bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Lactation Consultation
Authors: Habibi Mona F. , Nicklas Jennifer , Spence Marsha , Hedberg Sherri , Magnuson Erika , Kavanagh Katherine F.
Published: February 2012

Background: Use of videoconferencing technology for healthcare intervention and support is an area of tremendous potential, especially in regard to application in rural or underserved communities. Potential for cost-savings, time-savings, and increased access to care are the ultimate driving force behind use of this technology, for both providers and recipients of healthcare services. Recently, the Federal Government has initiated rulings to support the increased use of computer technology in underserved areas. Therefore, exploring novel applications of the technology of videoconferencing is timely. Remote lactation consultation may be one such novel application.

Objectives: The primary objective of this pilot study was to describe the maternal experience of lactation consultation by means of videoconferencing, compared with standard face-to-face care, using grounded theory for model development.

Methods: Twelve mothers participated in both a videoconferencing and a face-to-face consultation during one visit to the study site. Using grounded theory methods, responses to an in-depth phone interview occurring 3 days post-consultation were analyzed for major themes and a theoretical model proposed.

Results: Three major themes emerged including maternal characteristics and interaction with technology, accuracy and trust determines acceptability for consultation type and, conditional acceptance of remote consultation use.

Conclusions: Emergent themes were grounded in existing literature, and potential scales were identified to assist with development of a future tool to test the theoretical model. Responses to the videoconferencing experience were positive, but preferred use of the technology was situational.
Prediction and analysis of multiple quality characteristics in drilling under minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Murthy Krishnan S , Rajendran Irusa G
Published: February 2012

The need for environmental technology of machining is intensifying and is a tough challenge for manufacturing industries. This article investigates the performance of the minimum quantity lubrication in drilling of 6063-T6 aluminum. The experiments were conducted in dry and conventional wet machining and the results compared. Spindle speed, feed rate and point angle are the three parameters considered in this study. High speed steel drilling tools were used and an L8 orthogonal array was chosen for the experimental design. The quality characteristics of dimensional deviation of hole diameter, height of burrs, hole taper, chip thickness, tool wear, cutting power and surface roughness were measured and compared to evaluate the performance of the drilling in minimum quantity lubrication condition. The results presented that the drilling performance has improved in minimum quantity lubrication and demonstrates its capacity as an alternative for dry and wet machining. This article also proposes a feed forward artificial neural network model with a back propagation algorithm to predict the quality characteristics surface roughness and tool wear with chip thickness inputs and cutting power in addition to cutting parameters. The prediction results demonstrated the accuracy of the proposed artificial neural network (ANN) model.
Numerical simulation and parametric study of a supersonic intake
Authors: Soltani Mohammad R , Younsi Javad Sepahi , Farahani Mohammad , Masoud Afshin
Published: February 2012

A computational fluid dynamics code was developed to compute the flow inside and around a supersonic external compression axisymmetric intake. The code solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations using an explicit finite volume method in a structured grid and uses the Baldwin–Lomax algebraic model to compute the turbulent viscosity coefficient. Experiments were performed to validate the predicted results and good agreements are achieved. In the next part of the research, a parametric study was undertaken using the designed base case at a constant Mach number of 2 and at 0° angle of attack. The effects of various important parameters such as free stream Mach number, spike deflection angle, and back pressure ratio on the total pressure recovery, mass flow ratio, flow distortion, and drag coefficient of the intake were then numerically investigated. The results showed that when the spike deflection angle of the intake was changed from 28° (designed base case) to 30°, the intake drag coefficient was reduced up to 9%. In addition, the intake performance degraded for very low values of the back pressure ratio.
Gender Differences in Children’s Arithmetic Performance Are Accounted for by Gender Differences in Language Abilities
Authors: Wei Wei , Lu Hao , Zhao Hui , Chen Chuansheng , Dong Qi , Zhou Xinlin
Published: February 2012

Studies have shown that female children, on average, consistently outperform male children in arithmetic. In the research reported here, 1,556 pupils (8 to 11 years of age) from urban and rural regions in the greater Beijing area completed 10 cognitive tasks. Results showed that girls outperformed boys in arithmetic tasks (i.e., simple subtraction, complex multiplication), as well as in numerosity-comparison, number-comparison, number-series-completion, choice reaction time, and word-rhyming tasks. Boys outperformed girls in a mental rotation task. Controlling for scores on the word-rhyming task eliminated gender differences in arithmetic, whereas controlling for scores on numerical-processing tasks (number comparison, numerosity estimation, numerosity comparison, and number-series completion) and general cognitive tasks (choice reaction time, Raven’s Progressive Matrices, and mental rotation) did not. These results suggest that girls’ advantage in arithmetic is likely due to their advantage in language processing.
Social networking tools for academic libraries
Authors: Chu Samuel Kai-Wah , Du Helen S
Published: February 2012

