bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-interested Low-carbon Growth in G-20 Emerging Markets
Authors: Hepburn Cameron , Ward John
Published: May 2011

This article suggests that some or all G-20 Emerging Markets (GEMs = Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey) could seize the climate policy agenda and open up these broader opportunities with a coordinated, self-interested announcement to exploit the fear of “losing the low-carbon race” in the West. Such a strategy would likely thwart resistance within Annex 1 countries to action on climate change which would be to the benefit of GEMs. Irrespective of Annex 1 action, however, without early action by the GEMs, they themselves risk bearing the impacts of dangerous climate change.
Steady-State Forced Vibration of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Beams
Authors: Yao R.X. , Shi Z.F.
Published: May 2011

The steady-state forced vibration of a functionally graded piezoelectric material beam under different loading (electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical) cases and different boundary conditions is studied. Sixteen kinds of situations are considered in the present article. The steady-state responses of the beams under forced mechanical or electric load are obtained by using the state-space-based differential quadrature method. In contrast to other investigations, the present work gets the results by a discrete method using the differential quadrature technique, which can easily get stable results. The results agree very well with other investigations found in some special cases. Finally, some properties of the beams under the corresponding load conditions are discussed.
The Implications of Using Adjusted Versus Unadjusted Methods to Measure Health Care Disparities at the Practice Level
Authors: Jean-Jacques Muriel , Persell Stephen D. , Hasnain-Wynia Romana , Thompson Jason A. , Baker David W.
Published: May 2011

Reducing disparities in care requires that health care providers identify populations at risk for suboptimal quality of care. Stratified analyses are often used to examine disparities (eg, by race or sex). However, stratified analyses can be misleading if the variables are confounded. The authors examined disparities in quality within a large ambulatory care practice using both unadjusted and adjusted methods for 18 measures. In unadjusted analyses, differences in quality were identified for 9 measures by race. However, in analyses adjusted simultaneously for race, sex, age, socioeconomic status, and chronic medical conditions, racial differences were apparent for only 4 measures. Women received lower quality care for 4 measures in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The pattern of observed disparities can differ significantly based on whether unadjusted or adjusted methods are applied. Health care organizations should consider the routine use of adjusted methods to measure disparities in order to better inform disparity reduction initiatives.
Spontaneous Theory of Mind and Its Absence in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Senju Atsushi
Published: May 2011

Theory of mind, the cognitive capacity to infer others’ mental states, is crucial for the development of social communication. The impairment of theory of mind may relate to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by profound difficulties in social interaction and communication. In the current article, I summarize recent updates in theory of mind research utilizing the spontaneous false belief test, which assesses participants’ spontaneous tendency to attribute belief status to others. These studies reveal that young infants pass the spontaneous false belief test well before they can pass the same task when explicitly asked to answer. By contrast, high-functioning adults with ASD, who can easily pass the false belief task when explicitly asked to, do not show spontaneous false belief attribution. These findings suggest that the capacity for theory of mind develops much earlier than was previously thought, and the absence of spontaneous theory of mind may relate to impairment in social interaction and communication found in ASD.
Women roar: ‘The women’s thing’ in the storywork of Tom Peters
Authors: Collins David
Published: May 2011

Academic commentary on the excellence project has tended to operate with a caricature of Tom Peters and has, furthermore, made broad claims for the organizing potential of the stories that feature in his texts. This article argues that any attempt to explore the nature of guru theory or to account for the organizing potential of its storyworld must look beyond such distortions and should be located within a critical analysis of storytelling practice. To this end we offer a sustained engagement with the work of Tom Peters and a longitudinal analysis of the stories that he has used to bring form and substance to his excellence project. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the excellence project the article focuses upon Peters’ attempts to feminize the concept and practice of business excellence.Through an analysis of Tom Peters’ storytelling practice we seek to explore the role, status and position of women in the excellence project and the extent of Peters’ conversion to ‘the women’s thing’. We argue that there is a narrative continuity in Peters’ work, which continues to portray women as organizationally problematic, and so, unworthy of full organizational membership. Reflecting upon this finding the article suggests a response to Peters’ attempts to feminize the excellence project that builds upon the transgressive potential of humour.
Substance use by adolescents of the USA National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study
Authors: Goldberg Naomi G , Bos Henny MW , Gartrell Nanette K
Published: May 2011

