bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma protein oxidation is correlated positively with plasma iron levels and negatively with hemolysate zinc levels in sickle‐cell anemia patients
Authors: OZTAS Y. , DURUKAN I. , UNAL S. , OZGUNES N.
Published: September 2011

Introduction:  Sickle‐cell anemia (SCA) is a disease of high oxidative stress. The oxidative medium of SCA was evaluated by protein oxidation parameters and their correlation with lipids and ions were investigated both in the plasma and in the erythrocyte.

Methods:  Blood samples were obtained from 15 steady‐state patients with SCA, 10 carriers, and 10 controls. Plasma protein carbonyl, total sulfhydryl, total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and bilirubin levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma copper, zinc, and iron levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and ions were also determined in the hemolysate lipid extract.

Results:  Patients had increased protein carbonyl and decreased total sulfhydryl levels compared with controls. Plasma cholesterol levels were lower than controls, and triglyceride levels were higher than carriers in patients with SCA. Plasma iron and hemolysate copper were higher in patients than carriers and controls. Plasma protein carbonyl levels were found to be correlated with plasma iron and hemolysate zinc levels in the patient group.

Conclusion:  Alterations of proteins, lipids, and ions in the plasma and erythrocyte of steady‐state patients with SCA were demonstrated. Some of these alterations are related with each other and with the oxidative stress observed in the disease.
Quantification of hemoglobin Constant Spring in heterozygote and homozygote by a capillary electrophoresis method
Authors: PORNPRASERT S. , PANYASAI S. , WANEESORN J. , KONGTHAI K. , SINGBOOTTRA P.
Published: September 2011

Introduction:  Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a high‐resolution method for detection of hemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS).

Methods:  The levels of Hb CS quantified by CE were compared among three groups of samples including heterozygote and homozygote of Hb CS as well as Hb H‐CS disease classified by DNA molecular diagnosis. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of red blood cells was also analyzed among these three groups.

Results:  Mean ± SD of Hb CS level of the homozygote was not significantly different from that of the Hb H‐CS disease (1.9 ± 1.8 vs. 2.8 ± 1.3, P = 0.13), but it was significantly higher than that of the heterozygote (1.9 ± 1.8 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2, P = 0.007). The MCV <70 fL was found in Hb H‐CS disease only.

Conclusion:  CE is the preferable method for screening of heterozygote and homozygote of Hb CS. Moreover, in conjunction with a lower MCV (<70 fL), this approach provided a high resolution to identify Hb H‐CS disease.
Determinants of Blood Pressure Response to Low‐Salt Intake in a Healthy Adult Population
Authors: Montasser May E. , Douglas Julie A. , Roy‐Gagnon Marie‐Hélène , Van Hout Cristopher V. , Weir Matthew R. , Vogel Robert , Parsa Afshin , Steinle Nanette I. , Snitker Soren , Brereton Nga H. , Chang Yen‐Pei C. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Mitchell Braxton D.
Published: September 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:795–800. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Although the beneficial effects of lowering salt intake in hypertensive patients are widely appreciated, the impact of promoting dietary salt restriction for blood pressure (BP) reduction at the population level remains controversial. The authors used 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring to characterize the determinants of systolic BP (SBP) response to low‐salt intake in a large, relatively healthy Amish population. Patients received a high‐ and low‐sodium diet for 6 days each, separated by a 6‐ to 14‐day washout period. Variance component analysis was used to assess the association of several variables with SBP response to low‐salt diet. Mean SBP was 0.7±5.8 mm Hg and 1.3±6.1 mm Hg lower on the low‐salt compared with the high‐salt diet during daytime (P=.008) and nighttime (P<.0001), respectively. SBP response to a low‐salt diet was significantly associated with increasing age and pre‐intervention SBP, in both daytime and nighttime, while the association with female sex and SBP response to cold pressor test (CPT) was significant only during nighttime. Our results suggest that salt reduction may have greater BP‐lowering effects on women, older individuals, individuals with higher SBP, and individuals with higher SBP response to CPT.
Growth phase‐associated changes in the proteome and transcriptome of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in industrial‐type whey medium
Authors: Laakso Kati , Koskenniemi Kerttu , Koponen Johanna , Kankainen Matti , Surakka Anu , Salusjärvi Tuomas , Auvinen Petri , Savijoki Kirsi , Nyman Tuula A. , Kalkkinen Nisse , Tynkkynen Soile , Varmanen Pekka
Published: September 2011

The growth phase during which probiotic bacteria are harvested and consumed can strongly influence their performance as health‐promoting agents. In this study, global transcriptomic and proteomic changes were studied in the widely used probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during growth in industrial‐type whey medium under strictly defined bioreactor conditions. The expression of 636 genes (P ≤ 0.01) and 116 proteins (P < 0.05) changed significantly over time. Of the significantly differentially produced proteins, 61 were associated with alterations at the transcript level. The most remarkable growth phase‐dependent changes occurred during the transition from the exponential to the stationary growth phase and were associated with the shift from glucose fermentation to galactose utilization and the transition from homolactic to mixed acid fermentation. Furthermore, several genes encoding proteins proposed to promote the survival and persistence of L. rhamnosus GG in the host and proteins that directly contribute to human health showed temporal changes in expression. Our results suggest that L. rhamnosus GG has a highly flexible and adaptable metabolism and that the growth stage during which bacterial cells are harvested and consumed should be taken into consideration to gain the maximal benefit from probiotic bacteria.
Identification of a melanocyte‐specific, microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor‐dependent regulatory element in the intronic duplication causing hair greying and melanoma in horses
Authors: Sundström Elisabeth , Komisarczuk Anna Z. , Jiang Lin , Golovko Anna , Navratilova Pavla , Rinkwitz Silke , Becker Thomas S. , Andersson Leif
Published: September 2011

