bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fulminant myocarditis managed with pulsatile extracorporeal life support; use of Twin Pulse Life support (T-PLS®)
Authors: Cho Eun Jeung , Hong Joonhwa , Kang Hyun , Choe Ju Won , Kim Sang-Wook 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Fulminant myocarditis frequently results in severe hemodynamic deterioration. High-dose vasopressors or sometimes mechanical circulatory support are required. We report on two cases of fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with pulsatile extracorporeal life support (T-PLS®, Twin Pulse Life support, New heart bio.BHK, Seoul, Korea). With T-PLS, we were able to provide mechanical support to patients until they recovered completely.
Micro‐Mobilization, Social Media and Coping Strategies: Some Dutch Experiences
Authors: Bekkers Victor , Moody Rebecca , Edwards Arthur 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNew social network technology provides individuals and small groups with powerful resources for rapid political mobilization. Such mobilization can create strategic surprises for policy‐makers. Two cases of Web 2.0 driven micro‐mobilization processes and one case of Web 1.0 driven micro‐mobilization process are considered. In these cases policy‐makers were taken by surprise because their repertoires of action were focused primarily on official arrangements of consultation and on the news coverage by traditional media. As a result, micro‐mobilization may confront traditional intermediary organizations and policy‐makers with rather ‘uncontrolled’ demands for change. These demands may act as ‘focusing events’ that challenge the legitimacy of public organizations, policy programmes and existing consultation and negotiation patterns. Governments need to respond to these focusing events and the paper ends by discussing some coping strategies governments may need to deploy.
Coping with the Cornucopia: Can Text Mining Help Handle the Data Deluge in Public Policy Analysis?
Authors: Bicquelet Aude , Weale Albert 
Published: November 2011

AbstractInformation and communication technologies such as the Internet have created a plethora of opportunities for the participation of citizens in policymaking. In the United Kingdom, for instance, this trend has emerged at national and local levels, in domains as diverse as Education, the Environment and Health Care. Given a general renewal of interest in incorporating public opinion into policymaking, devices such as online consultations and electronic surveys have rendered the appeal to ‘the people’ seemingly easier. But an important problem arising from involving the public in decision‐making exercises through large‐scale electronic participatory devices is the amount of textual data generated. Although there is now a large body of literature devoted to commentating and analysing ways in which politicians ought to be involved in listening and responding to public participation in decision‐making, issues pertaining to the implementation of such exercises in the light of the volume of information that they produce have largely remained unexplored. In this paper, we assess the potential benefits and shortcomings of using Text Mining methods for the analysis of large‐scale consultations submitted via Internet. To this end, the paper reports on the application of computer‐aided text analysis to a public consultation organised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2008 on ‘End of Life Medicines’.
An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carbon Nanotube Bimetallic Au‐Pt Inorganic‐Organic Nanofiber Hybrid Nanocomposite Electrode Applied for Detection of Guaifenesin
Authors: Gholivand Mohammad Bagher , Azadbakht Azadeh , Pashabadi Afshin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotube and bimetallic inorganic‐organic nanofiber hybrid nanocomposite was prepared and used for determination of trace levels of guaifenesin. A modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for the rapid, selective, sensitive and low cost monitoring of guaifenesin. Oxidation of guaifenesin on the surface of the modified electrode was investigated with differential pulse voltammetry and the results showed that the modified electrode remarkably improved sensitivity and selectivity for the electrochemical assay of guaifenesin. Detection limit and quantitation limit were found to be 0.0175 µM and 0.0583 µM, respectively.
