bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the effect of blade angle on regenerative pump performance
Authors: Choi Won Chul , Yoo Il Su , Park Mu Ryong , Chung Myung Kyoon
Published: May 2013

The regenerative pump is a kind of turbomachine that is capable of developing a high pressure rise at relatively low flow rates compared to the centrifugal and axial pumps. Although the efficiency of regenerative pumps is much lower than other turbomachines, they have still been widely used in many industrial applications for high heads at low flow rates. There are a few theoretical models to analyze the performance of regenerative pumps, though, the effect of the blade angle has not been included in any analysis model to date. In this study, the influence of the impeller blade angle and its shape on regenerative pump performance has been experimentally investigated. Straight blades with inclined blade angles of 0°, ± 15°, ± 30° and ± 45° were tested. In addition radial chevron impellers with chevron angles of 15°, 30° and 45° were also included in the present experiments. Hence a total of 10 blade configurations were examined. The pressure head, efficiency and the fluid temperature rise were measured at different flow rates and the results were expressed in appropriate non-dimensional coefficients. From the experimental results, it was found that the pressure head and the efficiency strongly depend on the blade angles as well as the blade geometry. Among all blade configurations tested in this study, the chevron blade exhibited the highest head with reasonably good efficiency. The comparative study shows that there is an optimum chevron angle of around 30° that yields the best performance. These experimental data may be used to include the effect of blade angles in the current performance analysis and design models to widen their applicability.
Transient thyrotoxicosis from thyroiditis induced by sibutramine overdose
Authors: Kim SK , Lee SM , Yoo SS , Hahm JR , Jung JH , Kim HS , Kim S , Chung SI , Jung TS
Published: May 2013

Sibutramine is an antiobesity drug that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenalin in the hypothalamus. A 37-year-old Korean man presented to the emergency room for the oral intake of 280 mg of sibutramine. The patient was in thyrotoxic state. The 99mTechnetium-pertechnetate thyroid scan showed irregular uptake of radioisotope and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody and thyroperoxidase antibody were negative. Thyroid function normalized after that. The patient had transient thyrotoxicosis with thyroiditis. We report a case of thyrotoxicosis accompanied by thyroiditis resulting from the intentional overdose of sibutramine.
Effect of exposure to solid wastes in relation to employment duration on some important markers of health and disease in waste management workers of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Odewabi Adesina O , Ogundahunsi Omobola A , Ekor Martins
Published: May 2013

Waste management workers (WMWs) around the world are at risk of work-related health disorders. The influence of employment duration on individuals occupationally exposed to solid waste was investigated in this study. The study comprised ( n = 280) 180 WMWs and 100 controls. Employment duration was obtained from questionnaire survey and categorized into three groups: group I (0.5–2 years), group II (>2–4 years) and group III (>4–6 years). Blood sample (10 ml) was collected from the antecubital vein of subjects for analysis. WMWs exhibited significantly ( p < 0.001) elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin (Cp)) relative to control. While Cp increased, ESR and CRP decreased with increasing WMWs’ employment duration. Alteration in oxidant/antioxidant markers was characterized by significant ( p < 0.001) decrease in ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and catalase activity together with marked ( p < 0.01) elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and uric acid (UA). TBARS, UA and FRAP increased while catalase decreased with WMWs’ employment duration. In addition, WMWs exhibited significantly ( p < 0.01) elevated immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG, which also increased and decreased, respectively, with job duration. The significantly ( p < 0.01) decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels as well as the significantly ( p < 0.001) elevated total leukocytes in WMWs increased with employment duration. Alanine aminotransferase increased and albumin decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) in WMWs, and these changes also increased and decreased, respectively, with job duration. Data suggest that levels of alteration of important systemic markers of health/disease are related to WMWs’ employment or exposure duration.
A systematic review on the nerve–muscle electrophysiology in human organophosphorus pesticide exposure
Authors: Karami-Mohajeri S , Nikfar S , Abdollahi M
Published: May 2013

This article presents a systematic review of the recent literature on the scientific support of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in diagnosing the exposure and toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides (OP). Specifically, this review focused on changes in EMG, NCV, occurrence of intermediate syndrome (IMS), and OP-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDN) in human. All relevant bibliographic databases were searched for human studies using the key words “OP poisoning”, “electromyography”, “nerve conduction study,” and “muscles disorders”. IMS usually occurs after an acute cholinergic crisis, while OPIDN occurs after both acute and chronic exposures. Collection of these studies supports that IMS is a neuromuscular junction disorder and can be recorded upon the onset of respiratory failure. Due to heterogeneity of reports on outcomes of interest such as motor NCV and EMG amplitude in acute cases and inability to achieve precise estimation of effect in chronic cases meta-analysis was not helpful to this review. The OPIDN after both acute and low-level prolonged exposures develops peripheral neuropathy without preceding cholinergic toxicity and the progress of changes in EMG and NCV is parallel with the development of IMS and OPIDN. Persistent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for muscle weakness, but this is not the only factor involved in the incidence of this weakness in IMS or OPIDN suggestive of AChE assay not useful as an index of nerve and muscle impairment. Although several mechanisms for induction of this neurodegenerative disorder have been proposed as were reviewed for this article, among them oxidative stress and resulting apoptosis can be emphasized. Nevertheless, there is little synchronized evidence on subclinical electrophysiological findings that limit us to reach a strong conclusion on the diagnostic or prognostic use of EMG and NCV for acute and occupational exposures to OPs.
John Nevile: The last two decades
Authors: Lodewijks John , Nevile John W
Published: May 2013

