bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Solutions: Integrating Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles for Cleaner Operations
Authors: Rossi Luca , Bianchi Giulia
Published: March 2024

In the face of escalating environmental concerns and the urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions, integrating renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) has emerged as a promising avenue for achieving cleaner and more sustainable operations across various sectors. This paper explores the synergistic potential of combining renewable energy sources with EV technology to revolutionize energy consumption and transportation systems. The first part of the paper discusses the pressing environmental challenges posed by traditional energy sources and internal combustion engine vehicles, emphasizing the need for a transition towards cleaner alternatives. It highlights the detrimental effects of fossil fuel combustion on air quality, public health, and climate change, underscoring the imperative for sustainable energy solutions. Next, the paper delves into the advantages of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower in providing clean and abundant energy. It examines the advancements in renewable energy technologies, including decreasing costs and increasing efficiency, making them increasingly viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Subsequently, the paper explores the pivotal role of electric vehicles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels in the transportation sector. It discusses the environmental benefits of EVs, including zero tailpipe emissions and lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional vehicles.
Impact of Custom Hiring Centers on Cost, Profitability, and Efficiency in Crop Production in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: N R Ganavi , Kumar Nalini Ranjan , S Ravikumar , Kambale Parashuram
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impact of custom hiring centers (CHCs) on agricultural mechanization and productivity of groundnut of cultivation in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh in 2021. CHCs, established under the Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, aim to address challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing improved machinery. Through farm business analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and binary logistic regression, the study evaluates the adoption of improved farm machinery, changes in costs, profitability, and efficiency in crop production due to CHCs. Utilizing purposive sampling, data was collected from 160 beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in villages. Cost concepts were used to compare costs and returns in groundnut cultivation among CHC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Findings indicate that CHC beneficiaries demonstrate lower input costs and higher net returns, signaling improved efficiency and profitability. DEA analysis reveals higher technical, allocative and cost efficiency among beneficiary farms compared to non-beneficiary ones. Additionally, binary logistic regression identifies significant factors influencing farmers' decisions to hire machinery from CHCs, including machine labor, net income, hired human labor, irrigation, and yield. Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of CHCs in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, particularly among small-scale farmers. It suggests that policymakers prioritize expanding CHCs and promoting mechanization to further improve agricultural outcomes and address challenges faced by marginalized farmers.
In vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici in Tomato
Authors: Shendge V. S.  , Magar Sunita J. , Somwanshi S.D.
Published: March 2024

Present investigation on Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato was carried out at department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Latur to find out antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato.
Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles produced from the fungus Trichoderma harzianum. Characterization of silver nanoparticles were carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) which revealed that synthesized nanoparticles were having the UV absorption peak at 420 nm and nanoprticle size was 50 nm. Silver nanoparticles demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato by using Agar well diffusion method and Poisoned food technique.
In Agar well diffusion method, the highest zone of inhibition 18.66 mm was recorded at 100 ppm concentration than other treatments. In poisoned food technique, the suspension of silver nanoparticles at 100 ppm concentration recorded highest (75.19%) inhibition. This was followed by 50 ppm, 30 ppm, 10 ppm conc. and Trichoderma culture filtrate which recorded 66.67%, 58.89%, 54.45% and 51.45% inhibition, respectively.
Growth of the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato decreased drastically with increase in the concentration of the silver nanoparticles.
Understanding Barriers to Development and Growth in Women, Ethnic, and Minority Entrepreneurship
Authors: Mnasi Haji Musa , Arthur Begarving , Omari Habibu
Published: March 2024

Aim: The study aimed to investigate factors contributing to the success of specific ethnic entrepreneurs over others and to identify challenges hindering the growth of businesses owned by women, ethnic groups, and minorities.
Methodology: The study employed a mix of positivism and interpretivism philosophy and utilized a descriptive survey design employing a cross-sectional method to gather and analyze data. The objectives and purpose of the study influence the decision toward the selection of research design, it is necessary to select a research design that matches the problem studied. Data were collected from sample comprised 30 respondents selected randomly from three distinct groups: women entrepreneurs, ethnic entrepreneurs, and minority entrepreneurs within Dar es salaam, using simple randomly sampling technique. The study employed in-depth interview to collect information from entrepreneurs’ women entrepreneurs, ethnic entrepreneurs, and minority entrepreneurs situated in various locations in Dar-es-Salaam. Data analysis was conducted using the content analysis method, where gathered data were coded, aligned according to discernible patterns, quantified and transformed into numerical values.
Findings: The study found various factors contributing to the success of confident ethnic entrepreneurs, including motivations, opportunity structure, group characteristics, predisposing factors, and customer relationships. Challenges hindering women and minority-owned businesses included social-cultural barriers, financial constraints, and market accessibility challenges. Based on the study's findings, recommendations were made, including launching a nationwide campaign to address negative mindsets about women in business, developing specialized financial schemes for small businesses, and advocating for support groups and entrepreneurship clubs to tackle market challenges collectively.
Numerical modeling of flexible‐membrane plate‐and‐frame filtration
Authors: Stickland Anthony D. , de Kretser Ross G. , Kilcullen Adam R. , Scales Peter J. , Hillis Peter , Tillotson Martin R.
Published: December 2007

