bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two cases of platelet transfusion refractoriness associated with anti‐CD36
Authors: Saw Chee‐Loong , Szykoluk Helen , Curtis Brian R. , Zelcer Shayna , Eckert Kathleen , Forrest Donna , Nickerson Peter , Petraszko Tanya , Goldman Mindy
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: Antibodies to platelet (PLT) glycoprotein (GP) IV (CD36) have been implicated in rare cases of PLT refractoriness, particularly in non‐Caucasians. We report two cases of PLT transfusion refractoriness linked to anti‐CD36.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 5‐year‐old female of Lebanese descent and a 70‐year‐old male of Chinese descent both failed to respond to HLA‐matched PLT transfusions during acute myelogenous leukemia induction therapy. Antibody screening was performed using a PLT antibody solid‐phase kit (PAKPLUS, GTI Diagnostics), followed by the monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of PLT antigen (MAIPA) test and, for the second case, the modified antigen capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (MACE).

RESULTS: Both patients demonstrated antibody to GP IV (CD36) on the PAKPLUS assay. On MAIPA testing, both phenotyped as CD36 negative. Anti‐CD36 was demonstrated by MAIPA in the first case. In the second case, antibodies were not detected by MAIPA and variably detectable by MACE, depending on the mouse monoclonal antibody (MoAb) used. Because no Canadian CD36‐negative donors were available, antigen‐negative plateletpheresis units from the BloodCenter of Wisconsin were successfully transfused.

CONCLUSION: Two cases of clinically significant CD36 antibodies are reported. Investigation of one case was complicated by steric inhibition of binding in the MAIPA and MACE assays with certain MoAbs. The cases demonstrate the importance of maintaining an ethnically diverse pool of rare donors and the value of international cooperation in the management of these patients.
Sociodemographic and attitudinal factors to blood donation in the urban population of Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Duboz Priscilla , Macia Enguerran , Cunéo Bernard
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this analysis were 1) to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of donors and nondonors, 2) to describe the channels through which Dakar's population is made aware of blood donation, and 3) to analyze the motivations and barriers to blood donation expressed by donors and nondonors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: A survey of 600 individuals age 20 and older representative of Dakar's population was conducted in 2009 to analyze awareness of blood donation, donor characteristics, and barriers and motivations to blood donation.

RESULTS: A total of 94.7% of the respondents had already heard of giving blood and 25.8% had already donated. Men and individuals age 40 and over are overrepresented among donors (chi‐square [1 ddl] = 19.54, p < 0.001; chi‐square [3 ddl] = 14.24, p < 0.01). Those with higher education were also more likely to be donors (chi‐square [4 ddl] = 38.91, p < 0.001). Main motivations to blood donation are altruism (43%) and awareness of a blood shortage (20.33%). Never having been contacted to give blood is the number one obstacle to blood donation (37.31%).

CONCLUSIONS: In Dakar, the vast majority of people are familiar with the practice of giving blood. The sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors, and the main motivations and barriers to blood donation are the same in Dakar as in other countries, but this study also demonstrates the importance to inform Dakarites that blood donation does not amount to a blood test, that donating is not harmful for one's health, and that the blood donated is quickly regenerated.
Insidious Extension of Pituitary Prolactinoma: Two Can't‐Miss Findings Depicted on a 3.0‐T MR System
Authors: Yoneoka Yuichiro , Isogawa Mizuho , Terumitsu Makoto , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

In this article, we present two can't‐miss findings on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3.0‐T MR system resulting in a better surgical option in prolactinoma treatment after emergent of dopamine agonists.

METHODS

We reviewed six cases of pituitary prolactinoma; each had vague or occult bulk of adenoma on 1.5‐T MR imaging, which were finally confirmed by surgery. Four cases were preoperatively examined with a 3.0‐T MR imaging system. With the 3.0‐T MR system, 3‐dimension‐anisotropy‐contrast (3DAC) MR imaging and 3‐dimension fast spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state (3D‐FSPGR) imaging were used for depiction of the adenoma.

RESULTS

3DAC imaging revealed cavernous sinus (CS) pathology in three cases, and multiplanar reconstruction of 3D‐FSPGR imaging revealed normal pituitary gland and invasive adenoma into the CS in three cases and creeping extension up to the contralateral side of the CS invasion in four cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Two can't‐miss findings: (1) intrasellar creeping extension up to the opposite side of the adenoma main body and (2) intracavernous‐localized adenoma with indistinct intrasellar mass should be carefully considered when neurosurgeons perform adenomectomy for patients with prolactinoma, even in cases of microprolactinoma.
Noninvasive Imaging of Carotid Giant Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Patricia , Fuentes Blanca , Mendieta Covadonga , Fernádez‐Prieto Andres , García‐Raya Pilar , Sanz‐Gallego Irene , Ruiz‐Ares Gerardo , Díez‐Tejedor Exuperio
Published: June 2010

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 54‐year‐old man presented an acute stroke in the right middle cerebral artery territory. The carotid duplex ultrasound revealed an aneurismatic mass in the right proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) with a lumen and an organized thrombus inside. The multislice angio‐CT (MSACT) showed a giant saccular pseudoaneurysm involving the right ICA. Surgical resection of the aneurysm was performed, with proximal anastomosis between internal and external carotid artery. Pathological study revealed a pseudoaneurysm with a thrombosed wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneus ICA pseudoaneurysms are a rare cause of stroke that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses. Duplex ultrasound and carotid MSACT are noninvasive methods that may provide an accurate diagnosis.
Predicting the Outcome of Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Using Magnetic Resonance Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Han‐bing, MD Shang , Wei‐guo, MD, PhD Zhao , Jun, MD Zhu , Ning, MD Li , Jian‐kang, MD Shen , Yu, MD Cai
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of preoperative magnetic resonance tomographic angiography (MRTA) in predicting the clinical outcomes of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients following microvascular decompression (MVD).

