bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice organisational characteristics can impact on compliance with the BTS/SIGN asthma guideline: Qualitative comparative case study in primary care
Authors: Wiener-Ogilvie Sharon , Huby Guro , Pinnock Hilary , Gillies John , Sheikh Aziz
Published: June 2008

Background

Although the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline is one of the most well known and widely respected guidelines in the world, implementation in UK primary care remains patchy. Building on extensive earlier descriptive work, we sought to explore the way teamwork and inter-professional relationships impact on the implementation of the BTS-SIGN guideline on asthma in general practice.

Methods

Qualitative comparative case study using nine in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups with general practitioners and practice nurses, involved in delivering asthma care. Participants were purposively recruited from practices in a Scottish health board with high and low compliance with the BTS-SIGN asthma guideline.

Results

There was a marked difference in the way respondents from practices with high compliance and respondents from practices with low compliance spoke about the value of guidelines and the challenges of implementing them. On both accounts, the former were more positive than the latter and were able to be more specific about the strategies they used to overcome barriers to implementation. We explored the reason for this difference in response and identified practice organisation, centring on delegation of work to nurses, as a factor mediating the practice's level of compliance. Effective delegation was underpinned by organisation of asthma work among practice members who have the appropriate level of skills and knowledge, know and understand each others' work and responsibilities, communicate well among themselves and trust each others' skills. It was the combination of these factors which made for successful delegation and guideline implementation, not any one factor in isolation.

Conclusion

In our sample of practices, teamwork and organisation of care within practices appeared to impact on guideline implementation and further larger studies are needed to explore this issue further. Isolated interventions such as measures to improve staff's knowledge or increased clinical resource and time, which are currently being considered, are unlikely to be effective unless practices are supported in developing their teams in a way which supports the deployment of these resources.
Genome-wide association study for renal traits in the Framingham Heart and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Studies
Authors: Kottgen Anna , Kao Wen Hong L , Hwang Shih-Jen , Boerwinkle Eric , Yang Qiong , Levy Daniel , Benjamin Emelia J , Larson Martin G , Astor Brad C , Coresh Josef , Fox Caroline S
Published: June 2008

Background

The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) recently obtained initial results from the first genome-wide association scan for renal traits. The study of 70,987 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1,010 FHS participants provides a list of SNPs showing the strongest associations with renal traits which need to be verified in independent study samples.

Methods

Sixteen SNPs were selected for replication based on the most promising associations with chronic kidney disease (CKD), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum cystatin C in FHS. These SNPs were genotyped in 15,747 participants of the Atherosclerosis in Communities (ARIC) Study and evaluated for association using multivariable adjusted regression analyses. Primary outcomes in ARIC were CKD and eGFR. Secondary prospective analyses were conducted for association with kidney disease progression using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. The definition of the outcomes, all covariates, and the use of an additive genetic model was consistent with the original analyses in FHS.

Results

The intronic SNP rs6495446 in the gene MTHFS was significantly associated with CKD among white ARIC participants at visit 4: the odds ratio per each C allele was 1.24 (95% CI 1.09–1.41, p = 0.001). Borderline significant associations of rs6495446 were observed with CKD at study visit 1 (p = 0.024), eGFR at study visits 1 (p = 0.073) and 4 (lower mean eGFR per C allele by 0.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.043) and kidney disease progression (hazard ratio 1.13 per each C allele, 95% CI 1.00–1.26, p = 0.041). Another SNP, rs3779748 in EYA1, was significantly associated with CKD at ARIC visit 1 (odds ratio per each T allele 1.22, p = 0.01), but only with eGFR and cystatin C in FHS.

Conclusion

This genome-wide association study provides unbiased information implicating MTHFS as a candidate gene for kidney disease. Our findings highlight the importance of replication to identify common SNPs associated with renal traits.
Over-expression of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase 1 (ANT1) Induces Apoptosis and Tumor Regression in vivo
Authors: Jang Ji-Young , Choi Yun , Jeon Yoon-Kyung , Aung Khin Chaw aYu , Kim Chul-Woo
Published: June 2008

Background

Adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalyzes the exchange of mitochondrial ATP for cytosolic ADP. ANT has been known to be a major component of the permeability transition pore complex of mitochondria and contributes to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Human ANT has four isoforms (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, and ANT4), and the expression of the ANT isoforms is variable depending on the tissue and cell type, developmental stage, and proliferation status. Among the isoforms, ANT1 is highly expressed in terminally-differentiated tissues, but expressed in low levels in proliferating cells, such as cancer cells. In particular, over-expression of ANT1 induces apoptosis in cultured tumor cells.

Methods

We applied an ANT1 gene transfer approach to induce apoptosis and to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of ANT1 in a nude mouse model.

