bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyapatite coating of cellulose sponges attracts bone-marrow-derived stem cells in rat subcutaneous tissue
Authors: Tommila Miretta , Jokilammi Anne , Terho Perttu , Wilson Timothy , Penttinen Risto , Ekholm Erika
Published: April 2009

The presence of bone-marrow-derived stem cells was investigated in a wound-healing model where subcutaneously implanted cellulose sponges were used to induce granulation tissue formation. When cellulose was coated with hydroxyapatite (HA), the sponges attracted circulating haemopoietic and mesenchymal progenitor cells more efficiently than uncoated cellulose. We hypothesized that the giant cells/macrophages of HA-coated sponges recognize HA as foreign material, phagocyte or hydrolyse it and release calcium ions, which are recognized by the calcium-sensing receptors (CaRs) expressed on many cells including haemopoietic progenitors. Our results showed, indeed, that the HA-coated sponges contained more CaR-positive cells than untreated sponges. The stem cells are, most probably, responsible for the richly vascularized granulation tissue formed in HA-coated sponges. This cell-guiding property of HA-coated cellulose might be useful in clinical situations involving impaired wound repair.
Boundary-induced electrophoresis of uncharged conducting particles: near-contact approximation
Authors: Abu Hamed Mohammad , Yariv Ehud
Published: April 2009

A zero net charge ideally polarizable particle is suspended within an electrolyte solution, nearly in contact with an uncharged non-polarizable wall. This system is exposed to a uniform electric field that is applied parallel to the wall. Assuming a thin Debye thickness, the induced-charge electro-osmotic flow is investigated with the goal of obtaining an approximation for the force experienced by the particle. Singular perturbations in terms of the dimensionless gap width
δ
are used to represent the small-gap singular limit
δ
≪1. The fluid is decomposed into two asymptotic regions: an inner gap region, where the electric field and strain rate are large, and an outer region, where they are moderate. The leading

contribution to the force arises from hydrodynamic stresses in the inner region, while contributions from both hydrodynamic stresses at the outer region and Maxwell stresses in both regions appear in higher order correction terms.
Distinguishing epidemic waves from disease spillover in a wildlife population
Authors: Craft Meggan E. , Volz Erik , Packer Craig , Meyers Lauren Ancel
Published: April 2009

Serengeti lions frequently experience viral outbreaks. In 1994, one-third of Serengeti lions died from canine distemper virus (CDV). Based on the limited epidemiological data available from this period, it has been unclear whether the 1994 outbreak was propagated by lion-to-lion transmission alone or involved multiple introductions from other sympatric carnivore species. More broadly, we do not know whether contacts between lions allow any pathogen with a relatively short infectious period topercolatethrough the population (i.e. reach epidemic proportions). We built one of the most realistic contact network models for a wildlife population to date, based on detailed behavioural and movement data from a long-term lion study population. The model allowed us to identify previously unrecognized biases in the sparse data from the 1994 outbreak and develop methods for judiciously inferring disease dynamics from typical wildlife samples. Our analysis of the model in light of the 1994 outbreak data strongly suggest that, although lions are sufficiently well connected to sustain epidemics of CDV-like diseases, the 1994 epidemic was fuelled by multiple spillovers from other carnivore species, such as jackals and hyenas.
A new long-necked ‘sauropod-mimic’ stegosaur and the evolution of the plated dinosaurs
Authors: Mateus Octávio , Maidment Susannah C.R. , Christiansen Nicolai A.
Published: April 2009

Stegosaurian dinosaurs have a quadrupedal stance, short forelimbs, short necks, and are generally considered to be low browsers. A new stegosaur,Miragaia longicollumgen. et sp. nov., from the Late Jurassic of Portugal, has a neck comprising at least 17 cervical vertebrae. This is eight additional cervical vertebrae when compared with the ancestral condition seen in basal ornithischians such asScutellosaurus.Miragaiahas a higher cervical count than most of the iconically long-necked sauropod dinosaurs. Long neck length has been achieved by ‘cervicalization’ of anterior dorsal vertebrae and probable lengthening of centra. All these anatomical features are evolutionarily convergent with those exhibited in the necks of sauropod dinosaurs.Miragaia longicollumis based upon a partial articulated skeleton, and includes the only known cranial remains from any European stegosaur. A well-resolved phylogeny supports a new clade that unitesMiragaiaandDacentrurusas the sister group toStegosaurus; this new topology challenges the common view ofDacentrurusas a basal stegosaur.
Dioecy and the evolution of sex ratios in ants
Authors: Wiernasz Diane C. , Cole Blaine J.
Published: April 2009

Split sex ratios, when some colonies produce only male and others only female reproductives, is a common feature of social insects, especially ants. The most widely accepted explanation for split sex ratios was proposed by Boomsma and Grafen, and is driven by conflicts of interest among colonies that vary in relatedness. The predictions of the Boomsma–Grafen model have been confirmed in many cases, but contradicted in several others. We adapt a model for the evolution of dioecy in plants to make predictions about the evolution of split sex ratios in social insects. Reproductive specialization results from the instability of the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) sex ratio, and is independent of variation in relatedness. We test predictions of the model with data from a long-term study of harvester ants, and show that it correctly predicts the intermediate sex ratios we observe in our study species. The dioecy model provides a comprehensive framework for sex allocation that is based on the pay-offs to the colony via production of males and females, and is independent of the genetic variation among colonies. However, in populations where the conditions for the Boomsma–Grafen model hold, kin selection will still lead to an association between sex ratio and relatedness.
Two Distinct MUS81-EME1 Complexes from Arabidopsis Process Holliday Junctions
Authors: Geuting Verena , Kobbe Daniela , Hartung Frank , Dürr Jasmin , Focke Manfred , Puchta Holger
Published: April 2009

