bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and behavioral reactions elicited by simulated and real-life visual and acoustic helicopter stimuli in dairy goats
Authors: van der Staay Franz Josef , Joosse Martin , van Dijk Henk , Schuurman Teun , van der Meulen Jan
Published: April 2011

Background

Anecdotal reports and a few scientific publications suggest that flyovers of helicopters at low altitude may elicit fear- or anxiety-related behavioral reactions in grazing feral and farm animals. We investigated the behavioral and physiological stress reactions of five individually housed dairy goats to different acoustic and visual stimuli from helicopters and to combinations of these stimuli under controlled environmental (indoor) conditions. The visual stimuli were helicopter animations projected on a large screen in front of the enclosures of the goats. Acoustic and visual stimuli of a tractor were also presented. On the final day of the study the goats were exposed to two flyovers (altitude 50 m and 75 m) of a Chinook helicopter while grazing in a pasture. Salivary cortisol, behavior, and heart rate of the goats were registered before, during and after stimulus presentations.

Results

The goats reacted alert to the visual and/or acoustic stimuli that were presented in their room. They raised their heads and turned their ears forward in the direction of the stimuli. There was no statistically reliable rise of the average velocity of moving of the goats in their enclosure and no increase of the duration of moving during presentation of the stimuli. Also there was no increase in heart rate or salivary cortisol concentration during the indoor test sessions. Surprisingly, no physiological and behavioral stress responses were observed during the flyover of a Chinook at 50 m, which produced a peak noise of 110 dB.

Conclusions

We conclude that the behavior and physiology of goats are unaffected by brief episodes of intense, adverse visual and acoustic stimulation such as the sight and noise of overflying helicopters. The absence of a physiological stress response and of elevated emotional reactivity of goats subjected to helicopter stimuli is discussed in relation to the design and testing schedule of this study.
Down-regulation of UHRF1, associated with re-expression of tumor suppressor genes, is a common feature of natural compounds exhibiting anti-cancer properties
Authors: Alhosin Mahmoud , Sharif Tanveer , Mousli Marc , Etienne-Selloum Nelly , Fuhrmann Guy , Schini-Kerth Valérie B , Bronner Christian
Published: April 2011

Over-expressed in numerous cancers, Ubiquitin-like containing PHD Ring Finger 1 (UHRF1, also known as ICBP90 or Np95)is characterized by a SRA domain (Set and Ring Associated) which is found only in the UHRF family. UHRF1 constitutes a complex with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) via its SRA domain and represses the expression of several tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) includingp16INK4A,hMLH1, BRCA1andRB1. Conversely, UHRF1 is regulated by other TSGs such asp53andp73. UHRF1 is hypothetically involved in a macro-molecular protein complex called "ECREM" for "Epigenetic Code Replication Machinery". This complex would be able to duplicate the epigenetic code by acting at the DNA replication fork and by activating the right enzymatic activity at the right moment. There are increasing evidence that UHRF1 is the conductor of this replication process by ensuring the crosstalk between DNA methylation and histone modifications via the SRA and Tandem Tudor Domains, respectively. This cross-talk allows cancer cells to maintain the repression of TSGs during cell proliferation. Several studies showed that down-regulation of UHRF1 expression in cancer cells by natural pharmacological active compounds, favors enhanced expression or re-expression of TSGs, suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis. This suggests that hindering UHRF1 to exert its role in the duplication of the methylation patterns (DNA + histones) is responsible for inducing apoptosis. In this review, we present UHRF1 expression as a target of several natural products and we discuss their underlying molecular mechanisms and benefits for chemoprevention and chemotherapy.
Acute interstitial nephritis with acetaminophen and alcohol intoxication
Authors: Fruchter Lauren L , Alexopoulou Iakovina , Lau Keith K
Published: April 2011

Drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) represents a growing cause of renal failure in current medical practice. While antimicrobials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically associated with drug-induced AIN, few reports have been made on the involvement of other analgesics. We report our experience in managing a 17-year-old female with AIN and subsequent renal injury following an acetaminophen overdose in conjunction with acute alcohol intoxication. It is well established that acetaminophen metabolism, particularly at high doses, produces reactive metabolites that may induce renal and hepatic toxicity. It is also plausible however, that such reactive species could instead alter renal peptide immunogenicity, thereby inducing AIN. In the following report, we review a possible mechanism for the acetaminophen-induced AIN observed in our patient and also discuss the potential involvement of acute alcohol ingestion in disease onset. The objective of our report is to increase awareness of healthcare professionals to the potential involvement of these commonly used agents in AIN pathogenesis.
Relative percentage and zonal distribution of mesenchymal progenitor cells in human osteoarthritic and normal cartilage
Authors: Pretzel David , Linss Stefanie , Rochler Steffen , Endres Michaela , Kaps Christian , Alsalameh Saifeddin , Kinne Raimund W
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are highly attractive for use in cartilage regeneration. To date, MSC are usually recruited from subchondral bone marrow using microfracture. Recent data suggest that isolated cells from adult human articular cartilage, which express the combination of the cell-surface markers CD105 and CD166, are multi-potent mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC) with characteristics similar to MSC. MPC within the cartilage matrix, the target of tissue regeneration, may provide the basis for in situ regeneration of focal cartilage defects. However, there is only limited information concerning the presence/abundance of CD105+/CD166+ MPC in human articular cartilage. The present study therefore assessed the relative percentage and particularly the zonal distribution of cartilage MPC using the markers CD105/CD166.

