bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of cathepsin activities alter or prevent the development of lung granulomas in a mouse model of sarcoidosis
Authors: Samokhin Andriy O , Gauthier Jacques Yves , Percival M David , Brömme Dieter
Published: January 2011

Background

Remodeling of lung tissues during the process of granuloma formation requires significant restructuring of the extra-cellular matrix and cathepsins K, L and S are among the strongest extra-cellular matrix degrading enzymes. Cathepsin K is highly expressed in various pathological granulomatous infiltrates and all three enzymes in their active form are detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from patients with sarcoidosis. Granulomatous inflammation is driven by T-cell response and cathepsins S and L are actively involved in the regulation of antigen presentation and T-cell selection. Here, we show that the disruption of the activities of cathepsins K, L, or S affects the development of lung granulomas in a mouse model of sarcoidosis.

Methods

Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice lacking cathepsin K or L were fed Paigen diet for 16 weeks and lungs were analyzed and compared with their cathepsin-expressing littermates. The role of cathepsin S in the development of granulomas was evaluated using mice treated for 8 weeks with a potent and selective cathepsin S inhibitor.

Results

When compared to wild-type litters, more cathepsin K-deficient mice had lung granulomas, but individually affected mice developed smaller granulomas that were present in lower numbers. The absence of cathepsin K increased the number of multinucleated giant cells and the collagen content in granulomas. Cathepsin L deficiency resulted in decreased size and number of lung granulomas. Apoe-/- mice treated with a selective cathepsin S inhibitor did not develop lung granulomas and only individual epithelioid cells were observed.

Conclusions

Cathepsin K deficiency affected mostly the occurrence and composition of lung granulomas, whereas cathepsin L deficiency significantly reduced their number and cathepsin S inhibition prevented the formation of granulomas.
Differential effect of corn oil-based low trans structured fat on the plasma and hepatic lipid profile in an atherogenic mouse model: comparison to hydrogenated trans fat
Authors: Cho Yun-Young , Kwon Eun-Young , Kim Hye-Jin , Jeon Seon-Min , Lee Ki-Teak , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: January 2011

Background

Trans fat are not desirable in many aspects on health maintenance. Low trans structured fats have been reported to be relatively more safe than trans fats.

Methods

We examined the effects of low trans structured fat from corn oil (LC), compared with high trans fat shortening, on cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in apo E deficient mice which is an atherogenic animal model. The animals were fed a high trans fat (10% fat: commercial shortening (CS)) or a low trans fat (LC) diet for 12 weeks.

Results

LC decreased apo B and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride concentration compared to the CS group but significantly increased plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and fecal lipids with a simultaneous increase in HDL-cholesterol level, apo A-I, and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol (HTR). Reduction of hepatic lipid levels by inclusion of LC intake was observed alongside modulation of hepatic enzyme activities related to cholesterol esterification, fatty acid metabolism and fecal lipids level compared to the CS group. The differential effects of LC intake on the plasma and hepatic lipid profile seemed to be partly due to the fatty acid composition of LC which contains higher MUFA, PUFA and SFA content as well as lower content of trans fatty acids compared to CS.

Conclusions

We suggest that LC may exert a dual effect on plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism in an atherogenic animal model. Accordingly, LC, supplemented at 10% in diet, had an anti-atherogenic effect on these apo E

-/-
mice, and increased fecal lipids, decreased hepatic steatosis, but elevated plasma lipids. Further studies are needed to verify the exact mode of action regarding the complex physiological changes and alteration in lipid metabolism caused by LC.
Changes in the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and c-reactive protein following administration of aqueous extract of piper sarmentosum on experimental rabbits fed with cholesterol diet
Authors: Amran Adel A , Zakaria Zaiton , Othman Faizah , Das Srijit , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M , Nordin Nor-Anita MM
Published: January 2011

Background

Inflammation process plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract ofPiper sarmentosum (P.s)on inflammatory markers like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods

Forty two male New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into seven groups; (i) C- control group fed normal rabbit chow (ii) CH- cholesterol diet (1%cholesterol) (iii) X1- 1% cholesterol with water extract ofP.s(62.5 mg/kg) (iv) X2- 1% cholesterol with water extract ofP.s(125 mg/kg (v) X3- 1% cholesterol with water extract ofP.s(250 mg/kg) (vi) X4- 1% cholesterol with water extract ofP.s(500 mg/kg) and (vii) SMV group fed with 1% cholesterol supplemented with simvistatin drug (1.2 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 10 weeks. Blood serum was taken for observing the inflammatory markers at the beginning and end of the experiment.

