bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkage Specificity and Role of Properdin in Activation of the Alternative Complement Pathway by Fungal Glycans
Authors: Agarwal Sarika , Specht Charles A. , Huang Haibin , Ostroff Gary R. , Ram Sanjay , Rice Peter A. , Levitz Stuart M.
Published: August 2011

Fungal cell walls are predominantly composed of glucans, mannans, and chitin. Recognition of these glycans by the innate immune system is a critical component of host defenses against the mycoses. Complement, an important arm of innate immunity, plays a significant role in fungal pathogenesis, especially the alternative pathway (AP). Here we determine that the glycan monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkages affect AP activation and C3 deposition. Furthermore, properdin, a positive regulator of the AP, contributes to these functions. AP activation by glycan particles that varied in composition and linkage was measured by C3a generation in serum treated with 10 mM EGTA and 10 mM Mg2+(Mg-EGTA-treated serum) (AP specific; properdin functional) or Mg-EGTA-treated serum that lacked functional properdin. Particles that contained either β1→3 or β1→6 glucans or both generated large and similar amounts of C3a when the AP was intact. Blocking properdin function resulted in 5- to 10-fold-less C3a production by particulate β1→3 glucans. However, particulate β1→6 glucans generated C3a via the AP only in the presence of intact properdin. Interestingly, zymosan and glucan-mannan particles (GMP), which contain both β-glucans and mannans, also required properdin to generate C3a. The β1→4 glycans chitin and chitosan minimally activated C3 even when properdin was functional. Finally, properdin binding to glucan particles (GP) and zymosan in serum required active C3. Properdin colocalized with bound C3, suggesting that in the presence of serum, properdin bound indirectly to glycans through C3 convertases. These findings provide a better understanding of how properdin facilitates AP activation by fungi through interaction with the cell wall components.

IMPORTANCEInvasive fungal infections have increased in incidence with the widespread use of immunosuppressive therapy and invasive procedures. Activation of the complement system contributes to innate immunity against fungi by generating chemoattractants that recruit white blood cells and by coating the pathogen with complement fragments that “mark” them for phagocytosis. The fungal cell wall activates complement in an antibody-independent manner through the alternative pathway (AP). Properdin is a positive regulator of the AP. This study elucidates how the specificity of cell wall glycan linkages affects AP activation and the role properdin plays in this process. Particulate β1→3 glucans activated the AP even in the absence of properdin, while β1→6 glucans required properdin for AP activation. In contrast, the β1→4 glycans chitin and chitosan failed to activate the AP. These findings enhance our mechanistic understanding of how fungi activate complement and have implications for the use of glycans in biomedical applications.
Brans–Dicke theory and thermodynamical laws on apparent and event horizons
Authors: Bhattacharya Samarpita , Debnath Ujjal
Published: August 2011

In this work, we describe the Brans–Dicke (BD) theory of gravity and give a particular solution by choosing a power law form for the scalar field [Formula: see text] and constant ω. If we assume that the first law of thermodynamics and the entropy formula hold on the apparent horizon, then we recover the Friedmann equations. Next, assuming the first law of thermodynamics holds, the validity conditions of the generalized second law (GSL) on the event horizon are presented. If we impose the entropy relation on the horizon, without using the first law, then we also obtain the validity condition of the GSL on the event horizon. The validity of the GSL completely depends on the BD model scalar field solutions. We have justified that the two processes are equivalent on the apparent horizon, but on the event horizon they are not equivalent. If the first law is valid on the event horizon, then the GSL may be satisfied by the BD solution, but if the first law is not satisfied then the GSL is not satisfied by the BD solution. Therefore, the first law always favours the GSL on the event horizon. In our effective approach, the first law and the GSL are always satisfied on the apparent horizon, which does not depend on the BD theory of gravity.
POLYNOMIALS OF THE BIFURCATION POINTS OF THE LOGISTIC MAP
Authors: BLACKHURST JONATHAN
Published: August 2011

The bifurcation points of the logistic map are algebraic, but little has been proven about the polynomials they satisfy. We find the degrees of these polynomials show that their roots come in pairs whose mean is one, put constraints on the size and prime factors of their constant coefficients, and record the number of real roots.
TRANSITION TO CHAOS IN PLASMA DENSITY WITH ASYMMETRY DOUBLE-WELL POTENTIAL FOR PARAMETRIC AND EXTERNAL HARMONIC OSCILLATIONS
Authors: BUCKJOHN C. NONO DUEYOU , SIEWE M. SIEWE , TCHAWOUA C. , KOFANE T. C.
Published: August 2011

