bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lenalidomide Restrains Motility and Overangiogenic Potential of Bone Marrow Endothelial Cells in Patients with Active Multiple Myeloma
Authors: De Luisi Annunziata , Ferrucci Arianna , Coluccia Addolorata M.L. , Ria Roberto , Moschetta Michele , de Luca Emanuela , Pieroni Luisa , Maffia Michele , Urbani Andrea , Di Pietro Giulia , Guarini Attilio , Ranieri Girolamo , Ditonno Paolo , Berardi Simona , Caivano Antonella , Basile Antonio , Cascavilla Nicola , Capalbo Silvana , Quarta Giovanni , Dammacco Franco , Ribatti Domenico , Vacca Angelo
Published: February 2011

Purpose: To determine the in vivo and in vitro antiangiogenic power of lenalidomide, a “lead compound” of IMiD immunomodulatory drugs in bone marrow (BM) endothelial cells (EC) of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in active phase (MMEC).

Experimental Design: The antiangiogenic effect in vivo was studied using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Functional studies in vitro (angiogenesis, “wound” healing and chemotaxis, cell viability, adhesion, and apoptosis) were conducted in both primary MMECs and ECs of patients with monoclonal gammopathies (MGUS) of undetermined significance (MGEC) or healthy human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR, Western blotting, and differential proteomic analysis were used to correlate morphologic and biological EC features with the lenalidomide effects at the gene and protein levels.

Results: Lenalidomide exerted a relevant antiangiogenic effect in vivo at 1.75 μmol/L, a dose reached in interstitial fluids of patients treated with 25 mg/d. In vitro, lenalidomide inhibited angiogenesis and migration of MMECs, but not of MGECs or control HUVECs, and had no effect on MMEC viability, apoptosis, or fibronectin- and vitronectin-mediated adhesion. Lenalidomide-treated MMECs showed changes in VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway and several proteins controlling EC motility, cytoskeleton remodeling, and energy metabolism pathways.

Conclusions: This study provides information on the molecular mechanisms associated with the antimigratory and antiangiogenic effects of lenalidomide in primary MMECs, thus giving new avenues for effective endothelium-targeted therapies in MM. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1935–46. ©2011 AACR.
Rho-Kinase Inhibition Reduces Early Microvascular Leukocyte Accumulation in the Rat Kidney following Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Roles of Nitric Oxide and Blood Flow
Authors: Versteilen Amanda M.G. , Blaauw Nick , Di Maggio Francesco , Groeneveld A.B. Johan , Sipkema Pieter , Musters René J.P. , Tangelder Geert-Jan
Published: February 2011

Aim: To study whether microvascular leukocyte accumulation after rat renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) is decreased by Rho kinase inhibition, independently of effects upon nitric oxide (NO) and renal blood flow. Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to 60 min of ischemia by bilateral clamping and 60 min of reperfusion of the renal arteries, or a sham procedure. Haemodynamics were monitored and microsphere blood flow to the kidneys was measured. The infusion of the Rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632) was commenced before clamping and IR. The NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), was administered after the start of reperfusion whilst the dopamine-1 receptor agonist fenoldopam, a renal vasodilator, was infused during the reperfusion period. Digital imaging microscopy analysis of cryosections was done to determine leukocyte accumulation and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein serine 239 phosphorylation (p-VASP ser 239), a marker of endothelial NO. Results: Leukocytes (60–70% neutrophils) accumulated within blood vessels in the corticomedullary junction and medulla of the kidney. Leukocyte accumulation was markedly reduced by the Rho kinase inhibitor but not by fenoldopam. However, both drugs improved renal blood flow and microvascular expression of p-VASP ser 239 in the corticomedullary junction and medulla, which were decreased following IR. L-NAME treatment of IR animals pretreated with the Rho kinase inhibitor reduced blood flow and p-VASP ser 239 expression and increased leukocyte accumulation. Conclusion: Early microvascular leukocyte accumulation in the corticomedullary junction and medulla of the rat kidney after IR is ameliorated by Rho kinase inhibition. This effect is partly independent upon attenuation of decreased NO and renal blood flow.
The Epithelial Cell and Lung Cancer: The Link between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer
Authors: Rooney Claire , Sethi Tariq
Published: February 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer currently form the basis for an enormous disease burden in the developed world. As a result of changing smoking trends and tobacco use, regrettably, a similar picture is arising rapidly within the developing world. COPD is a recognised risk factor for lung cancer, and a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have COPD. An association between both conditions has long been suspected but has proven difficult to demonstrate thus far. However, the common factors between both conditions are now becoming apparent thanks to recent clinical and molecular advances. Abnormal regulation of the immune system and the establishment of chronic inflammation appear to be key events in this process. In addition, the complex interplay between genes and environment and the possibility of a genetic basis to lung cancer susceptibility in the context of COPD are becoming clearer concepts. As we begin to unravel the common pathways and molecules in the pathogenesis of both conditions, we may be able to not only identify novel strategies to prevent and treat COPD and lung cancer, but also recognise molecular markers to identify patients at high risk of developing lung cancer.
Assessment of Kidney Volume in Polycystic Kidney Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging without Contrast Medium
Authors: Mignani Renzo , Corsi Cristiana , De Marco Mariangela , Caiani Enrico G. , Santucci Gioele , Cavagna Enrico , Severi Stefano , Cagnoli Leonardo
Published: February 2011

