bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GVHD after haploidentical transplantation: a novel, MHC-defined rhesus macaque model identifies CD28− CD8+ T cells as a reservoir of breakthrough T-cell proliferation during costimulation blockade and sirolimus-based immunosuppression
Authors: Miller Weston P. , Srinivasan Swetha , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Singh Karnail , Sen Sharon , Hamby Kelly , Deane Taylor , Stempora Linda , Beus Jonathan , Turner Alexa , Wheeler Caleb , Anderson Daniel C. , Sharma Prachi , Garcia Anapatricia , Strobert Elizabeth , Elder Eric , Crocker Ian , Crenshaw Timothy , Penedo M. Cecilia T. , Ward Thea , Song Mingqing , Horan John , Larsen Christian P. , Blazar Bruce R. , Kean Leslie S.
Published: September 2010

We have developed a major histocompatibility complex–defined primate model of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and have determined the effect that CD28/CD40-directed costimulation blockade and sirolimus have on this disease. Severe GVHD developed after haploidentical transplantation without prophylaxis, characterized by rapid clinical decline and widespread T-cell infiltration and organ damage. Mechanistic analysis showed activation and possible counter-regulation, with rapid T-cell expansion and accumulation of CD8+ and CD4+ granzyme B+ effector cells and FoxP3pos/CD27high/CD25pos/CD127low CD4+ T cells. CD8+ cells down-regulated CD127 and BCl-2 and up-regulated Ki-67, consistent with a highly activated, proliferative profile. A cytokine storm also occurred, with GVHD-specific secretion of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-18, and CCL4. Costimulation Blockade and Sirolimus (CoBS) resulted in striking protection against GVHD. At the 30-day primary endpoint, CoBS-treated recipients showed 100% survival compared with no survival in untreated recipients. CoBS treatment resulted in survival, increasing from 11.6 to 62 days (P < .01) with blunting of T-cell expansion and activation. Some CoBS-treated animals did eventually develop GVHD, with both clinical and histopathologic evidence of smoldering disease. The reservoir of CoBS-resistant breakthrough immune activation included secretion of interferon-γ, IL-2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and IL-12/IL-23 and proliferation of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 immunoglobulin-resistant CD28− CD8+ T cells, suggesting adjuvant treatments targeting this subpopulation will be needed for full disease control.
Programmed cell death 4 loss increases tumor cell invasion and is regulated by miR-21 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Reis Patricia P , Tomenson Miranda , Cervigne Nilva K , Machado Jerry , Jurisica Igor , Pintilie Melania , Sukhai Mahadeo A , Perez-Ordonez Bayardo , Grénman Reidar , Gilbert Ralph W , Gullane Patrick J , Irish Jonathan C , Kamel-Reid Suzanne
Published: September 2010

Background

The tumor suppressor Programmed Cell Death 4 (PDCD4) has been found to be under-expressed in several cancers and associated with disease progression and metastasis. There are no current studies characterizing PDCD4 expression and its clinical relevance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). Since nodal metastasis is a major prognostic factor in OSCC, we focused on determining whether PDCD4 under-expression was associated with patient nodal status and had functional relevance in OSCC invasion. We also examinedPDCD4regulation by microRNA 21 (miR-21) in OSCC.

Results

PDCD4mRNA expression levels were assessed in 50 OSCCs and 25 normal oral tissues.PDCD4was under-expressed in 43/50 (86%) OSCCs, with significantly reduced mRNA levels in patients with nodal metastasis (p = 0.0027), and marginally associated with T3-T4 tumor stage (p = 0.054). PDCD4 protein expression was assessed, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in 28/50 OSCCs and adjacent normal tissues; PDCD4 protein was absent/under-expressed in 25/28 (89%) OSCCs, and marginally associated with nodal metastasis (p = 0.059). A matrigel invasion assay showed that PDCD4 expression suppressed invasion, and siRNA-mediated PDCD4 loss was associated with increased invasive potential of oral carcinoma cells. Furthermore, we showed that miR-21 levels were increased in PDCD4-negative tumors, and thatPDCD4expression may be down-regulated in OSCC by direct binding of miR-21 to the 3'UTRPDCD4mRNA.

Conclusions

Our data show an association between the loss of PDCD4 expression, tumorigenesis and invasion in OSCC, and also identify a mechanism of PDCD4 down-regulation by microRNA-21 in oral carcinoma. PDCD4 association with nodal metastasis and invasion suggests that PDCD4 may be a clinically relevant biomarker with prognostic value in OSCC.
An ethnobotanical survey of plants used to manage HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Katima Mulilo, Caprivi region, Namibia
Authors: Chinsembu Kazhila C , Hedimbi Marius
Published: September 2010