We study the chaotic dynamics of one-degree-of-freedom nonlinear oscillator representing a density perturbation in plasma device model excited by parametric and external driven forces. Critical parameters for the onset of chaotic motions are specified using Melnikov method. The analytical results are confirmed by numerical simulations. The global dynamical changes of the system have been examined by evaluating parametric changes of the bifurcation diagrams, maximum Lyapunov exponent, Poincaré map and the basin boundaries of attraction. The transitions to chaos caused by the cascade bifurcation and intermittency are clearly shown by graphical methods.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF Li2MnSiO4 COMPOSITE CATHODE MATERIAL FOR SAFE Li-ION BATTERIES
Authors: MOLENDA MARCIN , ŚWIȨTOSŁAWSKI MICHAŁ , RAFALSKA-ŁASOCHA ALICJA , DZIEMBAJ ROMAN
Published: August 2011

Lithium silicates Li 2 MnSiO 4 (where M is a 3d metal) with their theoretical capacity up to 333 mAh⋅g-1 and high chemical stability, thanks to a presence of strong covalent bonds Si – O , seem to be a good potential cathode material for Li -ion batteries. The main drawback of those materials is their low electric conductivity which can be enhanced by coating the material with conductive carbon layer (CCL). This work concerns the synthesis of CCL / Li 2 MnSiO 4 composite material and investigation of its physicochemical properties. The material was successfully produced using sol-gel Pechini method. In order to find the best way of receiving Li 2 MnSiO 4 product various synthesis conditions were applied. CCL / Li 2 MnSiO 4 composite was produced in a one-step process using organic precursor matrix as a source of carbon. Both Li 2 MnSiO 4 material and CCL/ Li 2 MnSiO 4 composite were investigated using thermal analysis (EGA-TGA/DTG/SDTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrical conductivity measurements to find the relations between structure, morphology and electrochemical properties.
PREPARATION OF TRIPHYLITE-LIKE GLASSES AND NANOMATERIALS IN THE LiFePO4-V2O5 SYSTEM AND STUDY ON THEIR ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
Authors: PIETRZAK TOMASZ K. , GORZKOWSKA IRENA , NOWIŃSKI JAN L. , GARBARCZYK JERZY E. , WASIUCIONEK MAREK
Published: August 2011

Research on lithium iron phosphates is stimulated by their application as cathodes in Li -ion rechargeable batteries. The aim of this study was to enhance its initially poor electronic conductivity. A thermal nanocrystallization is applied to lithium-iron-phosphate and lithium-vanadium-iron-phosphates materials resulting in a significant increase of the electronic conductivity of the latter (almost 10-6 S/cm). The obtained nanomaterial exhibits very good thermal stability (up to 625°C), the activation energy 0.51 eV and moderate electronic conductivity at the room temperature, which is, however, a good starting point for further enhancement.
ORGANIC–INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR FAST CHARGING–DISCHARGING PROCESSES IN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
Authors: WILAMOWSKA MONIKA , MIETLIŃSKA ANETA , LISOWSKA-OLEKSIAK ANNA , RIEDEL RALF
Published: August 2011

The electrochemical properties of composite material consisting of poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (pEDOT) and iron hexacyanocobaltate (FehcCo) have been investigated for supercapacitors' application. The composite material pEDOT/FehcCo was electrodeposited on titanium or carbon fabric substrate. Prepared electrodes were used in supercapacitors operating in nonaqueous electrolytes (1 M KPF6, 1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate with dimethyl carbonate mixture of solvents). The capacitance values were estimated by galvanostatic and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The material was investigated in symmetric two-electrode cell configuration. The material pEDOT/FehcCo exhibits high capacitance values (~70 F cm-3) and a good cycling performance with a high stability in the tested electrolytes.
MATERIAL PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF Li-ION BATTERIES FOR VEHICLES APPLICATIONS
Authors: MOLENDA J.
Published: August 2011

This paper reviews material issues of development of Li -ion batteries for vehicles application. The most important of them is safety, which is related to application of nonflammable electrolyte with large electrochemical window and possibility of forming protective SEI (solid/electrolyte interface) to prevent plating of lithium on carbon anode during fast charge of the batteries. The amount of electrical energy, which a battery is able to deliver, depend on the electromotive power of the cell as well as on its capacity — both these factors are related to the chemistry of electrode materials. Nanotechnology applied to electrode materials may be a breakthrough for Li -batteries performance due to extreme reactivity of nanoparticles in relation to lithium. The electrode-electrolyte interface phenomena are decisive for a cell lifetime. Review of physicochemical properties of intercalated transition metal compounds with layered, spinel or olivine-type structure is provided in order to correlate their microscopic electronic properties, i.e. the nature of electronic states, with the efficiency of lithium intercalation process, which is controlled by the chemical diffusion coefficient of lithium. Data concerning cell voltage and character of discharge curves for various materials are correlated with the nature of chemical bonding and electronic structure. Proposed electronic model of the intercalation process allow for prediction and design of operational properties of intercalated electrode materials. Proposed method of measuring the Li x M a X b potential on the basis of the measurement of the electromotive force of the Li / Li +/ Li x M a X b electrochemical cell is a powerful tool of solid state physics allowing for direct observation of the Fermi level changes in such systems as a function of lithium content.
MODIFICATION OF LANTHANUM OXYCHLORIDE SOLID ELECTROLYTE FOR CONVENTIONAL POTENTIOMETRIC CHLORINE GAS SENSOR
Authors: DZIUBANIUK MAŁGORZATA , PASIERB PAWEŁ , RĘKAS MIECZYSŁAW
Published: August 2011