Results

We demonstrated that ANT1 transfection induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, inactivated NF-κB activity, and increased Bax expression. ANT1-inducing apoptosis was accompanied by the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and the activation of caspases-9 and -3. Moreover, ANT1 transfection significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ANT1 transfection may be a useful therapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer.
The 2BFit study: is an unsupervised proprioceptive balance board training programme, given in addition to usual care, effective in preventing ankle sprain recurrences? Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hupperets Maarten DW , Verhagen Evert ALM , van Mechelen Willem
Published: June 2008

Background

There is strong evidence that athletes have a twofold risk for re-injury after a previous ankle sprain, especially during the first year post-injury. These ankle sprain recurrences could result in disability and lead to chronic pain or instability in 20 to 50% of these cases. When looking at the high rate of ankle sprain recurrences and the associated chronic results, ankle sprain recurrence prevention is important.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a proprioceptive balance board training programme on ankle sprain recurrences, that was applied to individual athletes after rehabilitation and treatment by usual care.

Methods/Design

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of one year. Healthy individuals between 12 and 70 years of age, who were actively participating in sports and who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain up to two months prior to inclusion, were eligible for inclusion in the study. The intervention programme was compared to usual care. The intervention programme consisted of an eight-week proprioceptive training, which started after finishing usual care and from the moment that sports participation was again possible. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and every month for 12 months. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of recurrent ankle injuries in both groups within one year after the initial sprain. Secondary outcomes were severity and etiology of re-injury and medical care. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from a societal perspective. A process evaluation was conducted for the intervention programme.

Discussion

The 2BFit trial is the first randomized controlled trial to study the effect of a non-supervised home-based proprioceptive balance board training programme in addition to usual care, on the recurrence of ankle sprains in sports. Results of this study could possibly lead to changes in practical guidelines on the treatment of ankle sprains. Results will become available in 2009.

Trial registration

ISTRCN34177180.
Induced metamorphosis in crustacean y-larvae: Towards a solution to a 100-year-old riddle
Authors: Glenner Henrik , Høeg Jens T , Grygier Mark J , Fujita Yoshihisa
Published: June 2008

Background

The y-larva, a crustacean larval type first identified more than 100 years ago, has been found in marine plankton samples collected in the arctic, temperate and tropical regions of all oceans. The great species diversity found among y-larvae (we have identified more than 40 species at our study site alone) indicates that the adult organism may play a significant ecological role. However, despite intense efforts, the adult y-organism has never been identified, and nothing is therefore known about its biology.

Results

We have successfully and repeatedly induced metamorphosis of y-larvae into a novel, highly reduced juvenile stage by applying the crustacean molting hormone 20-HE. The new stage is slug-like, unsegmented and lacks both limbs and almost all other traits normally characterizing arthropods, but it is capable of vigorous peristaltic motions.

Conclusion

From our observations on live and preserved material we conclude that adult Facetotecta are endoparasitic in still to be identified marine hosts and with a juvenile stage that represents a remarkable convergence to that seen in parasitic barnacles (Crustacea Cirripedia Rhizocephala). From the distribution and abundance of facetotectan y-larvae in the world's oceans we furthermore suggest that these parasites are widespread and could play an important role in the marine environment.
Fragmentation and bond strength of airborne diesel soot agglomerates
Authors: Rothenbacher Sonja , Messerer Armin , Kasper Gerhard
Published: June 2008

Background

The potential of diesel soot aerosol particles to break up into smaller units under mechanical stress was investigated by a direct impaction technique which measures the degree of fragmentation of individual agglomerates vs. impact energy. Diesel aerosol was generated by an idling diesel engine used for passenger vehicles. Both the aerosol emitted directly and aerosol that had undergone additional growth by Brownian coagulation ("aging") was investigated. Optionally a thermo-desoption technique at 280°C was used to remove all high-volatility and the majority of low-volatility HC adsorbates from the aerosol before aging.

Results

It was found that the primary soot agglomerates emitted directly from the engine could not be fragmented at all. Soot agglomerates permitted to grow additionally by Brownian coagulation of the primary emitted particles could be fragmented to a maximum of 75% and 60% respectively, depending on whether adsorbates were removed from their surface prior to aging or not. At most, these aged agglomerates could be broken down to roughly the size of the agglomerates from the primary emission. The energy required for a 50% fragmentation probability of all bonds within an agglomerate was reduced by roughly a factor of 2 when aging "dry" agglomerates. Average bond energies derived from the data were 0.52*10-16 and 1.2*10-16 J, respectively. This is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than estimates for pure van-der-Waals agglomerates, but agrees quite well with other observations.

