bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triangular Transplanting Pattern and Split Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Increase Rice Yield and Nitrogen Fertilizer Recovery
Authors: Fan Mingsheng , Lu Shihua , Jiang Rongfeng , Liu Xuejun , Zhang Fusuo
Published: October 2009

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of improved crop management (OPT) for irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) on grain yield and N recovery efficiency in southwestern China. In the OPT treatment, rice seedlings were transplanted in a triangular spatial pattern and the N fertilizer was split, based on the difference between the estimated total N requirement and the soil and environmental N supply. Fine‐tuning of application rates was achieved using leaf greenness measurements. The performance of OPT was tested in two adjacent fields in which the crops preceding rice were wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; Rw) and rapeseed (Brassica napus var. napus; Ro). The OPT and traditional farming practice (TRA) treatments both gave higher average grain yields than zero‐N controls (CK). Rice yields were considerably smaller in Rw than Ro under CK. Compared with TRA, OPT led to significantly higher aboveground N uptake, biomass accumulation, and grain yield in Rw Over the 2 yr of the study, average rice grain yields under OPT increased by 19 and 22% compared with TRA and 30 farmers' fields, respectively. The OPT treatment performed better than TRA in 15N recovery efficiency. Compared with TRA, OPT led to increased 15N fertilizer recovery efficiency from 19% in TRA to 42% in OPT, and decreased loss from 68% in TRA to 39% in OPT. In conclusion, OPT practice is a feasible means to attain increased yield with efficient N use. This study provides guidance for farmers using rice‐based cropping systems, especially in southwestern China.
USGA Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Green Properties as Affected by Cultural Practices
Authors: Rowland J. H. , Cisar J. L. , Snyder G. H. , Sartain J. B. , Wright A. L.
Published: October 2009

Accumulation of organic matter (OM) at the soil surface (mat OM) and below (soil OM) can negatively affect putting green performance characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate cultural practices for control of OM and their effects on performance characteristics of a mature, USGA‐specified ultradwarf bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burt Davy] green in a subtropical climate. Two ultradwarf cultivars, ‘TifEagle’ and ‘Champion’, were subjected to hollow tine aerification (HTA) 1, 2, or 3 times yr−1, verticutting (VC) 3 times yr−1, solid tine aerification (STA) 5 times yr−1, and no treatment (control) for two consecutive years. Cultivars and treatments were arranged in a split‐plot, randomized complete block design. Although mat OM depth was similar among treatments, concentration was reduced after 2 yr by VC, HTA 2 times yr−1, and HTA 3 times yr−1. Solid TA (5 times yr−1) and hollow TA (2 and 3 times yr−1) reduced soil OM concentration compared with the control. Since VC also provided the highest turfgrass quality, firmest surface, least mower scalping, and least localized dry spots (LDS), it proved to be the best cultural practice tested, particularly since HTA 3 times yr−1 increased saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), which reduced volumetric water content and increased LDS. TifEagle was the better performing cultivar, as it had higher quality and less mower scalping.
Effects of Planting Pattern and Fungicide Application Systems on Ascochyta Blight Control and Seed Yield in Chickpea
Authors: Gan Yantai , Warkentin Thomas D. , Chandirasekaran Rajamohan , Gossen Bruce D. , Wolf Thomas , Banniza Sabine
Published: October 2009

Improved cultural practices can be used to manage ascochyta blight in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a disease caused by Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labrousse. This study examined the effect of planting pattern, seeding rate, and fungicide application systems on ascochyta blight severity and crop yield of chickpea at Swift Current (50°25′ N, 107° 44′ W), SK, Canada, in 2004 and 2005. Crop was grown in uniform row (25 cm) and paired‐row spacing (25 cm within each pair and 75 cm between pairs), at 44 and 31 plants m−2, and with 1× and 0.67× the recommended fungicide application rates. Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) averaged 1580 units for the susceptible cultivar CDC Xena, and significantly greater than 573 for the partially resistant cultivar Amit. The AUPDC value reduced from 750 at one fungicide application to 400 at four applications for Amit, and from 1907 to 1250 for CDC Xena. Seed yield was 2.24 Mg ha−1 with four applications and 1.73 Mg ha−1 with one application for Amit, and 1.04 and 0.18 Mg ha−1, respectively, for CDC Xena. Paired‐row spacing reduced AUDPC by 12% for Amit and 14% for CDC Xena from uniform row spacing. With paired‐row spacing, blight severity did not differ between the 1× and 0.67× fungicide application rates or between the plant densities of 44 and 31 plants m−2. Altered planting patterns, in combination with improved fungicide application systems, can potentially enable growers to reduce fungicide rates by 30% without decreasing efficacy of ascochyta blight control or seed yield for chickpea in northern Great Plains.
Nitrogen and Harvest Frequency Effect on Yield and Cost for Four Perennial Grasses
Authors: Haque M. , Epplin F. M. , Taliaferro C. M.
Published: October 2009

