bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earthquake Behaviour of Kömürhan Highway Bridge Using a Validated Finite Element Model
Authors: Bayraktar Alemdar , Altunişik Ahmet Can , Sevim Barış , Türker Temel
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is to determine the earthquake behaviour of the Kömürhan Highway Bridge, located at the 51st kilometre of the Elazığ-Malatya highway over the Fırat River, after finite element model updating using operational modal analyses. Finite element models of the bridge are built with the SAP2000 program to obtain analytical dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. The ambient vibration tests are performed using operational modal analysis under traffic loads to attain experimental dynamic characteristics. Vibration data is gathered from both the box girder and bridge deck to compare the results. Measurement time, frequency span, and effective mode number are determined following similar studies and literature. The peak picking method in the frequency domain is used for output-only modal identification. The finite element model of the bridge is updated by changing some uncertainties in the parameters such as material properties and boundary conditions to eliminate the differences between analytical and experimental dynamic characteristics. An analytical model of the bridge after finite element model updating is analyzed using the 1992 Erzincan, Turkey earthquake record, which occurred near the region, to determine the earthquake behaviour of the bridge. At the end of the study, the maximum differences in the natural frequencies are reduced on average from 10 % to 2 %, and a good agreement is found between analytical and experimental natural frequencies and mode shapes by model updating. Also, the variation of internal forces such as bending moment, axial forces, and shear forces for the bridge deck and columns are presented in detail.
Stored-Trace Reactivation in Rat Prefrontal Cortex Is Correlated with Down-to-Up State Fluctuation Density
Authors: Johnson Lise A. , Euston David R. , Tatsuno Masami , McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: February 2010

Spontaneous reactivation of previously stored patterns of neural activity occurs in hippocampus and neocortex during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Notable features of the neocortical local field potential during NREM sleep are high-amplitude, low-frequency thalamocortical oscillations including K-complexes, low-voltage spindles, and high-voltage spindles. Using combined neuronal ensemble and local field potential recordings, we show that prefrontal stored-trace reactivation is correlated with the density of down-to-up state transitions of the population of simultaneously recorded cells, as well as K-complexes and low-voltage spindles in the local field potential. This result strengthens the connection between reactivation and learning, as these same NREM sleep features have been correlated with memory. Although memory trace reactivation is correlated with low-voltage spindles, it is not correlated with high-voltage spindles, indicating that despite their similar frequency characteristics, these two oscillations serve different functions.
Distinct Value Signals in Anterior and Posterior Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Smith David V. , Hayden Benjamin Y. , Truong Trong-Kha , Song Allen W. , Platt Michael L. , Huettel Scott A.
Published: February 2010

The core feature of an economic exchange is a decision to trade one good for another, based on a comparison of relative value. Economists have long recognized, however, that the value an individual ascribes to a good during decision making (i.e., their relative willingness to trade for that good) does not always map onto the reward they actually experience. Here, we show that experienced value and decision value are represented in distinct regions of ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) during the passive consumption of rewards. Participants viewed two categories of rewards—images of faces that varied in their attractiveness and monetary gains and losses—while being scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging. An independent market task, in which participants exchanged some of the money that they had earned for brief views of attractive faces, determined the relative decision value associated with each category. We found that activation of anterior VMPFC increased with increasing experienced value, but not decision value, for both reward categories. In contrast, activation of posterior VMPFC predicted each individual's relative decision value for face and monetary stimuli. These results indicate not only that experienced value and decision value are represented in distinct regions of VMPFC, but also that decision value signals are evident even in the absence of an overt choice task. We conclude that decisions are made by comparing neural representations of the value of different goods encoded in posterior VMPFC in a common, relative currency.
Norepinephrine Directly Activates Adult Hippocampal Precursors via β3-Adrenergic Receptors
Authors: Jhaveri Dhanisha J. , Mackay Eirinn W. , Hamlin Adam S. , Marathe Swananda V. , Nandam L. Sanjay , Vaidya Vidita A. , Bartlett Perry F.
Published: February 2010

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a critical form of cellular plasticity that is greatly influenced by neural activity. Among the neurotransmitters that are widely implicated in regulating this process are serotonin and norepinephrine, levels of which are modulated by stress, depression and clinical antidepressants. However, studies to date have failed to address a direct role for either neurotransmitter in regulating hippocampal precursor activity. Here we show that norepinephrine but not serotonin directly activates self-renewing and multipotent neural precursors, including stem cells, from the hippocampus of adult mice. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that β3-adrenergic receptors, which are preferentially expressed on a Hes5-expressing precursor population in the subgranular zone (SGZ), mediate this norepinephrine-dependent activation. Moreover, intrahippocampal injection of a selective β3-adrenergic receptor agonistin vivoincreases the number of proliferating cells in the SGZ. Similarly, systemic injection of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol not only results in enhancement of proliferation in the SGZ but also leads to an increase in the percentage of nestin/glial fibrillary acidic protein double-positive neural precursorsin vivo. Finally, using a novelex vivo“slice-sphere” assay that maintains an intact neurogenic niche, we demonstrate that antidepressants that selectively block the reuptake of norepinephrine, but not serotonin, robustly increase hippocampal precursor activity via β-adrenergic receptors. These findings suggest that the activation of neurogenic precursors and stem cells via β3-adrenergic receptors could be a potent mechanism to increase neuronal production, providing a putative target for the development of novel antidepressants.
EEG Measures Index Neural and Cognitive Recovery from Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Mander Bryce A. , Reid Kathryn J. , Baron Kelly G. , Tjoa Tjoson , Parrish Todd B. , Paller Ken A. , Gitelman Darren R. , Zee Phyllis C.
Published: February 2010