Improvement of the droop efficiency in InGaN‐based light‐emitting diodes by growing on GaN substrate
Authors: Fang Yen‐Hsiang , Xuan Rong , Chao Chu‐Li 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe high quality GaN substrates were fabricated by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE). The threading dislocation densities (TDDs) in the InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) on high quality GaN substrate was substantially reduced, leading to a significant reduction in an improved droop effect at high current density. Compared to the same devices grown on Al2O3, these LEDs showed the enhancement in output power and reduction in droop. In this study, we demonstrate the optical and electrical properties of LEDs grown on Al2O3 and GaN substrate. The LEDs on GaN substrate outperformed the LEDs on Al2O3 at forward voltage, output power, and external quantum efficiency (EQE) for 1.5%, 40%, and 15% enhanced, respectively (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Assessment of prey-mediated effects of the coleopteran-specific toxin Cry3Bb1 on the generalist predator Atheta coriaria (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: García M. , Ortego F. , Castañera P. , Farinós G.P. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA laboratory study was carried out to assess the potential prey-mediated effects of Cry3Bb1-expressing Bt maize on the fitness and predatory ability of Atheta coriaria Kraatz (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), using Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) as prey. The concentration of Cry3Bb1 toxin through the trophic chain significantly decreased from Bt maize (21.7 μg g−1 FW) to mites (5.6 μg g−1 FW) and then to A. coriaria adults (1.4 μg g−1 FW), but not from mites to A. coriaria L1–L3 larvae (4.1–4.6 μg g−1 FW). Interestingly, the toxin levels detected in A. coriaria larvae represent more than 20% of the concentration found in Bt maize, and the toxin was detected up to 48 h after exposure. To our knowledge, this is the highest level of exposure ever reported in a predatory beetle to the Cry3Bb1 protein. When A. coriaria larvae were reared on Bt-fed mites, Bt-free mites or rearing food, no significant differences among treatments were observed in development, morphological measurements of sclerotized structures and body weight. Moreover, no negative effects on reproductive parameters were reported in adults feeding on Bt-fed prey after 30 days of treatment, and survival was not affected after 60 days of exposure. Similarly, predatory ability and prey consumption of A. coriaria larvae and adults were not affected by exposure to the toxin. All together, these results indicate a lack of adverse effects on A. coriaria, a species commonly used as a biological control agent. The use of A. coriaria as a surrogate species for risk assessment of GM crops that express insecticidal proteins is discussed.
Cyclocephala (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) evolution in Lesser West Indies indicates a Northward colonization by C. tridentata
Authors: Giannoulis T. , Dutrillaux A.-M. , Stamatis C. , Dutrillaux B. , Mamuris Z. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA dual cytogenetic and molecular analysis was performed in four species of Cyclocepala (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Lesser Antilles (Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe). Two species/sub-species, C. mafaffa grandis and C. insulicola, are endemic to Guadeloupe. They have their own non-polymorphic karyotype and a fairly homogeneous haplotype of the COI gene. C. melanocephala rubiginosa has a distinct karyotype. Its COI haplotype is homogeneous in Guadeloupe and heterogeneous in Martinique. Finally, C. tridentata has highly different karyotypes and haplotypes in the three islands. In Martinique, its karyotype, composed of metacentrics, is monomorphic while its haplotype is fairly heterogeneous. Both are close to those of other Cyclocephala and Dynastinae species, thus fairly ancestral. In Guadeloupe, its karyotype is highly polymorphic, with many acrocentrics, and its haplotype fairly homogeneous. Both are highly derived. In Dominica, both the karyotype and the haplotype represent intermediate stages between those of Martinique and Guadeloupe. We conclude that several independent colonization episodes have occurred, which excludes that C. insulicola is a vicariant form of C. tridentata in Guadeloupe. Both chromosome and COI gene polymorphisms clearly indicate a recent colonization with a northward direction for C. tridentata.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Girls with Premature Adrenarche