A USDOE and USDA study concluded that more than 20 million U.S. hectares of cropland, idle cropland, and cropland pasture could be converted from current uses to the production of perennial grasses from which biomass could be harvested for use as biorefinery feedstock. This study was conducted to determine the most efficient species, level of N, and harvest frequency from among four perennial grass species {‘Midland 99’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], ‘Carostan’ flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.), ‘SL 93‐3’ (a selection from ‘Alamo’) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees]}. Each species was established in 2002 on a Kirkland silt loam soil near Stillwater, OK. Treatments in postestablishment years consisted of four N fertilization levels (34, 67, 134, and 269 kg ha−1 yr−1) and two harvest systems (once year−1 in October, and twice year−1 in July and October). Plots were harvested in 2003, 2004, and 2005. For bermudagrass, flaccidgrass, and lovegrass, the greatest biomass yield year−1 was produced from plots harvested twice year−1. Switchgrass produced significantly more biomass than the other three species. Biomass yield to N response functions were estimated for switchgrass. For most biomass price and N price combinations, the optimal strategy is to establish switchgrass, and in postestablishment years, to fertilize with 65 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and harvest once year−1 after senescence.
A study on assessment of biomass production potential of pipe materials in contact with drinking water
Authors: Tsvetanova Z. G. , Hoekstra E. J.
Published: November 2009

The point of compliance in the European Drinking Water Directive is the consumer's tap and thus a set of requirements for the quality of materials used in distribution systems is needed. On European level an approval scheme for construction products in contact with drinking water is under development. The Regulators Group proposed that the Biomass Production Potential (BPP) test should be the basis for assessment of microbial growth support properties of products in contact with drinking water. Due to a lack of data the goal of this study was to generate more information on the growth promoting properties of pipe materials of different origin using the BPP test. The pipe materials under study showed different capacity to enhance bacterial growth and their BPP values could be ranked: Cu < SS < PP < PEx < PE < PVCp. A positive correlation between the planktonic biomass (PB) and the BPP was observed. Materials with a high BPP and a relatively higher PB/BPP ratio had a higher potential to impair bacteriological water quality. The option for derivation of pass-fail criteria based on planktonic biomass was discussed.
Life cycle assessment of three water supply systems: importation, reclamation and desalination
Authors: Lyons E. , Zhang P. , Benn T. , Sharif F. , Li K. , Crittenden J. , Costanza M. , Chen Y. S.
Published: November 2009

The issues of water supply and management will become more and more critical as the global population increases. In order to meet future demands, water supply systems must be developed to maximize the use of locally available water. It is also important to minimize the impact of water system developments on the environment. In this study, the overall environmental impacts were compared for water importation, reclamation and seawater desalination to address the water scarcity in areas where local supplies are not sufficient. The city of Scottsdale, Arizona was chosen for this study. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed and it suggests that seawater desalination has the highest impact whereas reclamation shows a relatively lower impact. However, Importation and reclamation systems have comparable results for several damage categories. The impacts of facility operations are significantly higher than the construction phase even when the life-span of infrastructure reduces from 50 year to 10 year. Due to the high impacts associated with the energy use during plant operations, different energy mixes were analyzed for their capabilities to lower the environmental burden.
A modelling procedure for on-site ozonation steps in potable water treatment
Authors: Mandel P. , Wolbert D. , Roche P. , Pham H.-H. , Bréant P.
Published: November 2009

This article presents a calibration procedure for a model describing the role of NOM during ozonation. Calibration has been conceived as practical tool for engineering purpose. Using a single-phase batch protocol, two waters were investigated following experimental plans comprising 32 and 14 experiments. Results of the simulations show that the calibration procedure enables the model, for both waters, to predict well changes in ozone dose, temperature and pH, even when a radical scavenger, tert-butanol, is added. More than 70% of the experiments could thus be modelled satisfactorily (predictions statistically classified as “good” or “very good”), having used only 26% of the experiments in calibrating the model. Results obtained for experiments performed at low NOM concentration are more contrasted, however the model is able to account for most changes in sub listed experimental parameters.
Reluctance to Lead: U.S. Trade Policy in Flux
Authors: Aggarwal Vinod
Published: November 2009

The U.S. is no longer providing leadership in trade policy. In recent years, we have seen a sharp turn toward a rapid proliferation of bilateral preferential trade agreements, accords that are likely to undermine the World Trade Organization (WTO). By pursuing a strategy of ‘competitive liberalization’ both on a sectoral basis under the Bill Clinton administration, and then a policy of seeking bilateral arrangements under the George W. Bush administration, this article argues that American administrations have undermined the coalition for free trade in the United States. Consequently, protectionist industries including textiles, steel, and agriculture have made further liberalization more difficult and thus the prospects for promoting continued trade liberalization have grown dimmer.
The Decline of Global Economic Governance and the Role of the Transatlantic Powers
Authors: Dieter Heribert
Published: November 2009

