bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofilms, Infection, and Parenteral Nutrition Therapy
Authors: Machado Juliana Deh Carvalho , Suen Vivian Miguel Marques , de Castro Figueiredo José Fernando , Marchini Júlio Sérgio
Published: April 2009

Parenteral nutrition therapy is used in patients with a contraindication to the use of the gastrointestinal tract, and infection is one of its frequent and severe complications. The objective of the present study was to detect the presence of biofilms and microorganisms adhering to the central venous catheters used for parenteral nutrition therapy by scanning electron microscopy. Thirty‐nine central venous catheters belonging to patients with clinical signs of infection (G1) and asymptomatic patients (G2) and patients receiving central venous catheters for clinical monitoring (G3) were analyzed by semiquantitative culture and scanning electron microscopy. The central venous catheters of G1 presented more positive cultures than those of G2 and G3 (81% vs 50% and 0%, respectively). However, biofilms were observed in all catheters used and 55% of them showed structures that suggested central venous catheters colonization by microorganisms. Approximately 53% of the catheter infections evolved with systemic infection confirmed by blood culture. The authors conclude that the presence of a biofilm is frequent and is an indicator of predisposition to infection, which may even occur in patients who are still asymptomatic.
Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Israel Emily , Stover Carla
Published: April 2009

The issue of the father—child relationship has been greatly ignored in the domestic violence research literature. This study investigated whether intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by biological fathers resulted in higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms and behavior problems than violence perpetrated by nonbiological fathers and whether children who witnessed violence perpetrated by multiple father figures had increased levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and behavioral symptoms. Eighty mothers who experienced domestic incidents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the University of California at Los Angeles Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (PTSD-RI) for their children aged 2 to 18. Children with multiple violent father figures had significantly more symptoms on the CBCL than children in the other two research groups while controlling for maternal symptoms and trauma history. There were no significant differences between the biological and nonbiological father groups or among the three groups on the PTSD-RI.
Personal and Perceived Peer Attitudes Supporting Sexual Aggression as Predictors of Male College Students’ Willingness to Intervene Against Sexual Aggression
Authors: Brown Amy L. , Messman-Moore Terri L.
Published: April 2009

Male college students ( N = 395) completed anonymous surveys to report personal attitudes supporting sexual aggression and estimated the attitudes of their peers. Participants also indicated their willingness to intervene against a peer if they witnessed sexual aggression. Although both personal and peer attitudes were correlated with willingness to intervene, in regression analyses only perceived peer attitudes emerged as a significant predictor of willingness to intervene. Results suggest that personal attitudes supporting sexual aggression are not as relevant to men’s willingness to intervene against sexual aggression as are perceived peer norms regarding sexual aggression. Findings are relevant to sexual assault prevention education with men, suggesting that attempts to encourage bystander intervention may be best presented in the context of challenging perceived norms.
Opposition to Civil Rights for Legal Migrants in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Coenders Marcel , Lubbers Marcel , Scheepers Peer
Published: April 2009

We set out to answer three questions: (a) to what extent do (former) EU candidate countries differ from Western European countries regarding opposition to civil rights for legal migrants? (b) to what extent do the (former) EU candidate countries differ among themselves in terms of this particular anti-immigrant sentiment, that is, opposition to civil rights for legal migrants? and (c) to what extent can we explain such cross-national differences, considering cross-national demographic or economic conditions, taking into account individual differences? We found that former EU candidate countries were really on comparable levels as EU member states in terms of opposition to civil rights for legal migrants. We found rather strong differences with countries like Estonia, Latvia and Hungary standing out, whereas countries like Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Turkey showed low levels. We found that these differences were (rather strongly) explained by the migrant stock in the country. Although none of the other national characteristics turned out to reach significance, their parameters were in the direction we proposed.
From Iron Curtain to Golden Curtain
Authors: Allina-Pisano Jessica
Published: April 2009

The village of Kisszelmenc, a historically Magyar settlement at the edge of southwestern Ukraine, has been separated by an international border from its sister village of Nagyszelmenc, now in Slovakia, since just after World War II. A recent project to reconnect the two villages sought to support Magyar identity in the region through the reunification of village families. The opening of a border crossing project instead drove economic changes that resulted in the Ukrainianization and the Slovakization of Kisszelmenc. This article shows how the reconfiguration of economic relations stemming from changes in political institutions can generate unexpected shifts in the enactment of ethno-cultural identity on a given territory.
Are Hospitals an Export Industry?
Authors: Nelson Marla
Published: April 2009

Hospitals make substantial contributions to local and regional economies through the purchase of goods and services and the employment of large numbers of workers. In addition, research hospitals are a key component of the knowledge-based economy supporting an experienced and educated workforce and originating and transferring knowledge and innovation. Despite their importance, hospitals have been understudied from an economic development perspective. The lack of attention is, in part, because of the perception of health care as a “nonbasic” or locally serving activity that has little impact on driving a metropolitan area's economic development. This article uses patient-origin data from the 2004 American Hospital Directory to determine the magnitude of Medicare exports from 62 hospitals in five slow-growth or lagging metropolitan areas. This research indicates that hospitals are substantial contributors to the economic base of these regions and identifies characteristics of top exporting hospitals.
Database Manager
Authors: Martin Andrew
Published: April 2009

