bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Eyewall Convective Events as Indicated by Intracloud and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity during the Rapid Intensification of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Shao Xuan-Min , Hamlin Timothy , Reisner Jon M. , Harlin Jeremiah
Published: November 2010

Lightning data (cloud-to-ground plus intracloud) obtained from the Los Alamos Sferic Array (LASA) for 2005’s Hurricanes Rita and Katrina were analyzed to provide a first insight into the three-dimensional electrical activity of rapidly intensifying hurricanes. This information is crucial for modelers aiming at better forecasting hurricane intensity, because it is inherently related to key structural aspects of the storm often misrepresented in numerical models. Analysis of the intracloud narrow bipolar events (NBEs) for Rita revealed a general increase in discharge heights during the period of rapid intensification. The results also showed that for the case of Rita, NBEs were useful in tracking and mapping the evolution of individual strong convective elements embedded in the eyewall during rapid intensification. Those results are particularly revealing, and suggest that the general increase in height of the intracloud lightning is an aggregate consequence of numerous short-lived convective events rotating rapidly around the eyewall of Rita. A similar rise in discharge heights during periods of intensification was also observed for Katrina. However, the NBE lightning data show that for Katrina, the eyewall convection persisted for several hours at a fixed location instead of rotating cyclonically along the eyewall. This highlights the idea that NBE lightning data can also be used to identify different convective regimes attributed to possibly different internal or external forcing mechanism(s).
Teacher Education: Its Problems and Some Prospects
Authors: Sykes Gary , Bird Tom , Kennedy Mary
Published: November 2010

Based on an analysis of occupational competence in teaching and teacher education, this article draws together a set of dilemmas that face the field, arguing that an occupational analysis is needed to complement the more common institutional analysis of teacher education. Then, this analysis is used to evaluate the prospects of the reforms that currently are dominant in the policy discourse of teacher education. The article concludes with thoughts on some promising directions for the improvement of the field of teacher education.
Couple forgiveness, self-differentiation and secondary traumatization among wives of former POWs
Authors: Dekel Rachel
Published: November 2010

This study explored secondary traumatization among wives of former POWs. Forgiveness and self-differentiation were investigated for their role in wives'mental and marital distress. Participants included wives (N = 82) of former Israeli POWs (18 with PTSD [posttraumatic stress disorder] and 64 without PTSD) and a control group of 72 women whose husbands fought in the war but who were neither POWs nor suffered from PTSD. Compared to the other two groups, wives of former POWs with PTSD reported lower couple forgiveness and self-differentiation. High self-differentiation predicted low emotional and marital distress, whereas high couple forgiveness reduced only marital distress. Self-differentiation moderated the relationships between couple forgiveness and both types of distress. Findings highlight the challenges women face when living with partners with PTSD.
Individual dispositions and interpersonal concerns underlying bullied victims’ self-disclosure in Japan and the US
Authors: Matsunaga Masaki
Published: November 2010

This study examined mechanisms underlying bullied individuals’ self-disclosure and post-bullying adjustment by highlighting their culturally rooted orientations (self-construal and communication standards) and interpersonal concerns. To test the hypotheses, a structural equation mixture modeling analysis was performed using cross-cultural data collected from Japanese and US college students ( n = 219 and 284, respectively), who reported on their past bullying experience (recall M = 1.58 years). The results suggested that: (i) self-construal and communication standard profiles help predict victims’ self/ other-protection concerns; (ii) other-protection concerns drive Japanese victims’ disclosure/non-disclosure patterns, whereas self-protection concerns drive those of US victims; and (iii) disclosure is generally associated with positive adjustment. The findings’ theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Parental management of adoptive identities during challenging encounters: Adoptive parents as ‘protectors’ and ‘educators’
Authors: Suter Elizabeth A. , Reyes Kristine L. , Ballard Robert L.
Published: November 2010

This interpretive study utilized Owen’s ((1985) Thematic metaphors in relational communication: A conceptual framework, The Western Journal of Speech Communication, 49, 1—13) metaphoric approach to identify and understand the cognitive structures undergirding transracial, international adoptive parents’ sense-making and management of familial and personal identities during interactions that challenge familial and personal identities. Twelve focus groups with 69 parents with adopted children from either Vietnam or China were examined inductively. The results found the metaphors of adoptive parent as protector and adoptive parent as educator manifest in parental discourse. Protectors aim to guard identity, enacting defensive, somewhat reactive discourse, meeting invasive remarks straight-on, using confrontational, strategic, and toughening discourse. Seeking to build identity, educators enact less reactive and more intentional discourse through discourses of preparation, modeling, and debriefing. Based on these findings, we suggest improvements to pre-adoptive training.
Inheritance as an instrument of parental control over mating
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos
Published: November 2010

