bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review
Authors: Ishaque Sana , Shamseer Larissa , Bukutu Cecilia , Vohra Sunita
Published: May 2012

Background

Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) is grown at high altitudes and northern latitudes. Due to its purported adaptogenic properties, it has been studied for its performance-enhancing capabilities in healthy populations and its therapeutic properties in a number of clinical populations. To systematically review evidence of efficacy and safety of R. rosea for physical and mental fatigue.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), evaluating efficacy and safety of R. rosea for physical and mental fatigue. Two reviewers independently screened the identified literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias for included studies.

Results

Of 206 articles identified in the search, 11 met inclusion criteria for this review. Ten were described as RCTs and one as a CCT. Two of six trials examining physical fatigue in healthy populations report R. rosea to be effective as did three of five RCTs evaluating R. rosea for mental fatigue. All of the included studies exhibit either a high risk of bias or have reporting flaws that hinder assessment of their true validity (unclear risk of bias).

Conclusion

Research regarding R. rosea efficacy is contradictory. While some evidence suggests that the herb may be helpful for enhancing physical performance and alleviating mental fatigue, methodological flaws limit accurate assessment of efficacy. A rigorously-designed well reported RCT that minimizes bias is needed to determine true efficacy of R. rosea for fatigue.
Comparative transcriptional analysis of Bacillus subtilis cells overproducing either secreted proteins, lipoproteins or membrane proteins
Authors: Marciniak Bogumiła C , Trip Hein , van-der Veek Patricia J , Kuipers Oscar P
Published: May 2012

Background

Bacillus subtilis is a favorable host for the production of industrially relevant proteins because of its capacity of secreting proteins into the medium to high levels, its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, its genetic accessibility and its capacity to grow in large fermentations. However, production of heterologous proteins still faces limitations.

Results

This study aimed at the identification of bottlenecks in secretory protein production by analyzing the response of B. subtilis at the transcriptome level to overproduction of eight secretory proteins of endogenous and heterologous origin and with different subcellular or extracellular destination: secreted proteins (NprE and XynA of B. subtilis, Usp45 of Lactococcus lactis, TEM-1 β-lactamase of Escherichia coli), membrane proteins (LmrA of L. lactis and XylP of Lactobacillus pentosus) and lipoproteins (MntA and YcdH of B. subtilis). Responses specific for proteins with a common localization as well as more general stress responses were observed. The latter include upregulation of genes encoding intracellular stress proteins (groES/EL, CtsR regulated genes). Specific responses include upregulation of the liaIHGFSR operon under Usp45 and TEM-1 β-lactamase overproduction; cssRS, htrA and htrB under all secreted proteins overproduction; sigW and SigW-regulated genes mainly under membrane proteins overproduction; and ykrL (encoding an HtpX homologue) specifically under membrane proteins overproduction.

Conclusions

The results give better insights into B. subtilis responses to protein overproduction stress and provide potential targets for genetic engineering in order to further improve B. subtilis as a protein production host.
A generalised module for the selective extracellular accumulation of recombinant proteins
Authors: Sevastsyanovich Yanina R , Leyton Denisse L , Wells Timothy J , Wardius Catherine A , Tveen-Jensen Karina , Morris Faye C , Knowles Timothy J , Cunningham Adam F , Cole Jeffrey A , Henderson Ian R
Published: May 2012

Background

It is widely believed that laboratory strains ofEscherichia coli, including those used for industrial production of proteins, do not secrete proteins to the extracellular milieu.

Results

Here, we report the development of a generalised module, based on anE. coliautotransporter secretion system, for the production of extracellular recombinant proteins. We demonstrate that a wide variety of structurally diverse proteins can be secreted as soluble proteins when linked to the autotransporter module. Yields were comparable to those achieved with other bacterial secretion systems.

Conclusions

The advantage of this module is that it relies on a relatively simple and easily manipulated secretion system, exhibits no apparent limitation to the size of the secreted protein and can deliver proteins to the extracellular environment at levels of purity and yields sufficient for many biotechnological applications.
Determinants of delayed detection of cancers in Texas Counties in the United States of America
Authors: Gong Gordon , Belasco Eric , Hargrave Kristopher A , Lyford Conrad P , Philips Billy U
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that delayed detection of several cancers is related to socioeconomic deprivation as measured by the Wellbeing Index (WI) in Texas, the United States of America (USA). The current study investigates whether delayed cancer detection is related to lack of health insurance, physician shortage and higher percentages of Hispanics rather than WI per se since these factors are directly related to delayed cancer detection and may confound WI.

Methods

Cancer data and potential determinants of delayed cancer detection are derived from Texas Cancer Registry, Texas State Data Center, and Texas Department of State Health Services and U.S. Census Bureau. Texas cancer data from 1997 to 2003 are aggregated to calculate age-adjusted late- and early-stage cancer detection rates. The WI for each county is computed using data from the USA Census 2000. A weighted Tobit regression model is used to account for population size and censoring. The percentage of late-stage cancer cases is the dependent variable while independent variables include WI and the aforementioned potential confounders.

