bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NON-STOICHIOMETRIC HEXAGONAL Dy1-xYxMnO3+δ
Authors: DABROWSKI B. , REMSEN S. , MAIS J. , KOLESNIK S.
Published: August 2011

Materials exhibiting reversible oxygen storage/release capacities are currently explored for elevated-temperature air separation and production of high-purity oxygen for several industrial processes. The development of improved oxygen storage or carrier materials is also critical to growth of new energy related technologies such as oxy-fuel and chemical looping combustion and reforming for clean coal energy and synthesis gas production. Currently, Ce 1-x Zr x O 2 are used around 500°C and have storage capacities of 400–500 μmol-O/g. Guided by our previous studies of the temperature and oxygen content dependence of the perovskite tolerance factor, we have developed synthesis method and discovered that hexagonal Dy 1-x Y x MnO 3+δ materials exhibit superior storage/release capacities as high as 2000 μmol-O/g in air. Large changes of oxygen content occur on cycling between unusually low temperatures near 250°C and 350°C, and are observed when materials transform among stoichiometric and interstitial oxygen-excess structures. These changes are related to alternation of Mn coordination to oxygen and are readily visible in material's resistivity and chemical expansion.
INFLUENCE OF ALUMINUM ON PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE
Authors: KIMURA MUNEHIRO , ŚWIERCZEK KONRAD , MARZEC JACEK , MOLENDA JANINA
Published: August 2011

In this work we present results of measurements of structural (XRD), microstructural (SEM, EDX, TEM) and transport (electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient) properties as well as results of Mössbauer and FTIR spectroscopy studies of phospho-olivine materials with assumed chemical composition Li 1-3x Al x FePO 4 (x = 0, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1). Based on the performed research, possibility of lithium sublattice doping by Al is discussed. Additionally, initial results of electrochemical tests of lithium batteries with obtained, phospho-olivine based cathode materials are provided.
β1-Adrenergic receptors increase UCP1 in human MADS brown adipocytes and rescue cold-acclimated β3-adrenergic receptor-knockout mice via nonshivering thermogenesis
Authors: Mattsson Charlotte L. , Csikasz Robert I. , Chernogubova Ekaterina , Yamamoto Daniel L. , Hogberg Helena T. , Amri Ez-Zoubir , Hutchinson Dana S. , Bengtsson Tore
Published: August 2011

With the finding that brown adipose tissue is present and negatively correlated to obesity in adult man, finding the mechanism(s) of how to activate brown adipose tissue in humans could be important in combating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and their complications. In mice, the main regulator of nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue is norepinephrine acting predominantly via β3-adrenergic receptors. However, vast majorities of β3-adrenergic agonists have so far not been able to stimulate human β3-adrenergic receptors or brown adipose tissue activity, and it was postulated that human brown adipose tissue could be regulated instead by β1-adrenergic receptors. Therefore, we have investigated the signaling pathways, specifically pathways to nonshivering thermogenesis, in mice lacking β3-adrenergic receptors. Wild-type and β3-knockout mice were either exposed to acute cold (up to 12 h) or acclimated for 7 wk to cold, and parameters related to metabolism and brown adipose tissue function were investigated. β3-knockout mice were able to survive both acute and prolonged cold exposure due to activation of β1-adrenergic receptors. Thus, in the absence of β3-adrenergic receptors, β1-adrenergic receptors are effectively able to signal via cAMP to elicit cAMP-mediated responses and to recruit and activate brown adipose tissue. In addition, we found that in human multipotent adipose-derived stem cells differentiated into functional brown adipocytes, activation of either β1-adrenergic receptors or β3-adrenergic receptors was able to increase UCP1 mRNA and protein levels. Thus, in humans, β1-adrenergic receptors could play an important role in regulating nonshivering thermogenesis.
Multiple tissue transcriptomic responses toPiscirickettsia salmonisin Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Tacchi Luca , Bron James E. , Taggart John B. , Secombes Christopher J. , Bickerdike Ralph , Adler Michael A. , Takle Harald , Martin Samuel A. M.
Published: August 2011

The bacterium Piscirickettsia salmonis is the etiological agent of salmonid rickettsial septicemia (SRS), a severe disease that causes major economic losses to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry every year. Little is known about the infective strategy of P. salmonis, which is able to infect, survive within, and replicate inside salmonid macrophages as an intracellular parasite. Similarly there is little knowledge concerning the fish host's response to invasion by this pathogen. We have examined the transcriptional response of postsmolt Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) to P. salmonis at 48 h following infection in three tissues, liver, head kidney, and muscle, using an Atlantic salmon oligonucleotide microarray (Salar_2, Agilent 4x44K). The infection led to a large alteration of transcriptional activity in all the tissues studied. In infected salmon 886, 207, and 153 transcripts were differentially expressed in liver, head kidney, and muscle, respectively. Assessment of enrichment for particular biological pathways by gene ontology analysis showed an upregulation of genes involved in oxidative and inflammatory responses in infected fish, indicative of the activation of the innate immune response. The downregulation of genes involved in the adaptive immune response, G protein signaling pathway, and apoptotic process in infected fish may be reflective of mechanisms used by P. salmonis to survive, replicate, and escape host defenses. There was also evidence of differential responses between studied tissues, with protein metabolism being decreased in muscle of infected fish and with a concomitant increase being shown in liver.
The First AACR Special Conference on Stem Cells, Development, and Cancer: Some of These Cells Are Not Like the Others
Authors: Kent David G. , Lin Jennifer C. , Aubert Geraldine
Published: August 2011