Authors: Tissot A. , Dorn L.D. , Rotenstein D. , Rose S.R. , Sontag-Padilla L.M. , Jillard C.L. , Witchel S.F. , Berga S.L. , Loucks T.L. , Beers S.R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractContemporary research indicates that brain development occurs during childhood and into early adulthood, particularly in certain regions. A critical question is whether premature or atypical hormone exposures impact brain development (e.g., structure) or function (e.g., neuropsychological functioning). The current study enrolled 40 girls (aged 6–8 years) diagnosed with premature adrenarche (PA) and a comparison group of 36 girls with on-time maturation. It was hypothesized that girls with PA would demonstrate lower IQ and performance on several neuropsychological tasks. The potential for a sexually dimorphic neuropsychological profile in PA was also explored. No significant univariate or multivariate group differences emerged for any neuropsychological instrument. However, effect size confidence intervals contained medium-sized group differences at the subscale level. On-time girls performed better on verbal, working memory, and visuospatial tasks. Girls with PA showed improved attention, but not a sexually dimorphic profile. These results, though preliminary, suggest that premature maturation may influence neuropsychological functioning. (JINS, 2012, 18, 151–156)
Vectorial signalling mechanism required for cell–cell communication during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Diez Veronica , Schujman Gustavo E. , Gueiros‐Filho Frederico J. , de Mendoza Diego 
Published: November 2011

SummarySpore formation in Bacillus subtilis takes place in a sporangium consisting of two chambers, the forespore and the mother cell, which are linked by pathways of cell–cell communication. One pathway, which couples the proteolytic activation of the mother cell transcription factor σE to the action of a forespore synthesized signal molecule, SpoIIR, has remained enigmatic. Signalling by SpoIIR requires the protein to be exported to the intermembrane space between forespore and mother cell, where it will interact with and activate the integral membrane protease SpoIIGA. Here we show that SpoIIR signal activity as well as the cleavage of its N‐terminal extension is strictly dependent on the prespore fatty acid biosynthetic machinery. We also report that a conserved threonine residue (T27) in SpoIIR is required for processing, suggesting that signalling of SpoIIR is dependent on fatty acid synthesis probably because of acylation of T27. In addition, SpoIIR localization in the forespore septal membrane depends on the presence of SpoIIGA. The orchestration of σE activation in the intercellular space by an acylated signal protein provides a new paradigm to ensure local transmission of a weak signal across the bilayer to control cell–cell communication during development.
Pilot double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of short‐term atorvastatin for prevention of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery
Authors: PROWLE JOHN R , CALZAVACCA PAOLO , LICARI ELISA , LIGABO EMMANUELA V , ECHEVERRI JORGE E , HAASE MICHAEL , HAASE‐FIELITZ ANJA , BAGSHAW SEAN M , DEVARAJAN PRASAD , BELLOMO RINALDO 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  To test whether short‐term perioperative administration of oral atorvastatin could reduce incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac surgical patients.Methods:  We conducted a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial in 100 cardiac surgical patients at increased risk of postoperative AKI. Patients were randomized to atorvastatin (40 mg once daily for 4 days starting preoperatively) or identical placebo capsule. Primary outcome was to detect a smaller absolute rise in postoperative creatinine with statin therapy. Secondary outcomes included AKI defined by the creatinine criteria of RIFLE consensus classification (RIFLE R, I or F), change in urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentration, requirement for renal replacement therapy, length of stay in intensive care, length of stay in hospital and hospital mortality.Results:  Study groups were well matched. For each patient maximal increase in creatinine during the 5 days after surgery was assessed; median maximal increase was 28 µmol/L in the atorvastatin group and 29.5 µmol/L in the placebo group (P = 0.62). RIFLE R or greater occurred in 26% of patients with atorvastatin and 32% with placebo (P = 0.65). Postoperatively urine NGAL changes were similar (median NGAL : creatinine ratio at intensive care unit admission: atorvastatin group 1503 ng/mg, placebo group 1101 ng/mg; P = 0.22). Treatment was well tolerated and adverse events were similar between groups.Conclusion:  Short‐term perioperative atorvastatin use was not associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative AKI or smaller increases in urinary NGAL. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00910221).