Although the global economy has flourished in the current global economic governance regime, the foundations of this order are starting to crumble. Both in trade and in finance, the existing institutions are under severe stress. In trade, more and more countries undermine the WTO by implementing preferential trade agreements. In finance, the IMF has been weak for most of this decade, although it experienced a revival in the current crisis. First and foremost, this weakness of the institutions of global economic governance is the result of policies implemented by the transatlantic powers. Both the European Union and the United States are actively pursuing policies that weaken the existing institutions. In trade, there is a large gap between the official rhetoric, which highlights the importance of the multilateral regime, and the trade policy practice, which is weakening the WTO. In finance, the transatlantic powers have until very recently blocked any progress in the IMF with regard to lending policies. In addition, the EU continues to defend its unjustified overrepresentation in the IMF's governance structures. The article suggests that one of the key explanations for this development is the weak support for globalization in most OECD-countries. Confronted with no enthusiasm for globalization in their domestic constituencies, policy makers in Europe and the United States are increasingly opting for policies that will, over time, erode the existing regimes of global economic governance.
Not Just a “Second Order” Problem in a Wider Economic Crisis: Systemic Challenges for the Global Trading System
Authors: Higgott Richard
Published: November 2009

Reform of the multilateral trade regime is not simply a second order problem within a wider economic crisis. The completion of the Doha Round may be a second order question but the global trade regime faces a series of broader systemic challenges beyond the completion of the current negotiations. This paper identifies five challenges: (i) a marked reduction in popular support for open markets in major OECD countries; (ii) the stalling of a transition from one global economic equilibrium to another; (iii) a lack of clarity and agreement on the agenda and objectives for the WTO as we move deeper into the 21st century; (iv) the demand for fairness and justice in the governance of the WTO'the ‘legitimacy’ question and (v) the rise of regional preferentialism as a challenge to multilateralism. Failure to address these challenges will represent not only a fundamental question for the future of the WTO as the guarantor of the norms and rules of the global trade regime specifically, but also the ability to establish greater coherence in global economic governance overall when its need is arguably greater than at any time since the depression years of the 20th century inter-war period.
New Media, New Literacies and the Adolescent Learner
Authors: Hughes Janette
Published: November 2009

The goal of this research study was to develop a conceptualization of the relationship between new digital media and adolescent students' writing of poetry while immersed in using new media. More specifically, the research focused on the performative affordances of new media and how these interacted with the students' creative processes as they created digital poems. The article examines eight themes that emerged during the study, including the multimodal, multilinear and collaborative nature of the poems, the role of audience and identity in the creative process, and the shifting views of poetry the students experienced.
Effects of Walnut Consumption on Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Ma Yingying , Njike Valentine Yanchou , Millet John , Dutta Suparna , Doughty Kim , Treu Judith A. , Katz David L.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of daily walnut consumption on endothelial function, cardiovascular biomarkers, and anthropometric measures in type 2 diabetic individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, crossover trial. Twenty-four participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 58 years; 14 women and 10 men) were randomly assigned to one of the two possible sequence permutations to receive an ad libitum diet enriched with 56 g (366 kcal) walnuts/day and an ad libitum diet without walnuts for 8 weeks. Subjects underwent endothelial function testing (measured as flow-mediated dilatation [FMD]) and assessment of cardiovascular biomarkers before and after each 8-week treatment phase. The primary outcome measure was the change in FMD after 8 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included changes in plasma lipids, A1C, fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and anthropometric measures.

RESULTS

Endothelial function significantly improved after consumption of a walnut-enriched ad libitum diet compared with that after consumption of an ad libitum diet without walnuts (2.2 ± 1.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.6%; P = 0.04). The walnut-enriched diet increased fasting serum glucose and lowered serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol from baseline (10.0 ± 20.5 mg/dl, P = 0.04; −9.7 ± 14.5 mg/dl, P < 0.01; and −7.7 ± 10 mg/dl, P < 0.01, respectively), although these changes were not significant compared with those for an ad libitum diet without walnuts. There were no significant changes in anthropometric measures, plasma A1C, and insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

A walnut-enriched ad libitum diet improves endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in type 2 diabetic individuals, suggesting a potential reduction in overall cardiac risk.
Psychiatric Comorbidity Reduces Quality of Life in Chronic Methadone Maintained Patients
Authors: Carpentier Pieter J. , Krabbe Paul F.M. , Van Gogh Mijke T. , Knapen Lieke J.M. , Buitelaar Jan K. , De Jong Cor A.J.
Published: October 2009

Despite the efficacy of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), opioid dependence still involves severe impairment offunctioning and low quality of life. This study examines the influence of the psychiatric comorbidity of MMT patients on their quality of life. A total of 193 middle‐aged patients in long‐term MMT were assessed for current and lifetime Axis I psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders using the MINI, the CIDI‐SAM, and the SIDP‐IV. Quality of life (Qol) was assessed using the EQ‐5D. Psychiatric comorbidity was documented in 78% of the patients. Mood disorders (60%) and anxiety disorders (46%) were the most common diagnoses. Additional substance use disorders were diagnosed in 70% of the MMT patients. While a probable personality disorder was documented for 65% of the patients, 66 of these patients actually showed an antisocial personality disorder. Qol was severely diminished to a level comparable to that for patients with chronic psychiatric and/or somatic disorders. Multivariate analyses showed the occurrence of comorbid psychiatric disorders to explain about 32% of the variance in Qol. The quality of life for MMT patients is generally low. The present results showed a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity for this patient group with mood disorders, additional substance use disorders, and personality disorders occurring in particular. Such comorbid psychopathology substantially affects quality of life. The negative influence of comorbid psychopathology on quality of life is an important reason to provide additional mental health services for MMT patients.
Driving Performance, Alignment Consistency, and Road Safety
Authors: Cafiso Salvatore , La Cava Grazia
Published: November 2009

