bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer and Anorexia Nervosa in the Adolescence: A Family-Based Systemic Intervention
Authors: De Benedetta Gabriella , Bolognini Ida , D'Ovidio Silvia , Pinto Antonello
Published: August 2011

Objective. Anorexia nervosa is difficult to diagnose in cancer patients since weight loss, aversion for food, and eating disturbances are frequent in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, efforts are mandatory to recognize and manage this condition which may occur also in cancer patients with a special regard to adolescents. Methods. Through the clinical history of Anna, a 15-year-old adolescent with advanced cancer, we describe the effectiveness of a family-based systemic intervention to manage anorexia nervosa occurring in concomitance to osteosarcoma. Results. Through a two-year psychotherapy period involving different techniques applied to the whole family such as family genogram, family collage, and sculpture of family time, Anna was relieved from her condition. Conclusions. Upon early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, anorexia nervosa can be effectively approached in adolescent cancer patients. The presence of a life-threatening medical condition such as cancer may provide motivation for a patient to control disordered eating behavior in the context of an appropriate family-based systemic intervention. The general frame of anorexia occurring in cancer-bearing adolescents is reviewed and discussed.
Temperature-Dependent Physical and Memory Characteristics of Atomic-Layer-DepositedRuOxMetal Nanocrystal Capacitors
Authors: Maikap S. , Banerjee W. , Tien T. C. , Wang T. Y. , Yang J. R.
Published: August 2011

Physical and memory characteristics of the atomic-layer-depositedRuOxmetal nanocrystal capacitors in an n-Si/SiO2/HfO2/RuOx/Al2O3/Pt structure with different postdeposition annealing temperatures from 850–1000°C have been investigated. TheRuOxmetal nanocrystals with an average diameter of 7 nm and a highdensity of 0.7 × 1012/cm2are observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy after a postdeposition annealing temperature at 1000°C. The density ofRuOxnanocrystal is decreased (slightly) by increasing the annealing temperatures, due to agglomeration of multiple nanocrystals. The RuO3nanocrystals and Hf-silicate layer at the SiO2/HfO2interface are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For post-deposition annealing temperature of 1000°C, the memory capacitors with a small equivalent oxide thickness of ~9 nm possess a large hysteresis memory window of >5 V at a small sweeping gate voltage of ±5 V. A promising memory window under a small sweeping gate voltage of ~3 V is also observed due to charge trapping in theRuOxmetal nanocrystals. The program/erase mechanism is modified Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling of the electrons and holes from Si substrate. The electrons and holes are trapped in theRuOxnanocrystals. Excellent program/erase endurance of 106cycles and a large memory window of 4.3 V with a small charge loss of ~23% at 85°C are observed after 10 years of data retention time, due to the deep-level traps in theRuOxnanocrystals. The memory structure is very promising for future nanoscale nonvolatile memory applications.
Histone Deacetylases in Neural Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sun Guoqiang , Fu Chelsea , Shen Caroline , Shi Yanhong
Published: August 2011

Stem cells have provided great hope for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell pluripotency, self‐renewal, and differentiation remain to be unveiled. Epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylases (HDACs), have been shown to coordinate with cell‐intrinsic transcription factors and various signaling pathways to regulate stem cell pluripotency, self‐renewal, and fate determination. This paper focuses on the role of HDACs in the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells and the application of HDAC inhibitors in reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). It promises to be an active area of future research.
Eosinophilic Colitis: University of Minnesota Experience and Literature Review
Authors: Gaertner Wolfgang B. , MacDonald Jennifer E. , Kwaan Mary R. , Shepela Christopher , Madoff Robert , Jessurun Jose , Melton Genevieve B.
Published: August 2011

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare form of primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease that is poorly understood. Neonates and young adults are more frequently affected. Clinical presentation is highly variable depending on the depth of inflammatory response (mucosal, transmural, or serosal). The pathophysiology of eosinophilic colitis is unclear but is suspected to be related to a hypersensitivity reaction given its correlation with other atopic disorders and clinical response to corticosteroid therapy. Diagnosis is that of exclusion and differential diagnoses are many because colonic tissue eosinophilia may occur with other colitides (parasitic, drug-induced, inflammatory bowel disease, and various connective tissue disorders). Similar to other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, steroid-based therapy and diet modification achieve very good and durable responses. In this paper, we present our experience with this rare pathology. Five patients (3 pediatric and 2 adults) presented with diarrhea and hematochezia. Mean age at presentation was 26 years. Mean duration of symptoms before pathologic diagnosis was 8 months. Mean eosinophil count per patient was 31 per high-power field. The pediatric patients responded very well to dietary modifications, with no recurrences. The adult patients were treated with steroids and did not respond. Overall mean followup was 22 (range, 2–48) months.
Electromagnetic Anomalies around The Wenchuan Earthquake and Their Relationship with Earthquake Preparation
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Shen Xuhui
Published: August 2011