Sleep deprivation impairs many cognitive abilities, but these impairments can be reversed after a certain quantity and quality of sleep. The ability to inhibit responding is particularly susceptible to disruption after prolonged wakefulness. How recovery sleep (RS) alters brain activity, leading to improved performance on a variety of cognitive tasks, remains unclear. This issue was examined in the current study using spectral analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) data during sleep. These measures of sleep physiology were acquired after both normal sleep (NS) and RS, and were related to measures of inhibitory control and concurrent brain activity. Subjects were nine young adults who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging twice, after 9 h of NS and after 10 h of RS that followed 38 h of being awake. A multiple regression model was used to examine differences between conditions in (1) EEG spectral power during sleep, (2) probability of successful inhibition in a go/no-go task, and (3) activation within a region of right prefrontal cortex during the task. Performance recovery, as indexed by reduced performance differences between conditions, was predicted by increased delta power and decreased sigma power in RS compared with NS. These EEG variables predicted most of the variance in inhibitory performance difference between conditions. Regressions also suggested that RS improved performance because of changes in brain function including prefrontal regions that resulted from delta rebound. We thus propose that slow waves, reflected in delta power during RS, act to restore brain function, thereby improving cognitive performance that entails response inhibition.
fMRI-Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Reveals That the Superior Temporal Sulcus Is a Cortical Locus of the McGurk Effect
Authors: Beauchamp Michael S. , Nath Audrey R. , Pasalar Siavash
Published: February 2010

A compelling example of auditory–visual multisensory integration is the McGurk effect, in which an auditory syllable is perceived very differently depending on whether it is accompanied by a visual movie of a speaker pronouncing the same syllable or a different, incongruent syllable. Anatomical and physiological studies in human and nonhuman primates have suggested that the superior temporal sulcus (STS) is involved in auditory–visual integration for both speech and nonspeech stimuli. We hypothesized that the STS plays a critical role in the creation of the McGurk percept. Because the location of multisensory integration in the STS varies from subject to subject, the location of auditory–visual speech processing in the STS was first identified in each subject with fMRI. Then, activity in this region of the STS was disrupted with single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as subjects rated their percept of McGurk and non-McGurk stimuli. Across three experiments, TMS of the STS significantly reduced the likelihood of the McGurk percept but did not interfere with perception of non-McGurk stimuli. TMS of the STS was effective at disrupting the McGurk effect only in a narrow temporal window from 100 ms before auditory syllable onset to 100 ms after onset, and TMS of a control location did not influence perception of McGurk or control stimuli. These results demonstrate that the STS plays a critical role in the McGurk effect and auditory–visual integration of speech.
Structural Determinants of d-Cycloserine Efficacy at the NR1/NR2C NMDA Receptors
Authors: Dravid Shashank M. , Burger Pieter B. , Prakash Anand , Geballe Matthew T. , Yadav Roopali , Le Phuong , Vellano Kimberly , Snyder James P. , Traynelis Stephen F.
Published: February 2010

We have studied relative efficacies of NR1 agonists glycine andd-cycloserine (DCS), and found efficacy to be dependent on the NR2 subunit. DCS shows partial agonism at NR1/NR2B but has higher relative efficacy than glycine at NR1/NR2C receptor. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the NR1/NR2B and NR1/NR2C agonist binding domain dimer suggest only subtle differences in the interactions of DCS with NR1 binding site residues relative to glycine. The most pronounced differences were observed in the NR1/NR2C simulation between the orientation of helicesFandGof the NR1 subunit. Interestingly, HelixFwas previously proposed to influence receptor gating and to adopt an orientation depending on agonist efficacy. MD simulations and site-directed mutagenesis further suggest a role for residues at the agonist binding domain dimer interface in regulating DCS efficacy. To relate the structural rearrangements to receptor gating, we recorded single-channel currents from outside-out patches containing a single active NR1/NR2C receptor. DCS increased the mean open time and open probability of NR1/NR2C receptors compared with glycine. Maximum likelihood fitting of a gating model for NR1/NR2C receptor activation to the single-channel data suggests that DCS specifically accelerates the rate constant governing a fast gating step and reduces the closing rate. These changes appear to reflect a decreased activation energy for a pregating step and increased stability of the open states. We suggest that the higher efficacy of DCS at NR1/NR2C receptors involves structural rearrangements at the dimer interface and an effect on NR1/NR2C receptor pregating conformational changes.
Genetically Determined Differences in Brain Response to a Primary Food Reward: Figure 1.
Authors: Felsted Jennifer A. , Ren Xueying , Chouinard-Decorte Francois , Small Dana M.
Published: February 2010