Road infrastructure improvement is one of the three pillars in the European Union policy aimed at halving the number of fatalities in road accidents by 2010. Increased knowledge and experience have proved that highway consistency analysis is an effective tool in the evaluation of road performance in terms of safety. Recent studies have attempted to provide information relating to the geometric consistency of road alignment by using different approaches based on geometric relation design, differential between design and operating speed, driving performance with instrumented vehicles, and human workload evaluation. This paper presents the results of a naturalistic driving experiment carried out with the University of Catania's Driving Instrumented Vehicle Acquisition System–instrumented vehicle. Representative variables for describing alignment consistency were defined and collected by direct measurement during real-world driving tests. From the seven parameters taken into consideration, the maximum driving speed differential between two successive elements and between the average section speed and the minimum single element speed were chosen as driving performance indicators (DPIs), since they are not correlated and agree statistically with the accident history. On the basis of actual driving behavior by means of DPIs, design inconsistencies were identified along different test courses, and their agreement with safety evaluation criteria and relation design parameters was verified. Comparison analyses among DPIs, speed consistency variables, and relation design parameters have evidenced the effectiveness of the indirect measurement of design consistency and the possibility of defining threshold values for the identification of those elements characterized by acceptable (good), reasonable (fair), or intolerable (poor) alignment inconsistencies.
Safety Screening of Road Networks with Limited Exposure Data
Authors: Tarko Andrew P. , Azam Shafiul
Published: November 2009

The first and most important step in road safety management is the identification of roads with safety needs. One possible road screening technique is based on the quality control method. Exposure data such as annual average daily traffic and vehicle miles traveled are used to estimate the expected numbers of crashes, which are then compared with the actual numbers of crashes to identify locations with safety needs. This approach must be modified in applications to county and city roads because of the limited availability of exposure data. Local transportation agencies are not expected to establish traffic counting programs to cover all their roads in the foreseeable future. This paper proposes estimation of the expected number of crashes on county roads on the basis of surrogates of exposure data including ( a) segment connectivity with busier state-administered roads and ( b) characteristics of the land development in the area. Land development data are included in the census database and are widely used in transportation planning. A method of estimating the expected crashes on the basis of the classification tree is proposed, and application of the method to screen Indiana county roads is presented. The developed classification tree is compared with the benchmark model, negative binomial regression further improved by adding random effects. The proposed classification tree performs better than the benchmark model. The research demonstrates a promising method of screening local roads in a defensible manner.
Effects of Road Geometry and Cross-Section Variables on Traffic Accidents
Authors: Rengarasu Terrance M. , Hagiwara Toru , Hirasawa Masayuki
Published: November 2009

This study aimed at finding the effects of road geometry and cross-section variables on numbers of accidents. In addition, a methodology to combine variables by using decision trees was developed. Combination variables for road geometry and cross section were created by using the chi-square automatic interaction detection algorithm. Two negative binomial models were developed: one with homogeneous road segments and the other with 1-km road segments. Homogeneous road segments were divided on the basis of the horizontal alignment of the road. They were either curved or straight. The accuracy of the negative binomial model with homogeneous road segments was compared with that of the negative binomial model with 1-km road segments. The negative binomial model using homogeneous road segments was found to be the more accurate of the two models. The model with homogeneous road segments was used to draw conclusions with regard to the effect of variables on the number of accidents. Combination variables showed a significant effect on the number of accidents. The road geometry and cross-section variables were found to affect the number of accidents differently under various combinations of other variables.
Effects of Street Patterns on Injury Risks in Two-Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Rifaat Shakil Mohammad , Tay Richard
Published: November 2009

Road crashes not only claim lives and inflict injuries but also create an economic burden on society because of lost productivity. Many studies have identified factors affecting the frequency and severity of crashes. However, few, if any, studies have explored the effect of street pattern on injury risks in urban crashes. In this study, street pattern or urban form is classified into four categories: gridiron, warped parallel, loops and lollipops, and mixed patterns. Their effects on injury risk are examined together with other factors including road features, drivers’ characteristics, crash characteristics, environmental conditions, and vehicle attributes. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is chosen as the case study, and the logistic regression model is applied with reported crash data from 2003 to 2005 to investigate various factors. The results suggest that current popular patterns, including the loops and lollipops design, are safer than the conventional gridiron pattern from an injury risk perspective in the event of a crash.
Statistical versus Simulation Models in Safety
Authors: Davis Gary A. , Morris Paul
Published: November 2009