It is normal practice today for organizations to store large quantities of records of related information as computer-based files or databases. Purposeful information is retrieved by performing queries on the data sets. The purpose of DATABASE MANAGER is to communicate to students the method by which the computer performs these queries. This simulation brings the topic to life by representing the records physically and visibly in adjacent locations in the classroom, by anthropomorphizing the key roles and operations that are required, and through explicit attention to the data access methods.
A Simulation of Lean Manufacturing: The Lean Lemonade Tycoon 2
Authors: Ncube Lisa B.
Published: April 2009

This article discusses the functions and effectiveness of games and simulations in the learning processes, in particular as an experiential learning methodology. The application of the game Lemonade Tycoon in the development of lean manufacturing concepts is described. This article addresses the use of the game to teach the principles of lean enterprise, including zero waiting time, zero inventory, scheduling, internal customer pull instead of push system, batch to flow, cut batch sizes, line balancing, and cut actual process times. Other outcomes of learning such as promoting communication and interaction, facilitating cooperative learning, encouraging peer learning and fostering teamwork are also discussed. Games and simulations are relevant in all of the four learning phases of experiential learning and have a very positive impact on the learning and future application of lean manufacturing principles. Games are especially relevant in the generalization and application phases by helping shift learner’s personal paradigms.
Clinical significance of ABCB1 genotyping in oncology
Authors: Hamidovic Alma , Hahn Kristine , Kolesar Jill
Published: April 2009

Background. P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a drug efflux pump that transports natural products, including taxanes and other chemotherapeutic agents, from cells. Several frequent polymorphisms in ATP binding cassette gene B1 (ABCB1) may influence Pgp levels and drug efflux. The purpose of this review was to assess the clinical significance of ABCB1 polymorphisms in oncology.

Methods. Peer-reviewed studies were identified through a search of PubMed/MEDLINE (1990—2008) and the ASCO abstracts (2003—2008) database. Included studies described clinical trials where ABCB1 genotyping was performed in patients with cancer. Search terms included ABCB1, Pgp, docetaxel, paclitaxel, irinotecan, imatinib, and anticancer agent. Studies were excluded if the manuscript was not available in English.

Results. The influence of polymorphisms in ABCB1 2677G>T/A, 3435C>T, and 1236C>T and progression-free and overall survival in 309 patients from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study treated with paclitaxel/carboplatin demonstrated that compared to homozygote GG carriers at 2677, women with the minor T/A alleles were significantly less likely to relapse following treatment. Other trials of ABCB1 genotyping in breast and prostate cancer patients receiving taxanes have shown inconsistent results. Pharmacokinetic studies where ABCB1 was genotyped and patients received irinotecan or imatinib have also shown inconsistent results.

Conclusion. A number of commercially available drugs are substrates for Pgp, and the ABCB1-variant genotypes are frequent and functionally significant, which may have future implications for drug dosing.
Predicting Response of ADHD Symptoms to Methylphenidate Treatment Based on Comorbid Anxiety
Authors: Blouin Brittany , Maddeaux Cindy , Stanley Firestone Jill , van Stralen Judy
Published: April 2009

Objective: In this small pilot study, the association of comorbid anxiety with the treatment of ADHD is studied. Methods: Eighteen volunteers from a pediatric clinic are tested for ADHD and anxiety and assessed for behavioral and cognitive ADHD symptomology. Response to methylphenidate as treatment for ADHD symptoms is measured 2 to 3 weeks, and again 4 to 6 weeks following the diagnosis of ADHD. Results: Methylphenidate proves effective for treating ADHD symptoms (both behavioral and cognitive). Participants are categorized into two groups, those with ADHD and comorbid anxiety and those with ADHD alone. Behaviorally, no statistically significant differences are seen in response between the two groups; however; cognitively, the non-anxious group improves significantly more than the anxious group. Conclusion: Although anxiety may not affect behavioral response to stimulant medication in ADHD, it does appear to affect the medication response of more subtle symptoms of cognitive performance in ADHD patients. (J of Att. Dis. 2010; 13(4) 414-419)
A Melding of the Minds: When Primatology Meets Personality and Social Psychology
Authors: Brosnan Sarah F. , Newton-Fisher Nicholas E. , van Vugt Mark
Published: April 2009

Social and personality psychology and behavioral primatology both enjoy long histories of research aimed at uncovering the proximate and ultimate determinants of primate—human and nonhuman—social behavior. Although they share research themes, methodologies, and theories, and although their studied species are closely related, there is currently very little interaction between the fields. This separation means that researchers in these disciplines miss out on opportunities to advance understanding by combining insights from both fields. Social and personality psychologists also miss the opportunity for a phylogenetic analysis. The time has come to integrate perspectives on primate social psychology. Here, the authors provide a historical background and document the main similarities and differences in approaches. Next, they present some examples of research programs that may benefit from an integrated primate perspective. Finally, the authors propose a framework for developing a social psychology inclusive of all primates. Such a melding of minds promises to greatly benefit those who undertake the challenge.
Financial Rewards for Social Responsibility
Authors: Park Sun-Young , Lee Seoki
Published: April 2009