Background/Aims: Total renal volume (TRV) is an important index to evaluate the progression of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TRV has been assessed by manually tracing renal contours from CT or MR scans, often employing contrast medium (CM). We developed a fast and nearly automated technique based on the analysis of MR images acquired without CM injection for TRV quantification. Methods: 30 ADPKD patients underwent MRI. After the selection of one point inside each kidney for the entire volume, the automatic extraction of kidney contours was performed on each acquired slice; the segmentation procedure was based on region growing and on the application of morphological operators and curvature-based motion. The area inside each contour was calculated and TRV was derived. Volume measurements were validated by comparison with measurements obtained by stereology. Results: TRV estimated in patients was 768 ± 545 ml (range 161–3,111 ml). The automatic measurements were in excellent correlation with the manual ones (r = 0.99, y = x – 0.7), with a small bias and narrow limits of agreement in both absolute (–5 ± 37 ml) and percentage (–0.6 ± 9.6%) terms. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed the feasibility of a fast and nearly automated method for determining TRV; importantly it does not require the use of potentially nephrotoxic CM.
Is Deferasirox Implicated in Multiple Organ Failure in a Patient With Homozygous β-Thalassemia?
Authors: Vlachaki Efthimia , Chatzinikolaou K. , Bekiari E. , Klonizakis F. , Tsapas A.
Published: February 2011

We herein report a case of a thalassemic-patient who was on deferasirox chelation therapy and admitted to the emergency department because of fever, diffuse abdominal pain and altered mental status. Despite the appropriate treatment he died two days later due to cardiac arrest. As we failed to recognize any etiology and the patients’ relatives denied a post mortem examination due to religious reasons, we cannot provide any additional data. However, we are wondering whether this incident might be related to deferasirox.
Peripheral Neuropathy is Associated With Increased Serum Levels of Uric Acid in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Papanas N. , Katsiki N. , Papatheodorou K. , Demetriou M. , Papazoglou D. , Gioka T. , Maltezos E.
Published: February 2011

We assessed serum uric acid (SUA) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without peripheral neuropathy (diagnosed by the Neuropathy Disability score [NDS]). We enrolled 64 patients with T2DM with peripheral neuropathy (group A: 31 men, mean age 63.0 ± 2.8 years) and 66 age-, gender-, renal function- and T2DM duration-matched patients without neuropathy (group B: 32 men, mean age 62.4 ± 3.1 years). Serum uric acid was significantly higher in group A (P < .001). There was a significant correlation between SUA and NDS in both groups (group A: rs = .93, P < .001; group B: r s = .95, P < .001). C-reactive protein (CRP) was also significantly higher in group A (P < .001) and correlated significantly with SUA in both groups (group A: rs = .93, P < .001; group B: rs = .87, P < .001). Serum uric acid is increased in patients with T2DM with neuropathy versus those without. Whether SUA is involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM peripheral neuropathy remains to be established.
Gender differences in mental health literacy among Chinese-speaking Australians in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Wong Daniel Fu Keung , Lam Angus Yuk Kit , Poon Ada , Chow Amy Yin Man
Published: February 2011

Objective: This study attempted to understand gender differences in knowledge of mental illness, preference for professional help, and medications and treatment methods among Australians of Chinese-speaking background.

Methods: This study adopted a cluster convenience sampling method in which subjects were taken from the four major areas in cosmopolitan Melbourne where most Chinese people are living. A total of 200 Chinese-speaking Australians participated in the study. They were presented with two vignettes describing an individual with acute depression or acute schizophrenia and then questions were asked to assess their understanding of the conditions, preference for professional help, medications and treatment methods.

Results: More female than male respondents could correctly identify the conditions in the two vignettes. Female participants also perceived medications to be relatively more harmful than their male counterparts. In contrast, there were significantly more males than females who adhered to traditional views on the causation of mental illness; had significantly higher percentages of endorsement of ‘deal with it alone’; believed ‘traditional Chinese medical doctor’ and ‘Chinese herbal medicines’ to be helpful to the person in the schizophrenia vignette; and significantly endorsed ‘psychiatric ward’, ‘electro-convulsive treatment’, ‘changing fungshui’ and ‘traditional Chinese worship’ to be helpful for the persons in both vignettes. A combination of factors, which included age, duration of migration and traditional Chinese cultural values, were put forward to explain the above differences.