Flexible‐membrane plate‐and‐frame filter presses are used by many industries to dewater compressible slurries. The dewaterability of such materials is described well by compressional rheology theory. The one‐dimensional numerical model of fixed‐cavity plate‐and‐frame filtration described recently (Stickland et al. Chem Eng Sci. 2006;61:3818–3829) is extended here to include the squeeze phase employed by flexible‐membrane filter presses. The model is validated by comparing full‐scale plant data from an industrial waste slurry with model predictions based on the fundamental material properties of the feed slurries (measured using laboratory‐based filtration tests), the operating conditions and the press dimensions. The model is then used to investigate the optimization of the throughput and final cake solids for flexible‐membrane filter presses. By providing an accurate model based upon the material properties under the filtration environment seen by the material, the need for pilot‐scale tests is eliminated. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Effect of operation parameters on performance of tubular solid oxide fuel cell
Authors: Jia Junxi , Jiang Renqiu , Shen Shengqiang , Abudula Abuliti
Published: December 2007

A simulation model is developed to analyze steady state and transient operation of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The performance of the tubular SOFC is compared when the operation parameters such as inlet fuel temperature, inlet oxidant temperature, and inlet oxidant flow rate are changed, respectively. The model includes both electrochemical model and thermal model. The electrochemical model includes the Nernst potential, ohmic polarization, activation polarization, and concentration polarization. The thermal model includes the heat transfer by conduction, convention, and radiation. An analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of the different operation parameters on the hot spot, solid temperature gradient at the steady state, and the response time at the transient state. Numerical results show that the performance of tubular SOFC due to the change of the different operation parameters is different at the steady state. For the transient response such as the same step increase in cell current density, the response time required for the new steady state is different as different operation parameters are changed. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Verstärkung der Melan‐Brücke über die Sieg bei St. Augustin
Authors: Goralski Claus , Eggemann Holger
Published: December 2007

Die Brücke über die Sieg bei Menden/St. Augustin (Bonn) wurde 1929 nach Bauweise Melan gebaut. Der Bogen der Hauptöffnung ist oberhalb der Fahrbahn gespannt, die mittels Betonhängern an diesen angebunden ist. Nach diesem Prinzip wurden nur wenige Melan‐Bögen ausgeführt, ein weiterer z. B. in Arnau über die Elbe. Im Jahre 2006 sollte die Brücke nach DIN‐Fachbericht beurteilt und eingestuft werden. Der Aufsatz beschreibt den Bau und die Geschichte der Brücke sowie die Verstärkungsmaßnahme im Jahre 2007, welche aufgrund einer Überbeanspruchung der Hänger erforderlich wurde. Nur durch deren sofortige Verstärkung der überbeanspruchten Hänger konnte die Nutzung der Brücke durch den öffentlichen Nahverkehr und einen begrenzten Schwerverkehr sichergestellt werden. Zurzeit wird im Rahmen einer Wirtschaftlichkeitsstudie untersucht, ob durch weitere Verstärkungsmaßnahmen die Einschränkungen im Schwerverkehr aufgehoben werden können. Im Juni 2007 wurde die Brücke in die Denkmallisten der Städte St. Augustin und Troisdorf eingetragen. Herr Dr.‐Ing. Rüdiger Beutel, der federführend an Nachrechnung und Verstärkung der Brücke beteiligt war, verstarb völlig unerwartet im Juni 2007. Ihm ist dieser Beitrag gewidmet.
P450cam biocatalysis in surfactant‐stabilized two‐phase emulsions
Authors: Ryan Jessica D. , Clark Douglas S.
Published: December 2007

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are powerful biocatalysts that have the ability to oxidize a broad range of substrates, often at non‐reactive carbon centers. However, incorporation of P450s into synthetic schemes has so far been limited to a few whole‐cell transformations. P450 substrates are often hydrophobic and have low water solubility, limiting the amount of product that can be produced. To help overcome this limitation, we have examined P450cam activity in two‐phase hexane/water emulsions with and without the anionic surfactant, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT). Hydroxylation of camphor to hydroxycamphor by the three‐ component P450cam system was chosen as the model reaction, and regeneration of NADH was accomplished with yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH). P450cam was activated in the surfactant‐free emulsions, and addition of AOT improved the activity even further, at least over the range of camphor concentrations for which initial rates were readily measurable in all media. The largest observed rate enhancement was 4.5‐fold. Nearly 50‐times more product was formed in the surfactant‐stabilized emulsions than was achieved in aqueous buffer, with total turnover numbers reaching 28,900 for P450cam and 11,800 for YADH. In the absence of surfactant, the two‐phase reaction appeared to be mass‐transfer limited, while inclusion of AOT alleviated transport limitations and/or afforded a larger interfacial area for P450 activation. The oxidation of hydroxycamphor to 2,5‐diketocamphane was also observed, owing to the large concentration of hydroxycamphor relative to camphor in the aqueous phase of the two‐phase emulsion. This competing reaction was accompanied by the uncoupled oxidation of NADH (i.e., NADH oxidation without formation of 2,5‐diketocamphane), which reduced the availability of NADH for camphor oxidation and further limited the yield of hydroxycamphor in the two‐phase emulsions. These results indicate that a surfactant‐stabilized two‐phase emulsion is a promising reaction medium for practical P450 biocatalysis, although its effectiveness for a given P450/substrate combination can depend on several factors, including competitive or sequential reactions, product inhibition, and NAD(P)H uncoupling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1311–1319. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the Peroxidase Activity of CYP119, a Thermostable P450 From Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Rabe Kersten S. , Kiko Kathrin , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: December 2007

