bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discordant Patterns of mtDNA and Ethno-Linguistic Variation in 14 Iranian Ethnic Groups
Authors: Farjadian S. , Sazzini M. , Tofanelli S. , Castrì L. , Taglioli L. , Pettener D. , Ghaderi A. , Romeo G. , Luiselli D.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Present-day Iran has long represented a natural hub for the expansion of human genes and cultures. That being so, the overlapping of prehistoric and more recent demographic events interacting at different time scales with geographical and cultural barriers has yielded a tangled patchwork of anthropological types within this narrow area. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate this ethnic mosaic by depicting a fine-grained picture of the Iranian mitochondrial landscape. Methods: mtDNA variability at both HVS-I and coding regions was surveyed in 718 unrelated individuals belonging to 14 Iranian ethnic groups characterized by different languages, religions and patterns of subsistence. Results: A discordant pattern of high ethno-linguistic and low mtDNA heterogeneity was observed for the whole examined Iranian sample. Geographical factors and cultural/linguistic differences actually represented barriers to matrilineal gene flow only for the Baloch, Lur from Yasouj, Zoroastrian and Jewish groups, for which unusual reduced levels of mtDNA variability and high inter-population distances were found. Conclusion: Deep rooting genealogies and endogamy in a few of the examined ethnic groups might have preserved ancestral lineages that can be representative of Proto-Indo-Iranian or prehistoric mitochondrial profiles which survived relatively recent external contributions to the Iranian gene pool.
Pcaf Modulates Polyglutamine Pathology in a Drosophila Model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Bodai Laszlo , Pallos Judit , Thompson Leslie Michels , Marsh J. Lawrence
Published: September 2011

Huntingtin peptides with elongated polyglutamine domains, the root causes of Huntington’s disease, hinder histone acetylation, which leads to transcriptional dysregulation. However, the range of acetyltransferases interacting with mutant Huntingtin has not been systematically evaluated. We used genetic interaction tests in Drosophila to determine whether specific acetyltransferases belonging to distinct protein families influence polyglutamine pathology. We found that flies expressing a mutant form of the Huntingtin protein (Httex1pQ93) exhibit reduced viability, which is further decreased by partial loss of Pcaf or nejire, while the tested MYST family acetyltransferases did not affect pathology. Reduced levels of Pcaf also led to the increased degeneration of photoreceptor neurons in the retina. Overexpression of Pcaf, however, was not sufficient to ameliorate these phenotypes, and the level of soluble Pcaf is unchanged in Httex1pQ93-expressing flies. Thus, our results indicate that while Pcaf has a significant impact on Huntington’s disease pathology, therapeutic strategies aimed at elevating its levels are likely to be ineffective in ameliorating Huntington’s disease pathology; however, strategies that aim to increase the specific activity of Pcaf remain to be tested.
An Optimized Microsatellite Genotyping Strategy for Assessing Genetic Identity and Kinship in Azara’s Owl Monkeys (Aotus azarai)
Authors: Babb Paul L. , McIntosh Annick M. , Fernandez-Duque Eduardo , Fiore Anthony Di , Schurr Theodore G.
Published: September 2011

In this study, we characterize a panel of 20 microsatellite markers that reproducibly amplify in Azara’s owl monkeys (Aotus azarai) for use in genetic profiling analyses. A total of 128 individuals from our study site in Formosa, Argentina, were genotyped for 20 markers, 13 of which were found to be polymorphic. The levels of allelic variation at these loci provided paternity exclusion probabilities of 0.852 when neither parent was known, and 0.981 when one parent was known. In addition, our analysis revealed that, although genotypes can be rapidly scored using fluorescence-based fragment analysis, the presence of complex or multiple short tandem repeat (STR) motifs at a microsatellite locus could generate similar fragment patterns from alleles that have different nucleotide sequences and perhaps different evolutionary origins. Even so, this collection of microsatellite loci is suitable for parentage analyses and will allow us to test various hypotheses about the relationship between social behavior and kinship in wild owl monkey populations. Furthermore, given the limited number of platyrrhine-specific microsatellite loci available in the literature, this STR panel represents a valuable tool for population studies of other cebines and callitrichines.
Induced Adipocyte Cell-Sheet Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction in a Mouse Myocardial Infarction Model
Authors: Imanishi Yukiko , Miyagawa Shigeru , Maeda Norikazu , Fukushima Satsuki , Kitagawa-Sakakida Satoru , Daimon Takashi , Hirata Ayumu , Shimizu Tatsuya , Okano Teruo , Shimomura Iichiro , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: September 2011