Although studies show that adolescents with same-sex parents experience homophobic discrimination, little is known about associations between stigmatization and substance use in this population. The 17-year-old offspring of lesbian parents from the largest, longest-running, longitudinal study of same-sex parented families were surveyed about substance use, experiences of homophobic stigmatization, and overall life satisfaction. Compared to matched adolescents from a national probability sample, adolescents with same-sex parents were more likely to report occasional substance use but not more likely to report heavy use. No associations were found between substance use and homophobic stigmatization or life satisfaction.
Conditional indirect relations of cardiac patients’ subjective health to optimism through illness representations: a self-regulation circuit
Authors: Karademas Evangelos C.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to examine whether chronic patients’ subjective health can prospectively predict optimism through illness representations, as well as whether this relation depends on health levels. A sample of 97 cardiac patients participated in the two phases of the study. Subjective health predicted optimism with several illness representations serving as mediators. These relations were, however, conditional on the values of subjective health. Such findings suggest that the interplay between patients’ subjective health, illness representations, and optimism seems to function rather as a complex circuit system, than as a process of simple cyclical feedbacks.
‘Cos girls aren’t supposed to eat like pigs are they?’ Young women negotiating gendered discursive constructions of food and eating
Authors: Woolhouse Maxine , Day Katy , Rickett Bridgette , Milnes Kate
Published: May 2011

While psycho-medical understandings of ‘eating disorders’ draw distinctions between those who ‘have’/‘do not have’ eating disorders, feminist poststructuralist researchers argue that these detract from political/socio-cultural conditions that invoke problematic eating and embodied subjectivities. Using poststructuralist discourse analysis, we examine young women’s talk around food and eating, in particular, the negotiation of tensions arising from derogating aspects of hetero-normative femininities, while accounting for own ‘feminine’ practices (e.g. ‘dieting’) and subjectivities. Analysis suggested that eating/dieting was accounted for by drawing upon neo-liberalist discourses around individual choice; however, these may obscure gendered, classed and racialized power relations operating in local and wider contexts.
Analysis of social inequalities in health through an integrated measure of perceived and experienced health in Spanish and Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Ramos Pilar , Moreno Carmen , Rivera Francisco , de Matos Margarida Gaspar , Morgan Antony
Published: May 2011

This article compares the self reported health of a sample of 9854 Spanish and Portuguese adolescents aged 11–15 years using an integrated measure of health, which takes account of positive and negative factors that affect overall feelings of health and wellbeing. This improved measure supports the emergence of health agendas that aim to make wellbeing improvements in populations through a combination of both the promotion of positive protective factors and the need to deal with those risk factors that inhibit individuals, communities and populations to attain good health.
Minor physical anomalies in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Angkustsiri Kathleen , Krakowiak Paula , Moghaddam Billur , Wardinsky Terrance , Gardner Jerald , Kalamkarian Nareg , Hertz-Picciotto Irva , Hansen Robin L.
Published: May 2011

Objective: There is clinical heterogeneity among the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The presence of dysmorphology (minor physical anomalies; MPAs) is one possible tool for defining a clinically relevant subset in ASD. This study employs an adaptation of Miles and Hillman’s (2000) classifications by using photographs to identify a subgroup with significant dysmorphology among children with ASD, typical development (TYP), and developmental delay (DD). Method: Children with ASD, DD, and TYP between 2 and 5 years old were part of the CHARGE Study. Pediatric specialists blinded to diagnostic group classified photographs based on the number of MPAs present: ‘dysmorphic’ if >3 and ‘nondysmorphic’ if <3 MPAs. Results: Photographs for 324 children were included. Significantly more children with ASD were classified as dysmorphic compared to TYP children ( p = .007). In children with ASD, seizures were more prevalent in those rated dysmorphic ( p = .005). Frequencies were similar between ASD versus DD ( p = .19) after removing those with known syndromes. Conclusion: Photographic assessment can be used to detect generalized dysmorphology in children who are often difficult to examine. This has clinical relevance, as children with multiple MPAs can be identified through the use of photographs and prioritized for investigation of brain abnormalities and underlying genetic disorders.
A national study of the prevalence of autism among five-year-old children in Iran
Authors: Samadi Sayyed Ali , Mahmoodizadeh Ameneh , McConkey Roy
Published: May 2011

In Iran, more than 1.3 million five-year olds have been screened for autism over three academic years, with the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is used to confirm a diagnosis of typical autism. The resulting prevalence of 6.26 per 10,000 for typical autism is in line with rates for certain countries but is lower than those reported recently for some Western nations. This may be due to the younger age range assessed but the suitability of the tools and aspects of Iranian culture could be other reasons for the lower prevalence. International comparisons of prevalence rates is fraught with difficulties, but it is a valuable endeavour as it can identify issues around cultural and societal perceptions of children’s development.
Do sheltered workshops enhance employment outcomes for adults with autism spectrum disorder?
Authors: Cimera Robert Evert , Wehman Paul , West Michael , Burgess Sloane
Published: May 2011