Results

Delayed detection of breast, lung, colorectal and female genital cancers is associated with higher percentage of uninsured residents (p < 0.05). Delayed detection is also associated with physician shortage and lower percentages of Hispanics for certain cancers ceteris paribus ( p < 0.05). The percentage of late-stage cases is positively correlated with WI for lung, and prostate cancers after adjusting for confounders ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The percentages of uninsured and Hispanic residents as well as physician supply are determinants of delayed detection for several cancers independently of WI, and vice versa. Identification of these determinants provides the evidence-base critical for decision makers to address specific issues for promoting early detection in effective cancer control.
Almost Jordan homomorphisms and Jordan derivations associated to the parametric-additive functional equation on fuzzy Banach algebras
Authors: Azadi Kenary Hassan , Rezaei Hamid , Gheisari Yosouf , Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Shin Dong Yun
Published: May 2012

In this article, we establish the generalized Hyers-Ulam (or Hyers-Ulam-Rassais) stability of Jordan homomorphisms and Jordan derivations of the following parametric additive functional equation:

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for a fixed positive integer m with m ≥ 2, on fuzzy Banach algebras. The concept of Ulam-Hyers-Rassias stability originated from Rassias stability theorem that appeared in his article.

Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary, 46S40; Secondary, 39B52; 39B82; 26E50; 46S50; 46H25.
The trinity of the cortical actin in the initiation of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Spear Mark , Guo Jia , Wu Yuntao
Published: May 2012

For an infecting viral pathogen, the actin cortex inside the host cell is the first line of intracellular components that it encounters. Viruses devise various strategies to actively engage or circumvent the actin structure. In this regard, the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) exemplifies command of cellular processes to take control of actin dynamics for the initiation of infection. It has becomes increasingly evident that cortical actin presents itself both as a barrier to viral intracellular migration and as a necessary cofactor that the virus must actively engage, particularly, in the infection of resting CD4 blood T cells, the primary targets of HIV-1. The coercion of this most fundamental cellular component permits infection by facilitating entry, reverse transcription, and nuclear migration, three essential processes for the establishment of viral infection and latency in blood T cells. It is the purpose of this review to examine, in detail, the manifestation of viral dependence on the actin cytoskeleton, and present a model of how HIV utilizes actin dynamics to initiate infection.
Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity of adult zebrafish
Authors: Tappeiner Christoph , Gerber Simon , Enzmann Volker , Balmer Jasmin , Jazwinska Anna , Tschopp Markus
Published: May 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual acuity of adult zebrafish by assessing the optokinetic reflex. Using a modified commercially available optomotor device (OptoMotry®), virtual three-dimensional gratings of variable spatial frequency or contrast were presented to adult zebrafish. In a first experiment, visual acuity was evaluated by changing the spatial frequency at different angular velocities. Thereafter, contrast sensitivity was evaluated by changing the contrast level at different spatial frequencies.

Results

At the different tested angular velocities (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 d/s) and a contrast of 100%, visual acuity values ranged from 0.56 to 0.58 c/d. Contrast sensitivity measured at different spatial frequencies (0.011, 0.025, 0.5, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.55 c/d) with an angular velocity of 10 d/s and 25 d/s revealed an inverted U-shaped contrast sensitivity curve. The highest mean contrast sensitivity (±SD) values of 20.49 ± 4.13 and 25.24 ± 8.89 were found for a spatial frequency of 0.05 c/d (angular velocity 10 d/s) and 0.1 c/d (angular velocity 25 d/s), respectively.

Conclusions

Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity measurements in adult zebrafish with the OptoMotry® device are feasible and reveal a remarkably higher VA compared to larval zebrafish and mice.
Co-contraction patterns of trans-tibial amputee ankle and knee musculature during gait
Authors: Seyedali Mahyo , Czerniecki Joseph M , Morgenroth David C , Hahn Michael E
Published: May 2012

Background

Myoelectric control of upper extremity powered prostheses has been used clinically for many years, however this approach has not been fully developed for lower extremity prosthetic devices. With the advent of powered lower extremity prosthetic components, the potential role of myoelectric control systems is of increasing importance. An understanding of muscle activation patterns and their relationship to functional ambulation is a vital step in the future development of myoelectric control. Unusual knee muscle co-contractions have been reported in both limbs of trans-tibial amputees. It is currently unknown what differences exist in co-contraction between trans-tibial amputees and controls. This study compares the activation and co-contraction patterns of the ankle and knee musculature of trans-tibial amputees (intact and residual limbs), and able-bodied control subjects during three speeds of gait. It was hypothesized that residual limbs would have greater ankle muscle co-contraction than intact and able-bodied control limbs and that knee muscle co-contraction would be different among all limbs. Lastly it was hypothesized that the extent of muscle co-contraction would increase with walking speed.