The MUS81 endonuclease complex has been shown to play an important role in the repair of stalled or blocked replication forks and in the processing of meiotic recombination intermediates from yeast to humans. This endonuclease is composed of two subunits, MUS81 and EME1. Surprisingly, unlike other organisms, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) has two EME1 homologs encoded in its genome. AtEME1A and AtEME1B show 63% identity on the protein level. We were able to demonstrate that, after expression in Escherichia coli, each EME1 protein can assemble with the unique AtMUS81 to form a functional endonuclease. Both complexes, AtMUS81-AtEME1A and AtMUS81-AtEME1B, are not only able to cleave 3′-flap structures and nicked Holliday junctions (HJs) but also, with reduced efficiency, intact HJs. While the complexes have the same cleavage patterns with both nicked DNA substrates, slight differences in the processing of intact HJs can be detected. Our results are in line with an involvement of both MUS81-EME1 endonuclease complexes in DNA recombination and repair processes in Arabidopsis.
Biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and food webs in fresh waters: assembling the jigsaw puzzle
Authors: WOODWARD GUY
Published: April 2009

1. Dramatic advances have been made recently in the study of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (B‐EF) relations and food web ecology. These fields are now starting to converge, and this fusion has the potential to improve our understanding of how environmental stressors modulate ecosystem processes and the supply of ‘goods and services’.

2. Food web structure and dynamics can exert particularly strong influences on B‐EF relations in fresh waters, as consumer–resource interactions (e.g. trophic cascades) are often more important than horizontal interactions within trophic levels. For instance, many freshwater food webs are size structured, with large organisms tending to occupy the higher trophic levels and often exerting powerful effects on ecosystem processes. However, because they are also vulnerable to perturbations, non‐random losses of these large taxa can alter both food web structure and ecosystem functioning profoundly.

3. Recently, the focus of food web research has shifted away from exploring patterns, towards developing an understanding of processes (e.g. quantifying fluxes of individuals, biomass, energy, nutrients) and how the two interact. Many of the best‐characterized food webs are from fresh waters, and these ecosystems are now being used to address some of the shortcomings of earlier B‐EF studies. I have identified several key gaps in our current knowledge and highlighted potentially fruitful avenues of future B‐EF and food web research.

4. A major challenge for this newly emerging research is to place it within a unified theoretical framework. The application of metabolic theory and ecological stoichiometry may help to achieve this goal by considering biological systems within the constraints imposed upon them by physical and chemical laws.
IT project managers' construction of successful project management practice: a repertory grid investigation
Authors: Napier Nannette P. , Keil Mark , Tan Felix B.
Published: April 2009

Although effective project management is critical to the success of information technology (IT) projects, little empirical research has investigated skill requirements for IT project managers (PMs). This study addressed this gap by asking 19 practicing IT PMs to describe the skills that successful IT PMs exhibit. A semi‐structured interview method known as the repertory grid (RepGrid) technique was used to elicit these skills. Nine skill categories emerged: client management, communication, general management, leadership, personal integrity, planning and control, problem solving, systems development and team development. Our study complements existing research by providing a richer understanding of several skills that were narrowly defined (client management, planning and control, and problem solving) and by introducing two new skill categories that had not been previously discussed (personal integrity and team development). Analysis of the individual RepGrids revealed four distinct ways in which study participants combined skill categories to form archetypes of effective IT PMs. We describe these four IT PM archetypes – General Manager, Problem Solver, Client Representative and Balanced Manager – and discuss how this knowledge can be useful for practitioners, researchers and educators. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
Arabidopsis ROF1 (FKBP62) modulates thermotolerance by interacting with HSP90.1 and affecting the accumulation of HsfA2‐regulated sHSPs
Authors: Meiri David , Breiman Adina
Published: April 2009

Arabidopsis ROF1 (AtFKBP62) is a peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase and a member of the FKBP (FK506 binding protein) family. ROF1 expression is induced by heat stress and developmentally regulated. In this study, we show that ROF1 binds heat shock proteins HSP90.1 via its tetratricopeptide repeat domain, and localizes in the cytoplasm under normal conditions. Exposure to heat stress induces nuclear localization of the ROF1–HSP90.1 complex, which is dependent upon the presence of the transcription factor HsfA2, which interacts with HSP90.1 but not with ROF1. Nuclear localization of ROF1 was not detected in Arabidopsis HSP90.1 and HsfA2 knockout mutants. The rof1 knockout plants exhibited collapse when 24–48 h passed between acclimation at 37°C and exposure to 45°C. Transgenic ROF1 over‐expressors showed better survival in response to exposure to 45°C than wild‐type plants did. In rof1 knockout mutants, the level of expression of small HSPs regulated by HsfA2 was dramatically reduced after exposure to 37°C and recovery for 24–48 h, and correlates well with the mutant phenotype. We suggest a role for ROF1 in prolongation of thermotolerance by sustaining the levels of small HSPs that are essential for survival at high temperatures.
Evaluating Communication in the British Parliamentary Public Sphere
Authors: Davis Aeron
Published: April 2009