Electromagnetic precursors before the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008 were collected and summarized on the basis of related published papers. The relationship between electromagnetic anomalies and different earthquake preparation stages was analyzed, and an entire seismic preparation process was constructed according to corresponding anomalies in different electromagnetic parameters. It is illustrated that stereo electromagnetic observation is useful in the understanding of earthquake preparation mechanism. It is inevitable that a lot of problems exist in anomaly distinguishing and coupling mechanism analysis, which needs further studies in future.
User Effects on MIMO Performance: From an Antenna to a Link Perspective
Authors: Ali Shirook M. , Mobasher Amin , Lusina Paul
Published: August 2011

We investigate in this paper the effects of the user's presence on the performance of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system in data and in voice usage scenarios. The investigation studies the user effects on the antenna performance and how these are incorporated into the MIMO channel and the link characteristics. The antennas and the user are deterministic. These are then integrated into the statistical 3GPP spatial channel model (SCM) for a typical macrocell propagation environment setting. The channel performance is analyzed based on the average channel capacity, the average power transfer, the correlation, and the cumulative distribution function of the channel capacity as well as the link throughout and the error performance. The mentioned channel and link properties are tied to the MIMO antenna properties that are represented in the mutual coupling between the antennas, the power loss, the total radiated power, the mean effective gain (MEG), as well as the efficiency with emphasis on how the user affects each. It was found that the presence of the user contributed to a loss of up to 50% in the average channel power transfer. The data position was found to be the lowest in terms of channel capacity performance. The voice position performance showed a large dependence on the user orientation with respect to the line of sight path while the data position showed less dependence on the user's orientation. We also discuss through the examined antenna and channel properties the importance of the channel multipath on the MIMO performance. In some scenarios, it was found that a well-conditioned channel can compensate for losses due to the presence of the user, improving the overall system performance. The presented investigation at the link level also discusses the user effects in different MIMO transmission schemes.
Morphological Investigation into Starch Bio-Nanocomposites via Synchrotron Radiation and Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Liu Huihua , Chaudhary Deeptangshu , John Joseph , Tadé Moses O.
Published: August 2011

We studied a hydrophilic, plasticized bionanocomposite system involving sorbitol plasticizer, amylose biopolymer, and montmorillonite (MMT) for the presence of competitive interactions among them at different moisture content. Synchrotron analysisviasmall angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to understand crystalline growth and the distribution of crystalline domains within the samples. The SAXS diffraction patterns showed reduced interhelix spacing in the amylose network indicating strong amylose-sorbitol interactions. Depending on the sorbitol and MMT concentration, these interactions also affected the free moisture content and crystalline domains. Domains of around 95 Å and 312 Å were found in the low-moisture-content samples as compared to a single domain of 95 Å in the high-moisture-content samples. DSC measurements confirmed that the MMT increased the onset and the melting temperature of nanocomposites. Moreover, the results showed that the ternary interactions among sorbitol-amylose-MMT supported the crystalline heterogeneity through secondary nucleation.
Dimorphic Fungal Coinfection as a Cause of Chronic Diarrhea and Pancolitis
Authors: Bravo Eduar A. , Zegarra Arturo J. , Piscoya Alejandro , Pinto José L. , de los Rios Raúl E. , Prochazka Ricardo A. , Huerta-Mercado Jorge L. , Cok Jaime , Tagle Martin
Published: August 2011

Histoplasma capsulatumandParacoccidioides brasiliensisare dimorphic fungi that cause systemic mycosis mostly in tropical South America and some areas of North America. Gastrointestinal involvement is not uncommon among these fungal diseases, but coinfection has not previously been reported. We report a patient with chronic diarrhea and pancolitis caused by paracoccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis.
Symptomatic Isolated Pleural Effusion as an Atypical Presentation of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Authors: Mullin Christine M. , Fino M. Elizabeth , Reh Andrea , Grifo Jamie A. , Licciardi Frederick
Published: August 2011

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) presents in ~33% of ovarian stimulation cycles with clinical manifestations varying from mild to severe. Its pathogenesis is unknown. Pleural effusion is reported in ~10% of severe OHSS cases and is usually associated with marked ascites. The isolated finding of pleural effusions without ascites, as the main presenting symptom of OHSS is not frequently reported and its pathogenesis is also unknown. We describe two unusual cases of OHSS where dyspnea secondary to unilateral pleural effusion was the only presenting symptom. By reporting our experience, we would like to heighten physicians' awareness in detecting these cases early, as it is our belief that the incidence of pleural effusion in the absence of most commonly recognized risk factors for OHSS may be underestimated and may significantly compromise the health of the patient if treatment is not initiated in a reasonable amount of time.
Neutral Operator and Neutral Differential Equation
Authors: Ren Jingli , Cheng Zhibo , Siegmund Stefan
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we discuss the properties of the neutral operator (Ax)(t) = x(t) − cx(t − δ(t)), and by applying coincidence degree theory and fixed point index theory, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence, multiplicity, and nonexistence of (positive) periodic solutions to two kinds of second‐order differential equations with the prescribed neutral operator.
Geometrically Constructed Families of Newton′s Method for Unconstrained Optimization and Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Kanwar Vinay , Tomar Sushil Kumar , Singh Sukhjit
Published: August 2011