Phylogenetic and functional features of the plastid transcription kinase cpCK2 from Arabidopsis signify a role of cysteinyl SH‐groups in regulatory phosphorylation of plastid sigma factors
Authors: Türkeri Hacer , Schweer Jennifer , Link Gerhard 
Published: November 2011

A plastidic serine/threonine protein kinase, initially named plastid transcription kinase (PTK) has been implicated in phosphorylation and redox control of chloroplast transcription. This kinase was later renamed as chloroplast casein kinase 2 (cpCK2) because of its physical and functional similarity to nucleocytosolic casein kinase 2 (ncCK2). It shares all four of its cysteine residues with ncCK2 from land plants, while only three of these residues are conserved in algal CK2‐type sequences, and just two in animals. Using bacterial overexpression of cpCK2 from Arabidopsis thaliana, here we show the principal features of this enzyme and assign functional determinants of its role as a transcriptional regulator in vitro. The recombinant protein is capable of using various plant sigma transcription factors as phosphorylation substrates. Electrophoretic mobility shift DNA‐binding assays reveal differential effects of sigma phosphorylation, depending on the factor and the promoter used. Treatment of the kinase with redox‐active reagents indicate a critical involvement of thiol groups in both its enzymatic activity and interaction capabilities. Mutational exchanges of cysteine to serine residues, in combination with in vitro assays, have provided clues to the possible role of individual cysteines. For instance, while Cys4 but not Cys2 is essential for activity, the latter seems to be involved in the formation of intermolecular (regulatory) disulfide bonds.Structured digital abstract
cpCK2 phosphorylates SaSig2 by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
cpCK2 phosphorylates AtSig6 by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
cpCK2 and cpCK2 bind by comigration in gel electrophoresis (View interaction)
cpCK2 phosphorylates AtSig1 by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
cpCK2 phosphorylates SaSig1 by protein kinase assay (View interaction)
Factors associated with rapid neurological improvement 24 h following intra-arterial thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Christoforidis Gregorgy , Mohammad Yousef M , Khadir Mohammed , Yang Ming , Slivka Andrew P 
Published: November 2011

Background and PurposeSignificant 24 h improvement is the strongest indicator of functional recovery following thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke. This study sought to analyze factors contributing to rapid neurological improvement (RNI) following intra-arterial thrombolytic treatment (IATT).MethodsAngiograms and clinical information derived from consecutive patients receiving treatment initiated within 6 h of stroke onset were retrospectively reviewed. RNI was defined as at least 50% 24 h improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with RNI. Variables tested included: age, gender, serum glucose, platelet count, pial collateral formation, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time to treatment, extent of reperfusion, site and location of occlusion, treatment agent and systolic blood pressure.ResultsGreater than 50% reperfusion of the involved territory, time to treatment within 270 min and good pial collateral formation (large penumbra zone) significantly predicted RNI. RNI occurred in 31% of the 112 patients studied. RNI occurred in 21/26 (80.8%) patients exhibiting all three favorable variables whereas patients with only one favorable variable had a 6.5% chance of RNI. 94% of patients displaying RNI had a modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less at 3 months compared with 28.6% without RNI.ConclusionsRNI following IATT for stroke is more likely when at least two of the following are present: good reperfusion, good pial collateral formation and treatment within 4.5 h of symptom onset, and is strongly predictive of 3 month outcomes. Important to clinical management, IATT may need to be reconsidered in patients with poor pial collateral formation if time to treatment exceeds 4.5 h.
Increased interleukin-1β levels following low dose MDMA induces tolerance against the 5-HT neurotoxicity produced by challenge MDMA
Authors: Mayado Andrea , Torres Elisa , Gutierrez-Lopez Maria D , Colado Maria I , O'Shea Esther 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Preconditioning is a phenomenon by which tolerance develops to injury by previous exposure to a stressor of mild severity. Previous studies have shown that single or repeated low dose MDMA can attenuate 5-HT transporter loss produced by a subsequent neurotoxic dose of the drug. We have explored the mechanism of delayed preconditioning by low dose MDMA.

Methods
Male Dark Agouti rats were given low dose MDMA (3 mg/kg, i.p.) 96 h before receiving neurotoxic MDMA (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.). IL-1β and IL1ra levels and 5-HT transporter density in frontal cortex were quantified at 1 h, 3 h or 7 days. IL-1β, IL-1ra and IL-1RI were determined between 3 h and 96 h after low dose MDMA. sIL-1RI combined with low dose MDMA or IL-1β were given 96 h before neurotoxic MDMA and toxicity assessed 7 days later.

