bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape-Scale Rehabilitation of Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)-Dominated Sagebrush Steppe
Authors: Sheley Roger L. , Vasquez Edward A. , Chamberlain Anna-Marie , Smith Brenda S.
Published: November 2012

Producers facing infestations of invasive annual grasses regularly voice the need for practical revegetation strategies that can be applied across broad landscapes. Our objective was to determine the potential for scaling up the single-entry approach for revegetating medusahead-infested rangeland to broader, more heterogeneous landscape-scale revegetation of winter annual grass–infested rangeland. We hypothesized, when applied on a highly variable landscape scale, the combination of imazapic and seeding would provide highest abundance of perennial grasses and lowest amount of annual grasses. Treatments included a control, seeding of crested wheatgrass (‘Hycrest’) and Sandberg's bluegrass, spraying (60 g ai ha−1 imazapic), and a simultaneously applied combination of spraying and seeding. The HyCrest and Sandberg's bluegrass seeding rates were 19 and 3.4 kg ha−1, respectively. The treatments were applied to large plots (1.4 to 8 ha) and replicated five times, with each replication located in different watersheds throughout southeastern Oregon. This study shows that the single-entry approach can be scaled up to larger landscapes, but variation within establishment areas will likely be high. This procedure should reduce the costs over multientry treatment applications and make revegetating annual grass–infested rangeland across landscapes more affordable.
Casting open porous Ti foam suitable for medical applications
Authors: Müller Daniel Wyn , Matz Alexander Martin , Jost Norbert
Published: November 2012

In the development of biocompatible synthetic materials for the surgery of bone fractures, open porous Ti foams have a high potential to find application as a geometrically and mechanically adaptable implant matrix. The present state of research mainly focuses on Ti foams produced using powder metallurgy, whereas cast manufacturing is barely investigated despite cast parts achieve higher mechanical strength and durability than those sintered. Therefore, the present study describes the manufacturing of Ti foam by precision casting using a centrifugal casting machine. Experimental investigations employed casting of CP-Ti grade 1 and grade 2 purity, and characteristics of this technique were ascertained and compared with the current proficiency in the field of dental research. The knowledge of specific influences on the feasibility of Ti foam manufacturing by precision casting – collated in this survey – enables specific optimization of the casting process as well as design enhancement relating to the cellular structure.
Optimal alignment of a canal route
Authors: Swamee Prabhata K. , Chahar Bhagu R.
Published: November 2012

The paper describes a method of optimising the alignment of an irrigation canal. Several alignments may be possible between the source and destination of a canal, but cost minimisation is important. Canal alignment costs include the cost of earthworks in embankments and excavations. Formulation of the cost function for earthworks is difficult in undulating terrain. In the present study, the topography of a given area is expressed as a double Fourier series to overcome this problem. The cost function is then formulated for the canal route, taking account of the longitudinal profile of the canal as it crosses the terrain. To arrive at a minimum cost route of a canal, several alignments can be evaluated by subdividing each alignment into segments.
Contemporary and projected biogenic fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide in North American terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Tian Hanqin , Lu Chaoqun , Chen Guangsheng , Tao Bo , Pan Shufen , Grosso Stephen J Del , Xu Xiaofeng , Bruhwiler Lori , Wofsy Steven C , Kort Eric A , Prior Stephen A
Published: November 2012

Accurately estimating biogenic methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems is critical for resolving global budgets of these greenhouse gases (GHGs) and continuing to mitigate climate warming. Here, we assess contemporary biogenic CH4 and N2O budgets and probable climate‐change‐related impacts on CH4 and N2O emissions in terrestrial North America. Multi‐approach estimations show that, during 1990–2010, biogenic CH4 emissions ranged from 0.159 to 0.502 petagrams of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents per year (Pg CO2eq yr−1, where 1 Pg = 1 × 1015 g) and N2O emissions ranged from 0.802 to 1.016 Pg CO2eq yr−1, which offset 47–166% of terrestrial CO2 sequestration (0.915–2.040 Pg CO2eq yr−1, as indicated elsewhere in this Special Issue). According to two future climate scenarios, CH4 and N2O emissions are projected to continue increasing by 137–151% and 157–227%, respectively, by the end of this century, as compared with levels during 2000–2010. Strategies to mitigate climate change must account for non‐CO2 GHG emissions, given their substantial warming potentials.
Uniaxial tension of drying sieves
Authors: Bojic Nada , Nikolic Ruzica , Jugovic Branimir , Jugovic Zvonimir , Gvozdenovic Milica
Published: November 2012

Although the literature contains numerous studies that have been developed to
describe the nonlinear behavior of drying sieves' operation, there are no
papers in this which report deeper investigation of the drying sieve behavior
when exposed to tension and thermo stabilization. The aim of this paper is to
provide insight into the elastoplastic behavior of the thermo stabilized and
not stabilized sieves subjected to the tensile force. Within this work both
theoretical and experimental investigations were performed. The sieves were
joined by using a spiral. In separate experiments tests of wire base and weft
of the weave mesh were performed, both for thermo stabilized and not thermo
stabilized sieves, sieves joining and the sieve thermo stabilization itself.
It was established that the thermo stabilization of sieves provides for
stability of sieves' dimensions and that open thermo stabilized drying sieve
exhibits better mechanical properties and exploitation characteristics then
the sieves joining.
The Discourses of Vocational Education and Training: A Developmental Response from a European Perspective
Authors: López-Fogués Aurora
Published: November 2012

