bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the Company of Wolves
Authors: Knight Sarah , Edwards Victoria
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The increase in aging populations has implications for the provision of health and social services. A preventative approach is taken to address this problem by examining a mechanism that can enhance physical health and reduce minor ailments. Methods: Participants in 10 focus groups discussed physical, psychological, and social benefits associated with human—dog interactions. Methods provided a rich database of individual perspectives on dogs as motivators to a healthy lifestyle. Results: Interaction between humans and dogs is a mechanism that can enhance the physical and psychological health of elderly citizens and promote a social support network between dog owners. In turn, dependence and impact on health and social services are alleviated. Discussion: The social and community consequences of promoting dog ownership in the elderly are addressed, and it is concluded that the benefits of dog ownership should be promoted among the elderly and acknowledged by relevant agencies.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Fluorinated Polyimides derived from 9, 10-bis[3'-trifluoromethyl-4' (4''-aminobenzoxy) benzyl] Anthracene
Authors: Ghosh Anindita , Banerjee Susanta
Published: April 2008

A new diamine monomer 9,10-bis [3'-trifluoromethyl-4'(4''-aminobenzoxy) benzyl] anthracene (TFAA) was synthesized that led to a number of novel fluorinated polyimides by thermal imidization route when reacted with different commercially available dianhydrides such as 4,4'-(4,4'-isopropylidenediphenoxy)bis(phthalic anhydride) (BPADA), 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA). These polyimides showed very high thermal stability with decomposition temperature (5% weight loss) 500— 550 °C in nitrogen depending on the exact structure. Transparent thin films of these polyimides exhibited tensile strengths of 40—74 MPa, a modulus of elasticity 2.33—2.9 GPa and elongation 5—10% depending on the exact polymer structure. Except for the polymer derived from PMDA, these polymers exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. The polyimides showed absorbance spectra in the visible region and broad peak in photoluminescence spectra.
Synthesis and Properties of Novel Meltable Fluorinated Aromatic Oligoimides Endcapped with 4-Phenylethynylphthalic Anhydride
Authors: Jiansheng Chen  , Hongjun Zuo  , Lin Fan  , Shiyong Yang
Published: April 2008

A series of phenylethynyl-endcapped fluorinated aromatic oligoimides with calculated molecular weights of 1250—10000 were prepared by thermal polycondensation of an aromatic dianhydride, 4,4'oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), with aromatic diamine mixtures of 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-benzene (1,4,4-6FAPB) and 3,4'-oxydianiline (3,4'-ODA) in the presence of 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (PEPA) as reactive endcapping agent. Effects of chemical compositions and molecular weights of the aromatic oligoimides on their meltability as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the thermal-cured polyimide resins were systematically investigated. The phenylethynyl-endcapped fluorinated aromatic oligoimides could be completely melted in the temperature range of 250—350 °C to give low viscosity fluids. The melt viscosity of the oligoimide increased with increasing molecular weight. After thermally curing at 371 °C, the thermoset polyimide resins produced showed good combination of thermal and mechanical properties. For example, the glass transition temperature ( Tg) as high as 300 °C by differential scanning calorimetry, flexural strengths of > 135.5 MPa, flexural moduli of > 3.1 GPa, tensile strength of > 65.7 MPa and elongation at break of > 3.9% were obtained.
Aromatic Poly(ether imide)s Containing Nitrile Groups
Authors: Hamciuc Corneliu , Hamciuc Elena , Ignat Mircea , Zarnescu George
Published: April 2008

A novel series of organosoluble poly(ether imide)s containing nitrile groups was prepared by solution polycondensation reaction of an aromatic diamine, namely 4-[bis(4-aminophenyl)amino]benzonitrile with different aromatic bis(ether anhydride)s, such as 2,2-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2,2-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride, 2,2'-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,4-phenylene-diisopropylidened dianhydride, 1,1-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane and 9,9-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]fluorene dianhydride. The polymers were readily soluble in polar organic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and N, N-dimethylformamide as well as in less polar organic solvents such as chloroform, and could be cast from solution to form thin flexible films. The gel permeation chromatography measurements revealed that the polymers had number-average and weight-average molecular weights up to 58 000 and 100 000 g mol-1, respectively. Their inherent viscosities were in the range of 0.37—0.67 dL g -1 . Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all polymers were stable up to 500 °C with 10% weight losses recorded from 535 to 600 °C in air. The polymers exhibited a glass transition in the temperature range of 224—279 °C, with reasonable interval between glass transition and decomposition temperature. A composite film based on a poly(ether imide) and pyrite ash powder was prepared and its nanoactuation was investigated.
A piecewise-constant Markov model and the effects of study design on the estimation of life expectancies in health and ill health
Authors: van den Hout Ardo , Matthews Fiona E
Published: April 2008

