bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the structural behavior of reduced pyrite ash pellets by XRD and XRF analysis
Authors: Tugrul Nurcan , Derun Emek Moroydor , Pişkin Mehmet Burçin , Ekerim Ahmet
Published: May 2009

In Turkey, pyrite ash is created as waste from the roasting of pyrite ores in the production of sulfuric acid. These processes generate great amounts of pyrite ash waste that creates serious environmental pollution due to the release of acids and toxic substances. Pyrite ash waste can be used in the iron production industry as a raw material because of its high Fe2O3 concentration. The aim of this study was to investigate the reduction behaviour of pyrite ash pellets. The pyrite ashes were reduced to obtain the iron contained in pellets. Pyrite ashes samples were pelletized dried at 105 °C for 24 h and sintered at 1200 °C for 30 min. then reduced in a pressure of 4 atm. under argon gas. The mineralogical transformations that occurred during reduction were analysed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. The X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence measurements of these samples showed that Fe3O 4 was successfully reduced to a metallic iron phase in a laboratory-scale electric arc furnace.
Assignment to a Hospital-Based Breastfeeding Clinic and Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Immigrant Hispanic Mothers: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Hopkinson Judy , Konefal Gallagher Margaret
Published: May 2009

A randomized controlled trial is used to determine whether assigning mixed feeders to a breastfeeding clinic within 1 week postpartum will increase exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month among Hispanic immigrants. Subjects are eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and 85% are monolingual Hispanic. Mothers (n = 522) of infants at low risk for hyperbilirubinemia are approached at bedside 20 to 48 hours after delivery and randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Intent-to-treat analysis of feeding behavior at 4 weeks postpartum indicates that the intervention group is more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding (16.4% vs 10% in the control group, P = .03; adjusted odds ratio 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.26); that the incidence of formula supplementation does not differ between groups; and that the intervention group is less likely to supplement with water and tea ( P < .002). J Hum Lact. 25(3):287-296.
The Histology of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Review with Particular Emphasis on Unusual and Underrecognized Features
Authors: Cavazza Alberto , Harari Sergio , Caminati Antonella , Barbareschi Mattia , Carbonelli Cristiano , Spaggiari Lucia , Paci Massimiliano , Rossi Giulio
Published: May 2009

The pathologist is frequently involved in the diagnostic approach to the patient with suspected sarcoidosis. Although the histologic diagnosis is generally not difficult, atypical and underrecognized features may occasionally occur and may result in diagnostic problems. The authors review the histology of pulmonary sarcoidosis, focusing particularly on these unusual problematic findings.
The Correlation of the World Health Organization Histologic Classification of Thymic Epithelial Tumors and Its Prognosis: A Clinicopathologic Study of 108 Patients From China
Authors: Honglin Yin  , Jun Du  , Zhenfeng Lu  , Xia Jiao  , Jiandong Wang  , Xiaojun Zhou
Published: May 2009

This study retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological features of thymic epithelial tumors in 108 patients, and evaluated World Health Organization (WHO) histologic classification of thymic tumors. Other prognostic factors, including age, gender, clinical stage, and completeness of tumor resection were also analyzed. Seven type A tumors, 19 type AB, 23 type B1, 19 type B2, 27 type B3, and 13 thymic carcinomas were studied. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 100% after resection of tumor types A and AB; 93% and 81% for B1; 83% and 70% for B2; and 43% and 33% for B3. The overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 72.0% and 63.0%, respectively. Tumor classification was highly significant in predicting survival ( P .001) and also reflected the clinical behavior of tumors. The Masaoka stage was the most important independent prognostic index in thymomas. The WHO histologic subtype and completeness of resection were also important prognostic factors.
Comparative Analysis of Crying in Children with Autism, Developmental Delays, and Typical Development
Authors: Esposito Gianluca , Venuti Paola
Published: May 2009

Crying behavior and mother-infant interactions during episodes of crying were coded using the Cry Observation Codes and then compared for 48 mother-infant dyads of children with autism, children with developmental delays, and typically developing children. At 1 year of age, children who would later be diagnosed with autism showed a different pattern of cry compared to the children in the comparison groups; specifically, their cries had less waveform modulation and more dysphonation. Maternal reactions to the crying of infants later diagnosed with autism were qualitatively different from the responses to cries of the other children of the same age (fewer tactile or vestibular stimulation and more verbal production). Implications of the study are described.
Radioprotective Effects of Honeybee Venom (Apis mellifera) Against 915-MHz Microwave Radiation–Induced DNA Damage in Wistar Rat Lymphocytes: In Vitro Study
Authors: Gajski Goran , Garaj-Vrhovac Vera
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of bee venom against DNA damage induced by 915-MHz microwave radiation (specific absorption rate of 0.6 W/kg) in Wistar rats. Whole blood lymphocytes of Wistar rats are treated with 1 μg/mL bee venom 4 hours prior to and immediately before irradiation. Standard and formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg)–modified comet assays are used to assess basal and oxidative DNA damage produced by reactive oxygen species. Bee venom shows a decrease in DNA damage compared with irradiated samples. Parameters of Fpg-modified comet assay are statistically different from controls, making this assay more sensitive and suggesting that oxidative stress is a possible mechanism of DNA damage induction. Bee venom is demonstrated to have a radioprotective effect against basal and oxidative DNA damage. Furthermore, bee venom is not genotoxic and does not produce oxidative damage in the low concentrations used in this study.
Disinterestedness and Self-Formation
Authors: Barbalet Jack
Published: May 2009