Wealth is often controlled by a society’s male members and as such passes to future generations through the male line. Sons have a strong interest in the wealth they receive from their fathers, which enables the latter to employ inheritance rights so as to manipulate the former’s mating decisions. On this basis, two hypotheses are tested. First, in societies where male offspring enjoy inheritance rights, men are more influential over marriage arrangements. Second, as more male-controlled wealth is produced in agropastoral than in hunting and gathering societies, male offspring are more likely to benefit from inheritance rights in the former that in the latter societies. Evidence from the Standard Cross-cultural Sample provides support for both hypotheses. These findings explain partially why sexual selection under male parental choice is stronger in agropastoral than in foraging societies.
Is it something I said? Sense of humor and partner embarrassment
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2010

This manuscript explores one romantic partner’s humor use and the resulting embarrassment felt by the other partner using coorientation theory. Self-report and partner perception data were gathered from 106 couples (N = 212) in romantic relationships, and two coorientation variables were calculated. Actor—Partner Independence Models estimated the relationships between four humor styles and partner embarrassment. Aggressive humor was related to partner embarrassment and self-defeating humor with feeling embarrassed by one’s partner. For women, perceived similarity in aggressive and self-defeating humor mitigated embarrassment, and greater understanding of men’s self-defeating humor was related to embarrassment. In Study 2, a 2 × 2 experiment (N = 222) tested whether self-defeating humor predicts embarrassment or whether embarrassment predicts self-defeating humor use, with results supporting the former.
Delayed toxic effects of sulfur mustard on respiratory tract of Iranian veterans
Authors: Balali-Mood Mahdi , Afshari Reza , Zojaji Ramin , Kahrom Hadi , Kamrani Maedeh , Attaran Davood , Mousavi Seyed Reza , Zare Gholam Ali
Published: November 2010

To investigate late toxic effects of sulfur mustard (SM) on the upper and lower respiratory tracts of Iranian veterans, 43 male veterans with more than 25% disability due to SM poisoning in 20−25 years after exposure, were studied. Direct laryngoscopy, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gasses and pH, computed tomography of sinuses and lungs were investigated. The patients were aged 50.6 (8.9 SD) years with body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 (4.0) and disability of 53.2 (17.0%). The common findings of the upper respiratory tract were dysphonia (79.1%), post-nasal discharge (PND; 41.9%), lower larynx position (30.2%), limitation of vocal cords (25.6%) and mucosal inflammation of larynx (14.8%). The common lower respiratory diseases were diagnosed as chronic obstructive respiratory disease (84%), bronchiectasis (44.1%) and lung fibrosis (7.7%). Severity of disability was negatively correlated with BMI ( p = 0.032), spirometric parameters ( p < 0.001) and oxygen saturation ( p < 0.001), but positively correlated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL <0.010), blood pressure ( p = 0.008), diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.001), wheezing ( p = 0.0043) and bronchiectasis ( p < 0.001). Delayed toxic effects of SM in upper and lower respiratory tracts were mostly inflammatory and infectious complications, SM-induced disabilities were significantly correlated with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, LDL and lower-respiratory complications.
The Role of Genetic Diversity in Ensuring Food Security in South Asia
Authors: Sahai Suman
Published: November 2010

Genetic diversity in the field is the key to long-term sustainable food production. In agriculture and forestry, genetic diversity can enhance production in all agricultural and ecosystem zones. Genetic erosion is the loss of genetic diversity, which is being caused not just at the level of individual genes but at the level of gene combination, which is even more dangerous. The main cause of genetic erosion is varietal replacement. However, there are many traditional varieties that are extremely high yielding and that can, in fact, form a much bigger mix of varieties available in the field than this very narrow approach to increasing productivity would suggest. Genetic erosion is happening at a more rapid pace in developing countries because of the somewhat faulty planning to bring about change and increase productivity. Above all, agrobiodiversity, which is genetic diversity related to agriculture, is threatened not because of overuse but because it is not used
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Ice-cream Formulated with Virgin Coconut Oil
Authors: Choo S.Y. , Leong S.K. , Henna Lu F.S.
Published: November 2010

The substitution of milk fat with virgin coconut oil (VCO) was used to produce nutritious ice cream with pleasant coconut flavor and aroma. Three formulations were developed whereby formulation VCO4, VCO8 and VCO12 was substituted with 4%, 8% and 12% of VCO, respectively. The physicochemical properties of ice creams analyzed include overrun, meltdown, pH, titratable acidity, total solid, protein and fat content. The fatty acids profile of VCO formulated ice creams and their stabilities over 3 and 6 weeks storage were studied respectively using gas chromatography (GC). Qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and consumer affective test were performed among the trained and untrained panelists. Significant differences (p < 0.05) of overrun, pH, total solid, protein and fat content between ice cream formulations were observed except titratable acidity. Increased VCO content in ice cream formulations lowered the melting resistance of ice cream. For GC analysis, the major fatty acid identified was lauric acid. Upon storage time, the concentration of unsaturated fatty acid decreased but the concentration of saturated fatty acid increased. The result of QDA showed that formulation VCO4, VCO8 and VCO12 were significantly (p < 0.05) different in attributes of color, firmness and smoothness as compared to the control ice cream. Formulation VCO12 was highly accepted by panelists in terms of the acceptance level of appearance, aroma, texture, flavor and overall acceptability. Hence, it has a potential marketable value.
Decreasing Work Refusals in an Adult With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Kozlowski Alison M. , Mahan Sara , Matson Johnny L.
Published: November 2010

