that clinically, there was a range in loss of width in the control sites of 2.46 mm (SD 0.4 mm) to 4.56 mm (SD 0.33 mm) compared to 1.14 mm (SD 0.87 mm) to 2.5 mm (SD 1.2 mm) in the test sites. The range in loss of height in control sites was 0.9 mm (SD 1.6 mm) to 3.6 mm (SD 1.5 mm) compared to a gain of 1.3 mm (SD 2 mm) to a loss of 0.62 mm (SD 0.51 mm) in test sites. Radiographically a range of change in bone height of between 0.51 mm (No SD) to 1.17 mm (SD 1.23 mm) was noted in control sites compared to a change of between 0.02 mm (SD 1.2 mm) and 1 mm (SD 1.4 mm) in test sites.

Conclusion: There is limited data regarding the effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation therapies when compared to the control. Overall the socket intervention therapies did reduce alveolar ridge dimensional changes post‐extraction, but were unable to prevent resorption. Histology did demonstrate a large proportion of residual graft material that may account for some of the difference in alveolar ridge dimensions at follow up.
Presurgical Planning in Implant Restorations: Correct Interpretation of Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography for Improved Imaging
Authors: KOURTIS S. , SKONDRA E. , ROUSSOU I. , SKONDRAS E. V.
Published: March 2012

Contemporary implant dentistry is a primarily prosthetically driven treatment. The implant position is defined during the diagnostic phase, and the radiographic guide (template) indicates accurately the area of concern on the cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT is an essential diagnostic key to a successful treatment plan in many cases.

The aim of this paper was to underline the importance of proper alignment of the scanning levels in CBCT in order to avoid distorted cross‐sectional images.

As demonstrated with two clinical cases in this preliminary study, the initial scanning images of the CBCT must be drawn parallel to the occlusal plane, as defined by the diagnostic wax‐up of the final restoration. The radiographic template offers valuable information about the planned location and inclination of the implant and the restoration. Proper image reconstruction following the dental scan can contribute significantly to accurate cross‐sectional images and detailed presurgical planning.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

CBCT is important for presurgical planning in many implant cases. Although the precision of computer tomography in dentistry has been documented in experimental studies, the influence of the inclination of the scanning level to the accuracy of the cross‐sectional images has not been clearly shown. Using the occlusal plane as a reference point can result in more accurate cross‐sectional images.

(J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2012)
Significance of the conformation of building blocks in curing of barnacle underwater adhesive
Authors: Kamino Kei , Nakano Masahiro , Kanai Satoru
Published: March 2012

Barnacles are a unique sessile crustacean that attach irreversibly and firmly to foreign underwater surfaces. Its biological underwater adhesive is a peculiar extracellular multi‐protein complex. Here we characterize one of the two major proteins, a 52 kDa protein found in the barnacle cement complex. Cloning of the cDNA revealed that the protein has no homolog in the nonredundant database. The primary structure consists of four long sequence repeats. The process of dissolving the protein at the adhesive joint of the animal by various treatments was monitored in order to obtain insight into the molecular mechanism involved in curing of the adhesive bulk. Treatments with protein denaturant, reducing agents and/or chemical‐specific proteolysis in combination with 2D diagonal PAGE indicated no involvement of the protein in intermolecular cross‐linkage/polymerization, including formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds. As solubilization of the proteins required high concentrations of denaturing agents, it appears that both the conformation of the protein as building blocks and non‐covalent molecular interactions between the building blocks, possibly hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, are crucial for curing of the cement. It was also suggested that the protein contributes to surface coupling by an anchoring effect to micro‐ to nanoscopic roughness of surfaces.