Conclusions: Campaigns to improve the mental health literacy of Chinese-speaking Australians must take into account the gender differences between male and female Chinese-speaking Australians so that culturally relevant and gender-specific education programmes can be developed.
Comorbidity of anxiety and depressive disorders: A comparative population study in Western and non-Western inhabitants in the Netherlands
Authors: Schrier Agnes C. , de Wit Matty A.S. , Coupé Veerle M.H. , Fassaert Thijs , Verhoeff Arnoud P. , Kupka Ralph W. , Dekker Jack , Beekman Aartjan T.F.
Published: February 2011

Background: Overlap of depressive and anxiety symptoms is supposedly more common in non-Western populations. This can lead to diagnostic uncertainity and undertreatment.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess cross-cultural differences regarding the comorbidity of anxiety and depressive disorders in a comparative population study.

Methods: In a random urban population sample, stratified for descent, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, diagnostic interviews were held by bilingual interviewers. Diagnoses of anxiety and depressive disorders, based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, were obtained for 307 native Dutch subjects, 205 Turkish-Dutch subjects and 186 Moroccan-Dutch subjects.

Results: The prevalence rate of comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders was higher in Turkish-Dutch (9.8 %) and Moroccan-Dutch (3.8%) subjects compared to native Dutch subjects (2.3%). However, this could be explained by differences in baseline prevalence rate and level of severity of the separate disorders. The onset order of anxiety disorders and depressive disorders was comparable in each ethnic group.

Conclusions: The high prevalence rate of comorbid anxiety and depressive diorders in non-Western immigrants in the Netherlands necessitates assesssment and treatment of both disorders. There was no indication of a – culturally influenced – stronger overlap between anxiety and depressive disorders in non-Western immigrants in the Netherlands.
Physical Disability and Substance Use Disorders: A Convergence of Adaptation and Recovery
Authors: Ebener Deborah J. , Smedema Susan M.
Published: February 2011

This article explores issues related to substance use disorders in persons with physical disabilities and the commonalities of the parallel research in recovery and adaptation to disability. An approach for converging these areas of research is presented. Parallel research in substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation counseling reveals that quality of life is an indicator of both adaptation to disability and recovery from substance use disorders. Despite this common outcome, the interaction of adapting to a disability and recovery from a substance use disorder has not been adequately addressed in the literature. A more integrative approach to counseling individuals with disabilities may be achieved with a better understanding of the complex relationship between quality of life, adaptation to disability, and substance use disorder. A converged approach to research is discussed in relation to the development of counseling interventions that improve the quality of life of persons with physical disabilities.
The Effects of Consolidation amongst Japanese Water Utilities
Authors: Urakami Takuya , Parker David
Published: February 2011

In many parts of the world, water is supplied by very small, local undertakings. In recent years, there has been a move to consolidation of these utilities in a number of countries. This paper looks at the economic effects of consolidation of Japanese water utilities in the period 1999–2006 using translog cost functions with a hedonic output specification. The results clarify what factors have been most affected in terms of the cost structure of the water utilities after consolidation. Overall, the finding is that consolidation has had some beneficial impact on cost effectiveness, but that the result is surprisingly limited. This appears to be because cost savings from an improvement in the use of scarce water resources have been offset by extra expenditure on supplying water to areas with lower population density.
Why Is Taiwan’s Homeownership Rate So High?
Authors: Bourassa Steven C. , Peng Chien-Wen
Published: February 2011

With an annual growth rate of 0.62 per cent since 1980, Taiwan’s homeownership rate reached 88 per cent in 2007. This study explores possible causes of Taiwan’s high homeownership rates. The institutional and economic context for tenure choice in Taiwan is reviewed, paying particular attention to the taxation and financing of owner-occupied housing, house prices relative to rents, housing subsidies and housing demand. A model of tenure choice is estimated and then used to simulate policy and other changes. It is concluded that Taiwan’s high rate of homeownership is due primarily to the low user cost of owner-occupied housing, which is due in part to house price inflation. Government mortgage subsidy policies designed to support ownership appear to have little effect.
Of Mice and Men
Authors: Mooya Manya
Published: February 2011

The rise in the use of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) poses questions about the long-term survival of the property valuation profession. AVMs provide quick and cheaper valuations which in this very competitive market-place put them at a distinct advantage over traditional approaches. This article engages with the normative question of whether AVMs could completely replace traditional valuers and whether it is appropriate to do so. Going to ‘first principles’, this paper builds an alternative conception of market value in terms of which both AVMs and traditional valuations are argued to be based on false ontological assumptions. The paper locates both AVMs and traditional valuations in the social processes in which market value is created. The paper concludes that there are no theoretical or practical reasons why AVMs should not completely replace traditional valuers.
Studying Life Effects & Effectiveness of Palatopharyngoplasty (SLEEP) Study
Authors: Weaver Edward M. , Woodson B. Tucker , Yueh Bevan , Smith Timothy , Stewart Michael G. , Hannley Maureen , Schulz Kristine , Patel Milesh M. , Witsell David ,   the SLEEP Study Investigators
Published: February 2011

Objective

To test the hypothesis that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) improves sleep apnea–related quality of life (measured on the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ]) at 3‐month follow‐up. Secondary objectives were to test (1) the stability of the outcomes at 6 months, (2) the effect on global sleep apnea quality‐of‐life change, and (3) the effect on sleep apnea symptoms.