Results

Rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol diet (CH) showed significant increase in the level of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP compared to the C group. The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP in the 1% cholesterol group and supplemented withP.s(500 mg/kg) were significantly reduced compared to the cholesterol group. Similar results were also reported with simvistatin group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the supplementation ofPiper sarmentosumextract could inhibit inflammatory markers which in turn could prevent atherosclerosis.
Case Report: Successful non-operative management of spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with babesiosis
Authors: Tobler William D , Cotton Deborah , Lepore Timothy , Agarwal Suresh , Mahoney Eric J
Published: January 2011

Background

Babesiosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by the Ixodes tick species. Infection often results in sub-clinical manifestations; however, patients with this disease can become critically ill. Splenic rupture has been a previously reported complication of babesiosis, but treatment has always led to splenectomy. Asplenia places a patient at greater risk for overwhelming post-splenectomy infection from encapsulated bacteria, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia as well as Babesia microti. Therefore, avoiding splenectomy in these patients must be considered by the physician; particularly, if the patient is at risk for re-infection by living in an endemic area.

Case Presentation

A 54 year-old male from the northeast United States presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with fever, chills, night sweats and nausea. A full evaluation revealed active infection with Babesia microti and multiple splenic lacerations. This patient was successfully treated with appropriate pharmacological therapy and non-operative observation for the splenic injury.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with Babesia microti infection are becoming more common, especially in endemic areas. Although clinical manifestations are usually minimal, this infection can present with significant injuries leading to critical illness. We present the successful non-operative treatment of a patient with splenic rupture due to babesiosis infection.
Perception of Deqi by Chinese and American acupuncturists: a pilot survey
Authors: Hui Kathleen KKS , Sporko Tara N , Vangel Mark G , Li Ming , Fang Jiliang , Lao Lixing
Published: January 2011

Background

In acupuncture, deqi is the sensory experience related to clinical efficacy. As the first study taking into account cultural differences on deqi sensation, this pilot survey aims to corroborate the acupuncturists' general experience in clinical practice with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) findings.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to acupuncturists of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine)hospitals and acupuncturists attending workshops and seminars in the United States and China. Questions covered clinical significance of deqi, patient attitude and the nature of some pain-related sensations elicited by manual needling.

Results

47 out of a total of 86 acupuncturists agreed that dull pain was deqi and over half regarded it beneficial, while sharp pain was non-deqi and harmful instead. The patients' attitude toward deqi sensation showed a difference between US and China. There was no other dimension showing a difference.

Conclusion

Results of this pilot survey indicate that the acupuncturists' perception is consistent with our previous fMRI findings. Results showed almost complete agreement that dull pain is considered deqi and beneficial to treatment, while sharp pain is not deqi and harmful. Particularly, dull pain was deqi and was beneficial to treatment whereas sharp pain was not. Patients in China liked the deqi experience whereas those in the US did not.
Evidence-based genomic diagnosis characterized chromosomal and cryptic imbalances in 30 elderly patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bajaj Renu , Xu Fang , Xiang Bixia , Wilcox Katherine , DiAdamo Autumn J , Kumar Rachana , Pietraszkiewicz Alexandra , Halene Stephanie , Li Peining
Published: January 2011

Background

To evaluate the clinical validity of genome-wide oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for detecting somatic abnormalities, we have applied this genomic analysis to 30 cases (13 MDS and 17 AML) with clonal chromosomal abnormalities detected in more than 50% of analyzed metaphase cells.

Results

The aCGH detected all numerical chromosomal gains and losses from the mainline clones and 113 copy number alterations (CNAs) ranging from 0.257 to 102.519 megabases (Mb). Clinically significant recurrent deletions of 5q (involving the RPS14 gene), 12p12.3 (ETV6 gene), 17p13 (TP53 gene), 17q11.2 (NF1 gene) and 20q, double minutes containing the MYC gene and segmental amplification involving the MLL gene were further characterized with defined breakpoints and gene contents. Genomic features of microdeletions at 17q11.2 were confirmed by FISH using targeted BAC clones. The aCGH also defined break points in a derivative chromosome 6, der(6)t(3;6)(q21.3;p22.2), and an isodicentric X chromosome. However, chromosomally observed sideline clonal abnormalities in five cases were not detected by aCGH.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that an integrated cytogenomic analysis will be a better diagnostic scheme to delineate genomic contents of chromosomal and cryptic abnormalities in patients with MDS and AML. An evidence-based approach to interpret somatic genomic findings was proposed.
Pathogenic effect of interleukin-17A in induction of Sjögren's syndrome-like disease using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Q , Yin Hongen , Lee Byung Ha , Carcamo Wendy C , Chiorini John A , Peck Ammon B
Published: January 2011

Introduction

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) involves a chronic, progressive inflammation primarily of the salivary and lacrimal glands leading to decreased levels of saliva and tears resulting in dry mouth and dry eye diseases. Seminal findings regarding TH17 cell populations that secrete predominantly interleukin (IL)-17A have been shown to play an important role in an increasing number of autoimmune diseases, including SS. In the present study, we investigated the function of IL-17A on the development and onset of SS.

Methods

Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors expressing either IL-17A or LacZ were infused via retrograde cannulation into the salivary glands of C57BL/6J mice between 6 and 8 weeks of age or between 15 and 17 weeks of age. The mice were characterized for SS phenotypes.

