bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ER‐β mediates 17β‐estradiol attenuation of HIV‐1 Tat‐induced apoptotic signaling
Authors: Adams Sheila M. , Aksenova Marina V. , Aksenov Michael Y. , Mactutus Charles F. , Booze Rosemarie M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe protective actions of estrogen have been well evaluated in various models of neurodegeneration. These neuroprotective mechanisms may include a direct neuronal antiapoptotic effect as estrogen modulates actions of key regulators of the mitochondrial/intrinsic apoptotic cascade. We tested the ability of estrogen to protect against apoptotic signaling in cortical cell cultures exposed to Tat 1‐86 (50 nM), and additionally, whether the beneficial actions of estrogen involved an estrogen receptor sensitive mechanism. We demonstrated that estrogen pretreatment significantly delayed Tat‐induced cell death in primary cortical cultures. Pretreatment with 17β‐estradiol (10 nM) attenuated the increased expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2, proapoptotic protein Bax and activation of caspases linked to mitochondrial apoptotic pathway following Tat exposure. In addition, select components of apoptotic pathway signaling appear more sensitive to estrogen receptor (ER) activation, as the addition of ER antagonist ICI 182780 reversed estrogen downregulation of Bax and caspase 3, while estrogen effects on Tat‐induced Bcl‐2 and caspase 9 expression were maintained. Moreover, the addition of preferential ERα and ERβ antagonists (MPP dihydrochloride and PHTPP) indicated that estrogen effects on caspase 3 may be mediated by both receptor subtypes, whereas, was more involved in estrogen effects on Bax. Our data suggest that estrogen intervenes against HIV‐1 Tat‐induced cortical neuronal dysfunction via intersecting mitochondrial apoptotic pathway signaling in an ER‐sensitive manner. Synapse 64:829–838, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knockdown of mortalin within the medial prefrontal cortex impairs normal sensorimotor gating
Authors: Gabriele Nicole , Pontoriero Giuseppe F. , Thomas Nancy , Shethwala Shazli K. , Pristupa Zdenek B. , Gabriele Joseph P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe 70‐kDa mitochondrial heat shock protein, mortalin, is a ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional protein that is capable of binding the neurotransmitter, dopamine, within the brain. Dopamine dysregulation has been implicated in many of the abnormal neurological behaviors. Although studies have indicated that mortalin is differentially regulated in response to dopaminergic modulation, research has yet to elucidate the role of mortalin in the regulation of dopaminergic activity. This study seeks to investigate the role of mortalin in the regulation of dopamine‐dependent behavior, specifically as it pertains to schizophrenia (SCZ). Mortalin expression was knocked down through the infusion of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide molecules into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Rats infused with mortalin antisense oligodeoxynucleotide molecules exhibited significant prepulse inhibition deficits, suggestive of defects in normal sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, mortalin misexpression within the mPFC was coupled to a significant increase in mortalin protein expression within the nucleus accumbens at the molecular level. These findings demonstrate that mortalin plays an essential role in the regulation of dopamine‐dependent behavior and plays an even greater role in the pathogenesis of SCZ. Synapse 64:808–813, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of coupling–control effect of a sky‐bridge for adjacent tall buildings
Authors: Lee Dong‐Guen , Kim Hyun‐Su , Ko Hyun 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this study, the coupling–control effect of a sky‐bridge for adjacent tall buildings has been investigated. To this end, two building structures of 42‐ and 49‐stories connected by a sky‐bridge and constructed in the Seoul, Korea, were used. Earthquake excitations and wind load data obtained from wind tunnel tests are employed for numerical simulation. Lead rubber bearings and linear motion bearings were used for the connectors between the sky‐bridge and the example buildings. Several types of connector configurations were investigated to find an appropriate configuration for the tall buildings considered. The displacement and acceleration responses of the coupled buildings, and the reactions of the bearings and member forces of the sky‐bridge were evaluated in comparison with the uncoupled buildings. Numerical results demonstrated that the sky‐bridge could effectively increase the damping ratio of the coupled tall buildings, resulting in decreased dynamic responses. In addition, it was shown that the coupling–control effect of the sky‐bridge could be significantly improved by using additional viscous dampers. The connection system and configuration proposed in this study had been applied to the construction of the sky‐bridge for the example structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Properties of Novel Alkyl Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Li Xin , Hu Zhiyong , Zhu Hailin , Zhao Sufen , Cao Duanlin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA series of novel dialkyl disulfonate gemini surfactants (2Cn‐SCT where n is the carbon number of the hydrophobic chain) were synthesized from cyanuric chloride, aliphatic amine and taurine. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR spectra, and ESI–MS. Their critical micelle concentrations (CMC) in the aqueous solutions at 25 °C were determined by surface tension and electrical conductivity methods. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased, and then increased with an alkyl chain length of 14. The surface tension measurements of 2Cn‐SCT (except for n = 14) determined that there is a low CMC, a great efficiency in lowering the surface tension, and a strong adsorption at the air–water interface. In addition, adsorption and micellization behavior of 2Cn‐SCT were estimated from pC20, the minimum average area per surfactant molecule (Amin), and standard free energy micellization and adsorption (). These properties are significantly influenced by the chain length n, and the adsorption is promoted more than the micellization.
