bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information processing and strategic decision-making in small and medium-sized enterprises: The role of human and social capital in attaining decision effectiveness
Authors: Jansen Rob J.G. , Curşeu Petru L. , Vermeulen Patrick A.M. , Geurts Jac L.A. , Gibcus Petra
Published: November 2011

The decision-making literature emphasizes that in high-stake decisions the characteristics of individual decision-makers, their interpretation of decision situations, and their social ties play an important role in decision outcomes. Despite these results, research on small- and medium-sized enterprises has only partially covered these influences. In a sample of 565 small-business owners, this study identifies the extent to which these characteristics and social ties affect decision effectiveness and the extent to which their impact is mediated by evaluative judgements of the decision situation. Our results suggest that the interplay between human capital and social capital affects decision outcomes via evaluative judgments and this effect is moderated by decision content, in such a way that depending on decision content (internal versus external focus) entrepreneurial experience and the breadth of social capital are either assets or liabilities for decision effectiveness.
Timing is everything: The demarcation of ‘later’ abortions in Scotland
Authors: Beynon-Jones Siân M.
Published: November 2011

Feminist STS analyses of contemporary reproductive medicine have illustrated the proliferation of practices that position fetuses as individual subjects, and have highlighted the major implications of such practices for pregnant women. In an attempt to challenge medicine’s claims to ‘know’ the fetus, this body of literature has also demonstrated the renegotiable basis of pregnant/fetal subjectivity, using detailed empirical analyses of the practices through which particular pregnant and fetal subjects emerge in particular contexts. In this paper I contribute to this endeavour utilizing an empirical case study of an important, but neglected aspect of reproductive healthcare: the demarcation of temporal thresholds on abortion provision in the absence of diagnosed fetal abnormality. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with Scottish health professionals, I explore the discursive practices through which they demarcate ‘later’ abortion as a problematic decision. I argue that such practices are intimately dependent on particular co-constructions of temporality and pregnant/fetal subjectivity, and support this argument with reference to the counter-representations of the gestational timing of abortion that emerge from a minority of health professionals’ accounts. I suggest that, collectively, this body of data illustrates the opportunities that (re)presenting temporality would afford those engaged in attempts to foster the construction of less oppressive pregnant/fetal subjectivities. My broader aim is to illustrate the insights that feminist theorizations of pregnant/fetal subjectivity gain from explicit engagement with another important theme of contemporary STS scholarship, namely, the constitutive role played by representations of temporality in technoscientific innovation and practice.
Potential of energy and nutrient recovery from biodegradable waste by co-treatment in Lithuania
Authors: Havukainen Jouni , Zavarauskas Kestutis , Denafas Gintaras , Luoranen Mika , Kahiluoto Helena , Kuisma Miia , Horttanainen Mika
Published: November 2011

Biodegradable waste quantities in Lithuania and their potential for the co-treatment in renewable energy and organic fertilizer production were investigated. Two scenarios were formulated to study the differences of the amounts of obtainable energy and fertilizers between different ways of utilization. In the first scenario, only digestion was used, and in the second scenario, materials other than straw were digested, and straw and the solid fraction of sewage sludge digestate were combusted. As a result, the amounts of heat and electricity, as well as the fertilizer amounts in the counties were obtained for both scenarios. Based on this study, the share of renewable energy in Lithuania could be doubled by the co-treatment of different biodegradable materials
Chinese press accounts of the 1911 Revolution: Seeing ‘revolution’
Authors: Zarrow Peter
Published: November 2011

By examining how a particular story of events from October 1911 through to the abdication of the Qing imperial house in February 1912 was constructed, it is possible to suggest the effects of that story both as events unfolded and on subsequent historical consciousness. This article examines the coverage of the revolution in two newspapers, Shenbao, founded in Shanghai in 1872, and Dagongbao, founded in Tianjin in 1902. They were not necessarily representative of the press as a whole, much less public opinion, but they demonstrate different versions of the same essential narrative. The Shenbao story of ‘1911’ told of struggle and triumph, culminating in the election of Sun Yat-sen as provisional president on 1 January 1912, which marked the founding of the republic. Dagongbao lacked triumphalism and was almost tragic in its reading of the revolution. Nonetheless, Dagongbao as much as Shenbao was quick to present a story of the transformation of ‘chaos’ into ‘revolution’ and finally into the republic (with the imperial abdication of 12 February). Both newspapers traced the revolution from the Wuchang Uprising, and the resulting narrative structure divided political time into before and after. That division is probably the essence of ‘revolution’.
Centennial perspectives on China’s 1911 Revolution
Authors: Wong R. Bin
Published: November 2011