This is an exploratory study investigating the use of social networking tools in academic libraries, examining the extent of their use, library staff’s perceptions of their usefulness and challenges, and factors influencing decisions to use or not to use such tools. Invitations to participate in a web-based survey were sent to 140 university libraries from Asia, North America and Europe. Responses were received from 38 libraries (response rate: 27.1%). Twenty-seven libraries (71.1%) used social networking tools, five (13.1%) were potential users and six (15.8%) did not plan to use them at all. Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly adopted tools in university libraries. Most library staff had positive perceptions on the usefulness of social networking tools, but hesitancy among library staff and limited participation of users (i.e. students) were perceived to be hindrances. This study offers insights for academic librarians to make informed decisions in applying social networking tools.
Hierarchy, complicity and culture in the library and information science preservation agenda: Observations from Romania
Authors: Klimaszewski Cheryl , Bader Gail E , Nyce James M
Published: February 2012

This paper argues that researchers involved in cultural heritage preservation need to adopt a more inclusive ethnographic research methodology that pays special attention to how power, class, and status shape the communities we study. Based on observations from field research in Ghimeş-Făget, Romania, we discuss why the Hungarian ethnic identity was chosen as the village’s most visible representation although residents had many other identities from which to choose. We show how local efforts to preserve culture, history and self ‘in one direction’ were shaped by the current socio-economic reality in the village. Our findings suggest that identity selection is influenced by shifting power relations between ethnic groups over time as much as it is by the dominant ethnic group in a community. In an effort to show how existing research falls short, we discuss why one recently proposed ‘culturally responsive research methodology’ could not support any kind of legitimate preservation agenda in Ghimeş or any other community.
The clinical characteristics of lupus related protein-losing enteropathy in Hong Kong Chinese population: 10 years of experience from a regional hospital
Authors: Law ST , Ma KM , Li KK
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) related protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) in the following areas: clinical features, laboratory, endoscopic and imaging characteristics, treatment and outcome. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed. Results: From 2001 to 2010, 48 patients had SLE related PLE and their clinical characteristics were: age 40.8 ± 14.3 years, male-to-female ratio 1:8.6, mean symptom duration 4.3 ± 3.4 weeks, initial presentation and concomitant activity of SLE in 21(43.8%) and 37 (77.1%) patients, <20% patients developed gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, mean serum albumin level 24.4 ± 5 g/L. Thirty (62.5%) patients had diffuse non-erosive erythematous GI mucosa with chronic inflammatory cells in lamina propria. Protein leakage was at the small bowel in 15 (31.3%) patients, terminal ileum/caecum in 16 (33.3%) patients and ascending colon in 11 (22.9%) patients. Thirty (62.5%) patients responded initially well to a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine (AZA) and 33 (68.8%) patients were maintained well by the above therapy. Higher potent induction and maintenance therapy were required in patients with: proteinuria ( p < 0.01), history of previous immunosuppressive therapy ( p < 0.02) and requirement of higher potent induction therapy ( p < 0.01). PLE as initial SLE presentation was associated with better prognosis. Four reversible adverse events were reported: one had AZA-induced pancreatitis, two developed AZA-induced hypoplastic anemia and one developed steroid psychosis. One patient developed shingles in the fourth month and responded to oral acyclovir. No thromboembolic events were reported and one patient died of SLE nephropathy. Conclusion: There appears to be increasing prevalence of SLE related PLE. A diagnosis can be made using 99m Tc-labeled HSA scintigraphy. PLE generally responds well to immunosuppressive therapy.
Factors Related to Condom Use Behavior Among Club-Working Women in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Heon-Jae , Jo Heui-Sug , Jung Su-Mi , Lee Ja-young
Published: February 2012

The primary aim of this study was to understand factors associated with condom use behavior among club-working women and identify the most influential factors to be addressed in future health programs. A total of 158 club-working women were surveyed from 3 midsize cities in South Korea from July to September 2004. Survey questionnaires were developed based on the theory of planned behavior. A total of 7 distinct themes emerged: Health aspects, Customer related, Pleasure related, Finance related, Societal norm, Occupational norm, and Perceived control. The results indicated that the Customer-related theme, Societal norm, and Occupational norm were statistically significant factors affecting condom use. On the other hand, self-related factors such as health, pleasure, and finance are not significantly related to the condom use behavior of club-working women in South Korea, suggesting that the currently used knowledge-focused education programs may not be sufficient for this population.
Increasing Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Shanghai, China, 1983-2007
Authors: Wang Youxin , Wang Wei
Published: February 2012

Increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been observed in some countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and so on. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the incidence of thyroid cancer in Shanghai, China, from 1983 to 2007. The results showed that there were 2 distinct slopes: in men, representing a significant annual percentage change (APC) of 2.6% from 1983 to 2000 ( P < .001) followed by a sharp APC of 14.4% ( P < .001), and in women, representing a significant APC of 4.9% from 1983 to 2003 ( P < .001) followed by a sharp APC of 19.9% ( P = .001). The sharp increase in thyroid cancer occurred 5 and 8 years after the iodine supplementation by salt, for men and women, respectively, suggesting that either the developed screening techniques or iodine supplementation might have contributed to the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. The burden of thyroid cancer cases is expected to be substantial, based on predictions through 2020.
Music and affordances
Authors: Windsor W. Luke , de Bézenac Christophe
Published: February 2012

This paper explores the extent to which ideas developed in The Senses Considered as Perceptual Systems and further refined in The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception ( Gibson, 1966 ; 1979 ) can be applied to the analysis of perception and action in musical settings. The ecological approach to perception has rarely been applied to music, although some recent work in ecological acoustics, music theory and music psychology has begun to show an interest in direct perception of events and objects. We would argue that despite this pioneering work, Gibson’s most radical and controversial idea, that of the direct perception of affordances ( Gibson, 1979 ), has not been adequately addressed in a musical context. Following an introduction to the theoretical background to affordances and a review of the ways in which previous authors have investigated ecological approaches to auditory perception, we show how both the production and perception of music can fruitfully be analysed using the concept of affordances, and how such an approach neatly integrates seemingly active and passive engagement with music. In addition, we place this ecological approach to music within a broader empirical context, giving examples of music-psychological, ethnomusicological and neuroscientific evidence which complement our more theoretical approach. In conclusion, we argue that the links between the performance, composition and reception are underpinned by the mutuality of perception and action.
Diversity in NMDA Receptor Composition
Authors: Sanz-Clemente Antonio , Nicoll Roger A. , Roche Katherine W.
Published: February 2012

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor, which play a central role in learning, memory, and synaptic development. NMDARs are assembled as tetramers composed of two GluN1 subunits and two GluN2 or GluN3 subunits. Although NMDARs are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system, their number, localization, and subunit composition are strictly regulated and differ in a cell- and synapse-specific manner. The brain area, developmental stage, and level of synaptic activity are some of the factors that regulate NMDARs. Molecular mechanisms that control subunit-specific NMDAR function include developmental regulation of subunit transcription/translation, differential trafficking through the secretory pathway, posttranscriptional modifications such as phosphorylation, and protein-protein interactions. The GluN2A and GluN2B subunits are highly expressed in cortex and hippocampus and confer many of the distinct properties on endogenous NMDARs. Importantly, the synaptic NMDAR subunit composition changes from predominantly GluN2B-containing to GluN2A-containing NMDARs during synaptic maturation and in response to activity and experience. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying this GluN2 subunit switch have been recently identified. In addition, the balance between synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs is altered in several neuronal disorders. Here, the authors summarize the recent advances in the identification of NMDAR subunit-specific regulatory mechanisms.
Optimization of piezoelectric patch positioning for passive sound radiation control of plates
Authors: Rosi Giuseppe , Paccapeli Roberto , Ollivier François , Pouget Joël
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this article is the optimization of piezoelectric patch positioning for reducing the radiated sound power of thin plates. To this end, an aluminium plate equipped with a set of piezoelectric patches connected to a passive circuit is considered.

The difficulties in designing a smart structure are not only related to the conception of the electric circuit used as controller, but also to the choice of how the circuit itself is coupled with the structure. The selection of the number of transducers to be used, and their positioning, is a crucial step in the designing process. In this work the entire design process of a smart structure is proposed, with the goal of obtaining the best efficiency in terms of reduction of radiated sound power, while using a lightweight optimization procedure in terms of computational costs. To this end, classical instruments of vibrations mechanics are used together with acoustic concepts, such as the modal radiation efficiency. The introduction of this acoustic characterization of the structure in the optimization process is done by using a new utility function, the acoustic controllability, which will be used for the optimization of transducer positioning. The proposed optimization process is applied to the case study of an aluminium plate with nonstandard boundary conditions, and experimental results confirm the validity of this novel procedure.
Utilization and Implications of the Static-99 in Practice
Authors: Storey Jennifer E. , Watt Kelly A. , Jackson Karla J. , Hart Stephen D.
Published: February 2012

The Static-99 is the most commonly used risk assessment instrument for sexual violence in North America and its results can affect highly consequential decisions made in the criminal and civil justice systems. Despite its influence, few studies have systematically examined how the Static-99 is used by clinicians in practice. The current study compares the Static-99 ratings of clinicians to those of researchers for 100 adult males who completed an outpatient sex offender treatment program and were followed up over an average of about 4 years. Results showed good agreement between the ratings of clinicians and researchers for total scores on the Static-99, as well as for most individual items. Ratings by clinicians tended to be slightly lower than those made by researchers. The predictive validity of ratings made by clinicians and researchers was very similar and moderate in terms of effect size. In 30 cases, clinicians used discretion to “override” or adjust the Static-99 ratings when making final risk judgments, but the predictive validity of the clinical adjusted ratings was worse than that of the original Static-99 ratings made by clinicians. The need for quality assurance and training are discussed along with the need for clear empirically supported guidelines regarding overrides.
Another Piece of the Puzzle
Authors: Fanniff Amanda M. , Letourneau Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2012