Methods

Specimens of human osteoarthritic (OA; n = 11) and normal (n = 3) cartilage were used for either cell isolation or immunohistochemistry. Due to low numbers, isolated cells were expanded for 2 weeks and then analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS) or immunofluorescence in chamber slides for the expression of CD105 and CD166. Following immunomagnetic separation of CD166+/- OA cells, multi-lineage differentiation assays were performed. Also, the zonal distribution of CD166+ cells within the matrix of OA and normal cartilage was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

FACS analysis showed that 16.7 ± 2.1% (mean ± SEM) of OA and 15.3 ± 2.3 of normal chondrocytes (n.s.) were CD105+/CD166+ and thus carried the established MPC marker combination. Similarly, 13.2% ± 0.9% and 11.7 ± 2.1 of CD105+/CD166+cells, respectively, were identified by immunofluorescence in adherent OA and normal chondrocytes. The CD166+ enriched OA cells showed a stronger induction of the chondrogenic phenotype in differentiation assays than the CD166+ depleted cell population, underlining the chondrogenic potential of the MPC. Strikingly, CD166+ cells in OA and normal articular cartilage sections (22.1 ± 1.7% and 23.6% ± 1.4%, respectively; n.s.) were almost exclusively located in the superficial and middle zone.

Conclusions

The present results underline the suitability of CD166 as a biomarker to identify and, in particular, localize and/or enrich resident MPC with a high chondrogenic potential in human articular cartilage. The percentage of MPC in both OA and normal cartilage is substantially higher than previously reported, suggesting a yet unexplored reserve capacity for regeneration.
Developmental regulation of P-glycoprotein activity within thymocytes results in increased anti-HIV protease inhibitor activity
Authors: Haraguchi Soichi , Ho Sarah K , Morrow Matthew , Goodenow Maureen M , Sleasman John W
Published: April 2011

The thymus harbors HIV-1 and supports its replication. Treatment with PI-containing ART restores thymic output of naïve T cells. This study demonstrates that CXCR4-using WT viruses are more sensitive to PI in fetal thymcocytes than mature T cells with average IC50 values for two PIs, RTV and IDV, of 1.5 nM (RTV) and 4.4 nM (IDV) in thymocytes versus 309.4 nM (RTV) and 27.3 nM (IDV) in mature T cells. P-gp activity, as measured using Rh123 efflux and quantitation of P-gp mRNA, increased with thymocyte maturation into CD4 and CD8 lineage T cells. P-gp activity is developmentally regulated in the thymus. Thymocytes developed increased levels of P-gp activity as maturation from DP to SP CD4 or CD8 T cells occurred, although CD4 T cells acquired activity more rapidly. Reduced P-gp activity in thymocytes is one mechanism for effectiveness of PI therapy in suppressing viral replication in the thymus and in reconstitution of naïve T cells, particularly among children receiving PI-containing ART.
Phagosome dynamics during phagocytosis by neutrophils
Authors: Nordenfelt Pontus , Tapper Hans
Published: April 2011

The neutrophil is a key player in immunity, and its activities are essential for the resolution of infections. Neutrophil-pathogen interactions usually trigger a large arsenal of antimicrobial measures that leads to the highly efficient killing of pathogens. In neutrophils, the phagocytic process, including the formation and maturation of the phagosome, is in many respects very different from that in other phagocytes. Although the complex mechanisms that coordinate the membrane traffic, oxidative burst, and release of granule contents required for the microbicidal activities of neutrophils are not completely understood, it is evident that they are unique and differ from those in macrophages. Neutrophils exhibit more rapid rates of phagocytosis and higher intensity of oxidative respiratory response than do macrophages. The phagosome maturation pathway in macrophages, which is linked to the endocytic pathway, is replaced in neutrophils by the rapid delivery of preformed granules to nonacidic phagosomes. This review describes the plasticity and dynamics of the phagocytic process with a special focus on neutrophil phagosome maturation.
Evolution of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein (IGFBP) Family
Authors: Daza Daniel Ocampo , Sundström Görel , Bergqvist Christina A. , Duan Cunming , Larhammar Dan
Published: April 2011