Methods

Nine unilateral traumatic trans-tibial amputees and five matched controls participated. Surface electromyography recorded activation from the Tibialis Anterior, Medial Gastrocnemius, Vastus Lateralis and Biceps Femoris of the residual, intact and control limbs. A series of filters were applied to the signal to obtain a linear envelope of the activation patterns. A co-contraction area (ratio of the integrated agonist and antagonist activity) was calculated during specific phases of gait.

Results

Co-contraction of the ankle muscles was greater in the residual limb than in the intact and control limbs during all phases of gait. Knee muscle co-contraction was greater in the residual limb than in the control limb during all phases of gait.

Conclusion

Co-contractions may represent a limb stiffening strategy to enhance stability during phases of initial foot-contact and single limb support. These strategies may be functionally necessary for amputee gait; however, the presence of co-contractions could confound future development of myoelectric controls and should thus be accounted for.
Association of CTXN3-SLC12A2 polymorphisms and schizophrenia in a Thai population
Authors: Panichareon Benjaporn , Nakayama Kazuhiro , Iwamoto Sadahiko , Thurakitwannakarn Wanpen , Sukhumsirichart Wasana
Published: May 2012

Background

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) combined with brain imaging as a quantitative trait analysis revealed that the SNPs near CTXN3-SLC12A2 region were related to forebrain development and stress response which involved in schizophrenia. In the present study, the SNPs in this region were analyzed for association with schizophrenia in a Thai population.

Methods

A total of 115 schizophrenia and 173 unrelated normal controls with mean age of 37.87 ± 11.8 and 42.81 ± 6.0 years, respectively, were included in this study. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. The difference in genotype distribution between patient and control was assessed by Chi-square test of the SPSS software.

Results

We found a significant association between the GWAS-discovered SNP, rs245178, with the risk of schizophrenia in the Thai population [P = 0.006, odds ratio for the minor G allele: 0.62(0.46–0.83)]. Additionally, another potential SNP, rs698172, which was in moderate linkage disequilibrium with rs245178, also showed strong association with schizophrenia [P = 0.003, odds ratio for minor T allele: 0.61(0.46–0.82)]. This association remained significant at 5% level after the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing.

Conclusions

This study shows that two SNPs in intergenic of the CTXN3 and SLC12A2 genes, rs245178 and rs698172, are associated with risk of schizophrenia in Thai population. Further study is required for clarification the role of genetic variation around these SNPs in expression pattern of the CTXN3 and SLC12A2 genes, which may be involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Assessment of the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of an indirect ELISA kit for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams
Authors: Praud Anne , Champion Jean-Luc , Corde Yannick , Drapeau Antoine , Meyer Laurence , Garin-Bastuji Bruno
Published: May 2012

Background

Brucella ovis causes an infectious disease responsible for infertility and subsequent economic losses in sheep production. The standard serological test to detect B. ovis infection in rams is the complement fixation test (CFT), which has imperfect sensitivity and specificity in addition to technical drawbacks. Other available tests include the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (I-ELISA) but no I-ELISA kit has been fully evaluated.

The study aimed to compare an I-ELISA kit and the standard CFT. Our study was carried out on serum samples from 4599 rams from the South of France where the disease is enzootic. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate tests characteristics (diagnostic sensitivity, Se and diagnostic specificity, Sp). The tests were then studied together in order to optimise testing strategies to detect B. ovis.

Results

After optimising the cut-off values in order to avoid doubtful results without deteriorating the concordance between the results of the two tests, the I-ELISA appeared to be slightly more sensitive than CFT (Se I-ELISA = 0.917 [0.822; 0.992], 95% Credibility Interval (CrI) compared to Se CFT = 0.860 [0.740; 0.967], 95% CrI). However, CFT was slightly more specific than I-ELISA (Sp CFT = 0.988 [0.947; 1.0], 95% CrI) compared to Sp I-ELISA =0.952 [0.901; 1.0], 95% CrI).

The tests were then associated with two different interpretation schemes. The series association increased the specificity of screening and could be used for pre-movement testing in rams from uninfected flocks. The parallel association increased sequence sensitivity, thus appearing more suitable for eradicating the disease in infected flocks.

Conclusions

The high sensitivity and acceptable specificity of this I-ELISA kit support its potential interest to avoid the limitations of CFT. The two tests could also be used together or combined with other diagnostic methods such as semen culture to improve the testing strategy. The choice of test sequence and interpretation criteria depends on the epidemiological context, screening objectives and the financial and practical constraints.
Concurrent radiochemotherapy in locally-regionally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of treatment results and prognostic factors
Authors: Krstevska Valentina , Stojkovski Igor , Zafirova-Ivanovska Beti
Published: May 2012

Background

Concurrent radiochemotherapy is a recommended treatment option for patients with locally advanced squamous cell head and neck carcinomas with recent data showing the most significant absolute overall and event-free survival benefit achieved in patients with oropharyngeal tumours. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy given with concomitant weekly cisplatin in patients with advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma and to identify prognostic factors influencing outcomes of this patients category.