The article analyses the discourses underpinning formal vocational education and training (VET). More specifically, it presents three accounts of European VET with the twofold aim of reviewing them and of recommending a conceptual shift that leads to further theoretical discussion. The discussion is organised around the existence of three seemingly contradictory accounts in the management of VET — one centred in economic growth; one concerned about the experiences of students and professionals; and one that focuses on the social implications of those involved in VET. The article concludes that while there has been a degree of convergence between the three, social justice issues remain unresolved due to the eagerness to pursue measurable results, while neglecting individual heterogeneity as part of a rich society. Building on some core concepts of the capability approach developed by Amartya Sen, the article takes a step beyond the language of outcomes and reframes VET foundations through the lens of human development.
Multi-Level Steering and Institution Building: The European Union's Approach to Research Policy
Authors: Young Mitchell
Published: November 2012

Adopting the conception of the university as a primary driver of innovation and economic growth has brought increased pressure for the European Union (EU) to actively steer university-based research policy, despite its being outside of the EU's direct jurisdiction. While the open method of coordination (OMC) was developed for such situations, the complex nature of universities and research policy has meant that such steering does not stop with the OMC and occurs on multiple levels using a variety of governance tools. By mapping out the ways in which the EU uses legal, financial and informational instruments to coordinate policy and build institutions, the article attempts to understand the role and objective of the EU in this policy area in relation to national and other global actors. It suggests that despite strong globalising trends, the EU does more than to echo and promote these trends at the national and sub-national levels, but also attempts to structure the research environment in a complex heterogeneous way.
Superior Labrum Anterior-to-Posterior Tear
Authors: Sum Jonathan C. , Omid Reza
Published: November 2012

The patient was a 25-year-old male college student with a chief complaint of right shoulder pain. The patient was initially diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis by his physician and had been treated for 4 weeks by a physical therapist. However, his symptoms did not improve and he was unable to return to his preinjury activity levels, so he sought the services of another physical therapist for a second opinion. Due to concern for a labrum tear, the physical therapist referred the patient to an orthopaedic surgeon. Magnetic resonance arthrography revealed findings consistent with a superior labrum anterior-to-posterior tear.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(12):1050. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0420
Redressing the Black Crook: The Dancing Tableau of Melodrama
Authors: Rogers Bradley
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT:

This article claims that modern musical theatre began when dancers transformed the static tableaux of melodrama into episodes of singing and dancing. Though static, the melodramatic tableau had long been understood as suggesting incipient action; the musical distinguished itself generically by realizing this potential energy. The tableau vivant and the pose plastique had already laid the groundwork by deploying women’s bodies to depict the melodramatic realm of ideality upon which melodrama focused. However, while melodrama valorized the arresting of a woman’s body, the musical celebrated instead her performing power. It is precisely this use of women’s bodies simultaneously as signifier of a mythic realm of melodramatic virtue and as eroticized yet empowered spectacle that creates the musical’s affective disintegration. This genealogy demands that we reconsider the role of The Black Crook in theatre history, since it links the traditions of melodrama, posing entertainments, and musical theatre.
Structural brain injury in sports-related concussion
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Kuhn Andrew , Dewan Michael C. , Morone Peter J. , Forbes Jonathan A. , Solomon Gary S. , Sills Allen K.
Published: November 2012

Object

Sports-related concussions (SRCs) represent a significant and growing public health concern. The vast majority of SRCs produce mild symptoms that resolve within 1–2 weeks and are not associated with imaging-documented changes. On occasion, however, structural brain injury occurs, and neurosurgical management and intervention is appropriate.

Methods

A literature review was performed to address the epidemiology of SRC with a targeted focus on structural brain injury in the last half decade. MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched to identify all studies pertaining to structural head injury in sports-related head injuries.

Results

The literature review yielded a variety of case reports, several small series, and no prospective cohort studies.

Conclusions

The authors conclude that reliable incidence and prevalence data related to structural brain injuries in SRC cannot be offered at present. A prospective registry collecting incidence, management, and follow-up data after structural brain injuries in the setting of SRC would be of great benefit to the neurosurgical community.
Evaluation of the hematoma consequences, neurobehavioral profiles, and histopathology in a rat model of pontine hemorrhage
Authors: Lekic Tim , Rolland William , Manaenko Anatol , Krafft Paul R. , Kamper Joel E. , Suzuki Hidenori , Hartman Richard E. , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: November 2012

Object

Primary pontine hemorrhage (PPH) represents approximately 7% of all intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) and is a clinical condition of which little is known. The aim of this study was to characterize the early brain injury, neurobehavioral outcome, and long-term histopathology in a novel preclinical rat model of PPH.

