bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ocean Ecosystem on Marine Aerosol‐Cloud Interaction
Authors: Meskhidze Nicholas , Nenes Athanasios
Published: July 2010

Using satellite data for the surface ocean, aerosol optical depth (AOD), and cloud microphysical parameters, we show that statistically significant positive correlations exist between ocean ecosystem productivity, the abundance of submicron aerosols, and cloud microphysical properties over different parts of the remote oceans. The correlation coefficient for remotely sensed surface chlorophyll a concentration ([Chl‐a]) and liquid cloud effective radii over productive areas of the oceans varies between −0.2 and −0.6. Special attention is given to identifying (and addressing) problems from correlation analysis used in the previous studies that can lead to erroneous conclusions. A new approach (using the difference between retrieved AOD and predicted sea salt aerosol optical depth, AODdiff) is developed to explore causal links between ocean physical and biological systems and the abundance of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in the remote marine atmosphere. We have found that over multiple time periods, 550 nm AODdiff (sensitive to accumulation mode aerosol, which is the prime contributor to CCN) correlates well with [Chl‐a] over the productive waters of the Southern Ocean. Since [Chl‐a] can be used as a proxy of ocean biological productivity, our analysis demonstrates the role of ocean ecology in contributing CCN, thus shaping the microphysical properties of low‐level marine clouds.
Peirce′s i and Cohen′s κ for 2 × 2 Measures of Rater Reliability
Authors: Abar Beau , Loken Eric
Published: July 2010

This study examined a historical mixture model approach to the evaluation of ratings made in “gold standard” and two‐rater 2 × 2 contingency tables. Peirce′s i and the derived i average were discussed in relation to a widely used index of reliability in the behavioral sciences, Cohen′s κ. Sample size, population base rate of occurrence, the true “science of the method”, and guessing rates were manipulated across simulations. In “gold standard” situations, Peirce′s i tended to recover the true reliability of ratings as well as better than κ. In two‐rater situations, iave tended to recover the true reliability as well as better than κ in most situations. The empirical utility and potential theoretical benefits of mixture model methods in estimating reliability are discussed, as are the associations between the i statistics and other modern mixture model approaches.
New Oscillation Criteria for Second‐Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations with Positive and Negative Coefficients
Authors: Bai Yuzhen , Liu Lihua
Published: July 2010

We establish the oscillation and asymptotic criteria for the second‐order neutral delay differential equations with positive and negative coefficients having the forms [x(t) + ∑i∈Rci(t)x(αi(t))] ′′ + r(t)[x(t) + ∑i∈Rci(t)x(αi(t))] ′ + ∑i∈Ppi(t)x(βi(t)) − ∑i∈Qqi(t)x(γi(t)) = 0 and [x(t) + ∑i∈Rci(t)x(αi(t))] ′′ + r(t)[x(t) + ∑i∈Rci(t)x(αi(t))] ′ + ∑i∈Ppi(t)x(βi(t)) − ∑i∈Qqi(t)x(γi(t)) = f(t). The obtained new oscillation criteria extend and improve the recent results given in the paperof B. Karpuz et al. (2009).
Reverse Bridge Theorem under Constraint Partition
Authors: Yin Minghao , Zou Tingting , Gu Wenxiang
Published: July 2010

Reverse bridge theorem (RBTH) has been proved to be both a necessary and sufficient condition for solving Nonlinear programming problems. In this paper, we first propose three algorithms for finding constraint minimum points of continuous, discrete, and mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problems based on the reverse bridge theorem. Moreover, we prove that RBTH under constraint partition is also a necessary and sufficient condition for solving nonlinear programming problems. This property can help us to develop an algorithm using RBTH under constraints. Specifically, the algorithm first partitions mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problems (MINLPs) by their constraints into some subproblems in similar forms, then solves each subproblem by using RBTH directly, and finally resolves those unsatisfied global constraints by choosing appropriate penalties. Finally, we prove the soundness and completeness of our algorithm. Experimental results also show that our algorithm is effective and sound.
Foundations of Boundedly Rational Choice and Satisficing Decisions
Authors: Velupillai K. Vela
Published: July 2010

Formally, the orthodox rational agent's “Olympian” choices, as Simon has called orthodox rational choice, are made in a static framework. However, a formalization of consistent choice, underpinned by computability, suggests by, satisficing in a boundedly rational framework is not only more general than the model of “Olympian” rationality, it is also consistently dynamic. This kind of naturally process-oriented approach to the formalization of consistent choice can be interpreted and encapsulated within the framework of decision problems—in the formal sense of metamathematics and mathematical logic—which, in turn, is the natural way of formalizing the notion of Human Problem Solving in the Newell-Simon sense.
Frequency of Drug Resistance Gene Amplification in ClinicalLeishmaniaStrains
Authors: Mary C. , Faraut F. , Deniau M. , Dereure J. , Aoun K. , Ranque S. , Piarroux R.
Published: July 2010