Methods

Sixty-five patients with stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who underwent concurrent radiochemotherapy between January 2005 and December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received radiotherapy to 70 Gy/35 fractions/2 Gy per fraction/5 fractions per week. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of weekly cisplatin (30 mg/m2) started at the first day of radiotherapy.

Results

Median age was 57 years (range, 36 to 69 years) and 59 (90.8%) patients were male. Complete composite response was achieved in 47 patients (72.3%). Local and/or regional recurrence was the most frequent treatment failure present in 19 out of 25 patients (76.0%). At a median follow-up of 14 months (range, 5 to 72 months), 2-year local relapse-free, regional relapse-free, locoregional relapse-free, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 48.8%, 57.8%, 41.7%, 33.2% and 49.7%, respectively.

On multivariate analysis the only significant factor for inferior regional relapse-free survival was the advanced N stage (p = 0.048). Higher overall stage was independent prognostic factor for poorer local relapse-free survival, locoregional relapse-free survival and disease-free survival (p = 0.022, p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). Pre-treatment haemoglobin concentration was an independent prognostic factor for local relapse-free survival, regional relapse-free survival, locoregional relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.002, p = 0.021, p = 0.001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Poor treatments results of this study suggested that introduction of intensity-modulated radiotherapy, use of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy, accelerated radiotherapy regimens, and molecular targeted therapies could positively influence treatment outcomes. The incorporation of reversal of anaemia should be also expected to provide further improvement in locoregional control and survival in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.
Cauda equina syndrome as the initial presenting clinical feature of medulloblastoma: a case report
Authors: Al-Otaibi Faisal , Ul-Haq Anwar , Al-Hindi Hindi , Al Kofide Amani , Al Shail Essam
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Medulloblastoma is one of the most common pediatric brain malignancies. The usual presenting clinical features are related to posterior fossa syndrome or/and hydrocephalus. Cauda equina syndrome is a very rare presentation for this disease.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a three-year-old boy with cauda equina syndrome as the initial presenting clinical feature for medulloblastoma. He was initially diagnosed as having a spinal tumor by magnetic resonance imaging scan. Subsequently, a cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a posterior fossa tumor with features of dissemination. He had substantial improvement after treatment. This case report is complemented by a literature review related to this unusual presentation.

Conclusions

Medulloblastoma primarily presenting with cauda equina syndrome is very rare. However, spinal drop metastasis should be considered in the pediatric age group to avoid suboptimal management.
A new immunoprecipitation-real time quantitative PCR assay for anti-Th/To and anti-U3RNP antibody detection in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ceribelli Angela , Satoh Minoru , Chan Edward KL
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Classic anti-nucleolar antibodies anti-Th/To and U3 ribonucleoprotein (-U3RNP) can help in the diagnosis, prediction of organ involvement and prognosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, no validated commercial assay is available. We aimed at establishing a novel quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) method to detect these antibodies.

Methods

Standard immunoprecipitation (IP) was performed using K562 cell extract and RNA components were extracted. cDNA was reverse transcribed from RNA components and Th RNA and U3 RNA were detected by qPCR using custom primers. Cycle threshold (Ct) values were compared in a titration experiment to determine the assay efficacy. The new assay was evaluated by testing 22 anti-Th/To and 12 anti-U3RNP positive samples in addition to 88 controls, and the results were compared with IP as a gold standard.

Results

By testing serial 1:8 dilutions of cell lysate as the substrate in the IP step, RNA extracted after IP, and its derived cDNA, linear dose response curves were noted for both anti-Th/To and -U3RNP. With every dilution, Ct values changed approximately three as expected, reflecting the eight-fold difference of cDNA. The Ct difference between positive and negative samples was 8 to 13, which was similar throughout the dilutions. In the specificity analysis, the Ct values of positive samples were clearly different from the negative groups and the results by qPCR had a near perfect correlation with IP.

Conclusions

Our new method readily detects these two clinically important antibodies in SSc. Making tests for anti-Th/To and -U3RNP antibodies widely available to clinicians should be helpful in the diagnosis and follow-up of SSc patients.
Total-to-ionized calcium ratio predicts mortality in continuous renal replacement therapy with citrate anticoagulation in critically ill patients
Authors: Link Andreas , Klingele Matthias , Speer Timo , Rbah Ranja , Pöss Janine , Lerner-Gräber Anne , Fliser Danilo , Böhm Michael
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Regional citrate anticoagulation is safe, feasible and increasingly used in critically ill patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, in patients with hepatic or multi-organ dysfunction, citrate accumulation may lead to an imbalance of calcium homeostasis. The study aimed at evaluating the incidence and prognostic relevance of an increased total to ionized calcium ratio (T/I Ca2+ ratio) and its association to hepatic dysfunction.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study on n = 208 critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and necessity for CRRT with regional citrate anticoagulation (CRRT-citrate) between September 2009 and September 2011. Critical illness was estimated by Simplified Acute Physiology Score II; hepatic function was measured with indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate. After achieving a steady state of calcium homeostasis patients were classified into tertiles according to the T/I Ca2+ ratio (<2.0 versus 2.0 - 2.39 versus ≥2.4).