Katima Mulilo has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in Namibia. Due to several constraints of the antiretroviral therapy programme, HIV-infected persons still use ethnomedicines to manage AIDS-related opportunistic infections. Despite the reliance on plants to manage HIV/AIDS in Katima Mulilo, there have been no empirical studies to document the specific plant species used by traditional healers to treat AIDS-related opportunistic infections. In this study, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted to record the various plant families, species, and plant parts used to manage different HIV/AIDS-related opportunistic infections in Katima Mulilo, Caprivi region, Namibia. The results showed that a total of 71 plant species from 28 families, mostly the Combretaceae (14%), Anacardiaceae (8%), Mimosaceae (8%), and Ebanaceae (7%), were used to treat conditions such as herpes zoster, diarrhoea, coughing, malaria, meningitis, and tuberculosis. The most plant parts used were leaves (33%), bark (32%), and roots (28%) while the least used plant parts were fruits/seeds (4%). Further research is needed to isolate the plants' active chemical compounds and understand their modes of action.
Measuring “The Happiness of Nations”: The Conundrum of Adam Smith's “Real Measure of Exchangeable Value”
Authors: Peach Terry
Published: September 2010

Based on an appraisal of Smith's (nonutilitarian) understanding of happiness in The Theory of Moral Sentiments, this article considers the possible origin, meaning, and fate of the “real measure” qua index of social happiness/welfare. It is suggested that the original welfare usage was a measure of the happiness of laborers in terms of their “sacrifice” to obtain the necessaries and conveniences of life. However, although the welfare origins of the measure are discernable in The Wealth of Nations, it is argued that the real measure had come to be used by Smith for purposes that were related only indirectly, if at all, to the measurement of happiness/welfare. The article suggests reasons for Smith's abandonment of a welfare role for the standard, including the possibility that he had made a tactical decision to downplay his welfare concerns.
“The Danish Right to Eel Weir,” by Jens Warming
Authors: Eggert Håkan
Published: September 2010

The translator thanks the Nationaløkonomisk tidsskrift for permission to publish this translation.
A Probabilistic Safety Factor for Defect Assessment of Water Pipes Subjected to Water Hammer
Authors: Jallouf S , Schmitt C , Pluvinage G , Hadj-Taïeb E , Lebienvenu M
Published: September 2010

The aim of this paper is to determine the probabilistic safety factors for water pipes exhibiting surface defects such as gouges. The pipes are located in a water network that consists of a pump, a reservoir, and five pipe sections. Three different materials usually used for water pipes have been studied: cast iron, pipe steel, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The water pipes are subjected to the water hammer phenomenon, which is considered to be the loading condition. The overpressure due to water hammer is calculated for each pipe connection with a software program. The circumferential stress induced by the overpressure is then evaluated. Probabilistic safety factors associated with low failure probability are determined using a notch failure assessment diagram (NFAD). Fracture toughness, yield stress, and gouge depth are assumed to be randomly distributed to allow the determination of safety factors by Monte Carlo and FORM/SORM methods. A comparison of pipe material behaviour is then made by means of probabilistic safety factors. For the studied water network it is shown that the probabilistic safety factor is acceptable for steel and cast iron pipes but not acceptable for PVC pipes because its value is lower than 2.
Pneumatic Interactive Gait Rehabilitation Orthosis: Design and Preliminary Testing
Authors: Belforte G , Eula G , Appendino S , Sirolli S
Published: September 2010

Motor rehabilitation techniques based on passive movement of the lower limbs have been developed over the past 15 years. Gait training automation is the latest innovation in these techniques. This paper describes the design and development of a pneumatic interactive gait rehabilitation orthosis (PIGRO), as well as the first experimental results obtained with healthy subjects. PIGRO consists of a modular and size-adaptable exoskeleton, pneumatic actuation systems for the six actuated degrees of freedom (DoF), and a control unit. The foot orthosis and ankle actuation can be removed and/or replaced with orthopaedic shoes so as to permit gait rehabilitation while advancing between parallel bars with ground contact and partial body weight support (i.e. not walking in place). Control logic provides closed-loop position control independently on each joint, with position feedback for each joint in real time. Imposed curves are physiological joint angles: it is also possible to choose between activating one or both legs and to modify curves to obtain different gait patterns if required. The paper concludes with a presentation of experimental results for the device's performance.
On the Residual Stresses in Friction Stir-Welded Parts: Effect of the Geometry of the Joints
Authors: Fratini L , Pasta S
Published: September 2010