Experimental studies aboutLeishmaniaresistance to metal and antifolates have pointed out that gene amplification is one of the main mechanisms of drug detoxification. Amplified genes code for adenosine triphosphate-dependent transporters (multidrug resistance and P-glycoproteins P), enzymes involved in trypanothione pathway, particularly gamma glutamyl cysteine synthase, and others involved in folates metabolism, such as dihydrofolate reductase and pterine reductase. The aim of this study was to detect and quantify the amplification of these genes in clinical strains of visceral leishmaniasis agents:Leishmania infantum, L. donovani, andL. archibaldi. Relative quantification experiments by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that multidrug resistance gene amplification is the more frequent event. For P-glycoproteins P and dihydrofolate reductase genes, level of amplification was comparable to the level observed after in vitro selection of resistant clones. Gene amplification is therefore a common phenomenon in wild strains concurring toLeishmaniagenomic plasticity. This finding, which corroborates results of experimental studies, supports a better understanding of metal resistance selection and spreading in endemic areas.
Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Presenting as Mild Cutaneous Features of Pemphigus Foliaceus and Lichenoid Stomatitis with Antidesmoglein 1 Antibodies
Authors: Niimi Yayoi , Ohyama Bungo , Di Zenzo Giovanni , Calabresi Valentina , Hashimoto Takashi , Kawana Seiji
Published: July 2010

Herein, we report a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus with mild skin features of pemphigus foliaceus and lichenoid stomatitis associated with B‐cell lymphoma. A 49‐year‐old man presented with scattered blisters and erosions on the trunk along with mucosal blisters and erosions. Skin biopsy showed subcorneal acantholytic bulla and oral mucosal biopsy demonstrated lichenoid dermatitis. Direct immunofluorescence showed cell surface deposits of IgG and C3. Indirect immunofluorescence identified circulating IgG autoantibodies to the cell surfaces of normal human skin and also on the transitional epithelium of rat bladder. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant baculoproteins showed positive antidesmoglein 1 autoantibodies (index 46) but negative antidesmoglein 3 autoantibodies (index 8). Immunoblot analysis using normal human epidermal extract detected BP230 and the 190 kDa periplakin, while immunoprecipitation using radiolabeled cultured keratinocyte immunoprecipitated BP230 and the 210 kDa envoplakin. We consider that the skin lesion was produced by humoral immunity whereas the oral lesion was produced by cellular immunity.
Surface Modification of CuS Nanoparticles and their Effect on the Tribological Properties of Hybrid PTFE/Kevlar Fabric/Phenolic Composite
Authors: Zhang Hui-Juan , Zhang Zhao-Zhu , Fang Guo  , Wei Jiang  , Kun Wang
Published: July 2010

Oleic acid-modified CuS nanoparticles were chemically synthesized. The tribological properties of surface modified and unmodified CuS nanoparticles as additives in the hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Kevlar fabric/phenolic composite were investigated in detail. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of modified CuS nanoparticles improved the antiwear ability of the fabric/phenolic composite at varied loads and environmental temperatures. The reasons for the enhanced wear properties of the fabric/phenolic composite filled with surface-modified CuS nanoparticles were discussed based on the results of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Three-dimensional Elasticity Analysis of Rectangular Composite Plates
Authors: C Valek Ömer , Baltacíoğlu Al Kemal
Published: July 2010

An analysis of laminated composite plates is performed using the three-dimensional equations of linear elasticity. The methodology of the solution is based on the discrete singular convolution (DSC) method. The governing equations for bending and vibration and related boundary conditions are normalized and discretized via DSC approach. The results are carried out and effects of some parameters on static deformation and free vibration are discussed. The method of DSC provides results that show good agreement with available benchmark problems having different material compositions, thickness, and boundary conditions. It is found that the method of DSC yields accurate and efficient results for the composite laminated plate problems under investigation.
Comparison of NTP Historical Control Tumor Incidence Rates in Female Harlan Sprague Dawley and Fischer 344/N Rats
Authors: Dinse Gregg E. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Harris Shawn F. , Elmore Susan A.
Published: July 2010