One‐parameter families of Newton′s iterative method for the solution of nonlinear equations and its extension to unconstrained optimization problems are presented in the paper. These methods are derived by implementing approximations through a straight line and through a parabolic curve in the vicinity of the root. The presented variants are found to yield better performance than Newton′s method, in addition that they overcome its limitations.
Potential Explanatory Factors for Higher Incident Hip Fracture Risk in Older Diabetic Adults
Authors: Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Kamineni Aruna , Cauley Jane A. , Robbins John A. , Fried Linda F. , Siscovick David S. , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B.
Published: August 2011

Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher fracture risk. Diabetes-related conditions may account for this risk. Cardiovascular Health Study participants (N=5641; 42.0% men; 15.5% black; 72.8±5.6 years) were followed 10.9±4.6 years. Diabetes was defined as hypoglycemic medication use or fasting glucose (FG)≥126 mg/dL. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was defined as ankle-arm index <0.9. Incident hip fractures were from medical records. Crude hip fracture rates (/1000 person-years) were higher for diabetic vs. non-diabetic participants with BMI <25 (13.6, 95% CI: 8.9–20.2 versus 11.4, 95% CI: 10.1–12.9) and BMI≥25 to <30 (8.3, 95% CI: 5.7–11.9 versus 6.6, 95% CI: 5.6–7.7), but similar for BMI≥30. Adjusting for BMI, sex, race, and age, diabetes was related to fractures (HR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.01–1.78). PAD (HR = 1.25 (95% CI: 0.92–1.57)) and longer walk time (HR = 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04–1.10)) modified the fracture risk in diabetes (HR = 1.17 (95% CI: 0.87–1.57)). Diabetes was associated with higher hip fracture risk after adjusting for BMI though this association was modified by diabetes-related conditions.
Beneficial Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San on Advanced Glycation End-Product-Mediated Renal Injury in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats
Authors: Liu I-Min , Tzeng Thing-Fong , Liou Shorong-Shii , Chang Chia Ju
Published: August 2011

The present study was undertaken to characterize the effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of six herbal medicines, on diabetic nephropathy. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated DSS (2.8 g kg−1per day) for 12 consecutive weeks. DSS partially decreased the high plasma glucose level in diabetic rats. Diabetic-dependent alterations in urinary albumin, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate, and creatinine clearance as well as the kidney hypertrophy (kidney weight/body weight ratio) and glomerular mesangial matrix expansion were ameliorated after 12 weeks of DSS treatment. The increased expression of nuclear factor-κB as well as transforming growth factor-β1and the progressive accumulation of type IV collagen in kidney of diabetic rats were also attenuated by DSS. Not only the elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) andNε-(carboxymethyl)lysine but also the higher levels of lipid peroxidation products in kidney of diabetic rats were ameliorated by DSS. Decreased activity of superoxide diamutase and glutathione peroxidase in kidney of diabetic rats was enhanced by DSS. These data demonstrated that the renoprotective effects of DSS in STZ-diabetic rats not only were attributable to regulate plasma glucose to attenuate AGEs expression in diabetic glomeruli but also likely reflected its antioxidant activity.
Division of Labor inPachycondyla striataFr. Smith, 1858 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae)
Authors: da Silva-Melo Adolfo , Giannotti Edilberto
Published: August 2011

Four colonies of the antPachycondyla striatawere used to analyze the specie behavioral repertoire. Forty-six behavioral acts were recorded in laboratory. Here, we present the record the division of labor between the castes and the temporal polyethism of monomorphic workers. The queens carried out many of the behavioral traits recorded in this work however; they performed them less frequently compared to the worker. The workers activity involved chasing and feeding on fresh insects and usingthem to nourish larvae besides laying eggs in the C-posture, an activity also performed by queens, which is similar to that of wasps of the subfamilyStenogastrinae. The young workers were involved in activities of brood care, sexuate care, and nest maintenance, and the older workers were involved in defense, exploration, and foraging.
Engineered T Cells for the Adoptive Therapy of B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Schmidt Patrick , Hombach Andreas A. , Hallek Michael , Abken Hinrich
Published: August 2011

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) remains an incurable disease due to the high risk of relapse, even after complete remission, raising the need to control and eliminate residual tumor cells in long term. Adoptive T cell therapy with genetically engineered specificity is thought to fulfil expectations, and clinical trials for the treatment of CLL are initiated. Cytolytic T cells from patients are redirected towards CLL cells by ex vivo engineering with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to CD19 on CLL cells through an antibody-derived domain and triggers T cell activation through CD3ζupon tumor cell engagement. Redirected T cells thereby target CLL cells in an MHC-unrestricted fashion, secret proinflammatory cytokines, and eliminate CD19+leukaemia cells with high efficiency. Cytolysis of autologous CLL cells by patient's engineered T cells is effective, however, accompanied by lasting elimination of healthy CD19+B-cells. In this paper we discuss the potential of the strategy in the treatment of CLL, the currently ongoing trials, and the future challenges in the adoptive therapy with CAR-engineered T cells.
A Pilot Study of Quantitative MRI Measurements of Ventricular Volume and Cortical Atrophy for the Differential Diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Moore Dana W. , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Heier Linda A. , Raj Ashish , Huang Chaorui , Chu King-Wai , Relkin Norman R.
Published: August 2011