This article begins with a re-evaluation of political communication research based on Habermas' original theory of the public sphere. It presents Habermas' alternative framework for assessing communication in contemporary ‘actually existing democracies’. The model is then tested with a case study of the UK parliamentary public sphere based on 95 semi-structured interviews with political actors (politicians, journalists and officials). It concludes that parliament today operates rather better, according to public sphere norms, than the public sphere described in Habermas' accounts of 18th and 19th-century England. Such a finding, on its own, is clearly at odds with public perception. The research accordingly offers two explanations for this disparity and the (perceived) crisis of political legitimacy in UK politics.
MANAGEMENT CONTROL PRACTICES AND CLINICIAN MANAGERS: THE CASE OF THE NORWEGIAN HEALTH SECTOR
Authors: Østergren Katarina
Published: April 2009

This paper provides an analysis of the relationship between different management control practices and the leadership of medical departments in Norway. There has been ongoing debate about how the medical profession absorbs accounting knowledge: some argue that there has been hybridization, while others consider it as polarization. The explanation provided in this paper details the management control practices that health care enterprises use. We draw on two of the control perspectives in Simons's model of ladders of control: namely, diagnostic and interactive controls. The study thus provides insights into the problem of influencing clinician managers to use management accounting practices.
Animal trade and non‐indigenous species introduction: the world‐wide spread of squirrels
Authors: Bertolino Sandro
Published: April 2009

Aim  In this study, a dataset on world‐wide squirrel introductions has been used to locate the relative pathways and to determine the factors correlated with species establishment.

Location  The world.

Methods  The analysis includes a chronological table of introductions, a biogeographical analysis and an assessment of the likelihood of establishment according to species, propagule pressure, area of origin and characteristics of the recipient area.

Results  The main vector of such introductions was the intentional importation of live animals. Introductions increased in developed countries and proportionately to the volume of imported mammals. Moreover, areas characterized by higher numbers of native squirrels were more invaded. Squirrels were often introduced deliberately and only to a smaller extent escaped from captivity. The likelihood of their establishment increased proportionately to the number of animals released and decreased proportionately to the increase of the latitudinal distance between the recipient area and the native range of the species. The likelihood that the release of one pair of either Sciurus or Callosciurus species would establish a new population was higher than 50%.

Main conclusion  Squirrels proved to be successful invaders and their importation should be restricted so as to prevent further introductions.
THE PHOTOGRAMMETRY OF BUBBLE CHAMBER TRACKS
Authors: Bullock F. W.
Published: April 2009

A brief account is given of the bubble chamber technique as used in elementary particle physics research. A more detailed discussion follows of the procedures used to derive three dimensional information from raw data in two dimensions. The presentation of the paper takes the form of answers to a series of questions.
Fear of Moving Outdoors and Development of Outdoor Walking Difficulty in Older People
Authors: Rantakokko Merja , Mänty Minna , Iwarsson Susanne , Törmäkangas Timo , Leinonen Raija , Heikkinen Eino , Rantanen Taina
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To study which individual characteristics and environmental factors correlate with fear of moving outdoors and whether fear of moving outdoors predicts development of mobility limitation.

DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study and cross‐sectional analyses.

SETTING: Community and research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred twenty‐seven community‐living people aged 75 to 81 were interviewed at baseline, of whom 314 took part in a 3.5‐year follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: Fear of moving outdoors and its potential individual and environmental correlates were assessed at baseline. Perceived difficulties in walking 0.5 km and 2 km were assessed twice a year over a 3.5‐year period.

RESULTS: At baseline, 65% of the women and 29% of the men reported fear of moving outdoors. Poor socioeconomic status; musculoskeletal diseases; slow walking speed; and the presence of poor street conditions, hills in the nearby environment, and noisy traffic correlated with fear of moving outdoors. At the first 6‐month follow‐up, participants with fear of moving outdoors had more than four times the adjusted risk (odds ratio (OR)=4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.92–11.00) of developing difficulties in walking 0.5 km and a three times greater adjusted risk (OR=3.10, 95% CI=1.49–6.46) for developing difficulty in walking 2 km compared with those without fear. The difference in the prevalence of walking difficulties remained statistically significant over the 3.5‐year follow‐up (P=.02 and P=.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Fear of moving outdoors is common in older adults and increases the risk of developing self‐reported difficulties in walking 0.5 km and 2 km. Knowledge about individual and environmental factors underlying fear of moving outdoors and finding ways to alleviate fear of moving outdoors are important for community planning and prevention of disability.
Physiologic Evaluation of Bifurcation Lesions Using Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: KOO BON‐KWON
Published: April 2009

