bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WikiLeaks and the protect-ip Act: A New Public-Private Threat to the Internet Commons
Authors: Benkler Yochai
Published: September 2011

The WikiLeaks affair and proposed copyright bills introduced in the Senate are evidence of a new, extralegal path of attack aimed at preventing access and disrupting the payment systems and advertising of targeted sites. In this model, the attacker may be a government agency seeking to circumvent constitutional constraints on its power or a private company trying to enforce its interests beyond those afforded by procedural or substantive safeguards in the law. The vector of attack runs through the targeted site's critical service providers, disrupting technical services, such as Domain Name System service, cloud storage, or search capabilities; and business-related services, such as payment systems or advertising. The characteristics that make this type of attack new are that it targets an entire site, rather than aiming for removal or exclusion of specific offending materials; operates through denial of business and financial systems, in addition to targeting technical systems; and systematically harnesses extralegal pressure to achieve results beyond what law would provide or even permit.
Independent Distractor Frequency and Age-of-Acquisition Effects in Picture–Word Interference: fMRI Evidence for Post-lexical and Lexical Accounts according to Distractor Type
Authors: de Zubicaray Greig I. , Miozzo Michele , Johnson Kori , Schiller Niels O. , McMahon Katie L.
Published: September 2011

In two fMRI experiments, participants named pictures with superimposed distractors that were high or low in frequency or varied in terms of age of acquisition. Pictures superimposed with low-frequency words were named more slowly than those superimposed with high-frequency words, and late-acquired words interfered with picture naming to a greater extent than early-acquired words. The distractor frequency effect (Experiment 1) was associated with increased activity in left premotor and posterior superior temporal cortices, consistent with the operation of an articulatory response buffer and verbal self-monitoring system. Conversely, the distractor age-of-acquisition effect (Experiment 2) was associated with increased activity in the left middle and posterior middle temporal cortex, consistent with the operation of lexical level processes such as lemma and phonological word form retrieval. The spatially dissociated patterns of activity across the two experiments indicate that distractor effects in picture–word interference may occur at lexical or postlexical levels of processing in speech production.
Thermodynamic Consistency of a Pseudoincompressible Approximation for General Equations of State
Authors: Klein Rupert , Pauluis Olivier
Published: September 2011

In soundproof model equations for geophysical fluid dynamics, the momentum and mechanical energy budgets decouple from the thermodynamics for adiabatic flows. In applying such models to nonadiabatic flows of fluids with general equations of state, thermodynamic consistency of the soundproof approximations needs to be ensured. Specifically, a physically meaningful total energy conservation law should arise as an integral of adiabatic dynamics, while for diabatic flows the effective energy source terms should be related through thermodynamic relationships to the rates of change of entropy and other pertinent internal degrees of freedom. Complementing earlier work by one of the authors on the Lipps and Hemler-type anelastic approximation, this paper discusses the thermodynamic consistency of an extension of Durran’s pseudoincompressible model to moist atmospheric motions allowing for a general equation of state.
Elements of a Methodical Understanding of Eastern Christian Mysticism
Authors: Blackwood Jeremy W.
Published: September 2011

Christian mystical writing expresses symbolically the complexities of conscious experience identified by Bernard Lonergan as ‘differentiations of consciousness.’ In order for the insights of such literature to penetrate theoretic systematic theology, there must be effected a theoretic account of conscious experience that is of sufficient depth to account for the differentiations witnessed to by mystical writing. This article attempts a preliminary step in this direction by taking key elements of the Macarian Homilies as pointers to further areas requiring systematic theoretic development. Building on the suggestions of three scholars working within a Lonergan-grounded horizon, this article articulates a theory of the divinely enraptured subject as revelatory and suggests that such a position is a theoretic account of the symbolically-expressed grasp of conscious experience articulated in the Macarian Homilies.
Paschal-Eucharistic Soundings: Intimations and Challenges
Authors: Hunt Anne
Published: September 2011

The founding paschal narrative in the New Testament and the liturgy of the Eucharist continue to afford fresh insights into the mystery of the Trinity. This article first re-visits this mystery as gleaned from these two privileged sources. Having examined the hypostatic traits manifest there in the paschal drama, notably the self-giving, self-surrendering love, which characterizes the trinitarian communion and the receptivity, obedience, and Fatherwardness of the Son, the article proceeds to consider some of the challenges that these trinitarian soundings pose to contemporary theology, in particular, for feminist theologies and the values espoused therein.
Change, Suffering, and Surprise in God: Von Balthasar’s Use of Metaphor
Authors: Duffy Kevin
Published: September 2011