Current radiologic diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) requires a subjective judgment of whether lateral ventricular enlargement is disproportionate to cerebral atrophy based on visual inspection of brain images. We investigated whether quantitative measurements of lateral ventricular volume and total cortical thickness (a correlate of cerebral atrophy) could be used to more objectively distinguish NPH from normal controls (NC), Alzheimer's (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Volumetric MRIs were obtained prospectively from patients with NPH (n=5), PD (n=5), and NC (5). Additional NC (n=5) and AD patients (n=10) from the ADNI cohort were examined. Although mean ventricular volume was significantly greater in the NPH group than all others, the range of values overlapped those of the AD group. Individuals with NPH could be better distinguished when ventricular volume and total cortical thickness were considered in combination. This pilot study suggests that volumetric MRI measurements hold promise for improving NPH differential diagnosis.
Genetic Mechanisms in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Shrestha Palikhe Nami , Kim Seung-Hyun , Jin Hyun Jung , Hwang Eui-Kyung , Nam Young Hee , Park Hae-Sim
Published: August 2011

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to the development of bronchoconstriction in asthmatics following the exposure to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The key pathogenic mechanisms associated with AERD are the overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and increased CysLTR1 expression in the airway mucosa and decreased lipoxin and PGE2 synthesis. Genetic studies have suggested a role for variability of genes in disease susceptibility and the response to medication. Potential genetic biomarkers contributing to the AERD phenotype include HLA-DPB1, LTC4S, ALOX5, CYSLT, PGE2, TBXA2R, TBX21, MS4A2, IL10, ACE, IL13, KIF3A, SLC22A2, CEP68, PTGER, and CRTH2 and a four-locus SNP set composed of B2ADR, CCR3, CysLTR1, and FCER1B. Future areas of investigation need to focus on comprehensive approaches to identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Towards Modernization of the Formulation of the Traditional Uighur Medicine Herbal PreparationAbnormal Savda Munziq
Authors: Kizaibek Murat , Popescu Ruxandra , Prinz Sonja , Upur Halmurat , Singhuber Judith , Zehl Martin , Kopp Brigitte
Published: August 2011

Abnormal Savda Munziq(ASMq) is a herbal preparation used in Traditional Uighur Medicine for the treatment and prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic asthma and cancer. The recommended dose of this decoction for cancer patients is 500 mL administered orally three times a day. Our approach aimed at reducing the high amount of fluid intake required by fractionation of ASMq guided by the antiproliferative activity on HL-60 cells. The fractionation of ASMq resulted in the preparation of an active extract, Extr-4. Using solid phase extraction, Extr-4 was further fractionated into five fractions (SPE-0, SPE-20, SPE-40, SPE-60 and SPE-80), with SPE-40 showing the strongest antiproliferative activity. Caffeic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, luteolin and formononetin were identified in Extr-4 and fractions thereof by means of TLC, HPLC-DAD and LC-MS. SPE-40 contained the main compounds responsible for the antiproliferative activity on HL-60 cells. Thus, a phenolic fraction with high antiproliferative activity on HL-60 cells was obtained from ASMq through the bioassay-guided fractionation process. This could provide a better pharmaceutical formulation that minimizes the administration inconveniencies of a high volume (1.5 L per day) of ASMq decoction for cancer patients.
Genetic Variation in IGF2 and HTRA1 and Breast Cancer Risk among BRCA1 and BRCA2 Carriers
Authors: Neuhausen Susan L. , Brummel Sean , Ding Yuan Chun , Steele Linda , Nathanson Katherine L. , Domchek Susan , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Singer Christian F. , Pfeiler Georg , Lynch Henry T. , Garber Judy E. , Couch Fergus , Weitzel Jeffrey N. , Godwin Andrew , Narod Steven A. , Ganz Patricia A. , Daly Mary B. , Isaacs Claudine , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Tomlinson Gail E. , Rubinstein Wendy S. , Tung Nadine , Blum Joanne L. , Gillen Daniel L.
Published: August 2011

Background: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers have a lifetime breast cancer risk of 40% to 80%, suggesting the presence of risk modifiers. We previously identified significant associations in genetic variants in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway. Here, we investigate additional IGF signaling genes as risk modifiers for breast cancer development in BRCA carriers.

Methods: A cohort of 1,019 BRCA1 and 500 BRCA2 mutation carriers were genotyped for 99 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 13 genes. Proportional hazards regression was used to model time from birth to diagnosis of breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers separately. For linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks with multiple SNPs, an additive genetic model was used. For an SNP analysis, no additivity assumptions were made.

