bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprendre l’adaptation de l’hôpital de Logo en République Démocratique du Congo à un programme sanitaire exogène
Authors: Karemere Hermès , Macq Jean
Published: March 2014

Introduction :

L’évaluation d’un programme sanitaire est souvent réalisée de manière linéaire, associant moyens mis en place et performance réalisée. Nous avons pris une autre perspective : celle d’analyser l’hôpital en tant qu’un système adaptatif complexe, partant des effets du programme santé 9ème Fond Européen de Développement sur la production hospitalière, en vue de comprendre l’adaptation de l’hôpital au changement apporté par le programme.

Méthodologie :

Étude de cas rétrospective (2006 à 2010) ciblant l’hôpital de Logo en Ituri couvrant 208 716 habitants en 2010. L’approche a été mixte, combinant des données quantitatives issues des statistiques hospitalières de routine et des informations qualitatives collectées au travers de la revue documentaire et des entrevues. La triangulation des données a permis de générer des théories explicatives sur le lien entre l’évolution de la production des soins et deux activités importantes du programme.

Résultats :

Quinze événements et interventions ont été identifiés et validés lors des entrevues. La variation ou la stabilité de la production n’a pas été systématiquement associée aux interventions du programme.

Discussion :

La stabilité de la production de l’hôpital de Logo ne dépendait pas seulement des interventions du programme mais également d’autres facteurs comme des arrangements institutionnels préexistants ou la nature de l’interaction entre acteurs. L’analyse de l’hôpital en tant qu’un Système complexe adaptatif permet de mieux comprendre son adaptation à un contexte changeant et offre des perspectives de mieux améliorer sa gouvernance.
Right Pulmonary Artery to Left Atrial Fistula in a Neonate
Authors: Mongé Michael C. , Russell Hyde M. , Popescu Andrada R. , Robinson Joshua D.
Published: March 2014

A communication between the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and the left atrium is a rare congenital anomaly that presents with cyanosis and heart failure. We describe the surgical repair of an RPA to left atrial fistula using cardiopulmonary bypass in a neonate. Advanced imaging (computed tomography scan) guided the surgical approach. Although previous reports have associated a patent ductus arteriosus with high neonatal mortality, in our case, the ductus arteriosus was actually important for maintaining enough total pulmonary blood flow.
Pediatric Applications of Surgical Patch Angioplasty of the Main Coronary Trunks
Authors: Sepehripour Amir H. , Harling Leanne , Ashrafian Hutan , Athanasiou Thanos
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

Obstruction of the main coronary trunks, although rare among the general pediatric population, remains an important complication of the arterial switch operation (ASO). Surgical patch angioplasty (SPA) is a technique whereby myocardial revascularization is achieved through direct ostial enlargement, restoring antegrade coronary flow, avoiding competitive flow, and preserving conduit material. This study investigates the indications, techniques, and outcomes of SPA in the pediatric population.

Methods:

A systematic literature review identified 15 studies incorporating 92 patients. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, mortality at last follow-up, reintervention rate, symptomatic status, angiographic patency, and myocardial perfusion status at last follow-up.

Results:

The SPA was most frequently performed to treat ostial occlusion as a complication of the ASO (73.9%). Of the procedures, 77.2% involved the left main stem, 8.7% the left anterior descending artery, and 14.1% the right coronary artery. Saphenous vein was the commonest patch type (60.9%) followed by autologous pericardium (23.9%). Of the procedures, 96.7% were considered successful with an uneventful postoperative recovery. Overall hospital mortality was 2.2%. At a mean of 39 months of follow-up, 84.8% of the patients were asymptomatic, 51.1% of the repairs were angiographically patent, 9.8% had myocardial perfusion defects, and 6.5% required repeat revascularization.

Conclusion:

Current evidence suggests that SPA shows encouraging outcomes in a pediatric population and, with increasing experience, may provide a definitive solution to coronary artery occlusion.
Hyperbilirubinemia Complicating Plasma-Free Hemoglobin and Antifactor Xa Level Monitoring on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Hayes Don , McConnell Patrick I. , Preston Thomas J. , Nicol Kathleen K.
Published: March 2014

Optical spectrophotometric methods are used to detect both plasma-free hemoglobin and antifactor Xa level, so hyperbilirubinemia can interfere with the measurement of both the monitoring laboratory tests for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to similar absorbance wavelengths. We present a seven-year-old child with acute respiratory failure on venovenous ECMO who developed an acute increase in plasma-free hemoglobin and undetectable antifactor Xa level due to acute hyperbilirubinemia from hepatic dysfunction related to antifungal therapy.
Cortriatriatum With Classical Raghib Complex
Authors: Nair Vinitha Viswambharan , Rajashekar Palleti , Saxena Anita , Das Sambhunath , Airan Balram
Published: March 2014