Background—

A drug delivery system that constitutively and effectively retains cardioprotective reagents in the targeted myocardium has long been sought to treat acute myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that a scaffold-free induced adipocyte cell-sheet (iACS), transplanted on the surface of the heart, might intramyocardially secrete multiple cardioprotective factors including adiponectin (APN), consequently attenuating functional deterioration after acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Induced ACS were generated from adipose tissue–derived cells of wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J), which secreted abundant APN, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro. Transplanted iACS secreted APN into the myocardium of APN-knockout (KO) mice at 4 weeks. APN was also detected in the plasma of iACS-transplanted APN-KO mice at 3 months (245±113 pg/mL). After left anterior descending artery ligation, iACS, generated from either WT (n=40) or APN-KO (n=40) mice, were grafted onto the surface of the anterior left ventricular wall of WT mice, or only left anterior descending artery ligation was performed (n=43). Two days later, inflammation and infarct size were significantly diminished only in the WT-iACS treated mice. One month later, cardiomyocyte diameter and percent fibrosis were smaller, whereas ejection fraction and survival were greater in the WT-iACS treated mice compared with the KO-iACS–treated or nontreated mice.

Conclusions—

Cardioprotective factors including APN, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were secreted from iACS. Transplantation of iACS onto the acute myocardial infarction heart attenuated infarct size, inflammation, and left ventricular remodeling, mediated by intramyocardially secreted APN in a constitutive manner. This method might be a novel drug delivery system to treat heart disease.
Restrictive Mitral Annuloplasty With or Without Surgical Ventricular Restoration in Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Shudo Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Kazuhiro , Takeda Koji , Sakaguchi Taichi , Funatsu Toshihiro , Matsue Hajime , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kondoh Haruhiko , Kainuma Satoshi , Kubo Koji , Hamada Seiki , Izutani Hironori , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: September 2011

Background—

We assessed changes in left ventricular (LV) volume and function and in regional myocardial wall stress in noninfarcted segments after restrictive mitral annuloplasty (RMA) with or without surgical ventricular restoration (SVR).

Methods and Results—

Thirty-nine patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction ≤0.35) and severe mitral regurgitation (≥3) were studied before and 2.8 months after surgery with cine-angiographic multidetector computed tomography (cine-MDCT). Eighteen underwent RMA alone (RMA group) and 21 underwent RMA and SVR (RMA+SVR group). In addition to measuring conventional parameters (LV end-diastolic volume index [LVEDVI], LV end-systolic volume index [LVESVI], and LV ejection fraction), we evaluated the regional circumferential end-systolic wall stress and mean circumferential fiber shortening in both the basal and mid-LV regions using 3-dimensional cine-MDCT images. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes were significantly greater in the RMA+SVR group than in the RMA group preoperatively, but these values did not differ significantly postoperatively. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes decreased significantly, by 21% and 27% after RMA and by 35% and 42% after RMA and SVR, and the percent reductions in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes were significantly larger in the RMA+SVR group. Regional end-systolic wall stress decreased and circumferential fiber shortening increased significantly in the noninfarcted regions after RMA with or without SVR.

Conclusions—

RMA plus SVR showed a potentially greater reduction of LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes than RMA alone. In selected patients with more advanced LV remodeling, concomitant SVR may favorably affect the LV reverse-remodeling process induced by RMA.
Pravastatin Reduces Marfan Aortic Dilation
Authors: McLoughlin Darren , McGuinness Jonathan , Byrne John , Terzo Eloisa , Huuskonen Vilhelmiina , McAllister Hester , Black Alexander , Kearney Sinead , Kay Elaine , Hill Arnold D.K. , Dietz Harry C. , Redmond J. Mark
Published: September 2011

Background—

The sequelae of aortic root dilation are the lethal consequences of Marfan syndrome. The root dilation is attributable to an imbalance between deposition of matrix elements and metalloproteinases in the aortic medial layer as a result of excessive transforming growth factor-beta signaling. This study examined the efficacy and mechanism of statins in attenuating aortic root dilation in Marfan syndrome and compared effects to the other main proposed preventative agent, losartan.

Methods and Results—

Marfan mice heterozygous for a mutant allele encoding a cysteine substitution in fibrillin-1 (C1039G) were treated daily from 6 weeks old with pravastatin 0.5g/L or losartan 0.6 g/L. The end points of aortic root diameter (n=25), aortic thickness, and architecture (n=10), elastin volume (n=5), dp/dtmax (maximal rate of change of pressure) (cardiac catheter; n=20), and ultrastructural analysis with stereology (electron microscopy; n=5) were examined. The aortic root diameters of untreated Marfan mice were significantly increased in comparison to normal mice (0.161±0.001 cm vs 0.252±0.004 cm;
P
<0.01). Pravastatin (0.22±0.003 cm;
P
<0.01) and losartan (0.221±0.004 cm;
P
<0.01) produced a significant reduction in aortic root dilation. Both drugs also preserved elastin volume within the medial layer (pravastatin 0.23±0.02 and losartan 0.29±0.03 vs untreated Marfan 0.19±0.02;
P
=0.01; normal mice 0.27±0.02). Ultrastructural analysis showed a reduction of rough endoplasmic reticulum in smooth muscle cells with pravastatin (0.022±0.004) and losartan (0.013±0.001) compared to untreated Marfan mice (0.035±0.004;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Statins are similar to losartan in attenuating aortic root dilation in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome. They appear to act through reducing the excessive protein manufacture by vascular smooth muscle cells, which occurs in the Marfan aorta. As a drug that is relatively well-tolerated for long-term use, it may be useful clinically.
Novel MicroRNA Prosurvival Cocktail for Improving Engraftment and Function of Cardiac Progenitor Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hu Shijun , Huang Mei , Nguyen Patricia K. , Gong Yongquan , Li Zongjin , Jia Fangjun , Lan Feng , Liu Junwei , Nag Divya , Robbins Robert C. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: September 2011