Results

The T/I Ca2+ ratio was determined as an independent predictor for 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with AKI on CRRT-citrate confirmed by receiver operating characteristics and multivariate analysis (Area under the curve 0.94 ± 0.02; p<0.001). A T/I Ca2+ ratio ≥2.4 independently predicted a 33.5-fold (p<0.001) increase in 28-day mortality-rate. There was a significant correlation between the T/I Ca2+ ratio and the hepatic clearance (p<0.001) and the severity of critical illness (p<0.001). The efficacy and safety of citrate anticoagulation, determined by blood urea nitrogen, mean filter patency and bleeding episodes, were not significantly different between the tertiles.

Conclusions

In patients on CRRT-citrate T/I Ca2+ ratio is closely related to the clinical outcome and emerged as an independent predictor of 28-day mortality. Larger studies are required to define the cut-off and predictive value for the T/I Ca2+ ratio. This ratio is associated with hepatic and/or multi-organ dysfunction and therefore an important therapeutic target.
A dominant role for meiosis-specific 3′ RNA processing in controlling expression of a fission yeast cyclin gene
Authors: Potter Kristine , Cremona Nicole , Sunder Sham , Wise Jo Ann
Published: May 2012

Meiotic gene regulation provides a rich source of insight into mechanisms of temporal control during development. We previously reported that accumulation of many meiotic mRNAs in fission yeast is governed by changes in 3′ RNA processing and elucidated the molecular basis of this regulatory mechanism for an early meiotic gene. Here, we report that cleavage/polyadenylation is also the nexus of negative control for middle meiotic genes. Parallel profiles of splicing and polyadenylation are observed over a meiotic time course for both rem1 and spo4 but not for a constitutive control gene. Nevertheless, polyadenylation of rem1 transcripts is restricted to meiosis by a splicing-independent mechanism. Through systematic sequence substitutions, we identified a negative control region (NCR) located upstream of the rem1 transcription start site and found that it is required to block 3′ RNA processing in proliferating cells. Ablation of the NCR relieves inhibition regardless of whether the intron is present, absent, or carries splice site mutations. Consistent with the previous report of a polypeptide encoded by the first exon of rem1, we discovered a second 3′ processing site just downstream from the 5′ splice site. Polyadenylation within the intron is activated concurrent with the downstream site during meiosis, is controlled by the NCR, and is enhanced when splicing is blocked via 5′ junction or branch point mutations. Taken together, these data suggest a novel regulatory mechanism in which a 5′ element modulates the dynamic interplay between splicing and polyadenylation.
Recommendations for an Undergraduate Curriculum at the Interface of Operations Research and Computer Science
Authors: Hardin Jill R. , Holder Allen , Beck J. Christopher , Furman Kevin , Hanna Arthur , Rader David , Rego Cesar
Published: May 2012

In March 2007, the INFORMS Computing Society formed the ICS Education Committee, charged with outlining an undergraduate curriculum that would prepare students for graduate study and/or industrial work at the interface of operations research and computer science. The result is a set of essential and recommended skills that undergraduate students should seek to acquire in order to be successful in such endeavors. This article presents the findings of the committee.
Teaching Note—Learning Outcome Assessment Using an Integrative Assignment on Location Decision Making
Authors: Klingenberg Beate
Published: May 2012

Driven by the need to develop an integrative tool to assess learning outcomes for an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited MBA program, this teaching note presents a unique assignment that requires students to identify appropriate decision modeling tools for the multi-step analysis to support a location decision. The specific value of this assignment is that although the business scenario is simple but nevertheless realistic, developing the supporting analysis requires application and integration of several decision making models. Students need to exhibit the capability to choose appropriate models, to apply them correctly, and to link the results together to support the final, integrative decision. The assignment therefore allows instructors to evaluate two aspects: (1) proficiency with individual modeling tools and (2) the ability to combine such tools for a comprehensive analysis of a realistic business scenario. The assignment is applicable to learning outcomes assessment for learning objectives such as technological and quantitative skills or critical thinking.
Female Agency and Early Modern Urbanism
Authors: Galletti Sara
Published: May 2012

Female Agency and Early Modern Urbanism: The Paris of Maria de’ Medici analyzes the urban history of early modern Paris and the impact of the interventions promoted by Queen Maria de’ Medici during her regency (1610–17) over the long-term development of the city. On the basis of new archival evidence, Sara Galletti reinterprets the queen’s Parisian projects—among them the Luxembourg Palace and the Arcueil Aqueduct—as the constituents of an ambitious urban plan that radically transformed the Left Bank, left a permanent imprint on the city, and ultimately determined the direction of its future developments. Maria de’ Medici’s projects are discussed within the broader context of the interventions realized on the banks of the Seine by the royal family, the city government, and a number of private investors during the first half of the seventeenth century; these established a new relationship between the city and its river and drew the urban fabric out of its medieval boundaries.
Palladio and the Water-oriented Scenography of Venice
Authors: Savoy Daniel
Published: May 2012