Enantioselective Analysis of Chiral Anteiso Fatty Acids in the Polar and Neutral Lipids of Food
Authors: Hauff Simone , Hottinger Georg , Vetter Walter 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAnteiso fatty acids (aFA) are substituted with a methyl group on the antepenultimate carbon of the straight acyl chain. This feature leads to a stereogenic center. The 12‐methyltetradecanoic acid (a15:0) and the 14‐methylhexadecanoic acid (a17:0) are the most common aFA found in food, although they occur only in very small quantities. In this study we used gas chromatography in combination with a chiral stationary phase to determine the enantiomeric distribution of both a15:0 and a17:0 in the neutral and polar lipids of aquatic food samples and cheese. The best suited column was selected out of four custom‐made combinations of heptakis(6‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐2,3‐di‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐TBDM) with different amount and polarity of an achiral polysiloxane. After separation of polar and neutral lipids of the food samples by solid phase extraction, fatty acid methyl esters were prepared and the fatty acid methyl esters were fractionated by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Measurements of fractions high in aFA by enantioselective GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode verified the dominance of the (S)‐enantiomers of a15:0 and a17:0 in both lipid fractions. However (R)‐enantiomers were detectable in all samples. The relative proportion of the (R)‐enantiomers was up to fivefold higher in the polar lipids than in the neutral lipids. The higher proportions in the polar lipids indicate that microorganisms might be involved in the formation of (R)‐aFA.
A Review of Studies Reporting on Complications of Upper Urinary Tract Stone Ablation Using the Holmium:YAG Laser
Authors: Nuttall Martin C. , Abbaraju Jai , Dickinson Ian K. , Sriprasad Seshadri 
Published: March 2010

Purpose: A review of the literature of studies reporting complications of ureteroscopic urinary tract stone ablation using the holmium:YAG laser was performed. Patients and methods: Electronic databases were searched using specific keywords to identify relevant studies. Reference lists of identified articles were scrutinised for other studies and searches were conducted using the names of authors known to have published widely in this field. Two reviewers assessed retrieved articles for inclusion criteria. Patients <16 years old were excluded. Results: Overall, 48 studies published between 1994 and 2007 were included. Half were published since 2000. In total, 4454 patients were identified. Around half of studies were performed in North America (25). The number of patients per study varied from 8 to 598. The study populations were very heterogeneous in terms of stone position and size, and ureteroscope size and rigidity. Overall, 303 (6.8%) complications were identified. Post-operative ureteric stricture and perforation rates were both 1.0%. There were only six major complications identified (0.1%). The post-operative sepsis rate was 2% and one death was reported. Conclusions: Upper urinary tract stone ablation using the holmium:YAG laser is both safe and reliable. Follow-up imaging to detect procedure-specific complications would not appear to be routinely indicated given this low complication rate.
Perioperative Intercostal Nerve Blockade in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy—A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Viney R. , Garston H. , Patel P. , Devarajan R. 
Published: March 2010

Introduction and objective: Intercostal nerve blockade is well established in thoracic surgery but since the technique was first described in relation to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in 1990, there has been no evaluation of the impact of this technique on post-operative recovery of PCNL patients. We set out to prove the null hypothesis that intercostal nerve blockade offers no analgesic advantage to the patient undergoing PCNL. Methods: Retrospectively analyzing a prospectively collected dataset, we compared 50 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL with a further 50 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL and provided with the same anaesthetic but with the addition of an intercostal nerve block using local anaesthetic at the end of the operation, prior to the patient waking. The surgery was performed by a single surgeon in a single institution but different anaesthetists were involved accounting for the variation in post-operative analgesic management. The dataset includes pain scores using a visual analogue scale and analgesic requirements using a patient controlled morphine syringe driver (PCA). These data, along with data concerning time to mobilization and hospital stay were interpreted using bivariate tabular analysis methods. Results: The use of intercostal nerve blockade significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased the amount of analgesia required by the patient. The use of intercostal nerve blockade also significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the speed of mobilization and decreased inpatient stay. Conclusions: We reject the null hypothesis. The use of post-operative intercostal nerve blockade does offer an analgesic advantage for patients undergoing PCNL. Given our results we would recommend further prospective evaluation of the technique.