Both within and beyond China, contemporary reflections on the end of two millennia of imperial rule in China frequently focus upon the failure of the new republic to form a strong state and an effective parliamentary form of representative government. For many the agenda for political change in China today is traced back to unfulfilled opportunities in the past. This presentation suggests another set of perspectives that asks what political challenges were met in order to create a state ruling almost all the territory of the former empire, a transition unusual if not unique in the world history of empires, and how the manner in which those challenges were met influences the kinds of problems and possibilities China faces a century after the end of the last dynasty.
Synthesis, deblocking and cure reaction studies of secondary alcohol-blocked isocyanates
Authors: Mohammed Issam A. , Sankar Govindarajan
Published: November 2011

A series of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-blocked diisocyanates, based on diisocyanates including 4,4′-methylene di(phenyl isocyanate), toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate and 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, were prepared and characterized thoroughly by Fourier transform infrared, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis (CHN). The blocking reaction of 1,3-dichloro 2-propanol with aromatic diisocyanates occurs faster than with the aliphatic isocyanates. The deblocking temperature of blocked isocyanates was determined by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and the CO2 evaluation method. Cure reactions of blocked isocyanates with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene were also followed to establish the structure–property relationship of the 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-blocked isocyanates. The deblocking studies reveal that the aromatic isocyanates undergo deblocking more easily than aliphatic isocyanates. The dissolution behavior of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol-blocked isocyanates in Terathane-2000, polypropylene glycol-2000, polycaprolactone diol-2000 and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-2500 was also studied, and it was found that all adducts are soluble in these polyols.
Structural analysis for flexible components with freeform surfaces with the aid of a coordinate measuring machine
Authors: Ascione R , Polini W
Published: November 2011

A non-rigid part could be subjected to significant distortion after the removal of manufacturing forces. This condition, known as free state variation, is principally due to weight and flexibility of the part and the release of internal stresses resulting from fabrication. The present work deals with the inspection of freeform surfaces belonging to non-rigid parts with the objective of analysing the internal stress and relative strain due to assembly sequences. A manufactured aeronautic component, named Mid Cowling, is considered as a case study.

An appropriate fixture equipment has been used in the inspection process to simulate the mating part interface and to locate the part in the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) working volume. In this way the assemblage in the final product has been reproduced. The results of the measurement process are used to evaluate the quality of the real surfaces in terms of deviation from the nominal one. Therefore, these deviations are used as input in a finite element model (FEM) analysis to estimate the stress and strain fields due to the constraint of the assembly.
Does accounting history matter?
Authors: Gomes Delfina , Carnegie Garry D. , Napier Christopher J. , Parker Lee D. , West Brian
Published: November 2011

Building upon panel discussion held at the sixth Accounting History International Conference, a resounding “yes” is offered in response to the question of whether accounting history matters. However, reflecting the viewpoint that accounting history can and should matter more, various suggestions are presented for advancing the quality, relevance and significance of historical research in accounting, commencing with the need to redress persistent misconceptions about the discipline. Practical strategies for enhancing the impact of accounting history scholarship are then developed around the themes of promoting its contemporary relevance and implications, fostering engagement with diverse groups of scholars, writing accounting history in informative and engaging ways, and articulating and developing appropriate methodologies. Finally, the role of accounting historians as “change agents” is explored and advocated.
Time to Re-Group
Authors: Ishak Andrew W. , Ballard Dawna I.
Published: November 2011

Action teams are unique among group types in that their work is focused on time-constrained performance events that cannot be redone later. This aspect of their team temporality gives rise to an emphasis on simulation—a technique used by teams to replicate the taskwork, coordination, and communication of real-life events—and adaptation—in which teams use “time-outs” to give members a chance to regroup and communicate. In the present article, we attempt to offer more precision in research and theorizing across diverse team types through first offering a typology of action teams that considers the work of critical, contending, and performing teams. This typology informs the nested phase model introduced next, which accounts for the unique temporality of teams that place a heavy emphasis on performance and the related issues of cyclicity, finality, and epochality that characterize their work. Testable propositions intended to guide future research are offered.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Wife-Caregiver of Terminally Ill Patient With Sarcoma
Authors: Grenader Tal , Shavit Linda
Published: November 2011

We report a case of massive pulmonary embolism in a 63-year-old female caregiver of her terminally ill husband. Venous thromboembolism in family caregivers is a rare but a serious problem. Increased awareness and implementation of policies and guidelines to decrease potentially preventable venous thromboembolism are vital to help prevent unnecessary death, to increase patient safety, and to contain rising costs in health care.
The Controversy Over Credit Checks in Selection
Authors: Kuhn Kristine M.
Published: November 2011

The proportion of U.S. employers who consider applicants’ credit reports has increased sharply over the past decade, precipitating controversy and legislative efforts to restrict this practice. Credit checks differ in many ways from commonly studied selection tests, and little is known about how they are perceived. Here an analysis of almost 1,500 online responses to four different media reports reveals the complexity of issues underlying attitudes toward credit checks. Findings demonstrate the utility of a novel methodological approach for exploring the opinions and experiences of a broad sample of people with a variety of perspectives on a poorly understood hiring practice. Discourse reflected some established themes in applicant reactions theory and also concerns about broader societal consequences. Underlying divergent attitudes toward credit checks were sharp disagreements about individual control and about how employers actually implement credit checks and evaluate reports. Implications for expanding theory and informing public debate are discussed.
Utility of p16, Ki-67, and HPV Test in Diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Atrophy in Women Older Than 50 Years With 3- to 7-Year Follow-up
Authors: Jackson Julie A. , Kapur Umesh , Erşahin Çağatay
Published: November 2011