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held an exciting conference on Stem Cells, Development, and Cancer in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (March 3–6, 2011). The meeting was cochaired by Geoffrey Wahl, Connie Eaves, and Hans Clevers and was attended by 250 international researchers, 40% of whom were young investigators. Three key themes emerged: (i) heterogeneity in stem cells and cancer, (ii) solid tissue cancer stem cells, and (iii) lessons from development. The interdisciplinary foundation of this meeting was central to its success and appeal, underscoring the value of juxtaposing and interrelating work from the three topics addressed. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5616–20. ©2011 AACR.
PTEN Protein Loss by Immunostaining: Analytic Validation and Prognostic Indicator for a High Risk Surgical Cohort of Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Lotan Tamara L. , Gurel Bora , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Esopi David , Liu Wennuan , Xu Jianfeng , Hicks Jessica L. , Park Ben H. , Humphreys Elizabeth , Partin Alan W. , Han Misop , Netto George J. , Isaacs William B. , De Marzo Angelo M.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Analytically validated assays to interrogate biomarker status in clinical samples are crucial for personalized medicine. PTEN is a tumor suppressor commonly inactivated in prostate cancer that has been mechanistically linked to disease aggressiveness. Though deletion of PTEN, as detected by cumbersome FISH spot counting assays, is associated with poor prognosis, few studies have validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays to determine whether loss of PTEN protein is associated with unfavorable disease.

Experimental Design: PTEN IHC was validated by employing formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded isogenic human cell lines containing or lacking intact PTEN alleles. PTEN IHC was 100% sensitive and 97.8% specific for detecting genomic alterations in 58 additional cell lines. PTEN protein loss was then assessed on 376 prostate tumor samples, and PTEN FISH or high resolution single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis was done on a subset of these cases.

Results: PTEN protein loss, as assessed as a dichotomous IHC variable, was highly reproducible, correlated strongly with adverse pathologic features (e.g., Gleason score and pathologic stage), detected between 75% and 86% of cases with PTEN genomic loss, and was found at times in the absence of apparent genomic loss. In a cohort of 217 high risk surgically treated patients, PTEN protein loss was associated with decreased time to metastasis.

Conclusion: These studies validate a simple method to interrogate PTEN status in clinical specimens and support the utility of this test in future multicenter studies, clinical trials, and ultimately perhaps for routine clinical care. Clin Cancer Res; 17(20); 6563–73. ©2011 AACR.
Inactivation of Mirk/Dyrk1b Kinase Targets Quiescent Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Ewton Daina Z. , Hu Jing , Vilenchik Maria , Deng Xiaobing , Luk Kin-chun , Polonskaia Ann , Hoffman Ann F. , Zipf Karen , Boylan John F. , Friedman Eileen A.
Published: August 2011

A major problem in the treatment of cancer arises from quiescent cancer cells that are relatively insensitive to most chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation. Such residual cancer cells can cause tumor regrowth or recurrence when they reenter the cell cycle. Earlier studies showed that levels of the serine/theronine kinase Mirk/dyrk1B are elevated up to 10-fold in quiescent G0 tumor cells. Mirk uses several mechanisms to block cell cycling, and Mirk increases expression of antioxidant genes that decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increase quiescent cell viability. We now show that a novel small molecule Mirk kinase inhibitor blocked tumor cells from undergoing reversible arrest in a quiescent G0 state and enabled some cells to exit quiescence. The inhibitor increased cycling in Panc1, AsPc1, and SW620 cells that expressed Mirk, but not in HCT116 cells that did not. Mirk kinase inhibition elevated ROS levels and DNA damage detected by increased phosphorylation of the histone protein H2AX and by S-phase checkpoints. The Mirk kinase inhibitor increased cleavage of the apoptotic proteins PARP and caspase 3, and increased tumor cell kill several-fold by gemcitabine and cisplatin. A phenocopy of these effects occurred following Mirk depletion, showing drug specificity. In previous studies Mirk knockout or depletion had no detectable effect on normal tissue, suggesting that the Mirk kinase inhibitor could have a selective effect on cancer cells expressing elevated levels of Mirk kinase. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(11); 2104–14. ©2011 AACR.
Age-Dependent Physiological Changes in the Histoarchitecture of the Articular Cartilage of the Rabbit Mandibular Condyle: A Morphological and Morphometric Study
Authors: Galhardo Milene Sanches , Caldini Elia Garcia , Battlehner Cláudia Naves , Toledo Olga Maria Szymanski
Published: August 2011