The evolution of the IGF binding protein (IGFBP) gene family has been difficult to resolve. Both chromosomal and serial duplications have been suggested as mechanisms for the expansion of this gene family. We have identified and annotated IGFBP sequences from a wide selection of vertebrate species as well as Branchiostoma floridae and Ciona intestinalis. By combining detailed sequence analysis with sequence-based phylogenies and chromosome information, we arrive at the following scenario: the ancestral chordate IGFBP gene underwent a local gene duplication, resulting in a gene pair adjacent to a HOX cluster. Subsequently, the gene family expanded in the two basal vertebrate tetraploidization (2R) resulting in the six IGFBP types that are presently found in placental mammals. The teleost fish ancestor underwent a third tetraploidization (3R) that further expanded the IGFBP repertoire. The five sequenced teleost fish genomes retain 9–11 of IGFBP genes. This scenario is supported by the phylogenies of three adjacent gene families in the HOX gene regions, namely the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and the Ikaros and distal-less (DLX) transcription factors. Our sequence comparisons show that several important structural components in the IGFBPs are ancestral vertebrate features that have been maintained in all orthologs, for instance the integrin interaction motif Arg-Gly-Asp in IGFBP-2. In contrast, the Arg-Gly-Asp motif in IGFBP-1 has arisen independently in mammals. The large degree of retention of IGFBP genes after the ancient expansion of the gene family strongly suggests that each gene evolved distinct and important functions early in vertebrate evolution.
K-Ras and β-catenin mutations cooperate with Fgfr3 mutations in mice to promote tumorigenesis in the skin and lung, but not in the bladder
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Singh Lukram Babloo , Foth Mona , Morris Carol-Ann , Taketo Makoto Mark , Wu Xue-Ru , Leung Hing Y. , Sansom Owen J. , Iwata Tomoko
Published: April 2011

The human fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene is frequently mutated in superficial urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). To test the functional significance of FGFR3 activating mutations as a ‘driver’ of UCC, we targeted the expression of mutated Fgfr3 to the murine urothelium using Cre-loxP recombination driven by the uroplakin II promoter. The introduction of the Fgfr3 mutations resulted in no obvious effect on tumorigenesis up to 18 months of age. Furthermore, even when the Fgfr3 mutations were introduced together with K-Ras or β-catenin (Ctnnb1) activating mutations, no urothelial dysplasia or UCC was observed. Interestingly, however, owing to a sporadic ectopic Cre recombinase expression in the skin and lung of these mice, Fgfr3 mutation caused papilloma and promoted lung tumorigenesis in cooperation with K-Ras and β-catenin activation, respectively. These results indicate that activation of FGFR3 can cooperate with other mutations to drive tumorigenesis in a context-dependent manner, and support the hypothesis that activation of FGFR3 signaling contributes to human cancer.
Synthesis of Red-emitting (Gd, Ca, Eu)2W2O9 Phosphors
Authors: Kim Sun Woog , Masui Toshiyuki , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: April 2011

Red-emitting (Gd1−x−yCaxEuy)2W2O9−x phosphors (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05, 0.05 ≤ y ≤ 1.00) were synthesized in a single phase form by conventional solid-state reaction. These phosphors exhibited excellent luminescent efficiency at excitation wavelengths of 394 and 464 nm, and the emission intensities were successfully enhanced by Ca2+ doping into the Gd2W2O9 lattice. The highest red emission intensity was obtained for (Gd0.58Ca0.02Eu0.40)2W2O8.98, and the emission intensities of this phosphor under excitations at 394 and 464 nm were 15.2 and 29.1 times higher, respectively, than those of a commercial (Y0.98Eu0.02)2O2S phosphor.
Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Based on Novel Diphenylpyran Derivatives
Authors: Bolag Altan , Nishida Jun-ichi , Hara Kohjiro , Yamashita Yoshiro
Published: April 2011

We have prepared a series of novel diphenylpyran derivatives as photosensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) for the first time. Nonsubstituted dye 3a shows an energy conversion efficiency of 2.3% and iodine-substituted dye 3d shows a higher efficiency of 2.9% due to the tuned energy levels and steric effect.
A Highly Efficient Cu/Al(OH)3 Catalyst for the Hydration of Acrylonitrile to Acrylamide
Authors: Ichikawa Shinichiro , Miyazoe Satoru , Matsuoka Osamu
Published: April 2011

A highly efficient, easily filterable Cu/Al(OH)3 catalyst for the hydration of acrylonitrile to acrylamide has been synthesized by reducing a particle-size-controlled malachite phase-free Cu/Al hydrotalcite. The stability of the Cu/Al(OH)3 catalyst under aqueous reaction conditions was further improved by treatment with H3PO4.
Ipilimumab: A Novel Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Culver Morgan E , Gatesman Mandy L , Mancl Erin E , Lowe Denise K
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To review the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, drug interactions, dosing, and economic considerations of ipilimumab.