Methods

The authors stereotactically infused collagenase (Type VII) into the ventral pontine tegmentum of the rats, in accordance with the most commonly affected clinical region. Measures of cerebrovascular permeability (brain water content, hemoglobin assay, Evans blue, collagen Type IV, ZO-1, and MMP-2 and MMP-9) and neurological deficit were quantified at 24 hours postinfusion (Experiment 1). Functional outcome was measured over a 30-day period using a vertebrobasilar scale (the modified Voetsch score), open field, wire suspension, beam balance, and inclined-plane tests (Experiment 2). Neurocognitive ability was determined at Week 3 using the rotarod (motor learning), T-maze (working memory), and water maze (spatial learning and memory) (Experiment 3), followed by histopathological analysis 1 week later (Experiment 4).

Results

Stereotactic collagenase infusion caused dose-dependent elevations in hematoma volume, brain edema, neurological deficit, and blood-brain barrier rupture, while physiological variables remained stable. Functional outcomes mostly normalized by Week 3, whereas neurocognitive deficits paralleled the cystic cavitary lesion at 30 days. Obstructive hydrocephalus did not develop despite a clinically relevant 30-day mortality rate (approximately 54%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the model can mimic several translational aspects of pontine hemorrhage in humans and can be used in the evaluation of potential preclinical therapeutic interventions.
The enigma of bifocal germ cell tumors in the suprasellar and pineal regions: synchronous lesions or metastasis?
Authors: Phi Ji Hoon , Kim Seung-Ki , Lee Joongyub , Park Chul-Kee , Kim Il Han , Ahn Hyo Seop , Shin Hee Young , Kim In-One , Jung Hee-Won , Kim Dong Gyu , Paek Sun Ha , Wang Kyu-Chang
Published: November 2012

Object

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) frequently present with bifocal lesions in both the suprasellar and pineal areas. The pathogenesis of these bifocal GCTs has been the subject of controversy. Bifocal GCTs may be caused by synchronous tumors or by metastatic spread of tumor cells from one site to the other. The prognosis associated with bifocal GCTs has also been a cause of concern.

Methods

The authors constructed a single-institution patient cohort comprising 181 patients with intracranial GCTs. The clinical characteristics of bifocal GCTs were compared with those of suprasellar and pineal GCTs.

Results

Bifocal GCTs were observed in 23 patients (12.8%). Eighteen patients presented with bifocal GCTs that were diagnosed as germinomas, but 5 patients exhibited mixed GCTs. Analyses of age distributions and comparisons of tumor sizes were compatible with a model of a metastatic origin of bifocal GCTs. Eleven patients (47.8%) presenting with bifocal GCTs exhibited tumor seeding at presentation. Tumor seeding was significantly associated with bifocal lesions (p < 0.001). Patients with bifocal germinomas showed significantly shorter event-free survival and overall survival than did those presenting with germinomas from a single site of origin.

Conclusions

Bifocal GCTs are not restricted to germinomas, as had been previously reported, but do include mixed GCTs. The authors hypothesize that bifocal GCTs may result from the metastatic spread of suprasellar or pineal GCTs. The bifocal presentation of germinomas may be a poor prognostic sign and should alert clinicians to the possibility of a disseminated disease.
Cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection due to Gemella haemolysans
Authors: Lo William B. , Patel Mitul , Solanki Guirish A. , Walsh Anthony Richard
Published: November 2012

Gemella haemolysans has long been considered a commensal in the human upper respiratory tract. Commensals are natural inhabitants on or within another organism, deriving benefit without harming or benefiting the host. Opportunistic infection of the CNS by the species is exceedingly rare. In the present case, a 16-year-old boy was admitted with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection, which was confirmed to be due to G. haemolysans. Following antibiotic treatment, removal of the old shunt, and delayed insertion of a new shunt, the patient made a full neurological recovery. To the authors' knowledge, this is the eighth case of CNS infection with G. haemolysans. Although prosthesis-related infections have been reported in other systems, this is the first case of CNS infection by the bacterium associated with an implant. Previous reported cases of CNS infection by G. haemolysans are reviewed. Due to the variable Gram staining property of the organism, the difficulty in diagnosing G. haemolysans infection is emphasized.
Incidental durotomy during lumbar spine surgery: risk factors and anatomic locations
Authors: Takahashi Yoshimasa , Sato Tetsuro , Hyodo Hironori , Kawamata Tomomaro , Takahashi Eiji , Miyatake Naohisa , Tokunaga Masako
Published: November 2012

Object

Incidental durotomy (dural tear) is a common complication of lumbar spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to clarify the anatomical location of and the specific causative factors for incidental durotomy during primary lumbar spine surgery.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed 1014 consecutive cases involving patients (412 women and 602 men; mean age 57 years; age range 11–97 years) who underwent a surgical procedure for treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal disease at their institution between 2002 and 2008. In total, 1261 disc levels were treated surgically. Disease at the treated levels included 544 disc herniations, 453 instances of spinal canal stenosis without spondylolisthesis, 188 instances of lumbar spinal canal stenosis with spondylolisthesis (degenerative spondylolisthesis), 49 instances of combined stenosis (stenosis with disc herniation), and 22 juxtafacet cysts. In 5 of the treated levels, the condition was classified as “other” disease. Treatment included fenestration with discectomy in 547 levels, fenestration alone in 626, fenestration with resection of juxtafacet cysts in 22, unilateral recapping laminoplasty in 20, posterolateral spinal fusion or posterior lumbar interbody fusion in 17, microscopic discectomy with tubular retractor in 14, and “other” in 15.