The authors describe an intervention for work refusals in a 49-year-old man with mild mental retardation, more commonly referred to as mild intellectual disability, and other comorbid Axis I diagnoses. Following a behavioral functional assessment, Intervention A, contingent reinforcement of work attendance with cigarettes and edibles was implemented to increase work attendance. A modified reversal to baseline (Intervention B) retained the contingent reinforcement with edibles but not cigarettes. Following Intervention B, a third intervention (Intervention C) reintroduced contingent reinforcement of work attendance with cigarettes and edibles in addition to a response cost procedure. Contingent reinforcement using the most preferred reinforcer was found to be an effective intervention in increasing work attendance; however, this intervention combined with response cost was found to be superior. Overall, a 45.4% decrease in work refusals was seen from baseline following implementation of contingent reinforcement using cigarettes and edibles (Intervention A), whereas a 65.1% decrease was seen between baseline and contingent reinforcement using cigarettes and edibles combined with response cost (Intervention C). Such decrease in work refusals was maintained during follow-up. Factors responsible for intervention success and implications for clinicians are discussed.
Servant Leadership, Hope, and Organizational Virtuousness: A Framework Exploring Positive Micro and Macro Behaviors and Performance Impact
Authors: Searle Travis P. , Barbuto John E.
Published: November 2010

This article proposes a framework for bridging servant leadership with the positive psychology field. In the framework, servant leadership facilitates both micro- and macro-positive behaviors in individuals, groups/teams, and organizations. Hope and organizational virtuousness are used as examples of micro- and macro-positive behaviors that may be optimized by servant leadership. This article describes the framework and its constructs, develops testable propositions, and provides opportunities for research applications.
CEO Power and Organizational Turnaround in Declining Firms: Does Environment Play a Role?
Authors: Abebe Michael A. , Angriawan Arifin , Yanxin Liu
Published: November 2010

Despite a disproportionate level of practitioner interest in the role of top management teams (TMTs), TMT power dynamics and its effect on turnaround performance has been one of the most understudied areas in the turnaround literature. Drawing from the strategic decision-making literature, this study empirically examined the relationship between CEO power and corporate turnaround performance under conditions of environmental stability/dynamism. Our analysis of 98 U.S. manufacturing firms that experienced serious performance decline and turnaround during 1990-2000 indicated a varying effect of CEO power on the extent of corporate turnaround performance in stable and dynamic environments.
Cutaneous Side Effects of Antiosteoporosis Treatments
Authors: Musette Philippe , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Rizzoli René , Cacoub Patrice , Brandi Maria Louisa , Reginster Jean-Yves
Published: November 2010

Cutaneous adverse reactions are reported for many therapeutic agents and, in general, are observed in between 0% and 8% of treated patients depending on the drug. Antiosteoporotic agents are considered to be safe in terms of cutaneous effects, however there have been a number of case reports of cutaneous adverse reactions which warrant consideration. This was the subject of a working group meeting of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis in April 2009, which focused on the impact of cutaneous adverse reactions and drug-induced hypersensitivity in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This position paper was drafted following these discussions and includes a flowchart for their recognition. Cutaneous adverse reactions observed with antiosteoporotic agents were reviewed and included information from case reports, regulatory documents and pharmacovigilance. These reactions ranged from benign effects including exanthematous or maculopapular eruption (drug rash), photosensitivity and urticaria, to the severe and potentially life-threatening reactions of angioedema, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. A review of the available evidence demonstrates that cutaneous adverse reactions occur with all commonly used antiosteoporotic treatments. Notably, there are reports of Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis for bisphosphonates, and of DRESS and toxic epidermal necrolysis for strontium ranelate. These severe reactions remain very rare (<1 in 10,000 cases). In general, with proper management and early recognition, including immediate and permanent withdrawal of the culprit agent, accompanied by hospitalization, rehydration and systemic corticosteroids if necessary, the prognosis is positive.
On Thin Ice
Authors: Caldwell David F. , Burger Jerry M.
Published: November 2010

Past research suggests that wearing either a black or a red uniform leads to increased aggression or an increase in perceived aggression during professional sports. However, this research suffers from a number of limitations, including an inability to manipulate the independent variable. A recent change in the National Hockey League’s uniform policy created the possibility of a naturally occurring experiment that allowed the authors to examine whether aggression levels were higher when teams wore black or red jerseys. The authors compared games against the same opponent in which home teams wore red or black jerseys for one game and their usual color for another game on several measures of aggression. They found no evidence that either black or red uniforms were related to higher levels of aggression in professional hockey games.
The tetraspanin CD9 regulates migration, adhesion, and homing of human cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Leung Kam Tong , Chan Kathy Yuen Yee , Ng Pak Cheung , Lau Tze Kin , Chiu Wui Man , Tsang Kam Sze , Li Chi Kong , Kong Carrie Ka Lai , Li Karen
Published: November 2010

The stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/chemokine C-X-C receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis plays a critical role in homing and engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSCs) during bone marrow transplantation. To investigate the transcriptional regulation provided by this axis, we performed the first differential transcriptome profiling of human cord blood CD34+ cells in response to short-term exposure to SDF-1 and identified a panel of genes with putative homing functions. We demonstrated that CD9, a member of the tetraspanin family of proteins, was expressed in CD34+CD38−/lo and CD34+CD38+ cells. CD9 levels were enhanced by SDF-1, which simultaneously down-regulated CXCR4 membrane expression. Using specific inhibitors and activators, we demonstrated that CD9 expression was modulated via CXCR4, G-protein, protein kinase C, phospholipase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and Janus kinase 2 signals. Pretreatment of CD34+ cells with the anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody ALB6 significantly inhibited SDF-1–mediated transendothelial migration and calcium mobilization, whereas adhesion to fibronectin and endothelial cells was enhanced. Pretreatment of CD34+ cells with ALB6 significantly impaired their homing to bone marrow and spleen of sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID (nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune-deficient) mice. Sorted CD34+CD9− cells displayed lower bone marrow homing capacity compared with that of total CD34+ cells. CD9 expression on homed CD34+ cells was significantly up-regulated in vivo. Our results indicate that CD9 might possess specific functions in HSC homing.
Complement alternative pathway acts as a positive feedback amplification of neutrophil activation
Authors: Camous Laurent , Roumenina Lubka , Bigot Sylvain , Brachemi Soumeya , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique , Lesavre Philippe , Halbwachs-Mecarelli Lise
Published: November 2010

Complement alternative pathway plays an important, but not clearly understood, role in neutrophil-mediated diseases. We here show that neutrophils themselves activate complement when stimulated by cytokines or coagulation-derived factors. In whole blood, tumor necrosis factor/formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine or phorbol myristate acetate resulted in C3 fragments binding on neutrophils and monocytes, but not on T cells. Neutrophils, stimulated by tumor necrosis factor, triggered the alternative pathway on their surface in normal and C2-depleted, but not in factor B-depleted serum and on incubation with purified C3, factors B and D. This occurred independently of neutrophil proteases, oxidants, or apoptosis. Neutrophil-secreted properdin was detected on the cell surface and could focus “in situ” the alternative pathway activation. Importantly, complement, in turn, led to further activation of neutrophils, with enhanced CD11b expression and oxidative burst. Complement-induced neutrophil activation involved mostly C5a and possibly C5b-9 complexes, detected on tumor necrosis factor- and serum-activated neutrophils. In conclusion, neutrophil stimulation by cytokines results in an unusual activation of autologous complement by healthy cells. This triggers a new amplification loop in physiologic innate immunity: Neutrophils activate the alternative complement pathway and release C5 fragments, which further amplify neutrophil proinflammatory responses. This mechanism, possibly required for effective host defense, may be relevant to complement involvement in neutrophil-mediated diseases.
Leukocyte nucleus segmentation and nucleus lobe counting
Authors: Chan Yung-Kuan , Tsai Meng-Hsiun , Huang Der-Chen , Zheng Zong-Han , Hung Kun-Ding
Published: November 2010

Background

Leukocytes play an important role in the human immune system. The family of leukocytes is comprised of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. Any infection or acute stress may increase or decrease the number of leukocytes. An increased percentage of neutrophils may be caused by an acute infection, while an increased percentage of lymphocytes can be caused by a chronic bacterial infection. It is important to realize an abnormal variation in the leukocytes. The five types of leukocytes can be distinguished by their cytoplasmic granules, staining properties of the granules, size of cell, the proportion of the nuclear to the cytoplasmic material, and the type of nucleolar lobes. The number of lobes increased when leukemia, chronic nephritis, liver disease, cancer, sepsis, and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency occurred. Clinical neutrophil hypersegmentation has been widely used as an indicator of B12 or folate deficiency.Biomedical technologists can currently recognize abnormal leukocytes using human eyes. However, the quality and efficiency of diagnosis may be compromised due to the limitations of the biomedical technologists' eyesight, strength, and medical knowledge. Therefore, the development of an automatic leukocyte recognition system is feasible and necessary. It is essential to extract the leukocyte region from a blood smear image in order to develop an automatic leukocyte recognition system. The number of lobes increased when leukemia, chronic nephritis, liver disease, cancer, sepsis, and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency occurred. Clinical neutrophil hypersegmentation has been widely used as an indicator of B12 or folate deficiency.

Results

The purpose of this paper is to contribute an automatic leukocyte nuclei image segmentation method for such recognition technology. The other goal of this paper is to develop the method of counting the number of lobes in a cell nucleus. The experimental results demonstrated impressive segmentation accuracy.