Rational planning involves selecting from possible courses of action with regard to their predicted consequences. In road safety engineering, this requires the ability to predict the frequency and severity of crashes that are expected to result from design or operational changes. Statistical modeling is the dominant approach used in the first edition of the Highway Safety Manual to address this issue, but over time statistical models are expected to be replaced by models that explicitly describe mechanisms underlying crash occurrence. This development could be accelerated if the already substantial investment in statistical safety models could be used to calibrate or validate mechanism-based simulation models. This paper briefly reviews two efforts in which statistical models of median-crossing crash (MCC) frequency were developed. An objective of both statistical studies was to summarize how the expected frequency of MCCs varies with the average daily traffic and median width of a divided highway. After the nature of the simulation model is described, the summarized relationships are used as criteria for assessing its performance.
Use of Expert Panels in Highway Safety
Authors: Washington Simon P. , Lord Dominique , Persaud Bhagwant N.
Published: November 2009

Expert panels have been used extensively in the development of the Highway Safety Manual to extract research information from highway safety experts. While the panels have been used to recommend agendas for new and continuing research, their primary role has been to develop accident modification factors–-quantitative relationships between highway safety and various highway safety treatments. Because the expert panels derive quantitative information in a “qualitative” environment and because their findings can have significant impacts on highway safety investment decisions, the expert panel process should be described and critiqued. This paper is the first known written description and critique of the expert panel process and is intended to serve professionals wishing to conduct such panels.
Functional Engraftment of the Medial Ganglionic Eminence Cells in Experimental Stroke Model
Authors: Daadi Marcel M. , Lee Sang Hyung , Arac Ahmet , Grueter Brad A. , Bhatnagar Rishi , Maag Anne-Lise , Schaar Bruce , Malenka Robert C. , Palmer Theo D. , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: October 2009

Currently there are no effective treatments targeting residual anatomical and behavioral deficits resulting from stroke. Evidence suggests that cell transplantation therapy may enhance functional recovery after stroke through multiple mechanisms. We used a syngeneic model of neural transplantation to explore graft–host communications that enhance cellular engraftment. The medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cells were derived from 15-day-old transgenic rat embryos carrying green fluorescent protein (GFP), a marker, to easily track the transplanted cells. Adult rats were subjected to transient intraluminal occlusion of the medial cerebral artery. Two weeks after stroke, the grafts were deposited into four sites, along the rostro-caudal axis and medially to the stroke in the penumbra zone. Control groups included vehicle and fibroblast transplants. Animals were subjected to motor behavioral tests at 4 week posttransplant survival time. Morphological analysis demonstrated that the grafted MGE cells differentiated into multiple neuronal subtypes, established synaptic contact with host cells, increased the expression of synaptic markers, and enhanced axonal reorganization in the injured area. Initial patch-clamp recording demonstrated that the MGE cells received postsynaptic currents from host cells. Behavioral analysis showed reduced motor deficits in the rotarod and elevated body swing tests. These findings suggest that graft–host interactions influence the fate of grafted neural precursors and that functional recovery could be mediated by neurotrophic support, new synaptic circuit elaboration, and enhancement of the stroke-induced neuroplasticity.
Article Commentary: Who's in Favor of Translational Cell Therapy for Stroke: STEPS Forward Please?
Authors: Chopp Michael , Steinberg Gary K. , Kondziolka Douglas , Lu Mei , Bliss Tonya M. , Li Yi , Hess David C. , Borlongan Cesario V.
Published: October 2009

A consortium of translational stem cell and stroke experts from multiple academic institutes and biotechnology companies, under the guidance of the government (FDA/NIH), is missing. Here, we build a case for the establishment of this consortium if cell therapy for stroke is to advance from the laboratory to the clinic.
Adaptation of Human CD4+ T Cells to Pathophysiological Hypoxia: A Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: GABER TIMO , HÄUPL THOMAS , SANDIG GRIT , TYKWINSKA KAROLINA , FANGRADT MONIQUE , TSCHIRSCHMANN MIRIAM , HAHNE MARTIN , DZIURLA RENÉ , EREKUL KEREM , LAUTENBACH MARTIN , KOLAR PAULA , BURMESTER GERD-RÜDIGER , BUTTGEREIT FRANK
Published: November 2009

Objective.

Inflamed tissues are usually characterized by low oxygen levels. We investigated whether pathophysiological hypoxia (pO2< 1%) as found in the rheumatoid synovium modulates the transcriptome of human CD4+ T cells.

Methods.

We analyzed the extent to which hypoxia influences the transcriptome in the rheumatoid synovium according to a gene cluster reflecting adaptation to low oxygen levels. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was detected in the rheumatoid synovium using immunohistochemistry. Isolated human CD4+ T cells were exposed to hypoxia and analyzed using microarray analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblot detection.

Results.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue samples, hypoxia modulates the transcription profile. This profile is similar, but not identical, to that found in isolated CD4+ T cells incubated under hypoxic conditions. We show that HIF-1α is expressed in synovial tissue samples and in hypoxic CD4+ cells; and that hypoxia directly affects differential gene expression in human T cells with up to 4.8% modulation of the transcriptome. Functional genome analysis revealed substantial effects of hypoxia on immune response, transcriptional regulation, protein modification, cell growth and proliferation, and cell metabolism.