Mandibular condyle articular cartilage participates in condylar postnatal growth and is responsible for adaptations to anatomical and/or biomechanical alterations throughout life. In a preliminary study in rabbits, differences were observed in the thickness of the layers of articular cartilage in control animals at 5 and 6 months (generally considered adults for this purpose). This study aimed to describe sagittally sectioned condylar cartilages stained with Picrosirius-hematoxylin in rabbits at 40 days and 5, 6, 8, 13, and 18 months to determine when histological maturity is reached. At 40 days, 5 layers were seen: fibrous, proliferative, transition, maturation, and hypertrophic. Older animals (5–18 months) lacked the transition layer. Fibrous, proliferative, and hypertrophic regions were considered for morphometric analysis. The thickness of the fibrous region did not change during the analyzed period (p = 0.1899). When proliferative and hypertrophic regions and the total thickness of the cartilage were compared, a difference was detected (p < 0.001). The thickness of the proliferative region was greatest at 40 days and decreased at 5 months; however, it increased at 6 months, when it was significantly thicker than at 5, 8, 13, and 18 months. Both the hypertrophic region and the total thickness were thickest at 40 days, intermediate at 5, 6, and 8 months, and thinnest at 13 and 18 months. In summary, our data suggest a physiological period of increased cartilage growth at 6 months. Additionally, rabbits at this age should be avoided in experiments involving condylar cartilage. Finally, 13-month-old rabbits have reached histological maturity of the condylar cartilage.
Perinatal Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Exposure: Impact on Brain Development and Neural Plasticity
Authors: Pawluski Jodi L.
Published: August 2011

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications are the most common antidepressant treatment used during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Up to 10% of pregnant women are prescribed SSRIs. Serotonin plays an integral part in neurodevelopment, and questions have been raised about the placental transfer of SSRIs and the effects of preventing reuptake of presynaptic serotonin on fetal neurodevelopment. Preclinical data is beginning to document a role of early exposure to SSRIs in long-term developmental outcomes related to a number of brain regions, such as the hippocampus, cortex and cerebellum. To date, the majority of preclinical work has investigated the developmental effects of SSRIs in the offspring of healthy mothers; however, more research is needed on the effects of these medications in the face of maternal adversity. This minireview will highlight emerging evidence from clinical and preclinical studies investigating the impact of perinatal SSRI exposure on brain development and neural plasticity.
Participatory and Persuasive Telehealth
Authors: Lee Duckki , Helal Sumi , Anton Steve , De Deugd Scott , Smith Andy
Published: August 2011

Technological advances in telehealth systems are primarily focused on sensing and monitoring. However, these systems are limited in that they only rely on sensors and medical devices to obtain vital signs. New research and development are urgently needed to offer more effective and meaningful interactions between patients, medical professionals and other individuals around the patients. Social networking with Web 2.0 technologies and methods can meet these demands, and help to develop a more complete view of the patient. Also many people, including the elderly, may be resistant to change, which can reduce the efficacy of telehealth systems. Persuasive technology and mechanisms are urgently needed to counter this resistance and promote healthy lifestyles. In this paper, we propose the participatory and persuasive telehealth system as a solution for these two limitations. By integrating connected health solutions with social networking and adding persuasive influence, we increase the chances for effective interventions and behavior alterations.
Lost in Translation
Authors: Astley Carolyn M. , MacDougall Colin J. , Davidson Patricia M. , Chew Derek P.
Published: August 2011

Background—

An evidence-practice gap in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is commonly recognized. System, provider, and patient factors can influence guideline adherence. Through using guideline facilitators in the clinical setting, the uptake of evidence-based recommendations may be increased. We hypothesized that facilitators of guideline recommendations (systems, tools, and workforce) in acute cardiac care were associated with increased guideline adherence and decreased adverse outcome.

Methods and Results—

A cross-sectional evaluation of guideline facilitators was conducted in Australian hospitals. The population was derived from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Prospective Audit (ACACIA) and assessed performance, death, and recurrent myocardial infarction (death/re-MI) at 30 days and 12 months. Thirty-five hospitals and 2392 patients participated. Significant associations with decreased death/re-MI were observed with hospital strategies to facilitate primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation MI patients (38/428 [8.9%] versus 30/154 [19.5%],
P
<0.001) and after adjustment (odds ratio [OR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24 to 0.90],
P
<0.023), electronic discharge checklists (none: 233/1956 [11.9%], integrated; 43/251[17.1%],
P
=0.069, electronic; 6/124 [4.8%],
P
<0.001) and after adjustment (integrated versus none: OR, 1.66 [95% CI, 0.98 to 2.80],
P
=0.057 and electronic versus none: OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.35 to 0.68],
P
<0.001), and intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) staff-to-patient ratios (neither: 200/1257 (15.9%), CCU: 135/1051 (12.8%), ICCU: 8/84 (9.5%),
P
=0.049 and after adjustment (CCU versus neither: OR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.47 to 1.14],
P
=0.172 and ICCU versus neither: OR, 0.55; [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.81]
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

Facilitating uptake of evidence in clinical practice may need to consider quality improvement systems, tools and workforce to achieve optimal ACS outcomes.
Quality-of-Life Implications of Immediate Surgery and Watchful Waiting in Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Gada Hemal , Scuffham Paul A. , Griffin Brian , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Traditional management of severe aortic stenosis (AS) is based on delay in aortic valve replacement (AVR) until the development of symptoms. Surgery for asymptomatic AS has been proposed to reduce the small risk of sudden death before AVR and avoid heart failure (HF) after AVR. Because a trial to compare these options is unlikely, we developed a Markov model to inform the choice between immediate surgery and watchful waiting in asymptomatic AS.