Data Sources:

A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-November 2010) was performed using the terms ipilimumab, metastatic melanoma, MDX-010, and MDX-101. Additional data were obtained from meeting abstracts, bibliographies, and media releases.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

English-language articles identified from the data sources were reviewed. Selected studies evaluated the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of ipilimumab for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

Data Synthesis:

The incidence of melanoma in the US is increasing faster than any other type of cancer in men and more than any other type of cancer, except lung cancer, in women. For patients with metastatic melanoma, systemic therapies are limited by low response rates, snort durations of response, and a 5-year survival rate <10%. Ipilimumab, a novel CTLA-4 inhibitor, is under investigation for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Results of a randomized, controlled Phase 3 trial showed a first-ever overall survival benefit for patients with previously treated metastatic melanoma who received ipilimumab compared with the controls. The majority of adverse events reported with ipilimumab administration are considered to be low-grade immune-related events involving the skin and intestine and can be managed medically. Nonetheless. 10-17% of patients have immune-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher severity, with 2-3% of these events resulting in death.

Conclusions:

Ipilimumab is a novel CTLA-4 inhibitor that has been evaluated for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. On March 25, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved ipilimumab, making it the first agent indicated for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in more than a decade.
Rapid Development of Infusion-Related Severe Hypotension During Rituximab Therapy
Authors: Vo Kevin H , Waddell James Aubrey , Suda Katie J
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To report an incident of rapid development of profound hypotension, differing from the time described in previous reports, during the infusion of rituximab chemotherapy in a patient without prior exposure to the drug.

Case Summary:

An 84-year-old white male with Rai stage IV chronic lymphocytic leukemia was prescribed rituximab 375 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion. Rituximab 50 mg/h was initiated after premedication with acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, dexamethasone, and ondansetron 3 days into his hospital course. Five minutes after the infusion had begun, he experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure to 76/45 mm Hg, and the infusion was stopped. After 30 minutes, the blood pressure returned to normal. Rechallenge with rituximab 25 mg/h was attempted, but the blood pressure again declined and the patient experienced chills and rigors. The infusion was discontinued, and the symptoms resolved 1 hour later.

Discussion:

Infusion-related adverse reactions associated with rituximab are reported at a higher rate than with other monoclonal antibodies. Hypotension with rituximab has been reported to occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after initiation of the infusion. In contrast, severe hypotension in our patient occurred within 5 minutes after the infusion was started in a patient with no previous exposure to the drug. While many studies hypothesize that cytokine release from lymphocytes and tumor cell agglutination might contribute to severe infusion-related reactions with rituximab, the mechanism of action is not yet known. Use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated that the hypotension was probably associated with rituximab administration.

Conclusions:

Awareness of the rapidity of this adverse effect in patients who have not received prior treatment with monoclonal antibodies is important during chemotherapy treatment.
The Taxation Exemption of Canadian Indians as Governments and Individuals: How Does This Compare with Australia and New Zealand?
Authors: Martin Fiona , Morse Brad , Hocking Barbara
Published: April 2011

This paper contributes to the emerging scholarship on the issue of Indigenous peoples and taxation, an area that has been neglected to date, through comparing the experiences in three nations. It argues that the use of legislation to exempt First Nations peoples from taxation in Canada in certain situations, and alternative approaches in New Zealand, provide models against which this nascent area can develop in Australia. The paper explores the Canadian approaches regarding Indian reserves, both exempting activities from mainstream tax regimes and accommodating taxation by Indian governments in their own right as well as the different strategy invoked in New Zealand. The more nuanced approaches to taxation of Indigenous peoples in both countries contrast with the Australian situation, where the focus in Indigenous rights has been on land rights, recognition of which has been subject to judicial inertia and political whim over the past decade. The concept of a ‘charitable’ organization is discussed as an alternative method for minimizing the tax burden: this approach has the further requirement that it must be in the public interest or the interest of an appreciable sector of the community. While charities also have limitations, they may be relied upon as a means of reducing tax liability for community benefit purposes such as economic development, health and education.
Building to Improve Energy Efficiency in England and Wales
Authors: Dawes Ruth
Published: April 2011

Improving the energy efficiency of the building sector is regarded as a key mitigation response to climate change in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). The building sector represents the largest source of relatively quick and inexpensive CO2 emission reductions of any economic sector. Realising this potential also provides additional economic benefits, particularly in terms of increased energy security. This paper examines the implementation of the EU's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in England and Wales. It questions the potential effectiveness of the EPBD to deliver substantial emission reductions based upon shortcomings of the two main regulatory tools within the EPBD framework. The paper also draws from literature on the ‘behavioural barrier’ to energy efficiency that suggests that emission reductions will be unlikely in the absence of widespread change in the way in which energy is currently used by building occupants. The analysis is timely because transitioning this sector to low to zero carbon is regarded as integral to meeting emission reduction targets set for 2020 and 2050, and protecting against the risk of severe shortages in energy supply. The potential effectiveness of the EPBD is also significant because it is representative of the forefront of regulatory techniques to address a problem of the magnitude of climate change.
Implementing Sustainable Development for the Countryside: A Case Study of Agri-Environment Reform in Wales
Authors: Davies-Jones Angela
Published: April 2011