Residual stress state is a fundamental aspect of welded joints, especially when complex geometries are considered. In this article, the residual longitudinal stresses in friction stir-welded joints were measured. In particular, different joint configurations were taken into account, namely butt joints, T, and lap ones, the latter being definitively interesting case studies with reference to applications in the transportation industries and, particularly in the aerospace industries.
Assembly of aligned polyvinyl alcohol–styrylpyridinium pendent group nanofibres for vascular tissue engineering applicationsg
Authors: Liu Y , Bolger B , Cahill P A , Mcguinness G B
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of assembling small diameter tubes with helically arranged fibres tomimic the helical structure of native blood vessels for possible future vascular tissue engineering applications. Photocrosslinkable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with styrylpyridinium pendent groups (SbQ) was usedto produce nanofibres by the electrospinning process. A novel collector was designed to produce helically aligned fabric networks. Two main parameters of the electrospinning process, voltage and feed rate, were studied by investigating their effects on the resultant morphology of the fibres. Operating parameters of 10kV and 0.2 ml/h were found to be suitable for production of PVA-SbQ nanofibres, with a 10cm distance to the collector device. At these settings, a high degree of alignment of fibres both along and between the collector copper wires was observed using a scanning electron microscope. A preliminary cell culture study demonstrated viable attachment of endothelial cells on PVA-SbQ fibres which highlighted the potential of PVA-SbQ fibrous vessels produced according to this approach to act as a substrate or basement membrane for use in vascular tissue engineering scaffold development.
In Situ Electrodeposited FePt Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction with High Activity and Long-term Stability
Authors: Liu Di , Tian Yang , Zhu Anwei , Luo Yongping
Published: September 2010

In this letter, a low-cost, procedurally simple, and environmentally friendly strategy has been developed for in situ electrodeposition of FePt nanoparticles on l-cysteine-modified gold electrode surfaces. The as-prepared 20 nm FePt nanoparticles show high activity toward ORR, which is comparable with that of commercial Pt catalyst. In addition, the electrodeposited FePt nanoparticles exhibit relatively long-term stability, possibly because the alloyed Fe may prevent the dissolution of small Pt nanoparticles in the ORR.
Fractal Rate of Adsorption and Surface Diffusivity of Carbon Dioxide across Mesoporous Adsorbents
Authors: Othman M.R. , Martunus  , Fernando W.J.N. , Kim J.
Published: September 2010

The disordered nature of pore structures in adsorbents suggests the existence of a fractal structure formed by the pores. In this study, fractal theory has been employed to construct a rate and surface diffusivity model for these mesoporous adsorbents. The fractal dimensions for the adsorbent pore were obtained via the Dubinin–Astakhov equation and the Jaroniec equation. The model indicates the existence of three simultaneous gas-flow mechanisms. When the Reynolds number is less than 30, laminar flow is dominant; when the Reynolds number is greater than 1800, turbulent flow is dominant; and when the Reynolds number is in the range 30–1800, a transient region co-exists. Contact experiments employing CO2 gas with mesoporous hydrotalcite adsorbents were conducted to validate the model. The calculated adsorption of CO2 from convective models was significantly higher in the turbulent regime. The adsorption rate increased with increasing values of ΔT (Tsat – T). The surface diffusivity also increased as ΔT increased, regardless of the flow regime.
Evaluation of the Effect of Surfactants on the Adsorption and Movement of Carbaryl in Soils of Divergent Texture
Authors: Singh Rishi P. , Nabi Syed A. , Singh Sujata
Published: September 2010

The adsorption and movement of carbaryl on soils in surfactant-free and surfactant (cationic, non-ionic, anionic) solutions of different critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) has been studied using batch equilibrium and soil thin layer chromatography (soil TLC) techniques. The adsorption of carbaryl in surfactant–soil–water systems followed the order cationic > anionic > non-ionic as anticipated from the Freundlich constant, KF, and distribution coefficient, KD, values. The Rf values obtained from soil TLC studies were inversely proportional to the KF and KD values. The affinities of carbaryl towards organic carbon and the clay content of the soil were compared using the KOC and KC values. The behaviour of carbaryl in surfactant–soil–water systems mainly depends on the degree of hydrophobicity of the pesticide and the type and concentration of surfactant used. The KD*/KD ratios were used to evaluate the remediation efficiency of surfactants and it was found that anionic surfactant is a better choice for remediation of contaminated soils. The remediation efficiency of non-ionic surfactant varies with the nature of the soils whereas cationic surfactant leads to poor remediation efficiency. The results obtained are interesting as they afford the basic data relating to the possible use of surfactants for solving pollution problems posed by carbaryl.
Mesoporous Titania Gels Prepared from Titanous Chloride and Ammonia: SEM, Nitrogen Adsorption, Thermoporometry and Mercury Porosimetry Studies
Authors: Ghaly Gehane , Beurroies Isabelle , Ragai Jehane
Published: September 2010

Pore-size distribution studies were carried out employing nitrogen adsorption, mercury porosimetry and thermoporometry techniques on two titania gels prepared from titanous chloride and ammonia using oxygen gas as the oxidizing agent. These gels were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. After heat-treatment at 340 °C and 520 °C, the gels were found to possess the anatase structure, being predominantly mesoporous in nature as indicated by nitrogen adsorption studies and αS-plots. Very good agreement was observed between the BJH pore-size distribution analysis data and the thermoporometry pore-size determinations. Comparable results were also obtained by mercury porosimetry. The validity of thermoporometry as a viable and reliable technique for pore structure analysis was ascertained.
Soziale Interaktion über Real-Time Collaboration-Systeme – Empirische Befunde und Entwurfsmuster
Authors: Joisten Martina , Gross Tom
Published: September 2010