Cortriatriatum with Raghib’s complex is a rarely reported entity. An 18-month-old baby who presented with tachypnea and cyanosis was diagnosed to have cortriatriatum sinistrum along with a persistant left superior caval vein draining to the left atrium through an unroofed coronary sinus. The child underwent successful surgical correction with excision of the cortriatriatum and baffling of the left superior caval vein to the right atrium.
Transcriptome analysis identifies Bacillus anthracis genes that respond to CO2through an AtxA-dependent mechanism
Authors: McKenzie Andrew T , Pomerantsev Andrei P , Sastalla Inka , Martens Craig , Ricklefs Stacy M , Virtaneva Kimmo , Anzick Sarah , Porcella Stephen F , Leppla Stephen H
Published: March 2014

Background

Upon infection of a mammalian host,Bacillus anthracisresponds to host cues, and particularly to elevated temperature (37°C) and bicarbonate/CO2concentrations, with increased expression of virulence factors that include the anthrax toxins and extracellular capsular layer. This response requires the presence of the pXO1 virulence plasmid-encoded pleiotropic regulator AtxA. To better understand the genetic basis of this response, we utilized a controlledin vitrosystem and Next Generation sequencing to determine and compare RNA expression profiles of the parental strain and an isogenic AtxA-deficient strain in a 2 × 2 factorial design with growth environments containing or lacking carbon dioxide.

Results

We found 15 pXO1-encoded genes and 3 chromosomal genes that were strongly regulated by the separate or synergistic actions of AtxA and carbon dioxide. The majority of the regulated genes responded to both AtxA and carbon dioxide rather than to just one of these factors. Interestingly, we identified two previously unrecognized small RNAs that are highly expressed under physiological carbon dioxide concentrations in an AtxA-dependent manner. Expression levels of the two small RNAs were found to be higher than that of any other gene differentially expressed in response to these conditions. Secondary structure and small RNA-mRNA binding predictions for the two small RNAs suggest that they may perform important functions in regulatingB. anthracisvirulence.

Conclusions

A majority of genes on the virulence plasmid pXO1 that are regulated by the presence of either CO2or AtxA separately are also regulated synergistically in the presence of both. These results also elucidate novel pXO1-encoded small RNAs that are associated with virulence conditions.
The impact of COX-2 on invasion of osteosarcoma cell and its mechanism of regulation
Authors: Wu Xing , Cai Ming , Ji Fang , Lou Lie-ming
Published: March 2014

Background

Recently, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has become an important new target in the field of tumor metastasis. However, the relationship between COX-2 gene expression and the behavior of osteosarcoma metastasis is largely unknown. The study is to investigate how antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) of COX-2 inhibit the invasion of human osteosarcoma cell line OS-732 and their mechanism of regulation.

Methods

A COX-2 antisense oligonucleotide was designed, synthesized, and transfected into OS-732 human osteosarcoma cells. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the transfection efficiency. A modified Boyden-transwell assay was used to measure the inhibition rate of tumor cell invasion. In OS-732 cells transfected with COX-2 antisense ODNs, RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and that of its receptor, uPAR.

Results

Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of COX-2 were significantly reduced when cells were transfected with COX-2 antisense ODNs, which significantly reduced the invasive ability of OS-732 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of uPA and uPAR were also significantly reduced (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

COX-2 antisense ODNs significantly inhibited the invasion of OS-732 cells, primarily by decreasing the mRNA expression of uPA and uPAR.
Quantum dot cascade laser
Authors: Zhuo Ning , Liu Feng Qi , Zhang Jin Chuan , Wang Li Jun , Liu Jun Qi , Zhai Shen Qiang , Wang Zhan Guo
Published: March 2014

We demonstrated an unambiguous quantum dot cascade laser based on InGaAs/GaAs/InAs/InAlAs heterostructure by making use of self-assembled quantum dots in the Stranski-Krastanow growth mode and two-step strain compensation active region design. The prototype generates stimulated emission at λ ~ 6.15 μm and a broad electroluminescence band with full width at half maximum over 3 μm. The characteristic temperature for the threshold current density within the temperature range of 82 to 162 K is up to 400 K. Moreover, our materials show the strong perpendicular mid-infrared response at about 1,900 cm-1. These results are very promising for extending the present laser concept to terahertz quantum cascade laser, which would lead to room temperature operation.

PACS

42.55.Px; 78.55.Cr; 78.67.Hc
Spray-coated nanoscale conductive patterns based on in situ sintered silver nanoparticle inks
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Li Shuguang , Shi Wei , Yu Junsheng
Published: March 2014

Nanoscale patterns with high conductivity based on silver nanoparticle inks were fabricated using spray coating method. Through optimizing the solution content and spray operation, accurate nanoscale patterns consisting of silver nanoparticles with a square resistance lower than 1 Ω /cm2 were obtained. By incorporating in situ sintering to substitute the general post sintering process, the time consumption could be significantly reduced to one sixth, qualifying it for large-scale and cost-effective fabrication of printed electronics. To testify the application of spray-coated silver nanoparticle inks, an inverted polymer solar cell was also fabricated, which exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 2.76%.
Carboxymethyl chitosan-folic acid-conjugated Fe3O4@SiO2 as a safe and targeting antitumor nanovehicle in vitro
Authors: Li Hongmei , Li Zhen , Zhao Jin , Tang Baoqiang , Chen Yanhong , Hu Yikun , He Zhengda , Wang Yue
Published: March 2014