The paper examines the potential implications of the Welsh Assembly Government's decision to restructure the funding of agri-environment schemes in Wales with the proposed introduction, from 1 January 2012, of the new All Wales Glastir Sustainable Land Management Scheme. The research on which this paper is based was initiated in January 2010. It involved a selection of farmers from one Welsh county, Montgomeryshire, being engaged, aimed at establishing how the change to Glastir will impact upon their farming businesses and practices and, ultimately, the achievement of a sustainable agricultural industry. Montgomeryshire, which is set in the heart of Wales, is typified by the traditional family farm, being an important structure for achieving sustainable agriculture. The research concludes with a stark warning that Glastir may not be ‘fit for purpose’ and that the Welsh Assembly Government should reconsider its decision.
Public Nuisance: Beyond Highway 61 Revisited?
Authors: Pointing John
Published: April 2011

Recent decisions – including environmental disasters, such as the Buncefield refinery explosion – have suggested that the orthodox position on public nuisance is no longer sustainable. In this paper it is argued that conceptualising public nuisance as a property tort operating on a larger scale than private nuisance is mistaken. Public nuisance ought not to be seen as based on interferences with proprietorial rights, but as a separate tort from private nuisance. It is also questioned whether public nuisance should be seen as based on a precise and rational principle, as the House of Lords found in the case of Rimmington and Goldstein, or whether it can only be truly justified on the ground of pragmatism. The flexibility of public nuisance – both as a tort and as a crime – has been apparent over several centuries. The vague and 'slippery’ quality of public nuisance raises the possibility of unfairness if used in preference to more focused statutory offences. It is argued, nevertheless, that it remains a useful cause in a civil action involving threats to the life, health, comfort and safety of the public, as well as an offence for egregious environmental crimes.
Confrontation: The Defiance of the English Courts
Authors: O'Brian William E.
Published: April 2011

This article discusses recent decisions that have made explicit a conflict that has long been brewing between the English courts and the European Court of Human Rights regarding Article 6(3)(d) of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects a defendant's right to examine or have examined the witnesses against him. It argues that the European Court has correctly interpreted the Convention and that the Supreme Court's case-by-case approach to the right of confrontation would give insufficient protection to the defendant.
The Technical Aspects of Technicality: A Slightly Whimsical Inquiry into What Makes a Rule of Evidence or Procedure ‘Technical’
Authors: Murphy Peter
Published: April 2011

This article explores the meaning of the word ‘technical’ in the context of rules of evidence and related procedural rules. It concludes that the meaning of the term has been obscured by the tendency of advocates to use it as an umbrella term for a variety of complaints about the application of rules, and as a forensic device for avoiding specificity about those complaints. It concludes that a charge of technicality is generally attributable to the perception that a rule does not advance the merits of the case; or serves no useful purpose; and is in any case insufficiently flexible to be adapted satisfactorily to the needs of particular cases.
The Pop Decade: An Analysis of the Problem-Oriented Policing Approach
Authors: Rogers Colin
Published: April 2011

The Problem-Oriented Policing (or Partnership) approach is one that is used to underpin the current neighbourhood policing team approach in England and Wales. It relies upon a scientific approach which identifies problems and provides ethical and appropriate responses using the concepts of the Problem Analysis Triangle (PAT) and the SARA model. However, this approach has been in vogue since the mid and late 1990s and this article compares data from a current police service with that published in 1998. Comparison is made between this information to provide an indication of just how far the police have progressed in their use, application and understanding of the Problem-Oriented Partnership approach.
Coding and Analysing Police Crime Court Cases
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: April 2011

Police crime is defined as crime committed by police employees on duty. Based on an empirical study of 57 court cases in Norway, relationships between coded variables from court cases are explored in this article. A number of significant relationships are identified based on correlation analysis, for example whether crime committed by a police officer is physical or non-physical and is influenced by the motive. This article presents exploratory research in which court documents have been transformed into quantitative information for statistical analysis.
International Year of Chemistry 2011: A Guide to the History of Clinical Chemistry
Authors: Kricka Larry J , Savory John
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND

This review was written as part of the celebration of the International Year of Chemistry 2011.

CONTENT

In this review we provide a chronicle of the history of clinical chemistry, with a focus on North America. We outline major methodological advances and trace the development of professional societies and journals dedicated to clinical chemistry. This review also serves as a guide to reference materials for those interested in the history of clinical chemistry. The various resources available, in sound recordings, videos, moving images, image and document archives, museums, and websites dedicated to diagnostic company timelines, are surveyed.

