bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terrain Analysis of Elements Using LISS-IV Satellite Image in Bhainsa Region, Northwestern Part of Nirmal District, Telangana State, India
Authors: Priyanka T. , Veeraiah B. , Jogu Linga Swamy
Published: June 2024

Terrain is considered one of the most important natural geographic features and is a vital factor in physical processes. This study focuses attention on terrain analysis of the study area. The effect of this terrain analysis on the surface characteristics were analyzed, this was achieved by generating and extracting data and a high-resolution 5.8m satellite image (IRS P6-LISS IV) of the area respectively. The Remote sensing satellite data and geographic information system (GIS) are used in terrain analysis is defined as the study of the nature, like drainage, digital elevation model (DEM), land use/ land cover, lithology, geomorphology features, and soil characteristics around the Bhainsa region, northwestern part of Nirmal district. The drainage pattern is dendritic to sub-dendritic and the topography of the study region is undulating with a gentle slope towards southeast. The morphological features composition of land forms, the result of which is a land form or land component of the region. The diverse land use categories such as forest, agriculture, water bodies, drainage, and the land cover pattern are divided into agriculture land, barren land, forest, built up, mining and industrial, scrub land and water bodies. The major litho-units in the study area are occupied by granitic terrain and deccan traps basalt. The soils are covered in region black clayey, reddish brown, and gravelly clay red soils. IRS P6-LISS IV, 2016 satellite image made optimum utilization   for the interpretation of terrain analysis. The terrain parameters were further used as input to analyze the surface characteristics in the locality.
Epidemiology of Vaginal candidiasis and Its Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern at the Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon
Authors: Tanih Nicoline Fri , Flore Leudja Nathalie , Sama Luma Woquan , Amih Ofon Elvis , Ngu Tanih Godfred , Amidou Samie , Fabrice Chethkwo , Longdoh Njunda Anna
Published: June 2024

Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and investigate the antifungal susceptibility patterns among both pregnant and non-pregnant women in Buea, Cameroon.
Study Design:  Cross-sectional hospital-based design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Buea Regional Hospital, in the South West Region of Cameroon for a period of 3months.
Methodology: The study included a total of 270 participants, comprising 135 pregnant women and 135 non-pregnant women. Vaginal swab samples were collected and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and later sub-cultured on Chromogenic Candida Agar. A Germ tube test was carried out to confirm the presence of Candida albicans and served as a confirmatory test in classifying the species as pathogenic or not. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Statistical analysis was performed where a P <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The overall prevalence of VVC was 20.7%. The prevalence was higher among pregnant women (23.7%) compared to non-pregnant women (17.8%). Candida albicans 69.6% was the most prevalent species while C. tropicalis (5.4%) was the least. Predisposing factors such as history of candidiasis was associated with VVC in pregnant women (P=0.009), while the presence of symptoms (P=0.011), and clothing preferences like trousers (P=0.048) were associated with VVC in non-pregnant women. Voriconazole (66.15%) was the most effective antifungal drug while caspofungin (81.25%) was least effective to all species.
Conclusion: VVC has a higher prevalence in pregnant than in non-pregnant women with Candida albicans, being the most prevalent species. History of candidiasis, presence of symptoms, and clothing preferences like trousers were statistically associated with the presence of VVC in this study population. Voriconazole could serve as the drug of choice for management of VVC infection.
Study of Haematological and Biochemical Alterations in Clinical Cases of Canine Ehrlichiosis to Understand the Clinical Picture of the Disease
Authors: Verma Sonika , Srivastava Mukesh Kumar , Tiwari Jitendra , Srivastava Ashish , Sachan Rupam , Bhatt Shruti , Raikwar Arpana , Singh Shveta
Published: June 2024

Aims: To study the effect of Ehrlichia canis infection on various haematological and biochemical parameters as compared to the normal healthy animals in order to understand the disease in dogs.
Study Design: Dogs who comes to the veterinary hospital with symptoms of ehrlichiosis were included in the study. Haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs found positive for ehrlichiosis were analysed. The values of these parameters were subsequently compared to healthy animals in order to identify any significant difference caused by ehrlichiosis.
Place and Duration of Study: The studied was conducted at Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary University Mathura, India. The investigation involved collecting samples from February 2023 to March 2024.
Methodology: 119 dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis were studied for changes in biochemical parameters like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate amino transferase, total leucocyte count, total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), differential leucocyte count, platelet count and platelet indices (MPV, PDW, PCT). Student's t-test in Graphpad Prism was used to compare these values to healthy animals.
Results: The study confirms that ehrlichiosis leads to significant haematological and biochemical changes in dogs. Infected dogs have lower Hb, TEC, and PCV than healthy animals, indicating anaemia. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were also observed in the infected animals. Non-significant differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC between healthy and infected dogs indicate normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Anisocytosis is indicated by significant RDW-CV increases in infected dogs compared to healthy dogs. Increased liver-specific enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP and kidney-related enzymes like BUN and CRT suggest hepatic and renal involvement in disease pathophysiology.
Conclusion: The results indicate that clinicians can use standard haematological and biochemical markers obtained upon admission of diseased animals to predict and assess the risk of ehrlichiosis. These findings can be utilized to improve the diagnosis and treatment of canine ehrlichiosis.
Metacinema as Diasporic Postmemory in Justin Chon’s Blue Bayou (2021)
Authors: Ghassani Damia Rizka , Adipurwawidjana Ari J
Published: June 2024