La 1-x Mg x OCl 1-x (x = 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1) and La 0.9 Ca 0.1 OCl 0.9 samples were prepared by a solid state reaction method. The best preparation conditions were determined by means of the differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (DTA&TG). The samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Electrical conductivity of La 0.9 Mg 0.1 OCl 0.1 was measured using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The prototype chlorine gas sensor was constructed from La 0.9 Mg 0.1 OCl 0.1 solid electrolyte. The source voltage (SV) of the constructed device was measured as a function of temperature (500–800°C), Cl 2 gradient partial pressure and time. Similar measurements of SV was carried out in atmosphere of synthetic air in argon.
DIFFUSION, SEGREGATION AND DESORPTION OF POTASSIUM FROM K2Fe22O34 FERRITE
Authors: TRĘBALA M. , BIENIASZ W. , DROZDEK M. , MOLENDA M. , KOTARBA A. , SOJKA Z.
Published: August 2011

The samples of K 2 Fe 22 O 34 phase were synthesized and characterized by XRD, BET, SEM-EDX and XPS. K+ diffusion was investigated by impedance spectroscopy, whereas the surface segregation and desorption were monitored by Kelvin Probe (changes in work function) and Species Resolved Thermal Alkali Desorption, at the temperature range of 600–1000 K. The analysis of changes in work function and desorption signals ( K and K+ ) at various temperatures allowed to resolve the kinetic parameters (flux, rate constants, activation energies) of potassium diffusion, surface accumulation and desorption. Based on the obtained results, the simple, functional model of bulk and surface changes of K -β-ferrite was proposed.
The Novel Chemical Entity YTR107 Inhibits Recruitment of Nucleophosmin to Sites of DNA Damage, Suppressing Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Enhancing Radiosensitization
Authors: Sekhar Konjeti R. , Reddy Yerramreddy Thirupathi , Reddy Penthala Narsimha , Crooks Peter A. , Venkateswaran Amudhan , McDonald William Hayes , Geng Ling , Sasi Soumya , Van Der Waal Robert P. , Roti Joseph L. Roti , Salleng Kenneth J. , Rachakonda Girish , Freeman Michael L.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Radiation therapy continues to be an important therapeutic strategy for providing definitive local/regional control of human cancer. However, oncogenes that harbor driver mutations and/or amplifications can compromise therapeutic efficacy. Thus, there is a need for novel approaches that enhance the DNA damage produced by ionizing radiation.

Experimental Design: A forward chemical genetic approach coupled with cell-based phenotypic screening of several tumor cell lines was used to identify a novel chemical entity (NCE) that functioned as a radiation sensitizer. Proteomics, comet assays, confocal microscopy, and immunoblotting were used to identify the biological target.

Results: The screening process identified a 5-((N-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)trione as an NCE that radiosensitized cancer cells expressing amplified and/or mutated RAS, ErbB, PIK3CA, and/or BRAF oncogenes. Affinity-based solid-phase resin capture followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry identified the chaperone nucleophosmin (NPM) as the NCE target. SiRNA suppression of NPM abrogated radiosensitization by the NCE. Confocal microscopy showed that the NCE inhibited NPM shuttling to radiation-induced DNA damage repair foci, and the analysis of comet assays indicated a diminished rate of DNA double-strand break repair.

Conclusion: These data support the hypothesis that inhibition of DNA repair due to inhibition of NPM shuttling increases the efficacy of DNA-damaging therapeutic strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(20); 6490–9. ©2011 AACR.
Antitumoral Effects of Calcitriol in Basal Cell Carcinomas Involve Inhibition of Hedgehog Signaling and Induction of Vitamin D Receptor Signaling and Differentiation
Authors: Uhmann Anja , Niemann Hannah , Lammering Bérénice , Henkel Cornelia , Heß Ina , Nitzki Frauke , Fritsch Anne , Prüfer Nicole , Rosenberger Albert , Dullin Christian , Schraepler Anke , Reifenberger Julia , Schweyer Stefan , Pietsch Torsten , Strutz Frank , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Hahn Heidi
Published: August 2011

Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh)-signaling pathway due to deficiency in the Hh receptor Patched1 (Ptch) is the pivotal defect leading to formation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Recent reports provided evidence of Ptch-dependent secretion of vitamin D3-related compound, which functions as an endogenous inhibitor of Hh signaling by repressing the activity of the signal transduction partner of Ptch, Smoothened (Smo). This suggests that Ptch-deficient tumor cells are devoid of this substance, which in turn results in activation of Hh-signaling. Here, we show that the application of the physiologically active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol, inhibits proliferation and growth of BCC of Ptch mutant mice in vitro and in vivo. This is accompanied by the activation of the vitamin D receptor (Vdr) and induction of BCC differentiation. In addition, calcitriol inhibits Hh signaling at the level of Smo in a Vdr-independent manner. The concomitant antiproliferative effects on BCC growth are stronger than those of the Hh-specific inhibitor cyclopamine, even though the latter more efficiently inhibits Hh signaling. Taken together, we show that exogenous supply of calcitriol controls the activity of 2 independent pathways, Hh and Vdr signaling, which are relevant to tumorigenesis and tumor treatment. These data suggest that calcitriol could be a therapeutic option in the treatment of BCC, the most common tumor in humans. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(11); 2179–88. ©2011 AACR.
Insufficient and Incomplete Shaving in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers Leads to a Poor Prognosis of the Skin Graft: A Histomorphological Analysis
Authors: Reich-Schupke Stefanie , Schmeil Irina , Kreuter Alexander , Bechara Falk , Hoffmann Klaus , Altmeyer Peter , Stücker Markus
Published: August 2011

Background: The surgical treatment for therapy-resistant venous leg ulcers is shave therapy with mesh graft transplantation. Objective: To demonstrate the need of complete shaving with help of histomorphological criteria. Methods: Biopsies were taken from the bottom and the border of the 28 ulcers and from nonulcer skin nearby. Specimens were analyzed in correlation to the clinical course 6 months after the treatment (healed/nonhealed/recurrent). Results: 10 ulcers healed, 10 were recurrent and 8 nonhealed. Nonhealed ulcers had an increased broadening of collagen fibers and rete ridges and reduced elastic fibers at the border of the ulcer. Significantly more obliterated vessels were in the upper dermis at the border of the nonhealed ulcers. Recurrent ulcers showed more signs of dermatoliposclerosis. Conclusion: In nonhealed and recurrent ulcers histomorphological aspects of dermatoliposclerosis are still detectable. Thus, a more extensive fibrosis seems to be associated with a poorer outcome. The hypothesis that possibly a more aggressive shave therapy can increase the healing rate should be verified in a prospective study.
Influence of Age on Perioperative Complications Among Patients Undergoing Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators for Primary Prevention in the United States
Authors: Tsai Vivian , Goldstein Mary K. , Hsia Henry H. , Wang Yongfei , Curtis Jeptha , Heidenreich Paul A.
Published: August 2011

Background—

The majority of current implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients are significantly older than those in the ICD trials. Data on periprocedural complications among the elderly are insufficient. We evaluated the influence of age on perioperative complications among primary prevention ICD recipients in the United States.

Methods and Results—

Using the National Cardiovascular Data's ICD Registry, we identified 150 264 primary prevention patients who received ICDs from January 2006 to December 2008. The primary end point was any adverse event or in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points included major adverse events, minor adverse events, and length of stay. Of 150 264 patients, 61% (n=91 863) were 65 years and older. A higher proportion of patients ≥65 years had diabetes, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal disease, and coronary artery disease. Approximately 3.4% of the entire cohort had any complication, including death, after ICD implant. Any adverse event or death occurred in 2.8% of patients under 65 years old; 3.1% of 65- to 69-year-olds; 3.5% of 70- to 74-year-olds; 3.9% of 75- to 79-year-olds, 4.5% of 80- to 84-year-olds; and 4.5% of patients 85 years and older. After adjustment for clinical covariates, multivariate analysis found an increased odds of any adverse event or death among 75- to 79-year-olds (1.14 [95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.25], 80-to 84-year-olds (1.22 [95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.36], and patients 85 years and older (1.15 [95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.32], compared with patients under 65 years old.

Conclusions—

Older patients had a modestly increased—but acceptably safe—risk of periprocedural complications and in-hospital mortality, driven mostly by increased comorbidity.
Influence of Frailty and Health Status on Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Revascularization
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Rihal Charanjit S. , Lennon Ryan J. , Spertus John A. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Roger Veronique L.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Although older patients frequently undergo percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), frailty, comorbidity, and quality of life are seldom part of risk prediction approaches. We assessed their incremental prognostic value over and above the risk factors in the Mayo Clinic risk score.

Methods and Results—

Patients ≥65 years who underwent PCI were assessed for frailty (Fried criteria), comorbidity (Charlson index), and quality of life [SF-36]. Of the 628 discharged [median follow-up of 35.0 months (interquartile range, 22.7 to 42.9)], 78 died and 72 had a myocardial infarction (MI). Three-year mortality was 28% for frail patients, 6% for nonfrail patients. The respective 3-year rates of death or MI were 41% and 17%. After adjustment, frailty [hazard ratio (HR), 4.19 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.85, 9.51], physical component score of the SF-36 (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.02), and comorbidity, (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05, 1.16) were associated with mortality. Frailty was associated with mortality/MI (HR, 2.61, 1.52, 4.50). Models with conventional Mayo Clinic risk score had C-statistics of 0.628, 0.573 for mortality and mortality/MI, respectively. Adding frailty, quality of life, and comorbidity, the C-statistic was (0.675, 0.694, 0.671) for mortality and (0.607, 0.587, 0.576) for mortality/MI, respectively. Including frailty, comorbidities and SF-36, conferred a discernible improvement to predict death and death/MI (integrated discrimination improvement, 0.027 and 0.016, and net reclassification improvement of 43% and 18%, respectively).