METHODS

Preoperative MRTA imaging was performed on 167 consecutive patients with TN. The characteristics of offending vessels were determined by MRTA prior to MVD. The relationship of neurovascular contact was classified into 3 types: positive, negative, and contralateral positive, which were compared with the surgical findings and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

MRTA showed obvious neurovascular compression in accordance with surgical findings in 144 patients. Among the remaining 23 patients with negative finding on preoperative MRTA images, neurovascular compression (vein alone or in combination with artery) were found in 16, no definite vascular compression in 7. The sensitivity of MRTA on the symptomatic side was therefore 90%, the specificity was 100% in our series. A correlation was found between clinical outcomes and preoperative findings on MRTA. In 144 MRTA‐positive patients, 136 achieved “excellent” or “good” outcomes after MVD and were significantly better than the MRTA‐negative group (P < .01). The outcomes of patients with a single artery compression were significantly better than those with venous compression, vein in combination with artery compression, or without obvious neurovascular contact (P < .01). Seven of 23 MRTA‐negative patients obtained poor outcomes after operation, venous compression were identified intraoperatively in 4 of them, no definite offending vessel was found in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the curative rate of TN following MVD is higher in the MRTA‐positive group. Venous compression and no neurovascular contact that were negative on MRTA image are poor prognostic factors for surgical outcome of TN. Thus, preoperative MRTA serves as a useful tool in patient selection and outcome prediction.
A Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Anterior Cranial Fossa Angiographically Mimicking an Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Chen Zhi , Tang Weihua , Liu Zhi , Li Fei , Feng Hua , Zhu Gang
Published: June 2010

Venous aneurysm or varix at the venous side of the fistula commonly exist in dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) of the anterior cranial fossa, which may be initially mistaken with aneurysm on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, but always identified by angiography. We report a very unusual case of anterior cranial fossa DAVF angiographically mimicking an anterior ethmoidal artery aneurysm, which was ultimately corrected by surgery. A 41‐year‐old male presented with right frontal intraparenchymal hematoma with intraventricular extension. Angiography revealed a vascular lesion adjacent to the anterior fossa mimicking an anterior ethmoidal artery aneurysm, which was surgically proven to be a partially thrombosed venous varix of drainaging vein originated from the cribriform plate. A diagnosis of anterior cranial fossa DAVF was made, and venous varix was excised. Follow‐up angiography after the operation revealed complete disappearance of the lesion. Our case illustrates a unique occasion that a proximal venous varix without obvious outflow angiographically in DAVF might be mistaken with an aneurysm.
ACTN3 R577X polymorphism does not influence explosive leg muscle power in elite volleyball players
Authors: Ruiz J. R. , Fernández del Valle M. , Verde Z. , Díez‐Vega I. , Santiago C. , Yvert T. , Rodríguez‐Romo G. , Gómez‐Gallego F. , Molina J. J. , Lucia A.
Published: June 2010

We examined the association of R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the α‐actinin‐3 (ACTN3) gene with “explosive” leg muscle power performance in a group of male and female elite volleyball players (n=66, 31 men, 35 women) and in a group of non‐athletic male and female young adults (n=334, 243 men, 91 women). We assessed power performance by means of the vertical squat and counter‐movement jump tests. We also determined whether the genotypic frequencies of the ACTN3 R577X genotypes differed between groups. We did not observe any effect of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on study phenotypes in both groups, regardless of gender (all P>0.05). Genotype frequencies were similar between volleyball and control groups (P=0.095). Moreover, we did not find an association between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the likelihood of being an elite volleyball player using the dominant (RR vs RX+XX) and the recessive model (RR+RX vs XX). In summary, these findings suggest that the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism does not influence explosive leg muscle power in elite volleyball players.
Injuries among World Cup ski and snowboard athletes
Authors: Flørenes T. W. , Nordsletten L. , Heir S. , Bahr R.
Published: June 2010