Results: Significant associations were found between risk of breast cancer and LD blocks in IGF2 for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers (global P values of 0.009 for BRCA1 and 0.007 for BRCA2), HTRA1 for BRCA1 carriers (global P value of 0.005), and MMP3 for BRCA2 carriers (global P = 0.0000007 for BRCA2).

Conclusions: We identified significant associations of genetic variants involved in IGF signaling. With the known interaction of BRCA1 and IGF signaling and the loss of PTEN in a majority of BRCA1 tumors, this suggests that signaling through AKT may modify breast cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers.

Impact: These results suggest potential avenues for future research targeting the IGF signaling pathway in modifying risk in BRCA1and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(8); 1690–702. ©2011 AACR.
Eugenics in Portugal, 1900–1950: Setting a Research Agenda
Authors: Cleminson Richard
Published: August 2011

This article sets out a research agenda for the study of eugenics in Portugal between 1900 and 1950. In the first part, it frames the debate by reference to four broad themes in the articulation of eugenic knowledge: the international historiographical framework; the role of the state in the construction of eugenics; the question of race in respect of the Portuguese colonies, the metropole and Portugaĺs peripheral geographical position in Europe; the structure of the Portuguese scientific community. In the second part of the article, a broad overview of the history of eugenics in Portugal is provided together with the suggestion of strategies for further research.
Market valuations of start-up ventures around the technology bubble
Authors: Gavious Ilanit , Schwartz Dafna
Published: August 2011

This study explores whether, and how, the relevance of financial information for valuation of start-up ventures changed during the period of a technology bubble and the fluctuations that occurred in the capital market after the bubble burst. We find that since the bubble burst, there has been a learning curve and a period of market adjustment. Specifically, during the time of the bubble the market did not rely on accounting information with respect to the valuation of start-ups. After the bubble burst the market became overly conservative, relying predominantly on accepted accounting fundamentals – book value of equity and earnings. In later years, as the process stabilized, the market gradually moved away from these measures and began relying on growth in sales, which may serve as an indication of technological feasibility and the venture’s market potential. The study also explores the effect of market cycles on investor reliance on multiples. We find that, despite over/underpricing effects when using the benchmark multiples of comparable firms in valuating start-ups, these remain the accepted tool, probably due to the absence of alternative valuation methods.
Women’s sex blogs: Challenging dominant discourses of heterosexual desire
Authors: Muise Amy
Published: August 2011

Since Michelle Fine’s (1988) paper on the ‘missing discourse of desire’ in sexuality education, researchers have been investigating where and how women talk about their desire. Online weblogs have become a popular forum for the discussion of sexuality, particularly among women, and have been identified as one potential ‘safe space’ for the discussion of sexual desire. In this article, I use thematic analysis to explore how women write about their sexual desire in online weblogs. In this brief report, I present excerpts from one of the identified themes: women’s desire as active and embodied. The findings are considered in terms of masculine and feminine sexualities and postfeminism.
Mental Simulations of Social Thought and Action
Authors: Crisp Richard J. , Birtel Michèle D. , Meleady Rose
Published: August 2011

Could simply imagining positive interactions promote tolerance between different social groups? This imagined contact hypothesis (Crisp & Turner, 2009) is just one example of a range of psychological interventions that capitalize on people’s capacity for mental simulation. The approach is controversial, perhaps because imagery appears somewhat insubstantial when set against the visceral realities of war, deep-rooted prejudices, or extreme acts of genocide. We counter that mental simulation is an essential element of the human experience and, as such, a correspondingly critical component of behavioral change strategies. This argument is supported by considering imagery’s central role in advances spanning the breadth of psychological science—from studies of the biological correlates of motor control, mimicry, and theory of mind to the cognitions and emotions that characterize reasoning, self-regulation, planning, and goal pursuit. Mental simulation is not merely a proxy for real experience: It is a critical cognition that precedes and precipitates the full spectrum of human behavior. Thus, while imagery techniques may appear trivial next to pervasive problems like prejudice, this should not distract us from the power and potential they offer as tools for transforming social policy.
The Functional Organization and Capacity Limits of Working Memory
Authors: Logie Robert H.
Published: August 2011

Working memory refers to keeping track of ongoing mental processes and temporary memory. One hypothesis is that this form of memory consists of multiple domain-specific components. Over four decades, experiments testing this hypothesis have yielded insight into cognitive changes from childhood to old age, selective cognitive impairments following brain damage, and on-line cognition in healthy adults. Advances in the understanding of working memory also have arisen from the discovery of associations between individual differences in working-memory capacity and a broad range of cognitive measures. These latter advances have often been interpreted as supporting the alternative hypothesis that working memory consists of a single, limited-capacity domain-general system for control of attention. Here I outline recent developments in the multiple-component perspective that address challenges derived from the attention-based hypothesis and from multivariate studies of individual differences. I argue that the multiple-component perspective and the single-attentional-system perspective are complementary, with each best suited to asking different research questions, and that many areas of contemporary debate regarding the nature of working memory reflect differences that are more apparent than real.
One-way Europe? Institutional guidelines, emerging regimes of justification, and paradoxical turns in European welfare capitalism
Authors: Borghi Vando
Published: August 2011

