bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Long-life” atom-free radical: Generation and reactions of bromine atom-free radical
Authors: Mohammad Mahboob , Tariq Muhammad , Soomro Muhammad Tahir
Published: November 2010

In order to study the damaging or beneficial properties of bromine atom-free radical, reaction of the free radical (Br•) with some biologically important compounds were investigated. Br• was generated through electrochemical oxidation of bromide ion (Br–). First the reactivity of Br• atom-free radical vis a vis its dimerization to form Br2, was studied using cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Through these techniques it was ascertained that the substrates understudy and the under experimental conditions used, underwent reactions with Br• and not with dibromine (Br2). The monitoring of the reactions of Br• with glycine and cytosine led us to conclude that whereas cytosine reacted with Br• as simple chemical reaction (EC mechanism), glycine underwent a catalytic reaction (EC′ mechanism).
A theoretical analysis of the kinetics of the reaction of atomic bromine with tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Lo John M.H. , Marriott Robert A. , Giri Binod R. , Roscoe John M. , Klobukowski Mariusz
Published: November 2010

The kinetic behaviour for the reaction of atomic bromine with tetrahydrofuran has been analysed using the information from quantum chemical calculations. Structures and energy profiles were first obtained using density functional theory (DFT) employing the Dunning’s basis sets of triple-zeta quality, and then for an accurate energetic description, single-point calculations were carried out at the coupled-cluster with single and double excitations (CCSD) and the fourth-order Møller–Plesset (MP4(SDQ)) levels of theory. The rate coefficients and the equilibrium constants for the potential reaction channels were obtained from the statistical rate theories and statistical thermodynamics, respectively, using the results of quantum chemical calculations; and the results were compared with our recently published experimental data. In terms of reaction mechanism, this reaction was found to be analogous to the reactions of the Br atom with 1,4-dioxane and with methanol, where the reaction proceeds via an addition–elimination mechanism. The dominant reaction channel involved coordination of the approaching Br atom to one of the hydrogen atoms adjacent to the ether oxygen atom, i.e., β-hydrogen abstraction is uncompetitive. Although the complexes formed by direct coordination of the Br atom to the ether oxygen atom appeared in the reaction mechanism, we were not able to link them specifically to any reaction. The density functional theory predicted an activation energy and enthalpy of reaction that were much smaller than the experimental values, which led to an overestimation of the theoretical rate coefficients. The source of this discrepancy could be attributed to the overbinding of the transition states and of the tetrahydrofuranyl radical by DFT. Single-point calculations at the DFT structures using the CCSD and MP4(SDQ) methods yielded an accurate energetic description of the reaction of tetrahydrofuran with bromine, resulting in rate coefficients that showed excellent agreement with the experimental values.
Geminal acylation of α-heterosubstituted cyclohexanones and their ketals
Authors: Pottie Ian R. , Crane Sheldon N. , Gosse Anna Lee , Miller David O. , Burnell D. Jean
Published: November 2010

Geminal acylation of derivatives of cyclohexanone with Br, Cl, F, and OCH3 in the α position, and of their corresponding dimethyl ketals, could not be accomplished to a significant extent following published procedures. The transformation was accomplished in two steps. The initial BF3·Et2O-mediated reaction with 1,2-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)cyclobutene gave a cyclobutanone product as a mixture of diastereomers. Only with 2-chlorocyclohexanone did this occur with good diastereoselectivity. Then, pinacol rearrangement of the diastereomeric mixture mediated by Amberlyst-15 in benzene provided the heterosubstituted spirocyclic diketone.
Nonlinear time-dependent density functional theory investigation and visualization of ionizations in CO2 — Effects of laser intensities and molecular orientations
Authors: Fowe Emmanuel Penka , Bandrauk André Dieter
Published: November 2010

Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) studies of the ionization of CO2 by intense laser pulses Io ≥ 1 × 1014 W/cm2, at 800 nm are presented using the LB94 and the LDA potentials. Results reveal that for lower laser peak intensity, Io = 3.5 × 1014 W/cm2, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) contributes significantly to ionization owing to its lower ionization potential (IP), whereas the inner orbitals play the important role for higher laser peak intensities. Even though such lower orbitals have higher IP, the ionization process occurs when orbital densities are maximum along the direction of the laser field polarization. These findings are confirmed through the analysis of the images from the time-dependent electron localization function (TDELF) and the spectra of higher order harmonic generation (HOHG). Additionally, in spite of the IP difference between Kohn–Sham orbitals from LDA and LB94 potentials, our results show almost the same trend for both.
Energy Barrier Reduction and Exciton Confinement Using an Intermediate Blocking Layer in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Jin Woo , Oh Jin Young , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Jo Min Kyoung , Choi Sang Hun , Song Kie Moon , Lee Se Jong , Baik Hong Koo
Published: November 2010