Results

Disease profiling indicated that SS-non-susceptible C57BL/6J mice whose salivary glands received the Ad5-IL17A vector developed a SS-like disease profile, including the appearance of lymphocytic foci, increased cytokine levels, changes in antinuclear antibody profiles, and temporal loss of saliva flow.

Conclusions

Induction of SS pathology by IL-17A in SS-non-susceptible mice strongly suggests that IL-17A is an important inflammatory cytokine in salivary gland dysfunction. Thus, localized anti-IL17 therapy may be effective in preventing glandular dysfunction.
α-Tocopheryloxyacetic acid: a novel chemotherapeutic that stimulates the antitumor immune response
Authors: Hahn Tobias , Jagadish Bhumasamudram , Mash Eugene A , Garrison Kendra , Akporiaye Emmanuel T
Published: January 2011

Introduction

α-Tocopheryloxyacetic acid (α-TEA) is a novel ether derivative of α-tocopherol that has generated interest as a chemotherapeutic agent because of its selective toxicity toward tumor cells and its ability to suppress tumor growth in various rodent and human xenograft models. We previously reported that oral α-TEA inhibited the growth of both a transplanted (4T1) and a spontaneous MMTV-PyMT mouse model of breast cancer.

Methods

Because little is known about the possible immunological mechanisms underlying the in vivo α-TEA effects, we evaluated the impact of α-TEA therapy on the immune response by characterizing immune cell populations infiltrating the tumor site.

Results

α-TEA treatment resulted in higher frequencies of activated T cells in the tumor microenvironment and twofold and sixfold higher ratios of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to regulatory T cells, respectively. This finding was correlated with an increased ability of tumor-draining lymph node cells and splenocytes from α-TEA-treated mice to secrete interferon (IFN)-γ in response to CD3 or to mediate a cytolytic response in a tumor-specific fashion, respectively. That the α-TEA-mediated antitumor effect had a T cell-dependent component was demonstrated by the partial abrogation of tumor suppression when CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were depleted. We also determined the intratumoral cytokine and chemokine profile and found that α-TEA treatment increased intratumoral IFN-γ levels but decreased interleukin (IL)-4 levels, suggesting a shift toward a TH1 response. In addition, α-TEA induced higher levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the chemokine CCL5.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest that α-TEA treatment, in addition to its direct cytotoxic effects, enhanced the anti-tumor immune response. This study provides a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of α-TEA and its effect on the immune system and may prove useful in designing immune-stimulating strategies to boost the antitumor effects of α-TEA in breast cancer patients.
The unexpected link between infection-induced apoptosis and a Th17 immune response
Authors: Brereton Corinna F , Blander J Magarian
Published: January 2011

Microbial pathogens can initiate MOMP in host cells and as such, initiate the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Innate immune recognition of cells dying in this way by infection-induced apoptosis would involve recognition of ligands derived from the apoptotic host cell simultaneously with those derived from the infecting pathogen. The resultant signal transduction pathways engaged direct DCs to concomitantly synthesize TGF-β and IL-6, two cytokines that subsequently favor the differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into Th17 cells. Citrobacter rodentium is one rodent pathogen that targets mitochondria and induces apoptosis, and blockade of apoptosis during enteric Citrobacter infection impairs the characteristic Th17 response in the intestinal LP. Here, we review these original findings. We discuss microbial infections other than Citrobacter that have been shown to induce Th17 responses, and we examine what is known about the ability of those pathogens to induce apoptosis. We also consider types of cell death other than apoptosis that can be triggered by microbial infection, and we highlight how little we know about the impact of various forms of cell death on the ensuing adaptive immune response.
Differential internalization of hu14.18-IL2 immunocytokine by NK and tumor cell: impact on conjugation, cytotoxicity, and targeting
Authors: Buhtoiarov Ilia N , Neal Zane C , Gan Jacek , Buhtoiarova Tatiana N , Patankar Manish S , Gubbels Jennifer A A , Hank Jacquelyn A , Yamane Brett , Rakhmilevich Alexander L , Reisfeld Ralph A , Gillies Stephen D , Sondel Paul M
Published: January 2011

The hu14.18-IL2 (EMD 273063) IC, consisting of a GD2-specific mAb genetically engineered to two molecules of IL-2, is in clinical trials for treatment of GD2-expressing tumors. Anti-tumor activity of IC in vivo and in vitro involves NK cells. We studied the kinetics of retention of IC on the surface of human CD25+CD16– NK cell lines (NKL and RL12) and GD2+ M21 melanoma after IC binding to the cells via IL-2R and GD2, respectively. For NK cells, ∼50% of IC was internalized by 3 h and ∼90% by 24 h of cell culture. The decrease of surface IC levels on NK cells correlated with the loss of their ability to bind to tumor cells and mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in vitro. Unlike NK cells, M21 cells retained ∼70% of IC on the surface following 24 h of culture and maintained the ability to become conjugated and lysed by NK cells. When NKL cells were injected into M21-bearing SCID mice, IT delivery of IC augmented NK cell migration into the tumor. These studies demonstrate that once IC binds to the tumor, it is present on the tumor surface for a prolonged time, inducing the recruitment of NK cells to the tumor site, followed by tumor cell killing.
Spatiotemporal photolabeling of neutrophil trafficking during inflammation in live zebrafish
Authors: Yoo Sa Kan , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: January 2011