The article inquires into some of the most relevant current transformations of the idea of the social in contemporary European welfare capitalism. Some crucial institutional ideas — employability and activation — of EU welfare capitalism and their connections with the new spirit of capitalism — network capitalism — are discussed. In particular, the way these ideas contribute to enacting institutional regimes of justification, framing in this a new idea of the social, is explored. The features of the latter will be deepened with particular concern for two constitutive elements of European societal self-representation — individualization (as a social ideal and project) and publicness (as a fundamental characteristic of the institutional programme) — and regarding emerging paradoxes characterizing their current development. Arguments will be advanced in order to show that the currently dominant institutional regime of justification does not have a univocal, one-way fate of development, and both ties and opportunities are reconfigured. The idea of the social, even if reframed according to the social and institutional logics the article explores, is a terrain of (cultural, political, social and institutional) conflict. In this, possible counter-factual interpretations of the emerging institutional devices and practices, already at work on the social stage, can be further developed and strengthened.
The Battle at Maple Bay: The Dynamics of Coast Salish Political Organization Through Oral Histories
Authors: Angelbeck Bill , McLay Eric
Published: August 2011

In the mid-nineteenth century, an alliance of Coast Salish groups engaged in a maritime canoe battle against the Kwakwaka'wakw Lekwiltok at Maple Bay on Vancouver Island in the Pacific Northwest Coast. This study reflects on the multivocality of twenty-one Coast Salish accounts of the historic battle to consider how independent groups recount a period of broad alliance and unification. These oral narratives commemorate this historic event as a moment of political solidarity among the Coast Salish, who are commonly conceived as organized at the scale of the household, while revealing persistent tensions between alliance and autonomy. Moreover, the stories of the battle and its aftermath provide insights into Coast Salish protocols for enacting justice and resolving conflict. This article aims to demonstrate the utility of oral histories for contributing anthropological insights into the historical and ongoing cultural dynamics of Coast Salish sociopolitical organization, showing how these decentralized communities, anchored in the primacy of local households, could be mobilized into broadscale regional coalitions.
Comparison of two motion sensors for use in cardiac telerehabilitation
Authors: Frederix Ines , Dendale Paul , Berger Jan , Vandereyt Frank , Everts Suzy , Hansen Dominique
Published: August 2011

We compared the activity estimated by a pedometer and an accelerometer in coronary artery disease patients included in a phase III cardiac rehabilitation programme. Nine patients were divided into two groups and wore the pedometer for four weeks, and then subsequently the accelerometer for four weeks, or vice versa. The recorded daily exercise level (total daily steps and calories burned) was measured for each patient and compared with oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold measured by ergospirometry at the end of the study. There was a significant correlation between the calories measured by the accelerometer and the ventilatory threshold (i.e. the sub-maximal capacity), r = 0.75 ( P = 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the measured steps on the accelerometer and the ventilatory threshold, r = 0.72 ( P = 0.07). There were no significant correlations for the pedometer. A questionnaire concerning ease of use of the sensors indicated that the cardiac patients favoured the pedometer.
The Occurrence Mechanism of Periodicity of Creep Crack Path for P92
Authors: Nagumo Y. , Yokobori A. T. , Sugiura R. , Matsuzaki T.
Published: August 2011

The morphology of creep crack growth in metals is usually dominated by inter-granular cracking. However, for developed heat-resistant steels with a martensitic lath strengthening structure such as ASME Grade P92, inter-granular cracking, which is a typical fracture mechanism of creep crack growth, was restrained, and the creep crack growth path was found to be composed of a fracture unit area (FA) beyond the scale of the grain size. In spite of the fact that FA is closely related to resistance against crack growth, the occurrence mechanism of FA has not yet been clarified. In this study, by conducting creep crack growth tests for P92, two-dimensional finite element analyses, and metallurgical characterization of the microstructure, the occurrence mechanism of FA for P92 was clarified. As a result, the creep crack growth path for P92 was found to be composed of an FA beyond the scale of the grain size due to the sub-critical crack growth, and the periodic sub-critical crack growth was found to be dominated by the preceding initiation of voids along a slip line. On the basis of the proposed finite element method analysis, this crack growth mechanism was found to cause dispersion of creep damage, which causes unstable crack growth and results in periodic convexo-concave crack growth, that is, FA-cracking.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and nitric oxide function: new light through old windows
Authors: Bird Ian M
Published: August 2011