Background—

Although stem cell therapy has provided a promising treatment for myocardial infarction, the low survival of the transplanted cells in the infarcted myocardium is possibly a primary reason for failure of long-term improvement. Therefore, the development of novel prosurvival strategies to boost stem cell survival will be of significant benefit to this field.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) were isolated from transgenic mice, which constitutively express firefly luciferase and green fluorescent protein. The CPCs were transduced with individual lentivirus carrying the precursor of miR-21, miR-24, and miR-221, a cocktail of these 3 microRNA precursors, or green fluorescent protein as a control. After challenge in serum free medium, CPCs treated with the 3 microRNA cocktail showed significantly higher viability compared with untreated CPCs. After intramuscular and intramyocardial injections, in vivo bioluminescence imaging showed that microRNA cocktail-treated CPCs survived significantly longer after transplantation. After left anterior descending artery ligation, microRNA cocktail-treated CPCs boost the therapeutic efficacy in terms of functional recovery. Histological analysis confirmed increased myocardial wall thickness and CPC engraftment in the myocardium with the microRNA cocktail. Finally, we used bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation assays to show that Bim, a critical apoptotic activator, is an important target gene of the microRNA cocktail, which collectively can bind to the 3′UTR region of Bim and suppress its expression.

Conclusions—

We have demonstrated that a microRNA prosurvival cocktail (miR-21, miR-24, and miR-221) can improve the engraftment of transplanted cardiac progenitor cells and therapeutic efficacy for treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Distinguishing symbolic and evidence-based policies: the Brazilian efforts to increase the quality of basic education
Authors: de Vries Michiel S.
Published: September 2011

This article addresses the question how to distinguish symbolic policies from evidence-based policies, using the efforts of the Brazilian government to improve the achievements of pupils in primary schools as an illustration.

The Brazilian government aimed for achievements in basic education in its country equal to those in the developed world and implemented policies in line with decentralization of the schooling system and improvement of the training of teachers. It will be shown that such policies are symbolic in the sense that they may have an appeal to the national population and to the outside world, but are hardly effective.

This article’s main argument is that governments can prevent such outcomes when they are less opportunistic in following international fashions, such as the striving for decentralization, and have policymakers analyze the problem somewhat more thoroughly, resulting in evidence-based policies.

Points for practitioners

This study points to four criteria to distinguish symbolic versus evidence-based policies and gives an example of how to use these criteria in practice. This is useful for policymakers, policy analysts and policy evaluators.
Race, politics and US students in 1930s Soviet Russia
Authors: Roman Meredith L.
Published: September 2011

In response to charges of racial discrimination, the Communist International admitted twelve, instead of one or two, Black Americans to Moscow’s International Lenin School in 1931. When the experiences of these Black Americans failed to correspond to the image of Soviet racial equality, with regard to the conduct of white Americans and school officials, they criticised these disparities not only as ‘racist’, but, more importantly, as ‘anti-Soviet’. Like the Black American students who attended the Eastern University in Moscow, the Black Americans at the Lenin School did not perceive Soviet anti-racism simply as a paternalistic, abstract discourse. Indeed, Black Americans in both institutions recognised that they had more to gain by actively supporting Soviet anti-racism than by joining their white American oppressors in openly attacking it.
Aviation, Tourism and Dreaming in 1960s Bombay Cinema
Authors: Mazumdar Ranjani
Published: September 2011

In the history of Bombay cinema, the 1960s is a peculiar world marked by a reworking of nationalist anxieties, sovereignty, the place of the woman, and the world of location and mobility. India’s defeat in the border war against China in 1962 jolted the Nehruvian consensus of the 1950s. This was followed by food shortages, currency crisis, and the eventual turn to the United States (US) for grants to purchase food grain. It was as if the vast control regime set up in the 1950s, whose most visible signs were the Five-Year Plans, national sovereignty, and self-sustainability, started to crack. The wild abandonment of the 1960s seemed to lift this mood for the middle class, acknowledging their dreams of travel. This article returns to the cinema of the 1960s to track both the opening of the global and a fascination with urban infrastructure, tourism, fashion, and consumption. The arrival of color, the widespread circulation of travel imagery, the promotion of railway tourism, and the explosion in aviation congealed in creating a kind of cinematic tourism that was unique in the history of Bombay cinema. Many of these films traveled to spectacular global cities like Paris, Tokyo, London, Rome, and Beirut ( An Evening in Paris, Sangam, Love in Tokyo, Around the World). Through this mobility the films encountered the global currents of the 1960s and also played out anxieties around questions of love, marriage, and erotic desire.
Investigating climate change: A comparative analysis of colonial and modern weather data
Authors: Wasserman Marni
Published: September 2011

