bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Electrorheological Fluids — Characteristics and Implementation in Industrial and Mobile Applications
Authors: Gurka M. , Johnston L. , Petricevic R.
Published: January 2010

Various applications for controllable dampers in the industrial and automotive sector are demanding an improved electrorheological (ER)-fluid, concerning performance and long-term behavior. The newly developed ER-fluid RheOil ® 3.0 presented here overcomes the main disadvantages like sedimentation and re-dispersing behavior. Besides this, better ER-performance (control ratio, current-density, step response time) could also be achieved. During tests of the response to changing temperature and long-term behavior, no significant degradation of the fluid or abrasive wear in the components was found over a wide temperature range.
Facilitator, Researcher, Politician, Magician
Authors: Herbert Anne
Published: January 2010

Practitioners considering researching and facilitating processes that are concurrently within the same context are likely to encounter pressures and choices unlike those faced by others choosing to separate the roles of facilitator and researcher. Research and facilitation are widely regarded as serving different purposes with different goals and outcomes; however, some intersections can be highly productive while also being stimulating, uncomfortable, energizing, conflicted, puzzling, and revealing. Simultaneously occupying facilitator and researcher roles requires greater mindfulness of one’s actions and emotions than if one is occupying only one role. This article offers four metaphors—‘politician,’ ‘magician,’ ‘trader/traitor,’ and ‘ventriloquist’—to highlight the kinds of pressures likely to be encountered and the nature of resulting choices when intending to research the processes of one’s own facilitator practices and contexts.
Parental Bonding Styles in Relation to Adolescent Males’ Runaway Behavior
Authors: McGarvey Elizabeth L. , Keller Adrienne , Brown Gerald L. , DeLonga Kathryn , Miller Andrew G. , Runge Jonathan S. , Koopman Cheryl
Published: January 2010

This study investigated the relationship between runaway behavior and the quality of parental attachment, or parental bonding style, among a sample of 159 incarcerated adolescent males. Participants completed the Demographic and Descriptive Inventory (DADI) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), and provided responses to the question, "Have you ever run away from home and stayed overnight?" Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that participants' reports of running away were significantly correlated with fathers' affectionless control (r = .18, p = .02) and mothers' affectionless control (r = .20, p = .013). Binary logistic regression suggested that affectionless control by either parent significantly predicted a participant's running away from home (x2 = 12.69, df = 6, p < .05). These results indicate that the quality of these youths' parental attachment is an important factor in their decisions about whether to run away from home, suggesting that parental bonding style may be a potential risk factor for running away from home.
Who Is My Client? Maintaining Paperwork When the Client Changes
Authors: Adams Susan A.
Published: January 2010

The ethical codes of American Counseling Association (ACA) and International Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC) both address the importance of defining who the client is. It becomes very critical when more than one person is involved in the therapeutic process because it dictates therapeutic interventions and several other issues such as confidentiality, file maintenance, and informed consent. When the initial therapeutic relationship is altered by the addition of either the spouse or a couple being separated into individual counseling for a limited number of sessions, counselors must address their philosophical belief about keeping secrets. These issues will be addressed through two case scenarios using the ACA and IAMFC ethical codes. One suggestion of linking clients and their multiple files is given.
Cocreating Life Pathways: Problem Gambling and its Impact on Families
Authors: Kalischuk Ruth Grant
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to present a grounded theory specific to problem gambling and its impact on families. The research question was ‘‘How does problem gambling impact the family?’’ Twenty-two families participated in the study; most families (n = 21) were involved in treatment for problem gambling. In total, 47 interviews were conducted with 37 family members. Using the grounded theory method, the interviews were analyzed and the resulting theory is comprised of seven interrelated, dynamic, and iterative elements. The first two elements, trauma and trigger, are specific to the problem gambler. These two elements are foundational to the initiation of problem gambling and are referred as the problem gambling platform. Once problem gambling behavior is initiated, both the gambler and other family members individually and collectively experience the other five elements including transition, tension and turmoil, transformation, transcendence, and termination. Understood from a holistic perspective, the psychosocial processes described in this theory ultimately result in family members cocreating life pathways for both themselves and other family members. Representing the uniqueness of each individual family member’s journey within the context of the family environment, this theory highlights the need for relational, family-focused care, and treatment options.
Rebuilding Roombeek: Patterns of Citizen Participation in Urban Governance
Authors: Denters Bas , Klok Pieter-Jan
Published: January 2010

In 2000, a deprived inner-city district of Enschede (the Netherlands) known as Roombeek was largely devastated by an explosion of a fireworks storage depot. This article evaluates the efforts made by the municipality of Enschede to actively involve the former residents in the reconstruction planning. The results indicate that through a well-ordered process and a considered mobilization campaign, the initiators of the participatory planning process have been successful in stimulating broad and representative public participation.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Academic Influences of and on Evaluation Theorists’ Published Works
Authors: Heberger Anne E. , Christie Christina A. , Alkin Marvin C.
Published: January 2010