The authors reviewed nine studies examining psychometric properties of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol–II (J-SOAP-II) and examined the psychometric properties of the J-SOAP-II when items were scored based on probation records obtained at or near disposition and prior to treatment. Data from 73 boys ages 12 to 17 who participated in a larger randomized clinical trial informed this study. Reliability (internal consistency and interrater agreement) and validity (concurrent, discriminant, and predictive) were examined. Scale 1, Sexual Drive/Preoccupation, was characterized by adequate reliability and concurrent validity but did not predict scores on a measure of concerning sexual behavior. This is consistent with seven studies that failed to find evidence of predictive validity using measures of sexual recidivism. Also consistent with the literature, Scale 2, Impulsive/Antisocial Behavior, performed well with respect to nearly all psychometric properties including predictive validity. Review of remaining scales and scores and clinical policy implications are discussed.
Instructor Credibility Across Disciplines
Authors: Obermiller Carl , Ruppert Bryan , Atwood April
Published: February 2012

Business communication instructors can face a unique set of challenges to maintain their credibility with students. Communication plays an important role in the instructor-student relationship, and students judge instructors’ ability to teach communication based on their ability to practice what they teach. The authors’ empirical study shows that students have higher expectations of their business communication instructors than they do of their other business instructors when it comes to their communication behaviors in and out of the classroom. The authors infer from the data that sensitivity to these expectations can improve student learning and instructor evaluations.
Cognitive Deficits in Adults With ADHD Go Beyond Comorbidity Effects
Authors: Silva Katiane L. , Guimarães-da-Silva Paula O. , Grevet Eugenio H. , Victor Marcelo M. , Salgado Carlos A. I. , Vitola Eduardo S. , Mota Nina R. , Fischer Aline G. , Contini Verônica , Picon Felipe A. , Karam Rafael G. , Belmonte-de-Abreu Paulo , Rohde Luis A. , Bau Claiton H. D.
Published: February 2012

Objective: This study addresses if deficits in cognitive, attention, and inhibitory control performance in adults with ADHD are better explained by the disorder itself or by comorbid conditions. Method Adult patients with ADHD ( n = 352) and controls ( n = 94) were evaluated in the ADHD program of a tertiary hospital. The diagnostic process for ADHD and comorbidities was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria. Stepwise regression analyses evaluated the effect of ADHD, demographics, and comorbidities on the scores from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Revised, Continuous Performance Test, and Stroop Color and Word Test. Results: Patients with ADHD of both genders had worse performance on neuropsychological domains, even after adjustment for comorbidities. The presence of comorbid bipolar disorder and specific phobia are associated with more Stroop errors, whereas patients with generalized anxiety disorder present a longer execution time in Stroop. Conclusion: Neuropsychological deficits in adults with ADHD go beyond comorbidity. Specific comorbid disorders may influence the neuropsychological functioning in adults with ADHD.
Is ADHD a Risk Factor Independent of Conduct Disorder for Illicit Substance Use? A Meta-Analysis and Metaregression Investigation
Authors: Serra-Pinheiro Maria Antonia , Coutinho Evandro S. F. , Souza Isabella S. , Pinna Camilla , Fortes Dídia , Araújo Catia , Szobot Claudia M. , Rohde Luis A. , Mattos Paulo
Published: February 2012

Objective: To investigate meta-analytically if the association between ADHD and illicit substance use (ISU) is maintained when controlling for conduct disorder/oppositional-defiant disorder (CD/ODD). Method: A systematic literature review was conducted through Medline from 1980 to 2008. Data extracted and selections made by one author were reviewed by another. Results: Fifteen articles presented odds ratios (ORs) for the development of ISU in individuals with ADHD controlling for CD/ODD. In total, the study covered results for more than 1,000 individuals. The combined OR for studies that included in their analysis exclusively ISU was 1.35 (0.90-2.03), p = .15, heterogeneity = 55%. Lack of control for socioeconomic status was related with a weaker association between ADHD and ISU. Conclusion: The existing data do not indicate that ADHD increases the risk of ISU beyond the effects of CD/ODD. However, the combination of all existing data is limited in power to detect a small increase in chance.
A Food Safety Belief Model for Latino(A) Employees in Foodservice
Authors: Cho Seonghee , Hertzman Jean , Erdem Mehmet , Garriott Patton O.
Published: February 2012