The understanding of weather patterns and global climate change over time is crucial for the development of models needed to predict future climate trends. With the ominous potential threats related to climate change, it is essential that our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and weather is based on as much data-driven information as possible. In particular, to understand climate patterns and trends, more reliable historical data allows more robust climate models to be constructed. Temperatures from the late 1800s to now have already been collected and digitized in a sufficient quantity to give researchers a base of information with which to estimate temperature changes over roughly the last 150 years. However, since modern thermometers were invented in 1714, information from the prior 150 years exists in various forms, but as of now has been untapped for researchers. Digitizing and using this information with appropriate adjustments could then roughly double the amount of years of direct information available to understand our changing climate.
Introduction to this special section: Time-lapse measurements
Authors: MacBeth Colin , Michelena Reinaldo
Published: September 2011

The idea of monitoring our reservoirs spatially in three dimensions with discrete snapshots (time-lapse measurements) along the production (or injection) time axis is extremely compelling but of course, as we have found, it is not as straightforward as one might initially anticipate. However, by persevering we have noted a long list of direct and indirect benefits too numerous to elaborate. The methods tell us how wells perform (particularly long-reach horizontals), how the field itself is responding to production and efforts to boost recovery, and greatly improve our understanding of the field in general.
A radiological study to define safe zones for drilling during plating of clavicle fractures
Authors: Sinha A. , Edwin J. , Sreeharsha B. , Bhalaik V. , Brownson P.
Published: September 2011

This study investigated the anatomical relationship between the clavicle and its adjacent vascular structures, in order to define safe zones, in terms of distance and direction, for drilling of the clavicle during osteosynthesis using a plate and screws following a fracture. We used reconstructed three-dimensional CT arteriograms of the head, neck and shoulder region. The results have enabled us to divide the clavicle into three zones based on the proximity and relationship of the vascular structures adjacent to it. The results show that at the medial end of the clavicle the subclavian vessels are situated behind it, with the vein intimately related to it. In some scans the vein was opposed to the posterior cortex of the clavicle. At the middle one-third of the clavicle the artery and vein are a mean of 17.02 mm (5.4 to 26.8) and 12.45 mm (5 to 26.1) from the clavicle, respectively, and at a mean angle of 50° (12 to 80) and 70° (38 to 100), respectively, to the horizontal. At the lateral end of the clavicle the artery and vein are at mean distances of 63.4 mm (46.8 to 96.5) and 75.67 mm (50 to 109), respectively.

An appreciation of the information gathered from this study will help minimise the risk of inadvertent iatrogenic vascular injury during plating of the clavicle.
The outcome of primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in patients aged 80 years or more
Authors: Clement N. D. , MacDonald D. , Howie C. R. , Biant L. C.
Published: September 2011

Primary arthroplasty may be denied to very elderly patients based upon the perceived outcome and risks associated with surgery. This prospective study compared the outcome, complications, and mortality of total hip (TKR) and total knee replacement (TKR) in a prospectively selected group of patients aged ≥ 80 years with that of a control group aged between 65 and 74 years. There were 171 and 495 THRs and 185 and 492 TKRs performed in the older and control groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the mean improvement of Oxford hip and knee scores between the groups at 12 months (0.98, (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.66 to 2.95), p = 0.34 and 1.15 (95% CI −0.65 to 2.94), p = 0.16, respectively). The control group had a significantly (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively) greater improvement in the physical well being component of their SF-12 score, but the older group was more satisfied with their THR (p = 0.047). The older group had a longer hospital stay for both THR (5.9 versus 9.0 days, p < 0.0001) and TKR (6.2 versus 8.3 days, p < 0.0001). The rates of post-operative complications and mortality were increased in the older group.
Treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Muijs S. P. J. , van Erkel A. R. , Dijkstra P. D. S.
Published: September 2011

Vertebral compression fractures are the most prevalent complication of osteoporosis and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) has emerged as a promising addition to the methods of treating the debilitating pain they may cause.