An earlier ‘conversation’ with Professor J.W. Nevile was published in Essays in Economics, in Honour of Professor J.W. Nevile: Presented to Him on His Retirement. We now bring the story up to date covering the period roughly between Nevile’s appointment as Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales in 1993 to the present.
Faith, works and talents entwined: Driving forces behind John Nevile’s contributions
Authors: Harcourt GC , Kriesler Peter , Langmore John
Published: May 2013

In this article, we consider the mainsprings of John Nevile’s many contributions to economics. John has repeatedly argued that because ‘economic actions, institutions and policies affect people’, they have an ethical dimension (Hawtrey and Nevile, 1986: 1), and he has stressed the importance of understanding the value judgements on which economics rests. His policy suggestions are aimed at improving social justice and the well-being of the most vulnerable. Apart from his deep knowledge of economic theory, his Christian faith provides an important foundation for his analysis, particularly of policy.
The Australian basic wage case of 1930–1931: Judge-made economic policy
Authors: Hancock Keith
Published: May 2013

This essay examines a significant event in Australia’s economic and labour relations history in which an industrial relations court acted against government policy but in line with the advice of professional economists to impose a general wage reduction. This determination, unique during the period of central wage fixation, was made as the country fell into deep depression in 1930–1931. Arguments that a reduction in purchasing power would exacerbate the depression did not prevail over expert economic advice that wage reduction would lessen the structural consequences of reduced rural export income. The Court determined that the loss of real national income had to be accommodated without a wider package of measures such as exchange rate depreciation or expansionary monetary and fiscal policies. The impressive endeavours of the Court to understand and respond to a difficult economic reality represented a significant elevation of the status of wages policy in macroeconomic management – one that was to last for 60 years.
Influence of different maceration time and temperatures on total phenols, colour and sensory properties of Cabernet Sauvignon wines
Authors: Şener Hasan , Yıldırım Hatice Kalkan
Published: May 2013

Maceration and fermentation time and temperatures are important factors affecting wine quality. In this study different maceration times (3 and 6 days) and temperatures (15 ℃ and 25 ℃) during production of red wine ( Vitis vinifera L. Cabernet Sauvignon) were investigated. In all wines standard wine chemical parameters and some specific parameters as total phenols, tartaric esters, total flavonols and colour parameters (CD, CI, T, dA%, %Y, %R, %B, CIELAB values) were determined. Sensory evaluation was performed by descriptive sensory analysis. The results demonstrated not only the importance of skin contact time and temperature during maceration but also the effects of transition temperatures (different maceration and fermentation temperatures) on wine quality as a whole. The results of sensory descriptive analyses revealed that the temperature significantly affected the aroma and flavour attributes of wines. The highest scores for ‘cassis’, ‘clove’, ‘fresh fruity’ and ‘rose’ characters were obtained in wines produced at low temperature (15 ℃) of maceration (6 days) and fermentation.
Immunosuppressive therapy reduces axonal damage in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Axelsson Markus , Malmeström Clas , Gunnarsson Martin , Zetterberg Henrik , Sundström Peter , Lycke Jan , Svenningsson Anders
Published: May 2013

Background:

In progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), disease-modifying therapies have not been shown to reduce disability progression.

Objective:

The impact from immunosuppressive therapy in PMS was explored by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of axonal damage (neurofilament light protein, NFL), astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), and B-cell regulation (CXCL13).

Methods:

CSF was obtained from 35 patients with PMS before and after 12–24 months of mitoxantrone ( n=30) or rituximab ( n=5) treatment, and from 14 age-matched healthy control subjects. The levels of NFL, GFAP, and CXCL13 were determined by immunoassays.

Results:

The mean NFL level decreased by 51% (1781 ng/l, SD 2018 vs. 874 ng/l, SD 694, p=0.007), the mean CXCL13 reduction was 55% (9.71 pg/ml, SD 16.08, vs. 4.37 pg/ml, SD 1.94, p=0.008), while GFAP levels remained unaffected. Subgroup analysis showed that the NFL reduction was confined to previously untreated patients ( n=20) and patients with Gd-enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging ( n=12) prior to study baseline.