Combining genetic and neuroimaging techniques may elucidate the biological underpinnings of individual differences in neurophysiology and potential vulnerabilities to disease. The TaqIA A1 variant is associated with diminished dopamine D2receptor density, higher body mass, and food reinforcement. It also moderates the relationship between brain response to food and future weight gain. This suggests that the polymorphism is associated with a fundamental difference in the neurophysiology of food that may predispose toward overeating. An alternative possibility is that factors, such as impulsivity, eating style, reward drive, and perception, which may covary with the polymorphism, influence reward coding and eating behavior. To distinguish between these alternatives, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure neural response to the ingestion of palatable and caloric milkshakes in healthy subjects with (A1+;n= 13) and without (A1−;n= 13) the TaqIA A1 allele. The groups were selected from a larger group to be matched for linked individual factors such as age, gender, education, body mass index, impulsivity, eating style, and perceptual responses to the milkshake. We demonstrate an interaction between genotype (A1+ vs A1−) and stimulus (milkshake vs a tasteless/odorless baseline) in the midbrain, thalamus, and orbital frontal cortex; whereas A1− shows increased responses to milkshake, A1+ shows decreased responses to milkshake relative to baseline. This interaction occurs despite similar ratings of milkshake pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity. We therefore conclude that there is a specific association between the TaqIA A1 polymorphism and brain response during ingestion of a palatable food.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Regulates Hedonic Feeding by Acting on the Mesolimbic Dopamine System
Authors: Cordeira Joshua W. , Frank Lauren , Sena-Esteves Miguel , Pothos Emmanuel N. , Rios Maribel
Published: February 2010

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, TrkB, play prominent roles in food intake regulation through central mechanisms. However, the neural circuits underlying their anorexigenic effects remain largely unknown. We showed previously that selective BDNF depletion in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of mice resulted in hyperphagic behavior and obesity. Here, we sought to ascertain whether its regulatory effects involved the mesolimbic dopamine system, which mediates motivated and reward-seeking behaviors including consumption of palatable food. We found that expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of wild-type mice was influenced by consumption of palatable, high-fat food (HFF). Moreover, amperometric recordings in brain slices of mice depleted of central BDNF uncovered marked deficits in evoked release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and dorsal striatum but normal secretion in the NAc core. Mutant mice also exhibited dramatic increases in HFF consumption, which were exacerbated when access to HFF was restricted. However, mutants displayed enhanced responses to D1receptor agonist administration, which normalized their intake of HFF in a 4 h food intake test. Finally, in contrast to deletion ofBdnfin the VMH of mice, which resulted in increased intake of standard chow, BDNF depletion in the VTA elicited excessive intake of HFF but not of standard chow and increased body weights under HFF conditions. Our findings indicate that the effects of BDNF on eating behavior are neural substrate-dependent and that BDNF influences hedonic feeding via positive modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system.
The Origins of the Boris and Gleb Cycle in the Chronicle
Authors: Timberlake Alan
Published: February 2010

The narrative cycle reporting the struggle for succession after Vladimir’s death in 1015 consists of two textual and chronological layers. The older layer is a set of tales told by three members of the retinue, two of whom can be identified by name; these tales were recorded in the first stage of chronicling in the late 1030s. The hagiographic layer which presents Boris and Gleb as martyrs is a separate, later layer that dates to the “Nachal’nyi svod” of the 1090s.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Moser Michael
Published: February 2010

PORĘBSKA, MARLENA, Das Kaschubische: Sprachtod oder Revitalisierung? Empirische Studien zur ethnolinguistischen Vitalität einer Sprachminderheit in Polen. München: Sagner, 2006. 272 S. (Slavistische Beiträge; 452). ISBN 3-87690-982-1, 978-3-87690-982-0
Cortisol, DHEAS, their ratio and the metabolic syndrome: evidence from the Vietnam Experience Study
Authors: Phillips Anna C , Carroll Douglas , Gale Catharine R , Lord Janet M , Arlt Wiebke , Batty G David
Published: February 2010

Objectives

The aim of these analyses was to examine the association of cortisol, DHEAS and the cortisol:DHEAS ratio with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components.

Design

The analyses were cross-sectional.

Methods

Participants were 4255 Vietnam era US army veterans. From military service files, telephone interviews and a medical examination, occupational, socio-demographic and health data were collected. MetS was ascertained from data on body mass index; fasting blood glucose or a diagnosis of diabetes; blood pressure or a diagnosis of hypertension; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and triglyceride levels. Contemporary morning fasted cortisol and DHEAS concentrations were determined. The outcomes were MetS and its components. Analysis was by logistic regression, first adjusting for age and then additionally for an array of candidate confounders.