Conclusion

Although direct conclusions regarding the behavior of inhaled diesel aerosol in contact with body fluids cannot be drawn from such measurements, the results imply that highly agglomerated soot aerosol particles are unlikely to break up into units smaller than roughly the size distribution emitted as tail pipe soot.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors for quantitative monitoring of pentose and disaccharide accumulation in bacteria
Authors: Kaper Thijs , Lager Ida , Looger Loren L , Chermak Diane , Frommer Wolf B
Published: June 2008

Background

Engineering microorganisms to improve metabolite flux requires detailed knowledge of the concentrations and flux rates of metabolites and metabolic intermediates in vivo. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors represent a promising technology for measuring metabolite levels and corresponding rate changes in live cells. These sensors have been applied successfully in mammalian and plant cells but potentially could also be used to monitor steady-state levels of metabolites in microorganisms using fluorimetric assays. Sensors for hexose and pentose carbohydrates could help in the development of fermentative microorganisms, for example, for biofuels applications. Arabinose is one of the carbohydrates to be monitored during biofuels production from lignocellulose, while maltose is an important degradation product of starch that is relevant for starch-derived biofuels production.

Results

An Escherichia coli expression vector compatible with phage λ recombination technology was constructed to facilitate sensor construction and was used to generate a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensor for arabinose. In parallel, a strategy for improving the sensor signal was applied to construct an improved maltose sensor. Both sensors were expressed in the cytosol of E. coli and sugar accumulation was monitored using a simple fluorimetric assay of E. coli cultures in microtiter plates. In the case of both nanosensors, the addition of the respective ligand led to concentration-dependent fluorescence resonance energy transfer responses allowing quantitative analysis of the intracellular sugar levels at given extracellular supply levels as well as accumulation rates.

Conclusion

The nanosensor destination vector combined with the optimization strategy for sensor responses should help to accelerate the development of metabolite sensors. The new carbohydrate fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors can be used for in vivo monitoring of sugar levels in prokaryotes, demonstrating the potential of such sensors as reporter tools in the development of metabolically engineered microbial strains or for real-time monitoring of intracellular metabolite during fermentation.
Chordin knockdown enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kwong Francois NK , Richardson Stephen M , Evans Christopher H
Published: June 2008

Introduction

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are critical growth factors in the osteogenic differentiation of progenitor cells during development in embryos and fracture repair in adults. Although recombinant BMPs are in use clinically, their clinical efficiency needs to be improved. The biological activities of BMPs are naturally regulated by extracellular binding proteins. The specific hypotheses tested in this study were as follows: the BMP inhibitor chordin is produced endogenously during the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); and blockade of the activity of the BMP inhibitor increases the rate of osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs in vitro.

Methods

Human MSCs were derived from bone marrow from an iliac crest aspirate and from patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty. The MSCs were induced down the osteogenic pathway using standard osteogenic differentiation media, and expressions of BMP-2 and chordin were determined by gene expression analysis. During osteogenic differentiation, chordin knockdown was induced using RNA interference. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring the expression of alkaline phosphatase and calcium deposition. The differences in expression of osteogenic makers between groups were compared by analysis of variance, followed by Gabriel post hoc test.

Results

We demonstrate the expression of BMP-2 and chordin in human MSCs during osteogenic differentiation. Knockdown of chordin by RNA interference in vitro resulted in a significant increase in the expression of the osteogenic marker alkaline phosphatase and the deposition of extracellular mineral, in response to osteogenic stimulation.

Conclusion

We conclude that endogenously produced chordin constrains the osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs. The targeting of BMP inhibitors, such as chordin, may provide a novel strategy for enhancing bone regeneration.
Chætognath transcriptome reveals ancestral and unique features among bilaterians
Authors: Marlétaz Ferdinand , Gilles André , Caubit Xavier , Perez Yvan , Dossat Carole , Samain Sylvie , Gyapay Gabor , Wincker Patrick , Le Parco Yannick
Published: June 2008

Background

The chætognaths (arrow worms) have puzzled zoologists for years because of their astonishing morphological and developmental characteristics. Despite their deuterostome-like development, phylogenomic studies recently positioned the chætognath phylum in protostomes, most likely in an early branching. This key phylogenetic position and the peculiar characteristics of chætognaths prompted further investigation of their genomic features.

Results

Transcriptomic and genomic data were collected from the chætognath Spadella cephaloptera through the sequencing of expressed sequence tags and genomic bacterial artificial chromosome clones. Transcript comparisons at various taxonomic scales emphasized the conservation of a core gene set and phylogenomic analysis confirmed the basal position of chætognaths among protostomes. A detailed survey of transcript diversity and individual genotyping revealed a past genome duplication event in the chætognath lineage, which was, surprisingly, followed by a high retention rate of duplicated genes. Moreover, striking genetic heterogeneity was detected within the sampled population at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels but cannot be explained by cryptic speciation. Finally, we found evidence for trans-splicing maturation of transcripts through splice-leader addition in the chætognath phylum and we further report that this processing is associated with operonic transcription.