This article is a critique of the claim made by Gerard O’Hanlon that von Balthasar has pioneered a new way of combining metaphorical and literal discourse, and that this enables him to predicate change, suffering, and surprise of God, while maintaining classical positions on divine transcendence. Some such positions on divine nature and on the notions of univocity, analogy, and metaphor are explored. It is argued—using in particular the contemporary Thomism of Herbert McCabe and some recent studies on the philosophy of metaphor—that von Balthasar, as interpreted by O’Hanlon, tries to give literal expression to what in metaphors is non-propositional. The article concludes that there is no novel advance in combining analogy and metaphor that could enable von Balthasar to avoid self-contradiction in a classical framework.
Making Instruction and Assessment Responsive to Diverse Students’ Progress: Group-Administered Dynamic Assessment in Teaching Mathematics
Authors: Jeltova Ida , Birney Damian , Fredine Nancy , Jarvin Linda , Sternberg Robert J. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: September 2011

This study entailed a 3 (instructional intervention) × 2 (assessment-type) between-subjects experimental design employing a pretest—intervention—posttest methodology. The instructional interventions were administered between subjects in three conditions: (a) dynamic instruction, (b) triarchic or theory of successful intelligence-control instruction, and (c) standard-control instruction. The assessment-type consisted between subjects of either (a) a group-administered dynamic posttest or (b) the same group-administered posttest interspersed with a control filler activity. Performance in different mathematics content areas taught in fourth grade was investigated. In total, 1,332 students and 63 classroom teachers in 24 schools across six school districts participated in the study. The results indicate the advantages of using dynamic instruction and assessment in regular classrooms while teaching mathematics, especially when the student body is highly ethnically diverse.
Impact of Sildenafil on Survival of Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Zeng Wei‐Jie , Sun Yun‐Juan , Gu Qing , Xiong Chang‐Ming , Li Jian‐Jun , He Jian‐Guo
Published: September 2011

It has been reported that short‐term sildenafil therapy is safe and effective for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, data regarding the impact of sildenafil on the survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension remain limited. The study was conducted on 77 patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension at Fu Wai Hospital between September 2005 and September 2009. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the sildenafil group and the conventional group. Nine patients treated with sildenafil were re‐evaluated by right heart catheterization after 3 months. Our data demonstrated that the 6‐minute walk distance, World Health Organization functional class, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and hemodynamics significantly improved after 3 months of sildenafil therapy (P < .05). The baseline characteristics of the sildenafil group were similar to those of the conventional group. The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival rates in the sildenafil group were 88%, 72%, and 68% compared with 61%, 36%, and 27% in the conventional group (P < .001). The absence of sildenafil therapy, lower body mass index, and lower mixed venous oxygen saturation were found to be independent predictors of mortality. In conclusion, sildenafil therapy was found to be associated with improved survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Sometimes Happy People Focus on the Trees and Sad People Focus on the Forest
Authors: Hunsinger Matthew , Isbell Linda M. , Clore Gerald L.
Published: September 2011

Research indicates that affect influences whether people focus on categorical or behavioral information during impression formation. One explanation is that affect confers its value on whatever cognitive inclinations are most accessible in a given situation. Three studies tested this malleable mood effects hypothesis, predicting that happy moods should maintain and unhappy moods should inhibit situationally dominant thinking styles. Participants completed an impression formation task that included categorical and behavioral information. Consistent with the proposed hypothesis, no fixed relation between mood and processing emerged. Whether happy moods led to judgments reflecting category-level or behavior-level information depended on whether participants were led to focus on the their immediate psychological state (i.e., current affective experience; Studies 1 and 2) or physical environment (i.e., an unexpected odor; Study 3). Consistent with research on socially situated cognition, these results demonstrate that the same affective state can trigger entirely different thinking styles depending on the context.
Baicalein inhibits oxidative stress-induced cellular damage via antioxidant effects
Authors: Kang Kyoung Ah , Zhang Rui , Piao Mei Jing , Chae Sungwook , Kim Hee Sun , Park Jun Ho , Jung Kwang Sun , Hyun Jin Won
Published: September 2011

Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid compound derived mainly from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a medicinal plant traditionally used in oriental medicine. In our previous study, baicalein attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 transcription factor-mediated manganese superoxide dismutase. In the present study, the protective effects of baicalein against oxidative stress-induced damage, especially cellular components including DNA, lipid, and protein, were studied. The results of this study showed that baicalein scavenged intracellular ROS. Baicalein inhibited the H2O2-induced DNA damage that was demonstrated by decreased phospho-H2A.X expression and DNA tail formation. In addition, it prevented the lipid peroxidation shown by the fluorescence intensity of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Moreover, baicalein inhibited protein oxidation demonstrated by protein carbonyl formation. Furthermore, baicalein protected cells via the inhibition of apoptosis induced by H2O2. The findings of this study suggest that baicalein provides protection for cellular components against oxidative damage via scavenging ROS and inhibiting apoptosis.
Social Participation and Maintaining Recommended Waist Circumference
Authors: Kouvonen Anne , Swift Judy Anne , Stafford Mai , Cox Tom , Vahtera Jussi , Väänänen Ari , Heponiemi Tarja , De Vogli Roberto , Griffiths Amanda , Kivimäki Mika
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To investigate whether older adults participating in social activities are more likely to maintain or achieve recommended waist circumference (WC) levels. Method: A total of 4,280 older adults who participated in Wave 2 (baseline) and Wave 4 (follow-up) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. WC was measured by a nurse in both study waves. Results: Participation in education, arts, music groups, evening classes, and in charitable associations was associated with maintaining recommended WC only in those men whose WC was in the recommended range at baseline. Participation in social activities was not associated with achieving recommended WC in women or men with initially large waist. Discussion: Participation in cultural and charitable activities may help in maintaining a recommended level of WC in older men with WC originally in the recommended range.
Mortality Risk Among Black and White Working Women
Authors: Shippee Tetyana P. , Rinaldo Lindsay , Ferraro Kenneth F.
Published: September 2011

Objective: Drawing from cumulative inequality theory, the authors examine the relationship between perceived work trajectories and mortality risk among Black and White women over 36 years. Method: Panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Mature Women (1967-2003) are used to evaluate how objective and subjective elements of work shape mortality risk for Black and White women born between 1923 and 1937. Results: Estimates from Cox proportional hazards models reveal that Black working women manifest higher mortality risk than White working women even after accounting for occupation, personal income, and household wealth. Perceived work trajectories were also associated with mortality risk for Black women but not for White women. Discussion: The findings reveal the imprint of women’s work life on mortality, especially for Black women, and illustrate the importance of considering personal meanings associated with objective work characteristics.
The Role of Early-Life Socioeconomic Status in Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality
Authors: Pudrovska Tetyana , Anikputa Benedicta
Published: September 2011

Objectives: We examine (a) how breast cancer onset and survival are affected by various dimensions of early-life socioeconomic status (SES) and (b) the extent to which women’s characteristics in adulthood mediate the associations between early-life conditions and breast cancer. Method: We apply Cox regression models and a decomposition analysis to the data from the 4,275 women in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Results: Higher levels of mothers’ education and early-life family income were associated with a greater risk of breast cancer incidence. The effect of mothers’ education was mediated by women’s adult SES and reproductive behaviors. Fathers’ education was related negatively to breast cancer mortality, yet this effect was fully mediated by women’s own education. Discussion: This study identifies mechanisms linking early-life social environment to breast cancer onset and mortality. The findings emphasize the role of social factors in breast cancer incidence and survival.
Impact of Parental Severe Mental Illness: Ethical and Clinical Issues for Counselors
Authors: Spiegelhoff Sarah F. , Ahia C. Emmanuel
Published: September 2011

This article draws attention to the issue of parental severe mental illness and the ethical and clinical implications for counselors who work with this population. Parents with mental illness face a multitude of life challenges including, but not limited to, parenting difficulties, medication and hospitalization, custody and placement of their children, financial constraints, and substance abuse. Counselors who serve this population need to be aware of some serious ethical and clinical issues they may face when working with this population. An illustrative case is used to highlight the nature of these issues and problems. Clinical and ethical recommendations are made for counselors.
Wither Couple/Family Therapy?
Authors: Hoyt Michael F. , Gurman Alan S.
Published: September 2011

Attention is called to disturbing developments in insurance reimbursement that threaten the practice of therapy involving more than one person. This can be seen as part of the movement to marginalize psychotherapy as first-line treatment and replace it with the inappropriate and excessive (and often exclusive) use of medication.
Deaf-Hearing Family Life
Authors: West Donna
Published: September 2011

This article brings together poetic narratives of three women—two hearing and one deaf—who are mothers to both deaf and hearing children. When asked, “What’s the story of your family?” they each uncover, discover, and recover narratives that embrace politics, spirituality, marginalization, ignorance, resistance, love, care, and celebration. Their stories—signed, spoken, and written—deconstruct and reconstruct intimate and poignant experiences of negotiation between deaf and hearing worlds, between sign and word, between acceptance and judgment, and, in particular, in response to a particular piece of government legislation. In the United Kingdom, monocultural, multigenerational deaf families are the exception rather than the rule; therefore, questions of cultural knowledge transmission, reproduction, and survival are endlessly troubled, contested, and reclaimed in bicultural, bilingual deaf-hearing families, particularly in the face of dominant, mainstream discourses of disability and normalization. The three women’s narratives repair and bear witness to misunderstood and marginalized deaf and hearing lives. As sign language has no written form, the stories are re-presented here as poetic texts as a way not only to bridge the gap between “oral” narrative and the written (translated) word but also to bring to life on the page the inherent poetry of their resistance stories. 1
Collective Biography and the Question of Difference
Authors: Gonick Marnina , Walsh Susan , Brown Marion
Published: September 2011