Conclusions

Insensitive to the variance of images, the LNS (Leukocyte Nuclei Segmentation) method functioned well to isolate the leukocyte nuclei from a blood smear image with much better UR (Under Segmentation Rate), ER (Overall Error Rate), and RDE (Relative Distance Error). The presented LC (Lobe Counting) method is capable of splitting leukocyte nuclei into lobes. The experimental results illuminated that both methods can give expressive performances. In addition, three advanced image processing techniques were proposed as weighted Sobel operator, GDW (Gradient Direction Weight), and GBPD (Genetic-based Parameter Detector).
Comparative transcriptomics of drought responses in Populus: a meta-analysis of genome-wide expression profiling in mature leaves and root apices across two genotypes
Authors: Cohen David , Bogeat-Triboulot Marie-Béatrice , Tisserant Emilie , Balzergue Sandrine , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Lelandais Gaëlle , Ningre Nathalie , Renou Jean-Pierre , Tamby Jean-Philippe , Le Thiec Didier , Hummel Irène
Published: November 2010

Background

Comparative genomics has emerged as a promising means of unravelling the molecular networks underlying complex traits such as drought tolerance. Here we assess the genotype-dependent component of the drought-induced transcriptome response in two poplar genotypes differing in drought tolerance. Drought-induced responses were analysed in leaves and root apices and were compared with available transcriptome data from otherPopulusspecies.

Results

Using a multi-species designed microarray, a genomic DNA-based selection of probesets provided an unambiguous between-genotype comparison. Analyses of functional group enrichment enabled the extraction of processes physiologically relevant to drought response. The drought-driven changes in gene expression occurring in root apices were consistent across treatments and genotypes. For mature leaves, the transcriptome response varied weakly but in accordance with the duration of water deficit. A differential clustering algorithm revealed similar and divergent gene co-expression patterns among the two genotypes. Since moderate stress levels induced similar physiological responses in both genotypes, the genotype-dependent transcriptional responses could be considered as intrinsic divergences in genome functioning. Our meta-analysis detected several candidate genes and processes that are differentially regulated in root and leaf, potentially under developmental control, and preferentially involved in early and long-term responses to drought.

Conclusions

In poplar, the well-known drought-induced activation of sensing and signalling cascades was specific to the early response in leaves but was found to be general in root apices. Comparing our results to what is known in arabidopsis, we found that transcriptional remodelling included signalling and a response to energy deficit in roots in parallel with transcriptional indices of hampered assimilation in leaves, particularly in the drought-sensitive poplar genotype.
Rapid identification and typing of Yersinia pestis and other Yersinia species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry
Authors: Ayyadurai Saravanan , Flaudrops Christophe , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: November 2010

Background

Accurate identification is necessary to discriminate harmless environmental Yersinia species from the food-borne pathogens Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and from the group A bioterrorism plague agent Yersinia pestis. In order to circumvent the limitations of current phenotypic and PCR-based identification methods, we aimed to assess the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) protein profiling for accurate and rapid identification of Yersinia species. As a first step, we built a database of 39 different Yersinia strains representing 12 different Yersinia species, including 13 Y. pestis isolates representative of the Antiqua, Medievalis and Orientalis biotypes. The organisms were deposited on the MALDI-TOF plate after appropriate ethanol-based inactivation, and a protein profile was obtained within 6 minutes for each of the Yersinia species.

Results

When compared with a 3,025-profile database, every Yersinia species yielded a unique protein profile and was unambiguously identified. In the second step of analysis, environmental and clinical isolates of Y. pestis (n = 2) and Y. enterocolitica (n = 11) were compared to the database and correctly identified. In particular, Y. pestis was unambiguously identified at the species level, and MALDI-TOF was able to successfully differentiate the three biotypes.

Conclusion

These data indicate that MALDI-TOF can be used as a rapid and accurate first-line method for the identification of Yersinia isolates.
The cross-sectional GRAS sample: A comprehensive phenotypical data collection of schizophrenic patients
Authors: Ribbe Katja , Friedrichs Heidi , Begemann Martin , Grube Sabrina , Papiol Sergi , Kästner Anne , Gerchen Martin F , Ackermann Verena , Tarami Asieh , Treitz Annika , Flögel Marlene , Adler Lothar , Aldenhoff Josef B , Becker-Emner Marianne , Becker Thomas , Czernik Adelheid , Dose Matthias , Folkerts Here , Freese Roland , Günther Rolf , Herpertz Sabine , Hesse Dirk , Kruse Gunther , Kunze Heinrich , Franz Michael , Löhrer Frank , Maier Wolfgang , Mielke Andreas , Müller-Isberner Rüdiger , Oestereich Cornelia , Pajonk Frank-Gerald , Pollmächer Thomas , Schneider Udo , Schwarz Hans-Joachim , Kröner-Herwig Birgit , Havemann-Reinecke Ursula , Frahm Jens , Stühmer Walter , Falkai Peter , Brose Nils , Nave Klaus-Armin , Ehrenreich Hannelore
Published: November 2010

Background

Schizophrenia is the collective term for an exclusively clinically diagnosed, heterogeneous group of mental disorders with still obscure biological roots. Based on the assumption that valuable information about relevant genetic and environmental disease mechanisms can be obtained by association studies on patient cohorts of ≥ 1000 patients, if performed on detailed clinical datasets and quantifiable biological readouts, we generated a new schizophrenia data base, the GRAS (Göttingen Research Association for Schizophrenia) data collection. GRAS is the necessary ground to study genetic causes of the schizophrenic phenotype in a 'phenotype-based genetic association study' (PGAS). This approach is different from and complementary to the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on schizophrenia.