Greying with age in horses is an autosomal dominant trait, characterized by hair greying, high incidence of melanoma and vitiligo‐like depigmentation. Previous studies have revealed that the causative mutation for this phenotype is a 4.6‐kb intronic duplication in STX17 (Syntaxin 17). By using reporter constructs in transgenic zebrafish, we show that a construct containing two copies of the duplicated sequence acts as a strong enhancer in neural crest cells and has subsequent melanophore‐specific activity during zebrafish embryonic development whereas a single copy of the duplicated sequence acts as a weak enhancer, consistent with the phenotypic manifestation of the mutation in horses. We further used luciferase assays to investigate regulatory regions in the duplication, to reveal tissue‐specific activities of these elements. One region upregulated the reporter gene expression in a melanocyte‐specific manner and contained two microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) binding sites, essential for the activity. Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor regulates melanocyte development, and these binding sites are outstanding candidates for mediating the melanocyte‐specific activity of the element. These results provide strong support for the causative nature of the duplication and constitute an explanation for the melanocyte‐specific effects of the Grey allele.
Ketamine‐Induced Uropathy: A New Clinical Entity Causing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: CHANG To , LIN Chih‐Chieh , LIN Alex Tong‐Long , FAN Yu‐Hua , CHEN Kuang‐Kuo
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Ketamine abuse can damage the urinary tract and cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This report presents our observations and management on urinary tract damage caused by ketamine abuse.

Methods: From November 2006 to February 2009, 20 patients visited Taipei Veterans General Hospital due to ketamine‐related lower urinary tract symptoms. We analyzed the clinical presentations, daily ketamine dose, interval between ketamine usage to develop LUTS, urodynamic studies, radiological image findings, cystoscopic and ureterorenoscopic findings, histological findings, urinary ketamine levels and treatment responses.

Results: Of these 20 patients, all had moderate to severe LUTS, including frequency, urgency, dysuria and hematuria. The mean daily consumption of ketamine was 3.2 ± 2.0 g. The mean interval from consumption to the development of LUTS was 12.7 months (range, 2–36 months). Eight patients underwent video urodynamic studies, with a mean cystometric capacity of 70.8 mL. Eight patients had hydronephrosis and six of them underwent ureterorenoscopy. All patients underwent cystoscopy with hydrodistention. Mean bladder capacity under anesthesia was 289.9 mL, and 14 (70%) patients showed significant symptomatic improvement after hydrodistention. Ten patients quit ketamine and nine (90%) experienced symptomatic relief. The response rates of symptomatic improvement to each treatment were 75% (12/16) for oral pentosan polysulfate sodium with prednisolone, 40% (2/5) intravesical instillation of xylocaine and heparin, and 0% (0/2) for intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid.

Conclusions: Ketamine abuse causes damage to the upper and lower urinary tracts. While ketamine abuse is an illicit drug problem, it is also associated with serious urological damage.
Natural Environments and their Impact on Activity, Health, and Quality of Life
Authors: Ward Thompson Catharine , Aspinall Peter A.
Published: September 2011

This paper draws evidence from studies designed to explore the relationship between access to natural open spaces and physical activity, health, and quality of life. The research investigated patterns of woodland and green space visits for different kinds and levels of activity, relating these to perceptions, experience, and barriers to use by different groups across a range of UK contexts. Segments of the population targeted include deprived urban communities, black and minority ethnic groups within such communities, and older adults across different regions of Britain. The findings show certain consistent patterns in active use of natural environments, and in attractors and barriers to use. They suggest that natural open space offers opportunities for peace, relaxation, and social activities and, for many, physical activity is a secondary benefit, rather than a primary purpose in visits. Nonetheless, recent longitudinal work points to a causal relationship between improvements to the quality and accessibility of natural environments and levels of active use. Innovative conjoint analysis methods offer insights into what attributes of the physical environment might be most effective to change in such interventions and how they might be used to address health inequalities for different population segments.
Incidence of complications in patients with benign gynecological diseases by BMI and level of complexity of laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Shiota M , Kotani Y , Umemoto M , Tobiume T , Hoshiai H
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery has become a standard surgical method for benign gynecological diseases, but the technique can still be accompanied, albeit infrequently, by intraoperative or postoperative complications. It has been postulated that the frequency of complications differs according to patient body habitus or surgical challenge level. We evaluated the relationship between the complication rate at different levels of surgery and BMI in patients with benign gynecological diseases who have undergone laparoscopic surgery at our hospital.