Functional evaluation of bifurcation lesions is more difficult than usual lesions due to their complex anatomy. Angiographic and intravascular ultrasound criteria for main branch intervention cannot be directly applied to side branch lesions due to the difference in underlying lesion characteristics, geometric changes during intervention, and the size of myocardial territory. Fractional flow reserve is a physiologic parameter which reflects both the degree of stenosis and the area of perfusion supplied by a specific coronary artery. The present review will focus on using fractional flow reserve in bifurcation lesions.
Benefits and Limitations of Cypher Stent‐Based Bifurcation Approaches: In Vitro Evaluation Using Micro‐Focus CT Scan
Authors: HIKICHI YUTAKA , INOUE TERUO , NODE KOICHI
Published: April 2009

Intervention for bifurcated lesions is a complex procedure. It could involve a simple main vessel stenting to a comprehensive double stenting of the main vessel and side branch. The clinical outcomes of these different strategies were evidenced by recent results of many randomized trials. However, the mechanisms of technical success or failure from these stenting strategies were not investigated. In this bench study, in vitro silicone bifurcated vessel models were constructed. Stenting from various technical strategies was studied in detail by micro‐focus computer tomography.
EFFECT OF HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENT ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL, RHEOLOGICAL AND OIL‐RESISTANT PROPERTIES OF RICE FLOUR*
Authors: KIM DEOK NYUN , BAE IN YOUNG , INGLETT GEORGE E. , LEE SUYONG
Published: April 2009

Rice flour was thermomechanically modified by steam‐jet cooking and the physicochemical, rheological and oil‐resistant properties of the resulting product were characterized. Compared with native rice flour, the steam jet‐cooked rice flour exhibited significantly increased hydration properties. Its pasting properties were also characterized by cold initial viscosity, decreased setback and the lack of peak viscosity. The shear‐thinning behaviors of the steam jet‐cooked rice flour were satisfactorily fitted into the Carreau equation. In addition, dynamic viscoelastic measurements showed that the liquid‐like nature was more dominant over the solid‐like properties. When incorporated into frying batter formulations, the steam jet‐cooked rice flour increased the batter viscosity and pickup. The use of steam jet‐cooked rice flour also enabled fried batters to control the moisture loss effectively. Furthermore, the wheat flour replacement with 20% steam jet‐cooked rice flour in batters led to dramatic reduction of oil uptake by around 40%.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study introduces a hydrothermal treatment (steam‐jet cooking) as a new technique to impart better functional properties to rice flour. Specially, the steam jet‐cooked rice flour exhibited oil‐resisting properties when incorporated into frying batters, consequently producing fried foods with reduced content of oil and calorie.
Ordered structures of pentacene on Cu(110)
Authors: Martínez-Blanco J. , Ruiz-Osés M. , Joco V. , Sayago D. I. , Segovia P. , Michel E. G.
Published: April 2009

The authors report an investigation on the adsorption of pentacene molecules on Cu(110) in the submonolayer and monolayer ranges using scanning tunneling microscopy and low-energy electron diffraction. They identify and characterize three different phases for increasing pentacene coverage. For very low coverages [≲0.1 ML (monolayer)] pentacene molecules are highly mobile and adsorbed uniaxially oriented along the [11¯0] substrate direction. For higher coverages the ordering along the [001] direction improves, until a p(7×2) structure with imperfect registry along the [11¯0] direction is formed at 0.89 ML. In both phases pentacene molecules occupy the Cu(110) troughs along the [11¯0] direction. For even higher coverage (1.0 ML), a slight rotation of the molecular adsorption site gives rise to a complex (61−14) structure based in a c(12×2) cell. The appearance of two domains generates a long-range wavelike ordering. Annealing of the adlayer results in the formation of supramolecular complexes.
Electron emission from ultralarge area metal-oxide-semiconductor electron emitters
Authors: Thomsen Lasse B. , Nielsen Gunver , Vendelbo Søren B. , Johansson Martin , Hansen Ole , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: April 2009

Ultralarge metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices with an active oxide area of 1cm2 have been fabricated for use as electron emitters. The MOS structures consist of a Si substrate, a SiO2 tunnel barrier (∼5nm), a Ti wetting layer (3–10Å), and a Au top layer (5–60nm). Electron emission from the Au metal layer to vacuum is realized from these devices by applying bias voltages larger than the work function of the Au layer. The emission is characterized for Au layers with thicknesses ranging from 5to60nm nominally. The emission efficiency changes from close to 10−6 to 10−10. The Ti wetting layer is varied from 3to10Å which changes the emission efficiency by more than one order of magnitude. The apparent mean free path of ∼5eV electrons in Au is found to be 52Å. Deposition of Cs on the Au film increased the electron emission efficiency to 4.3% at 4V by lowering the work function. Electron emission under high pressures (up to 2bars) of Ar was observed.
Step and flash imprint lithography for manufacturing patterned media
Authors: Schmid Gerard M. , Miller Mike , Brooks Cynthia , Khusnatdinov Niyaz , LaBrake Dwayne , Resnick Douglas J. , Sreenivasan S. V. , Gauzner Gene , Lee Kim , Kuo David , Weller Dieter , Yang XiaoMin
Published: April 2009