As is the case with other fields, there is motivation for studying the impact that the body of evaluation theory literature has within and outside the field. The authors used journal articles written by theorists included on the evaluation theory tree by Alkin and Christie (2004; Christie & Alkin, 2008) and published in the Web of Science, an online academic database, as a data source to address the questions: ‘‘What fields of knowledge do evaluation theorists draw upon in their publications?’’ and ‘‘What fields draw upon the published articles of evaluation theorists in their work?’’ The bibliometric analysis of 731 journal articles published by evaluation theorists shows that evaluation is an intellectual field that is strongly informed by psychology and education, as well as a range of other subjects. There are some consistencies in the publishing patterns of the theorists across the three branches of the theory tree (methods, use, and valuing), but multidimensional scaling maps show that each branch also exhibits a distinctive character of its own. References to a random sample of 500 articles from a subset of 9 theorists indicate that these theorists were cited not only in the areas that they themselves cite, but also in areas beyond where they routinely publish.
The social context of drunkenness in mid-adolescence
Authors: Heimisdottir Jorlaug , Vilhjalmsson Runar , Kristjansdottir Gudrun , Meyrowitsch Dan Wolf
Published: January 2010

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess sociodemographic, parental and peer predictors of self-reported drunkenness in mid-adolescence. Methods: The data were obtained from a national school survey covering a random half of all Icelandic 9th and 10th grade students (mean age 14.7 years). The overall response rate was 92% (n = 3,913). Results: 30% of the respondents reported having been drunk or intoxicated at least once during the 30-day period prior to the survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that living with a single father, or in an urban area; having friends who get drunk or accept drunkenness; being supported by friends; having a father who gets drunk; having parents who assent to drunkenness; and lacking support from parents, were significantly associated with drunkenness. The strongest predictors of drunkenness were drunkenness among friends and friends’ acceptance of drinking. The study did not find significant differences in the odds of drunkenness by gender or parental education. Students in 10th grade had higher odds of drunkeness than 9th grade students, which was accounted for by different family and peer contexts of younger and older adolescents. Conclusions: Residence, family structure, high peer support, peer acceptance, peer drunkenness, parental acceptance, father drunkenness, and low parental support was related to higher odds of drunkenness in mid-adolescents. The results give directions to future research and interventions intended to prevent alcohol abuse in this population.
Determinants of return to work after long-term sickness absence in six Danish municipalities
Authors: Stoltenberg Christian D.G. , Skov Peder G.
Published: January 2010

Background: Different follow-up times and methods in return to work (RTW) research make it difficult to compare results between studies, and not all intervention effects and determinants may be constant over time. Aims: This study aimed to describe the RTW process of a population of long-term sickness-absent workers over a 3-year period in terms of the effect of selected determinants over time. Methods: A total of 7780 sickness-absent persons were registered by social workers in six different municipalities and were followed up for 2 to 3 years. Estimates from multiple logistic regression analyses conducted for every 4 weeks were plotted against time to identify changes in the effects of selected determinants. Results: After 1.5 years, 55.2% of the population had returned to work and this level was maintained through the remaining follow-up period. All the included potential determinants were found to be significantly related to RTW at 1 and 3 years. The effects of sex, ethnicity, and income were found to be nearly constant over time. The effects of municipality, diagnosis, and age changed markedly over time and mostly during the first year. Conclusions: RTW increased during the first 1.5 years after which a steady level was maintained. The effect of diagnosis, age, and municipality changed markedly over time.
Structured functional assessments in general practice increased the use of part-time sick leave: A cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Østerås Nina , Gulbrandsen Pål , Kann Inger Cathrine , Brage Søren
Published: January 2010

Aim: A method for structured functional assessments of persons with long-term sick leave was implemented in a cluster randomised controlled trial in general practice. The aim was to analyse intervention effects on general practitioner (GP) sick-listing practice and patient sick leave. Methods: 57 GPs were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group GPs learned the method at a 1-day workshop including teamwork and role-playing. The control group GPs were requested to assess functional ability as usual during the 8 months intervention period in 2005. Outcome measures included duration of patient sick leave episodes, GP prescription of part-time sick leave, active sick leave, and vocational rehabilitation. This data was extracted from a national register. Results: The GPs in the intervention group prescribed part-time sick leave more often (p < 0.01) and active sick leave less often (p = 0.04) than the control group GPs during the intervention period. There was no intervention effect on duration of patient sick leave episodes or on GP prescription of vocational rehabilitation. Conclusions: Implementing structured functional assessments in general practice made the GPs capable to assess functional ability of persons with long-term sick leave in a standardised and explicit manner. The intervention GPs’ sick-listing practice was changed as they prescribed more part-time and less active sick leave compared to the control group GPs. As a result, more intervention GP patients returned to part-time work compared to control GP patients. No intervention effect was seen on duration of patient sick leave episodes or on prescription of vocational rehabilitation.
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in the New Millennium!
Authors: Marik Paul E.
Published: January 2010