We report the cloning, expression, and purification of CYP119, a thermostable enzyme previously thought to derive from Sulfolobus solfataricus. Sequence analysis suggested that, in contrast to the conclusions of earlier studies, the enzyme stems from the closely related Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, and we were indeed able to clone the gene from the genomic DNA of this organism. For the first time, we report here on the peroxidase activity of this enzyme and the optimization of the associated reaction parameters. The optimized reaction conditions were then applied to the biocatalytic epoxidation of styrene. The values obtained for kcat (78.2±20.6 min−1) and KM (9.2±4.3 mM) indicated an approximately 100‐fold increased catalytic activity over previously reported results.
Heterologous Expression And Genetic Engineering of the Phenalinolactone Biosynthetic Gene Cluster by Using Red/ET Recombineering
Authors: Binz Tina M. , Wenzel Silke C. , Schnell Hans‐Jörg , Bechthold Andreas , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2007

The heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic pathways is of increasing interest in biotechnology and drug discovery. This approach enables the production of complex metabolites in more amenable host organisms and provides the basis for the generation of novel analogues through genetic engineering. Here we describe a straightforward strategy for the heterologous expression of the highly complex phenalinolactone biosynthetic pathway, which was recently cloned from Streptomyces sp. Tü6071. The biosynthetic gene cluster comprises at least 11 transcriptional units that harbor 35 genes, which together catalyze the assembly of structurally unique tricyclic terpene glycosides with antibacterial activity. By using Red/ET recombineering, the phenalinolactone pathway was reconstituted from two cosmids and heterologously expressed in several Streptomyces strains. The established expression system now provides a convenient platform for functional investigations of the biosynthetic genes and the generation of novel analogues, by genetic engineering of the pathway in Escherichia coli. Deletion of a modifying gene from the expression construct resulted in a novel, unglycosylated phenalinolactone derivative; this demonstrates the promise of this methodology.
Robust partial least squares regression: Part I, algorithmic developments
Authors: Kruger Uwe , Zhou Yan , Wang Xun , Rooney David , Thompson Jillian
Published: December 2007

The work summarized in this paper presents the first part of a three‐paper series on robust partial least squares (RPLS) regression. Motivated by recent research activities in this area, this part provides a detailed algorithmic analysis of associated techniques, showing that existing work (i) may not represent a true robust formulation of partial least squares (PLS), (ii) may lead to convergence problems or (iii) may be insensitive to a certain type of outlier. On the basis of this analysis, Part I introduces a new conceptual RPLS algorithm that overcomes the deficiencies of existing work. The second part of this work details this new RPLS technique, compares its peformance with existing RPLS methods and provides an analysis on the computational efficiency and sensitivity of these algorithms. Whilst the first two parts of this work discuss algorithmic developments of RPLS, the final part concentrates on practical issues of RPLS implementations. This third part is devoted to practitioners of chemistry and chemical engineering covering a wide range of applications involving a calibration experiment, the analysis of recorded data from an industrial debutanizer process and data from a number of Raman spectroscopy experiments. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust partial least squares regression: Part II, new algorithm and benchmark studies
Authors: Kruger Uwe , Zhou Yan , Wang Xun , Rooney David , Thompson Jillian
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the second part of the work on robust partial least squares (RPLS) regression and develops a new RPLS algorithm based on the concept laid out in Part I. The paper also contrasts the new algorithm with existing work using two simulation examples. This comparison highlights (i) the impact of the flaws in existing RPLS work and (ii) the compromised sensitivity resulting from introducing simplifications to the determination of the Stahel–Donoho estimator (SDE). The paper finally presents an evaluation of the computational complexity of RPLS algorithms and examines the impact of the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) upon the sensitivity of detecting outliers. The third part of this work will examine practical aspects of RPLS applications based on the analysis of experimental data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of Lipophilicity at the Lipophilic Domain of RXR Agonists Enables Production of Subtype Preference: RXRα‐Preferential Agonist Possessing a Sulfonamide Moiety
Authors: Takamatsu Kayo , Takano Atsushi , Yakushiji Nobumasa , Morishita Ken‐ichi , Matsuura Nobuyasu , Makishima Makoto , Ali Hamed Ismail , Akaho Eiichi , Tai Akihiro , Sasaki Kenji , Kakuta Hiroki
Published: December 2007