The concept of self-interest is core to modern understandings of individual desire and need. It is also central in the concept of homo economicus and, in a variety of forms, underpins economic science. The critical discussion of the notion of self-interest in William Hazlitt, An Essay on the Principles of Human Action ([1805] 1969), remains unknown in sociology and economics even though it resolves a number of key problems associated with the concept and makes an original, indeed, unique contribution to action theory. In particular, Hazlitt shows that the basis on which an individual pursues their own interest is identical with their sympathy with the interests of others. Hazlitt shows that a clear distinction between self and other cannot be sustained, and that an individual is as remote from their future self as they are from any other person. Even the `sexual appetite' Hazlitt shows cannot be understood in terms of simple self-interest as it is stimulated and consummated through mental and reciprocal capacities. These and related aspects of Hazlitt's Principles are set out below, and their relevance for an understanding of self-interested action and self-formation is demonstrated.
Here I Stand
Authors: Sløk Camilla
Published: May 2009

The article provides a systems-theoretical analysis of the Cartoon Crisis and the way the Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, responded to the expectations of Muslim groups in particular and the business community. The analysis shows that the Prime Minister followed a single strategy throughout the crisis, namely, insisting on a secular understanding of the separation of politics and religion. Religion, in this view, should not interfere in politics, and politics should not interfere in religion. The main outline of the analysis shows that Prime Minister Rasmussen, paradoxically, found himself using a theological distinction in order to make a political argument. In doing so, Rasmussen shows, in contrast to his former argumentations, that modern, so-called `secular' politics is actually based on a religious Protestant understanding of the separation of the two realms, though the use Rasmussen made of this separation remains political.
Confusion and Direction in Diagnostic Doppler Sonography
Authors: DuBose Terry J. , Baker Anthony L.
Published: May 2009

Spectral and color sonographic Doppler information has become critical to medical imaging and diagnosis. However, there are no standards for the display of the Doppler frequency-shifted sonographic directional information. The display of the spectral and Doppler directional information is arbitrary and under operator control. The authors discuss the current situation of the Doppler directional displays and the problems that may be caused by this confusion.
Controlled bridge transfer (CBT) gas metal arc process for steel sheets joining
Authors: Era T. , Ide A. , Uezono T. , Ueyama T. , Hirata Y.
Published: May 2009

In non-pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW), spatter can be reduced by lowering the short circuit current to a low level just before the rearcing period. The reduction of spatter requires an improvement in the accuracy of predicting the rearcing by stabilising the metal transfer and improving the robustness of the accuracy against disturbances. The controlled bridge transfer (CBT) process optimises the accuracy of predicting the rearcing in real time in response to the metal transfer, in order to realise spatter reduction and stable arcs in non-pulsed GMAW. Traditionally, GMAW is carried out using electrode positive polarity. However, this polarity is not sufficient for welding extrathin steel sheets, specifically those thinner than 1·0 mm. With an electrode negative (EN) CBT process, although some slight arc voltage fluctuation occurs caused by the behaviour of the cathode spots on the tip of the wire during in EN polarity GMAW, instantaneous voltage is used, through a command computation, to improve the transient response against the disturbance. Consequently, a stable arc can be obtained without increasing the number of short circuits in a unit time to obtain spatter free welds.
Weld porosity in fibre laser weld of thixomolded heat resistant Mg alloys
Authors: Yu L. , Nakata K. , Liao J.
Published: May 2009

Porosity in fibre laser welds of two thixomolded heat resistant magnesium alloys AE42 and AS41 was investigated in detail, and porosity formation mechanism was discussed in terms of gas compositions in porosity. It is found that the area percentage of porosity in welds decreases with increasing welding speed, and can be correlated to width of weld metal. Microstructure observation and gas composition analysis in porosity show that the porosity in welds is mainly attributed to the micropores pre-existing in base metals during melting of AE42 and AS41 alloys by fibre laser welding, which are formed due to air entrapment during thixomolding process. Hydrogen rejection and Ar shielding gas entrapment are also the possible reasons for the porosity formation; however, their contribution is much smaller than that of pores in base metals. Furthermore, the addition of rare earth element may probably decrease porosity amount in the thixomolded Mg alloys and their welds.
The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor: linking its structure to cell signaling and its role in disease
Authors: Hercus Timothy R. , Thomas Daniel , Guthridge Mark A. , Ekert Paul G. , King-Scott Jack , Parker Michael W. , Lopez Angel F.
Published: May 2009

