bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review: Pathobiological aspects of the local bone marrow renin-angiotensin system: a review
Authors: Haznedaroglu Ibrahim C , Beyazit Yavuz
Published: September 2010

The local haematopoietic bone marrow (BM) renin—angiotensin system (RAS) mediates pathobiological alterations of haematopoiesis in an autocrine/paracrine/intracrine fashion. Recent data further indicated the existence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in human primitive lympho-haematopoietic cells, embryonic, foetal and adult haematopoietic tissues. Human umbilical cord blood cells also express renin, angiotensinogen, and ACE mRNAs. As ACE and other angiotensin peptides function in human haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) throughout haematopoietic ontogeny and adulthood, local RAS could also have a function in HSC plasticity, and the development of haematological neoplastic disorders. The presence of ACE on leukaemic blast cells within leukaemic BM, on erythroleukaemic cells, ACE-expressing macrophages in lymph nodes of Hodgkin disease, renin activity in leukaemic blasts, angiotensin II as an autocrine growth factor for AML, increased renin gene activity during NUP98-HOXA9 enhanced blast formation, higher levels of BB9/ACE (+) AML isoforms, and altered JAK-STAT pathway as a link between RAS and leukaemia indicated the wide pathobiological aspects of local BM RAS. The comparable biological actions of local RASs throughout the human body (including myocardium, pancreas, pituitary gland, ovary and kidney) represent the true basis for the search of their prominence in tissue functions. Recent data and perspectives of the local BM RAS in health and disease are reviewed in this paper.
Markets, identities and the discourses of antique dealing
Authors: Parsons Elizabeth
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the ways in which market exchanges in the world of antique dealing offer dealers resources for the creation and expression of identity. As such, the paper takes a specific view of identity as discursively produced through interaction. Analysis of interviews with 16 UK antique dealers found that they typically drew on discourses of taste and aesthetics, and of morality and care, to manage their identities. In doing so they mobilized differing (and most often oppositional) constructions of customers, other dealers, antique markets and antique objects. The paper therefore has two key aims: to explore the antiques world as a marketplace institution within which particular sets of discourses circulate, and to examine the intersection of these discourses in dealers’ constructions of self, others and ‘world’. In closing, the paper argues for a fuller application and conceptualization of ‘discourse’ within marketing and consumer research. The author suggests that the hitherto underused concept of ‘marketplace institutions’ might help to understand how discourses and identities are thoroughly embedded in the marketplace.
An analysis of core-competences of successful multinational team leaders
Authors: Hajro Aida , Pudelko Markus
Published: September 2010

Researchers have endeavoured to understand the factors that enable effective functioning of multinational teams (MNTs) but with few exceptions they have ignored studying the competences of MNT leaders. In this paper we present those competences leaders must possess in order to effectively lead MNTs. Our findings are based on 70 problem-centred interviews with MNT leaders and members from five multinational corporations. The competences our interviewees mentioned most frequently for effective leadership were knowledge management and transfer. Results further indicated that a leader must be cross-culturally competent and multilingual in order to motivate MNT members to fully explore, exploit and transfer valuable knowledge within the team and beyond.
When a Japanese subsidiary is not a Japanese subsidiary: Internationalization as changing organizational identity and capabilities
Authors: Voisey Christopher J.
Published: September 2010

As multinational corporations (MNCs) have increasingly expanded abroad to seek out new assets and capabilities from different specialized locations, so they have sought to become embedded in diverse local social and cultural contexts. Several streams of work have examined the managerial challenges of the integrated network MNC, as well as factors influencing the successful adoption or transfer of organizational practices within the MNC. In this work, however, the role and dynamics of organizational identity, of how the organization’s members and outside audiences perceive the organization, remain largely unexplored. In a longitudinal case study of the international expansion over a 15-year period of the business unit of a Japanese MNC into the United States, I find that the North American subsidiary’s members engaged in identity work to construct a hybrid identity for their organization. It was through this hybrid identity that the organization’s members enacted their environment, organizational capabilities at integrating knowledge, strategy, and structure. These, in turn, recursively interacted with the organization’s hybrid identity in complex ways, either reinforcing it or stressing it, leading to identity change and renewed efforts at identity construction by the organization’s members. The dynamics of the organization’s hybrid identity are different from how changes occur in these other constructs, with identity playing an influential, and perhaps the key role, in the evolution of the organization.
Exploring the international decline in crime rates
Authors: Tseloni Andromachi , Mailley Jen , Farrell Graham , Tilley Nick
Published: September 2010