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has historically used Fischer 344/N (F344/N) rats for the majority of its bioassays. Recently the NTP began using the Harlan Sprague Dawley (SD) as the primary rat model for NTP studies. The NTP had previously used female SD rats in nine bioassays. This article compares historical control (HC) tumor incidence rates from these nine SD rat studies with HC tumor rates from matched NTP F344/N rat bioassays to identify similarities and differences. Matching on sex, laboratory, diet, and route led to nine comparable F344/N rat studies. Our analyses revealed statistically significant strain differences, with female SD rats having lower incidence rates for clitoral gland adenoma (0.2% vs. 5.8%) and mononuclear cell leukemia (0.9% vs. 16.7%) and higher incidence rates for mammary gland fibroadenoma (67.4% vs. 48.4%), mammary gland carcinoma (10.2% vs. 2.4%), and thyroid gland C cell adenoma (25.4% vs. 13.6%) relative to female F344/N rats. These represent five of the seven most common tumor types among female SD and F344/N rats in the NTP HC database. When vehicle was included as an additional matching criterion, the number of comparable F344/N rat studies dropped to four, but similar results were obtained.
Are patients’ preferences for information and participation in medical decision-making being met? Interview study with lung cancer patients
Authors: Pardon Koen , Deschepper Reginald , Vander Stichele Robert , Bernheim Jan , Mortier Freddy , Schallier Denis , Germonpré Paul , Galdermans Daniella , Van Kerckhoven Willem , Deliens Luc
Published: July 2010

We examined the degree to which newly diagnosed patients with advanced lung cancer wanted to be informed and involved in medical decision-making, and whether the patients felt their preferences were met. Patients from 13 hospitals in Flanders were interviewed with a standard questionnaire. A total of 128 patients (68%) participated. Of the patients who wanted to be informed about life expectancy, half (53%) reported they were informed, and of those who wanted to be informed about palliative care and end-of-life decisions, 25% and 31% said they were informed, respectively. With regard to participation in medical decision-making (in general, about treatment, transfer or end-of-life), patients who preferred the doctor to make decisions or those who preferred to make the decision themselves often achieved this (in their perception), while patients who wanted an in-between position with some involvement, often did not. To conclude, preferences of patients with lung cancer for information concerning delicate topics and for shared decision-making with the physician were not well met.
Beyond the Veil in Pakistan
Authors: Critelli Filomena M.
Published: July 2010

Pakistan became highly visible to the West after September 11, 2001, through the many images in the media of women as veiled, submissive, and oppressed by Islam. Most analyses of women in Pakistan have failed to capture the complexity of historical, social, political, and regional factors that bear on gender relations. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and data on human development, the author presents a critical multidimensional analysis of gender issues in Pakistan, with the goal of challenging stereotypes and deepening professional knowledge of global gender issues.
Constructing a World Beyond Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Flaherty Maureen P.
Published: July 2010

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is a societal issue that continues to devastate individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Historical and current attempts to identify and eradicate IPA provide clues about what is working and what is not. Reflecting on written sources and more than 30 years of professional social service work, the author surveys the major causal theories of IPA and the continued devastating impact of IPA on women, men, and children throughout the world. The author’s practice examples provide a commentary on the implications of IPA for citizens, human service practitioners, and policy makers. Building on the concepts of positive peace building through education and training, the author then challenges and provides suggestions for concrete changes that are necessary to move beyond attitudes and intervention/prevention strategies that continue to send the message that IPA is a personal rather than a societal issue.
Her Work From Within
Authors: Nguyen Peter V.
Published: July 2010

This article describes the journey of a young Vietnamese immigrant girl, Sandy Dang, who arrived in the United States with no knowledge of the English language or the U.S. educational system. While her parents worked hard to begin their new life in the United States, Sandy was left on her own to navigate the unknown waters. What she needed was a mentor who could help her with schoolwork and with adjusting to life in this country. Now a grown woman and having witnessed many Vietnamese youths traveling the same and confusing journey, Sandy Dang set up an agency, Asian American Leadership, Empowerment, and Development of Youth and Families (AALEAD), to help such youths and their parents transition to American life. Sandy’s vision and agency have helped many of youths who have gone on to have successful careers and who have come back as volunteers to help continue Sandy’s legacy.
Testing of Fiber Composite Leaf Spring for Heavy Axle Loads
Authors: Cherruault J.Y. , Hou J.P. , Jeronimidis G. , Mayer R. , Chvojan J.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the results of quasi-static and dynamic testing of glass fiber-reinforced polyester leaf suspension for rail freight vehicles named Euroleaf. The principal elements of the suspension’s design and manufacturing process are initially summarized. Comparison between quasi-static tests and finite element predictions are then presented. The Euroleaf suspension have been mounted on a tipper wagon and tested dynamically at tare and full load on a purpose-built shaker rig. A shaker rig dynamic testing methodology has been pioneered for rail vehicles, which follows closely road vehicle suspension dynamic testing methodology. The use and evaluation of this methodology have demonstrated that the Euroleaf suspension is dynamically much softer than steel suspensions even though it is statically much stiffer. As a consequence, the suspension dynamic loading at laden loading conditions is reduced compared to the most advanced steel leaf suspension over shaker rig track tests.
Legitimation of massacres in Israeli school history books
Authors: Peled-Elhanan Nurit
Published: July 2010

This article examines reports about massacres in eight Israeli secondary school history books, published between 1998 and 2009.1 It aims to show that massacres, or rather their outcome, are legitimated in these books through a complex rhetoric that involves both verbal and visual means.