A synthetic method to prepare a core-shell-structured Fe3O4@SiO2 as a safe nanovehicle for tumor cell targeting has been developed. Superparamagnetic iron oxide is encapsulated inside nonporous silica as the core to provide magnetic targeting. Carboxymethyl chitosan-folic acid (OCMCS-FA) synthesized through coupling folic acid (FA) with OCMCS is then covalently linked to the silica shell and renders new and improved functions because of the original biocompatible properties of OCMCS and the targeting efficacy of FA. Cellular uptake of the nanovehicle was assayed by confocal laser scanning microscope using rhodamine B (RB) as a fluorescent marker in HeLa cells. The results show that the surface modification of the core-shell silica nanovehicle with OCMCS-FA enhances the internalization of nanovehicle to HeLa cells which over-express the folate receptor. The cell viability assay demonstrated that Fe3O4@SiO2-OCMCS-FA nanovehicle has low toxicity and can be used as an eligible candidate for drug delivery system. These unique advantages make the prepared core-shell nanovehicle promising for cancer-specific targeting and therapy.
Non-data-aided ML SNR estimation for AWGN channels with deterministic interference
Authors: Chen Fangjiong , Kang Yabing , Yu Hua , Ji Fei
Published: March 2014

Communication channels not only suffer from ambient noise but also from deterministic interference. In this paper, we consider signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation in the presence of constant deterministic interference. A maximum likelihood (ML) non-data-aided algorithm is proposed for SNR estimation. We first consider a real-valued model and then extend this to a complex-valued model. The proposed algorithm applies an iterative approach initialized with approximate closed form estimates so as to guarantee stability and convergence. Furthermore, the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is also derived as the theoretical limit of the jitter variance. Computer simulations based on pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) sources show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is close to the CRB.
A regularization method for treating zero points of the sum of two monotone operators
Authors: Qin Xiaolong , Cho Sun Young , Wang Lin
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a regularization method for treating zero points of the sum of two monotone operators is investigated. Strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of Hilbert spaces.
A new method for the comparison of 1H NMR predictors based on tree-similarity of spectra
Authors: Castillo Andrés M , Bernal Andrés , Patiny Luc , Wist Julien
Published: March 2014

A methodology based on spectral similarity is presented that allows to compare NMR predictors without the recourse to assigned experimental spectra, thereby making the task of benchmarking NMR predictors less tedious, faster, and less prone to human error. This approach was used to compare four popular NMR predictors using a dataset of 1000 molecules and their corresponding experimental spectra. The results found were consistent with those obtained by directly comparing deviations between predicted and experimental shifts.
Factors influencing polymerase chain reaction outcomes in patients with clinically suspected ocular tuberculosis
Authors: Balne Praveen Kumar , Modi Rohit Ramesh , Choudhury Nuzhat , Mohan Neha , Barik Manas Ranjan , Padhi Tapas Ranjan , Sharma Savitri , Panigrahi Satya Ranjan , Basu Soumyava
Published: March 2014

Background

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay can be a useful method for definitive diagnosis in paucibacillary infections such as ocular tuberculosis (TB). In this study, we have evaluated factors affecting PCR outcomes in patients with clinically suspected ocular TB. Patients with clinically suspected ocular TB were investigated by PCR of aqueous or vitreous samples. Three control groups were also tested: group 1 included culture-proven non-tuberculous endophthalmitis, group 2 culture-negative non-tuberculous endophthalmitis, and group 3 patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated cataract. PCR targeted one or more of following targets: IS6110, MPB64, and protein b genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Multiple regression analysis (5% level of significance) was done to evaluate the associations between positive PCR outcome and laterality of disease, tuberculin skin test (TST)/interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), chest radiography, and type of sample (aqueous or vitreous). The main outcome measures were positive PCR by one or more gene targets, and factors influencing positive PCR outcomes.

Results

All 114 samples were tested for MPB64, 110 for protein b, and 88 for IS6110. MPB64 was positive in 70.2% (n = 80) of tested samples, protein b in 40.0% (n = 44), and IS6110 in only 9.1% (n = 8). DNA sequencing of amplicons from four randomly chosen PCR reactions showed homology for M. tuberculosis complex. Of the 80 PCR-positive patients, 71 completed a full course of antitubercular therapy, of which 65 patients (91.5%) had complete resolution of inflammation at final follow-up. Among controls, 12.5% (3 out of 24) in group 1 and 18.7% (6 out of 32) in group 2 also tested positive by PCR. No PCR-positive outcome was observed in control group 3 (n = 25). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant association of positive PCR outcome with bilateral presentation, but not with a positive TST/IGRA, chest radiography, or type of sample (aqueous/vitreous) used.