The ever-growing demand for hard drives with greater storage density has motivated a technology shift from continuous magnetic media to patterned media hard disks, which are expected to be implemented in future generations of hard disk drives to provide data storage at densities exceeding 1012 bits/in.2. Step and flash imprint lithography (S-FIL) technology has been employed to pattern the hard disk substrates. This article discusses the infrastructure required to enable S-FIL in high-volume manufacturing, namely, fabrication of master templates, template replication, high-volume imprinting with precisely controlled residual layers, and dual-sided imprinting. Imprinting of disks is demonstrated with substrate throughput currently as high as 180 disks/h (dual sided). These processes are applied to patterning hard disk substrates with both discrete tracks and bit-patterned designs.
Improved etch resistance of ZEP 520A in reactive ion etching through heat and ultraviolet light treatment
Authors: Czaplewski David A. , Tallant David R. , Patrizi Gary A. , Wendt Joel R. , Montoya Bertha
Published: April 2009

The authors have developed a treatment process to improve the etch resistance of an electron beam lithography resist (ZEP 520A) to allow direct pattern transfer from the resist into a hard mask using plasma etching without a metal lift-off process. When heated to 90 °C and exposed for 17 min to a dose of approximately 8 mW/cm2 at 248 nm, changes occur in the resist that are observable using infrared spectroscopy. These changes increase the etch resistance of ZEP 520A to a CF4/O2 plasma. This article will document the observed changes in the improved etch resistance of the ZEP 520A electron beam resist.
Photodegradable Hydrogels for Dynamic Tuning of Physical and Chemical Properties
Authors: Kloxin April M. , Kasko Andrea M. , Salinas Chelsea N. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: April 2009

We report a strategy to create photodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)–based hydrogels through rapid polymerization of cytocompatible macromers for remote manipulation of gel properties in situ. Postgelation control of the gel properties was demonstrated to introduce temporal changes, creation of arbitrarily shaped features, and on-demand pendant functionality release. Channels photodegraded within a hydrogel containing encapsulated cells allow cell migration. Temporal variation of the biochemical gel composition was used to influence chondrogenic differentiation of encapsulated stem cells. Photodegradable gels that allow real-time manipulation of material properties or chemistry provide dynamic environments with the scope to answer fundamental questions about material regulation of live cell function and may affect an array of applications from design of drug delivery vehicles to tissue engineering systems.
Evaluation of the New Architect Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgG Avidity Assays
Authors: Lagrou K. , Bodeus M. , Van Ranst M. , Goubau P.
Published: April 2009

A panel of new cytomegalovirus (CMV) assays for use on the Architect instrument has been developed, including a CMV avidity assay based on a new technology. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance characteristics of the fully automated CMV immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgG avidity tests on the Architect instrument with those of other available assays. A total of 503 consecutive fresh patient serum specimens (routine serum specimens) and 96 serum specimens from 33 pregnant women with a recent CMV primary infection (seroconversion serum specimens) were tested for CMV IgM and IgG by the Architect (Abbott), Vidas (BioMérieux), and Enzygnost (Siemens) assays. The seroconversion sera and 100 preselected serum specimens IgM negative and IgG positive by the AxSYM assay were also tested by the IgG avidity tests on the Architect and Vidas instruments. The relative agreements for CMV IgM determination with routine sera between the Architect assay and the Vidas, Enzygnost, and AxSYM assays were 97%, 94%, and 93%, respectively, for the CMV IgM tests and 99%, 98%, and 98%, respectively, for the CMV IgG tests. The specificities of the CMV IgG avidity test were 98% for the Architect assay and 76% for the Vidas assay. No high CMV IgG avidity test results were found within the first 3 months after seroconversion by either of those assays. The correlation between the results of the newly developed CMV IgM and IgG tests on the Architect instrument with the Vidas and Enzygnost assays was excellent (≥94%). The CMV IgG avidity test reliably excluded patients with recent infections and showed an excellent specificity (98%).
Quantitative Drug Susceptibility Testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
by Use of MGIT 960 and EpiCenter Instrumentation
Authors: Springer Burkhard , Lucke Katja , Calligaris-Maibach Romana , Ritter Claudia , Böttger Erik C.
Published: April 2009

Since numbers of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains are on the rise, the simple classification into “susceptible” and “resistant” strains based on susceptibility testing at “critical concentrations” has to be reconsidered. While future studies have to address the correlation of phenotypic resistance levels and treatment outcomes, a prerequisite for corresponding investigations is the ability to exactly determine levels of quantitative drug resistance in clinical
M. tuberculosis
isolates. Here we have established the conditions for quantitative drug susceptibility testing for first- and second-line agents using MGIT 960 instrumentation and EpiCenter software equipped with the TB eXiST module. In-depth comparative analysis of a range of well-characterized susceptible and resistant clinical isolates has allowed us to propose conditions for testing and to develop criteria for interpretation.
The Virological Synapse Facilitates Herpes Simplex Virus Entry into T Cells
Authors: Aubert Martine , Yoon Miri , Sloan Derek D. , Spear Patricia G. , Jerome Keith R.
Published: April 2009