Real-Time Collaboration-Systeme unterstützen die einfache Kommunikation und die Zusammenarbeit zwischen zwei oder mehreren Benutzern, die gleichzeitig im System online sind. Obgleich sich diese Systeme in den letzten Jahren in der Praxis enorm verbreitet haben, fehlen größtenteils systematische Befunde zu deren Gestaltung, die auf langfristigen Nutzerstudien basieren. In diesem Artikel präsentieren wir Gestaltungserkenntnisse und -empfehlungen für Real-Time Collaboration-Systeme, die sowohl auf soziologischen Theorien zur Technologienutzung und zu sozialer Interaktion als auch auf einer empirischen Untersuchung fußen.
The Virtual Patient for Education and Training: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Haag Martin , Huwendiek Sören
Published: September 2010

Nowadays, virtual patients are becoming increasingly essential for high-quality medical education since there are not enough actual patients available for educational and training purposes. However, development and curricular integration of virtual patients is challenging and time consuming. This review gives an overview on relevant aspects of development and usage of virtual patients and shows the current state of development. The included information is sourced from relevant literature of the last 15 years and the longstanding experience of the authors in the relevant fields.
Microarray analysis of gene expression during early development: a cautionary overview
Authors: Robert Claude
Published: September 2010

The rise of the ‘omics’ technologies started nearly a decade ago and, among them, transcriptomics has been used successfully to contrast gene expression in mammalian oocytes and early embryos. The scarcity of biological material that early developmental stages provide is the prime reason why the field of transcriptomics is becoming more and more popular with reproductive biologists. The potential to amplify scarce mRNA samples and generate the necessary amounts of starting material enables the relative measurement of RNA abundance of thousands of candidates simultaneously. So far, microarrays have been the most commonly used high-throughput method in this field. Microarray platforms can be found in a wide variety of formats, from cDNA collections to long or short oligo probe sets. These platforms generate large amounts of data that require the integration of comparative RNA abundance values in the physiological context of early development for their full benefit to be appreciated. Unfortunately, significant discrepancies between datasets suggest that direct comparison between studies is difficult and often not possible. We have investigated the sample-handling steps leading to the generation of microarray data produced from prehatching embryo samples and have identified key steps that significantly impact the downstream results. This review provides a discussion on the best methods for the preparation of samples from early embryos for microarray analysis and focuses on the challenges that impede dataset comparisons from different platforms and the reasons why methodological benchmarking performed using somatic cells may not apply to the atypical nature of prehatching development.
Structural characteristics of marandu palisadegrass swards subjected to continuous stocking and contrasting rhythms of growth
Authors: Mesquita Priscila de , da Silva Sila Carneiro , Paiva Adenilson José , Caminha Fábio Olegário , Pereira Lilian Elgalise Techio , Guarda Vítor Del'Álamo , Nascimento Júnior Domicio do
Published: September 2010

The concept of sward target has been used recently to characterise grazing management practices, but its efficiency to monitor and control sward structure questioned since it corresponds to a single sward structural feature, usually sward surface height. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate sward structure and its patterns of variation throughout the year on continuously stocked marandu palisadegrass swards maintained at 30 cm and subjected to contrasting rhythms of growth from January 2007 to April 2008. Treatments corresponded to three nitrogen application rates (150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1 of N) plus the control (no N fertilisation), and were allocated to experimental units according to a complete randomised block design, with four replications. Sward herbage mass, morphological composition, leaf area index (LAI), foliage angle and light interception were evaluated. The increase in nitrogen application rates resulted in increased sward herbage mass, proportion of leaf and stem, and reduction in the proportion of dead material. These modifications were in line with the increase in LAI and reduction in foliage angle, although they did not modify sward light interception. Despite the wide range of nitrogen application rates used, there was a common pattern of variation in sward structure. Overall, changes in sward structural characteristics generated by the range of growth rhythms studied were small, indicating that sward height corresponded to an efficient way to monitor and control the grazing process and sward structure, and can be used to define targets of grazing management.
Factors associated with overweight and central adiposity in urban workers covered by the Workers Food Program of the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Araújo Marília S. , Costa Teresa H.M. da , Schmitz Bethsáida A.S. , Machado Liliane M.M. , Santos Wallace R.A. dos
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors associated with overweight and abdominal obesity in male and female workers. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study. A representative sample of 1,054 workers ranging from 18 to 74 years of age, selected among individuals covered by the Workers´ Food Program living in the Metropolitan region of Belém, Northern Brazil. Health-related behavior and anthropometry were assessed. Fasting blood samples were collected. RESULTS: Overweight prevalence was 38.0% among women and 50.4% among men. Among overweight subjects, there were 6.1% obese women and 10.7% obese men. Multivariate analysis was used to identify social behavior and clinical-biochemical factors associated with increased body adiposity (BMI > 25 kg/m² and increased waist circumference: > 80 cm for women and > 94 cm for men). Variables positively and significantly associated with overweight and abdominal obesity in men according to prevalence ratio (PR) values were: age (1.02), high family income (1.05), smoking (1.36), hypertension (systolic blood pressure, 1.41; diastolic blood pressure, 1.85) and hypertriglyceridemia (2.29). In women, the PR of increased body adiposity was associated with: age (1.02), alcohol intake (1.42), hypertriglyceridemia (1.44), diastolic blood pressure (1.65) and hyperglycemia (1.71). CONCLUSIONS: The association of overweight and abdominal obesity with social behavior variables should be corrected with preventive and educational measures. Furthermore, association of overweight and abdominal obesity with clinical and biochemical variables places the urban workers from the Amazon region assisted by the Workers´ Food Program at a possible risk for morbidity and mortality from increased body adiposity.
Ex3αERKO male infertility phenotype recapitulates the αERKO male phenotype
Authors: Goulding Eugenia H , Hewitt Sylvia C , Nakamura Noriko , Hamilton Katherine , Korach Kenneth S , Eddy Edward M
Published: September 2010

