bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breakdown of resistance to grapevine downy mildew upon limited deployment of a resistant variety
Authors: Peressotti Elisa , Wiedemann-Merdinoglu Sabine , Delmotte François , Bellin Diana , Di Gaspero Gabriele , Testolin Raffaele , Merdinoglu Didier , Mestre Pere
Published: July 2010

Background

Natural disease resistance is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of controlling plant disease. Breeding programmes need to make sure that the resistance deployed is effective and durable. Grapevine downy mildew, caused by the Oomycete Plasmopara viticola, affects viticulture and it is controlled with pesticides. Downy mildew resistant grapevine varieties are a promising strategy to control the disease, but their use is currently restricted to very limited acreages. The arising of resistance-breaking isolates under such restricted deployment of resistant varieties would provide valuable information to design breeding strategies for the deployment of resistance genes over large acreages whilst reducing the risks of the resistance being defeated. The observation of heavy downy mildew symptoms on a plant of the resistant variety Bianca, whose resistance is conferred by a major gene, provided us with a putative example of emergence of a resistance-breaking isolate in the interaction between grapevine and P. viticola.

Results

In this paper we describe the emergence of a P. viticola isolate (isolate SL) that specifically overcomes Rpv3, the major resistance gene carried by Bianca at chromosome 18. We show that isolate SL has the same behaviour as two P. viticola isolates avirulent on Bianca (isolates SC and SU) when inoculated on susceptible plants or on resistant plants carrying resistances derived from other sources, suggesting there is no fitness cost associated to the virulence. Molecular analysis shows that all three isolates are genetically closely related.

Conclusions

Our results are the first description of a resistance-breaking isolate in the grapevine/P. viticola interaction, and show that, despite the reduced genetic variability of P. viticola in Europe compared to its basin of origin and the restricted use of natural resistance in European viticulture, resistance-breaking isolates overcoming monogenic resistances may arise even in cases where deployment of the resistant varieties is limited to small acreages. Our findings represent a warning call for the use of resistant varieties and an incentive to design breeding programmes aiming to optimize durability of the resistances.
Homeobox A7 increases cell proliferation by up-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in human granulosa cells
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Qing , Cheng Jung-Chien , Nishi Yoshihiro , Yanase Toshihiko , Huang He-Feng , Leung Peter CK
Published: July 2010

Background

Homeobox (HOX) genes encode transcription factors, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. The deregulation of HOX genes is frequently associated with human reproductive system disorders. However, knowledge regarding the role of HOX genes in human granulosa cells is limited.

Methods

To determine the role of HOXA7 in the regulation and associated mechanisms of cell proliferation in human granulosa cells, HOXA7 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressions were examined in primary granulosa cells (hGCs), an immortalized human granulosa cell line, SVOG, and a granulosa tumor cell line, KGN, by real-time PCR and Western blotting. To manipulate the expression of HOXA7, the HOXA7 specific siRNA was used to knockdown HOXA7 in KGN. Conversely, HOXA7 was overexpressed in SVOG by transfection with the pcDNA3.1-HOAX7 vector. Cell proliferation was measured by the MTT assay.

Results

Our results show that HOXA7 and EGFR were overexpressed in KGN cells compared to hGCs and SVOG cells. Knockdown of HOXA7 in KGN cells significantly decreased cell proliferation and EGFR expression. Overexpression of HOXA7 in SVOG cells significantly promoted cell growth and EGFR expression. Moreover, the EGF-induced KGN proliferation was abrogated, and the activation of downstream signaling was diminished when HOXA7 was knocked down. Overexpression of HOXA7 in SVOG cells had an opposite effect.

Conclusions

Our present study reveals a novel mechanistic role for HOXA7 in modulating granulosa cell proliferation via the regulation of EGFR. This finding contributes to the knowledge of the pro-proliferation effect of HOXA7 in granulosa cell growth and differentiation.
TLR-mediated B cell activation results in ectopic CLIP expression that promotes B cell-dependent inflammation
Authors: Newell M K , Tobin R P , Cabrera J H , Sorensen M B , Huckstep A , Villalobos-Menuey E M , Burnett M , McCrea E , Harvey C P , Buddiga A , Bar-Or A , Freedman M S , Nalbantoglu J , Arbour N , Zamvil S S , Antel J P
Published: July 2010

TLR stimulation results in polyclonal B cell activation, ectopic CLIP expression, release of T cell-derived TNFα, and reversal with high affinity peptide treatment.