Conclusions:

Our data imply that 12–24 months of immunosuppressive therapy reduces axonal damage in PMS, particularly in patients with ongoing disease activity. Determination of NFL levels in CSF is a potential surrogate marker for treatment efficacy and as endpoint in phase II trials of MS.
Quantifying similarity of team mental models: An introduction of the rrg index
Authors: Biemann Torsten , Ellwart Thomas , Rack Oliver
Published: May 2013

Previous research has emphasized the importance of shared cognitions such as team mental models (TMM) for high performance in teams. The most prominent approaches to measure TMMs are based on indices of within-group agreement (e.g., rWG, r*WG, and aWG). However, a major shortcoming of these indices is the missing separation of team-specific agreement. Recent indices overestimate the existence of team-specific mental models if there is a common agreement beyond team borders. In this paper, we discuss team situations in which this team specific agreement is most important (e.g., competitive negotiation or action teams) and introduce the TMM index (rRG) that is based on random group resampling. The advantage of this index is its focus on team specific agreement rather than on common agreement. We demonstrate the usefulness of the rRG by comparing it to other agreement indices theoretically and by means of Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, limitations and fields of application are discussed.
Extinction threat and reciprocal threat reduction: Collective angst predicts willingness to compromise in intractable intergroup conflicts
Authors: Halperin Eran , Porat Roni , Wohl Michael J. A.
Published: May 2013

Two experiments examined the impact of ingroup extinction threat on willingness to compromise with an adversary group. Specifically, Israel’s ability to cope with a nuclear capable Iran was manipulated and Israelis’ willingness to compromise with Hamas (Experiment 1) or the Palestinian Authority (Experiment 2) was assessed. In Experiment 1, extinction threat decreased willingness to compromise with Hamas—an effect mediated by heightened collective angst. Conversely, in Experiment 2, extinction threat increased willingness to compromise with the Palestinian Authority, again via collective angst. The reason for this inverted effect in Experiment 2 was perceived reciprocal threat reduction—the belief that compromise with the Palestinian Authority would reduce the Iranian threat (a belief not relevant to the issue of compromise with Hamas). Implications for the understanding of intergroup conflicts and peace making are discussed within the context of the role played by collective angst.
Engaging a specific, not general, public: the use of ethnographic film in public scholarship
Authors: Franzen Sarah
Published: May 2013

Ethnographic filmmakers have long considered and debated the role of ethnographic films as tools for public scholarship. Perhaps because of their presumed accessibility, ethnographic films have been seen, on the one hand, as ideal media to convey anthropological material to the general public. On the other hand, they have been seen as specialized films that should not conform to mass media conventions or audience preferences. In my research on community-based rural development in the southeastern United States, I collaboratively create films to share my research with wider yet specific audiences including the participating and surrounding communities, development organizations and nonprofits, and extension agents and local government officials. This article will explore the process of engaging specific public audiences as a tool for both ethnographic research and an effective means to insert my research into relevant conversations about issues of rural development.
Deconstructing a global commodity: Coffee, culture, and consumption in Japan
Authors: Grinshpun Helena
Published: May 2013

Since their entry to Japan in the latter half of the 19th century, coffee and coffee shops have been closely linked to the economic, political, and socio-cultural change undergone by the Japanese society. The cafés themselves have gone through numerous transformations in order to address the various social needs of their patrons. Today, coffee shops occupy a significant niche in the Japanese urban lifestyle. However, the cultural ‘baggage' of coffee as a foreign commodity still plays a central role in generating its consumer appeal. Coffee is a global commodity whose value on the world market is surpassed only by oil. Moreover, due to its peculiar historical background, it became a beverage charged with a wide range of cultural meanings; tracing these meanings in different contexts can shed light on the way cultural commodities ‘behave' in the globalized world. In order to examine the niche that coffee occupies in the Japanese consumption scene, I will analyze the manner in which representations of coffee are constructed and translated into a consumer experience. Through the case of coffee in Japan I will try to demonstrate the process of ‘movement of culture', whereby the relevance of a foreign commodity in the local context is determined by the complex interplay between two culturally engineered binary entities of ‘global' and ‘local', ‘foreign' and ‘native'.
A narrative analysis of poetry written from the words of people given a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Clark-McGhee Kitty , Castro Maria
Published: May 2013

This study is underpinned by social constructionist epistemology, which points to the socially constructed character of our worlds, in that we co-create and are co-created by (including experience and identity) our social realities. Through narrative analysis of some poems from the words of people given a diagnosis of dementia, this study engaged in the process of meaning-making in relation to Self-construct and the wider social world. Some narratives evidenced speakers’ lack of agency over their experiences, not because of the ‘dementia’ but due to treatment and care contexts. Some narratives provided instances in which others positioned speakers into identity constructions contradictory to their life-long Self-constructs. Other narratives demonstrated that, through acknowledging and supporting ‘personhood’, speakers retained a sense of well-being and purpose in their social worlds. It is hoped that focusing on the words of individuals given dementia diagnoses, away from predominant bio-medical discourses, may facilitate professionals’ continuous reflection and person-centred practice.
Using the Community Readiness Model as an Approach to Formative Evaluation
Authors: Jarpe-Ratner Elizabeth , Fagen Michael , Day Joseph , Gilmet Kelsey , Prudowsky Joshua , Neiger Brad L. , DuBois David L. , Flay Brian R.
Published: May 2013