These resources provide a map of how the medical subspecialty of clinical chemistry arrived at its present state. This information will undoubtedly help visionaries to determine in which direction clinical chemistry will move in the future.
Protein trans-splicing as a protein ligation tool to study protein structure and function
Authors: Aranko A. Sesilja , Volkmann Gerrit
Published: April 2011

Protein trans-splicing (PTS) exerted by split inteins is a protein ligation reaction which enables overcoming the barriers of conventional heterologous protein production. We provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art in split intein engineering, as well as the achievements of PTS technology in the realm of protein structure-function analyses, including incorporation of natural and artificial protein modifications, controllable protein reconstitution, segmental isotope labeling and protein cyclization. We further discuss factors crucial for the successful implementation of PTS in these protein engineering approaches, and speculate on necessary future endeavours to make PTS a universally applicable protein ligation tool.
Interchangeability of blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite results measured with point-of-care, blood gas and core laboratory analyzers
Authors: Leino Aila , Kurvinen Kaisa
Published: April 2011

Background: The random use of point-of-care, blood gas and core laboratory analyzers to measure electrolytes and metabolites increases the variability in test results. This study was designed to determine whether these results performed on whole blood (point-of-care and blood gas) and plasma (core laboratory) platforms are interchangeable without a risk of clinically relevant discrepancies.

Methods: The interchangeability of the blood gas analysis, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and hemoglobin results performed with three stat platforms (i-STAT, Radiometer ABL 825, RapidLab 865) and two core laboratory platforms (Roche Modular P800 and Sysmex XE-2100) were evaluated using samples from critically ill patients.

Results: For pH, pCO2, pO2 and Ca2+, good correlation (r-values 0.96–1.00) was observed for all comparative analyzers and the biases were within clinically acceptable limits. Potassium, sodium, glucose, lactate and hemoglobin measured with stat analyzers was highly correlated with measurements performed using the laboratory analyzers, r-values 0.89–1.00 and slopes 0.83–1.07. Mean differences with significant bias (p<0.0001) were found for sodium with blood gas analyzers and hemoglobin with i-STAT.

Conclusions: The blood gas, K+, Na+, Ca2+, glucose and lactate results measured with stat and core laboratory analyzers can be used in different clinical settings for critical care management. However, when monitoring small changes in sodium concentrations, the use of single analyzer is encouraged to avoid analytical differences (acceptance limit ±2%) and misinterpretation of results measured with multiple analyzers. The users of the i-STAT at low hemoglobin values overdiagnose anaemia. Thus, prior to transfusion, the use of hemoglobin concentrations measured with laboratory analyzers is preferable.
CSF interleukin 6 – a useful biomarker of meningitis in adults?/Liquor Interleukin 6 – ein sinnvoller Biomarker für die Meningitis beim Erwachsenen
Authors: Kestner Marianne , Rosler Alexander Eduard , Baumgärtner Markus , Lindner Alfred , Orth Matthias
Published: April 2011

Background: Bacterial meningitis in adults is a rapid progressive and life threatening condition. Monitoring of cytokines such as interleukin (IL) 6 by automated chemiluminescence poses an attractive alternative to monitoring of conventional biomarkers.

Methods: In a prospective setting, we studied 523 consecutive neurological patients within a 6 month period. 419 complete datasets could be included the analysis.

Results: In control patients (with neurological disease excluded), the 95. percentile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 was 7.0 pg/mL and the ratio of CSF IL-6 /serum IL-6 was <2.67. In our population, acute inflammation of the central nervous system was observed in 5.7% of the patients only. In all patients with bacterial meningitis, very high concentrations of CSF IL-6 were observed. In viral meningitis, the concentration of CSF IL-6 was heterogeneous. In acute meningitis, the performance of CSF IL-6 was similar to the performance of CSF lactate. Very high CSF IL-6 concentrations in otherwise normal CSF were observed in few patients with seizures.

Conclusions: In adults, CSF IL-6 cannot differentiate between bacterial and viral meningitis. Low concentrations of CSF IL6 do not exclude viral meningitis but might be a helpful biomarker to exclude acute bacterial inflammation of the central nervous system. However, given the very low incidence of bacterial meningitis in our adult neurological population, our study does not indicate a better targeted use of antibiotic therapy when IL-6 is added to the routine CSF analysis panel.
I'm “better” than you: Social comparison language suggests quantitative differences
Authors: Bloomfield Amber N. , Choplin Jessica M.
Published: April 2011

