bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The best MSW treatment option by considering greenhouse gas emissions reduction: a case study in Georgia
Authors: Tayyeba Omid , Olsson Monika , Brandt Nils
Published: March 2011

The grave concern over climate change and new economic incentives such as the clean development mechanism (CDM) have given more weight to the potential of projects for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the Adjara solid waste management project, even though the need for reductions in GHG emissions is acknowledged, it is not one of the key factors for selecting the most appropriate treatment method. This study addresses the benefit of various solid waste treatment methods that could be used in the Adjara project in terms of reducing GHG emissions. Seven different options for solid waste treatment are examined: open dumping as the baseline case, four options for landfill technology (no provision of landfill gas capture, landfill gas capture with open flare system, with enclosed flare system and with electricity generation), composting and anaerobic digestion with electricity production. CDM methodologies were used to quantify the amount of reductions for the scenarios. The study concludes sanitary landfill with capture and burning of landfill gas by an enclosed flare system could satisfy the requirements, including GHG reduction potential. The findings were tested for uncertainty and sensitivity by varying the data on composition and amount of waste and were found to be robust.
Effects of Drinking on Hospital Stays and Emergency Room Visits Among Older Adults
Authors: Li Yong , Jensen Gail A.
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate whether alcohol drinking influences emergency room (ER) visits or hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and older. Method: Data from two independent national surveys are used to estimate multivariate logit models that quantify the relationship between drinking and ER visits and hospital admissions. The authors distinguish between ER visits linked to a hospital admission for that individual and ER visits not linked to an admission. Results: The authors find no significant effects of alcohol consumption on either ER visits or hospital admissions among older adults. These findings occur in both data sets, and for both men and women. Distinguishing between different types of ER visits makes no difference. Discussion: Analysis of two large and nationally representative data sets suggests that among older adults drinking alcohol, or even heavily drinking alcohol, does not raise or lower the risk of a hospital admission or the risk of an ER visit.
Foraminiferal faunal evidence of twentieth-century Barents Sea warming
Authors: Wilson L.J. , Hald M. , Godtliebsen F.
Published: March 2011

Instrumental monitoring of the climate at high northern latitudes has documented the ongoing warming of the last few decades. Climate modelling has also demonstrated that the global warming signal will be amplified in the polar region. Such temperature increases would have important implications on the ecosystem and biota of the Barents Sea. This study therefore aims to reconstruct the climatic changes of the Barents Sea based on benthic foraminifera over approximately the last 1400 years at the decadal to sub-decadal scale. Oxygen and carbon isotope analysis and benthic foraminiferal species counts indicate an overall warming trend of approximately 2.6°C through the 1400-year record. In addition, the well-documented cooling period equating to the ‘Little Ice Age’ is evident between c. 1650 and 1850. Most notably, a series of highly fluctuating temperatures are observed over the last century. An increase of 1.5°C is shown across this period. Thus for the first time we are able to demonstrate that the recent Arctic warming is also reflected in the oceanic micro-fauna.
Pulmonary function and oxidative stress in workers exposed to styrene in plastic factory
Authors: Sati Prakash Chandra , Khaliq Farah , Vaney Neelam , Ahmed Tanzeel , Tripathi Ashok K , Banerjee Basu Dev
Published: March 2011

Styrene is a volatile organic compound used in factories for synthesis of plastic products. The pneumotoxicity of styrene in experimental animals is known. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of styrene on lung function and oxidative stress in occupationally exposed workers in plastic factory. Thirty-four male workers, between 18 and 40 years of age, exposed to styrene for atleast 8 hours a day for more than a year were studied, while 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects not exposed to styrene served as controls. Assessment of lung functions showed a statistically significant reduction ( p < 0.05) in most of the lung volumes, capacities (FVC, FEV1, VC, ERV, IRV, and IC) and flow rates (PEFR, MEF75%, and MVV) in the study group (workers) as compared to controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed to be significantly high ( p < 0.05) while ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was significantly low ( p < 0.05) in styrene-exposed subjects. Reduced glutathione (GSH) level was significantly depleted in exposed subjects as compared to control group. The mean value of serum cytochrome c in styrene-exposed subjects was found to be 1.1 ng/ml (0.89–1.89) while in control its levels were under detection limit (0.05 ng/ml). It shows that styrene inhalation by workers leads to increased level of oxidative stress, which is supposed to be the cause of lung damage.
Indian Psychology and the International Context
Authors: Paranjpe Anand C.
Published: March 2011

This text of the Sinha Memorial Lecture highlights the contribution of late Professor Durganand Sinha in promoting psychology of Indian origin. Acknowledging the academic support he received from Prof. Sinha, the author has traced his own journey and struggle in building up Indian psychology. Indian contribution to modern psychology indeed goes much beyond yoga and meditation in dealing with problems of present global society. It is suggested that Indian Psychology offers a counterpoint on consciousness, self, mind-control and self-realisation to that of the Western psychology. The author envisages the possibility of developing an alternative psychology rooted in Indian heritage, tradition and knowledge.
Breaking up is hard to do: Irrational inconsistency in commitment to an industry peer network
Authors: Sgourev Stoyan V. , Zuckerman Ezra W.
Published: March 2011