How neutrophils traffic during inflammation in vivo remains elusive. To visualize the origin and fate of neutrophils during induction and resolution of inflammation, we established a genetically encoded photolabeling system by generating transgenic zebrafish that express a photoconvertible fluorescent reporter Dendra2 in neutrophils. Spatiotemporal photolabeling of neutrophils in vivo demonstrates that they emerge from the hematopoietic tissue in close proximity to injured tissue and repeat forward and reverse migration between the wound and the vasculature. Subsequently, neutrophils disperse throughout the body as wound-healing proceeds, contributing to local resolution at injured tissue and systemic dissemination of wound-sensitized neutrophils. Tissue damage also alters the fate of neutrophils in the caudal hematopoietic tissue and promotes caudorostral mobilization of neutrophils via the circulation to the cephalic mesenchyme. This work provides new insight into neutrophil behaviors during inflammation and resolution within a multicellular organism.
The rat NK cell receptors Ly49s4 and Ly49i4 recognize nonclassical MHC-I molecules onListeria monocytogenes-infected macrophages
Authors: Shegarfi Hamid , Dai Ke-Zheng , Daws Michael R , Ryan James C , Vaage John T , Rolstad Bent , Naper Christian
Published: January 2011

Ly49 receptors in rodents, like KIRs in humans, regulate NK cell activity. Although inhibitory Ly49 receptors clearly recognize MHC-I molecules, ligands for the activating Ly49 receptors are less well defined. Here, we show that the activating Ly49s4 and the inhibitory Ly49i4 receptors recognize nonclassical MHC-I molecules on the rat macrophage cell line R2 (RT1d). Listeria infection of R2 macrophages led to increased expression of classical and nonclassical MHC-I molecules. Coincubation of these infected cells with reporter cells expressing Ly49i4 or Ly49s4 increased the reporter cell responses. These responses were blocked by mAb OX18 (anti-MHC-I) and AAS1 (anti-nonclassical MHC-I). IFN-γ treatment of normal R2 cells also increased the MHC-I expression and enhanced the reporter cell responses. These results suggest that activating and inhibitory Ly49 receptors monitor MHC-I expression on Listeria-infected cells.
Estrogens Promote Invasion of Prostate Cancer Cells in a Paracrine Manner through Up-Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 in Prostatic Stromal Cells
Authors: Yu Lin , Wang Chun-Yu , Shi Jiandang , Miao Lin , Du Xiaoling , Mayer Doris , Zhang Ju
Published: January 2011

Accumulating evidence suggests an enhancing effect of estrogens on prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), which plays an important role in prostate cancer invasion, is mainly expressed in prostatic stromal cells (PrSC). Here we show that estradiol (E2) treatment up-regulates MMP2 production in PrSC, which promotes PCa cell invasion in a paracrine manner. Conditioned medium (CM) was collected from E2-treated prostatic stromal cell line WPMY-1 and primary PrSC. The CM of E2-treated WPMY-1 and PrSC promoted invasion of PCa cells, as measured by Matrigel transwell assays. Treatment with E2 and 1,3,5-Tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-propyl-1H-pyrazole, an estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) specific agonist, significantly up-regulated MMP2 expression in WPMY-1 and PrSC cells at both mRNA and protein levels. The CM treated with an anti-MMP2 antibody lost the stimulatory effect on invasion of PCa cells. The ER inhibitor ICI 182,780, as well as a TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody and ERα-specific small interfering RNA effectively suppressed E2-induced MMP2 expression in WPMY-1 cells. Mechanistic studies showed that E2 up-regulated MMP2 in an indirect manner: E2 induced TGFβ1 expression via ERα; TGFβ1 stimulated MMP2 expression in PrSC; the invasion of PCa cells were stimulated by elevated MMP2 expression induced by E2 in a paracrine manner. Our data show that E2 induces MMP2 expression in WPMY-1 and PrSC cells, which was mediated by TGFβ1. The effect of E2 on invasion of PCa cells is mediated by up-regulation of MMP2 in a paracrine mechanism.
Minor change, major difference: divergent functions of highly conserved cis-regulatory elements subsequent to whole genome duplication events
Authors: Goode Debbie K. , Callaway Heather A. , Cerda Gustavo A. , Lewis Katharine E. , Elgar Greg
Published: January 2011