This study investigated whether sheltered workshops help prepare individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for competitive employment within the community. Two groups of individuals were compared: (a) 215 supported employees who were in sheltered workshops prior to entering supported employment and (b) 215 supported employees who were not in sheltered workshops. Individuals from both groups were matched based on their primary diagnosis, secondary diagnosis (if present), and gender. Results showed that there were no differences in rates of employment between these two groups. However, individuals who participated in sheltered workshops earned significantly less (US$129.36 versus US$191.42 per week), and cost significantly more to serve (US$6,065.08 versus US$2,440.60), than their non-sheltered workshop peers. Results presented here suggest that individuals with ASD achieve better vocational outcomes if they do not participate in sheltered workshops prior to enrolling in supported employment.
It’s not TV, it’s online drama: The return of the intimate screen
Authors: Creeber Glen
Published: May 2011

This article will focus on the subject of ‘online drama’, i.e. drama made specifically to be viewed on the Internet. It aims to investigate and account for this new and unique form of serialized drama, explain and clarify its historical origins, locate its generic characteristics and account for and understand its role in the contemporary media landscape. In particular, it will argue that online drama reveals much about the future of broadcasting as a whole and points the direction towards many of the fundamental changes that are taking place in the very aesthetics of contemporary ‘television’. However, while some critics may argue that drama made for the Internet will simply offer another illustration of an increasingly digitized world, this investigation will focus on ways in which it may actually be seen to enhance the original power of early television – particularly its re-construction of ‘the intimate screen’. In direct contrast to contemporary television’s increasingly ‘cinematic’ sensibilities, this article will argue that it is online drama that can now most successfully recreate the psychological and emotional terrain of the small screen – reinventing the ‘electronic theatre’ for the new digital age.
Should Xhosa male initiation be abolished?
Authors: Ntombana Luvuyo
Published: May 2011

The Xhosa male initiation practice, as it was viewed in the past, is discussed by focusing on its impact upon the initiates, its contribution to the moral upholding of values and its role in promoting the values of ‘ ubuntu’. The present circumstances surrounding the initiation practice are also evaluated. The outcry of Church and other leaders, who are calling for the practice to be abolished, is recognized. The author asserts that, because of the importance of this practice to Xhosa culture, calling for its abolition is not a solution. It is suggested that the practice rather be redefined to better contribute to the broader challenges of moral regeneration in South Africa.
Hydraulic mount design for a drum-type washing machine
Authors: Li H-X , Yoo W-S
Published: May 2011

To reduce the vibration and noise generated by the spin state of a drum-type washing machine, a new type of hydraulic mount (HM) for a washing machine is designed. A physical model with inertia tracks is suggested and analysed using the finite-element method (FEM) and fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation using the software ADINA is carried out, and the frequency response characteristics of the suggested model is investigated. Two mathematical models (linear model and non-linear model) for an HM system with inertia tracks are designed, and parameters are identified with the help of FEM. Finally, a multibody dynamic model of a drum washing machine including the developed HM is built and analysed using the commercial software ADAMS and MATLAB. The simulation results for a drum-type washing machine show a good performance compared to a washing machine model with conventional dampers.
Simulation of torsion relaxation auto-oscillations of drill string bit with viscous and Coulombic friction moment models
Authors: Gulyayev V I , Hudoliy S N , Glushakova O V
Published: May 2011

The non-linear wave model of torsion pendulum is elaborated with the aim to simulate bifurcations of auto-oscillations of superdeep drill strings (DSs). The constitutive differential equation with delay argument and small parameter before the superior derivative is deduced. The results of its analysis testify that the self-excited torsional oscillations of the DS are of the relaxation type with fast and slow motions and proceed in the manner of quantized time. In doing so, the rotation speed φ changes by portions and continues to be constant during time segments Δτ, which equaled the duration of the torsion wave up and down propagation through the DS length.

The states of limit cycle birth and loss in superdeep DSs are found, and the DS torsion modes are constructed for the critical situations. The dependence of the auto-oscillation generation states on the friction (cutting) moment parameters is analysed.
Non-linear vibration of dagger-shaped atomic force microscope cantilevers by considering the Hertzian contact theory
Authors: Sadeghi A , Zohoor H
Published: May 2011

The non-linear flexural vibration for a dagger-shaped atomic force microscope cantilever has been investigated using the Timoshenko beam theory. In this article, the normal and tangential tip–sample interaction forces are found from Hertzian contact model and the effects of the geometry, normal and lateral contact stiffness, height of the tip, thickness of the beam, the angle between the cantilever and the sample surface and breadth and height taper ratios on the non-linear frequency to linear frequency ratio have been studied. The differential quadrature method (DQM) is employed to solve the non-linear differential equations of motion. The results show that the softening behaviour is seen for the most cases. The non-linear frequency to linear frequency ratio increases by increasing the lateral contact stiffness, the central (double-tapered) cantilever length, and breadth and height taper ratios, but decreases by increasing the right side (double-tapered) cantilever length for the first and second modes. The influence of Timoshenko beam parameter on the frequency ratio is dependent on the amount of height taper ratio for the first and second modes. For the first mode, by increasing the breadth and height taper ratios, the softening behaviour changes to the hardening behaviour and by increasing the normal contact stiffness, the frequency ratio increases.
The Assessment and Treatment of Long-Standing Disruptive Behavior Problems in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Rote Julian A. , Dunstan Debra A.
Published: May 2011