Conclusions

Careful selection of gene targets can yield high PCR positivity in clinically suspected ocular TB. Bilateral disease presentation but not any evidence of latent systemic TB influences PCR outcomes. False-positive results may be seen in ocular inflammation unrelated to ocular TB.
Are alternative livelihood projects effective at reducing local threats to specified elements of biodiversity and/or improving or maintaining the conservation status of those elements?: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Roe Dilys , Day Mike , Booker Francesca , Zhou Wen , Allebone-Webb Sophie , Kümpel Noëlle , Hill Nicholas A O , Wright Juliet , Rust Niki , Sunderland Terry CH , Redford Kent , Petrokofsky Gillian
Published: March 2014

Background

Alternative livelihood projects are used by a variety of organisations as a tool for achieving conservation results. Yet these interventions, including their objectives, vary a great deal, and there is no single accepted definition of what constitutes an alternative livelihood project. In addition, very little is known about what impacts, if any, alternative livelihoods projects have had on biodiversity conservation, as well as what determines the success or failure of these interventions. Reflecting this concern, a resolution was passed at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2012 calling for a critical review of the benefits to biodiversity of alternative livelihood projects. This systematic review is intended to contribute to this resolution.

Methods/Design

This protocol details the methodology for exploring the research question: Are alternative livelihood projects effective at reducing local threats to specified elements of biodiversity and/or improving or maintaining the conservation status of those elements? The aim of this proposed systematic review is to provide an overview for researchers, policy makers and practitioners of the current state of the evidence base. To undertake this, the systematic review will explore peer-reviewed research from the bibliographic databases SCOPUS, Web of Science, CAB Abstracts, AGRIS and AGRICOLA using search terms and Boolean search operators. The systematic review will also explore grey literature sources by conducting searches on Google, subject specific websites and institutional websites. Additionally, the review will use calls for papers and snowballing techniques to further identify literature. In order to identify relevant evidence, inclusion criteria will be used to screen the titles and abstracts of the captured literature. Data will be extracted from the final list of relevant documents by using a questionnaire established through literature review and a stakeholder workshop. The key output of this review will be a report on the state of the evidence, and, if the data permits, an estimate of the effectiveness of alternative livelihood interventions.
Immune derangement occurs in patients with H7N9 avian influenza
Authors: Wu Wei , Shi Yu , Gao Hainv , Liang Weifeng , Sheng Jifang , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Currently, little is known about the immunological characteristics of patients with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus infection.

Methods

The numbers and percentages of peripheral blood immune cells were measured in 27 patients with laboratory-confirmed H7N9 virus infection and 30 healthy controls (HCs). The functional phenotypes of T cells and monocytes, as well as serum cytokine levels, were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

There were 19 patients (70.4%) with acute respiratory distress syndrome, 13 (48.1%) with secondary respiratory infection, 20 (74%) with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; defined as having at least two concurrent SIRS components), 18 (66.7%) with lymphocytopenia and 11 (40.7%) with reduced numbers of monocytes. In comparison with levels in the HCs, the levels of serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8 and IL-10 and the percentages of CD38+ or Tim-3+ T cells were significantly increased. However, the percentages of human leukocyte antigen-DR + and Tim-3+ monocytes were significantly decreased in patients compared with HCs.

Conclusions

Patients with avian H7N9 virus infection display profound SIRS concomitantly with an anti-inflammatory response, which may be associated with the rapid progression of and high mortality associated with this novel viral disease.
Long-Term Financial Burden of Breast Cancer: Experiences of a Diverse Cohort of Survivors Identified Through Population-Based Registries
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Pottow John A.E. , Griffith Kent A. , Bradley Cathy , Hamilton Ann S. , Graff John , Katz Steven J. , Hawley Sarah T.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the financial experiences of a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of long-term breast cancer survivors (17% African American, 40% Latina) identified through population-based registries.

Methods

Longitudinal study of women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer in 2005 to 2007 and reported to the SEER registries of metropolitan Los Angeles and Detroit. We surveyed 3,133 women approximately 9 months after diagnosis and 4 years later. Multivariable models evaluated correlates of self-reported decline in financial status attributed to breast cancer and of experiencing at least one type of privation (economically motivated treatment nonadherence and broader hardships related to medical expenses).

Results

Among 1,502 patients responding to both surveys, median out-of-pocket expenses were ≤ $2,000; 17% of respondents reported spending > $5,000; 12% reported having medical debt 4 years postdiagnosis. Debt varied significantly by race: 9% of whites, 15% of blacks, 17% of English-speaking Latinas, and 10% of Spanish-speaking Latinas reported debt (P = .03). Overall, 25% of women experienced financial decline at least partly attributed to breast cancer; Spanish-speaking Latinas had significantly increased odds of this decline relative to whites (odds ratio [OR], 2.76; P = .006). At least one privation was experienced by 18% of the sample; blacks (OR, 2.6; P < .001) and English-speaking Latinas (OR, 2.2; P = .02) were significantly more likely to have experienced privation than whites.