Benchmarking Competency in Paediatric Groin Surgery
Authors: Wilson J. , Younis A. , Lewis-Russell J. , Jones P. 
Published: March 2010

Introduction: A diminishing number of surgeons are performing paediatric groin surgery in large district general hospitals due to loss of expertise. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) is currently engaged with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) to resolve this gradual loss of subspecialist expertise. We have adopted a user-friendly approach to quantify training in this field. Methods: In our centre we undertake approximately 150 paediatric groin cases per year with 3 specialist registrars (SpRs) rotating through the post every 4 months. Using existing Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP) tools, Direct Observation of Procedural Skill (DOPS) assessments were undertaken for each groin procedure performed by the SpR then scored by the trainer from 2 (unsatisfactory) to 6 (above expectations), with 4 being considered satisfactory/competent to perform the procedure. Three SpRs were assessed over a period of 4 months each. Results: Competency was determined by 5 successive DOPS scores of 4. Case numbers over 4 months were 23–35 with a mean number of cases to achieve competency being 16 (range 10–18). Conclusion: These results indicate that it is feasible and practical for a trainee to acquire adequate experience in DGH paediatric groin surgery and we suggest a minimum performance of 25 procedures.
Pairings in Hopf cyclic cohomology of algebras and coalgebras with coefficients
Authors: Nikonov I. , Sharygin G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the theory of cup products in the Hopf cyclic cohomology of algebras and coalgebras. We show that the cyclic cohomology of a coalgebra can be obtained from a construction involving the noncommutative Weil algebra. Then we introduce the notion of higher -twisted traces and use a generalization of the Quillen and Crainic constructions (see [14] and [3]) to define the cup product. We discuss the relation of the cup product above and S-operations on cyclic cohomology. We show that the product we define can be realized as a combination of the composition product in bivariant cyclic cohomology and a map from the cyclic cohomology of coalgebras to bivariant cohomology. In the last section, we briefly discuss the relation of our constructions with that in [9]. More precisely, we propose still another construction of such pairings which can be regarded as an intermediate step between the “Crainic” pairing and that of [9]. We show that it coincides with what in [9] and as far its relation to Crainic's construction is concerned, we reduce the question to a discussuion of a certain map in cohomology (see the question at the end of section 5).The results of the current paper were announced in [12].
Cartilage tympanoplasty: how to reduce surgery time
Authors: De Seta E , Covelli E , De Seta D , Mancini P , Filipo R 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the last few years, cartilage has been the preferred material for reconstruction of the tympanic membrane, particularly in the case of allergy, re-perforation, or total or subtotal perforation. The mechanical characteristics of cartilage offer the advantage of high resistance to retraction and re-perforation. This paper describes two original techniques which reduce cartilage tympanoplasty surgery time, involving a 0.3 mm thick cartilage–perichondrium composite graft to repair the tympanic membrane.
Use of Rubens pillow in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Mulla O , Agada F , Strachan D R 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure in almost all ENT departments. Commonly, a head ring is used for head support during this procedure. We believe that the Rubens pillow enables better head stability and provides a better operating surface for surgical instruments.
Psychological distress and circulating inflammatory markers in healthy young adults
Authors: Goldman-Mellor S. , Brydon L. , Steptoe A. 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundAlthough a substantial body of research points to a link between psychological distress and inflammatory responses in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, the relationship between inflammation and distress in young, healthy individuals has not been established. This study was designed to investigate the cross-sectional association between psychological distress and inflammatory proteins in a young, healthy representative population of English adults.MethodParticipants were 1338 individuals aged 16–34 years from the 2006 Health Survey for England (HSE). Blood samples to measure plasma fibrinogen and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as well as measures of psychological distress (using the General Health Questionnaire 12-item scale, GHQ-12) and covariates, were collected during home visits. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and fibrinogen and hsCRP.ResultsHigher self-rated distress was positively associated with fibrinogen level in this young population, independently of age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, smoking, and alcohol and medication use (β=0.024, p<0.01). Psychological distress was not related to hsCRP.ConclusionsPsychological distress may negatively impact inflammatory processes in young adulthood before the onset of chronic health problems such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Longitudinal research is needed to elucidate the relationship between distress and inflammation in young adults and its significance for later disease states.
The interface between bilingual development and specific language impairment
Authors: PARADIS JOHANNE 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTResearch at the interface of bilingual development and child language disorders has increased greatly in the past decade. The purpose of this article is to highlight the theoretical and clinical implications of this research. Studies examining the similarities in linguistic characteristics between typically developing sequential bilingual children and monolingual children with specific language impairment (SLI) the same age are reviewed in light of predictions from a maturational model of SLI. Studies examining the linguistic characteristics of bilingual children with SLI compared to monolinguals with SLI and their bilingual peers with typical development are reviewed in light of predictions of limited processing capacity theories of SLI. It is shown that data from bilingual children pose interesting challenges to both theoretical perspectives, although in different ways. Finally, the findings from this research are discussed in terms of their relevance for assessment of SLI in bilingual children.