This paper strengthens the basis for a key claim of contemporary economic sociology — that strong ties among capitalists cannot be reduced to rational considerations. Support for this claim has been limited by reliance on an external standard of rationality, whereby irrationality in commitment to a partner or network is based on an observer’s evaluation of an actor’s interests. In this article we address this limitation by developing an internal standard for assessing the rationality of an actor’s commitment, which is derived from Davidson’s (1980) definition of akrasia or ‘incontinence.’ In addition, we clarify the mechanisms that produce ‘akratic’ commitment among capitalists: (a) short-term emotions that overwhelm rational calculation; and (b) a sense of loyalty that leads one to incorporate others’ interests into one’s own. Finally, we provide systematic evidence of akratic commitment and the proposed mechanisms from studies of an industry peer network in the remodeling construction industry.
Navy Stories
Authors: Rowe W. Glenn , O’Brien James , Rouse Michael J. , Nixon Robert D.
Published: March 2011

This article proposes contingencies of behavior and professional control. The authors use two autoethnographic accounts to lend support to their theoretically derived propositions that using behavior control, when professional control is expected and appropriate, decreases organizational effectiveness. They argue that the more discrepant the expectations, the more negative will be the effect, especially if the discrepancy persists over time. They suggest that professional control should be employed when intense socialization is present and organization-specific skills have been developed. The autoethnographic accounts are based on lived experiences that occurred in the Canadian Navy while one of the authors was an officer in that navy. The authors argue that the lived experiences help to generalize back to theory—an important step in theory development.
The State’s Relations: What the Institution of Family Tells Us about Governance
Authors: Strach Patricia , Sullivan Kathleen S.
Published: March 2011

The authors examine family as an institution of governance in American welfare provision in nineteenth-century poor laws and the twenty-first-century earned income tax credit. Their study demonstrates family’s important role achieving public policy aims, illustrates the extent to which governments have relied on nongovernmental actors, describes the tools they use, and shows how citizens’ relationship to the state is translated back through nongovernmental institutions. Called upon in the task of governing, family—the hallmark of the private sphere—illustrates the mechanisms that governments use and the extent of governing authority necessary to get actors to comply with policy aims.
Characteristics' analysis of lateral vibration of tire tread
Authors: Li Yong , Zuo Shuguang , Lei Lei , Yang Xianwu , Wu Xudong
Published: March 2011

Starting from the analysis of tire ground contact characteristics, the formulas of ground contact patch of tires are obtained, which are verified by tests, and the calculation formula of lateral stiffness of tread element is determined using the energy method. On this basis, a dynamic model of tread's lateral vibration is established, and the effects of vehicle speed, vertical load and tire pressure are analyzed. The results show that: the lateral self-excited vibration will occur under certain conditions, and vehicle speed, vertical load and tire pressure have great influence on the vibration characteristics; the lateral self-excited vibration of tread is a kind of stable periodic vibration caused by Hopf bifurcation of system.
The Effect of Unrelated Supporting Service Quality on Consumer Delight, Satisfaction, and Repurchase Intentions
Authors: Xuehua Wang
Published: March 2011

Supporting services that are related to the core service, such as hospitality and consultation, can enhance the value of a core service. Yet, firms also use supporting services unrelated to the core service to increase consumer satisfaction, delight, and repurchase intentions toward the core service. However, there is little empirical evidence on whether the use of unrelated supporting services has such anticipated effects. This article aims to investigate how unrelated supporting service quality affects consumer delight, satisfaction, and, in turn, repurchase intentions. The results from three experiments reveal that unrelated supporting service quality influences repurchase intentions by affecting consumer delight rather than satisfaction. Thus, unrelated supporting services can serve to delight (but not satisfy) consumers if they are positive, relevant to the consumer segment, and of high quality. In turn, these unrelated supporting services will also influence intentions to repurchase. Consumer delight and unrelated supporting service quality also significantly influence repurchase intentions, but only when the core service quality is high. Unrelated supporting service quality does not influence repurchase intentions if core service quality is low. This suggests the importance of focusing on core service quality first, before trying to delight consumers with extras.
The Europeanization of electoral politics
Authors: Caramani Daniele
Published: March 2011

‘Nationalization’ theories have been used to explain the integration of electorates and party systems in democratizing and newly formed national polities. This article extends these theories to the ‘Europeanization’ of politics and to the European Union as an emerging supra-national democratic space. Analysing electoral data for national elections in 30 countries from 1970 to 2008, the article looks at the convergence of party systems in Europe. Results attest to increasingly homogeneous voting distributions for parties of a same family across national electorates, indicating an incipient party system institutionalization at the European level. The article shows that homogeneous patterns are stronger for parties belonging to the left–right dimension and less so for parties stemming from cultural cleavages. In the light of the debate on democratic deficit, the structuring of electoral alignments is interpreted as enhancing the democratic linkage between voters and representatives, and seen as a prerequisite for responsive and accountable politics in the EU.
Matters of taste? Conceptions of good and bad taste in focus groups with Swedish-speaking Finns
Authors: Heikkilä Riie
Published: March 2011