This article presents an adapted version of an established model for assessing community readiness along with an illustrative case example from the evaluation of Positive Action, a school-based social and character development intervention, implemented as part of a randomized controlled trial in Chicago Public Schools from 2004 through 2010. Community readiness is an emerging assessment approach that can be used to gauge the level of understanding, desire, and ownership that community members have regarding a community problem and/or intervention. This approach is useful in engaging the community and leveraging particular aspects of readiness that the community may exhibit in order to maximize an intervention’s successful implementation. The article concludes with a discussion of ways in which a community readiness model may be useful in health promotion practice, both in schools and in other community settings.
Initiation of Cholinesterase Inhibitors in an Inpatient Setting
Authors: Wagle Kamal C. , Rowan Paul J. , Poon Oi-Yee Ivy , Kunik Mark E. , Taffet George E. , Braun Ursula K.
Published: May 2013

We examined initiation of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) to determine whether ChEIs were being newly prescribed without sufficient evaluation for dementia and/or delirium and to explore whether there are differences in outcomes, such as mortality, hospital readmission rates, and duration of hospitalization, between patients newly started on ChEI and those who continued such medications prior to admission. Patients hospitalized in fiscal year 2008 and prescribed ChEI were identified. We reviewed electronic medical records. Of 282 patients, 15.6% (44) were new-starts and 84.4% (238) were continuations. Median length of stay was 16 days in new-starts versus 6 days in continuations ( P < .05). Of new-starts, 38.6% were also treated of infection. Chart review additionally suggested possible treatment of delirium by initiation of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in 11.4% and 22.7% of new-starts, respectively. We observed a substantive practice of initiating ChEIs in hospitalized elderly patients at risk of delirium. Although there was no difference in the 30-day mortality or readmission rates, new-starts were more likely to have a longer hospital stay than continuation patients.
Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm of a Superficial Femoral Artery Stent
Authors: Wooster Mathew D. , Shames Murray L.
Published: May 2013

Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are relatively infrequent entities, and the best means of management of them remain to be elucidated due to their small number and medical complexities surrounding them. We present here an interesting case of a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery along with our management of the case and a brief review of the available literature. The particular presentation of this patient will hopefully reinforce the use of prolonged antibiotic therapy for mycotic disease and judicious reexamination of patients whose clinical picture does not immediately fit the framework of our most common diagnoses.
Promoting early presentation of breast cancer: a preliminary evaluation of a written intervention
Authors: Forster Alice S , Forbes Lindsay JL , Abraham Charles , Warburton Fiona G , Douglas Elaine , Ramirez Amanda-Jane
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Older women are more likely to delay presentation with breast cancer, which contributes to poorer survival. We evaluated a written intervention that was designed to provide women with the knowledge, motivation, confidence and skills to present promptly with breast cancer symptoms.

Methods

We assessed acceptability and understanding of the intervention by interviewing 43 women. We used their responses to refine the intervention. We tested the effect of the intervention on breast cancer awareness, confidence and intentions to check breasts and perceived barriers to help-seeking using a self-report questionnaire administered to 61 women prior to and one month after receiving the intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using the McNemar test.

Results

Women were not made anxious by the intervention and understood its messages. At one month, a greater proportion of women knew that breast cancer risk increases with age, identified ≥5 non-lump symptoms and reported breast checking at least monthly in comparison to before the intervention was implemented.

Discussion

The intervention does not induce anxiety, is understandable, and appears to increase breast cancer awareness. The results provide justification for a more rigorous trial to test efficacy.
A Model of Socioemotional Flexibility at Three Time Scales
Authors: Hollenstein Tom , Lichtwarck-Aschoff Anna , Potworowski Georges
Published: May 2013

The construct of flexibility has been a focus for research and theory for over 100 years. However, flexibility has not been consistently or adequately defined, leading to obstacles in the interpretation of past research and progress toward enhanced theory. We present a model of socioemotional flexibility—and its counterpart rigidity—at three time scales using dynamic systems modeling. At the real-time scale (micro), moment-to-moment fluctuations in affect are identified as dynamic flexibility. At the next higher meso-time scale, adaptive adjustments to changes in context are characterized as reactive flexibility. At the macro scale is flexibility that occurs across months or years, reflecting flexibility due to developmental or life transitions. Implications of the model and suggestions for future research are discussed.
LINX® Reflux Management System in chronic gastroesophageal reflux: a novel effective technology for restoring the natural barrier to reflux
Authors: Bonavina Luigi , Saino Greta , Lipham John C. , DeMeester Tom R.
Published: May 2013