Methods and Results—

We defined health states as preoperative, postoperative, postcomplication, and death. We calculated the implications of watchful waiting, tissue and mechanical AVR-based on risks, transitions, utilities, and cost derived from literature review. Further analyses evaluated situations thought to favor immediate surgery and watchful waiting. Sensitivity analyses were based on the likelihood of preoperative death and HF in follow-up. In the reference case (age, 65 years; post-AVR utility, 0.9; annualized pre-AVR mortality, 1%; and post-AVR HF, 11.3%), the utility of watchful waiting was superior to that of immediate mechanical or tissue AVR (quality-adjusted life-years, 7.4 versus 5.3 versus 5.3, respectively), and the cost was less than immediate surgery. Sensitivity analyses showed immediate surgery was not likely to be more effective regardless of the yearly probability of post-AVR HF in the watchful waiting group (range, 0% to 80%). Immediate surgery was likely to be effective when pre-AVR annual mortality reached 13%.

Conclusions—

Immediate surgery in asymptomatic severe AS does not improve outcomes unless risk of sudden death pre-AVR and HF after AVR are higher than currently reported.
Assessing the Value of the Diabetes Educator
Authors: Duncan Ian , Ahmed Tamim , Li Qijuan (Emily) , Stetson Barbara , Ruggiero Laurie , Burton Kathryn , Rosenthal Dawn , Fitzner Karen
Published: August 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education or training provided by diabetes educators in reducing complications and improving quality of life.

Methods

Commercial and Medicare payer-derived claims data were used to assess the relationship between DSME/T and cost. Unlike the prior study that examined diabetes education provided by all professionals, the current study focused on the value of interventions performed as part of formal accredited/recognized diabetes education programs provided by diabetes educators only. Specifically, the current study focused on diabetes education delivered in diabetes self-management training programs based on 2 codes (G0108 and G0109).

Results

Results of the study provide insights into the differences in trends between participants and nonparticipants in DSMT. People with diabetes who had DSMT encounters provided by diabetes educators in accredited/recognized programs are likely to show lower cost patterns when compared with a control group of people with diabetes without DSMT encounters. People with diabetes who have multiple episodes of DSMT are more likely to receive care in accordance with recommended guidelines and to comply with diabetes-related prescription regimens, resulting in lower costs and utilization trends.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

The collaboration between diabetes educators and patients continues to demonstrate positive clinical quality outcomes and cost savings. This analysis shows that repeated DSMT encounters over time result in a dose-response effect on positive outcomes.
Nasal Tumor With Widespread Cutaneous Metastases in a Golden Retriever
Authors: Koehler J. W. , Weiss R. C. , Aubry O. A. , Smith A. N. , Hathcock J. T. , Brawner W. R.
Published: August 2011

An intact, 8-year-old, male Golden Retriever dog was presented for evaluation of a nasal mass and approximately 30 firm, raised, variably ulcerated dermal and subcutaneous masses. Histopathology of both nasal and multiple skin masses revealed multiple nonencapsulated, infiltrative masses comprising clusters, anastomosing trabeculae, and packets of neoplastic, round to ovoid, hyperchromatic cells with marked nuclear molding. Surrounding the neoplastic cells was a marked stromal response in which many of the spindle-shaped cells expressed muscle-specific actin and had ultrastructural features consistent with myofibroblasts. A literature search indicates that this is the first report in a peer-reviewed journal of cutaneous metastasis of a nasal neuroendocrine tumor in any domestic animal species.
Fibrin coating on poly (L-lactide) scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Gamboa-Martínez T.C. , Gómez Ribelles J.L. , Gallego Ferrer G.
Published: August 2011

A hybrid scaffold was obtained by the deposition of a thin network of submicron fibrin fibrils on the microporous walls of a macroporous poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) three-dimensional structure. The fibrin coating is homogeneous across the entire substrate and allowed the pore structure remain open in the hybrid scaffold. The elastic modulus of the hybrid scaffold (0.65 MPa) was increased up to twofold compared to the pure PLLA scaffold (0.29 MPa). Mouse pre-osteoblastic cells, MC3T3, were seeded on both pure PLLA and hybrid scaffolds, and cultured for 3, 6, and 24 h. The coating enhanced the cell colonization and proliferation and provided a more homogeneous distribution of cells within the scaffolds. In addition, the coating improved the scaffold adhesion properties by supplying new binding sites to the cells that modify the transmembrane receptors involved in initial cell adhesion mechanism. The expression of the β3 integrin was observed in cells cultured on fibrin-coated scaffolds instead of the α5 integrin, which was expressed in the uncoated scaffold. These hybrid PLLA/fibrin scaffolds have cell culture features suitable to promote early tissue regeneration.
Thermal fatigue of polymer modified bitumen
Authors: Glaoui B , Merbouh M , van de Ven M , Chailleux E , Youcefi A
Published: August 2011