The article uses theories and analytical tools of Critical Discourse Analysis, Social Semiotics and Multimodal Analysis to examine the linguistic, discursive, generic and multimodal strategies of legitimation employed in these school books. The analysis is based primarily on the works of Van Dijk (1997), Martin Rojo and Van Dijk (1997),Van Leeuwen (2000, 2007, 2008), Van Leeuwen and Wodak (1999), Hodge and Kress (1993) and Coffin (1997, 2006). The article argues that Israeli mainstream school books implicitly legitimate the killing of Palestinians as an effective tool to preserve a secure Jewish state with a Jewish majority, and suggests that this legitimation prepares Israeli youth to be good soldiers and to carry on the practices of occupation in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
‘Doing denial’: audience reaction to human rights appeals
Authors: Bruna Seu Irene
Published: July 2010

Whilst many hypotheses have been formulated on why audiences remain passive in response to distant suffering, very little empirical research has been carried out to verify these hypotheses. This article discusses audience denial in response to information about human rights abuses1, paying attention to both content and strategies used in accounts of denial, i.e. what these accounts say and by which means they effectively neutralize appeals for action. Three repertoires are identified as specific targets for neutralization: (1) The message itself (‘the medium is the message’); (2) Campaigners and, in particular, Amnesty International (AI) (‘shoot the messenger’); (3) The action recommended in the appeal (‘babies and bathwater’). These repertoires are analysed in terms of the discursive techniques — e.g. argumentation, rhetorical and semantic moves and speech acts — used to neutralize the moral claims made by Amnesty International’s appeals. The article suggests that audience denial is an operation of power and production of knowledge in so far as it plays a role in sustaining and colluding with more systemic and official operations of passivity and denial. The normative implication of audiences’ justifications for their passivity is illustrated in their banal, everyday contribution to a morality of unresponsiveness. The discussion aims to contribute to current debates on the ‘Politics of Pity’, social responsibility and distant suffering. It also contributes to psychological work on pro-social behaviour and, in particular, to research on audiences’ responses to humanitarian appeals and mediation in general.
New Labour and globalization: Globalist discourse with a twist?
Authors: L'Hôte Emilie
Published: July 2010

This article presents a qualitative and quantitative corpus study based on a collection of new Labour texts (1994 to 2007), as an analysis of the party’s discourse on globalization. In addition to providing a detailed description of the multi-faceted concept of globalization, I show that new Labour discourse on globalization is an instance of globalist discourse with a twist. An analysis of the conceptual metaphors related to globalization confirms that it is understood as an inevitable phenomenon, whose causes are unknown and which is almost impossible to predict or stop. However, the link between globalization and progress is more complex: the promise of progress often includes a threat which aims at rendering unpopular policies palatable. I relate this argumentative technique to the emergence of Mouffe’s (1998) ‘politics without adversary’, and argue that it is a characteristic of new Labour discourse beyond the single topic of globalization.
‘Out with the old, in with the ‘‘new’’’: What constitutes a new party?
Authors: Barnea Shlomit , Rahat Gideon
Published: July 2010

‘What constitutes a new political party?’ The answer to this question is central to the analysis of stability, continuity and change of party organizations, inter-party politics (party systems) and the political system as a whole. Yet, political science literature does not offer a standard answer to this question. The use of different conceptualizations limits the ability of political scientists to communicate with each other, and a lack of awareness of the variations in the conceptualization and operationalization of new parties may lead to errors in the interpretation of data. This study proposes two tools by which to analyse a party’s ‘newness’. The first involves a multidimensional framework that enables the relative ‘newness’ of a party to be reckoned; the second is a definition that proposes a threshold to determine (dichotomously) whether a party should be considered as new or not. We use the borderline case of the Israeli party Kadima to demonstrate the usefulness of these tools at the level of the party and its significance at the party system level.
Physical education, sport education and physical activity policies: Teacher knowledge and implementation in their Victorian state secondary school
Authors: Jenkinson Kate , Benson Amanda
Published: July 2010