Multi-state models are frequently applied to describe transitions over time between three states: healthy, not healthy and death. The three-state model can be used to estimate life expectancies in health and ill health. In this article, continuous-time Markov models are specified for the transitions between the three states. Transition intensities are regressed on age as a time-dependent covariate. The covariate is handled in a piecewise-constant fashion where the time interval between two consecutive observations is divided into subintervals of fixed and equal lengths. Study design choices such as sample size, length of follow-up, and time intervals between observations are investigated in a simulation study. The effects on parameter estimation are discussed as well as the effects on the estimation of life expectancies. In addition, data taken from the UK Cognitive Functioning and Ageing Study are analysed.
A comparison of various rate functions of a recurrent event process in the presence of a terminal event
Authors: Luo Xianghua , Wang Mei-Cheng , Huang Chiung-Yu
Published: April 2008

Several different rate functions of the recurrent event process have been proposed for analysing recurrent event data when the observation of a study subject can be terminated by a failure event, such as death. When the terminal event is correlated with the underlying recurrent event process, these rate functions have different interpretations; however, recognition of the differences has been lacking theoretically and practically. In this article, we study the relationship between these rate functions and demonstrate that models based on an inappropriate rate function may lead to misleading scientific conclusions in various scenarios. An analysis of data from an AIDS clinical trial is presented to emphasise the importance of cautious model selection.
Measuring Cultural Awareness of Nursing Students
Authors: Krainovich-Miller Barbara , Yost Jennifer M. , Norman Robert G. , Auerhahn Carolyn , Dobal May , Rosedale Mary , Lowry Melissa , Moffa Christine
Published: April 2008

This pilot study was designed to measure nursing students' level of cultural awareness. It replicated phase II of Rew, Becker, Cookston, Khosropour, & Martinez's (2003) methodological study that developed and tested a Cultural Awareness Scale (CAS). Using a cross-sectional design, the CAS was distributed to nursing students in three nursing programs' (bachelor's, master's, doctoral) beginning and end courses. Cronbach's alpha for the CAS Total instrument was 0.869, with subscale scores ranging from 0.687 to 0.902, comparable to the findings of Rew et al. Given the limitations of this study, results must be viewed with a degree of caution. Recommendations include further educational research in the form of psychometric testing of the CAS among nursing students, including refinement of both the CAS instrument and the demographic tool. The authors also recommend that studies be conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the CAS with nurses in the health care arena.
Testing the Cross-Ethnic Construct Validity of the Brief Symptom Inventory
Authors: Hoe Maanse , Brekke John
Published: April 2008

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the cross-ethnic construct validity of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Method: The sample consisted of 1,166 individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness who were receiving treatment in community-based mental health programs. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to test measurement invariance of the BSI's second-order factor model across three ethnic groups (African Americans, Caucasians, and Latinos). Results: The data supported the configural invariance of the BSI's second-order factor model as well as the full metric invariance and the partial metric invariance. Conclusions: The present study presented substantial empirical evidence for the construct validity of the BSI's second-order factor model across the three ethnic groups.
Why Have the Leading Journals in Management (and Other Social Sciences) Failed to Respond to Climate Change?
Authors: Goodall Amanda H.
Published: April 2008

The effect of climate change on business is likely to be substantial. It might be expected, therefore, that the scholarly field of business and management would be centrally engaged with the challenges that global warming will bring. Yet, in this article, the author shows that the most cited management journals have barely published an article on the topic. Similarly, low numbers of articles appear in the prestigious journals in economics, sociology, and political science. Why have the top journals failed to respond? The author proposes five possible explanations. Among these five explanations, the author emphasize the existence of an undesirable delay between ideas appearing first in peripheral publications and then in the elite journals.
Philosophical Concerns About Interpreting AACSB Assurance of Learning Standards
Authors: Kilpatrick John , Dean Kathy Lund , Kilpatrick Paul
Published: April 2008

The new Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) accreditation guidelines specify standards regarding the development of goals and learning objectives for various content areas and “soft” skills such as writing and oral presentation. These standards are being interpreted in a variety of ways across accredited schools of business. The authors argue that these standards are likely to be interpreted and actioned in ways that do not support best practices in education. To frame the discussion, they compare the more traditional model of liberal arts education to the predominant model evolving in schools of business today. They also include a discussion of how “differences” such as learning styles and epistemology become subordinated in the accreditation process. The authors end the article by sharing a “live” example of how some of the AACSB standards have been operationalized and the implications therein.
(Dis)Missing the Obvious
Authors: King James E.
Published: April 2008

Even though religion plays a significant role in the lives and interactions of individuals, societies, and nations, the management field has only lightly and narrowly explored how religion's influence manifests in the workplace. Our limited exploration and understanding in this area is particularly problematic in light of the increasingly religiously diverse U.S. workforce, the legal protections granted workplace religious expression, and the increasingly global, and therefore increasingly religiously diverse, business environment. An open discussion of often unspoken underlying reasons for the field's reluctance to investigate religion's influence in workplace dynamics is undertaken, and it is challenged as to whether the often voiced obstacles to scholarly research on religion and work are as prohibitive as many would suggest.
Balancing Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian Contradictions Within Organizations
Authors: Nair Anil , Ahlstrom David
Published: April 2008