Clinical trials conducted in the latter part of the past millennium suggested that bleeding from gastric stress ulceration was an important cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and that treatment with acid-suppressive therapy reduced the risk of clinically significant bleeding. Stress ulcer prophylaxis therefore became regarded as the standard of care in all ICU patients. However, more recent clinical trials have demonstrated that the risk of clinically significant bleeding is extremely low (about 1%) and not altered by the use of acid-suppressive therapy. Furthermore, a critical review of the “historical” clinical trials, as well as the data from experimental and more recent clinical trials, suggests that enteral feeding (gastric) is at least as effective as acid-suppressive therapy in the prevention of gastric stress ulceration and is the prophylactic measure of choice in most ICU patients.
Case Discussion
Authors: Oh Scott , Hackner Dani , Lewis Michael I. , Rana Jamal S. , Schwarz Ernst R.
Published: January 2010

Case

A 59-year-old man presents to a major tertiary hospital with chest pain and electrocardiographic abnormalities including diffuse ST-segment elevations. During the intensive care course the patient develops increasing respiratory failure. The discussants on this roundtable case report address diagnostic challenges, therapeutic aims, and goals of treatment in order to meet expected quality standards.
When Is ICU Admission Required for Postoperative Neurosurgical Patients?
Authors: Alban Rodrigo F. , Nishi Gregg K. , Shabot M. Michael
Published: January 2010

Admission to ICU is standard following neurosurgical procedures, however several studies have shown that postoperative neurosurgical patients require only neurological monitoring with minimal ICU interventions. This study evaluates if a subgroup of patients can be identified and safely cared for in an intermediate care unit. It is a retrospective analysis of neurosurgical admissions to the SICU in a metropolitan teaching hospital over a period of 3 years. High-intensity (HI) patients were defined as those requiring active ICU therapy and interventions. Low-intensity (LI) patients were considered potential intermediate care unit candidates. From 1730 neurosurgical SICU admissions, there were 407 HI patients (26%). The remaining LI patients received 3039 days of SICU care, including 2186 days (72%) with a Glasgow Coma Scale >14. In the LI group, 76.5% of patients had a length of stay of 24 hours or less. The average daily neurosurgical census comprised 2.8 LI and 2.9 HI patients/day. Approximately 75% of neurosurgical SICU admissions meet LI criteria. They have lower admission severity scores and usually stay in the SICU for 1 day or less. The authors conclude that an average of 2.8 LI patients currently receiving care in the SICU each day could be safely cared for in an intermediate care unit.
Cell-Laden and Cell-Free Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis versus Microfracture for the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects
Authors: Gille Justus , Kunow Julius , Boisch Luer , Behrens Peter , Bos Ingeborg , Hoffmann Christiane , Köller Wolfgang , Russlies Martin , Kurz Bodo
Published: January 2010

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of cell-laden and cell-free collagen matrices in comparison to microfracture treatment applied to full-thickness chondral defects in an ovine model.

Methods:

Animals ( n = 30) were randomized into 5 treatment groups, and 7-mm full-cartilage-thickness defects were set at the trochlea and medial condyle of both knee joints and treated as follows: 2 scaffolds in comparison (collagen I/III, Chondro-Gide®; collagen II, Chondrocell®) for covering microfractured defects (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), both scaffolds colonized in vitro with autologous chondrocytes (matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation), or scaffold-free microfracture technique. One year after surgery, cartilage lesions were biomechanically (indentation test), histologically (O’Driscoll score), and immunohistochemically (collagen type I and II staining) evaluated.

Results:

All treatment groups of the animal model induced more repair tissue and showed better histological scores and biomechanical properties compared to controls. The average thickness of the repair tissue was significantly greater when a scaffold was used, especially the collagen I/III membrane. However, none of the index procedures surpassed the others from a biomechanical point of view or based on the histological scoring. Collagen type II expression was better in condylar defects compared to the trochlea, especially in those treated with collagen I/III membranes.

Conclusion:

Covering of defects with suitable matrices promotes repair tissue formation and is suggested to be a promising treatment option for cartilage defects. However, it failed to improve the biomechanical and histological properties of regenerated articular cartilage compared to microfracture alone in an ovine model under the given circumstances.
The Presence of an Attractive Woman Elevates Testosterone and Physical Risk Taking in Young Men
Authors: Ronay Richard , Hippel William von
Published: January 2010