Despite many worldwide physical education (PE) and physical activity policies targeting children in schools, there is considerable variation between policy and implementation. The purpose of this study was to investigate Victorian state secondary PE teachers’ knowledge and implementation of the mandated policy of 100 minutes of PE and 100 minutes of sport education per week across compulsory schooling. An online questionnaire was completed by 115 teachers, 48 percent of whom had correct knowledge of the mandate. Teachers reported compliance to the mandate within their school of between 23 and 33 percent in PE and 2 and 3 percent in sport education across year levels. There were significant associations between school size and reported ability to meet the PE mandate in Year 7 (χ2(1) = 4.46, p = 0.035), Year 8 (χ 2(1) = 4.97, p = 0.026) and Year 9 (χ2(1) = 4.24, p = 0.039). In summary, findings suggest that teacher awareness or knowledge of the mandate did not equate to the implementation of policies in schools.
Making the Invisible, Visible: Race Matters in Human Resource Development
Authors: Alfred Mary V. , Chlup Dominique T.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this article is to create space for authentic dialogues about “race” in the discourse on diversity in graduate programs of human resource development (HRD). Although HRD professes an interest in diversity, it has not seriously made it a part of the curriculum, and race as a dimension of diversity has remained invisible. In approaching this exploration, we were guided by the following questions: (a) How is race conceptualized in the social science literature? (b) To what extent have HRD scholars and practitioners responded to the discourse on race, particularly in light of the increase in racioethnic minorities in education and in the workplace? (c) How can HRD educators facilitate greater attention to race in the process of teaching and learning? From our review of the literature, we found some attention to diversity in general but race remains an invisible construct despite the rapid increase in the number of racioethnic minorities to the United States and other nations. To facilitate research and teaching about race, we suggest critical race theory as a framework to guide such activities. Recommendations for teaching race in graduate HRD programs are presented.
Understanding, Designing, and Teaching LGBT Issues
Authors: Gedro Julie
Published: July 2010

This article will provide a context as well as content for teaching LGBT issues within HRD. In order to frame both context and content, the article begins with a discussion of queer theory. It then surveys employment laws that protect LGBT people around the world. Because LGBT issues intersect HRM and HRD, and because of the scarcity of LGBT issues courses within the field of HRD, the article highlights a freestanding college course in HRM as an example for purposes of design as well as content.
Implications for Diversity in the HRD Curriculum Drawn From Current Organizational Practices on Addressing Workforce Diversity in Management Training
Authors: Kormanik Martin B. , Chyle Rajan Harminder
Published: July 2010

Valuing workforce diversity entails managing in a way designed to fully realize the potential benefits that differences can bring. It means being aware of behavior, leveraging strengths, acknowledging biases/prejudices, avoiding assumptions, and focusing on job performance and conduct. In practice, human resource development (HRD) is often called on to provide training that supports management’s efforts to value workforce diversity. Although many organizations have stand-alone diversity training programs, an emergent organizational practice is inclusion of diversity topics within other training curricula. Of particular interest is the leadership development curricula for senior managers, as participants in these programs are expected to establish and maintain an organizational culture that values diversity. The purpose of this article is to answer the question, Based on the way some organizations address diversity issues in their leadership training for senior managers, what are the implications for diversity in the HRD academic curriculum? This study was exploratory, limited to the perspectives of organizational stakeholders (i.e., training and workforce diversity specialists) conveyed through three case studies.
Planning of Kampala City 1903—1962: The Planning Ideas, Values, and Their Physical Expression
Authors: Omolo-Okalebo Fredrick , Haas Tigran , Werner Inga Britt , Sengendo Hannington
Published: July 2010

The historical association between the planning of Kampala city and colonialism is unquestioned. The empirical observation indicates that the spatial structure of Kampala is partly a unique product of European colonial planning—their inherent ideas and principles. Scholars and analysts have largely ignored this important aspect in the assessment of planning of Kampala. This article attempts to fill the knowledge gap on the historical planning ideas and how the ideas were implemented in Kampala’s urban space. Through a descriptive and exploratory approach, and by review and deduction of archival and documentary resources, this article suggests two major factors including inter alia, the discovery of malaria and the germ theory, the need to reproduce ‘‘European type space’’ in Kampala affected planning and consequently, the urban structure of Kampala city in the first half of the twentieth century.
‘We see our people suffering’: the war, the mass media and the reproduction of Muslim identity among youth
Authors: Güney Ülkü
Published: July 2010

The wars in the Middle East and representations of Muslims in this context have an immediate effect on Muslim minority ethnic groups, particularly youth in western European countries. This article explores the relationship between the construction of identities of British Muslim Asians between the ages of 16 and 23 years and the mass media. It is based on fieldwork conducted from 2002 to 2004 in Bradford, an impoverished northern ‘milltown’ in Britain that witnessed violent protests known as ‘race riots’ in 2001. The results of the fieldwork suggest a correlation between the conceptions of media messages about the wars in the Middle East and the construction of a global Muslim community with which youths associate themselves. Using excerpts from individual and focus group interviews, the article aims to investigate the link between the challenging local and national conditions caused by racial discrimination and the affiliation of these youths with a global Muslim community.
Wrist arthrodesis as a salvage procedure for failed implant arthroplasty
Authors: Rizzo M. , Ackerman D. B. , Rodrigues R. L. , Beckenbaugh R. D.
Published: July 2010