Since PVP was first reported in the literature in 1987, more than 600 clinical papers have been published on the subject. Most report excellent improvements in pain relief and quality of life. However, these papers have been based mostly on uncontrolled cohort studies with a wide variety of inclusion and exclusion criteria. In 2009, two high-profile randomised controlled trials were published in the New England Journal of Medicine which led care providers throughout the world to question the value of PVP. After more than two decades a number of important questions about the mechanism and the effectiveness of this procedure remain unanswered.
Management of congenital talipes equinovarus using the Ponseti method
Authors: Jowett C. R. , Morcuende J. A. , Ramachandran M.
Published: September 2011

We present a systematic review of the results of the Ponseti method of management for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV). Our aims were to assess the method, the effects of modifications to the original method, and compare it with other similar methods of treatment. We found 308 relevant citations in the English literature up to 31 May 2010, of which 74 full-text articles met our inclusion criteria. Our results showed that the Ponseti method provides excellent results with an initial correction rate of around 90% in idiopathic feet. Non-compliance with bracing is the most common cause of relapse. The current best practice for the treatment of CTEV is the original Ponseti method, with minimal adjustments being hyperabduction of the foot in the final cast and the need for longer-term bracing up to four years. Larger comparative studies will be required if other methods are to be recommended.
Evaluation of Maxillary Incisive Canal Characteristics Related to Dental Implant Treatment With Computerized Tomography: A Clinical Multicenter Study
Authors: Tözüm Tolga F. , Güncü Güliz N. , Yıldırım Yağmur D. , Yılmaz Hasan Güney , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Velasco‐Torres Miguel , Al‐Hezaimi Khalid , Al‐Sadhan Raed , Karabulut Erdem , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: September 2011

Background: A close anatomic relationship between the incisive canal and the roots of the central maxillary incisors should be kept in mind during dental‐implant treatment in the anterior maxilla. The aim of the present study is to analyze incisive canal characteristics on computed tomography (CT) sections and to evaluate its relation to bone anterior to the canal with regard to dental implantation.

Methods: A total of 933 partially edentulous and/or edentulous patients scheduled for implant insertion in four dental clinics enrolled in the present study. The following were measured and recorded from CT sections for analysis: 1) diameter and length of the incisive canal; 2) width and length of the bone anterior to the canal; 3) palatal bone width and length; and 4) root width and length of the central incisor.

Results: Mean canal length was 10.86 ± 2.67 mm, and mean diameter was 2.59 ± 0.91 mm. Canal length was shortened in edentulous anterior maxilla compared to dentate maxilla. However, canal diameter did not show any difference between dentate and edentulous groups. Males had a longer and wider incisive canal than females. Canal shape was mostly cylindrical in 40.73% of images. No correlation was found with mean canal length and mean canal diameter according to age.

Conclusions: Although variations exist in every patient, the findings from this study suggest that sex and dental status are important factors that can affect incisive canal characteristics and amount of bone anterior to the canal. Clinicians should perform careful planning using CT scans before performing dental implant surgeries in premaxillary region.
Mechanisms of the interaction between Pr(DNR)3 and Herring-Sperm DNA
Authors: Liu Xiaocai , Wang Xingming , Ding Lisheng
Published: September 2011

Research on the interaction mechanism of drugs with DNA is essential to
understand their pharmacokinetics. The interaction between rare earth
complexes Pr(DNR)3 and Herring-Sperm DNA was studied in Tris-HCl buffer
solution (pH 7.4) by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity
measurements. The results showed that the modes of interaction between
Pr(DNR)3 and Herring-Sperm DNA were electrostatic and intercalation. The
binding ratio was nPr(DNA)3 ? nDNA = 5?1 and the binding constant was K?292K
= 4.34?10exp3 L mol-1. Furthermore, according to the double reciprocal method
and the thermodynamic equation, the intercalative interaction was
cooperatively driven by an enthalpy effect and an entropy effect.
Current approach to episiotomy: Inevitable or unnecessary?
Authors: Jovanovic Nebojsa , Kocijancic Dusica , Terzic Milan
Published: September 2011

An episiotomy is a surgical incision through the perineum made to provide sufficient area for the delivery of the infant. About 10 to 95% of women who deliver will have episiotomy depending on which part of the world they are having delivery.

Too early episiotomy causes extensive bleeding and too late episiotomy causes the excessive stretching of a pelvic floor and lacerations could not be prevented.

According to widely accepted arguments, there are many benefits of episiotomy for the neonate: prevention of injuries, shoulder dystocia and mental retardation of the infant. Benefits for the mother are: reduction of severe lacerations, prevention of sexual dysfunction, prevention of urinary and fecal incontinence. But those things could also be complications of episiotomy, if it is being used nonrestrictively. Some other complications are also extensive bleeding, hematoma or infection.

There are many different opinions in literature about using episiotomy restrictively or routinely, so it is the right doubt arisen: is it inevitable or unnecessary?

There is a wide variation in episiotomy practice, and the decision of performing it or not depends of actual clinical situation.

