bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative and Knowledge Industries: An Occupational Distribution Approach
Authors: Mellander Charlotta
Published: August 2009

This article deals with the discussion around so-called creative industries. Up until now, most definitions have been based on the final product rather than the actual processes within the firms.This work is an attempt to increase the knowledge about what is going on within industries. We use a micro data set, including all private firms and all individuals employed by those firms, to identify the exact occupational distribution within Swedish industries. Furthermore, a debate has questioned whether creative individuals are separated from the highly educated. In this work, therefore, education level is separated from occupational task.
Internet Disclosure by Nonprofit Organizations: Empirical Evidence of Nongovernmental Organizations for Development in Spain
Authors: Gandía Juan L.
Published: August 2009

This article examines the relevance of technology, and particularly the Internet, for the improvement of accountability and transparency in nonprofit organizations. The novelty of our work regarding the previous empirical evidence resides in the fact that we have taken into account the means through which these organizations diffuse voluntary information. In this article, we have proposed a model of information disclosure for the Web sites of Spanish nongovernmental organizations for development (NGODs) that can serve as a guide for improving their informative transparency and their accountability. The empirical evidence obtained reveals that Spanish NGOD Web sites are primarily ornamental and that they should evolve toward an environment more informational and relational that allows the stakeholders to access relevant information ranging from the work being done and the use of the dispersed funds to the form in which the organization is governed. Our results have also confirmed that the disclosure levels are related to the amount of future donations received by the organization.
Innovation in Community Corrections and Probation Officers’ Fears of Being Sued
Authors: Drapela Laurie A. , Lutze Faith E.
Published: August 2009

Probation departments are emphasizing a greater level of community interaction between officers and ordinary citizens as an integral part of effective offender supervision. This trend is due in part to the prisoner reentry correctional paradigm, which conceptualizes probation officers as relationship brokers between offenders and their employers, family members, and community stakeholders. Field probation officers are a critical part of implementing this community-oriented approach. Few scholars, however, have evaluated probation departments’ organizational capacities to implement this change in light of the legal vulnerabilities to torts faced by these officers. We use in-depth interview data from a sample of field probation officers in eastern Washington State to understand how probation officers’ concerns about being sued and their trust in the organization may affect its capacity to innovate. The theoretical and policy implications of our findings are discussed.
The Organizational Politics of Implementing Risk Assessment Instruments in Community Corrections
Authors: Schlager Melinda D.
Published: August 2009

Much talk has surrounded the use of risk assessment in community corrections. Community corrections agencies continue to struggle with what risk instrument to adopt and how to implement it in a comprehensive way. One of the most important factors that impedes the successful implementation of risk assessment instruments is organizational politics. This essay evaluates some of the organizational politics that inhibit the successful implementation of risk assessment instruments and highlights several factors that can mitigate this effect.
Discretionary Decision Making by Probation and Parole Officers
Authors: Kerbs John J. , Jones Mark , Jolley Jennifer M.
Published: August 2009

This study examines the predictors of discretionary decisions made by probation and parole officers (PPOs) when they face clients who commit technical rule violations during community supervision. Although prior studies of discretionary decisions in criminal justice systems typically focus on legal predictors of discretion (i.e., offense- and offender-based variables), this study examines extralegal predictors to include PPOs’ sociodemographical, occupational, and organizational characteristics. The study uses data collected from a national self-report survey of 332 PPOs who worked with adults and who were members of the American Probation and Parole Association in 2005. Logistic regression analyses examine extralegal predictors of PPO support for formal hearings (i.e., judicial or parole board hearings) in response to technical rule violations. Analyses identify significant occupational and organizational factors that predicted discretionary decisions. Policy implications and directions for future research are examined.
Gender and the Predictive Validity of the LSI-R
Authors: Vose Brenda , Lowenkamp Christopher T. , Smith Paula , Cullen Francis T.
Published: August 2009

The Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) is a classification instrument used to identify the risks and needs of offenders. Originally validated for use with male offenders, some scholars have questioned the instrument’s suitability for use with female offenders. The current study attempts to contribute to the discussion on gender and the predictive validity of the LSI-R. A sample of 2,849 probationers and parolees were administered the LSI-R at two points in time. This design allows for the analysis of the instrument’s predictive validity at Time 1 and Time 2, and of the impact that changes in LSI-R scores may have on rates of recidivism. The results suggest that the LSI-R is a valid instrument for predicting recidivism with male and female offenders and thus should be viewed as a useful resource for practitioners engaged in correctional treatment.
Diphenhydramine May Be Useful as a Palliative Treatment for Patients Dying With Parkinson’s Disease and Tremors: A Case Report and Discussion
Authors: Gonzalez Faustino
Published: August 2009