Salvage of failed total wrist arthroplasty by arthrodesis may be difficult because of bone loss and poor quality of bone and soft tissues. We examined the outcomes of wrist arthrodesis for failed total wrist arthroplasty in a retrospective study of 21 wrists in 17 patients. Clinical data, radiographs, patient-reported outcomes and DASH questionnaires were used. Thirteen women and four men had undergone total wrist arthroplasty at an average age of 55 years. The mode of failure was aseptic loosening in 13 wrists. The average time from the index arthroplasty to wrist arthrodesis was 7.6 years. Autograft and/or allograft bone graft was used in all of the wrists. Arthrodesis was achieved in 11 wrists and ten had a nonunion. Six arthrodeses underwent eight revisions for nonunion, with two achieving union. The mean DASH score was 29 in wrists that fused and 36 in those that did not fuse. Pain scores averaged 2.1 in the wrists that fused and 3.3 in the nonunion group. Most patients had clinical improvement.
A single sequence context cannot satisfy all non-AUG initiator codons in yeast†
Authors: Chang Chia-Pei , Chen Shun-Jia , Lin Chen-Huan , Wang Tzu-Ling , Wang Chien-Chia
Published: July 2010

Background

Previous studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed that ALA1 (encoding alanyl-tRNA synthetase) and GRS1 (encoding glycyl-tRNA synthetase) respectively use ACG and TTG as their alternative translation initiator codons. To explore if any other non-ATG triplets can act as initiator codons in yeast, ALA1 was used as a reporter for screening.

Results

We show herein that except for AAG and AGG, all triplets that differ from ATG by a single nucleotide were able to serve as initiator codons in ALA1. Among these initiator codons, TTG, CTG, ACG, and ATT had ~50% initiating activities relative to that of ATG, while GTG, ATA, and ATC had ~20% initiating activities relative to that of ATG. Unexpectedly, these non-AUG initiator codons exhibited different preferences toward various sequence contexts. In particular, GTG was one of the most efficient non-ATG initiator codons, while ATA was essentially inactive in the context of GRS1.

Conclusion

This finding indicates that a sequence context that is favorable for a given non-ATG initiator codon might not be as favorable for another.
Meta-analysis of radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Zhao Yanfang , Li Bin , Xu Donghui , Yin Zhengfeng , Xie Feng , Yang Jiamei
Published: July 2010

Background

There is no clear consensus on the better therapy [radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus hepatic resection (HR)] for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) eligible for surgical treatments. This study is a meta-analysis of the available evidence.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing RFA with HR for small HCC published from 1997 to 2009 in PubMed and Medline. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model.

Results

One randomized controlled trial, and 9 nonrandomized controlled trials studies were included in this analysis. These studies included a total of 1411 patients: 744 treated with RFA and 667 treated with HR. The overall survival was significantly higher in patients treated with HR than in those treated with RFA at 3 years (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.71), and at 5 year (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-1.01). RFA has a higher rates of local intrahepatic recurrence compared to HR (OR: 4.50, 95% CI: 2.45-8.27). In the HR group the 1, 3, and 5 years disease -free survival rates were significantly better than in the HR-treated patients (respectively: OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.84; OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28-0.68; OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99). The postoperative morbidity was higher with HR (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.65), but no significant differences were found concerning mortality. For tumors ≤ 3 cm HR did not differ significantly from RFA for survival, as reported in three NRCTs .

Conclusions

HR was superior to RFA in the treatment of patients with small HCC eligible for surgical treatments, particularly for tumors > 3 cm. However, the findings have to be carefully interpreted due to the lower level of evidence.
Osteopoikilosis and multiple exostoses caused by novel mutations in LEMD3 and EXT1 genes respectively - coincidence within one family
Authors: Baasanjav Sevjidmaa , Jamsheer Aleksander , Kolanczyk Mateusz , Horn Denise , Latos Tomasz , Hoffmann Katrin , Latos-Bielenska Anna , Mundlos Stefan
Published: July 2010

Background

Osteopoikilosis is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterised by the occurrence of the hyperostotic spots preferentially localized in the epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones, and in the carpal and tarsal bones [1]. Heterozygous LEMD3 gene mutations were shown to be the primary cause of the disease [2]. Association of the primarily asymptomatic osteopokilosis with connective tissue nevi of the skin is categorized as Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) [3]. Additionally, osteopoikilosis can coincide with melorheostosis (MRO), a more severe bone disease characterised by the ectopic bone formation on the periosteal and endosteal surface of the long bones [4–6]. However, not all MRO affected individuals carry germ-line LEMD3 mutations [7]. Thus, the genetic cause of MRO remains unknown. Here we describe a familial case of osteopoikilosis in which a novel heterozygous LEMD3 mutation coincides with a novel mutation in EXT1, a gene involved in aetiology of multiple exostosis syndrome. The patients affected with both LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations displayed typical features of the osteopoikilosis. There were no additional skeletal manifestations detected however, various non-skeletal pathologies coincided in this group.

Methods

We investigated LEMD3 and EXT1 in the three-generation family from Poland, with 5 patients affected with osteopoikilosis and one child affected with multiple exostoses.

