bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-vivo laxative and toxicological evaluation and in-vitro antitumour effects of Mitracarpus frigidus aerial parts
Authors: Fabri Rodrigo Luiz , de Oliveira Aragão Danielle Maria , Florêncio Jônatas Rodrigues , Cardoso Gabriele Mendes Matos , de Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Castanon Maria Christina Marques Nogueira , Scio Elita 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the in-vitro antitumour properties, and the in-vivo laxative and toxicological effects of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Mitracarpus frigidus (MFM).

Methods
The in-vitro antitumour activity of MFM was evaluated against three human tumour cell lines: Jurkat, HL60 and MCF-7. The laxative activity and the effect of MFM on intestinal motility were evaluated in rats at the doses of 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg. Acute oral toxicity was performed at 10, 100, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg and subchronic toxicity was evaluated at 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg of MFM during a 42-day period. After subchronic administration of MFM the biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters were analysed. Also, the total content of anthraquinones was determined.

Key findings
MFM was cytotoxic only against HL60 and Jurkat cells with 89 and 83% growth inhibition, respectively. The laxative activity of MFM was similar to bisacodyl. Regarding the effect on intestinal motility, MFM showed a significant increase in the pathway of charcoal compared with the group treated with saline. Furthermore, MFM showed no in-vivo toxicity at the doses tested. Free and anthraquinone C- and O-glycosides were detected in MFM.

Conclusions
MFM showed significant antitumour activity for leukaemic cells. Moreover, it presented laxative potential and no in-vivo toxicity.
Tracking the Fault Lines of Pro‐Poor Carbon Forestry
Authors: Paladino Stephanie 
Published: December 2011

AbstractReducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) has been given a principal role in post‐Kyoto, climate change agreements. Resulting markets and mechanisms for carbon forestry offsets could generate considerable global revenues for both forest conservation and sustainable rural development; or they may impose political and economic pressures on forest governance that threaten indigenous and rural peoples’ rights. Some inherent challenges to developing carbon forestry projects that support rural peoples’ welfare are reviewed. The experience of Scolel Te’, a carbon forestry project for Mexican indigenous farmers, suggests how projects can be adapted for smallholder provision of carbon services on benign terms and still meet the demands of carbon markets. However, carbon sales alone have not supported investments in knowledge development, institutional learning, and strategic farmer participation needed for significant political or economic change. This supports critiques that policies based on economic valuations of environmental services are unlikely to support social and equity objectives.
The association of workflow interruptions and hospital doctors' workload: a prospective observational study
Authors: Weigl M , Müller A , Vincent C , Angerer P , Sevdalis N 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundSubjective workload in healthcare employees is suspected to be important for the performance and safety of healthcare delivery. This study investigates associations between workflow interruptions and hospital doctors' capability to manage their perceived workload in a safe and efficient manner.AimTo examine the relationship of observed workflow interruptions with hospital doctors' perceived workload during day clinical shifts.MethodsA prospective study of 43 full shift observations with 29 doctors working in internal medicine and surgical specialties. Workflow interruptions were assessed via observation using a previously validated observation instrument. Doctors assessed their workload twice throughout their day shift using three items of the validated NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX; mental demands, effort, frustration).ResultsHospital doctors were on average disrupted 3.66 times per hour. Most frequent were interruptions by nursing staff, telephone/beeper interruptions and by fellow doctors. Senior doctors reported higher workload than their junior colleagues. Overall workflow interruptions were significantly related to doctors' workload (β=0.22; p=0.03). Further analyses revealed that doctors' workload was associated particularly with interruptions by nursing personnel (β=0.23; p=0.03).ConclusionsFrequent workflow interruptions may be linked with increased workload in doctors. Healthcare environments need to be better designed to reduce unnecessary interruptions and distractions so that hospital doctors can manage clinical work efficiently and safely.
Intranasal immunisation with Stx2B‐Tir‐Stx1B‐Zot protein leads to decreased shedding in goats after challenge with Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Zhang X‐H. , He K‐W. , Zhao P‐D. , Ye Q. , Luan X‐T. , Yu Z‐Y. , Wen L‐B. , Ni Y‐X. , Li B. , Wang X‐M. , Guo R‐L. , Zhou J‐M. , Mao A‐H. 
Published: December 2011