There is still a great need for continuous obstetrics education according to the evidence based guidelines for the patient’s safety.
A case of mono-microbial Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess in a metropolitan region of Australia
Authors: Palamuthusingam Dharmenaan , Dwyer Brian
Published: September 2011

This documented case of mono-microbial Klebsiella pneumonia liver abscess with pulmonary metastasis in an adult in metropolitan Australian evokes important epidemiological, clinical and microbiological issues. These include the increasing incidence of this disease in western society, predisposing conditions, variability of presentation and the virulence of Klebsiella pneumonia.
Survival and complete recovery after severe acute ethylen glycol poisoning — a case report
Authors: Sinkovic Andreja , Stopar Rok
Published: September 2011

Early signs of acute ethylene glycol (EG) poisoning are similar to ethanol intoxication. However, such signs of EG poisoning are followed by severe metabolic acidosis, increased anion gap, neurological and renal dysfunction, and, without adequate therapy, up to 40% mortality. Early recognition and treatment with intravenous ethanol or fomepizole and bicarbonate, renal replacement therapy, and supportive measures are the key elements of survival.

We report a patient presenting in a coma with a metabolic acidosis on admission of pH 6.89, an increased anion gap of 29 mmol/L, and acute renal failure after the ingestion of an unknown quantity of EG. Intravenous bicarbonate and fluids and other supportive measures such as intubation, mechanical ventilation and vasopressors were started immediately. EG poisoning was confirmed by the finding of EG in the urine by gas chromatography. Intravenous ethanol and renal replacement therapy were started. The duration of ethanol infusion was guided by the serum pH and anion gap. After a long in-hospital stay, the patient survived with complete neurological recovery but mild renal dysfunction, confirming that, despite the late start of agressive intensive treatments, survival, and even nearly complete recovery, is possible in cases of severe EG poisoning. In addition, the case suggests that serial pH measurements are satisfactory guides for the duration of intravenous ethanol and bicarbonate therapy.
Mitochondria Are Related to Synaptic Pathology in Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Baloyannis Stavros J.
Published: September 2011

Morphological alterations of mitochondria may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer′s disease, been associated with oxidative stress and Aβ‐peptide‐induced toxicity. We proceeded to estimation of mitochondria on electron micrographs of autopsy specimens of Alzheimer′s disease. We found substantial morphological and morphometric changes of the mitochondria in the neurons of the hippocampus, the neocortex, the cerebellar cortex, the thalamus, the globus pallidus, the red nucleus, the locus coeruleus, and the climbing fibers. The alterations consisted of considerable changes of the cristae, accumulation of osmiophilic material, and modification of the shape and size. Mitochondrial alterations were prominent in neurons, which showed a depletion of dendritic spines and loss of dendritic branches. Mitochondrial alterations are not related with the accumulation of amyloid deposits, but are prominent whenever fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus exists. Morphometric analysis showed also that mitochondria are significantly reduced in neurons, which demonstrated synaptic pathology.
Utilizing Natural Cognitive Tendencies to Enhance Agricultural Education Programs
Authors: Lamm Alexa J. , Rhoades Emily B. , Irani Tracy A. , Roberts T. Grady , Unruh Snyder Lori J. , Brendemuhl Joel
Published: September 2011