The Swedish-speaking minority in Finland does very well in most welfare studies. Swedish-speakers, for example, live longer, have fewer difficulties at school and divorce less than the majority. The aim of this article is to examine whether there are significant internal differences within the minority when it comes to culture, lifestyle and taste. The data was gathered from 20 focus group interviews conducted with the Swedish-speaking minority in different parts of Finland. High, medium and low-status groups react to the discussion on taste very differently: high-status groups are very willing to define good and bad taste; medium-status groups try to make a good impression on the moderator, and low-status groups laugh or stay silent. Even if the interviews focused on culture, taste was discussed mainly in the frame of excluding other social groups by building a very rigid image of what good and acceptable taste is.
Future risk for disability pension among people with sickness absence due to otoaudiological diagnoses: a population-based cohort study with a 12-year follow-up
Authors: Gustafsson Klas , Backenroth-Ohsako Gunnel , Rosenhall Ulf , Ternevall-Kjerulf Elisabeth , Ulfendahl Mats , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: March 2011

Hearing difficulties is a growing public health problem and more knowledge of consequences of those difficulties in working life is warranted. Aims: To study the future risk of being granted a disability pension (DP) among people with sickness absence with an otoaudiological diagnoses (OAD) compared to other sickness absentees. Methods: A population-based prospective cohort study of all 40,786 people in a Swedish county who in 1985 were aged 16—64 and had a new sick-leave spell >7 days. Those were followed for 12 years with regard to DP. Hazard ratios (HR) + 95% confidence intervals (CI) of being granted DP was calculated among those with sick leave due to OAD compared to people with sickness absence with other diagnoses. Results: In 1985, 515 people had a new sick-leave spell with an OAD. Twelve years later, 36% of those had been granted DP, compared to 24% of all other sickness absentees. Their HR for DP was 1.42 (95% CI 1.23—1.64) adjusting for gender and age. Compared to men, women with an OAD had a HR of DP of 1.24 (95% CI 0.90—1.71), when adjusted for age. The HR for DP regarding those aged>45 years and sickness absent with OAD was 2.63 (95% CI 1.95—3.55) compared to the sickness absentees with OAD below 45 years of age, adjusted for gender. Conclusions: The risk for future DP was more than 40% higher among those initially on sickness absence due to OAD than among other sickness absentees.
Isatis indigotica Induces Hepatocellular Cancer Cell Death via Caspase-Independent Apoptosis-Inducing Factor Translocation Apoptotic Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chung Ying-Cheng , Tang Feng-Yao , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Chung Chia-Hua , Jong Ting-Ting , Chen Shih-Shiung , Tsai Ching-Hsiu , Chiang En-Pei
Published: March 2011

Isatis indigotica is a biennial herbaceous cruciferous medical herb with antipyretic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-endotoxin activity. This study explored the chemotherapeutic potential of I indigotica on human hepatoma cells and investigated the mechanism by which metabolites from I indigotica inhibit hepatoma cell growth. Antitumor activity was discovered in dried I indigotica leaf chloroform extracts (CEDLI). In nude mice xenotransplanted with human hepatoma cells, CEDLI supplementation inhibited tumor growth by ~40% compared with nonsupplemented animals without affecting body weight/food intake. CEDLI induced sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hepatoma cells. Furthermore, CEDLI activates p53 and Bax, reduces Bcl-2 expression, and causes mitochondrial stress and the release of apoptosis-inducing factor into the cytosol followed by its translocation into the nucleus, resulting in hepatoma cell apoptosis. This study provides novel in vivo evidence of I indigotica’s antitumor activity. The chemotherapeutic activity against human hepatoma tumorigenesis was because of a distinguished caspase-independent apoptotic pathway.
Lipid-lowering treatment in hypercholesterolaemic patients: the CEPHEUS Pan-Asian survey
Authors: Park Jeong Euy , Chiang Chern-En , Munawar Muhammad , Pham Gia Khai , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Aquino Anastacio R , Khoo Kah Lin , Chan Hon Wah Raymond
Published: March 2011

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in Asia is rarely evaluated on a large scale, and data on treatment outcome are scarce. The Pan-Asian CEPHEUS study aimed to assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients on lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods: This survey was conducted in eight Asian countries. Hypercholesterolaemic patients aged ≥18 years who had been on lipid-lowering treatment for ≥3 months (stable medication for ≥6 weeks) were recruited, and lipid concentrations were measured. Demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected, and the cardiovascular risk of each patient was determined. Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines were applied.