This article describes how institutions get infused with competing logics and analyzes how such competing logics might aid the design of contemporary organizations. It does so by exploring the contrasting views of American founders Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson on the issues they confronted in the years leading up to and after the United States' independence from the British. Their views have had a lasting influence on the character and efficacy of the U.S. government. Although Hamilton and Jefferson contemplated issues related to the governance of the United States, the authors argue that their writings offer insights that can be useful to students of organizational design. They identify four influential ideas from the writings of Hamilton and Jefferson and discuss their implications for organizational design.
Focusing the Asteroid Belt of Organizations
Authors: Greenwood Royston
Published: April 2008

Concurring with Barley's pessimism that we do neglect the study of how corporations seek to influence and perhaps have captured the State, this text suggests two starting points that can give theoretical and practical leverage to investigate those issues. Theoretically, the institutional perspective, which always had an interest in the influence of elite groups, is a highly appropriate platform to study those phenomena for three reasons. First, it focuses on interorganizational relations as the setting we have to consider. Second, it questions the taken-for-granted overarching “logics” by which we operate, thus allowing us to understand why and how the relationships between corporations and the State are tolerated and can be undermined. Third, it raises issues of language, including how political interests are concealed in legitimating rhetoric. Empirically, the text suggests that a useful starting point would be to investigate the role of referees of the system, such as audit firms, law firms, and investment banks.
Family Systems at Work: The Relationship Between Family Coping and Employee Burnout
Authors: Appel Jonathan , Kim-Appel Dohee
Published: April 2008

This investigation utilized Maslach's burnout model and Olson's integrated multisystem assessment and health model to assess 220 workers across numerous professions. Specifically, participants' level of emotional exhaustion and coping resources at four life domains (personal, work, couple, and family) were measured. Correlation and regression models were used to determine empirical relationships between the couple and family systems and their variance to employee burnout. This study found significant relationships between couple and family coping resources and emotional exhaustion. In general, this study supports the validity of utilizing a “wide lens” or multisystem (systemic) view to examine employee burnout. The results suggest that multiple system—level interventions for employee stress and burnout would be valuable.
Using Accuracy of Self-Estimated Interest Type as a Sign of Career Choice Readiness in Career Assessment of Secondary Students
Authors: Hirschi Andreas , Läge Damian
Published: April 2008

A frequent applied method in career assessment to elicit clients' self-concepts is asking them to predict their interest assessment results. Accuracy in estimating one's interest type is commonly taken as a sign of more self-awareness and career choice readiness. The study evaluated the empirical relation of accuracy of self-estimation to career choice readiness within a sample of 350 Swiss secondary students in seventh grade. Overall, accuracy showed only weak relations to career choice readiness. However, accurately estimating one's first interest type in a three-letter RIASEC interests code emerged as a sign of more vocational identity and total career choice readiness. Accuracy also correlated positively with interest profile consistency, differentiation, and congruence to career aspirations. Implications of the results for career counseling and assessment practice are presented.
Room Rate Patterns and Customers' Propensity To Book a Hotel Room
Authors: Chen ChihChien , Schwartz Zvi
Published: April 2008

Price-sensitive travelers often access hotels' and intermediaries' Web sites multiple times before they travel. Due to revenue management practices, these deal-seeking consumers are likely to observe (or be quoted) room rates that change considerably over time. This study's findings indicate that the issue of price changes over time is more complex than the current discussion framework about last-minute deals and price integrity suggests. It demonstrates that the room rate change pattern consumers observe while searching for a deal affects their propensity to book. Exploring decision and pricing theory elements, the study demonstrates empirically that through the internal reference price, the price patterns affect consumers' room rate expectations and consequently affect their propensity to book. These findings underscore the noteworthy impact of the Internet-induced reduction of the provider-consumer information gap on the effectiveness of revenue management policies.
Multiculturalism's double bind
Authors: Nagle John
Published: April 2008

Critical literature has questioned British state-sponsored multiculturalism's capacity to confront racism and facilitate cross-community alliances; instead, multiculturalism is perceived to constitute groups in ethnically defined communities and essentialist cultures. Exploring two ethnographic examples — an Irish arts centre and St Patrick's Day — this article considers attempts by the London-Irish to make Irishness inclusive and to create cross-community alliances under government-sponsored `multicultural' initiatives. Invoking Bateson's `doublebind', I argue multiculturalism is characterized by a paradoxical injunction that curbs the possibility for `ethnic minorities' to withdraw from their circumscribed status. On the one hand, groups such as the Irish are often encouraged, within multiculturalism, to make their cultures inclusive in order to contribute towards a celebration of `cosmopolitan' diversity; on the other, it is explicitly forbidden to threaten their particularism; to do so would threaten their claim to resources as a distinctive group.
Comparing Response Rates from Web and Mail Surveys: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shih Tse-Hua , Xitao Fan
Published: April 2008