Blue Bayou (2021), a film by Justin Chon, presents issues of imagination, postmemory, and identity through self-referential techniques. Referring to Marianne Hirsch’s theory on postmemory, this article examines how this film represents imagined moments and how they serve as a postmemory of the history of Korean immigrants, and how this kind of forgetting constitutes the American shared experience. The findings and discussion show that imagined moments in Antonio's subconscious function as postmemory for Antonio, while the film itself serves as a postmemory for America’s imagination. It can be argued that Blue Bayou deliberately acknowledges itself as a film and as fiction to present the world that America imagines and understands. We argue that Blue Bayou conceives memory, fosters imagination, and acts as a documentation for the audience as well as for America’s fragmented memory.
Translation Criticism: Implementation of House’s TQA Model on “Sweet Hour of Prayer” into Indonesian
Authors: Ntamwana Simon , Munandar Aris
Published: June 2024

The article examined the quality of the translation of the hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (1845) into the Indonesian lyric “Inilah Jam Ku Berdoa”. The study used a qualitative method with an inductive orientation. The primary data were collected from the American Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985) and the Indonesian hymnal Lagu Sion (2013). The secondary data were obtained from books and articles about Translation Quality Assessment (TQA), systemic functional linguistics, and SDA hymnody. House’s TQA model was implemented by assessing overt and covert translation errors and by analyzing the profiles of the source and target texts. It was found that the textual profile and function of the target text (TT) do not match those of the source text (ST). Furthermore, it was discovered that the translation of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” from English to Indonesian was not adequate in quality due to manipulations that reduced the lyric to a covert version.
Refractories, Industrial
Authors: Rigaud Michel
Published: July 2012

Some definitions and criteria for classification of refractories as engineering materials are given. How they are made, and information is given on how production of refractories results from the culmination of many different technologies, and that they are tailored to meet very specific needs and construction. The raw materials to make refractories: oxides, carbons, other non‐oxides, other chemicals, including cements and fibers (organic, metallic, ceramic) are detailed, distinguishing for each category between the ores, the minerals and the raw material Information on the characteristics of refractories as engineered materials include: properties versus the characteristics, the scales (magnification) and the hierarchy of structures; testing methods and the physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics of the refractories (and raw materials); properties of pure oxides and other synthetic products, relevant for the refractories products. Refractory lining design, selection of products, construction, installation, and maintenance are major points covered. The materials and the construction of lining (including anchoring), state of stresses in linings, the gradient of temperature in use, and all other process variables, 1‐2‐3 walls, insulating, heat transfer calculations, listing of properties for selected materials are given.

Detailing the use of refractories in various industrial applications fall outside the scope of this article, but several sources of references have been provided.
PEGylation of deuterohaemin–alanine–histidine–threonine–valine–glutamic acid–lysine and its influence on activity, stability, and aggregation
Authors: Lin Hang , Li Yapeng , Zhou Hang , Wang Liping , Cao Hong , Tang Jun , Li Wei
Published: July 2012

Deuterohaemin–alanine–histidine–threonine–valine–glutamic acid–lysine (DhHP‐6) is a synthetic heme‐containing peroxidase mimic that exhibits a high peroxidase enzyme activity. Compared to other microperoxidases, DhHP‐6 has a poor stability and tends to aggregate in aqueous solutions. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used to improve the properties of DhHP‐6. Factors that affected the PEGylation product yield were investigated. PEGylated DhHP‐6 (mPEG–DhHP‐6) was characterized by reversed‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectra (MALDI‐TOF‐MS), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The results show that the optimal PEGylation reaction conditions were achieved when the PEGylation was conducted in a borate buffer solution at pH 8.0 and 25°C for 4 h with a feeding ratio of 2 equiv of active PEG. After PEGylation, mPEG–DhHP‐6 showed a great improvement in its stability with little activity loss. The UV–vis spectra of DhHP‐6 and mPEG–DhHP‐6 in different pH solutions showed that the aggregation of DhHP‐6 was partly suppressed after PEGylation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A semiparametric Bayesian generalized linear mixed model for the reliability of Kevlar fibers
Authors: Argiento Raffaele , Guglielmi Alessandra , Soriano Jacopo
Published: July 2012