Already 20 years have passed since the cloning of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor α-chain, the first member of the GM-CSF/interleukin (IL)–3/IL-5 family of hemopoietic cytokine receptors to be molecularly characterized. The intervening 2 decades have uncovered a plethora of biologic functions transduced by the GM-CSF receptor (pleiotropy) and revealed distinct signaling networks that couple the receptor to biologic outcomes. Unlike other hemopoietin receptors, the GM-CSF receptor has a significant nonredundant role in myeloid hematologic malignancies, macrophage-mediated acute and chronic inflammation, pulmonary homeostasis, and allergic disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying GM-CSF receptor activation have recently been revealed by the crystal structure of the GM-CSF receptor complexed to GM-CSF, which shows an unexpected higher order assembly. Emerging evidence also suggests the existence of intracellular signosomes that are recruited in a concentration-dependent fashion to selectively control cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation by GM-CSF. These findings begin to unravel the mystery of cytokine receptor pleiotropy and are likely to also apply to the related IL-3 and IL-5 receptors as well as other heterodimeric cytokine receptors. The new insights in GM-CSF receptor activation have clinical significance as the structural and signaling nuances can be harnessed for the development of new treatments for malignant and inflammatory diseases.
Platelet membrane proteomics: a novel repository for functional research
Authors: Lewandrowski Urs , Wortelkamp Stefanie , Lohrig Katharina , Zahedi René P. , Wolters Dirk A. , Walter Ulrich , Sickmann Albert
Published: May 2009

Being central players in thrombosis and hemostasis, platelets react in manifold and complex ways to extracellular stimuli. Cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions are mandatory for initial adhesion as well as for final development of stable plugs. Primary interfaces for interactions are plasma membrane proteins, of which many have been identified over the past decades in individual studies. However, due to their enucleate structure, platelets are not accessible to large-scale genomic screens and thus a comprehensive inventory of membrane proteins is still missing. For this reason, we here present an advanced proteomic setup for the detailed analysis of enriched platelet plasma membranes and the so far most complete collection of platelet membrane proteins. In summary, 1282 proteins were identified, of which more than half are termed to be of membrane origin. This study provides a brief overview of gene ontology subcellular and functional classification, as well as interaction network analysis. In addition, the mass spectrometric data were used to assemble a first tentative relative quantification of large-scale data on the protein level. We therefore estimate the presented data to be of major interest to the platelet research field and to support rational design of functional studies.
A single nucleotide polymorphism determines protein isoform production of the human c-FLIP protein
Authors: Ueffing Nana , Singh Kusum K. , Christians Andrea , Thorns Christoph , Feller Alfred C. , Nagl Florian , Fend Falko , Heikaus Sebastian , Marx Alexander , Zotz Rainer B. , Brade Joachim , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Schmitz Ingo , Schwerk Christian
Published: May 2009

The cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a modulator of death receptor-mediated apoptosis and plays a major role in T- and B-cell homeostasis. Three different isoforms have been described on the protein level, including the long form c-FLIPL as well as 2 short forms, c-FLIPS and the recently identified c-FLIPR. The mechanisms controlling c-FLIP isoform production are largely unknown. Here, we identified by sequence comparison in several mammals that c-FLIPR and not the widely studied c-FLIPS is the evolutionary ancestral short c-FLIP protein. Unexpectedly, the decision for production of either c-FLIPS or c-FLIPR in humans is defined by a single nucleotide polymorphism in a 3′ splice site of the c-FLIP gene (rs10190751A/G). Whereas an intact splice site directs production of c-FLIPS, the splice-dead variant causes production of c-FLIPR. Interestingly, due to differences in protein translation rates, higher amounts of c-FLIPS protein compared with c-FLIPR are produced. Investigation of diverse human cell lines points to an increased frequency of c-FLIPR in transformed B-cell lines. A comparison of 183 patients with follicular lymphoma and 233 population controls revealed an increased lymphoma risk associated with the rs10190751 A genotype causing c-FLIPR expression.
Outcomes and predictors of very stable INR control during chronic anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Witt Daniel M. , Delate Thomas , Clark Nathan P. , Martell Chad , Tran Thu , Crowther Mark A. , Garcia David A. , Ageno Walter , Hylek Elaine M.
Published: May 2009