Ruminants are an important reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7. To reduce E coli O157:H7 excretion by these animals could play a key role in prevention and control of human infections. In the present study, the authors used 12 three‐month‐old goats to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal administration of the Stx2B‐Tir‐Stx1B‐Zot protein. These goats were inoculated on days 0 and 21 and infected with 1010 colony‐forming units (cfu) of E coli O157:H7 by oral inoculation on day 36. Faecal shedding was monitored daily for two weeks. All of six goats immunised with recombinant protein elicited significant Stx2b‐Tir‐Stx1b‐Zot‐specific serum IgG antibodies, and three of them also showed production of antigen‐specific IgA in faeces. The immunised goats showed much less shedding of E coli O157:H7 after challenge. These results demonstrate the potential for the use of Stx2B‐Tir‐Stx1B‐Zot protein in mucosal vaccine formulations to prevent colonisation and shedding of E coli O157:H7 in goats.
OPTIMAL CONTROL REALIZATIONS OF LAGRANGIAN SYSTEMS WITH SYMMETRY
Authors: DELGADO-TÉLLEZ M. , IBORT A. , DE LA PEÑA T. RODRÍGUEZ 
Published: December 2011

A new relation among a class of optimal control systems and Lagrangian systems with symmetry is discussed. It will be shown that a family of solutions of optimal control systems whose control equation are obtained by means of a group action are in correspondence with the solutions of a mechanical Lagrangian system with symmetry. This result also explains the equivalence of the class of Lagrangian systems with symmetry and optimal control problems discussed in [1, 2]. The explicit realization of this correspondence is obtained by a judicious use of Clebsch variables and Lin constraints, a technique originally developed to provide simple realizations of Lagrangian systems with symmetry. It is noteworthy to point out that this correspondence exchanges the role of state and control variables for control systems with the configuration and Clebsch variables for the corresponding Lagrangian system. These results are illustrated with various simple applications.
A CLT FOR INFORMATION-THEORETIC STATISTICS OF NON-CENTERED GRAM RANDOM MATRICES
Authors: HACHEM WALID , KHAROUF MALIKA , NAJIM JAMAL , SILVERSTEIN JACK W. 
Published: December 2011