This study empirically examines the effects of publicly traded U.S. restaurant companies' social responsibility activities on the following two financial performance measures: accounting performance (return on equity) and value performance (total shareholder return). Results show that responsibility activities have a U-shaped effect on accounting performance, whereas they have no impact on a firm's value performance. Those results imply that restaurant companies in the United States may increase their investment in socially responsible activities to improve their accounting performance over the long term. While the study did not investigate communication mechanisms, it may be that restaurant companies should promote their social responsibility activities to consumers (and the financial market) as a means of enhancing the effects of those activities on their value performance.
Helping Managers Help Themselves
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Tracey J. Bruce
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of using two posttraining interventions—self-coaching and upward feedback—to enhance the effectiveness of formal training on interpersonal skills for managers. Data from eighty-seven restaurant manager trainees demonstrated that both interventions were useful extensions to formal classroom training and appear to have substantial utility for helping managers develop and improve their interpersonal skills.
Scheduling Restaurant Workers to Minimize Labor Cost and Meet Service Standards
Authors: Choi Kyuwan , Hwang Johye , Park Myoungju
Published: April 2009

In labor scheduling, restaurant managers face dual challenges: overstaffing that means excessive labor costs and understaffing that invites the opportunity cost of service errors and lost business. Most operators seek to rely on their personal experience and judgment to determine schedules that are meant to maintain service quality and limit labor costs, but an analysis of one Korean restaurant finds that this goal is elusive. The labor scheduling model based on integer programming (IP) is presented to address the staffing and scheduling issues and service standards by maintaining an appropriate ratio of part-time to full-time employees. Using appropriate constraints, the model was used to generate a schedule for a table service restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, that is affiliated with a global chain. When compared to the existing schedule, the IP-generated schedule helped the restaurant reduce overall labor costs while ensuring appropriate service levels.
Techniques for Increasing Servers' Tips
Authors: Lynn Michael , McCall Michael
Published: April 2009

In a 1996 article in Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, Michael Lynn introduced the idea that restaurant managers could increase their servers' tips, and thereby reduce turnover, by training the servers to engage in one or more of seven tip-enhancing behaviors. Since then, the list of tip-enhancing behaviors has expanded, and a manual was produced to help managers train their servers in the use of these techniques. However, empirical support for the effectiveness of these behaviors rests on only a few studies that typically involve only one or two servers at a single restaurant. This study involves an internet survey of 1,066 restaurant servers from across the United States. Results indicate that servers who more frequently engage in the tip-enhancing behaviors report larger tips relative to those of coworkers. These findings support the effectiveness of the behaviors at increasing tips for a variety of different servers working at many different restaurants. Thus, restaurant managers are encouraged to train their servers to engage in these behaviors.
REE partitioning between apatite and melt in a peralkaline volcanic suite, Kenya Rift Valley
Authors: MacDonald R. , Baginíski B. , Belkin H. E. , Dzieržanowski P. , Jeżak L.
Published: April 2009

Electron microprobe analyses are presented for fluorapatite phenocrysts from a benmoreite-peralkaline rhyolite volcanic suite from the Kenya Rift Valley. The rocks have previously been well characterized petrographically and their crystallization conditions are reasonably well known. The REE contents in the M site increase towards the rhyolites, with a maximum britholite component of ~35 mol.%. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are rather flat between La and Sm and then decrease towards Yb. Sodium and Fe occupy up to 1% and 4%, respectively, of the M site. The major coupled substitution is REE3+ + Si4+ ↔ Ca2+ + P5+. The substitution REE3+ + Na+ ↔ 2Ca2+has been of minor importance. The relatively large Fe contents were perhaps facilitated by the low fO2conditions of crystallization. Zoning is ubiquitous and resulted from both fractional crystallization and magma mixing. Apatites in some rhyolites are relatively Y-depleted, perhaps reflecting crystallization from melts which had precipitated zircon. Mineral/glass (melt) ratios for two rhyolites are unusually high, with maxima at Sm (762, 1123).
Crystal chemistry and location of hydrogen atoms in prehnite
Authors: Detrie T. A. , Ross N. L. , Angel R. J. , Welch M. D.
Published: April 2009

The structure of prehnite Ca2Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)2, including H positions, has been determined by a combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and neutron powder diffraction on four natural samples. The symmetry of the average structure with Al/Si disordered at the T2 siteis Pncm. However, for four of the crystals studied, numerous violations of the n- and c-glide reflection conditions indicate lower symmetry corresponding to space groups P2cm and P2/n and Al-Si ordered structures, possibly as domains of different symmetries and ordering within a single crystal. Time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction was carried out on a sample from Mali at 293 K and 2 K. The structure was refined in space group Pncm by Rietveld analysis. Although it was not possible to locate the missing H using the 293 K neutron data, these data were used to refine the H position located approximately by single-crystal XRD and to refine Uiso. For the 2 K neutron powder diffraction data, H was located directly by difference-Fourier synthesis and its refined position found to be in close agreement with that obtained by the combined XRD/neutron 293 K dataset.
Interstitial magmatic scapolite in glass-bearing crystalline nodules from the Kula Volcanic Province, Western Turkey
Authors: Smith G. C. , Holness M. B. , Bunbury J. M.
Published: April 2009