For patients on warfarin therapy, an international normalized ratio (INR) recall interval not exceeding 4 weeks has traditionally been recommended. Less frequent INR monitoring may be feasible in stable patients. We sought to identify patients with stable INRs (defined as having INR values exclusively within the INR range) and comparator patients (defined as at least one INR outside the INR range) in a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. Occurrences of thromboembolism, bleeding, and death were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of stable INR control. There were 2504 stable and 3569 comparator patients. The combined rates of bleeding and thromboembolism were significantly lower in stable patients. Independent predictors of stable INR control were age older than 70 years and the absence of comorbid heart failure and diabetes. Stable patients were significantly less likely to have target INR of 3.0 or higher or chronic diseases. We hypothesize that many patients demonstrating stable INR control could be safely treated with INR recall intervals greater than the traditional 4 weeks.
Molecular identification of differentially regulated genes in the hydrothermal-vent species Bathymodiolus thermophilus and Paralvinella pandorae in response to temperature
Authors: Boutet Isabelle , Jollivet Didier , Shillito Bruce , Moraga Dario , Tanguy Arnaud
Published: May 2009

Background

Hydrothermal vents and cold seeps represent oases of life in the deep-sea environment, but are also characterized by challenging physical and chemical conditions. The effect of temperature fluctuations on vent organisms in their habitat has not been well explored, in particular at a molecular level, most gene expression studies being conducted on coastal marine species. In order to better understand the response of hydrothermal organisms to different temperature regimes, differentially expressed genes (obtained by a subtractive suppression hybridization approach) were identified in the musselBathymodiolus thermophilusand the annelidParalvinella pandorae irlandeito characterize the physiological processes involved when animals are subjected to long term exposure (2 days) at two contrasting temperatures (10° versus 20°C), while maintained atin situpressures. To avoid a potential effect of pressure, the experimental animals were initially thermally acclimated for 24 hours in a pressurized vessel.

Results

For each species, we produced two subtractive cDNA libraries (forward and reverse) from sets of deep-sea mussels and annelids exposed together to a thermal challenge under pressure. RNA extracted from the gills, adductor muscle, mantle and foot tissue were used forB. thermophilus. For the annelid model, whole animals (small individuals) were used. For each of the four libraries, we sequenced 200 clones, resulting in 78 and 83 unique sequences in mussels and annelids (about 20% of the sequencing effort), respectively, with only half of them corresponding to known genes. Real-time PCR was used to validate differentially expressed genes identified in the corresponding libraries. Strong expression variations have been observed for some specific genes such as the intracellular hemoglobin, the nidogen protein, and Rab7 inP. pandorae, and the SPARC protein, cyclophilin, foot protein and adhesive plaque protein inB. thermophilus.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that mussels and worms are not responding in the same way to temperature variations. While the results obtained for the musselB. thermophilusseem to indicate a metabolic depression (strong decrease in the level of mRNA expression of numerous genes) when temperature increased, the annelidP. pandoraemainly displayed a strong regulation of the mRNA encoding subunits and linkers of respiratory pigments and some proteins involved in membrane structure. In both cases, these regulations seem to be partly due to a possible cellular oxidative stress induced by the simulated thermal environment (10°C to 20°C). This work will serve as a starting point for studying the transcriptomic response of hydrothermal mussels and annelids in future experiments in response to thermal stress at various conditions of duration and temperature challenge.
Safety and preliminary efficacy data of a novel Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) peptide inhibitor administered intralesionally at four dose levels in patients with cervical malignancies
Authors: Solares Ana M , Santana Agueda , Baladrón Idania , Valenzuela Carmen , González Carlos A , Díaz Alina , Castillo Dagnelia , Ramos Thelvia , Gómez Roberto , Alonso Daniel F , Herrera Luis , Sigman Hugo , Perea Silvio E , Acevedo Boris E , López-Saura Pedro
Published: May 2009

Background

Cervical cancer is now considered the second leading cause of death among women worldwide, and its incidence has reached alarming levels, especially in developing countries. Similarly, high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), the precursor stage for cervical cancer, represents a growing health problem among younger women as the HSIL management regimes that have been developed are not fully effective. From the etiological point of view, the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role for developing cervical malignancies, and viral DNA has been detected in 99.7% of cervical tumors at the later stages. CIGB-300 is a novel cyclic synthetic peptide that induces apoptosis in malignant cells and elicits antitumor activity in cancer animal models. CIGB-300 impairs the Casein Kinase (CK2) phosphorylation, by targeting the substrate's phosphoaceptor domain. Based on the perspectives of CIGB-300 to treat cancer, this "first-in-human" study investigated its safety and tolerability in patients with cervical malignancies.

Methods

Thirty-one women with colposcopically and histologically diagnosed microinvasive or pre-invasive cervical cancer were enrolled in a dose escalating study. CIGB-300 was administered sequentially at 14, 70, 245 and 490 mg by intralesional injections during 5 consecutive days to groups of 7 – 10 patients. Toxicity was monitored daily until fifteen days after the end of treatment, when patients underwent conization. Digital colposcopy, histology, and HPV status were also evaluated.