In this article, we study the fluctuations of the random variable: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], as the dimensions of the matrices go to infinity at the same pace. Matrices Xn and An are respectively random and deterministic N × n matrices; matrices Dn and [Formula: see text] are deterministic and diagonal, with respective dimensions N × N and n × n; matrix Xn = (Xij) has centered, independent and identically distributed entries with unit variance, either real or complex. We prove that when centered and properly rescaled, the random variable [Formula: see text] satisfies a Central Limit Theorem and has a Gaussian limit. The variance of [Formula: see text] depends on the moment [Formula: see text] of the variables Xij and also on its fourth cumulant [Formula: see text]. The main motivation comes from the field of wireless communications, where [Formula: see text] represents the mutual information of a multiple antenna radio channel. This article closely follows the companion article "A CLT for Information-theoretic statistics of Gram random matrices with a given variance profile", Ann. Appl. Probab. (2008) by Hachem et al., however the study of the fluctuations associated to non-centered large random matrices raises specific issues, which are addressed here.
miR-20a Encoded by the miR-17–92 Cluster Increases the Metastatic Potential of Osteosarcoma Cells by Regulating Fas Expression
Authors: Huang Gangxiong , Nishimoto Kazumasa , Zhou Zhichao , Hughes Dennis , Kleinerman Eugenie S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The ability of osteosarcoma cells to form lung metastases has been inversely correlated to cell surface Fas expression. Downregulation of Fas allows osteosarcoma cells to circumvent FasL-mediated apoptosis upon entrance into the FasL+ lung microenvironment. However, the mechanism of Fas regulation remains unclear. Here, we show that miRNA plays a role in the downregulation of Fas expression in osteosarcoma. Expression levels of several members of the miR-17–92 cluster including miR-20a and miR-19a were found to be higher in metastatic low-Fas–expressing LM7 cells than in the parental nonmetastatic high-Fas–expressing SAOS-2 cells. We also found an inverse correlation between Fas and miR-20a expression in all 8 cell lines derived from patient samples. Overexpression of miR-20a consistently resulted in the downregulation of Fas expression in SAOS-2 cells and thus in decreased sensitivity to FasL. Conversely, inhibiting miR-20a in LM7 cells increased Fas expression and their sensitivity to FasL. Mice injected with LM7 stably transfected with anti-miR-20a had fewer metastases than those with control plasmids. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-20a, encoded by miR-17–92, downregulates Fas expression in osteosarcoma, thus contributing to the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells by altering the phenotype and allowing survival in the FasL+ lung microenvironment. Cancer Res; 72(4); 908–16. ©2011 AACR.
Immune Inhibitory Molecules LAG-3 and PD-1 Synergistically Regulate T-cell Function to Promote Tumoral Immune Escape
Authors: Woo Seng-Ryong , Turnis Meghan E. , Goldberg Monica V. , Bankoti Jaishree , Selby Mark , Nirschl Christopher J. , Bettini Matthew L. , Gravano David M. , Vogel Peter , Liu Chih Long , Tangsombatvisit Stephanie , Grosso Joseph F. , Netto George , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Chaux Alcides , Utz Paul J. , Workman Creg J. , Pardoll Drew M. , Korman Alan J. , Drake Charles G. , Vignali Dario A.A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Inhibitory receptors on immune cells are pivotal regulators of immune escape in cancer. Among these inhibitory receptors, CTLA-4 (targeted clinically by ipilimumab) serves as a dominant off-switch while other receptors such as PD-1 and LAG-3 seem to serve more subtle rheostat functions. However, the extent of synergy and cooperative interactions between inhibitory pathways in cancer remain largely unexplored. Here, we reveal extensive coexpression of PD-1 and LAG-3 on tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in three distinct transplantable tumors. Dual anti–LAG-3/anti–PD-1 antibody treatment cured most mice of established tumors that were largely resistant to single antibody treatment. Despite minimal immunopathologic sequelae in PD-1 and LAG-3 single knockout mice, dual knockout mice abrogated self-tolerance with resultant autoimmune infiltrates in multiple organs, leading to eventual lethality. However, Lag3−/−Pdcd1−/− mice showed markedly increased survival from and clearance of multiple transplantable tumors. Together, these results define a strong synergy between the PD-1 and LAG-3 inhibitory pathways in tolerance to both self and tumor antigens. In addition, they argue strongly that dual blockade of these molecules represents a promising combinatorial strategy for cancer. Cancer Res; 72(4); 917–27. ©2011 AACR.
Inter-patient variability and impact of proton pump inhibitors on platelet reactivity after prasugrel
Authors: Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Atar Dan , Serebruany Victor , Aradi Dániel 
Published: December 2011