The intermediate blocking layer (IBL) was investigated for the development of highly efficient and bright organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The insertion of an IBL between a hole transport layer and an emitting layer (EML) has resulted in the development of highly efficient and bright OLEDs. The quantum efficiency and electrical durability at high voltage were highly dependent on the thickness of the IBL. The maximum external quantum efficiency of the devices with a 1.5-nm-thick IBL was increased by 28% compared with the reference. The enhanced performance of the OLEDs appears to be due to the improvement of carrier balance and exciton confinement.
Atrial natriuretic peptide protects against Staphylococcus aureus-induced lung injury and endothelial barrier dysfunction
Authors: Xing Junjie , Moldobaeva Nurgul , Birukova Anna A.
Published: November 2010

Lung inflammation and alterations in endothelial cell (EC) permeability are key events to development of acute lung injury (ALI). Protective effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have been shown against inflammatory signaling and endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by gram-negative bacterial wall liposaccharide. We hypothesized that ANP may possess more general protective effects and attenuate lung inflammation and EC barrier dysfunction by suppressing inflammatory cascades and barrier-disruptive mechanisms shared by gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens. C57BL/6J wild-type or ANP knockout mice (Nppa−/−) were treated with gram-positive bacterial cell wall compounds, Staphylococcus aureus-derived peptidoglycan (PepG) and/or lipoteichoic acid (LTA) (intratracheal, 2.5 mg/kg each), with or without ANP (intravenous, 2 μg/kg). In vitro, human pulmonary EC barrier properties were assessed by morphological analysis of gap formation and measurements of transendothelial electrical resistance. LTA and PepG markedly increased pulmonary EC permeability and activated p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases, NF-κB, and Rho/Rho kinase signaling. EC barrier dysfunction was further elevated upon combined LTA and PepG treatment, but abolished by ANP pretreatment. In vivo, LTA and PepG-induced accumulation of protein and cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tissue neutrophil infiltration, and increased Evans blue extravasation in the lungs was significantly attenuated by intravenous injection of ANP. Accumulation of bronchoalveolar lavage markers of LTA/PepG-induced lung inflammation and barrier dysfunction was further augmented in ANP−/− mice and attenuated by exogenous ANP injection. These results strongly suggest a protective role of ANP in the in vitro and in vivo models of ALI associated with gram-positive infection. Thus ANP may have important implications in therapeutic strategies aimed at the treatment of sepsis and ALI-induced gram-positive bacterial pathogens.
Neurovascular responses to mental stress in prehypertensive humans
Authors: Schwartz Christopher E. , Durocher John J. , Carter Jason R.
Published: November 2010

Neurovascular responses to mental stress have been linked to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and forearm vascular responses to mental stress are well documented in normotensive (NT) subjects, but responses in prehypertensive (PHT) subjects remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that PHT would elicit a more dramatic increase of MAP during mental stress via augmented MSNA and blunted forearm vascular conductance (FVC). We examined 17 PHT (systolic 120–139 and/or diastolic 80–89 mmHg; 22 ± 1 yr) and 18 NT (systolic < 120 and diastolic < 80 mmHg; 23 ± 2 yr) subjects. Heart rate, MAP, MSNA, FVC, and calf vascular conductance were measured during 5 min of baseline and 5 min of mental stress (mental arithmetic). Mental stress increased MAP and FVC in both groups, but the increases in MAP were augmented (Δ 10 ± 1 vs. Δ14 ± 1 mmHg; P < 0.05), and the increases in FVC were blunted (Δ95 ± 14 vs. Δ37 ± 8%; P < 0.001) in PHT subjects. Mental stress elicited similar increases in MSNA (Δ7 ± 2 vs. Δ6 ± 2 bursts/min), heart rate (Δ21 ± 3 vs. Δ18 ± 3 beats/min), and calf vascular conductance (Δ29 ± 10 vs. Δ19 ± 5%) in NT and PHT subjects, respectively. In conclusion, mental stress elicits an augmented pressor response in PHT subjects. This augmentation appears to be associated with altered forearm vascular, but not MSNA, responses to mental stress.
Identification of a New Antigen Epitope in the Nuclear Localization Signal Region of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Capsid Protein
Authors: Guo Longjun , Lu Yuehua , Huang Liping , Wei Yanwu , Liu Changming
Published: November 2010

Objective: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the causative agent of postweaning multisystemic syndrome in pigs. The capsid (Cap) protein encoded by ORF2 is the main structural protein involved in the host immune protective response to PCV2. It is therefore important to map the antigenic epitopes of the PCV2 Cap protein. Methods: In this study, 5 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the recombinant PCV2 Cap protein, expressed by the baculovirus system in Sf21 insect cells, were generated. The antigenic epitope recognized by these mAbs was located in the Cap A protein by Western blot analysis using 4 overlapping minifragments covering the Cap protein expressed in Escherichia coli. To locate the epitope more accurately, 3 sets of overlapping peptides were synthesized. Results: The results demonstrated that 4 of the 5 mAbs recognized the same core epitope (26RPWLVHPRHRY36) located in the nuclear localization signal (NLS) region at the N terminus of the Cap protein. The other mAb (1D2) reacted with the recombinant Cap protein only, indicating that it recognizes a potential conformational epitope. This mAb demonstrated a neutralizing effect on PCV2. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify an antigenic epitope in the NLS region of the PCV2 Cap protein using mAbs. The results of this study will facilitate future investigations into the mechanism and function of nuclear localization of this protein.
Microparticle-associated tissue factor activity and venous thrombosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Auwerda Johannes , Yuana Yuana , Osanto Susanne , de Maat Moniek , Sonneveld Pieter , Bertina Rogier , Leebeek Frank
Published: November 2010

Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Aim of this study was to measure microparticle-associated tissue factor (MP-TF) activity in patients with newly diagnosed MM before and after chemotherapy and to investigate whether MP-TF activity is associated with VTE. MP-TF activity was assessed in 122 newly diagnosed MM patients who were eligible for combination chemotherapy. MP-TF activity levels (17.6 fM Xa/min [8.6–33.2] (median [IQR]) were higher in untreated MM patients compared to normal healthy volunteers (4.1 fM Xa/min [2.3–6.6], p <0.001). MP-TF activity prior to the start of treatment was not different between patients who developed a VTE during follow-up (n=15) and those who did not (n=107). In 75 patients in whom plasma was obtained before and after chemotherapy, MP-TF activity decreased significantly (from 17.4 [10.2–32.8] to 12.0 [7.0–18.5] fM Xa/min, P=0.006). MP-TF activity remained, however, elevated in patients who developed VTE (15.1 [10.3–25.2]), in contrast to patients not developing VTE (11.4 [7.0–25.2], P<0.001). In conclusion, MP-TF activity is increased in patients with MM. Whether MP-TF activity has a pathogenetic role in VTE in MM patients remains to be established in future studies.
Role of intramural platelet thrombus in the pathogenesis of wall rupture and intra-ventricular thrombosis following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shan Leonard , Gao Xiao-Ming , Kiriazis Helen , Liu Yang , Lobo Abhirup , Head Geoffrey , Dart Anthony , Du Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2010

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) and rupture are important mechanical complications following myocardial infarction (MI) and are believed to be due to unrelated mechanisms. We studied whether, in fact, wall rupture and LVT are closely related in their pathogenesis with intramural platelet thrombus (IMT) playing a pivotal role. Male 129sv and C57Bl/6 mice underwent operation to induce MI, and autopsy was performed to confirm rupture deaths. Haemodynamic features of rupture events were monitored by telemetry in conscious mice. Detailed histological examination was conducted with special attention to the presence of IMT in relation to rupture location and LVT formation. IMT was detected in infarcted hearts of 129sv (82%) and C57Bl/6 (39%) mice with rupture in the form of a narrow streak spanning the wall or an occupying mass dissecting the infarcted myofibers apart. IMT often contained dense inflammatory cells and blood clot, indicating a dynamic process of thrombus formation and destruction. Notably, IMT was found extending into the cavity to form LVT. Haemodynamic monitoring by telemetry revealed that rupture occurred either as a single event or recurrent episodes. Importantly, the anti-platelet drug clopidogrel, but not aspirin, reduced the prevalence of rupture (10% vs. 45%) and IMT, and suppressed the degree of inflammation. Thus, IMT is a key pathological element in the infarcted heart closely associated with the complications of rupture and LVT. IMT could be either triggered by a wall tear or act as initiator of rupture. IMT may propagate towards the ventricular chamber to trigger LVT.
Some Atmospheric Processes Governing the Large-Scale Tropical Circulation in Idealized Aquaplanet Simulations
Authors: Gastineau Guillaume , Li Laurent , Le Treut Hervé
Published: November 2010

The large-scale tropical atmospheric circulation is analyzed in idealized aquaplanet simulations using an atmospheric general circulation model. Idealized sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are used as lower-boundary conditions to provoke modifications of the atmospheric general circulation. Results show that 1) an increase in the meridional SST gradients of the tropical region drastically strengthens the Hadley circulation intensity, 2) the presence of equatorial zonal SST anomalies weakens the Hadley cells and reinforces the Walker circulation, and 3) a uniform SST warming causes small and nonsystematic changes of the Hadley and Walker circulations. In all simulations, the jet streams strengthen and move equatorward as the Hadley cells strengthen and become narrower.