Andrea Palladio’s Venetian churches of San Giorgio Maggiore and Il Redentore overlook the Bay of San Marco and its tributaries, the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal. In Palladio and the Water-oriented Scenography of Venice, Daniel Savoy examines the churches from their surrounding waterways, explaining them as centerpieces in an elaborate program of urban scenography that must be seen as a work of collective civic authorship. Through close topographical and contextual analysis, he shows that Palladio and his patrons oriented the churches to be seen from the perspective of the waterways approaching and transversing the city while evoking the visual experience and cosmological associations of theater. The scheme accords with Palladio’s theoretical project but also builds on Venetian conventions of aquatic urbanism and symbolic geography, implicating the architect in a centuries-old tradition in which the mythical image of Venice was projected through the city’s spectacular waterfront architecture.
Scoring system for predicting recurrences in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Buffet Camille , Golmard Jean Louis , Hoang Catherine , Trésallet Christophe , Du Pasquier Fédiaevsky Laurence , Fierrard Hélène , Aurengo André , Menegaux Fabrice , Leenhardt Laurence
Published: May 2012

Context

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PMC) defined as tumors ≤10 mm in diameter (including pT1a and pT3 according to the latest pTNM classification) have good prognosis, although recurrence is possible. Clinicians are interested in using a scoring system for predicting recurrences.

Objective

To identify the prognostic factors for recurrence in patients with PMC and to develop a scoring system based on lymph node involvement, multifocality, and sex. To determine the impact of extrathyroidal invasion (ETI) and a threshold value for analyzing multifocality.

Methods

Single-center retrospective study of a cohort of 1669 patients with PMC managed from 1960 to 2007. The Kaplan–Meier survival rate and prognostic factors of events were analyzed using log-rank tests and uni- and multivariate Cox model-based analyses. A scoring system was proposed.

Results

Sixty-eight recurrences were observed. Initial lymph node metastases (P=0.0001), multifocality (P=0.05), and male sex (P=0.01) were significantly associated with recurrence, although there was a period effect (after 1990). PMC size was not a significant variable. Our scoring system allows us to separate patients into three risk groups according to their recurrence-free probability. For PMC Nx patients, total foci size of multifocal tumors >20 mm was significantly associated with recurrence (P<0.0001). Radioiodine (RAI) ablation was associated with better outcome only in PMC with ETI.

Conclusion

Our scoring system classifies recurrence risk. In PMC Nx patients, multifocality is important in planning therapeutic strategies. Recurrence probability of pT3 PMC appears lower if RAI ablation is performed.
Global Population Genetic Structure of Caenorhabditis remanei Reveals Incipient Speciation
Authors: Dey Alivia , Jeon Yong , Wang Guo-Xiu , Cutter Asher D
Published: May 2012

Mating system transitions dramatically alter the evolutionary trajectories of genomes that can be revealed by contrasts of species with disparate modes of reproduction. For such transitions in Caenorhabditis nematodes, some major causes of genome variation in selfing species have been discerned. And yet, we have only limited understanding of species-wide population genetic processes for their outcrossing relatives, which represent the reproductive state of the progenitors of selfing species. Multilocus–multipopulation sequence polymorphism data provide a powerful means to uncover the historical demography and evolutionary processes that shape genomes. Here we survey nucleotide polymorphism across the X chromosome for three populations of the outcrossing nematode Caenorhabditis remanei and demonstrate its divergence from a fourth population describing a closely related new species from China, C. sp. 23. We find high genetic variation globally and within each local population sample. Despite geographic barriers and moderate genetic differentiation between Europe and North America, considerable gene flow connects C. remanei populations. We discovered C. sp. 23 while investigating C. remanei, observing strong genetic differentiation characteristic of reproductive isolation that was confirmed by substantial F2 hybrid breakdown in interspecific crosses. That C. sp. 23 represents a distinct biological species provides a cautionary example of how standard practice can fail for mating tests of species identity in this group. This species pair permits full application of divergence population genetic methods to obligately outcrossing species of Caenorhabditis and also presents a new focus for interrogation of the genetics and evolution of speciation with the Caenorhabditis model system.
Propagação de abacateiro via estacas estioladas
Authors: Petry Henrique Belmonte , Ferreira Bibiana Della Pasqua , Koller Otto Carlos , Silva Vanessa Savian da , Schwarz Sergio Francisco
Published: May 2012