Conclusion

Racial and ethnic minority patients appear most vulnerable to privations and financial decline attributable to breast cancer, even after adjustment for income, education, and employment. These findings should motivate efforts to control costs and ensure communication between patients and providers regarding financial distress, particularly for vulnerable subgroups.
Almost direct summands
Authors: Bhatt Bhargav
Published: March 2014

We prove new cases of the direct summand conjecture using fundamental theorems in p-adic Hodge theory due to Faltings. The cases tackled include the ones when the ramification locus lies entirely in characteristic p.
Stopping Probabilities for Patterns in Markov Chains
Authors: Gava Renato Jacob , Salotti Danilo
Published: March 2014

Consider a sequence of Markov-dependent trials where each trial produces a letter of a finite alphabet. Given a collection of patterns, we look at this sequence until one of these patterns appears as a run. We show how the method of gambling teams can be employed to compute the probability that a given pattern is the first pattern to occur.
Improved Procedure for Single-electron-transfer-induced Grignard Cross-coupling Reaction
Authors: Shirakawa Eiji , Okura Keisho , Uchiyama Nanase , Murakami Takuya , Hayashi Tamio
Published: March 2014

Aryl Grignard reagents were found to undergo coupling with aryl or alkenyl bromides in the presence of LiCl in a mixed solvent consisting of toluene and THF (2/1). Previously employed removal of THF with evacuation from Grignard solutions is no longer needed to obtain biaryls and styrene derivatives.
Formation and Crystal Structure of a Novel Zinc Phthalocyanine Analogue Having an Axial Isoindole Ligand Obtained by Lithium-mediated Reactions under Mild Conditions
Authors: Fukuda Takamitsu , Kikukawa Yuu , Fuyuhiro Akira , Kobayashi Nagao , Ishikawa Naoto
Published: March 2014

The reaction of phthalonitrile and lithium methoxide at 70 °C in methanol yields a half-phthalocyanine intermediate, which coordinates to a zinc(II) ion in a subsequent reaction step to afford a novel five-coordinate zinc phthalocyanine analogue 2, having axially coordinating diiminoisoindole and methoxy moieties bonded at diagonal positions of the pyrrole α-carbons. Although the chromatographic isolation of 2 is problematic, its crystal structure has been determined unambiguously. The importance of the effective ionic radius of the zinc(II) ion for the resultant molecular structures is discussed.
Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation of Cyclic Ketones Using Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Potassium Salts of Tungstophosphoric Acid
Authors: Ma Qingguo , Xing Wanzhen , Xu Junhui , Peng Xinhua
Published: March 2014

The salts of 12-tungstophosphoric acid catalysts are prepared with varying potassium content. The resulting catalysts are active for the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of cyclic ketones with 30 wt % H2O2 and achieve good conversions and yields. KHPW is the preferred catalyst in the reaction because of its reusability and environmental benefits.
Facile Template-free Synthesis of Bi2O2CO3 Flower-like Architectures in Ethylene Glycol–Water System
Authors: Ma Lin , Xu Xuyao , Zhou Xiaoping
Published: March 2014

A convenient solvothermal route has been developed to synthesize flower-like Bi2O2CO3 architectures. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the body-centered tetragonal phase. The SEM and TEM images indicate that the flower-like Bi2O2CO3 architectures are assembled by numerous nanoplates. A self-assembly process is proposed to account for the formation of the obtained hierarchical structures.
Formation of Curcumin Molecular Ion under Electrospray Ionisation Conditions in the Presence of Metal Cations
Authors: Ostrowski Wojciech , Dzikowska Anna , Frański Rafał
Published: March 2014

Electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectra obtained for solutions containing curcumin, copper cation and other metal cations, namely Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+, have shown an abundant curcumin molecular ion at m/z 368. This ion was not formed for solutions containing curcumin and copper cations or for those containing curcumin and other metal cations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first example of a system in which copper cations and other metal cations promote formation of organic radical cation under ESI conditions.
A versatile assay for RNA-binding proteins in living cells
Authors: Strein Claudia , Alleaume Anne-Marie , Rothbauer Ulrich , Hentze Matthias W. , Castello Alfredo
Published: March 2014

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) control RNA fate from synthesis to decay. Since their cellular expression levels frequently do not reflect their in vivo activity, methods are needed to assess the steady state RNA-binding activity of RBPs as well as their responses to stimuli. While electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSA) have been used for such determinations, their results serve at best as proxies for the RBP activities in living cells. Here, we describe a quantitative dual fluorescence method to analyze protein–mRNA interactions in vivo. Known or candidate RBPs are fused to fluorescent proteins (eGFP, YFP), expressed in cells, cross-linked in vivo to RNA by ultraviolet light irradiation, and immunoprecipitated, after lysis, with a single chain antibody fragment directed against eGFP (GFP-binding protein, GBP). Polyadenylated RNA-binding activity of fusion proteins is assessed by hybridization with an oligo(DT) probe coupled with a red fluorophore. Since UV light is directly applied to living cells, the assay can be used to monitor dynamic changes in RNA-binding activities in response to biological or pharmacological stimuli. Notably, immunoprecipitation and hybridization can also be performed with commercially available GBP-coupled 96-well plates (GFP-multiTrap), allowing highly parallel RNA-binding measurements in a single experiment. Therefore, this method creates the possibility to conduct in vivo high-throughput RNA-binding assays. We believe that this fast and simple radioactivity-free method will find many useful applications in RNA biology.
One-Machine Sequencing to Minimize Total Tardiness: A Fourth Theorem for Emmons
Authors: Kanet John J.
Published: March 2014