The virological synapse (VS) is a specialized molecular structure that facilitates the transfer of certain lymphotropic viruses into uninfected T cells. However, the role of the VS in the transfer of nonlymphotropic viruses into T cells is unknown. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been shown in vitro to infect T cells and modulate T-cell receptor function, thereby suppressing T-cell antiviral function. However, whether such infection of T cells occurs in vivo is unknown. Here, we examined whether T-cell infection could be observed in human HSV disease and investigated the mechanism of HSV entry into T cells. We found that HSV-infected T cells were readily detectable during human disease, suggesting that infection and modulation of T-cell function plays a role in human immunopathology. HSV infection of both CD4+and CD8+T cells occurred much more efficiently via direct cell-to-cell spread from infected fibroblasts than by cell-free virus. Activation of T cells increased their permissivity to HSV infection. Cell-to-cell spread to T cells did not require HSV glycoproteins E and I (gE and gI), which are critical for cell-to-cell spread between epithelial cells. Transfer of HSV to T cells required gD, and the four known entry receptors appear to be contributing to viral entry, with a dominant role for the herpesvirus entry mediator and nectin-1. VS-like structures enriched in activated lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) were observed at the point of contact between HSV-infected fibroblasts and T cells. Consistent with spread occurring via the VS, transfer of HSV was increased by activation of LFA-1, and cell-to-cell spread could be inhibited by antibodies to LFA-1 or gD. Taken together, these results constitute the first demonstration of VS-dependent cell-to-cell spread for a predominantly nonlymphotropic virus. Furthermore, they support an important role for infection and immunomodulation of T cells in clinical human disease. Targeting of the VS might allow selective immunopotentiation during infections with HSV or other nonlymphotropic viruses.
Interdisciplinarity: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Jacobs Jerry A. , Frickel Scott
Published: April 2009

This article draws together disparate research and theorizing on interdisciplinarity. We first describe widespread efforts to promote interdisciplinarity in U.S. universities and critically examine the assumptions underlying these initiatives. Next, we present a cross-sectional view of interdisciplinary communication, knowledge diffusion, research assessment, and interdisciplinary research centers. We then describe research and theories that provide historical perspectives on the disciplinary system, interdiscipline formation, applied and professional fields, and institutional fragmentation. We present original findings on the prevalence of research centers, faculty hiring patterns in hybrid fields, and the diffusion of research across disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The review concludes with a critical summary and suggestions for future research.
Temporary fatigue and altered extracellular matrix in skeletal muscle during progression of heart failure in rats
Authors: Rehn Tommy A. , Borge Bengt Å. , Lunde Per K. , Munkvik Morten , Sneve Marianne Lunde , Grøndahl Frøy , Aronsen Jan M. , Sjaastad Ivar , Prydz Kristian , Kolset Svein O. , Wiig Helge , Sejersted Ole M. , Iversen Per O.
Published: April 2009

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) experience increased skeletal muscle fatigue. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown, but a deranged extracellular matrix (ECM) might be a contributing factor. Hence, we examined ECM components and regulators in a rat postinfarction model of CHF. At various time points during a 3.5 mo-period after induction of CHF in rats by left coronary artery ligation, blood, interstitial fluid (IF), and muscles were sampled. Isoflurane anesthesia was employed during all surgical procedures. IF was extracted by wicks inserted intermuscularly in a hind limb. We measured cytokines in plasma and IF, whereas matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and collagen content, as well as the level of glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronan were determined in hind limb muscle. In vivo fatigue protocols of the soleus muscle were performed at 42 and 112 days after induction of heart failure. We found that the MMP activity and collagen content in the skeletal muscles increased significantly at 42 days after induction of CHF, and these changes were time related to increased skeletal muscle fatigability. These parameters returned to sham levels at 112 days. VEGF in IF was significantly lower in CHF compared with sham-operated rats at 3 and 10 days, but no difference was observed at 112 days. We conclude that temporary alterations in the ECM, possibly triggered by VEGF, are related to a transient development of skeletal muscle fatigue in CHF.
Effects of spaceflight on innate immune function and antioxidant gene expression
Authors: Baqai Farnaz P. , Gridley Daila S. , Slater James M. , Luo-Owen Xian , Stodieck Louis S. , Ferguson Virginia , Chapes Stephen K. , Pecaut Michael J.
Published: April 2009

Spaceflight conditions have a significant impact on a number of physiological functions due to psychological stress, radiation, and reduced gravity. To explore the effect of the flight environment on immunity, C57BL/6NTac mice were flown on a 13-day space shuttle mission (STS-118). In response to flight, animals had a reduction in liver, spleen, and thymus masses compared with ground (GRD) controls ( P < 0.005). Splenic lymphocyte, monocyte/macrophage, and granulocyte counts were significantly reduced in the flight (FLT) mice ( P < 0.05). Although spontaneous blastogenesis of splenocytes in FLT mice was increased, response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a B-cell mitogen derived from Escherichia coli, was decreased compared with GRD mice ( P < 0.05). Secretion of IL-6 and IL-10, but not TNF-α, by LPS-stimulated splenocytes was increased in FLT mice ( P < 0.05). Finally, many of the genes responsible for scavenging reactive oxygen species were upregulated after flight. These data indicate that exposure to the spaceflight environment can increase anti-inflammatory mechanisms and change the ex vivo response to LPS, a bacterial product associated with septic shock and a prominent Th1 response.
Identification of novel transcriptional regulators involved in macrophage differentiation and activation in U937 cells
Authors: Baek Young-Sook , Haas Stefan , Hackstein Holger , Bein Gregor , Hernandez-Santana Maria , Lehrach Hans , Sauer Sascha , Seitz Harald
Published: April 2009

Background

Monocytes and macrophages play essential role in innate immunity. Understanding the underlying mechanism of macrophage differentiation and the identification of regulatory mechanisms will help to find new strategies to prevent their harmful effects in chronic inflammatory diseases and sepsis.