Results

Cortisol, although not in the fully adjusted analysis, and DHEAS were both related to MetS. Whereas high cortisol concentrations were associated with an increased risk of MetS, high DHEAS concentrations appeared protective. By far, the strongest associations with MetS were observed for the cortisol:DHEAS ratio; the higher the ratio, the greater the risk of having MetS. The ratio was also significantly related to four of the five MetS components.

Conclusions

The cortisol:DHEAS ratio is positively associated with MetS. Prospective analyses are needed to help untangle direction of causality, but this study suggests that the cortisol:DHEAS ratio is worthy of further study in this and other health contexts.
Effects of tylosin on serum cytokine levels in healthy and lipopolysaccharide-treated mice
Authors: Er Ayse , Yazar Enver , Uney Kamil , Elmas Muammer , Altan Feray , Cetin Gul
Published: February 2010

The effects of different doses of tylosin on serum cytokine concentrations were investigated in healthy and lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. The mice were divided into seven groups. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into the positive control group. The other six groups received three different tylosin doses concurrently without or with LPS: 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg + LPS, 100 mg/kg + LPS and 500 mg/kg + LPS. After treatment, serum samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Serum tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL1β) and IL10 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tylosin doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg induced no cytokine production in the healthy mice. Tylosin at 500 mg/kg had no effect on TNFα or IL1β production, but it induced IL10 production in healthy mice. All doses of tylosin reduced the elevated TNFα and IL1β in LPS-treated mice but increased their IL10 levels. In conclusion, these data suggest that tylosin has an immunomodulatory effect at the dose recommended for use against infection.
Molecular diagnosis and therapeutic measures in patients with dyskeratosis congenita
Authors: Reiger Zsolt , Varga Gergely , Tóth Beáta , Maródi László , Erdős Melinda
Published: February 2010

A dyskeratosis congenita különböző öröklődésmenetet mutató ritka kórkép, amelyre csontvelő-elégtelenség és korai öregedés jellemző. A közleményben, egy felnőttkorban diagnosztizált beteg esete kapcsán, a szerzők áttekintést nyújtanak a betegség klinikumáról, patomechanizmusáról, genetikai hátteréről és a diagnosztikai, illetve terápiás lehetőségekről. A beteg esetében a dyskerint kódoló gén mutációanalízis-vizsgálata során a c.IVS2-5C>G splice site mutáció volt kimutatható. Az esetismertetéssel a szerzők felhívják a figyelmet a korai diagnózis jelentőségére, amely lehetővé teszi a súlyos, invazív fertőzések és noninfekciós szövődmények kialakulásának megelőzését, és a beteg idejekorán történő csontvelő-transzplantációs programba vételét. A genetikai vizsgálatok segítségével lehetőség nyílik az érintett családokban a hordozóállapot kiszűrésére, így a génszintű diagnosztika pótolhatatlan segítséget nyújt a családtervezésben és a praenatalis diagnosztikában is.
Long-term prognostic value of coronary flow reserve in patients without significant left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: results from the SZEGED Study
Authors: Balázs Erika , Pintér Kinga Szilvia , Egyed Ágnes , Csanády Miklós , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila
Published: February 2010

A coronariaáramlási rezerv (CFR) a bal coronaria leszálló szárában (LAD) szignifikáns szűkület hiánya esetén a microvascularis (disz)funkció jellemzésére használható hemodinamikai index.
Célkitűzés:
Jelen tanulmány célja a LAD-ban mért CFR prognosztikus értékének tisztázása lenne, amennyiben a koronarográfia során a LAD-ban szignifikáns szűkület nem volt igazolható.
Módszerek:
A jelen tanulmányban 166 olyan beteg eredményeit elemeztük, akiknél a CFR-vizsgálatok idején elvégzett koronarográfia a LAD-ban szignifikáns szűkületet (>50%) nem mutatott ki. Valamennyi esetben transthoracalis és terheléses transoesophagealis echokardiográfia (CFR-mérés), valamint koronarográfia történt.
Eredmények:
A továbbkövetés átlagos ideje 93±34 hónap volt, sikeressége 75%-osnak bizonyult (124/166). A továbbkövetés időszaka alatt 27 beteg hunyt el, 16 beteg esetén hirtelen szívhalál, 3 esetben akut szívelégtelenség, 2 esetben stroke volt a halál oka, míg 6 beteg pulmonalis, illetve gastrointestinalis tumoros folyamat miatt halt meg. A ROC-analízis során a CFR ≥ 2,13-t találtuk a legnagyobb pontosságú cut-off (határ-) értéknek a túlélés előrejelzésében (szenzitivitás 67%, specificitás 60%, görbe alatti terület 62%, p = 0,046). A 2,13-nál alacsonyabb CFR-rel bíró betegekben a továbbkövetés során szignifikánsan több esemény történt, mint az annál nagyobb értékkel bíróknál (32% vs. 13%, p < 0,05). A multivariáns logisztikus regressziós modell során a CFR [hazard ratio (HR) 2,43, p = 0,04] és a bal kamrai végszisztolés térfogatérték [HR 1,49, p = 0,03] bizonyult a túlélés független prediktorának.
Következtetések:
Hosszú távú továbbkövetéses vizsgálataink alapján megállapíthatjuk, hogy a CFR a túlélés független prediktora a LAD szignifikáns szűkületét nem mutató betegekben.
Unifying Ecological and Evolutionary Dynamics Through Experimental Stochastic Demography
Authors: Smallegange Isabel M. , Coulson Tim
Published: February 2010