Infectious pathogens produce compounds called Toll ligands that activate TLRs on lymphocytes. Acute activation triggered by certain TLRs appears to “jump start” the innate immune response, characterized by the release of inflammatory cytokines and cellular expansion. In some individuals, there is a failure to control acute inflammation, resulting in postinfectious, chronic inflammation. Susceptibility to chronic inflammation is strongly associated with an individualˈs MHC genes. Recent clinical trials for several autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation suggest that B lymphocyte depletion therapies dampen chronic immune activation. However, currently, there is no known mechanism that accounts for the correlation among TLR activation, MHC genetics, and a pathological role for B-lymphocytes. Our hypothesis is that TLR-activated B cells (B cells that have been polyclonally activated in the absence of antigen-specific signals) are not controlled properly by T cell-dependent B cell death, thereby causing B cell-dependent chronic inflammation. Here, we show that treatment with Toll ligands results in polyclonal B cell activation accompanied by ectopic expression of CLIP. Furthermore, by adoptively transferring purified CLIP+ B cells in syngeneic animals, we find that CLIP+ B cells induce production of TNF-α by host T cells. Finally, we demonstrate that CLIP-targeted peptide competition results in the death of polyclonally activated CLIP+ B cells.
Effects of Parathyroid Hormone Treatment on Circulating Sclerostin Levels in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Drake Matthew T. , Srinivasan Bhuma , Mödder Ulrike I. , Peterson James M. , McCready Louise K. , Riggs B. Lawrence , Dwyer Denise , Stolina Marina , Kostenuik Paul , Khosla Sundeep
Published: July 2010

Context: Intermittent PTH treatment stimulates bone formation, but the mechanism(s) of this effect remain unclear. Sclerostin is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, and animal studies have demonstrated that PTH suppresses sclerostin production.

Objective: The objective of the study was to test whether intermittent PTH treatment of postmenopausal women alters circulating sclerostin levels.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: The study was conducted at a clinical research unit.

Participants and Interventions: Participants included 27 postmenopausal women treated with PTH (1-34) for 14 d and 28 control women.

Main Outcome Measures: Serum sclerostin levels were measured.

Results: Circulating sclerostin levels decreased significantly in the PTH-treated subjects, from (mean ± SEM) 551 ± 32 to 482 ± 31 pg/ml (−12.7%, P < 0.0001) but did not change in the control women (baseline, 559 ± 34 pg/ml; end point, 537 ± 40 pg/ml, P = 0.207; P = 0.017 for difference in changes between groups). Bone marrow plasma was obtained in a subset of the control and PTH-treated subjects (n = 19 each) at the end of the treatment period, and marrow plasma and peripheral serum sclerostin levels were significantly correlated (R = 0.64, P < 0.0001). Marrow plasma sclerostin levels were 24% lower in PTH-treated compared with control women, but perhaps due to the smaller sample size, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.173).

Conclusions: Circulating sclerostin levels correlate with bone marrow plasma levels and are reduced by intermittent PTH therapy in postmenopausal women. Further studies are needed to assess the extent to which decreases in sclerostin production contribute to the anabolic skeletal response to PTH.
Experimental and computational analysis of the combustion evolution in direct-injection spark-controlled jet ignition engines fuelled with gaseous fuels
Authors: Boretti A , Paudel R , Tempia A
Published: July 2010

Jet ignition and direct fuel injection are potential enablers of higher-efficiency, cleaner internal combustion engines (ICEs), where very lean mixtures of gaseous fuels could be burned with pollutants formation below Euro 6 levels, efficiencies approaching 50 per cent full load, and small efficiency penalties operating part load. The lean-burn direct-injection (DI) jet ignition ICE uses a fuel injection and mixture ignition system consisting of one main-chamber DI fuel injector and one small jet ignition pre-chamber per engine cylinder. The jet ignition pre-chamber is connected to the main chamber through calibrated orifices and accommodates a second DI fuel injector. In the spark plug version, the jet ignition pre-chamber includes a spark plug which ignites the slightly rich pre-chamber mixture which then, in turn, bulk ignites the ultra-lean stratified main-chamber mixture through the multiple jets of hot reacting gases entering the in-cylinder volume. The paper uses coupled computer-aided engineering and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to provide better details of the operation of the jet ignition pre-chamber (analysed so far with downstream experiments or stand-alone CFD simulations), thus resulting in a better understanding of the complex interactions between chemistry and turbulence that govern the pre-chamber flow and combustion.
Characterization and Development of the Ideal Pedal Force, Pedal Travel, and Response Time in the Brake System for the Translation of the Voice of the Customer to Engineering Specifications
Authors: Lee Sang-Don , Kim Seung-Lye
Published: July 2010

It is a well-known fact that braking is one of the most important factors in customer satisfaction and a key factor in the voice of the customer (VOC). The VOC has to be translated into engineering specifications in due course and various methods have been developed. Current engineering specifications utilize only a few discrete points on the pedal force (PF), pedal travel (PT), and response time (RT) curves owing to the multi-dimensional nature of these curves, and thus may not represent the entire curves well. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied in order to analyse the entire shapes of the three curves and to identify the underlying variation modes. Then, buyer satisfaction scores from a mail survey are regressed on the variation modes. Finally, the ideal shapes of the PF, PT, and RT curves are developed for the sport segment, the coupé and sedan segment, and the truck segment to aid new brake system and vehicle design. Translating the VOC from marketing research into engineering specifications is a critical step and PCA is a valuable tool for this translation.
Formulation of the Wear Behaviour of Nickel-Free Stainless-Steel/Hydroxyapatite Bio-Composites by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Younesi M , Bahrololoom M E
Published: July 2010