In 1969 H. Emmons provided three theorems (Emmons 1–3) for determining precedence relations between pairs of jobs for the single-machine tardiness problem. We show here a fourth straightforward theorem that uses the information when the jobs in the pair are both known to precede a third job in an optimum sequence. The new theorem augments the three Emmons theorems and is shown to be a generalization of a theorem by Elmaghraby.
Australian history: Online and insatiable
Authors: Hoe Georgia-Lee
Published: March 2014

The Internet has changed the relationship of Australians to information. As history rises in popularity as a genre for leisurely entertainment, the way people interact with Australian history online is also changing. Digital history is democratized; it has never been easier for both scholars and the general public to obtain historical content, or to develop and share historical works. Yet these developments in presenting, creating and storing historical data online are not without their complications. The proliferation of online histories has engendered a digital space where it is sometimes hard to distinguish credible material. Moreover, issues of subscription and accessibility complicate individual abilities to consume particular histories. This article examines the notion of history as commodity by examining Australian histories online, such as genealogy archives and databases. Key points of discussion are the complexities and dynamic developments in digital history as a popular genre, as well as the extent to which digital Australian histories are informative representations of the past.
Embodied gestures as a resource in a photo caption competition
Authors: Lloyd Mike
Published: March 2014

Photo caption competitions have existed for about 100 years and are well embedded in popular culture. Adopting a very fine grained examination, this article looks at a new caption competition running in a very popular New Zealand magazine. An overall description of the first twenty episodes is provided, discussion then focuses on a key feature of the photos that form the first part of the competition. They feature very visible hand gestures and embodied expressions, which seem to appeal to the competition’s organizers because they provide a readily understandable and economic platform for directing competitors in their caption-construction. By close attention to several examples, the discussion shows how indeed these hand gestures and embodied expressions are an excellent resource for the typical use of incongruity in accomplishing humour.
Exhibition Review
Authors: Hancock, II Joseph H.
Published: March 2014

Punk: Chaos to Couture, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 9 May–14 August 2013
The Mechanical Handmaiden Rhetoric After Marshall McLuhan
Authors: Rufo Kenneth , DeLuca Kevin Michael
Published: March 2014

Despite a recent revival, Marshall McLuhan remains stranded on the theoretical margins of communication scholarship. Whether primarily because of his aphoristic and ambiguous writing or because of the immense difficulties posed by his thought for the study of communication, his peripheral status sidesteps around the important contributions he has made to understanding human discourse and interaction. In an effort to confront and reclaim McLuhan from the margins, this article considers the consequences of his thought for a subset of communication scholarship: the study of rhetoric. We contend that McLuhan’s work offers certain correctives to the conventional study of rhetoric that make possible a confluence of rhetorical criticism and media ecology, a convergence necessitated by the politics and ideologies of today’s changing media environment.
Cuentas y colgantes campaniformes y epicampaniformes de Cerdeña
Authors: Pau Claudia
Published: March 2014

En el presente trabajo se ha realizado un amplio catálogo de los adornos campaniformes y epicampaniformes de los principales yacimientos sardos, identificando la secuencia espacial y cronológica campaniforme inherente a los objetos ornamentales, desde las primeras expresiones del fenómeno en Cerdeña hasta el Bronce Antiguo, periodo en el cual en la isla se manifestarían los caracteres finales del campaniforme, con su hibridación en las facies iniciales del Bonnanaro, mostrando los rasgos evolutivos de cada uno de los elementos y realizando, contemporáneamente, comparaciones con la Península Ibérica y con otras zonas del arco Mediterráneo.
Colmenares (L’Alacantí), un hábitat ibérico de llanura en época plena
Authors: Moratalla Jávega Jesús , Segura Herrero Gabriel
Published: March 2014

Se presentan en este artículo los resultados obtenidos de la excavación íntegra de Colmenares, un asentamiento en el llano datado en época ibérica plena. El estudio de su planta y de su ajuar cerámico permite vislumbrar su función productiva relacionada con la explotación agropecuaria, aunque existen dudas sobre su concreta actividad. Por otro lado, su propia existencia sugiere una amplia reflexión sobre los hábitats de llanura y su integración en los territorios de los oppida ibéricos, tanto desde el punto de vista económico como en el plano socio-político, abriendo así nuevas posibilidades de análisis sobre el poblamiento secundario de época ibérica en la antigua Contestania.
Las esculturas ibéricas del Cerro de los Santos en la Exposición Universal de Viena (1873)
Authors: Chapa Brunet Teresa , González Alcalde Julio
Published: March 2014