Results

No maximum-tolerated dose or dose-limiting toxicity was achieved. The most frequent local events were pain, bleeding, hematoma and erythema at the injection site. The systemic adverse events were rash, facial edema, itching, hot flashes, and localized cramps. 75% of the patients experienced a significant lesion reduction at colposcopy and 19% exhibited full histological regression. HPV DNA was negative in 48% of the previously positive patients. Long term follow-up did not reveal recurrences or adverse events.

Conclusion

CIGB 300 was safe and well tolerated. This is the first clinical trial where a drug has been used to target the CK2 phosphoaceptor domain providing an early proof-of-principle of a possible clinical benefit.
Use of television, videogames, and computer among children and adolescents in Italy
Authors: Patriarca Alessandro , Di Giuseppe Gabriella , Albano Luciana , Marinelli Paolo , Angelillo Italo F
Published: May 2009

Background

This survey determined the practices about television (video inclusive), videogames, and computer use in children and adolescents in Italy.

Methods

A self-administered anonymous questionnaire covered socio-demographics; behaviour about television, videogames, computer, and sports; parental control over television, videogames, and computer.

Results

Overall, 54.1% and 61% always ate lunch or dinner in front of the television, 89.5% had a television in the bedroom while 52.5% of them always watched television there, and 49% indicated that parents controlled the content of what was watched on television. The overall mean length of time daily spent on television viewing (2.8 hours) and the frequency of watching for at least two hours per day (74.9%) were significantly associated with older age, always ate lunch or dinner while watching television, spent more time playing videogames and using computer. Those with parents from a lower socio-economic level were also more likely to spend more minutes viewing television. Two-thirds played videogames for 1.6 daily hours and more time was spent by those younger, males, with parents that do not control them, who watched more television, and who spent more time at the computer. The computer was used by 85% of the sample for 1.6 daily hours and those older, with a computer in the bedroom, with a higher number of computers in home, who view more television and play videogames were more likely to use the computer.

Conclusion

Immediate and comprehensive actions are needed in order to diminish time spent at the television, videogames, and computer.
Will the NHS continue to function in an influenza pandemic? a survey of healthcare workers in the West Midlands, UK
Authors: Damery Sarah , Wilson Sue , Draper Heather , Gratus Christine , Greenfield Sheila , Ives Jonathan , Parry Jayne , Petts Judith , Sorell Tom
Published: May 2009

Background

If UK healthcare services are to respond effectively to pandemic influenza, levels of absenteeism amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) must be minimised. Current estimates of the likelihood that HCWs will continue to attend work during a pandemic are subject to scientific and predictive uncertainty, yet an informed evidence base is needed if contingency plans addressing the issues of HCW absenteeism are to be prepared.

Methods

This paper reports the findings of a self-completed survey of randomly selected HCWs across three purposively sampled healthcare trusts in the West Midlands. The survey aimed to identify the factors positively or negatively associated with willingness to work during an influenza pandemic, and to evaluate the acceptability of potential interventions or changes to working practice to promote the continued presence at work of those otherwise unwilling or unable to attend. 'Likelihood' and 'persuadability' scores were calculated for each respondent according to indications of whether or not they were likely to work under different circumstances. Binary logistic regression was used to compute bivariate and multivariate odds ratios to evaluate the association of demographic variables and other respondent characteristics with the self-described likelihood of reporting to work.

Results

The survey response rate was 34.4% (n = 1032). Results suggest absenteeism may be as high as 85% at any point during a pandemic, with potential absence particularly concentrated amongst nursing and ancillary workers (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7 and 0.5; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9 respectively).

Conclusion

Levels of absenteeism amongst HCWs may be considerably higher than official estimates, with potential absence concentrated amongst certain groups of employees. Although interventions designed to minimise absenteeism should target HCWs with a low stated likelihood of working, members of these groups may also be the least receptive to such interventions. Changes to working conditions which reduce barriers to theabilityto work may not address barriers linked towillingnessto work, and may fail to overcome HCWs' reluctance to work in the face of what may still be deemed unacceptable risk to self and/or family.
Interaction of perfluorooctanoic acid with human serum albumin
Authors: Wu Ling-Ling , Gao Hong-Wen , Gao Nai-Yun , Chen Fang-Fang , Chen Ling
Published: May 2009

Background

Recently, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has become a significant issue in many aspects of environmental ecology, toxicology, pathology and life sciences because it may have serious effects on the endocrine, immune and nervous systems and can lead to embryonic deformities and other diseases. Human serum albumin (HSA) is the major protein component of blood plasma and is called a multifunctional plasma carrier protein because of its ability to bind an unusually broad spectrum of ligands.