Within the vertebrate lineage, a high proportion of duplicate genes have been retained after whole genome duplication (WGD) events. It has been proposed that many of these duplicate genes became indispensable because the ancestral gene function was divided between them. In addition, novel functions may have evolved, owing to changes in cis-regulatory elements. Functional analysis of the PAX2/5/8 gene subfamily appears to support at least the first part of this hypothesis. The collective role of these genes has been widely retained, but sub-functions have been differentially partitioned between the genes in different vertebrates. Conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) represent an interesting and readily identifiable class of putative cis-regulatory elements that have been conserved from fish to mammals, an evolutionary distance of 450 million years. Within the PAX2/5/8 gene subfamily, PAX2 is associated with the highest number of CNEs. An additional WGD experienced in the teleost lineage led to two copies of pax2, each of which retained a large proportion of these CNEs. Using a reporter gene assay in zebrafish embryos, we have exploited this rich collection of regulatory elements in order to determine whether duplicate CNEs have evolved different functions. Remarkably, we find that even highly conserved sequences exhibit more functional differences than similarities. We also discover that short flanking sequences can have a profound impact on CNE function. Therefore, if CNEs are to be used as candidate enhancers for transgenic studies or for multi-species comparative analyses, it is paramount that the CNEs are accurately delineated.
Caregivers of Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury: The Emotional Impact of Transition From Hospital to Home
Authors: Turner Ben , Fleming Jennifer , Parry Julie , Vromans Monique , Cornwell Petrea , Gordon Cassandra , Ownsworth Tamara
Published: January 2011

Primary Objective:To explore levels of depression, anxiety, stress and strain symptomatology experienced by caregivers of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the phase of transition from hospital to home.Research Design: Prospective study with data collected at three time-points: pre-discharge, 1-month post-discharge, and 3-months post-discharge.Methods and Procedures: Twenty-nine caregivers of adults with TBI (mean age 48 years), recruited on patient discharge from rehabilitation, completed the Caregiver Strain Index and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale at the three time points.Results: Pairedttests showed significantly lower levels of caregiver strain at one month compared to pre-discharge, and significantly less strain and depression symptoms at 3-month follow-up compared to pre-discharge. Non-significant reductions were observed in level of stress and anxiety across the follow-up time points. Independent groupttests found that female caregivers experienced greater strain than male caregivers at 3 months post-discharge, and caregivers who were immediate family members of the patient experienced greater anxiety than those who were spouses/partners of the patient at 1-month follow-up.Conclusions: The rate of depressive symptoms in caregivers of people with TBI was greater than the general population, and strain was prevalent during the transition period. The results suggest more specific caregiver support and preparation is needed before patient discharge from hospital, and that adequate time spent in rehabilitation is beneficial for caregiver wellbeing.
People Under 50 With Acquired Brain Injury Living in Residential Aged Care
Authors: Winkler Dianne , Sloan Sue , Callaway Libby
Published: January 2011

Objectives:The aim of this article is to describe the characteristics, needs and preferences of people under 50 with an acquired brain injury (ABI) living in residential aged care in Victoria and examine implications for service development.Participants:Sixty-one people under 50 with an ABI living in residential aged care in the state of Victoria.Measures:Care and Needs Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire, Overt Behaviour Scale, Health of the Nation Outcome Scale — ABI Version, Role Checklist, Resident Choice Scale.Results:The younger people with ABI in this study were a diverse group with a complex range of health and support needs that were not being adequately met within residential aged care. Many people (44%) required the highest level of support, indicating they could not be left alone while 26% could be left for part of the day and overnight. Most people (81%) and their support networks indicated they would like to explore moving out from residential aged care into community accommodation settings.Conclusions:This article provides clear direction for the development of services to meet the care needs of this group, to enable them to participate in the life of the community and to pursue a lifestyle of choice.
Public interest in media policy: the case of Finland
Authors: Nieminen Hannu
Published: January 2011

Finnish experience is interesting for media scholars for at least two reasons: the country claims to be one of the world's first Information Societies; and its media system represents, according to Hallin and Mancini, the Democratic Corporatist model. This article starts by posing two
questions. The first asks whether the Finnish experience validates Hallin and Mancini's claim of the ongoing process of homogenization of the global media culture, leading to something resembling the Liberal Model. The second, following Peter Humphreys' distinction, concerns the balance between
economic-commercial and democratic-social interests in the Finnish media and communications policies. The article contextualizes these questions first historically and then by different policy sectors (public service broadcasting, television, press subsidies). On the basis of the analysis,
the article concludes that in the past few years Finland has experienced a collapse of consensus in its national media policy, and that economic-commercial interests are today dominant. Democratic corporatism, if it ever existed, is giving way to a market-based model of media and communications
policy.
Plurality of public service provision in the United Kingdom and beyond
Authors: Iosifidis Petros
Published: January 2011