The authors report a field experiment with skateboarders that demonstrates that physical risk taking by young men increases in the presence of an attractive female. This increased risk taking leads to more successes but also more crash landings in front of a female observer. Mediational analyses suggest that this increase in risk taking is caused in part by elevated testosterone levels of men who performed in front of the attractive female. In addition, skateboarders' risk taking was predicted by their performance on a reversal-learning task, reversal-learning performance was disrupted by the presence of the attractive female, and the female’s presence moderated the observed relationship between risk taking and reversal learning. These results suggest that men use physical risk taking as a sexual display strategy, and they provide suggestive evidence regarding possible hormonal and neural mechanisms.
Do We Know the First Impressions We Make? Evidence for Idiographic Meta-Accuracy and Calibration of First Impressions
Authors: Carlson Erika N. , Furr R. Michael , Vazire Simine
Published: January 2010

Can we trust our beliefs about the first impressions we make? The current article addresses this question by assessing “idiographic” meta-accuracy, or people’s ability to detect how another person views their characteristic pattern of traits, and people’s awareness of their level of meta-accuracy. Results from two samples suggest that people do achieve idiographic meta-accuracy (i.e., they know which traits a new acquaintance perceives as particularly characteristic of them) and that people’s beliefs about the first impression they make are well calibrated (i.e., the people who are relatively more confident in the accuracy of their metaperceptions are in fact more accurate). Implications of idiographic meta-accuracy and the calibration of meta-accuracy are discussed, as are the ways in which future research can improve our understanding of the process of metaperception formation and the interpersonal consequences of meta-accuracy.
Toll-like receptor 2/6 stimulation promotes angiogenesis via GM-CSF as a potential strategy for immune defense and tissue regeneration
Authors: Grote Karsten , Schuett Harald , Salguero Gustavo , Grothusen Christina , Jagielska Joanna , Drexler Helmut , Mühlradt Peter F. , Schieffer Bernhard
Published: January 2010

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are known primarily as pathogen recognition receptors of the innate immunity, initiating inflammatory pathways to organize the immune defense. More recently, an involvement of TLRs in various physiologic and pathologic processes has been reported. Because many of these processes implicate angiogenesis, we here elucidated the role of a TLR2/6-dependent pathway on angiogenesis using the TLR2/6 agonist macrophage-activating lipopeptide of 2 kDa (MALP-2), a common bacterial lipopeptide. In vivo and in vitro Matrigel assays demonstrated that MALP-2 promoted angiogenesis in a TLR2/6-dependent manner. Moreover, MALP-2 induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration and a strong secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF release in response to MALP-2 from isolated vascular segments was completely prevented when the endothelium was removed. MALP-2 containing Matrigel implants exhibited vascular structures as well as CD45+ cells. MALP-2 induced migration of leukocytes and likewise GM-CSF release, particularly from the monocyte population. Inhibition of GM-CSF by siRNA or antibodies suppressed MALP-2-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These results clearly identified a TLR2/6-dependent induction of angiogenesis by the bacterial lipopeptide MALP-2, which is mediated by GM-CSF. This might represent a general mechanism to enhance or restore blood flow and recruit immune cells for pathogen defense and tissue regeneration.
ERG is required for the differentiation of embryonic stem cells along the endothelial lineage
Authors: Nikolova-Krstevski Vesna , Yuan Lei , Le Bras Alexandra , Vijayaraj Preethi , Kondo Maiko , Gebauer Isabel , Bhasin Manoj , Carman Chris V , Oettgen Peter
Published: January 2010

Background

The molecular mechanisms that govern stem cell differentiation along the endothelial lineage remain largely unknown. Ets related gene (ERG) has recently been shown to participate in the transcriptional regulation of a number of endothelial specific genes including VE-cadherin (CD144), endoglin, and von Willebrand's Factor (vWF). The specific role of the ETS factor ERG during endothelial differentiation has not been evaluated.

Results

ERG expression and function were evaluated during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into embryoid bodies (EB). The results of our study demonstrate that ERG is first expressed in a subpopulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) expressing cells that also express VE-cadherin. During ES cell differentiation, ERG expression remains restricted to cells of the endothelial lineage that eventually coalesce into primitive vascular structures within embryoid bodies. ERG also exhibits an endothelial cell (EC)-restricted pattern during embryogenesis. To further define the role of ERG during ES cell differentiation, we used a knockdown strategy to inhibit ERG expression. Delivery of three independent shRNA led to 70-85% reductions in ERG expression during ES cell differentiation compared to no change with control shRNA. ERG knockdown was associated with a marked reduction in the number of ECs, the expression of EC-restricted genes, and the formation of vascular structures.

Conclusion

The ETS factor ERG appears to be a critical regulator of EC differentiation.
Glutamate, aspartate and nucleotide transporters in the SLC17 family form four main phylogenetic clusters: evolution and tissue expression
Authors: Sreedharan Smitha , Shaik Jafar HA , Olszewski Pawel K , Levine Allen S , Schiöth Helgi B , Fredriksson Robert
Published: January 2010

Background

The SLC17 family of transporters transports the amino acids: glutamate and aspartate, and, as shown recently, also nucleotides. Vesicular glutamate transporters are found in distinct species, such as C. elegans, but the evolutionary origin of most of the genes in this family has been obscure.