Results
Pretreatment with low dose MDMA attenuated both the 5-HT transporter loss and elevated IL-1β levels induced by neurotoxic MDMA while producing an increase in IL-1ra levels. Low dose MDMA produced an increase in IL-1β at 3 h and in IL-1ra at 96 h. sIL-1RI expression was also increased after low dose MDMA. Coadministration of sIL-1RI (3 μg, i.c.v.) prevented the protection against neurotoxic MDMA provided by low dose MDMA. Furthermore, IL-1β (2.5 pg, intracortical) given 96 h before neurotoxic MDMA protected against the 5-HT neurotoxicity produced by the drug, thus mimicking preconditioning.

Conclusions
These results suggest that IL-1β plays an important role in the development of delayed preconditioning by low dose MDMA.
Definition of "Investment": Could a Persistent Objector to the Salini Tests be Found in ICSID Arbitral Practice?
Authors: Martin Antoine 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
With the absence of an explicit definition of the term “investment” under Article 25 of the ICSID and given the general nature of bilateral investment protection treaties (BITs) to this effect, arbitral courts have been faced with the issue of establishing the existence of “investments” while establishing their jurisdiction over several claims. While Fedax v Venezuela and Salini v Morocco provided a fixed set of criteria characteristic of the existence of an “investment,” various debates have taken place in arbitral practice as to how these shall be interpreted. Some decisions for instance considered the Salini criteria as jurisdictional requirements, but others rather relied on flexibility to limit the value of the criteria to a set of purely indicative hallmarks. This comment therefore reviews how the term “investment” has been interpreted and suggests that a persistent objector to the Salini tests might be emphasised.
On genera of polyhedra
Authors: Drozd Yuriy , Kolesnyk Petro 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We consider the stable homotopy category S of polyhedra (finite cell complexes). We say that two polyhedra X,Y are in the same genus and write X ∼ Y if X
p ≅ Y
p for all prime p, where X
p denotes the image of Xin the localized category S
p. We prove that it is equivalent to the stable isomorphism X∨B
0 ≅Y∨B
0, where B
0 is the wedge of all spheres S
n such that π
nS(X) is infinite. We also prove that a stable isomorphism X ∨ X ≅ Y ∨ X implies a stable isomorphism X ≅ Y.
Long-Term Maintenance of Polysaccharide-Specific Antibodies by IgM-Secreting Cells
Authors: Foote Jeremy B. , Mahmoud Tamer I. , Vale Andre M. , Kearney John F. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMany bacteria-associated polysaccharides induce long-lived Ab responses that protect against pathogenic microorganisms. The maintenance of polysaccharide-specific Ab titers may be due to long-lived plasma cells or ongoing Ag-driven B cell activation due to polysaccharide persistence. BALB/c and VHJ558.3 transgenic mice respond to α1→3-dextran (DEX) by generating a peak anti-DEX response at 7 d, followed by maintenance of serum Ab levels for up to 150 d. Analysis of the cellular response to DEX identified a population of short-lived, cyclophosphamide-sensitive DEX-specific plasmablasts in the spleen, and a quiescent, cyclophosphamide-resistant DEX-specific Ab-secreting population in the bone marrow. BrdU pulse-chase experiments demonstrated the longevity of the DEX-specific Ab-secreting population in the bone marrow. Splenic DEX-specific plasmablasts were located in the red pulp with persisting DEX-associated CD11c+ dendritic cells 90 d after immunization, whereas DEX was not detected in the bone marrow after 28 d. Selective depletion of short-lived DEX-specific plasmablasts and memory B1b B cells using cyclophosphamide and anti-CD20 treatment had a minimal impact on the maintenance of serum anti-DEX Abs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the maintenance of serum polysaccharide-specific Abs is the result of continuous Ag-driven formation of short-lived plasmablasts in the spleen and a quiescent population of Ab-secreting cells maintained in the bone marrow for a long duration.