Results

We found a novel c.2203C > T (p.R735X) mutation in exon 9 of LEMD3, resulting in a premature stop codon at amino acid position 735. The mutation co-segregates with the osteopoikilosis phenotype and was not found in 200 ethnically matched controls. Another new substitution G > A was found in EXT1 gene at position 1732 (cDNA) in Exon 9 (p.A578T) in three out of five osteopoikilosis affected family members. Evolutionary conservation of the affected amino acid suggested possible functional relevance, however no additional skeletal manifestations were observed other then those specific for osteopoikilosis. Finally in one member of the family we found a splice site mutation in the EXT1 gene intron 5 (IVS5-2 A > G) resulting in the deletion of 9 bp of cDNA encoding three evolutionarily conserved amino acid residues. This child patient suffered from a severe form of exostoses, thus a causal relationship can be postulated.

Conclusions

We identified a new mutation in LEMD3 gene, accounting for the familial case of osteopoikilosis. In the same family we identified two novel EXT1 gene mutations. One of them A598T co-incided with the LEMD3 mutation. Co-incidence of LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations was not associated with a more severe skeletal phenotype in those patients.
Deregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression and lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiqiang , Wang Anxun , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Kolokythas Antonia , Sheng Shihu , Rubini Corrado , Ye Hui , Shi Fei , Yu Tianwei , Crowe David L , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: July 2010

Background

Lymph node metastasis is a critical event in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). The identification of biomarkers associated with the metastatic process would provide critical prognostic information to facilitate clinical decision making. Previous studies showed that deregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression is a frequent event in TSCC and may be associated with enhanced cell invasion. The purpose of this study is to further evaluate whether the expression level of SOD2 is correlated with the metastatic status in TSCC patients.

Methods

We first examined the SOD2 expression at mRNA level on 53 TSCC and 22 normal control samples based on pooled-analysis of existing microarray datasets. To confirm our observations, we examined the expression of SOD2 at protein level on an additional TSCC patient cohort (n = 100), as well as 31 premalignant dysplasias, 15 normal tongue mucosa, and 32 lymph node metastatic diseases by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

The SOD2 mRNA level in primary TSCC tissue is reversely correlated with lymph node metastasis in the first TSCC patient cohort. The SOD2 protein level in primary TSCC tissue is also reversely correlated with lymph node metastasis in the second TSCC patient cohort. Deregulation of SOD2 expression is a common event in TSCC and appears to be associated with disease progression. Statistical analysis revealed that the reduced SOD2 expression in primary tumor tissue is associated with lymph node metastasis in both TSCC patient cohorts examined.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the deregulation of SOD2 in TSCC has potential predictive values for lymph node metastasis, and may serve as a therapeutic target for patients at risk of metastasis.
Association between arsenic exposure and plasma cholinesterase activity: a population based study in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Hoque Md Ashraful , Haque Abedul , Salam Kazi Abdus , Karim Md Rezaul , Rahman Aminur , Islam Khairul , Saud Zahangir Alam , Khalek Md Abdul , Akhand Anwarul Azim , Hossain Mostaque , Mandal Abul , Karim Md Rezaul , Miyataka Hideki , Himeno Seiichiro , Hossain Khaled
Published: July 2010

Background

Arsenic is a potent pollutant that has caused an environmental catastrophe in certain parts of the world including Bangladesh where millions of people are presently at risk due to drinking water contaminated by arsenic. Chronic arsenic exposure has been scientifically shown as a cause for liver damage, cancers, neurological disorders and several other ailments. The relationship between plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activity and arsenic exposure has not yet been clearly documented. However, decreased PChE activity has been found in patients suffering liver dysfunction, heart attack, cancer metastasis and neurotoxicity. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the PChE activity in individuals exposed to arsenic via drinking water in Bangladesh.

Methods

A total of 141 Bangladeshi residents living in arsenic endemic areas with the mean arsenic exposure of 14.10 ± 3.27 years were selected as study subjects and split into tertile groups based on three water arsenic concentrations: low (< 129 μg/L), medium (130-264 μg/L) and high (> 265 μg/L). Study subjects were further sub-divided into two groups (≤50 μg/L and > 50 μg/L) based on the recommended upper limit of water arsenic concentration (50 μg/L) in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from the study subjects by venipuncture and arsenic concentrations in drinking water, hair and nail samples were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). PChE activity was assayed by spectrophotometer.

Results

Arsenic concentrations in hair and nails were positively correlated with the arsenic levels in drinking water. Significant decreases in PChE activity were observed with increasing concentrations of arsenic in water, hair and nails. The average levels of PChE activity in low, medium and high arsenic exposure groups were also significantly different between each group. Lower levels of PChE activity were also observed in the > 50 μg/L group compared to the ≤50 μg/L group. Moreover, PChE activity was significantly decreased in the skin (+) symptoms group compared to those without (-).