There is little information available on injuries to World Cup skiers and snowboarders. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the injury risk to World Cup athletes in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, Nordic combined and cross country skiing. We performed retrospective interviews with the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup athletes from selected nations during the 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 winter seasons and recorded all acute injuries occurring during the seasons. We interviewed 2121 athletes and recorded 705 injuries. There were 520 (72%) time‐loss injuries and 196 (28%) severe injuries (absence >28 days). In freestyle skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding, there were 27.6, 29.8 and 37.8 time‐loss and 14.4, 11.3 and 13.8 severe injuries per 100 athletes per season, respectively. In Nordic combined, ski jumping and cross country skiing, there were 15.8, 13.6 and 6.3 time‐loss and 3.3, 5.6 and 0.7 severe injuries per 100 athletes per season, respectively. In conclusion about 1/3 of the World Cup alpine, freestyle and snowboard athletes sustain a time‐loss injury each season, while the risk is low in the Nordic disciplines. A particular concern was the high proportion of severe injuries observed among alpine, freestyle and snowboard athletes, which is in contrast to most other sports.
Changes in muscle strength and morphology after muscle unloading in Special Forces missions
Authors: Thorlund J. B. , Jakobsen O. , Madsen T. , Christensen P. A. , Nedergaard A. , Andersen J. L. , Suetta C. , Aagaard P.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of the present study was to determine the changes in maximal muscle strength, rapid force capacity, jumping performance and muscle morphology following a Special Forces military operation involving 8 days of muscle unloading. Nine male Special Forces soldiers were tested before (pre) and immediately after (post1) an 8‐day simulated special support and reconnaissance (SSR) mission and after 3 h of active recovery (post2). Maximal muscle strength (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured along with maximal counter movement jump height (JH). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis at pre and post1. Acute reductions were found in MVC (11%), JH (10%) and RFD (17–22%) after 8 days of muscle unloading (post1) (P≤0.05). Type IIX fiber type area% increased (P≤0.05) at post1 together with a tendency toward increased type IIX fiber type % (P=0.09) and decreased type I fiber type % (P=0.06), suggesting a transition toward a less fatigue‐resistant fiber‐type profile. In conclusion, short‐term unloading during SSR missions led to marked reductions in mechanical muscle function and functional performance, which may be partly explained by the changes in muscle morphology. Future studies should identify intervention strategies to counter‐act the observed impairments.
Bone marrow‐derived cells in palatal wound healing
Authors: Verstappen J , Katsaros C , Torensma R , Von den Hoff JW
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 788–794

Objective:  Myofibroblasts are responsible for contraction and scarring after cleft palate repair. This leads to growth disturbances in the upper jaw. We hypothesized that cells from the bone marrow are recruited to palatal wounds and differentiate into myofibroblasts.

Methods:  We transplanted bone marrow from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐transgenic rats into lethally irradiated wild‐type rats. After recovery, experimental wounds were made in the palatal mucoperiosteum, and harvested 2 weeks later. GFP‐expressing cells were identified using immunostaining. Myofibroblasts, activated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and myeloid cells were quantified with specific markers.

Results:  After transplantation, 89 ± 8.9% of mononuclear cells in the blood expressed the GFP and about 50% of adherent cells in the bone marrow. Tissue obtained during initial wounding contained only minor numbers of GFP‐positive cells, like adjacent control tissue. Following wound healing, 8.1 ± 5.1% of all cells in the wound area were positive, and 5.0 ± 4.0% of the myofibroblasts, which was significantly higher than in adjacent tissue. Similar percentages were found for activated fibroblasts and endothelial cells, but for myeloid cells it was considerably higher (22 ± 9%).

Conclusions:  Bone marrow‐derived cells contribute to palatal wound healing, but are not the main source of myofibroblasts. In small wounds, the local precursor cells are probably sufficient to replenish the defect.
Increase nitric oxide synthase activity in parotid glands from rats with experimental periodontitis
Authors: Miozza V , Borda E , S‐Borda L , Busch L
Published: June 2010

Oral Diseases(2010)16, 801–806

Objective: In this study we investigated the activity of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in parotid glands from rats with experimental periodontitis and controls.

Methods: Periodontitis was produced by a ligature placed around the cervix of the two lower first molar. Experiments were carried out 22 days after the ligature.

Results: Ligation caused an increase in parotid NOS activity. The selective blocker of the inducible isoform of the enzyme partially inhibited its activity in parotid glands from rat with ligature. In controls, the activity was partially inhibited by the antagonists of the selective neural and endothelial isoforms. NOS activity in rats with ligature was cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent while in controls it was calcium‐dependent. Prostaglandin E2concentration was increased in parotid gland from rats with ligature. The inhibitor of prostaglandin production, FR 122047, diminished both, prostaglandin production and NOS activity. In rats with ligature unstimulated amylase released is increased. Both, prostaglandin and NOS were involved in the increment of amylase release.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that in parotid glands from ligated rats, prostaglandin E2production is increased and, through cAMP accumulation, activates the inducible NOS isoform. The increment of nitric oxide production participates in the increase in basal amylase release.
Association of the GABRD gene and childhood‐onset mood disorders
Authors: Feng Y. , Kapornai K. , Kiss E. , Tamás Z. , Mayer L. , Baji I. , Daróczi G. , Benák I. , Kothencné V. O. , Dombovári E. , Kaczvinszk E. , Besnyő M. , Gádoros J. , Székely J. , Kovacs M. , Vetró Á. , Kennedy J. L. , Barr C. L.
Published: June 2010