Methods

A total of 3231 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between 1989 and 2010 were enrolled in this study retrospectively. They were classified into four groups by surgery level (diagnostic laparoscopy or minor, major, or advanced laparoscopic surgery). At each challenge level, patients were classified into three groups based on BMI (as defined by the WHO): A group (underweight), BMI < 18.5; B group (healthy), BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25; and C group (overweight), BMI ≥ 25. We compared the complication rates between the groups at each level of surgical challenge.

Results

There was no difference in the complication rate between groups A, B and C at any of the surgical challenge levels. However, at the higher surgical difficulty levels, a higher incidence of overall complications was observed.

Conclusion

The complication rate differs between surgical levels, and complications can occur in any type of surgery, irrespective of the body habitus of the patient. The complication rate is higher when difficult surgical methods are employed, and extra caution is needed.
Multicenter Evaluation of Plasma N‐Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide (NT‐pro BNP) as a Biochemical Screening Test for Asymptomatic (occult) Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Authors: Fox P.R. , Rush J.E. , Reynolds C.A. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Keene B.W. , Atkins C.E. , Gordon S.G. , Schober K.E. , Bonagura J.D. , Stepien R.L. , Kellihan H.B. , MacDonald K.A. , Lehmkuhl L.B. , Nguyenba T.P. , Sydney Moise N. , Lefbom B.K. , Hogan D.F. , Oyama M.A.
Published: September 2011

Background:

B‐type natriuretic peptide concentrations reliably distinguish between cardiac and respiratory causes of dyspnea, but its utility to detect asymptomatic cats with occult cardiomyopathy (OCM) is unresolved.

Hypothesis/Objectives:

Determine whether plasma N terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration can discriminate asymptomatic cats with OCM from normal cats, and whether NT‐proBNP concentration correlates with clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters.

Animals:

One hundred and fourteen normal, healthy cats; 113 OCM cats.

Methods:

Prospective, multicenter, case‐controlled study. NT‐proBNP was prospectively measured and cardiac status was determined from history, physical examination, and M‐mode/2D/Doppler echocardiography. Optimal cut‐off values were derived using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results:

NT‐proBNP was higher (median, interquartile range [25th and 75th percentiles]) in (1) OCM (186 pmol/L; 79, 478 pmol/L) versus normal (24 pmol/L; 24, 32 pmol/L) (P < .001); and (2) hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (396 pmol/L; 205, 685 pmol/L) versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (112 pmol/L; 48, 318 pmol/L) (P < .001). In OCM, NT‐proBNP correlated (1) positively with LVPWd (ρ = 0.23; P = .01), LA/Ao ratio (ρ = 0.31; P < .001), LVs (ρ = 0.33; P < .001), and troponin‐I (ρ = 0.64; P < .001), and (2) negatively with %FS (ρ = −0.27; P = .004). Area under ROC curve was 0.92; >46 pmol/L cut‐off distinguished normal from OCM (91.2% specificity, 85.8% sensitivity); >99 pmol/L cut‐off was 100% specific, 70.8% sensitive.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:

Plasma NT‐proBNP concentration reliably discriminated normal from OCM cats, and was associated with several echocardiographic markers of disease severity. Further studies are needed to assess test performance in unselected, general feline populations, and evaluate relationships between NT‐proBNP concentrations and disease progression.
Endoscopic Assessment of Airway Inflammation in Horses
Authors: Koblinger K. , Nicol J. , McDonald K. , Wasko A. , Logie N. , Weiss M. , Léguillette R.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Comprehensive endoscopic scoring of the upper and lower airways for inflammation has not been critically assessed among a large population of horses. The relationship between upper and lower airways described in humans by the “one airway, one disease” concept might also apply to horses.

Hypothesis/Objectives:

To evaluate if an association exists between endoscopic inflammatory scores and mucus scores of upper and lower airways and to investigate if endoscopic findings correlate with the lower airway inflammation measured by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology.

Methods:

Prospective field study. Pharyngitis, pharyngeal mucus, tracheal mucus, tracheal septum thickness, and bronchial mucus were scored using new and previously described scoring systems on a convenience sample of 128 horses with and without lung inflammation. Based on BAL fluid cytology, horses were categorized as having normal, moderate, or severe inflammation of the lower airways.

Results:

All 5 endoscopy scores showed excellent interobserver agreement. Tracheal mucus (P < .001), tracheal septum thickness (P = .036), and bronchial mucus (P = .037) were significantly increased in horses with severe inflammation BALs and were correlated among themselves but not with upper airways scores.

BAL neutrophils percentage was correlated with tracheal mucus (rs = 0.41, P < .001), bronchial mucus (rs = 0.27, P = .003), and had a weak negative correlation with pharyngitis (rs = −0.25, P = .004).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:

Lower airway endoscopy scores are reflective of lower airway inflammation; however, upper and lower airways are independent in terms of severity of inflammation. Therefore, observing upper airway inflammation is not an indication to test for lower airway inflammation.
A Comparison of Hypertonic (7.2%) and Isotonic (0.9%) Saline for Fluid Resuscitation in Horses: A Randomized, Double‐blinded, Clinical Trial
Authors: Fielding C.L. , Magdesian K.G.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Hypertonic saline solution (7.2%) (HSS) can quickly replace intravascular volume deficits.HSSmore recently has been advocated in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, but its use in dehydrated patients remains controversial.