SummaryAlthough there is considerable variability of platelet reactivity among patients treated with clopidogrel, little is known about inter-individual differences and possible role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) after prasugrel. We defined the extent of inter-patient variability, and evaluated the impact of PPI interaction in prasugrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Between January 2010 and May 2011, 104 prospective, high-risk patients with ACS were recruited into this multicentre, prospective, observational study. Twelve to 24 hours after receiving 60 mg loading dose of prasugrel, light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and whole blood impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) were used to assess platelet activity. Platelet function measurements were repeated during maintenance phase on reduced (5 mg) or on conventional (10 mg) doses of prasugrel. High platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined according to the consensus document of the Working Group on High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity (LTA:>46%; Multiplate:>47U). Compared to maintenance doses, 60 mg loading dose of prasugrel provided significantly greater platelet reactivity inhibition (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the conventional and reduced maintenance doses. Notably, a remarkable inter-patient variability was present in platelet reactivity after all doses of prasugrel, and the prevalence of HPR was significantly higher during the maintenance doses (p<0.05). Although median platelet reactivity values were consistently higher when prasugrel was used in combination with PPIs, these differences were not significant (p≥0.17). Despite potent platelet inhibition, inter-patient variability is present after all tested doses of prasugrel. The 60 mg loading dose is superior to conventional and reduced maintenance doses in terms of platelet reactivity inhibition and regarding the prevention of HPR.
Dependence of Snow Gauge Collection Efficiency on Snowflake Characteristics
Authors: Thériault Julie M. , Rasmussen Roy , Ikeda Kyoko , Landolt Scott 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAccurate snowfall measurements are critical for a wide variety of research fields, including snowpack monitoring, climate variability, and hydrological applications. It has been recognized that systematic errors in snowfall measurements are often observed as a result of the gauge geometry and the weather conditions. The goal of this study is to understand better the scatter in the snowfall precipitation rate measured by a gauge. To address this issue, field observations and numerical simulations were carried out. First, a theoretical study using finite-element modeling was used to simulate the flow around the gauge. The snowflake trajectories were investigated using a Lagrangian model, and the derived flow field was used to compute a theoretical collection efficiency for different types of snowflakes. Second, field observations were undertaken to determine how different types, shapes, and sizes of snowflakes are collected inside a Geonor, Inc., precipitation gauge. The results show that the collection efficiency is influenced by the type of snowflakes as well as by their size distribution. Different types of snowflakes, which fall at different terminal velocities, interact differently with the airflow around the gauge. Fast-falling snowflakes are more efficiently collected by the gauge than slow-falling ones. The correction factor used to correct the data for the wind speed is improved by adding a parameter for each type of snowflake. The results show that accurate measure of snow depends on the wind speed as well as the type of snowflake observed during a snowstorm.
Influence of Wind Forcing on Modulation and Breaking of One-Dimensional Deep-Water Wave Groups
Authors: Galchenko Alina , Babanin Alexander V. , Chalikov Dmitry , Young I. R. , Haus Brian K. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Evolution of nonlinear wave groups to breaking under wind forcing was studied by means of a fully nonlinear numerical model and in a laboratory experiment. Dependence of distance to breaking and modulation depth (height ratio of the highest and the lowest waves in a group) on wind forcing was described. It was shown that in the presence of a certain wind forcing both distance to breaking and modulation depth decrease; the latter signifies slowing down of the instability growth. It was also shown that wind forcing significantly reduces the energy loss in a single breaking event.
Depression and the medicalization of sadness: Conceptualization and recommended help-seeking
Authors: Durà-Vilà Glòria , Littlewood Roland , Leavey Gerard 
Published: December 2011

Background: Critiques of the validity of the DSM diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder argue that it fails to differentiate between abnormal sadness due to internal dysfunction or depression (sadness without an identifiable cause), and normal sadness (sadness with a clear cause). Aims and Methods: A population survey was undertaken in adult education centres in Spain aiming to explore beliefs about depression and normal sadness. Two hypothetical case vignettes portrayed individuals experiencing deep sadness, both fulfilling criteria for major depressive disorder (DSM-IV), one with a clear cause, the other without an identifiable cause. Three hundred and forty-four (344) questionnaires were obtained (95% response rate). Results: Participants statistically significantly differentiated between the sadness- with-cause vignette, seen more frequently as a normal response, while the one without a cause was seen as pathological. Help-seeking behaviour recommendations followed this distinction: a medical option was statistically significantly more common when there was no cause for sadness. Socio-cultural variation in how people understand and deal with sadness was also found. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of taking into account the context in which depressive symptoms occur as it seems that the absence of an appropriate context is what makes people conceptualize them as abnormal. It also raises questions about the lack of face validity of the current diagnostic classification for depressive disorder that exclusively uses descriptive criteria.
Dictatorship in a single export crop economy
Authors: Capéau Bart , Verwimp Philip 
Published: December 2011