Background. Differentiating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) from atrophy in postmenopausal women based on morphology alone is challenging. p16 and Ki-67 help distinguish CIN2/3 from atrophy. The goal of this study is to further characterize the utility of p16, Ki-67, and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests in women older than 50 years, particularly in CIN1. Design. The authors retrospectively identified cervical specimens from three, 1-year time periods. Included were cases from women older than 50 years with benign diagnoses, atrophy, and CIN. Slides were stained with p16 and Ki-67 and graded as positive or negative. Medical records were reviewed for cytology, HPV test, and histopathologic diagnoses from the time of biopsy to 2010. Results. A total of 97 cervical samples were included. In all, 34 (74%) CIN1 cases were negative for p16 and Ki-67. Of CIN1 cases with positive HPV tests, only 1/10 (10%) had positive p16 staining versus 2/2 (100%) of CIN2/3 cases. Of 39 women with CIN1 who had follow-up data available, 4 (10%) had subsequent histologic progression to CIN2/3 and none developed invasive disease. Conclusions. In our study, the majority of cases (74%) diagnosed as CIN1 in women ≥ 50 years are negative for p16 and Ki-67 and do not progress to high-grade dysplasia during 3- to 7-year follow-up. A combination of morphology, p16, and Ki-67 on cervical specimens in women older than 50 years, and furthermore, use of these stains on Pap tests in combination with HPV testing may help distinguish CIN from atrophy and reduce unnecessary invasive follow-up testing.
Workers' Choice on Pension Schemes
Authors: Corsini Lorenzo , Pacini Pier Mario , Spataro Luca
Published: November 2011

The authors provide a theoretical framework to model the workers' choice problem of opting among different pension schemes, a choice problem that is common to several countries that have reformed their social security system in the last decades. This process is currently affecting private sector employees in Italy, in particular after the second pillar reform in 2007. The authors argue that workers not only have to weigh out the pros and cons that different schemes offer but that they also must consider the effect that their choice exerts on the financial structure of the firm in which they work. Once the authors have formalized this decision problem, they study analytically the properties of the adhesion process, and then carry out some simulations to replicate the Italian evidence and to shed light on the outcomes of the Italian reform.
Fiscal Illusion around the World
Authors: Dell’Anno Roberto , Mourao Paulo
Published: November 2011

This article estimates the magnitude of fiscal illusion around the world and evaluates whether relationships exist between fiscal illusion and a set of potential observed variables. The index of fiscal illusion is derived for approximately fifty countries over the period 2000–08. Using MIMIC models, the authors conclude that the structure of employment (self-employment as a percentage of total employment) and nominal marginal tax rates, by increasing the visibility of the tax burden, may constitute the greatest incentives for policy makers to distort taxpayers' perceptions. Less relevant are the determinants of fiscal illusion related to the information acquisition and processing capabilities of the taxpayer (i.e., freedom of the press and tertiary education).
Temperament and character properties of male psoriasis patients
Authors: Ak Mehmet , Haciomeroglu Bikem , Turan Yılmaz , Lapsekili Nergis , Doruk Ali , Bozkurt Ali , Akar Ahmet
Published: November 2011

Personality properties have an effect on the onset and triggering of psoriasis. The current study aimed to examine the personality of psoriasis patients in relation to the severity of the illness. Psoriasis and healthy participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory, Temperament and Character Inventory. Severity of psoriasis was evaluated by the PASI. MANCOVA results revealed significantly higher Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence and Self-Transcendence scores for psoriasis group. Severity of PASI was predicted by harm avoidance and reward dependence. Personality properties should be evaluated while planning therapeutic interventions for psoriasis patients.
Old Habits Die Hard
Authors: Martinson Amber A. , Nangle Douglas W. , Boulard Nina , Sigmon Sandra T.
Published: November 2011

This article describes the course of treatment for a 55-year-old woman presenting with a particularly challenging case of skin picking disorder. Treatment consisted of five phases (psychoeducation, habit-reversal training, cognitive training, exposure, and relapse prevention), over an 11-month period, in which each new phase built on to the previous phase. Digital photos of wounds resulting from skin picking were also taken during treatment. Several sources of information (continuous self-monitoring, rating scales, self-report, photos) indicated significant treatment gains, especially following Phases 3 and 4. Several challenges were encountered, most notably designing exposure-based techniques that were tailored to match the client’s needs and content of symptoms. Several treatment implications are discussed, including tailoring manualized treatments, managed care concerns, and suggestions for clinicians and supervisors. Taken together, this study adds to the scant literature on treatment of skin picking in older, typically developing adults.
Depression, Anxiety, and Symptom Profiles Among Female and Male Victims of Sexual Violence
Authors: Choudhary Ekta , Smith Merideth , Bossarte Robert M.
Published: November 2011

Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that has been associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. Few existing studies have examined the prevalence and patterns of adverse mental health among victims of sexual violence using data from nationally representative samples of U.S. adults. The main objectives of this study were to identify patterns in the associations between sexual violence victimization and depression and anxiety (DA) symptoms using data from the sexual violence and DA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) modules. Stratified multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to test the associations between sexual violence victimization and DA controlling for demographic characteristics. Multiple stratified MANOVA models were used to detect the effect of sexual violence victimization on DA symptoms while controlling for key demographic characteristics. Among all 61,187 participants, more than 5% ( n = 3,240) were victims of sexual violence, out of which 18.82% reported being diagnosed with depression, 8.37% reported an anxiety disorder, and 28.28% reported being diagnosed with DA disorder. Victims of sexual violence reported significantly higher number of days when they had trouble concentrating, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, little interest or pleasure in activities, blamed themselves for personal failure, felt depressed, and had little energy. The present study highlights the importance of collecting nationally representative data from victims of sexual violence and extends previous findings from clinically based studies. This study also serves as an example of an analytic approach that addresses a public health priority area by drawing on data from multiple topic-specific BRFSS modules.
Preliminary Findings Exploring the Social Determinants of Black Males’ Lay Health Perspectives
Authors: Mount David L. , Johnson Darin M. , Rego Maria Isabel , Schofield Kandyce , Amponsah Alethea , Graham Louis F.
Published: November 2011

The unequal discussion of Black males’ health is a pressing social problem. This study addressed Black males’ lay perspectives regarding their health, illness, and mortality, with attention to the determinants of men’s health, prevention, lifestyle, and opportunities for health promotion using an exploratory/qualitative research methodology. Participants were 68 Black males aged 15 to 68 years, with an average age of 44 years ( SD = 14.5). The narratives represented a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors, ranging from intrapersonal attitudes, interpersonal experiences to discussions about community and public policy injustices. Five prominent themes emerged: (a) lack of chronic disease awareness, (b) fatalism, (c) fear and anxiety of academic–medical settings, (d) hyperactive masculinity fatigue, and (e) the gay–straight divide. The term Tired Black Male Health syndrome was coined in the forum. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of culturally relevant strategies for improving Black male community health engagement.
Aerosolized adenovirus-vectored vaccine as an alternative vaccine delivery method
Authors: Roy Chad J , Ault Alida , Sivasubramani Satheesh K , Gorres J Patrick , Wei Chih-Jen , Andersen Hanne , Gall Jason , Roederer Mario , Rao Srinivas S
Published: November 2011

Conventional parenteral injection of vaccines is limited in its ability to induce locally-produced immune responses in the respiratory tract, and has logistical disadvantages in widespread vaccine administration. Recent studies suggest that intranasal delivery or vaccination in the respiratory tract with recombinant viral vectors can enhance immunogenicity and protection against respiratory diseases such as influenza and tuberculosis, and can offer more broad-based generalized protection by eliciting durable mucosal immune responses. Controlled aerosolization is a method to minimize vaccine particle size and ensure delivery to the lower respiratory tract. Here, we characterize the dynamics of aerosolization and show the effects of vaccine concentration on particle size, vector viability, and the actual delivered dose of an aerosolized adenoviral vector. In addition, we demonstrate that aerosol delivery of a recombinant adenoviral vaccine encoding H1N1 hemagglutinin is immunogenic and protects ferrets against homologous viral challenge. Overall, aerosol delivery offers comparable protection to intramuscular injection, and represents an attractive vaccine delivery method for broad-based immunization campaigns.
Complex trait subtypes identification using transcriptome profiling reveals an interaction between two QTL affecting adiposity in chicken
Authors: Blum Yuna , Le Mignon Guillaume , Causeur David , Filangi Olivier , Désert Colette , Demeure Olivier , Le Roy Pascale , Lagarrigue Sandrine
Published: November 2011

Background

Integrative genomics approaches that combine genotyping and transcriptome profiling in segregating populations have been developed to dissect complex traits. The most common approach is to identify genes whose eQTL colocalize with QTL of interest, providing new functional hypothesis about the causative mutation. Another approach includes defining subtypes for a complex trait using transcriptome profiles and then performing QTL mapping using some of these subtypes. This approach can refine some QTL and reveal new ones.

In this paper we introduce Factor Analysis for Multiple Testing (FAMT) to define subtypes more accurately and reveal interaction between QTL affecting the same trait. The data used concern hepatic transcriptome profiles for 45 half sib male chicken of a sire known to be heterozygous for a QTL affecting abdominal fatness (AF) on chromosome 5 distal region around 168 cM.