Study Design

Multicenter, prospective, longitudinal case series.

Setting

Diverse university‐ and community‐based otolaryngology practices.

Subjects and Methods

The cohort included 68 patients from 17 practices, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 44 ± 12 years and mean apnea‐hypopnea index of 35 ± 32 events/hour. All patients underwent UPPP, defined as an open procedure modifying the shape and size of the palate, pharynx, and uvula, with or without tonsillectomy. Baseline data were collected on site before surgery, and outcome data were collected by mail 3 and 6 months after surgery, with follow‐up rates of 51% and 50%, respectively.

Results

FOSQ scores improved from 14.3 ± 3.4 (scale 5‐20, normal ≥17.9) at baseline to 17.2 ± 2.7 at 3 months (mean improvement 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐4.0; P <. 001) and 17.5 ± 2.5 at 6 months (mean improvement 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.0‐4.2; P <. 001). All quality‐of‐life and symptom measures improved significantly at 3 and 6 months (all P <. 05).

Conclusion

This prospective, multicenter, university‐ and community‐based study provides evidence that UPPP significantly improves disease‐specific quality of life and sleep apnea symptoms in patients with sleep apnea. Validity may be limited by significant loss to follow‐up and absence of an unoperated control group.
Environmental justice in Cuba
Authors: Bell Karen
Published: February 2011

‘Environmental justice’ refers to the human right to a healthy and safe environment, a fair share of natural resources, access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision-making. Some analysts have argued that environmental justice is undermined by the political economy of capitalism. This paper builds on this analysis by evaluating the environmental justice situation in Cuba, a country where there is little capitalist influence. Evidence is based on participant observation and interviews in Cuba, as well as secondary quantitative data. The research findings suggest that Cuba fares relatively well in terms of environmental justice, but still faces a number of challenges regarding the quality of its environment and some aspects of the environmental decision-making process. However, many of its ongoing problems can be attributed to global capitalist pressures.
Bridging sustainability and the social economy: Achieving community transformation through local food initiatives
Authors: Connelly Sean , Markey Sean , Roseland Mark
Published: February 2011

Sustainability and the social economy are two approaches that provide critiques of mainstream economic growth based on the failure to integrate environmental and social concerns. This article explores the potential for community transformation by bridging these two approaches — bringing more environmental considerations into the social economy and using the social economy to advance equity concerns within sustainability. We examine this potential through local food initiatives in two Canadian cities that are striving to create a synthesis of social and environmental objectives to achieve structural change in the way that food is produced, accessed and consumed. Both projects are founded on commitments to sustainable community development and social justice. While the initiatives illustrate the potential for community transformation by integrating sustainability and the social economy, they also illustrate the challenges associated with an incremental approach to change in the context of competition with mainstream economic activities that are heavily subsidized and do not account for negative social, economic and environmental externalities.
Flow characteristics in a cabin during door closure
Authors: Lee Y L , Hwang S H
Published: February 2011

Many studies relating to vehicle door closure have focused on noise and vibration, and little attention has been given to the pressure rise or velocity distribution inside a cabin. Too high a pressure rise may, however, exert a resistive force when a car door closes and induce a mechanical reaction of the pars flaccida related to passenger comfort. Thus, this study investigates the effects of the angular velocity of the door and the body leakage on variations in the cabin flows. First, tests for the body leakage were performed for 43 vehicles. Then, three-dimensional numerical analyses with a dynamic mesh were performed and experiments were conducted to verify the results. It was found that the pressure rise is a strong function of the door's angular velocity and that the peak pressure increases almost linearly with increasing angular velocity. However, the body leakage has less effect on the pressure rise unless the extent of the leakage is significantly increased. The pressure rise that occurs while closing a cabin door could be greatly reduced by lowering the door's angular velocity or by developing a mechanism that can greatly increase the body leakage temporarily.
The use of a Bayesian weighted least-squares approach to accelerate empirical engine model generation
Authors: Brace C J , Akehurst S , Ward M C
Published: February 2011

An alternative to the commonly used design-of-experiments (DoE) technique based on the use of prior knowledge to speed up the model generation phase of the test programme is presented. Data are gathered in areas where the prior knowledge is least accurate and is blended into an overall empirical model using a Bayesian weighted least-squares (BWLS) approach.

The work demonstrates the potential of the BWLS mechanism to reduce the test effort by the incorporation of prior knowledge from neighbouring operating points. Where the prior knowledge is a good representation of the current operating point the number of test points required to allow model convergence may be half that required by a DoE approach. Conversely, the Bayesian technique with inaccurate prior knowledge can still generate an accurate model at the expense of an increased number of test points over a standard experimental design, because the prior will incorrectly influence the model.