We provide an analysis of a power-maximising model for dictatorial behaviour. In the model, the dictator’s revenues depend on the exports of a single crop. Using export earnings the dictator buys loyalty from the producers of the export crop by setting the domestic producer price. Revenues resulting from the difference between the international and the domestic price of the crop are used to finance a repressive apparatus. We present a complete comparative statics analysis of the choice between repression and loyalty to obtain power, in response to changes in the international price of the single crop in the economy. The results allow for a novel classification of power-maximising behaviour into benevolent, tyrannical and totalitarian dictatorships. We argue that the model and the associated dictatorship typology can be embedded into Wintrobe’s more general specification of a dictator’s objective function, which combines aspirations for power with rent-seeking motives. We compare our analysis with empirical observations of the Habyarimana regime in Rwanda (1973–1994). JEL Classification Numbers: D72, H30, H56.
Targeting CXCR4 with cell-penetrating pepducins in lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: O'Callaghan Katie , Lee Lydia , Nguyen Nga , Hsieh Mo-Ying , Kaneider Nicole C. , Klein Andreas K. , Sprague Kellie , Van Etten Richard A. , Kuliopulos Athan , Covic Lidija 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe chemokine receptor CXCR4, which normally regulates stromal stem cell interactions in the bone marrow, is highly expressed on a variety of malignant hematologic cells, including lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemias. A new treatment concept has arisen wherein CXCR4 may be an effective therapeutic target as an adjunct to treatment of hematologic neoplasms with chemo- and immunotherapy. In the present study, we developed pepducins, cell-penetrating lipopeptide antagonists of CXCR4, to interdict CXCL12-CXCR4 transmembrane signaling to intracellular G-proteins. We demonstrate that pepducins targeting the first (i1) or third (i3) intracellular loops of CXCR4 completely abrogate CXCL12-mediated cell migration of lymphocytic leukemias and lymphomas. Stromal-cell coculture protects lymphoma cells from apoptosis in response to treatment with the CD20-targeted Ab rituximab. However, combination treatment with CXCR4 pepducins and rituximab significantly increases the apoptotic effect of rituximab. Furthermore, treatment of mice bearing disseminated lymphoma xenografts with pepducins alone or in combination with rituximab significantly increased their survival. These data demonstrate that CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling can be effectively inhibited by cell-penetrating pepducins, which represents a potential new treatment strategy for lymphoid malignancies.
Auditing Nicaragua’s anti-corruption struggle, 1998 to 2009
Authors: Arosteguí Jorge , Hernandez Carlos , Suazo Harold , Cárcamo Alvaro , Reyes Rosa Maria , Andersson Neil , Ledogar Robert J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Four social audits in 1998, 2003, 2006 and 2009 identified actions that Nicaragua could take to reduce corruption and public perception in primary health care and other key services.

Methods
In a 71-cluster sample, weighted according to the 1995 census and stratified by geographic region and settlement type, we audited the same five public services: health centres and health posts, public primary schools, municipal government, transit police and the courts. Some 6,000 households answered questions about perception and personal experience of unofficial and involuntary payments, payments without obtaining receipts or to the wrong person, and payments "to facilitate" services in municipal offices or courts. Additional questions covered complaints about corruption and confidence in the country's anti-corruption struggle. Logistic regression analyses helped clarify local variations and explanatory variables. Feedback to participants and the services at both national and local levels followed each social audit.

Results
Users' experience of corruption in health services, education and municipal government decreased. The wider population's perception of corruption in these sectors decreased also, but not as quickly. Progress among traffic police faltered between 2006 and 2009 and public perception of police corruption ticked upwards in parallel with drivers' experience. Users' experience of corruption in the courts worsened over the study period -- with the possible exception of Managua between 2006 and 2009 -- but public perception of judicial corruption, after peaking in 2003, declined from then on. Confidence in the anti-corruption struggle grew from 50% to 60% between 2003 and 2009. Never more than 8% of respondents registered complaints about corruption.
Factors associated with public perception of corruption were: personal experience of corruption, quality of the service itself, and the perception that municipal government takes community opinion into account and keeps people informed about how it uses public funds.

Conclusions
Lowering citizens' perception of corruption in public services depends on reducing their experience of it, on improving service quality and access and -- perhaps most importantly -- on making citizens feel they are well-informed participants in the work of government.