Conclusions—

After PCI, frailty, comorbidity and poor quality of life are prevalent and are associated with adverse long-term outcomes. Their inclusion improves the discriminatory ability of the Mayo Clinic risk score derived from the routine cardiovascular risk factors.
The Neural Correlates of Empathy: Experience, Automaticity, and Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Rameson Lian T. , Morelli Sylvia A. , Lieberman Matthew D.
Published: August 2011

Empathy is a critical aspect of human emotion that influences the behavior of individuals as well as the functioning of society. Although empathy is fundamentally a subjective experience, no studies have yet examined the neural correlates of the self-reported experience of empathy. Furthermore, although behavioral research has linked empathy to prosocial behavior, no work has yet connected empathy-related neural activity to everyday, real-world helping behavior. Lastly, the widespread assumption that empathy is an automatic experience remains largely untested. It is also unknown whether differences in trait empathy reflect either variability in the automaticity of empathic responses or the capacity to feel empathy. In this study, 32 participants completed a diary study of helping behavior followed by an fMRI session, assessing empathic responses to sad images under three conditions: watching naturally, under cognitive load, and while empathizing. Across conditions, higher levels of self-reported experienced empathy were associated with greater activity in medial PFC (MPFC). Activity in MPFC was also correlated with daily helping behavior. Self-report of empathic experience and activity in empathy-related areas, notably MPFC, were higher in the empathize condition than in the load condition, suggesting that empathy is not a fully automatic experience. Additionally, high trait empathy participants displayed greater experienced empathy and stronger MPFC responses than low trait empathy individuals under cognitive load, suggesting that empathy is more automatic for individuals high in trait empathy. These results underline the critical role that MPFC plays in the instantiation of empathic experience and consequent behavior.
Perceptions of quality of life and disability in homeless persons with schizophrenia and persons with schizophrenia living in non-institutional housing
Authors: van der Plas A. G. M. , Hoek H. W. , van Hoeken D. , Valencia E. , van Hemert A. M.
Published: August 2011

Background:

Homelessness is common in persons with schizophrenia. It is unclear how housing conditions and homelessness affect their quality of life and their disability.

Aims:

To explore the self-perceived quality of life and disability of homeless persons with schizophrenia and of those of persons with schizophrenia living in non-institutional housing.

Methods:

Seventy-six not-homeless and 50 homeless persons with schizophrenia were assessed using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life – short version (WHOQOL-Bref) and Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-II). Univariate comparisons of the two groups were made for sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics, perceived quality of life and disability. A regression model was used to adjust for potential confounding factors between quality of life, disability and housing.

Results:

After controlling for age, gender, marital status and age of first hospital admission, homeless persons had more positive scores for the quality of life domain ‘health’, for the disability domain ‘getting along with people’ and for the total disability score than persons in non-institutional housing.

Conclusion:

Contrary to our expectations, the persons in non-institutional housing reported a lower quality of life and more disability than the homeless people. Future research should clarify whether non-institutional housing in and of itself can improve the well-being of people with schizophrenia.
Three Pillars of Recovery
Authors: Sleeth D. B.
Published: August 2011

Despite the importance of recovery in mental health treatment, the role of love in the delivery of services is rarely explicitly stated. Similarly, the role of love in development has rarely been clearly explicated. Yet the two are closely intertwined, based on certain aspects of love that can be called the continuum of love, involving a dialectical sequence of development— autistic love (all about me), empathetic love (all about you), and integral love (all about us)—the last combining the prior two. Unfortunately, this ideal state is constantly undermined by traumatic forces in the world. This article claims that disruption brought on by trauma is best treated by what can be called the cycle of love, manifesting as the three pillars of recovery: awareness, acceptance, and integration.
An Alternative Analysis of the English Get-Past Participle Constructions
Authors: Mitkovska Liljana , Bužarovska Eleni
Published: August 2011

The article reexamines the status of the so called get-passives in English. The term “ get-passive” is often used to refer to constructions with the verb get and the past participle. The authors claim that this construction involves more heterogeneous types with different semantic and structural properties and that the term passive is misleading, especially when the distinction is blurred. Authors of university grammars, such as Huddleston and Pullum, Quirk et al., and Huddleston, distinguish between verbal and adjectival get-passives comparing them to be-passives. The authors of this article argue that such classification is oversimplified because it lumps together two distinctive types of diathesis, middle and passive voice. Namely, they claim that get+past participle ( get+pp) constructions are best described as a diathesis continuum from active to passive poles, covering a range of events in which the active role of the subject is gradually diminished. A comparative analysis with Macedonian and Greek is included to show that the equivalents of get+pp constructions are not all passive and copular constructions. They also include active get+pp constructions, where the verb get is an inchoative or decausative marker. The article focuses on these “nonpassive” get+ pp constructions and attempts to establish a semantic link among the different types as well as between them and the passive get-constructions.
Married Couples in Assisted Living
Authors: Kemp Candace L.
Published: August 2011