We analyze the reliability of NASA composite pressure vessels by using a new Bayesian semiparametric model. The data set consists of lifetimes of pressure vessels, wrapped with a Kevlar fiber, grouped by spool, subject to different stress levels; 10%of the data are right censored. The model that we consider is a regression on the log‐scale for the lifetimes, with fixed (stress) and random (spool) effects. The prior of the spool parameters is nonparametric, namely they are a sample from a normalized generalized gamma process, which encompasses the well‐known Dirichlet process. The nonparametric prior is assumed to robustify inferences to misspecification of the parametric prior. Here, this choice of likelihood and prior yields a new Bayesian model in reliability analysis. Via a Bayesian hierarchical approach, it is easy to analyze the reliability of the Kevlar fiber by predicting quantiles of the failure time when a new spool is selected at random from the population of spools. Moreover, for comparative purposes, we review the most interesting frequentist and Bayesian models analyzing this data set. Our credibility intervals of the quantiles of interest for a new random spool are narrower than those derived by previous Bayesian parametric literature, although the predictive goodness‐of‐fit performances are similar. Finally, as an original feature of our model, by means of the discreteness of the random‐effects distribution, we are able to cluster the spools into three different groups. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermobifida fusca cellulases exhibit limited surface diffusion on bacterial micro‐crystalline cellulose
Authors: Moran‐Mirabal Jose M. , Bolewski Jacob C. , Walker Larry P.
Published: July 2012

Elucidation of cellulase–cellulose interactions is key to modeling biomass deconstruction and in understanding the processes that lead to cellulase inactivation. Here, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and single molecule tracking (SMT) experiments are used to assess the surface diffusion of Thermobifida fusca cellulases on bacterial micro‐crystalline cellulose. Our results show that cellulases exhibit limited surface diffusion when bound to crystalline cellulose and that a large fraction of the cellulases remain immobile even at temperatures optimal for catalysis. A comparison of our experimental results to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, which use published diffusion coefficients to model cellulase displacements, shows that even those enzymes that are mobile on the cellulose surface exhibit significantly slower diffusive motions than previously reported. In addition, it is observed that the enzymes that show significant displacements exhibit complex, non‐steady surface motions, which suggest that cellulose–bound cellulases exist in molecular states with different diffusive characteristics. These results challenge the notion that cellulases can freely diffuse over cellulose surfaces without catalyzing bond cleavage. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 47–56. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional assembly and characterization of a modular xylanosome for hemicellulose hydrolysis in yeast
Authors: Srikrishnan Sneha , Chen Wilfred , Da Silva Nancy A.
Published: July 2012

Five trimeric xylanosomes were successfully assembled on the cell surface ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Three dockerin‐tagged fungal enzymes, an endoxylanase (XynAc) fromThermomyces lanuginosus, a β‐xylosidase (XlnDt) fromAspergillus nigerand an acetylxylan esterase (AwAXEf) fromAspergillus awamori, were displayed for the synergistic saccharification of birchwood xylan. The surface‐expression scaffoldins were modular constructs with or without carbohydrate binding modules fromThermotoga maritima(family 22) orClostridium thermocellum(family 3). The synergy due to enzyme–enzyme and enzyme–substrate proximity, and the effects of binding domain choice and position on xylan hydrolysis were determined. The scaffoldin‐based enzymes (with no binding domain) showed a 1.6‐fold increase in hydrolytic activity over free enzymes; this can be attributed to enzyme–enzyme proximity within the scaffoldin. The addition of a xylan binding domain fromT. maritimaimproved hydrolysis by 2.1‐fold relative to the scaffoldin without a binding domain (signifying enzyme–substrate synergy), and 3.3‐fold over free enzymes, with a xylose productivity of 105 mg g−1substrate after 72 h hydrolysis. This system was also superior to the xylanosome carrying the cellulose binding module fromC. thermocellumby 1.4‐fold. Furthermore, swapping the xylan binding module position within the scaffoldin resulted in 1.5‐fold more hydrolysis when the binding domain was adjacent to the endoxylanase. These results demonstrate the applicability of designer xylanosomes toward hemicellulose saccharification in yeast, and the importance of the choice and position of the carbohydrate binding module for enhanced synergy. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 275–285. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water as a Commons: An Exploratory Study on the Motives for Collective Action Among Italian Water Movement Activists
Authors: Mazzoni Davide , Cicognani Elvira
Published: July 2012