Results

Unintended durotomy occurred in 4% of cases and in 3.3% of disc levels. The incidence of dural tear was significantly higher in women (5.6%) than in men (3%). The incidence of dural tear was 2% in disc levels with lumbar disc herniation, 1.8% with lumbar spinal canal stenosis without spondylolisthesis, 9% with degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 18.2% with juxtafacet cysts; the incidence was significantly higher in levels with degenerative spondylolisthesis or levels with juxtafacet cysts, than in those with other diseases. Incidental durotomy occurred in 4 critical anatomical zones, namely, the caudal margin of the cranial lamina, cranial margin of the caudal lamina, herniated disc level, and medial aspect of the facet joint adjacent to the insertion of the hypertrophic ligamentum flavum.

Conclusions

Risk factors for unintended durotomy were female sex, older age, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and juxtafacet cysts. In this study, the authors identified 4 high-risk anatomical zones that spine surgeons should be aware of to avoid dural tears.
A rare case of atlantooccipital dissociation in the context of occipitalization of the atlas, with a 2-year follow-up
Authors: Chaudhary Navjot , Wang Bill H. , Gurr Kevin R. , Bailey Stewart I. , Bailey Christopher S.
Published: November 2012

Atlantooccipital dislocation (AOD) is a rare and often fatal injury. In cases of survival, residual deficits are severe and often include cranial nerve palsy, quadriplegia, or respiratory issues. Occipitalization is defined as partial or complete congenital fusion of the occiput to the atlas and is exceptionally rare.

The authors present a rare case of AOD superimposed on a congenital occipitalization of the atlas. This 39-year-old man had AOD following a motor vehicle collision. On examination, his overall motor score on the American Spinal Injury Association scale was 5/100, and his rectal tone was absent. Computed tomography demonstrated AOD in an area of occipitalization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed ligamentous injury leading to C1–2 instability.

Intervention included occipital cervical instrumentation fusion from the occiput to C-3. Six months postoperatively, imaging revealed fusion of the graft and consolidation of the fractured occipitalization. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient's strength was 3/5 for wrist extension and handgrip on the right side and full strength in the rest of the myotomes. Bladder and bowel function was also normalized.

A high-velocity collision led to disruption of the atlantooccipital ligaments and fracture of the occipitalized lateral masses in this patient. Internal fixation and fusion led to good fusion postoperatively. Occipitalization probably led to abnormal joint mechanics at the C1-occiput junction, which might have altered the amount of force required to fracture the occipitalization and produce AOD. This difference may partially account for the favorable neurological outcome in the featured patient compared with traditional cases of AOD.
The 2012 AANS Presidential Address
Authors: McCormick Paul C.
Published: November 2012

The theme of the 80th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the title of this presidential address, “We are neurosurgery,” is a simple 3-word affirmation of who neurosurgeons are, what they have achieved, and how much there is yet to accomplish. Recent advances in neurobiology and the clinical neurosciences have brought an unprecedented understanding of the human nervous system in both health and disease. As a specialty, neurosurgery has translated knowledge, expanded techniques, and incorporated technology to exponentially expand the science and scope of neurosurgical practice.

However, the rapidly advancing, divergently evolving growth of neurosurgery has had profound effects on all aspects of neurosurgery. In this address, the author examines the contemporary meaning of the annual meeting's theme as it relates to the science, practice, specialty, and profession of neurosurgery, as well as the neurosurgeon. In doing so, the author reveals his interpretation of “We are neurosurgery,” which he hopes will have an effect on others.
Long-term functional alterations in sports concussion
Authors: De Beaumont Louis , Henry Luke C. , Gosselin Nadia
Published: November 2012

In this review the authors discuss persistent and cumulative alterations in both cognitive and motor function after sports concussions detected with some of the newest, most sophisticated brain investigation techniques. Ranging from subclinical neurophysiological alterations in young concussed athletes to quantifiable cognitive and motor function declines in former athletes in late adulthood with concussions sustained decades earlier, this review is also intended to provide new insights into the neuropathophysiology of sports concussion.
Snowpack estimations in the starting zone of large-scale snow avalanches in the Makunosawa valley, Myoko, Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Yukari , Hirashima Hiroyuki
Published: November 2012