Reducing the risk and occurrence of foodborne illness is a priority for the foodservice industry. Despite the large presence of Latino(a)s in the foodservice workforce, there is little research on attitudes toward food safety and related behavior among this group. This study employed the health belief model to investigate Latino(a) foodservice employees’ attitudes toward food safety and the antecedents of food safety behavior. Results showed that food safety knowledge did not affect self-reported food safety behavior but did significantly predict perceived susceptibility, severity, and barriers. The analysis also indicated that perceived benefits have a direct impact on food safety behavior.
The application of active control for turbocharger turbines
Authors: Pesiridis Apostolos
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the motivation behind the development of an active control turbocharger is presented, along with the initial thinking that led to the basic concept of applying active flow control at the inlet to a turbocharger turbine. In addition, the concept of active control for turbochargers is analysed in depth with the purpose of presenting a theoretical basis for any subsequent application of this type of control of exhaust gas flow into a turbocharger turbine by providing the fundamental thermo-fluids background. Secondly, the aim was not only to merely present a theory summarising the behaviour of the exhaust gas flow occurring during turbocharger turbine inlet geometrical changes, but to also present the implications from the periodic nature of these geometric changes, in particular with respect to cycle performance results both for the turbocharger and for the engine. The effects of the application of active control turbochargers were demonstrated through testing of the first prototype active control turbocharger built and tested at the aerodynamic test facility at Imperial College and through the experimental data collected. In this first attempt, at the most favourable amplitudes tested, the power recovered reached a maximum value of 7.5% increase over the equivalent variable geometry turbocharger performance, although this depended on the phasing of the turbine inlet area variation in relation to the energy content variation of the incoming exhaust pulse.
Detailed multi-zone thermodynamic simulation for direct-injection diesel engine combustion
Authors: Xue Xingyu , Caton Jerald A
Published: February 2012

A detailed multi-zone thermodynamic simulation has been developed for the direct-injection diesel engine combustion process. For the purpose of predicting heterogeneous-type combustion systems, the model explores the formation of pre-ignition radicals, start of combustion (SOC), and eventual heat release (including oxidation of incomplete combustion products). These mechanisms are predicted based on the conceptual model of Dec, which provides complete descriptions for the evolution of a reacting diesel fuel jet. Six zones are developed to take into account the surrounding bulk gas, liquid-phase fuel, vapor-phase fuel, pre-ignition mixing, fuel-rich combustion products, as well as the diffusion flame combustion products. The predicted cylinder pressures and heat release rates are compared to the experimental measurements from a 4.5 l, inline four-cylinder John Deere diesel engine for a range of operating conditions with different engine speeds and loads, and exhaust gas recirculation levels. Specifically, the engine possessed a compression ratio of 16.6, and had a bore and stroke of 106 and 127 mm. The results suggest that the simulation is not only valid under the conventional combustion condition, but also successfully predicts combustion processes under high exhaust gas recirculation level conditions. In particular, the detailed thermodynamics and characteristics with respect to the combustion process are investigated under different exhaust gas recirculation levels.
Is racial mismatch a problem for young ‘mixed race’ people in Britain? The findings of qualitative research
Authors: Song Miri , Aspinall Peter
Published: February 2012

Recent evidence concerning the racial identifications of ‘mixed race’ people suggests growing latitude in how they may identify. In this article, we examine whether mixed race young people believe that their chosen identifications are validated by others, and how they respond to others’ racial perceptions of them. While existing studies tend to assume that a disjuncture between self-identification and others’ perceptions of them is problematic, this was not necessarily the case among our respondents. While a racial mismatch between expressed and observed identifications was a common experience for these individuals, they varied considerably in terms of how they responded to such occurrences, so that they could feel: (1) misrecognized (and there were differential bases and experiences of misrecognition); (2) positive about the mismatch; or (3) indifferent to how others racially categorized them in their day-to-day interactions. Some differences in responses to such mismatch emerged among disparate types of mixed people. This study also found that we need to consider national identity, and other forms of belonging, in making sense of the diverse and often multilayered identifications and experiences of mixed race young people in Britain.
Continuity or regime change in the Netherlands: Consociationalism in a deterritorialized and post-secular world
Authors: Been Wouter de
Published: February 2012

In legal and political theory consociational democracy is a neglected model. Even so, consociationalism has many features that make it relevant for the cultural and religious divisions of the 21st century. Consociationalism is a quintessentially Dutch ‘regime of toleration’. It was originally developed for the entrenched religious and sociopolitical divisions of the Netherlands in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This traditional segmentation has disappeared and many commentators believe the system has outlived its relevance. The article contends, however, that consociationalism in its generic form of power sharing is still topical and relevant. The revolution in information and communication technology has changed the habitat in which minorities exist. The consociational model can inform ways to deal with the new deterritorialized communities of the globalized world, which seem every bit as autonomous of the nation state as the old religious and sociopolitical segments of Dutch society.
Possible mechanism of the cardio-renal protective effects of AVE-0991, a non-peptide Mas-receptor agonist, in diabetic rats
Authors: Singh Kulwinder , Sharma Kuldeepak , Singh Manjeet , Sharma PL
Published: February 2012

Hypothesis:

This study was designed to investigate the cardio-renal protective effect of AVE-0991, a non-peptide Mas-receptor agonist, and A-779, a Mas-receptor antagonist, in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods:

Wistar rats treated with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p., once), developed diabetes mellitus after 1 week. After 8 weeks, myocardial functions were assessed by measuring left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate of left ventricular pressure development (d p/d tmax), rate of left ventricular pressure decay (d p/d tmin) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) on an isolated Langendorff’s heart preparation. Further, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was measured by using the tail-cuff method. Assessment of renal functions and lipid profile was carried out using a spectrophotometer.