Ecological and evolutionary dynamics depend upon variation in birth and death rates. Consequently characterizing birth and death rates, and identifying factors that explain variation in these rates, should be the foundation of population and evolutionary ecology. Given the central role of birth and death, it is perhaps surprising that relatively few population biologists apply the most recent demographic approaches to their research. This may be because demography is seen as little more than accounting, and therefore dull, or because stochastic demography is seen as mathematically challenging. It is our belief that ecologists and evolutionary biologists have much to gain through increased mastery of stochastic demography. Its applications could push forward our understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics in stochastic environments, and the outcome could further the unification of ecology and evolution. In this essay we briefly explain why mastering demographic approaches should be a desirable objective for any evolutionary ecologist. We start by describing some aspects and insights gained through application of demographic methods, before suggesting an area where we believe application could prove insightful.
Aplicação de indicadores de sustentabilidade para lagoas de estabilização
Authors: Kellner Erich , Calijuri Maria do Carmo , Pires Eduardo Cleto
Published: February 2010

A escolha de uma alternativa tecnológica para tratamento de efluentes, assim como o local para implantação deve ser precedida de um estudo de sustentabilidade do ambiente. Foi proposto um método para avaliação da sustentabilidade de estações de tratamento de esgoto, baseado nas características ambientais, sociais e econômico-financeiras dessas unidades. O método foi aplicado em três ETE, constituídas por lagoas de estabilização, localizadas nos municípios de Cajati, Jacupiranga e Pariquera-Açu, todas pertencentes à bacia do Baixo Ribeira de Iguape (SP). A falta de dados para alguns parâmetros considerados na composição dos indicadores prejudicou a obtenção de valores mais realistas. O método proposto mostrou-se de fácil visualização da condição de sustentabilidade das ETE constituídas por lagoas de estabilização.
Response of adult mouse uterus to early disruption of estrogen receptor-α signaling is influenced by Krüppel-like factor 9
Authors: Simmons C D , Pabona J M P , Zeng Z , Velarde M C , Gaddy D , Simmen F A , Simmen R C M
Published: February 2010

Inappropriate early exposure of the hormone-responsive uterus to estrogenic compounds is associated with increased risk for adult reproductive diseases including endometrial cancers. While the dysregulation of estrogen receptor-α (ESR1) signaling is well acknowledged to mediate early events in tumor initiation, mechanisms contributing to sustained ESR1 activity later in life and leading to induction of oncogenic pathways remain poorly understood. We had shown previously that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) represses ESR1 expression and activity in Ishikawa endometrial glandular epithelial cells. We hypothesized that KLF9 functions as a tumor suppressor, and that loss of its expression enhances ESR1 signaling. Here, we evaluated the contribution of KLF9 to early perturbations in uterine ESR1 signaling pathways elicited by the administration of synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) to wild-type (WT) and Klf9 null (KO) mice on postnatal days (PNDs) 1–5. Uterine tissues collected at PND84 were subjected to histological, immunological, and molecular analyses. Compared with WT mice, KO mice demonstrated larger endometrial glands and lower endometrial gland numbers; DES exposure exacerbated these differences. Loss of KLF9 expression resulted in increased glandular ESR1 immunoreactivity with DES, without effects on serum estradiol levels. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses indicated altered expression of uterine genes commonly dysregulated in endometrial cancers (Akt1, Mmp9, Slpi, and Tgfβ1) and of those involved in growth regulation (Fos, Myc, Tert, and Syk), with loss of Klf9, alone or in concert with DES. Our data support a molecular network between KLF9 and ESR1 in the uterus, and suggest that silencing of KLF9 may contribute to endometrial dysfunctions initiated by aberrant estrogen action.
Does Believing in “Use it or Lose It” Relate to Self-Rated Memory Control, Strategy Use, and Recall?
Authors: Hertzog Christopher , McGuire Christy L. , Horhota Michelle , Jopp Daniela
Published: February 2010

After an oral free recall task, participants were interviewed about their memory. Despite reporting similar levels of perceived personal control over memory, older and young adults differed in the means in which they believed memory could be controlled. Older adults cited health and wellness practices and exercising memory, consistent with a “use it or lose it” belief system, more often than young adults who were more likely to mention metacognition and flexible strategy use as means of memory control. Young adults reported using more effective relational strategies during study for a free recall test. Use of relational strategies predicted recall in both age groups, but did not materially affect age differences in performance. Metacognitive beliefs, including implicit theories about aging and memory decline, memory self-concept, and perceived control over memory functioning, did not systematically correlate with strategy use or recall.
Elderly People's Death and Dying Anxiety: A Comparison between Elderly Living within the Community and in Nursing Homes in Israel
Authors: Ron Pnina
Published: February 2010