La presencia en la Exposición Universal de Viena de moldes de las esculturas del Cerro de los Santos es un hecho mal conocido. Tras la inauguración oficial del Museo Arqueológico Nacional de Madrid por Amadeo de Saboya en 1871, la institución consideró una prioridad comprar un número significativo de piezas de este lugar, considerado como evidencia de una sorprendente, antigua y desconocida cultura española. Desgraciadamente, entre ellas había varias falsificaciones que no fueron detectadas hasta algunos años después. Se enviaron a Viena 29 moldes, donde fueron revisadas por diversos arqueólogos europeos. Por su actitud oferente, sosteniendo un vaso entre las manos, fueron relacionadas con las esculturas funerarias del sur de Rusia conocidas como «Kamennye Baby».
The participation of the secondary school students in the school management's decision-making process (A sample of Beypazarı district)
Authors: Özcan Elif Gamze , Şeren Mehmet
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to reflect on the opinions of secondary school students about their effects on school management's decision-making processes. In this descriptive study, comparative survey method has been used according to sub-purposes which require difference tests. Population of the research was 2883 students who are having education at eight secondary schools in Beypazarı district. Purposive sampling method was used to determine the research group. This research group was 116 students who had been chosen as class representatives by their classmates. The questionnaires were taken to the schools mentioned above in 2008-2009 Academic Year's second term. Arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U tests are used to analyze data. According to the findings of the research, the general state levels are found noteworthy lower than the general demand levels on decision-making processes of school management's for students. In addition to this, students emphasize that they're more effective and willing on decision-making processes when school management takes instructional decisions rather than administrative decisions. It doesn't make any significant difference of the students' gender and the grade they are educated when the effectiveness and willingness are taken into the consideration. Students, who are having education at Anatolian High Schools, specify that they are unable to affect the school management's decision making processes. Also these students demand to affect decision-making processes much more than the other types of schools' students.
Balloon tamponade for the management of postpartum uterine hemorrhage
Authors: Kaya Bariş , Tuten Abdullah , Daglar Korkut , Misirlioglu Mesut , Polat Mesut , Yildirim Yusuf , Unal Orhan , Kilic Gokhan Sami , Guralp Onur
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the use of the Bakri balloon in postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) resistant to medical treatment.

Methods: The Bakri balloon was applied to 45 women with PPH after failure of initial management. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation (BIIAL) and hysterectomy were performed if necessary.

Results: The Bakri balloon was applied in 45 women; an additional BIIAL was required in nine women. The mean inflation volume of the Bakri balloon was 571±264 mL (range: 240–1300 mL). Hemostasis was achieved in 34 (75.5%) women with the Bakri balloon alone, and in six women with an additional BIIAL. The Bakri balloon was effective with additional procedures overall in 40 of 45 (88.8%) women. In 34 women with uterine atony, the Bakri balloon was successful alone in 27 (79.4%) and with an additional BIIAL in 30 (88.2%) women. An inflation volume of >500 mL was necessary in 18 women with uterine atony.

Conclusion: The Bakri balloon may be performed as a first line of treatment for PPH resistant to uterotonic agents, and can be used not only in tertiary centers but also in limited-resource centers. The inflation volume of the Bakri balloon should be adjusted according to the type of PPH; a volume exceeding 500 mL may be necessary in uterine atony.
Novel insights into the potential involvement of 5-HT7 receptors in endocrine dysregulation in stress-related disorders
Authors: Terrón José A.
Published: March 2014

A hyperactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a common feature of stress-related disorders, and the brain serotonin (5-HT) system plays a major role in HPA axis modulation. Glucocorticoids and stress profoundly affect the 5-HT system so it is possible that alterations of endocrine 5-HT mechanisms may underlie HPA axis overdrive in stress-related diseases. Available evidence suggests a role of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT7 receptors in HPA system activation, and pharmacological blockade of 5-HT7 receptors produces a fast-acting antidepressant-like action and shortens the onset of antidepressant-like effects of various classes of antidepressants. The mechanisms involved in this effect have not been elucidated, but recent findings suggest a role of 5-HT7 receptors in the development of HPA axis overdrive as a result of chronic stress. Remarkably, clinical findings have shown an association between corticosteroid-producing adenomas and expression of ectopic 5-HT7 receptors in corticosteroid-producing adrenocortical cells. These observations might therefore reveal an endocrine mechanism for the antidepressant-like action of 5-HT7 receptor blockers, possibly through normalization of HPA axis function. If such a preliminary hypothesis is confirmed, the potential therapeutic usefulness of 5-HT7 receptor antagonists could extend beyond depression to include other diseases, the pathophysiology of which has been associated with chronic stress and HPA axis dysregulation.
Good Faith, Bad Faith?
Authors: Sourdin Tania
Published: March 2014