Results

Our phylogenetic analysis shows that the SLC17 family consists of four main phylogenetic clades which were all present before the divergence of the insect lineage. One of these clades has not been previously described and it is not found in vertebrates. The clade containing Slc17a9 had the most restricted evolutionary history with only one member in most species. We detected expression of Slc17a1-17a4 only in the peripheral tissues but not in the CNS, while Slc17a5- Slc17a9 are highly expressed in both the CNS and periphery.

Conclusions

The in situ hybridization studies on vesicular nucleotide transporter revealed high expression throughout the cerebral cortex, certain areas in the hippocampus and in specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and thalamus. Some of the regions with high expression, such as the medial habenula and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, are important sites for purinergic neurotransmission. Noteworthy, other areas relying on purine-mediated signaling, such as the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the periaqueductal gray, lack or have a very low expression of Slc17a9, suggesting that there could be another nucleotide transporter in these regions.
Evaluating clinical periodontal measures as surrogates for bacterial exposure: The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST)
Authors: Demmer Ryan T , Papapanou Panos N , Jacobs David R , Desvarieux Moïse
Published: January 2010

Background

Epidemiologic studies of periodontal infection as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease often use clinical periodontal measures as a surrogate for the underlying bacterial exposure of interest. There are currently no methodological studies evaluating which clinical periodontal measures best reflect the levels of subgingival bacterial colonization in population-based settings. We investigated the characteristics of clinical periodontal definitions that were most representative of exposure to bacterial species that are believed to be either markers, or themselves etiologic, of periodontal disease.

Methods

706 men and women aged ≥ 55 years, residing in northern Manhattan were enrolled. Using DNA-DNA checkerboard hybridization in subgingival biofilms, standardized values for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia were averaged within mouth and summed to define "bacterial burden". Correlations of bacterial burden with clinical periodontal constructs defined by the severity and extent of attachment loss (AL), pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed.

Results

Clinical periodontal constructs demonstrating the highest correlations with bacterial burden were: i) percent of sites with BOP (r = 0.62); ii) percent of sites with PD ≥ 3 mm (r = 0.61); and iii) number of sites with BOP (r = 0.59). Increasing PD or AL severity thresholds consistently attenuated correlations, i.e., the correlation of bacterial burden with the percent of sites with PD ≥ 8 mm was only r = 0.16.

Conclusions

Clinical exposure definitions of periodontal disease should incorporate relatively shallow pockets to best reflect whole mouth exposure to bacterial burden.
A phase 1 study evaluating the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of repeat dosing with a human IL-13 antibody (CAT-354) in subjects with asthma
Authors: Singh Dave , Kane Binita , Molfino Nestor A , Faggioni Raffaella , Roskos Lorin , Woodcock Ashley
Published: January 2010

Background

IL-13 has been implicated in the development of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. This study investigated the multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and safety profile of human anti-IL-13 antibody (CAT-354) in adults with asthma.

Methods

This was a multiple-dose, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study in asthmatics (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] ≥ 80% predicted). Subjects were randomised to receive three intravenous infusions of CAT-354 (1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) or placebo at 28-day intervals. Blood samples were taken for pharmacokinetic measurements. Safety was assessed by adverse events, vital signs, ECGs, laboratory and pulmonary function parameters.

Results

Twenty-three subjects (aged 21-60 years, FEV1 88-95% predicted) received ≥ 1 dose of study medication. The half-life of CAT-354 was 12-17 days and was dose-independent. The maximum serum concentration and area under the curve were dose-dependent. Clearance (2.2-2.6 mL/day/kg) and volume of distribution (44-57 mL/kg) were both low and dose-independent. The observed maximum serum concentration after each dose increased slightly from dose 1 through dose 3 at all dose levels, consistent with an accumulation ratio of 1.4 to 1.7 for area under the curve. Most adverse events were deemed mild to moderate and unrelated to study medication. One SAE was reported and deemed unrelated to study drug. There were no effects of clinical concern for vital signs, ECG, laboratory or pulmonary parameters.

Conclusions

CAT-354 exhibited linear pharmacokinetics and an acceptable safety profile. These findings suggest that at the doses tested, CAT-354 can be safely administered in multiple doses to patients with asthma.