Scapolite oikocrysts, up to 3 cm in diameter, occur in cognate, cumulate nodules from the 2 Ma rift-related, alkali-basaltic Kula Volcanic Province in Western Turkey. Three scapolite-bearing nodules were found within deposits originating from two adjacent cones. They contain primocrysts of clinopyroxene, biotite, apatite and titanite, together with interstitial kaersutite, biotite, plagioclase and scapolite. Kula scapolites fall mid-way between the meionite (Ca4[Al6Si6O24]CO3) and marialite (Na4[Al3Si9O24]Cl) end-members (∼Me45—71). We believe this to be the first report of interstitial magmatic scapolite.
Cuspidine-sodalite natrocarbonatite from Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania: a novel hybrid carbonatite formed by assimilation of ijolite
Authors: Mitchell R. H. , Belton F. A.
Published: April 2009

A unique hybrid natrocarbonatite, collected from the new ash cone of the volcano Oldoinyo Lengai. Tanzania in July 2008, consists of phenocrysts of nyerereite and gregoryite together with xenocrysts of clinopyroxene, nepheline and Ti-andradite set in a groundmass of cuspidine, sodalite, ferroan manganoan monticellite, K-Fe sulphide and manganoan titanian magnetite and gregoryite. The xenocrysts were not in equilibrium with the melt which formed their current host, as clinopyroxenes and Ti-andradite are mantled by cuspidine, and nepheline by sodalite and phlogopite—potassian kinoshitalite solid solutions. A microxenolith of ijolite exhibits similar reaction phenomena. The minerals of the xenocryst suite have similar compositions to plutonic ijolites found at Oldoinyo Lengai, and are thus considered to be derived by the fragmentation of such material in a previously contaminated natrocarbonatite melt. The latter, which has cuspidine, sodalite and monticellite as primary liquidus phases, is considered to have been formed by the complete assimilation of ijolitic material in a natrocarbonatite magma at depth in the volcano conduit. The occurrence of trace amounts of cuspidine, Fe-Mn-monticellite, K-Fe sulphide and Mn-Ti-spinel in recently erupted natrocarbonatites is ascribed to similar, but less extensive, assimilation of silicate material prior to their eruption.
Crystal structure of Ni-sorbed synthetic vernadite: a powder X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Grangeon S. , Lanson B. , Lanson M. , Manceau A.
Published: April 2009

Vernadite is a nanocrystalline turbostratic phyllomanganate containing Ni, and is widespread in surface environments and oceanic sediments. To improve our understanding of Ni uptake in this mineral, two series of analogues of vernadite (δ-MnO2) were prepared with Ni/Mn atomic ratios of 0.002—0.105 at pH4 and 0.002—0.177 at pH 7. Their structures were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The δ-MnO2 nano-crystals are essentially monolayers with coherent scattering domains sizes of ∼10 Å perpendicular to the layering and ∼55 Å within the layer plane. For Ni/Mn < 0.01, the layer charge deficit is apparently balanced entirely by interlayer Mn, Na and protons. At higher Ni/Mn, Ni occupies the same site as interlayer Mn above and below vacant sites within the MnO2 layer and at sites along the edges of the layer. However, the layer charge is balanced differently at the two pH values. At pH 4, Ni uptake is accompanied by a reduction in structural Na and protons, whereas interlayer Mn remains strongly bound to the layers. At pH 7, interlayer Mn is less strongly bound and is partially replaced by Ni. The results of this study also suggest that the number of vacant octahedral sites and multi-valent charge-copmpensating interlayer species are underestimated by the currently used structure models of δ-MnO2.
Complexly zoned niobian titanite from hedenbergite skarn at Písek, Czech Republic, constrained by substitutions Al(Nb,Ta)Ti—2, Al(F,OH)(TiO)—1 and SnTi—1
Authors: Cempírek J. , Houzar S. , Novák M.
Published: April 2009

Euhedral crystals of complexly zoned niobian titanite (up to 0.3 mm) are enclosed in hedenbergite (Hd53—81Di15—43Jh3-5) and quartz from a hedenbergite vein skarn at Kamenne doly near Pisek, Czech Republic. They are associated with minor clinozoisite-epidote (Ps3—22), calcite, plagioclase (An95). scapolite (Me80—82), scheelite, pyrrhotite, fluorapatite, arsenopyrite, native bismuth and Bi,Te-minerals. The following textural and compositional subtypes were recognized: (I) Nb-rich titanite, (II) Nb-moderate titanite in the central zone, (III) Nb-poor, Sn-enriched titanite and (IV) Nb-poor, Al,F-rich titanite in the outer zone. The substitution Al(Nb,Ta)Ti—2 is dominant in subtypes I and II, the titanite subtype I being characterized by elevated contents of Al ≤ 0.257 atoms per formula unit (a.p.f.u.), Nb (≤ 0.161 a.p.f.u.) and Ta (≤ 0.037 a.p.f.u.). Amounts of Al, Nb and Ta in subtype II are smaller and more variable. The minor substitution SnTi—1 occurs chiefly in titanite subtype III with a content of Sn ≤ 0.039 a.p.f.u.. The substitution Al(F,OH)(TiO)_i is typical for titanite subtype IV exhibiting elevated contents of Al (s£ 0.221 a.p.f.u.), F (≤ 0.196 a.p.f.u.) and Fe (≤ 0.039 a.p.f.u.).