The principle mechanisms operating at the level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) itself to control its activity are phosphorylation, the auto-regulatory properties of the protein itself, and Ca2+/calmodulin binding. It is now clear that activation of eNOS is greatest when phosphorylation of certain serine and threonine residues is accompanied by elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+]i. While eNOS also contains an autoinhibitory loop, Rafikov et al. (2011) present the evidence for a newly identified ‘flexible arm’ that operates in response to redox state. Boeldt et al. (2011) also review the evidence that changes in the nature of endothelial Ca2+ signaling itself in different physiologic states can extend both the amplitude and duration of NO output, and a failure to change these responses in pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia. The change in Ca2+ signaling is mediated through altering capacitative entry mechanisms inherent in the cell, and so many agonist responses using this mechanism are altered. The term ‘adaptive cell signaling’ is also introduced for the first time to describe this phenomenon. Finally NO is classically regarded as a regulator of vascular function, but NO has other actions. One proposed role is regulation of steroid biosynthesis but the physiologic relevance was unclear. Ducsay & Myers (2011) now present new evidence that NO may provide the adrenal with a mechanism to regulate cortisol output according to exposure to hypoxia. One thing all three of these reviews show is that even after several decades of study into NO biosynthesis and function, there are clearly still many things left to discover.
Family Interaction Relationship Types and Differences in Parent-Child Interactions
Authors: Chao Mei-Ru
Published: August 2011

The structure of family interaction relationship types and the differences of parent-child interactions based on parent-child samples in Taiwan were examined in this study. Eight interaction relationship types were examined; empathy, constraint, compromise, acquiescence, conflict, camouflage,
indifference, and defensiveness. No significant differences were found in the family interaction relationship types between sons and daughters. Mothers were found to show more empathy than fathers in family interaction relationships; while children show more constraint, compromise, and acquiescence
than parents, which all contribute to harmonious family interaction relationships.
Spectrophotometric determination of repaglinide in tablets based on charge-transfer complexation reaction with chloranilic acid and dichloro-dicyano benzoquinone
Authors: Cijo Madathil , Basavaiah Kanakapura , Abdulrahman Sameer , Vinay K.B.
Published: August 2011

Two simple, accurate, precise, inexpensive, selective and sensitive
spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of repaglinide
(RPG) in bulk drug and its tablets. The methods were based on the charge-
transfer complex reaction between RPG in acetonitrile with p-chloranilic acid
(CAA) or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) in dioxane and
subsequent formation of intensely colored radical anions of the reagents
which were measured at 520 nm (CAA) or 590 nm (DDQ). Several experimental
variables affecting the complex formation, stability of the colored species
and sensitivity of the reaction were optimized. Under the optimized
conditions, Beer?s law was obeyed over the concentration ranges of 20-400 and
5-80 ?g ml-1 RPG for CAA and DDQ methods, respectively, and the corresponding
correlation coefficients were 0.9995 and 0.9998. The apparent molar
absorptivity values were 1.02x103 and 4.60x103 for CAA and DDQ methods
respectively, with corresponding Sandell sensitivity values of 0.4438 and
0.0984 ?g cm-2. Limits of detection (LOD) were calculated to be 7.07 and 2.42
?g ml-1 and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 21.43 and 7.33 ?g ml-1
RPG, for CAA method and DDQ method, respectively. Validation results
demonstrated that the inter day and intra day accuracy were up to 97.56%. The
precision determined did not exceed 2.5% of RSD. The methods were
successfully used for the determination of RPG in tablet form and the results
were in good agreement with the label claims as shown by the recoveries which
were in the range of 99.22- 102.8% with standard deviation values < 2%. The
accuracy of the method was confirmed by recovery studies via standardaddition
procedure with excellent recovery 98.24-104.0 ? 1.08-3.35.
Association of hereditary elliptocytosis and Gilbert’s syndrome as the cause of biliary calculosis: Case report
Authors: Radlovic Nedeljko , Ristic Dragana , Brdar Radivoj , Janic Nenad , Lekovic Zoran , Janic Dragana , Smoljanic Zeljko , Dokmanovic Lidija , Jovanovic Miodrag
Published: August 2011

Introduction. Biliary calculosis is rare in children. It occurs associated
with different haemolytic and non-haemolytic disorders, which are sometimes
also combined. Case Outline. A 15-year-old male was hospitalized due to
biliary calculosis and non-conjugated hyper-bilirubinemia. A mild
non-conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, without anaemia and other symptoms of
liver dysfunction, was registered at age 8 years, and 7 years later
cholelithiasis with transitory choledocholithiasis. The finding of
ellyptocytes in blood smear, which was also verified in mother, normal
haemoglobin count and the absence of diseases followed by secondary
dysmorphic erythrocytes of this type, indicated a clinically milder
(compensated) hereditary ellyptocytosis, while more than a double increase of
non-conjugated serum bilirubin fracture after a three-day hypocaloric diet
(400 kcal per day) showed the concurrent presence of Gilbert?s syndrome. In
the laparascopically removed gallbladder a larger number of small pigmented
calculi were disclosed. Conclusion. Gilbert?s syndrome is an essential
precipitating factor of biliary calculosis in patients with chronic
haemolytic condition. Thus, in all cases of biliary calculosis and
non-conjugated hyperbilirubinemia with absent clinical and laboratory
parameters of liver disorders and anaemia, except in compensated haemolytic
disease and Gilbert?s syndrome as isolated disorders, a possibility of their
association should be taken into consideration.
Current knowledge of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Djukic Slobodanka , Opavski Natasa , Mijac Vera , Ranin Lazar
Published: August 2011