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties, which has been used for the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD) prior to the development of newer agents with better side-effect profiles. However, most of these agents are given orally. Unfortunately, at the time of death, patients with paralysis agitans are no longer able to swallow and they can experience worsening of their tremors. We report the case of 1 patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) and PD who was unable to swallow and developed uncontrollable tremors 24 hours prior to death and whose tremors were successfully treated with diphenhydramine. We feel that in preimminent patients who cannot swallow or may not have perioral endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)s or feeding tubes, parenteral diphenhydramine may be an appropriate palliative intervention to reduce tremors.
Successful Treatment of an Intractable Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Using Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation (PNFS)
Authors: Surjya Prasad Upadhyay  , Shiv Pratap Rana  , Mishra Seema , Bhatnagar Sushma
Published: August 2009

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome that arises as a sequel of herpes zoaster eruption. The treatment of postherpetic neuralgia is medically challenging and often frustrating in some situation as the exact mechanism of neuralgia is poorly understood and multiple and complex pathophysiology is postulated requiring poly pharmacy, which itself leads to many side effects. Here, we present a successful management of supra-orbital PHN using peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS), which was refractory to the commonly used pharmacological treatment. After successful trial stimulation, permanent stimulator was placed successfully, patient medication were tapered off within 2 weeks. At present, patient is in 8-week poststimulation with excellent pain relief, without any side effect.
Reliability and Validity of the Dutch Version of the Behavioural Status Index: A Nurse-Rated Forensic Assessment Tool
Authors: Chakhssi Farid , de Ruiter Corine , Bernstein David
Published: August 2009

The Behavioural Status Index (BEST-Index) has been introduced into Dutch forensic psychiatry to measure change in risk level of future violence. The BEST-Index is a structured observational measure that assesses aggressive behavior, degree of insight, social skills, self-care, and work and leisure skills during inpatient treatment. Thus far, limited information regarding the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the BEST-Index is available. The present study examines the reliability and validity of the Dutch BEST-Index in a sample of 291 mentally disordered offenders admitted to a forensic psychiatric hospital. Interrater reliability was investigated in a sample of 182 raters. Findings show that the Dutch BEST-Index can be used reliably and is significantly associated with risk of future violence and institutional aggression. Furthermore, this study revealed a different and clearer factor structure compared with the original one. Further research is needed to examine how these derived factors predict future recidivism.
The Making of Synaptic Ribbons: How They Are Built and What They Do
Authors: Schmitz Frank
Published: August 2009

Ribbon synapses in the retina and inner ear maintain tonic neurotransmitter release at high rates to transduce a broad bandwidth of stimulus intensities. In ribbon synapses, synaptic vesicles can be released by a slow, sustained mode and by fast, synchronous mechanisms. The high release rates require structural and functional specializations. The synaptic ribbon is the key structural specialization of ribbon synapses. Synaptic ribbons are large, electron-dense structures that immobilize numerous synaptic vesicles next to presynaptic release sites. A main component of synaptic ribbons is the protein RIBEYE that has the capability to build the scaffold of the synaptic ribbon via multiple RIBEYE-RIBEYE interactions. A modular assembly model of synaptic ribbons has been proposed in which synaptic ribbons are formed from individual RIBEYE subunits. The scaffold of the synaptic ribbon provides a docking site for RIBEYE-associated proteins that could execute specific synaptic ribbon functions. Multiple functions have been assigned to synaptic ribbons including roles in exocytosis, endocytosis, and synaptic membrane trafficking. Recent studies demonstrated the importance of synaptic ribbons for fast, synchronous release and emphasized the need of a tight and efficient coupling between presynaptic Ca2+ signaling and exocytosis. The present review summarizes recent advances on structure and function of synaptic ribbons.
The Two Faces of Estradiol: Effects on the Developing Brain
Authors: McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: August 2009

Estradiol is a potent steroid of both gonadal and neuronal origin that exerts profound and enduring effects on the brain as it develops. Differences in estradiol production in males and females underlie the establishment of many sexually dimorphic brain characteristics. Two paradigm shifts in the understanding of estradiol and its actions have expanded the view from one of slow narrowly controlled nuclear transcription to include rapid effects initiated at the membrane and inducible by locally synthesized steroid. A survey of estradiol actions reveals regional specificity underlying opposing effects such that estradiol induces cell death in one region but prevents it in another or promotes synaptogenesis in one region but retards it in the other. Similarly, estradiol is neuroprotective or neurodamaging and enhances excitation or dampens excitation, depending on the model and neurotransmitter under study. Understanding the diverse actions of estradiol in different brain regions under differing conditions is essential to harnessing the tremendous therapeutic potential of this endogenous naturally occurring and efficacious neural modulator.
Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Dabigatran Etexilate, an Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
Authors: Stangier Joachim , Clemens Andreas
Published: August 2009