The algorithm was tested with and without an outlier detection mechanism. This mechanism proved effective in detecting and rejecting simulated outliers and retesting the spurious data point.
Performance evaluation of a magnetorheological haptic cue accelerator on the basis of an automotive engine transmission model
Authors: Han Y-M , Choi S-B
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a haptic cue accelerator for manual-transmission vehicles and its performance evaluation for a virtual environment of the vehicle on the basis of the automotive engine transmission model. By incorporating the haptic cue function into the accelerator pedal, the proposed system can transmit optimal gear-shifting timing to the driver without requiring the driver's visual attention. As a first step to implement this function on the accelerator pedal, a haptic cue device is devised that is capable of rotary motion of the accelerator pedal by utilizing a brake mechanism based on a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The proposed haptic cue device is then manufactured and its field-dependent torque responses are experimentally evaluated. The manufactured MR haptic cue device is integrated with the accelerator pedal to construct the proposed haptic cue accelerator. A virtual vehicle emulating a four-cylinder four-stroke engine and manual transmission system of a passenger vehicle is constructed and it communicates with the manufactured haptic cue accelerator. A feedforward torque control algorithm for the haptic cue is formulated, and control performances are experimentally evaluated and presented in the time domain. Furthermore, the fuel consumption of the vehicle adopting the MR haptic cue accelerator is evaluated on the basis of the engine transmission model.
Experiment-based software optimization for cylinders consistency in electronic unit pump diesel engines
Authors: Wei X , Mao X-J , Xiao W-Y , Zhu K-Q , Zhuo B
Published: February 2011

Besides the common-rail system, the electronic unit pump (EUP) is also being widely used in electronically controlled diesel engines. However, the EUP system is restricted for use in EURO IV diesel engine development, as its consistency of fuel delivery is hard to control accurately. As has been found in the case of the Chinese home-made EUP system, this problem is mainly caused by mechanical manufacture. In spite of the low-class hardware limit, this paper introduces a software method to correct the inconsistency of fuel delivery among EUPs at the whole range for engine running. First, the characteristics of inconsistency of fuel delivery among EUPs are determined based on a series of experiments. Second, an optimization algorithm with multi-point correction is proposed to adapt to the tendency for non-linear inconsistency. Finally, the algorithm is verified on the fuel pump testing platform, made by EFS company, and further on a YC6J diesel engine. The experiments demonstrate that the multi-point correction is not only able to weaken the inconsistency of fuel delivery among EUPs, but also improves both the idling control and the emission performance for an electronically controlled diesel engine. This paper also provides a successful example of an electronically controlled diesel engine where the consistency of fuel delivery from cylinder to cylinder is improved by this software optimization method.
Analysis of cyclic variability in combustion in internal combustion engines using wavelets
Authors: Tily R , Brace C J
Published: February 2011

Wavelets have previously received little attention regarding their use in the study of cyclic variability in combustion. This paper provides a short introduction to wavelets and presents the results, in the form of scalograms, of their application to a time series of net heat release values. Although wavelets have advantages over Fourier analysis in that they are capable of revealing transient behaviour, they appear to have shortcomings with respect to establishing sufficient confidence in the validity of the low-frequency features apparently present in the scalograms.
A Bad Taste in the Mouth
Authors: Eskine Kendall J. , Kacinik Natalie A. , Prinz Jesse J.
Published: February 2011

Can sweet-tasting substances trigger kind, favorable judgments about other people? What about substances that are disgusting and bitter? Various studies have linked physical disgust to moral disgust, but despite the rich and sometimes striking findings these studies have yielded, no research has explored morality in conjunction with taste, which can vary greatly and may differentially affect cognition. The research reported here tested the effects of taste perception on moral judgments. After consuming a sweet beverage, a bitter beverage, or water, participants rated a variety of moral transgressions. Results showed that taste perception significantly affected moral judgments, such that physical disgust (induced via a bitter taste) elicited feelings of moral disgust. Further, this effect was more pronounced in participants with politically conservative views than in participants with politically liberal views. Taken together, these differential findings suggest that embodied gustatory experiences may affect moral processing more than previously thought.
The Continuing Legacy of Melvin Ember (1933-2009) Part II
Authors: Peregrine Peter N.
Published: February 2011

This article provides an introduction to the four articles that comprise this special issue of Cross-Cultural Research.
The paradoxical effects of decline
Authors: Lees Charles
Published: February 2011

This article examines the impact of party system change in Germany on the role, status and power of the two catch-all parties (CDU/CSU and SPD) in the light of the 2009 federal election. It argues that party system change has had a paradoxical impact. On the one hand, the decline in the overall catch-all vote undermines the two parties’ integrative function. On the other, the presence of three small parties (FDP, Greens, Left Party) means that, with the possible exception of the Greens, no single small party has the potential to be ‘kingmaker’ and, because of their relative positions in ideological space, neither can they act in concert to extract concessions from the two catch-all parties. Thus, despite the impressive performance of the FDP in the 2009 federal election and the electoral meltdown suffered by the SPD, in office-seeking terms the catch-all parties are currently less vulnerable to small party threats of defection to alternative coalitions.
Illness, everyday life and narrative montage: The visual aesthetics of cancer in Sara Bro’s Diary
Authors: Henriksen Nina , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Hansen Helle Ploug
Published: February 2011