This article engages with the research method of collective biography. We are particularly interested in what the question of difference brings to bear on the collective biography process. The aim of embodied writing in the collective biography process is “to tell the memory in such a way that it is vividly imaginable by others, such that those others can extend their own imaginable experience of being in the world through knowing the particularity of another” (Davies & Gannon). However, our own attempt to work with the method had us grappling with how to engage with a story that did not elicit understanding and identification but rather evoked, for some, a sense of incommensurable difference. By bringing together a poststructural concern with power relationships and a Deleuzian interest in engendering new synergies and possibilities, the article makes a theoretical contribution to new conceptual repertoires on the question of difference and its implications for feminist research.
Relationship focused parent training within a dialectical framework: A case study
Authors: Couch Clare M. , Evans Ian M.
Published: September 2011

There are significant limitations to traditional behavioural parent training programmes and research indicates that interventions which incorporate relationship factors show superior results. Bidirectional models of the parent-child relationship provide an initial step for informing the field of parent training but more comprehensive models are required and using a dialectical framework is proposed. The current case study describes a programme that provided a five-week parent training course, with the core concept being finding and maintaining balance in the parent-child relationship. Results indicated that while two mothers with their three- and four- year-old child showed different responses to the therapy, they both reported an improvement in relationship factors. It is proposed that this is one of the necessary precursors to behavioural change. Limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Do we miss depressive disorders and suicidal behaviours in clinical practice?
Authors: Fitzpatrick Carol , Abayomi Nkechi-Nwanolue , Kehoe Anne , Devlin Nina , Glackin Sinead , Power Lorna , Guerin Suzanne
Published: September 2011

This study involved a detailed standardized initial research assessment which was carried out with 100 young people aged 12–15 years newly referred to a child and adolescent mental health service. The assessment involved the K-SADS interview with the young person and their parent, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Clinical Global Impression Scale, and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale. Diagnoses resulting from these ‘research assessments’ were compared with clinical diagnoses, which were determined by case note analysis and discussion with the key clinician. Results showed that a clinical diagnosis of depressive disorder was made in only one-third of those who received a ‘research assessment’ diagnosis of depressive disorder, and suicidality was missed in a significant proportion of cases. Those with a diagnosis of depressive disorder had significantly more problems, more comorbidity, more suicidality and greater functional impairment than those without. It is important to keep depression and suicidality in mind when assessing young people with complex mental health difficulties. Unless specific pointers are sought, it is easy to miss these, which may mean that vulnerable young people do not benefit from potentially effective treatments.
Learning from “Female Genital Mutilation”: Lessons from 30 Years of Academic Discourse
Authors: Wade Lisa
Published: September 2011

At the intersection of feminism and postcolonial theory is an acrimonious debate over female genital cutting (FGC). I subject this debate to an analysis in order to separate productive from destructive discursive strategies. I find that both FGC and the literature about the practice are frequently mischaracterized in consequential ways. Especially prior to the mid-1990s, scholars frame FGC as an example of either cultural inferiority or cultural difference. In the 1990s, postcolonial scholars contest the framing of FGC as a measure of cultural inferiority. However, they often argue that Western feminist engagement with FGCs, writ large, is ‘imperialist’. I contend that both accusations of African ‘barbarism’ and of Western feminist ‘imperialism’ are empirically false and inflammatory. Furthermore, reifying ‘African’ and ‘Western’ perspectives erases African opposition to FGC and Western feminist acknowledgement of transnational power asymmetry. I conclude with a discussion of the role of outrage in academic scholarship.
Pay Discrimination, Exit Discrimination or Both? Another Look at an Old Issue Using NBA Data
Authors: Groothuis Peter A. , Hill James Richard
Published: September 2011

Economic literature has identified two potential types of racial discrimination in sports careers: exit discrimination and wage discrimination. The authors test for both types of discrimination in National Basketball Association (NBA) data in two ways. First using a modified Heckman procedure, they control for potential survival bias that may arise from exit discrimination in panel data and could possibly bias the coefficients of wage equations. Not controlling for survival bias could lead to false conclusions concerning the presence of pay discrimination. Using 1990-2008 NBA data, the authors fail to find any evidence of either pay or exit discrimination in the NBA utilizing this new technique. In one specification, however, a negative coefficient on the white dummy is found after controlling for height and being foreign-born suggesting that reverse discrimination is present. Yet, using a subset of the panel data used to examine pay discrimination in the NBA with career earnings the authors find that there is a pay premium paid to White players over their career in the magnitude of 16%–20%, ceteris paribus. Neither of these results, however, is robust and highlights the pitfalls of using the residual method in measuring both pay and exit discrimination.
Assessing Professional Tennis Players Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
Authors: Ruiz José L. , Pastor Diego , Pastor Jesús T.
Published: September 2011