The behaviour of those engaged in negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) processes that are undertaken or required before or after litigation is increasingly the subject of legislative regulation. Recent case law has also more clearly articulated the characteristics of good faith as well as other standards such as ‘genuine effort’ and explored to a limited extent the behavioural indicators and approaches that could be used to determine the meaning and scope of these types of concepts. Arguably, the growth in mandatory (rather than voluntary) ADR may require the articulation of clearer conduct obligations as ADR participants may be disinclined to negotiate or may be relatively unsophisticated or unaware of their negotiation behaviour. This article explores the development of conduct obligations and notes that whilst the requirements need to be linked to the circumstances of each dispute, there are some clear differences in terms of how these requirements are more generally interpreted by lawyers and others.
Courts, Judges and Judicial Administration
Authors: Misso Philip
Published: March 2014

The increasing volume of civil cases in the courts in Victoria requires courts to manage civil litigation innovatively to facilitate the just, efficient, timely and cost-effective resolution of the real issues in disputes between the parties. Effective methods of case management by specialist supervising judges with the use of alternative dispute resolution are at the forefront of the administration of civil justice in the County Court of Victoria.
Study of adsorption states in ZnO—Ag gas-sensitive ceramics
using the ECTV curves method
Authors: Lyashkov A. Yu.
Published: March 2014

The ZnO—Ag ceramic system as the material for semiconductor sensors of ethanol vapors was proposed quite a long time ago. The main goal of this work was to study surface electron states of this system and their relation with the electric properties of the material. The quantity of doping with Ag2O was changed in the range of 0,1–2,0% of mass. The increase of the Ag doping leads to a shift of the Fermi level down (closer to the valence zone). The paper presents research results on electrical properties of ZnO-Ag ceramics using the method of thermal vacuum curves of electrical conductivity. Changes in the electrical properties during heating in vacuum in the temperature range of 300—800 K were obtained and discussed. The increase of Tvac leads to removal of oxygen from the surface of samples The oxygen is adsorbed in the form of O2– and O– ions and is the acceptor for ZnO. This results in the lowering of the inter-crystallite potential barriers in the ceramic. The surface electron states (SES) above the Fermi level are virtually uncharged. The increase of the conductivity causes desorption of oxygen from the SES settled below the Fermi level of the semiconductor. The model allows evaluating the depth of the Fermi level in the inhomogeneous semiconductor materials.
It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Genetics Anymore!
Authors: Smith Mike U.
Published: March 2014

Genetics is perhaps the most rapidly growing field of science today. Recent findings such as those of the Human Genome Project have led to new understandings of basic genetic phenomena and even to increased confusion about some basic genetic ideas, such as the nature of the gene. These developments directly influence how we should teach genetics. This article considers eight claims typically made by introductory biology teachers and considers how they differ from current understandings.
A Test of the Relationship between Reading Ability & Standardized Biology Assessment Scores
Authors: Allen Denise A.
Published: March 2014

Little empirical evidence suggested that independent reading abilities of students enrolled in biology predicted their performance on the Biology I Graduation End-of-Course Assessment (ECA). An archival study was conducted at one Indiana urban public high school in Indianapolis, Indiana, by examining existing educational assessment data to test whether a relationship between reading proficiency and student performance on the Biology I ECA existed. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was r = 0.712 (P < 0.01). A strong positive relationship between Biology I ECA and Lexile reading scores accounted for 50.7% of the variance. The results suggested that any measure to increase reading levels would increase standardized biology assessment scores.
Students as Technicians
Authors: Gusky Sharon
Published: March 2014

In this activity, freshman college students learn biotechnology techniques while playing the role of a laboratory technician. They perform simulations of three diagnostic tests used to screen newborns for cystic fibrosis. By performing an ELISA, a PCR analysis, and a conductivity test, students learn how biotechnology techniques can be used to diagnose diseases. Students get excited when they realize they will be performing tests actually used in a real-life situation. This exercise is also appropriate for high school students.
Evolving Better Cars
Authors: Royer Anne M. , Schultheis Elizabeth H.
Published: March 2014

Evolutionary experiments are usually difficult to perform in the classroom because of the large sizes and long timescales of experiments testing evolutionary hypotheses. Computer applications give students a window to observe evolution in action, allowing them to gain comfort with the process of natural selection and facilitating inquiry experimentation. The lesson described here uses a free online program, BoxCar2D, to demonstrate evolution by natural selection in a virtual population of cars. Students will be introduced to the principles of evolution and conduct independent inquiry projects on key predictions from evolution – including convergence, local adaptation, and the role of mutation in adaptation.
A Simple Inquiry-Based Lab for Teaching Osmosis
Authors: Taylor John R.
Published: March 2014

This simple inquiry-based lab was designed to teach the principle of osmosis while also providing an experience for students to use the skills and practices commonly found in science. Students first design their own experiment using very basic equipment and supplies, which generally results in mixed, but mostly poor, outcomes. Classroom “talk and argument” is then used to determine how their experiments could be changed to gather more reliable data. The final assessment consists of both formal and subjective testing, requiring students to explain their design choices.