Este trabalho objetivou testar um método de propagação de abacateiro a partir de estacas estioladas cultivadas em recipientes de diferentes alturas. O experimento foi desenvolvido em câmara de nebulização intermitente. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3x4, com três repetições, testando-se dois métodos de obstrução de seiva (anelamento da casca, estrangulamento da casca) e quatro alturas de recipientes para o substrato (10, 15, 20 e 25 cm). Decorridos 250 dias, não se observou efeito da altura do recipiente na sobrevivência, no número de folhas desenvolvidas, na altura e no diâmetro das mudas formadas a partir de estacas estioladas. Houve maior sobrevivência e emissão de folhas nas estacas de casca anelada em relação à testemunha; as estacas de casca estrangulada situaram-se em posição intermediária. O prévio anelamento ou estrangulamento da casca de ramos estiolados aumentaram a sobrevivência e o crescimento de mudas na propagação de abacateiro da seleção Viamão, por estaquia.
Grãos de oleaginosas na alimentação de novilhos zebuínos: consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho
Authors: Bassi Marcelo Silva , Ladeira Márcio Machado , Chizzotti Mário Luiz , Chizzotti Fernanda Helena Martins , Oliveira Dalton Mendes de , Machado Neto Otávio Rodrigues , Carvalho José Rodolfo Reis de , Nogueira Neto Álvaro Augusto
Published: May 2012

Avaliaram-se o consumo, o desempenho e a digestibilidade de dietas contendo diferentes grãos de oleaginosas em novilhos zebuínos em confinamento. Utilizaram-se 30 novilhos zebuínos com peso vivo inicial de 388,0±37,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As dietas foram formuladas com silagem de milho e quatro concentrados: um sem suplementação de lipídeos e três com a inclusão de grão de soja, caroço de algodão ou semente de linhaça. As rações, isonitrogenadas, apresentaram relação concentrado:volumoso 60:40 e foram fornecidas à vontade. Para determinação da digestibilidade aparente total, a produção fecal foi estimada utilizando-se fibra em detergente neutro indigestivel como indicador interno. O menor consumo de matéria seca (7,20 kg/dia) foi observado para a dieta contendo caroço de algodão, mas, entre as outras dietas, não houve diferenças nesta variável. O ganho médio diário foi menor quando se utilizou a dieta contendo caroço de algodão em relação à dieta sem lipídeo (0,93 vs. 1,16 kg/dia, respectivamente). No entanto, não houve diferença no ganho médio diário destas dietas em relação às demais. Houve redução da digestiblidade da fibra em detergente neutro na dieta contendo semente de linhaça. Adicionalmente, houve redução na digestibilidade dos carboidratos não-fibrosos nas dietas contendo caroço de algodão e semente de linhaça em relação à dieta com grão de soja, a qual não diferiu da dieta controle. A inclusão de caroço de algodão moído em dietas para bovinos em confinamento deve ser feita com cautela, pois pode provocar redução no consumo de matéria seca e no ganho médio diário. No entanto, a eficiência alimentar não é afetada pela adição de oleaginosas na dieta de bovinos de corte quando o nível máximo de extrato etéreo na matéria seca total da dieta não excede 6%.
A numerical study of cone penetration in fine-grained soils allowing for consolidation effects
Authors: YI J.T. , GOH S.H. , LEE F.H. , RANDOLPH M.F.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents results from a numerical study performed to examine cone penetration response that spans fully undrained to fully drained conditions. Coupled-consolidation finite-element analyses, which accounted for large deformation and finite sliding effects, were carried out using Abaqus/Standard v6.6 at various rates of cone penetration. The model assumed a smooth soil/cone interface, with the soil idealised as a homogeneous elastic-perfectly plastic material obeying a non-dilatant Drucker–Prager yield criterion. The results for the limiting undrained and drained conditions are compared with published strain path and cone factor solutions. The significant advance of this work is the establishment of the theoretical backbone curves arising from the effects of partial consolidation during cone penetration. The factors affecting the backbone curves are examined, and a simplified procedure for deriving these curves is proposed using a hyperbolic fit. An example is then presented to illustrate how the data from measured field cone tests performed at different penetration rates may be used to estimate the strength, deformation and consolidation characteristics of a soil.
Stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography/densitometry estimation of lafutidine in bulk and tablets
Authors: Prajapati Nitin , Shirkhedkar Atul , Surana Sanjay
Published: May 2012

Lafutidine (LTD) is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, with anti-ulcer and
mucosal protective activity. A sensitive and selective stability-indicating
reversed- phase high -performance thin-layer chromatography
(RP-HPTLC)/Densitometry method is suggested for the determination of LTD in
the presence of its acid, alkaline, oxidative and dry heat degradation
products. Stress testing of LTD was done according to the International
Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines in order to validate the
stability-indicating power of the analytical procedures. Stress testing
demonstrated that LTD underwent acid, alkaline, oxidative and dry heat
degradation; on the other hand, it showed stability towards neutral and photo
degradation. Chromatography was performed on aluminum-backed silica gel 60
RP-18 F254 S plates with Methanol: Water: Triethylamine 8: 2: 0.5 (v/v) as
mobile phase. Densitometric scanning was performed at 276 nm. The system gave
compact bands for LTD (Rf 0.67 ? 0.02). Linear regression analysis data for
the calibration plots discovered a good linear relationship with r2 > 0.99 in
the working concentration range 500 to 3000 ng per band. The limits of
detection and quantification were 23.51 ng and 71.26 ng, respectively. The
developed method can routinely be used for analysis of LTD in bulk and
pharmaceutical formulations.
What of the Future for Academic Freedom in Higher Education in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Authors: Zepke Nick
Published: May 2012