The authors assess the performance of professional tennis players from the perspective of the efficiency of their game using data envelopment analysis (DEA). This research can complement the information provided by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ranking, which is concerned with their competitive performance. The DEA provides an index of the overall performance of players by aggregating the ATP statistics regarding the different aspects of the game. The DEA benchmarking analysis also allows identifying strengths and weaknesses of the game of the players. To the ranking of players, the authors use the cross-efficiency evaluation, which assesses the players in a peer evaluation with different patterns of game.
Functional inhibition of osteoblastic cells in an in vivo mouse model of myeloid leukemia
Authors: Frisch Benjamin J. , Ashton John M. , Xing Lianping , Becker Michael W. , Jordan Craig T. , Calvi Laura M.
Published: September 2011

Pancytopenia is a major cause of morbidity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet its cause is unclear. Normal osteoblastic cells have been shown to support hematopoiesis. To define the effects of leukemia on osteoblastic cells, we used an immunocompetent murine model of AML. Leukemic mice had inhibition of osteoblastic cells, with decreased serum levels of the bone formation marker osteocalcin. Osteoprogenitor cells and endosteal-lining osteopontin+ cells were reduced, and osteocalcin mRNA in CD45− marrow cells was diminished. This resulted in severe loss of mineralized bone. Osteoclasts were only transiently increased without significant increases in bone resorption, and their inhibition only partially rescued leukemia-induced bone loss. In vitro data suggested that a leukemia-derived secreted factor inhibited osteoblastic cells. Because the chemokine CCL-3 was recently reported to inhibit osteoblastic function in myeloma, we tested its expression in our model and in AML patients. Consistent with its potential novel role in leukemic-dependent bone loss, CCL-3 mRNA was significantly increased in malignant marrow cells from leukemic mice and from samples from AML patients. Based on these results, we propose that therapeutic mitigation of leukemia-induced uncoupling of osteoblastic and osteoclastic cells may represent a novel approach to promote normal hematopoiesis in patients with myeloid neoplasms.
High mixed venous oxygen saturation levels do not exclude fluid responsiveness in critically ill septic patients
Authors: Velissaris Dimitrios , Pierrakos Charalampos , Scolletta Sabino , De Backer Daniel , Vincent Jean Louis
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether the degree of fluid responsiveness in critically ill septic patients is related to baseline mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) levels. We also sought to define whether fluid responsiveness would be less likely in the presence of a high SvO2 (>70%).

Methods

This observational study was conducted in a 32-bed university hospital medicosurgical ICU. The hemodynamic response to a fluid challenge was evaluated in 65 critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Patients were divided into two groups (responders and nonresponders) according to their cardiac index (CI) response to the challenge (>10% or <10%).

Results

Of the 65 patients, 34 (52%) were fluid responders. Baseline SvO2, CI, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were not statistically different between groups. The responders had lower pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) and central venous pressure (CVP) at baseline than the nonresponders. After the fluid challenge, there were no differences between the two groups in MAP, CVP, PAOP or HR. There was no correlation between changes in CI or stroke volume index and baseline SvO2. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that SvO2 was not a predictor of fluid responsiveness.

Conclusions

The response of septic patients to a fluid challenge is independent of baseline SvO2. The presence of a high SvO2 does not necessarily exclude the need for further fluid administration.
Transcriptional responses of Burkholderia cenocepacia to polymyxin B in isogenic strains with diverse polymyxin B resistance phenotypes
Authors: Loutet Slade A , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Clarke Chelsea , Molinaro Antonio , Valvano Miguel A
Published: September 2011

Background

Burkholderia cenocepacia is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen displaying high resistance to antimicrobial peptides and polymyxins. We identified mechanisms of resistance by analyzing transcriptional changes to polymyxin B treatment in three isogenic B. cenocepacia strains with diverse polymyxin B resistance phenotypes: the polymyxin B-resistant parental strain K56-2, a polymyxin B-sensitive K56-2 mutant strain with heptoseless lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (RSF34), and a derivative of RSF34 (RSF34 4000B) isolated through multiple rounds of selection in polymyxin B that despite having a heptoseless LPS is highly polymyxin B-resistant.