Dabigatran etexilate is a novel, oral reversible direct thrombin inhibitor that is rapidly absorbed and converted to its active form, dabigatran. Dabigatran has been shown to be a potent, competitive, and reversible inhibitor of thrombin, inhibiting both thrombin activity and generation. Studies in healthy volunteers and in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery indicate that dabigatran has a predictable pharmacokinetic profile, allowing for a fixed-dose regimen without the need for coagulation monitoring. In healthy volunteers, peak plasma concentrations of dabigatran are reached approximately 2 hours after oral administration. The elimination half-life is 12 to 14 hours, with clearance predominantly occurring via renal excretion of unchanged drug. Dabigatran is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, has no interactions with food, and also has a low potential for drug—drug interactions. The pharmacokinetic profile of dabigatran is consistent across a broad range of different patient populations and is unaffected by gender, body weight, ethnic origin, obesity, and mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment. Small differences in dabigatran pharmacokinetics associated with age are attributable to variation in renal function. Dabigatran etexilate produces a predictable pharmacodynamic effect and requires no coagulation monitoring. It has been approved in the European Union (EU) and Canada for prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating its use in the treatment of venous thromboembolism, prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and treatment of thromboembolic complications, following acute coronary syndromes.
Capecitabine-induced pancreatitis
Authors: Yucel Hanifi , Warmerdam Laurence V
Published: August 2009

Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of fluorouracil, which is a commonly used cytotoxic drug in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. Many adverse effects are known to occur with capecitabine including diarrhea, palmar-planter erythrodysesthesia and nausea. We report a case of capecitabine-induced pancreatitis, also occurring with re-challenge. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2010) 16: 133—134.
Existence and Uniqueness for Rate-Independent Infinitesimal Gradient Plasticity with Isotropic Hardening and Plastic Spin
Authors: Ebobisse François , Neff Patrizio
Published: August 2009

Existence and uniqueness for infinitesimal dislocation based rate-independent gradient plasticity with linear isotropic hardening and plastic spin are shown using convex analysis and variational inequality methods. The dissipation potential is extended non-uniquely from symmetric plastic rates to non-symmetric plastic rates and three qualitatively different formats for the dissipation potential are distinguished.
Ecological Habitus:Toward a Better Understanding of Socioecological Relations
Authors: Kasper Debbie V. S.
Published: August 2009

There is a clear need to better understand the interdependent relationships between people and the biophysical world. Social science research is essential for such efforts but is not yet widely viewed as relevant to ecological research. Impeding its advancement in this direction are the characteristics of a modern Western worldview exhibited by, and problematic for, much of social scientific research, especially emphases on mechanism, dualism, and prediction. I offer environmental behavior research as an area in which these are apparent. I discuss the need to better account for the relations and processes that characterize human social life and suggest an alternative approach for doing so. Drawing on complementary works in sociological theory, I develop the notion of ecological habitus and propose it as a practical tool for more adequately thinking about and studying socioecological phenomena. I conclude with brief speculation about the possible empirical uses of the ecological habitus concept.
The Problem With Being Special
Authors: Kogan Vladimir , McCubbins Mathew D.
Published: August 2009

In the face of voter-imposed tax limitations, local governments have adopted ever-more complex financial mechanisms to balance their budgets. Increasingly, municipalities in California have made use of special assessments to finance local infrastructure improvements and other vital government services. These assessments bill property owners for public goods and services in proportion to the “special benefits” that they receive. Because benefit assessments are constitutionally distinct from taxes, the growth in assessment financing has come partly as a direct response to increased constraints on the ability of local governments to raise general taxes. Our contention is that this growth should prove cause for concern due to the unusual combination of social choice pathologies to which special assessments fall vulnerable. Field interviews with public officials and the consultants they call on to help create these assessments suggest that special assessments can indeed pose special democratic problems.
A Sociopsychological Conception of Collective Identity: The Case of National Identity as an Example
Authors: David Ohad , Bar-Tal Daniel
Published: August 2009

The present article delineates the complex structure of collective identity by incorporating two levels of analysis. The first, the micro level, pertains to individual society members’ recognition of and categorization as belonging to a group, with the accompanying cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences. The second, the macro level, pertains to the notion of collective identity that denotes the shared awareness by constituents of a society of being members of a collective. This level is founded on two pillars: One pillar consists of generic features that characterize the collective identity. These features apply to macro-level collectives and allow a comparison among them. The other pillar is particular and consists of content characteristics that provide the unique features of the collective identity. The conceptual framework is applied to the analysis of the national collective identity as a case example. The contributions and implications of the described conception are discussed.
Customer-Centric Science: Reporting Significant Research Results With Rigor, Relevance, and Practical Impact in Mind
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Werner Steve , Lanza Abbott JéAnna , Angert Cory , Joon Hyung Park  , Kohlhausen Donna
Published: August 2009