This paper examines aggregate crime trends and variation around them from 1988 to 2004 for 26 countries and five main crime types using data from the International Crime Victims Survey. Multilevel statistical analysis is used to identify the main trends. Major drops in crime were experienced in many countries from the early to mid-1990s onwards. The current analysis estimates that between 1995 and 2004, the mean international crime incidence reductions were: 77.1 percent in theft from cars, 60.3 percent in theft from person, 26.0 percent in burglary, 20.6 percent in assault and 16.8 percent in car theft. The study results suggest that, with the exception of burglary, all examined crime types fell by roughly the same rate across countries. The sample’s small number of countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia experienced even steeper reductions in burglary than occurred in Europe, North America and Australia.
Cells expressing FLT3/ITD mutations exhibit elevated repair errors generated through alternative NHEJ pathways: implications for genomic instability and therapy
Authors: Fan Jinshui , Li Li , Small Donald , Rassool Feyruz
Published: September 2010

The internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) receptor found in acute myeloid leukemia patients are associated with poor prognosis. Although DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are mainly repaired by the DNA-PK–dependent nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway in normal mammalian cells, an alternative and less well-defined NHEJ pathway, characterized by microhomology at the repair junctions, play a role in the generation of deletions and translocations leading to cancer progression. Here we report that in FLT3/ITD-expressing cell lines and bone marrow mononuclear cells from FLT3/ITD knock-in mice, end-joining of DSBs occurs at microhomologous sequences resulting in a high frequency of DNA deletions. Strikingly, levels of Ku proteins, key components of the main NHEJ pathway, are decreased in FLT3/ITD+ cell lines and murine FLT3/ITD bone marrow mononuclear cells. Concomitantly, levels of DNA ligase IIIα, a component of ALT NHEJ, are increased in FLT3/ITD-expressing cells. Cells treated with a FLT3 inhibitor demonstrate decreased DNA ligase IIIα and a reduction in DNA deletions, suggesting that FLT3 signaling regulates the pathways by which DSBs are repaired. Thus, therapy to inhibit FLT3/ITD signaling and/or DNA ligase IIIα may lead to repair that reduces repair errors and genomic instability.
Bone marrow myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inhibit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) via an arginase-1–dependent mechanism that is up-regulated by interleukin-13
Authors: Highfill Steven L. , Rodriguez Paulo C. , Zhou Qing , Goetz Christine A. , Koehn Brent H. , Veenstra Rachelle , Taylor Patricia A. , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Serody Jonathan S. , Munn David H. , Tolar Jakub , Ochoa Augusto C. , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: September 2010

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a well-defined population of cells that accumulate in the tissue of tumor-bearing animals and are known to inhibit immune responses. Within 4 days, bone marrow cells cultured in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor resulted in the generation of CD11b+Ly6GloLy6C+ MDSCs, the majority of which are interleukin-4Rα (IL-4Rα+) and F4/80+. Such MDSCs potently inhibited in vitro allogeneic T-cell responses. Suppression was dependent on L-arginine depletion by arginase-1 activity. Exogenous IL-13 produced an MDSC subset (MDSC-IL-13) that was more potently suppressive and resulted in arginase-1 up-regulation. Suppression was reversed with an arginase inhibitor or on the addition of excess L-arginine to the culture. Although both MDSCs and MDSC-IL-13 inhibited graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) lethality, MDSC-IL-13 were more effective. MDSC-IL-13 migrated to sites of allopriming. GVHD inhibition was associated with limited donor T-cell proliferation, activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production. GVHD inhibition was reduced when arginase-1-deficient MDSC-IL-13 were used. MDSC-IL-13 did not reduce the graft-versus-leukemia effect of donor T cells. In vivo administration of a pegylated form of human arginase-1 (PEG-arg1) resulted in L-arginine depletion and significant GVHD reduction. MDSC-IL-13 and pegylated form of human arginase-1 represent novel strategies to prevent GVHD that can be clinically translated.
Deficits in fine motor skills in a genetic animal model of ADHD
Authors: Qian Yu , Lei Gefei , Castellanos Francisco X , Forssberg Hans , Heijtz Rochellys Diaz
Published: September 2010

Background

In an attempt to model some behavioral aspects of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), we examined whether an existing genetic animal model of ADHD is valid for investigating not only locomotor hyperactivity, but also more complex motor coordination problems displayed by the majority of children with ADHD.

Methods

We subjected young adolescent Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs), the most commonly used genetic animal model of ADHD, to a battery of tests for motor activity, gross motor coordination, and skilled reaching. Wistar (WIS) rats were used as controls.

Results

Similar to children with ADHD, young adolescent SHRs displayed locomotor hyperactivity in a familiar, but not in a novel environment. They also had lower performance scores in a complex skilled reaching task when compared to WIS rats, especially in the most sensitive measure of skilled performance (i.e., single attempt success). In contrast, their gross motor performance on a Rota-Rod test was similar to that of WIS rats.