Some relevant mechanisms are then proposed to interpret the large range of behaviors obtained from the simulations. First, the zonal momentum transport by transient and stationary eddies is shown to modulate the eddy-driven jets, which causes the poleward displacements of the jet streams. Second, it is found that the Hadley circulation adjusts to the changes of the poleward moist static energy flux and gross moist static stability, associated with the geographical distribution of convection and midlatitude eddies. The Walker circulation intensity corresponds to the zonal moist static energy transport induced by the zonal anomalies of the turbulent fluxes and radiative cooling. These experiments provide some hints to understand a few robust changes of the atmospheric circulation simulated by ocean–atmosphere coupled models for future and past climates.
How Does Rain Affect Surface Pressure in a One-Dimensional Framework?
Authors: Spengler Thomas , Egger Joseph , Garner Stephen T.
Published: November 2010

The process of hydrostatic adjustment in a vertical column is discussed in the context of rain formation and sedimentation. The authors assume an event of instantaneous condensation in a midatmospheric layer that removes mass from the gas phase and produces latent heating. It is shown that the rain formation leads to a change of the surface pressure after a short period of acoustic wave activity. There is, however, no hydrostatic surface effect once the particles reach terminal velocity. It is not until the rain reaches the ground that the surface pressure decreases consistently with the mass removed by the phase change.

Only the mass removal introduces perturbations below the layer of rain formation, where it acts to stretch the lower levels, reducing pressure and temperature. Above the layer of rain formation, the effects of latent heating dominate over the effects of mass removal by an order of magnitude.

The hydrostatic adjustment time is found to be approximately equal to e2Na−1 (340 s, where Na is the acoustic cutoff frequency and e is the Euler constant) and is proportional to the temperature of the isothermal basic state. The energy distribution is found to be dominated by the latent heating. However, the mass removal significantly alters the amount of energy lost due to work done by the pressure perturbations. The implications for numerical modeling are discussed.
Bridging the Pipeline: Increasing Underrepresented Students’ Preparation for College Through a Summer Bridge Program
Authors: Strayhorn Terrell L.
Published: November 2010

Summer bridge programs (SBPs) are increasingly popular in higher education as a strategy for helping students prepare for college, yet empirical studies in this area have remained largely descriptive and in short supply. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of SBP participation on preparation for college in four areas: academic self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and academic and social skills. Survey data from a SBP cohort were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Results suggest that SBP participation positively affects specific academic skills (e.g., use of technology, interpreting syllabus) and academic self-efficacy. Positive beliefs about one’s academic skills and precollege aptitude also positively predict first-semester grades in college, explaining approximately 30% of the variance in first-semester GPA. Implications for further research, federal and institutional policy, and educational practice are highlighted.
Interorganizational Collaboration for Regional Sustainability
Authors: Sharma Aarti , Kearins Kate
Published: November 2010

This article presents a critical-interpretive investigation of an interorganizational collaboration for regional sustainability. It highlights the potential and problems in such a process and exposes how sustainable development influences collaboration. Through collaborating, members can develop a better understanding of the economic, social, and environmental issues affecting their region’s sustainability and challenging their organizations’ legitimacy. By sharing experiences and expectations of sustainable development, members can also develop better relationships and respond to various pressures for sustainable development. However, the ideological foundations of sustainable development philosophy can make such collaboration an extremely tense and political process. As members explore solutions that integrate environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions in the local and regional context, they may also strive to preserve or enhance their organizational interests. Ultimately, they may compromise on fairly easy or abstract solutions that can build their organization’s reputation and legitimacy rather than serve the wider remit of sustainable development.
The Marulan Data Sets: Multi-sensor Perception in a Natural Environment with Challenging Conditions
Authors: Peynot Thierry , Scheding Steve , Terho Sami
Published: November 2010

In this paper we present large, accurately calibrated and time-synchronized data sets, gathered outdoors in controlled and variable environmental conditions, using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), equipped with a wide variety of sensors. These include four 2D laser scanners, a radar scanner, a color camera and an infrared camera. It provides a full description of the system used for data collection and the types of environments and conditions in which these data sets have been gathered, which include the presence of airborne dust, smoke and rain.
Autologous Platelets Have No Effect on the Healing of Human Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Schepull Thorsten , Kvist Joanna , Norrman Hanna , Trinks Marie , Berlin Gösta , Aspenberg Per
Published: November 2010

Background: Animal studies have shown that local application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulates tendon repair. Preliminary results from a retrospective case series have shown faster return to sports.

Hypothesis: Autologous PRP stimulates healing of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: Thirty patients were recruited consecutively. During surgery, tantalum beads were implanted in the Achilles tendon proximal and distal to the rupture. Before skin suture, randomization was performed, and 16 patients were injected with 10mL PRP (10 times higher platelet concentration than peripheral blood) whereas 14 were not. With 3-dimensional radiographs (roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis; RSA), the distance between the beads was measured at 7, 19, and 52 weeks while the patient resisted different dorsal flexion moments over the ankle joint, thereby estimating tendon strain per load. An estimate of elasticity modulus was calculated using callus dimensions from computed tomography. At 1 year, functional outcome was evaluated, including the heel raise index and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score. The primary effect variables were elasticity modulus at 7 weeks and heel raise index at 1 year.

Results: The mechanical variables showed a large degree of variation between patients that could not be explained by measuring error. No significant group differences in elasticity modulus could be shown. There was no significant difference in heel raise index. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score was lower in the PRP group, suggesting a detrimental effect. There was a correlation between the elasticity modulus at 7 and 19 weeks and the heel raise index at 52 weeks.