The chromosome 1p36 region was previously indicated as a locus for susceptibility to recurrent major depressive disorder based on a linkage study in a sample of 497 sib pairs. We investigated the gamma‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) δ receptor subunit gene, GABRD, as a susceptibility gene to childhood‐onset mood disorders (COMD) because of substantial evidence implicating GABAergic dysfunction in mood disorders and the position of this gene near the 1p36 linkage region. Using a sample consisting of 645 Hungarian families with a child/adolescent proband diagnosed with a mood disorder with the onset of the first episode before age 15, we found some evidence for the association of two polymorphisms located within the gene, rs2376805 and rs2376803, as well as significant evidence for biased transmission of the haplotypes of these two markers (global χ2 test for haplotypes = 12.746, 3 df, P = 0.0052). Furthermore, significant evidence of association was only observed in male subjects (n = 438) when the results were analyzed by sex (χ2 = 9.000 1 df, P = 0.003 for rs2376805). This was in contrast with the previous linkage findings, as LOD scores exceeding 3 were only in female–female pairs in that study. These findings point to the GABRD gene as a susceptibility gene for COMD; however, this gene may not explain the previous linkage finding.
Management of person with dementia with aggressive and violent behaviour: a systematic literature review
Authors: Enmarker Ingela , Olsen Rose , Hellzen Ove
Published: June 2010

enmarker i., olsen r. & hellzen o. (2010) Management of person with dementia with aggressive and violent behaviour: a systematic literature review. International Journal of Older People Nursing 6, 153–162 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00235.x

Aim.  Studies indicate that physical and pharmacological restraints are still often in the frontline of aggression management in a large number of nursing homes. In the present literature review the aim was to describe, from a nursing perspective, aggressive and violent behaviour in people with dementia living in nursing home units and to find alternative approaches to the management of dementia related aggression as a substitute to physical and chemical restraints.

Methods.  A systematic literature review in three phases, including a content analysis of 21 articles published between 1999 and August 2009 has been conducted.

Results.  The results could be summarised in two themes: ‘origins that may trigger violence’ and ‘activities that decrease the amount of violent behaviour’. Together, the themes showed that violence was a phenomenon that could be described as being connected to a premorbid personality and often related to the residents’ personal care. It was found that if the origin of violent actions was the residents’ pain, it was possible to minimise it through nursing activities. This review also indicated that an organisation in special care units for residents who exhibit aggressive and violent behaviour led to the lesser use of mechanical restraints, but also an increased use of non‐mechanical techniques.

Conclusion.  The optimal management of aggressive and violent actions from residents with dementia living in nursing homes was a person‐centred approach to the resident. Qualitative studies focusing on violence were sparsely found, and this underlines the importance of further research in this area to elucidate how violence and aggressiveness is experienced and understood by both staff and patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  To communicate with people with dementia provides a challenge for nurses and other health caregivers. To satisfy the needs of good nursing care, an important aspect is therefore to get knowledge and understanding about aggressive and violent behaviour and its management.
Reduction in the Motoneuron Inhibitory/Excitatory Synaptic Ratio in an Early‐Symptomatic Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Sunico Carmen R. , Domínguez Germán , García‐Verdugo José Manuel , Osta Rosario , Montero Fernando , Moreno‐López Bernardo
Published: June 2010

Excitotoxicity is a widely studied mechanism underlying motoneuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Synaptic alterations that produce an imbalance in the ratio of inhibitory/excitatory synapses are expected to promote or protect against motoneuron excitotoxicity. In ALS patients, motoneurons suffer a reduction in their synaptic coverage, as in the transition from the presymptomatic (2‐month‐old) to early‐symptomatic (3‐month‐old) stage of the hSOD1G93A mouse model of familial ALS. Net synapse loss resulted from inhibitory bouton loss and excitatory synapse gain. Furthermore, in 3‐month‐old transgenic mice, remaining inhibitory but not excitatory boutons attached to motoneurons showed reduction in the active zone length and in the spatial density of synaptic vesicles in the releasable pool near the active zone. Bouton degeneration/loss seems to be mediated by bouton vacuolization and by mechanical displacement due to swelling vacuolated dendrites. In addition, chronic treatment with a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor avoided inhibitory loss but not excitatory gain. These results indicate that NO mediates inhibitory loss occurring from the pre‐ to early‐symptomatic stage of hSOD1G93A mice. This work contributes new insights on ALS pathogenesis, recognizing synaptic re‐arrangement onto motoneurons as a mechanism favoring disease progression rather than as a protective homeostatic response against excitotoxic events.
Protective effects of triamcinolone acetonide upon the upregulation and phosphorylation of GAP 43 in an animal model of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Chung In Y. , Kim Young H. , Park Jong M. , Seo Seong W. , Choi Wan S. , Cho Gyeong J. , Yoo Ji M.
Published: June 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e217–e221

Purpose:  The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) upon the expression and phosphorylation of growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP 43) in the retinas of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) rats.