In response to the ongoing concern regarding a science-practice gap, we propose a customer-centric approach to reporting significant research results that involves a sequence of three interdependent steps. The first step involves setting an alpha level (i.e., a priori Type I error rate) that considers the relative seriousness of falsely rejecting a null hypothesis of no effect or relationship (i.e., Type I error) relative to not detecting an existing effect or relationship (i.e., Type II error) and reporting the actual observed p value (i.e., probability that the data would be obtained if the null hypothesis is true). The second step involves reporting estimates of the size of the effect or relationship, which indicate the extent to which an outcome is explained or predicted. The third step includes reporting results of a qualitative study to gather evidence regarding the practical significance of the effect or relationship. Our proposal to report research results with rigor, relevance, and practical impact involves important changes in how we report research results with the goal to bridge the science-practice gap.
Damage Assessment Due to Repeated Slamming of Foam Core Sandwich Composites
Authors: Charca S. , Shafiq B.
Published: August 2009

Foam core sandwich composite panels repeatedly slammed onto the body of calm water indicate greater accumulation and progression of damage accompanied by lower lifetimes as a function of increasing slamming energy or lower deadrise angle. E—N (slamming energy vs. lifetime) curves showed an exponentially decreasing trend with extensive scatter in the data. E—N curves also differed dramatically when compared with the conventional S—N fatigue life curve. A significant reduction observed in fatigue life of slammed specimens as compared with the non-slammed specimens was used as a basis for the development of a life assessment methodology. Catastrophic failure under slamming resulted from a major crack formation near the chine or the keel depending on the deadrise angle, however, during post-slamming fatigue, failure always occurred near the keel. Core tearing along the interface and core shear were observed to be the dominant modes of failure, while facesheet damage activity was largely absent prior to catastrophic failure.
Psychiatric disorders in long-term sickness absence — a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Søgaard Hans Jørgen , Bech Per
Published: August 2009

Aims: The study estimates the incidence of psychiatric disorders in long-term sickness absence (LSA; more than eight weeks of continuous sickness absence) over one year. The study is the first accounting for everybody on LSA by linking a psychiatric assessment for all persons on LSA to public registers. Methods: In a Danish population of 120,000 inhabitants all 2,414 incident persons on LSA within one year were posted a questionnaire, of whom 1,121 (46.4%) responded. In a two phase design the 1,121 sick-listed persons were screened for psychiatric disorders. Phase 2 consisted of 844 people with predefined scores on CMD-SQ of whom 423 were randomly invited to a psychiatric examination and 329 participated. A further 11 who did not fulfil the predefined criteria were invited, of whom eight participated. The examination included a diagnostic interview by Present State Examination. Results: The 329 examined persons in Phase 2 showed by binomial tests the following frequencies: any psychiatric disorder 57%, any depression 42%, and any anxiety 18%. In Phase 1, representative for everyone on LSA, the frequencies were 48% for any psychiatric disorder, 35% for any depression, 15% for any anxiety, and 7% for any somatoform disorder. Multivariable analyses showed that female sex and unemployment were predictors of a psychiatric disorder, whereas living with children below 18 years and being a skilled worker carried a reduced risk of a psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: The high frequency of psychiatric disorders necessitates further population-based studies documenting the efficiency of screening and psychiatric examinations in LSA.
Stress and hazardous alcohol use: Associations with early dropout from university
Authors: Andersson Claes , Johnsson Kent O , Berglund Mats , Öjehagen Agneta
Published: August 2009

Background: The transition to studying at university is associated with increased levels of both stress and hazardous alcohol use. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of these factors on first-year dropout from university studies. Methods: Two complete cohorts of university freshmen at two homogeneous universities, one in the north and one in the south of Sweden, were asked to participate in an intervention study. Participants responded to a baseline questionnaire including measures of stress and alcohol use. Official university records showing dropout over 12 months were collected. Results: A multivariate analysis established that high stress and admission to the northern university were associated with dropout from university studies, while symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as hazardous drinking were not. Conclusions: There is a need to address the issue of stress associated with the start of university studies. It seems important to offer stress-reducing interventions, specifically aimed at reducing transitional stress, as soon as students start university.
The effect of early life factors on 28 day case fatality after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Rajaleid Kristna , Hallqvist Johan , Koupil Ilona
Published: August 2009