Hypothesis:

Hypertonic saline solution will show a significant improvement in both clinical and laboratory hydration parameters as compared to isotonic (0.9%) saline solution (ISS).

Animals:

Endurance horses eliminated from the 2009 Western States 100‐mile (220‐km) endurance ride and requiringIVfluid therapy were eligible for enrollment in the study.

Methods:

Twenty‐two horses were randomly assigned to receive 4 mL/kg of eitherHSSorISSalong with 5 L lactated Ringer's solution (LRS). After this bolus, horses were treated with additionalLRSin varying amounts. Blood and urine samples were collected before, during, and after treatment. Data were compared using 2‐wayANOVAwith repeated measures.

Results:

As compared toISS, HSShorses showed greater decreases inPCV(P = .04), total protein (P = .01), albumin (P = .01), and globulin (P = .02) concentrations.HSShorses showed greater increases in sodium and chloride (P < .001) as compared toISShorses. Horses receivingHSShad a shorter time to urination (P = .03) and lower specific gravity (P < .001) than those receivingISS.

Conclusions:

Results of this study indicate thatHSSmay provide faster restoration of intravascular volume deficits thanISSin endurance horses receiving emergency medical treatment. More marked electrolyte changes should be expected withHSS, however, and additional fluids afterHSSadministration likely are needed.
Elevated Suicide Rates at High Altitude: Sociodemographic and Health Issues May Be to Blame
Authors: Betz Marian E. , Valley Morgan A. , Lowenstein Steven R. , Hedegaard Holly , Thomas Deborah , Stallones Lorann , Honigman Benjamin
Published: September 2011

Suicide rates are higher at high altitudes; some hypothesize that hypoxia is the cause. We examined 8,871 suicides recorded in 2006 in 15 states by the National Violent Death Reporting System, with the victim’s home county altitude determined from the National Elevation Dataset through FIPS code matching. We grouped cases by altitude (low<1000 m; middle = 1000–1999 m; high≥2000 m). Of reported suicides, 5% were at high and 83% at low altitude, but unadjusted suicide rates per 100,000 population were higher at high (17.7) than at low (5.7) altitude. High and low altitude victims differed with respect to race, ethnicity, rural residence, intoxication, depressed mood preceding the suicide, firearm use and recent financial, job, legal, or interpersonal problems. Even after multivariate adjustment, there were significant differences in personal, mental health, and suicide characteristics among altitude groups. Compared to low altitude victims, high altitude victims had higher odds of having family or friends report of a depressed mood preceding the suicide (OR 1.78; 95%CI:1.46–2.17) and having a crisis within 2 weeks before death (OR 2.00; 95%CI:1.63–1.46). Suicide victims at high and low altitudes differ significantly by multiple demographic, psychiatric, and suicide characteristics; these factors, rather than hypoxia or altitude itself, may explain increased suicide rates at high altitude.
An abdominal teratoma in a yearling Irish Cob with a strangulating obstruction of the small intestine
Authors: Arensburg L. , Olivier S. , Boussauw B. , De Cock H.
Published: September 2011

A yearling Irish Cob stallion was presented to De Morette Equine clinic for severe acute abdominal pain, nonresponsive to analgesics and sedatives. Rectal palpation and a limited transabdominal ultrasonographic examination led to the presumptive diagnosis of a strangulated obstruction of the small intestine. The painful behaviour of the pony did not allow conservative treatment and surgical exploration was denied by the owners for financial considerations. On necropsy, a large cystic mature teratoma was adhered to the ventral body wall, the mesenteric root, omentum and intestines. Teratomas are rare in man and animals, and an extragonadal intraperitoneal location has not previously been reported in the equine species.
Thein vitroeffects of antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: PARKER R. A. , CLEGG P. D. , TAYLOR S. E.
Published: September 2011

Objectives:To investigate the effects of commonly used antibiotics on cell viability and gene expression of equine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC)in vitro.

Materials and methods:Bone marrow‐derived MSC were cultured in media containing gentamicin, amikacin, penicillin, enrofloxacin or ceftiofur at concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 µg/ml. The alamarBlue fluorescence assay was used to assess cell viability over 48 h. After 5 days the cells were released and lysed prior to RNA extraction and reverse transcription. RNA levels were assessed using spectrophotometry and quantitative PCR was used to analyse gene expression of COL1A2, COL5A1, TNC, TNFα, CASP3, BCl2 and TGFβR2 relative to the reference gene GAPDH.

Results:Enrofloxacin produced a significant concentration‐dependent reduction in cell viability at 200 µg/ml and higher concentrations (P = 0.009). Amikacin significantly reduced cell viability at 500 µg/ml (P = 0.002). Penicillin had no effect on cell viability at the concentrations tested (P = 0.18). Gentamicin and ceftiofur showed some interaction with the assay but had no overall effect on cell viability. At 500 µg/ml gentamicin (P<0.001), amikacin (P = 0.03), enrofloxacin (P<0.001) and ceftiofur (P<0.001) caused significant reductions in RNA levels. At 50 µg/ml gentamicin (P<0.001) and amikacin (P = 0.019) reduced BCl2 expression. Enrofloxacin produced a significant increase in COL1A2 expression (P<0.001).