Results

Maturation of blood monocytes into tissue macrophages and subsequent inflammatory response was mimicked in U937 cells of human histocytic lymphoma origin. Whole genome array analysis was employed to evaluate gene expression profile to identify underlying transcriptional networks implicated during the processes of differentiation and inflammation. In addition to already known transcription factors (i.e. MAFB, EGR, IRF, BCL6, NFkB, AP1, Nur77), gene expression analysis further revealed novel genes (i.e. MEF2, BRI, HLX, HDAC5, H2AV, TCF7L2, NFIL3) previously uncharacterized to be involved in the differentiation process. A total of 58 selected genes representing cytokines, chemokines, surface antigens, signaling molecules and transcription factors were validated by real time PCR and compared to primary monocyte-derived macrophages. Beside the verification of several new genes, the comparison reveals individual heterogeneity of blood donors.

Conclusion

Up regulation of MEF2 family, HDACs, and H2AV during cell differentiation and inflammation sheds new lights onto regulation events on transcriptional and epigenetic level controlling these processes. Data generated will serve as a source for further investigation of macrophages differentiation pathways and related biological responses.
Effects of hip joint position and intra-capsular volume on hip joint intra-capsular pressure: a human cadaveric model
Authors: Yen Chi-Hung , Leung Hon-Bong , Tse Paul Yun-Tin
Published: April 2009

Background

Increase in hip intra-capsular pressure has been implicated in various hip pathologies, such as avascular necrosis complicating undisplaced femoral neck fracture. Our study aimed at documenting the relationship between intra-capsular volume and pressure in various hip positions.

Methods

Fifty-two cadaveric hips were studied. An electronic pressure-monitoring catheter recorded the intra-capsular hip pressure after each instillation of 2 ml of normal saline and in six hip positions.

Results

In neutral hip position, the control position for investigation, intra-capsular pressure remained unchanged when its content was below 10 ml. Thereafter, it increased exponentially. When the intra-capsular volume was 12 ml, full abduction produced a 2.1-fold increase (p = 0.028) of the intra-capsular hip joint pressure; full external rotation and full internal rotation increased the pressure by at least 4-fold (p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a 19% (p = 0.046) and 81% (p = 0.021) decrease in intra-capsular hip joint pressure with flexion of the hip joint to 90-degree and 45-degree, respectively.

Conclusion

Intra-capsular pressure increases with its volume, but with a wide variation with different positions. It would be appropriate to recommend that hips with haemarthrosis or effusion should be positioned in 45-degree flexion.
Sound Links: Exploring the social, cultural and educational dynamics of musical communities in Australia
Authors: Bartleet Brydie-Leigh
Published: April 2009

Sound Links examines the dynamics of community music in Australia, and the models it represents for informal music learning and teaching. This involves researching a selection of vibrant musical communities across the country, exploring their potential for complementarity and
synergy with music in schools. This article focuses on the most significant themes that have emerged from the author's recent Sound Links fieldwork in four musical communities across Australia. Drawing on insights from well over 300 community music practitioners, participants, educators,
and administrators, it will touch on the critical success factors, key challenges, learning dynamics and models for community-school collaborations found in these diverse community settings. These themes will be interwoven with ideas and concepts from community studies in the humanities and
community music literature to provide a range of insights into the social, cultural and educational dynamics of musical communities in Australia.
Reviews
Authors: Bosch Tanya , Hussain Faheem
Published: April 2009

The Alternative Media Handbook, Kate Coyer, Tony Dowmunt and Alan Fountain (2007) UK: Routledge, Series: Media Practice, 368 pp., ISBN 978-0-415-35965-8 (pbk), 18.99
From the Margins to the Cutting Edge: Community Media and Empowerment, Peter M. Lewis and
Susan Jones (eds.) (2006) Cresskill, NJ: Hampton, 256 pp., ISBN: 1572737174 (hbk), $62.50; ISBN: 1572737182 (pbk), $24.95
Aspectos da bananicultura no litoral norte paulista estudados através de fotografias aéreas
Authors: Coelho Arnaldo Guido de Souza , Audi Raul
Published: April 2009

São relatados estudos efetuados nos municípios de São Sebastião, Caraguatatuba e Ubatuba, no litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo, relativos à distribuição da cultura da bananeira. Os trabalhos foram executados com apoio em fotografias aéreas verticais, tiradas em 1962, na escala aproximada de 1:25.000. Estimaram-se os totais de 2.606 ha, ocupados por 2.377.500 pés de bananeira, localizados, quase totalmente, em solos das partes baixas da região. Cêrca de 60% da área plantada e 70% do total de pés estão localizados no município de Caraguatatuba. Correlações de clima, solo e outras de interêsse para a cultura foram efetuadas.
Métodos de manejo de Cyperus esculentus na lavoura de arroz irrigado
Authors: Panozzo L.E. , Agostinetto D. , Galon L. , Moraes P.V.D. , Pinto J.J.O. , Neves R.
Published: April 2009