Aims: To study the association of size at birth and social circumstances at birth with 28 day case fatality of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Based on 1,776 first cases of AMI occurring in Uppsala Birth Cohort (men and women born 1915—1929) between 1964 and 2002. Data on circumstances at birth retrieved from archived obstetric records; data on social characteristics in adulthood, hospitalizations, and date of death obtained through linkage to Censuses, Hospital Discharge Register, and Cause of Death Register. Results: We found a U-shaped association between standardized birth weight and case fatality of AMI in men (p = 0.045 for age and period adjusted quadratic trend over quintiles of standardized birth weight) that was driven by cases of AMI occurring during the early years of follow-up. We found no association between standardized birth weight and case fatality of AMI in women. There was a statistically non-significant inverse association of AMI case fatality with social class at birth as well as with social class and household income in adulthood in the cohort. Marital status was a strong determinant of case fatality in men. Conclusions: Standardized birth weight for gestational age was associated with case fatality of AMI in men. Social class at birth was weakly inversely associated with case fatality of AMI in the cohort.
Practitioners in Applied Professions: A Model Applied to Human Resource Development
Authors: Ruona Wendy E. A. , Gilley Jerry W.
Published: August 2009

The problem and the solution. There’s no doubt that the theory—practice gap exists in HRD and in most applied professions. However, it is time to move beyond belaboring this gap and toward figuring out specific ways to lessen it.We need new models on which to build.This article offers just such a model—a way to conceive of the different ways that practitioners utilize and contribute to the scholarship of HRD. The model outlines four distinct types of practice and the characteristics of these different types of practitioners. Implications for professional development and professionalization of individuals in HRD, as well as the field of HRD itself, are discussed.
The Effect of Incentives on Sabotage: The Case of Spanish Football
Authors: del Corral Julio , Prieto-Rodríguez Juan , Simmons Rob
Published: August 2009

A growing literature examines adverse behavior as unintended consequences of incentives. We test Lazear’s hypothesis that states that if rewards were dependent solely on relative performance then an increase in rewards would induce agents to engage in sabotage activity to reduce rivals’ output. We test this hypothesis using the natural experiment of a rule change in Spanish football, the increase in points for winning a league match from two to three. We find, consistent with Lazear’s hypothesis, that teams in a winning position were more likely to commit offences punishable by dismissal of a player after this change.
Social Responsibility of Nursing
Authors: Tyer-Viola Lynda , Nicholas Patrice K. , Corless Inge B. , Barry Donna M. , Hoyt Pamela , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Davis Sheila M.
Published: August 2009

This study addresses social responsibility in the discipline of nursing and implications for global health. The concept of social responsibility is explicated and its relevance for nursing is examined, grounded in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and the International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics. Social justice, human rights, nurse migration, and approaches to nursing education are discussed within the framework of nursing’s social responsibility. Strategies for addressing nursing workforce issues and education within a framework of social responsibility are explored.
The Effect of Dementia Patient’s Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional/ Behavioral Problems on Caregiver Well-Being: Findings From a Spanish-Speaking Sample From Colombia, South America
Authors: Arango Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Moreno Alexander , Rogers Heather , Francis Kathryn
Published: August 2009

The current study aims to (1) determine whether there is a relationship between the problems of patients with dementia and the psychosocial functioning of the caregiver, (2) determine whether these relationships exist independent of sociodemographic and caregiving-related variables, and (3) determine which type of problems of patients with dementia best predict the psychosocial functioning of the caregiver. In all, 73 family caregivers were recruited from Bogota, Colombia. The caregivers completed a checklist of problems presented by the person with dementia, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Number of cognitive and behavioral/emotional problems presented by the person with dementia was positively correlated with caregiver PHQ-9 and ZBI scores. Number of behavioral/emotional problems was negatively correlated with ISEL-12 scores. Cognitive and behavioral/emotional problems, but not physical, presented by the person with dementia were associated with higher levels of depression and burden of caregiver. Behavioral/emotional difficulties were associated with lower caregiver-perceived social support rating.
There is No Magic Circle
Authors: Consalvo Mia
Published: August 2009

Games are created through the act of gameplay, which is contingent on player acts. However, to understand gameplay, we must also investigate contexts, justifications, and limitations. Cheating can be an excellent path into studying the gameplay situation, because it lays bare player’s frustrations and limitations. It points to ludic hopes and activities, and it causes us to question our values, our ethics. In comparison, the concept of the magic circle seems static and overly formalist. Structures may be necessary to begin gameplay, but we cannot stop at structures as a way of understanding the gameplay experience. Because of that, we cannot say that games are magic circles, where the ordinary rules of life do not apply. Of course they apply, but in addition to, in competition with, other rules and in relation to multiple contexts, across varying cultures, and into different groups, legal situations, and homes.
The Assemblage of Play
Authors: Taylor T.L.
Published: August 2009

This article explores the notion of assemblage for computer game studies. Drawing on this framework, the author proposes a multifaceted methodological approach to the study of games and the play experience. Drawing on user-created mods (modifications) in the game World of Warcraft and an analysis of a raid encounter there, a discussion is undertaken about the relationship between technological artifacts, game experience, and sociality. Primary to the consideration is an argument for the centralizing the interrelation of a variety of actors and nodes when analyzing lived play in computer games.
Moisture and Bio-deterioration Risk of Building Materials and Structures
Authors: Viitanen Hannu , Vinha Juha , Salminen Kati , Ojanen Tuomo , Peuhkuri Ruut , Paajanen Leena , Lähdesmäki Kimmo
Published: August 2009