Disruption of the Esr1 gene encoding estrogen receptor α (ERα) by insertion of a neomycin resistance gene (neo) into exon 2 (αERKO mice) was shown previously to cause infertility in male mice. While full-length ERα protein was not expressed in αERKO mice, alternative splicing resulted in the low-level expression of a truncated form lacking the N-terminus A/B domain and containing the DNA- and ligand-binding domains. Thus, it was unclear whether the reproductive phenotype in αERKO males was only due to the lack of full-length ERα or was affected by the presence of the variant ERα isoform. The present study examined male mice with deletion of exon 3 of Esr1 gene, lacking the DNA-binding domain, and null for ERα (Ex3αERKO). Dilation of some seminiferous tubules was apparent in male Ex3αERKO mice as early as postnatal day 10 and was pronounced in all tubules from day 20 onward. At 6 weeks of age, sperm numbers and sperm motility were lower in Ex3αERKO mice than in wild-type (WT) mice, and the rete testis and efferent ductules were dilated. Mating studies determined that adult Ex3αERKO males were infertile and failed to produce copulatory plugs. Serum testosterone levels and Hsd17b3 and Cyp17a1 transcript levels were significantly higher, but serum estradiol, progesterone, LH, and FSH levels and Cyp19a1 transcript levels were not significantly different from those in WT mice. These results confirm and extend those seen in other studies on male mice with deletion of exon 3 of Esr1 gene. In addition, the reproductive phenotype of male Ex3αERKO mice recapitulated the phenotype of αERKO mice, strongly suggesting that the αERKO male infertility was not due to the presence of the DNA-binding domain in the truncated form of ERα and that full-length ERα is essential for maintenance of male fertility.
Application of Life Cycle Risk Assessment (LCRA) of Fish to Different Suburban Streams
Authors: Bando Yusuke , Kikuchi Nobuhiko , Sakakibara Yutaka
Published: September 2010

A Life Cycle Risk Assessment (LCRA) proposed in our former study was applied to 12 suburban streams to evaluate crucial stress and habitat conditions for 15 freshwater fishes in Japan. In LCRA, 8 stresses produced by human activities were taken into consideration, referring to the literature. Field survey and literature reviews were conducted to identify the present existence and distributions of corresponding fishes in the streams which have different pollution levels and morphologies. Crucial stresses frequently identified by the LCRA were depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO), disappearances of habitats (e.g. deep and shallow), disappearance of spawning area due to benthic deposition, and existence of obstructions in the streams. Most LCRA results regarding existence or non-existence of 15 fishes were in fairly good agreement with field survey or literature reviews results. From these results, we thought the present LCRA would be a useful tool in assessing crucial stress as well as in evaluating habitat conditions in steams, which could be used for the restoration of steams.
Evaluation of a Groundwater Arsenic Treatment Process in Response to Organic Matter Inclusion in Feed Water
Authors: Hassan K. M. , Fukushi K. , Nakajima F. , Yamamoto K.
Published: September 2010

The contamination of groundwater by sediment-derived arsenic threatens the health of millions of people worldwide and a large number of drinking water treatment units have been employed to prevent this toxicity. This study aims at evaluating the influence of organic matter on groundwater arsenic treatment practice and proposing the modifications related to this issue. The arsenic removal efficiency was found to be decreased even in the presence of a low concentration of organic matter, 5 mg/L as TOC (total organic carbon), and gradually deteriorated with higher concentrations. Nevertheless, a high concentration of bioleached arsenic, above 130 μg/L, was noticed in the inoperative condition of the treatment unit. A simple modification in the treatment process, using an additional iron-matrix layer, substantially increased, 12% more, the arsenic removal efficiency even in the presence of high concentration of organic matter. Strategies were proposed to combat the bioleaching of arsenic in the treatment process. This study revealed that organic matter would significantly impede the arsenic removal process for drinking water and hence safe remediation strategies were imperative.
Human Lung Cancer Risks from Radon – Part III - Evidence of Influence of Combined Bystander and Adaptive Response Effects on Radon Case-Control Studies - A Microdose Analysis
Authors: Leonard Bobby E. , Thompson Richard E. , Beecher Georgia C.
Published: September 2010