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from incompetency of the lower esophageal sphincter that allows the contents of the stomach to reflux into the esophagus, the airways, and the mouth. The disease affects about 10% of the western population and has a profound negative impact on quality of life. The majority of patients are successfully treated with proton-pump inhibitors, but up to 40% have incomplete relief of symptoms even after dose adjustment. The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication represents the surgical gold standard, but is largely underused because of the level of technical difficulty and the prevalence of side effects. These factors have contributed to the propensity of patients to continue with medical therapy despite inadequate symptom control and complications of the disease. As a consequence, a significant ‘therapy gap’ in the treatment of GERD remains evident in current clinical practice. The LINX® Reflux Management System (Torax Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is designed to provide a permanent solution to GERD by augmenting the sphincter barrier with a standardized, reproducible laparoscopic procedure that does not alter gastric anatomy and is easily reversible. Two single-group trials confirmed that a magnetic device designed to augment the lower esophageal sphincter can be safely and effectively implanted using a standard laparoscopic approach. The device decreased esophageal acid exposure, improved reflux symptoms and quality of life, and allowed cessation of proton-pump inhibitors in the majority of patients.
Targeting interleukin-17 in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical potential
Authors: Kellner Herbert
Published: May 2013

Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that interleukin-17A (IL-17A; also known as IL-17) is an attractive therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid synovial tissue produces IL-17A, which causes cartilage and bone degradation in synovial and bone explants. Overexpression of IL-17A induces synovial inflammation and joint destruction in animal RA models. These effects are attenuated in IL-17A-deficient animals and by agents that block IL-17A. Serum IL-17A levels and, to a greater extent, synovial fluid IL-17A levels are elevated in many patients with RA. In some RA cohorts, higher IL-17A levels have been associated with a more severe clinical course. Several IL-17A blockers, including the anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibodies secukinumab and ixekizumab, and the anti-IL-17 receptor subunit A monoclonal antibody brodalumab have been evaluated in phase II clinical trials. Of these, secukinumab is the most advanced with respect to clinical evaluation in RA, with phase III trials ongoing in patients on background methotrexate who had inadequate responses to previous tumor necrosis factor blocker therapy.
Notes on a brief encounter
Authors: Cox Kevin R
Published: May 2013

In human geography today little is heard any more about critical realism. A quarter of a century ago, it attracted attention because it seemed to offer a method for radical geographers and was accepted by some at least as such. Yet, despite the claim that Marx could be regarded as a critical realist before his time, there were always very significant differences from the methods of historical geographical materialism. These include different approaches to abstraction, to the distinction between internal and external relations, to causation and determination, to the question of change and to the relative merits of totalizing rather than pluralizing understandings of the world. These differences were poorly understood at the time and have never been critically examined. With a critical scrutiny as background, contrasting geographical practices can be re-evaluated. Although the author’s conclusion is that historical geographical materialism provides more convincing purchase on the world, the critical realist notion of structure provides an important means of understanding the accumulation process and its contradictory character. This is because it is through the elaboration of new structures of social relations or the transformation of old ones that capital seeks to suspend its contradictions. This insight also helps shed light on the very different concepts of space underpinning critical realist and Marxist understandings of human geography.
The ‘current situation’
Authors: Mann Geoff
Published: May 2013

Kevin Cox’s (2013) paper makes a strong case for a historical–geographical materialism, based in what he calls ‘classical Marxism’, as a better means to engage the world than critical realism. In demonstrating why this is so, he defends a Marxism that is caught in a trap much like that Nicos Poulantzas labelled ‘historicist’. This leads Cox to ignore a large part of the best work in contemporary Marxist geography, and thus also to underestimate what a more complex historical geographical materialism can help us to understand.
Optimal Number of Questionnaire Response Categories
Authors: Jones W. Paul , Loe Scott A.
Published: May 2013

Two multi-instrument investigations in a university clinic/lab provided an opportunity to explore the impact of reducing the number of response alternatives in a scale measuring vocational personality traits. In a simulation study, a standard computer-based administration provided a numeric scale for each item ranging from 0 to 10. The tests were then rescored to simulate the effect of only three choices. For the follow-up study, two versions of the scale were created, one with two response options and the other with six response options, and were randomly assigned to participants. Typical relationships were evident between the vocational personality traits and scores on standard measures of core personality traits with negligible impact from reducing the number of response alternatives. Neither the ability of the participants nor the self-reported distress had a measurable impact on the utility of the results with the reduction in response alternatives.
Teacher Collective Bargaining
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Lavery Lesley , Theobald Roddy , D’Entremont Dylan , Fang Yangru
Published: May 2013