Results

Using this methodology which accounts for hidden dependence structure among phenotypes, we identified 688 genes that are significantly correlated to the AF trait and we distinguished 5 subtypes for AF trait, which are not observed with gene lists obtained by classical approaches. After exclusion of one of the two lean bird subtypes, linkage analysis revealed a previously undetected QTL on chromosome 5 around 100 cM. Interestingly, the animals of this subtype presented the same q paternal haplotype at the 168 cM QTL. This result strongly suggests that the two QTL are in interaction. In other words, the "q configuration" at the 168 cM QTL could hide the QTL existence in the proximal region at 100 cM. We further show that the proximal QTL interacts with the previous one detected on the chromosome 5 distal region.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that stratifying genetic population by molecular phenotypes followed by QTL analysis on various subtypes can lead to identification of novel and interacting QTL.
Overweight and obesity knowledge prior to pregnancy: a survey study
Authors: Nitert Marloes Dekker , Foxcroft Katie F , Lust Karin , Fagermo Narelle , Lawlor Debbie A , O'Callaghan Michael , Mcintyre H David , Callaway Leonie K
Published: November 2011

Background

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for pregnancy complications. Knowledge about increased risks in overweight and obese women could contribute to successful prevention strategies and the aim of this study is to assess current levels of knowledge in a pregnant population.

Methods

Cross sectional survey of 412 consecutive unselected women in early pregnancy in Brisbane, Australia: 255 public women attending their first antenatal clinic visit and 157 women at private maternal fetal medicine clinics undergoing a routine ultrasound evaluation prior to 20 weeks gestation. The cohort was stratified according to pre pregnancy BMI (< 25.0 or ≥ 25.0). The main outcome measure was knowledge regarding the risks of overweight and obesity in pregnancy.

Results

Over 75% of respondents identified that obese women have an increased risk of overall complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared to women of normal weight. More than 60% of women asserted that obesity would increase the risk of caesarean section and less than half identified an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Women were less likely to know about neonatal complications (19.7% did not know about the effect of obesity on these) than maternal complications (7.4%). Knowledge was similar amongst women recruited at the public hospital and those recruited whilst attending for an ultrasound scan at a private clinic. For most areas they were also similar between women of lower and higher BMI, but women with BMI < 25.0 were less likely to know that obesity was associated with increased rate of Caesarean section than those with higher BMI (16.8% versus 4.5%, P < 0.001). Higher educational status was associated with more knowledge of the risks of overweight and obesity in pregnancy.

Conclusions

Many women correctly identify that overweight and obesity increases the overall risk of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The increased risks of maternal complications associated with being obese are better known than the increased risk of neonatal complications. Maternal education status is a main determinant of the extent of knowledge and this should be considered when designing education campaigns.
Clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: He Jian , Zeng Zhao-Chong , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Sun Jing , Chen Bing , Yang Ping , Wang Bin-Liang , Zhang Bo-Heng , Zhang Jian-Ying
Published: November 2011

Background

Little is known about the clinical features and prognostic factors of bone metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

All adult patients undergoing LT from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed. Patients with HCC bone metastases after LT received external beam radiotherapy(EBRT) during this period. Demographic variables, laboratory values, and tumor characteristics were determined before LT and EBRT. Total radiation dose ranged from 8 to 60 Gy(median dose 40.0 Gy).

Results

The trunk was the most common site of bone metastases with finding of expansile soft-tissue masses in 23.3% of patients. Overall pain relief from EBRT occurred in 96.7% (29/30). No consistent dose-response relationship was found for palliation of with doses between 30 and 56 Gy (P = 0.670). The median survivals from the time of bone metastases was 8.6 months. On univariate and multivariate analyses, better survival was significantly associated with a better Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and well-controlled intrahepatic tumor, but not with lower alpha-fetoprotein levels. The median time from LT to bone metastases was 7.1 months. Patients exceeding the Shanghai criteria presented with bone metastases earlier than those within the Fudan criteria. Patients with soft-tissue extension always had later bone metastases. The majority of deaths were caused by liver failure due to hepatic decompensation or tumor progression.

Conclusion

The prognostic factors of bone metastases of HCC following LT are KPS and well-controlled intrahepatic. Even though survival is shorter for these patients, EBRT provides effective palliation of pain.
Optimization of culture conditions to produce high yields of active Acetobactersp. CCTCC M209061 cells for anti-Prelog reduction of prochiral ketones
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hong , Lou Wen-Yong , Zong Min-Hua , Smith Thomas J
Published: November 2011

Background

Chiral alcohols are widely used in the synthesis of chiral pharmaceuticals, flavors and functional materials and appropriate whole-cell biocatalysts offer a highly enantioselective, minimally polluting route to these valuable compounds. The recently isolated strain Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 showed exclusive anti-Prelog stereoselectivity for the reduction of prochiral ketones, but the low biomass has limited its commercialization and industrial applications. To tackle this problem, the effects of medium components and culture conditions on the strain's growth and reduction activity were explored.