Methods

For this purpose, 1085 patients were recruited between 2005 and 2010 by an invariable team of traveling investigators in a cross-sectional field study that comprised 23 German psychiatric hospitals. Additionally, chart records and discharge letters of all patients were collected.

Results

The corresponding dataset extracted and presented in form of an overview here, comprises biographic information, disease history, medication including side effects, and results of comprehensive cross-sectional psychopathological, neuropsychological, and neurological examinations. With >3000 data points per schizophrenic subject, this data base of living patients, who are also accessible for follow-up studies, provides a wide-ranging and standardized phenotype characterization of as yet unprecedented detail.

Conclusions

The GRAS data base will serve as prerequisite for PGAS, a novel approach to better understanding 'the schizophrenias' through exploring the contribution of genetic variation to the schizophrenic phenotypes.
Simultaneous identification of the Anopheles funestus group and Anopheles longipalpis type C by PCR-RFLP
Authors: Choi Kwang Shik , Coetzee Maureen , Koekemoer Lizette L
Published: November 2010

Background

Anopheles longipalpis is morphologically similar to the major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus at the adult stage although it is very different at the larval stage. Despite the development of the species-specific multiplex PCR assay for the An. funestus group, the genomic DNA of Anopheles longipalpis type C specimens can be amplified with the Anopheles vaneedeni and Anopheles parensis primers from this assay. The standard, species-specific An. funestus group PCR, results in the amplification of two fragments when An. longipalpis type C specimens are included in the analysis. This result can easily be misinterpreted as being a hybrid between An. vaneedeni and An. parensis. Anopheles longipalpis type C can be identified using a species-specific PCR assay but this assay is not reliable if other members of the An. funestus group, such as An. funestus, An. funestus-like and An. parensis, are included. The present study provides a multiplex assay that will identify An. longipalpis along with other common members of the African An. funestus group, including Anopheles leesoni.

Methods

A total of 70 specimens from six species (An. funestus, An. funestus-like, An. parensis, Anopheles rivulorum, An. vaneedeni and An. leesoni) in the An. funestus group and An. longipalpis type C from Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia were used for the study. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was designed based on the DNA sequence information in the GenBank database.

Results

The enzyme, EcoRI digested only An. longipalpis type C and An. funestus-like after the species-specific An. funestus group PCR assay. The An. longipalpis and An. funestus-like digestion profiles were characterized by three fragments, 376 bp, 252 bp and 211 bp for An. longipalpis type C and two fragments, 375 bp and 15 bp for An. funestus-like.

Conclusions

An RFLP method for the group was developed that is more accurate and efficient than those used before. Hence, this assay would be useful for field-collected adult specimens to be identified routinely in malaria vector research and control studies.
Pim-selective inhibitor DHPCC-9 reveals Pim kinases as potent stimulators of cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Santio Niina M , Vahakoski Riitta L , Rainio Eeva-Marja , Sandholm Jouko A , Virtanen Sanna S , Prudhomme Michelle , Anizon Fabrice , Moreau Pascale , Koskinen Päivi J
Published: November 2010

Background

Pim family kinases are small constitutively active serine/threonine-specific kinases, elevated levels of which have been detected in human hematopoietic malignancies as well as in solid tumours. While we and others have previously shown that the oncogenic Pim kinases stimulate survival of hematopoietic cells, we now examined their putative role in regulating motility of adherent cancer cells. For this purpose, we inhibited Pim kinase activity using a small molecule compound, 1,10-dihydropyrrolo[2,3-a]carbazole-3-carbaldehyde (DHPCC-9), which we had recently identified as a potent and selective inhibitor for all Pim family members.

Results

We now demonstrate that the Pim kinase inhibitor DHPCC-9 is very effective also in cell-based assays. DHPCC-9 impairs the anti-apoptotic effects of Pim-1 in cytokine-deprived myeloid cells and inhibits intracellular phosphorylation of Pim substrates such as Bad. Moreover, DHPCC-9 slows down migration and invasion of cancer cells derived from either prostate cancer or squamocellular carcinoma patients. Silencing of Pim expression reduces cell motility, while Pim overexpression enhances it, strongly suggesting that the observed effects of DHPCC-9 are dependent on Pim kinase activity. Interestingly, DHPCC-9 also abrogates NFATc-dependent migration of cancer cells, implying that NFATc factors mediate at least part of the pro-migratory effects of Pim kinases.

Conclusions

Altogether, our data indicate that DHPCC-9 is not only a powerful tool to investigate physiological effects of the oncogenic Pim family kinases, but also an attractive molecule for drug development to inhibit invasiveness of Pim-overexpressing cancer cells.
Measurement properties of the benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index in tadalafil studies
Authors: Angalakuditi Mallik , Seifert Rita F , Hayes Risa P , O'Leary Michael P , Viktrup Lars
Published: November 2010

Background

To assess the measurement properties of the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BII) for use in men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treated with tadalafil.