Database  Sequence of Megabalanus rosa cp52k mRNA for 52 kDa cement protein has been submitted to the DNA Data Bank of Japan under accession number AB623048.
Evidence that Yih1 resides in a complex with ribosomes
Authors: Waller Tracey , Lee Su Jung , Sattlegger Evelyn
Published: March 2012

Adjusting protein synthesis by phosphorylating eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) is a major mechanism by which eukaryotes adapt to and overcome stress. The eIF2α kinase Gcn2 is essential for overcoming amino acid starvation in all eukaryotes. We have shown that to sense starvation, the Gcn2 RWD domain must directly contact its effector protein, Gcn1, and both must bind to the ribosome, suggesting that starvation is sensed within a Gcn1–Gcn2–ribosome complex. The mammalian protein IMPACT, highly expressed in neurons, and its yeast orthologue yeast IMPACT homologue (Yih1) harbour an RWD domain with Gcn1‐binding activity. We have shown that Yih1 downregulates Gcn2 by competing with Gcn2 for Gcn1‐binding. Here, we provide evidence that Yih1 forms a complex with ribosomes. In velocity sedimentation assays, overexpressed glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐tagged Yih1 cosedimented with polyribosomes independently of Gcn1. Reduction of polyribosomes to monosomes concomitantly decreased GST–Yih1 sedimentation in the heavy fractions where polyribosomes are normally found. Furthermore, GST–Yih1 coprecipitated large ribosomal protein Rpl39 independently of Gcn1. GST–Yih1 overexpression did not significantly affect Gcn1–ribosome or Gcn2–ribosome cosedimentation. myc‐tagged Yih1 expressed from its own promoter cosedimented with polyribosomes independently of Gcn1, indicating that Yih1–ribosome interaction occurs under physiological conditions. GST–IMPACT cosedimented with yeast ribosomes and coprecipitated Rpl39 in a Gcn1‐independent fashion, suggesting that Yih1/IMPACT–ribosome association is evolutionarily conserved. Moreover, GST–IMPACT coprecipitated actin as found for GST–Yih1. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that IMPACT/Yih1 associates with ribosomes and that these ribosomes may simultaneously carry Gcn1 and Gcn2. Close physical proximity of Yih1 to the Gcn1–Gcn2–ribosome complex would allow cells to quickly inhibit Gcn2 whenever or wherever necessary.

Structured digital abstract

 Polyribosomes physically interact with YIH1, GCN1, GCN2, eEF3, eEF1A, GIR2, RPL39, RPS22, by co‐sedimentationassays (Viewinteraction)

 YIH1 physicallyinteracts with RPL39 by cross‐linkingstudy (Viewinteraction)

 IMPACT physicallyinteracts with GCN1, actin, RPS22 and RPL39 by pulldown (Viewinteraction)
FOOTLOOSE LABOR: UNDERSTANDING GLOBALIZATION AND MIGRANCY THROUGH LITERATURE
Authors: Ghosh Nandita
Published: March 2012

This article focuses on the complex interplay between the migrancy of laboring bodies in the informal sectors of various economies, the spaces they inhabit, and the gendered experiences of their lives. It does so by comparing two literary works that present various forms of narratives: Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Chicana writer Gloria Anzaldúa and The White Tiger by Indian novelist Aravind Adiga. Both works present powerful images of gendered rural migrants who travel to cosmopolitan locations where their labor is consumed and erased. La Frontera deals with Chicana characters who cross over from Mexico to the U.S. in search of daily wage‐based work. The White Tiger focuses on Balram Halwai, a taxi driver, who travels between rural and urban India. Thus, in using literary narratives, this article seeks to understand how these stage the commoditization and erasure of labor in its production of space even as these texts undergo their own processes of production, consumption, and commoditization in global circuits of exchange.
FILIPINO WOMEN WRITERS IN ENGLISH AND THE WORK OF APPRENTICESHIP
Authors: Mendoza Marites L.
Published: March 2012