Conclusion

These findings reveal both shared ancestral and unique derived characteristics of the chætognath genome, which suggests that this genome is likely the product of a very original evolutionary history. These features promote chætognaths as a pivotal model for comparative genomics, which could provide new clues for the investigation of the evolution of animal genomes.
Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery in Children
Authors: Sosa Julie Ann , Tuggle Charles T. , Wang Tracy S. , Thomas Daniel C. , Boudourakis Leon , Rivkees Scott , Roman Sanziana A.
Published: June 2008

Context: Clinical and economic outcomes after thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy in adults have demonstrated disparities based on patient age and race/ethnicity; there is a paucity of literature on pediatric endocrine outcomes.

Objective: The objective was to examine the clinical and demographic predictors of outcomes after pediatric thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy.

Design: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–National Inpatient Sample hospital discharge information from 1999–2005. All patients who underwent thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy were included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of patient outcomes.

Subjects: Subjects included 1199 patients 17 yr old or younger undergoing thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy.

Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included in-hospital patient complications, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient hospital costs.

Results: The majority of patients were female (76%), aged 13–17 yr (71%), and White (69%). Whites were more often in the highest income group (80% vs. 8% for Hispanic and 6% for Black; P < 0.01) and had private/HMO insurance (76% vs. 10% for Hispanic and 5% for Black; P < 0.001) rather than Medicaid (13% vs. 32% for Hispanic and 41% for Black; P < 0.001). Ninety-one percent of procedures were thyroidectomies and 9% parathyroidectomies. Children aged 0–6 yr had higher complication rates (22% vs. 15% for 7–12 yr and 11% for 13–17 yr; P < 0.01), LOS (3.3 d vs. 2.3 for 7–12 yr and 1.8 for 13–17 yr; P < 0.01), and higher costs. Compared with children from higher-income families, those from lower-income families had higher complication rates (11.5 vs. 7.7%; P < 0.05), longer LOS (2.7 vs. 1.7 d; P < 0.01), and higher costs. Children had higher endocrine-specific complication rates than adults after parathyroidectomy (15.2 vs. 6.2%; P < 0.01) and thyroidectomy (9.1 vs. 6.3%; P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Children undergoing thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy have higher complication rates than adult patients. Outcomes were optimized when surgeries were performed by high-volume surgeons. There appears to be disparity in access to high-volume surgeons for children from low-income families, Blacks, and Hispanics.
Plasmodium falciparumpossesses two GRASP proteins that are differentially targeted to the Golgi complex via a higher- and lower-eukaryote-like mechanism
Authors: Struck Nicole S. , Herrmann Susann , Langer Christine , Krueger Andreas , Foth Bernardo J. , Engelberg Klemens , Cabrera Ana L. , Haase Silvia , Treeck Moritz , Marti Matthias , Cowman Alan F. , Spielmann Tobias , Gilberger Tim W.
Published: June 2008

Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, relies on a complex protein-secretion system for protein targeting into numerous subcellular destinations. Recently, a homologue of the Golgi re-assembly stacking protein (GRASP) was identified and used to characterise the Golgi organisation in this parasite. Here, we report on the presence of a splice variant that leads to the expression of a GRASP isoform. Although the first GRASP protein (GRASP1) relies on a well-conserved myristoylation motif, the variant (GRASP2) displays a different N-terminus, similar to GRASPs found in fungi. Phylogenetic analyses between GRASP proteins of numerous taxa point to an independent evolution of the unusual N-terminus that could reflect unique requirements for Golgi-dependent protein sorting and organelle biogenesis in P. falciparum. Golgi association of GRASP2 depends on the hydrophobic N-terminus that resembles a signal anchor, leading to a unique mode of Golgi targeting and membrane attachment.
Nucleolar localization of TERT is unrelated to telomerase function in human cells
Authors: Lin Jian , Jin Rui , Zhang Bin , Chen Hao , Bai Yun Xiu , Yang Ping Xun , Han Su Wen , Xie Yao Hua , Huang Pei Tang , Huang Cuifen , Huang Jun Jian
Published: June 2008

Telomerase maintains telomere length and has been implicated in both aging and carcinogenesis of human cells. This enzyme is a specialized ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, minimally consisting of two essential components: the protein catalytic subunit TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) and the integral RNA moiety TR (telomerase RNA, TERC). Both TERT and TR have been found to localize to nucleoli within the nucleus, leading to the suggestion of nucleoli as the site for telomerase RNP biogenesis in human cells. However, whether this statement is true or not has not yet been convincingly demonstrated. Here, we identify that residues 965-981 of the human TERT polypeptide constitute an active nucleolar-targeting signal (NTS) essential for mediating human TERT nucleolar localization. Mutational inactivation of this NTS completely disrupted TERT nucleolar translocation in both normal and malignant human cells. Most interestingly, such a TERT mutant still retained the capacity to activate telomerase activity, maintain telomere length and extend the life-span of cellular proliferation, as does wild-type TERT, in BJ cells (normal fibroblasts). Therefore, our data suggest that TERT nucleolar localization is unrelated to telomerase function in human cells.
Dynamic resolution of acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm
Authors: Harper Claire V. , Cummerson Joanne A. , White Michael R. H. , Publicover Stephen J. , Johnson Peter M.
Published: June 2008