Results: In this survey, 501 physicians enrolled 8064 patients, of whom 7281 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.0 years, 44.4% were female, and 85.1% were on statin monotherapy. LDL-C goal attainment was reported in 49.1% of patients overall, including 51.2% of primary and 48.7% of secondary prevention patients, and 36.6% of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The LDL-C goal was attained in 75.4% of moderate risk, 55.4% of high risk, and only 34.9% of very high-risk patients. Goal attainment was directly related to age and inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C.

Conclusion: A large proportion of Asian hypercholesterolaemic patients on lipid-lowering drugs are not at recommended LDL-C levels and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given the proven efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the reduction of LDL-C, there is room for further optimization of treatments to maximize benefits and improve outcomes.
Chronotherapy in Nigerian hypertensives
Authors: Okeahialam Basil , Ohihoin Esther , Ajuluchukwu Jayne
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Hypertension continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the situation is worse in Blacks. Treatment has proved to be beneficial, but control has remained abysmal. Night-time chronotherapy is producing better control and outcome, but has only largely been tried in the West. This work attempts to see what benefits would emerge with night-time chronotherapy as compared with the current recommended morning intake of antihypertensives in an entirely African cohort.

Methods: Ambulant grade 1 and 2 hypertensives attending our outpatient service were randomized after a washout period into morning or night-time ingestion groups. Drugs were tailored towards each patient’s cardiovascular disease profile and reviewed to ensure control. They were comprehensively evaluated on enrolment and 12 weeks later.

Results: Both groups were similar on all scores at baseline. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular posterior diameter (LVPWD) and left ventricular mass (LVM) were greater, to a statistically significant extent in the night-time group. The difference in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and interventricular septum diameter (IVSD) tended to be greater in the same group but did not differ between the groups to a statistically significant extent.

Conclusion: Chronotherapeutic studies in the West recorded greater success with night-time ingestion which produced better control and a day-long profile. Generalization to other races was cautioned against until such observations could be replicated. We have shown that patients using their once-daily antihypertensives at night after 12 weeks recorded better reductions in SBP, DBP, MAP, LVPWD, IVSD and LVM. Since blood pressure problems run a worse course in Blacks, we recommend encouragement of night-time intake in those preferring it and suggest that in those requiring two or more drugs one should be taken at night.
Immunization Information Systems—Progress on Integration of School Nurses
Authors: Galemore Cynthia A.
Published: March 2011

The following is an article and roundtable discussion on school nurse integration into immunization information systems. The discussion participants were April Bailey, Deputy Director, Immunization Division, Indiana State Department of Health; Thomas Maerz, Manager, Wisconsin Immunization Registry; Erin Seward, Immunization Program Manager, Nevada State Health Division; and Debra Warren, Project Manager, KSWebIZ, Kansas Immunization Program.
Sonographic Representation of Bifid Median Nerve and Persistent Median Artery
Authors: Roll Shawn C. , Evans Kevin D.
Published: March 2011

Bifid median nerve and persistent median arteries are natural anatomic variants that exist in a small percentage of the population. This case describes a young woman who was referred for electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing of her right upper extremity because of a one-year history of numbness, tingling, and discomfort in her right upper extremity consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. Careful sonographic scanning (gray scale and power Doppler) and dynamic investigation revealed a bifid median nerve and associated persistent median artery (PMA). The awareness of a bifid median nerve and PMA is important when evaluating patients sonographically for diagnosis of upper extremity pathology, including enlargement due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, as musculoskeletal sonography increases in clinical practice, it is important to raise awareness of this dual anatomic variant to ensure that appropriate evaluation and treatment are provided. The sonographic presentation of anatomic variations in this case along with a review of these anomalies is provided for translational clinical use.
Portal Venous Gas Secondary to Gangrenous Gallbladder and Mirizzi Syndrome Diagnosed by Gray-Scale Sonography but Not on 64-Slice MDCT: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Idris Muhammad , Khan Nadir , Memon Wasim A. , Kashif Nazia , Humayun Sidra , Zubairi Talha
Published: March 2011

Portal venous gas is a rare entity that is associated with many fatal and nonfatal conditions. Its exact etiology remains unclear. Computed tomography (CT) has been described as a sensitive and primary imaging tool for detecting this condition, but there are only a few case reports in the literature where portal venous gas was not detected on CT scan but was found by sonography. This case reports portal venous gas developing secondary to gangrenous gallbladder with Mirizzi syndrome which was diagnosed by sonography but remained undetected on 64-slice MDCT.
Patients, hematologists, and time
Authors: Solberg Lawrence A. , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: March 2011

Two new features, Blood Consults and Evidence-Based Focused Reviews, add to Blood's continuing efforts to help hematologists access timely, high-quality, and expert information as they encounter the broad range of hematology clinical scenarios.
The cytokine-driven regulation of secretoglobins in normal human upper airway and their expression, particularly that of uteroglobin-related protein 1, in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lu Xiang , Wang Nan , Long Xiao-Bo , You Xue-Jun , Cui Yong-Hua , Liu Zheng
Published: March 2011