There are several biological processes causing aging and damage to buildings. This is partly due to natural aging of materials and excessive moisture. The demands on durability, energy balance, and health of houses are continually rising. For mold development, the minimum (critical) ambient humidity requirement is shown to be between RH 80% and 95% depending on other factors like ambient temperature, exposure time, and the type and surface conditions of building materials. For decay development, the critical humidity is above RH 95%. Mold typically affects the quality of the adjacent air space with volatile compounds and spores. The next stage of moisture-induced damage, the decay development, forms a serious risk for structural strength depending on moisture content, materials, temperature, and time. The worst decay damage cases in North Europe are found in the floors and lower parts of walls, where water accumulates due to different reasons. Modeling of mold growth and decay development based on humidity, temperature, exposure time, and material will give new tools for the evaluation of durability of different building materials and structures. The models make it possible to evaluate the risk and development of mold growth and to analyze the critical conditions needed for the start of biological growth. The model is also a tool to simulate the progress of mold and decay development under different conditions on the structure surfaces. This requires that the moisture capacity and moisture transport properties in the material and at the surface layer be taken into account in the simulations. In practice there are even more parameters affecting mold growth, e.g., thickness of the material layers combined with the local surface heat and mass transfer coefficients. Therefore, the outcome of the simulations and in situ observations of biological deterioration may not agree. In the present article, results on mold growth in different materials and wall assemblies will be shown and existing models on the risk of mold growth development will be evaluated. One of the results of a newly finished large Finnish research project ‘modeling of mold growth’ is an improved and extended mathematical model for mold growth. This model and more detailed research results will be published in other papers.
Eμ-BCL10 mice exhibit constitutive activation of both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways generating marginal zone (MZ) B-cell expansion as a precursor to splenic MZ lymphoma
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Wang Hongsheng , Xue Liquan , Shin Dong-Mi , Roopenian Derry , Xu Wu , Qi Chen-Feng , Sangster Mark Y. , Orihuela Carlos J. , Tuomanen Elaine , Rehg Jerold E. , Cui Xiaoli , Zhang Quangeng , Morse Herbert C. , Morris Stephan W.
Published: August 2009

BCL10, required for nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation during antigen-driven lymphocyte responses, is aberrantly expressed in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type marginal zone (MZ) lymphomas because of chromosomal translocations. Eμ-driven human BCL10 transgenic (Tg) mice, which we created and characterize here, had expanded populations of MZ B cells and reduced follicular and B1a cells. Splenic B cells from Tg mice exhibited constitutive activation of both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathways is associated with increased expression of NF-κB target genes. These genes included Tnfsf13b, which encodes the B-cell activating factor (BAFF). In addition, levels of BAFF were significantly increased in sera from Tg mice. MZ B cells of Tg mice exhibited reduced turnover in vivo and enhanced survival in vitro, indicative of lymphoaccumulation rather than lymphoproliferation as the cause of MZ expansion. In vivo antibody responses to both T-independent, and especially T-dependent, antigens were significantly reduced in Tg mice. Mortality was accelerated in Tg animals, and some mice older than 8 months had histologic and molecular findings indicative of clonal splenic MZ lymphoma. These results suggest that, in addition to constitutive activation of BCL10 in MZ B cells, other genetic factors or environmental influences are required for short latency oncogenic transformation.
Potent HIV-specific responses are enriched in a unique subset of CD8+ T cells that coexpresses CD4 on its surface
Authors: Zloza Andrew , Schenkel Jason M. , Tenorio Allan R. , Martinson Jeffrey A. , Jeziorczak Paul M. , Al-Harthi Lena
Published: August 2009

In humans, approximately 3% of peripheral CD8+ T cells coexpress CD4 dimly on their surface and hence are designated as CD4dimCD8bright T cells. We evaluated the contribution of this CD4dimCD8bright T-cell population to anti-HIV immunity. We demonstrate that CD4dimCD8bright T cells generate greater than 55% of CD8+ T-cell antigen recognition and effector response to HIV, as evaluated by multiple parameters for assessing T-cell antiviral immunity, including HIV tetramer recognition, cytokine production, and cytolytic potential. Inhibition of major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II) on target cells or CD4 on CD4dimCD8bright T cells diminishes their anti-HIV responses, suggesting that CD4 on effector cells and MHC-II on target cells provides an additional arm of contact between effector and target cells which is critical to CD4dimCD8bright T-cell function. CD4dimCD8bright T cells also exhibit features that are indicative of central memory T cells. Finally, CD4dimCD8bright T cells are elevated in blood of HIV+ long-term nonprogressors in comparison to HIV− donors. Collectively, our findings show that CD4dimCD8bright T cells designate an enriched antiviral subpopulation of CD8+ T cells that should be targeted for therapeutic intervention or evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
HIV-1 gp120-induced migration of dendritic cells is regulated by a novel kinase cascade involving Pyk2, p38 MAP kinase, and LSP1
Authors: Anand Appakkudal R. , Prasad Anil , Bradley Ritu R. , Deol Yadwinder S. , Nagaraja Tirumuru , Ren Xianghui , Terwilliger Ernest F. , Ganju Ramesh K.
Published: August 2009