The Makunosawa valley, Myoko, Japan, experiences frequent avalanches and is therefore ideally suited to study how meteorological elements influence avalanche activity. Since 2000, five large-scale snow avalanches with running distances >2000 m have been observed and some characteristics of these avalanches have been obtained. However, the characteristics of the snowpack in the starting zones could not be observed because they are too difficult to approach and no snow-pit observations have been carried out. We simulated the variations in the snowpack in the starting zone using the numerical snowpack model SNOWPACK with local meteorological data. The results indicate a layer of faceted crystals with low shear strength followed by rapid loading from snowfall was the cause of three avalanches in February. Conversely, no layer of faceted crystals was shown by the model before a January avalanche and we assume the sliding surface of the avalanche to be precipitation particles. The only wet-snow avalanche is attributed to a decrease in shear strength due to infiltration of meltwater and an increase in liquid water content in the boundary of two layers of different grain sizes.
Public Confession and the Moral Universe of the East African Revival
Authors: Bruner Jason
Published: November 2012

When the East African Revival emerged as a distinct movement in Rwanda and Uganda in the early 1930s, one of its most noticeable and controversial characteristics was the prevalence of public confession of personal sin. The revival made public many of these sins that African converts had kept hidden. Many confessed to stealing objects or money from mission stations or other employers, others admitted to sexual indiscretions, others even brought ‘witchcraft’ objects to revival fellowship meetings in order to be burned. Revivalists learned to be morally perspicacious. They sought to locate any hint of sin from their own lives and often took the next step of publicly identifying others' sins.

This paper analyses the content of what African revivalists named as ‘sinful’ as it was recorded by European missionaries and bishops, African Balokole and British District Commissioners. It argues that revivalists developed a common moral discourse through their public confessions and testimonies, which in turn formed a common moral imagination across the revival. The broader benefit of tracing the shifts of these definitions is that one can then observe how revivalists interacted with traditional taboos and social mores, as well as changes that stemmed from colonial systems of governance and economics. This paper, therefore, illustrates that the revival was distinctly appealing to people across various colonial and social boundaries because it allowed them to name particular threats to their spiritual and temporal lives while connecting them through a new sense of fellowship.
Modelling Translation Initiation under the Influence of sRNA
Authors: Amman Fabian , Flamm Christoph , Hofacker Ivo
Published: November 2012

Bacterial small non-coding RNA (sRNA) plays an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Although the number of annotated sRNA is steadily increasing, their functional characterization is still lagging behind. Various computational strategies for finding sRNA–mRNA interactions, and thus putative sRNA targets, were developed. Most of them suffer from a high false positive rate. Here, we present a qualitative model to simulate the effect of an sRNA on the translation initiation of a potential target. Information about the ribosome–mRNA interaction, sRNA–mRNA interaction and expression information from deep sequencing experiments is integrated to calculate the change in translation initiation complex formation, as a proxy for translational activity. This model can be used to post-evaluate predicted targets, hence condensing the list of potential targets. We show that our translation initiation model, under the influence of an sRNA, can successfully simulate thirteen out of fifteen tested sRNA–mRNA interactions in a qualitative manner. To show the gain in specificity, we applied our method to a target search for the Escherichia coli sRNA RyhB. Compared with simple target prediction without post-evaluation, we reduce the number of targets to less than one fourth potential targets, considerably reducing the burden of experimental validation.
Alterations in Glutathione Redox Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Function in the Left Ventricle of Elderly Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat Heart
Authors: Raza Haider , John Annie , Howarth Frank
Published: November 2012

The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat is a genetic model in which the homozygous (FA/FA) male animals develop obesity and type 2 diabetes. Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular complications, due to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory signals, are the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. The precise molecular mechanism of contractile dysfunction and disease progression remains to be clarified. Therefore, we have investigated molecular and metabolic targets in male ZDF (30–34 weeks old) rat heart compared to age matched Zucker lean (ZL) controls. Hyperglycemia was confirmed by a 4-fold elevation in non-fasting blood glucose (478.43 ± 29.22 mg/dL in ZDF vs. 108.22 ± 2.52 mg/dL in ZL rats). An increase in reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation and oxidative protein carbonylation was observed in ZDF rats. A significant increase in CYP4502E1 activity accompanied by increased protein expression was also observed in diabetic rat heart. Increased expression of other oxidative stress marker proteins, HO-1 and iNOS was also observed. GSH concentration and activities of GSH-dependent enzymes, glutathione S-transferase and GSH reductase, were, however, significantly increased in ZDF heart tissue suggesting a compensatory defense mechanism. The activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, Complex I and Complex IV were significantly reduced in the heart ventricle of ZDF rats in comparison to ZL rats. Western blot analysis has also suggested a decreased expression of IκB-α and phosphorylated-JNK in diabetic heart tissue. Our results have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress in ZDF rats might be associated, at least in part, with altered NF-κB/JNK dependent redox cell signaling. These results might have implications in the elucidation of the mechanism of disease progression and designing strategies for diabetes prevention.
Adaptive Sampling for WSAN Control Applications Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Nkwogu Daniel , Allen Alastair
Published: November 2012