Methods:  Oxygen‐induced retinopathy was induced by exposing Sprague‐Dawley rats to hyperoxia (80% oxygen) from postnatal (P) days 2–14 and then returning the rats to normoxic conditions. Triamcinolone acetonide or a conditioned saline (control) was injected intravitreally into the right or left eye, respectively, of OIR rats at P15. We then assessed the molecular and histological changes in the expression of GAP 43 and phospho‐GAP 43 in OIR and control rat retinas, and also after treatment with TA by RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Growth‐associated protein 43 mRNA levels were found to be increased by 1.6‐fold (p = 0.001, n = 5) in the retinas of P18 OIR rats compared with the control rats. The protein levels of GAP 43 and phospho‐GAP43 were found to be elevated in the retina of P18 OIR rats (2.40‐ and 2.39‐fold greater than each control, p<0.001, n = 5, respectively). Immunoreactivities of GAP 43 and phospho‐GAP 43 were stronger in the inner plexiform layer in OIR rat retinas compared with the control. However, treatment with TA attenuated GAP 43 and phospho‐GAP 43 upregulation in the OIR retinas.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that GAP 43 and phospho‐GAP 43 participate in retinal (potentially pathologic) changes following oxygen‐induced damage. Triamcinolone acetonide protects the retinal damage in relatively hypoxic retinas of OIR rats. Therefore, TA treatment does not induce the expression and phosphorylation of GAP 43 in OIR rat retinas.
Beyond the Cholinergic Hypothesis: Do Current Drugs Work in Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Martorana Alessandro , Esposito Zaira , Koch Giacomo
Published: June 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory and cognitive loss, and represents the leading cause of dementia in elderly people. Besides the complex biochemical processes involved in the neuronal degeneration (formation of senile plaques containing Aβ peptides, and development of neurofibrillary tangles), other molecular and neurochemical alterations, like cholinergic deficit due to basal forebrain degeneration, also occur. Because acetylcholine has been demonstrated to be involved in cognitive processes, the idea to increase acetylcholine levels to restore cognitive deficits has gained interest (the so‐called cholinergic hypothesis). This has led to the development of drugs able to prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). However, the analysis of clinical efficacy of these drugs in alleviating symptoms of dementia showed unsatisfactory results. Despite such critical opinions on the efficacy of these drugs, it should be said that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and for some aspects memantine also, improve memory and other cognitive functions throughout most of the duration of the disease. The pharmacological activity of these drugs suggests an effect beyond the mere increase of acetylcholine levels. These considerations are in agreement with the idea that cognitive decline is the result of a complex and not fully elucidated interplay among different neurotransmitters. The role of each of the neurotransmitters implicated has to be related to a cognitive process and as a consequence to its decline. The current review aims to highlight the positive role of cholinergic drugs in alleviating cognitive deficits during wake as well as sleep. Moreover, we suggest that future therapeutic approaches have to be developed to restore the complex interplay between acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters systems, such as dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, or glutamate, that are likely involved in the progressive deterioration of several cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning.
Strategic Design Helps Build a Global Brand in Turkey
Authors: Topaloğlu Fulden , Er Özlem
Published: June 2010

As Turkish brands seek to find a place on the global market, some are discovering design as a powerful tool for competitive advantage. This case study tells the story of VitrA Bath, which is claiming a hard‐won niche on the world market by positioning itself as a design‐led company.
Design Management and Business in Europe: A Closer Look
Authors: Best Kathryn , Kootstra Gert , Murphy Darragh
Published: June 2010

With the exception of a few small‐scale case studies, there has been no real investigation into how European companies manage design, so when Design Management Europe decided to mount a survey of small and medium‐size companies and their design management practices, the results were interesting, and in some cases surprising.
Design Thinking to Make Organization Change and Development More Responsive
Authors: Sato Steve , Lucente Sam , Meyer Douglas , Mrazek Deborah
Published: June 2010

There are many types of organization change and development (OC&D) approaches, from John Kotter's Leading Change methodology to Robert Schaffer's Rapid Results technique. No matter which you use, success depends on how well it can be adapted to the situation at hand. At Hewlett‐Packard, design thinking turned out to be the glue that held everything together.
Biocatalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Amines from Ketones Applied to Sitagliptin Manufacture
Authors: Savile Christopher K. , Janey Jacob M. , Mundorff Emily C. , Moore Jeffrey C. , Tam Sarena , Jarvis William R. , Colbeck Jeffrey C. , Krebber Anke , Fleitz Fred J. , Brands Jos , Devine Paul N. , Huisman Gjalt W. , Hughes Gregory J.
Published: June 2010

Biocatalytic Boost

Enzymes tend to direct reactions toward specific products much more selectively than synthetic catalysts. Unfortunately, this selectivity has evolved for cellular purposes and may not promote the sorts of reactions chemists are seeking to enhance (see the Perspective by

Lutz

).

Siegel
et al.

(p.
309
) now describe the design of enzymes that catalyze the bimolecular Diels-Alder reaction, a carbon-carbon bond formation reaction that is central to organic synthesis but unknown in natural metabolism. The enzymes display high stereoselectivity and substrate specificity, and an x-ray structure of the most active enzyme confirms that the structure matches the design.

Savile
et al.

(p.
305
, published online 17 June) applied a directed evolution approach to modify an existing transaminase enzyme so that it recognized a complex ketone in place of its smaller native substrate, and could tolerate the high temperature and organic cosolvent necessary to dissolve this ketone. This biocatalytic reaction improved the production efficiency of a drug that treats diabetes.
Integrative Modeling Defines the Nova Splicing-Regulatory Network and Its Combinatorial Controls
Authors: Zhang Chaolin , Frias Maria A. , Mele Aldo , Ruggiu Matteo , Eom Taesun , Marney Christina B. , Wang Huidong , Licatalosi Donny D. , Fak John J. , Darnell Robert B.
Published: June 2010

Making the Final Cut

RNA splicing, which involves selectively cutting and pasting messenger RNA to generate different proteins, is critical in regulating human physiology and diseases. However, our knowledge of the underlying rules governing splicing regulation remains incomplete. The recent emergence of next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput technologies has provided an opportunity to transform our understanding of RNA regulation.