This study meta-analyzes thirty-nine study results published within last ten years that directly compared Web and mail survey modes. Although considerable variation exists across the studies, the authors' findings show that mail surveys have higher response rates than Web surveys in general. Two study features (i.e., population types and follow-up reminders) are shown to contribute statistically to the variation of response rate differences between Web and paper surveys in the comparative studies. College respondents appear to be more responsive to Web surveys, while some other respondents (e.g., medical doctors, school teachers, and general consumers) appear to prefer traditional mail surveys. Follow-up reminders appear to be less effective for Web survey respondents than for mail survey respondents. Other study features (i.e., implementation of random assignment of survey respondents, incentives, and publication year) are not statistically useful in accounting for the variation of response rate differences between Web and mail surveys.
General Health Status and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Cardarelli Roberto , Weis Stephen , Adams Elvin , Radaford Debbie , Vecino Isabel , Munguia Guadalupe , Johnson Katandria Love , Fulda Kimberly G.
Published: April 2008

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence is crucial in lowering HIV/AIDS-related mortality. General health status is known to predict mortality, but no study has assessed its association with HAART adherence. A total of 103 whites, African Americans, and Hispanic/Latinos with HIV/AIDS underwent an interview using validated measures. Regression analyses assessed the relationship between general health status and HAART adherence while controlling for social support, sense of control, depression, stress, HIV stigma, substance abuse, and unfair treatment because of race. Those rating their general health as fair/poor were 4 times more likely to be nonadherent (odds ratio [OR], 4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-15.79). This association dramatically strengthened in the multivariate regression model (OR, 10.96; 95% CI, 1.46-82.36) after controlling for the covariates. Conclusion: General health status was the strongest predictor of HAART nonadherence, and future research is needed to assess whether this 1-question general health measure can be clinically used to influence adherence.
A Dilemma in Male Engagement in Preventive Services: Adolescent Males' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self-Exam
Authors: Cronholm Peter F. , Mao Jun J. , Nguyen Giang T. , Paris Richard T.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self-exam (TSE) among adolescent males. To assess adolescent male perspectives, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 203 male high school students. Among the study participants, 139 (68.5%) correctly identified the age group when TC most commonly occurs, and 74 (36.5%) believed that TSE should be performed monthly. In a logistic regression model, students who have never heard of TSE were more likely to report intention to delay health care seeking with symptoms of testicular cancer (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-6.05; p = .007). The participants demonstrated significant awareness of TC. Given the tension between current recommendations against screening for TC and the potential benefits of engaging men in preventive health care utilization, it remains unclear how awareness of TC and TSE will affect the health-seeking and preventive care of men.
Priming of T cells to Fas-mediated proliferative signals by interleukin-7
Authors: Rethi Bence , Vivar Nancy , Sammicheli Stefano , Fluur Caroline , Ruffin Nicolas , Atlas Ann , Rajnavolgyi Eva , Chiodi Francesca
Published: April 2008

T-cell depletion associated with HIV infection or cytoreductive therapies triggers potential T-cell regenerative mechanisms such as peripheral T-lymphocyte expansion to weak antigenic stimuli and the increased availability of interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cytokine with potent antiapoptotic and proliferative activities. Deleterious mechanisms also associated with lymphopenia, such as increased Fas expression and apoptosis of T cell, however, may result in opposing effects. In this study, we show that Fas molecules, primarily associated with T-cell depletion in lymphopenic settings, may also contribute to compensatory T-cell expansion through transmitting costimulatory signals to suboptimally activated T cells. Proliferation of T lymphocytes in response to concomitant Fas and T-cell receptor (TCR) triggering was shown to be increased in HIV-infected individuals compared with noninfected controls. As IL-7 levels are often elevated in lymphopenic individuals in association with increased Fas expression, we analyzed whether IL-7 would influence Fas-mediated proliferative signals in T cells. We show that IL-7 is able to increase the efficacy of Fas to induce proliferation of suboptimally activated T cells. Thus, high IL-7 levels associated with lymphopenic conditions may simultaneously induce sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis in nonactivated T cells and increase Fas-induced costimulatory signals in T cells recognizing low-affinity antigens.
Role of ephrinB2 expression in endothelial cells during arteriogenesis: impact on smooth muscle cell migration and monocyte recruitment
Authors: Korff Thomas , Braun Jennifer , Pfaff Dennis , Augustin Hellmut G. , Hecker Markus
Published: April 2008