In 2010, Strunk and Reardon introduced a potentially transformative method for analyzing teacher collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). We extend Strunk and Reardon’s work by assessing whether the Partial Independence Item Response (PIIR) approach can be applied to subsets of provisions from CBAs, data that may be more feasible for researchers to collect. Utilizing a new data set derived from all provisions in all active CBAs in Washington state, we find that estimates calculated from a subset of high-profile provisions are moderately highly correlated with estimates calculated from the full range of provisions, as are estimates calculated from several categories of provisions. This suggests that researchers can still draw important conclusions by applying the PIIR method to readily available data on teacher CBAs.
Surveillance of Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance in Antiretroviral-Naive Patients Aged less than 25 Years, in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Pasomsub Ekawat , Chantratita Wasun
Published: May 2013

Emergence of transmitted HIV drug resistance (TDR) is a concern after global scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART). World Health Organization had developed threshold survey method for surveillance of TDR in resource-limited countries. ART in Thailand has been scaling up for >10 years. To evaluate the current TDR in Thailand, a cross-sectional study was conducted among antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected patients aged <25 years who newly visited infectious disease clinic in a university hospital, in 2011. HIV genotypic-resistance test was performed. World Health Organization 2009 surveillance drug-resistance mutations were used to define TDR. Of 50 patients, the prevalence of TDR was 4%. Of 2 patients with TDR, 1 had K103N and the other had Y181C mutations. Transmitted HIV drug resistance is emerging in Thailand after a decade of rapid scale-up of ART. Interventions to prevent TDR at the population level are essentially needed in Thailand. Surveillance for TDR in Thailand has to be regularly performed.
Runx1 is essential at two stages of early murine B-cell development
Authors: Niebuhr Birte , Kriebitzsch Neele , Fischer Meike , Behrens Kira , Günther Thomas , Alawi Malik , Bergholz Ulla , Müller Ursula , Roscher Susanne , Ziegler Marion , Buchholz Frank , Grundhoff Adam , Stocking Carol
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Runx1 is necessary for survival and development of B cell–specified progenitors and also the transition through the pre-B-cell stage. Genomewide expression and Runx1 occupancy analyses identified critical target genes and collaborating transcription partners.
Randomized trial comparing liposomal daunorubicin with idarubicin as induction for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: results from Study AML-BFM 2004
Authors: Creutzig Ursula , Zimmermann Martin , Bourquin Jean-Pierre , Dworzak Michael N. , Fleischhack Gudrun , Graf Norbert , Klingebiel Thomas , Kremens Bernhard , Lehrnbecher Thomas , von Neuhoff Christine , Ritter Jörg , Sander Annette , Schrauder André , Stackelberg Arend von , Starý Jan , Reinhardt Dirk
Published: May 2013

Key Points

AML induction with liposomal daunorubicin (80 mg/m2 per day for 3 days) shows antileukemic activity comparable to idarubicin (12 mg/m2 per day for 3 days). Liposomal daunorubicin promises to be more active in the t(8;21) subgroup and causes less treatment-related toxicity.
Analysis of disease-causing GATA1 mutations in murine gene complementation systems
Authors: Campbell Amy E. , Wilkinson-White Lorna , Mackay Joel P. , Matthews Jacqueline M. , Blobel Gerd A.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Disease-causing mutations in GATA1 impair binding to the cofactors FOG1 or TAL1 but not DNA. Different substitutions at the same residue selectively disrupt FOG1 or TAL1 binding leading to distinct disease phenotypes.
Comparative analysis of 4C-Seq data generated from enzyme-based and sonication-based methods
Authors: Gao Fan , Wei Zong , Lu Wange , Wang Kai
Published: May 2013

Background

Circular chromosome conformation capture, when coupled with next-generation sequencing (4C-Seq), can be used to identify genome-wide interaction of a given locus (a “bait” sequence) with all of its interacting partners. Conventional 4C approaches used restriction enzyme digestion to fragment chromatin, and recently sonication approach was also applied for this purpose. However, bioinformatics pipelines for analyzing sonication-based 4C-Seq data are not well developed. In addition, data consistency as well as similarity between the two methods has not been explored previously. Here we present a comparative analysis of 4C-Seq data generated by both methods, using an enhancer element of Pou5f1 gene in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.

Results

From biological replicates, we found good correlation (r>0.6) for inter-chromosomal interactions identified in either enzyme or sonication method. Compared to enzyme approach, sonication method generated less distal intra-chromosomal interactions, possibly due to the difference in chromatin fragmentation. From all mapped interactions, we further applied statistical models to identify enriched interacting regions. Interestingly, data generated from the two methods showed 30% overlap of the reproducible interacting regions. The interacting sites in the reproducible regions from both methods are similarly enriched with active histone marks. In addition, the interacting sites identified from sonication-based data are enriched with ChIP-Seq signals of transcription factors Oct4, Klf4, Esrrb, Tcfcp2i1, and Zfx that are critical for reprogramming and pluripotency.