Retinoid X receptor agonists (RXR agonists, rexinoids) are interesting candidates for the treatment of cancers such as tamoxifen‐resistant breast cancer and taxol‐resistant lung cancer. However, well‐known RXR agonists possess a strong lipophilic character. In addition, although RXR has three subtypes, no subtype‐selective RXR agonists are known. Thus we aimed to produce less‐lipophilic and subtype‐selective RXR agonists. By designing sulfonamide‐type RXR agonists, 4‐[N‐methanesulfonyl‐N‐(5,5,8,8‐tetramethyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐2‐naphthyl)amino]benzoic acid (8 a) was found to prefer RXRα over RXRβ and RXRγ, although the potency is less than the potencies of well‐known RXR pan‐agonists. Moreover, our results suggest that the reduction of lipophilicity at the hydrophobic interaction region of RXR agonists enables production of RXR subtype preference. Our finding will be useful for the creation of more potent and less‐lipophilic subtype‐selective RXR agonists aimed at the reduction of undesirable side effects.
Cost analysis of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Authors: Ekwueme Donatus U. , Gardner James G. , Subramanian Sujha , Tangka Florence K. , Bapat Bela , Richardson Lisa C.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) was established by the U.S. Congress in 1990. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on ascertaining the NBCCEDP's costs of delivering screening and diagnostic services to medically underserved, low‐income women. The objective of this report was to address 3 economic questions: What is the cost per woman served in the program, what is the cost per woman served by program component, and what is the cost per cancer detected through the program?

METHODS.

The authors developed a questionnaire to systematically collect activity‐based costs on screening for breast and cervical cancer from 9 participating programs. The questionnaire was developed based on well established methods of collecting cost data for program evaluation. Data were collected from July 2003 through June 2004.

RESULTS.

With in‐kind contributions, the cost of screening services to women in 9 programs was estimated at $555 per woman served. Without in‐kind contributions, this cost was $519. Among the program components, screening and coalitions/partnerships accounted for the highest and lowest cost per woman served, respectively. The median cost of screening a woman for breast cancer was $94, and the cost per breast cancer detected was $10,566. For cervical cancer, these costs were $56 and $13,340, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Costs per woman served, screened, and cancers detected are needed for programs to accurately determine the resources required to reach and screen eligible women. With limited program resources, these cost estimates can provide useful information to assist programs in planning and implementing cost‐effective activities that could maximize the allocation of program resources. Cancer 2008. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society
Biotic complexity of population dynamics
Authors: Sabelli Hector , Kovacevic Lazar
Published: December 2007

Changes in population size of animal species (lynx, muskrat, beaver, salmon, and fox), show diversification, episodic patterns in recurrence plots, novelty, nonrandom complexity, and asymmetric statistical distribution. These features of creativity characterize bios, a nonstationary pattern generated by bipolar feedback and multi‐agent predator–prey simulations, absent in chaotic attractors. Population series show partial‐autocorrelation, and the time series of the differences between consecutive terms also showed nonrandom patterns, differentiating bios from noise. As biotic patterns are found in quantum, cosmological, meteorological, biological, and economic processes, we propose that bipolar feedback is a generic process that contributes to the evolutionary generation of complexity at multiple levels of organization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008.
Evolutionary learning of small networks
Authors: Filk Thomas , von Müller Albrecht
Published: December 2007

Results are presented of a simulation that mimics an evolutionary learning process for small networks. Special features of these networks include a high recurrency, a transition function which decreases for large input activities, and the absence of tunable weights attached to the lines—the line is either there (weight 1) or absent (weight 0). It is remarkable that these simple systems already exhibit a complex learning behavior and a phenomenon of punctuated equilibrium in the evolutionary process. These findings should be of interest for both, the general understanding of evolutionary dynamics and, more specifically, the understanding of the role of recurrence in combination with nonmonotic response patterns for learning processes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
TLR7 stimulation augments T effector‐mediated rejection of skin expressing neo‐self antigen in keratinocytes
Authors: Zhong Jie , Hadis Usriansyah , De Kluyver Rachel , Leggatt Graham R. , Fernando Germain J. P. , Frazer Ian H.
Published: December 2007