An essential step in mammalian fertilisation is the sperm acrosome reaction (AR) – exocytosis of a single large vesicle (the acrosome) that surrounds the nucleus at the apical sperm head. The acrosomal and plasma membranes fuse, resulting in both the release of factors that might facilitate penetration of the zona pellucida (which invests the egg) and the externalisation of membrane components required for gamete fusion. Exocytosis in somatic cells is a rapid process – typically complete within milliseconds – yet acrosomal enzymes are required throughout zona penetration – a period of minutes. Here, we present the first studies of this crucial and complex event occurring in real-time in individual live sperm using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Simultaneous imaging of separate probes for acrosomal content and inner acrosomal membrane show that rapid membrane fusion, initiated at the cell apex, is followed by exceptionally slow dispersal of acrosomal content (up to 12 minutes). Cells that lose their acrosome prematurely (spontaneous AR), compromising their ability to penetrate the egg vestments, are those that are already subject to a loss of motility and viability. Cells undergoing stimulus-induced AR (progesterone or A23187) remain viable, with a proportion remaining motile (progesterone). These findings suggest that the AR is a highly adapted form of exocytosis.
In-situ heat transfer measurements on coated and uncoated turbine blades of a full-scale turbine
Authors: Brunner M H , Rose M G , Mühlbauer K , Abhari R S
Published: June 2008

An experimental study was conducted to measure the heat transfer coefficient distributions on cooled rotor blades of a low-pressure turbine in an operating heavy duty (288 MW) gas turbine engine. Heat transfer data along the midspan of the blades are presented in terms of Nusselt numbers for a set of thermal barrier coated and uncoated blades, respectively. The influence of the Reynolds number and incidence angle on the heat transfer rates are demonstrated and discussed. In the measurement technique, the gas turbine is subjected to thermal transients at various engine operating conditions. During these transients the surface temperatures of the rotating blades are measured by means of an infrared pyrometry system. The distribution of heat transfer coefficients is determined from these temperatures and the measured change of an upstream reference gas temperature. The associated measurement errors are assessed using a Monte Carlo analysis.
Performance of a small-scale regenerative Rankine power cycle employing a scroll expander
Authors: Peterson R B , Wang H , Herron T
Published: June 2008

A small scroll expander has been incorporated into a power cycle for performance evaluation. Using heat from a circulating hot oil supply, a working fluid (R123) was vapourized under pressure and fed to the inlet of the expander. Power generated was measured by a torque/rotation rate sensor as the power was delivered to a compressor. The exhausted working fluid was then sent through a regenerator to recover thermal energy, and then to an air-cooled condensation heat exchanger. To complete the cycle, the working fluid passed through a pump and was fed back to the boiler by way of the regenerator. The major components of the power cycle were monitored for performance, and from these values, overall cycle efficiency was determined. A model of the system was also developed in order to validate system state points and allow follow-on projections of cycle performance with better component efficiencies. Depending on the operating state points during testing, the power output from the cycle ranged from 187 to 256 W. At nominal ambient outside temperatures (22.5 °C), the system efficiency was 7.2 per cent. The critical component limiting the overall system efficiency was the expander. Operating within the power cycle, expander efficiency was measured at levels between 45 and 50 per cent, based on the isentropic ideal. The obvious path forward is to improve the efficiency of the scroll expander.
Performance of a heat pump drier for copra drying
Authors: Mohanraj M , Chandrasekar P , Sreenarayanan V V
Published: June 2008

A heat pump drier is designed and fabricated to investigate its performance for copra drying. The experiments are carried out at 40 °C drying air temperature with a velocity of 1.5 m/s. The results showed that moisture content (wet basis) of the coconut is reduced from 52.6 to 8.5 per cent in 48 h. The average coefficient of performance of the heat pump is estimated to be about 3.5. The specific moisture extraction rate is calculated to be about 0.85 kg/kW-h. The copra obtained is graded as 92.7 per cent milling copra grade 1 (MCG1) and 7.3 per cent MCG2 according to Bureau of Indian standards (BIS: 6220–1971).
Backpacking with the Saints: The Risk Taking Character of Wilderness Reading
Authors: Lane Belden C.
Published: June 2008

The lives of the saints are full of stories about the life-changing experience of reading classic texts in provocative, wilderness places. The author of this essay points to his own practice of taking classics of Christian spirituality on wilderness backpacking trips as a metaphor of the risks involved in spiritual reading generally. Drawing on Augustine’s understanding of the dynamic relationship between the reading of a text and the place in which one reads it, he examines the reading process in light of the “two-books” tradition (reading scripture and nature together), offering three vignettes from his own experience of wilderness reading.
Wood solubilization and depolymerization by supercritical methanol. Part 2: Analysis of methanol soluble compounds
Authors: Soria Andres J. , McDonald Armando G. , He Bingjun B.
Published: June 2008