Since the publication of the BEIR VI (1999) report on health risks from radon, a significant amount of new data has been published showing various mechanisms that may affect the ultimate assessment of radon as a carcinogen, in particular the potentially deleterious Bystander Effect (BE) and the potentially beneficial Adaptive Response radio-protection (AR). The case-control radon lung cancer risk data of the pooled 13 European countries radon study ( Darby et al 2005 , 2006 ) and the 8 North American pooled study ( Krewski et al 2005 , 2006 ) have been evaluated. The large variation in the odds ratios of lung cancer from radon risk is reconciled, based on the large variation in geological and ecological conditions and variation in the degree of adaptive response radio-protection against the bystander effect induced lung damage. The analysis clearly shows Bystander Effect radon lung cancer induction and Adaptive Response reduction in lung cancer in some geographical regions. It is estimated that for radon levels up to about 400 Bq m−3 there is about a 30% probability that no human lung cancer risk from radon will be experienced and a 20% probability that the risk is below the zero-radon, endogenic spontaneous or perhaps even genetically inheritable lung cancer risk rate. The BEIR VI (1999) and EPA (2003) estimates of human lung cancer deaths from radon are most likely significantly excessive. The assumption of linearity of risk, by the Linear No-Threshold Model, with increasing radon exposure is invalid.
Acute Pancreatitis in Association With Type 2 Diabetes and Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Antonio , Schlienger Raymond G. , Rodríguez Luis A. García
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Previous observational studies have found an increased risk of acute pancreatitis among type 2 diabetic patients. However, limited information is available on this association and specifically on the role of antidiabetic treatment. Our aim, therefore, was to further assess the risk of acute pancreatitis in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a population-based case-control analysis nested in a cohort of 85,525 type 2 diabetic patients and 200,000 diabetes-free individuals from the general population using data from The Health Improvement Network database. Subjects were followed up to ascertain incident cases of acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

We identified 419 cases of acute pancreatitis, 243 in the general population and 176 in the diabetes cohort. Incidence rates were 30.1 and 54.0 per 100,000 person-years in the general population and the diabetes cohort, respectively. In the cohort analysis, the adjusted incidence rate ratio of acute pancreatitis in diabetic patients versus that in the general population was 1.77 (95% CI 1.46–2.15). The magnitude of this association decreased with adjustment for multiple factors in the nested case-control analysis (adjusted odds ratio 1.37 [95% CI 0.99–1.89]). Furthermore, we found that the risk of acute pancreatitis was decreased among insulin-treated diabetic patients (0.35 [0.20–0.61]).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes may be associated with a slight increase in the risk of acute pancreatitis. We also found that insulin use in type 2 diabetes might decrease this risk. Further research is warranted to confirm these associations.
A1C and Diabetes Diagnosis Among Filipino Americans, Japanese Americans, and Native Hawaiians
Authors: Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Grandinetti Andrew , Chang Healani K.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To examine the sensitivity and specificity of A1C ≥6.5% to diagnose diabetes among Filipino Americans, Japanese Americans, and Native Hawaiians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among middle-aged adults without prior diagnosis of type 2 diabetes who completed a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and A1C measures.

RESULTS

The 933 participants had a mean age of 54.2 years, and 73% were women. A total of 425 (45.5%) subjects had impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, 145 (15.5%) had type 2 diabetes (by OGTT), and 83 (8.9%) had A1C ≥6.5%. The sensitivity and specificity of A1C ≥6.5% to define diabetes (by OGTT) was 40.0 and 96.8% and 68.9 and 95.3%, respectively (by fasting plasma glucose only). However, (64.8%) of Filipino and Japanese subjects with diabetes had isolated postchallenge hyperglycemia; AIC ≥6.5% sensitivity and specificity was 19.1 and 92.1%, respectively, to define isolated postchallenge hyperglycemia in the total sample.

CONCLUSIONS

A1C ≥6.5% had low sensitivity and may delay diagnosis of type 2 diabetes without OGTT. This limitation is exacerbated by isolated postchallenge hyperglycemia in Asian Americans.
Evaluation of Autoscope, SmartSensor HD, and Infra-Red Traffic Logger for Vehicle Classification
Authors: Yu Xin , Prevedouros P. D. , Sulijoadikusumo Goro
Published: September 2010

The collection of vehicle classification data, and of heavy goods vehicle or truck data in particular, is fundamental to the design and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Classification monitoring efforts also improve the availability and reliability of volume data, which are the backbone of traffic analyses and transportation management systems. Nonintrusive sensors minimize the adverse impact on traffic and surrounding communities (e.g., closing traffic, cutting the pavement) when installed and maintained. The application of nonintrusive sensors for vehicle classification is possible for a simplified scheme of classes, and accuracy expectations improve, along with the rapid development of the nonintrusive technology. Three sensors were tested to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of vehicle classification: Autoscope RackVision Terra, a length-based classification sensor utilizing video imaging technology; the Infra-Red Traffic Logger (TIRTL), an axle-based classification sensor utilizing active infrared technology; and SmartSensor HD, a length-based classification sensor utilizing microwave radar technology. The accuracy of traffic sensors for vehicle classification was established with simultaneous field observations (direct or videotaped) or comparison of classification data collected simultaneously by different sensors. The conclusion is that only TIRTL can provide reliable classification under ideal conditions, while Autoscope can be accurate for some simplified classes. The SmartSensor HD did not provide good class counts on the basis of various deployments in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Approach to Collecting Local Freight Information
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey S. , Yarbrough Karen E. , Anderson Michael D. , Harris Gregory A. , Harrison Kevin
Published: September 2010