Background

The involvement of secretoglobins (SCGBs) other than SCGB1A1 (Clara cell 10-kDa protein, CC10) in human airway diseases remains unexplored. Among those SCGBs, SCGB3A2 (uteroglobin-related protein 1, UGRP1) is particularly interesting, given its structure and function similarities with SCGB1A1 (CC10). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression regulation of SCGBs other than SCGB1A1 (CC10) in human upper airway, and their potential involvement, particularly that of SCGB3A2 (UGRP1), in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

Methods

Eight SCGB family members including SCGB3A2 (UGRP1), SCGB1C1 (ligand binding protein RYD5), SCGB1D1 (lipophilin A), SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B), SCGB1D4 (interferon-γ inducible SCGB), SCGB2A1 (mammaglobin 2), SCGB2A2 (mammaglobin 1), and SCGB3A1 (uteroglobin-related protein 2) were studied. The regulation of SCGBs mRNA expression in normal nasal mucosa by proinflammatory, Th1, and Th2 cytokines was studied through nasal explant culture. SCGBs mRNA expression levels in CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients and controls were compared. The mRNA levels were detected by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The expression of SCGBs except SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B) could be found in upper airway and be differentially regulated by different cytokines. SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) mRNA expression was induced by Th1 cytokine, but suppressed by proinflammatory and Th2 cytokines. SCGBs mRNA expression was altered in CRS; particularly, SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) protein and mRNA expression was markedly decreased in both CRSsNP and CRSwNP and its protein levels inversely correlated with the number of total infiltrating cells, preoperative sinonasal CT scores, and postoperative endoscopy and symptom scores.

Conclusion

SCGBs except SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B) are expressed in human upper airway and their expression can be differentially regulated by inflammatory cytokines. SCGBs mRNA expression is altered in CRS. Reduced production of UGRP1, which is likely due, at least in part, to a local cytokine environment, may contribute to the hyper-inflammation in CRS and correlates with response to surgery.
Diversity and selective sweep in the OsAMT1;1genomic region of rice
Authors: Ding Zehong , Wang Chongrong , Chen Sheng , Yu Sibin
Published: March 2011

Background

Ammonium is one of the major forms in which nitrogen is available for plant growth. OsAMT1;1 is a high-affinity ammonium transporter in rice (Oryza sativa L.), responsible for ammonium uptake at low nitrogen concentration. The expression pattern of the gene has been reported. However, variations in its nucleotides and the evolutionary pathway of its descent from wild progenitors are yet to be elucidated. In this study, nucleotide diversity of the gene OsAMT1;1 and the diversity pattern of seven gene fragments spanning a genomic region approximately 150 kb long surrounding the gene were surveyed by sequencing a panel of 216 rice accessions including both cultivated rice and wild relatives.

Results

Nucleotide polymorphism (Pi) of OsAMT1;1 was as low as 0.00004 in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), only 2.3% of that in the common wild rice (O. rufipogon). A single dominant haplotype was fixed at the locus in O. sativa. The test values for neutrality were significantly negative in the entire region stretching 5' upstream and 3' downstream of the gene in all accessions. The value of linkage disequilibrium remained high across a 100 kb genomic region around OsAMT1;1 in O. sativa, but fell rapidly in O. rufipogon on either side of the promoter of OsAMT1;1, demonstrating a strong natural selection within or nearby the ammonium transporter.

Conclusions

The severe reduction in nucleotide variation at OsAMT1;1 in rice was caused by a selective sweep around OsAMT1;1, which may reflect the nitrogen uptake system under strong selection by the paddy soil during the domestication of rice. Purifying selection also occurred before the wild rice diverged into its two subspecies, namely indica and japonica. These findings would provide useful insights into the processes of evolution and domestication of nitrogen uptake genes in rice.
Identification of a conserved JEV serocomplex B-cell epitope by screening a phage-display peptide library with a mAb generated against West Nile virus capsid protein
Authors: Sun En-Cheng , Zhao Jing , Yang Tao , Liu Ni-Hong , Geng Hong-Wei , Qin Yong-Li , Wang Ling-Feng , Bu Zhi-Gao , Yang Yin-Hui , Lunt Ross A , Wang Lin-Fa , Wu Dong-Lai
Published: March 2011

Background

The West Nile virus (WNV) capsid (C) protein is one of the three viral structural proteins, encapsidates the viral RNA to form the nucleocapsid, and is necessary for nuclear and nucleolar localization. The antigenic sites on C protein that are targeted by humoral immune responses have not been studied thoroughly, and well-defined B-cell epitopes on the WNV C protein have not been reported.

Results

In this study, we generated a WNV C protein-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and defined the linear epitope recognized by the mAb by screening a 12-mer peptide library using phage-display technology. The mAb, designated as 6D3, recognized the phages displaying a consensus motif consisting of the amino acid sequence KKPGGPG, which is identical to an amino acid sequence present in WNV C protein. Further fine mapping was conducted using truncated peptides expressed as MBP-fusion proteins. We found that the KKPGGPG motif is the minimal determinant of the linear epitope recognized by the mAb 6D3. Western blot (WB) analysis demonstrated that the KKPGGPG epitope could be recognized by antibodies contained in WNV- and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-positive equine serum, but was not recognized by Dengue virus 1-4 (DENV1-4)-positive mice serum. Furthermore, we found that the epitope recognized by 6D3 is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex of the Family Flaviviridae.