Conclusion

The results support the notion that the SHR strain is a useful animal model system to investigate potential molecular mechanisms underlying fine motor skill problems in children with ADHD.
Team Research at the Biology–Mathematics Interface: Project Management Perspectives
Authors: Milton John G. , Radunskaya Ami E. , Lee Arthur H. , de Pillis Lisette G. , Bartlett Diana F.
Published: September 2010

The success of interdisciplinary research teams depends largely upon skills related to team performance. We evaluated student and team performance for undergraduate biology and mathematics students who participated in summer research projects conducted in off-campus laboratories. The student teams were composed of a student with a mathematics background and an experimentally oriented biology student. The team mentors typically ranked the students' performance very good to excellent over a range of attributes that included creativity and ability to conduct independent research. However, the research teams experienced problems meeting prespecified deadlines due to poor time and project management skills. Because time and project management skills can be readily taught and moreover typically reflect good research practices, simple modifications should be made to undergraduate curricula so that the promise of initiatives, such as MATH-BIO 2010, can be implemented.
Mathematical Manipulative Models: In Defense of “Beanbag Biology”
Authors: Jungck John R. , Gaff Holly , Weisstein Anton E.
Published: September 2010

Mathematical manipulative models have had a long history of influence in biological research and in secondary school education, but they are frequently neglected in undergraduate biology education. By linking mathematical manipulative models in a four-step process—1) use of physical manipulatives, 2) interactive exploration of computer simulations, 3) derivation of mathematical relationships from core principles, and 4) analysis of real data sets—we demonstrate a process that we have shared in biological faculty development workshops led by staff from the BioQUEST Curriculum Consortium over the past 24 yr. We built this approach based upon a broad survey of literature in mathematical educational research that has convincingly demonstrated the utility of multiple models that involve physical, kinesthetic learning to actual data and interactive simulations. Two projects that use this approach are introduced: The Biological Excel Simulations and Tools in Exploratory, Experiential Mathematics (ESTEEM) Project ( http://bioquest.org/esteem ) and Numerical Undergraduate Mathematical Biology Education (NUMB3R5 COUNT; http://bioquest.org/numberscount ). Examples here emphasize genetics, ecology, population biology, photosynthesis, cancer, and epidemiology. Mathematical manipulative models help learners break through prior fears to develop an appreciation for how mathematical reasoning informs problem solving, inference, and precise communication in biology and enhance the diversity of quantitative biology education.
Aerodynamic Noise Reduction for Small Wind Turbine Rotors
Authors: Clifton-Smith M. J.
Published: September 2010

Noise emissions are detrimental to the take-up of wind turbine technology. This is important for small wind turbine technology, as many are located close to dwellings. This paper presents a method of reducing turbine noise whilst retaining power production performance of small wind turbines using the numerical optimisation technique called differential evolution.

The differential evolution technique coupled an empirical noise prediction model with a blade element-momentum analysis for predicting power performance. For the small wind turbine rotor at a design tip speed ratio of 5.5, a 2 dBA reduction in the total sound pressure levels was possible for a 1% reduction in power coefficient. This noise reduction was attributed to an increase in angle of attack and Reynolds number.

The noise minimisation was then combined with starting time minimisation to improve low wind speed performance. At a tip speed ratio of 5.5, the best trade offs for a maximum of 1% decrease in power coefficient were a simultaneous decrease in total sound pressure level and starting time of 4% (2 dBA) and 6% respectively, or a decrease in total sound pressure level and starting time of 1% (0.7 dBA) and 16% respectively.
Operation Theory of Wind Pumps
Authors: Siddig Mohammed Hashim
Published: September 2010

A theoretical formulation of the operation of wind pumps is proposed, including the starting and stopping behaviour. The paper defines a wind pump form of Froude number as the basic dimensionless parameter of the system. The influence of the turbine's power levels at low tip-speed ratios on the system performance is studied. The study is based on theoretical analysis and confirmed by experimental findings on the behaviour of constant-torque machines.
Optimal Siting and Sizing of UPFC Control Settings in Grid Integrated Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Alamelu SM. , Devi R.P.Kumudini
Published: September 2010

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves, emission of greenhouse gases and the uneven distribution of existing reserves led the countries to look for sustainable alternatives, especially wind power. In India mostly Squirrel cage induction generators (SCIG) are used for extracting energy from the wind. Induction generators inject real power to the grid and absorb reactive power from grid. Normally, fixed capacitors of rating equal to no-load compensation are installed at the wind-turbine. Reactive power absorbed by the SCIG over and above the no-lad compensation is dependent on the operating condition. To compensate for the reactive power (over and above the no-load compensation) dynamic VAR compensator can be installed at the point of common coupling. When the wind-farm is connected to a weak grid there may be a problem with wind penetration into the grid. UPFC (a versatile FACTS controller) will be able to alleviate the problems associated with fixed speed wind-farms that are connected to a weak grid. In this paper finding the location and capacity of the UPFC for minimisation of power generation cost is posed as a non-linear optimization problem. An efficient Primal-Dual Interior Point algorithm in conjunction with second order sensitivity analysis is made use for solving the above problem. The optimal line placement for wind penetration in terms of marginal values of UPFC variables are identified using first order sensitivity analysis. Second order sensitivity analysis has been employed to identify the optimal line placement for highest cost savings. Further actual cost savings and optimal control settings of UPFC are evaluated by actually placing UPFC in each line. The proposed approach is tested on a sample 9-bus system using the program developed in Matlab and the results are encouraging. The results indicate that the estimation of optimal placement of UPFC for a large system is possible reducing the computation time involved.
Measuring the Impact of Carbon Allowance Trading on Energy Prices
Authors: Nazifi Fatemeh , Milunovich George
Published: September 2010