Results

By using a one-at-a-time method and a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), the optimal medium and culture conditions were found to be as follows: glucose 8.26 g/L, fructose 2.50 g/L, soy peptone 83.92 g/L, MnSO4·H2O 0.088 g/L, pH 5.70, 30°C and 10% (v/v) inoculum. Under the above-mentioned conditions, the biomass after 30 h cultivation reached 1.10 ± 0.03 g/L, which was 9.5-fold higher than that obtained with basic medium. Also, the reduction activity towards 4'-chloroacetophenone was markedly enhanced to 39.49 ± 0.96 μmol/min/g from 29.34 ± 0.65 μmol/min/g, with the product e.e. being above 99%. Comparable improvements were also seen with the enantioselective bioreduction of 4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butyn-2-one to the key pharmaceutical precursor (R) - 4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butyn-2-ol.

Conclusions

The biomass and reduction activity of Acetobacter sp. CCTCC M209061 can be greatly enhanced through the optimization strategy. This facilitates use of the strain in the anti-Prelog stereoselective reduction of prochiral ketones to enantiopure chiral alcohols as building blocks for many industries.
Effect of α-lipoic acid and exercise training on cardiovascular disease risk in obesity with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: McNeilly Andrea M , Davison Gareth W , Murphy Marie H , Nadeem Nida , Trinick Tom , Duly Ellie , Novials Anna , McEneny Jane
Published: November 2011

Obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are more susceptible than healthy individuals to oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease. This randomised controlled investigation was designed to test the hypothesis that α-lipoic acid supplementation and exercise training may elicit favourable clinical changes in obese subjects with IGT. All data were collected from 24 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) IGT patients. Following participant randomisation into two groups, fasting venous blood samples were obtained at baseline, and before and following intervention. The first group consisted of 12 participants who completed a 12 week control phase followed by 12 weeks of chronic exercise at 65% HRmax for 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week, while ingesting 1 gram per day of α-lipoic acid for 12 weeks. The second group consisted of 12 participants who completed the same 12 week control phase, but this was followed by 12 weeks of 1 gram per day of α-lipoic acid supplementation only (no exercise). The main findings show a comparatively greater rate of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in the group consisting of α-lipoic acid only (p < 0.05 vs. pre intervention), although total oxidant status was lower post intervention (p < 0.05 vs. baseline) in this group. However, exercise and α-lipoic acid in combination attenuates LDL oxidation. Furthermore, in the α-lipoic acid supplement plus exercise training group, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (p < 0.05 vs. baseline and pre intervention). Body fat percentage and waist and hip circumference decreased following exercise training (p < 0.05 vs. post intervention). There were no selective treatment differences for a range of other clinical outcomes including glycaemic regulation (p > 0.05). These findings report that α-lipoic acid ingestion may increase the atherogenicity of LDL when ingested in isolation of exercise, suggesting that in IGT the use of this antioxidant treatment does not ameliorate metabolic disturbances, but instead may detrimentally contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and development of CVD. However, when α-lipoic acid is combined with exercise, this atherogenic effect is abolished.
Histological and ultrastructural comparison of cauterization and thrombosis stroke models in immune-deficient mice
Authors: Mora-Lee Silvia , Sirerol-Piquer Ma Salomé , Gutiérrez-Pérez María , López Tania , Casado-Nieto Mayte , Jauquicoam Carlos , Abizanda Gloria , Romaguera-Ros Miriam , Gomez-Pinedo Ulises , Prósper Felipe , García-Verdugo José-Manuel
Published: November 2011

Background

Stroke models are essential tools in experimental stroke. Although several models of stroke have been developed in a variety of animals, with the development of transgenic mice there is the need to develop a reliable and reproducible stroke model in mice, which mimics as close as possible human stroke.

Methods

BALB/Ca-RAG2-/-γc-/-mice were subjected to cauterization or thrombosis stroke model and sacrificed at different time points (48hr, 1wk, 2wk and 4wk) after stroke. Mice received BrdU to estimate activation of cell proliferation in the SVZ. Brains were processed for immunohistochemical and EM.

Results

In both stroke models, after inflammation the same glial scar formation process and damage evolution takes place. After stroke, necrotic tissue is progressively removed, and healthy tissue is preserved from injury through the glial scar formation. Cauterization stroke model produced unspecific damage, was less efficient and the infarct was less homogeneous compared to thrombosis infarct. Finally, thrombosis stroke model produces activation of SVZ proliferation.