A 10-year-old boy was referred for ongoing behavioral problems. These problems were reported as having occurred at home since preschool years and had become increasingly problematic outside of the home in latter years, resulting in frequent suspensions from school. A range of diagnoses had been made in the years prior to referral, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The central intervention since age 6 had been pharmacotherapy, with intermittent support at school in the form of school counseling and teachers’ aids. However, the situation appeared to only be worsening, and the need for a more integrated, multimodal approach was recognized. In addition to individual therapy for the client and his mother, the intervention also included engagement of the father, collaboration with other educational and professional service providers, and the development of an integrated plan with shared objectives and strategies. The case explores limitations inherent in taking a medical model diagnostic approach to child behavioral problems and highlights the need to utilize an idiographic approach taking a range of individual psychosocial circumstances into account, rather than taking a more nomothetic treatment approach based mainly on diagnostic assessment.
Neurological Principles and Rehabilitation of Action Disorders
Authors: Sathian K. , Buxbaum Laurel J. , Cohen Leonardo G. , Krakauer John W. , Lang Catherine E. , Corbetta Maurizio , Fitzpatrick Susan M.
Published: May 2011

In this chapter, the authors use the computation, anatomy, and physiology (CAP) principles to consider the impact of common clinical problems on action. They focus on 3 major syndromes: paresis, apraxia, and ataxia. They also review mechanisms that could account for spontaneous recovery, using what is known about the best-studied clinical dysfunction—paresis—and also ataxia. Together, this and the previous chapter lay the groundwork for the third chapter in this series, which reviews the relevant rehabilitative interventions.
Tocilizumab: A Novel Humanized Anti-Interleukin 6 Receptor Antibody for the Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Alten Rieke
Published: May 2011

Tocilizumab (TCZ; RoActemra® or Actemra®) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as an interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), intravenous (IV) TCZ 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks has been approved since 2008 in Japan (where it is also approved for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Castleman's disease), and since 2009 in Europe in combination with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients with inadequate response to, or intolerance of, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist therapy. It may also be administered as monotherapy in the same dose regimen in patients with methotrexate intolerance or with inadequate response to MTX. Since January 2011 in the United States, the indication for treatment with TCZ for RA patients with an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonists was extended to patients with moderately to severely active RA, and the recommended starting dose is 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks, with an increase to 8 mg/kg based on clinical response. All of these approvals are based on the effectiveness and safety of the 8 mg/kg dose regimen when administered either as monotherapy or in combination with conventional DMARDs in well-designed clinical studies in adult patients with moderate to severe RA. TCZ at this dose is more effective than placebo, MTX or other DMARDs in reducing disease activity and improving health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Although there were fewer responses with the 4 mg/kg dose, this dose every 4 weeks was not statistically different to 8 mg/kg when administered in combination with MTX, and this dose is the recommended starting dose in the US. Both doses have also been shown to inhibit structural joint damage in patients with an inadequate response to MTX. Thus, TCZ is an important new treatment option in patients with moderate to severe RA.
Efficacy and Safety Data of Belimumab in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Shakoory Bita , Clatham Winn
Published: May 2011

Belimumab is a human genome derived monoclonal antibody with specificity for BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator, or B-cell activating factor [BAFF]), a cytokine that promotes the survival and maturation of B cells into antibody-secreting plasmablasts. Recent phase III clinical trials with belimumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been completed and achieved primary efficacy endpoints employing validated disease activity measures (SLEDAI and BILAG) as well as additional secondary endpoints related to disease flares and sparing of corticosteroid use. Significant decreases in numbers of activated B cells as well as levels of autoantibodies are observed during treatment with belimumab. The majority of observed clinical improvements are observed in musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, and serologic domains of disease activity; the potential effects on more severe neurologic or renal domains of disease are not known. Treatment with belimumab is well tolerated and has not been associated with significant toxicity.
Driving patterns clustering based on driving features analysis
Authors: Montazeri-Gh M , Fotouhi A , Naderpour A
Published: May 2011

This article presents driving features analysis in order to determine superior driving features for driving conditions clustering. At first, data gathering is performed in real traffic conditions using advance vehicle location systems. Then driving data segmentation is performed and 21 driving features are defined for each driving segment. After driving feature extraction, the dependency between driving features is investigated. Influence of driving features on vehicle's fuel consumption and exhaust emissions is then studied using computer simulations. The simulation results are then verified by an experimental test. Two types of vehicles, a conventional vehicle and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), are simulated. Finally, the most effective driving features are determined. Two superior driving features, ‘energy’ and ‘idle time percentage’, are then used for driving segments clustering. Driving segments clustering may be utilized for driving cycle development, intelligent HEV control, etc.
Is Supplementation of Vitamin D Beneficial for Fracture Healing? A Short Review of the Literature
Authors: Eschle Daniel , Aeschlimann André G.
Published: May 2011