This article deals with the formulation of wear behaviours of nickel-free stainless steel/hydroxyapatite bio-composites that were tested in air and Ringer's physiological solution. The model is based on experimental data related to wear tests of the composites with various hydroxyapatite contents under various wear loads and distances. The wear load, hydroxyapatite volume fraction, and wear distance were considered as the independent variables (input para-meters) and the wear volume loss as the target value (output parameter) to develop a database. A non-linear regression procedure based on simulated surface methodology was employed to develop an approximate formula for predicting the wear volume loss. The results obtained by formulation were compared with the results achieved from experiments for investigating their accuracy and agreement. Then, the formula was used for determining the wear volume loss sensitivity of the composites related to each effective parameter (wear load, hydroxyapatite content, and wear distance) on the wear behaviour of the composites. The results were presented by plots and graphs herein. Generally, this formula describes the wear behaviour of nickel-free stainless steel-hydroxyapatite bio-composites with good precision.
A User's Guide to Solving Dynamic Stochastic Games Using the Homotopy Method
Authors: Borkovsky Ron N. , Doraszelski Ulrich , Kryukov Yaroslav
Published: July 2010

This paper provides a step-by-step guide to solving dynamic stochastic games using the homotopy method. The homotopy method facilitates exploring the equilibrium correspondence in a systematic fashion; it is especially useful in games that have multiple equilibria. We discuss the theory of the homotopy method and its implementation and present two detailed examples of dynamic stochastic games that are solved using this method.
Influence of Colour Lightness Differences in Patients With Left Unilateral Spatial Neglect
Authors: Sato Shinsuke , Tsubahara Akio , Aoyagi Yoichiro , Hiraoka Takashi , Hasegawa Sumire , Mizuma Masazumi
Published: July 2010

We used desk-based tasks to evaluate and clarify the effects of colour lightness differences (Liebmann effect) in patients with left unilateral spatial neglect (USN) following stroke. Participants were 30 adults with USN (16 men and 14 women; mean age = 72.3 years,SD= 8.9 years). They took the ‘Letter Cancellation Test’ of the Japanese version of the Behavioral Inattention Test using two types of paper: black letters with a yellow background (‘black on yellow’) and red letters with a green background (‘red on green’). They also took the Line Bisection Test and their laterality index (LI) was also determined. Pairedt-tests were computed comparing the LI by colour displays. LI was higher for ‘black on yellow’ than for ‘red on green’ in patients with mild left USN. However, LI for ‘red on green’ was higher in patients with severe left USN. Colour lightness differences are likely on the left side in patients with relatively mild left USN, but not in those with severe left USN.
Prevention of Post-Concussional Syndrome in North American Workers: The Importance of Early Intervention on Vocational Outcome
Authors: LeBlanc Jeanne M. , McLachlan Kaitlyn
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to: (1) Establish whether or not specific rehabilitation for mild brain injury is effective for return to work; and (2) compare the efficacy of an impairment-focused model of treatment versus an early education approach in respect to ability to return to work. Two different approaches to intervention and treatment for those with a suspected concussion from a work-related injury were utilised by an urban, interdisciplinary, outpatient rehabilitation facility. The first approach, Group Treatment (GT), provided minimal early education at time of initial intake, emphasising an extensive group-focused interdisciplinary assessment and treatment. The second approach, Individualized Education and Treatment, (IET) emphasised early education, instead coupled with specific individualised services. Both groups received employment services. Post-discharge, GT (N= 26) resulted in 46% (n= 12) of individuals returning to competitive employment, while IET (N= 23) resulted in 78% (n= 18) of individuals returning to competitive employment. An asset-oriented early individualised educational approach appears to be a more effective for employment re-engagement.
Comparing and Contrasting Employers' Concerns on People with Substance Abuse in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago
Authors: Jin Shenghua , Tsang Hector W.H. , Jiang Yuna , Fong Mandy W.M. , Corrigan Patrick W.
Published: July 2010

The study explored and compared employers' concerns on hiring individuals with substance abuse in Chinese and Western work settings. One hundred employers from Beijing (n = 30), Hong Kong (n = 30), and Chicago (n = 40) were randomly recruited from small-sized firms and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guideline. The interview considered the following aspects: backgrounds of employers, their business and employees, hiring process and considerations, and hiring concerns towards people with substance abuse. Data were analysed using frequency count approach. Employers' concerns on hiring individuals with substance abuse in Beijing and Hong Kong focused more on communication abilities. In contrast, employers in Chicago focused more on job performance and productivity.
Localization of apoptosis proteins and lymphocyte subsets in chronic rejection of human liver allograft
Authors: Nemes Balázs , Sótonyi P. , Lotz G. , Heratizadeh A. , Gelley F. , Doege C. , Hubay M. , Schaff Zs. , Nashan B.
Published: July 2010