Due to our fear of extinction or annihilation, there is a great deal of preoccupation with the subject of death, through which we attempt to learn to feel more at ease with the concept, and allowing us to cope with our fear of death. The study assumptions seek to emphasize the correlations between: a) demographic characteristics and anxiety of death and dying; b) innerpersonality characteristics and death and dying anxiety variable; and c) intrapersonal characteristics and death and dying anxiety. The study sample comprised 217 participants, of which 119 elderly participants lived within the community and 98 lived in nursing homes. The study's data was collected via face-to-face interviews. Findings indicate that elderly people with a high level of self-evaluation and sense of mastery will experience lower levels of death and dying anxiety. It appears that death and dying anxiety is present regardless of the type of residential arrangement. Policy makers in the field of geriatrics ought to focus on finding ways to increase satisfaction with life, a variable shown to be related to reduction of the psychological distress associated with the end of life.
Concepts of Death: A Key to Our Adjustment
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Samir , Gilbert Peter
Published: February 2010

Although death is the inevitable end of life, historical, sociological, and psychological analyses converge to demonstrate that human beings struggle to integrate it as a personal reality. In this article we attempt to bring to bear recent theoretical work on the linkage between our conceptions of death, and our difficulty adjusting to it as a species, by first surveying historical and philosophic perspectives on the meaning of death, and then sampling some of the broad field of psychological research on death attitudes in a variety of cultures and subcultures. Finally, we advance an argument that a fuller understanding of death as a phenomenon could mitigate the pervasive contemporary tendency toward its denial, and promote better adjustment to this ultimate reality, on both personal and societal levels.
Enhancement and Scale-Up of ?-(1, 3) Glucan Production by Agrobacterium sp.
Authors: Puliga Sri Lakshmi , Handa Suhas , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N , Doble Mukesh
Published: February 2010

Curdlan is a water insoluble polysaccharide composed exclusively of ?-(1, 3) linked glucose residues. Agrobacterium sp. is known to produce extracellular curdlan under nitrogen-limited conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pH, amounts of ammonium, sucrose and trace elements, and time the addition of sucrose, ammonium and uracil on the production of curdlan in a shake flask and to further scale-up the process to a 5 L fermentor. A maximum of 48.7 g L-1 of curdlan was obtained in a shake flask when 150 and 1.4 g L-1 of sucrose and ammonium were used at the initial pH of 6.5. The production was enhanced to 57 g L-1 by adding one third of sucrose and 1 g L-1 of uracil at the 48th h in a fed batch mode. The process was scaled up to a 5 L bioreactor in a batch mode where the oxygen transfer rate was higher (0.192 mg L-1s-1) when compared to that in the shake flask (0.096 mg L-1s-1). Curdlan production was 58 g L-1 in the bioreactor, which was higher than the shake flask under batch conditions (48.7 g L-1). The viscosity average molecular weight of the curdlan produced was found to be 1.4 × 105.
Incorporating Foreign Equities in the Optimal Asset Allocation of an Insurer with the Consideration for Background Risks: Models and Numerical Illustrations
Authors: Chang Shih-Chieh Bill , Tsai Chenghsien , Hung Li-Chuan
Published: February 2010

We analyzes the optimal asset allocation problem for life insurers that are required to cope with significant background risks originating from life insurance businesses among a set of stochastic investment opportunities including foreign equities. The insurer is assumed to maximize the expected discounted utility of its surplus over a time horizon, and the optimalization problem is formulated in a stochastic control framework. Our derivations show that the optimal portfolio can be characterized by three components: a risk-minimizing component, a risk aversion index coupled with the portfolios performance index, and the component reflecting the diffusions of state variables. Since the explicit solutions cannot be derived due to the complexity of the model, we employ Markov chain approximation methods to obtain the optimal control solutions numerically. The model and numerical methods are then applied to a hypothetical insurer in a simplified setting as an illustrative example.
Intertemporal Stable Pension Funding
Authors: Miao Jerry C.Y. , Wang Jennifer L.
Published: February 2010