Trial registration

NCT00974675.
Evidence that Gag facilitates HIV-1 envelope association both in GPI-enriched plasma membrane and detergent resistant membranes and facilitates envelope incorporation onto virions in primary CD4+ T cells
Authors: Patil Ajit , Gautam Archana , Bhattacharya Jayanta
Published: January 2010

HIV-1 particle assembly mediated by viral Gag protein occurs predominantly at plasma membrane. While colocalization of HIV-1 envelope with lipid rich microenvironment have been shown in T cells, the significance of viral proteins modulating envelope association in such microdomains in plasma membrane enriched in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in primary CD4+ T cells that are natural targets of HIV-1 is poorly understood. Here we show that in primary CD4+ T cells that are natural targets of HIV-1 in vivo, Gag modulates HIV-1 envelope association with GM1 ganglioside and CD59 rich cellular compartments as well as with detergent resistant membranes. Our data strengthen evidence that Gag-Env interaction is important in envelope association with lipid rafts containing GPI-anchored proteins for efficient assembly onto mature virions resulting in productive infection of primary CD4+ T cells.
A prospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system for the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions: Design and statistical methods of the PERSEUS clinical program
Authors: Allocco Dominic J , Cannon Louis A , Britt Amy , Heil John E , Nersesov Andrey , Wehrenberg Scott , Dawkins Keith D , Kereiakes Dean J
Published: January 2010

Background

Paclitaxel-eluting stents decrease angiographic and clinical restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention compared to bare metal stents. TAXUS Element is a third-generation paclitaxel-eluting stent which incorporates a novel, thinner-strut, platinum-enriched metal alloy platform. The stent is intended to have enhanced radiopacity and improved deliverability compared to other paclitaxel-eluting stents. The safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element stent are being evaluated in the pivotal PERSEUS clinical trials.

Methods/Design

The PERSEUS trials include two parallel studies of the TAXUS Element stent in single, de novo coronary atherosclerotic lesions. The PERSEUS Workhorse study is a prospective, randomized (3:1), single-blind, non-inferiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤28 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.75 mm to ≤4.0 mm which compares TAXUS Element to the TAXUS Express2 paclitaxel-eluting stent system. The Workhorse study employs a novel Bayesian statistical approach that uses prior information to limit the number of study subjects exposed to the investigational device and thus provide a safer and more efficient analysis of the TAXUS Element stent. PERSEUS Small Vessel is a prospective, single-arm, superiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤20 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.25 mm to <2.75 mm that compares TAXUS Element with a matched historical bare metal Express stent control.

Discussion

The TAXUS PERSEUS clinical trial program uses a novel statistical approach to evaluate whether design and metal alloy iterations in the TAXUS Element stent platform provide comparable safety and improved procedural performance compared to the previous generation Express stent. PERSEUS trial enrollment is complete and primary endpoint data are expected in 2010. PERSEUS Workhorse and Small Vessel are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identification numbers NCT00484315 and NCT00489541.
Quality of life in patients aged 80 or over after ICU discharge
Authors: Tabah Alexis , Philippart Francois , Timsit Jean Francois , Willems Vincent , Français Adrien , Leplège Alain , Carlet Jean , Bruel Cédric , Misset Benoit , Garrouste-Orgeas Maité
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Our objective was to describe self-sufficiency and quality of life one year after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge of patients aged 80 years or over.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study in a medical-surgical ICU in a tertiary non-university hospital. We included patients aged 80 or over at ICU admission in 2005 or 2006 and we recorded age, admission diagnosis, intensity of care, and severity of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as ICU, hospital, and one-year mortality rates. Self-sufficiency (Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living) was assessed at ICU admission and one year after ICU discharge. Quality of life (WHO-QOL OLD and WHO-QOL BREF) was assessed one year after ICU discharge.

Results

Of the 115 consecutive patients aged 80 or over (18.2% of admitted patients), 106 were included. Mean age was 84 ± 3 years (range, 80 to 92). Mortality was 40/106 (37%) at ICU discharge, 48/106 (45.2%) at hospital discharge, and 73/106 (68.9%) one year after ICU discharge. In the 23 patients evaluated after one year, self-sufficiency was unchanged compared to the pre-admission status. Quality of life evaluations after one year showed that physical health, sensory abilities, self-sufficiency, and social participation had slightly worse ratings than the other domains, whereas social relationships, environment, and fear of death and dying had the best ratings. Compared to an age- and sex-matched sample of the general population, our cohort had better ratings for psychological health, social relationships, and environment, less fear of death and dying, better expectations about past, present, and future activities and better intimacy (friendship and love).

Conclusions

Among patients aged 80 or over who were selected at ICU admission, 80% were self-sufficient for activities of daily living one year after ICU discharge, 31% were alive, with no change in self-sufficiency and with similar quality of life to that of the general population matched on age and sex. However, these results must be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample of survivors.
Integrating phenotype ontologies across multiple species
Authors: Mungall Christopher J , Gkoutos Georgios V , Smith Cynthia L , Haendel Melissa A , Lewis Suzanna E , Ashburner Michael
Published: January 2010