In chronic liver rejection lymphocyte mediated processes lead to chronic inflammation, necrosis and repair mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of apoptosis related proteins (FAS/APO-1, FAS-L, Bcl-2, Bax, TNF-α, and INF-γ). ApopTag reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed on liver samples of chronically rejected allografts and compared with normal donor livers. In chronic rejection, apoptosis was detected in pericentral hepatocytes and in the biliary epithelium. Bcl-2 was strongly expressed on lymphocytes around the bile ducts, but not on the biliary epithelium itself. Bax, FAS, TNF-αand INF-γwere present in pericentral areas. T-cells showed up around bile ducts, whereas macrophages around pericentral areas. In pericentral areas apoptosis seems to be fostered through TNF-αand INF-γand by the lack of Bcl-2. Based on these results both downregulation and upregulation of apoptotic proteins can be observed in chronic liver allograft rejection: FAS is upregulated in biliary epithelium and zone 2, protein levels of FASL remain unchanged, BAX is upregulated in zone 3, BCL2 is downregulated in both biliary epithelium and zone 1 and both TNFa and IFN are upregulated in zone 3. Our results suggest that the balance between pro- and antiapoptotic patterns was shifted to the proapoptotic side, mainly in the centrilobular area of the hepatic lobule, and in the bile ducts. According to these findings in chronic rejection the predictive sites of apoptosis are the biliary epithelium and the pericentral areas.
Successful coil embolization of an arterioportal fistula evolving 12 years after gastrojejunostomy
Authors: Csobay-Novák Cs. , Nemes B. , Balázs Gy. , Hüttl Kálmán
Published: July 2010

Arterioportal fistula — either acquired or congenital — is a rare syndrome, which is a real challenge in gastroenterologic diagnostics. We report a case of a 76-year-old female, who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of permanent abdominal pain and a bruit in the epigastric region. Twelve years prior she underwent Billroth II gastrojejunostomy due to a perforating duodenal ulcer, followed by cholecystectomy 6 months later. CT and MR angiography showed a fistula between the gastroduodenal artery and the portal vein. Successful treatment of the arterioportal fistula was achieved by intravascular coil embolization resulting in the resolution of the symptoms. After six years of follow-up, abdominal ultrasonography did not show any novel findings and our patient is still doing well with no recurrence.
Evaluation of the degradation and metabolic effects of the gut peptide xenin on insulin secretion, glycaemic control and satiety
Authors: Taylor Ashley I , Irwin Nigel , McKillop Aine M , Patterson Steven , Flatt Peter R , Gault Victor A
Published: July 2010

Recently, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) have received much attention regarding possible roles in aetiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, peptides co-secreted from the same enteroendocrine cells are less well studied. The present investigation was designed to characterise the in vitro and in vivo effects of xenin, a peptide co-secreted with GIP from intestinal K-cells. We examined the enzymatic stability, insulin-releasing activity and associated cAMP production capability of xenin in vitro. In addition, the effects of xenin on satiety, glucose homoeostasis and insulin secretion were examined in vivo. Xenin was time dependently degraded (t1/2=162±6 min) in plasma in vitro. In clonal BRIN-BD11 cells, xenin stimulated insulin secretion at 5.6 mM (P<0.05) and 16.7 mM (P<0.05 to P<0.001) glucose levels compared to respective controls. Xenin also exerted an additive effect on GIP, GLP1 and neurotensin-mediated insulin secretion. In clonal β-cells, xenin did not stimulate cellular cAMP production, alter membrane potential or elevate intra-cellular Ca2+. In normal mice, xenin exhibited a short-acting (P<0.01) satiety effect at high dosage (500 nmol/kg). In overnight fasted mice, acute injection of xenin enhanced glucose-lowering and elevated insulin secretion when injected concomitantly or 30 min before glucose. These effects were not observed when xenin was administered 60 min before the glucose challenge, reflecting the short half-life of the native peptide in vivo. Overall, these data demonstrate that xenin may have significant metabolic effects on glucose control, which merit further study.
Supercritical Fluid Impregnation for the Preparation of Controlled Delivery Systems
Authors: Rita C. Duarte Ana , M. M. Duarte Catarina
Published: July 2010

Controlled drug delivery products, using biocompatible or biodegradable polymers, have received
considerable attention in the last years. These substances provide in general a more controlled release rate of
assumption of the drug by the body improving its therapeutic action. In fact, there is a growing interest of the
pharmaceutical industry in the development of these systems. Impregnation using supercritical fluid technology has
already proven its feasibility, in the preparation of controlled release systems. In this technique the drug component
is dissolved in a compressed gas (carbon dioxide) that is used as a mobile phase and that, also, swells and stretches
the polymer matrix, facilitating the diffusion of the drug, and increasing the rate of impregnation. A high purity
product, free of residual solvents is obtained, since no organic solvents are involved in the impregnation process. In
this chapter, the development of different successful controlled release systems is presented.
Supercritical Antisolvent Fractionation of Plant Extracts
Authors: J. Catchpole O. , E. Durling N. , B. Grey J. , Eltringham W. , J. Tallon S.
Published: July 2010