Results:

The administration of streptozotocin to rats produced persistent hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension which consequently produced cardiac and renal dysfunction in 8 weeks. AVE0991 treatment produced cardio-renal protective effects, as evidenced by a significant increase in LVDP, d p/d tmax, d p/d tmin and a significant decrease in LVEDP, BUN, and protein urea. Further, AVE-0991 treatment for the first time has been shown to reduce dyslipidaemia and produced antihyperglycaemic activity in streptozotocin-treated rats. However, MABP and creatinine clearance remained unaffected with AVE-0991 treatment.

Conclusions:

AVE-0991 produced cardio-renal protection possibly by improving glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic rats, independent of its blood pressure lowering action.
Effects of Ethnically Diverse Photographic Stimuli on Preference and Discourse Tasks in African American and Caucasian American Adults
Authors: Ramkissoon Ishara , Dagenais Paul A. , Evans Kelli J. , Camp Travis J. , Ferguson Neina N.
Published: February 2012

This study determined whether using photographic stimuli displaying different ethnicity (African American vs. Caucasian American) influenced preference, word count, and number of content units produced by African American or Caucasian American participants. Six photograph pairs depicting common scenes were developed, differing only by model ethnicity. Participants sorted photographs by preference and described each photograph from which word count and content unit were determined. Each group showed significant preference for photographs of their own ethnicity. Caucasian Americans produced significantly more words than African Americans. Caucasian Americans also produced significantly more content units. Caucasian Americans produced more content units for African American scenes (nonsignificant). Results suggest that ethnic groups prefer photographic stimuli representing their own ethnicity. Other factors may influence the amount and content of speech produced. If African Americans typically produce less speech with less content than Caucasian American counterparts, separate normative data may be needed for each ethnic group.
Quantification of Changes in Morphology, Mechanotransduction, and Gene Expression in Bovine Articular Chondrocytes in Response to 2-Dimensional Culture Indicates the Existence of a Novel Phenotype
Authors: Qusous Ala , Kerrigan Mark J.P.
Published: February 2012

Objective:

Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) offers a potential solution for cartilage repair but is currently hindered by loss of the chondrocyte differentiated phenotype. To further our understanding of the mechanism of dedifferentiation, changes in the phenotype in relation to mechanotransduction were recorded in response to monolayer culture.

Methods:

Bovine cartilage explants were excised and chondrocytes cultured for 9 days (P1), 14 days (P2), and 21 (P3) days. Changes in morphology and regulatory volume increase (RVI; a mechanotransduction response) were determined by the expression of key genes by RT-PCR and confocal microscopy, respectively.

Results:

A loss of a differentiated phenotype was observed in P1 with a reduction in sphericity and an overall increase in cell volume from 474.7 ± 32.1 µm3 to 725.2 ± 35.6 µm3. Furthermore, the effect of 2-dimensional (2-D) culture-induced dedifferentiation on mechanotransduction was investigated, whereby RVI and Gd3+-sensitive REV5901-induced calcium rise were only observed in 2-D cultured chondrocytes. A significant up-regulation of types I and II collagens and Sox9 was observed in P1 chondrocytes and no further significant change in type I collagen but a return to baseline levels of type II collagen and Sox9 upon further culture.

Conclusion:

These data indicated the presence of an intermediate, mesodifferentiated phenotype and highlight the importance of mechanotransduction as a marker of the chondrocytic cell type.
FAAP20: a novel ubiquitin-binding FA nuclear core-complex protein required for functional integrity of the FA-BRCA DNA repair pathway
Authors: Ali Abdullah Mahmood , Pradhan Arun , Singh Thiyam Ramsingh , Du Changhu , Li Jie , Wahengbam Kebola , Grassman Elke , Auerbach Arleen D. , Pang Qishen , Meetei Amom Ruhikanta
Published: February 2012