The negative relationship of substitutions Al(F,OH)(TiO)_i vs. SnTi—1 and Al(Nb,Ta)Ti—1 is constrained chiefly by crystal structure rather than by the composition of parent medium alone. Textural relations suggest that the Nb-moderate titanite in the core zone and entire outer zone are products of fluids-induced dissolution-reprecipitation processes. The studied niobian titanite represents a new F-enriched type from a medium-grade, calc-silicate rock.
Omongwaite, Na2Ca5(SO4)6.3H2O, a new mineral from recent salt lake deposits, Namibia
Authors: Mees F. , Hatert F. , Rowe R.
Published: April 2009

Omongwaite, Na2Ca5(SO4)6.3H2O, is a new mineral, found as inclusions in gypsum crystals in recent salt lake deposits at Omongwa pan, Namibia. It is monoclinic, with space group C2, a = 12.08(3) A, b = 6.96(1) Å, c = 6.39(2) Å, B = 90.2(3)°, V= 537(2) Å3, and Z = 1. The six strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern [dobs. (Å), (I/I° meas), (hkl)] are: 6.028, (40), (110); 3.484, (29), (310); 3.019, (51), (400); 3.014, (100), (220); 2.824, (34), (1̄12); and 2.820, (65), (112). Electron microprobe analysis, recalculated on the basis of 3H2O per formula unit (p.f.u.), gave 56.16 wt.% SO3, 30.82 wt.% CaO, 5.25 wt.% Na2O, 3.21 wt.% K2O, 6.25 wt.% H2O, totalling 101.69 wt.%. The empirical formula, based on 24 anhydrous oxygens p.f.u., is (Na1.47K0.59)Σ;=2.06Ca4.76S6.07O24.3H2O, yielding Na2Ca5(-SO4)6.3H2O as the end-member formula. Na/K ratios are variable, with an average of ∼2.5. The crystals are elongated, with pseudohexagonal transversal cross-sections and with sphenoidal terminations that are commonly developed at one end. The crystal structure of omongwaite is similar to that of bassanite, CaSO4.0.5H2O. Published studies of the synthetic phase show that it can be described as a bassanite structure in which one out of six Ca2+ ions are replaced by Na+ and a second Na+ ion occupies a position near those sites. The crystals are parallel to the [001] axis of the gypsum crystals in which they occur as inclusions. The mineral formed by topotactic replacement during interaction of gypsum with concentrated solutions. It is preserved where the affected surface became covered by gypsum by rapid growth shortly after the formation of omongwaite. The mineral is named after the locality where it was found.
Weathering microenvironments on feldspar surfaces: implications for understanding fluid-mineral reactions in soils
Authors: Lee M. R. , Brown D. J. , Hodson M. E. , Mackenzie M. , Smith C. L.
Published: April 2009

The mechanisms by which coatings develop on weathered grain surfaces, and their potential impact on rates of fluid-mineral interaction, have been investigated by examining feldspars from a 1.1 ky old soil in the Glen Feshie chronosequence, Scottish highlands. Using the focused ion beam technique, electron-transparent foils for characterization by transmission electron microscopy were cut from selected parts of grain surfaces. Some parts were bare whereas others had accumulations, a few micrometres thick, of weathering products, often mixed with mineral and microbial debris. Feldspar exposed at bare grain surfaces is crystalline throughout and so there is no evidence for the presence of the amorphous ‘leached layers’ that typically form in acid-dissolution experiments and have been described from some natural weathering contexts. The weathering products comprise sub-urn thick crystallites of an Fe-K aluminosilicate, probably smectite, that have grown within an amorphous and probably organic-rich matrix. There is also evidence for crystallization of clays having been mediated by fungal hyphae. Coatings formed within Glen Feshie soils after ∼1.1 ky are insufficiently continuous or impermeable to slow rates of fluid-feldspar reactions, but provide valuable insights into the complex weathering microenvironments on debris and microbe-covered mineral surfaces.
MicroRNAs 15a and 16 regulate tumor proliferation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Roccaro Aldo M. , Sacco Antonio , Thompson Brian , Leleu Xavier , Azab Abdel Kareem , Azab Feda , Runnels Judith , Jia Xiaoying , Ngo Hai T. , Melhem Molly R. , Lin Charles P. , Ribatti Domenico , Rollins Barrett J. , Witzig Thomas E. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: April 2009