In many communities, supplying water and sanitation is a huge task, and the fact that these essential services can be carried out by the private sector is a debated issue. This article presents an exploratory study aimed to identify the range of motives for collective action shared by activists of the Italian Movement for ‘Public Water’. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 28 activists and were qualitatively analysed. Five main motivational categories emerged: defending the right to water, preserving community ties, opposing to the Government and ‘water sellers’, preserving the environment and money interests. Each motive is based on a specific representation of the issue of water and privatization process. Findings provide further support for the importance of moral convictions and sense of community in collective action development and suggest a critical reconsideration of the role played by collective efficacy. The results are discussed in the framework of the psychosocial literature on collective action and community psychology perspectives on participatory processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation‐Dependent Host–Guest Interactions: Solution States of Polyglycerol Dendrimers of Generations 3 and 4 Modulate the Localization of a Guest Molecule
Authors: Lee Haejoo , Ooya Tooru
Published: July 2012

Host–guest interactions between polyglycerol dendrimers of generations 3 and 4 (PGD‐G3 and G4) and 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxynapthalene‐2‐sulphonic acid (AHSA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). PGD‐G3 molecules were found to form an associated state with an average diameter of 82.7 nm in aqueous solution, in which PGD‐G3 provided a much more polar microenvironment than glycerol. PGD‐G3 and AHSA interacted attractively, showing a binding constant of 5.3×105 M−1 with a 2:1 stoichiometry. On the other hand, AHSA interacted with the periphery of PGD‐G4, the majority of which existed as a unimer, forming a less polar microenvironment. The driving force of the interactions for PGD‐G3 and ‐G4 were mainly enthalpically and entropically driven, respectively. The generation‐dependent host–guest interactions were described in conjunction with thermodynamic parameters.
Studies on a Vinyl Ruthenium‐Modified Squaraine Dye: Multiple Visible/Near‐Infrared Absorbance Switching through Dye‐ and Substituent‐Based Redox Processes
Authors: Chen Jing , Winter Rainer F.
Published: July 2012

The bis(vinyl ruthenium)‐modified squaraine dye 1 was synthesized by treatment of [RuHCl(CO)(PiPr3)2] with bis(ethynyl)‐substituted squaraine 8. Spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements on 1 and its organic precursors 6–8 were performed to study the effect of the vinyl ruthenium “substituents,” particularly with respect to (poly)electrochromism. Attachment of the vinyl ruthenium moieties endows metal–organic squaraine 1 with two additional oxidation waves and lowers the first two oxidation potentials by approximately 300 mV with respect to its organic precursors. Squaraines 6, 7, 8, and 1 strongly absorb at 648, 663, 656, or 709 nm. Although organic dyes 6, 7, and 8 fluoresce, no room‐temperature emission is observed for 1. The radical cations and anions of 6, 7, 8, and 1 as well as the doubly oxidized dications have been studied by IR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, and the −/0/+/2+ redox sequences were found to be reversible in each case. Our results indicate that the 12−/−/0/+/2+ redox system constitutes a polyelectrochromic switch in which absorption in the visible or the near‐infrared range is reversibly turned off or shifted deep into the NIR. They also show that radical cation 1.+ is an intrinsically delocalized system with only little contribution from the outer vinyl ruthenium tags to the oxidation process. Dication 12+ constitutes a class‐II mixed‐valent system with two electronically different vinyl ruthenium moieties and has an open‐shell singlet electronic ground‐state structure. ESR and NMR spectra of chemically prepared 1.+ and 12+ corroborate these results. It has also emerged that reduction involves an orbital that is strongly delocalized across the entire squaraine π system and strongly affects the peripheral vinyl ruthenium sites.
Coupled transport of Pb2+ through tri‐n‐octylamine‐xylene‐polypropylene supported liquid membranes
Authors: ur Rehman Saeed , Akhtar Gul , Chaudry M. Ashraf
Published: July 2012

Transport of Pb2+ was carried from acidic solution into alkaline stripping phase through tri‐n‐octylamine‐xylene‐polypropylene supported liquid membrane. The transport of Pb2+ through the membrane was studied by varying the concentration of Pb2+ and HNO3 in feed solution, NaOH concentration in strip solution and TOA concentration in membrane phase. The flux data obtained has been used to study the stoichiometry of complex Pb(NO3)n+2(HNR3)n. The supported liquid membrane (SLM) has been found stable for 10 runs with 24 h between each run. This SLM has been used effectively to extract lead ions along with chromium, copper and zinc ions from aqueous acidic leached solution of paint and industrial effluents. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Particle dispersion and fluctuations in viscous liquid–solid fluidised Beds
Authors: Han In Soo , Lim Hyun Oh , Kim Kee Tae , Kang Yong , Jun Ki Won
Published: July 2012