This article presents a study of Sara Bro’s Diary (2004), a book montage of images and texts recording the experiences of a Danish breast cancer survivor, Sara Bro. It examines two montages of photography and text, drawing on Roland Barthes’ concept of ‘the third meaning’ to explain and discuss the effect of the layered meanings in the montage alongside their multi-medium and self-referential expression. The discussion is centred on the aesthetic practices that are invited by Bro’s book montage. The article considers how the juxtaposition of images and texts are experienced and co-created by the reader. It points to the effect of the aesthetics of disguise and carnival implicit in the visual—verbal montage and argues that these generate a third meaning. This meaning is associated with the breast cancer experience but is not directly discernible in the montage. The article concludes by discussing how Bro’s montage acts as an ideological statement, subverting or ‘poaching on’ the health care system.
Nursing Structures in New Zealand Public Hospitals: Current Configurations
Authors: Hughes Kerri-Ann , Carryer Jennifer Barbara
Published: February 2011

This article reports research reviewing the configuration of nursing leadership in New Zealand public hospitals. It represents an analysis of Phase 1 of a larger study. Leadership in nursing is critical if the profession is to meet the challenges of health services in the 21st century. The research focuses on how leadership in public hospitals is structured at a strategic level. The preliminary summary of findings of this phase of the research show that reporting lines between directors of nursing (DON) and the chief executive officer (CEO) are not always direct, and organizational charts and nursing structures are not readily aligned. Clear financial or budget holding reporting lines by nursing leadership are not easily identified, or are professional and operational accountability lines clearly defined. From 15 total responses received, the organizations are structured differently both organizationally and in the nursing structures.
CADAC: Multi-use Architecture for Constructive Aerospace Simulations
Authors: Zipfel Peter H
Published: February 2011

In today’s network-centric world, aerospace vehicles interact with many objects. They navigate by overhead satellites, synchronize their flight paths with other vehicles, swarm over hostile territory and attack multiple targets. Studying these engagements with high-fidelity constructive simulations has become an important task of modeling and simulation (M&S). The simulation framework Computer Aided Design of Aerospace Concepts (CADAC) has its roots in FORTRAN code that dates back to the 1960s and was used by industry and the U.S. Air Force to simulate aerospace vehicles in all flight environments. To adapt CADAC to the new environment, a complete rewrite was carried out in C++, taking advantage of object-oriented programming techniques. The architecture of CADAC++ is based on the hierarchical structure of inherited classes. The vehicles (aircraft, missiles, satellites or ground targets), inherit the six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) equations of motion from the classes ‘Flat6’ or ‘Round6’, conveying either the flat or elliptical Earth model. In turn, these classes inherit the communication structure from the base class ‘Cadac’. The components of the vehicle, e.g., aerodynamics, propulsion and autopilot, are represented by modules, which are member functions of the vehicle class. Communication among the modules occurs by protected module-variable arrays. Every instantiated vehicle object is encapsulated with its methods and data. To communicate between vehicles, data packets are loaded onto a global data bus for recall by other vehicles. Input occurs by ASCII file and output is compatible with CADAC Studio, a plotting and data processing package. CADAC++ is chiefly an engineering tool for refining the components of the primary vehicle and exploring its performance as it interacts (possibly repeatedly instantiated) with the multi-object environment. Its modular structure enables reuse of component models across simulations. In the 10 years of development, CADAC++ based constructive simulations have been built for many types of aerospace vehicles and integrated with mission-level simulations.
Comparison of Different Surgical Techniques in Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Gehrig Tobias , Fonouni Hamid , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Golriz Mohammad , Abbassi Sepehr , Nickel Felix , Esmaeilzadeh Majid , Brand Karsten , Rad Morva Tahmasbi , Hughes Katherine M. , Hinz Ulf , Büchler Markus W. , Gutt Carsten N. , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: February 2011

Aims. Different surgical transection methods have been used for distal pancreatectomy (DP), but none of them has yet achieved perfect results. This study compares 2 standard transection techniques with the alternative LigaSure technique. Methods. Forty-eight pigs underwent a DP. Sixteen animals were operated on with a scalpel followed by hand suturing. Sixteen pigs received a DP using an Endo GIA, and the pancreas of 16 pigs was transected with LigaSure. The transection surface of remnant pancreas was observed for liquid collection and abscess on postoperative day 7. Results. Operating time on the day of DP was significantly different, with a shorter operating time in the stapler and LigaSure groups. The morbidity on postoperative day 7 was similar in all groups. Conclusion. In the present experimental animal study, LigaSure seems to be fast and safe as well as comparable with the standard transection and closure techniques in DP.
The role of laparoscopic surgery for renal calculi management
Authors: Kijvikai Kittinut
Published: February 2011