Bacterial vaginosis, earlier termed nonspecific vaginitis (anaerobic
vaginosis) because of the absence of recognized pathogens, is most common
vaginal syndrome of women of childbearing age affecting 15-30%. This
syndrome, whose aetiology and pathogenesis remains unknown, is characterized
by significant changes in the vaginal ecosystem. These changes consist of a
decrease in the number of lactobacilli and a large increase in the number of
anaerobic organisms. The bacteria adhere to desquamated epithelial cells with
a distinctive appearance of clue cells The main complaints of women with
symptomatic bacterial vaginosis include vaginal discharge and odour. However,
a significant number of all women who have bacterial vaginosis deny symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis is associated with a number of gynaecologic and obstetric
complications including cervicitis, cervical neoplasia, pelvic inflammatory
disease, postoperative infections, and preterm labour. The diagnosis is most
frequently made based on vaginal smear stained according to Gram (Nugent
scoring method). Metronidazole and clindamycin are the drugs of choice for
treatment of women with bacterial vaginosis. Which women should undergo
treatment? According to the prevailing attitude, it should include women with
symptoms. Symptomatic women with frequent relapses of bacterial vaginosisas,
as a rule, have poor response to the applied therapy. To achieve better
efficiency in the treatment of such women, it is necessary to have more
extensive understanding of all factors in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.
Effect of inorganic and organic zinc supplementation on coccidial infections in goat kids
Authors: Strnadová Petra , Svobodová Vlasta , Pavlata Leoš , Mišurová Ľubica , Dvořák Rudolf
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of zinc-enriched diet fed to goats and their kids on the number of Coccidia oocysts shed by kids, on clinical signs of coccidiosis, weight gains, and kids’ blood plasma concentration of zinc. A total of 22 goat kids were divided into 4 groups of 5 or 6 animals. Goats and kids from the control group did not receive any additional zinc, the second group was supplemented with inorganic zinc (zinc oxide), the third group was given zinc lactate, and the fourth group received chelated zinc. Samples of kids’ faeces were taken weekly from 3 to 9 weeks of their age (a total of 7 samples were taken). Samples of faeces were examined by a quantitative method to detect the number of oocysts. Kids were weighed weekly and their blood was taken in order to determine zinc concentrations in blood plasma. Animals from the group supplemented with zinc chelate and zinc lactate shed a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower number of oocysts (13.4% and 11.9%, respectively) compared to the number of oocyst shed by control and zinc oxide supplemented groups (25% and 49.7%, respectively). Shedding of oocysts was not accompanied by clinical symptoms of coccidiosis in any of the groups. Kids supplemented with zinc chelate showed significantly highest weight gains and blood plasma concentration of zinc (p ≤ 0.05) as compared to control and inorganic zinc supplemented groups. Organic zinc is to be recommended to be used as a prophylaxis against coccidiosis in goat kids.
Accumulation of arsenic during the growing period of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Čelechovská Olga , Harkabusová Veronika , Macharáčková Blanka , Vitoulová Eva , Lavičková Alena
Published: August 2011

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was monitored for the duration of one year, from 2 to 14 months of age (n = 120). The study was performed on a farm with through-running water from the basin of water processing plant in the years 2007 and 2008. During the first months of fish life, we analyzed homogenized samples (n = 12) of rainbow trout bodies. From the 8th month the samples of twelve rainbow trouts were analysed. The total contents of arsenic and arsenobetaine were quantified in muscle, liver, spleen and bile separately. The total arsenic was determined by hydride technique AAS and arsenobetaine by high performance liquid chromatography combined with detection using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The concentration of arsenic in homogenized body samples grew (P < 0.01) during the first months of life, from the 6th month of rearing no significant difference was found. The concentration of arsenobetaine in homogenized bodies was low during the first months and from the 6th month the concentration stayed on invariable level and amounted to 46 ± 6% of total arsenic. The highest concentrations of arsenic and arsenobetaine in tissues ranked in the order muscle, liver, spleen and bile. In summer months the total arsenic in muscle was bonded in the form of arsenobetaine, in winter months the content of arsenobetaine dropped to 50% of total arsenic. The content of arsenic in liver samples remained the same during the entire monitoring, however, the ratio of arsenobetaine content altered. In summer months it reached the maximum 27%, in winter months it dropped to 7% of arsenic. The concentration of arsenic in spleen and bile decreased in winter months, arsenobetaine corresponded to the value assessed in liver. This study proved the effect of the small content of arsenic in feedstuff on accumulation of total arsenic and arsenobetaine in the tissue of rainbow trout during the growing period and season.
Atrial Fibrillation: Current Perspective
Authors: Ahmed R , Schamp DJ
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i2.8121 Cardiovasc. j. 2009; 1(2) : 148-155