Fanconi anemia (FA) nuclear core complex is a multiprotein complex required for the functional integrity of the FA-BRCA pathway regulating DNA repair. This pathway is inactivated in FA, a devastating genetic disease, which leads to hematologic defects and cancer in patients. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a novel 20-kDa FANCA-associated protein (FAAP20). We show that FAAP20 is an integral component of the FA nuclear core complex. We identify a region on FANCA that physically interacts with FAAP20, and show that FANCA regulates stability of this protein. FAAP20 contains a conserved ubiquitin-binding zinc-finger domain (UBZ), and binds K-63–linked ubiquitin chains in vitro. The FAAP20-UBZ domain is not required for interaction with FANCA, but is required for DNA-damage–induced chromatin loading of FANCA and the functional integrity of the FA pathway. These findings reveal critical roles for FAAP20 in the FA-BRCA pathway of DNA damage repair and genome maintenance.
ER71 specifies Flk-1+ hemangiogenic mesoderm by inhibiting cardiac mesoderm and Wnt signaling
Authors: Liu Fang , Kang Inyoung , Park Changwon , Chang Li-Wei , Wang Wei , Lee Dongjun , Lim Dae-Sik , Vittet Daniel , Nerbonne Jeanne M. , Choi Kyunghee
Published: February 2012

Two distinct types of Flk-1+ mesoderm, hemangiogenic and cardiogenic, are thought to contribute to blood, vessel, and cardiac cell lineages. However, our understanding of how Flk-1+ mesoderm is specified is currently limited. In the present study, we investigated whether ER71, an Ets transcription factor essential for hematopoietic and endothelial cell lineage development, could modulate the hemangiogenic or cardiogenic outcome of the Flk-1+ mesoderm. We show that Flk-1+ mesoderm can be divided into Flk-1+PDGFRα− hemangiogenic and Flk-1+PDGFRα+ cardiogenic mesoderm. ER71-deficient embryonic stem cells produced only the Flk-1+PDGFRα+ cardiogenic mesoderm, which generated SMCs and cardiomyocytes. Enforced ER71 expression in the wild-type embryonic stem cells skewed toward the Flk-1+PDGFRα− mesoderm formation, which generated hematopoietic and endothelial cells. Whereas hematopoietic and endothelial cell genes were positively regulated by ER71, cardiac and Wnt signaling pathway genes were negatively regulated by ER71. We show that ER71 could inhibit Wnt signaling in VE-cadherin–independent as well as VE-cadherin–dependent VE-cadherin/β-catenin/Flk-1 complex formation. Enforced β-catenin could rescue cardiogenic mesoderm in the context of ER71 overexpression. In contrast, ER71-deficient Flk-1+ mesoderm displayed enhanced Wnt signaling, which was reduced by ER71 re-introduction. We provide the molecular basis for the antagonistic relationship between hemangiogenic and cardiogenic mesoderm specification by ER71 and Wnt signaling.
Interleukin 6, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and interleukin 10 in the prediction of risk and etiologic patterns in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: results from the German competence network CAPNETZ
Authors: Zobel Katrin , Martus Peter , Pletz Mathias W , Ewig Santiago , Prediger Michael , Welte Tobias , Bühling Frank ,   CAPNETZ study group
Published: February 2012

Background

The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive value of the biomarkers interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) compared with clinical CRB and CRB-65 severity scores in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

Samples and data were obtained from patients enrolled into the German CAPNETZ study group. Samples (blood, sputum and urine) were collected within 24 h of first presentation and inclusion in the CAPNETZ study, and CRB and CRB-65 scores were determined for all patients at the time of enrollment. The combined end point representative of a severe course of CAP was defined as mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit treatment and/or death within 30 days. Overall, a total of 1,000 patients were enrolled in the study. A severe course of CAP was observed in 105 (10.5%) patients.

Results

The highest IL-6, IL-10 and LBP concentrations were found in patients with CRB-65 scores of 3-4 or CRB scores of 2-3. IL-6 and LBP levels on enrollment in the study were significantly higher for patients with a severe course of CAP than for those who did not have severe CAP. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the area under the curve values for of IL-6 (0.689), IL-10 (0.665) and LPB (0.624) in a severe course of CAP were lower than that of CRB-65 (0.764) and similar to that of CRB (0.69). The accuracy of both CRB and CRB-65 was increased significantly by including IL-6 measurements. In addition, higher cytokine concentrations were found in patients with typical bacterial infections compared with patients with atypical or viral infections and those with infection of unknown etiology. LBP showed the highest discriminatory power with respect to the etiology of infection.

Conclusions

IL-6, IL-10 and LBP concentrations were increased in patients with a CRB-65 score of 3-4 and a severe course of CAP. The concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 reflected the severity of disease in patients with CAP. The predictive power of IL-6, IL-10 and LBP for a severe course of pneumonia was lower than that of CRB-65. Typical bacterial pathogens induced the highest LBP, IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations.
Analyses of 2-DEG characteristics in GaN HEMT with AlN/GaN super-lattice as barrier layer grown by MOCVD
Authors: Xu Peiqiang , Jiang Yang , Chen Yao , Ma Ziguang , Wang Xiaoli , Deng Zhen , Li Yan , Jia Haiqiang , Wang Wenxin , Chen Hong
Published: February 2012