This paper proposes a discrete dynamic programming model to maintain pension contribution in a stable level. By assuming an intertemporal stable contribution rate, we derive an algorithm to calculate the optimal contribution that requires less exogenous information and produces more stable results. Our simulation results further confirm that our model helps pension fund managers to make more stable contributions and further reduce the contribution risk for the defined benefit pension fund than the traditional algorithms do.
Joint Life Insurance Policies with Differential Benefits and Premiums to the Policyholders
Authors: Das Shubhabrata
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we explore actuarial justification for equal or unequal sharing of premiums and benefits between policyholders in a product involving joint lives. The analysis reveals a fundamental difference between endowment and assurance types of products in this regard. In assurance plans, there is a clear basis for differential structure in terms of sharing premium payment. In pure endowment plans, the default system of equal premium for equal benefit may be more justified although implications of other alternatives are also considered. A justification is derived for such an alternative through appropriate discount figures as compared to individual live policies. We also suggest an alternative actuarial principle to deal with joint endowment plans: solutions have been worked out under this framework. While lives are considered to be independent for a major part of this work, the implications of dependency have also been presented here with special reference to common shock model and copula models.
Population Growth Rate, Life Expectancy and Pension Program Improvement in China
Authors: Yang Zaigui
Published: February 2010

Applying an overlapping-generations model with lifetime uncertainty, we examine in this paper Chinas partially funded public pension system. The findings show that the individual contribution rate does not affect the capital-labor ratio but the firm contribution rate does. The optimal firm contribution rate depends on the capital share of income, social discount factor, survival probability, and population growth rate. The simulation results indicate that the optimal firm contribution rate rises with Chinas life expectancy but, surprisingly, falls with the population growth rate. We demonstrate that the optimal firm contribution rate should be cut when the effect of falling population growth rate is greater than that of rising life expectancy and that the rate is much more sensitive to the population growth rate than to life expectancy. This paper also solves the optimal interval to cope with Chinas population aging peak in the 2030s.
Modeling the Cumulative Cases from SARS
Authors: Chen Renbao , Wang Ping
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we fit the model to the actual data of cumulative cases from the 2003 SARS outbreak. The model proves a good fit for the four regions we examine, China (mainland), Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore, as evident from the high R2 values and the randomness of the residuals. In addition, we obtain second order derivatives of our curve fits to propose use of T*, the time in days taken to slow the rate of the increase in the number of cumulative SARS cases, as a measure of the effectiveness of control measures in each country. We then incorporate explanatory variables to link the model parameters to economic and demographic factors of the areas hit heavily by SARS. The work enables prediction of the future behavior of SARS or other epidemics should they ever strike again.
Assessing Investment and Longevity Risks within Immediate Annuities
Authors: Bauer Daniel , Weber Frederik
Published: February 2010

Life annuities provide a guaranteed income for the remainder of the recipients lifetime, and therefore, annuitization represents an important option when choosing an adequate investment strategy for the retirement period. While there are numerous scientific articles studying annuities from the pensioners point of view, thus far, there have been few contributions considering annuities from the providers perspective. In particular, there are no surveys on the general risks within annuity books.The present paper aims at filling this gap: Using a simulation framework, it provides a longterm analysis of the risks within annuity books. More specifically, the mutual as well as the respective impacts of systematic mortality risk and investment risk on the insurers financial situation are studied.The key finding is that under the model specifications and using annuity data from the United Kingdom, the risk premium charged for longevity risk seems to be very high relative to its characteristics. Possible explanations as well as economic implications are provided, and potential caveats are discussed.
Missing (Completely?) At Random: Lessons from Insurance Studies
Authors: Yeh Jason Jia-Hsing
Published: February 2010

A dilemma frequently faced by empirical researchers is whether they should keep observations without complete information in the analysis. Assuming missingness is not biased in any perceivable direction, most studies use a complete case analysis approach, whereby only observations with complete information are kept for empirical estimation. However, the literature on statistics (e.g., Little and Rubin 2002) suggests that potential biases may arise from such practice, especially if missing data are not missing completely at random (MCAR). When there are missing data, Littles MCAR test (1988) can be performed to reveal whether imputation methods are necessary to minimize the problems arising from incomplete data. We take two recently studied insurance data sets as examples to show that missing data issues can be better handled.
Some Comments on Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance
Authors: Venezian Emilio
Published: February 2010

These comments are a reaction to a panel discussion on Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance. They point out that some measures intended to provide quick relief and remediation after catastrophic events may have the long term effect of increasing aggregate exposure to such events. In some cases, these adverse long-term effects can be mitigated.
Preliminary results of applying the inverse stapedotomy
Authors: Arsovic N.A. , Babic B.B. , Djukic V.B. , Mikic B.M. , Milovanovic A.P. , Panovic B.M. , Ugrinovic A.B.
Published: February 2010

The authors have analyzed a group of 90 patients (105 operations) that have underwent stapes surgery over three years period. First group of 40 patients (45 operations) have been operated on by a classic stapedotomy from 2006 to 2007 and the second group of 50 patients (60 operations) by inverse stapedotomy in 2007. Manual perforator has been used in all of the patients. In a group of patients operated by inverse technique not a single case of floating basal plate has occurred during surgery. Rate of postoperative complaints regarding nausea and balance disorders was considerably lower when reversal of the steps has been used. Closure of air bone gap better than 20dB in about 80% patients in both series, with slight advantage of the inverse technique, but no statistically significant difference was proven. Inverse stapedotomy is efficient procedure as compared to classic stapedotomy with less intraoperative complications and postoperative complaints. Postoperative audiograms have shown similar improvement of hearing thresholds in both groups.
Phoniatricians aspect of international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems
Authors: Vukasinovic M.M. , Djukic V.B. , Stankovic P.D. , Krejovic-Trivic S.B. , Trivic A.S. , Pavlovic B.M.
Published: February 2010