Wireless sensor actuator networks are becoming a solution for control applications. Reliable data transmission and real time constraints are the most significant challenges. Control applications will have some Quality of Service (QoS) requirements from the sensor network, such as minimum delay and guaranteed delivery of packets. We investigate variable sampling method to mitigate the effects of time delays in wireless networked control systems using an observer based control system model. Our focus for variable sampling methodology is to determine the appropriate neural network topology for delay prediction and also investigate the impact of additional inputs to the neural network such as network packet loss rate and throughput. The major contribution of this work is the use of typical obtainable delay series for training the neural network. Most studies have used random generated numbers, which are not a correct representation of delays actually experienced in a wireless network. Our results here shows that adequate prediction of the time delay series using the observer based variable sampling is able to compensate for delays in the communication loop and influences the performance of the control system model.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activities of Derivatives of the Marine Mangrove Fungal Metabolite Deoxybostrycin
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhu Xun , Zhong Li-Li , Yang Bing , Li Jia , Wu Jue-Heng , Chen Sheng-Ping , Lin Yong-Cheng , Long Yuhua , She Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2012

Deoxybostrycin (1) is an anthraquinone compound derived from the marine mangrove fungus Nigrospora sp. No. 1403 and has potential to be a lead for new drugs because of its various biological properties. A series of new derivatives (2–22) of deoxybostrycin were synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxicity of all the new compounds was tested against MDA-MB-435, HepG2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. Most of the compounds exhibit strong cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 0.62 to 10 μM. Compounds 19, 21 display comparable cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-435 to epirubicin, the positive control. The primary screening results indicate that the deoxybostrycin derivatives might be a valuable source of new potent anticancer drug candidates.
Five New Diterpenoids from an Okinawan Soft Coral, Cespitularia sp.
Authors: Roy Prodip , Maarisit Wilmar , Roy Michael , Taira Junsei , Ueda Katsuhiro
Published: November 2012

Five new diterpenoids 1–5 were isolated from an Okinawan soft coral, Cespitularia sp., together with the known diterpenoid, alcyonolide (6). New diterpenoid structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. Alcyonolide (6) was cytotoxic against HCT 116 cells (IC50 5.85 μM), while these new diterpenoids 1–5 were much less active (IC50 28.2–91.4 μM).
Peptide-Based Selective Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-Mediated Activities
Authors: Ndinguri Margaret , Bhowmick Manishabrata , Tokmina-Roszyk Dorota , Robichaud Trista , Fields Gregg
Published: November 2012

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exhibit a broad array of activities, some catalytic and some non-catalytic in nature. An overall lack of selectivity has rendered small molecule, active site targeted MMP inhibitors problematic in execution. Inhibitors that favor few or individual members of the MMP family often take advantage of interactions outside the enzyme active site. We presently focus on peptide-based MMP inhibitors and probes that do not incorporate conventional Zn2+ binding groups. In some cases, these inhibitors and probes function by binding only secondary binding sites (exosites), while others bind both exosites and the active site. A myriad of MMP mediated-activities beyond selective catalysis can be inhibited by peptides, particularly cell adhesion, proliferation, motility, and invasion. Selective MMP binding peptides comprise highly customizable, unique imaging agents. Areas of needed improvement for MMP targeting peptides include binding affinity and stability.
Epidemiology, Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Sarmiento-Silva Rosa , Nakamura-Lopez Yuko , Vaughan Gilberto
Published: November 2012

The bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is an enveloped, negative sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the pneumovirus genus within the family Paramyxoviridae. BRSV has been recognized as a major cause of respiratory disease in young calves since the early 1970s. The analysis of BRSV infection was originally hampered by its characteristic lability and poor growth in vitro. However, the advent of numerous immunological and molecular methods has facilitated the study of BRSV enormously. The knowledge gained from these studies has also provided the opportunity to develop safe, stable, attenuated virus vaccine candidates. Nonetheless, many aspects of the epidemiology, molecular epidemiology and evolution of the virus are still not fully understood. The natural course of infection is rather complex and further complicates diagnosis, treatment and the implementation of preventive measures aimed to control the disease. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which BRSV is able to establish infection is needed to prevent viral and disease spread. This review discusses important information regarding the epidemiology and molecular epidemiology of BRSV worldwide, and it highlights the importance of viral evolution in virus transmission.
Development of microsatellite markers for the endangered medicinal plant Launaea arborescens (Asteraceae)
Authors: Li Chun , Chen Jun‐Lin , Sun Ye , Wang Fa‐Guo , Xing Fu‐Wu
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed in Launaea arborescens, an endangered and medicinal Asteraceae species in North Africa, for further investigation of its conservation genetics.

• Methods and Results: We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic and nine monomorphic microsatellite loci from L. arborescens using the protocol of Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO). For the 10 polymorphic loci, the number of alleles detected per locus varied from two to six, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.833 and 0.059 to 0.713, respectively.

• Conclusions: The polymorphic markers provide a useful tool for conservation genetics studies of L. arborescens, including analysis of mating system, estimating gene flow, and identifying discrete genetic units within the species.
Development and characterization of 109 polymorphic EST‐SSRs derived from the Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra, Myricaceae) transcriptome
Authors: Zhang Shao‐Yang , Li Xian , Feng Chao , Zhu Chang‐Qing , Grierson Donald , Xu Chang‐Jie , Chen Kun‐Song
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: In Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra), the available simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are insufficient to meet the developing demand for genetic and molecular breeding research. This study was aimed at developing a large number of polymorphic expressed sequence tag (EST)–SSRs from the transcriptome of Chinese bayberry.