Conclusion

The KKPGGPG epitope is a JEV serocomplex-specific linear B-cell epitope recognized by the 6D3 mAb generated in this study. The 6D3 mAb may serve as a novel reagent in development of diagnostic tests for JEV serocomplex infection. Further, the identification of the B-cell epitope that is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex may support the rationale design of vaccines against viruses of the JEV serocomplex.
Acupuncture for sequelae of Bell's palsy: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kwon Hyo-Jung , Kim Jong-In , Lee Myeong Soo , Choi Jun-Yong , Kang Sungkeel , Chung Jie-Yoon , Kim Young-Jin , Lee Seung-Hoon , Lee Sanghoon , Nam Dongwoo , Kim Yong-Suk , Lee Jae-Dong , Choi Do-Young
Published: March 2011

Objective

Incomplete recovery from facial palsy has a long-term impact on the quality of life, and medical options for the sequelae of Bell's palsy are limited. Invasive treatments and physiotherapy have been employed to relieve symptoms, but there is limited clinical evidence for their effectiveness. Acupuncture is widely used on Bell's palsy patients in East Asia, but there is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness on Bell's palsy sequelae. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with sequelae of Bell's palsy.

Method/Design

This study consists of a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms: an acupuncture group and a waitlist group. The acupuncture group will receive acupuncture treatment three times per week for a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks. Participants in the waitlist group will not receive any acupuncture treatments during this 8 week period, but they will participate in the evaluations of symptoms at the start of the study, at 5 weeks and at 8 weeks after randomization, at which point the same treatment as the acupuncture group will be provided. The primary outcome will be analyzed by the change in the Facial Disability Index (FDI) from baseline to week eight. The secondary outcome measures will include FDI from baseline to week five, House-Brackmann Grade, lip mobility, and stiffness scales.

Trial registration

Current Controlled-Trials ISRCTN43104115; registration date: 06 July 2010; the date of the first patient's randomization: 04 August 2010
Recurrent tibial intra-cortical osteosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arpornchayanon Olarn , Leerapun Taninnit , Sivasomboon Chate , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Sugandhavesa Nantawit , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Intra-cortical osteosarcoma is the rarest subtype of osseous-producing tumor. Most reported cases present a low-grade histology with slow progression and good oncological control after adequate treatment. In this report, we describe a case and review the literature to propose adequate treatment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 21-year-old Thai woman who was thought to have an intra-cortical osteosarcoma of the right tibia. We performed a wide resection and reconstruction with bone transportation using an Ilizarov external fixator. The tumor recurred five years later at the same site with a similar histology. We performed a new resection and reconstruction by ankle arthrodesis with adjuvant chemotherapy. At the last follow-up, she had remained active and free from disease for seven years.

Conclusion

This case report of recurrent intra-cortical osteosarcoma describes an atypical presentation. The low-grade histology, adequate surgical margin and adjuvant chemotherapy of the recurrent lesion were favorable factors, and our patient has remained free of any tumor recurrence.
Long-offset time-lapse seismic: Tested on the Valhall LoFS data
Authors: Zadeh Hossein Mehdi , Landrø Martin , Barkved Olav Inge
Published: March 2011

Conventional time-lapse seismic has been less successful for stiff-rock reservoir monitoring, such as carbonates. This is mainly because of the negligible time-lapse changes in the seismic properties. Therefore, we propose to use long-offset time-lapse seismic as an alternative method to estimate small velocity changes. More specifically, we monitor the maximum amplitude offset that is beyond critical offset. The properties of the maximum amplitude offset are similar to critical offset, except that they appear for longer offsets and are frequency dependent. Increased frequency reduces the gap between this offset and the critical offset. We find that the maximum amplitude offset is a function of overburden and reservoir velocity and practically independent of density. This method requires a velocity increase across the interface that is to be analyzed. This criterion usually is satisfied for stiff-rock reservoirs. Also, by long-offset acquisition, we mean typically 1 to 2 km beyond the critical offset for typical depths. The method is tested on the Valhall chalk field in the North Sea. The predicted velocity change using this method is in-line with an independent acoustic impedance study. The velocity changes quantitatively match reasonably well with the synthetic data.
Coarse-scale resistivity for saturation estimation in heterogeneous reservoirs based on Archie’s formula
Authors: Olsen Per Atle
Published: March 2011