Results

The interaction of PFOA with HSA was investigated in the normal physiological condition by equilibrium dialysis, fluorospectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and circular dichroism (CD). The non-covalent interaction is resulted from hydrogen bond, van der Waals force and hydrophobic stack. PFOA binding to HSA accorded with two-step binding model with the saturation binding numbers of PFOA, only 1 in the hydrophobic intracavity of HSA and 12 on the exposed outer surface. The interaction of PFOA with HSA is spontaneous and results in change of HSA conformation. The possible binding sites were speculated.

Conclusion

The present work suggested a characterization method for the intermolecular weak interaction. It is potentially useful for elucidating the toxigenicity of perfluorochemicals when combined with biomolecular function effect, transmembrane transport, toxicological testing and the other experiments.
Acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism in a young man with pernicious anemia-induced severe hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Melhem Ayyash , Desai Ankit , Hofmann Marion A
Published: May 2009

A 27 year-old man who presented to the hospital with progressive lower extremity weakness, developed an acute ST elevation myocardial infarction on his second hospital day. Primary angioplasty to the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed. Due to persistent dyspnea, the patient underwent a diagnostic chest computed tomography which confirmed multiple small pulmonary emboli. Laboratory analysis revealed a megaloblastic anemia with a reduced vitamin B12 level and positive titers for antibodies against intrinsic factor, establishing a diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Screening for hypercoaguable markers documented an isolated severely elevated homocysteine levels (105 μmol/l). No other significant risk factors for coronary artery disease including a family history of premature atherosclerosis were identified. This case illustrates the importance of testing for hyperhomocysteinemia as part of a workup for atherothrombotic disease, especially in patients without other significant risk factors. The severity of hyperhomocysteinemia found in our patient is unusual for patients with vitamin B12 malabsorption and raises the question of whether the widely practiced folic acid fortification in the United States may mask or even worsen vitamin B12 deficiency over time, leading to more severe cases of vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia than seen in the past.
Sodium bicarbonate-based hydration prevents contrast-induced nephropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Meier Pascal , Ko Dennis T , Tamura Akira , Tamhane Umesh , Gurm Hitinder S
Published: May 2009

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy is the leading cause of in-hospital acute renal failure. This side effect of contrast agents leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and health costs. Ensuring adequate hydration prior to contrast exposure is highly effective at preventing this complication, although the optimal hydration strategy to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy still remains an unresolved issue. Former meta-analyses and several recent studies have shown conflicting results regarding the protective effect of sodium bicarbonate. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of normal saline versus sodium bicarbonate for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy.

Methods

The study searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts database, ISI Web of Science (until 15 December 2008), and conference proceedings for randomized controlled trials that compared normal saline with sodium bicarbonate-based hydration regimen regarding contrast-induced nephropathy. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary odds ratios.

Results

A total of 17 trials including 2,633 subjects were pooled. Pre-procedural hydration with sodium bicarbonate was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of contrast-induced nephropathy (odds ratios 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.80, P = 0.003). Number needed to treat to prevent one case of contrast-induced nephropathy was 16 (95% confidence interval 10–34). No significant differences in the rates of post-procedure hemodialysis (P = 0.20) or death (P = 0.53) was observed.

Conclusion

Sodium bicarbonate-based hydration was found to be superior to normal saline in prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in this updated meta-analysis.
The length of cargo-protein transmembrane segments drives secretory transport by facilitating cargo concentration in export domains
Authors: Dukhovny Anna , Yaffe Yakey , Shepshelovitch Jeanne , Hirschberg Koret
Published: May 2009

The cellular destination of secretory proteins is determined by interactions of their targeting motifs with coat-protein complexes. The transmembrane domain (TMD) of secretory proteins also plays a central role in their transport and targeting. However, a comprehensive model that considers both TMD- and targeting-sequence-mediated transport has never been advanced. We focused on the secretory transport of two fluorescently tagged membrane proteins: vesicular stomatitis virus G tsO45 (VSVG), which is a cargo protein that is a thermoreversible mutant, and the Golgi-resident protein GalT-CFP. A quantitative approach was applied to analyze, in living cells, secretory transport dynamics, as well as cargo concentration of YFP-tagged VSVG mutants with one, three, five, seven, eight or nine amino acids deleted from their TMD, as well as two or four amino acids added to their TMD. Changes in TMD length affected secretory transport dynamics and the extent of cargo concentration in the ER exit sites, demonstrating that the capacity of the transport machinery to concentrate cargo depends on the length of the TMD of the cargo protein.
Increased invasive behaviour in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with loss of basement-membrane type VII collagen
Authors: Martins Vera L. , Vyas Jashmin J. , Chen Mei , Purdie Karin , Mein Charles A. , South Andrew P. , Storey Alan , McGrath John A. , O'Toole Edel A.
Published: May 2009