Expression of the arterial marker molecule ephrinB2 in endothelial cells is a prerequisite for adequate remodeling processes of the developing or angiogenic vasculature. Although its role in these processes has been extensively studied, the impact of ephrinB2 on the remodeling of adult arteries is largely unknown. To this end, we analyzed its expression during a biomechanically induced arteriolar remodeling process known as arteriogenesis and noted a significant increase in ephrinB2 expression under these conditions. By examining those biomechanical forces presumed to drive arteriogenesis, we identified cyclic stretch as a critical inducer of ephrinB2 expression in endothelial cells. Subsequent functional analyses in vitro revealed that endothelial cells expressing ephrinB2 limit the migration of smooth muscle cells, thereby enhancing segregation of both cell types. Moreover, MCP-1 induced transmigration of monocytes through a monolayer of endothelial cells overexpressing a truncated variant of ephrinB2 was clearly impeded. Taken together, these data suggest that expression of ephrinB2 in adult endothelial cells is up-regulated during arterial remodeling and controlled by cyclic stretch, a well-known inducer of such processes. This stretch-induced ephrinB2 expression may be pivotal for arteriogenesis as it limits smooth muscle cell migration within defined borders and controls monocyte extravasation.
SDF-1/CXCR4 and VLA-4 interaction regulates homing in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Ngo Hai T. , Leleu Xavier , Lee Jack , Jia Xiaoying , Melhem Molly , Runnels Judith , Moreau Anne-Sophie , Burwick Nicholas , Azab Abdel Kareem , Roccaro Aldo , Azab Feda , Sacco Antonio , Farag Mena , Sackstein Robert , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: April 2008

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is characterized by widespread involvement of the bone marrow at the time of diagnosis, implying continuous homing of WM cells into the marrow. The mechanisms by which trafficking of the malignant cells into the bone marrow has not been previously elucidated. In this study, we show that WM cells express high levels of chemokine and adhesion receptors, including CXCR4 and VLA-4. We showed that CXCR4 was essential for the migration and trans-endothelial migration of WM cells under static and dynamic shear flow conditions, with significant inhibition of migration using CXCR4 knockdown or the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Similarly, CXCR4 or VLA-4 inhibition led to significant inhibition of adhesion to fibronectin, stromal cells, and endothelial cells. Decreased adhesion of WM cells to stromal cells by AMD3100 led to increased sensitivity of these cells to cytotoxicity by bortezomib. To further investigate the mechanisms of CXCR4-dependent adhesion, we showed that CXCR4 and VLA-4 directly interact in response to SDF-1, we further investigated downstream signaling pathways regulating migration and adhesion in WM. Together, these studies demonstrate that the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis interacts with VLA-4 in regulating migration and adhesion of WM cells in the bone marrow microenvironment.
Paraffin-based 6-gene model predicts outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Malumbres Raquel , Chen Jun , Tibshirani Rob , Johnson Nathalie A. , Sehn Laurie H. , Natkunam Yaso , Briones Javier , Advani Ranjana , Connors Joseph M. , Byrne Gerald E. , Levy Ronald , Gascoyne Randy D. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: April 2008

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by variable clinical outcomes. Outcome prediction at the time of diagnosis is of paramount importance. Previously, we constructed a 6-gene model for outcome prediction of DLBCL patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapies. However, the standard therapy has evolved into rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). Herein, we evaluated the predictive power of a paraffin-based 6-gene model in R-CHOP–treated DLBCL patients. RNA was successfully extracted from 132 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. Expression of the 6 genes comprising the model was measured and the mortality predictor score was calculated for each patient. The mortality predictor score divided patients into low-risk (below median) and high-risk (above median) subgroups with significantly different overall survival (OS; P = .002) and progression-free survival (PFS; P = .038). The model also predicted OS and PFS when the mortality predictor score was considered as a continuous variable (P = .002 and .010, respectively) and was independent of the IPI for prediction of OS (P = .008). These findings demonstrate that the prognostic value of the 6-gene model remains significant in the era of R-CHOP treatment and that the model can be applied to routine FFPE tissue from initial diagnostic biopsies.
Coral kin aggregations exhibit mixed allogeneic reactions and enhanced fitness during early ontogeny
Authors: Amar Keren-Or , Chadwick Nanette E , Rinkevich Baruch
Published: April 2008

Background

Aggregated settlement of kin larvae in sessile marine invertebrates may result in a complex array of compatible and incompatible allogeneic responses within each assemblage. Each such aggregate can, therefore, be considered as a distinct self-organizing biological entity representing adaptations that have evolved to maximize the potential benefits of gregarious settlement. However, only sparse information exists on the selective forces and ecological consequences of allogeneic coalescence.