Particle dispersion and fluctuations were investigated in a liquid–solid fluidised bed with viscous liquid media by employing the relaxation method based on the stochastic model. The bed expansion or contraction during the transient state was analysed by means of the histogram of pressure drop variation with elapsed time. The relaxation behaviour of the liquid–solid fluidised bed appeared to be heterogeneous followed by homogeneous expansion or contraction. Effects of liquid velocity (UL), particle size (dP), liquid viscosity (µL) and liquid holdup or bed porosity (εL) on the fluctuating frequency (F) and dispersion coefficient (DP) of fluidised solid particles were examined. The values of F and DP increased with an increase in dP but decreased with µL and exhibited local maxima with variations of UL and εL. The flow pattern of solid particles could be changed from uniform or pseudo‐homogeneous to turbulent random behaviour with an increase in the liquid velocity and liquid holdup or bed porosity. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Transgenic quail as a model for research in the avian nervous system: A comparative study of the auditory brainstem
Authors: Seidl Armin H. , Sanchez Jason Tait , Schecterson Leslayann , Tabor Kathryn M. , Wang Yuan , Kashima Daniel T. , Poynter Greg , Huss David , Fraser Scott E. , Lansford Rusty , Rubel Edwin W.
Published: July 2012

Research performed on transgenic animals has led to numerous advances in biological research. However, using traditional retroviral methods to generate transgenic avian research models has proved problematic. As a result, experiments aimed at genetic manipulations on birds have remained difficult for this popular research tool. Recently, lentiviral methods have allowed the production of transgenic birds, including a transgenic Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) line showing neuronal specificity and stable expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) across generations (termed here GFP quail). To test whether the GFP quail may serve as a viable alternative to the popular chicken model system, with the additional benefit of genetic manipulation, we compared the development, organization, structure, and function of a specific neuronal circuit in chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) with that of the GFP quail. This study focuses on a well‐defined avian brain region, the principal nuclei of the sound localization circuit in the auditory brainstem, nucleus magnocellularis (NM), and nucleus laminaris (NL). Our results demonstrate that structural and functional properties of NM and NL neurons in the GFP quail, as well as their dynamic properties in response to changes in the environment, are nearly identical to those in chickens. These similarities demonstrate that the GFP quail, as well as other transgenic quail lines, can serve as an attractive avian model system, with the advantage of being able to build on the wealth of information already available from the chicken. J. Comp. Neurol.5–23, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure‐Directing L‐Tryptophan for Supported DPPC Helices and Fractals: An Alkyl‐Chain Tilt‐Angle Dependence
Authors: Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Patnaik Archita
Published: July 2012

This study reports supported one‐dimensional fractals and helices of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) from interfacial and trans‐membrane L‐tryptophan interactions. One of the key challenges in the fabrication of phospholipid helices is unravelled using simple 2D nanotechnology techniques and the amphipathic membrane‐exposed amino acid L‐tryptophan. Unlike in earlier reports, in which self‐assembly induced helicity exclusively to the peptide backbone in a lipid environment, this study infers the amino acid to govern the assembly of anisotropic, large‐curvature lipid helices through diverse interactions such as insertion, folding, dipole reorientation, steric interactions and molecular tilt dependence, culminating in the induction of helicity in a nonhelical lipid. Molecular dynamics simulations succinctly corroborate the helix formation, implying that trans‐membrane tryptophans support such segmental interactions.
Prevention of hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma with antiviral therapy
Authors: Lai Ching-Lung , Yuen Man-Fung
Published: July 2012

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Primary prevention of hepatitis B infection by vaccination is effective in reducing the incidence of HCC. In persons with CHB infection, the two accepted treatment modalities are interferon alpha (IFN-α) given subcutaneously for a limited period and nucleoside/nucleotide analogs given orally on a long-term basis. These treatments are effective in suppressing viral activity and improving disease markers in short-term studies. The long-term effect on the development of liver cancers with these two forms of treatment appears to be different. However, there are no studies directly comparing IFN-α and nucleoside/nucleotide analogs. Comparisons across studies are inevitably limited by differences in the baseline characteristics of the study cohorts. Long-term follow-up studies of IFN-α therapy show inconsistent results. The beneficial effect in reducing the development of liver cancer is observed mainly in treatment responders who have preexisting cirrhosis of the liver. The long-term studies of lamivudine (and adefovir) show a consistent reduction in the development of liver cancers in patients with, and without, cirrhosis. This beneficial effect is blunted by the development of resistance. The effects of the newer nucleoside/nucleotide analogs, with higher potency and minimal risk of resistance development, are, as yet, unknown. (Hepatology 2013)
Performance status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Determinants, prognostic impact, and ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system
Authors: Hsu Chia-Yang , Lee Yun-Hsuan , Hsia Cheng-Yuan , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Su Chien-Wei , Lin Han-Chieh , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Chiou Yi-You , Lee Fa-Yauh , Huo Teh-Ia
Published: July 2012