The influences of cognitive styles have been the focus of research on problems in education for quite some time (Witkin, Moore, Goodenough, & Cox, 1977). In fact, agricultural educators are rapidly increasing the amount of research and education focused on understanding and utilizing cognitive function in an attempt to improve educational programs. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationships between three measures of cognitive function: critical thinking disposition, problem solving style, and learning style when participants are encouraged to engage in their natural cognitive tendencies by being placed in an intense environment. These three cognitive styles/dispositions were measured and analyzed for correlations. Substantial relationships were discovered. Cognitive abilities and preferences are repeatedly taken in to account when creating and revising educational programs to enhance student learning. With a greater understanding of how cognitive dispositions relate to one another, a clearer vision of student preferences and abilities can be taken in to account when creating educational curricula and activities.
THE GLOBAL ISSUE "MEGA-URBANIZATION": AN UNSOLVABLE CHALLENGE FOR STAKEHOLDERS, RESEARCHERS AND RESIDENTS?
Authors: Taubenböck H.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. This study aims at discussing the complex, multi-dimensional issue of the global phenomenon of urbanization. Based on a theoretical review and discussion on the situation of cities, the causes, dimensions and consequences of urban growth the idea is to raise the main questions for future activities to meet this challenge. For it a pragmatic and holistic framework is proposed to systematize the manifold approaches and to stimulate discussions on this issue addressing inter- and transdisciplinary thinking.
TOWARD ACCESSING SPATIAL STRUCTURE FROM BUILDING INFORMATION MODELS
Authors: Schultz C. , Bhatt M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Data about building designs and layouts is becoming increasingly more readily available. In the near future, service personal (such as maintenance staff or emergency rescue workers) arriving at a building site will have immediate real-time access to enormous amounts of data relating to structural properties, utilities, materials, temperature, and so on. The critical problem for users is the taxing and error prone task of interpreting such a large body of facts in order to extract salient information. This is necessary for comprehending a situation and deciding on a plan of action, and is a particularly serious issue in time-critical and safety-critical activities such as firefighting. Current unifying building models such as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), while being comprehensive, do not directly provide data structures that focus on spatial reasoning and spatial modalities that are required for high-level analytical tasks. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to provide computational tools for higher level querying and reasoning that shift the cognitive burden of dealing with enormous amounts of data away from the user. The user can then spend more energy and time in planning and decision making in order to accomplish the tasks at hand. We present an overview of our framework that provides users with an enhanced model of "built-up space". In order to test our approach using realistic design data (in terms of both scale and the nature of the building models) we describe how our system interfaces with IFC, and we conduct timing experiments to determine the practicality of our approach. We discuss general computational approaches for deriving higher-level spatial modalities by focusing on the example of route graphs. Finally, we present a firefighting scenario with alternative route graphs to motivate the application of our framework.
INTEROPERABLE DOMAIN MODELS: THE ISO LAND ADMINISTRATION DOMAIN MODEL LADM AND ITS EXTERNAL CLASSES
Authors: Lemmen C. H. J. , van Oosterom P. J. M. , Uitermark H. T. , Zevenbergen J. A. , Cooper A. K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. This paper provides a brief overview of one of the first spatial domain standards: a standard for the domain of Land Administration (LA). This standard is in the draft stage of development now (May 2011). The development of domain standards is a logical follow up after domain-independent standards, which are available now in the area of geo-information processing. The Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) provides a conceptual schema with three basic packages with a limited scope: parties, rights (and restrictions/responsibilities) and spatial units. Certain classes are outside the scope but can be referred to. An important aspect in the development of a coherent (Spatial) Information Infrastructures – (S)II is that the various standardized domain models are reusing the same model patterns as solutions for the same situations. In this paper the LADM and its external classes are briefly presented. It outlines the advantages of standardized domain models in the development of (S)II and the importance of LA as an authentic register, in relation to other authentic registers, such as for addresses, population, companies, topography, or buildings. This will be illustrated with the Dutch case of authentic registers.
USING GPS-TRACKING TECHNOLOGY FOR URBAN DESIGN INTERVENTIONS
Authors: van der Spek S. C. , van Langelaar C. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to express the application of tracking technologies in Urban Design and Planning. Tracking technologies can be used to monitor different user groups in different occasions. Since 2005, TU Delft has explored and developed two types of research using GPS to collect spatio-temporal data in urban environments: (1) visitors of city centers and (2) households in specific district, specific street or specific types of buildings. The collected data can be used for analyzing, visualizing and understanding how the city functions and how people perceive the city.
APPLICATION OF GIS-PLANNING DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM IN PREDICTING DEVELOPMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Authors: Asmawi M. , Abdullah M. F. , Abdullah A. , Shahbuddin M. N. A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Impact of development is a major issue of global environment change. The modelling and projecting of development are essential to the assessment of consequent environmental impacts. Thus, this research was conducted to develop a customised modelling system that integrates the strength of GIS in supporting planning decision making process via prediction of development impact assessment for various projects. It is in this respect that a prototype of GIS-based modelling that enables to anticipate developmentenvironmental impacts at an early stage of project planning has been established. It encompasses some selected key components of environment, economy and social, building up the system called e-Development Impact Assessment (e-DIA). The design principle was to extend the functionality of a GIS system in facilitating planning decision support making process. An integrated subsystem of e-DIA allows the analysis of environmental, social and economic dimensions to generate the results of impacts of proposed development in the form of spatial and textual data. In terms of environmental impact assessment, e-DIA acts as a screening/scoping utility which may indicate the potential impacts of a set of pre-determined environmental impacts. For social and economic impact assessments, the e-DIA computes the outcome of future demand for social facilities, future employment opportunity and parking requirement.
CONSIDERING INTERNAL SPACE LAYOUT AS A MAJORE COMPONENT OF VISUAL ANALYSIS FOR URBAN SYSTEMS AND A KEY TO REINTERPRET URBAN STRUCTURES
Authors: Fisher-Gewirtzman D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Reviving neglected existing urban fabrics is one of the main frame-work for our future. A contemporary theory of conservation regarding architectural intervention and buildings subsequent re-use, has been developed to address a growing number of tired and neglected buildings. Rehabilitation is required for buildings that are no longer fit to purpose and struggling to adapt a new use. The Spatial Openness Index, is a visibility analysis model defined as the volume of the visible part of a surrounding sphere: the potential of a view and exposure that can indicate on the Perceived Density. Using visibility analyses models and tools, regarding internal space layout, in reinterpreting the functional use of existing buildings would contribute to future refurbishment and reviving urban fabrics. In this paper, a study of the relation between internal space layout and functionality and external visual analysis is suggested. The study is demonstrated on a neglected Haifa neighborhood.
Clinical Characterization of a Kindred With a Novel 12-Octapeptide Repeat Insertion in the Prion Protein Gene
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Boeve Bradley F. , Boot Brendon P. , Orr Carolyn F. , Duffy Joseph , Woodruff Bryan K. , Nair Anil K. , Ellison Jay , Kuntz Karen , Kantarci Kejal , Jack Clifford R. , Westmoreland Barbara F. , Fields Julie A. , Baker Matthew , Rademakers Rosa , Parisi Joseph E. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To report the clinical, electroencephalographic, and neuroradiologic findings in a kindred with a novel insertion in the prion protein gene, PRNP.