Results

We studied the consequences of aggregated settlement of kin larvae of Stylophora pistillata (a Red Sea stony coral), under controlled laboratory settings. When spat came into contact, they either fused, establishing a chimera, or rejected one another. A one-year study on growth and survivorship of 544 settled S. pistillata genotypes revealed six types of biological entities: (1) Single genotypes (SG); (2) Bi-chimeras (BC); (3) Bi-rejecting genotypes (BR); (4) Tri-chimera entities (TC); (5) Three-rejecting genotypes (TR); and (6) Multi-partner entities (MP; consisting of 7.5 ± 2.6 partners). Analysis of allorecognition responses revealed an array of effector mechanisms: real tissue fusions, transitory fusions and six other histoincompatible reactions (borderline formation, sutures, overgrowth, bleaching, rejection, and partner death), disclosing unalike onsets of ontogeny and complex modes of appearance within each aggregate. Evaluations at the entity level revealed that MP entities were the largest, especially in the first two months (compared with SG: 571% in the first month and 162% in the seventh month). However, at the genotype level, the SG entities were the largest and the colonies with the highest-cost-per-genotype were the TR and the MP colonies. The cost was calculated as reduced average genotype size, from 27% and 12% in the first month to 67% and 64% in the seventh month, respectively. In general, MP exhibited the highest survivorship rate (85%, after one year) and SG the lowest (54%).

Conclusion

In view of the above, we suggest that the driving force behind gregarious kin settlements in Stylophora pistillata stems from gained benefits associated with the immediate and long-term increase in total size of the MP entity, whereas survivorship rates did not draw a parallel link. Furthermore, the biological organization of MP entity exhibits, simultaneously, an intricate network of rejecting and fusible interactions in a single allogeneic intimate arena, where proposed benefits surpass costs incurred by discord among founders. Above results and documentations on gregarious settlement in other marine taxa bring us to suggest that the 'group level' of kin aggregates may serve as a ubiquitous legitimate selection entity in the evolution of a sessile mode of life in marine organisms.
Overexpression of Scg5 increases enzymatic activity of PCSK2 and is inversely correlated with body weight in congenic mice
Authors: Farber Charles R , Chitwood James , Lee Sang-Nam , Verdugo Ricardo A , Islas-Trejo Alma , Rincon Gonzalo , Lindberg Iris , Medrano Juan F
Published: April 2008

Background

The identification of novel genes is critical to understanding the molecular basis of body weight. Towards this goal, we have identified secretogranin V (Scg5; also referred to as Sgne1), as a candidate gene for growth traits.

Results

Through a combination of DNA microarray analysis and quantitative PCR we identified a strong expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) regulating Scg5 expression in two mouse chromosome 2 congenic strains and three additional F2 intercrosses. More importantly, the eQTL was coincident with a body weight QTL in congenic mice and Scg5 expression was negatively correlated with body weight in two of the F2 intercrosses. Analysis of haplotype blocks and genomic sequencing of Scg5 in high (C3H/HeJ, DBA/2J, BALB/cByJ, CAST/EiJ) and low (C57BL/6J) expressing strains revealed mutations unique to C57BL/6J and possibly responsible for the difference in mRNA abundance. To evaluate the functional consequence of Scg5 overexpression we measured the pituitary levels of 7B2 protein and PCSK2 activity and found both to be increased. In spite of this increase, the level of pituitary α-MSH, a PCSK2 processing product, was unaltered.

Conclusion

Together, these data support a role for Scg5 in the modulation of body weight.
Functional importance of different patterns of correlation between adjacent cassette exons in human and mouse
Authors: Peng Tao , Xue Chenghai , Bi Jianning , Li Tingting , Wang Xiaowo , Zhang Xuegong , Li Yanda
Published: April 2008

Background

Alternative splicing expands transcriptome diversity and plays an important role in regulation of gene expression. Previous studies focus on the regulation of a single cassette exon, but recent experiments indicate that multiple cassette exons within a gene may interact with each other. This interaction can increase the potential to generate various transcripts and adds an extra layer of complexity to gene regulation. Several cases of exon interaction have been discovered. However, the extent to which the cassette exons coordinate with each other remains unknown.

Results

Based on EST data, we employed a metric of correlation coefficients to describe the interaction between two adjacent cassette exons and then categorized these exon pairs into three different groups by their interaction (correlation) patterns. Sequence analysis demonstrates that strongly-correlated groups are more conserved and contain a higher proportion of pairs with reading frame preservation in a combinatorial manner. Multiple genome comparison further indicates that different groups of correlated pairs have different evolutionary courses: (1) The vast majority of positively-correlated pairs are old, (2) most of the weakly-correlated pairs are relatively young, and (3) negatively-correlated pairs are a mixture of old and young events.

Conclusion

We performed a large-scale analysis of interactions between adjacent cassette exons. Compared with weakly-correlated pairs, the strongly-correlated pairs, including both the positively and negatively correlated ones, show more evidence that they are under delicate splicing control and tend to be functionally important. Additionally, the positively-correlated pairs bear strong resemblance to constitutive exons, which suggests that they may evolve from ancient constitutive exons, while negatively and weakly correlated pairs are more likely to contain newly emerging exons.
Importance of the interferon-α system in murine large intestine indicated by microarray analysis of commensal bacteria-induced immunological changes
Authors: Munakata Kaori , Yamamoto Masahiro , Anjiki Naoko , Nishiyama Mitsue , Imamura Sachiko , Iizuka Seiichi , Takashima Kiyoe , Ishige Atsushi , Hioki Kyoji , Ohnishi Yasuyuki , Watanabe Kenji
Published: April 2008

Background

Although microbiota play a critical role in the normal development and function of host immune systems, the underlying mechanisms, especially those involved in the large intestine (LI), remain unknown. In the present study, we performed transcriptome analysis of the LI of germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice of the IQI strain, an inbred strain established from ICR mice.