Methanol treatment of ponderosa pine wood was performed in a batch reactor at temperatures close to and above the critical points of methanol (238°C and 8.3 MPa) to induce wood degradation into its monomeric and oligomeric components. The resultant methanol soluble and insoluble residues and gases were collected. The volatile components of the liquid and gaseous fractions were analyzed by GC-MS. The gases consisted mostly of carbon dioxide and simple aliphatic hydrocarbons. The non-volatile methanol soluble components were analyzed by HPLC and size exclusion chromatography. The mixture was found to be promising as a source of raw materials for fuel and chemical manufacturing. It consists of a blend of carbohydrate and lignin derived compounds and extractives in varying concentrations depending on the reaction conditions. More extractive compounds were found in the subcritical runs. In mild supercritical conditions the yield of lignin monomers and oligomers was increased, while under severe supercritical treatment, lignin and carbohydrate derived compounds were prevalent.
Water absorption thermodynamics in single wood pellets modelled by multivariate near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lestander Torbjörn A.
Published: June 2008

Samples of wood pellets were adjusted into six water content classes from 0% to 12%. The water content in single pellets varied between 0.1% and 14.2%. Three equations were constructed to estimate the differential heat of sorption (-ΔH) values from (1) fractal-geometry, (2) isosteric, and (3) calorimetric data. The ranges in calculated -ΔH of single pellets were (1) 133–1475, (2) 315–881, and (3) 195–1188 J g-1 water, respectively, across the studied moisture content range. Partial least squares regression was used to model near-infrared (NIR) spectra from single pellets and to predict -ΔH values and water content. The explained variation in test sets for the different models ranged from 97.1% to 99.9%. The shifts in peak absorbance for two water bands indicated that frequency in overtone vibration of O-H stretching and bending decreased, when water content was raised. Simulations of mixes between pellets of differential heat values showed that released heat was up to 0.03% of the gross calorific value of wood pellets. This heat may be a major contributor to initial temperature increases in pellet stacks during storage. The results indicate that on-line NIR based predictions of differential heat in wood pellets is possible to apply in the pellet industry.
Characterizing the Glycocalyx of Poultry Spermatozoa: II. In Vitro Storage of Turkey Semen and Mobility Phenotype Affects the Carbohydrate Component of Sperm Membrane Glycoconjugates
Authors: Peláez Jesús , Long Julie A.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: The turkey sperm glycocalyx is known to contain residues of sialic acid, α‐mannose/α‐glucose, α‐ and β‐galactose, α‐fucose, α‐ and β‐N‐acetyl‐galactosamine, monomers and dimers of N‐acetyl‐glucosamine, and N‐acetyl‐lactosamine. Potential changes in these carbohydrates during in vitro semen storage at 4°C were evaluated using males of both high‐ and low‐ sperm—mobility phenotypes. Changes in carbohydrate residues were quantified by flow cytometry analysis using a battery of 14 fluorescein isothiocyanate—labeled lectins in combination with control (sialylated) or neuraminidase‐treated (nonsialylated) sperm. Sperm were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours of storage. For control sperm, 4 different patterns of lectin binding were observed over time: 1) increased mean fluorescence intensity (MnFI) at 2 hours (Griffonia simplicifolia lectin‐I [GS‐I]) and 8 hours (Ricinus communis lectin‐I [RCA‐I]) that remained elevated during storage; 2) increased MnFI at specific time points (Limax flavus lectin [LFA], 2 hours; Artocarpus integrifolia lectin [jacalin] and succinyl Triticum vulgare lectin [sWGA], 8 hours; Galanthus nivalis lectin [GNA], 12 hours) followed by decreasing MnFI during the remainder of the 24‐hour storage period; 3) increased MnFI only at the 24‐hour time point (Lotus tetragonolobus lectin [lotus] and Arachis hypogaea lectin [PNA]); and 4) no changes in MnFI during the 24‐hour storage period (Erythrina cristagalli lectin [ECA], GS‐II, Pisum sativum lectin [PSA], Glycine max lectin [SBA], and Wisteria floribunda lectin [WFA]). For nonsialylated sperm, increased binding of ECA, GS‐II, SBA, and WFA was observed at variable time points; only Canavalia ensiformis lectin (Con A) and PSA remained unchanged during storage. Differences between mobility phenotypes existed for lectins Con A, GS‐II, LFA, PSA, SBA, and sWGA, with sperm from low‐mobility males exhibiting higher MnFI than high‐mobility males throughout 24 hours of storage. We concluded that the observed increases in lectin binding during semen storage indicate an augmentation of nonsialylated terminal residues, which could alter sperm antigenicity and negatively impact fertility. Further, spermatozoa from low‐mobility males may have higher antigenicity even before semen storage. Other possible functional implications are discussed.
Problems in Understanding the Turkish Translation of the International Index of Erectile Function
Authors: Serefoglu Ege Can , Atmaca Ali Fuat , Dogan Bayram , Altinova Serkan , Akbulut Ziya , Balbay M. Derya