Conclusion: The results suggest that PRP is not useful for treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. The variation in elasticity modulus provides biologically relevant information, although it is unclear how early biomechanics is connected to late clinical results.
Contentious Issues as Opportunities for Diversionary Behavior
Authors: McLaughlin Mitchell Sara , Thyne Clayton L.
Published: November 2010

Scholars have long been fascinated by the potential for leaders to engage in diversionary behavior, where leaders use militarized force abroad to distract their publics from various forms of domestic economic and political turmoil. While there is some evidence that diversionary behavior depends on contextual factors such as regime type, opportunities to use force, and interstate rivalry, we do not know whether and how diversionary strategies are used by states to resolve contentious issues. In fact, most diversionary studies compare the initiation of militarized disputes or crises to non-initiation cases, without considering the slew of interstate interactions in between these extremes, where states have an ongoing contested issue that gets managed with both peaceful and militarized conflict management tools. In this article, we extend theories of diversionary behavior to the context of issue claims, including competing claims to territory, maritime areas, and cross-border rivers as coded by the Issue Correlates of War (ICOW) project. Thinking about an ongoing issue claim as a potential diversionary opportunity, we examine the empirical effect of domestic turmoil on the militarization of issue claims. We consider whether issue diversionary behavior is conditioned by the salience level of the issue, previous wars over the issue in question, and whether the disputing states are involved in a broader rivalry. In a broad sample of directed dyad-years, we find that states are more likely to initiate militarized disputes if they are involved in contentious issues claims. We also find that states involved in issue claims are more likely to initiate a militarized dispute if they have high levels of inflation and if they are contesting over highly salient and previously militarized issues.
What Is Beautiful Is Good and More Accurately Understood
Authors: Lorenzo Genevieve L. , Biesanz Jeremy C. , Human Lauren J.
Published: November 2010

Beautiful people are seen more positively than others, but are they also seen more accurately? In a round-robin design in which previously unacquainted individuals met for 3 min, results were consistent with the “beautiful is good” stereotype: More physically attractive individuals were viewed with greater normative accuracy; that is, they were viewed more in line with the highly desirable normative profile. Notably, more physically attractive targets were viewed more in line with their unique self-reported personality traits, that is, with greater distinctive accuracy. Further analyses revealed that both positivity and accuracy were to some extent in the eye of the beholder: Perceivers’ idiosyncratic impressions of a target’s attractiveness were also positively related to the positivity and accuracy of impressions. Overall, people do judge a book by its cover, but a beautiful cover prompts a closer reading, leading more physically attractive people to be seen both more positively and more accurately.
Instruction, distraction, réflexion: lecture de Persepolis
Authors: Place-Verghnes Floriane
Published: November 2010

Afin d’analyser la résonance de la populaire bande dessinée Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi, 2000—3) sur son lecteur, cette étude considérera la nature didactique de l’œuvre (thématisations de l’éducation et de la lecture) et sa nature dialogique (texte/image, mais aussi emprunts à d’autres médias, comme la photographie).
Wired to the Word: On Reading Thrillers
Authors: Platten David
Published: November 2010

The appearance in 2003 of 21 Georges Simenon novels in the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade reaffirmed a widespread consensus that French-language crime fiction, especially the roman noir with its vigil over the political and social ills of the nation, had secured its position as an important vector of French cultural history. Its sister genre, the thriller, has fared less well. Justly criticised for its expedient style and limited intellectual horizons, the thriller continues to appeal to a mass readership drawn from all sectors of society.This article locates its attractions in the ways in which we might once have engaged with the adventure stories of our collective youth that furnished our first solitary contact with literary fiction. It argues that our response to narrative suspense in adventure stories consumed in early adolescence is later rekindled and developed in the more adult thrillers of the modern age. Working within a conceptual framework that includes the psychologically based thrillers of Boileau-Narcejac and Sébastian Japrisot juxtaposed with the adrenalin rush of events supplied by Dan Brown and Maxime Chattam, it analyses the different modalities of suspense and their concomitant reading pleasures, concluding that the thriller meets the expectations not of a certain group of readers but of a certain type of reading experience.
The Comfortable Reader: Romantic Bestsellers and Critical Disdain
Authors: Holmes Diana
Published: November 2010

In France ‘immersive’ storytelling in the novel has long been associated with lowbrow fiction, and critically disparaged in favour of more self-reflexive, experimental forms. Recently, however, not only have critical debates begun to question the equation of literary value with the text’s ‘intransitivity’ (Barthes), but the massive success of certain contemporary novels has suggested a sharp divergence between critical orthodoxy and readers’ literary values. Critics’ responses to the runaway success of novels by Marc Levy, Anna Gavalda and others have hesitated between bemusement and contempt, while readers express the intense pleasure they find in these optimistic, absorbing stories. This article contends that the critically discredited art of mimetic (and, worse still, romantic) storytelling provides valuable pleasures, and that readers’ responses deserve to be taken seriously. With the emphasis on novels by Levy and Gavalda, the article interrogates the relationship between literary and popular taste.
An Examination of Destination Loyalty
Authors: Chi Christina Geng-qing
Published: November 2010