We investigate time series linkages between the EU carbon allowance price and the prices of coal, oil, natural gas and electricity. We find no long-run relationship between the variables, but instead some short-run linkages. Using Granger causality tests and generalised impulse-response analysis we find evidence of links between i) carbon and oil, ii) carbon and natural gas, and iii) electricity and carbon, as well as other links between the energy variables. The finding of no long-term relationship can be attributed either to the relative immaturity and imperfections of the carbon market, or the possibility that while carbon trading may result in a more efficient use of energy resources, it does not directly impact fossil fuel prices.
Two Case Studies Using Mock‐Ups for Planning Adult and Neonatal Intensive Care Facilities
Authors: Hignett Sue , Lu Jun , Fray Mike
Published: September 2010

This paper describes two case studies using a 5‐step protocol to determine functional space requirements for cardiac and neonatal intensive care clinical activities. Functional space experiments were conducted to determine the spatial requirements (defined as the minimumsized rectangle to encompass the Link Analysis). The data were collected with multi‐directional filming and analysed frame‐by‐frame to plot the movements between the nurses and other components in the space. The average clinical functional space for the adult critical care unit was 22.83m2 (excluding family and hygiene space and in‐room storage). The average functional clinical space for neonatal intensive care unit was 13.5m2 (excluding circulation and storage). The use of the 5‐step protocol is reviewed, with limitations in case study 1 addressed in case study 2. The findings from both case studies have been incorporated into government guidance and achieved knowledge transfer by being implemented in building design.
An Automated and Data-Driven Bidding Strategy for Online Auctions
Authors: Jank Wolfgang , Zhang Shu
Published: September 2010

The flexibility of time and location as well as the availability of an abundance of both old and new products makes online auctions an important part of people's daily shopping experience. Whereas many bidders rely on variants of the well-documented early or last-minute bidding strategies, neither strategy takes into account the aspect of auction competition: at any point in time, there are hundreds, even thousands, of the same or similar items up for sale, competing for the same bidder. In this paper, we propose a novel automated and data-driven bidding strategy. Our strategy consists of two main components. First, we develop a dynamic, forward-looking model for price in competing auctions. By incorporating dynamic features of the auction process and its competitive environment, our model is capable of accurately predicting an auction's price and outperforming model alternatives such as the generalized additive model, classification and regression trees, or Neural Networks. Then, using the idea of maximizing a bidder's surplus, we build a bidding framework around this model that selects the best auction to bid on and determines the best bid amount. The best auction is given by the one that yields the highest predicted surplus; the best bid amount is given by its predicted auction price. Our approach maximizes expected surplus and balances the probability of winning an auction with its average surplus. In simulations, we compare our automated strategy with early and last-minute bidding and find that our approach extracts 97% and 15% more expected surplus, respectively.
Improvement of water resistance and dimensional stability of wood through titanium dioxide coating
Authors: Sun Qingfeng , Yu Haipeng , Liu Yixing , Li Jian , Lu Yun , Hunt John F.
Published: September 2010

Moisture absorption and dimensional distortion are the major drawbacks of wood utilization as building material. In this study, poplar wood coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared by the cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method. Subsequently, its moisture absorption and dimensional stability were examined. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the wood substrate was closely and entirely covered with the TiO2 coat. Microscale features were visible despite masking of the ultrastructural features of the cell wall. To explore the effects of TiO2 coating on the water-repellency and dimensional stability of wood, a 90-day water immersion test was carried out. Results showed that water absorption and thickness swelling of TiO2-coated wood increase very slowly and minimally. Weight change after 90 days of water immersion was reduced to 20.5%, nearly one-tenth of untreated control wood, and that maximum cross-sectional relative swelling was only 1.2%. Specimens were conditioned for 3 months at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% relative humidity (RH) to determine the effects of RH on moisture absorption and dimensional swelling of TiO2-coated wood. There was no change in weight after 3 months of being exposed to humidity conditions below 60%, whereas there was linear weight increase above 60% RH, but the maximum change was less than 6%. Cross-sectional relative swelling was less than 0.3% below 60% RH but increased as RH exceeded 60%. The maximum change was approximately 3%. Anisotropic thickness swelling of wood was almost eliminated after coating. It is obvious that TiO2 coating can act as a moisture barrier for wood and is an exceptionally strong water vapor-inhibiting shield under very humid conditions.
Establishing the Boundaries: The Hippocampal Contribution to Imagining Scenes
Authors: Bird Chris M. , Capponi Corinne , King John A. , Doeller Christian F. , Burgess Neil
Published: September 2010