Performance status is included in the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few studies specifically evaluated the role of performance status in patients with HCC. This study investigated its distribution, determinants, and prognostic impact, aiming to improve the performance of the BCLC system. A total of 2,381 HCC patients were enrolled. Performance status was determined according to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale. The prognostic ability of the original and three modified BCLC systems in HCC patients was compared by the Akaike information criterion (AIC). There were 60, 17, 11, 8, and 4% of patients who were classified as performance status 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. A worse performance status significantly correlated with age, alcoholism, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, renal insufficiency, hyponatremia, and prothrombin time prolongation (all P < 0.001). Larger tumor burden, poorer residual liver function, more frequent vascular invasion, and diabetes mellitus were also observed in patients with worse performance status (all P < 0.001). Patients with poorer performance status more often received best supportive care (P < 0.001). In the Cox proportional hazards model, performance status was an independent prognostic predictor and the long-term survival tended to be worse in patients with progressively poor performance status (all P < 0.05). Reassigning patients with performance status 0 or 1 to stage B provided the lowest AIC among the four BCLC-based staging systems.

Conclusion:

Performance status is strongly associated with both tumoral and cirrhotic factors and accurately predicts long-term survival in HCC patients. Modification of the BCLC system based on performance status may further enhance its prognostic ability in patients with early to advanced cancer stage. (Hepatology 2013)
PTEN-mediated akt/β-Catenin/foxo1 signaling regulates innate immune responses in mouse liver ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Kamo Naoko , Ke Bibo , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: July 2012

The phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) regulates innate immune responses inversely with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and its direct downstream target gene, Akt. The Forkhead box O (Foxo) transcription factors are essential in the regulation of tissue development, immune homeostasis, and cell survival. This study was designed to investigate the role of PTEN-mediated Akt/β-catenin/Foxo1 signaling in the regulation of in vivo and in vitro innate immune responses in a mouse model of hepatic inflammatory injury induced by 90 minutes of liver partial warm ischemia followed by 6 hours of reperfusion. We found that knockdown of PTEN with small interfering RNA (siRNA) promoted Akt/β-catenin/Foxo1 signaling, leading to resistance against liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR) damage, local enhancement of antiapoptotic function, and downregulation of innate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. A specific PI3K blockade inhibited Akt/β-catenin signaling, increased Foxo1-mediated TLR4-driven local inflammation, and recreated cardinal features of liver IR injury. Moreover, knockdown of PTEN in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages enhanced β-catenin activity, which in turn provided a negative regulatory feedback to the Foxo1 function, leading to the inhibition of TLR4 and NF-κB, with ultimate depression of proinflammatory cytokine programs in vitro. Conclusion: Our novel findings identify the PTEN-mediated Akt/β-catenin/Foxo1 axis as a key regulator of innate inflammatory response in the mouse liver. By identifying molecular mechanisms of PTEN-mediated Akt/β-catenin/Foxo1 signaling in TLR4 innate immune regulation, our study provides a rationale for therapeutic approaches to manage inflammation injury in IR-stressed liver. (Hepatology 2013)
Exploring the effect of data assimilation by WRF‐3DVar for numerical rainfall prediction with different types of storm events
Authors: Liu Jia , Bray Michaela , Han Dawei
Published: July 2012

The mesoscale Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model is gaining popularity among the hydrometeorological community in providing high‐resolution rainfall forecasts at the catchment scale. Although the performance of the model has been verified in capturing the physical processes of severe storm events, the modelling accuracy is negatively affected by significant errors in the initial conditions used to drive the model. Several meteorological investigations have shown that the assimilation of real‐time observations, especially the radar data can help improve the accuracy of the rainfall predictions given by mesoscale NWP models. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of data assimilation for hydrological applications at the catchment scale. Radar reflectivity together with surface and upper‐air meteorological observations is assimilated into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using the three‐dimensional variational data‐assimilation technique. Improvement of the rainfall accumulation and its temporal variation after data assimilation is examined for four storm events in the Brue catchment (135.2 km2) located in southwest England. The storm events are selected with different rainfall distributions in space and time. It is found that the rainfall improvement is most obvious for the events with one‐dimensional evenness in either space or time. The effect of data assimilation is even more significant in the innermost domain which has the finest spatial resolution. However, for the events with two‐dimensional unevenness of rainfall, i.e. the rainfall is concentrated in a small area and in a short time period, the effect of data assimilation is not ideal. WRF fails in capturing the whole process of the highly convective storm with densely concentrated rainfall in a small area and a short time period. A shortened assimilation time interval together with more efficient utilisation of the weather radar data might help improve the effectiveness of data assimilation in such cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of adolescent health care use for low back pain
Authors: Tiira A.H. , Paananen M.V. , Taimela S.P. , Zitting P.J. , Järvelin M.‐R. , Karppinen J.I.
Published: July 2012

Background

Recent studies have indicated that low back pain (LBP) is common already in adolescence, but only few studies have evaluated the factors that determine LBP‐related health care use at this age.