Relations between porosity, saturation, and resistivity are essential when estimating in-place hydrocarbon volumes. The most common relation is the Archie formula. During the last decade, several new coarse-scale electromagnetic techniques for resistivity measurements have been developed. Applications of coarse-scale resistivity must consider the underlying geologic variability of porosity and saturation to be used in such relations. I have investigated the effect of small-scale (logging-scale) variability in porosity and water saturation on coarse-scale resistivity for Archie relations. An analytical expression for coarse-scale resistivity is derived based on the assumption of lognormal distributed porosity and saturation. Similarly, coarse-scale water saturation is derived assuming lognormal distributed porosity and resistivity. The results suggest that the coarse-scale equivalent Archie resistivity is normally less than the geometric average and larger than the harmonic average of the heterogeneous resistivity distribution. An important aspect of the analytical derived relations is the quantification of the effect of the variability (variance and covariance) on the coarse-scale results. Another coarse-scale average resistivity based on macroscopic anisotropy could be a practical approximation of the coarse-scale equivalent Archie resistivity in many cases.
PS salt proximity survey
Authors: Hendrickson Joel S. , Kim Norman W. , Li Yingping
Published: March 2011

Exploration and development projects in salt environments rely on accurate knowledge of the salt location for successful well placement and field development. In both salt dome and subsalt environments, the salt often provides an updip limit to the extent of the reservoir and as such is important for determining potential hydrocarbon volumes and well placement. Knowledge of the salt flank or base salt location is also important for minimizing the risks of drilling in and near salt.
Merging sequence stratigraphy and geomechanics for unconventional gas shales
Authors: Slatt Roger M. , Abousleiman Younane
Published: March 2011

The recent revelation of vast global quantities of potentially gas- (and oil-) productive shales has paved the way for rapid advancements in understanding their geological properties, many of which affect their geomechanical properties, and ultimately reservoir operations and performance. Because of shale's unique and very intricate geological, physical and mechanical properties at all scales (from nano- to macro-scale (Abousleiman et al., 2010) compared with sandstones and carbonates, the ad-jective “unconventional” has often been applied to their characterization. Although many shale characteristics are different than those of sandstones and carbonates, and require new technologies to measure them, other characteristics, mentioned below, are similar. As such, customized conventional methodologies and concepts can be applied to exploration and production of shale gas (and oil).
Inversion and attribute-assisted hydraulically induced microseismic fracture characterization in the North Texas Barnett Shale
Authors: Refunjol Xavier E. , Marfurt Kurt J. , Le Calvez Joël H.
Published: March 2011

Once considered only as source rocks and seals, shale formations are now also considered as tight-porosity and low-permeability unconventional gas reservoirs. The classification as a reservoir is mainly technology- and economics-driven. Major gas (and significant oil) production from these plays is facilitated by massive hydraulic fracturing treatments that increase permeability and help to reactivate natural fractures. Natural faulting and fracturing are critical factors controlling present-day stress distribution, which in turn influences hydraulically induced fracture system development. Stimulation ultimately enhances reservoir drainage, yielding economically viable hydrocarbon production (Rutledge and Phillips, 2003; Gale et al., 2007; Miskimins, 2009). To better understand the created fracture geometry, borehole-based induced microseismicity monitoring may be used (Figure 1).
Elastic anisotropy of shales
Authors: Sondergeld Carl H. , Rai Chandra S.
Published: March 2011

Accompanying the resource potential of gas shales is a new interest in understanding the physical and petrophysical properties of shales. Shale by geochemical or stratigraphic measures is arguably the most common lithology encountered in sedimentary basins. Despite this, shales remain little studied while engineers and explorationists focused on conventional reservoirs. Geophysicists did this knowing full well that often a reflection coefficient from a reservoir was controlled by the shale properties of the cap rock. We compensated for this ignorance by arguing that shales are deposited in deepwater environments in which lateral and vertical changes are slow and therefore inconsequential. We further compounded this ignorance by assuming that the shales were isotropic. An example of the consequences of this ignorance was clearly documented by Margesson and Sondergeld (1999). Engineers share culpability for this ignorance too, since most of the drilling problems occur in shales and most of the lithologies drilled through to reach the target reservoirs are shales; however, shales were rarely sampled unless a problem was encountered. Shales are now universally recognized as being anisotropic. Laboratory measurements are key to defining symmetries and magnitudes of anisotropy and indicate that “weak anisotropy” (defined here to be less than 10% in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) is the exception and not the rule.
Phase I Trial of a Selective c-MET Inhibitor ARQ 197 Incorporating Proof of Mechanism Pharmacodynamic Studies
Authors: Yap Timothy A. , Olmos David , Brunetto Andre T. , Tunariu Nina , Barriuso Jorge , Riisnaes Ruth , Pope Lorna , Clark Jeremy , Futreal Andrew , Germuska Michael , Collins David , deSouza Nandita M. , Leach Martin O. , Savage Ronald E. , Waghorne Carol , Chai Feng , Garmey Edward , Schwartz Brian , Kaye Stan B. , de Bono Johann S.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET axis is implicated in tumor cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. ARQ 197 is an oral, selective, non–adenosine triphosphate competitive c-MET inhibitor. A phase I trial of ARQ 197 was conducted to assess safety, tolerability, and target inhibition, including intratumoral c-MET signaling, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.

Patients and Methods

Patients with solid tumors amenable to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies using serial biopsies, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and circulating endothelial cell (CEC) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration were enrolled.