There has been a surge of interest regarding the benefits of vitamin D supplementation to prevent fractures. But can it also make them heal more quickly once they have occurred—that is, is supplementation of vitamin D beneficial for fracture healing? We found 13 studies that met our inclusion criteria, 11 of these were performed in animals. Two animal studies showed negative, 2 neutral, and 7 positive results. One clinical case series in humans was inconclusive in our opinion, and one randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed that supplementation of vitamin D3 and calcium in elderly women with reduced bone mass and a proximal humerus fracture had a positive influence on bone healing. The major weakness of the latter study is low number of participants. A clear statement on the benefits of vitamin D for fracture healing awaits further trials, but all types of fractures in elderly individuals indicate the need for secondary prevention and the implementation of appropriate guidelines concerning falls, vitamin D, and osteoporosis.
Transcriptome sequencing of lentil based on second-generation technology permits large-scale unigene assembly and SSR marker discovery
Authors: Kaur Sukhjiwan , Cogan Noel OI , Pembleton Luke W , Shinozuka Maiko , Savin Keith W , Materne Michael , Forster John W
Published: May 2011

Background

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a cool-season grain legume which provides a rich source of protein for human consumption. In terms of genomic resources, lentil is relatively underdeveloped, in comparison to other Fabaceae species, with limited available data. There is hence a significant need to enhance such resources in order to identify novel genes and alleles for molecular breeding to increase crop productivity and quality.

Results

Tissue-specific cDNA samples from six distinct lentil genotypes were sequenced using Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium technology, generating c. 1.38 × 106 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). De novo assembly generated a total of 15,354 contigs and 68,715 singletons. The complete unigene set was sequence-analysed against genome drafts of the model legume species Medicago truncatula and Arabidopsis thaliana to identify 12,639, and 7,476 unique matches, respectively. When compared to the genome of Glycine max, a total of 20,419 unique hits were observed corresponding to c. 31% of the known gene space. A total of 25,592 lentil unigenes were subsequently annoated from GenBank. Simple sequence repeat (SSR)-containing ESTs were identified from consensus sequences and a total of 2,393 primer pairs were designed. A subset of 192 EST-SSR markers was screened for validation across a panel 12 cultivated lentil genotypes and one wild relative species. A total of 166 primer pairs obtained successful amplification, of which 47.5% detected genetic polymorphism.

Conclusions

A substantial collection of ESTs has been developed from sequence analysis of lentil genotypes using second-generation technology, permitting unigene definition across a broad range of functional categories. As well as providing resources for functional genomics studies, the unigene set has permitted significant enhancement of the number of publicly-available molecular genetic markers as tools for improvement of this species.
Immuno-modulatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum-derived polysacharide on human monocytoid dendritic cells pulsed with Der p 1 allergen
Authors: Jan Rong-Hwa , Lin Teng-Yi , Hsu Ya-Chun , Lee Shiuh-Sheng , Lo Shih-Yen , Chang Mingi , Chen Li-Kuang , Lin Yu-Li
Published: May 2011

Background

Ganoderma lucidum-derived polysaccharide (PS-G) can rapidly and effectively promote the activation and maturation of immature dendritic cells (DCs), suggesting that PS-G possesses the capacity to regulate immune responses. This study aimed to clarify the immunologic effect of PS-G on monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MD-DCs) from asthmatic children allergic to house dust mites. The MD-DCs were stimulated for 24 h with the related allergen, Der p 1, in the presence or absence of PS-G. Cell surface markers and phagocytic capacity were assessed by FACS analysis, and key polarizing cytokines (IL-12 p40, IL-12 p70, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-10) were quantified. The subsequent regulatory effect of pulsed MD-DCs on naïve T cells was evaluated by determining the T-cell cytokine profile.

Results

PS-G induced the maturation of MD-DCs and decreased phagocytic capacity, even if pulsed with Der p 1. After incubation with PS-G and Der p 1, MD-DCs produced higher amounts of IL-12 p70, IL-12 p40, IL-6, IL-23, and IL10 than Der p 1-pulsed DCs. Furthermore, type 1 helper T (Th1) cell cytokine (INF-γ) production was highly increased when naïve autologous T cells were co-cultured with Der p 1-pulsed MD-DCs. Naïve T cells stimulated by MD-DCs pulsed with Der p 1 failed to produce proliferation of T-cells, whereas the addition of PS-G to Der p 1 induced a significant proliferation of T-cells similar to that observed with PS-G alone.