Conclusions

Both enzyme-based and sonication-based 4C-Seq methods are valuable tools to explore long-range chromosomal interactions. Due to the nature of sonication-based method, correlation analysis of the 4C interactions with transcription factor binding should be more straightforward.
Unsupervised genome-wide recognition of local relationship patterns
Authors: Zamani Neda , Russell Pamela , Lantz Henrik , Hoeppner Marc P , Meadows Jennifer RS , Vijay Nagarjun , Mauceli Evan , di Palma Federica , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Jern Patric , Grabherr Manfred G
Published: May 2013

Background

Phenomena such as incomplete lineage sorting, horizontal gene transfer, gene duplication and subsequent sub- and neo-functionalisation can result in distinct local phylogenetic relationships that are discordant with species phylogeny. In order to assess the possible biological roles for these subdivisions, they must first be identified and characterised, preferably on a large scale and in an automated fashion.

Results

We developed Saguaro, a combination of a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) and a Self Organising Map (SOM), to characterise local phylogenetic relationships among aligned sequences using cacti, matrices of pair-wise distance measures. While the HMM determines the genomic boundaries from aligned sequences, the SOM hypothesises new cacti in an unsupervised and iterative fashion based on the regions that were modelled least well by existing cacti. After testing the software on simulated data, we demonstrate the utility of Saguaro by testing two different data sets: (i) 181 Dengue virus strains, and (ii) 5 primate genomes. Saguaro identifies regions under lineage-specific constraint for the first set, and genomic segments that we attribute to incomplete lineage sorting in the second dataset. Intriguingly for the primate data, Saguaro also classified an additional ~3% of the genome as most incompatible with the expected species phylogeny. A substantial fraction of these regions was found to overlap genes associated with both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Conclusions

Saguaro detects distinct cacti describing local phylogenetic relationships without requiring any a priori hypotheses. We have successfully demonstrated Saguaro’s utility with two contrasting data sets, one containing many members with short sequences (Dengue viral strains: n = 181, genome size = 10,700 nt), and the other with few members but complex genomes (related primate species: n = 5, genome size = 3 Gb), suggesting that the software is applicable to a wide variety of experimental populations. Saguaro is written in C++, runs on the Linux operating system, and can be downloaded from http://saguarogw.sourceforge.net/.
Proton channel HVCN1 is required for effector functions of mouse eosinophils
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Mose Eucabeth , Zimmermann Nives
Published: May 2013

Background

Proton currents are required for optimal respiratory burst in phagocytes. Recently, HVCN1 was identified as the molecule required for the voltage-gated proton channel activity associated with the respiratory burst in neutrophils. Although there are similarities between eosinophils and neutrophils regarding their mechanism for respiratory burst, the role of proton channels in eosinophil functions has not been fully understood.

Results

In the present study, we first identified the expression of the proton channel HVCN1 in mouse eosinophils. Furthermore, using HVCN1-deficient eosinophils, we demonstrated important cell-specific effector functions for HVCN1. Similar to HVCN1-deficient neutrophils, HVCN1-deficient eosinophils produced significantly less reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation compared with WT eosinophils. In contrast to HVCN1-deficient neutrophils, HVCN1-deficient eosinophils did not show impaired calcium mobilization or migration ability compared with wild-type (WT) cells. Uniquely, HVCN1-deficient eosinophils underwent significantly increased cell death induced by PMA stimulation compared with WT eosinophils. The increased cell death was dependent on NADPH oxidase activation, and correlated with the failure of HVCN1-deficient cells to maintain membrane polarization and intracellular pH in the physiological range upon activation.

Conclusions

Eosinophils require proton channel HVCN1 for optimal ROS generation and prevention of activation-induced cell death.
Human milk metagenome: a functional capacity analysis
Authors: Ward Tonya L , Hosid Sergey , Ioshikhes Ilya , Altosaar Illimar
Published: May 2013

Background

Human milk contains a diverse population of bacteria that likely influences colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies, however, have been limited to characterization of this microbial community by 16S rRNA analysis. In the present study, a metagenomic approach using Illumina sequencing of a pooled milk sample (ten donors) was employed to determine the genera of bacteria and the types of bacterial open reading frames in human milk that may influence bacterial establishment and stability in this primal food matrix. The human milk metagenome was also compared to that of breast-fed and formula-fed infants’ feces (n = 5, each) and mothers’ feces (n = 3) at the phylum level and at a functional level using open reading frame abundance. Additionally, immune-modulatory bacterial-DNA motifs were also searched for within human milk.