The objective of the study was to examine how first-time and repeat visitors develop loyalty differently. A multiple group analysis in LISREL was conducted using data collected from a major tourism destination in the southern United States. The findings revealed that (a) repeat visitors reported higher levels of revisit and referral intentions (used to infer destination loyalty) compared with first-time visitors and (b) previous experiences moderated the relationship between tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty—satisfaction played a more important role in leading to loyalty for first-timers than for repeaters. The theoretical and managerial implications were drawn based on the study findings, and recommendations for future researchers were made.
Synthesizing the Effects of Service Quality, Value, and Customer Satisfaction on Behavioral Intentions in the Motel Industry
Authors: Clemes Michael D. , Gan Christopher , Ren Min
Published: November 2010

There is a conceptual gap in the marketing literature, as to date there has been no published empirical research on service quality, value, customer satisfaction, or behavioral intentions that has focused on the motel industry. This study seeks to fill this conceptual gap by identifying the dimensions of service quality and empirically examining the interrelationships among the service quality dimensions, service quality, value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. A hierarchical model is used as a framework to synthesize the effects of quality, value, and satisfaction on the behavioral intentions of motel customers. Statistical support is found for 3 primary dimensions and 10 subdimensions of service quality for motels. The hypothesized paths between the higher order constructs—service quality, value (price), satisfaction, and favorable behavioral intentions—are confirmed. The results of this analysis contribute to the services marketing theory by providing additional insights into behavioral intentions, satisfaction, value, service quality, and the dimensions of service quality. The results of this study will also assist motel management in developing and implementing market-orientated service strategies to increase service quality, enhance customer satisfaction, and create favorable future behavioral intentions.
Sperm stories: Policies and practices of sperm banking in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Adrian Stine Willum
Published: November 2010

In Denmark and Sweden sperm donation is the most debated and contested of the reproductive technologies that are currently in use. Although the two countries are neighbouring welfare states with public healthcare in common, policies and practices of sperm banking and sperm donation differ strongly. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this article explores how the sperm used for donor insemination is narrated, chosen, produced and consumed at sperm banks in Denmark and Sweden.The analysis illustrates that marginalization and stigmatization of infertile men, donors, single women, lesbians and donor children not only takes place in the media and during debates in the Danish and Swedish parliaments where the technology has historically been contested, but also at the sperm banks and fertility clinics. This article therefore calls for more inclusive stories on sperm donation to be narrated.
Long-term functional results of microvascular toe-to-thumb reconstruction
Authors: Kotkansalo T. , Vilkki S. , Elo P. , Luukkaala T.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional results of microvascular toe-to-thumb reconstruction after trauma. Forty-one patients meeting the inclusion criteria were available for a clinical follow-up study. The function of the hand was assessed with questionnaires as well as with modified Tamai and Sollerman hand function tests. According to the questionnaires, most activities were considered easy or quite easy and the majority of the patients (36/41) managed with no or minor complaints. Clinical tests showed good recovery of function. Patient satisfaction was high. There were superficial infections in five hands and in six donor feet. In total, 16 late corrective operations were done to eight patients. Microvascular toe transfer is a good option for grip reconstruction after thumb amputation. The extent of the initial injury influences the achievable outcome, yet even a single toe transfer can restore adequate grip function.
Active Transgressions and Moral Elusions
Authors: Teper Rimma , Inzlicht Michael
Published: November 2010

Are certain methods more effective for eliciting altruism than others? If so, what are the factors that stimulate moral behavior? Although past research has suggested that “passive” transgressions are more acceptable than “active” transgressions, it is unclear whether this bias translates to actual behavior. The goal of this research was to investigate the role of active or passive framing in prescriptive and proscriptive moral situations. In Study 1, participants were more likely to help a student with a disability if they were asked directly than if they were passively presented with the opportunity to help. In Study 2, participants completing a math task cheated less when cheating involved an action on their part rather than an omission. This research indicates that individuals are less likely to transgress if the transgression is explicit, a finding that has practical applications, informing how people and organizations can foster prosocial behavior and increase giving.
CCR7 is involved in the migration of neutrophils to lymph nodes
Authors: Beauvillain Céline , Cunin Pierre , Doni Andrea , Scotet Mari , Jaillon Sébastien , Loiry Marie-Line , Magistrelli Giovanni , Masternak Krzysztof , Chevailler Alain , Delneste Yves , Jeannin Pascale
Published: November 2010

Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils may participate in the regulation of adaptive immune responses, and can reach draining lymph nodes and cross-prime naive T cells. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism(s) involved in the migration of neutrophils to the draining lymph nodes. We demonstrate that a subpopulation of human and mouse neutrophils express CCR7. CCR7 is rapidly expressed at the membrane upon stimulation. In vitro, stimulated human neutrophils migrate in response to the CCR7 ligands CCL19 and CCL21. In vivo, injection of complete Freund adjuvant induces a rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the lymph nodes in wild-type mice but not in Ccr7−/− mice. Moreover, intradermally injected interleukin-17–and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor–stimulated neutrophils from wild-type mice, but not from Ccr7−/− mice, migrate to the draining lymph nodes. These results identify CCR7 as a chemokine receptor involved in the migration of neutrophils to the lymph nodes.
Glycine tomentella Hayata inhibits IL-1β and IL-6 production, inhibits MMP-9 activity, and enhances RAW264.7 macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells
Authors: Yen Jia-Hau , Yang Deng-Jye , Chen Meng-Chi , Hsieh Yu-Fan , Sun Yu-Shu , Tsay Gregory J
Published: November 2010

Background

To assess the effects of Glycine tomentella Hayata (GTH), a traditional herbal medicine for treatment of rheumatic diseases on the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines and on the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages.

Methods

RAW264.7 cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of ethanol extract of GTH. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) were assayed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were assayed by gelatin zymography. For detecting uptake of apoptotic cells, RAW264.7 cells were cultured with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA)-stained apoptotic cells and assayed by flow cytometry.

Results

The major components of GTH analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram were daidzein (42.5%), epicatechin (28.8%), and naringin (9.4%).

GTH treatment inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and MMP-9 but did not affect the expression of TNF-α and iNOS. GTH significantly enhanced the expression of TG2 and the clearance of apoptotic cells by RAW264.7 macrophages.

Conclusions

GTH inhibits proinflammatory cytokine secretion and MMP-9 activity, enhances apoptotic cell uptake and up-regulates TG2 expression. Our data show that GTH might have beneficial effects on rheumatic diseases.
Genome-wide BAC-end sequencing of Cucumis melo using two BAC libraries
Authors: González Víctor M , Rodríguez-Moreno Luis , Centeno Emilio , Benjak Andrej , Garcia-Mas Jordi , Puigdomènech Pere , Aranda Miguel A
Published: November 2010

Background

Although melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important fruit crop, no genome-wide sequence information is openly available at the current time. We therefore sequenced BAC-ends representing a total of 33,024 clones, half of them from a previously described melon BAC library generated with restriction endonucleases and the remainder from a new random-shear BAC library.

Results

We generated a total of 47,140 high-quality BAC-end sequences (BES), 91.7% of which were paired-BES. Both libraries were assembled independently and then cross-assembled to obtain a final set of 33,372 non-redundant, high-quality sequences. These were grouped into 6,411 contigs (4.5 Mb) and 26,961 non-assembled BES (14.4 Mb), representing ~4.2% of the melon genome. The sequences were used to screen genomic databases, identifying 7,198 simple sequence repeats (corresponding to one microsatellite every 2.6 kb) and 2,484 additional repeats of which 95.9% represented transposable elements. The sequences were also used to screen expressed sequence tag (EST) databases, revealing 11,372 BES that were homologous to ESTs. This suggests that ~30% of the melon genome consists of coding DNA. We observed regions of microsynteny between melon paired-BES and six other dicotyledonous plant genomes.

Conclusion

The analysis of nearly 50,000 BES from two complementary genomic libraries covered ~4.2% of the melon genome, providing insight into properties such as microsatellite and transposable element distribution, and the percentage of coding DNA. The observed synteny between melon paired-BES and six other plant genomes showed that useful comparative genomic data can be derived through large scale BAC-end sequencing by anchoring a small proportion of the melon genome to other sequenced genomes.
Angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) decrease sFlt1 release in normal but not preeclamptic chorionic villi: an in vitro study
Authors: Anton Lauren , Merrill David C , Neves Liomar AA , Gruver Courtney , Moorefield Cheryl , Brosnihan K Bridget
Published: November 2010

Background

During preeclampsia, placental angiogenesis is impaired. Factors released from the placenta including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PLGF), soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt1), and soluble endoglin (sEng) are regulatory molecules of placental development and function. While the renin angiotensin system has been shown to regulate angiogenic factors in other research fields, these mechanisms have not been extensively studied during pregnancy.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] on the release of VEGF, PLGF, sFlt1, and sEng from placental chorionic villi (CV). CV were collected from nulliparous third-trimester normotensive and preeclamptic subjects. CV were incubated for 0, 2, 4, and 16 hours with or without Ang II (1 nM and 1 microM) or Ang-(1-7) (1 nM and 1 microM). The release of VEGF, PLGF, sFlt1, sEng, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and human placenta lactogen (HPL) was measured by ELISA.