Detailed genomic studies have shown that cytogenetic abnormalities contribute to multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, little is known about the characteristics of MM at the epigenetic level and specifically how microRNAs regulate MM progression in the context of the bone marrow milieu. Therefore, we performed microRNA expression profiling of bone marrow derived CD138+ MM cells versus their normal cellular counterparts and validated data by qRT-PCR. We identified a MM-specific microRNA signature characterized by down-expression of microRNA-15a/-16 and overexpression of microRNA-222/-221/-382/-181a/-181b (P < .01). We investigated the functional role of microRNA-15a and -16 and showed that they regulate proliferation and growth of MM cells in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting AKT serine/threonine-protein-kinase (AKT3), ribosomal-protein-S6, MAP-kinases, and NF-κB-activator MAP3KIP3. Moreover, miRNA-15a and -16 exerted their anti-MM activity even in the context of the bone marrow milieu in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that microRNAs play a pivotal role in the biology of MM and represent important targets for novel therapies in MM.
Serum ferritin as risk factor for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome of the liver in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Maradei Simone Cunha , Maiolino Angelo , de Azevedo Alexandre Mello , Colares Marta , Bouzas Luis Fernando , Nucci Marcio
Published: April 2009

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a serious complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. To determine the impact of pretransplantation hyperferritinemia on the risk of SOS after HSC transplantation, we retrospectively studied 427 HSCT recipients (179 autologous and 248 allogeneic). Serum ferritin levels were measured before transplantation. Patients with and without a diagnosis of SOS were compared regarding demographics; underlying disease; transplant characteristics; receipt of imatinib, busulfan, total body irradiation, gemtuzumab, vancomycin, acyclovir, or methotrexate; and baseline serum ferritin. Univariate and multivariate (stepwise logistic regression) analyses were performed. SOS was diagnosed in 88 patients (21%) at a median of 10 days (range, 2-29 days) after transplantation. By multivariate analysis, allogeneic HSC transplantation (odds ratio [OR] = 8.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.31-20.57), receipt of imatinib (OR = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.16-5.84), receipt of busulfan (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.25-3.80), and ferritin serum level higher than 1000 ng/dL (OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.02-3.08) were risk factors for SOS. A ferritin serum level higher than 1000 ng/dL in the pretransplantation period is an independent risk factor for SOS. The results suggest the need for prospective studies addressing the use of iron chelation in the pretransplantation period.
Sildenafil attenuates pulmonary inflammation and fibrin deposition, mortality and right ventricular hypertrophy in neonatal hyperoxic lung injury
Authors: de Visser Yvonne P , Walther Frans J , Laghmani El Houari , Boersma Hester , van der Laarse Arnoud , Wagenaar Gerry TM
Published: April 2009

Background

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition with sildenafil has been used to treat severe pulmonary hypertension and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease in very preterm infants who were mechanically ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

Sildenafil treatment was investigated in 2 models of experimental BPD: a lethal neonatal model, in which rat pups were continuously exposed to hyperoxia and treated daily with sildenafil (50–150 mg/kg body weight/day; injected subcutaneously) and a neonatal lung injury-recovery model in which rat pups were exposed to hyperoxia for 9 days, followed by 9 days of recovery in room air and started sildenafil treatment on day 6 of hyperoxia exposure. Parameters investigated include survival, histopathology, fibrin deposition, alveolar vascular leakage, right ventricular hypertrophy, and differential mRNA expression in lung and heart tissue.

Results

Prophylactic treatment with an optimal dose of sildenafil (2 × 50 mg/kg/day) significantly increased lung cGMP levels, prolonged median survival, reduced fibrin deposition, total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, inflammation and septum thickness. Treatment with sildenafil partially corrected the differential mRNA expression of amphiregulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in the lung and of brain and c-type natriuretic peptides and the natriuretic peptide receptors NPR-A, -B, and -C in the right ventricle. In the lethal and injury-recovery model we demonstrated improved alveolarization and angiogenesis by attenuating mean linear intercept and arteriolar wall thickness and increasing pulmonary blood vessel density, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH).

Conclusion

Sildenafil treatment, started simultaneously with exposure to hyperoxia after birth, prolongs survival, increases pulmonary cGMP levels, reduces the pulmonary inflammatory response, fibrin deposition and RVH, and stimulates alveolarization. Initiation of sildenafil treatment after hyperoxic lung injury and continued during room air recovery improves alveolarization and restores pulmonary angiogenesis and RVH in experimental BPD.
Modeling post-transcriptional regulation activity of small non-coding RNAs in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Rui-Sheng , Jin Guangxu , Zhang Xiang-Sun , Chen Luonan
Published: April 2009

Background

Transcriptional regulation is a fundamental process in biological systems, where transcription factors (TFs) have been revealed to play crucial roles. In recent years, in addition to TFs, an increasing number of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been shown to mediate post-transcriptional processes and regulate many critical pathways in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. On the other hand, with more and more high-throughput biological data becoming available, it is possible and imperative to quantitatively study gene regulation in a systematic and detailed manner.