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: The objective of our study is to analyze the impact of patient age, education level, and household income on the understanding of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and to determine the patient characteristics that make this questionnaire less reliable. All men older than 18 years presenting to our clinic were asked to complete the Turkish translation of IIEF upon arrival. Self‐reported information related to age, education level, and household income of the patients was also recorded from the questionnaire. The patients were requested to complete the questionnaires once again during their second visit, which was not earlier than 5 hours and no later than 5 days. The patients were requested to complete the questionnaire by themselves; however, those who were unable to do so themselves were allowed to receive the assistance of their companions. The answers of the questions that were replied to properly were defined as “appropriate,” and the unanswered questions or those replied to with more than one answer were defined as “inappropriate.” A total of 430 patients were included in this study. Only 289 patients (67.2%) were able to respond to all of the questions properly at first visit. The percentage of improper completion increased as age increased, whereas it decreased parallel to the increase in educational level and household income (respectively, P = .027, P < .001, P = .008). Of 430 patients, 68.4% did not need any help from their companions, and the remaining 31.6% needed some assistance during the completion of the questionnaire. A total of 131 patients who completed the questionnaire at their initial admittance to our clinic came for their second visit. Only 61.8% of the patients were capable of completion both at first and second visits. There was a low degree of consistency among the first and second administrations of IIEF (k = 0.369, P < .001). Turkish translation of the IIEF needs further validations for the self‐administered mode in order to improve its comprehension as well as its reliability, validity, and specificity, especially in older patients with lower educational levels and household income status, among whom the prevalence and the severity of erectile dysfunction is higher.
Serum Concentrations of Estradiol and Free T4 Are Inversely Correlated With Sperm DNA Damage in Men From an Infertility Clinic
Authors: Meeker John D. , Singh Narendra P. , Hauser Russ
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: Sperm DNA damage adversely affects male fertility and contributes to poorer embryo development and lower pregnancy rates. Endogenous hormones are critical to spermatogenesis and maintenance of male reproductive function and likely play an important role in human sperm DNA integrity, but this relationship is not fully understood. The present study measured serum hormone levels and sperm DNA damage with the neutral comet assay in 362 male partners of infertile couples. When sperm concentration and other potential confounding variables were included in multiple linear regression, serum estradiol and free T4 levels were inversely associated with sperm DNA damage. Among other statistically significant associations that were observed, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in estradiol was associated with a 6.3% decline (95% confidence intervals: −9.7%, −2.9%) in comet extent and a 16.2% (−22.4%, −9.2%) decline in the percentage of DNA in the comet tail (Tail%), whereas an IQR increase in free T4 was associated with a 24.4% (−31.5%, −17.4%) decline in Tail%. Likewise, in multiple logistic regression, men in the highest estradiol quartile had an 81% reduced risk of having a comet extent value in the highest quartile compared with men in the lowest estradiol quartile. Men in the highest free T4 quartile had 92% decreased odds of being categorized in the highest Tail% quartile compared with men in the lowest free T4 quartile. These results suggest that estradiol and free T4 may have a protective effect against sperm DNA damage, but future mechanistic and epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Characterization of Human Sperm Antigens Reacting With Anti‐Sperm Antibodies From an Infertile Female Patient's Serum
Authors: Feng H. L. , Han Y. B. , Sparks A. E. T. , Sandlow J. I.
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT: Identification of sperm antigens that elicit immunoglobulin (Ig) production and knowledge of their roles in sperm transport and fertilization may enhance diagnosis and treatment of immunologic infertility. Sperm antigens recognized by a female patient's serum anti‐sperm antibodies were characterized using an indirect immunobead‐binding test, immunoblot analysis, and immunochemical labeling. The anti‐sperm antibodies' effect on sperm function was evaluated by acrosome induction by calcium ionophore. Immunobeads specific for IgG were bound to the head of 79% of motile donor sperm. Immunochemical labeling of antibody‐binding sites was restricted to the plasma membrane over the acrosomal crescent. No labeling was observed on the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome‐reacted sperm. The antibodies reacted with 35‐, 40‐, 47‐, and 65‐kd proteins extracted from acrosome‐intact donor sperm. Sperm incubated in 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32 dilutions of anti‐sperm antibody—positive serum had similar rates of spontaneous acrosome reaction and significantly lower rates of ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction compared with sperm incubated in control serum. These results suggest that sperm antigens recognized by the patient's serum anti‐sperm antibodies are restricted to the acrosomal region of the plasma membrane. The antibodies may impair fertility by compromising the sperm's ability to undergo capacitation and/or acrosome reaction.
HbA1c Values Calculated from Blood Glucose Levels Using Truncated Fourier Series and Implementation in Standard SQL Database Language
Authors: Luger A. , Riedl M. , Temsch W.
Published: June 2008

Objectives:
This article presents a mathematical model to calculate HbA1c values based on self-measured blood glucose and past HbA1c levels, there by enabling patients to monitor diabetes therapy between scheduled checkups. This method could help physicians to make treatment decisions if implemented in a system where glucose data are transferred to a remote server. The method, however, cannot replace HbA1c measurements; past HbA1c values are needed to gauge the method.