Immunotherapy generally fails to induce tumour regression in spontaneously arising tumours. Failure is attributed to both tumour‐related factors and an ineffective immune response. As a model of tumour immunotherapy, without the confounding effects of potential tumour‐determined mechanisms of immune evasion, we studied the requirements for rejection of skin grafts expressing a neo‐self antigen in somatic cells and not in antigen‐presenting cells. When antigen expression was restricted to somatic cells, both CD4+ and CD8+ effector cells were required for graft rejection. Although freshly placed grafts were spontaneously rejected, healed grafts established under the cover of T cell depletion were not rejected even after T cell numbers recovered to a level where freshly placed grafts on the same animal were rejected, suggesting that healed skin grafts expressing a neo‐self antigen only in somatic cells could not be rejected by primed recipients with functional effector T cells. Local TLR7 ligation induced inflammatory responses and rejection of healed grafts exposed to the TLR agonist but did not induce rejection of untreated healed grafts on the same animal. Thus, local pro‐inflammatory signalling via TLR7 can promote effector T cell function against skin cells displaying their nominal antigen.
Functional inhibition related to structure of a highly potent insulin‐specific CD8 T cell clone using altered peptide ligands
Authors: Petrich de Marquesini Liliana G. , Moustakas Antonis K. , Thomas Ian J. , Wen Li , Papadopoulos George K. , Wong F. Susan
Published: December 2007

Insulin‐reactive CD8 T cells are amongst the earliest islet‐infiltrating CD8 T cells in NOD mice. Cloned insulin B15–23‐reactive cells (designated G9C8), restricted by H‐2Kd, are highly diabetogenic. We used altered peptide ligands (APL) substituted at TCR contact sites, positions (p)6 and 8, to investigate G9C8 T cell function and correlated this with structure. Cytotoxicity and IFN‐γ production assays revealed that p6G and p8R could not be replaced by any naturally occurring amino acid without abrogating recognition and functional response by the G9C8 clone. When tested for antagonist activity with APL differing from the native peptide at either of these positions, the peptide variants, G6H and R8L showed the capacity to reduce the agonist response to the native peptide. The antagonist activity in cytotoxicity and IFN‐γ production assays can be correlated with conformational changes induced by different structures of the MHC‐peptide complexes, shown by molecular modeling. We conclude that p6 and p8 of the insulin B15–23 peptide are very important for TCR stimulation of this clone and no substitutions are tolerated at these positions in the peptide. This is important in considering the therapeutic use of peptides as APL that encompass both CD4 and CD8 epitopes of insulin.
Fine‐tuning CD4+ central memory T cell heterogeneity by strength of stimulation
Authors: Kalia Vandana , Sarkar Surojit , Ahmed Rafi
Published: December 2007

The memory T cell pool serves as a relatively long‐lived heterogeneous repository of antigen‐experienced T cells that "remember" previous encounters with antigen. While heterogeneity in the memory T cell pool is now well established, signals regulating the generation of this memory T cell heterogeneity are not fully understood. Two articles in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology highlight the importance of the strength of antigenic stimulation in regulating the generation of phenotypically and functionally distinct CD4+ T cell memory subsets. New insights are also provided into key molecular players that likely mediate differences in homeostatic and secondary expansion between the memory subsets.

See accompanying articles: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji200737611 and http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji200737852
Cover Picture: Expression of PI(4,5)P2‐binding proteins lowers the PI(4,5)P2 level and inhibits FcγRIIA‐mediated cell spreading and phagocytosis – Eur. J. Immunol. 1/2008
Authors: Szymańska Ewelina , Sobota Andrzej , Czuryło Edward , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: December 2007

The cover picture is a composite of images from Szymańska et al. (pp. 260–272) showing colocalisation of PIP5‐kinase Iα, but not PIP5‐kinase Iγ, with actin filaments and PI(4,5)P2 in filopodia and lamellipodia during FcγRIIA‐driven cell spreading (“frustrated phagocytosis”). Szymańska et al. show that expression of PI(4,5)P2‐binding domains in FcγRIIA‐treated cells decreases the high PI(4,5)P2 levels induced by FcγRIIA and also inhibits cell spreading and phagocytosis. This is a point worth bearing in mind as probes binding to PI(4,5)P2 are often used as tracers of PI(4,5)P2 location in cells – the tracers may ultimately alter the location of the molecules they are tracing! The authors suggest that the PI(4,5)P2‐binding domains compete with PIP5‐kinase Iα for PI(4,5)P2 binding, thereby reducing the association of PIP5‐kinase Iα with the plasma membrane, ultimately reducing PI(4,5)P2 generation.
Dinoflagellate cyst stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the marginal marine Middle and Upper Miocene of the eastern Campine area, northern Belgium (southern North Sea Basin)
Authors: Louwye Stephen , Laga Pieter
Published: December 2007

A stratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental analysis with organic‐walled palynomorphs of the Bolderberg and Diest formations provides new insights in the depositional history during Miocene times at the southern border of the North Sea Basin. The Neogene transgression invaded Belgium from a north–northwestern direction and fully marine sediments were deposited in the northern part of Belgium. The age and the palaeoenvironment of the deposits at the very border of the southern North Sea Basin remained till a few decades ago incomplete. The recovered dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs and green algae from the Bolderberg Formation in the Wijshagen Borehole indicate a marginal marine depositional environment during late Burdigalian and Langhian times in the eastern Campine area, in contrast to the deeper marine conditions prevailing to the north–northwest. The relative dating of the Bolderberg Formation confirms that maximum flooding occurred during Langhian to early Serravallian times. Deposition apparently took place during the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum, and ended when the climatic deterioration set in at around 14 Ma. A hiatus spanning ca. 2 Ma separates the Middle Miocene Bolderberg Formation from the Upper Miocene Diest Formation in the eastern Campine area at the border of the North Sea Basin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life in oral carcinoma: A 5‐year prospective study
Authors: Nordgren Mats , Hammerlid Eva , Bjordal Kristin , Ahlner‐Elmqvist Marianne , Boysen Morten , Jannert Magnus
Published: December 2007

Background.