Results

Most existing studies for inferring transcriptional regulatory interactions and the activity of TFs ignore the possible post-transcriptional effects of ncRNAs. In this work, we propose a novel framework to infer the activity of regulators including both TFs and ncRNAs by exploring the expression profiles of target genes and (post)transcriptional regulatory relationships. We model the integrated regulatory system by a set of biochemical reactions which lead to a log-bilinear problem. The inference process is achieved by an iterative algorithm, in which two linear programming models are efficiently solved. In contrast to available related studies, the effects of ncRNAs on transcription process are considered in this work, and thus more reasonable and accurate reconstruction can be expected. In addition, the approach is suitable for large-scale problems from the viewpoint of computation. Experiments on two synthesized data sets and a model system ofEscherichia coli(E. coli) carbon source transition from glucose to acetate illustrate the effectiveness of our model and algorithm.

Conclusion

Our results show that incorporating the post-transcriptional regulation of ncRNAs into system model can mine the hidden effects from the regulation activity of TFs in transcription processes and thus can uncover the biological mechanisms in gene regulation in a more accurate manner. The software for the algorithm in this paper is available upon request.
LC-MS/MS-based proteome profiling in Daphnia pulex and Daphnia longicephala: the Daphnia pulex genome database as a key for high throughput proteomics in Daphnia
Authors: Fröhlich Thomas , Arnold Georg J , Fritsch Rainer , Mayr Tobias , Laforsch Christian
Published: April 2009

Background

Daphniids, commonly known as waterfleas, serve as important model systems for ecology, evolution and the environmental sciences. The sequencing and annotation of theDaphnia pulexgenome both open future avenues of research on this model organism. As proteomics is not only essential to our understanding of cell function, and is also a powerful validation tool for predicted genes in genome annotation projects, a first proteomic dataset is presented in this article.

Results

A comprehensive set of 701,274 peptide tandem-mass-spectra, derived fromDaphnia pulex, was generated, which lead to the identification of 531 proteins. To measure the impact of theDaphnia pulexfiltered models database for mass spectrometry basedDaphniaprotein identification, this result was compared with results obtained with the Swiss-Prot and theDrosophila melanogasterdatabase. To further validate the utility of theDaphnia pulexdatabase for research on otherDaphniaspecies, additional 407,778 peptide tandem-mass-spectra, obtained fromDaphnia longicephala, were generated and evaluated, leading to the identification of 317 proteins.

Conclusion

Peptides identified in our approach provide the first experimental evidence for the translation of a broad variety of predicted coding regions within theDaphniagenome. Furthermore it could be demonstrated that identification ofDaphnia longicephalaproteins using theDaphnia pulexprotein database is feasible but shows a slightly reduced identification rate. Data provided in this article clearly demonstrates that theDaphniagenome database is the key for mass spectrometry based high throughput proteomics inDaphnia.
Simulation suggests that rapid activation of social distancing can arrest epidemic development due to a novel strain of influenza
Authors: Kelso Joel K , Milne George J , Kelly Heath
Published: April 2009

Background

Social distancing interventions such as school closure and prohibition of public gatherings are present in pandemic influenza preparedness plans. Predicting the effectiveness of intervention strategies in a pandemic is difficult. In the absence of other evidence, computer simulation can be used to help policy makers plan for a potential future influenza pandemic. We conducted simulations of a small community to determine the magnitude and timing of activation that would be necessary for social distancing interventions to arrest a future pandemic.

Methods

We used a detailed, individual-based model of a real community with a population of approximately 30,000. We simulated the effect of four social distancing interventions: school closure, increased isolation of symptomatic individuals in their household, workplace nonattendance, and reduction of contact in the wider community. We simulated each of the intervention measures in isolation and in several combinations; and examined the effect of delays in the activation of interventions on the final and daily attack rates.

Results

For an epidemic with an R0 value of 1.5, a combination of all four social distancing measures could reduce the final attack rate from 33% to below 10% if introduced within 6 weeks from the introduction of the first case. In contrast, for an R0 of 2.5 these measures must be introduced within 2 weeks of the first case to achieve a similar reduction; delays of 2, 3 and 4 weeks resulted in final attack rates of 7%, 21% and 45% respectively. For an R0 of 3.5 the combination of all four measures could reduce the final attack rate from 73% to 16%, but only if introduced without delay; delays of 1, 2 or 3 weeks resulted in final attack rates of 19%, 35% or 63% respectively. For the higher R0 values no single measure has a significant impact on attack rates.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a critical role of social distancing in the potential control of a future pandemic and indicate that such interventions are capable of arresting influenza epidemic development, but only if they are used in combination, activated without delay and maintained for a relatively long period.
Nonattendance in pediatric pulmonary clinics: an ambulatory survey
Authors: Goldbart Aviv D , Dreiher Jacob , Vardy Daniel A , Alkrinawi Soliman , Cohen Arnon D
Published: April 2009

Background

Nonattendance for scheduled appointments disturbs the effective management of pediatric pulmonary clinics. We hypothesized that the reasons for non-attendance and the necessary solutions might be different in pediatric pulmonary medicine than in other pediatric fields. We therefore investigated the factors associated with nonattendance this field in order to devise a corrective strategy.