Type VII collagen (ColVII) is the main component of anchoring fibrils, attachment structures within the lamina densa of the basement membrane that are responsible for attachment of the epidermis to the dermis in skin. Mutations in the human ColVII gene, COL7A1, cause the severe inherited blistering disorder recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) affecting skin and mucosae, associated with a greatly increased risk of skin cancer. In this study, we examined the effect of loss of ColVII on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumourigenesis using RNAi in a 3D organotypic skin model. Our findings suggest that loss of ColVII promotes SCC migration and invasion as well as regulating cell differentiation with evidence for concomitant promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Immunostaining of RDEB skin and a tissue array of sporadic cutaneous SCCs confirmed that loss of ColVII correlates with decreased involucrin expression in vivo. Gene-expression-array data and immunostaining demonstrated that loss of ColVII increases expression of the chemokine ligand-receptor CXCL10-CXCR3 and downstream-associated PLC signalling, which might contribute to the increased metastatic potential of SCCs with reduced or absent ColVII expression. Together, these findings may explain the aggressive behaviour of SCCs in RDEB patients and may also be relevant to non-RDEB skin cancer, as well as other tumours from organs where ColVII is expressed.
A FAK-p120RasGAP-p190RhoGAP complex regulates polarity in migrating cells
Authors: Tomar Alok , Lim Ssang-Taek , Lim Yangmi , Schlaepfer David D.
Published: May 2009

Directional motility is a complex process requiring the spatiotemporal integration of signals that regulate cytoskeletal changes, and the establishment of an anteroposterior or polarized cell axis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) promotes cell migration, but a molecular role for FAK in promoting cell polarity remains undefined. Here, using wound healing and Golgi-reorientation analyses, we show that fibroblast, endothelial and carcinoma polarity during cell migration requires FAK and is associated with a complex between FAK, p120RasGAP and p190RhoGAP (p190A), leading to p190A tyrosine phosphorylation. Fibronectin-integrin-mediated FAK activation and phosphorylation promote SH2-mediated binding of p120RasGAP to FAK and FAK-mediated p190A tyrosine phosphorylation. The association of p120RasGAP with FAK facilitates the formation of a FAK-p120RasGAP-p190A complex targeted to leading-edge focal adhesions by FAK. Knockdown of p120RasGAP, mutation of FAK Y397 or inhibition of FAK activity prevent the association of FAK with p190A and subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation of p190A, and result in the loss of cell polarity. Because reconstitution of FAK-null fibroblasts with FAK or a Pyk2-FAK chimera restore the normal decrease in RhoA GTP binding upon cell spreading on fibronectin, our studies support a model whereby FAK activity facilitates the recruitment and stabilization of a p120RasGAP-p190A complex at leading-edge focal adhesions connected to the transient inhibition of RhoA activity and the regulation of cell polarity.
Angular Dipyridyl Ligands 2,5-Bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and Its 3-Pyridyl Analogue as Building Blocks for Coordination Architectures: Assemblies, Structural Diversity, and Properties
Authors: Du Miao , Bu Xian-He
Published: May 2009

The rational design and construction of functional coordination architectures, which rely upon the docile assemblages of organic ligands with metal centers, have attracted continuing interest for many years. The selection of suitable organic ligands as building blocks is a key point for the construction of novel coordination architectures with desired structures and functions. This article will briefly review the coordination-driven assembly of angular dipyridyl-type building blocks involving the oxadiazole spacer, namely 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and its 3-pyridyl-donor analog 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, with transition-metal ions. Diversity of the established structural motifs thus far (only considering the coordination interaction) is outlined, illustrating the broad range of coordination frameworks from discrete molecular architectures to infinite extended one-, two-, and three-dimensional (1-D, 2-D, and 3-D) networks. The specific influencing factors such as anion, solvent, and metal-to-ligand ratio on structural assemblies and the interesting properties of anion exchange, magnetism, fluorescence, and guest inclusion of these crystalline solids will also be discussed.
Photochemical Properties of 3,3′-Disubstituted Stilbene Dendrimers
Authors: Kato Kazumi , Momotake Atsuya , Shinohara Yoshihiro , Sato Tomoo , Takahashi Kayori , Nagahata Ritsuko , Nishimura Yoshinobu , Arai Tatsuo
Published: May 2009

The quantum yield of isomerization and the fluorescence lifetime of newly synthesized 3,3′-disubstituted water-soluble stilbene dendrimer trans-4 were significantly different from those of model compounds. The results indicate that not only properties of dendrimer surfaces but also substituent positions are important for dendrimer photochemistry.
Microstructural Transformation with Heat-Treatment of Aluminum Hydroxide with Gibbsite Structure
Authors: Mitsui Tomohiro , Matsui Toshiaki , Kikuchi Ryuji , Eguchi Koichi
Published: May 2009