We conducted this prospective longitudinal multicenter study to evaluate the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with oral carcinoma at diagnosis, and after 1 and 5 years in relation to tumour location and treatment modality.

Methods.

One hundred twenty‐two patients (mean age, 61; 62% males) with oral carcinoma were evaluated with standardized HRQL questionnaires, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and the EORTC Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ‐H&N35).

Results.

Problems with teeth, dry mouth, and sticky saliva got worse between diagnosis and 5 years after diagnosis. Problems with dry mouth remained a problem between 1 and 5 years after diagnosis, except for the patients treated with surgery only. This group had fewer problems over time compared with patients receiving other treatment regimes. Survivors reported better HRQL than the nonsurvivors at diagnosis and at the 1‐year follow‐up. HRQL at diagnosis was associated with survival.

Conclusions.

HRQL at diagnosis for patients with oral carcinoma seems to be an important factor for the prognosis of both HRQL over time and survival. Treatment of oral carcinoma often results in long‐term side effects such as dry mouth, problems with teeth, and sticky saliva. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Therapeutic RNA silencing of Cys-X3-Cys chemokine ligand 1 gene prevents mice from adenovirus vector-induced acute liver injury
Authors: Chen Qingfeng , Wei Haiming , Sun Rui , Zhang Jian , Tian Zhigang
Published: December 2007

Gene therapy using adenovirus vectors may induce acute liver injury. Tissue injury induced by an adenovirus is likely associated with elevated expression of the Cys-X3-Cys chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/fractalkine (FKN) protein at the site of inflammation. However, the extent to which the actions of FKN contribute to liver injury remains unclear. We induced acute liver injury in mice by a hydrodynamics-based injection of adenovirus vector, which was confirmed to depend on the presence of natural killer (NK) cells and NK-dependent interferon-γ (IFN-γ). When the transferred adenovirus vector was inserted with the FKN gene, the severity of liver injury increased with much more Cys-X3-Cys chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1)–positive NK cell recruitment into the liver because of exogenous overproduction of FKN protein. Moreover, when production of endogenous FKN protein was silenced by inserting FKN–small interfering RNA into the adenovirus vector or was neutralized by an FKN-specific antibody, the adenovirus-induced acute severe liver injury was notably prevented with much lower hepatic NK cell infiltration and a significant reduction in the serum levels of IFN-γ.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest a strategy to prevent or alleviate adenovirus vector-induced acute liver injury by blocking FKN–CX3CR1 interaction in adenovirus vector–based gene therapy. (Hepatology 2008.)
Blocking α2 integrins on rat CC531s colon carcinoma cells prevents operation-induced augmentation of liver metastases outgrowth
Authors: van der Bij Gerben J. , Oosterling Steven J. , Bögels Marijn , Bhoelan Farien , Fluitsma Donna M. , Beelen Robert H. J. , Meijer Sybren , van Egmond Marjolein
Published: December 2007

Currently, an operation is the only curative option for patients with colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, many patients will develop liver metastases even after successful resection of the primary tumor. Removal of primary colorectal carcinoma may paradoxically increase the risk of metastases development, because accumulating evidence suggests that surgical trauma can stimulate tumor growth. In the present study, we investigated the effects of abdominal trauma on liver metastases development. Surgical trauma dramatically increased adhesion of tumor cells in the liver, leading to enhanced outgrowth of metastases. Endothelial stress was observed rapidly after an operation, suggesting that abdominal trauma resulted in impairment of blood vessel integrity. Tumor cells preferentially adhered to extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, preincubation of tumor cells with anti-α2 integrin antibodies completely reverted operation-induced augmentation of CC531s adhesion and liver metastases outgrowth. As such, we postulate that blood vessel integrity in the liver is compromised after abdominal trauma, resulting in enhanced ECM exposure, which enables tumor cell adhesion and metastases outgrowth.