Conclusions

Our results provide an exhaustive analysis of the histopathological changes (inflammation, necrosis, tissue remodeling, scarring...) that occur after stroke in the ischemic boundary zone, which are of key importance for the final stroke outcome. This analysis would allow evaluating how different therapies would affect wound and regeneration. Moreover, this stroke model in RAG 2-/-γC-/-allows cell transplant from different species, even human, to be analyzed.
The new platinum-based anticancer agent LA-12 induces retinol binding protein 4 in vivo
Authors: Bouchal Pavel , Jarkovsky Jiri , Hrazdilova Kristyna , Dvorakova Monika , Struharova Iva , Hernychova Lenka , Damborsky Jiri , Sova Petr , Vojtesek Borivoj
Published: November 2011

Background

The initial pharmacokinetic study of a new anticancer agent (OC-6-43)-bis(acetato)(1-adamantylamine)amminedichloroplatinum (IV) (LA-12) was complemented by proteomic screening of rat plasma. The objective of the study was to identify new LA-12 target proteins that serve as markers of LA-12 treatment, response and therapy monitoring.

Methods

Proteomic profiles were measured by surface-enhanced laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) in 72 samples of rat plasma randomized according to LA-12 dose and time from administration. Correlation of 92 peak clusters with platinum concentration was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

We identified Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) whose level correlated with LA-12 level in treated rats. Similar results were observed in randomly selected patients involved in Phase I clinical trials.

Conclusions

RBP4 induction is in agreement with known RBP4 regulation by amantadine and cisplatin. Since retinol metabolism is disrupted in many cancers and inversely associates with malignancy, these data identify a potential novel mechanism for the action of LA-12 and other similar anti-cancer drugs.
Small noncoding RNA modulates japanese encephalitis virus replication and translation in trans
Authors: Fan Yi-Hsin , Nadar Muthukumar , Chen Chiu-Chin , Weng Chia-Chen , Lin Yun-Tong , Chang Ruey-Yi
Published: November 2011

Background

Sequence and structural elements in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are known to regulate translation and replication. We previously reported an abundant accumulation of small subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) which is collinear with the highly conserved regions of the 3'-UTR in JEV-infected cells. However, function of the sfRNA in JEV life cycle remains unknown.

Results

Northern blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses indicated that the sfRNA becomes apparent at the time point at which minus-strand RNA (antigenome) reaches a plateau suggesting a role for sfRNA in the regulation of antigenome synthesis. Transfection of minus-sense sfRNA into JEV-infected cells, in order to counter the effects of plus-sense sfRNA, resulted in higher levels of antigenome suggesting that the presence of the sfRNA inhibits antigenome synthesis. Trans-acting effect of sfRNA on JEV translation was studied using a reporter mRNA containing the luciferase gene fused to partial coding regions of JEV and flanked by the respective JEV UTRs. In vivo and in vitro translation revealed that sfRNA inhibited JEV translation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that sfRNA modulates viral translation and replication in trans.
Acute toxicity study of tilmicosin-loaded hydrogenated castor oil-solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Shuyu , Wang Fenghua , Wang Yan , Zhu Luyan , Dong Zhao , Wang Xiaofang , Li Xihe , Zhou WenZhong
Published: November 2011

Background

Our previous studies demonstrated that tilmicosin-loaded hydrogenated castor oil solid lipid nanoparticles (Til-HCO-SLN) are a promising formulation for enhanced pharmacological activity and therapeutic efficacy in veterinary use. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity of Til-HCO-SLN.

Methods

Two nanoparticle doses were used for the study in ICR mice. The low dose (766 mg/kg.bw) with tilmicosin 7.5 times of the clinic dosage and below the median lethal dose (LD50) was subcutaneously administered twice on the first and 7th day. The single high dose (5 g/kg.bw) was the practical upper limit in an acute toxicity study and was administered subcutaneously on the first day. Blank HCO-SLN, native tilmicosin, and saline solution were included as controls. After medication, animals were monitored over 14 days, and then necropsied. Signs of toxicity were evaluated via mortality, symptoms of treatment effect, gross and microscopic pathology, and hematologic and biochemical parameters.

Results

After administration of native tilmicosin, all mice died within 2 h in the high dose group, in the low dose group 3 died after the first and 2 died after the second injections. The surviving mice in the tilmicosin low dose group showed hypoactivity, accelerated breath, gloomy spirit and lethargy. In contrast, all mice in Til-HCO-SLN and blank HCO-SLN groups survived at both low and high doses. The high nanoparticle dose induced transient clinical symptoms of treatment effect such as transient reversible action retardation, anorexy and gloomy spirit, increased spleen and liver coefficients and decreased heart coefficients, microscopic pathological changes of liver, spleen and heart, and minor changes in hematologic and biochemical parameters, but no adverse effects were observed in the nanoparticle low dose group.