Results

The bacterial community in human milk contained over 360 prokaryotic genera, with sequences aligning predominantly to the phyla of Proteobacteria (65%) and Firmicutes (34%), and the genera of Pseudomonas (61.1%), Staphylococcus (33.4%) and Streptococcus (0.5%). From assembled human milk-derived contigs, 30,128 open reading frames were annotated and assigned to functional categories. When compared to the metagenome of infants’ and mothers’ feces, the human milk metagenome was less diverse at the phylum level, and contained more open reading frames associated with nitrogen metabolism, membrane transport and stress response (P < 0.05). The human milk metagenome also contained a similar occurrence of immune-modulatory DNA motifs to that of infants’ and mothers’ fecal metagenomes.

Conclusions

Our results further expand the complexity of the human milk metagenome and enforce the benefits of human milk ingestion on the microbial colonization of the infant gut and immunity. Discovery of immune-modulatory motifs in the metagenome of human milk indicates more exhaustive analyses of the functionality of the human milk metagenome are warranted.
Search for atoxic cereals: a single blind, cross-over study on the safety of a single dose of Triticum monococcum, in patients with celiac disease
Authors: Zanini Barbara , Petroboni Beatrice , Not Tarcisio , Di Toro Nicola , Villanacci Vincenzo , Lanzarotto Francesco , Pogna Norberto , Ricci Chiara , Lanzini Alberto
Published: May 2013

Background

Cereals of baking quality with absent or reduced toxicity are actively sought as alternative therapy to a gluten-free diet (GFD) for patients with coeliac disease (CD). Triticum monococcum, an ancient wheat, is a potential candidate having no toxicity in in-vitro and ex-vivo studies. The aim of our study was to investigate on the safety of administration of a single dose of gluten of Tm in patients with CD on GFD.

Methods

We performed a single blind, cross-over study involving 12 CD patients who had been on a GFD for at least 12 months, challenged on day 0, 14 and 28 with a single fixed dose of 2.5 grams of the following (random order): Tm, rice (as reference atoxic protein) and Amygluten (as reference toxic protein) dispersed in a gluten-free pudding. The primary end-point of the study was the change in intestinal permeability, as assessed by changes in the urinary lactulose/rhamnose ratio (L/R ratio) measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography. We also assessed the occurrence of adverse gastrointestinal events, graded for intensity and duration according to the WHO scale. Variables were expressed as mean ± SD; paired t-test and χ2 test were used as appropriate.

Results

The urinary L/R ratio did not change significantly upon challenge with the 3 cereals, and was 0.055 ± 0.026 for Tm Vs 0.058 ± 0.035 for rice (p = 0.6736) and Vs 0.063 ± 0.054 with Amygluten (p = 0.6071). Adverse gastrointestinal events were 8 for Tm, Vs 11 for rice (p = 0.6321) and Vs 31 for Amygluten p = 0.0016), and, in all cases events were graded as “mild” or “moderate” with TM and rice, and as “severe” or “disabling” in 4 cases during Amygluten.

Conclusions

No definite conclusion can be drawn on the safety of Tm, based on no change in urinary L/R because even Amygluten, a toxic wheat protein, did not cause a significant change in urinary L/R indicating low sensitivity of this methodology in studies on acute toxicity. Tm was, however, well tolerated by all patients providing the rationale for further investigation on the safety of this cereal for CD patients.

Trial registration

EudraCT-AIFA n2008-000697-20
Retesting for genital Chlamydia trachomatis among visitors of a sexually transmitted infections clinic: randomized intervention trial of home- versus clinic-based recall
Authors: Götz Hannelore M , Wolfers Mireille EG , Luijendijk Ad , van den Broek Ingrid VF
Published: May 2013

Background

Reinfections of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) are common. In a two-armed intervention study at an urban STI clinic in the Netherlands, heterosexual Ct-positive visitors received an invitation for retesting after 4–5 months. Interventions were either home-based sampling by mailed test-kit, or clinic-based testing without appointment.

Methods

Data collection included socio-demographic and sexual behavioural variables at first (T0) and repeat test (T1). Participation in retesting, prevalence and determinants of repeat infection among study participants are described and compared with findings from non-participants.

Results

Of the 216 visitors enrolled in the study, 75 accepted retesting (35%). The retest participation was 46% (50/109) in the home group versus 23% (25/107) in the clinic group (p = 0.001). Men were less often retested than women (15% versus 43%, p < 0.001). The overall chlamydia positivity rate at retest was 17.3% (13/75) compared to 12.4% seen at all visits at the STI clinic in 2011. Repeated infections were more frequent among non-Dutch than Dutch participants (27.0% versus 7.9%; p = 0.04) and in persons reporting symptoms (31.0% versus 7.0%; p = 0.01). Both untreated infections of current partners as well as unprotected sex with new partners contribute to repeated infections.

Conclusion

The high rate of repeated infections indicates the need for interventions to increase retesting; improvement of partner-management and risk reduction counselling remain necessary. Home- based testing was more effective than clinic-based testing. However other strategies, including self-triage of patients, may also increase repeat testing rates and personal preferences should be taken into account.