Results

GeneChip analysis, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and reconfirmation using bacteria-inoculated GF mice revealed differences in the expression levels of several immune-related genes, such as cryptdin-related sequences (CRS), certain subsets of type 1 interferon (IFN)-related genes, class Ib MHC molecules, and certain complements. LI expressed no authentic cryptdins but predominantly expressed CRS2, 4, and 7. The mRNA levels of IFN-related genes, including Irf7, Isgf3g, Ifit1 and Stat1, were lower in SPF- and flora-reconstituted mice. When an oral IFN-α inducer tilorone analog, R11567DA, was administered to SPF mice, IFN-α was induced rapidly in the LI at 4 h, whereas no IFN-α protein was detected in the small intestine (SI) or blood. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry suggested that the IFN-α production originated from Paneth cells in the SI, and portions of lamina proprial CD11b- or mPDCA1-positive cells in the LI.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that microbial colonization, while inducing the expression of anti-microbial peptides, results in the down-regulation of certain genes responsible for immune responses, especially for type I IFN synthesis. This may reflect the adaptation process of the immune system in the LI to prevent excessive inflammation with respect to continuous microbial exposure. Further, the repertoire of anti-microbial peptides and the extraordinary role of interferon producing cells in the LI have been found to be distinct from those in the SI.
The redox-sensitive transcription factor Rap2.4a controls nuclear expression of 2-Cys peroxiredoxin A and other chloroplast antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Shaikhali Jehad , Heiber Isabelle , Seidel Thorsten , Ströher Elke , Hiltscher Heiko , Birkmann Stefan , Dietz Karl-Josef , Baier Margarete
Published: April 2008

Background

The regulation of the chloroplast antioxidant capacity depends on nuclear gene expression. For the 2-Cys peroxiredoxin-A gene (2CPA) a cis-regulatory element was recently characterized, which responds to photosynthetic redox signals.

Results

In a yeast-one-hybrid screen for cis-regulatory binding proteins, the transcription factor Rap2.4a was isolated. Rap2.4a controls the transcript abundance of the prominent chloroplast antioxidant enzyme through binding to the CGCG core of a CE3-like element. Rap2.4a activity is regulated by dithiol/disulfide transition of regulatory cysteinyl residues and subsequent changes in the quaternary structure. The mid-point redox potential of Rap2.4a activation is -269 mV (pH 7.0).

Conclusion

The redox sensitivity of Rap2.4a establishes an efficient switch mechanism for redox control of nuclear gene activity of chloroplast antioxidants, in which Rap2.4 is a redox-sensor and a transducer of redox information.
A luteinizing hormone receptor intronic variant is significantly associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease in males carrying an apolipoprotein E ε4 allele
Authors: Haasl Ryan J , Ahmadi M Reza , Meethal Sivan Vadakkadath , Gleason Carey E , Johnson Sterling C , Asthana Sanjay , Bowen Richard L , Atwood Craig S
Published: April 2008

Genetic and biochemical studies support the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele as a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), though ~50% of AD patients do not carry the allele. APOE transports cholesterol for luteinizing hormone (LH)-regulated steroidogenesis, and both LH and neurosteroids have been implicated in the etiology of AD. Since polymorphisms of LH beta-subunit (LHB) and its receptor (LHCGR) have not been tested for their association with AD, we scored AD and age-matched control samples for APOE genotype and 14 polymorphisms of LHB and LHCGR. Thirteen gene-gene interactions between the loci of LHB, LHCGR, and APOE were associated with AD. The most strongly supported of these interactions was between an LHCGR intronic polymorphism (rs4073366; lhcgr2) and APOE in males, which was detected using all three interaction analyses: linkage disequilibrium, multi-dimensionality reduction, and logistic regression. While the APOE ε4 allele carried significant risk of AD in males [p = 0.007, odds ratio (OR) = 3.08(95%confidence interval: 1.37, 6.91)], ε4-positive males carrying 1 or 2 C-alleles at lhcgr2 exhibited significantly decreased risk of AD [OR = 0.06(0.01, 0.38); p = 0.003]. This suggests that the lhcgr2 C-allele or a closely linked locus greatly reduces the risk of AD in males carrying an APOE ε4 allele. The reversal of risk embodied in this interaction powerfully supports the importance of considering the role gene-gene interactions play in the etiology of complex biological diseases and demonstrates the importance of using multiple analytic methods to detect well-supported gene-gene interactions.
Methods of data collection and analysis for the economic evaluation alongside a national, multi-centre trial in the UK: Conventional ventilation or ECMO for Severe Adult Respiratory Failure (CESAR)
Authors: Thalanany Mariamma M , Mugford Miranda , Hibbert Clare , Cooper Nicola J , Truesdale Ann , Robinson Steven , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Elbourne Diana R , Peek Giles J , Clemens Felicity , Hardy Polly , Wilson Andrew ,   The CESAR Trial Group
Published: April 2008