Methods

The study population included 1987 adolescents aged 18 from the Oulu Back Study, a subcohort of the 1986 Northern Finland Birth Cohort. We used logistic regression to evaluate whether enabling resources, need factors, personal health habits or psychological problems are associated with seeking health care for LBP, among adolescents reporting LBP during the last year.

Results

Of the 1987 respondents, 50% of the females and 42% of the males reported having had LBP during the previous year. Of the 921 respondents with LBP, 89 (16%) females, and 59 (16%) males had consulted a health care professional. In both genders, pain intensity was strongly associated with seeking care [visual analogue scale (VAS) 8–10 vs. VAS 0–3; males: OR 16.6, 95% CI 3.8–72.5, females: OR 18.8 95% CI 6.3–56.1]. In addition, LBP‐related daily activity limitations (impairment index 4–6 vs. 0 OR 15.7 95% CI 1.7–142.5) were associated with care seeking among males. Student status was also associated with care seeking among males (OR 2.34 95% CI 1.02–5.36).

Conclusions

Approximately one out of six adolescents with LBP seeks medical care. Intensity of pain and daily activity limitations appear to be the main determinants of seeking care for LBP in adolescence.
Multiscale grooved titanium processed with femtosecond laser influences mesenchymal stem cell morphology, adhesion, and matrix organization
Authors: Dumas Virginie , Rattner Aline , Vico Laurence , Audouard Eric , Dumas Jean Claude , Naisson Pierre , Bertrand Philippe
Published: July 2012

The femtosecond laser processing enabled the structuring of six types of surfaces on titanium‐6aluminium‐4vanadium (Ti‐6Al‐4V) plates. The obtained hierarchical features consisted of a combination of microgrooves and oriented nanostructures. By adjusting beam properties such as laser polarization, the width of the microgrooves (20 or 60 μm) and the orientation of the nanostructures (parallel or perpendicular to the microgrooves) can be precisely controlled. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown on these structured surfaces produced cytoplasmic extensions with focal contacts, while on the smooth titanium, the cells were found to be well spread and without any focal contact 12 h postseeding. The 600‐nm wide nanostructures on their own were sufficient to orient the MSCs. For the multiscale structured areas, when the orientation of the nanostructures was orthogonal in relation to the microgrooves, there was an important decrease in or even a loss of cell alignment signifying that cells were sensitive to the directional nanostructures in the microgrooves. At 7 days, cell proliferation was not affected but the direction of nanostructures controlled the matrix organization. The ultrafast laser, as a new method for producing micro‐nanohybrid surfaces, is a promising approach to promote desired tissue organization for tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3108–3116, 2012.
Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene by the poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted method and its effect on the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of blood platelets
Authors: Xia Bing , Xie Meiju , Yang Bangcheng
Published: July 2012

With the help of a silane coupling agent, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a well‐biocompatable agent, was grafted onto the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by ultraviolet initiation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis proved the success of PEG grafting. Water contact angle measurement showed that the modified UHMWPE was obviously improved in surface hydrophilicity and thermogravimetric analysis result showed that its thermostability did not decline even it was pretreated by strong acids. Then, the protein adsorption of the modified UHMWPE was investigated using three model proteins including bovine serum albumin, lysozyme, and fibrinogen. Rabbit blood was used to study the platelet adhesion on the surface of modified UHMWPE. The results indicated that the quantity of protein adsorption on the modified UHMWPE grafted PEG reduced apparently for all the model proteins while there was some specific differences or exceptions among them. It was ascribed to the changed surface chemical composition, surface hydrophilicity and surface topography after modification. The adhesive ability of blood platelets on the modified surface of UHMWPE decreased after PEG grafting. Owing to the improved resistance to fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion, the surface modification might endow the UHWMPE surface better anticoagulation ability according to clotting mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:54–63, 2013.
Protein kinase C–delta deficiency perturbs bone homeostasis by selective uncoupling of cathepsin K secretion and ruffled border formation in osteoclasts
Authors: Cremasco Viviana , Decker Corinne E , Stumpo Deborah , Blackshear Perry J , Nakayama Keiichi I , Nakayama Keiko , Lupu Traian S , Graham Daniel B , Novack Deborah V , Faccio Roberta
Published: July 2012