Conclusions:Enrofloxacin reduced MSC viabilityin vitroand may require cautious use in clinical situations. Penicillin has minimal detrimental effects on MSCin vitroand its use in conjunction with MSC at implantation appears safe. Further work is needed to fully investigate the effects of gentamicin, amikacin and ceftiofur.

Potential relevance:Clinicians using local antibiotic administration should consider the potential for local toxicity as well as the need for effective concentrations of the antibiotic.
Is a single force plate adequate for stabilographic analysis in horses?
Authors: CLAYTON H. M. , NAUWELAERTS S.
Published: September 2011

Reasons for performing study: Postural balance can be quantified using stabilographic variables derived from force plate data that describe movements of the horse's centre of pressure (COP) in the horizontal plane. Most force plates are not large enough to accommodate all 4 limbs of a standing horse, so the study was designed to assess whether representative stabilographic data could be collected from the forelimbs or hindlimbs.

Objective: To determine whether stabilographic data from either the forelimbs or the hindlimbs were representative of data for the total body.

Methods: Stabilographic data (960 Hz) were collected from 17 sound horses standing with the forelimbs and the hindlimbs on separate force plates. To increase variability in the data, horses were of different sizes, the recording duration was varied (15–60 s) and data were collected under sighted and blindfolded conditions.

Results: Correlation matrices indicated that total body stabilographic variables were highly significantly correlated with both forelimb and hindlimb data but correlation coefficients were higher for forelimb data. Forward stepwise regression selected forelimb data for inclusion in the model for 15/16 variables, the exception being mean absolute mediolateral velocity.

Conclusions: Ground reaction force data from a pair of limbs, preferably the forelimbs, can be used to measure variables that represent total body postural balance in sound standing horses.

Potential relevance: Stabilographic data from either the forelimbs or hindlimbs may be useful for detecting and quantifying deficiencies in postural balance in ataxic horses.
The fast and the dangerous: The speed of events influences risk judgements
Authors: Lench Heather C. , Flores Sarah A.
Published: September 2011

A risk‐as‐feelings approach suggests that factors irrelevant to the potential risk can influence risk perception. This investigation focused on the speed of events as one such factor. Negative events that occur relatively quickly were judged as more likely to occur than events that occur more slowly. Speed influenced risk perception when it was salient and differences in risk perception were reduced when it was not salient. Further, the likelihood of a negative outcome was judged to be more likely when the same event was described as occurring relatively quickly compared to slowly. Even when only the speed at which information was presented changed, faster events were judged to be riskier than slower events. Theoretically, these findings suggest that speed of an event contributes to risk judgements and suggest speed may be the reason people fear fast but low incidence events and fail to fear slower but higher incidence events.
An evaluation of time‐limited psychodynamic psychotherapy for couples: A pilot study
Authors: Balfour Andrew , Lanman Monica
Published: September 2011

Objectives. Psychodynamic Couple Psychotherapy has developed as a modality in only a few organizations in the public and voluntary sectors in this country. Varieties of couple therapy have evolved due to economic or other constraints, some more open‐ended, others involving differing time limits or behavioural techniques. In this study, a time limit of 40 sessions was imposed on the Psychodynamic therapy to improve comparability with other therapeutic approaches. We examined work with 18 couples, employing various measures which, while not in the context of a full controlled trial, produced some interesting and indicative results. We aimed to investigate (1) the effects of time‐limited psychodynamic couple psychotherapy, and (2) whether the measures used produce interesting results after 40 weeks.

Design. Within a normal clinical setting, measurements of individual and couple functioning would be taken at fixed points in the course of 40‐week couple therapies, and analysed for evidence of significant change. Due to funding and clinical limitations within the setting, a baseline period before therapy started was used instead of a control group.

Method. Couples were invited to opt in to the study when applying to the agency for therapy. They were provided with 40 weekly sessions of couple therapy. Videotapes of sessions at beginning, middle, and end of the therapies were rated by independent observer, using the Personal Relatedness Profile (PRP) (Hobson, Patrick, & Valentine, 1998) adapted for couples (Lanman, Grier, & Evans, 2003), alongside two individual self‐report measures, Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE) (Evans et al., 2000), and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital Satisfaction (GRIMS) (Rust, Bennun, Crow, & Golumbok, 1990).

Results. The couples showed improvement as rated both by therapists and observers (rating the videotaped sessions) on the PRP after 40 sessions. On the CORE measure, participants showed improvement at both 20 and 40 sessions. On the GRIMS measure of marital satisfaction, results were non‐significant.