As espécies da família Cyperaceae incluem-se entre as principais plantas daninhas que infestam as lavouras de arroz irrigado no Rio Grande do Sul. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o controle de Cyperus esculentus, a seletividade e a produtividade de grãos de arroz, cultivar Qualimax 1, em função de épocas de início da irrigação por inundação, épocas de aplicação e doses do herbicida penoxsulam. O experimento foi instalado em campo, no ano agrícola 2005/06. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subsubdivididas, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constaram de duas épocas de aplicação (precoce e tardia) do penoxsulam, três épocas de início da irrigação (1, 15 e 30 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos - DAT) e doses do herbicida (0, 24, 36, 48 e 60 g ha-1). Observou-se que o penoxsulam apresentou seletividade à cultura do arroz irrigado, independentemente da associação dos tratamentos testados. A aplicação do penoxsulam, associado à entrada de água até 15 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos, mostrou eficiente controle de C. esculentus. A maior produtividade foi obtida pela aplicação do penoxsulam em doses iguais ou superiores a 36 g ha-1, independentemente da época de aplicação e quando a irrigação foi realizada nas épocas iniciais.
Educação e ideologia tecnocrática na ditadura militar
Authors: Ferreira Jr. Amarilio , Bittar Marisa
Published: April 2009

O objetivo deste artigo é examinar a ideologia tecnocrática subjacente à educação brasileira durante a vigência da ditadura militar (1964-1985). Adotamos a premissa segundo a qual as reformas educacionais implementadas após 1964 ficaram marcadas tanto pelo modelo de modernização autoritária do capitalismo brasileiro adotado a partir de 1964, quanto pela teoria econômica do "capital humano". A propaganda ufanista, que tinha como lema o "Brasil Grande Potência", gerado pela "eficiência técnica" aplicada na forma de administrar o Estado e as suas empresas, também teve os seus corolários ideológicos no âmbito da própria política educacional levada à prática após a reforma universitária de 1968 e a reforma da educação de 1º e 2º graus de 1971. Assim, o sistema nacional de educação que emergiu com as reformas da ditadura militar foi marcado pela ideologia tecnocrática, que propugnava uma concepção pedagógica autoritária e produtivista na relação entre educação e mundo do trabalho.
Filocrono, área foliar e produtividade de frutos de berinjela conduzidas com uma e duas hastes por planta em estufa plástica
Authors: Maldaner Ivan Carlos , Guse Fabrício Ivan , Streck Nereu Augusto , Heldwein Arno Bernardo , Lucas Dionéia Daiane Pitol , Loose Luis Henrique
Published: April 2009

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estimar o filocrono, relacionar a área foliar com o número de folhas e determinar a produtividade de frutos em plantas de três genótipos de berinjela conduzidas com uma e duas hastes dentro de estufa plástica. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental do Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Foram utilizados três genótipos de berinjela: Nápoli, Comprida Roxa e Ciça. O transplante das mudas foi realizado com cinco folhas definitivas no dia 29 de outubro de 2007. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições, compostas de duas fileiras de oito plantas. Em quatro plantas de cada repetição, foram realizadas observações do número de folhas na haste principal e na secundária. Em duas plantas de cada repetição, foi medida a largura das folhas na haste principal e na secundária. O filocrono foi estimado pelo inverso do coeficiente angular da regressão linear entre o número de folhas acumuladas na haste e a soma térmica acumulada após o transplante. A emissão de folhas na berinjela foi mais rápida nas plantas conduzidas com duas hastes. A área foliar da berinjela pode ser estimada por meio do número de folhas acumuladas. A produtividade de frutos de berinjela foi maior nas plantas conduzidas com duas hastes, sendo o genótipo Ciça aquele que apresentou maior produtividade de frutos.
Metastasizing oral melanoma in a cow
Authors: Brito Marilene de Farias , França Ticiana Nascimento , Jabour Flávia Figueiraujo , Seixas Josilene Nascimento , Andrade Gisele Braziliano , Oliveira Laura Iglesias , Peixoto Paulo Vargas
Published: April 2009

A malignant dendritic melanoma of the oral cavity with metastases widely spread in a cow is described. The clinicopathological manifestations, developed during a two-year period, was characterized by the difficulty in mastication and swallowing, progressive weight loss, weakness and profuse sialorrhea. At the necropsy, an ulcerated black mass was found at the left jaw projecting into the oral cavity. The tumor reached the chin, inferior lip and tongue. Metastases were detected within the tongue, parotid gland, lymph nodes, trachea, thyroid, pleura, lungs, heart, peritoneum, omentum, and serosal membranes of the forestomach and abomasum, liver, and intima of some hepatic vessels, mammary gland, and muscles and fasciae of the left hind leg. No reference to metastasizing oral dendritic melanoma in the oral cavity of the cattle has been mentioned in the literature.