Thermal fatigue is a serious distress in flexible pavement that reduces performance and durability. Many researchers have made efforts to understand the thermal fatigue phenomenology. Until now, there has not existed a standard test method for evaluating mixture and binder resistance to thermal fatigue. The bitumen binder is the first factor that participates in the degradation of asphalt concrete. The objective of this study was to contribute to characterizing the EVA polymer modified bitumen, which was subjected to thermal fatigue. The aim of this work is to determine the rheological components and their evolutions under thermal fatigue with heating–cooling cycles. The results suggest that thermal fatigue has more complicated effects on the rheological behavior of modified bitumen. It is concluded that thermal fatigue due to thermal cycling with aging is a major component in accelerating the degradation of pavement.
The television drama-documentary (dramadoc) as a form of science communication
Authors: Reid Grace
Published: August 2011

This article examines the dramadoc genre’s potential to enhance public understanding of science. It focuses on a case study of the UK dramadoc If…Cloning Could Cure Us, which employed a combination of fictionalised drama, documentary interviews and interactive features to explore uses of human cloning in stem cell research. The author conducted 20 focus group screenings of the programme to examine the impact that the dramadoc had on people’s knowledge and opinions. Results show that although critics claim that the genre’s combination of fact and fiction will lead audiences to misunderstandings, the dramadoc also has the potential to increase people’s scientific understandings. New understandings, however, do not necessarily translate into more favourable attitudes towards the topic. The article concludes by arguing that in spite of the programme’s achievements in improving public understanding of science, the dramadoc could have gone further to engage audiences in genuine dialogue about the new technology.
Extent and Determinants of Patients’ Unvoiced Needs
Authors: Low Lee Lan , Sondi Sararaks , Azman Abu Bakar , Goh Pik Pin , Maimunah A. Hamid , Ibrahim Mohd Yusof , Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu , Letchuman Ramanathan
Published: August 2011

Patients with issues or health problems usually plan to discuss their concerns with their health care providers. If these concerns were not presented or voiced during the health care provider–patient encounter, the patients are considered to have unvoiced needs. This article examines the extent and possible determinants of patients’ unvoiced needs in an outpatient setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 Ministry of Health Malaysia primary health facilities throughout the country. Of 1829 who participated, 5 did not respond to the question on planned issues. Of the 1824 respondents, 57.9% (95% confidence interval = 47.1-68.7) claimed to have issues/problems they planned to share, of whom 15.1% to 26.7% had unvoiced needs. Extent of unvoiced needs differed by employment status, perceived category of health care provider, and study center. Perceived category of health care provider, method of questionnaire administration, and study center were the only significant determinants of unvoiced needs. Unvoiced needs do exist in Malaysia and there is a need for health care providers to be aware and take steps to counter this.
Novel Flexible Pivot with Large Angular Range and Small Center Shift to be Integrated into a Bio-Inspired Robotic Hand
Authors: Martin Javier , Robert Mathieu
Published: August 2011

This article presents a novel flexible pivot with large angular range and small center shift. It is conceived to provide the interphalangeal rotational degrees of freedom of the fingers of a new bio-inspired robotic hand, simultaneously removing friction and backlash from the mechanism. The specifically developed mathematical model shows that the proposed solution meets all design requirements. Preliminary tests carried out on a prototype show an accurate matching between the model and the real behavior. The advantages offered by the new flexible pivot can be extended to any robotic application where frictionless, zero-backlash, compact, and easy-to-manufacture pivots are required for pure rotation over long angular strokes.
Determinants of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue in Adults With Heart Failure
Authors: Riegel Barbara , Ratcliffe Sarah J. , Sayers Steven L. , Potashnik Sheryl , Buck Harleah G. , Jurkovitz Claudine , Fontana Sarah , Weaver Terri E. , Weintraub William S. , Goldberg Lee R.
Published: August 2011

Little is known about excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in heart failure (HF). The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to describe the prevalence of EDS and factors associated with it in HF. A secondary purpose was to explore the correlates of fatigue. We enrolled a consecutive sample of 280 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic HF from three outpatient settings in the northeastern United States. Patients with major depressive illness were excluded. Clinical, sociodemographic, behavioral, and perceptual factors were explored as possible correlates of EDS. Using an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score > 10, the prevalence of EDS was 23.6%. Significant determinants of EDS were worse sleep quality ( p = .048), worse functional class ( p = .004), not taking a diuretic ( p = .005), and lack of physical activity ( p = .04). Only sleep quality was associated with fatigue ( p < .001). Sleep-disordered breathing was not significantly associated with EDS or with fatigue. These factors may be amenable to intervention.
The Role of the Toxicologic Pathologist in the Biopharmaceutical Industry
Authors: van Tongeren Susan , Fagerland Jane A. , Conner Michael W. , Diegel Kelly , Donnelly Kevin , Grubor Branka , Lopez-Martinez Alric , Bolliger Anne Provencher , Sharma Alok , Tannehill-Gregg Sarah , Turner Patricia V. , Wancket Lyn M.
Published: August 2011