Conclusions. The results provide indicative evidence for the effectiveness of 40‐session couple psychotherapy and provide some convergent validation for the utility of the PRP (as adapted for couples) as a measure of change.
Pool Boiling Characteristics of Metallic Nanofluids
Authors: Krishna K. Hari , Ganapathy Harish , Sateesh G. , Das Sarit K.
Published: September 2011

Nanofluids, solid-liquid suspensions with solid particles of size of the order of few nanometers, have created interest in many researchers because of their enhancement in thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer characteristics. Many studies have been done on the pool boiling characteristics of nanofluids, most of which have been with nanofluids containing oxide nanoparticles owing to the ease in their preparation. Deterioration in boiling heat transfer was observed in some studies. Metallic nanofluids having metal nanoparticles, which are known for their good heat transfer characteristics in bulk regime, reported drastic enhancement in thermal conductivity. The present paper investigates into the pool boiling characteristics of metallic nanofluids, in particular of Cu-H2O nanofluids, on flat copper heater surface. The results indicate that at comparatively low heat fluxes, there is deterioration in boiling heat transfer with very low particle volume fraction of 0.01%, and it increases with volume fraction and shows enhancement with 0.1%. However, the behavior is the other way around at high heat fluxes. The enhancement at low heat fluxes is due to the fact that the effect of formation of thin sorption layer of nanoparticles on heater surface, which causes deterioration by trapping the nucleation sites, is overshadowed by the increase in microlayer evaporation, which is due to enhancement in thermal conductivity. Same trend has been observed with variation in the surface roughness of the heater as well.
Single Versus Dual Recycle System Dynamics of High Pressure Ratio, Low Inertia Centrifugal Compressor Stations
Authors: Botros K. K.
Published: September 2011

Compression systems are designed and operated in a manner to eliminate or minimize the potential for surge, which is a dynamic instability that is very detrimental to the integrity of the compressor unit. Compressor surge can occur when compressors are subjected to rapid transients such as those occurring following an emergency shutdown (ESD) or a power failure, which in turn, requires fast reaction. To prevent this from occurring, compressor stations are designed with single or dual recycle systems with recycle valves, which are required to open upon ESD. There has been extensive debate and confusion as to whether a single recycle or a dual recycle system is required and the circumstances and the conditions under which one system or the other must be used. This paper discusses this crucial design issue in detail and highlights the parameters affecting the decision to employ either system, particularly for high pressure ratio, low inertia compressors. Parameters such as gas volume capacitance (V) in the recycle path, compressor power train inertia, compressor performance characteristics, the recycle valve coefficient (Cv), prestroke and stroke time, and check valve dynamic characteristic are crucial in determining the conditions for dynamic instabilities. A simple analytical methodology based on the perturbation theory is developed that provides a first-cut analysis to determine if a single recycle system is adequate for a given compression system. The concept of an inertia number is then introduced with a threshold value that determines which recycle system to use. Techniques to circumvent compressor surge following ESD are discussed and their respective effectiveness are highlighted including when and if a delay in the fuel cutoff will be effective. An example of a case study with actual field data of a high pressure ratio centrifugal compressor employed in a natural gas compressor station is presented to illustrate the fundamental concept of single versus dual recycle systems.
Experimental and Numerical Study of NOx Formation From the Lean Premixed Combustion of CH4 Mixed With CO2 and N2
Authors: Fackler K. Boyd , Karalus Megan F. , Novosselov Igor V. , Kramlich John C. , Malte Philip C.
Published: September 2011

This paper describes an experimental and numerical study of the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the lean premixed (LPM) combustion of gaseous fuel alternatives to typical pipeline natural gas in a high intensity, single-jet, stirred reactor (JSR). In this study, CH4 is mixed with varying levels CO2 and N2. NOx measurements are taken at a nominal combustion temperature of 1800K, atmospheric pressure, and a reactor residence time of 3 ms. The experimental results show the following trends for NOx emissions as a function of fuel dilution: (1) more NOx is produced per kg of CH4 consumed with the addition of a diluent, (2) the degree of increase in emission index is dependent on the chosen diluent; N2 dilution increases NOx production more effectively than equivalent CO2 dilution. Chemical kinetic modeling suggests that NOx production is less effective for the mixture diluted with CO2 due to both a decrease in N2 concentration and the ability of CO2 to deplete the radicals taking part in NOx formation chemistry. In order to gain insight on flame structure within the JSR, three dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are carried out for LPM CH4 combustion. A global CH4 combustion mechanism is used to model the chemistry. While it does not predict intermediate radicals, it does predict CH4 and CO oxidation quite well. The CFD model illustrates the flow-field, temperature variation, and flame structure within the JSR. A 3-element chemical reactor network (CRN), including detailed chemistry, is constructed using insight from spatial measurements of the reactor, the results of CFD simulations, and classical fluid dynamic correlations. GRI 3.0 is used in the CRN to model the NOx emissions for all fuel blends. The experimental and modeling results are in good agreement and suggest the underlying chemical kinetic reasons for the trends.
Embedding a carbon nanotube across the diameter of a solid state nanopore
Authors: Sadki E. S. , Garaj S. , Vlassarev D. , Golovchenko J. A. , Branton D.
Published: September 2011