Results

Fifty-one patients received ARQ 197 at 100 to 400 mg twice per day. ARQ 197 was well tolerated, with the most common toxicities being grade 1 to 2 fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 fatigue (200 mg twice per day; n = 1); grade 3 mucositis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and hypokalemia (400 mg twice per day; n = 1); and grade 3 to 4 febrile neutropenia (400 mg twice per day, n = 2; 360 mg twice per day, n = 1). The recommended phase II dose was 360 mg twice per day. ARQ 197 systemic exposure was dose dependent and supported twice per day oral dosing. ARQ 197 decreased phosphorylated c-MET, total c-MET, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase and increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining in tumor biopsies (n = 15). CECs decreased in 25 (58.1%) of 43 patients, but no significant changes in DCE-MRI parameters were observed after ARQ 197 treatment. Of 15 patients with detectable CTCs, eight (53.3%) had ≥ 30% decline in CTCs after treatment. Stable disease, as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), ≥ 4 months was observed in 14 patients, with minor regressions in gastric and Merkel cell cancers.

Conclusion

ARQ 197 safely inhibited intratumoral c-MET signaling. Further clinical evaluation focusing on combination approaches, including an erlotinib combination in non–small-cell lung cancer, is ongoing.
Evolutionary crossroads in developmental biology: Cnidaria
Authors: Technau Ulrich , Steele Robert E.
Published: March 2011

There is growing interest in the use of cnidarians (corals, sea anemones, jellyfish and hydroids) to investigate the evolution of key aspects of animal development, such as the formation of the third germ layer (mesoderm), the nervous system and the generation of bilaterality. The recent sequencing of the Nematostella and Hydra genomes, and the establishment of methods for manipulating gene expression, have inspired new research efforts using cnidarians. Here, we present the main features of cnidarian models and their advantages for research, and summarize key recent findings using these models that have informed our understanding of the evolution of the developmental processes underlying metazoan body plan formation.
The Drosophila L1CAM homolog Neuroglian signals through distinct pathways to control different aspects of mushroom body axon development
Authors: Goossens Tim , Kang Yuan Y. , Wuytens Gunther , Zimmermann Pascale , Callaerts-Végh Zsuzsanna , Pollarolo Giulia , Islam Rafique , Hortsch Michael , Callaerts Patrick
Published: March 2011

The spatiotemporal integration of adhesion and signaling during neuritogenesis is an important prerequisite for the establishment of neuronal networks in the developing brain. In this study, we describe the role of the L1-type CAM Neuroglian protein (NRG) in different steps of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neuron axonogenesis. Selective axon bundling in the peduncle requires both the extracellular and the intracellular domain of NRG. We uncover a novel role for the ZO-1 homolog Polychaetoid (PYD) in axon branching and in sister branch outgrowth and guidance downstream of the neuron-specific isoform NRG-180. Furthermore, genetic analyses show that the role of NRG in different aspects of MB axonal development not only involves PYD, but also TRIO, SEMA-1A and RAC1.
Eya1 controls cell polarity, spindle orientation, cell fate and Notch signaling in distal embryonic lung epithelium
Authors: El-Hashash Ahmed HK , Turcatel Gianluca , Al Alam Denise , Buckley Sue , Tokumitsu Hiroshi , Bellusci Saverio , Warburton David
Published: March 2011

Cell polarity, mitotic spindle orientation and asymmetric division play a crucial role in the self-renewal/differentiation of epithelial cells, yet little is known about these processes and the molecular programs that control them in embryonic lung distal epithelium. Herein, we provide the first evidence that embryonic lung distal epithelium is polarized with characteristic perpendicular cell divisions. Consistent with these findings, spindle orientation-regulatory proteins Insc, LGN (Gpsm2) and NuMA, and the cell fate determinant Numb are asymmetrically localized in embryonic lung distal epithelium. Interfering with the function of these proteins in vitro randomizes spindle orientation and changes cell fate. We further show that Eya1 protein regulates cell polarity, spindle orientation and the localization of Numb, which inhibits Notch signaling. Hence, Eya1 promotes both perpendicular division as well as Numb asymmetric segregation to one daughter in mitotic distal lung epithelium, probably by controlling aPKCζ phosphorylation. Thus, epithelial cell polarity and mitotic spindle orientation are defective after interfering with Eya1 function in vivo or in vitro. In addition, in Eya1−/− lungs, perpendicular division is not maintained and Numb is segregated to both daughter cells in mitotic epithelial cells, leading to inactivation of Notch signaling. As Notch signaling promotes progenitor cell identity at the expense of differentiated cell phenotypes, we test whether genetic activation of Notch could rescue the Eya1−/− lung phenotype, which is characterized by loss of epithelial progenitors, increased epithelial differentiation but reduced branching. Indeed, genetic activation of Notch partially rescues Eya1−/− lung epithelial defects. These findings uncover novel functions for Eya1 as a crucial regulator of the complex behavior of distal embryonic lung epithelium.