Introduction: In everyday phoniatrician practice there are problems in finding adequate coding in current version of International Classification of Diseases. There is grey area for additional explanation under the official diagnosis and its code in Computer program window, but that has bad consequences on efficacy in writing the final medical report. Objective Suggestions for solving this problem that can contribute in next Revision are presented. Method The comparation between diagnoses in 7 years period of Phoniatric Department everyday practice and given diagnoses in current version of International Classification of Diseases. Results Certain percent of diagnoses that are overviewed during last 7 years in our Phoniatric Department has no adequate expression in given diagnoses in Tenth Revision. One can say that there is some kind of communication disorder. Conclusion This is the moment for Communication Disorders Care Center experts to participate in constitution of widespread acceptable nomenclature. The role of phoniatrician is necessary and logical in this system. The phoniatrician aspect of contribution in next Revision, is presented.
Dysphagia rehabilitation
Authors: Grajic M.M. , Matanovic D.D. , Railic Z.K. , Vukasinovic M.M. , Mustur Dusan , Milovanovic A.N.
Published: February 2010

Dysphagia and aspiration are important problems among the elderly population, particularly in neurological patients and patients with cancers of the oropharingeal area or laryngs. Early detection and rehabilitation are crucial because adequate management can reduce morbidity and complications like aspiration pneumonia, dehidratation and malnutrition. We overviewed rehabilitation procedures including nutritional management, postures, maneuvers, exercises and stimulation techniques and their efficacy in treatment of patients with dysphagias.
Laserska hirurgija malignih tumora glotisne regije larinksa
Authors: Djukic V.B. , Milovanovic J.P. , Milovanovic A.P. , Baljosevic I.S. , Ugrinovic A.B. , Dragisic M.N. , Jotic A.D.
Published: February 2010

The Nomenclature Committee of the European Laryngological Society taken the personal classification used by various members were analyzed and integrated into a common format. Thus, a new classification (Remacle et al., 2000) end next modification (Remacle et al., 2007) in was proposed and accepted by the members. This nomenclature takes into account both the histological and anatomical extent of surgery, and groups it into several categories. Subepithelial cordectomy- excision of the epithelium and the superficial layer of the lamina propria. Subligamentous cordectomy- excision of the epithelium, Reinke's space, and vocal ligament is undertaken. Transmuscular cordectomy- resection consists of the epithelium, lamina propria, and part of the vocal fold muscle, and may extend from the vocal process to the anterior commissure. Total or complete cordectomy-excision extends from the vocal process to the anterior commissure. Anteriorly, the incision is made at the anterior commissure. Type Va extended cordectomy - includes the anterior commissure and contralateral vocal fold, if necessary. In type Vb extended cordectomy, the excision is extended to remove part or all of the arytenoids. The posterior arytenoids mucosa is preserved. In Type Vc extended cordectomy, the whole of the ventricle and the ventricular fold is removed together with the vocal fold. In Type Vd extended cordectomy, surgery is extended inferiorly to include the subglottic mucosa Type VI cordectomy - Anterior billateral cordectomy in this operation surgical intervention is focused on anterior commissure, therefore some authors name it commissurectomy.
Prophylactic HPV vaccines
Authors: Mandic Aljosa
Published: February 2010

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Cervical and other anogenital cancers, cervical and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, genital warts, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis are HPV associated diseases. Prophylactic HPV vaccines are composed of HPV L1 capsid protein that self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in recombinant systems. Two types of prophylactic vaccines are designed as a bivalent vaccine to protect against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 and a quadrivalent vaccine designed to protect against HPV 16 and 18, and low-risk, genital wart-causing HPV 6 and 11. Proof-of-principle trials have suggested that intramuscular injections of VLPs result in strong adaptive immune responses that are capable of neutralizing subsequent natural infections. Recent research on the safety and efficacy of candidate prophylactic vaccines against HPV have shown very promising results with nearly 100% efficacy in preventing the development of persistent infections and cervical precancerous lesions in vaccinated individuals.
Pharmacoeconomic analysis of antineoplastics at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina from 2005 to 2008
Authors: Ilic Maja
Published: February 2010

Contemporary cancer chemotherapy need to be active against malignant cell (selectivity), to be based on the molecular biology of the cancer cell, to enhance immune response to cancer, and to stop development of resistance to drug. Research in this field is expensive, as well as the cost of newly discovered drugs. Targeted therapies are registered in the Republic of Serbia and their applications are controlled by the state authority. At the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina smaller number of patients was treated with targeted therapy than with classical chemotherapy. However, our costs for treating patients with monoclonal therapies are at the level of those worldwide.