A fabrication method for positioning and embedding a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) across the diameter of a solid state nanopore is presented. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is used to grow SWNTs over arrays of focused ion beam (FIB) milled pores in a thin silicon nitride membrane. This typically yields at least one pore whose diameter is centrally crossed by a SWNT. The final diameter of the FIB pore is adjusted to create a nanopore of any desired diameter by atomic layer deposition, simultaneously embedding and insulating the SWNT everywhere but in the region that crosses the diameter of the final nanopore, where it remains pristine and bare. This nanotube-articulated nanopore is an important step towards the realization of a new type of detector for biomolecule sensing and electronic characterization, including DNA sequencing.
Large-area and nanoscale n-ZnO/p-Si heterojunction photodetectors
Authors: Periasamy C. , Chakrabarti P.
Published: September 2011

The article reports the results of our experimental investigation on the effect of UV light on the characteristics of n-ZnO/p-Si heterojunction. c-Axis oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) films were deposited by thermal evaporation technique on p-type silicon (Si) substrates to form ZnO/Si heterojunctions. Both large-area and nanoscale heterojunction configurations were studied. The measured current–voltage characteristics in dark and illuminated conditions confirm the rectifying behavior of the heterojunctions and an excellent UV response. The responsivity values were measured to be of 0.18 and 0.12 A/W to UV light (365nm) for large-area and nanoscale heterojunctions, respectively. The values are comparable with those offered by other commercial UV detectors. The nanoscale heterojunction device can find applications in nanophotonics.
Femtoscale Magnetically Induced Lattice Distortions in Multiferroic TbMnO
3
Authors: Walker H. C. , Fabrizi F. , Paolasini L. , de Bergevin F. , Herrero-Martin J. , Boothroyd A. T. , Prabhakaran D. , McMorrow D. F.
Published: September 2011

Ferroelectric order in a multiferroic compound is probably caused by small displacements of ions in its crystal lattice.
Traffic Jams Reduce Hydrolytic Efficiency of Cellulase on Cellulose Surface
Authors: Igarashi Kiyohiko , Uchihashi Takayuki , Koivula Anu , Wada Masahisa , Kimura Satoshi , Okamoto Tetsuaki , Penttilä Merja , Ando Toshio , Samejima Masahiro
Published: September 2011

High-speed atomic force microscopy tracks single-molecule dynamics of cellulose degradation into fermentable sugar molecules.
Reinventing Project BioShield
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: September 2011

The government's efforts to protect the public from bioattacks have been hampered by ongoing struggles to mesh military and civilian strategies.
Calling All Dancing Scientists!
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: September 2011

Call your labmates, get the video camera, and leave your fear of Internet fame behind. It's time to dance.
Characterization of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Biotype Variant Clinical Isolates from Bangladesh and Haiti, Including a Molecular Genetic Analysis of Virulence Genes
Authors: Son Mike S. , Megli Christina J. , Kovacikova Gabriela , Qadri Firdausi , Taylor Ronald K.
Published: September 2011

Vibrio cholerae
serogroup O1, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera, is divided into two biotypes: classical and El Tor. Both biotypes produce the major virulence factors toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CT). Although possessing genotypic and phenotypic differences, El Tor biotype strains displaying classical biotype traits have been reported and subsequently were dubbed El Tor variants. Of particular interest are reports of El Tor variants that produce various levels of CT, including levels typical of classical biotype strains. Here, we report the characterization of 10 clinical isolates from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, and a representative strain from the 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak. We observed that all 11 strains produced increased CT (2- to 10-fold) compared to that of wild-type El Tor strains under
in vitro
inducing conditions, but they possessed various TcpA and ToxT expression profiles. Particularly, El Tor variant MQ1795, which produced the highest level of CT and very high levels of TcpA and ToxT, demonstrated hypervirulence compared to the virulence of El Tor wild-type strains in the infant mouse cholera model. Additional genotypic and phenotypic tests were conducted to characterize the variants, including an assessment of biotype-distinguishing characteristics. Notably, the sequencing of
ctxB
in some El Tor variants revealed two copies of classical
ctxB
, one per chromosome, contrary to previous reports that located
ctxAB
only on the large chromosome of El Tor biotype strains.
Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1α in AKT/PKB-Mediated Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis
Authors: Ondracek Caitlin R. , McLachlan Alan
Published: September 2011

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcription and replication are essentially restricted to hepatocytes because liver-enriched transcription factors govern viral RNA synthesis. The level of transcription from the HBV promoters depends on both the transcription factors binding to these regulatory sequence elements and their ability to recruit coactivators capable of mediating assembly of the transcription preinitiation complex containing RNA polymerase II. Nuclear receptors are a primary determinant of HBV pregenomic RNA synthesis and, hence, viral replication. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) enhances the activity of nuclear receptors and, consequently, HBV biosynthesis. PGC1α is also an important target of signal transduction pathways involved in hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis, suggesting that this coactivator may have an important role in modulating HBV biosynthesis under various physiological conditions. Consistent with this suggestion, v-
akt
murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog/protein kinase B (AKT/PKB) is shown to modulate PGC1α activity and, hence, HBV transcription and replication in a cell line-specific manner. In addition, AKT can modulate HBV replication in some but not all cell lines at a posttranscriptional step in the viral life cycle. These observations demonstrate that growth and nutritional signals have the capacity to influence viral production, but the magnitude of these effects will depend on the precise cellular context in which they occur.
Junín Virus Infects Mouse Cells and Induces Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Cuevas Christian D. , Lavanya Madakasira , Wang Enxiu , Ross Susan R.
Published: September 2011