When we visualize scenes, either from our own past or invented, we impose a viewpoint for our “mind's eye” and we experience the resulting image as spatially coherent from that viewpoint. The hippocampus has been implicated in this process, but its precise contribution is unknown. We tested a specific hypothesis based on the spatial firing properties of neurons in the hippocampal formation of rats, that this region supports the construction of spatially coherent mental images by representing the locations of the environmental boundaries surrounding our viewpoint. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we show that hippocampal activation increases parametrically with the number of enclosing boundaries in the imagined scene. In contrast, hippocampal activity is not modulated by a nonspatial manipulation of scene complexity nor to increasing difficulty of imagining the scenes in general. Our findings identify a specific computational role for the hippocampus in mental imagery and episodic recollection.
Prostaglandin E2-Induced Synaptic Plasticity in Neocortical Networks of Organotypic Slice Cultures
Authors: Koch Henner , Huh Sung-Eun , Elsen Frank P. , Carroll Michael S. , Hodge Rebecca D. , Bedogni Francesco , Turner Michael S. , Hevner Robert F. , Ramirez Jan-Marino
Published: September 2010

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of epilepsy, yet the mechanisms underlying the progression from TBI to epilepsy are unknown. TBI induces the expression of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and increases levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Here, we demonstrate that acutely applied PGE2 (2 μm) decreases neocortical network activity by postsynaptically reducing excitatory synaptic transmission in acute and organotypic neocortical slices of mice. In contrast, long-term exposure to PGE2 (2 μm; 48 h) presynaptically increases excitatory synaptic transmission, leading to a hyperexcitable network state that is characterized by the generation of paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDSs). PDSs were also evoked as a result of depriving organotypic slices of activity by treating them with tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μm; 48 h). This treatment predominantly increased postsynaptically excitatory synaptic transmission. The network and cellular effects of PGE2 and TTX treatments reversed within 1 week. Differences in the underlying mechanisms (presynaptic vs postsynaptic) as well as occlusion experiments in which slices were exposed to TTX plus PGE2 suggest that the two substances evoke distinct forms of homeostatic plasticity, both of which result in a hyperexcitable network state.

PGE2 and TTX (alone or together with PGE2) also increased levels of apoptotic cell death in organotypic slices. Thus, we hypothesize that the increase in excitability and apoptosis may constitute the first steps in a cascade of events that eventually lead to epileptogenesis triggered by TBI.
Drug-eluting balloon in the treatment of a recurrent in-stent restenosis of drug-eluting stent
Authors: Merkely Béla , Jambrik Zoltán
Published: September 2010

A koszorúér-betegség alapját jelentő atheroscleroticus folyamatok gyógyszeres kezelése mellett a percutan intervenciós módszer szerepe az utóbbi évtizedekben egyre jelentősebb. A stentek elterjedésével a percutan koszorúér-intervenció akut sikerrátája jelentős javulást mutatott, azonban a hagyományos fémstentekben keletkezett instentrestenosis újabb kihívást (és anyagi ráfordítást) jelent az intervenciós kardiológia számára. Az instentrestenosis csökkentése hatékonyan kivitelezhető gyógyszerkibocsátó stentek alkalmazásával, ahol a stent fémvázára felvitt polimerhez citosztatikus anyag kapcsolódik. Az intimaproliferáció gátlásával az instentrestenosis gyakorisága 10% alá csökkenthető. A gyógyszerkibocsátó stentekben megjelenő restenosis kezelése azonban jelenleg megoldatlan probléma. Egyes elméletek szerint az érfal reaktivitását kiváltó/fenntartó fém, illetve polimer kiküszöbölése jelenthet megoldást. A kutatások két irányba folytatódnak ezek alapján: 1. biológiailag lebomló polimer, illetve stent; 2. gyógyszerkibocsátó ballon. Jelen dolgozatukban a szerzők egy tanulságos eset kapcsán adnak áttekintést az utóbbi módszerről. Orv. Hetil., 2010, 37, 1509–1514.
USING COMPLEX AUDITORY—VISUAL SAMPLES TO PRODUCE EMERGENT RELATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Groskreutz Nicole C. , Karsina Allen , Miguel Caio F. , Groskreutz Mark P.
Published: September 2010

Six participants with autism learned conditional relations between complex auditory‐visual sample stimuli (dictated words and pictures) and simple visual comparisons (printed words) using matching‐to‐sample training procedures. Pre‐ and posttests examined potential stimulus control by each element of the complex sample when presented individually and emergence of additional conditional relations and oral labeling. Tests revealed class‐consistent performance for all participants following training.
EFFECTS OF TREATMENT INTEGRITY FAILURES DURING DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR: A TRANSLATIONAL MODEL
Authors: Pipkin Claire St. Peter , Vollmer Timothy R. , Sloman Kimberly N.
Published: September 2010

Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) is used frequently as a treatment for problem behavior. Previous studies on treatment integrity failures during DRA suggest that the intervention is robust, but research has not yet investigated the effects of different types of integrity failures. We examined the effects of two types of integrity failures on DRA, starting with a human operant procedure and extending the results to children with disabilities in a school setting. Human operant results (Experiment 1) showed that conditions involving reinforcement for problem behavior were more detrimental than failing to reinforce appropriate behavior alone, and that condition order affected the results. Experiments 2 and 3 replicated the effects of combined errors and sequence effects during actual treatment implementation.
ON THE RELATION BETWEEN REINFORCER EFFICACY AND PREFERENCE
Authors: Lee May S. H. , Yu C. T. , Martin Toby L. , Martin Garry L.
Published: September 2010

Most research on stimulus preference and reinforcer assessment involves a preference assessment that is followed by a reinforcer assessment. Typically, the most and least preferred stimuli are tested as reinforcers. In the current study, we first quantified the reinforcing efficacies of six food items and then assessed relative preference for each item. Relative preference ranking and reinforcer efficacies showed almost perfect concordance for 1 participant and partial concordance for the other. Discordance tended to occur with the weakest reinforcers.
Clinical Outcomes After Treatment of Non‐Contained Intrabony Defects With Enamel Matrix Derivative or Guided Tissue Regeneration: A 12‐Month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Siciliano Vincenzo Iorio , Andreuccetti Gianmaria , Siciliano Alessandro Iorio , Blasi Andrea , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: September 2010

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the healing of deep, non‐contained intrabony defects (i.e., with a ≥80% 1‐wall component and a residual 2‐ to 3‐wall component in the most apical part) treated with either an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) after 12 months.

Methods: In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects with 40 defects affecting single‐rooted teeth were treated. The defects were treated with EMD alone or with a non‐resorbable titanium‐reinforced membrane. No grafting materials were used. At baseline and after 12 months, clinical parameters including probing depths (PDs) and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded. The difference in CAL gain was the primary outcome.

Results: At baseline, the intrabony component of the defects amounted to 8.5 ± 2.2 mm at EMD‐treated sites and 8.6 ± 1.7 mm at GTR‐treated sites (P = 0.47). The mean CAL gain at sites treated with GTR was significantly greater (P <0.001) than that at sites treated with EMD (4.1 ± 1.4 mm versus 2.4 ± 2.2 mm, respectively). GTR therapy, compared to EMD application alone, significantly (P = 0.01) increased the probability of CAL gain ≥4 mm (79.2% versus 11.3%, respectively) and significantly (P = 0.01) decreased the probability of residual PDs ≥6 mm (3% versus 79.3%, respectively).

Conclusion: Although the outcomes of open‐flap debridement alone were not investigated, the application of EMD alone appeared to yield less PD reduction and CAL gain compared to GTR therapy in the treatment of deep, non‐contained intrabony defects.
Aggressive and Chronic Periodontitis Correlate With Distinct Cellular Sources of Key Immunoregulatory Cytokines
Authors: Lima Patrícia Maria A. , Souza Paulo Eduardo A. , Costa José Eustáquio , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Gollob Kenneth John , Dutra Walderez Ornelas
Published: September 2010

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AP) are inflammatory diseases and the main cause of dental loss in adults. We aimed to investigate the expression of adhesion molecules and the source of proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in circulating mononuclear cells from patients with CP and AP.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls and CP or AP patients were collected. The expression of the cell adhesion molecules CD11a and CD11b, and the cellular sources of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐α by distinct subpopulations of circulating leukocytes were determined using flow cytometry.

Results: The expression of CD11a, but not CD11b, was significantly higher within the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in CP and AP than in healthy controls. The frequencies of tumor necrosis factor‐α–expressing CD4+ T cells and CD14+ cells were higher in AP and CP, compared to healthy controls, respectively. Moreover, the frequency of IL‐10 expressing CD14+ cells was higher in CP, but not AP, compared to healthy controls CD4+ T cells committed to IL‐4 production was higher in CP than in healthy controls.

Conclusion: These results suggest the participation of CD11a in the pathogenesis of periodontal lesions and show distinct cellular sources of immunoregulatory cytokines in AP versus CP.
A Survey of United States Periodontists' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Tobacco‐Cessation Interventions
Authors: Patel Amit M. , Blanchard Steven B. , Christen Arden G. , Bandy Robert W. , Romito Laura M.
Published: September 2010

Background: Because of the clear causal relationship between smoking and periodontal disease, and the negative effect of smoking on wound healing, it is of great importance to evaluate the tobacco‐cessation interventions provided by periodontal practices. The use of tobacco‐cessation interventions in clinical practice can be measured by whether the practitioner uses any of the “5 A's” defined by the 2008 United States Public Health Services Clinical Practice Guideline.