The use of local freight data in transportation planning is essential to ensure accuracy in the travel demand modeling process. Although extensive research work has been performed into the collection and use of household travel data for passenger transportation, limited research work has been performed to collect and use local freight travel data. This paper examines a structure developed to collect and summarize local freight data in an urban area to be used in the transportation planning process within a metropolitan planning organization. The paper concludes that the appropriate collection and analysis of freight data can be performed and the output can be used to support transportation planning activities.
Induction of programmed cell death in Arabidopsis and rice by single‐wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Shen Cong‐Xiang , Zhang Quan‐Fang , Li Jian , Bi Fang‐Cheng , Yao Nan
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have many unique structural and mechanical properties. Their potential applications, especially in biomedical engineering and medical chemistry, have been increasing in recent years, but the toxicological impact of nanoparticles has rarely been studied in plants.

• Methods: We exposed Arabidopsis and rice leaf protoplasts to SWCNTs and examined cell viability, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species generation, and related gene expression. We also tested the effects of nanoparticles on Arabidopsis leaves after injecting a SWCNT solution. EM‐TUNEL (electron‐microscopic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end‐labeling) and a cerium chloride staining method were used.

• Key results: SWCNTs caused adverse cellular responses including cell aggregation, chromatin condensation along with a TUNEL‐positive reaction, plasma membrane deposition, and H2O2 accumulation. The effect of SWCNTs on the survival of cells was dose dependent, with 25 μg/mL inducing 25% cell death in 6 h. In contrast, activated carbon, which is not a nano‐sized carbon particle, did not induce cell death even 24 h after treatments. The data indicated that the nano‐size of the particle is a critical factor for toxicity. Moreover, endocytosis‐like structures with cerium chloride deposits formed after SWCNT treatment, suggesting a possible pathway for nanoparticles to traverse the cell membrane.

• Conclusions: Consequently, SWCNTs have an adverse effect on protoplasts and leaves through oxidative stress, leading to a certain amount of programmed cell death. Although nanomaterials have great advantages in many respects, the benefits and side effects still need to be assessed carefully.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in an endangered species Dracaena cambodiana (Liliaceae)
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Qiao‐Ming
Published: September 2010

•Premise of the study: The development of microsatellite primers in the endangered species Dracaena cambodiana will be the foundation for genetic and conservation studies of D. cambodiana and several Dracaena species.

•Methods and Results: A total of 26 microsatellite markers were developed in Chinese populations of D. cambodiana, using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing Repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Among them, sixteen primer pairs generated polymorphic loci (fourteen of them successfully amplified in other four Dracaena species) and ten primer pairs produced monomorphic loci.

•Conclusions: These microsatellite markers could be used in the further investigation of population genetics of D. cambodiana and other Dracaena species.
Microsatellite markers for the cushion rock jasmine, Androsace tapete (Primulaceae), a species endemic to the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zeng Liyan , Li Zhonghu , Tashi Tsering , Chen Jian , Zhong Yang , Geng Yupeng
Published: September 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in an alpine plant endemic to the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, Androsace tapete, to investigate its spatial genetic structure, gene flow, and mating patterns.

• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 16 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. Fifteen of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 13 across 56 individuals from six Tibetan populations.

• Conclusions: These markers provide a useful tool to investigate the spatial genetic structure, gene flow, and mating system of A. tapete.
Handheld Computing and Palm OS Programming for Mobile Commerce
Authors: Hu Wen-Chen , Fu Lixin , Yang Hung-Jen , Lee Sheng-Chien
Published: September 2010

It is widely acknowledged that mobile commerce is a field of enormous potential. However, it is also commonly admitted that the development in this field is constrained. There are still considerable barriers waiting to be overcome. One of the barriers is most software engineers are not familiar with handheld programming, which is the programming for handheld devices such as smart cellular phones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). This chapter gives a study of handheld computing to help software engineers better understand this subject.
Experiences of Cultures in Global ERP Implementation
Authors: Brainin Esther
Published: September 2010