Results

A heptoseless LPS mutant of B. cenocepacia was passaged through multiple rounds of selection to regain high levels of polymyxin B-resistance. This process resulted in various phenotypic changes in the isolate that could contribute to polymyxin B resistance and are consistent with LPS-independent changes in the outer membrane. The transcriptional response of three B. cenocepacia strains to subinhibitory concentrations of polymyxin B was analyzed using microarray analysis and validated by quantitative Real Time-PCR. There were numerous baseline changes in expression between the three strains in the absence of polymyxin B. In both K56-2 and RSF34, similar transcriptional changes upon treatment with polymyxin B were found and included upregulation of various genes that may be involved in polymyxin B resistance and downregulation of genes required for the synthesis and operation of flagella. This last result was validated phenotypically as both swimming and swarming motility were impaired in the presence of polymyxin B. RSF34 4000B had altered the expression in a larger number of genes upon treatment with polymyxin B than either K56-2 or RSF34, but the relative fold-changes in expression were lower.

Conclusions

It is possible to generate polymyxin B-resistant isolates from polymyxin B-sensitive mutant strains of B. cenocepacia, likely due to the multifactorial nature of polymyxin B resistance of this bacterium. Microarray analysis showed that B. cenocepacia mounts multiple transcriptional responses following exposure to polymyxin B. Polymyxin B-regulated genes identified in this study may be required for polymyxin B resistance, which must be tested experimentally. Exposure to polymyxin B also decreases expression of flagellar genes resulting in reduced swimming and swarming motility.
Experimental annotation of the human pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum transcribed regions using high-resolution tiling arrays
Authors: Voorhies Mark , Foo Catherine K , Sil Anita
Published: September 2011

Background

The fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum is thought to be the most common cause of fungal respiratory infections in immunocompetent humans, yet little is known about its biology. Here we provide the first genome-wide studies to experimentally validate its genome annotation. A functional interrogation of the Histoplasma genome provides critical support for continued investigation into the biology and pathogenesis of H. capsulatum and related fungi.

Results

We employed a three-pronged approach to provide a functional annotation for the H. capsulatum G217B strain. First, we probed high-density tiling arrays with labeled cDNAs from cells grown under diverse conditions. These data defined 6,172 transcriptionally active regions (TARs), providing validation of 6,008 gene predictions. Interestingly, 22% of these predictions showed evidence of anti-sense transcription. Additionally, we detected transcription of 264 novel genes not present in the original gene predictions. To further enrich our analysis, we incorporated expression data from whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays. These expression data included profiling under growth conditions that were not represented in the tiling experiment, and validated an additional 2,249 gene predictions. Finally, we compared the G217B gene predictions to other available fungal genomes, and observed that an additional 254 gene predictions had an ortholog in a different fungal species, suggesting that they represent genuine coding sequences.

Conclusions

These analyses yielded a high confidence set of validated gene predictions for H. capsulatum. The transcript sets resulting from this study are a valuable resource for further experimental characterization of this ubiquitous fungal pathogen. The data is available for interactive exploration at http://histo.ucsf.edu.
Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4 (Asb-4) colocalizes with insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) in the hypothalamic neurons and mediates IRS4 degradation
Authors: Li Ji-Yao , Chai Biaoxin , Zhang Weizhen , Wu Xiaobin , Zhang Chao , Fritze Danielle , Xia Zefeng , Patterson Cam , Mulholland Michael W
Published: September 2011

Background

The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus regulates food intake. Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4 (Asb-4) is expressed in neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus, target neurons in the regulation of food intake and metabolism by insulin and leptin. However, the target protein(s) of Asb-4 in these neurons remains unknown. Insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) is an adaptor molecule involved in the signal transduction by both insulin and leptin. In the present study we examined the colocalization and interaction of Asb-4 with IRS4 and the involvement of Asb-4 in insulin signaling.

Results

In situ hybridization showed that the expression pattern of Asb-4 was consistent with that of IRS4 in the rat brain. Double in situ hybridization showed that IRS4 colocalized with Asb-4, and both Asb-4 and IRS4 mRNA were expressed in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In HEK293 cells co-transfected with Myc-tagged Asb-4 and Flag-tagged IRS4, Asb-4 co-immunoprecipitated with IRS4; In these cells endogenous IRS4 also co-immunoprecipitated with transfected Myc-Asb-4; Furthermore, Asb-4 co-immunoprecipitated with IRS4 in rat hypothalamic extracts. In HEK293 cells over expression of Asb-4 decreased IRS4 protein levels and deletion of the SOCS box abolished this effect. Asb-4 increased the ubiquitination of IRS4; Deletion of SOCS box abolished this effect. Expression of Asb-4 decreased both basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT at Thr308.

Conclusions

These data demonstrated that Asb-4 co-localizes and interacts with IRS4 in hypothalamic neurons. The interaction of Asb-4 with IRS4 in cell lines mediates the degradation of IRS4 and decreases insulin signaling.
Frequency of impulse control behaviours associated with dopaminergic therapy in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Voon Valerie , Schoerling Andrea , Wenzel Sascha , Ekanayake Vindhya , Reiff Julia , Trenkwalder Claudia , Sixel-Döring Friederike
Published: September 2011

Background

Low doses of dopamine agonists (DA) and levodopa are effective in the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). A range of impulse control and compulsive behaviours (ICBs) have been reported following the use of DAs and levodopa in patients with Parkinson's disease. With this study we sought to assess the cross-sectional prevalence of impulse control behaviours (ICBs) in restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to determine factors associated with ICBs in a population cohort in Germany.