Among Filipino writers in English, women have had a central place in “training” writers, facilitating social networks, creating opportunities for print exposure, and producing writing themselves. As many critics of Anglophone Filipino writing have suggested, these writers' mastery of English and the short fiction form placed them in a privileged economic position. This article interrogates the relationship between Filipino women writers in English and the Filipino national body during the interwar period (1920–1946), asking after the kind of labor they contributed in the early decades of Filipino writing in English. Reading short fiction by Ligaya Victorio Fruto, a writer on the margin of the Philippine Anglophone canon, this essay proposes that the short story—in its form and practice—allowed women writers to depict the contradictions of national unity and class conflict, and modern and traditional Filipino femininity.
Preparation and Properties of Er‐Doped ZrO2 Nanocrystalline Phase‐Separated Preforms of Optical Fibers by MCVD Process
Authors: Dhar Anirban , Kasik Ivan , Dussardier Bernard , Podrazky Ondrej , Matejec Vlastimil
Published: March 2012

The fabrication of Er‐doped ZrO2‐based nanocrystalline phase‐separated silica optical preforms by the modified chemical vapor deposition process and solution‐doping techniques is presented. Fabricated preform cores are nearly transparent and contain phase‐separated rare‐earth‐doped nanocrystalline particles with diameters mainly in a range from 20 to 80 nm. High concentrations of erbium and aluminum in preform cores of about 0.3 and 14 mol%, respectively, have been achieved without defects on the core–cladding interface. Spectral losses in a range 800–1600 nm and fluorescence spectra of erbium ions around 1550 nm measured on a fiber drawn from the preform are reported.
Quantification of Oxide Inclusions and Porosity Structure in a Tantalum Carbide Microstructure Fabricated From Carbothermal Reduced Tantalum Oxide Precursor Powders
Authors: Morris Robert A. , Butts Daniel , Thompson Gregory B.
Published: March 2012

The oxide inclusion and porosity defect structures in a tantalum carbide specimen fabricated from vacuum plasma spraying with postspraying sintering and hot‐isostatic pressing has been characterized. The tantalum carbide powders were obtained using a carbothermal reduction process of tantalum oxide precursors. During its fabrication, oxide‐based inclusions formed from intrinsic impurities in the powder. Using serial sectioning and three‐dimensional reconstruction techniques, interconnected globular oxide inclusions were revealed to be within the matrix phase and in the grain boundaries. The oxide phase was identified to be z‐Ta2O5 through selected area electron diffraction. The two‐ and three‐dimensional porosity size distribution was compared and accounted for ~2% of the volume.
Ceramic Preforms with 2D Regular Channels for Fabrication of Metal/Ceramic‐Reinforced Composites
Authors: Ighodaro Osayande L. , Okoli Okenwa I. , Zhang Mei , Wang Ben
Published: March 2012

Aligned regular 2D channels were fabricated in alumina via two routes: soft metal and carbon fibers. The soft metal route was accomplished employing centrifugal forces to eject the molten metal from the green matrix. The carbon fiber route was accomplished by burning out the carbon fibers between 450°C and 630°C. In both methods, pressureless sintering followed, yielding the desired 2D channel profiles. Some porous preforms exhibited higher fracture strength than the solid specimens, and this has been attributed to the ability of the channels to reduce the population and distribution of cracks in the porous material.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of (1 − x)(Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–x(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 Ceramic System With Near‐Zero Temperature Coefficient
Authors: Shen Chun‐Hsu , Huang Cheng‐Liang , Chen Wei‐Ting , Pan Chung‐Long
Published: March 2012

The microwave dielectric properties of the (1 − x)(Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–x(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 ceramic system prepared by mixed oxide route have been investigated. The crystal structures and the microstructures of the ceramics were characterized by means X‐ray and scanning electron microscopy. The microwave dielectric properties are strongly related to the density and matrix of the specimen. Combination of (Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3 (ilmenite‐type structure) and (Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 (perovskite‐structured) forms a two‐phase system and leads to a near‐zero temperature coefficient (τf). With increasing x, the quality factor (Q × f) decreased and dielectric constant (εr) increased. A new microwave dielectric material 0.95(Mg0.95Ni0.05)TiO3–0.05(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3, possessing excellent microwave dielectric properties with a dielectric constant (εr) of 21.68, a quality factor (Q × f) of 94,000 (GHz) and a temperature coefficient (τf) of approximately −5.2 ppm/°C at 1275°C for 4 h, is proposed as a suitable candidate material for microwave applications requiring low dielectric loss.
Lifetime and Wear Behavior of Near Net Shaped Si3N4/SiC Wood Cutting Tools
Authors: Strehler Claudia , Ehrle Bruno , Weinreich Andreas , Kaiser Benjamin , Graule Thomas , Aneziris Christos G. , Kuebler Jakob
Published: March 2012