Being married in later life often prevents relocation to long-term care settings, but couples do relocate to these environments. Typically, this transition does not mark the end of support provided by families, especially adult children. Little is known about children’s experiences providing support in care settings when both parents are involved. This article presents an analysis of qualitative data from a study involving 20 married couples living together in assisted living (AL) and 10 adult children. It asks the following: (a) What are children’s support experiences when parents relocate to and live together in AL? (b) To what extent does the AL context influence their experiences? Despite having a “heavy burden” from “double the work,” children were relieved to have both parents in one place. Children expressed concern over privacy, “tight quarters,” spousal caregiving, and keeping their parents together. Findings have implications for future research and policy and practice.
A bio-inspired controller for unmanned aerial vehicles in chemical cloud coverage
Authors: Oyekan J , Hu H , Gu D
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a bio-inspired controller capable of controlling a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide a visual representation of an invisible airborne hazardous substance such as a chemical cloud. By using this approach, the position of the individuals in the swarm of UAVs forms a distribution map without the need for transmitting sensor data to a base station for chemical map generation. A behaviour-based approach is adopted to develop this controller so that it is computationally cheap and highly effective, compared to other coverage methods such as Voronoi partition or simulated annealing. Simulation results show that the approach is highly responsive to dynamic changes in the environment.
Disproportionality methods for pharmacovigilance in longitudinal observational databases
Authors: Zorych Ivan , Madigan David , Ryan Patrick , Bate Andrew
Published: August 2011

Data mining disproportionality methods (PRR, ROR, EBGM, IC, etc.) are commonly used to identify drug safety signals in spontaneous report system (SRS) databases. Newer data sources such as longitudinal observational databases (LOD) provide time-stamped patient-level information and overcome some of the SRS limitations such as an absence of the denominator, total number of patients who consume a drug, and limited temporal information. Application of the disproportionality methods to LODs has not been widely explored. The scale of the LOD data provides an interesting computational challenge. Larger health claims databases contain information on more than 50 million patients and each patient has records for up to 10 years. In this article we systematically explore the application of commonly used disproportionality methods to simulated and real LOD data.
How scientists view the public, the media and the political process
Authors: Besley John C. , Nisbet Matthew
Published: August 2011

We review past studies on how scientists view the public, the goals of communication, the performance and impacts of the media, and the role of the public in policy decision-making. We add to these past findings by analyzing two recent large-scale surveys of scientists in the UK and US. These analyses show that scientists believe the public is uninformed about science and therefore prone to errors in judgment and policy preferences. Scientists are critical of media coverage generally, yet they also tend to rate favorably their own experience dealing with journalists, believing that such interactions are important both for promoting science literacy and for career advancement. Scientists believe strongly that they should have a role in public debates and view policy-makers as the most important group with which to engage. Few scientists view their role as an enabler of direct public participation in decision-making through formats such as deliberative meetings, and do not believe there are personal benefits for investing in these activities. Implications for future research are discussed, in particular the need to examine how ideology and selective information sources shape scientists’ views.
The Effects of Office Ergonomic Training on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Sickness Absence, and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Mahmud Norashikin , Kenny Dianna T. , Md Zein Raemy , Hassan Siti Nurani
Published: August 2011

This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers’ stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.
Design Optimization of Linear and Non-Linear Cantilevered Energy Harvesters for Broadband Vibrations
Authors: Wickenheiser Adam M.
Published: August 2011

In much of the vibration-based energy harvesting literature, resonant energy harvesters are designed around a single base excitation frequency, whereas many applications comprise broadband, time-varying vibrations. Since many naturally occurring vibrations are low frequency, a relatively large mass or beam length is required to resonate at the driving frequencies. This article presents a modeling and optimization procedure for designing vibration energy harvesters for maximizing power generated by vibrations recreated from real-world sources at low frequencies. It is shown that the device coupling coefficient, a significant parameter in determining the energy transduction performance, can be decoupled into terms related to the stiffness and mass distribution of the device, each of which can be optimized independently. To demonstrate the use of this design optimization procedure, measured accelerations are used to provide time-varying, broadband inputs to the energy-harvesting system. Under various size and mass constraints, optimal linear resonant harvesters are presented for human walking and automobile driving scenarios. The frequency response functions are presented alongside time histories of the power harvested using the experimental base acceleration signals. Finally, these results are compared to a non-linear device that utilizes spatially periodic magnetic excitation, a feature that is particularly suited to low-frequency, time-varying excitation.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting for civil infrastructure system applications: Moving loads and surface strain fluctuations
Authors: Erturk Alper
Published: August 2011