To date, most cases of renal calculi have been managed with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic procedures. However, for complex renal stone conditions, these minimally invasive procedures may require multiple operative sessions. Open surgery is usually reserved as a salvage procedure, although it is invasive in nature. Laparoscopic treatment is well accepted in renal surgery. For stone disease, it can duplicate open surgical techniques such as pyelolithotomy, pyeloplasty, anatrophic nephrolithotomy, caliceal diverticulectomy and nephrectomy. Although the laparoscopic techniques for stone treatment are quite challenging, it is both feasible and safe. Laparoscopic treatment is a viable option for large renal stone treatment with an excellent stone-free rate, especially when patients require their stones to be treated within a single session. However, it is more invasive in nature than endourology procedures and so should be reserved as the last resort option for renal stone management in the modern endourology era.
Genetically altering the expression of neutral trehalase gene affects conidiospore thermotolerance of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum
Authors: Leng Yajun , Peng Guoxiong , Cao Yueqing , Xia Yuxian
Published: February 2011

Background

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum has been used as an important biocontrol agent instead of insecticides for controlling crop pests throughout the world. However, its virulence varies with environmental factors, especially temperature. Neutral trehalase (Ntl) hydrolyzes trehalose, which plays a role in environmental stress response in many organisms, including M. acridum. Demonstration of a relationship between Ntl and thermotolerance or virulence may offer a new strategy for enhancing conidiospore thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi through genetic engineering.

Results

We selected four Ntl over-expression and four Ntl RNA interference (RNAi) transformations in which Ntl expression is different. Compared to the wild-type, Ntl mRNA expression was reduced to 35-66% in the RNAi mutants and increased by 2.5-3.5-fold in the over-expression mutants. The RNAi conidiospores exhibited less trehalase activity, accumulated more trehalose, and were much more tolerant of heat stress than the wild-type. The opposite effects were found in conidiospores of over-expression mutants compared to RNAi mutants. Furthermore, virulence was not altered in the two types of mutants compared to the wild type.

Conclusions

Ntl controlled trehalose accumulation in M. acridum by degrading trehalose, and thus affected conidiospore thermotolerance. These results offer a new strategy for enhancing conidiospore thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi without affecting virulence.
The level of claudin-7 is reduced as an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Bornholdt Jette , Friis Stine , Godiksen Sine , Poulsen Steen S , Santoni-Rugiu Eric , Bisgaard Hanne C , Lothe Inger MB , Ikdahl Tone , Tveit Kjell M , Johnson Egil , Kure Elin H , Vogel Lotte K
Published: February 2011

Background

Compromised epithelial barriers are found in dysplastic tissue of the gastrointestinal tract. Claudins are transmembrane proteins important for tight junctions. Claudins regulate the paracellular transport and are crucial for maintaining a functional epithelial barrier. Down-regulation of the oncogenic serine protease, matriptase, induces leakiness in epithelial barriers both in vivo and in vitro. We found in an in-silico search tight co-regulation between matriptase and claudin-7 expression. We have previously shown that the matriptase expression level decreases during colorectal carcinogenesis. In the present study we investigated whether claudin-7 expression is likewise decreased during colorectal carcinogenesis, thereby causing or contributing to the compromised epithelial leakiness of dysplastic tissue.

Methods

The mRNA level of claudin-7 (CLDN7) was determined in samples from 18 healthy individuals, 100 individuals with dysplasia and 121 colorectal cancer patients using quantitative real time RT-PCR. In addition, immunohistochemical stainings were performed on colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, to confirm the mRNA findings.

Results

A 2.7-fold reduction in the claudin-7 mRNA level was found when comparing the biopsies from healthy individuals with the biopsies of carcinomas (p < 0.001). Reductions in the claudin-7 mRNA levels were also detected in mild/moderate dysplasia (p < 0.001), severe dysplasia (p < 0.01) and carcinomas (p < 0.01), compared to a control sample from the same individual. The decrease at mRNA level was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemical stainings.

Conclusions

Our results show that the claudin-7 mRNA level is decreased already as an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis, probably contributing to the compromised epithelial barrier in adenomas.
Studies on mechanisms of interferon-gamma action in pancreatic cancer using a data-driven and model-based approach
Authors: Lange Falko , Rateitschak Katja , Fitzner Brit , Pöhland Ralf , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Jaster Robert
Published: February 2011

Background

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is a multifunctional cytokine with antifibrotic and antiproliferative efficiency. We previously found that pancreatic stellate cells (PSC), the main effector cells in cancer-associated fibrosis, are targets of IFNγ action in the pancreas. Applying a combined experimental and computational approach, we have demonstrated a pivotal role of STAT1 in IFNγ signaling in PSC. Using in vivo and in vitro models of pancreatic cancer, we have now studied IFNγ effects on the tumor cells themselves. We hypothesize that IFNγ inhibits tumor progression through two mechanisms, reduction of fibrogenesis and antiproliferative effects on the tumor cells. To elucidate the molecular action of IFNγ, we have established a mathematical model of STAT1 activation and combined experimental studies with computer simulations.