Conclusion.

Severe hypoxia, a feature of joint inflammation, considerably modulates the transcriptome of cells found in the rheumatoid synovium. Human CD4+ T cells adapt to hypoxic conditions mainly by HIF-1-driven effects on the transcriptome reflecting a profound influence on immune functions. Thus, hypoxia must be taken into account when therapeutically targeting inflammation.
Assessment of the Methodologic Quality of Medical and Surgical Clinical Trials in Patients with Arthroplasty
Authors: SINGH JASVINDER A. , MURPHY STEPHEN , BHANDARI MOHIT
Published: November 2009

Objective.

To assess the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCT) of medical and surgical therapy in patients with arthroplasty.

Methods.

We conducted a Medline database search for all arthroplasty RCT from 1997 and 2006. The quality of the methods of all eligible RCT was assessed by a trained abstractor. We used a checklist of trial quality characteristics, and the overall trial quality was assessed by 3 scales: Jadad (range 0–5), Delphi list (range 0–9), and numeric rating scale (NRS; range 1–10), based on User’s Guides to the Medical Literature.

Results.

A total of 196 articles were included in the analysis; most included hip (n = 81) or knee (n = 80) or both hip/knee arthroplasty (n = 19); 66 (34%) assessed pharmacological treatments, 117 (60%) nonpharmacological treatments, and 13 (7%) both. Mean (SEM) overall quality scores of arthroplasty RCT were low: Jadad score 2.36 (1.4), Delphi list 5.33 (1.6), and NRS score 4.30 (2.6). Multivariable analyses revealed that nonpharmacological intervention RCT had lower odds (odds ratio 0.28–0.39; p = 0.008–0.033) and those with no funding had lower odds (OR 0.28–0.50; p = 0.014–0.119) of being in the highest quartiles of the 3 overall quality scores. In contrast, multicenter RCT had 1.8–4.7 times higher odds of being in highest tertiles of quality scores (p = 0.017–0.185).

Conclusion.

Methodological deficiencies in reporting of hip/knee arthroplasty RCT offer an opportunity for improvement. Type of intervention, number of trial centers, and presence of funding were independently associated with overall trial quality. In future, multicenter RCT (rather than single-center) and modeling protocols of single-center RCT similar in rigor to multicenter RCT may improve the quality of arthroplasty RCT.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Correlated to Bisphosphonate Therapy in Non-oncologic Patients: Clinicopathological Features of 24 Patients
Authors: FAVIA GIANFRANCO , PILOLLI GIOVANNI PIETRO , MAIORANO EUGENIO
Published: November 2009

Objective.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a well known side effect of bisphosphonate therapies in patients with multiple myeloma or other malignancies. Its real incidence is still undetermined, and only few cases of ONJ in patients taking bisphosphonates for non-oncologic diseases have been reported. It was postulated that the clinical features, predisposing factors, and treatment outcome of this subset of patients might be different from those of oncologic patients.

Methods.

Over a 4 year period, a total of 102 bisphosphonate-treated patients affected by ONJ were identified. Among these, 24 patients underwent bisphosphonate therapy for non-neoplastic disease and their profile was analyzed.

Results.

In this study cohort, bisphosphonates had been administered mainly for postmenopausal osteoporosis (20/24 patients, 83.3%), the duration of therapy until presentation of ONJ ranging from 11 to 40 months and the most common triggering event being dentoalveolar surgery. All patients were nonsmokers; 6 manifested multiple ONJ lesions and only 3 of them had possible comorbidities. Surgical debridement was performed in 19 patients for a total of 22 lesions, which were individually considered in the followup. The latter showed complete remission of ONJ in 21/22 lesions.

Conclusion.

Although it might be considered a rare condition in non-oncologic patients, ONJ is a harmful side effect of bisphosphonate therapies. Clinicians must be aware of this entity, inform patients of the risks related to dental surgery, and possibly undertake adequate preventive measures.
Simulation and Proposed Handover Alert Algorithm for Mobile Communication System
Authors: Al-Sawalmeh Wael Hassan , Al-Ani Muzhir Shaban
Published: October 2009

this paper deals with the simulation and presentation of a novel approach to design and implementation of algorithm to realize hand over process for a mobile communication system during mobile network. This algorithm performs the ability of the system to extract important information features about the received signal. When the strength of the received signal is dropped below a certain threshold value then an alert process is activated to achieve the continuity of the transmission due to a ready scan which is existed on time.
Measurement Rounding Errors in an Assessment Model of Project Led Engineering Education
Authors: Moreira Francisco , Sousa Rui M , Leão Celina P , Alves Anabela C , Lima Rui M
Published: November 2009