GaN-based high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with AlN/GaN super-lattices (SLs) (4 to 10 periods) as barriers were prepared on (0001) sapphire substrates. An innovative method of calculating the concentration of two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) was brought up when AlN/GaN SLs were used as barriers. With this method, the energy band structure of AlN/GaN SLs was analyzed, and it was found that the concentration of 2-DEG is related to the thickness of AlN barrier and the thickness of the period; however, it is independent of the total thickness of the AlN/GaN SLs. In addition, we consider that the sheet carrier concentration in every SL period is equivalent and the 2-DEG concentration measured by Hall effect is the average value in one SL period. The calculation result fitted well with the experimental data. So, we proposed that our method can be conveniently applied to calculate the 2-DEG concentration of HEMT with the AlN/GaN SL barrier.
The isolation and characterisation of the wheat molecular ZIPper I homologue, Ta ZYP1
Authors: Khoo Kelvin HP , Able Amanda J , Able Jason A
Published: February 2012

Background

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinaceous tripartite structure used to hold homologous chromosomes together during the early stages of meiosis. The yeast ZIP1 and its homologues in other species have previously been characterised as the transverse filament protein of the synaptonemal complex. Proper installation of ZYP1 along chromosomes has been shown to be dependent on the axial element-associated protein, ASY1 in Arabidopsis.

Results

Here we report the isolation of the wheat (Triticum aestivum) ZYP1 (TaZYP1) and its expression profile (during and post-meiosis) in wild-type, the ph1b deletion mutant as well as in Taasy1 RNAi knock-down mutants. Ta ZYP1 has a putative DNA-binding S/TPXX motif in its C-terminal region and we provide evidence that Ta ZYP1 interacts non-preferentially with both single- and double-stranded DNA in vitro. 3-dimensional dual immunofluorescence localisation assays conducted with an antibody raised against Ta ZYP1 show that Ta ZYP1 interacts with chromatin during meiosis but does not co-localise to regions of chromatin where Ta ASY1 is present. The Ta ZYP1 signal lengthens into regions of chromatin where Ta ASY1 has been removed in wild-type but this appears delayed in the ph1b mutant. The localisation profile of Ta ZYP1 in four Taasy1 knock-down mutants is similar to wild-type but Ta ZYP1 signal intensity appears weaker and more diffused.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous studies performed on plant species where ZYP1 signal is sandwiched by ASY1 signal located on both axial elements of the SC, data from the 3-dimensional dual immunofluorescence localisation assays conducted in this study show that Ta ZYP1 signal only lengthens into regions of chromatin after Ta ASY1 signal is being unloaded. However, the observation that Ta ZYP1 loading appears delayed in both the ph1b and Taasy1 mutants suggests that Ta ASY1 may still be essential for Ta ZYP1 to play a role in SC formation during meiosis. These data further suggest that the temporal installation of ZYP1 onto pairing homologous chromosomes in wheat is different to that of other plant species and highlights the need to study this synaptonemal complex protein on a species to species basis.
Evaluation of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in porcine alveolar macrophages in response to LPS and LTA
Authors: Cinar Mehmet Ulas , Islam Mohammad Ariful , Uddin Muhammad Jasim , Tholen Ernst , Tesfaye Dawit , Looft Christian , Schellander Karl
Published: February 2012

Background

To obtain reliable quantitative real-time PCR data, normalization relative to stable housekeeping genes (HKGs) is required. However, in practice, expression levels of 'typical' housekeeping genes have been found to vary between tissues and under different experimental conditions. To date, validation studies of reference genes in pigs are relatively rare and have never been performed in porcine alveolar macrophages (AMs). In this study, expression stability of putative housekeeping genes were identified in the porcine AMs in response to the stimulation with two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Three different algorithms (geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper) were applied to assess the stability of HKGs.

Results

The mRNA expression stability of nine commonly used reference genes (B2M, BLM, GAPDH, HPRT1, PPIA, RPL4, SDHA, TBP and YWHAZ) was determined by qRT-PCR in AMs that were stimulated by LPS and LTA in vitro. mRNA expression levels of all genes were found to be affected by the type of stimulation and duration of the stimulation (P < 0.0001). geNorm software revealed that SDHA, B2M and RPL4 showed a high expression stability in the irrespective to the stimulation group, while SDHA, YWHAZ and RPL4 showed high stability in non-stimulated control group. In all cases, GAPDH showed the least stability in geNorm. NormFinder revealed that SDHA was the most stable gene in all the groups. Moreover, geNorm software suggested that the geometric mean of the three most stable genes would be the suitable combination for accurate normalization of gene expression study.

Conclusions

There was discrepancy in the ranking order of reference genes obtained by different analysing algorithms. In conclusion, the geometric mean of the SDHA, YWHAZ and RPL4 seemed to be the most appropriate combination of HKGs for accurate normalization of gene expression data in porcine AMs without knowing the type of bacterial pathogenic status of the animals.