Targeting dendritic cell (DC) functions such as migration is a pivotal mechanism used by HIV-1 to disseminate within the host. The HIV-1 envelope protein is the most important of the virally encoded proteins that exploits the migratory capacity of DCs. In the present study, we elucidated the signaling machinery involved in migration of immature DCs (iDCs) in response to HIV-1 envelope protein. We observed that M-tropic HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 (gp120) induces phosphorylation of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Pyk2. Inhibition of Pyk2 activity using a pharmacologic inhibitor, kinase-inactive Pyk2 mutant, and Pyk2-specific small interfering RNA blocked gp120-induced chemotaxis, confirming the role of Pyk2 in iDC migration. In addition, we also illustrated the importance of Pyk2 in iDC migration induced by virion-associated envelope protein, using aldithriol-2–inactivated M-tropic HIV-1 virus. Further analysis of the downstream signaling mechanisms involved in gp120-induced migration revealed that Pyk2 activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which in turn activates the F-actin–binding protein, leukocyte-specific protein 1, and enhances its association with actin. Taken together, our studies provide an insight into a novel gp120-mediated pathway that regulates DC chemotaxis and contributes to the dissemination of HIV-1 within an infected person.
Microchimerism is strongly correlated with tolerance to noninherited maternal antigens in mice
Authors: Dutta Partha , Molitor-Dart Melanie , Bobadilla Joseph L. , Roenneburg Drew A. , Yan Zhen , Torrealba Jose R. , Burlingham William J.
Published: August 2009

In mice and humans, the immunologic effects of developmental exposure to noninherited maternal antigens (NIMAs) are quite variable. This heterogeneity likely reflects differences in the relative levels of NIMA-specific T regulatory (TR) versus T effector (TE) cells. We hypothesized that maintenance of NIMA-specific TR cells in the adult requires continuous exposure to maternal cells and antigens (eg, maternal microchimerism [MMc]). To test this idea, we used 2 sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests to detect MMc in different organs of NIMAd-exposed H2b mice. MMc was detected in 100% of neonates and a majority (61%) of adults; nursing by a NIMA+ mother was essential for preserving MMc into adulthood. MMc was most prevalent in heart, lungs, liver, and blood, but was rarely detected in unfractionated lymphoid tissues. However, MMc was detectable in isolated CD4+, CD11b+, and CD11c+ cell subsets of spleen, and in lineage-positive cells in heart. Suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and in vivo lymphoproliferation correlated with MMc levels, suggesting a link between TR and maternal cell engraftment. In the absence of neonatal exposure to NIMA via breastfeeding, MMc was lost, which was accompanied by sensitization to NIMA in some offspring, indicating a role of oral exposure in maintaining a favorable TR > TE balance.
Absence of functional Hfe protects mice from invasive Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium infection via induction of lipocalin-2
Authors: Nairz Manfred , Theurl Igor , Schroll Andrea , Theurl Milan , Fritsche Gernot , Lindner Ewald , Seifert Markus , Crouch Marie-Laure V. , Hantke Klaus , Akira Shizuo , Fang Ferric C. , Weiss Günter
Published: August 2009

Mutations of HFE are associated with hereditary hemochromatosis, but their influence on host susceptibility to infection is incompletely understood. We report that mice lacking one or both Hfe alleles are protected from septicemia with Salmonella Typhimurium, displaying prolonged survival and improved control of bacterial replication. This increased resistance is paralleled by an enhanced production of the enterochelin-binding peptide lipocalin-2 (Lcn2), which reduces the availability of iron for Salmonella within Hfe-deficient macrophages. Accordingly, Hfe−/−Lcn2−/− macrophages are unable to efficiently control the infection or to withhold iron from intracellular Salmonella. Correspondingly, the protection conferred by the Hfe defect is abolished in Hfe−/− mice infected with enterochelin-deficient Salmonella as well as in Hfe−/−Lcn2−/− mice infected with wild-type bacteria. Thus, by induction of the iron-capturing peptide Lcn2, absence of functional Hfe confers host resistance to systemic infection with Salmonella, thereby providing an evolutionary advantage which may account for the high prevalence of genetic hemochromatosis.
Cerebrovascular reserve capacity is impaired in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Nur Erfan , Kim Yu-Sok , Truijen Jasper , van Beers Eduard J. , Davis Shyrin C. A. T. , Brandjes Dees P. , Biemond Bart J. , van Lieshout Johannes J.
Published: August 2009