Toxicologic pathologists contribute significantly to the development of new biopharmaceuticals, yet there is often a lack of awareness of this specialized role. As the members of multidisciplinary teams, toxicologic pathologists participate in all aspects of the drug development process. This review is part of an initiative by the Society of Toxicologic Pathology to educate scientists about toxicologic pathology and to attract junior scientists, veterinary students, and veterinarians into the field. We describe the role of toxicologic pathologists in identifying candidate agents, elucidating bioactive pathways, and evaluating efficacy and toxicity in preclinical animal models. Educational and specialized training requirements and the challenges of working in a global environment are discussed. The biopharmaceutical industry provides diverse, challenging, and rewarding career opportunities in toxicologic pathology. We hope that this review promotes understanding of the important role the toxicologic pathologist plays in drug development and encourages exploration of an important career option.
Renal Toxicity of Lisinopril and Rosuvastatin, Alone and in Combination, in Wistar Rats
Authors: Dodiya Hardik , Jain Mukul , Goswami Sunita S.
Published: August 2011

The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used lisinopril, rosuvastatin and their combined action on site-specific nephrotoxicity in rats using clusterin and microalbumin nephrotoxic biomarkers and other related parameters using oral gavage. Rosuvastatin at 2 different doses showed increase in urinary microalbumin levels whereas lisinopril and its combination with rosuvastatin at 2 different doses did not show urinary microalbumin excretion indicating beneficial effects of lisinopril in terms of reducing microalbumin. Urinary clusterin levels significantly increased in high-dose treated animals of lisinopril and rosuvastatin. The use of lisinopril plus rosuvastatin at low dose also led to worsened renal function by raising urinary clusterin levels (217±4.6 ng/ml) when compared with the control (143±3.3 ng/ml). Renal histopathology showed multifocal regeneration of tubules indicating proximal tubule damaged. These results indicate that lisinopril (50 mg/kg), rosuvastatin (100 mg/kg), lisinopril+rosuvastatin (20+40 mg/kg) and lisinopril+rosuvastatin (50+100 mg/kg) showed toxicity only on proximal tubules.
Paving Asphalt Products Exhibit a Lack of Carcinogenic and Mutagenic Activity
Authors: Goyak Katy O. , McKee Richard H. , Minsavage Gary D. , McGowan Claude , Daughtrey Wayne C. , Freeman James J.
Published: August 2011

A paving asphalt and a vacuum residuum (derived from crude oil by atmospheric and subsequent vacuum distillation and used as a blend stock for asphalt) were tested in skin carcinogenesis assays in mice and in optimized Ames assays for mutagenic activity. In the skin cancer tests, each substance was applied twice weekly for 104 weeks to the clipped backs of groups of 50 male C3H mice. Neither the paving asphalt nor the vacuum residuum (30% weight/volume and 75% weight/weight in US Pharmacopeia mineral oil, respectively) produced any tumors. The positive control benzo[a]pyrene (0.05% w/v in toluene) induced tumors in 46 of 50 mice, demonstrating the effectiveness of the test method. Salmonella typhimurium tester strain TA98 was used in the optimized Ames assay to evaluate mutagenic potential. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) extractions of the substances were not mutagenic when tested up to toxic limits. Thus, under the conditions of these studies, neither the paving asphalt nor the vacuum residuum was carcinogenic or mutagenic.
Development of a collective efficacy measure for use in social service organizations
Authors: Patras Joshua , Klest Sihu K
Published: August 2011

• Summary: The present study summarizes the development of a collective efficacy measure for use in social service organizations: The Collective Efficacy Measure for Social Services (CEMSS). The measure was adapted from Goddard's Collective Efficacy Scale (2002). Factorial validity was assessed for a sample of 278 respondents employed at child welfare and child psychiatric agencies across Norway. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with a random split-half sample of 139 respondents; the second random split-half sample ( n = 139) was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Tests for construct validity were conducted using Teamwork, Leadership, and Organizational Culture subscales from the Readiness for Organizational Learning and Evaluation Questionnaire (ROLE; Preskill & Torres, 1999).

• Findings: A six-item scale was identified in the first sample using EFA. The CFA conducted with the second sample, indicated good model fit, χ2(10) = 14.34, p = .16; CFI = .97; RMSEA = .06. Scale reliability for the entire sample was adequate (α = .74). As expected, the six-item scale was significantly correlated with Teamwork, r(250) = .34, p < .01; Leadership, r(273) = .36, p < .01; and Organizational Culture, r(276) = .41, p < .01.

• Applications: The results of the analyses support the use of the CEMSS as a valid measure of collective efficacy. This measure has a variety of possible applications for organizational assessment and research in social service agencies.
Just interactions in value conflicts: The Adversary Argumentation Principle
Authors: Ceva Emanuela
Published: August 2011