Conclusion

The presence of PS-G in an allergen pulse promoted allergic MD-DCs to produce IL-12 p70, IL-12 p40, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-10, and exerted an effect on shifting the immune balance towards Th1 in children with allergic asthma.
SALGOT - Stroke Arm Longitudinal study at the University of Gothenburg, prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Alt Murphy Margit , Persson Hanna C , Danielsson Anna , Broeren Jurgen , Lundgren-Nilsson Åsa , Sunnerhagen Katharina S
Published: May 2011

Background

Recovery patterns of upper extremity motor function have been described in several longitudinal studies, but most of these studies have had selected samples, short follow up times or insufficient outcomes on motor function. The general understanding is that improvements in upper extremity occur mainly during the first month after the stroke incident and little if any, significant recovery can be gained after 3-6 months. The purpose of this study is to describe the recovery of upper extremity function longitudinally in a non-selected sample initially admitted to a stroke unit with first ever stroke, living in Gothenburg urban area.

Methods/Design

A sample of 120 participants with a first-ever stroke and impaired upper extremity function will be consecutively included from an acute stroke unit and followed longitudinally for one year. Assessments are performed at eight occasions: at day 3 and 10, week 3, 4 and 6, month 3, 6 and 12 after onset of stroke. The primary clinical outcome measures are Action Research Arm Test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity. As additional measures, two new computer based objective methods with kinematic analysis of arm movements are used. The ABILHAND questionnaire of manual ability, Stroke Impact Scale, grip strength, spasticity, pain, passive range of motion and cognitive function will be assessed as well. At one year follow up, two patient reported outcomes, Impact on Participation and Autonomy and EuroQol Quality of Life Scale, will be added to cover the status of participation and aspects of health related quality of life.

Discussion

This study comprises a non-selected population with first ever stroke and impaired arm function. Measurements are performed both using traditional clinical assessments as well as computer based measurement systems providing objective kinematic data. The ICF classification of functioning, disability and health is used as framework for the selection of assessment measures. The study design with several repeated measurements on motor function will give us more confident information about the recovery patterns after stroke. This knowledge is essential both for optimizing rehabilitation planning as well as providing important information to the patient about the recovery perspectives.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01115348
NGOs and government partnership for health systems strengthening: A qualitative study presenting viewpoints of government, NGOs and donors in Pakistan
Authors: Ejaz Iram , Shaikh Babar T , Rizvi Narjis
Published: May 2011

Background

Health systems are expected to serve the population needs in an effective, efficient and equitable manner. Therefore, the importance of strengthening of public, private and community health systems has been emphasized time and again. In most of the developing countries, certain weaknesses and gaps in the government health systems have been hampering the achievement of improved health outcomes. Public sector in Pakistan has been deficient in the capacity to deliver equitable and quality health services and thus has been grossly underutilized.

Methods

A qualitative study comprising in-depth interviews was conducted capturing the perceptions of the government functionaries, NGO representatives and donor community about the role and position of NGOs in health systems strengthening in Pakistan's context. Analysis of the data was done manually to generate nodes, sub-nodes and themes.

Results

Since many years, international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have endeavored to fill the gaps in health service delivery, research and advocacy. NGOs have relatively performed better and achieved the results because of the flexible planning and the ability to design population based projects on health education, health promotion, social marketing, community development and advocacy. This paper captures the need and the opportunity of public private partnership in Pakistan and presents a framework for a meaningful engagement of the government and the private and nonprofit NGOs.

Conclusion

Involving the NGOs for health system strengthening may eventually contribute to create a healthcare system reflecting an increased efficiency, more equity and good governance in the wake of the Millennium Development Goals. Nevertheless, few questions need to be answered and pre-requisites have to be fulfilled before moving on.
Homeobox gene Rhox5 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms in cancer and stem cells and promotes cancer growth
Authors: Li Qiang , O'Malley Mark E , Bartlett David L , Guo Sheng
Published: May 2011

Background

Homeobox genes murine Rhox5 and human RHOXF1 are expressed in early embryonic stages and then mostly restricted to germline tissues in normal adult, yet they are aberrantly expressed in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . Here we study the epigenetic regulation and potential functions of Rhox5 gene.

Findings

In Rhox5 -silenced or extremely low expresser cells, we observed low levels of active histone epigenetic marks (H3ac, H4ac and H3K4me2) and high levels of repressive mark H3K9me2 along with DNA hypermethylation in the promoter. In Rhox5 low expresser cells, we typically observed modest levels of both active and repressive histone marks along with moderate DNA methylation. In Rhox5 highly expressed CT26 cancer cells, we observed DNA hypomethylation along with high levels of both active and repressive histone marks. Epigenetic drugs (retinoic acid and MS-275) induced F9 cell differentiation with enhanced Rhox5 expression and dynamic changes of epigenetic marks. Finally, Rhox5 knockdown by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in CT26 colon cancer decreased cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo .

Conclusions

Both DNA methylation and histone methylation/acetylation play key roles in modulating Rhox5 expression in various cell types. The stem cell-like "bivalent domain", an epigenetic feature originally identified in key differentiation genes within stem cells, exists in the Rhox5 gene promoter in not only embryonic stem cells but also cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and differentiated Sertoli cells. As Ras signaling-dependent Rhox5 expression promotes tumor growth, Rhox5 may be an ideal target for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
BRCAA1 monoclonal antibody conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for in vivo targeted magnetofluorescent imaging of gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Kan , Ruan Jing , Qian Qirong , Song Hua , Bao Chenchen , Zhang Xueqing , Kong Yifei , Zhang Chunlei , Hu Guohan , Ni Jian , Cui Daxiang
Published: May 2011

Background

Gastric cancer is 2th most common cancer in China, and is still the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. How to recognize early gastric cancer cells is still a great challenge for early diagnosis and therapy of patients with gastric cancer. This study is aimed to develop one kind of multifunctional nanoprobes forin vivotargeted magnetofluorescent imaging of gastric cancer.

Methods

BRCAA1 monoclonal antibody was prepared, was used as first antibody to stain 50 pairs of specimens of gastric cancer and control normal gastric mucous tissues, and conjugated with fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles with 50 nm in diameter, the resultant BRCAA1-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoprobes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrometry, as-prepared nanoprobes were incubated with gastric cancer MGC803 cells, and were injected into mice model loaded with gastric cancer of 5 mm in diameter via tail vein, and then were imaged by fluorescence optical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, their biodistribution was investigated. The tissue slices were observed by fluorescent microscopy, and the important organs such as heart, lung, kidney, brain and liver were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain method.

Results

BRCAA1 monoclonal antibody was successfully prepared, BRCAA1 protein exhibited over-expression in 64% gastric cancer tissues, no expression in control normal gastric mucous tissues, there exists statistical difference between two groups (P< 0.01). The BRCAA1-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoprobes exhibit very low-toxicity, lower magnetic intensity and lower fluorescent intensity with peak-blue-shift than pure FMNPs, could be endocytosed by gastric cancer MGC803 cells, could targetin vivogastric cancer tissues loaded by mice, and could be used to image gastric cancer tissues by fluorescent imaging and magnetic resonance imaging, and mainly distributed in local gastric cancer tissues within 12 h post-injection. HE stain analysis showed that no obvious damages were observed in important organs.

Conclusions

The high-performance BRCAA1 monoclonal antibody-conjugated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles can targetin vivogastric cancer cells, can be used for simultaneous magnetofluorescent imaging, and may have great potential in applications such as dual-model imaging and local thermal therapy of early gastric cancer in near future.
Clusterin confers gmcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Qingfeng , Wang Zhengkun , Zhang Kejun , Liu Xiaoyi , Cao Weihong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Shuhua , Yan Bomin , Wang Yaoguang , Xia Chunping
Published: May 2011

Objective

To measure clusterin expression in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines and to evaluate whether clusterin confers resistance to gmcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for clusterin was performed on 50 primary pancreatic cancer tissues and 25 matched backgrounds, and clusterin expression in 5 pancreatic cancer cell lines was quantified by Western blot and PT-PCR. The correlation between clusterin expression level and gmcitabine IC50 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was evaluated. The effect of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against clusterin(OGX-011) on gmcitabine resistance was evaluated by MTT assays. Xenograft model was used to demonstrate tumor growth.

Results

Pancreatic cancer tissues expressed significantly higher levels of clusterin than did normal pancreatic tissues (P< 0.01). Clusterin expression levels were correlated with gmcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and OGX-011 significantly decreased BxPc-3 cells resistance to gmcitabine (P< 0.01).In vivosystemic administration of AS clusterin and gmcitabine significantly decreased the s.c. BxPC-3 tumor volume compared with mismatch control ODN plus gmcitabine.

Conclusion

Our finding that clusterin expression was significantly higher in pancreatic cancer than in normal pancreatic tissues suggests that clusterin may confer gmcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells.
Characterization of the duck enteritis virus UL55 protein
Authors: Wu Ying , Cheng Anchun , Wang Mingshu , Zhang Shunchuan , Zhu Dekang , Jia Renyong , Luo Qihui , Chen Zhengli , Chen Xiaoyue
Published: May 2011

Background

Characteration of the newly identified duck enteritis virus UL55 gene product has not been reported yet. Knowledge of the protein UL55 can provide useful insights about its function.

Results

The newly identified duck enteritis virus UL55 gene was about 561 bp, it was amplified and digested for construction of a recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)/UL55 for expression in Escherichia coli. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the recombinant protein UL55(pUL55) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 host cells after induction by 0.2 mM IPTG at 37°C for 4 h and aggregated as inclusion bodies. The denatured protein about 40 KDa named pUL55 was purified by washing five times, and used to immune rabbits for preparation of polyclonal antibody. The prepared polyclonal antibody against pUL55 was detected and determined by Agar immundiffusion and Neutralization test. The results of Wstern blotting assay and intracellular analysis revealed that pUL55 was expressed most abundantly during the late phase of replication and mainly distributed in cytoplasm in duck enteritis virus infected cells.