• Methods and Results: Five hundred ninety‐four compound EST‐SSRs and 5557 noncompound ones were identified from 41239 unigene sequences generated from the transcriptome of M. rubra cv. Biqi. Using 10 Chinese bayberry cultivars, 109 polymorphic EST‐SSRs were screened from 412 selected. In total, they generated 389 alleles, with a polymorphism ratio of 93.8%. In addition, it was observed that the polymorphism levels of compound EST‐SSRs were somewhat lower than those of noncompound ones.

• Conclusions: The 109 polymorphic EST‐SSRs developed from the Chinese bayberry transcriptome should greatly promote the development of genetic and molecular breeding studies in this as well as other Myricaceae species.
Identification and characterization of 43 novel polymorphic EST‐SSR markers for arum lily,Zantedeschia aethiopica(Araceae)
Authors: Wei Zun‐Zheng , Luo Lai‐Bo , Zhang Hua‐Li , Xiong Min , Wang Xian , Di Zhou
Published: November 2012

•Premise of the study:A new set of microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was developed for arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), which is one of the most iconic and widely recognized ornamental plants in the world.

•Methods and Results:Using 2175 unigenes derived from 4283 random ESTs in arum lily, 166 primer pairs were designed and tested for amplification in 24 accessions from Asia, Europe, and Africa. A total of 43 loci were polymorphic, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to 10. The observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and polymorphism information content ranged from 0.2313 to 0.8480, 0.3034 to 0.8648, and 0.1015 to 0.7364, respectively.

•Conclusions:These novel polymorphic EST‐SSR markers will facilitate future studies of genetic variation and molecular‐assisted breeding systems in arum lily.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in Iris ensata (Iridaceae)
Authors: Xiao Yue‐E , Hu Yong‐Hong , Liu Min , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in Iris ensata (Iridaceae) to provide polymorphic markers for further studies into population genetics.

• Methods and Results: Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from I. ensata. These loci were successfully amplified in two natural populations of I. ensata from eastern China (Longwangshan, Zhejiang Province) and northeastern China (Jinchuan, Jilin Province). There was no significant linkage disequilibrium found for any pair of loci. These loci contained between two and 12 alleles per locus across all 48 individuals of I. ensata. The number of alleles per locus varied from two to 10 at the population level and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.167 to 0.958 and from 0.284 to 0.853, respectively.

• Conclusions: These loci showed high levels of polymorphism and could be used to study the population genetic structure, genetic relationships, and phylogeography of I. ensata.
Features of the behavior of 4-amino-5-carboxamido-1,2,3-triazole in multicomponent heterocyclizations with carbonyl compounds
Authors: Gladkov Eugene S , Gura Katerina A , Sirko Svetlana M , Desenko Sergey M , Groth Ulrich , Chebanov Valentin A
Published: November 2012

Multicomponent reactions involving polyfunctional 4-amino-5-carboxamido-1,2,3-triazole and cyclic carbonyl-containing CH-acids were studied under conventional thermal heating, microwave and ultrasonic irradiation. The features of the reactions studied were discussed and the optimized procedures for the synthesis of final triazolopyrimidines were elaborated. In contrast to the similar MCRs of numerous other aminoazoles, a change of direction of the heterocyclizations in the case of 4-amino-5-carboxamido-1,2,3-triazole was not observed when microwave or thermal heating was substituted by ultrasonication at ambient temperature.
Réflexions sur les psychothérapies psychanalytiques de groupe en hôpital psychiatrique
Authors: Weil Martine
Published: November 2012

Lorsqu’une institution psychiatrique demande à un de ses membres, psychanalyste de groupe, de créer un groupe de psychothérapie (psychodrame ou groupe de parole), il est pensé par tous qu’un tel groupe peut être inclus totalement dans le dispositif institutionnel, au même titre que les activités de groupe habituelles. La particularité de ce groupe éveillera vite méfiance et ambivalence. Le psychothérapeute devra élaborer un dispositif groupal et une écoute spécifique des sujets vivant en institution hospitalière ; il aura, en outre, à élaborer une réflexion sur un dispositif de travail avec les équipes soignantes afin de permettre l’élaboration et l’acceptation de tels groupes afin que leur intérêt puisse être préservé.
Les fonctions psychiques d'un psychodrame psychanalytique de groupe dans une institution
Authors: Duez Bernard
Published: November 2012

L’auteur montre comment les groupes psychanalytiques dans une institution ont une fonction psychique qui dépasse le simple cadre de leur espace-temps thérapeutique. Il analyse les débordements éventuels de ces dispositifs comme des fonctionnements et non pas des dysfonctionnements. Il illustre ces propos avec une séance de psychodrame psychanalytique de groupe dans une situation de crise institutionnelle. Il montre comment le psychodrame remplit une fonction psychique équivalente à celle du rêve pour le sujet. Il montre avec les notions de scénalité, d’obscénalité et transfert topique comment ce travail l’a conduit au renouvellement de quelques conceptions métapsychologiques qui autorisent une meilleure compréhension des psychopathologies réputées incompatibles avec le travail psychanalytique.
Groupe soignants-adolescents : un espace scénique au pouvoir transformationnel
Authors: Matha Catherine
Published: November 2012