Design

Clinical description of a kindred.

Setting

Mayo Clinic Alzheimer Disease Research Center (Rochester, Minnesota).

Subjects

Two pathologically confirmed cases and their relatives.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical features, electroencephalographic patterns, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, genetic analyses, and neuropathologic features.

Results

The proband was a woman with clinical and neuroimaging features of atypical frontotemporal dementia and ataxia. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures developed later in the disease course, and electroencephalography revealed spike and wave discharges but no periodic sharp-wave complexes. Her affected sister and father also exhibited frontotemporal dementia–like features, and both experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures and gait ataxia late in the disease course. Genetic analyses in the proband identified a novel defect in PRNP, with 1 mutated allele carrying a 288–base pair insertion consisting of 12 octapeptide repeats. Neuropathologic examination of the proband and her sister revealed prion protein–positive plaques and widespread tau-positive tangles.

Conclusions

This kindred has a unique combination of clinical and neuropathologic features associated with the largest base pair insertion identified to date in PRNP and underscores the need to consider familial prion disease in the differential diagnosis of a familial frontotemporal dementia–like syndrome.
Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2
Authors: Heatwole Chad , Johnson Nicholas , Goldberg Bradley , Martens William , Moxley Richard
Published: September 2011

Background

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a recently discovered adult muscular dystrophy. Similar to DM1, this disease causes progressive debilitating weakness, clinical myotonia, and early cataracts and is thought to cause widespread physiologic dysfunction of multiple organ systems.

Objective

To analyze and compile the laboratory abnormalities of patients with DM2.

Design

Baseline DM2 laboratory data were compiled representing 68 different types of laboratory tests and 1442 total studies.

Setting

University medical center.

Patients

Eighty-three adults with genetically confirmed or clinically probable DM2 were identified. Of these patients, 49 had documented baseline laboratory screening.

Main Outcome Measures

The individual frequencies of abnormal laboratory values in the population with DM2 studied.

Results

Of the 1442 studies, results for 359 (24.9%) were outside of their standard reference ranges. Of the 68 types of laboratory tests studied, 43 had values from 15 or more different patients with DM2. The relative frequency of an abnormally elevated laboratory value was greater than 50% in several tests, including the levels of creatine kinase, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine aminotransferase. In addition, serum levels of IgG were low in 75% of all patients with DM2 tested, and absolute lymphocyte counts were low in 54% of all patients with DM2 tested.

Conclusions

There is a high frequency of laboratory abnormalities in patients with DM2. These abnormalities provide insight into the widespread pathologic manifestations of DM2 and may form a basis for clinical monitoring and disease screening.
Compound Management: Guidelines for Compound Storage, Provision, and Quality Control
Authors: Holland‐Crimmin Sue , Gosnell Paul , Quinn Chad
Published: September 2011

The scientific discipline of compound management has developed significantly over the last decade, as witnessed by the large number of conferences dedicated to this topic. The key elements of compound management include (1) the management, storage, and processing of both solids and liquids; (2) compound delivery and interface with key customers; (3) performance of instruments and automation that support these operations; (4) analytical techniques used for quality assurance; and (5) sample informatics, including registration, routing, and compound quality data. This article incorporates guidelines, best practices, and experimental protocols for these key aspects of compound management. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:141‐152 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scheduling of crude oil operations under demand uncertainty: A robust optimization framework coupled with global optimization
Authors: Li Jie , Misener Ruth , Floudas Christodoulos A.
Published: September 2011

Scheduling of crude oil operations is an important component of overall refinery operations, because crude oil costs account for about 80% of the refinery turnover. The mathematical modeling of blending different crudes in storage tanks results in many bilinear terms, which transform the problem into a challenging, nonconvex, mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) optimization model. In practice, uncertainties are unavoidable and include demand fluctuations, ship arrival delays, equipment malfunction, and tank unavailability. In the presence of these uncertainties, an optimal schedule generated using nominal parameter values may often be suboptimal or even become infeasible. In this article, the robust optimization framework proposed by Lin et al. and Janak et al. is extended to develop a deterministic robust counterpart optimization model for demand uncertainty. The recently proposed branch and bound global optimization algorithm with piecewise‐linear underestimation of bilinear terms by Li et al. is also extended to solve the nonconvex MINLP deterministic robust counterpart optimization model and generate robust schedules. Two examples are used to illustrate the capability of the proposed robust optimization approach, and the extended branch and bound global optimization algorithm for demand uncertainty. The computational results demonstrate that the obtained schedules are robust in the presence of demand uncertainty. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2373–2396, 2012