The introduction of ceramics into the market of wood cutting tools has been difficult because of the generally low toughness of ceramics which causes brittle failure. That is why the improvement of mechanical performance of ceramics with potential to be used as cutting tools is important. The newly developed Si3N4/SiC wood cutting tools have a bending strength of 740 MPa, a fracture toughness of 5.4 MPam1/2, a hardness of 16.8 GPa and a grain size of 1 μm. These Si3N4/SiC tools were tested in a lifetime cutting trial on wood and showed twice as long lifecycles than standard tungsten carbide tools. Furthermore, the static corrosion resistance in tannic acid, the friction coefficients between wood and the tool material and the cutting forces were measured for both the ceramic composite and the tungsten carbide tools.
Tailoring the Relative Si3N4 and SiC Contents in Si3N4/SiC Nanopowders through Carbothermic Reduction and Nitridation of Silica Fume
Authors: Suri Jyothi , Shaw Leon L. , Zawrah Mahmoud F.
Published: March 2012

This study demonstrates the synthesis of nanostructured Si3N4/SiC composite powders from silica fume, for the first time. The processing approach to convert the waste silica fume to advanced nanocomposites is based on the integrated mechanical and thermal activation (IMTA) process. The synthesized nanostructured Si3N4/SiC powders have crystallite sizes as small as 17 nm for SiC and 42 nm for Si3N4. It has been shown that the carbothermic reduction and nitridation temperature, as well as the graphite concentration in the starting SiO2 + C mixture are the important parameters to obtain Si3N4 and SiC nanopowders and control their crystal sizes. The synthesis conditions to tailor the relative contents of α‐Si3N4 and α‐SiC (changing from as high as 49 vol.% to as low as 21 vol.% α‐SiC) in the final powder mixture have been investigated, and the mechanisms responsible for the observed relationship between processing conditions and the characteristics of the final powder have been identified.
Expression and characterization of a new valosin‐containing protein from silkworm
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Ruo‐Ran , Peng Zhen , Liu Qiong , Ni Jia‐Zuan
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Valosin‐containing protein (VCP) is a type‐II adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) wih extensive biological function in organisms. Silkworm is the second insect model for genetic studies and a bioreactor for proteinaceous drugs and biomaterials. In this paper, a new VCP‐like gene was amplified from the fat body of silkworm following genome prediction and spliced expressed sequence tag sequences, using both reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and 3′‐RACE (rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends) methods. Bioinformatical analysis showed that the translated amino acid sequence contained a highly conserved domain of VCPs similar to that of many insects. This domain consists of the conserved structure motifs of the ATP binding site and the catalytical center, which is closely related to the insect VCPs in a phylogenetic tree. The silkworm VCP‐like gene was successfully inserted into the plasmid and transformed into Escherichia coli cells to express VCP‐like protein with ATPase activity. The expression of silkworm VCP‐like protein was also confirmed by Western blotting and mass spectrometric analyses. Distribution of the VCP‐like gene in various tissues of the silkworm was also studied by real‐time PCR. Results showed that the messenger RNA (mRNA) of VCP‐like protein is widely expressed in fat body, reproductive organs (testis or ovary), silk gland, head, Malpighian tubule, epidermis and midgut. Among them, fat body has the highest mRNA expression level of the VCP‐like gene, while the midgut has the lowest expression level. This study provides groundwork for further study on the structure and function of the new VCP‐like protein.
Justice and Injustice in the City
Authors: FINCHER RUTH , IVESON KURT
Published: March 2012