Conclusion:

Perioperative treatments that either aim to reduce endothelial stress or block the interaction between tumor cells and ECM represent promising new therapeutic strategies for the prevention of liver metastases development after resection of the primary tumor. (Hepatology 2007.)
Herbal product use by persons enrolled in the hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial
Authors: Seeff Leonard B. , Curto Teresa M. , Szabo Gyongyi , Everson Gregory T. , Bonkovsky Herbert L. , Dienstag Jules L. , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Lindsay Karen L. , Lok Anna S. F. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Lee William M. , Ghany Marc G.
Published: December 2007

Herbal products, used for centuries in Far Eastern countries, are gaining popularity in western countries. Surveys indicate that persons with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) often use herbals, especially silymarin (milk thistle extract), hoping to improve the modest response to antiviral therapy and reduce side effects. The Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial, involving persons with advanced CHC, nonresponders to prior antiviral therapy but still willing to participate in long-term pegylated interferon treatment, offered the opportunity to examine the use and potential effects of silymarin. Among 1145 study participants, 56% had never taken herbals, 21% admitted past use, and 23% were using them at enrollment. Silymarin constituted 72% of 60 herbals used at enrollment. Among all participants, 67% had never used silymarin, 16% used it in the past, and 17% used it at baseline. Silymarin use varied widely among the 10 participating study centers; men were more frequent users than women, as were non-Hispanic whites than African Americans and Hispanics. Silymarin use correlated strongly with higher education. No beneficial effect of silymarin was found on serum alanine aminotransferase or hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels. Univariate analysis showed significantly fewer liver-related symptoms and better quality-of-life parameters in users than nonusers, but after reanalysis adjusted for covariates of age, race, education, alcohol consumption, exercise, body mass index, and smoking, only fatigue, nausea, liver pain, anorexia, muscle and joint pain, and general health remained significantly better in silymarin users. In conclusion, silymarin users had similar alanine aminotransferase and HCV levels to those of nonusers but fewer symptoms and somewhat better quality-of-life indices. Because its use among these HALT-C participants was self-motivated and uncontrolled, however, only a well-designed prospective study can determine whether silymarin provides benefit to persons with chronic hepatitis C. (Hepatology 2008.)
Transient elastography is unreliable for detection of cirrhosis in patients with acute liver damage
Authors: Sagir Abdurrahman , Erhardt Andreas , Schmitt Marcus , Häussinger Dieter
Published: December 2007

Transient elastography [FibroScan (FS)] is a rapid, noninvasive, and reproducible method for measuring liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. Whether FS is useful in the detection of preexisting liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients presenting with acute liver damage is unclear. Patients with acute liver damage of different etiologies were analyzed. Liver stiffness was measured during the acute phase of the liver damage and followed up to the end of the acute phase. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. In 15 of the 20 patients, initial liver stiffness values measured by FS during the acute phase of the liver damage were suggestive of liver cirrhosis. However, none of these 15 patients showed any signs of liver cirrhosis in the physical examination, ultrasound examination, or liver histology [performed in 11 of 15 (73%) patients]. A significant difference was observed in the initial bilirubin levels (5.8 ± 6.5 mg/dL versus 15.7 ± 11.8 mg/dL;

P

= 0.042) and age (32.4 ± 17.5 years versus 49.7 ± 15.8 years;

P

= 0.042) between patients with liver stiffness below or above 12.5 kPa. Six patients with initially high liver stiffness were followed up to abatement of the acute hepatitic phase; in all of them, liver stiffness values decreased to values below the cutoff value for liver cirrhosis.

Conclusion:

Transient elastography frequently yields pathologically high values in patients with acute liver damage and is unsuitable for detecting cirrhosis/fibrosis in these patients. (Hepatology 2007.)
Optical analysis of computed tomography images of the liver predicts fibrosis stage and distribution in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Romero-Gómez Manuel , Gómez-González Emilio , Madrazo Ana , Vera-Valencia Marina , Rodrigo Luis , Pérez-Alvarez Ramón , Pérez-López Rosa , Castellano-Megias Victor M. , Nevado-Santos Manuel , Alcón Juan C. , Solá Ricard , Pérez-Moreno José M. , Navarro José M. , Andrade Raúl J. , Salmerón Javier , Fernández-López Manuel , Aznar Rafael , Diago Moisés
Published: December 2007

This study was undertaken to evaluate an image processing method for assessing liver fibrosis in conventional computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Two cohorts (designated “estimation,” n = 34; and “validation,” n = 107) of chronic hepatitis C patients were assessed using digitized conventional helical CT. Weighted CT mean fibrosis (Fibro-CT) was calculated as a nonlinear weighted mean F-score for each sample. Fibrosis was defined according to Scheuer on the F0 to F4 scale by 2 pathologists blinded regarding the Fibro-CT data. Fibrosis according to Fibro-CT correlated with histology-determined fibrosis (

r

= 0.69;

P

< 0.001) and with increasing F-stage: F0 = 0.23 ± 0.39; F1 = 0.90 ± 0.99; F2 = 1.41 ± 0.94; F3 = 2.79 ± 0.55; F4 = 3.15 ± 0.35 [analysis of variance:

P

< 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristics curve to diagnose significant fibrosis (≥F2) was 0.83; 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.75 to 0.91; and, to diagnose advanced fibrosis (≥F3), was 0.86, 95%CI: 0.80 to 0.93. The correlation between Fibro-CT and fibrosis was higher in patients with homogeneous distribution of fibrosis than in patients with heterogeneous distribution (

r

= 0.77 versus

r

= 0.43;

P

< 0.05).