Zhang
et al.

(p.
439
, published online 17 June) combined multiple data sets to generate a robust and relatively complete picture of splicing regulation by the mammalian neuronal splicing factor Nova in the brain. About 700 splicing events were identified, including many novel target exons, some likely to be involved in neurological disease. Combining genomic studies with computational biology also yielded insight into the regulation of alternative splicing.
Biotransformation of testosterone and progesterone by Penicillium digitatum MRC 500787
Authors: Yildirim Kudret , Gulsan Fatih , Kupcu Ilknur
Published: June 2010

The biotransformation of testosterone and progesterone byPenicillium digitatumMRC 500787 for 5 days is described. The biotransformation of testosterone afforded 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one, 3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione. The biotransformation of progesterone afforded 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione.
Reduction of indium(III) at dropping mercury electrode in the presence of pyridine in aqueous and ethanol–water media
Authors: Sharma Vinita , Gupta Krishna D.
Published: June 2010

The reduction of indium(III) at dropping mercury electrode in aqueous as well as in 25% ethanol–water media in the presence of pyridine has been studied at a constant ionic strength (0.1 M KNO3) and at 30 and 40 °C. The reduction is diffusion-controlled but the electrode process is quasi-reversible in both media. The reversible half-wave potential values,E1/2r, have been obtained by Gelling’s method. The plot ofE1/2r versus pyridine concentration is a straight line and the number of ligands,j, was determined from the slope. This shows the formation of a single complex. The stability constant has been determined by Lingane’s method. In(III) forms one complex species with composition 1:1, [In(py)]3+. The values of thermodynamic parameters ΔG, ΔHand ΔSof the complexation reaction have also been determined at 30 °C.
Changes in the timed finger-to-nose task performance following exercise of different intensities
Authors: Sullivan S John , Schneiders Anthony G , Handcock Phil , Gray Andrew , McCrory Paul R
Published: June 2010

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of exercise intensity on the timed finger-to-nose (FTN) task, a measure of upper limb coordination included in the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT2).

Methods

A three-group crossover randomised design was used to investigate changes in FTN times at three levels of exercise intensity; no exercise/rest (NE), moderate intensity exercise (ME) and high-intensity exercise (HE). Heart rates and a rating of perceived exertion (Borg Scale) were recorded to verify the level of exercise intensity. Participants performed three trials of the timed FTN task: pre-exercise, post-exercise and 15 min after the cessation of exercise. Linear mixed models were used to compare FTN change scores associated with exercise.

Results

Ninety asymptomatic participants (45♂:45♀) aged 18–32 years completed the study. Changes in FTN scores from pre-exercise showed that the HE condition was facilitated relative to NE at post-exercise (8% faster, 95% CI 5% to 10%, p<0.001) and at post-15 (3% faster, 95% CI 1% to 6%, p=0.005). ME did not show such a facilitation following exercise (2% faster, 95% CI 0% to 4%, p=0.081 and 1% faster, 95% CI 1% to 4%, p=0.225 respectively).

Conclusions

Performance on the FTN task is enhanced by a short period of HE, and this effect persists for at least 15 min. There was no evidence of such an effect with ME.
THE BARYON RESONANCE PROGRAM AT MAMI
Authors: ARENDS HANS-JÜRGEN
Published: June 2010

The Mainz Microtron MAMI is an ideal facility to study the hadron structure with the electromagnetic probe. With the fourth accelerator stage (MAMI-C) which went into operation in 2007 high-intensity polarized electron and photon beams with energies up to 1.5 GeV are delivered to the experiments. Polarized targets and recoil polarimeters in combination with dedicated detectors are available for precision experiments in hadron physics. In this article, an overview over selected recent results on the study of low-lying baryon resonances and future perspectives will be given.
FUSION-FISSION AND QUASI-FISSION PROCESSES IN REACTIONS USING ACTINIDE TARGET NUCLEI
Authors: ARITOMO YOSHIHIRO
Published: June 2010

We analyzed experimental data obtained for the mass distribution of fission fragments in the reactions 36 S +238 U and 30 Si +238 U at several incident energies, which were performed by the JAEA group. Using the dynamical model with the Langevin equation, we precisely investigate the incident energy dependence of the mass distribution of fission fragments. We also consider the fine structures in the mass distribution of fission fragments caused by the nuclear structure at a low incident energy. It is explained why the mass distribution of fission fragments has different features in the two reactions. The fusion cross sections are also estimated.
PRESENT AND FUTURE OF HADRON SPECTROSCOPY AT JEFFERSON LAB
Authors:   for CLAS Collaboration, BATTAGLIERI M.
Published: June 2010