Aluminum hydroxide with gibbsite structure was prepared, and the microstructural transformation of the sample heat-treated at various temperatures was investigated. The sample was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and BET surface area. The shape of the grains in the prepared sample was hexagonal prism-like morphology. The prepared sample kept a metastable state of alumina phase at higher temperatures than the commercially available gibbsite powders. The prepared gibbsite grains underwent characteristic structural change depending on the calcination temperature. The transformation of the surface morphology was initiated at 400 °C, leading to the formation of cracks with the direction parallel to the basal plane. After calcination at 1200 °C, a large number of grooves were formed on the surface of the lateral planes. The specific structural change of gibbsite induced by the heat treatment was strongly related to the topotactic dehydration from gibbsite and subsequent phase transition to aluminum oxides.
Rapid Detection of Melamine in Milk Powder by near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Chenghui , Xiang Bingren , Hao Gang , Xu Jianping , Wang Zhengwu , Chen Changyun
Published: May 2009

This paper establishes a novel and rapid method for detecting pure melamine in milk powder using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy based on least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM). Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used for the extraction of principal components (PCs). The scores of the first two PCs have been applied as inputs to LS-SVM. Compared to PLS-DA, the performance of LS-SVM was better, with higher classification accuracy, both 100% for the training and testing set. The detection limit was lower than 1 ppm. Based on the results, it was concluded that NIR spectroscopy combined with LS-SVM could be used as a rapid and accurate method for detecting pure melamine in milk powder.
Tectonic Control on Fluid Dynamics and Efficiency of Gas Surveys in Different Tectonic Settings
Authors: Feyzullayev A.A. , Tagiyev M.F. , Lerche I.
Published: May 2009

For the Caspian Sea region an analysis is given of the relationship between gas field parameters for the near-surface lithospheric layer, hydrosphere and surface atmosphere. Strong distinctions were established between mobile, highly dislocated, folded regions and tectonically stable ancient cratons, linked through tectonic control on the intensity and distance of subvertical migration of gases. Tectonic control becomes evident in studying the efficiency of near-surface (1–2 m) gas surveys – about 80% in folded regions and about 60% within ancient cratons. The efficiency of gas surveys in cratonic regions becomes comparable with that of near-surface (1–2 m) gas surveys in mobile folded regions only at depths greater than 50 m.
An Empirical Investigation of End-User Query Development: The Effects of Improved Model Expressiveness vs. Complexity
Authors: Bowen Paul L. , O'Farrell Robert A. , Rohde Fiona H.
Published: May 2009

Data models provide a map of the components of an information system. Prior research has indicated that more expressive conceptual data models (despite their increased size) result in better performance for problem solving tasks. An initial experiment using logical data models indicated that more expressive logical data models also enhanced end-user performance for information retrieval tasks. However, the principles of parsimony and bounded rationality imply that, past some point, increases in size lead to a level of complexity that results in impaired performance. The results of this study support these principles. For a logical data model of increased but still modest size, users composing queries for the more expressive logical data model did not perform as well as users composing queries for the corresponding less expressive but more parsimonious logical data model. These results indicate that, when constructing logical data models, data modelers should consider tradeoffs between parsimony and expressiveness.
The Interaction Between Knowledge Codification and Knowledge-Sharing Networks
Authors: Liu De , Ray Gautam , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: May 2009

Current knowledge management (KM) technologies and strategies advocate two different approaches: knowledge codification and knowledge-sharing networks. However, the extant literature has paid limited attention to the interaction between them. This research draws on the literature on formal modeling of networks to examine the interaction between knowledge codification and knowledge-sharing networks. The analysis suggests that an increase in codification may damage existing network-sharing ties. Anticipating that, individuals may hoard their knowledge to protect their network ties, even when there are nontrivial rewards for codification. We find that despite the aforementioned tension between the codification and the network approach, a firm may still benefit from combining the two approaches. Specifically, when the future sharing potential between knowledge workers is high, a combination of the two approaches may outperform a codification-only or a network-only approach because the codification reward causes fewer network ties to break down, and the benefit from increased codification can offset the loss of some network ties. However, when the future sharing potential is low, an increase in codification reward can quickly break down the whole network. Thus, firms may be better off by pursuing a codification-only or a network-only strategy.
Designing for success: the development of a child welfare research utilisation initiative
Authors: Dill Katharine , Shera Wes
Published: May 2009

This intent of this article is to describe a unique, Canadian-based research utilisation programme called PART (Practice and Research Together: www.partontario.org/). This innovative programme seeks to create linkages between research and practice in child welfare by promoting organisational and systemic change that increases research utilisation as a vital component in the everyday work of child welfare practitioners. The article provides an overview of the importance of knowledge utilisation initiatives in child welfare, situates the PART programme within the context of evidence-based and evidence-informed practice, provides an overview of the barriers and challenges of implementing such a programme, and provides a vision for the future of knowledge utilisation in child welfare practice.