Following a recent growth of interest in questions of justice and the city, this paper considers how the work of contemporary critical urbanists compares with earlier accounts of urban justice and injustice. Our purpose in making this comparison is to consider how scholars concerned with justice and injustice in the city might better articulate the conceptual relationship between justice‐thinking and (in)justice‐documenting in their writings about the contemporary planned city. Using a selection of influential texts as evidence, our comparative commentary on past and present approaches focuses on three issues we think are crucial to this relationship. First, with the rise of analyses of the politics of difference, concepts of justice stressing procedure, process, and the hearing of multiple voices have come to the fore recently, especially in urban planning. Second, contemporary writers about geographies of justice have queried the value of using pre‐formulated, philosophical justice norms to judge outcomes and processes in particular contexts, seeing justice, rather, as intuited in the enactment of social conflicts and practices in those actual situations. Third, questions about the spatiality of justice and injustice have been aired recently asking whether justice and injustice have primarily a social rather than a spatial ontology. The conclusion of our evaluative review is that similar issues are being named and investigated now as were four decades ago, in investigations of justice and injustice in cities, but that concerted debates about theory and epistemology have elaborated the conceptual focus of discussion. We call for grounded investigations of enactments of justice as well as of injustice.
Contemporary Social Change as the Context for Geographical Enquiry: Towards a Reinvigoration of the Concept of Place
Authors: WALMSLEY D.J.
Published: March 2012

The nature of contemporary social change is explored by posing questions about the implications of neoliberalism, the character of leisure, the perils of materialism, and the shift from consumption to consumerism. Momentum is a powerful force in human affairs. Investigating its nature illustrates how the concept of equilibrium has been given undue emphasis in models of human behaviour. Momentum encourages ‘more of the same’ and is implicated in the way people fail to use leisure fully or effectively and in the way they subscribe to an emphasis on materialism and consumption as a path to happiness. Geography needs to engage with popular social scientific writing if it is to have a place in public intellectual debate. In many ways contemporary social change promises a reinvigoration of the concept of place and therefore challenges to both the substance and nature of geographical inquiry.
TRANSFERRED JUVENILES IN THE ERA OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES: EXAMINING JUDICIAL DEPARTURES FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN ADULT CRIMINAL COURT*
Authors: JOHNSON BRIAN D. , KURLYCHEK MEGAN C.
Published: March 2012

This study contributes to contemporary research on the punishment of juvenile offenders in adult court by analyzing the use of guidelines departures for transferred juveniles in two states, one with presumptive sentencing guidelines (Pennsylvania) and one with voluntary guidelines (Maryland). Propensity score matching is first used to create more comparable samples of juvenile and young adult offenders, and then Tobit regressions are employed to estimate the effect of juvenile status on the likelihood and length of departures. Our findings indicate that juvenile status significantly affects the use of upward departures in Pennsylvania, and the use of both downward and upward departures in Maryland. Judicial reasons for departure are examined to provide additional insight into the complex dynamics surrounding exceptional sentences for juvenile offenders sentenced in adult court.
Classification of Binding Site Conformations of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B
Authors: Tanchuk Vsevolod Yu. , Tanin Volodymyr O. , Vovk Andriy I.
Published: March 2012

Hundred and two binding sites from 91 Protein Data Bank files for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B with different ligands have been compared. It was found that they can be divided into five clusters. Additional clusters were formed by the unliganded and oxidized enzyme. The centroids of the clusters can be used as starting points for further studies of enzyme‐inhibitor interaction by computer simulations. A special software tool has been created for the investigation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and other enzymes. It performs multiple comparisons of selected parts of Protein Data Bank files, as well as further clustering, and determines mobility of separate residues.
Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Collagen‐Derived Anti‐Angiogenic Biomimetic Peptides
Authors: Rosca Elena V. , Koskimaki Jacob E. , Pandey Niranjan B. , Tamiz Amir P. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: March 2012

Structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies are essential in the generation of peptides with enhanced activity and efficacy as therapeutic agents. In this study, we report a Structure–activity relationship study for a family of mimetic peptides derived from type IV collagen with potent anti‐angiogenic properties. The Structure–activity relationship study was conducted using a number of validated in vitro assays including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and tubule formation. We report a critical sequence (NINNV) within this peptide series, which is required for the potent anti‐angiogenic activity. Detailed amino acid substitutions resulted in peptides with superior efficacy. Specifically, substitutions with isoleucine at positions 12 and 18 along with the substitution of the methionine at position 10 with the non‐natural amino acid d‐alanine led to an increase in potency by two orders of magnitude over the parent peptide. Several mimetic peptides in this series exhibit a significant improvement of activity over the parent peptide. This improved in vitro activity is expected to correlate with an increase in in vivo activity leading to effective peptides for anti‐angiogenic therapy for different disease applications including cancer and age‐related macular degeneration.
Uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow inBeRiverCatchment,Vietnam
Authors: Khoi Dao Nguyen , Suetsugi Tadashi
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on the uncertainty in climate change impacts on streamflow inBeRiverCatchment. Uncertainty associated withGCMstructure from a subset ofCMIP3 (CCCMA CGCM3.1,CSIRO Mk30,IPSL CM4,MPI ECHAM5,NCAR CCSM3.0,UKMO HadGEM1, andUKMO HadCM3),SRESemission scenarios (A1B,A2,B1, andB2), and prescribed increases in global mean temperature (0.5°C to 6°C) usingSWATmodel is investigated. For prescribed warming scenarios usingHadCM3, linear decreases in mean annual streamflow range from 3.1 to 16.7%. Differences in projected annual streamflow betweenSRESemission scenarios usingHadCM3 are small (−5.6% to −4.6%). Under theA1Bscenario and 2°C increase in global mean temperature using sevenGCMs, there is substantial disparity, by −2.9–25.5% and −8.3–19.1%, respectively. It is generally reasonable to conclude thatGCMstructure‐related uncertainty is greater than that associated with the emission scenarios and climate sensitivity.
Mucosal antibody responses are directed by viral burden in children with acute influenza infection
Authors: He Yong , Abid Afsheen , Fisher Robert , Eller Nancy , Mikolajczyk Malgorzata , Welliver Robert C. , Bonner Aleta B. , Scott Dorothy E. , Reed Jennifer L.
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: He et al. (2012) Mucosal antibody responses are directed by viral burden in children with acute influenza infection. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2012.00346.x.

Background  Influenza infection causes excess hospitalizations and deaths in younger patients, but susceptibility to severe disease is poorly understood. While mucosal antibodies can limit influenza‐associated infection and disease, little is known about acute mucosal antibody responses to influenza infection.

Objectives  These studies characterize mucosal antiviral antibody production in children during lower respiratory infection (LRI) with H1N1 influenza versus other viral LRI and examine the relationship between mucosal antiviral antibodies and protection against severe disease.

Methods  B lymphocytes were assessed by immunohistochemistry in lung tissue from infants with fatal acute seasonal influenza infection. Nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) were obtained at presentation from children with acute respiratory illness, including H1N1 (2009) influenza infection. Total and antiviral antibodies, and inflammatory and immune mediators, were quantified by ELISA. Neutralizing activity in NPS was detected using a pseudotyped virus assay. Viral burden was assessed by qPCR.

Results and conclusions  B lymphocytes were abundant in lung tissue of infants with fatal acute influenza LRI. Among surviving children with H1N1 infection, only a small subset (11%) demonstrated H1N1 neutralizing activity in NPS. H1N1 neutralizing activity coincided with high local levels of antiviral IgM, IgG and IgA, greater detection of inflammatory mediators, and higher viral burden (P = 0·016). Patients with mucosal antiviral antibody responses demonstrated more severe respiratory symptoms including greater hypoxia (P = 0·0018) and pneumonia (P = 0·038). These patients also trended toward younger age, longer duration of illness and longer hospital stays. Prophylaxis strategies that heighten neutralizing antibody production in the mucosa are likely to benefit both older and younger children.