Methods: Surveys were mailed to 1,000 active members of the American Academy of Periodontology. The surveys assessed the periodontists' demographic information, educational and professional background, knowledge and attitudes about tobacco cessation, and use of interventions in the daily practice of periodontics.

Results: Data were collected from 231 periodontists via a self‐administered survey. Most (92%) believed that tobacco cessation is a responsibility of the dental profession. A pattern of declining levels of involvement was seen as the providers moved through the suggested “5 A's” for promoting tobacco cessation. Providers with formal tobacco‐cessation training were more likely to perform interventions. The primary perceived barriers to providing tobacco‐cessation interventions were low patient acceptance of treatment, lack of time, and lack of training.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that periodontists believe that tobacco‐cessation interventions are a responsibility of the dental profession; however, because of several perceived barriers, reported rates of comprehensive tobacco interventions in periodontal practices are low.
QSAR modeling of antibacterial activity of some benzimidazole derivatives
Authors: Podunavac-Kuzmanovic Sanja , Cvetkovic Dragoljub
Published: September 2010

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study has been carried
out for training set of 12 benzimidazole derivatives to correlate and predict
the antibacterial activity of studied compounds against Gram-negative
bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multiple linear regression was used to
select the descriptors and to generate the best prediction model that relates
the structural features to inhibitory activity. The predictivity of the model
was estimated by cross-validation with the leave-one-out method. Our results
suggest a QSAR model based on the following descriptors: parameter of
lipophilicity (logP) and hydration energy (HE). Good agreement between
experimental and predicted inhibitory values, obtained in the validation
procedure, indicated the good quality of the generated QSAR model.
Numerical and experimental investigation of heat transfer of ZnO/Water nanofluid in the concentric tube and plate heat exchangers
Authors: Haghshenas Fard , Talaie Mohammad , Nasr Somaye
Published: September 2010

The plate and concentric tube heat exchangers are tested by using the
water-water and nanofluid-water streams. The ZnO/Water (0.5%v/v) nanofluid
has been used as the hot stream. The heat transfer rate omitted of hot stream
and overall heat transfer coefficients in both heat exchangers are measured
as a function of hot and cold streams mass flow rates. The experimental
results show that the heat transfer rate and heat transfer coefficients of
the nanofluid in both of the heat exchangers is higher than that of the base
liquid (i.e., water) and the efficiency of plate heat exchange is higher than
concentric tube heat exchanger. In the plate heat exchanger the heat transfer
coefficient of nanofluid at mcold = mhot = 10 gr/sec is about 20% higher than
base fluid and under the same conditions in the concentric heat exchanger is
14% higher than base fluid. The heat transfer rate and heat transfer
coefficients increases with increase in mass flow rates of hot and cold
streams. Also the CFD1 code is used to simulate the performance of the
mentioned heat exchangers. The CFD results are compared to the experimental
data and showed good agreement. It is shown that the CFD is a reliable tool
for investigation of heat transfer of nanofluids in the various heat
exchangers.
Peristaltic flow of a fractional second grade fluid through a cylindrical tube
Authors: Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: September 2010

The investigation is to explore the transportation of a viscoelastic fluid
with fractional second grade model by peristalsis through a cylindrical tube
under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. Analytical
solution of problem is obtained by using Caputo?s definition. It is assumed
that the cross-section of the tube varies sinusoidally along the length of
tube. The effects of fractional parameter, material constant and amplitude on
the pressure and friction force across one wavelength are discussed
numerically with the help of illustrations. It is found that pressure
decreases with increase in fractional parameter whereas increases with
increase in magnitude of material constant or time. The pressure for the flow
of second grade fluid is more than that for the flow of Newtonian fluid.
Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Athletes With and Without Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Komatsu William R. , Barros Neto Turibio L. , Chacra Antonio R. , Dib Sergio A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To compare the aerobic exercise capacity and pulmonary function between athletes with and without type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty-one adult age-matched individuals were assessed in random order to the maximum volume of O2 consumption (Vo2peak max) (ml/kg/min), anaerobic threshold (ml/kg/min), peak pulmonary ventilation (Ve), heart rate (beats per min), time to exhaustion (min), forced vital capacity (FEV) (%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (%), total lung capacity (TLC) (%), and lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (%). Individuals were 27 with type 1 diabetes: 15 athletes (ADM) and 12 nonathletes (NADM); and 24 healthy individuals: 12 ADM and 12 NADM. Duration of diabetes was 14.6 ± 6.2 and 15.2 ± 6.7 years in ADM and NADM, respectively.