A recently developed continuous process entitled supercritical antisolvent fractionation is described for the
fractionation of plant extract solutions using near-critical fluids to give two or more fractions containing bioactives with
widely differing polarities. One fraction is insoluble in the near critical fluid and is precipitated by antisolvent behaviour,
and the other fraction is soluble in the near-critical fluid and co-solvent, and is recovered by downstream pressure
reduction. With two-stage pressure reduction, two fractions may be obtained. The extract solutions are obtained by the
prior extraction of plant material using ethanol/water mixtures. The process has been tested on a wide variety of plant
extract solutions, including those obtained from sage, olive leaf, hop marc, grape marc, black currant, propolis, Echinacea,
St Johns Wort, and onion biomass. The key parameters controlling the process are the solvent composition, concentration
of dissolved solids in the solution, flow rate ratio of solution to near-critical fluid, temperature and pressure. In general, the
separation between highly polar bioactives, which are recovered in the insoluble fraction (raffinate); and low to medium
polarity fractions, which are recovered in the extract fraction(s) is maximised at low soluble solids, water contents in the
feed solution ≤ 30 % by mass, and flow rate ratios of feed to CO2 of ≤ 30 % when using CO2. The process is simple to
scale up, and has been performed from a laboratory to demonstration scale for propolis tincture.
Mathematical Modelling of Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Authors: Sovova H.
Published: July 2010

The kinetics of supercritical fluid extraction of valuable substances from plants depends on both
extract solubility in the solvent (or phase equilibrium between the matrix and the solvent) and mass transfer
resistances, particularly the resistance inside vegetable material. Different mathematical models for supercritical
fluid extraction have been published in the last decades and it can be therefore difficult to choose the most
suitable model for particular extraction. In this chapter, simple criteria based on time constants of mass transfer
and characteristic time of equilibrium extraction are presented, two most frequent types of models for
supercritical extraction from plants are mentioned with references to the literature, and the factors influencing
scale-up of the process are discussed.
Role of Imaging in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: State-of-Art Review
Authors: AlJaroudi Wael
Published: July 2010

With the success in the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease, the population of adults with congenital heart disease requiring imaging is soaring. The Role of Imaging in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review is a practical reference guide that covers each major category of congenital heart disease, providing an overview of the diseases as well as specific imaging recommendations for each disease. This Ebook has been written for cardiologists who encounter adults with congenital heart disease in clinical practice as an aid to help these patients with appropriate imaging. Additionally, the Ebook includes numerous color illustrations of the imaging modalities used, as well as a full appendix of additional images. It also includes a summary of the 2008 ACC/AHA Guidelines for Management of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease as a second appendix. It is considered essential reading for practitioners in this field.
Shunt Lesions
Authors: AlJaroudi Wael , Lloyd Steve , E. Iskandrian Ami , McLarry Joel
Published: July 2010

Detection of intracardiac shunts is imperative to prevent paradoxical thromboembolism
and heart strain from a shunt’s additional flow. Multiple modalities are used to detect shunts,
including echocardiography, MRI, CC, and nuclear modalities. Echocardiography is the initial
imaging modality for ASD, VSD, and PDA. In ASD and VSD, TEE, 3DE and MRI play a
complementary role and can help to determine the suitability for percutaneous closure.
Percutaneous closure is being increasingly used for ASD and PDA repair, while percutaneous
VSD repair still remains in the experimental stage.
Left-Sided Obstructive Lesions
Authors: AlJaroudi Wael , Lloyd Steve , E. Iskandrian Ami , McLarry Joel
Published: July 2010

Obstructive lesions impede the flow through the left-sided chambers and the left
ventricular outflow. These lesions are cor triatriatum, congenital mitral stenosis, aortic
coarctation, and subvalvular, valvular, and supravalvular aortic stenosis. In cor triatriatum and
congenital mitral stenosis, echocardiography has a primary imaging role, with MRI and CC
supplementing to help detect anomalous pulmonary veins and detect pressure gradients,
respectively. TTE is the initial imaging for supravalvular and subvalvular aortic stenosis and MRI
is utilized when TTE is non-diagnostic. Echocardiography plays a primary role in valvular aortic
stenosis ,and MRI and CT are complementary for evaluating aortic aneurysms and coarctation.
Because aortic coarctation is an extracardiac lesion, both MRI and CT can better visualize the
defect and are therefore the primary imaging modalities.
Cyanotic Heart Diseases
Authors: AlJaroudi Wael , Lloyd Steve , E. Iskandrian Ami , McLarry Joel
Published: July 2010

Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Arteries, and the Fontan circulation
comprise some of the most common congenital cyanotic lesions encountered in practice.
Tetralogy can be repaired initially, if the lesion is severe enough, with a systemic-to-pulmonary
shunt to augment pulmonary blood flow. Then the definitive repair closes the VSD and enlarges
the RV outflow tract. TTE is the initial imaging study of choice for Tetralogy, however, MRI and
sometimes CT complement to assess conduits and post-op pulmonary valve insufficiency. d-TGA
is characterized by ventriculoarterial discordance and initially was repaired by an atrial switch
and is now repaired by an arterial switch. CCTGA has atrioventricular in addition to
ventriculoarterial discordance and therefore does not usually necessitate surgical repair. Initial
imaging is done with TTE, but TEE, MRI, and CT are frequently required to image the baffle
from an atrial switch repair. Contrast angiography is used during percutaneous intervention to
repair baffle stenosis. The Fontan circulation is the result of a series of surgeries to repair single
ventricle anatomies. TTE is the initial imaging moda lity, but MRI is usually needed to visualize
the entire Fontan circuit. CT and TEE are sometimes used as alternatives.
Amelogenin Gene Regulation
Authors: Megan K. Pugach  , Carolyn W. Gibson
Published: July 2010