The chapter considers the complexities of cultural differences for global enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. An extensive review of the literature related to societal and organizational culture is followed by a delineation of the stages of ERP implementation and the actors involved in each stage, reflecting the basic assumption that global ERP systems are not universally acceptable or effective, and that testing the cross-cultural generalizability of ERP systems in organizations will produce a managerial agenda that facilitates the implementation process. The recognition and discussion of these differences can provide a stimulus for identifying and modifying the limitations of technological implementation and use policies to improve the benefits generated by the technology. Topics of explicit concern to ERP implementation in global organizational economies related to organizational and societal culture are discussed, and suggestions for managerial mechanisms for overcoming major obstacles in this process are proposed.
The Future of ERP and Enterprise Resource Management Systems
Authors: Ferran Carlos , Salim Ricardo
Published: September 2010

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate into one single system the control and accounting of all the enterprise resources. Just like the previous systems (material requirements planning and accounting information systems among others) became ERPs, it is highly probable that ERPs will keep evolving towards a different and more comprehensive system. Logically, this evolution will be driven by the unsatisfied expectations of the current markets. One of these expectations is to lower the emphasis on the mid- and long-term planning functionality in favor of some kind of short-term, more dynamic planning functionality. In this sense, the chapter glimpses at a system that could be called ERM, where the “M” stands for management instead of the “P” for planning. The chapter also discusses the potential effects of the Open Source Initiative on ERPs. Other outstanding expectations examined are: (1) lower cost and duration of the implementation process, (2) less dependency on external consultants for the implementation, and (3) improved and standardized interaction functionality?or middleware?between different ERPs.
Understanding Information Technology Implementation Failure
Authors: Boudreau Marie-Claude , Holmström Jonny
Published: September 2010

This chapter uses the theory of loose coupling to explain failure in the adoption of an information technology aimed at improving collaboration across one organization’s internal boundaries. The research details an interpretive case study of a single organization, MacGregor Crane, in which relatively autonomous individuals are only loosely connected in terms of their daily interactions. The company implemented Lotus Notes© in an attempt to increase collaboration. However, this effort failed because employees in various units, particularly engineering, were reluctant to share information across unit boundaries. In light of these findings, it is suggested that the successful implementation of a collaborative IT within a loosely coupled organization should involve the reconsideration of the organizational members’ roles and functions.
A Structured Approach to Developing a Business Case for New Enterprise Information Systems
Authors: Chia Cua Francisco , Garrett Tony C.
Published: September 2010

The term business case is used to describe both a process and a document. A business case exploits an initiative. Exploiting the initiative from awareness to implementation encompasses a process, referred to in the diffusion of innovation parlance, as the innovation-decision process. The development of a business case concerns this innovation-decision process. The individuals or the decision-making units pass through the innovation-decision process, gaining knowledge of a new idea, forming an attitude toward it, and deciding whether to adopt or reject it (Rogers, 2003, p 20). Gaining the knowledge triggers the awareness or enforces it. Then, it leads to setting the agenda. After the agenda-setting stage is the examination of the available options. Attributes of competing options are matched together, enabling attitude formation in favour or against a particular option. This results in the creation of a shortlist of two or three options. A decision is generally reached at this point. The decision is, therefore, part of the matching stage. However, this is not always true in an organisational setting. There is a third stage after the matching stage. It is the decision (aka, business case) stage. Organisations generally demand rigour in making the decision. A business case document embodies the rigour in the business case development. Consequently, the decision stage culminates with a completed business case document and the decision that results from it: to adopt or reject the innovation. The three stages, agenda setting, matching, and decision stages, compose the initiation phase. If the decision favours adoption, then the implementation phase proceeds. In the context of implementing the new enterprise information systems, the stages in the implementation phase consists of pre-production, production, post-production (that is, maintenance), and confirmation stages. In summary, the business case development is a means, and its end is a business case document.
A Grounded Theory Study of Enterprise Systems Implementation
Authors: Loonam John , McDonagh Joe
Published: September 2010

Enterprise systems (ES) promise to integrate all information flowing across the organisation. They claim to lay redundant many of the integration challenges associated with legacy systems, bring greater competitive advantages to the firm, and assist organisations to compete globally. However, despite such promises these systems are experiencing significant implementation challenges. The ES literature, particularly studies on critical success factors, point to top management support as a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring implementation success. Yet, the literature remains rather opaque, lacking an empirical understanding of how top management support ES implementation. As a result, this study seeks to explore this research question. With a lack of empirical knowledge about the topic, a grounded theory methodology was adopted. Such a methodology allows the investigator to explore the topic by grounding the inquiry in raw data. The Irish health system was taken as the organisational context, with their ES initiative one of the largest implementations in Western Europe.
Creation of a Process Framework for Transitioning to a Mobile Enterprise
Authors: Unhelkar Bhuvan
Published: September 2010

This chapter presents the creation of a process framework that can be used by enterprises in order to transition to mobile enterprises. This framework facilitates adoption of mobile technologies by organizations in a strategic manner. A mobile enterprise transition framework provides a process for transition that is based on the factors that influence such transition. The Mobile Enterprise Transition (MET) framework, outlined in this chapter, is based on the four dimensions of economy, technology, methodology, and sociology. These four dimensions for MET have been identified based on an understanding of people, processes, and technologies. A research project undertaken by the author validates these four dimensions.