This paper analyzes the rounding errors that occur in the assessment of an interdisciplinary Project-Led Education (PLE) process implemented in the Integrated Master degree on Industrial Management and Engineering (IME) at University of Minho. PLE is an innovative educational methodology which makes use of active learning, promoting higher levels of motivation and studentsâ?? autonomy. The assessment model is based on multiple evaluation components with different weights. Each component can be evaluated by several teachers involved in different Project Supporting Courses (PSC). This model can be affected by different types of errors, namely: (1) rounding errors, and (2) non-uniform criteria of rounding the grades. A rigorous analysis of the assessment model was made and the rounding errors involved on each project component were characterized and measured. This resulted in a global maximum error of 0.308 on the individual student project grade, in a 0 to 100 scale. This analysis intended to improve not only the reliability of the assessment results, but also teachersâ?? awareness of this problem. Recommendations are also made in order to improve the assessment model and reduce the rounding errors as much as possible.
Matlab Based Remote Control of Thermo-Optical Plant
Authors: Zakova Katarina , Kohut Matej
Published: November 2009

The paper is focused on a thermo-optical plant that is used for experimental work at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology STU in Bratislava. Our attention was dedicated to one approach of its remote control. A Java client-server application was created that enables to connect the graphical user interface with the Matlab engine running on the server.
Teaching Kinematics and Dynamics of Multibody Mechanical System Using the Object Oriented Language Modelica
Authors: Seabra Eurico Augusto Rodrigues , Machado José Mendes
Published: November 2009

A new modeling language, called Modelica, for physical modeling is being developed in an international effort. The main objective is to make it easy to exchange models and model libraries for different domains, such as, mechanical, pneumatics, electrical, hydraulics, and others. The design approach builds on non-causal modeling with true ordinary differential and algebraic equations and the use of object-oriented constructs stemming from modern software development, (hierarchy, encapsulation) to facilitate reuse of models and model parts. This paper gives an overview of the use of the object oriented language Modelica with the mechanical Multibody Library to model and simulate three-dimensional mechanical systems.
Dec2 Promotes Th2 Cell Differentiation by Enhancing IL-2R Signaling
Authors: Liu Zhiduo , Li Zhenhu , Mao Kairui , Zou Jia , Wang Yuan , Tao Zhiyun , Lin Guomei , Tian Lin , Ji Yongyong , Wu Xiaodong , Zhu Xueliang , Sun Shuhui , Chen Weiguang , Xiang Charlie , Sun Bing
Published: October 2009

Th cell differentiation is precisely regulated by thousands of genes at different stages. In the present study, we demonstrate that Dec2, a transcription factor belonging to the bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) superfamily, is progressively induced during the course of Th2 differentiation, especially at the late stage. The up-regulated Dec2 can strongly promote Th2 development under Th2-inducing conditions, as evidenced by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer or transgenic manipulation. In addition, an enhancement of Th2 responses is also detectable in Dec2 transgenic mice in vivo. Conversely, RNA interference-mediated suppression of endogenous Dec2 could attenuate Th2 differentiation. Finally, we show that the enhanced Th2 development is at least in part due to substantial up-regulation of CD25 expression elicited by Dec2, thereby resulting in hyperresponsiveness to IL-2 stimulation.
The Bile Acid Sensor Farnesoid X Receptor Is a Modulator of Liver Immunity in a Rodent Model of Acute Hepatitis
Authors: Mencarelli Andrea , Renga Barbara , Migliorati Marco , Cipriani Sabrina , Distrutti Eleonora , Santucci Luca , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: October 2009

Immune-mediated liver diseases including autoimmune and viral hepatitis are a major health problem worldwide. In this study, we report that activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily and bile sensor highly expressed in the liver, attenuates liver injury in a model of autoimmune hepatitis induced by Con A. We found that FXR gene ablation results in a time-dependent increase of liver expression (up to 20-fold in a 9-mo-old mouse) of osteopontin, a NKT cell-derived extracellular matrix protein and immunoregulatory cytokine. In comparison to wild-type, FXR−/− mice are more susceptible to Con A-induced hepatitis and react to Con A administration by an unregulated production of osteopontin. Administering wild-type mice with a synthetic FXR agonist attenuated Con A-induced liver damage and liver expression of the osteopontin gene. By in vitro studies, we found that FXR is expressed by primarily isolated NKT cells and its ablation favors ostepontin production in response to Con A. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that the short heterodimer partner (SHP), a nuclear receptor and FXR target, was expressed by NKT cell hybridomas and increased in response to FXR activation. FXR activates SHP that interacts with and inhibits c-Jun binding to the osteopontin promoter. These data indicate that in NKT cells, FXR activation causes a SHP-mediated inhibition of osteopontin production. These data support the notion that the bile acid sensor FXR regulates the activation of liver NKT cells.
The PPE18 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Interacts with TLR2 and Activates IL-10 Induction in Macrophage
Authors: Nair Shiny , Ramaswamy Poongothai A. , Ghosh Sudip , Joshi Dhananjay C. , Pathak Niteen , Siddiqui Imran , Sharma Pawan , Hasnain Seyed E. , Mande Shekhar C. , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: October 2009