This article discusses a procedural, minimalist approach to justice in terms of fair hearing applicable to value conflicts at impasse in politics. This approach may be summarized in the Adversary Argumentation Principle (AAP): the idea that each side in a conflict should be heard. I engage with Stuart Hampshire’s efforts to justify the AAP and argue that those efforts have failed to provide normatively cogent foundations for it. I suggest deriving such foundations from a basic idea of procedural equality (all parties in a conflict should be granted an equal chance to have a say) which all conflicting parties could be thought to endorse. But what happens once all parties have been heard if no agreement is reached? Borrowing a distinction well known to scholars of peace studies, but surprisingly neglected by justice-driven political philosophers, I claim that although the AAP might be inconclusive with regard to resolving a conflict, it is a promising principle for managing value conflicts justly. The AAP is thus considered anew through the lens of conflict management: as a principle of justice to characterize normatively the way conflicting parties should interact for their interaction to be morally justifiable to such parties with a view to changing antagonistic conflict dynamics into cooperative ones.
Do mothers want professional carers to love their babies?
Authors: Page Jools
Published: August 2011

This article reports an aspect of a life historical study which investigated the part that ‘love’ played in mothers’ decision-making about returning to work and placing their babies in day care. The article begins with a brief discussion of the context, including 21st-century policies in England to encourage mothers to return to the workforce (DfES, 2004; HMT, 2009). This is followed by a critical overview of relevant literature exploring three key themes: an historical view of women in the workforce, Attachment Theory, and theorizing ‘love’ and ‘care’. The life-historical methodology is discussed and justified and seven key themes are briefly identified and explained. The article then focuses specifically on the theme of ‘love’ using life-history interview data and key literature to discuss mothers’ views on the importance of ‘love’, the saliency of ‘ love’ in choosing childcare, and the notion of ‘ professional love’.
Nursery home visits: Rhetoric and realities
Authors: Greenfield Sue
Published: August 2011

The importance of home–school relationships between parents and practitioners in early childhood settings is widely accepted. This article discusses the effects of the level of involvement and the nature of practitioner–parent relationships in early years settings in England on the basis of a two part study that examined parents’ experience of home visits conducted before the children begin nursery. The first part of the study, a questionnaire survey of 52 teachers/practitioners from different nurseries in the south-east of England, established that 81 percent of these nurseries conduct a home visit before children began nursery. The second part of the study, based on one-to-one semi-structured interviews with eight early years practitioners and five parents, highlighted the tensions that seem to exist between them with regard to these visits. The main themes identified are: power, training and time. As a result of these findings, this article proposes that the nature of practitioner–parent relationships is determined by: 1) the training received by teachers and practitioners to work with parents; and 2) teachers’ and practitioners’ reflection on their practice.
Development of polyester-based bamboo charcoal and lyocell-blended union fabrics for healthcare and hygienic textiles
Authors: Kandhavadivu P , Vigneswaran C , Ramachandran T , Geethamanohari B
Published: August 2011

Wearing of suitable dresses in hospitals and health clubs by the doctor and supporting staff has been accorded a very high priority by the hospital administration in order to protect them from getting infected by the germs and microorganisms and also from spreading the diseases to other patients. Due to the increase in awareness and concern about the healthcare textiles, it has become the need of the hour to develop hospital textiles with functional properties like antimicrobial, odor resistance, and comfort characteristics. In this research work, an attempt has been made to develop medical textiles from polyester-based bamboo charcoal (PBBC) yarn, which has certain unique properties necessary for hospital textiles like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and odor resistance. Two types of yarns were used for producing union fabrics, namely (1) PBBC produced by imbuing bamboo charcoal powder into the polyester master batch and (2) lyocell yarns (L). The plain-woven fabrics produced by combining these two yarns in different proportions are reported to have improved comfort properties when compared to 100% bamboo charcoal fabrics and hence could be used for the production of bedding, clothing, surgical gowns, and hospital cloths.
Prevention of diabetes and reduction in major cardiovascular events in studies of subjects with prediabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials
Authors: Hopper Ingrid , Billah Baki , Skiba Marina , Krum Henry
Published: August 2011

Background: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are pre-diabetic states, treatment of which may prevent or delay the onset of overt diabetes and thus potentially reduce major cardiovascular (CV) events. We therefore sought to determine whether interventions (including diet, exercise and pharmacological therapy), altered all-cause and cardiovascular related mortality in such subjects.

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of prospective, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that were identified in the medical literature and databases. Trials were eligible for inclusion if they reported all-cause mortality rates (at a minimum), recruited approximately 100 patients and had a minimum follow-up of one year. Interventions were divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological.

Results: Ten RCTs that enrolled 23,152 patients met the above entry criteria. Trials ran for an average of 3.75 years. Diabetes was delayed or prevented by these interventions vs control (risk ratio 0.83, 95%CI 0.80–0.86). Non-drug approaches ( n = 3495) were superior to drug-based approaches ( n = 20,872) in diabetes prevention (0.52, 0.46–0.58 vs 0.70, 0.58–0.85, P < 0.05). There was no difference in risk of all-cause mortality in the intervention versus control group (0.96, 0.84–1.10) and no difference in CV death (1.04, 0.61–1.78). There was a non-significant trend towards reduction in fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction (0.59, 0.23–1.50). Fatal and non-fatal stroke was borderline reduced (0.76, 0.58–0.99) with intervention versus control.