This article discusses Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) and pluralism in the United Kingdom broadcasting market, and critically assesses the regulator Ofcom's developing ideas with regard to provision of PSB in the digital age. It then moves on to outlining the state of plurality of
PS providers and PS programming in other European territories. The main point is that although the PSB is under strain across Europe due to licence fee limits, and regulatory and social changes, the debate on plurality of institutions, plurality of channels and plurality of sources of funding
is well advanced in the United Kingdom, but in the rest of Europe PSB is still primarily defined in terms of internal pluralism and most European countries have mainly focused on pluralism within the PSB, rather than between different providers. There is no historical precedent or current
thinking for licence fee revenue being used to fund the creation of content on channels beyond the incumbent PSB.
Reasserting the public interest in European media policy
Authors: Tongue Carole
Published: January 2011

This article considers the question of private sector pressure and its effect on the making of public policy. It argues that policy-makers sometimes do not consider all possible policy options due to lobbying by powerful interests. The Television Without Frontiers EU directive was significantly
weakened as a result of such pressure she argues, to the detriment of public service broadcasting (PSB), particularly for children. She argues that pressure to ensure the survival of PSB can be brought to bear on policy-makers through such organizations as the Citizens Coalition for Public
Service Broadcasting in the United Kingdom, and urges academics to engage with this and similar initiatives.
Unstructured Direct Elicitation of Decision Rules
Authors: Ding Min , Hauser John R. , Dong Songting , Dzyabura Daria , Yang Zhilin , Chenting SU , Gaskin Steven P.
Published: January 2011

The authors investigate the feasibility of unstructured direct elicitation (UDE) of decision rules consumers use to form consideration sets. They incorporate incentives into the tested formats that prompt respondents to state noncompensatory, compensatory, or mixed rules for agents who will select a product for the respondents. In a mobile phone study, two validation tasks prompt respondents to indicate which of 32 mobile phones they would consider from a fractional design of features and levels. The authors find that UDE predicts consideration sets better, across both profiles and respondents, than a structured direct-elicitation method. It predicts comparably to established incentive-aligned compensatory, noncompensatory, and mixed decompositional methods. In a more complex automotive study, noncompensatory decomposition is not feasible and additive-utility decomposition is strained, but UDE scales well. The authors align incentives for all methods using prize indemnity insurance to award a chance at $40,000 for an automobile plus cash. They conclude that UDE predicts consideration sets better than either an additive decomposition or an established structured direct-elicitation method (CASEMAP).
How Should Consumers’ Willingness to Pay be Measured? An Empirical Comparison of State-of-the-Art Approaches
Authors: Miller Klaus M. , Hofstetter Reto , Krohmer Harley , Zhang Z. John
Published: January 2011

This study compares the performance of four commonly used approaches to measure consumers’ willingness to pay with real purchase data (REAL): the open-ended (OE) question format; choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis; Becker, DeGroot, and Marschak's (BDM) incentive-compatible mechanism; and incentive-aligned choice-based conjoint (ICBC) analysis. With this five-in-one approach, the authors test the relative strengths of the four measurement methods, using REAL as the benchmark, on the basis of statistical criteria and decision-relevant metrics. The results indicate that the BDM and ICBC approaches can pass statistical and decision-oriented tests. The authors find that respondents are more price sensitive in incentive-aligned settings than in non-incentive-aligned settings and the REAL setting. Furthermore, they find a large number of “none” choices under ICBC than under hypothetical conjoint analysis. This study uncovers an intriguing possibility: Even when the OE format and CBC analysis generate hypothetical bias, they may still lead to the right demand curves and right pricing decisions.
Potentiometric Titration as an Alternative Technique for the Determination of the Iodine Value in Biodiesel Matrix from Palm Oil
Authors: Leal R. V. P. , Borges P. P. , Seidl P. R.
Published: January 2011

The specification of biodiesel is related to factors associated with its quality as a fuel. The iodine value as one of those quality parameters measures the degree of unsaturation present in a biodiesel composition. The unsaturated fatty acids (existence of double bonds) are susceptible to the oxidation reactions that can lead to the formation of polymeric compounds by heating. Moreover, these polymeric compounds can produce gum formation, which is detrimental to the vehicle engine due to its corrosive actions. For determining the iodine value in biodiesel, the standardized procedures use volumetric titration—with starch as an indicator—as the main technique for iodine value measurement. Some of these procedures also mention potentiometric titration as an alternative technique. This work aims to show the results of the iodine value obtained from an experimental design based on 23 factorial designs at two levels. It was performed on a biodiesel matrix from palm oil in order to indicate major trends as well as a direction to choose the best alternative to determine the iodine value for developing certified reference materials by Inmetro, the Brazilian Metrology Institute. Three variables were studied: two qualitative variables—the titration techniques (volumetric and potentiometric) and the solvent used to dilute the biodiesel—and one quantitative variable, the temperature. There were no significant differences between the two techniques used, though it was not the case for variables such as solvent and temperature. Therefore, the potentiometric technique has shown better quality in the determination of the iodine value when compared to the volumetric technique. The relative standard deviations presented by the potentiometric titration were from 0.04 % to 0.32 %. On the other hand, the volumetric titration presented relative standard deviations ranging from 0.25 % to 1.03 %.
Damage and Wear: An Important Distinction in Rotating Platform Knee Bearings
Authors: Currier John H. , Porter Emily C. , Mayor Michael B. , Collier John P. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: January 2011