Phenotype ontologies are typically constructed to serve the needs of a particular community, such as annotation of genotype-phenotype associations in mouse or human. Here we demonstrate how these ontologies can be improved through assignment of logical definitions using a core ontology of phenotypic qualities and multiple additional ontologies from the Open Biological Ontologies library. We also show how these logical definitions can be used for data integration when combined with a unified multi-species anatomy ontology.
An Increase in the Circulating Concentration of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Elicits Systemic Insulin Resistance Irrespective of Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Tateya Sanshiro , Tamori Yoshikazu , Kawaguchi Takayuki , Kanda Hajime , Kasuga Masato
Published: January 2010

Chronic inflammation in adipose tissue is thought to be important for the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Furthermore, the level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is increased not only in adipose tissue but also in the circulation in association with obesity. However, it has remained unclear to what extent the increased circulating level of MCP-1 contributes to insulin resistance. We have now examined the relevance of circulating MCP-1 to the development of insulin resistance in mice. The plasma concentration of MCP-1 was increased chronically or acutely in mice to the level observed in obese animals by chronic subcutaneous infusion of recombinant MCP-1 with an osmotic pump or by acute intravenous infusion of MCP-1 with an infusion pump, respectively. Whole-body metabolic parameters as well as inflammatory changes in adipose tissue were examined. A chronic increase in the circulating level of MCP-1 induced insulin resistance, macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, and an increase in hepatic triacylglycerol content. An acute increase in the circulating MCP-1 concentration also induced insulin resistance but not macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. In addition, inhibition of signaling by MCP-1 and its receptor CCR2 by administration of a novel CCR2 antagonist ameliorated insulin resistance in mice fed a high-fat diet without affecting macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. These data indicate that an increase in the concentration of MCP-1 in the circulation is sufficient to induce systemic insulin resistance irrespective of adipose tissue inflammation.
Precursor Cells in Mouse Islets Generate New β-Cells in Vivo during Aging and after Islet Injury
Authors: Liu H. , Guz Y. , Kedees M. H. , Winkler J. , Teitelman G.
Published: January 2010

Whereas it is believed that the pancreatic duct contains endocrine precursors, the presence of insulin progenitor cells residing in islets remain controversial. We tested whether pancreatic islets of adult mice contain precursor β-cells that initiate insulin synthesis during aging and after islet injury. We used bigenic mice in which the activation of an inducible form of Cre recombinase by a one-time pulse of tamoxifen results in the permanent expression of a floxed human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) gene in 30% of pancreatic β-cells. If islets contain PLAP− precursor cells that differentiate into β-cells (PLAP−IN+), a decrease in the percentage of PLAP+IN+ cells per total number of IN+ cells would occur. Conversely, if islets contain PLAP+IN− precursors that initiate synthesis of insulin, the percentage of PLAP+IN+ cells would increase. Confocal microscope analysis revealed that the percentage of PLAP+IN+ cells in islets increased from 30 to 45% at 6 months and to 60% at 12 months. The augmentation in the level of PLAP in islets with time was confirmed by real-time PCR. Our studies also demonstrate that the percentage of PLAP+IN+ cells in islets increased after islet injury and identified putative precursors in islets. We postulate that PLAP+IN− precursors differentiate into insulin-positive cells that participate in a slow renewal of the β-cell mass during aging and replenish β-cells eliminated by injury.
Nectin-like molecules/SynCAMs are required for post-crossing commissural axon guidance
Authors: Niederkofler Vera , Baeriswyl Thomas , Ott Regula , Stoeckli Esther T.
Published: January 2010

The Necl/SynCAM subgroup of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules has been implicated in late stages of neural circuit formation. They were shown to be sufficient for synaptogenesis by their trans-synaptic interactions. Additionally, they are involved in myelination, both in the central and the peripheral nervous system, by mediating adhesion between glia cells and axons. Here, we show that Necls/SynCAMs are also required for early stages of neural circuit formation. We demonstrate a role for Necls/SynCAMs in post-crossing commissural axon guidance in the developing spinal cord in vivo. Necl3/SynCAM2, the family member that has not been characterized functionally so far, plays a crucial role in this process. It is expressed by floorplate cells and interacts with Necls/SynCAMs expressed by commissural axons to mediate a turning response in post-crossing commissural axons.
Computational fluid dynamics study of the parameters affecting oil—water hydrocyclone performance
Authors: Kharoua N , Khezzar L , Nemouchi Z
Published: January 2010

Parameters affecting the performance of de-oiling hydrocyclones are related to geometry, flow, and the fluids to separate. Global assessment studies have been conducted since the invention of the device in the 1980s, while the internal flow field still deserves exploration. The present work investigates the multi-phase flow behaviour of a de-oiling hydrocyclone using computational fluid dynamics. The Reynolds stress and the renormalization group k—ε turbulence models combined with the multi-phase mixture model, implemented in the commercial code FLUENT, were employed to predict the different features of the complex multi-component flow inside the hydrocyclone. Profiles of the velocity components and the Reynolds stresses revealed interesting explanations of the effects of feed flowrate, feed oil concentration, and oil droplet size on the separation efficiency, which is the most important performance indicator. Pressure drop and friction coefficient results are also presented and discussed.
A dynamic analysis of a continuous welded rail track under a longitudinal stress caused by temperature changes
Authors: Luo Y , Li L , Yin H
Published: January 2010