Methods

The effect of age, gender, ethnic origin, waiting time for an appointment and the timing of appointments during the day on nonattendance proportion were assessed. Chi-square tests were used to analyze statistically significant differences of categorical variables. Logistic regression models were used for multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 1190 pediatric pulmonology clinic visits in a 21 month period were included in the study. The overall proportion of nonattendance was 30.6%. Nonattendance was 23.8% when there was a short waiting time for an appointment (1–7 days) and 36.3% when there was a long waiting time (8 days and above) (p-value < 0.001). Nonattendance was 28.7% between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 37.5% after 3 p.m. (p = 0.007). Jewish rural patients had 15.4% nonattendance, Jewish urban patients had 31.2% nonattendance and Bedouin patients had 32.9% nonattendance (p < 0.004). Age and gender were not significantly associated with nonattendance proportions. A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that the waiting time for an appointment, time of the day, and the patients' origin was significantly associated with nonattendance.

Conclusion

The factors associated with nonattendance in pediatric pulmonary clinics include the length of waiting time for an appointment, the hour of the appointment within the day and the origin of the patient.
The association between back pain and trunk posture of workers in a special school for the severe handicaps
Authors: Wong Kelvin CH , Lee Raymond YW , Yeung Simon S
Published: April 2009

Background

The present study aims to determine the time spent in different static trunk postures during a typical working day of workers in a special school for the severe handicaps.

Methods

Eighteen workers with low back pain (LBP) and fifteen asymptomatic workers were recruited. A cross-sectional design was employed to study the time spent in different static trunk postures which was recorded by a biaxial accelerometer attached to the T12 level of the back of the subjects.

Results

The results of ANCOVA revealed that subjects with LBP spent significantly longer percentage of time in static trunk posture when compared to normal (p < 0.05). It was also shown that they spent significantly longer time in trunk flexion for more than 10° (p < 0.0125).

Conclusion

An innovative method has been developed for continuous tracking of spinal posture, and this has potential for widespread applications in the workplace. The findings of the present investigation suggest that teachers in special schools are at increased risk of getting LBP. In order to minimise such risk, frequent postural change and awareness of work posture are recommended.
Acetaldehyde and hexanaldehyde from cultured white cells
Authors: Shin Hye-Won , Umber Brandon J , Meinardi Simone , Leu Szu-Yun , Zaldivar Frank , Blake Donald R , Cooper Dan M
Published: April 2009

Background

Noninvasive detection of innate immune function such as the accumulation of neutrophils remains a challenge in many areas of clinical medicine. We hypothesized that granulocytes could generate volatile organic compounds.

Methods

To begin to test this, we developed a bioreactor and analytical GC-MS system to accurately identify and quantify gases in trace concentrations (parts per billion) emitted solely from cell/media culture. A human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL60, frequently used to assess neutrophil function, was grown in serum-free medium.

Results

HL60 cells released acetaldehyde and hexanaldehyde in a time-dependent manner. The mean ± SD concentration of acetaldehyde in the headspace above the cultured cells following 4-, 24- and 48-h incubation was 157 ± 13 ppbv, 490 ± 99 ppbv, 698 ± 87 ppbv. For hexanaldehyde these values were 1 ± 0.3 ppbv, 8 ± 2 ppbv, and 11 ± 2 ppbv. In addition, our experimental system permitted us to identify confounding trace gas contaminants such as styrene.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that human immune cells known to mimic the function of innate immune cells, like neutrophils, produce volatile gases that can be measuredin vitroin trace amounts.
Functional interleukin-17 receptor A is expressed in central nervous system glia and upregulated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Sarma Jayasri Das , Ciric Bogoljub , Marek Ryan , Sadhukhan Sanjoy , Caruso Michael L , Shafagh Jasmine , Fitzgerald Denise C , Shindler Kenneth S , Rostami AM
Published: April 2009

Background

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is the founding member of a novel family of inflammatory cytokines that plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). IL-17A signals through its receptor, IL-17RA, which is expressed in many peripheral tissues; however, expression of IL-17RA in the central nervous system (CNS) and its role in CNS inflammation are not well understood.

Methods

EAE was induced in C57Bl/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein. IL-17RA expression in the CNS was compared between control and EAE mice using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Cell-type specific expression was examined in isolated astrocytic and microglial cell cultures. Cytokine and chemokine production was measured in IL-17A treated cultures to evaluate the functional status of IL-17RA.

Results

Here we report increased IL-17RA expression in the CNS of mice with EAE, and constitutive expression of functional IL-17RA in mouse CNS tissue. Specifically, astrocytes and microglia express IL-17RAin vitro, and IL-17A treatment induces biological responses in these cells, including significant upregulation of MCP-1, MCP-5, MIP-2 and KC chemokine secretion. Exogenous IL-17A does not significantly alter the expression of IL-17RA in glial cells, suggesting that upregulation of chemokines by glial cells is due to IL-17A signaling through constitutively expressed IL-17RA.

Conclusion

IL-17RA expression is significantly increased in the CNS of mice with EAE compared to healthy mice, suggesting that IL-17RA signaling in glial cells can play an important role in autoimmune inflammation of the CNS and may be a potential pathway to target for therapeutic interventions.