Conclusions: Despite interventions being mostly successful in retarding progression to overt diabetes, this did not result in reductions in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, or myocardial infarction, with the possible exception of stroke.
Physicians are a key to encouraging cessation of smoking among people living with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Amiya Rachel M , Poudel Krishna C , Poudel-Tandukar Kalpana , Kobayashi Jun , Pandey Basu D , Jimba Masamine
Published: August 2011

Background

HIV care providers may be optimally positioned to promote smoking behaviour change in their patients, among whom smoking is both highly prevalent and uniquely harmful. Yet research on this front is scant, particularly in the developing country context. Hence, this study describes smoking behaviour among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, and assesses the association between experience of physician-delivered smoking status assessment and readiness to quit among HIV-positive smokers.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PLWHA residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Data from 321 adult PLWHA were analyzed using multiple logistic regression for correlates of current smoking and, among current smokers, of motivational readiness to quit based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) of behaviour change.

Results

Overall, 47% of participants were current smokers, with significantly higher rates among men (72%), ever- injecting drug users (IDUs), recent (30-day) alcohol consumers, those without any formal education, and those with higher HIV symptom burdens. Of 151 current smokers, 34% were thinking seriously of quitting within the next 6 months (contemplation or preparation stage of behaviour change). Adjusting for potential confounders, experience of physician-delivered smoking status assessment during any visit to a hospital or clinic in the past 12 months was associated with greater readiness to quit smoking (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.05,10.61).

Conclusions

Roughly one-third of HIV-positive smokers residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, are at the contemplation or preparation stage of smoking behaviour change, with rates significantly higher among those whose physicians have asked about their smoking status during any clinical interaction over the past year. Systematic screening for smoking by physicians during routine HIV care may help to reduce the heavy burden of smoking and smoking-related morbidity and mortality within HIV-positive populations in Nepal and similar settings.
The Phytoestrogen Genistein Is a Tissue-Specific Androgen Receptor Modulator
Authors: Pihlajamaa Päivi , Zhang Fu-Ping , Saarinen Lilli , Mikkonen Laura , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Jänne Olli A.
Published: August 2011

To enable studies of androgen signaling in different tissues in vivo, we generated an androgen receptor (AR) reporter mouse line by inserting a luciferase gene construct into the murine genome. The construct is driven by four copies of androgen-responsive elements from the mouse sex-limited protein gene (slp-HRE2) and a minimal thymidine kinase promoter. Luciferase activity was readily measurable in a number of murine tissues, including prostate, lung, testis, brain, and skeletal muscle, and testosterone administration elicited a significant increase in reporter gene activity in these tissues. Consumption of isoflavonoid genistein is linked to reduced risk of prostate cancer, but direct effects of genistein on the AR pathway are not well understood. To examine androgen-modulating activity of genistein in vivo, male mice received daily doses of genistein (10 mg/kg) for 5 d. In intact males, genistein was antiandrogenic in testis, prostate, and brain, and it attenuated reporter gene activity by 50–80%. In castrated males, genistein exhibited significant androgen agonistic activity in prostate and brain by increasing reporter gene activity over 2-fold in both tissues. No antiandrogenic action was seen in lung or skeletal muscle of intact males. Gene expression profiling of the murine prostate under the same experimental conditions revealed that genistein modulates androgen-dependent transcription program in prostate in a fashion similar to that observed in reporter mice by luciferase expression. In conclusion, genistein is a partial androgen agonist/antagonist in some but not in all mouse tissues and should be considered as a tissue-specific AR modulator.
CRH Acts on CRH-R1 and -R2 to Differentially Modulate the Expression of Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Human Pregnant Myometrium
Authors: Xu Chen , Gao Lu , You Xingji , Dai Ling , Li Yuan , Gu Hang , Slater Donna M. , Olson David M. , Ni Xin
Published: August 2011

CRH has been implicated to play a key role in the control of human pregnancy and parturition. Large-conductance potassium channels (BKCa) play a pivotal role in the modulation of uterine contractility during pregnancy. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of CRH on BKCa expression in human pregnant myometrial cells. Myometrial tissues were collected at cesarean section from pregnant women not-in-labor (TNL) or in-labor (TL) at term, and myocytes were isolated and cultured. CRH was identified in human pregnant myometrium and mainly expressed in myometrial myocytes. Cultured myometrial cells were able to secrete CRH. In TNL myometrial cells, CRH treatment increased the expression of BKCa α- and β-subunits. CRH receptor type 1 (CRH-R1) antagonist, antalarmin, decreased whereas CRH receptor type 2 (CRH-R2) antagonist, astressin2b, increased the expression of BKCa. CRH-R2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) caused an increase, but CRH-R1 siRNA resulted in a decrease, in BKCa expression. In contrast to TNL cells, CRH exhibited an opposite effect on BKCa expression in TL myometrial cells, i.e. decreased BKCa expression. Antalarmin enhanced but astressin2b reduced BKCa expression. CRH-R2 siRNA decreased whereas CRH-R1 siRNA increased BKCa expression. 1,3-Dihydro-1-[2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzimidazol-2-one significantly inhibited the frequency of spontaneous contractions of myometrial strips, and this effect was significantly decreased in TL strips compared with TNL ones. Our data suggest that CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 show differential regulation of BKCa expression. These effects mediated by CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 are changed after the onset of labor. This leads us to suggest that CRH may fine-tune myometrial contractility by modulating the expression of BKCa during pregnancy and labor.