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a high incidence of ischemic stroke. SCD is characterized by hemolytic anemia, resulting in reduced nitric oxide-bioavailability, and by impaired cerebrovascular hemodynamics. Cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness is nitric oxide dependent and has been related to an increased stroke risk in microvascular diseases. We questioned whether cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness is impaired in SCD and related to hemolytic anemia. Transcranial Doppler-determined mean cerebral blood flow velocity (Vmean), near-infrared spectroscopy-determined cerebral oxygenation, and end-tidal CO2 tension were monitored during normocapnia and hypercapnia in 23 patients and 16 control subjects. Cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness was quantified as Δ% Vmean and Δμmol/L cerebral oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin per mm Hg change in end-tidal CO2 tension. Both ways of measurements revealed lower cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness in SCD patients versus controls (Vmean, 3.7, 3.1-4.7 vs 5.9, 4.6-6.7 Δ% Vmean per mm Hg, P < .001; oxyhemoglobin, 0.36, 0.14-0.82 vs 0.78, 0.61-1.22 Δμmol/L per mm Hg, P = .025; deoxyhemoglobin, 0.35, 0.14-0.67 vs 0.58, 0.41-0.86 Δμmol/L per mm Hg, P = .033; total-hemoglobin, 0.13, 0.02-0.18 vs 0.23, 0.13-0.38 Δμmol/L per mm Hg, P = .038). Cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness was not related to markers of hemolytic anemia. In SCD patients, impaired cerebrovascular CO2 responsiveness reflects reduced cerebrovascular reserve capacity, which may play a role in pathophysiology of stroke.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte therapy with donor T cells prevents and treats adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus infections after haploidentical and matched unrelated stem cell transplantation
Authors: Leen Ann M. , Christin Anne , Myers Gary D. , Liu Hao , Cruz Conrad R. , Hanley Patrick J. , Kennedy-Nasser Alana A. , Leung Kathryn S. , Gee Adrian P. , Krance Robert A. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Heslop Helen E. , Rooney Cliona M. , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: August 2009

Viral infection or reactivation remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We now show that infusions of single cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines (5 × 106-1.35 × 108 cells/m2) with specificity for 2 commonly detected viruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and adenovirus, can be safely administered to pediatric transplantation recipients receiving partially human leukocyte antigen–matched and haploidentical stem cell grafts (n = 13), without inducing graft-versus-host disease. The EBV-specific component of the CTLs expanded in vivo and persisted for more than 12 weeks, but the adenovirus-specific component only expanded in vivo in the presence of concomitant adenoviral infection. Nevertheless, adenovirus-specific T cells could be detected for at least 8 weeks in peripheral blood, even in CTL recipients without viral infection, provided the adenovirus-specific component of their circulating lymphocytes was first expanded by exposure to adenoviral antigens ex vivo. After infusion, none of these 13 high-risk recipients developed EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease, while 2 of the subjects had resolution of their adenoviral disease. Hence, bispecific CTLs containing both EBV- and adenovirus-specific T cells can safely reconstitute an antigen responsive “memory” population of CTLs after human leukocyte antigen–mismatched stem cell transplantation and may provide antiviral activity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00590083.
Exposure to nanoparticles is related to pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma
Authors: Song Y. , Li X. , Du X.
Published: August 2009

Nano materials generate great benefits as well as new potential risks. Animal studies andin vitroexperiments show that nanoparticles can result in lung damage and other toxicity, but no reports on the clinical toxicity in humans due to nanoparticles have yet been made.

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between a group of workers' presenting with mysterious symptomatic findings and their nanoparticle exposure.

Seven young female workers (aged 18–47 yrs), exposed to nanoparticles for 5–13 months, all with shortness of breath and pleural effusions were admitted to hospital. Immunological tests, examinations of bacteriology, virology and tumour markers, bronchoscopy, internal thoracoscopy and video-assisted thoracic surgery were performed. Surveys of the workplace, clinical observations and examinations of the patients were conducted.

Polyacrylate, consisting of nanoparticles, was confirmed in the workplace. Pathological examinations of patients' lung tissue displayed nonspecific pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis and foreign-body granulomas of pleura. Using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticles were observed to lodge in the cytoplasm and caryoplasm of pulmonary epithelial and mesothelial cells, but are also located in the chest fluid. These cases arouse concern that long-term exposure to some nanoparticles without protective measures may be related to serious damage to human lungs.