Methods:
The mathematical model of HbA1c formation was developed based on biochemical principles. Unlike an existing HbA1c formula [1], the new model respects the decreasing contribution of older glucose levels to current HbA1c values. About 12 standard SQL statements embedded in a php program were used to per-form Fourier transform. Regression analysis was used to gauge results with previous HbA1c values. The method can be readily implemented in any SQL database. Results: The predicted HbA1c values thus obtained were in accordance with measured values. They also matched the results of the HbA1c formula in the elevated range. By contrast, the formula was too “optimistic” in the range of better glycemic control. Individual analysis of two subjects improvedthe accuracy of values and reflected the bias introduced by different glucometers and individual measurement habits.
Emergency Nurses’ Reasons for Not Recommending Their Hospital to Clinicians as a Good Place to Work
Authors: Muir K. Jane , Merchant Raina M. , Lasater Karen B. , Brooks Carthon J. Margo
Published: April 2024

Importance

Half of emergency nurses report high burnout and intend to leave their job in the next year. Whether emergency nurses would recommend their workplace to other clinicians may be an important indicator of a hospital’s ability to recruit clinicians.

Objective

To examine why emergency nurses do not recommend their hospital to other clinicians as a good place to work.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study used directed content analysis of open-text responses (n = 142) from the RN4CAST-NY/IL survey of registered nurses licensed in New York and Illinois between April 13 and June 22, 2021. Inductive and deductive analytic approaches guided study theme development informed by the Social Ecological Model. The collected data were analyzed from April to June 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Nurses who answered “probably not” or “definitely not” to the survey question, “Would you recommend your place of employment as a good place to work?” were prompted to provide a rationale in an open-text response.

Results

In this qualitative study of 142 emergency nurses (mean [SD] age, 43.5 [12.5] years; 113 [79.6%] female; mean [SD] experience, 14.0 [12.2] years), 94 (66.2%) were licensed to work in New York and the other 48 (33.8%) in Illinois. Five themes and associated subthemes emerged from the data. Themes conveyed understaffing of nurses and ancillary support (theme 1: unlimited patients with limited support); inadequate responsiveness from unit management to work environment safety concerns (theme 2: unanswered calls for help); perceptions that nurses’ licenses were in jeopardy given unsafe working conditions and compromised care quality (theme 3: license always on the line); workplace violence on a patient-to-nurse, clinician-to-nurse, and systems level (theme 4: multidimensional workplace violence); and nurse reports of being undervalued by hospital management and unfulfilled at work in delivering suboptimal care to patients in unsafe working conditions (theme 5: undervalued and unfulfilled).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that emergency department nurses did not recommend their workplace to other clinicians as a good place to work because of poor nurse and ancillary staffing, nonresponsive hospital leadership, unsafe working conditions, workplace violence, and a lack of feeling valued. These findings inform aspects of the work environment that employers can address to improve nurse recruitment and retention.
Metalized Plastic Current Collectors Incorporated with Halloysite Nanotubes toward Highly Safe Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Nuo , Zhao Jie , Long Zihan , Song Ruifeng , Cui Yanming , Lin Jiu , Xu Henghui , Huang Yunhui
Published: April 2024

Metalized plastic current collectors (MPCCs) have shown potential in improving the energy density and safety of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor mechanical strength, weak interfacial adhesion force, and surface metal corrosion have impeded the practical application of MPCCs. Here, an innovative engineering of MPCCs is proposed by incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as fillers into polyimide (PI) polymer layer, which is further coated with two thin copper (Cu) layers. Because of the strong bonding between HNTs surface and the PI precursor, HNTs improve the mechanical strength of PI‐HNTs composite film, reinforce the interfacial adhesion force between the PI‐HNTs film and the coated Cu layer, and suppress the Cu corrosion by electrolyte. The prepared MPCCs exhibit a low mass density and only account about one‐fifth of the density of commercial Cu CCs. Furthermore, the PI‐HNTs‐Cu composite demonstrates significantly enhanced interfacial adhesion force doubled to 4 N cm−1 along with prolonged stability under electrolyte immersion and electrochemical reaction conditions, and delivers a high fracture strength of 125 MPa. LIBs assembled with MPCCs deliver a twice higher discharge capacity compared to battery with Cu CCs and reach a long‐term cycle capacity retention as high as 92.9% at 0.5 C after 500 cycles.