Rotating platform mobile bearing knees are an appealing approach to the problems of tibial loosening and rotational malignment in fixed bearing knees. A potential disadvantage is the additional large articular surface that accommodates tibio-femoral rotation. Accurately assessing the tribological performance of this additional articular surface is important to understanding how mobile bearings perform in terms of generating polyethylene wear debris and associated osteolysis. A series of 76 retrieved Sigma Rotating Platform bearings were assessed for damage rating according to conventional protocol and through-thickness wear measurements were taken. The results show that the rotation surface of these bearings is very commonly subject to moderate and severe damage and that damage can occur early following implantation. The decrease of the through-thickness dimension is strongly correlated with time in vivo. The rotation surface damage rating shows a weak though statistically significant correlation to through-thickness wear. Three dimensional surface profilometry on the bearings illuminates phenomena that can explain the paradoxical observations that severely damaged bearings may not be worn and worn bearing areas are smoother and show less damage than unworn areas. This study finds that bearing damage is distinct from bearing wear and the two terms are not interchangeable in the context of assessing material loss from artificial knee bearings. While both processes are important in the tribology of knee devices, it is not accurate to use damage on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene as a proxy for wear.
An Approach on Damage Detection of Beams Using Operational and Numerical Modal Analyses
Authors: Türker Temel , Bayraktar Alemdar
Published: January 2011

The study presents an application of a damage detection approach for beam like structures that is based on both operational and numerical modal analyses results obtained from undamaged and damaged cases of a structure. The effectiveness of this approach is assessed by performing investigations on a column model. In the first step of this approach, the damaged member of the column is determined by comparing the mode shapes of the undamaged and damaged cases. For this purpose, the changes on the vectors defined as the differences between the undamaged and damaged mode shapes for each mode are observed. It is assumed that the abrupt change in these vectors shows the existence of the damage. In the second step, the numerical model of the column is created and calibrated according to the experimental results obtained from the undamaged case. To find the damaged section, a step-by-step analysis on the pre-identified member of the column model is performed numerically. For this reason, the natural frequencies obtained from the numerical modal analyses of the column for the damaged case are compared with the experimental results. The minimum difference between the numerical and experimental results indicates the presence of the damage on this section. The approach used in this study provides an important contribution that the number of structural members to be analyzed is limited instead of analyzing all structural members.
Six Sigma Based Control Chart for Fraction Defectives
Authors: Radhakrishnan R. , Balamurugan P.
Published: January 2011

A control chart is a statistical device used for the study and control of a repetitive process. W. A. Shewart (1931) of Bell Telephone Laboratories suggested control charts based on three sigma limits. Now the companies in developed and developing countries started applying Six Sigma initiatives in their manufacturing process, which results in a lesser number of defects. The companies practicing Six Sigma initiatives are expected to produce 3.4 or less number of defects per million opportunities, a concept suggested by Motorola (1980). If the companies practicing Six Sigma initiatives use the control limits suggested by Shewhart, then no point falls outside the control limits because of the improvement in the quality of the process. In this paper, an attempt is made to construct a Six Sigma based control chart for fraction defectives specially designed for the companies applying Six Sigma initiatives in their organization. Suitable tables are also constructed and presented for engineers to take quick decisions.
Modification of Perioral Stiffness in Patients with Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Barlow Steven M. , Trotman Carroll-Ann , Chu Shin-Ying , Lee Jaehoon
Published: January 2011

Objective

To measure and compare the perioral stiffness among three groups of pediatric subjects: a group of patients with a repaired cleft lip (and palate) who had a secondary lip revision surgery (revision), another group of patients with repaired cleft lip (and palate) who did not have secondary surgery (nonrevision), and a group of noncleft “normal” patients (noncleft).

Design

A parallel, three-group, nonrandomized clinical trial.

Participants

A total of 16 patients with repaired cleft lip/palate who did not have lip revision, 13 patients with repaired cleft lip/palate who had lip revision surgery and were tested at 18 to 24 months postsurgery, and 27 noncleft patients.

Analysis

Nonparticipatory perioral stiffness was sampled using a recently developed face-referenced measurement technology known as OroSTIFF. Perioral stiffness, derived as a quotient from resultant force and interangle lip span, was modeled with multilevel regression techniques. Real-time calculation of the perioral stiffness function demonstrated a significant quadratic relation between imposed interangle stretch and resultant force for each of the three groups.