Conclusion:

Optical digital analysis of CT images of the liver is effective in determining the stage and distribution of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. In patients with homogeneous fibrosis distribution, the correlation between Fibro-CT and histology was better than in patients with heterogeneous distribution. Fibro-CT is a simple to use, readily available, and useful method for the diagnosis of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Semi‐structural models of advertising competition
Authors: Pinkse Joris , Slade Margaret
Published: December 2007

We propose a semi‐structural discrete‐choice model that can be used to estimate static or dynamic decision rules. It is particularly useful in strategic contexts when games involve a rich set of choices, when private information is correlated, and when one wants to uncover the effect of historic behavior (on, for example, prices, sales, and profits). We apply our discrete‐choice estimator to study decision rules for a dynamic game of price and advertising competition, and we evaluate the long‐run consequences of those rules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ontogeny of the chondrocranium in Corydoras aeneus (Gill, 1858) (Callichthyidae, Siluriformes)
Authors: Huysentruyt Frank , Brunain Marleen , Adriaens Dominique
Published: December 2007

Callichthyids take a basal position in the loricarioid evolutionary lineage leading up to an algae scraping feeding mechanism in the loricariid family. Therefore, the study of the morphology and development of a callichthyid representative would contribute to a better knowledge on the differences in cranial morphology and their impact on feeding ecology within this superfamily. Therefore, development in the chondrocranium of Corydoras aeneus was studied based on 22 cleared and stained specimens and 6 series of serial sections. The latter sections were also digitized and used for 3D reconstructions. Development overall follows the typical siluriform trends in chondrocranial development. Even the low complexity of the chondrocranium at hatching fits the trend observed in other siluriforms, although other studies showed loricarioid hatchlings to generally show more complex chondrocrania. In contrast to other catfish, in C. aeneus, the notochord was never found to protrude into the hypophyseal fenestra. In addition, also differing from other siluriforms, a commissura lateralis is present, a state also reported for Ancistrus cf. triradiatus (Geerinckx et al., [2005] J Morphol 266:331–355). The splanchnocranium again has the typical siluriform shape during its ontogeny, with the presence of a compound hyosymplectic‐pterygoquadrate plate, although not fused to the neurocranium or interhyal at any time during ontogeny, a state described earlier for Callichthys callichthys (Hoedeman, [1960a] Bull Aquat Biol 1:73–84; Howes and Teugels, [1989] J Zool Lond 219:441–456). The most striking difference found in comparison to other catfishes, however, involves thebranchial basket, which arises as a single element with a further differentiation from the middle arches on in both a rostral and caudal direction. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifetime exposure to potentially traumatic events in a sample of alcohol‐dependent patients in Poland
Authors: Dragan Małgorzata , Lis‐Turlejska Maja
Published: December 2007

Recent studies show a high prevalence of traumatic events in samples of patients with a substance use disorder. In the present study, the lifetime exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) was estimated in a sample of 458 patients recruited at 17 randomly chosen alcohol‐dependence treatment units in the public healthcare sector in Poland. Eighty percent of the patients reported a history of at least one potentially traumatic event. Sixty percent of them reported experiencing more than one probable trauma. However, only the patients who experienced physical assault reported worse clinical severity in posttraumatic stress and alcohol‐use related symptomatology. The findings confirm the importance of trauma assessment in alcohol‐dependent patients and the inclusion of trauma‐related issues in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Correlates of mental health services utilization 18 months and almost 4 years postdisaster among adults with mental health problems
Authors: Velden Peter G. van der , Yzermans C. Joris , Kleber Rolf J. , Gersons B. P. R.
Published: December 2007

The authors assess the correlates of mental health services utilization (MHS) after a disaster among adults with mental health problems. Data of a three‐wave longitudinal study among adult survivors of a fireworks disaster (T1: 2–3 weeks, T2: 18 months, T3: almost 4 years postdisaster) were linked with their electronic medical records (N = 649). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that triple comorbidity of PTSD and high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms were positively associated with self‐reported MHS utilization at T2 (n = 270) and T3 (n = 216). Private insurance, predisaster psychological problems, and relocation were associated with MHS utilization at T2 while female gender, being single, and migrant status was associated with MHS utilization at T3. Receiving treatment at T2 was positively associated with receiving treatment at T3, as opposed to medium optimism at T2.
Anonymous knowledge sharing in a virtual environment: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Burnett Simon , Illingworth Lorraine
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the results of a small pilot study examining how anonymity may potentially affect knowledge sharing in an organisation. Staff employed in a Scottish university were invited to post responses, anonymously or by including their e‐mail address, in relation to a newly introduced car park scheme on campus. One hundred and forty‐five staff participated in the study with just under half responding anonymously. The responses were analysed by content and length and the results show that very negative responses are less likely to be anonymous. While a similar proportion of identified and anonymous responses were negative in content, a higher proportion of identified responses supplied very negative responses. While suggested improvements and helpful comments are also less likely to be made anonymously, individuals are more likely to anonymously share or discuss complaints relating to past experiences and issues. In addition, anonymous responses tend to be shorter in length and more to the point than identified responses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.