Comparison-induced distortion theory (Choplin 2007; Choplin and Hummel 2002) describes how comparison words like “better” suggest quantitative differences between compared values. When a comparison word is used to contrast a personal attribute value with some standard (e.g. “Your score is better than average”), the comparison-suggested difference for the word may bias estimates or recall of personal attribute values. Three studies investigated how comparison-suggested differences determine the effect of social comparison on estimates or recall of personal attribute values. The first study demonstrated that estimates of attributes are biased towards (assimilation) or away from (contrast) a comparison standard depending on whether the difference between the compared attribute values exceeds or falls below the comparison-suggested difference. The second study showed that the comparison language selected by participants (through the difference suggested by the language) mediated the effect of standard similarity on attribute estimates following a social comparison. The third study demonstrated concurrent assimilation and contrast effects in recall of attribute values due to the size of the observed difference between the self and the standard for the attribute. Unlike in previous research on social comparison, assimilation and contrast patterns in these studies can be explained through a single process.
Communicating temporal information about autobiographical events
Authors: Burt Christopher D. B.
Published: April 2011

The communication of temporal information about autobiographical events was investigated by asking 39 pairs of adults to describe to each other a remote autobiographical event. Each member of the participant pairs was then asked to date the event which they had described and also to date the event which was described to them. The date when the event narrator stated their event happened was compared with the date when the listener stated the event happened. Four different temporal communication strategies were identified. It was rare for individuals to communicate temporal information by giving a calendar date. Rather, the narrator gave either a life theme or chronological age, as a cue to when the event happened. The listener appears to use these cues in combination with their autobiographical knowledge, and an estimate of the narrator's age to produce a temporal information communication outcome.
When time is not space: The social and linguistic construction of time intervals and temporal event relations in an Amazonian culture
Authors: Sinha Chris , Sinha Vera Da Silva , Zinken Jörg , Sampaio Wany
Published: April 2011

It is widely assumed that there is a natural, prelinguistic conceptual domain of time whose linguistic organization is universally structured via metaphoric mapping from the lexicon and grammar of space and motion. We challenge this assumption on the basis of our research on the Amondawa (Tupi Kawahib) language and culture of Amazonia. Using both observational data and structured field linguistic tasks, we show that linguistic space-time mapping at the constructional level is not a feature of the Amondawa language, and is not employed by Amondawa speakers (when speaking Amondawa). Amondawa does not recruit its extensive inventory of terms and constructions for spatial motion and location to express temporal relations. Amondawa also lacks a numerically based calendric system. To account for these data, and in opposition to a Universal Space-Time Mapping Hypothesis, we propose a Mediated Mapping Hypothesis, which accords causal importance to the numerical and artefact-based construction of time-based (as opposed to event-based) time interval systems.
Melt temperature learning control of injection molding process based on CMAC neural network
Authors: Peng Yonggang , Wei Wei
Published: April 2011

Accurately monitoring and controlling melt temperature in the injection molding process can be a challenge. A barrel temperature model was achieved with the use of a system modeling method. Because of time variance, uncertainty and non-linearity of injection molding barrel temperature, a learning control method based on the use of a cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) neural network was proposed. Simulations and experimental results have demonstrated that this method elicits high response speed and excellent control accuracy of barrel melt temperature.
Preparation and properties of PLA/long alkyl chain modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Shih Yeng-Fong , Wang Yen-Pin , Hsieh Chi-Fa
Published: April 2011

In this investigation, poly(lactic) acid (PLA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hybrids were prepared using a melt blending process. To increase the compatibility between CNTs and PLA, the surfaces of the CNTs were firstly pretreated in acid solution (HNO3) to functionalize them with carboxylic groups (-COOH). Then, stearyl alcohol was grafted onto carboxylic groups using a dehydrating agent, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Chemically modified CNTs (CNT-C18) were thus obtained. Therefore, modified carbon nanotubes (CNT-C18) dispersed excellently in organic solvents. PLA/CNTs nanocomposites were prepared by the melt-blending method. Experimental results reveal that the PLA/CNT-C18 nanocomposites that consisted of well-dispersed nanotubes exhibited enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. Adding 4 wt% CNT-C18 to a nanocomposite increased the storage modulus (E′) at 40°C by 17.8%, and the loss modulus (E″) at the glass transition temperature (T

g
) by 15.1%. Adding 3 wt% CNT-C18 also reduced the surface resistivity of the PLA nanocomposites from >1016 Ω/cm2to 104 Ω/cm2. Such PLA/CNT-C18 nanocomposites are highly efficient in anti-static agents and can be exploited in the outer coverings of electronic devices.
Physical properties of biaxially oriented PA6 film for simultaneous stretching and sequential processing
Authors: Takashige Masao , Kanai Toshitaka
Published: April 2011