Results

This nonlinear stiffness growth function was significantly elevated in the nonrevision patients compared with the noncleft controls and is likely due to the presence of scar tissue in the upper lip; it was significantly lower among patients with cleft lip/palate who completed lip revision surgery.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the efficacy of applying an objective measurement to map differences in perioral tissue biomechanics among patients born with orofacial clefts.
Comparative analysis of algal biodiversity in the rivers of Israel
Authors: Barinova Sophia , Petrov Alexey , Nevo Eviatar
Published: January 2011

Comparative analysis of algal communities in the rivers of Israel was completed to highlight the influence of environmental variables on biodiversity. The study revealed that 671 species of algae and cyanobacteria belonging to nine taxonomic divisions were present during 2002–2009 in the Yarqon, Alexander, Hadera, Qishon, Oren, Lower and Upper Jordan, and Zin rivers. The species richness of each river was evaluated by taxonomic structural comparison, geobotanical, hierarchical cluster analysis, and the degree of relatedness for different levels of taxonomic resolution. The analysis revealed close similarity of the Upper Jordan and Oren rivers. The average taxonomic distinctness index showed that the Yarqon, Oren, Upper Jordan, and Qishon communities were partly degraded due to permanent environmental disturbances. The variation in taxonomic distinctness index showed that the Alexander, Yarqon and Hadera communities were formed not only due to anthropogenic factors but also through long-term climatic impact. The most abundant indicator species inhabit low streaming and standing alkaline waters of medium salinity and low to medium organic pollution. The statistical approaches allowed discrimination between climatic and anthropogenic factors that impact upon the riverine biodiversity in semi-arid environments. Analysis shows the influence of anthropogenic factors was strongly modulated by climatic impacts causing a marked decease of species richness from north to south.
Richness and diversity of Pontic flora on serpentine of Serbia
Authors: Jakovljević Ksenija , Lakušić Dmitar , Vukojičić Snežana , Tomović Gordana , Šinžar-Sekulić Jasmina , Stevanović Vladimir
Published: January 2011

Serpentine substrate in Serbia covers wide areas mainly in Kosovo and in central, western and south-western part of the country. On the serpentines of Serbia, particularly on the skeleton soils of hills and on lower elevation mountain slopes, there are some xerophilous and steppe-like vegetations. These xerophilous grasslands include mostly Pontic, Pontic-Submediterranean and/or Mediterranean-Submediterranean-Pontic plants. The distribution of 161 taxa of Pontic, Pontic-Submediterranean and Mediterranean-Submediterranean-Pontic areal — types on serpentinites of Serbia was analyzed in order to distinguish centers of richness and diversity. The distribution of taxa was analyzed with respect to geographic, ecological and climatic factors. The qualitative composition of Pontic flora on the serpentine areas was also compared. The greatest floristic richness and the center of diversity of Pontic flora on serpentine of Serbia was recorded in central part of the area investigated.
Major axis approach to the statistical analysis of the relative growth of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in the Odra estuary (Poland)
Authors: Giosa Marcello , Czerniejewski Przemysław
Published: January 2011

A total of 379 individuals of Eriocheir sinensis (198 males and 181 females) were captured in the Odra estuary (Poland). The crabs were thawed and their carapace length (CL), the maximum carapace width (CW) and the maximum height (CH) were measured. Measurements were also taken on each claw, the claw length (CHL1, the right claw; CHL2, the left claw), the width (CHW1 and CHW2 for the right and the left claw, respectively), and the height (CHH1 and CHH2 for the right and the left claw). For each crab, the wet weight was measured for each of the following body components: the whole crab (CrWe), the carapace (CaWe), the right claw (WRC) and the left claw (WLC). For females, the relationship between CL and CW, CH and CW were isometric, and for all linear measures, the relationship with CW was positively allometric. For males only this first relationship was isometric, but others were positively allometric. The differences between relative growth parameters for males and females were statistically significant.
Spawning site selection and redd gravel characteristics of sea trout Salmo trutta in the lowland streams of Lithuania
Authors: Nika Nerijus , Virbickas Tomas , Kontautas Antanas
Published: January 2011

To date, no characterization of spawning habitats on scientific basis was made for the eastern Baltic salmonid populations. The aim of the present study was to characterize spawning habitat preferences and redd gravel structure of sea trout in lowland streams of western Lithuania. The redd position at the habitat-unit scale, microhabitat hydrological characteristics and the redd gravel structure have been analyzed. The spawning site selection by sea trout was related to the in-stream characteristics, but not to the riparian features. Redds were positioned mainly in the transitional pool-riffle zones, associated with close proximity to potential cover for spawners. At the microhabitat scale, sites with relatively consistent hydrological parameters (mode of water depth 0.25–0.40 m, flow velocity 0.4–0.7 m s−1 and Froude number 0.2–0.4) were selected from a wide range of available sites. Egg incubation conditions, in terms of the redd gravel structure in the spring, were of intermediate quality, while varied widely within particular reaches. According to the results of the present study, it is apparent that sea trout have particular preferences for spawning sites, which should be considered in emerging river-restoration projects.