The amelogenin genes encode the conserved amelogenin proteins, which are expressed at a high level during the secretory stage of amelogenesis by ameloblast cells in the developing tooth. Most of the amelogenin genes studied to date have 7 exons, however exons 8 and 9 have been identified in some rodents. Amelogenin genes are localized to X and Y chromosomes in human, bovine, and several other species, while in rodents, the single gene is X-chromosomal, and is autosomal in monotremes. Promoter and intron analyses of murine and bovine genes have revealed regulatory regions, and alternative splicing of the primary RNA transcript is a prominent feature in all species analyzed. The X-chromosomal amelogenin (Amelx) gene is nested within an intron of the Arhgap6 gene in human, mouse, bovine, dog and horse, generally in the opposite orientation. Amelogenin mRNA and protein have also been detected at low levels in dental pulp cells and in several nondental tissues, including brain, bone and stem cells. Future research is expected to address down-regulation at the end of the secretory stage of amelogenesis, mechanisms related to regulation of alternative RNA splicing and stability during development, and expression patterns and consequences of amelogenin expression in non-dental cell types.
Lessons from the Amelogenin Knockout Mice
Authors: Naoto Haruyama  , Junko Hatakeyama  , Yuji Hatakeyama  , Ashok B. Kulkarni
Published: July 2010

Although others and we have earlier reported that the amelogenins play critical roles in proper enamel formation, the in vivo functions of each of the amelogenin isoforms have not been clearly defined because of their heterogeneity and complexity. This chapter will review the current information on the functions of amelogenin splice isoforms, full length amelogenin and leucine rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP), in enamel formation. We will also discuss the emerging evidence for the additional role of LRAP as a signaling molecule in mesenchymal cells of the periodontal tissues. We believe that further insights into the signaling pathway modulated by the multifunctional amelogenin proteins will lead to development of new therapeutic approaches to treat dental diseases and disorders.
Amelogenins: A Review of Formative and Degradative Aspects, and Transgene Expression in Bone Cells
Authors: Rima Wazen  , Sylvia Francis Zalzal  , Antonio Nanci
Published: July 2010

The cells that form calcified tissues produce various matrix proteins that foster a favourable environment for the regulated and structured deposition of calcium and phosphate ions into a carbonated form of apatite mineral. Differing from collagen-based calcified tissues, the organic matrix of enamel is produced by epithelially-derived cells – the ameloblasts, and consists of two major classes of proteins, amelogenins (AMEL) and nonamelogenins [1]. The AMEL class comprises full-length proteins, truncated isoforms resulting from alternative mRNA splicing, and fragments generated by extracellular proteolytic processing [1]. Enamel is distinctive from other calcified tissues because its organic matrix must ultimately be almost totally removed for it to achieve its full mineralization status. Thus, amelogenesis involves both formative and degradative processes. Studies over the past few years have revealed unexpected potentials for AMEL beyond structuring and organizing mineral at the surface of teeth, in particular their apparent capacity to influence osteogenic events. The objective of this mini-review is to highlight some key features of AMEL as related to both processes, and briefly go over our efforts to introduce enamel protein transgenes in bone forming cells.
The Non-Amelogenins: Ameloblastin and Enamelin
Authors: Yong-Hee P. Chun  , Jan C-C Hu  , James P. Simmer
Published: July 2010

Ameloblastin (AMBN) and enamelin (ENAM) are two of the 23 secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) genes on human chromosome 4q. They are members of the proline and glutamine rich group. Both ameloblastin and enamelin function specifically during tooth formation, and probably both are only critical for dental enamel formation. Both genes have been shown to degenerate in mammals that have lost the ability to make dental enamel during evolution. In mice that cannot express functional ameloblastin or enamelin during tooth formation the mineralization front along the secretory portion of the ameloblast plasma membrane fails to generate enamel mineral ribbons. A non-functional mineral crust forms over dentin that readily abrades away when the teeth erupt into function. Ameloblasts undergo pathological changes, such as mineralization of the cell layer, disorganization, and apoptosis. In this chapter we review what is known about ameloblastin structure and function and conclude that enamelin and ameloblastin are both critical for the formation of enamel mineral ribbons during the secretory stage of amelogenesis and that their primary function is at the mineralization front.
In Vivo Effects of Amelogenins on Reparative Dentin Formation
Authors: Yassine Harichane  , Sasha Dimitrova-Nakov  , Anne Poliard  , Arthur Veis  , Pamela DenBesten  , Odile Kellermann  , Michel Goldberg
Published: July 2010