Background

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a technology used in treatment of patients with severe but potentially reversible respiratory failure. A multi-centre randomised controlled trial (CESAR) was funded in the UK to compare care including ECMO with conventional intensive care management. The protocol and funding for the CESAR trial included plans for economic data collection and analysis. Given the high cost of treatment, ECMO is considered an expensive technology for many funding systems. However, conventional treatment for severe respiratory failure is also one of the more costly forms of care in any health system.

Methods/Design

The objectives of the economic evaluation are to compare the costs of a policy of referral for ECMO with those of conventional treatment; to assess cost-effectiveness and the cost-utility at 6 months follow-up; and to assess the cost-utility over a predicted lifetime. Resources used by patients in the trial are identified. Resource use data are collected from clinical report forms and through follow up interviews with patients. Unit costs of hospital intensive care resources are based on parallel research on cost functions in UK NHS intensive care units. Other unit costs are based on published NHS tariffs. Cost effectiveness analysis uses the outcome: survival without severe disability. Cost utility analysis is based on quality adjusted life years gained based on the Euroqol EQ-5D at 6 months. Sensitivity analysis is planned to vary assumptions about transport costs and method of costing intensive care. Uncertainty will also be expressed in analysis of individual patient data. Probabilities of cost effectiveness given different funding thresholds will be estimated.

Discussion

In our view it is important to record our methods in detail and present them before publication of the results of the trial so that a record of detail not normally found in the final trial reports can be made available in the public domain.

Trial Registrations

The CESAR trial registration number is ISRCTN47279827.
Leg joint power output during progressive resistance FES-LCE cycling in SCI subjects: developing an index of fatigue
Authors: Haapala Stephenie A , Faghri Pouran D , Adams Douglas J
Published: April 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of the hip, knee and ankle during a progressive resistance cycling protocol in an effort to detect and measure the presence of muscle fatigue. It was hypothesized that knee power output can be used as an indicator of fatigue in order to assess the cycling performance of SCI subjects.

Methods

Six spinal cord injured subjects (2 incomplete, 4 complete) between the ages of twenty and fifty years old and possessing either a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury at or below the fourth cervical vertebra participated in this study. Kinematic data and pedal forces were recorded during cycling at increasing levels of resistance. Ankle, knee and hip power outputs and resultant pedal force were calculated. Ergometer cadence and muscle stimulation intensity were also recorded.

Results

The main findings of this study were: (a) ankle and knee power outputs decreased, whereas hip power output increased with increasing resistance, (b) cadence, stimulation intensity and resultant pedal force in that combined order were significant predictors of knee power output and (c) knowing the value of these combined predictors at 10 rpm, an index of fatigue can be developed, quantitatively expressing the power capacity of the knee joint with respect to a baseline power level defined as fatigue.

Conclusion

An index of fatigue was successfully developed, proportionalizing knee power capacity during cycling to a predetermined value of fatigue. The fatigue index value at 0/8thkp, measured 90 seconds into active, unassisted pedaling was 1.6. This indicates initial power capacity at the knee to be 1.6 times greater than fatigue. The fatigue index decreased to 1.1 at 2/8thkp, representing approximately a 30% decrease in the knee's power capacity within a 4 minute timespan. These findings suggest that the present cycling protocol is not sufficient for a rider to gain the benefits of FES and thus raises speculation as to whether or not progressive resistance cycling is an appropriate protocol for SCI subjects.
Fatal parvoviral myocarditis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Tavora Fabio , Gonzalez-Cuyar Luis F , Dalal Jay S , O'Malley Michael T , Zhao Richard , Peng Hong Q , Burke Allen P
Published: April 2008

Background

Histologically documented cases of parvoviral myocarditis are exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

Here, we report a 41-year old African American immunocompetent patient who died of parvoviral myocarditis after a 10 day illness characterized by fever, headaches, generalized arthralgias, and a maculopapular rash.

Autopsy revealed an infiltrate myocarditis composed primarily of T-lymphocytes and macrophages associated with extensive myocardial fibrosis. The diagnosis of parvovirus was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on both pre-mortem serum and post-mortem myocardial tissue

Methods

DNA was extracted from tissue and serum and primers were used to amplify DNAsequences of parvovirus B19 using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Conclusion

The diagnosis of parvovirus should be considered in cases of fatal myocarditis, and diagnosis can be confirmed at autopsy by molecular techniques.