Conclusions

The results revealed that the LD50of Til-HCO-SLN and blank HCO-SLN exceeded 5 g/kg.bw and thus the nanoparticles are considered low toxic according to the toxicity categories of chemicals. Moreover, HCO-SLN significantly decreased the toxicity of tilmicosin. Normal clinic dosage of Til-HCO-SLN is safe as evaluated by acute toxicity.
Perception of surgical complications among patients, nurses and physicians: a prospective cross-sectional survey
Authors: Slankamenac Ksenija , Graf Rolf , Puhan Milo A , Clavien Pierre-Alain
Published: November 2011

Background

Several scores grade the severity of post-operative complications but it is unclear whether such scores truly reflect the perception of patients and practicing nurses and physicians.

Study Design

227 patients, 143 nurses and 245 physicians independently rated the severity of 30 common post-operative complications on a numerical analogue scale from 0 (not severe at all) to 100 (extremely severe) while being blinded towards the Clavien-Dindo classification. We considered a difference in ratings of >10 to be clinically important in distinguishing between grades of severity and groups. We evaluated the level of reproducibility of responses by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and compared scores across severity grades and between groups using the generalized estimating equations.

Results

Reproducibility of the ratings was good for all three groups (ICCpatients 0.71 (95%-CI 0.64-0.76), ICCnurses 0.83 (0.78-0.87) and ICCphysicians 0.87 (0.83-0.90)). The participants' perceptions of the severity of complications reflected the Clavien-Dindo classification (median of grade I: 20 (IQR 10-30), grade II: 40 (31.3-52.5), grade IIIa: 50 (40-60), grade IIIb: 70 (60-75), grade IVa: 85 (80-90) and grade IVB: 95 (90-100)). Although patients' perception differed significantly from those of physicians (average difference -8.7 (95%-CI -10.4 to -6.9, p < 0.001) and nurses (difference -2.8 (-4.8 to -0.8, p = 0.007) they did not reach our thresholds for clinical importance.

Conclusions

The severity of post-operative complications is perceived similarly by patients, nurses and physicians and reflects the Clavien-Dindo classification well. Our results support the use of Clavien-Dindo classification system as part of the shared or informed decision making process.
Bivalirudin-based versus conventional heparin anticoagulation for postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Ballotta Andrea , Kandil Hassan , Isgrò Giuseppe , Carlucci Concetta , Baryshnikova Ekaterina , Pistuddi Valeria ,   the Surgical and Clinical Outcome Research Group
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after cardiac operations (postcardiotomy) is commonly used for the treatment of acute heart failure refractory to drug treatment. Bleeding and thromboembolic events are the most common complications of postcardiotomy ECMO. The present study is a retrospective comparison of the conventional heparin-based anticoagulation protocol with a bivalirudin-based, heparin-free protocol. Endpoints of this study are blood loss, allogeneic blood product use, and costs during the ECMO procedure.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken in the setting of cardiac surgery, anesthesia, and intensive care departments of a university research hospital. Twenty-one patients (12 adults and nine children) who underwent postcardiotomy ECMO from 2008 through 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The first consecutive eight patients were treated with heparin-based anticoagulation (H-group) and the next 13 consecutive patients with bivalirudin-based anticoagulation (B-group). The following parameters were analyzed: standard coagulation profile, thromboelastographic parameters, blood loss, allogeneic blood products use, thromboembolic complications, and costs during the ECMO treatment.

Results

Patients in the B-group had significantly longer activated clotting times, activated partial thromboplastin times, and reaction times at thromboelastography. The platelet count and antithrombin activity were not significantly different, but in the H-group a significantly higher amount of platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, and purified antithrombin were administered. Blood loss was significantly lower in the B-group, and the daily cost of ECMO was significantly lower in pediatric patients treated with bivalirudin. Thromboembolic complications did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Bivalirudin as the sole anticoagulant can be safely used for postcardiotomy ECMO, with a better coagulation profile, less bleeding, and allogeneic transfusions. No safety issues were raised by this study, and costs are reduced in bivalirudin-treated patients.
Least-squares migration of multisource data with a deblurring filter
Authors: Dai Wei , Wang Xin , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: November 2011

Least-squares migration (LSM) has been shown to be able to produce high-quality migration images, but its computational cost is considered to be too high for practical imaging. We have developed a multisource least-squares migration algorithm (MLSM) to increase the computational efficiency by using the blended sources processing technique. To expedite convergence, a multisource deblurring filter is used as a preconditioner to reduce the data residual. This MLSM algorithm is applicable with Kirchhoff migration, wave-equation migration, or reverse time migration, and the gain in computational efficiency depends on the choice of migration method. Numerical results with Kirchhoff LSM on the 2D SEG/EAGE salt model show that an accurate image is obtained by migrating a supergather of 320 phase-encoded shots. When the encoding functions are the same for every iteration, the input/output cost of MLSM is reduced by 320 times. Empirical results show that the crosstalk noise introduced by blended sources is more effectively reduced when the encoding functions are changed at every iteration. The analysis of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) suggests that not too many iterations are needed to enhance the S/N to an acceptable level. Therefore, when implemented with wave-equation migration or reverse time migration methods, the MLSM algorithm can be more efficient than the conventional migration method.