Two low molecular weight amelogenin gene splice products (A+4 and A-4), used for pulp capping after surgical pulp exposure in the rat first maxillary molars, have been shown to induce the formation of a reparative dentinal bridge. A-4 can induce mineralization of the atubular orthodentinal type to totally fill the root pulp canal with a homogeneous mineralized structure. The two molecules recruit latent adult pulp progenitors to form actively dividing cells, which differentiated into cells bearing an osteoblast-odontoblast phenotype to produce an extracellular matrix implemented in reparative mineralization. We conclude that pulp capping with bioactive molecules will direct new approaches in biodentistry.
Facebook Usage as a Predictor of Retention at a Private 4-Year Institution
Authors: Morris Jason , Reese Jeff , Beck Richard , Mattis Charles
Published: July 2010

Computer-based social networking has become ubiquitous on college and university campuses. However, little is known about how this form of networking reflects social integration which is considered to be an integral component of student persistence. To address this topic, a random sample of 375 entering freshman were used to evaluate the differences between persisters and non-persisters in their use of “Facebook,” currently the most popular social computing network. Findings indicated that persisters were more actively involved and more likely to use Facebook for university-based relationships than non-persisters. Activity on Facebook was also statistically significantly related to a measure of Tinto's concept of social integration. Facebook appears to be a behavioral measure of social integration and may be an important factor in facilitating the transition to college for students.
An Analysis of Students' Perceptions of the Value and Efficacy of Instructors' Auditory and Text-Based Feedback Modalities across Multiple Conceptual Levels
Authors: Ice Phil , Swan Karen , Diaz Sebastian , Kupczynski Lori , Swan-Dagen Allison
Published: July 2010

This article used work from the writing assessment literature to develop a framework for assessing the impact and perceived value of written, audio, and combined written and audio feedback strategies across four global and 22 discrete dimensions of feedback. Using a quasi-experimental research design, students at three U.S. universities were provided with text-based, audio-based, and a combination of text- and audio-based feedback over the course of a semester. A survey asking students to indicate their feedback preferences was administered and analyzed using multiple statistical techniques. The findings indicated that students preferred a combination of feedback modalities; however, selective delivery strategies may be preferable at various levels.
Designing Smarter Regulation with Improved Benefit-Cost Analysis
Authors: Hahn Robert
Published: July 2010

Benefit-cost analysis is required for many regulatory decisions in the United States and in other countries. In this paper, I examine a standard textbook model that is used in benefit-cost analysis as it is actually applied to environmental policy and other areas of regulation. My primary objective is to suggest how including some key factors in the analysis could promote the development of smarter regulation.I begin by presenting a standard economic model for government intervention in markets, which balances benefits and a narrow definition of costs. I then introduce a richer normative theory that considers several political and economic costs that are frequently not considered in analyzing real-world applications. Examples include costs associated with rent seeking, design and implementation, and raising revenues. The richer theory suggests that the government should supply less of a good, or ask the private sector to provide less of that good, than the standard economic model suggests. The reason is that intervening in markets is often more costly than the standard model assumes. In special cases, the theory provides guidance on the setting of socially optimal taxes and subsidies. I then explore how the theory needs to be modified in the presence of biased estimates of benefits and costs. I conclude with a discussion of how the theoretical framework can be applied to the actual design of regulatory policy.
A Synthesis of Random Assignment Benefit-Cost Studies of Welfare-to-Work
Programs
Authors: Greenberg David H. , Deitch Victoria , Hamilton Gayle
Published: July 2010

Over the past two decades, federal and state policymakers have dramatically reshaped
the nation’s system of cash welfare assistance for low-income families. During this
period, there has been considerable variation from state to state in approaches to
welfare reform, which are often collectively referred to as “welfare-to-work
programs.” This article synthesizes an extraordinary body of evidence: results from
28 benefit-cost studies of welfare-to-work programs based on random assignment
evaluation designs. Each of the 28 programs can be viewed as a test of one of six
types of welfare reform approaches: mandatory work experience programs, mandatory
job-search-first programs, mandatory education-first programs, mandatory
mixed-initial-activity programs, earnings supplement programs, and time-limit-mix
programs. After describing how benefit-cost studies of welfare-to-work programs are
conducted and considering some limitations of these studies, the synthesis addresses
such questions as: Which welfare reform program approaches yield a positive return on
investments made, from the perspective of program participants and from the
perspective of government budgets, and the perspective of society as a whole? Which
approaches make program participants better off financially? In which approaches do
benefits exceed costs from the government’s point of view? The last two of these
questions coincide with the trade-off between reducing dependency on government
benefits and ensuring adequate incomes for low-income families. Because the
benefit-cost studies examined program effects from the distinct perspectives of
government budgets and participants’ incomes separately, they address this trade-off
directly. The article thus uses benefit-cost findings to aid in assessing the often
complex trade-offs associated with balancing the desire to ensure the poor of
adequate incomes and yet encourage self-sufficiency.
Getting Real: Price Deflation of Nominal Values
Authors: Kokoski Mary
Published: July 2010

It is often useful to convert nominal values to real values for applied welfare analysis. This article discusses the use of price deflators, and several published economic indices that may be useful for this process.
An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Literature for the Reduction of PICC Line Occlusions
Authors: Bartock Linda
Published: July 2010