RESULTS

Vo2peak max was higher in ADM than in NADM (P < 0.001). The anaerobic threshold was lower in subjects with type 1 diabetes than in control subjects (P < 0.001). FEV1 was lower in ADM than in other groups (NADM, athletes control, and nonathletes control, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Aerobic capacity in subjects with type 1 diabetes with programmed exercise is similar to the capacity of normal athletes despite lower anaerobic threshold and FEV1.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Alone in the Absence of Subsequent Diabetes Is Associated With Microalbuminuria
Authors: Bomback Andrew S. , Rekhtman Yelena , Whaley-Connell Adam T. , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Sowers James R. , Chen Shu-Cheng , Li Suying , Chinnaiyan Kavitha M. , Bakris George L. , McCullough Peter A.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) maintain a higher risk for recurrent GDM and overt diabetes. Overt diabetes is a risk factor for development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but GDM alone, without subsequent development of overt diabetes, may also pose a risk for CKD.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis included Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) participants from 2000 to 2009. Patient characteristics and kidney function among three categories (GDM alone, overt diabetes, and no history of diabetes) were compared. The prevalence of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, and CKD stages 1–2 and 3–5 was assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 37,716 KEEP female participants, 571 (1.5%) had GDM alone and 12,100 (32.1%) had overt diabetes. Women with GDM had a higher rate of microalbuminuria but not macroalbuminuria than their nondiabetic peers (10.0 vs. 7.7%) that was substantially lower than the 13.6% prevalence in diabetic women. In multivariate analysis, women with GDM alone, compared with nondiabetic women, demonstrated increased odds of CKD stages 1–2 (multivariate odds ratio 1.54 [95% CI 1.16–2.05]) similar to the odds for women with overt diabetes (1.68 [1.55–1.82]). In stratified analyses, age, race, BMI, and hypertension modified the odds for CKD stages 1 –2 but not CKD stages 3–5 among women with GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with GDM alone have a higher prevalence of microalbuminuria than women without any history of diabetes, translating to higher rates of CKD stages 1–2. These results suggest that GDM, even in the absence of subsequent overt diabetes, may increase the risk for future cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Thermal antinociceptive effect of orally administered gabapentin in healthy cats
Authors: Pypendop Bruno H. , Siao Kristine T. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: September 2010

Objective—To determine the thermal antinociceptive effect of various single doses of gabapentin administered orally in cats.

Animals—6 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats.

Procedures—Baseline skin temperature and baseline thermal threshold were determined via application of a thermal probe to the thorax of each cat prior to oral administration (in random order) of an empty capsule (placebo) or a capsule containing 5, 10, or 30 mg of gabapentin/kg (4 experiments/cat). After each treatment, thermal threshold was determined at intervals during an 8-hour period. Plasma gabapentin concentration was measured prior to and at 1-hour intervals after drug administration. Dose and time effects were analyzed by use of a repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results—Peak plasma gabapentin concentration increased with increasing gabapentin dose. After administration of the 5, 10, and 30 mg/kg doses, median interval until the greatest gabapentin concentration was detected was 60, 120, and 90 minutes, respectively (interval ranges were 60 to 120 minutes, 60 to 120 minutes, and 60 to 180 minutes, respectively). In the experiments involving administration of the placebo or increasing doses of gabapentin, mean ± SD baseline skin temperature and thermal threshold were 36.8 ± 1.21°C and 45.8 ± 4.4°C, 36.9 ± 1.1°C and 43.1 ± 2.4°C, 37.0 ± 0.7°C and 44.0 ± 1.5°C, and 36.1 ± 1.7°C and 43.3 ± 3.3°C, respectively. There was no significant effect of treatment on thermal threshold.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—At the doses evaluated, orally administered gabapentin did not affect the thermal threshold in healthy cats and therefore did not appear to provide thermal antinociception. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1027–1032)
Developmental uterine anomalies in cats and dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy
Authors: McIntyre Robin L. , Levy Julie K. , Roberts John F. , Reep Roger L.
Published: September 2010

Objective—To describe the characteristics and frequency of gross uterine anomalies in cats and dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.

Design—Prospective and retrospective case series.

Animals—53,258 cats and 32,660 dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy at 26 clinics in the United States and Canada during 2007.

Procedures—Clinics prospectively reported gross anomalies and submitted tissues from abnormal reproductive tracts identified during surgery. Records from a feral cat spay-neuter clinic were evaluated retrospectively.

Results—Suspected congenital anomalies of the uterus were identified in 0.09% (49/53,258) of female cats and 0.05% (15/32,660) of female dogs. Uterine anomalies identified included unicornuate uterus (33 cats and 11 dogs), segmental agenesis of 1 uterine horn (15 cats and 3 dogs), and uterine horn hypoplasia (1 cat and 1 dog). Ipsilateral renal agenesis was present in 29.4% (10/34) of cats and 50.0% (6/12) of dogs with uterine anomalies in which kidneys were evaluated. Mummified ectopic fetuses were identified in 4 cats with uterine anomalies. Both ovaries and both uterine tubes were present in most animals with uterine anomalies.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Urogenital anomalies were twice as common in cats as in dogs. Identification of uterine developmental anomalies in dogs and cats should trigger evaluation of both kidneys and both ovaries because ipsilateral renal agenesis is common, but both ovaries are likely to be present and should be removed during ovariohysterectomy.