Methods

Data from a dose-titration (Study 1) and a dose-finding placebo-controlled (Study 2) tadalafil studies of men 45 years of age or older with moderate to severe LUTS (N = 281; N = 1053) were included in this post-hoc analysis. Measures included the BII, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life Index (IPSS-QoL), LUTS Global Assessment Question, uroflowmetry measure peak flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual volume (PVR). Spearman rank and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between the BII score and the other measures at each visit. Wilcoxin two-sample tests, t-tests and general linear modeling compared BII scores of subjects with global ratings of improvement versus no improvement, and subjects taking tadalafil versus placebo. Effect size, standardized response mean and Guyatt's responsiveness statistic were calculated for BII and IPSS change scores.

Results

There were high correlations between BII and IPSS & IPSS-QoL and low correlations between BII and Qmax & PVR at each visit. There were significant differences in BII at the End-of-Study Visit between subjects reporting improvement versus subjects reporting no improvement (Studies 1 and 2, P < .0001) and subjects taking tadalafil versus subjects taking placebo (Study 1, P = .0045; Study 2, P = .0064). The BII and IPSS were both responsive to change.

Conclusions

Results show that the BII is reliable, shows responsiveness to change in patients with BPH-LUTS, and demonstrates construct validity.
Modeling CICR in rat ventricular myocytes: voltage clamp studies
Authors: Krishna Abhilash , Sun Liang , Valderrábano Miguel , Palade Philip T , Clark John W
Published: November 2010

Background

The past thirty-five years have seen an intense search for the molecular mechanisms underlying calcium-induced calcium-release (CICR) in cardiac myocytes, with voltage clamp (VC) studies being the leading tool employed. Several VC protocols including lowering of extracellular calcium to affectCa2+loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and administration of blockers caffeine and thapsigargin have been utilized to probe the phenomena surrounding SRCa2+release. Here, we develop a deterministic mathematical model of a rat ventricular myocyte under VC conditions, to better understand mechanisms underlying the response of an isolated cell to calcium perturbation. Motivation for the study was to pinpoint key control variables influencing CICR and examine the role of CICR in the context of a physiological control system regulating cytosolicCa2+concentration ([Ca2+]myo).

Methods

The cell model consists of an electrical-equivalent model for the cell membrane and a fluid-compartment model describing the flux of ionic species between the extracellular and several intracellular compartments (cell cytosol, SR and the dyadic coupling unit (DCU), in which resides the mechanistic basis of CICR). The DCU is described as a controller-actuator mechanism, internally stabilized by negative feedback control of the unit's two diametrically-opposedCa2+channels (trigger-channel and release-channel). It releasesCa2+flux into the cyto-plasm and is in turn enclosed within a negative feedback loop involving the SERCA pump, regulating[Ca2+]myo.

Results

Our model reproduces measured VC data published by several laboratories, and generates gradedCa2+release at highCa2+gain in a homeostatically-controlled environment where [Ca2+]myois precisely regulated. We elucidate the importance of the DCU elements in this process, particularly the role of the ryanodine receptor in controlling SRCa2+release, its activation by triggerCa2+, and its refractory characteristics mediated by the luminal SRCa2+sensor. Proper functioning of the DCU, sodium-calcium exchangers and SERCA pump are important in achieving negative feedback control and henceCa2+homeostasis.

Conclusions

We examine the role of the aboveCa2+regulating mechanisms in handling various types of induced disturbances inCa2+levels by quantifying cellularCa2+balance. Our model provides biophysically-based explanations of phenomena associated with CICR generating useful and testable hypotheses.
Fulminant necrotizing fasciitis following the use of herbal concoction: a case report
Authors: Adigun Ismaila A , Nasir Abdulrasheed A , Aderibigbe Adebiyi B
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and life-threatening rapidly progressive soft tissue infection. A fulminant case could involve muscle and bone. Necrotizing fasciitis after corticosteroid therapy and intramuscular injection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been reported. We present a case of fulminant necrotizing fasciitis occurring in a patient who used a herbal concoction to treat a chronic leg ulcer.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old Ibo woman from Nigeria presented with a three-year history of recurrent chronic ulcer of the right leg. She started applying a herbal concoction to dress the wound two weeks prior to presentation. This resulted in rapidly progressive soft tissue necrosis that spread from the soft tissue to the bone, despite aggressive emergency debridement. As a result she underwent above-knee amputation.

Conclusion

The herbal concoction used is toxic, and can initiate and exacerbate necrotizing fasciitis. Its use for wound dressing should be discouraged.
Lower respiratory tract infection and rapid expansion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Naylor Steven , Gamie Zakareya , Vohra Ravinder S , Puppala Sapna , Kent Patrick J , Scott D Julian A
Published: November 2010

Introduction

The rate of abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion is related to multiple factors. There is some evidence that inflammation can accelerate aneurysm expansion. However, the association between pulmonary sepsis and rapid abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion is rarely reported.