Results

In BALB/c-nu/nu mice, flank tumors composed of DSL-6A/C1 pancreatic cancer cells and PSC grew faster than pure DSL-6A/C1 cell tumors. IFNγ inhibited the growth of both types of tumors to a similar degree. Since the stroma reaction typically reduces the efficiency of therapeutic agents, these data suggested that IFNγ may retain its antitumor efficiency in PSC-containing tumors by targeting the stellate cells. Studies with cocultures of DSL-6A/C1 cells and PSC revealed a modest antiproliferative effect of IFNγ under serum-free conditions. Immunoblot analysis of STAT1 phosphorylation and confocal microscopy studies on the nuclear translocation of STAT1 in DSL-6A/C1 cells suggested that IFNγ-induced activation of the transcription factor was weaker than in PSC. The mathematical model not only reproduced the experimental data, but also underscored the conclusions drawn from the experiments by indicating that a maximum of 1/500 of total STAT1 is located as phosphorylated STAT1 in the nucleus upon IFNγ treatment of the tumor cells.

Conclusions

IFNγ is equally effective in DSL-6A/C1 tumors with and without stellate cells. While its action in the presence of PSC may be explained by inhibition of fibrogenesis, its efficiency in PSC-free tumors is unlikely to be caused by direct effects on the tumor cells alone but may involve inhibitory effects on local stroma cells as well. To gain further insights, we also plan to apply computer simulations to the analysis of tumor growth in vivo.
Crystal and electronic structure of PbTe/CdTe nanostructures
Authors: Bukała Małgorzata , Sankowski Piotr , Buczko Ryszard , Kacman Perła
Published: February 2011

In this article, the authors reported a theoretical study of structural and electronic properties of PbTe inclusions in CdTe matrix as well as CdTe nano-clusters in PbTe matrix. The structural properties are studied by ab initio methods. A tight-binding model is constructed to calculate the electron density of states (DOS) of the systems. In contrast to the ab initio methods, the latter allows studying nanostructures with diameters comparable to the real ones. The calculations show that both kinds of inclusions lead to changes of the DOS of the carriers near the Fermi level, which may affect optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of the material. These changes depend on the size, shape, and concentration of inclusions.
Transmission of new CRF07_BC Strains with 7 amino acid deletion in Gag p6
Authors: Zhefeng Meng , Huiliang Hu , Chao Qiu , Jun Sun , Jianxin Lu , Xiaoyan Zhang , Jianqing Xu
Published: February 2011

A 7 amino acid deletion in Gag p6 (P6delta7) emerged in Chinese prevalent HIV-1 strain CRF07_BC from different epidemic regions. It is important to determine whether this mutation could be transmitted and spread. In this study, HIV-1 Gag sequences from 5 different epidemic regions in China were collected to trace the transmission linkage and to analyze genetic evolution of P6delta7 strains. The sequence analysis demonstrated that P6delta7 is a CRF07_BC specific deletion, different P6delta7 strains could be originated from different parental CRF07_BC recombinants in different epidemic regions, and the transmission of P6delta7 strain has occurred in IDU populations. This is for the first time to identify the transmission linkage for P6delta7 strains and serves as a wake-up call for further monitoring in the future; In addition, P6delta7 deletion may represent an evolutionary feature which might exert influence on the fitness of CRF07_BC strain.
Large-scale seroprevalence analysis of human metapneumovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus infections in Beijing, China
Authors: Lu Guilan , Gonzalez Richard , Guo Li , Wu Chao , Wu Jiang , Vernet Guy , Paranhos-Baccalà Gláucia , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao
Published: February 2011

Background

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a recently identified virus, causes acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in infants and children. However, studies on the seroepidemeology of hMPV are very limited in China. To assess the seroprevalence of hMPV infection in China, we tested a total of 1,156 serum specimens for the presence of anti-hMPV IgG antibody in children and adults free of acute respiratory illness in Beijing, China by using hMPV nucleocapsid (N) protein as an antigen. As a control, we used the human serum antibody against the N protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), the most important viral agent responsible for ARIs in children.

Results

The seropositive rate for hMPV increased steadily with age from 67% at 1-6 mo to 100% at age 20. However, the rate dropped slightly between 6 mo and 1 yr of age. The seropositive rate for hRSV also increased steadily with age from 71% at 1-6 mo to 100% at age 20. In children aged six months to six years, the seropositive rates for the anti-hRSV IgG antibody were significantly higher than those for hMPV. Additionally, IgG antibody titers to hMPV and hRSV were significantly higher in adults than in young children. Consistent with the seropositive rates, the geometric mean titer of anti-hMPV IgG antibody was lower than that of anti-hRSV IgG antibody in children aged six months to six years.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that similar to hRSV, exposure to hMPV is ubiquitous in the Beijing population. However, the seroprevalence of anti-hMPV IgG antibody is lower than that of hRSV in children between six months and six years old, which suggests a different number of repeat infections or a different response to infections.