Results

The release of sFlt1, PLGF, sEng from normal and preeclamptic CV increased over time. Release of sFlt1 and sEng was significantly higher from preeclamptic CV. VEGF was below the detectable level of the assay in normal and preeclamptic CV. After 2 hours, sFlt1 release from normal CV was significantly inhibited with Ang II (1 nM and 1 microM) and Ang-(1-7) (1 nM and 1 microM). There was a time-dependent increase in HPL indicating that the CV were functioning normally.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a critical inhibitory role of angiotensin peptides on sFlt1 in normal pregnancy. Loss of this regulation in preeclampsia may allow sFlt1 to increase resulting in anti-angiogenesis and end organ damage in the mother.
A duplex real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for detecting western equine and eastern equine encephalitis viruses
Authors: Kang Xiaoping , Li Yuchang , Liu Hong , Lin Fang , Cai Xuyu , Sun Tingting , Chang Guohui , Zhu Qingyu , Yang Yinhui
Published: November 2010

In order to establish an accurate, ready-to-use assay for simultaneous detection of Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), we developed one duplex TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, which can be used in human and vector surveillance. First, we selected the primers and FAM-labeled TaqMan-probe specific for WEEV from the consensus sequence of NSP3 and the primers and HEX-labeled TaqMan-probe specific for EEEV from the consensus sequence of E3, respectively. Then we constructed and optimized the duplex real-time RT-PCR assay by adjusting the concentrations of primers and probes. Using a series of dilutions of transcripts containing target genes as template, we showed that the sensitivity of the assay reached 1 copy/reaction for EEEV and WEEV, and the performance was linear within the range of at least 106 transcript copies. Moreover, we evaluated the specificity of the duplex system using other encephalitis virus RNA as template, and found no cross-reactivity. Compared with virus isolation, the gold standard, the duplex real time RT-PCR assay we developed was 10-fold more sensitive for both WEEV and EEEV detection.
Local hyperthermia decreases the expression of CCL-20 in condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Gao Xing-Hua , Hong Yuxiao , Li Xiaodong , Chen Hong-Duo
Published: November 2010

Background

Local hyperthermia has been successfully used in the treatment of viral warts. However, the mechanism of action has largely remained unclear. CCL-20 (also known as MIP-3α) is the most potent chemokine for recruitment of Langerhans cell (LC) precursors into the skin. CCL-20 expression can be increased by TNF-α and IL-1α. The effects of local hyperthermia on the mRNA expressions of CCL-20, TNF-α, IL-1α have been investigated in both condyloma acuminata (CA) and normal skin. Under an organotypic culture condition, fresh CA and normal skin were subjected to surface heating at 37°C, 42°C and 45°C for 30 mins, respectively.

Results

The mRNA expressions of CCL-20 and IL-1α in CA specimen were significantly higher than those in normal skin. Local hyperthermia at 42°C and 45°C significantly decreased the mRNA levels of CCL-20 and IL-1α, as compared with the control groups (p < 0.01). The decrease of CCL-20 was well correlated with that of IL-1α. The expression of TNF-α in CA remained unchanged in spite of the temperature variation. Local hyperthermia at 45°C concomitantly increased the mRNA expression of CCL-20 and IL-1α in normal skin.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that hyperthermia decreases the expression of CCL-20 with concomitant decrease in IL-1α, and reduce the number of Langerhans cells in HPV infected skin.
Intradiscal transplantation of synovial mesenchymal stem cells prevents intervertebral disc degeneration through suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-related genes in nucleus pulposus cells in rabbits
Authors: Miyamoto Takashi , Muneta Takeshi , Tabuchi Takashi , Matsumoto Kenji , Saito Hirohisa , Tsuji Kunikazu , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Synovial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have high proliferative and chondrogenic potentials, and MSCs transplanted into the articular cartilage defect produce abundant extracellular matrix. Because of similarities between the articular cartilage and the intervertebral disc cartilage, synovial MSCs are a potential cell source for disc regeneration. Here, we examined the effect of intradiscal transplantation of synovial MSCs after aspiration of nucleus pulposus in rabbits.

Methods

The nucleus pulposus tissues of rabbit's intervertebral discs were aspirated to induce disc degeneration, and allogenic synovial MSCs were transplanted. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24 weeks postoperatively, we evaluated with imaging analyses such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological analysis. To investigate interaction between synovial MSCs and nucleus pulposus cells, human synovial MSCs and rat nucleus pulposus cells were co-cultured, and species specific microarray were performed.

Results

The existence of transplanted cells labeled with DiI or derived from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing transgenic rabbits was confirmed up until 24 weeks. X-ray analyses demonstrated that intervertebral disc height in the MSC group remained higher than that in the degeneration group. T2 weighted MR imaging showed higher signal intensity of nucleus pulposus in the MSC group. Immunohistological analyses revealed higher expression of type II collagen around nucleus pulposus cells in the MSC group compared with even that of the normal group. In co-culture of rat nucleus pulposus cells and human synovial MSCs, species specific microarray revealed that gene profiles of nucleus pulposus were altered markedly with suppression of genes relating matrix degradative enzymes and inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

Synovial MSCs injected into the nucleus pulposus space promoted synthesis of the remaining nucleus pulposus cells to type II collagen and inhibition of expressions of degradative enzymes and inflammatory cytokines, resulting in maintaining the structure of the intervertebral disc being maintained.