Conclusions

We found a significant inverse relationship between arsenic exposure and PChE activity in a human population in Bangladesh. This research demonstrates a novel exposure-response relationship between arsenic and PChE activity which may explain one of the biological mechanisms through which arsenic exerts its neuro-and hepatotoxicity in humans.
Outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Yunnan, People's Republic of China, 2007
Authors: Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Zhang Yong , Zhang Jing , Zhou Yongming , Xu Wenbo
Published: July 2010

An outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) occurred in Yunnan Province, China between August and September in 2007. A total of 3,597 cases were officially reported and the incidence rate reached 1390.94/100,000. Descriptive epidemiological analysis of the outbreak was conducted using the data from National Disease Supervision Information Management System (NDSIMS). To determine the causative agent for this outbreak and to analyze their genetic features, 30 conjunctival swabs and 19 paired serum specimens of acute and convalescent phase were collected from 30 patients with AHC, and viral isolation, molecular typing, antibody assay and phylogenetic analysis were performed.

11 virus strains were isolated from 30 conjunctival swabs. Amplification and sequencing of the VP4 region of these strains identified that coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v) could be the causative agent of the AHC outbreak and this was further confirmed by subsequent virus neutralizing antibody test on 19 paired serum specimens. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 3C regions showed that the Yunnan CA24v strains belonged to Group 3 and clustered with the strains isolated from worldwide AHC outbreaks after 2002. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial VP1 revealed that the Yunnan strains differed from the strains isolated from AHC outbreak in Guangdong of China in 2007 with 2.8 - 3.0% nucleotide divergence, suggesting that two different lineages of CA24v caused the independent AHC outbreaks in Yunnan and Guangdong, respectively.
The impact of bisphosphonates on the osteoblast proliferation and Collagen gene expression in vitro
Authors: Koch Felix Peter , Yekta Sareh Said , Merkel Christina , Ziebart Thomas , Smeets Ralf
Published: July 2010

Background

Bisphosphonates are widely used in the clinical treatment of bone diseases with increased bone resorption. In terms of side effects, they are known to be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates on osteoblast proliferation by cell count and gene expression analysis of cyclin D1in vitro. Furthermore, the gene expression of the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I was evaluated. Nitrogen-containing and non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates have been compared on gene expression levels.

Methods

Human osteoblast obtained from hip bone were stimulated with zoledronate, ibandronate and clodronate at concentrations of 5 × 10-5M over the experimental periods of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 14 days. At each point in time, the cells were dissolved, the mRNA extracted, and the gene expression level of cyclin D1 and collagen type I were quantified by Real-Time RT-PCR. The gene expression was compared to an unstimulated osteoblast cell culture for control.

Results

The proliferation appeared to have been influenced only to a small degree by bisphosphonates. Zolendronate led to a lower cyclin D1 gene expression after 10 days. The collagen gene expression was enhanced by nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, decreased however after day 10. The non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate clodronate, however, did not significantly influence cyclin D1 and collagen gene expression.

Conclusions

The above data suggest a limited influence of bisphosphonates on osteoblast proliferation, except for zoledronate. The extracellular matrix production seems to be initially advanced and inhibited after 10 days. Interestingly, clodronate has little influence on osteoblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production in terms of cyclin D1 and collagen gene expression.
Risk factors in critical illness myopathy during the early course of critical illness: a prospective observational study
Authors: Weber-Carstens Steffen , Deja Maria , Koch Susanne , Spranger Joachim , Bubser Florian , Wernecke Klaus D , Spies Claudia D , Spuler Simone , Keh Didier
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Non-excitable muscle membrane indicates critical illness myopathy (CIM) during early critical illness. We investigated predisposing risk factors for non-excitable muscle membrane at onset of critical illness.

Methods

We performed sequential measurements of muscle membrane excitability after direct muscle stimulation (dmCMAP) in 40 intensive care unit (ICU) patients selected upon a simplified acute physiology (SAPS-II) score ≥ 20 on 3 successive days within 1 week after ICU admission. We then investigated predisposing risk factors, including the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-system, inflammatory, metabolic and hemodynamic parameters, as well as suspected medical treatment prior to first occurrence of abnormal dmCMAP. Nonparametric analysis of two-factorial longitudinal data and multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

22 patients showed abnormal muscle membrane excitability during direct muscle stimulation within 7 (5 to 9.25) days after ICU admission. Significant risk factors for the development of impaired muscle membrane excitability in univariate analysis included inflammation, disease severity, catecholamine and sedation requirements, as well as IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-I), but did not include either adjunctive hydrocortisone treatment in septic shock, nor administration of neuromuscular blocking agents or aminoglycosides. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, interleukin-6 remained the significant risk factor for the development of impaired muscle membrane excitability (HR 1.006, 95%-CI (1.002 to 1.011), P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation during early critical illness was found to be the main risk factor for development of CIM during early critical illness. Inflammation-induced impairment of growth-factor mediated insulin sensitivity may be involved in the development of CIM.