A major challenge facing higher education is balancing two competing discourses. One sees higher education as a place of learning and teaching in academic freedom, a place to enable staff and students to research and learn without restrictions, a place in which to be able to critique the status quo. The other discourse is rooted in neo-liberalism. This has imposed on institutions a regime of economic efficiency in a global marketplace, a regime that advocates cognitive capitalism and is kept in place by an accountability culture. This article first traces the influences of these discourses in Aotearoa New Zealand; second, it uses data from document analyses and fieldwork to make a judgement about which influence is dominant; and third, it uses this to preview the future of the two discourses using causal layered analysis (CLA), a method for analysing futures.
UK Higher Education Institutions and the Third Stream Agenda
Authors: Clough Stephen , Bagley Carl A.
Published: May 2012

This article focuses upon the adoption and implementation of United Kingdom government support for third stream business-facing activities in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The article, concerned with income generation and the creation and application of knowledge beyond the confines of the academy, draws on policy literature and qualitative data from research conducted in three contrasting HEIs. It reflects critically on the policy embrace of the third stream agenda in the UK, to suggest that despite increased UK government funding and policy pronouncements in support of such activities, the take-up and operationalisation at institutional level remains variable and piecemeal.
Multistate Workers and Their State Tax Liabilities
Authors: Wright Kathleen K.
Published: May 2012

The lack of uniformity of state laws applicable to employer withholding and their employees who work in multiple states has created a cumbersome compliance burden, not only for employers, but also for employees. This paper discusses the state tax ramifications associated with an employer having employees who work from a different state, and employers who have employees who perform services in multiple states. The paper also looks at proposed remedies for the mobile workforce issue, including proposed federal legislation and the Multistate Tax Commission's proposal addressing the issue. The paper considers whether Congress has authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate this issue. The paper concludes with alternative recommendations to consider as a workable solution.
Unusually kicked dynamics: Hydrogen atom in a spherical box
Authors: Mašović Dragoslav
Published: May 2012

In this paper we have examined the ionization of the ground state hydrogen atom in a spherical box with laser pulses of specific shapes. These shapes are predicted assuming correspondence under some conditions with the alternating kicking field. Unusually kicked dynamics is suggested. It is shown that such kicked dynamics leads to generalized Rabi oscillations with the positive energy states included and participation of the excited states. The correspondence with the real pulse is established emphasizing such unusually kicked dynamics. The approach is verified on the one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen atom and calculation of the known results for ionization probability.
The role of α-synuclein in neurodegeneration — An update
Authors: Jellinger Kurt
Published: May 2012

Genetic, neuropathological and biochemical evidence implicates α-synuclein, a 140 amino acid presynaptic neuronal protein, in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The aggregated protein inclusions mainly containing aberrant α-synuclein are widely accepted as morphological hallmarks of α-synucleinopathies, but their composition and location vary between disorders along with neuronal networks affected. α-Synuclein exists physiologically in both soluble and membran-bound states, in unstructured and α-helical conformations, respectively, while posttranslational modifications due to proteostatic deficits are involved in β-pleated aggregation resulting in formation of typical inclusions. The physiological function of α-synuclein and its role linked to neurodegeneration, however, are incompletely understood. Soluble oligomeric, not fully fibrillar α-synuclein is thought to be neurotoxic, main targets might be the synapse, axons and glia. The effects of aberrant α-synuclein include alterations of calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative and nitric injuries, cytoskeletal effects, and neuroinflammation. Proteasomal dysfunction might be a common mechanism in the pathogenesis of neuronal degeneration in α-synucleinopathies. However, how α-synuclein induces neurodegeneration remains elusive as its physiological function. Genome wide association studies demonstrated the important role for genetic variants of the SNCA gene encoding α-synuclein in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease, possibly through effects on oxidation, mitochondria, autophagy, and lysosomal function. The neuropathology of synucleinopathies and the role of α-synuclein as a potential biomarker are briefly summarized. Although animal models provided new insights into the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease and multiple system atrophy, most of them do not adequately reproduce the cardinal features of these disorders. Emerging evidence, in addition to synergistic interactions of α-synuclein with various pathogenic proteins, suggests that prionlike induction and seeding of α-synuclein could lead to the spread of the pathology and disease progression. Intervention in the early aggregation pathway, aberrant cellular effects, or secretion of α-synuclein might be targets for neuroprotection and disease-modifying therapy.