Junín virus is the causative agent for Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and its natural host is the New World rodentCalomys musculinus. The virus is transmitted to humans by aerosolization, and it is believed that many of the clinical symptoms are caused by cytokines produced by sentinel cells of the immune system. Here we used the Junín virus vaccine strain Candid 1 to determine whether mouse cells could be used to study virus entry and antiviral innate immune responses. We show that Candid 1 can infect and propagate in different mouse-derived cell lines through a low-pH-dependent, transferrin receptor 1-independent mechanism, suggesting that there is a second entry receptor. In addition, Candid 1 induced expression of the antiviral cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and beta interferon in macrophages, and this induction was independent of viral replication. Using Candid 1, as well as virus-like particles bearing the viral glycoprotein, to infect different primary cells and established macrophage cell lines with deletions in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway, we show that TLR2 is a cellular sensor of both the Parodi and Candid 1 viral glycoproteins. Because Junín virus is highly lethal in humans, the use of an experimentally tractable model system, such as the mouse, could provide a better understanding of the antiviral innate cellular responses to Junín virus and the role of these responses in pathogenesis.
Continuous CD8
+
T-Cell Priming by Dendritic Cell Cross-Presentation of Persistent Antigen following Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Delivery
Authors: Xu Dan , Walker Christopher M.
Published: September 2011

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors establish persistent transgene expression in the skeletal muscle of mice. How dendritic cells acquire encoded antigens for CD8
+
T-cell priming is unknown. Here we document CD8
+
T-cell priming after lethal irradiation and bone marrow reconstitution of mice treated with an AAV vector several weeks earlier. Temporal separation of vector delivery and successful class I antigen presentation indicated that T-cell priming does not necessarily require antigen synthesis in AAV-transduced dendritic cells. An apparent cross-presentation of antigen acquired from muscle suggests that strategies to limit transgene expression in dendritic cells will not prevent unwanted CD8
+
T-cell responses.
Effects of hot‐iron branding on heart rate, breathing rate and behaviour of anaesthetised Steller sea lions
Authors: Walker K. A. , Mellish J. E. , Weary D. M.
Published: September 2011

This study assessed the heart rate, breathing rate and behavioural responses of 12 juvenile Steller sea lions during hot‐iron branding under isoflurane anaesthesia. Physiological and behavioural measures were recorded in four periods: baseline (five minutes), sham branding (one minute), branding (approximately 2.7 minutes) and postbranding (five minutes). No difference in heart rate was noted from baseline to sham branding, but heart rate increased from mean (sem) 78.3 (2.4) bpm in the baseline period to 85.6 (2.5) bpm in the branding period. Heart rate remained elevated in the postbranding period, averaging 84.7 (2.5) bpm. Breathing rate averaged 2.5 (1.0) breaths/minute in the baseline and sham branding periods increased to 8.9 (1.0) breaths/minute during branding, but returned to baseline by the postbranding period. Behaviourally, half of the sea lions exhibited trembling and head and shoulder movements during branding.
Parametric analysis of the effects of stress relief on the performance and capacity of piles in nondilative soils
Authors: Zheng Gang , Diao Yu , Ng C.W.W.
Published: September 2011

To provide support to superstructure and substructure, piles are often installed beneath a deep basement prior to its excavation. However, the effects of stress relief on the performance and capacity of piles due to deep excavation are rarely reported in the literature. In this study, two different types of pile load tests were simulated with and without considering excavation effects by conducting parametric axisymmetric finite element analyses. The first test was a pile load test on a sleeved pile from the ground surface prior to deep excavation, and the other is a load test on an unsleeved pile at the final excavated level. It is found that an excavation could reduce the pile capacity by up to 45% and pile stiffness by up to 75%. The effects of stress relief due to an excavation increase with normalized excavation depth (H/L) and excavation radius (R/H). Moreover, the maximum tension induced in a pile by excavation varies with H/L, and it has a peak value when 1 < H/L < 1.25. The value of maximum tension increases with the pile–soil modulus ratio (Ep/Esm). When Ep/Esm = 100, peak tension develops at 0.5H. On the other hand, tension reaches a peak at 0.7H when Ep/Esm = 20.
Pipelines in permafrost: geotechnical issues and lessons12010 R.M. Hardy Address, 63rd Canadian Geotechnical Conference.
Authors: Oswell James M.
Published: September 2011

Geotechnical input to the design, construction, and operations of pipelines in permafrost may differ significantly from that for pipelines in temperate terrain. The general remoteness and terrain fragility of permafrost regions are key issues that challenge the geotechnical input. Specific geotechnical issues that necessitate input include pipeline routing, slope stability, thaw settlement and frost heave, ditching, buoyancy control, upheaval buckling. and others. This paper examines the history of pipeline development in Canada north of the 60th latitude and highlights some key design issues and some of the technical developments over the past 40 years of design, construction, and operations of pipelines in permafrost regions. Advances have been made in areas such as geothermal modeling, slope stability assessments, terrain mapping technologies, thaw settlement and frost heave prediction, and predicting and monitoring pipeline strain demand.