L’article présente un dispositif de groupe au sein d’une unité d’hospitalisation d’adolescents qui réunit de manière hebdomadaire équipe soignante et adolescents, dans une perspective d’écoute groupale. À partir de séquences associatives de plusieurs séances de groupe, est interrogée la fonction transformationnelle et de mise en oeuvre d’un processus tiercéisant au service du travail de symbolisation, de cet outil thérapeutique institutionnel. Interrogation opérée dans une double direction : à la fois des problématiques psychopathologiques des adolescents accueillis mais aussi des problématiques institutionnelles réactualisées par les mises en dépôt des impensés. Les mouvements déployés au sein d’un groupe et d’un groupe à l’autre attestent de la fonction de médiateur de ce dispositif, à même de pouvoir remplir une fonction tierce de régulation et de transformation des processus de déliaison, de destructivité, de dépression, de clivage et de confusion. La prise en compte, par les analystes, de la « chaîne associative groupale » au sein de la dynamique de groupe est alors essentielle.
Le rappel au cadre, une arme contre la violence ? Le nécessaire travail de renoncement d'une équipe de psychodramatistes
Authors: Falla Willy
Published: November 2012

Sous l’effet de l’homologie fonctionnelle, une équipe interprétante en arrive fréquemment à opposer à un passage à l’acte violent, un type particulier de contre-agir consistant à renforcer le dispositif thérapeutique. Distinguant les notions de cadre et de dispositif, cet article examine comment la présence de ce type de contre-agir constitue un indice d’un trouble de la fonction interprétative marquée par une défaillance de l’analyse inter-transférentielle. Cette défaillance altère l’investissement par l’équipe interprétante des notions de cadre et de dispositif en les agglutinant, amplifie le mouvement d’indifférenciation à l’origine de l’agir violent, et accroît la détresse des sujets accueillis car l’équipe interprétante ne peut transformer les mouvements d’identifications projectives dont elle est la cible. Le récit d’une intervention dans le cadre d’un dispositif d’analyse des pratiques illustre comment la relance de l’analyse inter-transférentielle vient soutenir une équipe de psychodramatistes dans le travail de renoncement à un dispositif fétichisé.
Mise en place de dispositifs groupaux dans une structure pour adolescents. Récit d'expériences et tentative de conceptualisation
Authors: Dubois Alain
Published: November 2012

Après une présentation et une évocation de l’histoire d’une clinique pour adolescents, nous nous attacherons à montrer l’intérêt des dispositifs thérapeutiques groupaux, en particulier dans la période initiale d’affiliation à l’établissement des patients qui y sont traités et aussi tout au long du parcours de soin. Cette attention aux phases initiales du séjour renoue avec d’anciennes options de psychothérapie institutionnelle et y ajoute la dimension du travail groupal, venant questionner la capacité du cadre institutionnel à assurer la maintenance de ces dispositifs, leur développement et leur inscription dans l’ensemble. Une réflexion sur l’intérêt de l’hospitalisation à l’adolescence, ses modalités, les conditions d’environnement favorable au changement que doit présenter l’offre institutionnelle de soin, sera conduite prenant en perspective le sens de la psychopathologie juvénile.
De la vertu du cadre oublié
Authors: Douarche Rodérik
Published: November 2012

L’auteur part des éléments constitutifs de la mise en place de groupes thérapeutiques, notamment depuis les axiomes de la psychothérapie institutionnelle, pour interroger l’espace groupal. La pensée du dispositif, issue des expériences des équipes et des cadres psychiques de soignants, contribue à l’élaboration de séquences spatio-temporelles dans les groupes, dont deux exemples sont ici présentés. La nécessité de porter son attention sur les éléments du cadre, dans les commencements du groupe, doit s’effacer petit à petit pour que les écarts et l’investissement d’autres propositions de l’enfant puissent être entendus par le psychologue dans le registre du transfert individuel.
Un groupe à médiation littéraire en hôpital de jour
Authors: Cohou Dominique
Published: November 2012

Cet article met en évidence quelques-uns des ressorts thérapeutiques d’un dispositif groupal conjuguant les apports de la médiation littéraire et celle de l’analyse de groupe. C’est dans son rapport au cadre institutionnel qu’un tel espace fonde pour une grande part la qualité de sa contenance. L’auteure resitue la conception de ce groupe dans une temporalité mise en lien avec les aléas de son contre-transfert anticipé et le contexte institutionnel. Deux exemples cliniques illustrent la spécificité de ce travail de groupe ; ils mettent l’accent sur la notion de transsubjectivité et de réseau groupal comme matrice d’où surgissent les processus de figuration et de symbolisation facilités par la médiation, par le biais des identifications primaires.