Methods

Several questionnaires based on validated and previously used instruments for assessment of ICBs were mailed out to patients being treated for RLS. Final diagnoses of ICBs were based on stringent diagnostic criteria after psychiatric interviews were performed.

Results

10/140 RLS patients of a clinical cohort (7.1%) were finally diagnosed with ICBs, 8 of 10 on dopamine agonist (DA) therapy, 2 of 10 on levodopa. 8 of the 10 affected patients showed more than one type of abnormal behaviour. Among those who responded to the questionnaires 6/140 [4.3%] revealed binge eating, 5/140 [3.6%] compulsive shopping, 3/140 [2.1%] pathological gambling, 3/140 [2.1%] punding, and 2/140 [1.4%] hypersexuality in psychiatric assessments. Among those who did not respond to questionnaires, 32 were randomly selected and interviewed: only 1 patient showed positive criteria of ICBs with compulsive shopping and binge eating. ICBs were associated with higher DA dose (p = 0.001), younger RLS onset (p = 0.04), history of experimental drug use (p = 0.002), female gender (p = 0.04) and a family history of gambling disorders (p = 0.02), which accounted for 52% of the risk variance.

Conclusion

RLS patients treated with dopaminergic agents and dopamine agonists in particular, should be forewarned of potential side effects. A careful history of risk factors should be taken.
Immune reconstitution syndrome presenting as probable AIDS-related lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Mortensen Bo K , Nielsen Susanne D , Christensen Charlotte B , Helweg-Larsen Jannik
Published: September 2011

We report an unusual case of HIV-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, presenting as suspected AIDS-related lymphoma. Symptoms, initial investigations including fine-needle biopsy and 18F-FDG PET/CT scan were highly compatible with high grade AIDS-related lymphoma, however subsequently IRIS was diagnosed. We discuss pitfalls in the interpretation of diagnostic results in ARL versus IRIS.
Dynorphin is Expressed Primarily by GABAergic Neurons That Contain Galanin in the Rat Dorsal Horn
Authors: Sardella Thomas CP , Polgár Erika , Garzo Francesca , Furuta Takahiro , Kaneko Takeshi , Watanabe Masahiko , Todd Andrew J
Published: September 2011

Background:

The opioid peptide dynorphin is expressed by certain neurons in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord, but little is known about the types of cell that contain dynorphin. In this study, we have used an antibody against the dynorphin precursor preprodynorphin (PPD), to reveal the cell bodies and axons of dynorphin-expressing neurons in the rat spinal cord. The main aims were to estimate the proportion of neurons in each of laminae I-III that express dynorphin and to determine whether they are excitatory or inhibitory neurons.

Results:

PPD-immunoreactive cells were concentrated in lamina I and the outer part of lamina II (IIo), where they constituted 17% and 8%, respectively, of all neurons. Around half of those in lamina I and 80% of those in lamina II were GABA-immunoreactive. We have previously identified four non-overlapping neurochemical populations of inhibitory interneurons in this region, defined by the presence of neuropeptide Y, galanin, parvalbumin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. PPD co-localised extensively with galanin in both cell bodies and axons, but rarely or not at all with the other three markers. PPD was present in around 4% of GABAergic boutons (identified by the presence of the vesicular GABA transporter) in laminae I-II.

Conclusions:

These results show that most dynorphin-expressing cells in the superficial dorsal horn are inhibitory interneurons, and that they largely correspond to the population that is defined by the presence of galanin. We estimate that dynorphin is present in ∼32% of inhibitory interneurons in lamina I and 11% of those in lamina II. Since the proportion of GABAergic boutons that contain PPD in these laminae was considerably lower than this, our findings suggest that these neurons may generate relatively small axonal arborisations.
Minimally invasive presacral approach for revision of an Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion rod due to fall-related lumbosacral instability: a case report
Authors: Cohen Anders , Miller Larry E. , Block Jon E.
Published: September 2011

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe procedural details of a minimally invasive presacral approach for revision of an L5-S1 Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion rod.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old Caucasian man presented to our facility with marked thoracolumbar scoliosis, osteoarthritic changes characterized by high-grade osteophytes, and significant intervertebral disc collapse and calcification. Our patient required crutches during ambulation and reported intractable axial and radicular pain. Multi-level reconstruction of L1-4 was accomplished with extreme lateral interbody fusion, although focal lumbosacral symptoms persisted due to disc space collapse at L5-S1.