There are two different stretching processes that produce the biaxially oriented film, namely the tenter process and double bubble tubular film process. Furthermore, there are two tenter processes, i.e., the sequential biaxial stretching process and simultaneous biaxial stretching process. There is no report describing the difference among film physical properties of the three different processes. The biaxially oriented polyamide film using the double bubble tubular process has good balanced physical property and high impact strength, thus it is used for proper applications utilizing their advantage properties. In this report, the influence of each biaxial stretching process on film physical properties of polyamide, which has hydrogen bond, was studied in detail. As a result, the tentering process film has anisotropic tensile properties between machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD). This result was influenced by a later stretching process, namely TD stretching. On the contrary, the double bubble tubular film has good balanced properties, especially thermal shrinkage and impact strength. Tentering simultaneous stretching film has much larger shrinkage in MD than in TD. The sequential stretching film has larger shrinkage in TD than in MD. The double bubble tubular film has high impact strength, because it corresponds to the balanced molecular orientation.
Insights into the slip flow phenomena encountered during in-mold coating (IMC) of plastic parts
Authors: Cortright Emily , Carbajal Luis , Castro Jose M. , Straus Elliott , Triantafillopoulos Nick
Published: April 2011

Researchers have been using DNA for flow visualization studies owing to its ability to be tagged by a fluorescent dye. We used DNA to study the apparent slip phenomena encountered in the in-mold coating (IMC) flow through thin channels. IMC can be basically considered a carbon black suspension. IMC of sheet molding (SMC) compound is a well-established and environmentally friendly processing technique used by many industries to improve surface quality of parts to meet automotive standards. It is recently being evaluated for use with thermoplastic injection molded parts to obtain similar surface quality improvements and eliminate the need for priming and/or painting. The flow geometry gaps encountered during the coating process, are mostly at the micro-scale. Previous work in our group has shown that the flow can be represented using continuous mechanics approaches with the incorporation of slip at the wall. In this paper, we used DNA, as a model suspension, to make further insights into the nature of the slip flow phenomena encountered during the coating process.
Numerical analysis of mixing performance of mixing section in pin-barrel single-screw extruder
Authors: Chen Jinnan , Dai Pan , Yao Hui , Chan Tung
Published: April 2011

Using the finite elements method, numerical simulations of the flow field of a rubber melt in the mixing sections of a conventional full-flight single-screw extruder and a pin-barrel single-screw extruder were carried out. Particle tracking analysis was used to statistically analyze the mixing state of the rubber melt in the mixing section with pin and that without pin. The mixing performance of both types of mixing section was quantitatively evaluated. The results show that the pins partially disorganize the particle trajectories, change the particle moving directions, and enhance the mixing performance. The particle residence time is longer in the mixing section with pins than in the mixing section with no pin, leading to better mixing in the former. The distributive mixing of particles in both types of mixing section was statistically analyzed. The pins increase the efficiency of stretching and the time-averaged efficiency of stretching, and hence the mixing efficiency. However, further increase in the number of pins does not necessarily enhance the mixing performance.
New process technology for high volume production of composites
Authors: Michaeli Walter , Wessels Jan , Pöhler Marco , Winkelmann Lionel
Published: April 2011

Despite their outstanding properties, the use of composites is still limited. The absence of an appropriate and economic high volume production technology is the most important restriction for the use of composites. This paper presents results of the research on new high volume production chains for continuous fibre reinforced composites which are based on the separation and parallelisation of the process steps “impregnation” and “forming and curing”. Two new impregnation processes for polyurethane and epoxy resin as well as a new compression moulding technology are introduced. The production of high performance parts with a fibre volume content higher than 50% in a cycle time below 10 min is described and analyses of the impregnation quality and the mechanical properties of the parts are presented.
Involvement of a Subpopulation of Neuronal M4Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Antipsychotic-like Effects of the M1/M4Preferring Muscarinic Receptor Agonist Xanomeline
Authors: Dencker Ditte , Wörtwein Gitta , Weikop Pia , Jeon Jongrye , Thomsen Morgane , Sager Thomas N. , Mørk Arne , Woldbye David P. D. , Wess Jürgen , Fink-Jensen Anders
Published: April 2011

Disturbances in central dopaminergic neurotransmission are believed to be centrally involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Central dopaminergic and cholinergic systems interact and the cholinergic muscarinic agonist xanomeline has shown antipsychotic effects in clinical studies. Preclinical studies indicate that the M4muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype (mAChR) modulates the activity of the dopaminergic system and that this specific mAChR subtype is involved in mediating the antipsychotic-like effects of xanomeline. A specific neuronal subpopulation that expresses M4mAChRs together with D1dopamine receptors seems to be especially important in modulating dopamine-dependent behaviors. Using mutant mice that lack the M4mAChR only in D1dopamine receptor-expressing cells (D1-M4-KO), we investigated the role of this neuronal population in the antipsychotic-like effects of xanomeline in amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and apomorphine-induced climbing. Interestingly, the antipsychotic-like effects of xanomeline in the two models were almost completely abolished in D1-M4-KO mice, suggesting that M4mAChRs colocalized with D1dopamine receptors are centrally involved in mediating the antipsychotic-like effects of xanomeline. This is consistent with the hypothesis that activation of the M4mAChR represents a potential target for the future medical treatment of psychosis.