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are known to have difficulties with catheter occlusions. This paper evaluates the scope of PICC occlusions, their prevalence and severity, and potential interventions to decrease incidence. A systematic review of the literature is performed and demonstrates three potential interventions: utilization of a dedicated PICC insertion team, implementation of a valved PICC, and nursing education of PICC care. The evidence from the literature is evaluated, and implementation of the proposed interventions is discussed.
The Maslov correction in the semiclassical Feynman integral
Authors: Horváthy Peter.
Published: July 2010

The Maslov correction to the wave function is the jump of $$
\left( { - \frac{\pi }
{2}} \right)
$$ in the phase when the system passes through a caustic. This can be explained by studying the second variation and the geometry of paths, as conveniently seen in Feynman’s path integral framework. The results can be extended to any system using the semiclassical approximation. The 1-dimensional harmonic oscillator is used to illustrate the different derivations reviewed here.
The effect of medium composition on the production of sophorolipids and the tensiometric properties by Starmerella bombicola MTCC 1910
Authors: Vedaraman Nagarajan , Venkatesh Narayana
Published: July 2010

The effect of medium composition on the production of sophorolipids and the tensiometric properties by Starmerella bombicola MTCC 1910

Starmerella bombicola a teleomorph of Candida bombicola is capable of producing extracellular secondary metabolites known as sophorolipids. In the present work the performance of Starmerella in producing sophorolipids, with standard medium ingredients glucose, sunflower oil, yeast extract and urea was studied. The quantities of different medium ingredients were optimized to maximize the production of sophorolipids. Variation in tensiometric properties like surface tension and interfacial tension during the incubation period were also reported. The optimized mixed substrate composition was found to be 200 g/l, containing equal amounts of glucose and sunflower oil, 4 g/l of yeast extract and 0.6 g/l of urea. With the optimized substrate composition 38.6 g/l of sophorolipids was obtained. The minimum surface tension produced by the culture free cell broth was 36.2 mN/m. Increasing the temperature from 25°C to 35°C has shown adverse effects on sophorolipids production.
Starch graft copolymers as superabsorbents obtained via reactive extrusion processing
Authors: Zdanowicz Magdalena , Schmidt Beata , Spychaj Tadeusz
Published: July 2010

Starch graft copolymers as superabsorbents obtained via reactive extrusion processing

Starch graft copolymers have been obtained via grafting of acrylic monomers i.e. acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AA) during the reactive extrusion processes. 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as a radical initiator and N'N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), mixture of pentaerythritol triacrylate and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (trade name PETIA) and alkoxylated pentaerithritol acrylate (trade name Ebecryl 40) were applied as acrylic crosslinkers. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR and their water sorption properties investigated using swelling (vol. %) and sorption (wt. %) tests. Sorption of water into these graft copolymer samples reached values of ca. 6-13 g of water per g of dry materials. It was also found that water sorption values were dependent on ratio of AAm and AA as well as on a type of the applied crosslinking agent.
Parametric studies and simulation of PSA process for oxygen production from air
Authors: Beeyani Ankit , Singh Kailash , Vyas Raj , Kumar Shashi , Kumar Surendra
Published: July 2010

Parametric studies and simulation of PSA process for oxygen production from air

A numerical simulation and parametric studies for the separation of air using 5A zeolite for the production of oxygen are presented for a basic two bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process. The simulation is based on an in-house program ‘PSASOL’ developed in MATLABR. The transient process of PSA has been described by a set of partial differential equations, which were solved using a finite difference method. Simulation results have been validated with the experimental data from literature.

Based on the simulation results, an optimal set of operational parameter values has been obtained for the PSA bed. The values of the optimal parameters, viz. adsorption pressure, cycle time, feed rate, and product rate have been found to be 2.5 atm, 150 s, 15 cm3/s, and 2.55 cm3/s, respectively. For the optimal conditions, purity of 95.45% and recovery of 77.3% have been achieved. It has also been found that a longer tubular unit with the length to diameter (L/D) ratio of 10.5 is advantageous. The estimated pressure drop across the bed has been found to be negligible. Power consumption and productivity have also been computed.
Influence of the coating process parameters on the quality of PUR/PVP hydrogel coatings for PVC medical devices
Authors: Paradowska Anna , Kaźmierska Katarzyna , Ciach Tomasz
Published: July 2010

Influence of the coating process parameters on the quality of PUR/PVP hydrogel coatings for PVC medical devices

To decrease friction factor and enhance the biocompatibility of medical devices manufactured from poly(vinyl chloride), PVC, the surface modification with wear resistant polyurethane/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PUR/PVP) hydrogel coating can be applied. In the present work substrates were dip-coated with PVP and PUR solutions and thermally cured. The variable process parameters were: solvent system; concentration of polymers (1, 2 or 3% w/v); coating baths temperature (22, 38 and 55°C); drying temperature (32, 50 and 67°C); length of break between process steps (5, 30 and 90 s); and solutions storage time (up to 72 hrs). The quality of coatings was determined by friction coefficients against porcine aorta, weights of the deposited layer and the swelling capacity. The solvent system and polymers concentration were crucial factors. The increased temperature of coating solutions caused increased deposition but decreased durability. The most lubricious samples were dried in 50°C. Coatings from the solutions prepared 24h prior to use had better properties than those from fresh solutions.