Lumbosacral interbody distraction and stabilization was achieved four weeks later with the Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion System (TranS1 Inc., Wilmington, NC, USA) and rod implantation via an axial presacral approach.

Despite symptom resolution following this procedure, our patient suffered a fall six weeks postoperatively with direct sacral impaction resulting in symptom recurrence and loss of L5-S1 distraction. Following seven months of unsuccessful conservative care, a revision of the Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion rod was performed that utilized the same presacral approach and used a larger diameter implant. Minimal adhesions were encountered upon presacral re-entry. A precise operative trajectory to the base of the previously implanted rod was achieved using fluoroscopic guidance. Surgical removal of the implant was successful with minimal bone resection required. A larger diameter Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion rod was then implanted and joint distraction was re-established. The radicular symptoms resolved following revision surgery and our patient was ambulating without assistance on post-operative day one. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion distraction rod may be revised and replaced with a larger diameter rod using the same presacral approach.
Bioconversion of paper sludge to biofuel by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using a cellulase of paper sludge origin and thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiaeTJ14
Authors: Prasetyo Joni , Naruse Kazuya , Kato Tatsuya , Boonchird Chuenchit , Harashima Satoshi , Park Enoch Y
Published: September 2011

Background

Ethanol production from paper sludge (PS) by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is considered to be the most appropriate way to process PS, as it contains negligible lignin. In this study, SSF was conducted using a cellulase produced from PS by the hypercellulase producer, Acremonium cellulolyticus C-1 for PS saccharification, and a thermotolerant ethanol producer Saccharomyces cerevisiae TJ14 for ethanol production. Using cellulase of PS origin minimizes biofuel production costs, because the culture broth containing cellulase can be used directly.

Results

When 50 g PS organic material (PSOM)/l was used in SSF, the ethanol yield based on PSOM was 23% (g ethanol/g PSOM) and was two times higher than that obtained by a separate hydrolysis and fermentation process. Cellulase activity throughout SSF remained at around 60% of the initial activity. When 50 to 150 g PSOM/l was used in SSF, the ethanol yield was 21% to 23% (g ethanol/g PSOM) at the 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask scale. Ethanol production and theoretical ethanol yield based on initial hexose was 40 g/l and 66.3% (g ethanol/g hexose) at 80 h, respectively, when 161 g/l of PSOM, 15 filter paper units (FPU)/g PSOM, and 20% inoculum were used for SSF, which was confirmed in the 2 l scale experiment. This indicates that PS is a good raw material for bioethanol production.

Conclusions

Ethanol concentration increased with increasing PSOM concentration. The ethanol yield was stable at PSOM concentrations of up to 150 g/l, but decreased at concentrations higher than 150 g/l because of mass transfer limitations. Based on a 2 l scale experiment, when 1,000 kg PS was used, 3,182 kFPU cellulase was produced from 134.7 kg PS. Produced cellulase was used for SSF with 865.3 kg PS and ethanol production was estimated to be 51.1 kg. Increasing the yeast inoculum or cellulase concentration did not significantly improve the ethanol yield or concentration.
Reduced clot strength upon admission, evaluated by thrombelastography (TEG), in trauma patients is independently associated with increased 30-day mortality
Authors: Nystrup Kristin B , Windeløv Nis A , Thomsen Annemarie B , Johansson Pär I
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Exsanguination due to uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths among trauma patients. About one third of trauma patients present with coagulopathy on admission, which is associated with increased mortality and will aggravate bleeding in a traumatized patient. Thrombelastographic (TEG) clot strength has previously been shown to predict outcome in critically ill patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate this relation in the trauma setting.

Methods

A retrospective study of trauma patients with an injury severity qualifying them for inclusion in the European Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) and a TEG analysis performed upon arrival at the trauma centre.

Results

Eighty-nine patients were included. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 21 with a 30-day mortality of 17%. Patients with a reduced clot strength (maximal amplitude < 50 mm) evaluated by TEG, presented with a higher ISS 27 (95% CI, 20-34) vs. 19 (95% CI, 17-22), p = 0.006 than the rest of the cohort. Clot strength correlated with the amount of packed red blood cells (p = 0.01), fresh frozen plasma (p = 0.04) and platelet concentrates (p = 0.03) transfused during the first 24 hours of admission. Patients with low clot strength demonstrated increased 30-day mortality (47% vs. 10%, p < 0.001). By logistic regression analysis reduced clot strength was an independent predictor of increased mortality after adjusting for age and ISS.

Conclusion

Low clot strength upon admission is independently associated with increased 30-day mortality in trauma patients and it could be speculated that targeted interventions based on the result of the TEG analysis may improve patient outcome. Prospective randomized trials investigating this potential are highly warranted.