This article formulates the problem of vibration-based energy harvesting using piezoelectric transduction for civil infrastructure system applications with a focus on moving load excitations and surface strain fluctuations. Two approaches of piezoelectric power generation from moving loads are formulated. The first one is based on using a bimorph cantilever located at an arbitrary position on a simply supported slender bridge. The fundamental moving load problem is reviewed and the input to the cantilevered energy harvester is obtained to couple with the generalized electromechanical equations for transient excitation. The second approach considers using a thin piezoceramic patch covering a region on the bridge. The transient electrical response of the surface patch to moving load excitation is derived in the presence of a resistive electrical load. The local way of formulating piezoelectric energy harvesting from two-dimensional surface strain fluctuations of large structures is also discussed. For a thin piezoceramic patch attached onto the surface of a large structure, analytical expressions of the electrical power output are presented for generalized, harmonic, and white noise–type two-dimensional strain fluctuations. Finally, a case study is given to analyze a small piezoceramic patch for energy harvesting from surface strain fluctuations along with measured bridge strain data.
Facilitating and Creating Synergies Between Teaching and Research
Authors: Balkin David B. , Mello Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2011

Teaching and research are often seen as activities that compete for a faculty member’s time and energy. This perceived disconnect between teaching and research has been reinforced by a number of norms within the academy as well as by institutional practices related to how faculty are managed and rewarded. This article argues that teaching and research activities of faculty within business schools can have a synergistic relationship and explores the nature of that relationship particularly relative to how administrators can work with faculty to bridge the gap and better align teaching and research activities. Benefits of a closer alignment of teaching and research include teaching that is informed by the latest research findings and research that is more relevant to practicing managers and can be better understood by students.
A School-Based Health Center–University Nursing Partnership
Authors: Larson Kim , Clark Amy , Colborn Brittanie , Perez Ashley , Engelke Martha K. , Hill Phyllis
Published: August 2011

Young adolescents, age 10–15 years, have increasing psychosocial and biomedical health care needs, yet are some of the lowest users of conventional health services. In eastern North Carolina, school-based health centers (SBHCs) provide primary health care to thousands of school-age children in the most rural, medically underserved areas. SBHCs receive reimbursement from local, state, and private funding sources and their viability depends on the demonstration of outcomes. Using the Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) assessment tool, an SBHC–university nursing partnership evaluated the use of preventive health services by fifth and sixth grade students ( n = 690). Findings suggest that the vast majority of early adolescents needed a referral for a physical exam, nutrition, mental health, or health education services. This article describes key components for a successful SBHC–university nursing partnership that can evaluate and improve existing school health programs.
Effect of BG-12 on contrast-enhanced lesions in patients with relapsing– remitting multiple sclerosis: subgroup analyses from the phase 2b study
Authors: Kappos Ludwig , Gold Ralf , Miller David H , MacManus David G , Havrdova Eva , Limmroth Volker , Polman Chris H , Schmierer Klaus , Yousry Tarek A , Eraksoy Mefkure , Meluzinova Eva , Dufek Michal , Yang Minhua , Dawson Kate , O’Neill Gilmore N
Published: August 2011

Background: In a phase 2b study in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), BG-12 240 mg three times daily significantly reduced the number of new gadolinium-enhanced (Gd+) lesions from weeks 12 to 24 (primary end point) by 69% compared with placebo.

Objective: In this analysis, the effect of BG-12 240 mg three times daily on the number of Gd+ lesions from weeks 12 to 24 was evaluated in subgroups based on baseline disease characteristics and demographics.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-seven patients were randomized equally to receive BG-12 (120 mg once daily or three times daily or 240 mg three times daily) or placebo.

Results: BG-12 240 mg three times daily significantly reduced the number of new Gd+ lesions compared with placebo in the following subgroups: Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 2.5 (74%), EDSS score > 2.5 (63%), no Gd+ lesions (80%), ≥ 1 Gd+ lesion (55%), age < 40 years (49%), age ≥ 40 years (89%), female patients (81%), disease duration ≤ 6 years (81%) and disease duration > 6 years (54%) (all comparisons p < 0.05).