Case presentation

Here we present a case of a rapidly expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 68-year-old Caucasian man with a concomitant lower respiratory tract infection and systemic sepsis requiring intensive monitoring and urgent endovascular intervention. Our patient had an uncomplicated post-operative recovery and a follow-up computed tomography scan at one month demonstrated no evidence of an endoleak.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential association between pulmonary sepsis and rapid abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion. In such cases, a policy of frequent monitoring should be adopted to identify those patients requiring definitive management.
TNFα-induced and berberine-antagonized tight junction barrier impairment via tyrosine kinase, Akt and NFκB signaling
Authors: Amasheh Maren , Fromm Anja , Krug Susanne M. , Amasheh Salah , Andres Susanne , Zeitz Martin , Fromm Michael , Schulzke Jörg-Dieter
Published: November 2010

TNFα-mediated tight junction defects contribute to diarrhea in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In our study, the signaling pathways of the TNFα effect on barrier- or pore-forming claudins were analyzed in HT-29/B6 human colon monolayers. Berberine, a herbal therapeutic agent that has been recently established as a therapy for diabetes and hypercholesterinemia, was able to completely antagonize the TNFα-mediated barrier defects in the cell model and in rat colon. Ussing chamber experiments and two-path impedance spectroscopy revealed a decrease of paracellular resistance after TNFα to 11±4%, whereas transcellular resistance was unchanged. The permeability of the paracellular marker fluorescein was increased fourfold. Berberine alone had no effect while it fully prevented the TNFα-induced barrier defects. This effect on resistance was confirmed in rat colon. TNFα removed claudin-1 from the tight junction and increased claudin-2 expression. Berberine prevented TNFα-induced claudin-1 disassembly and upregulation of claudin-2. The effects of berberine were mimicked by genistein plus BAY11-7082, indicating that they are mediated via tyrosine kinase, pAkt and NFκB pathways. In conclusion, the anti-diarrheal effect of berberine is explained by a novel mechanism, suggesting a therapeutic approach against barrier breakdown in intestinal inflammation.
Relationship between muscle forces, joint loading and utilization of elastic strain energy in equine locomotion
Authors: Harrison Simon M. , Whitton R. Chris , Kawcak Chris E. , Stover Susan M. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: November 2010

Storage and utilization of strain energy in the elastic tissues of the distal forelimb of the horse is thought to contribute to the excellent locomotory efficiency of the animal. However, the structures that facilitate elastic energy storage may also be exposed to dangerously high forces, especially at the fastest galloping speeds. In the present study, experimental gait data were combined with a musculoskeletal model of the distal forelimb of the horse to determine muscle and joint contact loading and muscle–tendon work during the stance phase of walking, trotting and galloping. The flexor tendons spanning the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint – specifically, the superficial digital flexor (SDF), interosseus muscle (IM) and deep digital flexor (DDF) – experienced the highest forces. Peak forces normalized to body mass for the SDF were 7.3±2.1, 14.0±2.5 and 16.7±1.1 N kg–1 in walking, trotting and galloping, respectively. The contact forces transmitted by the MCP joint were higher than those acting at any other joint in the distal forelimb, reaching 20.6±2.8, 40.6±5.6 and 45.9±0.9 N kg–1 in walking, trotting and galloping, respectively. The tendons of the distal forelimb (primarily SDF and IM) contributed between 69 and 90% of the total work done by the muscles and tendons, depending on the type of gait. The tendons and joints that facilitate storage of elastic strain energy in the distal forelimb also experienced the highest loads, which may explain the high frequency of injuries observed at these sites.
The mass-specific energy cost of human walking is set by stature
Authors: Weyand Peter G. , Smith Bethany R. , Puyau Maurice R. , Butte Nancy F.
Published: November 2010

The metabolic and mechanical requirements of walking are considered to be of fundamental importance to the health, physiological function and even the evolution of modern humans. Although walking energy expenditure and gait mechanics are clearly linked, a direct quantitative relationship has not emerged in more than a century of formal investigation. Here, on the basis of previous observations that children and smaller adult walkers expend more energy on a per kilogram basis than larger ones do, and the theory of dynamic similarity, we hypothesized that body length (or stature, Lb) explains the apparent body-size dependency of human walking economy. We measured metabolic rates and gait mechanics at six speeds from 0.4 to 1.9 m s–1 in 48 human subjects who varied by a factor of 1.5 in stature and approximately six in both age and body mass. In accordance with theoretical expectation, we found the most economical walking speeds measured (J kg–1 m–1) to be dynamically equivalent (i.e. similar U, where U=velocity2/gravity · leg length) among smaller and larger individuals. At these speeds, stride lengths were directly proportional to stature whereas the metabolic cost per stride was largely invariant (2.74±0.12 J kg–1 stride–1). The tight coupling of stature, gait mechanics and metabolic energy expenditure resulted in an inverse relationship between mass-specific transport costs and stature (Etrans/Mb∝Lb–0.95, J kg–1 m–1). We conclude that humans spanning a broad range of ages, statures and masses incur the same mass-specific metabolic cost to walk a horizontal distance equal to their stature.