Conclusions

In this study, the duck enteritis virus UL55 protein was successfully expressed in prokaryotic expression system. Besides, we have prepared the polyclonal antibody against recombinant prtein UL55, and characterized some properties of the duck enteritis virus UL55 protein for the first time. The research will be useful for further functional analysis of this gene.
Herpes simplex virus induces the marked up-regulation of the zinc finger transcriptional factor INSM1, which modulates the expression and localization of the immediate early protein ICP0
Authors: Kamakura Maki , Goshima Fumi , Luo Chenhong , Kimura Hiroshi , Nishiyama Yukihiro
Published: May 2011

Background

Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) rapidly shut off macromolecular synthesis in host cells. In contrast, global microarray analyses have shown that HSV infection markedly up-regulates a number of host cell genes that may play important roles in HSV-host cell interactions. To understand the regulatory mechanisms involved, we initiated studies focusing on the zinc finger transcription factor insulinoma-associated 1 (INSM1), a host cell protein markedly up-regulated by HSV infection.

Results

INSM1 gene expression in HSV-1-infected normal human epidermal keratinocytes increased at least 400-fold 9 h after infection; INSM1 promoter activity was also markedly stimulated. Expression and subcellular localization of the immediate early HSV protein ICP0 was affected by INSM1 expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed binding of INSM1 to the ICP0 promoter. Moreover, the role of INSM1 in HSV-1 infection was further clarified by inhibition of HSV-1 replication by INSM1-specific siRNA.

Conclusions

The results suggest that INSM1 up-regulation plays a positive role in HSV-1 replication, probably by binding to the ICP0 promoter.
CD10 and osteopontin expression in dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma
Authors: Masloub Shaimaa M , Abdel-Azim Adel M , Abd Elhamid Ehab S
Published: May 2011

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the expression of CD10 and osteopontin in dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma and to correlate their expression with neoplastic potentiality of dentigerous cyst and local invasion and risk of local recurrence in ameloblastoma.

Methods

CD10 and osteopontin expression was studied by means of immunohistochemistry in 9 cases of dentigerous cysts (DC) and 17 cases of ameloblastoma. There were 7 unicystic ameloblastoma (UCA) and 10 multicystic ameloblastoma (MCA). Positive cases were included in the statistical analysis, carried on the tabulated data using the Open Office Spreadsheet 3.2.1 under Linux operating system. Analysis of variance and correlation studies were performed using "R" under Linux operating system (R Development Core Team (2010). Tukey post-hoc test was also performed as a pair-wise test. The significant level was set at 0.05.

Results

High CD10 and osteopontin expression was observed in UCA and MCA, and low CD10 and osteopontin expression was observed in DC. Significant correlation was seen between CD10 and osteopontin expression and neoplastic potentiality of DC and local invasion and risk of recurrences in ameloblastoma.

Conclusions

In DC, high CD10 and osteopontin expression may indicate the neoplastic potentiality of certain areas. In UCA & MCA, high CD10 and osteopontin expression may identify areas with locally invasive behavior and high risk of recurrence.
System Integration - A Major Step toward Lab on a Chip
Authors: Sin Mandy LY , Gao Jian , Liao Joseph C , Wong Pak Kin
Published: May 2011

Microfluidics holds great promise to revolutionize various areas of biological engineering, such as single cell analysis, environmental monitoring, regenerative medicine, and point-of-care diagnostics. Despite the fact that intensive efforts have been devoted into the field in the past decades, microfluidics has not yet been adopted widely. It is increasingly realized that an effective system integration strategy that is low cost and broadly applicable to various biological engineering situations is required to fully realize the potential of microfluidics. In this article, we review several promising system integration approaches for microfluidics and discuss their advantages, limitations, and applications. Future advancements of these microfluidic strategies will lead toward translational lab-on-a-chip systems for a wide spectrum of biological engineering applications.
Endothelial progenitor cell biology in disease and tissue regeneration
Authors: George Andrea L , Bangalore-Prakash Pradeep , Rajoria Shilpi , Suriano Robert , Shanmugam Arulkumaran , Mittelman Abraham , Tiwari Raj K
Published: May 2011

Endothelial progenitor cells are increasingly being studied in various diseases ranging from ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, and in cancer. The discovery that these cells can be mobilized from their bone marrow niche to sites of inflammation and tumor to induce neovasculogenesis has afforded a novel opportunity to understand the tissue microenvironment and specific cell-cell interactive pathways. This review provides a comprehensive up-to-date understanding of the physiological function and therapeutic utility of these cells. The emphasis is on the systemic factors that modulate their differentiation/mobilization and survival and presents the challenges of its potential therapeutic clinical utility as a diagnostic and prognostic reagent.