The CLAS Collaboration is operating the CLAS detector at theThomas Jefferson National Laboratory (JLab) in USA. The unique combination of detector acceptance and high intensity of the continuous electron beam of CEBAF has opened the way to a comprehensive study of the hadron structure in the kinematic domain between nuclear and particle physics. Hadron spectroscopy plays a central role in the physics program of the Collaboration. Many exclusive channels have been studied with virtual and real photon beams over a wide kinematic range providing key information about the hadronic structure as well as the reactions dynamics. In this contribution, the rich physics program covered by present and future experiments will be reviewed.
POLARISED PHOTON BEAMS AT ELSA AND RECENT RESULTS OF DOUBLE POLARISATION MEASURMENTS
Authors:   for CBELSA/TAPS Collaboration, ELSNER DANIEL
Published: June 2010

The puzzle of the excitation spectrum of the nucleon, composed of broad and overlapping resonances, is still unresolved. For a complete experiment at least 8 well chosen single and double polarisation observables are needed. At the electron accelerator ELSA of the University of Bonn single- and double polarisation experiments are currently performed with the Crystal Barrel/TAPS experiment. The experimental setup includes a ɸ-symmetric calorimeter system covering almost the complete solid angle and it is ideally suited to detect single and multiple neutral meson final states. Circularly or linearly polarised photon beams impinge on a longitudinal polarised butanol target in the center of the setup. The linearly polarised photon beams provide the basis for the measurement of azimuthal beam asymmetries, such as Σ and, in combination with the polarised target, G . Circularly polarised photon beams allow the extraction of the beam-target asymmetry E . Preliminary results for the polarisation observables Σ, G and E will be presented.
EXPECTATIONS AND LIMITS TO SYNTHESIZE NUCLEI WITH Z ≥ 120
Authors: GIARDINA G. , FAZIO G. , MANDAGLIO G. , MANGANARO M. , NASIROV A. K. , ROMANIUK M. V. , SACCÀ C.
Published: June 2010

In order to explore the possibilities to synthesize the new superheavy elements with Z =120, 122, 124, 126 some hot-fusion (mass asymmetric) reactions and cold-fusion (less mass asymmetric) reactions are studied. The dynamics of reaction with massive nuclei and the formation probability of heavy and superheavy elements with Z =90-126 in the asymmetric and symmetric reactions are discussed. The systematics of fusion probability P CN and evaporation residue cross section σER in these reactions are presented. Moreover, we explore the possibility of synthesis of superheavy nuclei by the use of reaction with the neutron rich radioactive beam 132 Sn , and by symmetric reactions like 136 Xe +136 Xe and 139,149 La + 139,149 La .
LOW ENERGY TESTS OF THE STANDARD MODEL: THE 12 GeV PARITY VIOLATION PROGRAM AT JEFFERSON LABORATORY
Authors: KUMAR KRISHNA S.
Published: June 2010

We discuss the current status and prospects of an experimental program of parity-violating asymmetry measurements in the scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons off unpolarized fixed targets. In particular, we focus on those measurements where judicious choices of target species and kinematics allows the theoretical predictions to be made purely in terms of fundamental electroweak couplings with little theoretical uncertainty. If such asymmetries are measured with sufficient precision, they are sensitive to new physics at the TeV scale. After reviewing recent results, two new experimental initiatives called MOLLER and SoLID being designed for the Jefferson Laboratory 12 GeV upgrade are discussed.
UPGRADE FOR THE CBELSA/TAPS EXPERIMENT AT ELSA FOR η AND η′ DECAYS
Authors:   for CBELSA/TAPS Collaboration, LANG MICHAEL
Published: June 2010

The CBELSA/TAPS experiment is a set up installed at the accelerator facility ELSA in Bonn. It is used to measure cross sections of hadronic reactions by observing final state particles. The set up is well suited for the identification of neutral particles such as neutrons and photons (e.g. from π0 decay). It is planed to access the major part of η and η′ photo production and decays as also strangeness. This requires a neutral trigger capability for the detector set up and a tracking detector for charged particles.
REACTION DYNAMICS INDUCED FROM LIGHT WEAKLY-BOUND RADIOACTIVE ION BEAMS AT NEAR-BARRIER ENERGIES
Authors: MAZZOCCO MARCO
Published: June 2010

This work presents an overview of the latest experiments performed to study the reaction dynamics induced from light weakly-bound Radioactive Ion Beams on medium-mass and heavy targets at near-barrier energies. Production reactions, secondary beam intensities and experimental results on elastic scattering, transfer, breakup and fusion processes are presented and discussed. A comparative analysis of fusion and reaction cross section data for different projectile-target combinations is finally given.
BARRIER DISTRIBUTION OF QUASI-ELASTIC BACKWAD SCATTERING IN VERY HEAVY REACTION SYSTEMS
Authors: MITSUOKA S. , IKEZOE H. , NISHIO K. , WATANABE Y. , JEONG S. C. , ISHIYAMA H. , HIRAYAMA Y. , IMAI N. , MIYATAKE H.
Published: June 2010