Conclusion: BG-12 demonstrated efficacy in patients with RRMS by decreasing new Gd+ lesion development across a range of subgroups defined by baseline disease characteristics or demographics.
Behavioural consequences of imagining intergroup contact with stigmatized outgroups
Authors: Turner Rhiannon N. , West Keon
Published: August 2011

We investigated whether imagining contact with an outgroup member would change intergroup behaviour. Participants who had imagined a positive interaction with an outgroup member or an unspecified stranger were told that they were about to take part in a discussion task with an outgroup member. They were taken to a room and asked to set out two chairs ready for the discussion while the experimenter left, ostensibly to find the other participant. The distance between the two chairs was then measured. Undergraduate students who imagined talking to an obese individual (Experiment 1) or a Muslim individual (Experiment 2) placed the chairs significantly closer than those in the control condition. They also reported more positive feelings and beliefs regarding Muslims. These findings highlight an important practical application of imagined contact: preparing people for successful face-to-face contact.
The cooperating mutation or “second hit” determines the immunologic visibility toward MYC-induced murine lymphomas
Authors: Schuster Christian , Berger Angelika , Hoelzl Maria A. , Putz Eva M. , Frenzel Anna , Simma Olivia , Moritz Nadine , Hoelbl Andrea , Kovacic Boris , Freissmuth Michael , Müller Mathias , Villunger Andreas , Müllauer Leonard , Schmatz Ana-Iris , Streubel Berthold , Porpaczy Edit , Jäger Ulrich , Stoiber Dagmar , Sexl Veronika
Published: August 2011

In Eμ-myc transgenic animals lymphoma formation requires additional genetic alterations, which frequently comprise loss of p53 or overexpression of BCL-2. We describe that the nature of the “second hit” affects the ability of the immune system to contain lymphoma development. Tumors with disrupted p53 signaling killed the host more rapidly than BCL-2 overexpressing ones. Relaxing immunologic control, using Tyk2−/− mice or by Ab-mediated depletion of CD8+ T or natural killer (NK) cells accelerated formation of BCL-2–overexpressing lymphomas but not of those lacking p53. Most strikingly, enforced expression of BCL-2 prolonged disease latency in the absence of p53, whereas blocking p53 function in BCL-2–overexpressing tumors failed to accelerate disease. This shows that blocking apoptosis in p53-deficient cells by enforcing BCL-2 expression can mitigate disease progression increasing the “immunologic visibility.” In vitro cytotoxicity assays confirmed that high expression of BCL-2 protein facilitates NK and T cell–mediated killing. Moreover, we found that high BCL-2 expression is accompanied by significantly increased levels of the NKG2D ligand MULT1, which may account for the enhanced killing. Our findings provide first evidence that the nature of the second hit affects tumor immunosurveillance in c-MYC–driven lymphomas and define a potential shortcoming of antitumor therapies targeting BCL-2.
Editorial: Ilya Metchnikoff, the phagocytic theory, and how things often work in science
Authors: Silverstein Arthur M
Published: August 2011

Metchnikoff fought hard to establish his phagocytic theory, and in the process many fields of science benefitted.
Methodological Issues & Statistical Help the ‘how' and ‘why' of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Care Pathways
Authors: Broughton Edward I
Published: August 2011

Health service improvement interventions such as care pathways should be evaluated for cost-effectiveness the same way other health interventions are. I describe what cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) for care pathways are, how they are conducted and how their results are interpreted. CEAs should clearly state what perspective they are taking, what time frame is being considered and what research question is being addressed. Effectiveness measured by tangible patient outcomes (deaths averted, bed-days saved or QALYs [quality-adjusted life-years] gained) are preferable to process measures because they are easier for non-specialists to understand. Having a control group is highly desirable to enhance the case for attributability. Costs include explicit and opportunity costs of implementing the care pathway. Cost consequences include the change in expenditures attributable to changes associated with the care pathway. Dividing incremental cost by incremental effects gives an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, the common measure of relative cost-effectiveness. Care pathways that decrease cost and improve outcomes should be implemented unequivocally. Those that improve outcomes but increase costs need to be considered according to the funder's willingness to pay for improved outcomes. CEAs for care pathways are as important as for any other health intervention and are necessary to provide information for decision makers.
Integrated Systems and Continuity in Health Care: A Navigation through the Concepts and Models
Authors: Di Stanislao Francesco , Visca Modesta , Caracci Giovanni , Moirano Fulvio
Published: August 2011

This paper aims to share with readers some points on the matter of integration/continuity that we have reached thanks to our professional experience in health-care planning and organization. These points have been confirmed by our experience in the field and by cross-fertilization with other branches of knowledge (sociology, epistemology, management science, education theory, etc.). They represent a difficult process of de-structuring of knowledge, but at the same time opened a path to research, discovery and learning that deeply influenced our way of understanding institutional organizations and has conditioned our operational choices and decisions.
Co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies in hospitalized children with severe malnutrition treated according to the WHO protocol
Authors: de Fátima Costa Caminha Maria , da Figueira Manoela Almeida Santos , Falbo Ana Rodrigues , de Araújo de Amorim Roberta Corrêa , Gallindo Thomaz Caminha , Filho Malaquias Batista
Published: August 2011

We assessed the involvement of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and anaemia as co-morbidities associated with severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition in hospitalized children. In a descriptive case series study of 57 children, one clinical case of xerophthalmia was diagnosed: 44.0% had levels of serum retinol <20 µg/dL and 88.0% had Hb <11 g/dL, of whom 30.0% had haemoglobin levels below 7.0 g/dL.