This article presents a dynamic computational model for analysing the correlation between rail's natural frequencies and the longitudinal stress generated by temperature variation. The model includes a rail, sleepers, and the foundation. Some factors such as the rail section profile, rail wear, and the stiffness of fasteners are also considered. Based on the model, numerical computational analyses are performed. The relationship between the rail's longitudinal temperature force and the natural frequency is also studied. The influences of parameters such as the wear of the rail, unsupported distance of adjoining sleepers, fastener stiffness, rail types, and foundation stiffness are investigated. A field experiment is also presented that was performed to investigate the relationship between the rail's dynamic characteristics and the longitudinal stress generated by temperature variation with various unsupported sleeper spacings. The results of analysis and in-field measurements are compared.
Optimizing the injection pressure for cluster nozzle concepts in a direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Won H W , Peters N
Published: January 2010

A combination of high-pressure injection and small orifices will be one of the strategies to achieve lean combustion. However, equispaced small orifices tend to increase soot under high-load condition because the spray tip penetration becomes exceedingly inadequate. For this reason, the cluster concept was chosen as a means to realize lean combustion. Six clusters were investigated with different injection pressures under part-load condition and high-load condition in a single-cylinder diesel engine, and the results were compared with a reference nozzle. The clusters tend to produce higher smoke than the reference nozzle for low injection pressures under conventional injection timing because the spray from the clusters with a shorter spray tip penetration loses momentum near the piston bowl. However, the clusters show improved smoke emissions with higher injection pressures. The combination of high-pressure injection and cluster concepts can be seen as one of the solutions to achieve lean combustion for diesel engines. Clusters with high-pressure injection have improved emissions, as better fuel atomization and evaporation are achieved while holding momentum near the piston bowl and maintaining the penetration of the spray.
The Evaluation of Whole-Body Vibration Level in Hand-Held Pneumatic Tools (Rock Drill) by “Pneurop Cagi Test Code” Method
Authors: Majd Farhad Forouhar , Nassiri Parvin
Published: January 2010

The evaluation of whole-body vibration in hand - held pneumatic tools (Rock drills) used in the Lashotor stone mines in Isfahan by the method PNEUROP CAGI (compressed air and gas institute) TEST CODE. This shows the methods for the use of construction equipment in stone mines under work circumstances. This method is designed to evaluate noise and vibration propagated by the hand – held pneumatic tools. Rock Drills are categorized as the major sources of noise and vibration by the Federal noise control Act of 1972. The paper demonstrates vibration values in three directions X, Y, Z and the three vital indices for workers while working with equipment, compared to standard graphs, produced by “Rock Drill” used in the above specified test method. This paper focuses on measurement and prediction of whole -body vibration indices in a rock drill used in stone mines using a B & K vibration meter type 2512. In order to evaluate them we had to record the whole-body acceleration on the ground where the operator was standing and processing his work. The indices include reduced comfort (RC), fatigue decreased proficiency (FDP), and exposure level (EL) for a frequency response of 1–80 Hz shown Table I. As can be seen in table I, there are high values of rms acceleration in the Z and XY axes for exposure level and fatigue decreased proficiency, respectively. All values are based in a 5-hour exposure time. Although we found high levels of vibration in different axes, the most important index in comparison with its recommended limits can be exposure level, because it is a better index weighted for human vibration in workplaces. The reduced comfort index is not recommended for occupational and industrial use.
A New Hybrid EDTA–Zirconium Phosphate Cation-Exchanger: Synthesis, Characterization and Adsorption Behaviour for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Nabi S.A. , Naushad Mu. , Bushra Rani
Published: January 2010

EDTA–zirconium phosphate has been synthesized as a new amorphous hybrid cation-exchanger by the combination of the inorganic ion-exchanger zirconium phosphate and EDTA, thereby providing a new class of organic–inorganic hybrid ion-exchanger with better mechanical and granular properties, a good ion-exchange capacity (2.40 mequiv/g dry exchanger for Na+), good reproducibility, and a higher stability and selectivity towards heavy metal ions. It has been characterized using FT-IR, TGA/DTA, X-ray and SEM methods, in addition to ion-exchange studies such as the determination of its ion-exchange capacity, elution and distribution behaviour, to provide a better understanding of the ion-exchange behaviour of the material. On the basis of distribution studies, the material was found to be highly selective towards Th(IV) and its selectivity was examined by achieving some important binary separations such as Cd(II)–Th(IV), Ni(II)–Th(IV), Hg(II)–Th(IV), Zn(II)–Th(IV), Pb(II)–Th(IV) and Al(III)–Th(IV) by column means, indicating its utility in environmental pollution control in one way or other.