Multipliers of periodic orbits in spaces of rational maps
Authors: LEVIN GENADI 
Published: March 2010

AbstractGiven a polynomial or a rational function f we include it in a space of maps. We introduce local coordinates in this space, which are essentially the set of critical values of the map. Then we consider an arbitrary periodic orbit of f with multiplier ρ⁄=1 as a function of the local coordinates, and establish a simple connection between the dynamical plane of f and the function ρ in the space associated to f. The proof is based on the theory of quasiconformal deformations of rational maps. As a corollary, we show that multipliers of non-repelling periodic orbits are also local coordinates in the space.
Impact of grazing restrictions on livestock composition and husbandry practices in Madi Valley, Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Authors: GURUNG BHIM , NELSON KRISTEN C. , SMITH JAMES L.D. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYLivestock grazing restrictions are a common practice in the protected areas of developing countries. Understanding the influence of these restrictions on livestock husbandry is critical because local people's livelihoods often depend on access to grazing lands and biodiversity conservation may be affected by grazing activities. Household surveys and government records were used to examine impacts of grazing restrictions on livestock composition and use of available forage resources in the Madi Valley of Chitwan National Park (Nepal) during early (1997) and late (2006) restriction policy periods. Households responded to grazing restrictions by reducing numbers of less productive cattle and high maintenance buffalo to offset forage demands, but there was no decrease in the number of goats. In 2006, average household fodder biomass (3.4 t yr−1) available from agricultural land was adequate for the average household livestock units (3.3 t yr−1) requirement. Although most households ‘stall fed’ livestock as an adjustment to the new policy, about 30% still depended on community forests and parklands for livestock rearing. Higher ‘stall feeding’ reduced grazing pressure and increased forest cover but demanded more fodder cutting, which has the potential to increase human/wildlife interactions, particularly with tigers in the buffer zone community forests.
A second medial mode Palestinian chant in Old Roman, Beneventan and Frankish sources
Authors: MORAN NEIL 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTChants based on Crucem tuam in the second medial mode are examined in Greek, Slavonic and Latin sources. Central to the discussion is the role of Jerusalem in the dissemination of the modal system. On the Latin side, the emphasis is on Old Roman melodies, showing how they reproduce the prototypes more faithfully than Beneventan or Frankish melodies. The analysis does not support certain conclusions regarding the origins of the modal system and the relationship of Old Roman and Gregorian melodies advanced by Robert Snow, Helmut Hucke and Leo Treitler.
A study of the physiological consequences of sympathetic denervation of the heart caused by the arterial switch procedure
Authors: Falkenberg Cecilia , Hallhagen Stefan , Nilsson Krister , Nilsson Boris , Östman-Smith Ingegerd 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe arterial switch operation is the corrective operation for transposition of the great arteries, defined as the combination of concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo–arterial connections, but there have been concerns about silent subendocardial ischaemia on exercise and coronary artery growth. The arterial switch divides the majority of the sympathetic nerves entering the heart; we have studied the effects of coronary flow and sensitivity to catecholamine stimulation in an animal model.MethodsA total of 10 piglets were operated on cardiopulmonary bypass with section and resuturing of aortic trunk, pulmonary artery and both coronary arteries, with 13 sham-operated controls. After 5–7 weeks of recovery, seven simulated switch survivors and 13 controls were studied.ResultsBasal heart rate was significantly higher in switch piglets: in vivo mean (standard deviation) 112 (12) versus sham 100 (10) beats per minute, (p = 0.042); in vitro (Langendorff preparation): 89 (9) versus sham 73 (8) beats per minute (p = 0.0056). In vivo maximal heart rate in response to epinephrine was increased in switch piglets, 209 (13) versus 190 (17) beats per minute (p = 0.044). In vitro dose–response curves to norepinephrine were shifted leftward and upwards (p = 0.0014), with an 80% increase in heart rate induced by 0.095 (0.053) norepinephrine micromole per litre perfusate in switch hearts versus 0.180 (0.035) norepinephrine micromole per litre (p = 0.023). Increase in coronary flow on norepinephrine stimulation and maximal coronary flow were significantly reduced in switch hearts: 0.3 (0.2) versus 0.8 (0.4) millilitre per gram heart weight (p = 0.045) and 2.5 (0.4) versus 3.1 (0.4) millilitre per gram heart (p = 0.030), respectively.ConclusionsA combination of increased intrinsic heart rate, increased sensitivity to chronotropic actions of norepinephrine, and a decreased maximal coronary flow creates potential for a mismatch between perfusion and energy demands.