We have measured quasi-elastic backward scattering in the reactions of 48 Ti , 54 Cr , 56 Fe , 64 Ni , 70 Zn , 76 Ge and 86 Kr + 208 Pb to study the nucleus-nucleus interaction in Pb -based cold fusion. The barrier distributions were obtained from the first derivative of the measured excitation functions of quasi-elastic scattering cross sections normalized to the Rutherford scattering cross sections. The centroids of the barrier distributions showed deviations from several predicted barrier heights toward the low energy side except for the Christensen-Winther potential and the Aküz-Winther potential. The shapes of the barrier distributions were well reproduced by the results of a coupled-channel calculation taking account of the coupling effects of multi-phonon excitations of the quadrupole vibration for the projectiles and of the octupole vibration for the 208 Pb target. The present barrier distributions were also well reproduced by a semiclassical calculation taking into account the couplings of transfer channels and single-phonon excitations in the projectiles and the target.
MECHANISMS PRODUCING FISSIONLIKE BINARY FRAGMENTS IN HEAVY ION COLLISIONS
Authors: NASIROV AVAZBEK , GIARDINA GIORGIO , MANDAGLIO GIUSEPPE , MANGANARO MARINA , MUMINOV AKHTAM
Published: June 2010

The mixing of the quasifission component to the fissionlike cross section causes ambiguity in the quantitative estimation of the complete fusion cross section from the observed angular and mass distributions of the binary products. We show that the partial cross section of quasifission component of binary fragments covers the whole range of the angular momentum values leading to capture. The calculated angular momentum distributions for the compound nucleus and dinuclear system going to quasifission may overlap: competition between complete fusion and quasifission takes place at all values of initial orbital angular momentum. Quasifission components formed at large angular momentum of the dinuclear system can show isotropic angular distribution and their mass distribution can be in mass symmetric region similar to the characteristics of fusion-fission components. As result the unintentional inclusion of the quasifission contribution into the fusion-fission fragment yields can lead to overestimation of the probability of the compound nucleus formation.
HELICITY DEPENDENT PHOTOPRODUCTION ON THE DEUTERON AND THE GDH SUM RULE ON THE NEUTRON
Authors:   For GDH and A2 Collaborations, PEDRONI PAOLO
Published: June 2010

The first measurements of the helicity dependence for the γd reactions were carried out at MAMI (Mainz) in the energy range E γ=200-800 MeV . The experiment used a 4π detection system, a circularly polarized tagged photon beam and a frozen spin target which provided longitudinally polarized deuterons. Results on both the total inclusive photoabsorption cross section and of the πNN channels will be presented. These data give important information about the the Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rule on the neutron and allow a detailed comparison with state-of-the-art calculations of the γd interaction.
DYNAMICAL DIPOLE MODE IN FUSION HEAVY-ION REACTIONS
Authors: PIERROUTSAKOU DIMITRA
Published: June 2010

The prompt γ-ray emission, associated with the dynamical dipole mode decay, was investigated in the32,36S +100,96Mo and36,40Ar +96,92Zr fusion-evaporation reactions in the energy range Elab= 6 - 16 MeV / nucleon . The above reaction pairs populate, through entrance channels having different charge asymmetries, a compound nucleus in the132Ce mass region at excitation energies of 117, 174 and 284 MeV with identical spin distribution. By studying the differential γ-ray multiplicity spectra of the considered systems, the features of the dynamical dipole mode as a function of the beam energy were extracted while the γ-ray angular distributions were used to prove its pre-equilibrium character. The experimental findings were compared with theoretical predictions performed within a BNV transport model and based on a collective bremsstrahlung analysis of the entrance channel reaction dynamics. As a fast cooling mechanism on the fusion path, the prompt dipole radiation could be of interest for the synthesis of super heavy elements through hot fusion reactions providing a way to cool down the hot fusion paths, so ending up with a larger survival probability. To shed light on this hypothesis, the dynamical dipole mode investigation was extended to a heavier compound nucleus,192Pb , by means of the40Ca +152Sm and48Ca +144Sm reactions at Elab= 11 and 10.1 MeV/nucleon, respectively. Preliminary results of this measurement, concerning both fusion-evaporation and fission events are presented.
THE BGO-OPENDIPOLE SETUP AT ELSA
Authors: SCHMIEDEN HARTMUT
Published: June 2010

At the electron accelerator facility ELSA of the University of Bonn presently the new BGO-OpenDipole experiment is being setup. It is optimized for meson photoproduction final states of mixed charges. The detector combines hermetic coverage for photon detection through the BGO ball of the former GRAAL experiment with high resolution detection of forward going charged particles in the Open Dipole spectrometer. This setup is well suited for many different channels, including pseudoscalar, vectormeson and associated strangeness photoproduction. This contribution highlights the strangeness channels associated with the Λ and Σ ground states and the Λ(1405) excited state.
ESTIMATION ON STOPPING POWERS OF SUPERHEAVY ION WITH Z=120 AND A=300 IN SEVERAL MEDIA
Authors: CHUNG Y. H.
Published: June 2010

Stopping powers of superheavy ion with Z=120 and A=300 have been estimated in several media in the energy region 0.0177≤E/A≤0.141 MeV / amu . The electronic and nuclear stopping powers of ions with 6≤Z≤92 calculated by SRIM have been used to estimate the corresponding stopping powers of the superheavy ion. The media included two solid compounds (UF4 and Mylar) and two gases ( He and butane). The results were compared with those deduced from Northcliffe and Schilling's stopping-power tables.