The pathophysiological functions of proline-glutamic acid (PE)/proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) family of proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that one of the PPE proteins, PPE18 can stimulate macrophages to secrete IL-10, known to favor a Th2 type response. The recombinant PPE18 was found to specifically interact with the TLR2 leading to an early and sustained activation of p38 MAPK, which is critical for IL-10 induction. In silico docking analyses and mutation experiments indicate that PPE18 specifically interacts with the leucine rich repeat 11∼15 domain of TLR2 and the site of interaction is different from that of a synthetic lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 known to activate predominantly ERK 1/2. When PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages were infected with a mutant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain lacking the PPE18, produced poorer levels of IL-10 as compared with those infected with the wild-type strain. In contrast, an M. smegmatis strain overexpressing the PPE18 induced higher levels of IL-10 in infected macrophages. Our data indicate that the PPE18 protein may trigger an anti-inflammatory response by inducing IL-10 production.
A Rice-Based Oral Cholera Vaccine Induces Macaque-Specific Systemic Neutralizing Antibodies but Does Not Influence Pre-Existing Intestinal Immunity
Authors: Nochi Tomonori , Yuki Yoshikazu , Katakai Yuko , Shibata Hiroaki , Tokuhara Daisuke , Mejima Mio , Kurokawa Shiho , Takahashi Yuko , Nakanishi Ushio , Ono Fumiko , Mimuro Hitomi , Sasakawa Chihiro , Takaiwa Fumio , Terao Keiji , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: October 2009

We previously showed that oral immunization of mice with a rice-based vaccine expressing cholera toxin (CT) B subunit (MucoRice-CT-B) induced CT-specific immune responses with toxin-neutralizing activity in both systemic and mucosal compartments. In this study, we examined whether the vaccine can induce CT-specific Ab responses in nonhuman primates. Orally administered MucoRice-CT-B induced high levels of CT-neutralizing serum IgG Abs in the three cynomolgus macaques we immunized. Although the Ab level gradually decreased, detectable levels were maintained for at least 6 mo, and high titers were rapidly recovered after an oral booster dose of the rice-based vaccine. In contrast, no serum IgE Abs against rice storage protein were induced even after multiple immunizations. Additionally, before immunization the macaques harbored intestinal secretory IgA (SIgA) Abs that reacted with both CT and homologous heat-labile enterotoxin produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and had toxin-neutralizing activity. The SIgA Abs were present in macaques 1 mo to 29 years old, and the level was not enhanced after oral vaccination with MucoRice-CT-B or after subsequent oral administration of the native form of CT. These results show that oral MucoRice-CT-B can effectively induce CT-specific, neutralizing, serum IgG Ab responses even in the presence of pre-existing CT- and heat-labile enterotoxin-reactive intestinal SIgA Abs in nonhuman primates.
Histone Acetyltransferase Cofactor Trrap Is Essential for Maintaining the Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Pool
Authors: Loizou Joanna I. , Oser Gabriela , Shukla Vivek , Sawan Carla , Murr Rabih , Wang Zhao-Qi , Trumpp Andreas , Herceg Zdenko
Published: October 2009

The pool of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which provide life-long reconstitution of all hematopoietic lineages, is tightly controlled and regulated by self-renewal and apoptosis. Histone modifiers and chromatin states are believed to govern establishment, maintenance, and propagation of distinct patterns of gene expression in stem cells, however the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a role for the histone acetytransferase cofactor Trrap in the maintenance of hematopietic stem/progenitor cells. Conditional deletion of the Trrap gene in mice resulted in ablation of bone marrow and increased lethality. This was due to the depletion of early hematopoietic progenitors, including hematopoietic stem cells, via a cell-autonomous mechanism. Analysis of purified bone marrow progenitors revealed that these defects are associated with induction of p53-independent apoptosis and deregulation of Myc transcription factors. Together, this study has identified a critical role for Trrap in the mechanism that maintains hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic system, and underscores the importance of Trrap and histone modifications in tissue homeostasis.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in young Indian patients with stroke
Authors: Mishra MN , Rohatgi S
Published: October 2009

Background:

Stroke may be caused by antiphospholipid antibodies (APL), especially in young persons without other risk factors.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of two clinically significant APL-anticardiolipin antibody (ACL) and lupus anticoagulants (LA) in young patients presenting with sudden neurological deficit.

Settings and Design:

A case-control study performed in a large tertiary care government hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Ten milliliters of blood was collected from 51 consecutive young patients (age less than 45 years) diagnosed as ischemic stroke and 50 healthy age- and sex-matched controls.

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical analysis was done using Epi InfoTM 6 software.

Results:

Overall, the risk factor profile was: Smoking (23.5%), positive family history (13.7%), hyperlipidemia (8%), and diabetes mellitus (3.6%). APL (LA and ACL) were present in 29.4% of the samples and in 4% of controls. The 'P' value for ACL and LA was 0.03 and 0.02 respectively, but the maximum level of ACL was 25 GPL units only. One-fourth of the patients were smokers and one-sixth had a family history of thrombosis (P = 0.048 and 0.036, respectively).

Conclusions:

APL, positive family history and smoking were significantly associated with stroke in the young. We advocate screening for APL in all young patients with stroke.