Bone homeostasis requires stringent regulation of osteoclasts, which secrete proteolytic enzymes to degrade the bone matrix. Despite recent progress in understanding how bone resorption occurs, the mechanisms regulating osteoclast secretion, and in particular the trafficking route of cathepsin K vesicles, remain elusive. Using a genetic approach, we describe the requirement for protein kinase C–delta (PKCδ) in regulating bone resorption by affecting cathepsin K exocytosis. Importantly, PKCδ deficiency does not perturb formation of the ruffled border or trafficking of lysosomal vesicles containing the vacuolar-ATPase (v-ATPase). Mechanistically, we find that cathepsin K exocytosis is controlled by PKCδ through modulation of the actin bundling protein myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS). The relevance of our finding is emphasized in vivo because PKCδ−/− mice exhibit increased bone mass and are protected from pathological bone loss in a model of experimental postmenopausal osteoporosis. Collectively, our data provide novel mechanistic insights into the pathways that selectively promote secretion of cathepsin K lysosomes independently of ruffled border formation, providing evidence of the presence of multiple mechanisms that regulate lysosomal exocytosis in osteoclasts. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Liver X receptors orchestrate osteoblast/osteoclast crosstalk and counteract pathologic bone loss
Authors: Kleyer Arnd , Scholtysek Carina , Bottesch Edith , Hillienhof Ulrike , Beyer Christian , Distler Jörg HW , Tuckermann Jan P , Schett Georg , Krönke Gerhard
Published: July 2012

Osteoporosis is characterized by enhanced differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, resulting in a rapid loss of functional trabecular bone. Bone-forming osteoblasts and osteoblast-derived osteocytes perform a key role in the regulation of osteoclast development by providing both the pro-osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its natural decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG). By regulating the RANKL/OPG ratio, osteoblasts hence determine the rate of both osteoclast differentiation and bone turnover. Here, we describe a novel role for liver X receptors (LXRs) during the crosstalk of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. By using a system of osteoblast/osteoclast cocultures, we identify LXRs as regulator of RANKL expression and the RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts. Activation of LXRs drastically reduced the RANKL/OPG ratio and interfered with osteoblast-mediated osteoclast differentiation in vitro. During an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced model of postmenopausal osteoporosis, the application of an LXR agonist shifted the RANKL/OPG ratio in vivo, ameliorated the enhanced osteoclast differentiation, and provided complete protection from OVX-induced bone loss. These results reveal an unexpected involvement of LXRs in the regulation of bone turnover and highlight a potential role for LXRs as novel targets in the treatment of osteoporosis and related diseases. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulates osteoclastic bone resorption through protein kinase B–mediated vesicle transport
Authors: Shinohara Masahiro , Nakamura Masaki , Masuda Hironari , Hirose Jun , Kadono Yuho , Iwasawa Mitsuyasu , Nagase Yuuichi , Ueki Kohjiro , Kadowaki Takashi , Sasaki Takehiko , Kato Shigeaki , Nakamura Hiroaki , Tanaka Sakae , Takayanagi Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

Class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are activated by growth factor receptors and regulate a wide range of cellular processes. In osteoclasts, they are activated downstream of αvβ3 integrin and colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (c-Fms), which are involved in the regulation of bone-resorbing activity. The physiological relevance of the in vitro studies using PI3K inhibitors has been of limited value, because they inhibit all classes of PI3K. Here, we show that the osteoclast-specific deletion of the p85 genes encoding the regulatory subunit of the class IA PI3K results in an osteopetrotic phenotype caused by a defect in the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. Class IA PI3K is required for the ruffled border formation and vesicular transport, but not for the formation of the sealing zone. p85α/β doubly deficient osteoclasts had a defect in macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)–induced protein kinase B (Akt) activation and the introduction of constitutively active Akt recovered the bone-resorbing activity. Thus, the class IA PI3K-Akt pathway regulates the cellular machinery crucial for osteoclastic bone resorption, and may provide a molecular basis for therapeutic strategies against bone diseases. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
E proteins regulate osteoclast maturation and survival
Authors: Long Courtney L , Berry William L , Zhao Ying , Sun Xiao-Hong , Humphrey Mary Beth
Published: July 2012

Osteoclasts are bone-specific polykaryons derived from myeloid precursors under the stimulation of macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). E proteins are basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors that modulate lymphoid versus myeloid cell fate decisions. To study the role of E proteins in osteoclasts, myeloid-specific E protein gain-of-function transgenic mice were generated. These mice have high bone mass due to decreased osteoclast numbers and increased osteoclast apoptosis leading to overall reductions in resorptive capacity. The molecular mechanism of decreased osteoclast numbers and resorption is in part a result of elevated expression of CD38, a regulator of intracellular calcium pools with known antiosteoclastogenic properties, which increases sensitivity to apoptosis. In vivo, exogenous RANKL stimulation can overcome this inhibition to drive osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. In vitro–derived ET2 osteoclasts are more spread and more numerous with increases in RANK, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) compared to wild type. However, their resorptive capacity does not increase accordingly. Thus, E proteins participate in osteoclast maturation and survival in homeostatic bone remodeling. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research